Stefani makes a move!

Stefani made a trip to the mountains. M. and I were back in Banff this past weekend. While M. climbed Mt. Sulphur (TWO climbs this weekend!) I did some shopping (tea + new mittens), people watched (Family Day Weekend makes for some VERY interesting people watching) and enjoyed a blueberry pancake breakfast, alone, on Mt. Rundle. Ok, I didn't really eat blueberry pancakes on Mt. Rundle. But I did eat blueberry pancakes in a fabulous restaurant with an absolutely STUNNING view of Mt. Rundle. This weekend we tried out a new hotel, The Juniper, which is located on the Norquay side of the Trans Canada Highway. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone planning to stay in Banff. It is surrounded by big trees (junipers?!), has clean and comfortable accommodations, has a great restaurant and is NOT in the hustle and bustle that is Family Day Weekend in Banff.

Stefani made lemon squares. Valentine's Day lemon squares. I hope everyone had a happy Valentine's Day!

***Stefani makes a complaint about Blogger. My photos are posting much smaller than usual AND I cannot for the life of me, position the text under my photos. I hope that this is just a temporary glitch.***

Stefani made a teaching day, I taught at 'the other school' yesterday. Grades 7, 8 and 9 social studies. The ancient Mayans and Parliament Hill. Grade 8 gym. Badminton. Grade 9 film. Basketball. F.Y.I. Grade 9 students in an 'optional' film course, who are free to shoot their music videos in any location in the school, will most likely be found in the gym, playing basketball and eating popcorn (THANK YOU microwaves) with NO cameras in sight.

Stefani makes a cat. A new cat. I finally got around to stuffing the new cat. I didn't realize until the new cat was stuffed that its left ear is larger than its right ear. I could have taken the stuffing out of the new cat and re-sewn its left ear, but I decided to leave it the way it is. I think it looks like the new cat is thinking about something.

Stefani made a trip to the mountains. M. and I were back in Canmore and Banff this past weekend. We hiked (he vertically, me horizontally), ate delicious food at our most favourite spots (Harvest AND the Waldhaus), made friends with elk, watched a dog sled race, played hockey, toasted marshmallows and went ice climbing. Just joking. We did NOT ice climb. But we did watch a demonstration. Maybe next time?!

Stefani makes a new cat. And new pants. With suspenders. (Don't tell M. but, after THREE whole days with grade threes I am THRILLED to be out of the classroom and back home with my sewing machine.)

Stefani makes teacher days. Teacher days = Early mornings. Drives through fog. Ian Tyson singing in the car. Still. Singing O Canada. Spelling. Morning recess supervision. Math. Subtraction. Consoling crying students. Not because of math. Just because. This week I have learned that boys in grade three are extremely emotional. Extremely. Emotional. Lunch time. First mine. A quiet lunch in an empty classroom while the kids 'recess.' Then they come back and eat their lunch while I supervise. Microwave line ups. Really. Students microwave their lunches in Alberta. Really. Then we spray and wipe down their desks. Really. Science. Today we conducted our second 'pitch' experiment of the week. Creating high and low pitches by filling beakers with different amounts of water and blowing into them or tapping them with a nail. Very exciting. Afternoon recess supervision. Breaking up soccer game quarrels. That's right, I showed those grade fives who is boss. Social studies. The grade threes are learning about Ukraine. This week we've read about 'going to church in Ukraine' and 'traditional fashion of Ukraine.' Did you know that traditionally, men wore baggy pants so that dancing was easier? Amazing. Writing notes on the Active Board for the grade threes. Finally...I think I have mastered the Active Board! Writing in our agendas. Dismissal!!! A long drive home with M. and Ian Tyson.

Stefani makes pants. Pants for a cat. Pants that are much too small. Back to the drawing board...

Stefani made a Saturday. Grilled cheese and sliced avocado for breakfast. Ian Tyson singing in the background. (I really think that M. could have made a wonderful disc jockey.) A sunny drive on the Cowboy Trail. More Ian Tyson. Of course. Bread and linzer torte shopping at a Bavarian bakery. Hair cutting. (M.) Fabric buying. Carrot cake eating at a coffee shop with a wood burning fireplace. A latte with a heart on its top. Exploring at a park. Hill climbing. Shopping for books. Pork burritos for lunch. Groceries. Home in time for dinner and catching up on Dragon's Den. I think Saturday's with M. are my most favourite days.

Stefani made a grey mobile. I feel like I have been neglecting the mobiles these past few weeks. I purchased some...ok, A LOT, of wool during our trip home over the Christmas holidays. I am looking forward to making with some new colours. Stay tuned...