Getting Ready for Camping!!

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Last Day of school finally arrived. 

It gets harder and harder every year waiting for the Last Day of School- it seems to get further and further away with every year. Summer is such a amazing thing to had with my kids- its not going to be much longer until I have part-time employment and summers jammed packed with fun and adventures are different.

Each of our kids have handled this day VERY differently.

Preschool Graduate:

Remy has been her happy self- but unsure of this whole school break thing. She has asked numerous times, "When I go to my other class? Tomorrow? Next Week?"

She is excited for Kindergarten and ready for everything its gonna throw at her.

Grade 1 Graduate:

Barker is over joyed. He woke up in the BEST MOOD on this last day of school. Pretty much skipping around and excitedly talking about the few things left he has to do. He is SO ready for a couple months outside playing. He came home from school with his report card and backpack full of treasures. He has moved on and happy to not think about school for a while!!

Grade 4 Graduate:

This kid has taken it hard. Annaliesse has woken up in the WORST mood for the last 3 days. Walking around the house glaring at everyone, snapping at anyone who dares address her and being a total Brat. Taking her year end photo she frowned and glared at me for 3 outa 4 pics until I told her she isn't gonna like the result in a few years as she looks back on her Grade 4 pic. 

Annaliesse loves school, her teacher and having days away from her siblings. She got home from the last day of school and wasted no time continuing her tirade. Wish us luck!!

Grade 5 Graduate

&

Elementary School Graduate:

Kalia has taken this the hardest. She got ready for school this morning pleasant enough. Smiles and ready for her last day. Only to come home from school quietly crying and then running into my arms and sobbing. It hit her Elementary was over, her childhood is changing and things are going to be VERY different next year. I held her for almost 15 minutes until she could pull herself together. We looked at her Report Card together and then got distracted with who her new Home Room teacher is and who else is in her Homeroom. 

We aren't doing a grand adventure this year- Justin and I are working on Debt this summer. Camping is still happening but not as often. The kids are going to be doing a Summer Reading Challenge and are looking forward to some day trips, cousin time, lake time and playing the summer away.

Celebratory Slurrpies!

LAST Preschool Event for Us. forever and ever

Preschool Letterland Concert!

Remys last Preschool Event. 

Moxleys last Preschool Event.

Our last Kid (4 for 4) with Mrs Herr 

Remy sang "H" in the Letterland Album. She knew 70% of the song. That might be generous but she did lovely.

She wasn't impressed she had to wear a dress or a bow, but she came around. Grandma, Grandpa, Mommy, Daddy and Barker were there to cheer her on. The big girls were at their last Activity Days until Fall.

Congratulations Remy- you are growing into a beautiful little girl with the sweetest soul.

Grade 05 Grad, Rhubarb Slush, Chaos, & Bronze

Tuesday June 26 Spitzee Elementary Celebrated with Grade 5 Grad!

Remy and Mommy came to support Kalia in her final assembly of Elementary. Along the Gym walls they had put posters of all the Grade 5's they made themselves in Grade 4. I wish I had taken a picture of the gym, the staff worked hard to make it special for the kids. There were African Drums lining the entrance and tables with stars as centre pieces with a picture of each Graduate on it. Along with the posters and little picture station it was cute.

We didn't realize the Graduates got to sit with their parents and I hadn't saved a chair for Kalia so she got to share a chair with Remy :) I knew Grandpa was gonna stop by for a few minutes but I didn't get a seat for him either- whoops. Grandpa was able to come for about 20 minutes and sit close by.

Grade 4/5 African Dance Group did a opening number for the gym, of which Annaliesse is a part of. Kalia went up close and got a good picture of her. They danced to a African Folk Song that was sung in Coal Mines, praying for safety and good health, and celebrating the things they did have. Good Job Annaliesse!

Grade 5 Patrolers got Certificates after that, and I was rather jammed in my seat. There was not a good way to sneak out to get a pic, so I half jokingly said to Kalia- "Just take my phone and get a selfie with Mrs Andrews when you get your certificate!" She giggled and went a bit red but went up got her pin and paper and TOTALLY GOT A SELFIE!

The Grade 5's played Count on Me on all the instruments they have learned over the years at Spitzee and sang it a second time round. There is nothing  quite like hearing drums, recorders, Ukuleles, guitars, Xylophones and sticks playing notes all at the same time.

There was a 45 minute break in the celebration and Remy was done sitting and listening. They had a little luncheon and scavenger hunt we left Kalia alone to do with her friends. We did a get a pic with her friend Jade and her teacher Mrs Andrews.

Side Note- I used to try and make sure whoever was shinning in the photo, their siblings would be out of the pic. Not because I didn't want to see them, but because when you have 3 siblings its nice to have pictures of just you sometimes. With Remy being the last one at home, the kids are so happy to see her when we visit school or sports- she sneaks into the photos with them. I hope in later years they will look at these few years with a baby sister at home with fondness and love.

Remy and I headed over to Lawlor's and Thompson's to get some Rhubarb! So lucky to have friends that have huge plants and are willing to share with us! We picked a whole bunch and got enough to make a half batch of Grandma Moxley's HUGE recipe.

It looks like a lot of work but its really quite simple- it takes about 2 hours from start to finish and we get 2 ice-cream buckets 2/3s full. If we had a bigger freezer I would love to do it again while Rhubarb is in season, and have it for YW and Ward Events and such... but we just don't have the room.

When the kids got home we celebrated by finishing off the last of the Rhubarb slush from last year! It was a nice treat after school and a reminder why I spend hours in the kitchen for one dish 😏

This is when our pleasant, calm day took a BIG TURN. Barker had his last Lacrosse Game in Calgary at 6 pm- on the very West end of Southland. We left at 4:15- going to stop at 5:15 for a quick chiropractor adjustment for Barker on the way. First off- there was a house being moved on Highway 2. We drove no faster then 70km a hour until we got to the Big Okotoks turn off- putting us 10 minutes behind. A quick call to the Chiropractor, who said he would see Barker as soon as we got there and do the adjustment fast. We arrived about 5:25, did the fast appointment, met Justin and continued on our way- pulling into A&W to feed the kids quick- it is now 5:30 Barker and Justin are supposed to be at the Arena. 

I am ordering food from the drive-thru and I get a phone call- it goes to Voicemail. I called Bob back as I was paying- wondering what on earth was going on. Bob is the Soccer VP and Kalia's coach, I am the Secretary- usually from Bob I just get a email or 2 or a text about something, not a phone call. 

He goes "Have you seen the flurry of emails?" 

Me "No I am trying to get my son to a Lacrosse game in the city, we are late for. Whats up?"

Bob "There was some miscommunication regarding U12 (Kalia's team) Bronze Metal Final. ITs in 45 minutes in Okotoks!"

Me "Are you Serious?!?!?!"

Bob "Not pulling your leg here"

Me "Ok- I gotta make some calls"

LUCKILY, again, Mom and Dad saved our butt. They had Kalia at home with them, planning on taking her to the parent vs player practice right by our house. Dinner was snarfed and they jumped in the truck and took Kalia to her game!

Meanwhile I am driving to the Arena, and Barker spilt his rootbeer all over the van. We pull up to the arena, I hurriedly explained to Justin what happened. He grabs the gear, Annaliesse and Barker and some food and heads in- 10 minutes before game going to start. 

I head to Okotoks for Kalia's Soccer final- and not 2 blocks away I get a call from Justin. "Where is the Goalie Gear?!?!?" 

Now Barker had a practice Monday night but he had a bit of a fever. He stayed home and went to bed early, hoping to get over it and be able to play his last game. Justin being the assistant coach is in charge of the Goalie bag, which means- I bring it to all practices, cause Justin meets us there from work. With Barker not going to practice I took it over to the Rex Plex. They had not yet unlocked the change rooms, so I asked the front desk if they would put the Goalie Bag in the Change room when they unlocked it. They said "Not a problem! Sure thing." Great. I dropped it off and went off for dinner and a meeting. 

Turns out they didn't take the gear to the dressing room and they practiced without it. Unbeknown to us that anything was amiss. 

Here we are at the last game, No Goalie Equipment. All my fault- and Justin fault as assistant coach. 

GOOD GRIEF!!!

He made some fanatic phone calls but didn't find any. They ended up just putting a player in regular gear in the goalie. I felt terrible.

Remy and I rush to Okotoks to watch Kalia. No jacket for us as we were going to be in a Arena. We arrived JUST before play.

The game was SOOO intense. 1-1 end of the game, with so many good plays from both sides. Kalia got kicked with a ball from 2 feet away right in the chest HARD. It looked so painful, there was a collective gasp from the parents. She went off crying, and sat down. I headed over to see and she was coming out of it- but it really hurt!

She was VERY cautious the rest of the game but was a great support player. She excels as midfield passing the ball up to our forwards, and challenging the other team as they dribble the ball to our defenders. She made some great passes- the entire team played hard.

The game had to end with penally kicks. Starting with 5 kicks each. Each team got 2 goals. Then went to 1 and 1 kicks. Our first shooting on the 1 to 1 kicks got his ball in net! Winning the Game 2-1!!

What a great game! It was nice to end the Evening of Chaos on a high note.

Justin texted and Barker got 3 goals and their team WON 10-7!! High River Tyke Lacrosse 2nd WIN of the season.

Oh man was I relieved. Then Justin told me- apparently forgetting the Goalie Gear in Lacrosse is not a new thing. Our team Manager told Justin it happens way more often then you think. This eased our feelings a bit, and the win definitely helped our feelings!

The kids were all in bed super late again, but happy and satisfied with the evenings events. Mommy's blood pressure needed some ice cream and quiet time before it returned to normal rhythm 😏😆

Suncoast with Justin Moxley Construction

Justin is back at work with Suncoast! 

All the guys take pictures of the jobs as they go and as they are complete and share it on a iCloud Picture account. I am lucky enough to see all their beautiful work, so I thought I would share a few that Justin has completed recently. 

REALLY Rainy Soccer

LAST DAY OF SATURDAY SOCCER ARRIVED!!

Arrived with pouring SHEETING rain.

Barker and Annaliesse both played at 9 am so Justin and I spilt up- me with Barker, Remy and Kalia and Justin with Annaliesse. Considering how the games played out I think I lucked out.

It may have been pouring rain but this little U8 team was excited and happy to play one last game together! Everyone had fun, parents were still cheering and kids running around having fun.

Big Thank you to Barker coach Darcy Bennett- The Cookie Monsters had a great season, learning new skills, playing hard, and having fun. 

Annaliesse's U10 team wasn't as excited about playing their last game in the rain. Justin said the team and parents were miserable- I was sorry to hear it- we had a great time.

Remy U6 soccer game got cancelled, she was kinda sad. She has loved soccer almost the most this season. Asking "how many sleeps till my soccer?" and her little cheer when she scored a goal, her sass walking onto the playing field. Oh Remy what a fun season with you!! We stopped at the field for her metal and a treat from her coach!

Ghost Quilt

Embarrassed to say how fast I sewed this up!!

As soon as I saw this pattern, I knew I had to make it- like NOW!!

The blocks were lots of snowballing and chain piecing. It wasn't hard and came together quickly.

I have the perfect orange fabric for the back- and its going to look so GREAT sitting in the living room in October for Halloween!!!

So far we have a Christmas throw, Winter throw, Everyday throw and NOW a Canadian throw, and Halloween throw. I want to make one more Canadian one with the little bit of leftover fabric and then either a few more Christmas Quilts for the kids beds or a Easter/Spring throw?!?!? Thoughts?

I had no intention of making dinner after sewing like a mad woman trying to get the top done before the weekend- So we headed to Boston Pizza meeting Mark, Lindsay and Arlie there!!! It was a great few hours visiting, eating and laughing while the kids coloured and played with Arlie. Thanks for the good evening guys!

Auditions

Earlier this month I saw a post on Facebook, Heartland was looking for a Outgoing Blond Hair Blue Eye Girl aged 7-9. I thought, well that describes Annaliesse to a T maybe I will send in her photo and a brief explanation about her. 

Called Justin to make sure he was ok with it and he thought it would be fun. So when Annaliesse got home we chatted about it and she thought it sounded so fun and was super excited about it!! So we sent in this little email with the picture below attached.

Annaliesse Ella Moxley

Is 9 years old and is 4 feet 5’ tall. She weighs 70 lbs. She is a outgoing, sweet, mothering type child. She loves to ski and help her Dad coach Lacrosse. She isn’t afraid to try new things and have fun, but when its time to get things done she is the BEST worker.  She is in Grade 4 in High River and loving school and learning, with her favourite subject Math!

We sent it off and Annaliesse was SURE she was going to get a audition. I told her to not get to excited it probably wasn't going to happen, but she was pretty confident. A few weeks went by and we didn't hear anything- so I figured she wasn't chosen for a auction.. AND THEN we got a email!

Annaliesse was SOOOO excited and had her lines memorized before 24 hours was up. We had about a week to practice before her audition.

Annaliesse asked Mommy to take her into the audition she was worried Daddy would make her laugh and more nervous. We headed in and she was pretty quiet about the whole thing. 

There were LOTS of little blond girls in the auditions and she was very aware of girls going in and out. She went in by herself and did her screen test twice. Once standing and once sitting- she also was asked about her limited horse experience.

She came out and I asked her how she did, she said really good and the ladies liked her boots. It was a great experience for her and the little one on one time was nice for both of us.