10 Months

Big Steps:
- Standing up all by herself (for short amounts of time)
- Can give high fives
-Waving hello and goodbye

Likes:
-Ontario Early Years Centre Playgroups
-Swimming Lessons
-Peek a Boo

Dislikes:
-Bedtime

Funny Quotes:
- "No Peyton- We don't eat Holmes (our cat)"

Weekly Roundup

I've decided to share some of my weekly reads and videos that I find either interesting, funny or thought-provoking. So here it goes:

• This post about discussing our children's sins- what an interesting read and thought-how do you feel about this? 
• This video - seriously... love this series!  TOO FUNNY
• This:

• This video on gamification-- such a neat way to view teaching and how modern students learn

Big Changes

By far, this past year has been the toughest year on our marriage.  

It has been such a wonderful year, but definitely a year that both Wes and I have had our own struggles.  

We have had to deal with some things that honestly, I would have rather done without.  

But then again...

if these situations didn't arise, 

Wes and I wouldn't be able to deal with them and grow in our marriage as we have.  

We have had to learn how to be parents this year. 

We have had to learn how imperfect we both are.

We have had to learn how to use others for accountability. 

We have had to learn to trust God with our future- no matter what the circumstances.  

All in all, this year has been a huge year of growth, both individually and as a couple.  

God has been so good to teach us many lessons this past year, 

we have had to make many changes, 

but I am so thankful for each and every one of these changes. 

Psalm 37:5

Commit your way to the Lord;

trust in him, and he will act

Christmas Shopping

This Christmas will be Peyton's first Christmas.
I am so excited, but I am realizing how costly Christmas can get.

I realize that in many cases, Peyton will not even realize what she is opening
(in fact she is more likely to like the wrapping of the gift rather than the gift itself),
But I still want to make this Christmas special for her.

So how am I doing this on a student budget?

1. I have been a crocheting machine these last few months, I have made Peyton many various crochet hats, stuffed animals and a Christmas stocking.  I find these gifts are most likely the gifts that will be treasured in the future as well.  
2. Mom 2 Mom Sales- Often these sales can have many hidden gems.  Since summer, I have been going to various sales and slowly collecting small gifts such as building blocks, clothes, etc. 
3. Buy necessities- We have decided we are going to fill Peyton's stocking with items such as cloth diapers, wipes, food, etc.  These are items that you will have to buy anyway- why not add them to the stocking?
4. SAMKO WAREHOUSE- We checked out this toy warehouse the other day and found many brand new books for $1 each.  They also have discounted toys but I found myself gravitating towards their books.  Books are always great as they don't take up a lot of room in our tiny apartment and they are great for children to be introduced to literacy (being a teacher I love books)
5. Pictures- Though we haven't bought Peyton a lot of photos, in the past I have done my photo related gifts as they are often cheaper and more memorable. 
6. Gift Exchanges- This is a great way to have a good time with friends and/or family yet only have to buy one gift (that often is more thoughtful as more time can be given to think about one gift rather than a bunch of different gifts)

What ways do you save money during the Christmas season?

Making Our Own Traditions

I love this time of year, 

Christmas trees are going up, 

Music is playing, 

and families are starting to partake in their annual Christmas traditions.  

As Wes and I are putting together our first Christmas for Peyton, 

I find myself wondering what traditions I want to do with my family. 

Due to the fact we have not been able to settle down into our own house yet, these traditions may need to be minimized a bit until a house is more realistic for us. 

 But I most definitely plan to have our own little Christmas traditions in our little two-bedroom apartment.  

Traditions like putting up our Christmas tree mid-November, with the Christmas music playing loud and clear. 

Traditions like having a family snow day where we go for a walk and have fun in the beautiful snow all around us. 

Traditions like sending out family Christmas cards to close family and friends, so people are able to see what God has done in our lives the past year. 

Traditions like having a family Christmas movie day (Elf being a most definite part of this day). 

And traditions like visiting our family and friends (I have been so blessed to be able to get together with my high school support group each and every Christmas and cannot wait until we meet again this year and see what we have all been up to)

What traditions do you partake in each year?  

9 Months

Likes:

Songs

Silly faces/noises (when I get home from school I become a face-making dancing machine)

Crackers

Walks (We have been walking to church every week this month)

Cell Phone Toy

Swimming Lessons

Peek-a-Boo

Dislikes:

Long car rides (most of the time she has one good trip and one bad trip)

Getting diaper changed (so hard now that she is on the go!)

Big Moves This Month:

Sleeping through the night! (Hallelujah!)

Crawling like a Champ 

Went to her first High School Football Game with Mommy and Daddy

Talking lots of Baby Talk

Funny Quotes/Memories:

It is so funny to see her reaction to things- she most definitely knows what is going on around her now and her facial expressions are priceless!

Fall Colours

A few weeks ago, we went to a local apple orchard to get our family photos done. 

They were done by Liz Heikoop (a great photographer- awesome with kids!)

 

 

Here are some of the shots:) 

 

Peyton was all smiles until she realized that she could in fact bite into the apple and it was edible.
Then she carried her apple where ever we went

Next time this year she will be walking herself most likely!

She loves her Daddy cuddles

Such a curious little girl!

Basically what we do all day.  
Make sure Peyton isn't getting herself into anything.

I'm really learning the importance of working together in this whole parenting thing. 
I am so lucky I can do this with Wes.

Welcome Back!

I am back!

 

These past few weeks, I have been teaching at a local high school.  What a rewarding experience that was!  I was able to teach a Grade 10 Applied Math class.  I very much enjoyed the experience and definitely realize that I still have alot to learn before I graduate. 

 

Here are some of the important lessons I have learned:

 

• Be prepared-  always come extra prepared, you never know what will happen better safe than sorry
• Use your colleagues to bounce ideas off of- We are all in the same boat why not help each other with lesson plan ideas and such?
• Every student has their own story- get to know your students, be sympathetic to their situations but ensure that they are reaching their full potential
• Make yourself available to students- nothing is worse than a student needing help and their teacher not being there to help them- be available for those students who may need the extra tutoring time
• Leave your work at work- When you get home after work/school, it is family time.  Family is still above work no matter how busy you are at work
• Dress professionally- if you dress like a professional you will feel like one
• Parents send you their best child- no matter how you feel about a child, know that this student is still somebody's baby who is loved
• Make it fun!- Especially when teaching Math and French, it can get boring.  Don't let them say your class is boring-- keep students involved. 

 

So here we go, one month at school to learn, then back to put it all back into practice!

Hello, My name is Mrs. Marshall

Today I started my practicum at a local high school.

How strange it felt to be back in high school, but on the other side of things.
It's hard to believe that in only a year and a bit I will be done school (hopefully) and have my own classes.

I really do hope I can be a teacher that is understanding, caring and accommodating for all students.
Growing up, I liked school --- but I know in many cases this is not true (especially in the subjects I will be teaching which are Math and French).
I want to be a teacher that listens to the students and gets to know what they enjoy doing,
and what they aspire to be in the future.
I want them to be thankful to be given the chance to have an education.
I know that those years are tough, but I want them to know that there is always somebody who cares for them no matter what they think.

So here I go--- three more weeks in school until I'm back to studying myself.
Back to being Bre,
but for now
My name is Mrs. Marshall.

A Letter to My Daughter: What I Want to Teach You

Dear Beautiful Girl,

As time goes on, I am realizing that I have been given quite the task of teaching you things I believe are important for you to become independant.  There are just so many things, but so little time.

Obviously, I want you to grow up to be independant.  For now, that means teaching you things such as feeding yourself, walking, talking and soon potty-training.  But later on, these lessons will become more in depth as you take on various responsibilities and the consequences that may come with not living up to these responsibilities.  It will all be because I love you and want you to learn that I am always there for you, but there may be a day when I cannot be with you physically. 

But there are much more important lessons I want to instill in you throughout your life. 

I want you to learn to love God.  This is the most important relationship you will ever have in your life.  So often it is easy to put family or friends over this relationship (those these relationships are also important- they will never compare to the one you have with your heavenly Father).  Spend time with Him, don't be afraid to share Him with those around you.

Love Others.  Each person has a gift and a strength.  Learn these strengths and encourage others in a loving matter.  There will be some people that are easier to love than others, but it's for those hard to love people that you have to remember that they too have a need to be loved and are a child of God. 

Listen to Others.  All too often we get into our rush of the day.  Listen to what others have to say- sometimes all somebody needs is an open ear. 

It's Okay to Fail.  Failure does not define who you are.  Learn from your mistakes and move on.

Have Fun.  Life is not meant to be filled with worry and stress.  If you are feeling this way, take a breath and remember God provides and what really matters in life.

Work Hard.  Don't slack off at work.  It is important and shows you take yourself seriously.  Work hard and use the gifts God has given you in all that you do. 

Don't get your self-worth from others.  People will let you down, you will never be perfect.  Know you are beautiful no matter what other people say. 

Do not be easily angered.  This goes along with loving others, but don't let your emotions get a hold of you.  Compromise and Forgive. 


There are just so many more things I need to teach you, but these are some of the few I believe are essential for me to teach you.  I know I will be FAR from perfect in teaching you these things.  Please remember I am human.  I make mistakes but I will promise to try and fix my mistakes and model these behaviours to the best of my abilities. 


Love,
Mommy

8 months

Likes:

Yo Gabba Gabba (honestly stops crying whenever she hears it)

Food

Swing Sets

Holmes (our cat)

Being carried in our wraps

Swimming/Bath time

Singing

Tag (running to catch mommy/daddy)

Dislikes:

Bedtime (we are getting better at it but still needs LOTS of work)

Getting diaper changed

Big Steps this Month:

Crawling for LONG periods of time (so hard to do diaper changes now)

Standing up by herself in crib

Sitting down by herself in crib

Funny Moments:

We spent an entire afternoon teaching Peyton to sit down in crib as she would stand up and cry for hours otherwise

Peyton had my phone and I was trying to reach it which was just out of reach- she laughed a ton because she knew it was out of my reach

Our Week At Camp

So this is a bit late... in fact we went to camp at the beginning of August- for that I apologize.

We decided to go spend a week at camp before moving to Kingston, as it was a beautiful week for our family and what better way to serve God and get reconnected before things started to pick up again.

The theme of the week was "Game On!"- meaning it was all board game/video game etc based.  Such a neat idea for a theme!  

Wes ran riflry and I did the DVD for the week.  I loved doing this job as I got to go over all the footage I would take each day and put it together for the girls to have something to take home to show their families at the end of the week.  It really helped me see how much hard work was put into each of the DVDs I have sitting at home from my weeks as a camper.

For those who are unaware, camp has a special place in our hearts.  Wes and I met at camp, and Peyton is named after camp as well (Joy is her middle name).

Here are a few pictures from the week (not all taken by me):

Our little family of three by the beach 

The Famous Camp Sign

One day was dominos day so I made us all matching shirts...
unfortunately we didn't get a picture together until Peyton had
puked on hers and needed to change it 

Such a fun game!

By the Campfire 

Doing the lowropes course 

I'm THAT Mom

Before having a child of mine, I never understood why people talked about their children so often and took so many pictures.   I thought it was crazy and yes the children were cute but why take so many pictures.....

I now know why..... 

And I am going to admit it.....

I am THAT Mom.

I promised myself when Peyton was born I would try my best to document her life.    

Looking back at vacations I have been on or special moments in my life, I always wish I took more pictures.   I did not want to feel this way about Peyton's childhood.   I want her to have many memories to look back on.  To see how she grew up so fast, and ensure I did not miss one moment of it (Poor Holmes only has a handful of kitten photos).  

I'm proud of my daughter.  I talk about her a lot.   But it's because she takes up a lot of my time.  I am either at school or with Peyton and Wes for 99.9% of my time.   

So for those who have my constant flood of pictures take up their wall on Facebook, 

For those who sit and listen to me talk about Peyton's new steps and funny moments (though perhaps not as funny to you)--- I am sorry but I don't want to forget these times.  She is gong up too fast and I know a year from now she is going to be at a completely different stage in her life as she is now.  

Crochet Pumpkin Hat

As we get closer to Halloween, pumpkins are filling up the stores all around us.

I love the fall season, as things cool down and the air is as fresh as ever.  

  

I decided to create Peyton her own pumpkin hat to wear outside as the weather gets colder.  

I followed a fairly simple pattern, that can be found at Living the Craft Life.

Here was my result!

I altered the pattern a bit- I used a 5.0mm hook as well as only doing 25 chains to begin with but otherwise it was a very simple project for anybody looking for something easier to begin with!  

Enjoy- if you use this pattern I would love to see your creations!

A Letter to My Daughter: Follow Your Passion

Dear Beautiful Girl,

I want you to know what a talented and unique individual you are.  I am so glad that you have become such a big part of my life.  I look forward to coming home to you each and every day.

This past week, I have started to leave you for long days.  I realize I have to get up early and sometimes come home very late.  Though you most likely do not understand why I am doing this now, I hope that in the future you will see it was an important stage in my life I had to finish.  I am doing this to show you the importance of education and following your passion in life.  Since I was a little girl just like you, I have always wanted to make some sort of an impact on this world.  I want people to remember me fondly when everything is said and done.  I want to share the things I have learned with others.  This passion lead me to the teaching profession.  I realized I can make this difference by impacting the next generation one student at a time. 

Though leaving you is far from my favourite thing to do, I cannot wait until the day I am able to cross that graduation stage and you will see how hard I have worked to get to the point I am at.  I want you to be proud of me, and see that no matter what life throws your way, if you have a passion for something, anything is possible. 

Please find your passion.  Find that one thing that you love doing and do it; whether it includes getting a degree or not.  School is important, don't give up when things get tough.  I will always be here in the background cheering you on.   

Please do remember that there are more important things in life as well. Though I have to leave you each morning, I make sure I come home to you and Daddy and spend time with my family.  It is these times that I treasure and get me through my days at school.  Like I have told you many times before, let God lead your life and be the head of everything and things will fall into place (even in those times it feels like that is near impossible). 


I am always here for you, ready to help you in whichever ways I can. 
Find that passion and follow it. 

Love,
Mommy

 

7 Months

Lately life has been busy (hence the reason for lack of posts).  We have now moved into a new apartment, I am back to school, and Peyton is going on eight months but here is her big steps for her seventh month!

Likes:

Starting to eat many solids and getting much easier as there are now two bottom teeth ( and working on a top one as well!)

Still loving Yo Gabba Gabba that's our go to song when she's crying in the car, I must say I have gotten quite good at all the various voices

Raspberries on her belly and tickles on leg and armpits

Her VIOLET singing dog 

Dislikes:

Still not one for being put down.... We have worked on it lately as Wes is alone most of the day and its exhausting

Carrots... I know they are usually a vegetable of choice for children but she's to a huge fan

Big Steps This Month:

Crawling ow... Watch out she's getting faster and is most definitely on the move!