The last day of "normal school"

Today was the last day of "normal school" for Kyler. His JK'er friends aren't going to be there tomorrow. See tomorrow, Kyler graduates from Kindergarten into Grade 1! Can you believe it? 2 years of school have gone by and my first baby is going to be in Grade 1. I can hardly wrap my head around that.

Today they did a practice of their graduation ceremony. As well as going outside for "recess" and saying goodbye to their friends.

We learned today that Kyler's best friend, Jeff, is moving. In a matter of a week (which happen to be the week Jeff was sick) they bought a house between here and the zoo and are moving. They move in the middle of August. They thought about keeping the kids here but decided the 4 minute walk would be better for them than a 10 minute drive every day. I'm so surprised. I'm excited for them. They have been living in the apartment building for about 7 years (since Jeff's parents moved to Canada) so it will be nice for them to have their own house. We are sad thought. I'm losing one of my best "mom friends" at school. And she has been such a help with the boys if I'm sick or late. Same with us watching Jeff during mornings that she is early.

Last week, because we know how crazy this week is, we delivered Kyler's gifts to his teachers.












Mrs F and both boys

Mrs F and Kyler


Mrs F, Kyler and Mr. Brown


Kyler and Mr Brown



Tomorrow I'll have lots of photos from grad!

How do you make money?

A week ago this past Tuesday while at gymnastics, Kyler saw another little boy get a toy from their vending machines. It was a spiky glove. Don't ask.... Anyway Kyler wanted one but I'm personally not spending $2.00 on a spiky glove! So I told him he could work for the money.

The whole ride home consisted of things that Kyler says he can "do" in order to earn the money. I got home and asked Arnold what he thought. His responce... wash the car.

And that's what he did:

















My baby earned his first $2.00 and got his toy he wanted... now to figure out how to find 3 more jobs that the kids can do as Kyler wants another one and Quinton wants 2!!

Strawberry Jam!

This year I made 3 crystal boxes and 1 normal box (with 2 liquid packets in there). It took 18.25 jars, 4 bags of sugar, 3 boxes of strawberries, 1 blender (thank you to our neighbours across the road), 2 boxes of new caps and screw on lids and 1 new jar holder!

First batch of berries:


Best way to follow is to have it right in front of your face:


Boiling the jars - after this one I had to switch pots, next year, small older pot for the jars and bigger pot for the berries:


BEST THING EVER!


First batch - with SO much foam:


Pretty berries:


The secret... put one of these in while heating the berries and it cuts down the foam to like 2% instead of 100% foam. It's WONDERFUL! thank you Aunt Sandra for that tip!


18.25 jars full:


So pretty:


Yummy!


I've already given away about 7 jars... We may have to make another batch!!

Wordless Wednesdays ~ Strawberry Picking

Picture Overload. Quick help... Springridge Farms, Overcast day, I picked while our friend Trisha watched the boys and took almost all of these photos.

Enjoy!















































The boys coming to me out in the fields:

















Quinton Eating a Strawberry:










Making himself swallow:


Lunch time:












One last play area:










Bathroom break then home: