The Earthworm

This old video (click on the link below) came up in a conversation with the kids the other day. Had completely forgotten about it. Our superstar, Eli (grade 2), is the TMNT shirt-wearing cutie (1:00)!!

Kanaka Creek Elementary The Earthworm with Lyrics

Happy 20th Birthday, Eli!

Happy 20^th Birthday, Eli! You are the kindest, loving, most thoughtful person I know. Doesn’t matter if you’ve known someone your whole life or you’ve just bumped into them on the street. Everyone is treated with the same amount of care and respect. As a youngster you taught me to give up on personal space because lots of hugs and cuddling was a must. You’ve taught me to give – no questions asked if someone is in need you help. You’ve taught me that saying ‘I Love You’ isn’t embarrassing and can be said at any age (yes, even a teenager) with no one around or one hundred people around. You’ve taught me that sometimes it takes a while to find one’s journey in life and that’s okay – with a plan (that parts me).  You’ve taught me lots of life lessons in your 20 years but bottom line is, I love you, I’m so proud of you, and I’m honoured to be your mom.  Happy Birthday!!   

Two Years and 16 Inches = Wigs for Kids BC

Two years ago Eli casually informed us that he had decided he'd like to grow his hair and donate it to cancer patients for wigs.  He'd even gone as far as to inform his employers at the time of his plans and asked if they'd have a problem with the fact that in a years time he'd be working with long hair.  Their response, "Not a problem! You'll just have to wear a hairnet like all other employees with long hair!" 

He figured he'd cut it around the time of his grade 12 graduation.  Well..... 2 years later and 2 1/2 weeks prior to his graduation he did just that!

Eli's before picture - May 21, 2019

Knowing that Wigs for Kids BC requires a minimum of 8 inches his hairdresser (Auntie Trish) wanted to know how long of a ponytail he was planning to donate. 

Shrugging his shoulders he said, "take it from the scalp."

I'm pretty sure we all gasped (Auntie Trish, Adrianna and me)!  He gave us the 'what?!' look. "Are you sure?" was our response.  

Probably a bit exasperated with us, "why wouldn't I give them as much as I can? AND I've been buzzed before AND I've been growing to donate" he replied.

"Yeah, but you were six then and in kindergarten, you're 18 and in grade 12 now!" I pointed out.

Eli and I in 2007 - when I started losing my hair we both shaved

He said, "SO?!"

Eli - 1/2 way mark 

The joys of technology allowed Les to experience the moment via text with moment by moment photos of what was happening.

Eli - after picture with his hair in hand and the 'stop taking pictures' look

Tuesday morning his hair was in the mail on it's way to BC Children's Hospital for  Wigs for Kids BC, a program that offers any child or teenager living in BC who has lost their hair due to cancer treatment or another serious illness the ability to receive a free wig.

Approximately 16" donated to Wigs for Kids BC

SO proud of Eli for wanting to help make a positive difference in someones life!!

  

We've Reached This Stage of Our Lives Again.....

Eli Haddad - Grade 12 Grad - 2018/2019 

As it Should Be.

Les and Eli have a concert tonight with the Maple Ridge Community Concert Band.  Unfortunately, I was unable to attend but received an email with the above picture and subject line: As it Should Be.  

How I love my tuba players!!

Happy Easter!

Eli as the Easter Bunny at Save On Foods

Halloween 2017

What happens when you work in an Elementary School on Halloween.....

Jen the Rain Cloud

We like to be different!!

The pumpkin carving was done by our Japanese Exchange, Mr. Minoru Akagi.....pretty impressive for a 1st time even with the upside down look.  The watermelon carving was completed by Eli.

GVYMA Presents: ELEMENTS Music of Magic & Humanity

GVYMA never disappoints!  An amazing show with such talented youth. Especially exciting for Adrianna and Eli to have so much family in the audience.  Grandma and Grandpa Haddad, Auntie Trish, Uncle Mike and his whole family and last but not least Les and I.  

THANK YOU for supporting them!

Skipping School........

This is what happens when you skip school to help dad out at work!!!

Eli's new look!

Oh, the Snow!!

 It just doesn't want to stop!!

Just for Eli and Les

Being blessed with two tuba players.  Yes, you read that right!  This cracks me up!

GVYMA Presents: Molto Tutti - Around The World In 80 Minutes

Last night we had the opportunity to attend the GVYMA concert where both Adrianna and Eli were among the performers.  Such a fantastic night of music!  Between the two ensembles (Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Concert Winds Ensemble) the ages ranged from 10 to 19 and what hard working, talented musicians they all are.  Their conductor, Nina Falcos, constantly emphasized how much of a family unit this group is and it truly showed tonight.  Looking forward to seeing these ensembles perform again in the spring!

Adrianna is a Symphonic Wind Ensemble member and is a Jr. Coach for the Concert Winds Ensemble so she actually performs in both groups.  Eli is a Concert Winds Ensemble member.

Famous MRSS Dessert Concert & Silent Auction

Hard to believe as a senior, Adrianna keeps hitting 'lasts' for each high school performance that takes place *sigh*.  How did 5 years go by so quickly?!  Last night was their Christmas performance and fundraiser held at The ACT.  A fun evening watching hard working and talented students along with a little Christmas shopping at the silent auction.

Adrianna performed with the Sr. Choir, Sr. Concert Band (tenor sax) and Sr. Jazz Band (bari sax).  Eli performed with the Sr. Choir and Sr. Concert Band (tuba).

Grade 10.....How'd That Happen?!

Our music season is officially 

in full swing. 

It's going to be a crazy but 

amazing year!!

All Work And Just A Little Play = Lots of Money

Grandma Haddad sent us the above picture today.  Eli's heading out the door for his first day at his summer job on the chicken farm in Salmon Arm.  

So proud of him for taking the step to work away from home for the summer (albeit he's living with grandparents) but at the same time I'm REALLY going to miss him, he always brightens my day!  I just have to keep reminding myself it's only for 9 weeks and that we'll see him in just over a week for Grandpa's birthday.

First Driving Lesson

While we were getting Adrianna settled into her summer job Eli was doing a first as well!

His first driving lesson ever on the tractor while cutting grandpa's grass in the back field (also a first). He's all prepared to do it again when it's time to pick his sister up in September!

On another note the farm that can be seen way in back - that's where Adrianna is working.

It's A Victory Cake Kinda Day!

Eli receiving his honour roll pin

Some how.  One day.  It was decided that a victory cake would be part of our celebrations when big events take place.  Personally I think every day should be a victory cake day but the kids came up with it and the rules so we'll leave it at that.  Today it was in honour of being on the honour roll for the school year!

Adrianna receiving her honour roll pin

The Book of Mormon 30 Day Reading Schedule

Tonight for Family Home Evening we discussed starting a new family scripture reading schedule. After much discussion we decided that as a family we'll start reading the Doctrine and Covenants.  Adrianna and Eli decided they'll continue to read the Book of Mormon for their personal scripture study.  

While I was looking for a reading schedule chart to help the kids out I came across a Book of Mormon 30 Day Reading Schedule and found myself pausing.  I've NEVER read the Book of Mormon in 30 days.  It's always taken months with lots of studying, pondering and I'll admit a few missed nights.

I then found a .pdf document titled All the Book of Mormon Page Titles   and found myself rather excited to find such a gem.  So between starting the schedule and the chance to record page titles while reading I'm pretty excited about my personal scripture study!  

Eli's Grade 7 Moving Up Ceremony

Congratulations Eli, you made it!!  Your elementary school years have been filled with fantastic teachers and incredible experiences, don't forget them but carry them with you throughout your life.

Eli receiving his certificate from his teacher Mr. P

Hard to believe elementary school has come to an end in our household.  Those were some fantastic years! Full swing into the next amazing chapter of our lives.....teenagers and high school!!