Our yard is finished. Well, as finished as it is going to get this year. In July, we had our patio done - stamped concrete was poured underneath the deck. It turned out really well. Terry then worked hard to build a retaining wall in the back corner of our yard and is quite proud of it. The purpose of this retaining wall was to give us a little more flat space for the kids to be able to run and enjoy without rolling down what would have been a bit of a slope. Then it was time to fill in the yard with more soil, then in went the underground sprinklers, and finally the sod was laid. The grass is looking beautiful - so lush and green! We still have yet to do one side of the house with plans including a shed. We also would like to finish the area behind our retaining wall, along the back fence, with some trees. And there is an area I set apart that needs to be built up with some stone for a flower bed. And we haven't yet had a fence built between the houses either. Now that I see this list, there is more to do than I thought. But we have to remember that in time it will all get done. For now, we are really happy with what has been accomplished.
We have enjoyed lots of playdates recently. Jaret enjoyed the zoo one day with his friend Carter, from pre-school. A couple of playdates with Caleb, another friend from pre-school. These playdates included the park, water fight in their clothing, and a trip to Joso's indoor playground. Playdates with Sophie at their place, our place, and Joso's as well. Many playdates with McKinley that always seemed to involve water, even when they shouldn't have. It is amazing how boys who are fully dressed can find the smallest bit of water and get soaking wet. One particular playdate we ended up changing them into their swim gear after their clothing was wet. While wet they decided to play in the sandbox. It was fun hosing them off afterwards, as they ran around the yard naked. It was pretty funny and understandable that they didn't want to stand under the freezing cold spray from the waterhose. Jaret has also made a new friend that lives two houses down from us. Her name is Kiera and she is just a week older than Jaret. The family also has an older boy (Ethan - 7) and Mariah who is babysitting age. We have already had her babysit a couple of times (including when we won tickets to see Michael Buble in concert!). It is great having a babysitter just live two doors down. Other than playdates, we have just been enjoying time around the house.
I have been preparing to get ready to return to teaching. I will be teaching half-time this year. My assignment includes teaching Grade 5 Language Arts and Social. I am looking forward to meeting my Grade 5's - I only have 16 students. I will be team teaching with a new teacher named Rebecca Bock. Aside from teaching, I will also be the AISI (Alberta Initiative for School Improvement) co-ordinator. My job will be to do the Aberta Education government reporting for our school's character development project that we have funding for. I will also be responsible for working alongside the teacher's to make our 3 year character project successful.
I have also begun a new venture with Stella & Dot. I am an Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot Jewelry. I am so excited about it! I received my starter kit along with the jewelry I ordered and am ready to begin having shows. Check out my website if you are interested in ordering. You can even complete a wish list to give to others. www.stelladot.com/jennlockhart
Terry is still busy with work but has some holidays so plans to take a few days off before I return to work. It will be nice for him to enjoy some time with the kids and he is even planning a little camping trip (overnight) with Jaret.
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