Adventures in Calgary

Molly started Grade One this week. Jake started one of his preschools today. Molly was quite nervous leading up to the day...barely sleeping most nights. But when the day came, she had a great day. Her teacher is Madame Robyn. Ella, Mason, Sage and Chloe are in her class so it's not all new kids. She's been able to see her other friends at lunches and recess. Evyn is her bus buddy. So all is good in Grade One. Jake's first day started off amazing. He was so excited to go to school like Molly. He was excited to wear indoor shoes and use his Thomas the Train cup and plate. We got there early so we could show him around the classroom and introduce him to the teacher...still all good. He gave both Noel and I hugs and kisses goodbye and ran off to the sand table without a backward glance. Noel went to work. I went upstairs to do some paperwork. Then I hear it. The screaming cry I know so well. I have no idea why he got upset. He tells me it's because he was missing me. Who knows. His teacher (Mrs. Martin) said he screamed and cried for a bit and then passed out on the couch and slept the entire class. Hopefully next week will go better for him.

Some days I feel like a total parenting failure. Today was one of those days. Transitioning both Jake and Molly into new school situations is definitely taking it's toll on me. Today was Jake's first day at the Tuscany Preschool. I stayed with him the entire class. I attempted leaving about every 10 minutes...he would have none of it. I was tired myself and couldn't handle his tears. My good friend likes to remind me that I am the parent and I need to be more firm with him. I can't seem to do it. I don't know if it's guilt over not having listened to Molly when she was young and unhappy with her dayhome and seeing the effect that has had on her to this day. All I know is that I have to find a way to be stronger for both of us.

This is the final cut of the commercial that Karo created for the ENMAX Corral Show "Tails" that is part of the 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede.

Updating this blog nearly killed me. I hope to be better about keeping it up in the future so I can avoid another night like tonight...it wasn't all bad. It's always nice to reflect and share.

This year Molly wanted to do advanced Gymnastics so much. I didn't have a clue what that meant or how to get her in. Finally, she got a chance to try out for the Tumble Stars and she made it. But sadly the only spot available was for when she was in school. But she never gave up. She kept asking about it and getting me to email the coach. And when a spot opened up in the morning slot 10 weeks ago it was hers. She has come so far in the last 10 weeks. She is stronger, more confident and more determined than ever. On her final class she even climbed to the top of a very high (I say 20 ft, Noel says 30 ft) rope all on her own. From here she needs to try out for the next level of classes in the Tramp and Tumbling program called FAST. Again, there aren't many spots available. Fingers crossed that one goes to her.

Location: Heritage Park
Agency: Karo Group
Client: ENMAX Energy
Director: Thi Vo
Talent: Molly Rose Corkey Flatters
June 20, 2012
Arrived at 6:30 pm. Wrapped at 11:10 pm.

I took the kids to Callaway Park for the morning on Father's Day so that Noel could have the house to himself for cooking up some famous smoked ribs and chicken for a big family dinner. Jake didn't remember the park at all. He was a bit to scared to ride at first but loved most rides. He HATED the airplanes. He's still talking about how scared that ride made him.

This year Molly got to perform two numbers. "Mickey" for jazz and she was a water nymph for ballet. I volunteered backstage. Super stressful!!!! I didn't get to see either routine really. I'll have to wait and see the DVD I guess. Supposedly Molly elbowed a fellow dancer quite obviously when she forgot a cue - nice!

A great day seeing the penguins, checking out the butterflies and learning about bears at the zoo. Molly is playing the role of the Black Bear - the smallest of the North American bears and also the best climber.

Words cannot describe how amazing this weekend was. Thank you Elaine and Nancy for reminding me that I do indeed still know how to have fun. Can't wait until our next trip...hopefully with Mark and Viv as well.