msleesd57 - Ms. Lee's Joy Journal

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May 11

Dear Students, there was a point last week when I had a very bad day. I felt stressed and unhappy AND it was raining. I bet many of you can think of a time when you have felt like that. My kids were restless and work was finished for the day. I wanted to curl up in a corner with a warm blanket, a bag of chocolate, and pretend the world did not exist. But I knew that I might feel a bit better if I did that, but then my children would go crazy, my stomach would hurt from too much chocolate, and the world will never go away. So, I gathered up my energy and said to my kids, "We're going to climb the cutbanks."

And off we went. If you have never been to the cutbanks, you should go. The cutbanks are steep, sandy slopes that fall from a high ridge down to the river. As you know from our last science unit, the cutbanks were created by erosion, and they are one of the most famous landmarks around Prince George.

When you reach the base of the cutbanks, you will think that there is no way you can climb them, but you can! There are two ways up: you can zigzag up on the trail (easier), or you can climb straight up using a rope (harder). Whichever way you use, the reward is the same at the top: amazing views of the city and the river, and a huge sense of accomplishment.

The reward my kids like the best, is the secret reward. There is a rope swing at the top and it is the highest swing in town. And students, there is nothing, nothing that erases a bad mood like swinging from the top of the world...except running down the cutbanks! You heard me, when you are finished playing, you get to run straight down the cutbanks to the bottom. And if you are still grumpy, you can go back up and try again; we did it three times that day, and I felt wonderful by the end of it.

So, the next time you are feeling restless and it's a grey and rainy day, convince your parents to take you to the cutbanks. You might discover a fun, new activity to do with your family. Try to bring old shoes because you will never get the sand out!

April 24

Dear Students, if there is one thing I absolutely LOVE, it is fresh, sticky, cinnamon buns. My mom used to make the best cinnamon buns and I would remember coming home from school and the aroma hitting me the second I opened the door. The mixture of caramel, cinnamon and fresh bread was the most amazing welcome home. They would be cooling on the counter, dozens of them, oozing caramel and studded with raisins. I would take my finger and run it under the cooling racks to collect the drippy bits and lick them before choosing the best (and biggest) looking bun for my snack. I called the buns "heavens" because I couldn't think of a better word to describe them.

This week I made cinnamon buns for my family and they did not disappoint. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to ask my mom for her recipe, but I think I have found a winning substitute. If you want to try making cinnamon buns at home, I recommend the Pecan Sticky Buns recipe from the brilliant baker at Smitten Kitchen. Do you have a favourite treat or recipe in your family?

April 17

Dear Students, this week I asked you to write me a letter that describes your favourite reading spot. I have enjoyed reading your letters, especially when I am able to create a picture of your reading spot in my head.

I have a few favourite spots in my house, but the one I like the most is on my couch. There is one side of the couch that I like best because I can see the sunshine streaming through the bay window on that side. When I read, I like to have everything set up before I start. Then I don't have to get up!

First I make a cup of tea and I put my mug on the little wooden table beside the couch. Sometimes I choose a snack to have with my tea. Usually I have a piece of chocolate because chocolate and tea go together like best friends. Then I cuddle up in my grey fleecy blanket and settle down with my book. Do you have a routine when you sit down to read a book?

April 9, 2020

My family likes to cross country ski. Over the last month we have skied nearly every day. Sometimes my kids don't want to ski. When they were really little, I would ski ahead of them and hold out jelly beans for them to ski up to and eat. We could ski a long time that way. They will still ski for jelly beans, but nowadays, it's almost as fun to tease your brother while skiing. Does your family like to do an activity together?

April 7, 2020

I try to look for things that bring me joy. Today I was walking across a field with my boys and we all fell through the snow and got soaking wet. We had no way of knowing how to avoid the slushy parts, so we tried to jump from snow pile to snow pile, but in the end we just kept walking and got very wet feet. What are you enjoying about spring?