Fall Rhythms

While I love the summer and never like saying goodbye to it, it also feels good to get back into the swing of things. The routine of school and piano lessons, youth group, and packing lunches is familiar and comfortable. 

First day of school letters from me

All of the kids were excited to return to school. Isaac has especially enjoyed starting middle school even though he leaves almost an hour earlier. He has mainly biked to school so far, though Graham drove him one day when it was raining. It takes about twenty minutes to walk. I enjoy spending a little one-on-one time with him at the end of the day before I pick up his siblings. His school has instruments and he found out this week that he is able to play the trumpet, which was his first choice. His Uncle Andrew is planning to show him a few things on his trumpet to get him started. I'm looking forward to hearing him practice. Actually, now that we have an acoustic piano, it is delightful to listen to Isaac play his pieces as he was the only one who usually practiced on the electric piano with headphones. 

Kohen and Lily-Anna are also enjoying school. Lily-Anna has been happy to learn French. The school had their first Meet the Teacher Night since before Covid so it was nice to be able to see the classrooms and the kids' desks. I'm only slightly sad and reminiscent when I pass the doors that Isaac usually came out. Lily-Anna is thrilled that she gets to see Kohen and other friends outside during recess as the classes were kept separate in previous years due to Covid. 

I should also mention that we had a great end to the summer holidays. The kids enjoy going to a hotel from time to time so we found one in Brantford with a pool and then went to a lovely beach in Burlington the next day. I've never thought about Burlington as a beach location but the sand was great. It took me a long time to get into the cold water with the two youngest but Isaac thoroughly enjoyed working on a sand castle and Kohen, Lily-Anna, and I took turns burying each other. We were taught last summer to take a big shovel to the beach to help make a sand castle.  We stopped at Canadian Tire before the beach and bought a sun tent which has greatly improved Graham's feelings toward beaches. We should have bought one years ago given that Graham should stay out of the sun. Kohen and Lily-Anna and I took turns burying each other in the sand. I could look far along the sand to a pier and also the apartment buildings in downtown Burlington where my aunt and uncle used to live. I wish I could have gone to see them for a cup of tea. (Uncle Peter passed away in January and my aunt moved overseas in June.) 

After a rest day, we went to Bingemans Splash Works for a water park adventure. I braved a few slides that Isaac wanted me to go on. This was a gift from our wonderful neighbour and we had a great time. 

Kohen and Lily-Anna started karate lessons at our local community centre. They are looking cute in their outfits. I was too late to sign up Lily-Anna for ballet or gymnastics but she said she'd like to do this with Kohen. It has changed our Saturday mornings a little as I used to make a nice breakfast but perhaps I can switch to a brunch after their lesson. 

Our two youngest missed a few days of school during the second week of school due to cold symptoms.  This was not a surprise.  It would be lovely if getting sick is out of their system now. 

I have switched my role in Sunday School on Sunday mornings. I enjoyed teaching in the JK/SK class for my last volunteer shift. I was on a team with my two local nieces. Now I will be helping out as a small group leader for Lily-Anna's age as per her request. I'm looking forward to getting to know the kids better. 

Isaac helping Kohen on the piano

We said goodbye to a beautiful woman of God earlier this summer after she passed away due to a fall. Last Saturday we were able to celebrate Miriam's life and the life of her husband Ron Radley who passed away last year. They were both in our small group a number of years ago and have always been a blessing. Miriam's prayers were so beautiful and powerful and comforting. 

Lily-Anna attended two birthdays this month and is going to a party for two girls tomorrow and had to decline another invitation for a party at the same time. She may turn out to be our social butterfly. 

I took two short training sessions this month so that I can be a Strong Start volunteer at K and LA's school in October, helping kids one-on-one with literacy skills through games. I am looking forward to it. 

I had my annual visit with my rheumatologist in Toronto this month.  I decided to go there on the Go Train.  It was a delightful day.  The train wasn't busy at all so I decided to get more comfortable by taking my shoes off.  It was a little disconcerting to see that I had put two different socks on.  (How did I not notice this when I tied up my laces?!)  I knew I could take off my socks before my doctor noticed but I pointed it out to the nurse who took my height and weight.  She said she does it all the time.  

I read a book on the train and at Starbucks.  I had to transfer to a bus on the way home but who doesn't like riding on a double decker bus?  I was slightly tempted to sit on the lower level of either the train or the bus but then remembered that my kids would want me to go up higher.  Public transit over longer distances can be very peaceful and relaxing and being in the big city is a little invigorating.  I usually go with Graham and we enjoy a date at a nice Thai restaurant so I missed him but enjoyed getting reacquainted with Father Tim and my old friends from Mitford (the Jan Karon series).  Let me also say that I am a fan of the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (coffee).  Yum!  

Lily-Anna and I showed up at my parents' home at 6:00 to watch Queen Elizabeth's funeral.  Kohen was quite sad to have missed that adventure but no one heard him say he wanted to be woken up when I asked.  I was certainly sad to hear she had passed away.  

Our washing machine stopped working and we thought we might need to replace it as it is over 18 years old.  We decided to call a repairman and it was just the lid switch which broke because I put blankets in the machine.  He told me to stop doing that.  I wonder if that's the reason it broke a number of years ago.  When that happened, the repairman said we'd want to keep our machine as long as possible as it was built well.  

The kids wore orange shirts today and they can each tell me the reason it is called Orange Shirt Day at school. I'm thankful the kids are learning about the horrible situations that so many children and their families endured due to residential schools and the ramifications that are ongoing today. I'm thankful that God can bring healing and we can pray, listen, and learn. 

We have a busy day tomorrow so I'd better get to bed. 

Blessings, Elizabeth 

Psalm 103:6 

The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.