A Day to Remember

So, I decided in the spring that I wanted to take on our school's Terry Fox Run.  I wanted to do something we'd never done before.  I wanted to share how special I think Terry Fox is with all my students.  I'm so fortunate to have an ex-teaching partner that still loves to plan with me.  We met more than once over the summer to brain storm, throw around ideas and finally we both decided on the route we'd take and headed our separate ways.
So I went with the theme Dare to Dream.  Without too many details, I dreamed of an event where people gave from their heart and truly took a chance to change lives.  Teachers offered out crazy dares and students/staff met their dare with financial support.
The morning of the run I was scurrying around with last minute details, counting coins, setting up.  The gym with filled students, staff, guest speaker, guest hair dresser.  Teachers did RIDICULOUS things... dances, costumes, kissing pig, make over, eating worms, tattoos, free lunch, vow of silence, pie in faces, men shaving legs and women shaving hair.  Our guest speaker spoke from the heart about Terry.  His words touched our kids hearts.  I could tell they heard him and this is always the biggest challenge with junior high students.  It was perfect.
So, now how my day panned out.  At 6:30 am that day we had raised an incredible $3500.  Amazing.  My dare was for $5000 I'd shave my hair.  There was no chance, in my mind, we'd do this in one day.  None.  I didn't even write myself into the script.  By 8:30am the gym was full of kids and my principal held a cheque up to me and said "Be careful of what you wish for".  In front of my eyes, students and staff donated enough money to not only hit  my target of $5000 but continue to raise a final total of $5600.  Indescribable.  Not that I really ever need a reason, but I couldn't help but cry.  My dream had come true, I never imagined that day to be all that it was.   I couldn't have.  Lots of tears of joy, FEAR for my upcoming hair do, overwhelmed, deeply touched and in awe.
The assembly was out of this world.  I work with the most good humoured and hilarious staff in the CBE.  I wish I could share it on my blog but there are students in the photos whose privacy I wish to protect.  The sun shined on the kids as they ran the course in record times.  It was a beautiful tribute to a personal hero of mine.  Not only was the day a success and fun, but the money will continue to help people with their fight against cancer.  Definitely one of my greatest accomplishments outside of scoring the world's best husband and giving birth to my little boy.  One more heartfelt thank you to the kids, staff and parents.  You made my dream come true.

Speechless and freshly bald.  A teary eyed thank you wave to a gym full of kids.

I've learned to love my hair already.  Not going to lie, I was nervous for my first trip to the grocery store. The beautiful thing is that I spend the majority of my day with the people that experienced this day with me.  They are supportive and wonderful and I love my job more than I have in a long time.  

The Blur of September

I woke up this morning realizing it was the second last day of September... how in the world did that happen!!??!?  Since my last post, I returned to work full time for the first time in 2.5 years.  My baby started 'school' aka daycare.  We've found him the most wonderful place to learn and grow with an amazing couple.  He is happy and stimulated and is adjusting well.  I've been caught up in the whirlwind of school start up, Terry Fox Run, coaching, playing volleyball... in all honesty I have no idea how I survived September!


Here are a few of our special moments from this month:

End of summer sand box fun!

Shaun's 10km run in Canmore... a little pre-race pep talk by the world's best coach!

Finishing STRONG!  Completed the race with an identical time and place as last year... little spooky!

My boys breathing the mountain air.

If you are asking yourself "Is Sam giving a random cat in Canmore a high five?" the answer is yes. :)

BEST PLACE for toddlers (and their parents).  Train ride at the Iron Horse Train park in Airdrie.  Not only are the Gorday's good company but they picked up the tab!  

Ready to ride!

Trampoline fun.  Nothing completes a back yard like a trampoline.  Many hours, jumps and laughs already.... love it!

Happy trampoline boy!

Don't you wish you could enjoy your supper this freely?  Oh to be two again!

Sam and I went to cheer on my Mom in a race she ran through the mountains.  She entered Sam in his own mini mountain race... he ran about 200m up and hill and back.  By him running, I really mean me carrying him.  Next year will be better.  My Mom however, had an inspirational run... incredible demonstration of strength!