Showing posts with label Celebrations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Celebrations. Show all posts
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
READING ~ 150 Books Read ~ Onward to 175!
Since it's summer, we have not been as regular with our reading ... we've been busy having fun at Daily Vacation Bible School, visiting Grandma and Grandpa and jumping on our "new to us" trampoline! But Isobel's tally of picture books read has now surpassed the 150 mark. There are so many good books out there. Every trip to the library is an exciting adventure because we never know what stories will unfold when we open the covers of the books we've borrowed. Laughter and tears ~ learning and fun, all wrapped up in the written word. We are looking forward to reading more as school begins again and we are back into something of a routine again.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011
MUSIC ~ "Let Thy Mantle Fall On Me" ~ By: Floyd W. Hawkins
During the week of July 18th through 22nd, Alisdair attend a Daily Vacation Bible School at the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, just outside of Neilburg. On the Friday evening, the children and teachers presented a program for parents and members of the community to attend.
Alisdair's group recited Psalm 100 and Psalm 23 (Verses 1 through 6) before singing a hymn I had never heard before. It was called "Let Thy Mantle Fall On Me." Both the words and music were written by Floyd W. Hawkins (it was copyrighted in 1962 by the Lillenas Publishing Company).
The words of this hymn should be the heart cry of each and every believer. It was very encouraging to hear the young folk seeking an outpouring of more of the Holy Spirit upon their lives. Perhaps you are also unfamiliar with this song. Here are the words:
LET THY MANTLE FALL ON ME
1) Elijah was God's prophet;
Elisha stood close by,
And ere the prophet left him,
He heard his servant cry:
CHORUS:
Let thy mantle fall on me!
Let thy mantle fall on me! (on me!)
A double portion of Thy spirit,
Lord, Let thy mantle fall on me!
2) Then Elijah made the promise
That, if faithful he would be,
His petition would be granted,
And God's glory he would see
3) As Elijah rose to heaven
In a chariot of fire,
He did not forget his servant,
Who expressed one strong desire.
4) In the Upper Room they waited --
"Twas the faithful Christian band -
And their pray'r was heard and answered
Over in the gloryland.
5) That pray'r of early Christians
Long ago and far away
Is the cry of all God's children;
And He's just the same today.
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
KINDERGARTEN ~ Isobel Graduates ~ Off to Grade One
The children made their own mortar board hats, which added to the atmosphere. One of the mothers (who is from Hawaii originally) gave each child a helium filled balloon and a candy lei, to mark the occasion.
The Kindergarten class began the program by leading all those who had gathered in the singing of "O Canada." Later, they sang two songs "Swimming" and "Beep! Choo! Zoom! Honk!" and presented a story/poem "Going on a Picnic."
| Singing |
I Can Print My Name
I Know My Alphabet
I Know My Shapes
Terry Fox Run
Track and Field
I Know My Birthday
I Know My Phone Number and
I Know My Colours.
| ... the mortar board hat fell off on the floor! |
| Mrs. Winsor and the Kindergarten graduates |
| Mrs. Winsor & Isobel Kindergarten Teacher 2010 - 2011 *** Taken on Report Card Day - June 30th |
Thursday, 23 June 2011
CELEBRATIONS ~ We are IN the News!
Since I have written local news for the North Battleford News-Optimist/Regional Optimist, for more than a decade, the "writer within" decided to submit my "First Person Account" of our trip to Calgary to see "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition" to the editor for publication. The article was basically the same as my blog post about this experience.
Yesterday, (Wednesday, June 22), this feature was published. Due to the postal strike, I have not yet seen a hard copy of the paper, however the story is also in their online edition.
The article is titled, "School Lesson Leads to Titanic Adventure". The webpage shows the family photo we had taken at the exhibition that I couldn't post here due to technological difficulties.
I'm looking forward to eventually obtaining a copy of the newspaper to add to Alisdair's binder!
Yesterday, (Wednesday, June 22), this feature was published. Due to the postal strike, I have not yet seen a hard copy of the paper, however the story is also in their online edition.
The article is titled, "School Lesson Leads to Titanic Adventure". The webpage shows the family photo we had taken at the exhibition that I couldn't post here due to technological difficulties.
I'm looking forward to eventually obtaining a copy of the newspaper to add to Alisdair's binder!
Friday, 3 June 2011
BALLET ~ Isobel's Dance Recital ~ "Friend In Me"
Over the last few months, Isobel was in the "Tutu Ballet" group (of four and five year olds) at the Cut Knife School of Dance. Throughout the fall and winter, we went to Cut Knife almost every Monday afternoon for practice.
The "Tutu Ballet" ensemble performed a selection called "You've Got a Friend In Me" from the movie Toy Story at the final recital, held on Sunday, May 1st, in the Cut Knife Elks Theatre. Isobel was a cute little alien! Grandma and Grandpa came to watch our little dancer on stage for her debut.
At the conclusion of the show, each dancer was given a carnation and a Certificate of Achievement. Isobel loved being in ballet and she hopes to continue with dance in the future. With all the driving, Mum's not so sure!
Friday, 27 May 2011
FAMILY LIFE ~ First Wiener Roast of 2011
Earlier this month, Alisdair and Isobel enjoyed their first wiener roast of the season in our backyard. I hasten to add, this was prior to the tragic fire in Slave Lake, Alberta. Since that took place, we haven't had a fire as it is just too dry.
The neighbouring R. M. of Manitou Lake has imposed a total fire ban and although we are in the R. M. of Hillsdale, we have similar conditions. I'm sure the ban will be lifted in a little while and the children will be able to have a few more outdoor meals. I think they enjoy cooking the hot dogs and marshmallows more than they enjoy eating them!
| Successfully roasted "dog"! |
The neighbouring R. M. of Manitou Lake has imposed a total fire ban and although we are in the R. M. of Hillsdale, we have similar conditions. I'm sure the ban will be lifted in a little while and the children will be able to have a few more outdoor meals. I think they enjoy cooking the hot dogs and marshmallows more than they enjoy eating them!
| Chef Alisdair with his "dog" |
| All dressed ... |
| . . . into the flames . . . |
| . . . almost charred enough to eat! |
Thursday, 26 May 2011
FAMILY LIFE ~ Meet "Little Jack!"
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| Jack Stark Ferguson |
It makes me feel "old" to think I am now a "Great Aunt" ~ as I've suddenly jumped a generation. But "Little Jack" makes the instant aging process worthwhile.
Welcome to our world, "Little Jack!" It was a pleasure getting to know you!
Saturday, 21 May 2011
READING ~ 125 Books and Counting ... 150 will be Just Around the Corner!
We didn't really set a specific numeric goal for our reading but we're just seeing how many titles we can enjoy together. We've just surpassed 125 titles (currently at 127) but there are more waiting, at the local library, for pick-up ... so I am sure the tally will be going higher very quickly!
Many of our recent books have been from "Tiger Tales" publications. They usually have a surprising "twist" at the conclusion of the story which makes bedtime reading fun!
Just a few more books and we'll hit the 150 title mark! If you don't regularly go to your local library, why don't you make a trip there to borrow some books for your summer reading? I'm sure you'd be glad you did!
Thursday, 19 May 2011
CELEBRATIONS ~ Kindergarten Class Hosts "Mother's Day Tea"
| Chit Rose and her daughter, Dianne (One of Isobel's classmates) |
Most of the mothers attended for the short program and refreshments. The children sang several songs and then the teacher read a little book the students had put together. Each child had drawn a page and the teacher had written on it why they loved their Mother. Isobel said she loved me because we "cuddled in church and I gave her snacks!" After the entertainment, the children served puffed wheat cake and rice krispie squares to their Mums, accompanied by tea or juice. After we'd eaten, the children played while the Mothers visited.
Before long, the tea was over and it was back to regular classes for the Kindergarten students ... definitely "a special moment to remember!"
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
CELEBRATIONS ~ Late Night Fireworks Fun!
The show lasted for approximately 15 minutes and, I am told, cost about $600. Isobel was enjoying herself so much, she jumped up and down exclaiming, "I can't believe Johnny is missing this!" (Her stepdad had chosen to go to sleep instead of watching the display and she felt he had made the wrong decision!)
After the fun was over, we headed home and the children went to bed, with visions of fireworks dancing in their heads!
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
CURRENT EVENTS ~ The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton ~ Friday, April 29, 2011
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| The balcony kiss |
"Union Jacks were flying everywhere across the screen. Before the Royal Wedding began, CBC did a short segment on the history of Westminster Abbey. Prince William and Catherine Middleton are the 16th Royal couple to be wed at the Abbey. Kate's dress, in my opinion, was very lacy and the design was brilliant. All the ladies, in attendance, wore hats or fascinators. Some of the hats were kind of crazy and I am glad I didn't have to wear them! There were 5,000 security officers on duty and approximately one million people were predicted to line the streets of London for the occasion. My Mother fell asleep before the balcony scene. I had to poke her, to get her awake, in time for the little peck that was going to happen! ... (That's the second time I've had to wake her up for an important event. See our blog post, "The Peace of Christ Be With You," dated December 28, 2010). A lot of people were happy the wedding was made an official Bank Holiday in the United Kingdom, so they got extra time off work!"
"I had the day off work, too! I was so tired, after staying up all night watching TV, that my stepdad said I should go have a nap. While I was sleeping, Mum and Isobel did my newspaper route. I also got the day off from regular school work, because I had been learning about history all night! I hope that the Royal Couple are very happy and will have some good times together."
Monday, 2 May 2011
SAFETY FIRST ~ 97% ~ Saskatchewan Safety Council Baby Sitter Training Course
| Alisdair's Manual |
| The front page of the test booklet |
Monday, 25 April 2011
VIDEOS ~ Could This Be the Royal Wedding Entrance Dance???
Alisdair and I enjoyed this video from T-Mobile. Some of the Royal impersonators are so lifelike that you can almost mistake them for the real thing! We hope to get up in the middle of the night to watch the Royal Wedding . . . of course there will be reruns, throughout the day, but it's always fun to see the action as it takes place.
Thursday, 21 April 2011
SPEECH ARTS ~ Alisdair is "In The News..."
We discovered that the Wednesday, April 20th edition of the Battleford Daily News/Power Flyers has a complete listing of the award winners at the Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival. Alisdair's name is among them.
It was surprising, and exciting, to find his name online for his recent achievement at the Festival. It will be interesting to see if the local newspaper also publishes the list. If so, we will post a link to the article.
It was surprising, and exciting, to find his name online for his recent achievement at the Festival. It will be interesting to see if the local newspaper also publishes the list. If so, we will post a link to the article.
REFLECTIONS ~ Easter "Random Acts of Kindness" Encouraging
We're just back from delivering today's edition of the Saskatoon Star Phoenix to Alisdair's subscribers. There were more papers, than on an ordinary Thursday, as today is considered "Friday" for distribution purposes (since there is no newspaper tomorrow due to Good Friday). Several subscribers choose to receive the paper on the weekends only and so there are always more deliveries on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays (as this is the edition that contains the TV Guide).
We were partway through the route and Alisdair and I were both tired and hurrying to get the job "over with." And then we stopped at Lois' house. She is in her eighties and is blind in one eye. When she heard Alisdair opening her door to throw the paper in her porch, she yelled, "Hey Paper Boy!" He stopped. When she came to the door, Lois handed him a baggie with an Easter egg and some chocolate bunnies in it. Alisdair rushed back to the car.
"Look, Mum! The Easter fairy came to this house!" he said as he showed me his sweet loot. We decided to share the chocolate bunnies and to save the egg for later.
Farther along the route, Alisdair arrived at another mailbox. This one had four "O Henry" Easter eggs inside. Another treat for the diligent paper boy.
Until taking on the responsibility for this paper route, I never would have thought about remembering a delivery person in such a manner. But it is so kind and thoughtful and makes such a difference, especially when the worker is a child.
So, thank you to all those who express appreciation through little "Random Acts of Kindness." They are much appreciated!
Happy Easter, everyone!
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
SPEECH ARTS ~ $100.00 Scholarship Presented at Gala Awards Concert
| Delighted Winner! |
It's obvious Alisdair is delighted in the above photograph. He's learned that "hard work pays off" ~ and some times not quite the way you think!
| Scholarship Certificate |
Friday evening, Alisdair received a Scholarship Certificate at the Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival's "Gala Awards Concert" for 2011. The Certificate says the award was for the "Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival Junior Speech Arts Test Piece." A cheque for $100.00 accompanied the certificate.
| The "hard, cold cash!" |
Being new at the Music Festival scene, we weren't sure what a "Test Piece" actually was. Apparently they are classes where the participants are given a specific poem or passage to perform. The award, then, was for "Sacred Reading" (Matthew 25:31-40). He received a mark of 89% for that particular entry.
Sunday, 17 April 2011
REFLECTIONS ~ Holy Week 2011 ~ "Jesus Built A Bridge"
This beautiful Easter lily was on the desk at the North Battleford Swimming Pool on Friday afternoon when Alisdair was taking his weekly lesson. I couldn't resist snapping a photograph to capture its blooms.
May God bless you as we move through "Holy Week" in the lead up to Easter Sunday. The "Ladies Choir" I have been singing with recently will be part of a joint Good Friday service in our community with the United Church and the Evangelical Free denomination. We will also be singing at the Easter service at Manitou Evangelical Free Church. The songs include: "Love Is Why," "So Willing to Die For Me," "Thirty Pieces of Silver," "I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary" and "Jesus Built a Bridge."
The last song says it all:
"Jesus built a bridge to heaven,
so that I could find a way up to Him,
Jesus built a bridge, the only way He could,
with only three nails and two pieces of wood,
With one rugged cross,
Jesus built a bridge."
Jesus built a bridge."
Have a blessed Easter!
Sunday, 10 April 2011
FIELD TRIPS ~ Exciting Plans for Spring!
Several field trips are "in the works." One is a trip to the CKSA/Newcap News television and radio station. One of the homeschool Dads has his own business and needs a "crowd" to film a commercial for his enterprise. So he is thinking that some of the homeschooled children could be "stars" in his advertising campaign. Another day we will be tourning "behind the scenes" at the Lloydminster Airport. A third event will be a demonstration by an RCMP Police Dog. The dates of all these events are yet to be confirmed.
In addition, a "Farm Safety Session" has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 8 at Lloydminster Gospel Fellowship Church. There will be a presentation for those in Kindergarten to Grade 3 from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., and another for those in Grades 4 to 6 from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m.
Finally, there is going to be a BBQ "June Wrap-up" at Sandy Beach Regional Park on Sunday, June 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. Each family is to bring their own meat and a potluck dish to share. (There is a small fee to enter the park.)
Now that the snow is finally melting, and we are beginning to see patches of grass, it is shaping up to be a great Spring!
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
SPEECH ARTS ~ Alisdair Wins A Scholarship!
I was out at choir practice tonight. While I was gone, Alisdair got an exciting phone call. Cathy Richardson, one of the ladies on the "Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival" board telephoned with some very good news! He won some kind of scholarship for his Speech Arts performances!
When I got home, I called back for more details. Mrs. Richardson didn't have the list in front of her, so she wasn't sure exactly what the prize was, (or what it was for), but she said Alisdair would have his name on a plaque and would be receiving a cheque.
In order to receive his prize, we need to attend the Gala Concert at 7 PM on Friday, April 15th at Third Avenue United Church in North Battleford. There is a $5 charge for everyone who attends (except all prize winners get in free). After the gala concert (where selected people perform their pieces once again) Alisdair will be called to the stage to accept his prize.
He doesn't have to perform any of his pieces, but it's so encouraging to be singled out for recognition. At this rate, I'm sure he'll be willing to participate again next year!
Blessings abound ... and surprises continue to pop out from behind the corner every now and again... Not too shabby for a first time performer. Good job, Alisdair!!
Friday, 1 April 2011
READING ~ We've Hit Our Goal of 100 Books ~ Next Goal? 125!
Excitement is in the air! We've now read 102 books ~ meeting our previous goal of 100 titles on our Lakeland Library Reading list! I wonder how long it will take us to add another 25 books to our tally? We've read about Tinkerbelle, Barbie, Dora the Explorer, Postman Pat, llamas and ladybugs! One girl, named Katie, has visited museums and art galleries while our new friend, Katie Morag, has danced across the pages of our bedtime story books. And we've also learned more about the lives of some interesting historical figures.
The first book we listed was "The Sparrow, the Crow and the Pearl" by Rosalind Kerven, while the 100th title was "Listen Up! Alexander Graham Bell's Talking Machine" by Monica Kulling. Who knows how many more books we'll read?
When we fill one page of our reading log, we just print out another! (We're currently on Page 6). Tuesdays are fast becoming our favourite day of the week... as it's the day our local library receives inter-library loan materials!
The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.
- Dr. Seuss
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