I've got it good

It's been an intense week for me at work. I've spent most of my week involved in divisional work, rather than in my school. While I'm looking forward to being back with my own staff and students, my time with mentors, teachers, and resource teachers from our division reminds me how much I love learning, how rewarding it is to facilitate teachers' learning, and how inspired I am by the great work that is happening for kids in our division. I've been providing leadership to a divisional initiative for quite a few years now, and it's pretty astonishing how much has changed for teachers over that time... how so much of their learning is beginning to meld, and how significant change is emerging in their understanding about kids' learning! I've learned a lot from working with all of these teachers, and providing leadership has certainly deepened my own understanding of what makes a difference for learning. I feel pretty lucky to have even a tiny little part in making a difference for so many kids by providing opportunities for teachers to collaborate so they can reflect on and improve their practice!

So much to be grateful for

Life, and especially work, have been keeping me very busy. It's been a long time since I posted last, and I've got so much to be grateful for...















4 hours of non-stop Elton John and Billy Joel with some fantastic ladies from work was a great getaway last month! The music was amazing, the company was great, and it was time well spent!
















Things have been going so well for G. I am so grateful for the incredible staff that supports his learning at school. They have been so committed to learning, and so willing to be flexible! The progress that he has made since February is truly astounding! He's still on a very restricted diet, but it is totally worth the complexity it adds to our life. So many things have changed since we changed his diet. Many of his sensory issues have become much less severe, which means that his behavior is much different, and his ability to engage in dynamic relationships is developing quickly. Since February, we have made very quick progress in RDI... no more plateau in our house! And, he's been getting along so well with his baby sister, who completely adores him!


































We're all completely thrilled by the arrival of this precious, perfect baby. She's not ours, but we've all been waiting for her to come, and couldn't be happier for her parents. This is one lucky little girl... she couldn't have better parents! They have been a very special part of our lives, and feel privileged that they've been a part of our family for the past few years! I really can't get enough of holding her!

I'm grateful to have Grandma and Grandpa home again. We all missed them a lot, and the kids are so thrilled with the time they are getting with them. They've had a few sleepovers already, G has gone golfing with them a few times (and is getting pretty good at it too!), and we're enjoying seeing them on a regular basis.



































I'm grateful for a church family that embraces our whole family. I feel so lucky that our kids have so many adults in their lives who are completely thrilled to see them, and who really enjoy interacting with them! This last Sunday was the annual Sunday School fishing expedition, and it was as fun as ever. Guy taught L how to hold the rod, Grandma and I were both pretty preoccupied with keeping M from falling off the dock, and G was content just to fish.

Work has been intensely busy, but I'm grateful for that too. I've learned that I do best when I am actively engaged in challenge and new learning. I was able to attend the Canadian Association of Principals conference in Winnipeg earlier this month, and it was a real privilege. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to engage in stimulating conversation with colleagues, to be inspired, to feel affirmed, and to get re-energized by important learning.

Of course, I'd be lying if there weren't ups AND downs. I've had a few proud-mama moments trying to take all three kids on bike rides or walks this spring... screaming/shrieking like a hysterical parent as they get WAY too far ahead...and don't stop. Not good! And L is at a stage right now where she is experimenting with telling lies to get other people into trouble to get attention. Such drama and hysterics to get what she wants. Of course, M observes it all and tries her own version of the attention-seeking hissy fit. These are small things...little road bumps in daily life, and things are good. I'm happy, kids are happy, and life couldn't be much better.