Skating on the Lake

Edited to add:After talking to Kathy, we will be skating on the lagoon behind her house. See you there.

Rhiannon and I went down to Kal Beach today and she had a blast skating on the lake. We are planning on going tomorrow afternoon if anyone would like to join us. We will head down after lunch - around 1 or 1:30 and stay for an hour or so. Be great to see some of you!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Because Christmas Day is the day after tomorrow (I can't believe it!) and we probably won't see anyone before then, just thought I'd take a moment to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Actually I am such in to rhymes lately so I'll say, "Have a fine 2009!"

Love from the Gilbank Family: Chris, Caroline, Justin, Ashleigh, Shelby the Shih tzu, Luigi the Budgie, and the Fish
I won't bombard the blog with pictures of our pets, so if you want to see some, check out our blog ;0)

Hello everyone!

Not much is happening here on the blog lately so I thought I'd just say hello to you all! We've been cooped up in our own little world lately which is just fine - but I think about each and every one of you daily and hope you are all well. I know that the holiday rush is upon us, but if any of you have time for a spontaneous visit we would love that! We have a new dog to show off and lots of christmas cookies to share.

Jill

Swimming This Thursday

Annette and I will be swimming again this Thursday. We are aiming to be at the pool at 10:30 and Eli and Rhiannon have a private lesson at 11:45 for an hour. If anyone would like to join us, we'd love to see you! And of course, I won't actually be IN the pool but knitting poolside...

Meeting Thursday?

Is it our Parent Support Meeting tomorrow Thursday November 27th?
7pm, downstairs of Bean to Cup?

Rhythmic Gymnastics Production of A Christmas Carol

Edited to add: More tickets have come available but I have to give our final numbers (and a cheque) to Camille on Monday. So far we are at 36. So contact me as soon as possible if you would like to come.

Hello everyone,

We are invited to attend the school performance next Friday, November 28. There are only 20 seats left. I am going to reserve them all. Please contact me as soon as possible if you would like to attend. Several home learners will be in the orchestra and the performance. You can contact me at agordon-smith@shaw.ca or 250-503-5416.

The following is the information:

I am writing you as Head Coach/Choreographer of the Okanagan Rhythmic Gymnastics Club to let you know of a Production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol that we will be presenting together with the Vernon Community Music School’s Carriage House Orchestra at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre this November.

Ring in the season, with the magic and intrigue of this spectacular re-imagined classic through a dynamic fusion of live music, drama, dance, gymnastics, acrobatics, rhythmic gymnastics and cirque-like storytelling. The show has been creatively crafted to be especially dazzling and interesting for children.

It is a story that will captivate young and old alike and we believe that it will be a great opportunity for students to be exposed to and inspired by an artistic/athletic endeavor. They will have the opportunity to see young performers, accomplished musicians and athletes (current/past national and international competitors and even an Olympian).

We are presenting a morning show (9:30am start) for students and staff on Friday, November 28^th 2008. Seats are $5/person. The production is approx. one hour and 40 minutes long including a brief intermission. Buses need to be there at least 15-20 minutes before start time so we can accommodate seating and start/finish on time.

We are confident that adults and children of all ages will delight in this experience.

Sincerely,

Camille Martens

Today's Hike at McKergow Meadows

I just realized that there was a mistake with the meeting place for today's hike. We met at Polson Place Mall Theatre Parking lot. Did some of you meet at Polson Park and wonder where we were? We are so sorry for this.

bison

If anyone is interested in free-range bison for their freezer my bison guy still has some un-spoken for bison. For a side it comes out to $3 per lb, cut any way you like and you get about 275 lbs. Last year I split a side amongst 4 of us - so we each got 1/8 a bison. This was a great way to try it. You can also buy smaller amounts but the price goes up. If anyone is interested you can call me or email me for his number. 250-379-2057 mrichoux@telus.net. I'm long distance from most of you so emailing is cheaper.

Homeschooling Legal Defense Association Session

Homeschool Info Session in Vernon

Homeschooling Open Seminar Tour (H.O.S.T.) by the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (Canada) (Speaker: Paul Faris)
DATE: Thursday, November 20, 7:00 p.m.
PLACE: Best Western Vernon Lodge (Okanagan Room)

Contact: Lina at 558-5537

What's it all about?
GOALS
- To support and strengthen local homeschooling networks
- To provide strong vision of the benefits of home education
- To establish the credibility (and superiority) of homeschooling as an educational option
- To help new homeschoolers start strong and stay strong on their journey of home education
- To promote the benefits of membership with HSLDA
TARGET MARKET
- Those who are open to homeschooling but have not yet started
- Those who have started homeschooling and are open to learning more
- Those who have become discouraged with homeschooling
- Skeptical family and friends of homeschoolers


Admission is Free. Coffee and Tea will be available.

Meeting topic/ideas??? I have one.... "How to solicit good intentions rather than demand good behaviour" (Gordon Neufeld's book). Is it all about patience?
Thoughts,
Delia

The Christian HS Group has a Hike to McKergow Meadows on Wed, Nov 19th (you probably already know this). Meet at Polson Park at 1:00. Are any of you planning on attending?
Delia

Swimming

Annette and I are getting together for swimming this Thursday am - aiming 10:30am. If anyone would like to join us, we'd be glad to see you! (I'm looking forward to knitting in the viewing area!) We will be doing this every other week for awhile. Come and get wet!

Me again looking for food sources contacts.... I'm wondering about where to buy grains? When I was driving in North Armstrong I saw a Grain Co-op? and was wondering about that? Also any tips on where to buy beef (free-range, grassfed...) I've got Vale Farms brochures but they are pricey... Thanks for the tips on chickens....
Cheers,
Delia

Christmas craft/bake sale and performance day/night
Does any HS group or other group organize one of these days. Last year in Maple Ridge it was held at the Eagles Hall and worked out well. I can't remember all the details but the kids sold crafts in the afternoon, they was a potluck dinner I think and then performances... We just did the crafts part...just having a new baby at the time... but I think everybody was pleased with how it went...
Delia

It was nice to meet many of you at the meeting. Good topic and helpful comments/suggestions...
Are the meetings scheduled for the last Thursday of each month? Is there a back-up phone contact list?
Since I'm new in town I wonder if anyone could help me with contacts for raw milk, free-range eggs, and chickens(to eat) to buy? I've tried Naomi's Birdsong Farm in Enderby (raw milk) with no luck with e-mail or phone number... And for eggs I've tried the Farmers Market but am not sure they are free-range as they are selling so many dozens....
Some other ideas I have which I have e-mailed GVRC on are skillastics: www.skillastics.com - non-competitive, physically challenging which kids play a board game ..... Mission HS (everybody group) got it offered this fall and I thought it would be good to try? fyi
Are there any meet at the park days arranged?
I'm going to give Jill's no knead bread recipe a try. I'm excited because there is no sugar or honey in it.
Cheers,
Delia

Meeting Reminder

Hello everyone,

Just a reminder that our next parent support meeting is tomorrow night, Thursday, October 30 at 7pm downstairs at Bean to Cup. Hope to see you all there!

Dance Class

Hello everyone,

I just realized that I hadn't posted this here and there might be some who are interested. I still have 4 more spots available for the class.

Our Creative Ballet class is returning by popular demand. This class will be appropriate for those with dance experience as well as beginners. Like previous classes, this one will be adapted to the participants who will have an active role in the direction of the class. I have a great passion for ballet. I have studied it myself for more than 9 years. And I would love to share that with children. The class would remain flexible and responsive to the participants and it would also work towards goals of mastering ballet techniques and developing strength, flexibility and stage presence. Our performances would continue to be dominated by the individual choreography of the students. However, I believe that as they study and come to understand more about ballet, it will naturally emerge in their own style of dance. I believe that fostering this excitement, creativity, and personal expression in dance is as crucial as learning technique and will have a much longer lasting impact whether or not they continue with their studies in dance.

This class will use the technique of ballet to learn more about dance and how we express ourselves and tell a story with our bodies through dance. And we will study ballet. Students will be expected to attend dance performances at the Performing Arts Centre. We will be buying tickets through the Inner World School for $10 a ticket. Family members/friends are welcome to accompany their dance student. We buy tickets in sets of 5. Although all of these performances are not ballet, both modern and jazz are derived from ballet other dance forms are useful to contrast and to broaden the scope of understanding of dance.

I require a minimum of 6 students for the classes to run (maximum of 10). Ballet students will need to wear a leotard (ballet-speak for ballet suit) and tights (tight shorts with tights and fitted white t-shirt for boys) with slippers (gymnastics slippers are still fine and ballet slippers are okay, too) and have their hair up (so we can clearly see their body alignment). They could still bring skirts or other dance costumes to wear at a certain time during the class.

Classes will go October to January. We will have a performance the middle of January either on our class day or at another time.

Dancing Buas - Creative Ballet

Date: Thursdays, October 30 to January 15 (two weeks off for Christmas/New Years)

Time: 3:30 - 4:30

Cost: $100.00 ($10 per class - payable all at once or in installments) (free for members)

Place: Inner Light Yoga - 2807 - 44 Ave

To register, call Andrea at 503-5416 or e-mail innerworldschool@shaw.ca

Hi Everyone, I am posting this on behalf of Lynn.

Michael has been taking Tae Kwon Do at Kees for the past year and really enjoys it. I appreciate that they encourage respect, dedication, self discipline etc as well as helping kids develop coordination, balance, strength and flexibility. They have a promotion on right now & have given their students one month free membership passes to give to their friends. I have a few, and wanted to put these out to the group. If anyone has been considering martial arts, a one month trial could be a good way to check it out. Would you please pass this on to the rest of the homeschooling group. If anyone is interested they can contact me directly (558-4695) & I can get the passes to them.

oops - wanted to mention to that these can be used by kids and/or adults too !

Grey Canal Trail

We're planning to go for a hike tomorrow afternoon at the Grey Canal trail just after1:00. Since the Silver Star road parking lot is now closed, you have to park at the far end of the trail - just off of L&A road (I can't remember the name of the road you turn on to - Rugg Rd., maybe?). If you'd like to come but don't know how to get there, you could meet us at Butcher Boys at 1:00.

Hi

Just moved to Vernon. Have 3 kiddos (7, 4&1). Looking to meet some other Home Schoolers and join some activities, maybe organize some, and learn about the area. We are renting a house in Bella Vista area. Can others read these e-mails? When is the next get together? I don't usually go anywhere without my kids or my nursing toddler but now with 3 shopping is getting more challening....
Delia
p.s. any tips for snowshoe buying for the area/type of snow/gentle trails
pps anybody good at making sourdough bread because I need help....my dough is sooooo sticky but I really would like to get better at making sourdough bread

Jan Hunt update

Just to be sure I contacted everyone, Jan Hunt is now in Falkland on Oct. 23, 6:30 pm.

Ski Program 2009

Hello Everyone,

I know the leaves are still a little green to be thinking about skiing but it is time to get organized to make sure we have the experience we would like. (well, actually, Mary Sue is organized, you know me....)

Mary Sue and I are starting to get organized for this year's ski program. We will be booking a Thursday 10am lesson slot on Jan 22, 29, Feb 5, 12 and 26 - a total of 5 days. (February 12 will be a 11am lesson time) Before we can confirm those dates, we need to have an idea of numbers - so we know if we have enough to do it by ourselves like last year or if we need to get together with another group.

Prices will be the same as last year which is very reasonable and are included at the end of this post. What they are doing a little differently in an effort to be more organized and have people not miss their lessons, etc., is to limit the number of people at the hill taking lessons on a particular day. In the past, we have been able to accommodate people joining us at the last minute but this year we will have to be more concrete on our numbers. We will still have a little wriggle room but not the fluctuations that we have had in the past. So please let anyone know who might be interested so they can contact me as soon as possible. (agordon-smith@shaw.ca 250-503-5416) Once our numbers are confirmed, more details will follow.

Looking forward to long warm days in the cafeteria knitting and crocheting while all of you ski!

Sincerely,

Andrea Clarke

Lesson: $10
Lift/lesson: $17
Lift/lesson/Rental skiing: $22
Lift/lesson/rental boarding: $27

Cross Country
Lesson $10
Lesson/Track $12
Lesson/track/rental $14

Parents MUST be helping to obtain these rates:

Lift $25
Rental skiing $10
Rental boarding $13
Track ticket $12
Rental track $2

I notice that although the parent rates are higher than in the past, they no longer have to pay for a lesson so it works out to be about the same.

so sorry - cancelling

I'm very sorry guys. The stress of planning this, plus a few other things in my life, has totally gotten to me. I just can't do it anymore and am cancelling my involvement in it.

If anyone wants to take it over, they are welcome. I can send you the contact info.

I'm snapping at my kids and feeling sick inside. I don't know why I do this to myself and I don't know why I hate planning things, but there it is.

I'm very sorry. First the park wouldn't let all us parents in during the program, and now a $5 event has turned into a $14 or more event. It seems very wrong to me, that they couldn't accomodate us for $5. I'm through with it.

wildlife update

well I already wrote this in the wrong blog so this will be shorter.

Ok, I can pay $80 which we would split into everyone who shows up and then on top of that everyone would pay admission just as if it were a normal day - so if you have a membership you don't pay but if you don't, it's $12 per adult and $9 per child.

And for that we would get a tour and a private animal encounter.

So this could get mightly pricey for people with a few kids. I say we take our chances on a weekend - there's lots to do for a whole lot longer and it's much cheaper. We could plan a date and meet up there - car-pool just as we were planning.

AND - if people are interested in an outing that is free (except for gas), you are all invited out to my house for a hike in the woods - we have lots of trails and it's pretty cool in there, no difficult hiking but a great forest, and we could bring a picnic lunch (weather permitting) OR just hike and then have a kind of potluck lunch here at the house OR perhaps we could all meet and go hiking up Mt. Rose/Swanson outside of Armstrong. That is my all-time favourite hike and it's do-able for little kids too - and the view at the top is outstanding.

So there's some options - let me know. We could even do some "activities" on the hike - I have tonnes of cool books with wonderful ideas I've been wanting to try out. If everyone wears hoodies we could lie on the forest floor and imagine what it's like to be a bug. hee hee hee
So this would all depend on the weather of course.

Wildlife Park 2

Hi all,

Well, I think I emailed everyone who said they were coming, but I'm just making sure everyone knows the scoop.

So the park says that they will accomodate only 1 parent per 5 children in the "classroom" for the program and the rest would have to pay and then I guess could walk around the park and look at the animals. Younger siblings are not welcome in the classroom either. Their program strictly attends to ministry curriculum, but is supposedly "interactive and exciting". I must say I am just not sure. For some of you it's a very long way to go to end up in a restrictive, "schooly" type presentation.

I don't know how we decide which ones of us get to participate and which don't - the whole thing is ridiculous because we all want to be able to discuss the day with our kids I would imagine. I suspect that these folks (like so many others) just don't know how to get their mind out of a school-type situation. I must say I'm disappointed. The booking person suggested that we could go on a weekend instead when they do have animal encounters for the public. We have done this before and it is great - Liam had a snowy owl fly to his arm the first time we ever went.

So - I'm really not sure about going ahead and paying for it. The restrictions on parents and younger siblings is very off-putting. My inclination is to just go on a weekend and do our own thing, but if most people still want to go, we can do that too.

BMX on friday

Just a reminder that some of us are meeting at the BMX track on Friday afternoon. I plan to be there from 1 to 3.

Bread Recipe

Some of you were interested in my bread recipe. You can give it a go, but it might also be helpful to get together, so I can talk you through it.

My mom taught me how to make bread. I don't even know where she got this recipe. :0)

*Mix 6 cups luke warm water (sometimes I do hot and just have it cool down to the right temperature...this helps the sugar to dissolve nicely) with 5 table spoons sugar.

*When water is luke warm, sprinkler in 2 tablespoons yeast.

*Once yeast has activated, add 2 table spoons salt and 5 table spoons oil.

*Stir in the flour (I use best for bread, white, and whole wheat. I visited Roger's Foods (half way to Armstrong) for the first time this summer and was pleased with their flour) This varies each time. You just add it a scoop at a time until it feels right! This is the step that it's best for me to teach you in person for, if you are interested.

Wildlife Park

If you are planning to attend the field trip to the wildlife park, please let me know by Oct. 1.

phone - 379-2057
email: mrichoux@telus.net

I'm pretty sure we have 10 confirmed, so with 2 more that would make it $5 per child. I will try to get it so that parents are free.

Jan Hunt edit - AGAIN

Ok, now this time the date is set in stone, never to be changed:

Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Senior Centre (ok, that part could be changed.......) in Falkland.

Here's the Rivers Day information

Celebrate Rivers Day 2008!
Join us for a FREE, fun, family event
at
Greater Vernon Recreation Complex
Sunday, September 28th 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
BC Rivers Day is a province‐wide event, held every year on the last Sunday in September. So come join
communities around BC in celebrating the amazing rivers, creeks and lakes that make this such a great place
to live.
Rivers Day will kick off with a creek clean up. Get together with family, friends or co‐workers and sign‐up to
clean a section of creek in Greater Vernon. Please pre‐register online at www.abnc.ca or call 250‐260‐4227.
Keep in mind you’ll need close‐toed shoes and appropriate clothing for the cleanup.
If you do not have a group or want to celebrate with us in other ways, there is plenty to do.
Events Include:
􀂾 Yellow Fish Storm Drain Painting
􀂾 Reusable Bag Design School Contest Judging
􀂾 Paint your own Reusable Bag
􀂾 Creek Cleanup Contest
􀂾 Trash Sculpture Creation
For more information
Allan Brooks Nature Centre 250‐260‐4227

Jan Hunt in Falkland

The Jan Hunt night has been moved to Monday, Oct. 20 - 6:30 pm. (it was originally set for the 22nd but she is on her way to Edmonton from here so wanted an extra day or 2 to drive).

It will be $15 per person, $20 for couples (what a great deal!).

Hope some of you can make it out!

Friday hike anyone?

Is anyone interested in a hike on Friday? I'm thinking of either silver star so we can see it before it snows, or perhaps the little hike at the top of the blue jay subdivision.

Meeting Reminder

Thursday night - 7 pm. See you there!

Poulson Park Tomorrow..

Hi All:

I just wanted to remind you that some of us will be heading to Poulson Park tomorrow at about 2pm, after our Science Centre visit. We'd love to see you there!

Park day tomorrow

Hi everyone,

It doesn't look like there is much interest in having a regular park time this fall. If that is the case it seems silly for those of us who are interested to go to the same park every week. How about we take it week by week and try out new parks and hikes . It looks like Friday afternoons work for everyone. I think we could plan the next weeks outing during the current weeks outing and then post it on the blog on the weekend so that if anyone else wants to join us they can. How does Kin beach at 2pm tomorrow sound?

Open Pottery Studio

Open studio session at Danial's
Danial Stark a local potter has generously volunteered his studio for children to make a clay pot that he will fire in his ANAGAMA kiln next month. This is a rare opportunity as it is the only kiln that I know of in the Okanagan. It is a wood-fired kiln and will be fired for about 4 days. Date and Time: Monday September 22 from 1-3 pm. Address: 2905-25th St. (go through gate at the side of the house and you will see the studio in the back yard.Contact number if you have questions: Danial at 503-0223. I hope that anyone participating will make a donation for the clay.

Park Days

Is anyone interested in setting up times to play at a park or go for a hike? I would really like to keep up with the social times this fall. Our little group seems to be growing and thriving. I was so happy to see so many children of different ages playing together last week. This is what I've been wanting for my girls for so long. I know it can be hard to find a time and place that works for everyone but let's give it a shot. If you are interested perhaps you could write out the best times and your favorite places for a start.

Documentary movie nights

Hi everyone,

Are any of you interested in joining me once a month to watch a documentary at my house?
There are so many that I would like to see, but Derek would rather scratch his eyes out than watch another one with me! I would like to start at 7:30 and then have some discussion afterwards. I'm pretty flexible about dates. If you are interested let me know which evening works best for you and if there are any documentaries you'd like to see. Right now I have "The Business of Being Born" and would love to watch it this week or on the weekend. If that doesn't work for anyone I'll watch it alone and get another one for the week of the 15th.

oak meadow for sale

I have the Oak Meadow First grade syllabus, the Fairy tales book, the Process Manual and Heart of Learning (K-3) and a song book, word family book, and tape of songs. I just checked on-line and they are asking $315 for all those things (well, the tape is a CD now). I'm selling it for $50 if anyone is interested - if not, I might try selling it on ebay. Let me know if you are interested or pass this info on to anyone you know. I could bring it to our next meeting if anyone wants to look at it.

wildlife park, BMX

Hi gang,

I'm booking a field trip to the BC wildlife park out of Kamloops for Wed., Oct. 15 at 11 am. The park is 1/2 hour from Falkland, so 1 hr from Vernon. The program will be 1.5 hours and called Saving our Species. There's info about the programs on the website at www.bczoo.org. They guarantee animal encounters! It will be $5 or $6 dollars per child I think. I have to know numbers by Oct. 1. There's lots to see at the park, including 2 grizzly bears and lots of injured owls and eagles etc.. They are really into conservation and rehabilitation etc. - I think it's a pretty ethical and important place for BC wildlife (well, there are a few exotic faces too - camels and monkeys). The orphaned baby deer are really sweet.


Also, wondering if anyone wants to go to the BMX park on Friday, Sept. 19.

Park Day Tuesday...

Hi All:

There are a bunch of us Kelowna homelearners coming to Vernon tomorrow for a visit to the Science Centre. We will be finished at the Science Centre at 2 and some of us are planning to head over to the playground at Poulson Park then. We would love for lots of you Vernon families to join us there. For the next couple of months we will be meeting every 2nd and 4th Tuesday afternoons at the Science Centre. We could make it a regular park day afterwards if some of you would like to join us.

Co-sleeping survey

Hi everyone,

I know we don't all co-sleep and I feel unsure about using this blog for my own interests - so ignore this if it doesn't apply to you. If you have co-slept with your children or babies and you would like to protect the rights of others to do the same in the future...then check out this survey. It only takes a couple of minutes. Apparently some women in the states are being threatened by child protection for co-sleeping. So sad. This survey has been put together to get the real numbers out there.

Jan Hunt coming to Falkland

Hi Everyone. Posting for Donna again (I think her internet will be up and running next week). She has arranged for the one and only Jan Hunt (Natural Child Project) to meet with parents for $15 per person on October 22. She'll be staying with Donna in Westwold but we thought we would book the Seniors Hall in Falkland to make it closer for all of you. So that makes it about a half hour drive to hear this amazing woman. How does 6:30 pm sound? For those who don't know her work you can check her out on the Natural Child Project website. She's an attachment parenting guru and I think very pro-homeschooling etc.. too. I guess at some point we would need to know numbers but for now pencil it into your calendar and we'll ask who's coming closer to the time.

ducklings anyone?

I'm posting this for Donna - they still have a bunch of Muscovy ducklings who need good homes. They are starting to grow their feathers but are still pretty cute. We have 3 of them and they are so fun. These are a quackless duck - they just make soft whistles so are very quiet. They love to eat slugs and grasshoppers etc. and are excellent foragers - good to have around the garden. They will also lay 80 to 100 eggs per year (if they are hens of course). They are asking $5 a duckling, 2 for $8, but they are very social animals and really are happiest in groups of 3 or more (but 2 is ok too). You can phone Donna at 250 - 572-3446 if you are interested.

camping anyone?

Angela is wondering about setting up some camping at Mable Lake in September. There are no bugs at this time of year, to be sure. Weekends seem to be preferable for most people. Who is interested, and what dates would work for you?

I am interested but all weekends in September are already booked for me. rats.

Processing Last night's meeting

Hi guys,

I feel compelled to try to process the amazing conversation we started last night. Our topic centered around mother self-care and I think I started to see just why this topic is so difficult; that perhaps we are stuck in beliefs that don't really allow us to think we matter enough. I mean, we didn't really get much into "how-to's", which I think we all want - because there is so much other stuff to process first. I think what makes our conversations so amazingly rich is that each of us is willing, at some time or another, to say out loud "wait a minute - you guys are totally overwhelming me and I feel inadequate" or whatever. It's those little glimmers of raw, gut-wrenching honest statements that really move us forward, and I want to thank all of you who have done this at some point or another (I hope you know who you are)!

I had a follow-up insight this morning, and it was really profound, but I've already forgotten it - sigh. But here's a new thought; maybe we need a phone list, so that if we get in a low spot we can call through the list until we find someone home who can walk us through our crisis. Well - it's an idea anyway, coming from someone who lives farther away than most. And I'll try to remember my really profound thought (I'm just sure it was a good one - LOL. It was something to do with those of us who keep trying this or that strategy to get our kids on-board with helping out, all to no avail............) and my phone number is 379-2057. It is long distance for most of you but if you phone me I can phone you right back toll free.

Meeting Reminder

Hey everyone,

I hope you are all having a great summer! Our next Parent Support Meeting is next Thursday, August 28 at 7pm downstairs at Bean to Cup as usual. Looking forward to seeing everyone! It feels like it has been forever!

Is Anyone Going To the Beach Tomorrow?

Hi guys,
My kids are in a horse camp until 11:30 tomorrow, but would love to see some kids at the beach afterwards. Is anyone thinking of going? I know Caroline is not able to come, but Amanda mentioned she would like to come up to Vernon this week.
We will probably be able to get there by 12:15 or so.
Thanks, Kathy

Rare Earth Blues Festival

Hi all,

I would really like to go to this - either Aug. 30 or 31st. It's $40 per adult and free for kids under 12 (although I won't bring mine because they don't like stuff like this). I was just wondering if anyone else would like to go too?

Beach Day Tomorrow?

Hi, We are going to be at Paddlewheel Beach quite early tomorrow. I have to take Dannon up to Silver Star for an art class at 9:30 and then we will drive over to the park. Hope to see lots of you there. Amanda mentioned that she would like to join us as well.
Kathy

Paddlewheel Park Beach on Tuesday

Hi all,
We are planning to go to the beach on Tuesday if the weather is still good. Anyone else going? We'll be there around 10am or so.

Next Meeting on July 31st

Hi everyone,
I just called Bean-to-Cup and they have the room reserved for us on the 31st at 7pm. So I guess I'll see you all there then.

Beach Days?

Hi everyone,
We're back from our holidays and wondering if people are still getting together on Tuesdays somewhere.
We would love to see you, Kathy

next meeting

So are we meeting next Thursday??

organic apricots for sale

Hi Everyone
Anita Fletcher asked me to post that she has lots of organic apricots for sale. They are from her friend's organic farm and are $1.60 a lb and come in 22 lb boxes for a total of $ 35.20. I've seen them and they are lovely. Phone her at 542-8302 if you want any.

runaway moon theatre

The Runaway Moon theatre is putting on a production on July 19th at 7:00 in Grinrod. We have been to their productions before and we have all enjoyed them. They are quite magical. For more information go to:

http://www.runawaymoon.org/

Film-making mentor

I'm posting this for Donna.

She's wondering if anyone is interested in having a film-maker fellow from Toronto out to do a week or so of workshop with kids - he could do animation, photography, etc.. She can apply for a Canada Arts Council grant if there's interest to cover his travel expenses and then there would be a cost for each child as well.

Could someone post this query to the Christian group as well?

Donna can be contacted at 250-572- 3446

Beach Day in Winfield....

The Kelowna Learners Unlimited group would like to invite you all to meet up with us in Winfield on July 30th. We will be going to Reiswig Beach/Beasley Park on Woodsdale Road. We will be meeting at around noon and staying for the afternoon. See you then!!

beach day?

So do I have this right:

Tuesday, July 8, at Paddlewheel park.

jewellry show

Hi All,

Just wanted to let everyone know that my sister-in-law will be at my place on July 27th with all her jewellry for sale - so we're doing an open house which means all day long.....and if some of you would like to get together and come out that would be awesome (you don't have to buy jewellry.......it's just for fun; a frivolous girl date).

hope to see some of you out in Falkland (it's not that far, honest it's not - LOL).

I am also going to have chickens by then so you can come admire them as well. I'm getting my rooster tonight.

Hello Everyone,
It was wonderful to meet with all of you on Thursday. It feels great to have such support. I think you are all amazing moms. What lucky kids. I thought I would try and see if my post actually goes on the blog. I also have some friends in Ashcroft who would love to come to the next meeting. Looking forward to a beach visit and the opportunity to get together with kids. Take care. Donna

Meeting Reminder

Just a reminder that our next Parent Support meeting is coming up this Thursday evening, Juen 26, 7pm downstairs at Bean to Cup. It was sure great to see so many people at the last meeting. I'm looking forward to seeing you all on Thursday.

Host families wanted.

My friend in Kelowna asked me to post this on the Vernon site. Her email address is shandra3@telus.net if you are interested in some more information about hosting a child. Here is Shandra's message.

Jacob, the organizer of Korean homestays, has a 12yo boy coming for 12 weeks, July 9 to Sept. 20th I think, and is lookingfor a host family. He also has several short term, 4 weeks, students coming. Hosting families receive $1200/month, which includes 2 hours of"tutoring time" by mom, and they cover all the activity expenses of the child. The students have other independent work to do as well. We are really enjoying our student, Su Hwan. He is funny and enjoys playing games. I haven't found it difficult to fit in the 2 hours oftutoring...we fit it in throughout the day. So if you are interested and want more info, just drop me a note!Shandra

Snow White - Rhythmic Gymnastics

Camille Martens has graciously extended an invitation for the homeschoolers to take advantage of the special deal that she gives to school children. We are invited to go to her performance of Snow White Thursday morning for $5 each. Unfortunately, there was a glitch in the e-mail she sent me several days ago and I didn't get it until late last night. She needs to know our numbers by the end of today(Tuesday). So e-mail me directly if you would like to go agordon-smith@shaw.ca.

Here are the details:

We will need to know final numbers Tuesday.

You'll need to coordinate meeting together to enter 20 minutes before show time.

Hope that some of you can come! :)

With homeschoolers - the $5 flat rate applies to parents/supervisers as well.

Thanks,

Camille :)

--------------------------------------------------

To: Whom It May Concern

From: Camille Martens – Okanagan Rhythmic Gymnastics

Date: May 15, 2008

Re: Exciting Production at the Performing Arts Centre for Schools

I am writing you as Head Coach/Choreographer of the Okanagan Rhythmic Gymnastics Club to let you know of a Production of Snow White that we will be presenting at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre this June.

The show uses a dynamic fusion of drama, dance, music, gymnastics, acrobatics, rhythmic gymnastics and cirque-like storytelling to relay the captivating tale of Snow White, her wicked stepmother, the seven dwarves and the charming prince. The show has been creatively crafted to be especially dazzling and interesting for children.

It is a story that will captivate young and old alike and we believe that it will be a great opportunity for students to be exposed and inspired to an artistic/athletic endeavor. They will have the opportunity to see young performers, current national and international competitors and even past Olympians in this exciting 10 year anniversary show.

We are presenting a morning show (9:30am start) for students and staff on Thursday, June 19^th 2008. Seats are $5/person. The production is one hour and 45 minutes long including a brief intermission. Buses need to be there at least10-15 minutes before start times so we can accommodate seating and start/finish on time.

We are confident that adults and children of all ages will delight in this experience.

Sincerely,

Camille Martens

Beach tomorrow?

Anyone planning to go to the beach tomorrow?

Vernon Science Centre

I just thought I would post this excerpt from the OSC newsletter about a home educator's workshop. It looks interesting - I think we will attend.

SPRING HOME EDUCATOR’S WORKSHOP
A FREE workshop for homeschooling families in the Okanagan,

Tuesday, June 24, 2008; 10:00am – 12:00pm

Join OSC staff for a morning of science exploration, all about food! Your family will visit three different stations, each offering some hands-on food fun. Explore what the OSC has to offer
and network with other homeschooling families in the Okanagan.

Schedule:

Composting Who’s Who? (45 minute program)What do we find in the compost heap? What is the food web? Can you see life under the microscope?

Food Chemistry (45 minute program)Are the liquids we consume acids or bases? Does our food contain starch? Is there carbon dioxide in our breath?

Food for Health Gallery (30 minutes)Visit the farm, past and present; help an alien discover healthy meals; burn calories on the interactive bike; read,
interact, and discover information about food safety and security, agriculture, food packaging , labeling, and nutrition.

No pre-registration necessary - admission is free and on a first come, first served basis.
Space is limited.
This is a family program; adult supervision is required (no drop-offs)

Waterslide - June 27

Annette asked me to post this. She has arranged for us to be able to join the Kamloops homeschoolers on June 27th at Atlantis. Prices are:


$7.00 a child,
adults and children 13 and over are $9.00
to just sit in the hot tub for them is $7.00 and $4.00 to just sit in the park

Winfield Park Day

Hi All - It was great to see some of you today at Kal Beach. The weather co-operated perfectly. We really enjoyed ourselves.

I know I mentioned today that I was hoping to arrange a joint Vernon and Kelowna park day in Winfield on June 18th, but I was just reminded of another field trip that was scheduled for that day.

So, I would like to suggest that we meet at Jack Seaton Park on Wednesday June 25th at 1pm. I hope this works well for everyone and I look forward to seeing you then.

TV in moderation -- Kerry Trevelyan

Actually, no, this might be a good forum for a discussion, so I'll put Kerry's comments here:

Last night we talked a lot about NOT letting our kids watch TV, and all of the comments were completely valid. I kept thinking about how we could spin something negative, yet completely prevalent in our society, into something positive and useful. We watch TV in our house, even some of the mainstream shows, but the difference is, that I don't use the TV as a 'babysitter'--there is some value of watching programs together, as a family, and talking about things that are happening...making it into an active rather than passive experience. We need to teach our kids to deconstruct the advertising that they see in the media, because that is an invasive part of our culture...one that you can't avoid if you don't watch TV. Luckily my kids are still at the Treehouse stage, which doesn't have commercials trying to sell them things; but even then, I noticed the other day that McDonald's has cleverly inserted an 'active moment' which is a commercial in disguise. I liked Angela's comment about moderation, because really, we need to teach the kids about understanding the good, the bad, and the ugly about popular culture, and self regulate their own involvement in that. So, I say YES TV, in moderation, and as a group experience--I just wanted to add a point of view for the other side!

Kal Beach Tomorrow

It was decided at the meeting on Friday night that we will try meeting at a beach this week.

Tuesday (tomorrow) at Kal Beach

11-2pm

The way it's worked in the past is you show up when it's convenient for you. And we sort of count on someone being there between those hours, sometimes arriving earlier, sometimes staying later.

Now the forecast is for rain. Are you planning to go? Can you leave a comment whether or not you plan to go are so that others know what to expect?

Also, Karry asked me to post a comment of hers from the meeting regarding TV. I didn't know where to put it, but I'll put it in the comments here.

Hike Tomorrow

Just a reminder that we've been invited to meet up with the Kelowna homeschoolers tomorrow to play and hike together.

When: Wednesday, May 21, at 1:00 pm, begin hike at 1:30

Where: Jack Seaton Park, which is towards Okanagan Lake in Winfield. I haven't been there, but from this map (click to see, it's the green splotch between the 10 and the 3) it looks like going South (coming from Vernon) I'd turn right onto Berry Road (right before the shopping centre), right again (North) onto Okanagan Centre Road East, then left or West on Camp Road which takes you to the entrance of the park. There's probably a better way to get there, and if anyone knows one, please leave directions in the comments!

Hope it's not raining too hard and hope to see everyone there.

Next Meeting

Okay, I was hoping for more input from everyone but it is time to make a decision. So based on the feedback that has been posted, we will have our next meeting on Friday, May 30 at 7pm downstairs at Bean to Cup. See you then!

Up and Coming

This from Lina Rogers:
Next track and field practice: (weather permitting)
When: Wednesday, May 14th, 10:00am - noon (approx.)
Where: N'Kwala Park. This is by St. John's Luthern church. Turn on McDonald St. by the Tek Mar building on Silver Star Road. Parking is just down McDonald Road.

Also, a reminder that Amanda is organizing a Kelowna/Vernon homeschooler joint hike at Jack Seaton Park in Winfield on May 21, Wed., I'm not sure of the time yet. Is anyone else planning to go? We'll be in Kelowna that morning for a doctor appointment so we're planning to join them. It'd be great if people could carpool. If it's a nice enough day they're planning to stay a good long time and take picnics. I'll post more when I learn more.

Lastly, can everyone comment on their preference for the next meeting? Can enough people make it on Friday the 30th? Monique, you're still planning to come if it's on the Friday? Can more people weigh in on this please? Andrea's waiting to hear back. Thanks!

Open studio session at Danial's

Danial Stark a local potter has generously volunteered his studio for children to make a clay pot that he will fire in his ANAGAMA kiln later this spring. This is a rare opportunity as it is the only kiln of its type in the Okanagan. It is a wood-fired kiln and will be fired for about 4 days.

Date and Time: Saturday May 3 from 12-4 pm.
Address: 2905-25th St. (go through gate at the side of the house and you will see the studio in the back yard.
Contact number if you have questions: Danial at 503-0223

I'll be there helping out and I hope that anyone participating will make a donation for the clay. I'll set up a jar or something for these donations as I don't think Danial should be covering the cost of the clay himself.

Problem with Next Meeting

There was some confusion around the dates that the room at Bean to Cup was booked for us - understandable, really, considering how many times we changed the dates... Anyways, it worked out fine to change the dates to the last Thursday of every month except for next month when it was already booked. So we cannot have Thursday, May 29 but we do have it booked for Friday, May 30.

So what do we want to do? Keep the meeting on the Friday? Maybe Monique can make it? I really can't promise to attend a Friday evening, myself but I can try. Or do we want to do the Thursday of the week before? May 22? That will be the beginning of the long week end, though. Or have the meeting on the 29th but have it somewhere else? Portillos? Other suggestions?

Goings On...

Here are the activities that were planned/shared at last night's meeting (GREAT to see so many out! How lucky are we to really BE with our children, hey?):
every TUESDAY, 12:15pm - hike days, bring a lunch and swimming suits, (April 29 - meet at Red Gate for hike in Kal Park)
May 3, Sat, time to be announced - invitation to throw a pot at Daniel's studio, more info coming
May 9, 10 - Peter Pan extravaganza at VPAC
May 11, 2pm - James & the Giant Peach - sign language production at VPAC
May 21, Wed., 1pm - hike with Kelowna homeschoolers at Jack Seaton Park, Winfield
June 13 - Track and Field Day at Polson Park, practices in May (more info to follow)

Invitation: If anyone wants to plan an activity, please do so! There is no formality in our group -- so for people just joining us, brainstorm with your kids about what they'd like to do togethr and plan something!

Earth Day Hike

NEW PLAN: We're going to meet at Polson Park at 1:30pm and will walk from there picking up garbage. Bring gloves and garbage bags! Hope to see you there.

Hello again,

I am wondering if anyone would be interested in doing a hike on Earth Day - which is this coming Tuesday. Julie and I and our girls found a wonderful trail yesterday in Kal Park and I would love to do it again as a group. The balsam flowers are just about to break out and the forest floor is covered in little wildflowers. I'd like to go around 12:30 and leave from the red gate. Anyone interested? I'm going to bring a picnic - maybe we could make it potluck healthy snacks if there is enough of us.

Next Meeting and Park Day??

Hi everyone,
Just a reminder that our next parent support meeting will be at Bean To Cup at 7pm on the 24th (Thurs). Everyone welcome! Even people who are just wondering about the possibility of homeschooling!
Also, we'd briefly discussed setting up a weekly play-day but didn't come up with a definite time or place. Any suggestions?
Do Wednesdays 11-ish til 3-ish (come when it works, leave when you're through) at Lakeview Park work for anyone? Or while it's still cool would people rather meet for hikes at Kal Park?
Any thoughts?

Barber Of Barkerville Opera TOMORROW (THURS)

Barber of Barkerville
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR. $6.00 each
Viva Musica Society is excited to announce that we are opening our doors to the general public to come to see the Vancouver Opera Touring Ensemble’s school production of The Barber of Barkerville.
Vancouver Opera in the Schools presents an opera for children adapted from one of the world’s most popular operas. Rossini’s comic masterpiece, The Barber of Seville has been relocated to BC’s historic Barkerville during the exciting gold rush. Figaro, a crafty and mischievous barber, uses trickery and disguise to help Al, a love-struck young man, liberate the beautiful Rosie from the clutches of the dastardly innkeeper, Bart.
Especially adapted for younger audiences, but perfect for all ages, these fully staged and costumed operas last approximately 45 minutes.
The general public is invited to attend either of two showings.
Celebrate B.C.’s 150th anniversary.
Showtimes: 10 am and 12:30 pm
Date: April 17, 2008
Location: Kelowna Community Theatre

Tickets: $6:00 payable at the door.
Large groups can reserve tickets by calling 762-8967 or emailing vivamusica@telus. net

Children's Festival

Hi everyone,

I've just been looking at the Rotary Okanagan International Children's Festival website and am pretty excited. How did I not know that this was happening?! It looks really cool and I'm wondering if anyone would like to make a day trip of it with us. It runs from May 22-24th. and I'm thinking that I'd like to go on the Saturday and avoid the huge groups of school kids and go as a family. The family price to enter the grounds is $15 - pretty reasonable I think. I tried to see if we could get a group rate as homeschoolers, but the cut off date for group registration was April 2nd. They have tons of shows for free on the Open Stage and may have tickets available for the main stage performances available at the ticket office on the day we are there. Anyone interested ?

Let's Play Ball

Okay, so ball season is upon us again. If you are looking for a non-competitive, positive sporting experience for the ages 4 - 9 crowd, come and join me for some t-ball with Vernon Minor Fastball on Saturday mornings at 10am starting April 26 at Coldstream Park. I am organizing and coaching the Learn To Play program this year for Vernon Minor Fastball. The Learn To Play program is a program developed in Saskatchewan that focuses on skill development using games and fun activities. We play modified ball games that ensure that everyone has fun and no score is kept. Everyone bats and they get as many swings as it takes to hit the ball. We start using the tee and graduate to coaches pitching. No one will be getting out on bases until toward the end of the season and then it is approached as a complicated game of tag (that is all that ball is, afterall).

Fastball is a kind of softball (uses a larger ball vs the smaller ball of baseball). It has a fast underhand pitch that goes straight across the plate (vs the high, slow, arc of slow pitch)Fastball is an Olympic sport for girls and Vernon Minor Fastball is a girls organization. Boys once played as well all through the different levels. Now they only play at the lower levels. However the Learn to Play program prepares them just as well for baseball as for fastball. Our teams are a mix of boys and girls and emphasis is on fun and personal skill development. I rely heavily on support from parents to fun games and drills.

If you are interested, you need to fill out a registration which you can do on the first Saturday (but I need to know you are coming) April 26. Registration is $45. Please call me, Andrea, at 250-503-5416 or e-mail agordon-smith@shaw.ca if you have questions or you want to join us.

Dinner reminder

Ok - Sat. night, 6 pm New Dehli restaurant. Hope to see you all there!!

Next Parent Support Meeting

It's that time again! With the dinner this Saturday, I don't know how big this meeting will be but I am planning on going.

Just a reminder that our next parent support meeting is this Thursday, March 27 at 7pm downstairs at Bean to Cup.

dinner and Jill's baby

First of all - it's great to "see" you in here again Jill - and I don't even know what you named your baby!! Or any details at all, come to think of it!

It's looking like dinner for March 29 will work for many people, so let's do that. We haven't settled on a place yet so that needs some creative thinking.

Science Centre Play Time

If any of you are interested in joining Liv, Ivy, and I at the science centre this Friday morning at eleven we would be very happy to play with you. We went a couple of weeks ago and the girls had a blast. They have all sorts of building type toys, huge blocks, funny mirrors, and the dinosaur digging pit. I was going to post this and find a time that works for everyone, but I can't check the computer more than a couple of times a week so that's just not going to happen. If it doesn't work out for anyone this time I'll try again after spring break. Hope you all are well!

dinner - part 3

Ok, so march 15 is the night of Redfish's CD release party, up at Silverstar, starting around 8, which is why Andrea can't make dinner.

I would really like to attend this event too - I had it planned for a long time but.......well - let's just blame it all on Dean for not giving lots of warning (I guess it was touch and go as they weren't sure the CD would be ready in time).

Anyway, I am now wondering about dinner and night out on Silverstar instead, and if any of you would be able to bring your partners, because I would like to bring mine. Or - if it would be better for us to re-book dinner for the next night, Sunday the 16th - or what. We have started this conversation in the Okanagan conference in The SD Village as well - so far there are no firm decisions made.

The tickets for the Redfish gig are $15, available at the Bean Scene. I'll be in town on Sat. this week so would like to know if I should get tickets. So what do you all think??

repost of Okanagan Symphony information

Here is a repost for some of you that missed it. The deadline has passed but you can inquire if there are any seats left. The performance is on April 9th at 10:45 in Vernon.

From the Okanagan Symphony – For Immediate ReleaseDecember 2007Dear Teachers, Parents and Music Educators,After over a decade of success, the Okanagan Symphony Educational School Concert Series is still going strong. This April, the series will celebrate its 12th year running. This programme has educated and inspired young minds for many years and has allowed children a glimpse into the wonderful world of classical music. As this program grows more and more each year, we are anticipating a most successful year ahead.We are very excited to have Rosemary Thomson as our new director and conductor this season. Rosemary demonstrated her tremendous abilities at last year’s school concert series and dazzled all attending with her love of music and children. For the upcoming season, Rosemary has selected a new and exciting programme entitled "A Day in the Country". This programme features selections from Elgar’s Bavarian Dance, "Spring" from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Mahler’s Blumine, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, River/Water from the Moldau by Smetana and more! We are delighted to invite young and talented local musicians Colleen and Alisha Venables to perform in the Four Seasons this year.Over the years, we have seen a steady rate increase in venue bookings, musician fees, and transportation fees. Our ticket prices have remained the same through it all. This year, we are increasing the ticket price from $5.00 to $6.00. Supportive funding is available from the Cherniavsky "Mr. Music" Fund administered by BC’s ArtStarts in Schools. For more information, please contact the agency directly at: http://www.artstarts.com/funding/cherniavsky.html.The essential complementary study guide will be available for incorporation into your curriculum shortly. Those schools that are interested and those that have already indicated interest in attending should now complete the registration form with full payment to confirm attendance and to guarantee seating. Receipts will be available upon request.Thank you all for your interest and great reviews of last year’s concert, and we are looking forward to welcoming you back for the Okanagan Symphony school concert series of the 2007-08 season!Crystal DoughtyProgram CoordinatorOkanagan SymphonyTel: 250-868-2469, email: education.oso@shaw.ca

Next Meeting

Just a reminder that our next parent support meeting is this Thursday, February 28 at 7pm in the basement at Bean to Cup. I look forward to seeing everyone there. I have also had some calls (2) and am expecting some new comers so let's plan on 'checking in' and introducing ourselves and all that. Boy! It feels like it has been forever!

See you Thursday!

dinner - part 2

Ok, so Mar. 14 is not good for Karen or Annette - is Sat. night, Mar. 15, good for everyone then?

Lunar Eclipse Coming soon!!!!

This is from the Science Centre:
On the evening of Wednesday, February 20th, the full Moon slides through the Earth’s shadow to create a lunar eclipse that is visible all over North America. There won’t be another total lunar eclipse visible on this continent until 2010. The eclipse starts just as the Moon starts to rise in the eastern sky around 5:40pm. When the Moon enters the Earth’s shadow, it will appear to change colour, becoming orange/red at full eclipse. This should last about an hour giving you plenty of time to get a good look and maybe snap a few photographs.
For more detailed information, visit the NASA eclipse page at http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/LEmono/TLE2008Feb21/TLE2008Feb21.html

dinner?

So, what about meeting for dinner say mid-march, maybe at the New Dehli - on a Fri or Sat night?

After Annette posted her close call driving home from Silver Star I am filled with gratitude for my friends and a desire for us all to connect and celebrate the spring time.

Would Friday, Mar 14 work?

Problem

So Bean to Cup is booked for next Thursday from 7 - 9 pm. I am wondering what people would like to do. Either we could try a different place or we could do it the next week. I have tentatively booked it for the 14th. What do you all think? I myself wouldn't mind waiting until the next week as skiing will be over by then. But I could also make it somewhere else, if that is what most people want to do.

Future Meeting

Hello Everyone,

I am wondering how well Friday evenings really work for people? I know that for me, if the meetings continue to be on Fridays, I will rarely be able to come as Dean is usually out of town and Kaetlyn and Drew (my babysitters) are usually out on Friday night. But if Friday is what works best for most people, I certainly don't want us to change it just for me but perhaps someone else could take over booking the room.

So far the room is booked only for Jan 25 as they didn't have their new calendar up when I booked it. I thought before I booked any more times, I would double check that we are going to continue with Friday nights. After last night I wondered if maybe there are others who are in the same boat as me. So I will leave the room booking until everyone is heard from and we decide what we are going to do.

So continue with the last Friday of the month?

Change back to Wednesday or Thursday - could have it the first one of the month to make up for this missed meeting.

Or other suggestions?

Bird Count

There is a bird count that some of your children might want to participate in. There are even some prizes It will be from February 15-18. The link is below:
http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/

Meeting Time Friday Night

MEETING CANCELLED!!!
UPDATE: Looks like not enough people can come tonight, so we'll reschedule at a later time.
So last month it seemed that more people could join us if our meetings were held on the last Friday of each month. So! That means we get to see each other tomorrow night!
Friday, Jan 25, Bean To Cup, 7pm (I hope someone's reserved the room?)
Hope to see you there...
p.s.
what are the chances we might get a baby peek? naw. too soon.

Celebrating the coming of the baby

Maybe this will inspire the baby to make it's move! tee hee!

(Is Jill not RADIANT? That looks like Radiant to me!!)

pins and needles

Well, I am just thinking so much about Jill - hi Jill - and her absolutely amazing big day coming up - any day. I'm on pins and needles waiting to hear (and I'm sure Jill is anxious to get word from the baby too - hee hee).

Big Hugs Jill, Derek, Olivia and Ivy!!

I do have some nice pictures from Jill's shower but am not sure how best to post those. Maybe if you tell me you want them I could email them to you? Is this a closed blog? Is it safe to post them here? Someone let me know.

cheerio

Skating times?

Does anyone know if the homelearners have been given some skating times at the outdoor rink for January and February?

yoga

The next session of yoga starts Tuesday, January 8th, 10:45-11:45. The cost is $40 per participant (8 classes @ $5 per class). You can contact Terryn (terrynthachuk@yahoo.com) to register.