School is Out!

Okay, here I go again.  I had almost finished my post and then I hit the wrong thing on the keyboard and it disappeared.  I wasn't worried as I had recently pressed 'save' so I exited everything thinking that the saved version would reappear but alas, no.  

First vaccine!

Wow - it's July tomorrow!  I usually think the year flies by but I was surprised that both boys felt like the school year passed really quickly.  It was a different year to say the least.  All the kids did well.  Isaac finished grade five, Kohen grade one, and Lily-Anna completed her first year at school in Junior Kindergarten.  I think we're all happy to start summer vacation.

The boys each had a piano recital this month.  Kohen played live on Zoom and Isaac had to prerecord his pieces.  They both played well.  Lily-Anna is signed up to start in September.  I think she's going to enjoy getting in on the action.  Her teacher is hoping that the classes can be in person.  They are group classes with around six children plus one parent for each child so I guess it will depend on how many people are allowed to be inside together.  Both boys have had online lessons all year.  

Isaac attended his first youth meeting at church.  He is in Junior Youth.  He sat three seats away from anyone and wore his mask but he enjoyed taking part.  I'll be very happy for my kids when they are able to interact freely with other children.  

Graham and I celebrated 17 years of marriage without much fanfare but we enjoyed some yummy food.

Kohen, Lily-Anna and I went strawberry picking.  On our way home Kohen said we should go there every month.  I let him know how strawberry season works to which he replied we should go every week.  It was such fast picking!  Perhaps some of us will pick some tomorrow if there are still some in the fields.  

I decided to try my hand at making strawberry jam.  The process was actually enjoyable but sadly I overboiled the mixture which I only realized when I opened a jam jar.  I ended up redoing the entire process (putting the jam back in a pan and adding more water and boiling and then reprocessing it) but I think it's still too thick.  It was a learning process, albeit a disheartening one.  Graham and I aren't eating much bread or toast and only Lily-Anna eats jam sometimes so I had hoped to give some away but I won't give away messed up jam.  Graham suggested I find a cookie that uses jam so I may do that.  

My cousin is over from England and we were able to see her last week.  It's always great to see her.  She was my only cousin in Canada growing up.  

I discovered yesterday that I have neglected my kids:  I made Isaac his first BLT.  He said he had heard of them and wanted to try them.  He is now a big fan!  He even liked it with tomato.  Kohen didn't try the tomato but both the boys are bacon fans.  Lily-Anna is not.

Our school year-end tradition involves Graham walking the kids home (with a slushy detour at the store).  So, we drove to the school for the second year in a row and took some photos outside and then the kids chose their slushy flavours.  It was a hot day so only Kohen and Graham walked home and I drove the others in the van.

***

Lily-Anna: Mommy, you're the best mommy in the world.  And Daddy's the second-best daddy.

Me: Who's the best daddy?

Lily-Anna: God.  We are His kids.

Me: You're right.

***

On a Google Meet, the kids had to say what they wanted to do when they are grown.  Lily-Anna said she is going to be a teacher, dancer, hair dresser, and singer ... and a piano teacher.  

***

Kohen was doing something a little bothersome (I can't even remember what it was)

Lily-Anna to me: I think I know what he's trying to do.

Me: You do?

Lily-Anna: Yes.  Get your goat.

***

I was in the washroom drying my hair and Lily-Anna knocked on the door.

Me: Yes?

Lily-Anna: Remember the story about the boy with the two fish and lots of bread?

Me: Two fish and five loaves?

Lily-Anna: Yes.  I can only find four loaves!!!

***

Isaac lost a tooth the other day.  Kohen was asking me how much money I was going to give Isaac.  I said things like, "Why would I give Isaac money?"   A little while after Isaac went to bed he came out with a $10 bill that was under his pillow!  I told Isaac he would be giving that money back to Kohen.  Sweet boy.

***

It's time to say goodnight.  Photos will have to wait until tomorrow.

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Psalm 9:9-10

The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.  And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.