School year begins…
September 1, 2009 Lloyd attended his first day of Grade 10 at Manitouwadge High School (Public) and Emeraude & I officially began homeschooling (though we had begun working on things last year, it’s hard to avoid learning with a 3 year old lol).
Lloyd was looking forward to the initiation ritual of water balloon attacks on the Grade 9’s as he had friends and his cousin starting High School this year. I was dissapointed to here (Lloyd did not seem to impressed either) that some of the ballooners took it a step further this year, adding mustard to the balloons (which stains) which may mark the end of this fun tradition unfortunately (someone always has to ruin the fun when such a large group is involved). I was happy to hear however that my nephew had enjoyed the fun (as did Lloyd’s friends that I spoke too) recieving mostly water balloons and just a few bbq sauce balloons (not sure but I think this stains less than mustard). I know Lloyd enjoyed it just as much last year when he was on the receiving end.
Emeraude is still having sleep issues unfortunately though I hope ‘starting school’ will help minimize this.We went to the Ontario Early Years Centre (Best start hub) Tuesday morning (and today too) and were happy to learn that it is open 5 mornings a week this year (it used to be split some mornings, some afternoons but Emeraude naps in the afternoon so this new schedule will suit us better). Friday’s are baby’s beginnings, but Emeraude is at Nursery School on that day anyways.
Speaking of Nursery School, I was dissapointed to learn that Emeraude’s teacher has resigned, deciding to stay home with her own little one (understandibly). She was amazing and the new ladies certainly have big shoes to fill. I do not know very much about the lady that has taken over as supervisor but her helper is a great lady that has known Emeraude since she was a baby. She used to work as a bartender at the Manitouwadge Hotel when it was owned by Emeraude’s paternal grandfather whom I used to try and visit with Emeraude regularly to try and encourage them to be a part of her life (I went to great lengths to keep them involved in her life but they have now moved to Sault Ste. Marie so I am finally off the hook for keeping this going as they have chosen not to keep in touch with her); more recently she was an administrative assistant at the Manitouwadge Medical Clinic and then a waitress at a local restaurant. Her husband actually coached Lloyd’s bball team last year (though I won’t hold that against her, LOL). Anyhow, all that just to say I know a bit about her personality, and what I do know of her I like. She is an energetic, friendly, happy person who always seemed drawn to kids so teaching at the Nursery School seems like a perfect fit for her. I hope they will be able to keep the high standards set by Emeraude’s teacher last year.
We have yet to hit our homeschool workbooks that Grandmaman purchased but have started one of the crafts I purchased in Thunder Bay this weekend (Emeraude’s paternal grandmother sent some $ to pitch in on supplies which was a nice surprise, typically it’s just my family that helps so this was neat and allowed me to get some extras, a few craft kits and some seasonal stuff I might not have purchased otherwise). Right now we’re working on a felt frog door hanger; Emeraude loves sewing felt (with a plastic needle and yarn) as Grandmaman has brought home a few such kits from her travels.
I’m also really excited that I bought myself a 1/8″ punch from Micheal’s in Thunder Bay this weekend which means I’ll be able to make our own felt sewing projects now 🙂 . I actually made one for Linda (lady who does the drop-ins at the family place) after we had been discussing these this morning and wanted her to see first hand what I meant.
more later, I’ll add some photos as well as my plan for homeschooling this month when we return from blueberry picking. Lloyd of course is at volleyball practice.
