Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens might have been good for Maria von Trapp, but there’s a few things I like too... Fresh sheets, especially if they were line-dried Peanut butter on fresh bread Being in charge of the TV remote My husband’s blue eyes Cuddles on the couch from kids who are far [...]
Privacy is a word that has no meaning in a house full of boys. Perhaps it's just in a house full of Brandsma boys, I can't be sure, since my husband also grew up as one of six boys. But as the only female in my house it seems I have no right to expect [...]
There are moments in your teaching career—even in your parenting, for that matter—when you are suddenly caught off guard by….a REALLY inappropriate word! Even with a few years of teaching experience, it still surprises me what might pop out of these precious, innocent mouths on occasion. Being a grade one teacher, I know words like [...]
We celebrated my daughter’s birthday in style this week–with a flight in a helicopter! Thanks to the wonderful people who organized and ran the “Girls Fly Too” event at the Langley airport on March 8 and 9, as part of Women in Aviation Worldwide Week. As a Science and Math teacher, as well as a [...]
So, I’ve started taking a Zumba class. I believe I was tricked into it. “You like dancing!” Me: “Yes, but at weddings…in the dark…or on a cruise ship…where no one will see me again.” "Well, you’ll love Zumba! Zumba is like dancing. But it’s an exercise class.” Gah. Exercise. Don’t get me wrong. I think [...]
Being that this is my second year with a high schooler, a middle schooler and an elementary schooler, my assumption was that adding a Kindergartener would be a breeze. They only go to school twice a week, how hard can that be?! I mean, he doesn't have early morning band practices, no after school sports [...]
“I can’t imagine what it’s like getting 3 girls out the door on time every morning!” The sympathetic bus driver had just pulled off the road (ok, after I frantically blinked my lights and swerved a few times) and kindly shouted this out the window. We were late, again. What was it this time? “Oh, [...]
If you haven’t made a New Year’s Resolution yet (which I haven’t), or if you have already broken yours (which if I made one, I probably would have by now), or if you just want to try something new or intentional (which I do!), here is my suggestion for you: Family Game Night. I know [...]
You may already know this, but there is a lot riding on a birthday party. So, when someone says they’re having a party in the ACS gym, I am thrilled. And then, when they tell me it’s a toonie party, my heart almost skips a beat. Why? Well, let me invite you into a moment [...]
