"The Tightrope Walker"

"The Tightrope Walker" by Jean-Louis Forain

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

The Questions!

Mum, why we goin' this store? To shop. Oh...Mum, what that car doin'? Going home. Oh...What the people doin' in that car? Going home. Oh...Mum, why that man sweep the floor? To make it clean. Oh...Mum, I walk? No. Mum, I ride cart? Yes, please. Okay. Mum, what we buy? A present for Daddy. Oh...We go get Sophie? Not yet, soon. Okay. Mum..... (I put in punctuation, but these conversations usually feel like one long run-on sentence.)

Every question starts with "Mum..." and ends with another question. I love this age, but the questions! The questions just never end. An inquisitive mind is a blessing and a curse!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Come Back Queen!

It has been forever since I've had time to write, or felt like I had the energy for that matter. This fall has been so busy and really amazing too. For the first time in a long time I feel a great sense of pride and satisfaction from my career. I'm working part-time at one school instead of supply teaching all over the city and I love it. I love feeling connected to the kids. I love watching them grow, change and learn what I am teaching them. Their little brains have so much power and so much curiosity! It truly is inspiring to watch small children have 'ah-ha' moments.

At home things are changing too. Molly is really becoming her own person. Her personality is starting to shine through - she is playful, sweet and cuddly but tempermental and strong-willed. Molly is working hard a potty-training. We are making progress, but not without our fair share of accidents. It is so frustrating to know that we are so close to being done with diapers and yet so far.

Things are changing for Sophie too. First grade has been a good experience for her. She is making friends, becoming very independent and shows more and more care for others every day. She is an amazing big sister and has a big heart. She is also having more than her fair share of challenges. Reading, spelling, and phonics are all a problem for Sophie. The school has decided to do some assessments with Sophie to figure out what her strengths and weaknesses are. They are hoping to set her up with some strategies to overcome some of her struggles. I have very mixed emotions about this new development, but that is for another day.

So many things are falling to place. I feel good about the future and I truly believe we, my family, are in a great spot to start of the new year on the right foot! So good to be back. Can't wait to write again soon!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Kids Say and Do the Darnedest Things.

Time for some Molly-isms:

"Tick or Treat!" I think I'll take the treat since I'm not sure what you mean by 'tick'!

"I like you Mommy!" Thanks.

"I need a dinky! Dinky of juice, please." Why do kids insist on skipping 'r' and adding 'y' to the end of everything?!?!?

'Tinkle, tinkle little tar." Enough said. :-)

"What's your name?" "I a girl." "Yes, but what is your name?" "Girl." Okay.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Tooth Fairy, Part 2.

The Tooth Fairy took the the tooth and left a toonie (a $2 Canadian coin), instead of the oh so desired My Little Pony.

To this Sophie said, "Is this enough money to buy something?"

The response, "Nope, but by the time all your teeth fall out you will have enough to buy something."

Sophie, "How long will that take?"

Postscript: The classmate who received the My Little Pony 'earned' said gift after having her first baby tooth surgically removed. How do you explain that one to a not-quite six-year-old! :-)

Monday, October 17, 2011

The Trials and Tribulations of the Tooth Fairy.

Little did I know when I set out on this crazy adventure of motherhood that my first encounter with the Tooth Fairy would be like watching a trashy afternoon soap opera.

Opening Scene:
"Mommy! My tooth is loose!"
"No way! Let me see..."
Scan tooth. Close-up of wiggle.
"Well, let's hope it doesn't fall out before tomorrow."
"Why?"
"It is picture day at school!"
Tune ominous music.

Next day:
An uneventful day plays out at school. Photos are taken and tooth is still intact.
"Lovely smile!" says the photographer.
Another close-up of smile and then tooth.

Scene change:
Arriving home from school. Regular after-school, pre-dinner activities ensue.
"Mommmmeeeeee!"
"What? Are you hurt?"
"My tooth fell out! My toooottthhhh felllll ooouuuuuttttt!"
"Let's see. Yup your tooth fell out. Where is it?"
"Here."
Scan to tooth stuck to sweaty five-year-old hand.
"That's exciting. Now the tooth fairy will come!"
"Yep, and she isn't going to bring me money."
"Sure, she will."
"No. Annie got a 'My Little Pony' from the Tooth Fairy."
"She did?!?!?" Pan to Mommy's face, revealing surprise, worry and a load of WHAT???? Since when does the Tooth Fairy leave anything more than $2.

Cut to next scene:
"I can't eat dinner."
"Why not?"
"I have no tooth."
"We are having soup and sandwiches. I think you will be able to eat dinner."
"I guess. I'll just eat on one side."
"Good idea. Want to call Grandma or Nana and tell them?"
"No," and lots of tears. Next 10 minutes are spent crying over lost tooth.

Final scene, hours after bedtime:
Loud sobbing can be heard from upstairs.
"What's wrong?"
"I don't want my tooth to go."
"What?"
"I don't want the Tooth Fairy to take my tooth."

Big sigh.....

Thanks For The Compliment!


Thanks to Amber at The Confessions of A Doer Mom for honouring me with 'The Versatile Blogger' award. It is always nice to receive some positive recognition. Be sure to visit Amber at her blog.

The honour of this award requires me to share seven things about me:
1) I've lived in one city and only three houses my whole life.
2) I love alone time. Completely alone.
3) I love being a part-time teacher and part-time at home mom.
4) My favourite number is three and that makes it hard to only have two babies.
5) I want to travel...but not until my children are grown.
6) I am addicted to chai lattes, from Starbucks of course.
7) I wish I could blog, go to the gym and read a book at the same time.

And now, four blogs I'd love for you to read:

1) Hoo Goes Where...photos charm me every time.
2) Moms Madhouse Advice Blog...never do I not smile and laugh.
3) Not So Silent Mommy...I relate.
4) The Real Housewife of Oxford County....funny, honest and always a great read.

Hope you enjoy the reads!





Saturday, October 8, 2011

Thankful.

This has been a wild week. Sophie has been sick and ended up in the hospital for two days (but that is for another day). Now it is Saturday and Monday is Thanksgiving. It only seems fitting to take a few minutes to express some gratitude.

Right now I'm grateful for:

The sunny day and sunny days to come.

The golden light of fall.

Fiery colours of fall leaves.

Little girl smiles.

My husband.

My parents.

My babysitter.

Chocolate and fresh apples, but not together.

Butterfly and bunny kisses.

My job, I'm loving it.

Warm days, cool nights.

Blue jeans, t-shirts and sweaters.

Nurses. Medicine.

Good health.

Seven years.

Lots to be grateful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Kids Say and Do the Darnedest Things.

An extended edition of "Kids Say and Do the Darnedest Things".

Miss. Molly is in a roll this week with all these little gems:

"I not a lady, I a gurl!"

Me, "Can you place nicely?" Molly, "Me no place nice."

"I not a baby, I a little kid."

"This my Sophie, this my Mama, this me," when meeting friends in the school yard.

To the pizza man, "Thank you for pissa. I wear 'rina jammies." (Translation: "Thank you for the pizza. I'm wearing ballerina pajamas."

To the lady in the drugstore as we bought a package of pull-ups, "These my underwear."

And on and on it goes. Learning to talk is a wonderful thing!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Friday Five - Its been a while!

Lets stop bullying together, now!




Please visit Sippy Cup Chronicles for a great blogging anti-bullying campaign.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

ABCs of Me


A - Adventurous, I am not!

B - Books, I can't live without them.

C - Can't ride a bicycle, its true.

D - Daughters, two of them.

E - Exercise.  I battle everyday to be active and to enjoy exercising, its getting easier but not easy yet.

F - Fall leaves, golden sunlight, cool nights, and cozy sweaters all make for my favourite time of year.

G - Girlfriends.  I couldn't get through the good, the bad and the ugly without them.

H - Hobby suggestions?  I need a new one.

I - Ice cream!  If the world didn't have ice cream I would be at least two sizes smaller.

J - JD is my high school sweetheart, best friend of 13 years and husband of 7.  Love you!

J, again - June, Molly's birth.

K - Kids.  All day.  School kids.  My kids.  All day there are kids!

L -  Libraries are really great places, but cracking the spine on a new book gives me butterflies.

M -  Movies and cuddles.  :-)

N - November, Sophie's birth.

O -  October, when we were married.  xoxo

P - Princess and pink, yech!  I'd trade pretty in pink, for beautiful in blue any day.

Q - Quiet.  I like the quiet.  I love quiet moments by myself.  Quiet solitude.

R -  Reading in my jammies, cuddled up in bed on a rainy day is my absolute favourite.

S -  Sadie isn't my real name, but it does have special memories and my real name does start with S.

T - Teaching is my second career, and even though I'm underemployed I'm loving every minute of it.

U - Understood, sometimes I feel misunderstood.

V - Vacation soon, please!?!?

W - Women who shower at the gym and take the time to put on socks and shoes, but nothing else before putting on their makeup or doing their hair are a mystery to me.  I know it is a women's change room and I'm not a prude, but why just your socks and shoes?  

X - Xenodochial, love the idea of paying it forward and try to in little ways.  Look it up, xenodochial!

Y - Young mom with lots of energy has always been my goal, and I think I've succeeded.

Z - Zoom is the sound of time speeding by as my babies become big girls.  I wish I couldn't hear that sound!


Tuesday, September 20, 2011

The Classroom Bully - Part 2

Following up to the bullying story from yesterday I decided to speak to Sophie's teacher.  I know kids can be mean, but I just feel like it is never okay for any child to come home from school crying.

Sophie's teacher was really receptive and said she is aware of a few issues among students in her class, but hadn't noticed Sophie having a problem.  She said she would be watching to see if someone was giving her a hard time and let me know if she felt Sophie was having an on going problem or if it was just a time incident.  She was really disappointed that Sophie didn't feel comfortable coming to talk to her and said she thought she might talk to the class about the difference between telling on a bully and tattle-taling.  I'm so glad I spoke to the teacher.  Even though there wasn't anything she could do and there was no real resolution it was really nice to know that she cares and wants the best for all her students.  So many teachers are disengaged and disconnected from their students these days and it is a true gift to find a passionate, engaged and genuinely interested teacher.  I think we are all feeling really positive about Sophie's upcoming adventures in first grade.  We can't wait to watch Sophie grow and flourish over the next ten months!

Thank you for all the comments.  Bullying touches so many people and I would encourage anyone who is interested to visit the following websites for more information:

Pink Shirt Day - Against Bullying
Roots of Empathy
Bullying Canada
Stop Bullying
Registry of Anti-Bullying Programs

Monday, September 19, 2011

The Classroom Bully - Part 1

As a teacher I often see kids picking on each other, losing their patience and failing at negotiating social relationships at school.  As a teacher I encourage students to talk things out, think about the consequences of their words and actions, and have empathy for each other.  As a parent I have trouble staying level-headed and thinking through the best course of action when my own child is the one being picked on.

Today I found myself stuck between a rock and a hard place - jumping to your child defence (immediately) or teaching your child how to resolve their own problems.  Sophie falls into the category of being a 'highly sensitive' child.  She can be a tattle-tale and it is often hard to tell how serious a situation is because you never know whether her reaction is bigger than the problem.  After school today she said she had a bad day and next came the tears.

Apparently a boy in her class has been "bugging" her for a few days and today he was "really mean".  First thing this morning he stopped Sophie from being able to hang her coat and bag up.  Then, at the end of the day he threw her coat on the floor and hit her with his shoes.  It took me almost an hour to get all the details out of Sophie and she cried on and off the whole time.  She doesn't talk about her feelings and doesn't want  her teacher to know any of this happened - all part of being sensitive.

So the dilemma.  Sophie doesn't really want to talk about or deal with the trouble this boy is causing her, but clearly she is sad and not looking forward to school tomorrow.  The logical mom in me spent a long time talking to her about moving away from people who are bothering her, using her words and talking to the teacher if needed.  The mama-bear in me wants to call her teacher and get this problem solved (quickly).  The trouble is that talking to her teacher goes directly against Sophie's wishes?  What would you do?  Third week of school, and your child is in tears!  What would you do?

Friday, September 16, 2011

A Whirlwind!

Life has been a true whirlwind lately!  Lunch packing, clothes picking, laundry washing, house cleaning, lesson planning, book retrieving, home working doing chaos!  We are all settling into our new routine, but we certainly are tired.

Beyond the chaos, stress and a feeling incredibly overwhelmed I am loving our new schedule this fall.  Working half-time is amazing!  I have never really understood the phenomenon of being a stay at home mom with a full-time nanny, but I sort of (sort of!) get it now.  Sophie is at school full-time, Molly is at the sitter's full-time and I work half-time.  That leaves me time by myself almost every day to get something done.  I can do laundry without being followed around, I can buy groceries without listening to kids have fits, and I can go the gym without trying to figure out feeling guilty that I'm "taking too long".  I can even get extra lesson planning done during the day which leaves my evenings free for baths, stories, homework, etc.  This isn't to say that we aren't busy, but I feel like I actually have more time working half-time than I did being home with the girls full-time all summer.  We will see how the wallet feels after a few weeks of paying the babysitter, but so far I feel like this new schedule is really going to work well for us.

I'm feeling positive, energized and enthusiastic for the first time in a long time.  I can't wait to see how this fall unfolds, and as much as I hope the teacher I'm covering for recovers from her illness I'm secretly hoping she stays on leave all year and not just until Christmas.  (This is the one downside of being a supply teacher or earning a temporary position it usually means you are depending on some else's misfortune.  Makes you feel a little guilty.)  Maybe the stars are finally aligning and things are getting on track for our family!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Things they are a changin'.....

Just as I thought I would get back to sloppily, pouring my heart out I got a teaching position.  YEAH!  All this means that it may be a while before I get back to regular blogging, but I'll have really good classroom stories.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Busy!

Things have been wild busy and September hasn't even arrived yet.  Here's what has been going on.....cottage trips, Saturday market, the gym, birthdays, back-to-school shopping, potty training (unsuccessfully), library, splash pad, playground, applying for jobs, job interviews (YEAH!), training for a new volunteer opportunity, sleepovers,  BBQs, cake making, gift shopping, clothing sort, and on and on it goes!

Blogging has fallen to the bottom of the priority list, but I sure have lots to get off my chest.  As much as I enjoy summer, time off work and time with the girls I am actually really glad that school starts next week.  I am looking forward to having a schedule again - everything is easier when we all have a schedule.   The girls will be happy to see friends, JD we get back on a regular sleep pattern, I'll make it to the gym again...everything will just be more settled.  Strange how a busy schedule seems more manageable than an open, do anything day!

In other news, I am having my third job interview today for a temporary teaching position for the upcoming school year.  I am really excited and hoping that one of these positions works out.  I am also a little nervous it has been almost six years, seven if you include maternity leave,  since I worked full-time.  The idea of JD and I both being out of the house full-time makes my heart start to race and my head swim.  I can't imagine managing the girls, the house and full-time work.  I'm also really apprehensive about being 100% responsible for 20 plus little minds.  I love teaching and want to have my own classroom someday, but I would love to take baby-steps.  Maybe work part-time to start or share a class with a veteran teacher.  I'm getting ahead of myself though...still need to get the actual job offer.  Keeping my fingers...and toes...crossed!

So, that is August in a nutshell.  Looking forward to September, and hopefully a little more blogging.  :-)

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Homemade is better.

Its been weeks since the girls and I took on a crafty project, but yesterday Sophie and I started talking about making cards for JD's birthday.  She decided, completely on her own, that she wanted her card to say I love you from my toes to my nose.  Before I knew the ides were flowing and we ended up with some really cute homemade cards.

First, we took a load of pictures (because moving targets are hard to catch).  Here is a sample...




Then with scrap booking paper, a paper cutter and some glue we made these.....

The outside of Sophie's card.


The inside of Sophie's card.

I love you to the bottom of my heart!

Happy Birthday!
...and yes, we wrote on Molly's bare torso.  She loves to be naked all of the time and where else would a love message come from but your heart - it all seemed fitting.

JD is very anti-greeting card.  He thinks they are a waste of money, a cash grab,  a holiday marketing ploy and all that stuff.  I'm sure he is going to think these homemade cards are better.  Isn't it true though?  I can think of very few things that aren't better when they are homemade.  Now, what can we make next?

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

All tied up!

At the end of May we all celebrated as Sophie learned how to tie her shoe laces.  This is a big accomplishment in our world because Sophie tends to be a little awkward about all physical tasks and her feet are quickly outgrowing all possible velcro options.  She first learned how to tie her laces without her foot in the shoe and quickly realized it was just as easy to do it with the shoe on.

Of course we memorialized the even with pictures of both the tied shoe and Sophie with her tied shoe, which is very cheesy I realize.  However, today I found myself wondering how this lovely plaid, sneaker with tied laces has resulted in EVERYTHING being tied up.

Sophie is tying anything she can find to everything else.  Strings to stuffed animals, old tie belts to her bed, the stuffed puppy tied to her bed, her sweater tied around her waist, skipping ropes to fences, ribbon to dolls, and best ever, her sister tied-up as the pretend puppy!  Yes, she tied a leash on her sister!  Thankfully, she was clever enough to tie it to her sister's ankle and not her neck (which she pointed out in protest when I asked her remove the "leash").  As happy as I was that Sophie learned how to tie her shoelaces I'm now wondering if it was such a good idea to teach her.  I'm hoping the novelty will wear and she will stop tying stuff up, if not I'm trying to decide what future knot-tying career she might have.....sailor is the only appropriate on I can think of.  Let's keep our fingers crossed!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Tired.

I'm struggling to keep it together these days.  I love summer vacation and the sunshine, but we've been so busy that I'm feeling ragged.  The house is a mess, the finances are a catastrophe, the kids are wild and I am  tired!

I realized this week that I'm not just busy tired either.   I'm tired like pulling an all-nighter, tired like pregnancy tired, tired like I NEED a nap in the afternoon....tired like it is 7:45 right now and I'm typing this in bed with every intention of going to sleep immediately after posting.  Tired.  I'm tired right to my core, right down to my soul.

I know you are now asking why?  Why are you soul-tired?  Honestly, a little bit of this and that has led to pure exhaustion.  Maybe I need a little iron pick-me-up, maybe I'm not getting enough sleep or maybe I'm just feeling a little stressed.  One thing I do know for sure is that I'm feeling a little defeated and a lot unmotivated. I'm thinking that it is time to shake things up around here.  Less talk more action is the name of the game.  (Stay tuned for details.)

In the mean time some sleep....and read this please....this is where I am AGAIN.  Will I never learn?

P.S.  I didn't meet the 10 lbs goal by my birthday.  Plus I had my 31st birthday this June and I'm only 6 lbs lighter than I was then, in 2010.  See my problem?  Stuck, stuck in a rut....good night....now insert snoring sound here.


Monday, August 8, 2011

Hello my blog!

It has been busy, busy, busy the last few weeks and blogging has fallen by the wayside.  I'm eager to get back at it though because my mental health is suffering!  ;-)  First up a review of my Summer Bucket List, check it out here.

I've definitely made a dent in my list, but I've got a ways to go.  I'm not going to make my gym goal, but for the rest of the summer I'm going to do my best to get there three times a week.  We also bought a gently used double jogging stroller and I'm going to try and use it lots too.  My biggest challenge is a new hobby or skill - just not sure what to try.  Suggestions?

I can't believe that in four short weeks it will be back to school time and summer will be winding down.  Better make the most of the next few weeks....maybe blogging will stay on the back burner...unless it starts raining.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Friday Five.

Too hot to think/write.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Pain to the Power of 10.

I don't know what to do with my poor, sweet Molly.  She is my lovey, cuddly, free-spirited, go get 'em kid, but not this week.  This week she is clingy.  So much so that she is following me to the bathroom, cries when I leave a room, only wants me and won't even sleep easily on her own.  Her appetite is way off, didn't even eat breakfast today.  She hasn't had a b.m. since Saturday and she even woke up dry once this week after 10 hours of sleep.  She seems tired all the time, but isn't napping well and has been up during the night too.  She is driving me crazy with all her whining, but I feel badly for her too because she clearly isn't feeling like herself.

I don't know what to think (or do).  Is it the heat, terrible-two's, separation anxiety, unusual holiday schedules, a mix of it all....   I love her to death, but my back is breaking carrying her two-years of 25 lbs around.  Poor baby girl just seems so miserable, so needy.  Poor sweet girl, please feel better soon!

All this makes me appreciate my own mom so much more.  I never realized until I had my own children how a child's hurt is felt in magnification by their parents.  It hurts me to my core that she is miserable, sad even.  I feel sad too that my mom probably felt my aches as pains, my hurts as wounds, and my sad as heartbreak.  As an adult child I realize it is now my job to share all my joys with her so that she can feel the thrills as strongly as she probably felt the hurts.  Cheers to Moms!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Baby, it's hot outside!

Here it is a lovely summer day and we are inside....again.  It is just too hot to be out with the little ones and to make matters worse we have no air conditioning at home so we've been camped out at my mom's house.  This isn't a bad thing it is just hard to be away from home with the girls, and trying to find things to do.  Add to that a significant lack of sleep (due to the heat) and this week is quickly going down hill.  Tonight we are going to sleep at my mom's house in the hopes we will all get some well needed rest.

Winter we huddle inside not wanting to deal with the cold.  Summer heats up and we hide inside not wanting to bake to a crisp.  Thinking it is time to move to a more moderate climate!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Kids Say and Do the Darnedest Things

It was hot this week, sticky hot, and that included the day that I took Sophie to see the doctor.  She was sitting up on the vinyl covered exam table and fussing like she had ants in her pants.  Finally, I asked her to please sit still.  Her response, "I can't Mom!  My cheeks are sticking!"

"Your what is sticking?"

"My cheeks,"  pointing to the backs of her thighs.

Oh dear, did I ever laugh trying to explain that those "cheeks" were her bottom and not her legs.  Too cute.

Read more about a different kind of cheeks at Reflections Forward, just a funny coincidence.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

A Conversation About Education. Join in!

I started writing a comment on a post I read by April at Heartfelt Homeschooling, and once I'd reached the third paragraph I realized I was going on a bit of rant.  Instead of posting my long-winded opinion on April's blog I thought I would write a response to her post here.   I would encourage you to read her post, "Why would you want to teach?  America has lost its perspective" before reading mine.  I'd like to preface the following by saying that this is just me opinion, not meant to offend or hurt.  My intention is to make you think, make you form an opinion and perhaps start a bigger dialogue among parents about how to influence the track of our education systems.  So, read on and please chat back.

Dear Amy,

This is a very insightful and truthful post.  I am a supply teacher in Canada who had the pleasure of completing my teacher's training in the U.S.  Although the Canadian and American education systems are very different many of their flaws are identical.  Less and less money, bigger and bigger classes, fewer and fewer teachers, higher and higher expectations.  There is a significant imbalance between the input and expected output.

As you mentioned kids move on from grade to grade and course to course regardless of their efforts.  Kids don't "fail" and just being present is enough to progress.  Whether right or wrong I don't know, but I do believe that part of this attitude/approach is sadly closely related to current parenting trends.  So many of us reward and celebrate our kids' just for trying, just for going out.  We register our children for an abundance of activities and tell them it is about having fun and making friends.  Of course all of this is true and good, but it has little to nothing to do with how the real world works.

As adults we aren't paid to just show up for work, have a good time and make some friends.  We are expected to complete tasks, and complete them well.  We are required to meet deadlines, be responsible and held accountable for our actions or lack there of.  Yet, high school students can show up to class each day, hand nothing in, complete no assignments and pass the class at the end of the semester based on perfect attendance.  What's wrong with that picture?

I hesitate to put this out there, but sometimes I think parents are part of the problem.  When my parents grew up, in the 50's and 60's, if their teacher said they weren't achieving what they were capable of their parents (my grandparents) would be on the teacher's 'side'.  They would have expected more homework, more focus, more studying, and improved achievement.  Today when a teacher expresses concern about a child's achievement they have to be politically correct, careful not to offend and avoid all language with negative connotations.  By the time they've expressed their concerns using these rules the problem is so heavily veiled that most parents don't have a clear picture of what the problem is or how serious it may or  may not be.  Be honest now, would you rather a teacher say in politically terms that your child is "output challenged and disengaged" or would you rather them say that your child "isn't completing work and is unfocused."  As a teacher I am required to say the first, but as a parent I would rather hear the second.

Making all of this worse is the current trend to advocate for our children.  Of course it is a parent's duty to fight for the well-being of their children, but it doesn't mean taking our child's 'side' at all cost.  It doesn't mean defending a lack of interest or motivation.  It also doesn't mean defending our child's minimal accomplishment with a label, diagnosis or by attacking a teacher's skills.  I don't know if as a generation of parents we do these things because we are worried about how our childrens' accomplishments reflect on us, but I do know that it isn't always in the best interest of our children.  The truth is there are good teachers and bad teachers, there are studious children and lackadaisical ones, and there are great parents and struggling ones - denying any of this helps no one.  In my (humble) opinion education needs more open dialogue between parents, teachers and administrators.  We are all so busy being politically correct, defending ourselves and walking the line that the true purpose of education sometimes gets lost

You ask, "why would anyone want to be a teacher?"  I often wonder this myself, and worry about whether teaching is for me.  Then I meet a great kid.  A kid who is eager to learn, is friendly, polite and so excited by their own accomplishments.  A kid who takes pride in themselves!  These kids give me the drive, motivation and energy to care for the kids who aren't eager to learn or excited to be at school.  These are the kids that remind me the system might be flawed, but it isn't broken.  These are the kids that make me realize the system is ours to change!

Thank you April at Heartfelt Homeschooling for getting my brain going today and reminding me why I want to be a teacher.  A genuine thank you!

Kind regards,
Sadie

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Happy to be Home!

Well, home from our mini vacation and glad to be here.  Holidays are always wonderful, but I've come to realize after this little trip that they are wrought with irony.  For our three-day adventure I was so looking forward to a break in the routine - beach, sun, nice meals out...then the irony of it all.

The forecast for our few days away was hot, hot and more hot.  With no air conditioning at home I was looking forward to sleeping in a cool hotel with luxurious bedding.  The irony is that the air conditioning was so loud it kept us up most of the night and the bedding was luxurious, but it just wasn't MY bed.  Why is it that even in the most luxurious bed away from home all we can think of is sleeping in our own familiar beds?

The meals out were a nice treat too, but of course the irony of a nice meal out is the expense and for some reason eating out for a few days always makes me feel 10 lbs heavier.  (Okay perhaps I did put on a solid 5 lbs in 3 days, but it does feel more like 10!)  Yummy food, but hard on the pocketbook and the waistline.  The other irony of eating out is that as wonderful as it is to not prep food, clean dinner and to just be able to sit with your family, the kids are always batty.  I spent most of every meal trying to convince someone to sit, be quieter, eat or come out from under the table, but the food was good...10 lbs heavier good!

The beach was wonderful.  The kids had a great time and the weather was ideal, but the irony is all that sticky, scratchy sand.  It is such a pain to clean off and now it is all over the car and kitchen floor.  Fun that comes with a mess!

What about that beach prep?  I agonize over how to keep my hair looking half decent, does my swimsuit cover all the right bits, and are the bits that aren't covered too day-glow white or jiggly.  The irony is that when we get to the beach everyone is looking just about the same.  Then add sticky sand, sweat and a healthy dose of sunscreen and no one really looks attractive.  Perhaps they had it right just past the turn of the century, when bath costumes were more like modern mini-dresses.

The most ironic thing of all is that when we set out on Sunday JD and I were both looking forward to a break in the routine, but by Monday morning it was so clear that the break in routine was wreaking havoc on sleep patterns, meal time and generally naughty behaviour abounded.  Yes, we had a lovely time and I wouldn't give up that time together for anything; but, it sure is nice to be home.  There is something to be said for good, old everyday routine!

P.S.  And, no I'm not complaining especially if you read a few posts back when I was peeved by someone complaining about a holiday.  I'm just sayin' it is ironic how a vacation, a break in the routine, always makes us appreciate our everyday life!

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Busy weekend.

Sangria and friends until 1:30 am....packing....wedding until midnight....packing....holiday at the beach.  8:55 am now and suppose to be picking the girls up at 10 am to start our beach holiday, but not showered, packed, breakfasted.....  Lesson is girls' sangria night is not a good idea the night before a wedding!  Mommy is tired and had way too much wine!

Hopefully our mini-holiday will be great and include some sleeping in!  I'm sure I'll have lots of great stories to share.  :-)

Friday, July 8, 2011

It's okay Honey, I'll do that.....too!

Skipping Friday Five this week because I need to get this one of my chest.  Imagine the scene that follows and then tell me, what would you have done?

You've just finished cleaning and tidying the kitchen.  The dishwasher has been emptied and refilled, and dinner is just getting under way.  Enter the husband, just home from work.

Husband is buzzing around and trying to get out of the house with friends in under an hour.  You leave the kitchen for a moment to return and find his dirty lunch containers sitting on the counter.  Not just sitting on the counter, but sitting on the counter directly on top of the dishwasher that you just emptied and now is half full with dirty dishes.  What do you do?

If you are me you start putting the containers in the dishwasher and as you do so you say (in a sickly sweet voice) to your husband who is now eating a sandwich in the living room, "It's okay Honey, I'll put your dirty dishes in the dishwasher that I just emptied and filled.  You know those dirty dishes that you left in the middle of the kitchen counter where I'm making dinner.  No problem Sweetheart!"

He says, "What's that?"

"Nothing Darling.  I'm just being a jerk!"

He says, "I thought so!"

Silence.

Again, you leave the kitchen to return and now find his dirty sandwich plate and milk cup sitting on the counter.  What do you do?

a)  Do nothing.  He is such a great husband that it just doesn't mater.

b)  Put the dishes in the dishwasher and tell him how much you love him.

c)  Put the dishes in the dishwasher and sarcastically tell him how much you love tidying up his dirty dishes for the first 15 minutes he is home because you have nothing better to do.

d)  Just leave.  Walk out the front door, get a chai latte and wait until the latte is gone before deciding whether or not you are going back.

So, what would you do?  I seriously considered (d) but settled on (c) because he is generally a great husband and I do love him.  But honest to goodness, is it really that hard to put dishes in the damn washer?

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Seconds, thirds, fourths....

I often feel like Molly being the second baby didn't and still doesn't receive the full, hands-on, parenting attention that Sophie did.  Last night she went to bed with mismatched p.j.'s which is something that has NEVER happened to Sophie.  Her nails are frequently too long, she often isn't given a big at meal time, and I can't remember the last time she received something new and all her own.  Today I came across Jana's illustration at Mom Illustrated and it totally sums up how I have felt about my parenting experience to our second child.  Check it out because it is a great laugh.  Thanks for making me smile today Jana!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Buggy Buggers II.

Of all the things to blog about, here I am writing a second edition about Sophie's bug bites.  They are so bad, but the itching finally seems to be subsiding.  We aren't seeing the doctor until next week so I've been documenting their various stages of itch with photos.

Sunday night.
Wednesday morning.

I know there is nothing else we can be doing for her, but I'm just hoping this doesn't mean bee allergies are next!  My poor 'Mosquito Bait' has actually worn long sleeves by choice until today and last night asked if she could have mittens because she  is trying so hard not to scratch.  Just one more thing to add to the list of unexpected parenting woes.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Buggy Buggers.

Summer really feels like it has started now.  We just spent three days at a family cottage and had a great time.  The weather was great, the bugs were REALLY bad, there was too much food, unexpected and lovely fireworks and so much fun.

Only sore point this weekend was the bugs.  The mosquitoes were the worst I have ever seen.  There were so many outside it was impossible for them not to be inside too.  My poor Sophie is so sensitive to bug bites that I actually am feeling guilty.  Not only do the bugs love her - for every one bite I have she has five - BUT she has a horrible reaction to them.  The bites sometimes blister, swell, bruise and of course they are itchy so then she scratches making it all worse.  She has reacted this way since she was little so this year I was bound and determine to battle the bugs on her behalf.  I packed extra bug spray, bandages, and children's antihistamine for allergic reactions.  We kept her in at buggiest times, sprayed her with bug spray and made her wear pants and long sleeves even when it was too warm.  Aside from keeping her inside all weekend we did everything we could, and still she must have a dozen bug bites on one shoulder blade alone.  The bites are so bad that a mother in the grocery store even asked me if she has chicken pox!  :-(  This made me feel really bad and for a split second I wanted to say yes because anyone seeing here would honestly think I'd left her naked in a boggy swamp at dusk for hours.  Poor Sophie!

Needless to say we are headed to the doctor later this week, but my gut instinct is that there is nothing he can do.  It is what it is and Sophie will be restricted to the indoors during mosquito season.  Bug spray, clothing, antihistamine, Polysporine, Benadryl (both topical and oral), bandages and still she scratches.  Every time I see her scratch I feel worse.  I've cancelled our camping plans for a week from now and I'm just hoping the bites heal quickly.  Making things worse, Sophie asked if she ever going to be allowed outside again.......

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Friday Five - Early

I'm posting my Friday Five today, since tomorrow is Canada Day and we are making our first trip to the family cottage this summer.  Here it is....and I know it is more than 5 words or syllables, and they don't count as sentences.  But it is 5 lines, so just go with please.  :-)



Happy Birthday Canada!

Fireworks!

Family!

Food!

Fun!



(Friday Five is 5 syllables, 5 words or 5 sentences that sum up my week or day.)

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Appreciations.

Time for another Appreciations post.  Here's what I'm appreciating today:

A good weather forecast.

A long weekend within days.

Tidy house.

Folded laundry.

Hot, steaming tea.

Cool, sour lemonade.

June.

July.

August.

Summer.

A good book like this.

And, of course this.  :-) 

Plus it is Wednesday, and not Monday anymore!

Monday, June 27, 2011

In a Funk

It's Monday again, it comes every week and every week I wish it could be Friday already.  Today I'm feeling especially 'blah'.  We had a busy weekend with lots of special events and I noticed that it didn't matter what we were celebrating guests spent their time complaining.  Don't get me wrong here I can complain with the best of them, but somehow a celebration doesn't seem like the time or place to be airing one's woes.

Adding to me frustration was the topics under attack.  I listened to various people complain about a 7-night tropical vacation, requiring a dress to be taken in two sizes due to weight loss, getting a job, their home, the menu for the celebratory meal, a gift and much more.  Most of the more mundane complaints I can handle - the weather, a personality conflict, the cost of groceries, whatever - but a vacation, weight loss, a job, a FREE meal, a FREE gift????  Really, these are the worst things going on in your life.  I would give almost anything to have a 2-night tropical vacation, require a dress to be taken in an inch, to have even a job interview, and guess what I enjoyed every bite of my meal that was being served to celebrate someone else's success!

This whole weekend of whining really put me in a funk.  I woke up yesterday (and again today) feeling miserable, grouchy and thinking that I would taken of those complaints over some of my own.  We are all taught now to be politically correct and to think before we speak, but why don't we think before we bemoan our wonderful lives?  Why is it so hard to appreciate a vacation because there are bugs or to celebrate a healthy weight loss if it means be inconvenienced by an extra trip to the tailor?  When we are on the other side, how come we don't realize the grass is already greener?  It makes me sad and frustrated  that things I'm working so hard for are taken for granted by others.  However, the more important lesson is that for every complaint I make there is someone in the world wishing they had what I have.  Someone wishing for a safe home, a happy family, a big grocery bill, clean clothes, safe drinking water and all the simply things in life that I take for granted.  So, the only thing left to do is shake it off, work harder for the things I want in life and revel in all the things I already have!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Two For The Record Books!

Today was a day of firsts at our house!  I'm warning you this might seem trivial to you, but the possibilities seem endless to me.

First, the weather was pretty crummy here today so playing outside wasn't exactly an inviting option.  Early this morning we settled in for a bit of a movie marathon, but the longer I sat here the more I realized I needed to get off my butt and get to cleaning.  I started in the kitchen hoping that I wouldn't disturb the girls since they were actually sitting quiet and content in the living room.  Before I knew it the kitchen was beginning to look spic-and-span, but in my cleaning-focused-haze (otherwise known as a chemical cleaner high) I hadn't even noticed that the movie had ended and the girls had gone upstairs.  Okay, I had noticed but only vaguely because they were quiet.  I know what you are thinking - quiet means trouble.  I quickly dashed upstairs to peek on them and....GASP!  They were actually, truly playing with each other and NICELY too! What? Really?  Yes, they played for almost an hour just the two of them.  I continued to clean in peace and all the while I could hear them "planning for a party" in their bedrooms.  So sweet listening to them chatting and "decorating" for the big event.  They hung bracelets and necklaces on door and furniture knobs.  They laid blankets out on the floor as fancy carpets.  So cute!

As a general rule Sophie and Molly get along quite well, but until today I can't remember them actually engaging each other in play especially of the imaginary sort.  I realized that Molly is growing up so quickly and that Sophie has become a patient, kind big sister.  I also realized that my time to get non-mommy things done is increasing.  Can you imagine the possibilities of an uninterrupted hour while they play happily?  The possibilities are endless!

The second big first at our house was an adult evening out with a hired teenage babysitter at home.  Usually our parents and siblings watch the girls if we need a babysitter on evenings or weekends, but tonight we were headed to an adult-only family celebration which meant we needed to make different arrangements.  So, we asked a neighbourhood teen we know if she would babysit.  She agreed happily (which I thought was crazy) and spent this evening with Molly and Sophie.  Everything went off without a hitch!  The girls behaved beautifully, everyone had fun, the girls went to bed on time and all without having to be packed up for a sleepover at their grandparents.  Better yet, the sitter even said she would come again!

What?  Full stop!  Did you hear that? This teenage girl says she will babysit our girls whenever we want!  Again, imagine the possibilities!  I see movie dates, Starbucks dates, dinners out and more.  I could go to the gym for an hour in the evening when JD works, I could visit with my girlfriends, a haircut, a pedicure....endless possibilities.  (Only dilemma...what do you pay a teenage babysitter these days?)

I know these are two small things, but they mean so much when it comes to the balance of time.  I see a light at the end of the tunnel.  I can see a future with more balance, more fun for everyone!  Babies are wonderful, but there is something to be said for kids growing up!

Friday Five.


Friday Five is 5 syllables, 5 words or 5 sentences that sum up my week or day.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Shoes.

Since becoming a mother I have dedicated hours, days even, to children's shoes.  Why, oh why are kid's shoes such a pain in the @$$?

Before they even take those first precious steps we are trying to keep their toes warm and safe in slippers.  Slippers that only fit for a few weeks, don't stay on or are such a pain to get on that you give up.  Then our little ones start walking and we agonize over their first "real" pair of shoes.  Should they have laces or velcro?  Should they be soft-soled or stiff?  Do they fit???  Since baby can't talk yet they can't tell you if their tiny toes are being pinched.  Sigh.

Then in a blink of an eye you are hunting for winter boots in January because your child has had a growth spurt.  Rain boots, sandals, running shoes too!  Next comes school and they of course demand indoor and outdoor shoes.  Dress shoes, play shoes, going in the mud shoes!

And don't forget the most important rule: the child's toes must be a thumb space from the end of the shoe.  Well, damn it!  Who's thumb?  My thumb, my husband's thumb, my kid's thumb?  Since when is a thumb a standard unit of measurement!  Have you ever tried to feel a child's big toe inside a shoe?  Near impossible, especially when they are running around the store like crazy loons!

Having had the crazy-loon-running-around-like-a-maniac experience I made the mistake of trying to buy sandals without my kids.  Stupid me because that led to TWO more trips to the shoe store WITH my girls.  Stupid, stupid, stupid!  But honestly, what is it about the shoe store and kids?  You know how in high-end shoe stores they pump in that leather smell to entice you into purchasing?  Well, I swear that they pump kid's shoe stores with some sort of cat-nip-like vapour for children.  Do they make a vaporized sugar product that I don't know about?

After all that agony comes the true heartbreaking pain.  One little pair of two-year-old sandals that costs $55.  Gulp!  (No, I did NOT buy the $55 pair.)  For $55 I could buy a great pair of sandals for myself.  I'm a big believer in buying quality shoes - after all shoe to foot to ankle to knee to hip to back all sort of sounds important to me.  But $55?  Really?  For $55 the shoe salesperson should come to my house and put those shoes on and take them off my toddler every time we come and go.

When I was kid I had running shoes, dress shoes, winter boots and rain boots.  That's it.  (And, until my toes were curling at the end of the shoe they still fit in parents' eyes.)  Come June there were no shoes.  Of course I had sandals, but we spent most of the summer bare foot in the grass or at the beach.  When?  When did it become mandatory for children to have a shoe wardrobe like Imelda Marcos?

Alife Asics Gel Lyte III
Maybe I'm just crazy.  I don't know, maybe the hours days I have spent shoe shopping, hunting for one missing shoe, cleaning poopy muddy shoes, putting shoes on and taking them off again has been self-imposed punishment.  What I do know is that once upon a time there was a girl who loved to shop for pretty shoes, fun shoes, comfy shoes, trendy shoes.  She would shop spontaneously, spend too much and enjoy every minute.  Unfortunately, her fairy tale didn't have a happy ending.  The ugly shoe monster ate her alive!

Monday, June 20, 2011

It isn't that I can't, it's that I don't want to!

So, I've sort of got this thing.  Not quite a rule or a pet peeve, just at thing.  I don't like to go out in the evenings on weekdays, ESPECIALLY when JD works nights.  It isn't that I'm a hermit or a grouch, it is just that if I go out with the girls in the evening then my time for me is lost.  Gone. Over.  If we absolutely have to go out for something, like Sophie's soccer, I will do it but if it can wait until the morning, the weekend or any other time then it waits.

And, it isn't that I can't.  Why do people assume that I don't go out with my girls in the evening when JD is at work because I can't do it by myself?  Guess what folks - I do it by myself all the time.  Remarkable isn't it!  (Thick sarcasm fully intended.)  I take my daughters grocery shopping, to the library, the mall, we go to the park, splash pad and lots of other places just the three of us.  I bath them, feed them, read them stories, and put them to bed all by myself.  I tend to their dentist, doctor and optometrist appointments all by myself.  I even have been known to take a baby for vaccinations all by myself, which isn't pleasant without extra help.  So no, it isn't that I CAN'T attend your BBQ, restaurant trip, celebration, shopping excursion or whatever it is you've invited me to alone with my two children.  It is quite simply that I DON'T WANT TO.

I don't want to struggle to feed my children at your party because they are overstimulated and eating dinner late.  I don't want to wind them up with excitement and fun, keep them out late and then be rushed to bath and tuck them in because it is hours after their bedtime.  I don't want to blow our routine out of the water for something we could do on the weekend.  I don't want to lose my hour or two of quiet time by myself in the evening.  There is a fine line between keeping it all together and tipping right over the edge.  And yes letting you feed my children ice cream at 7pm will push us all over the edge.  So yes I can do it, but I just don't want to!

Feel free to invite us, but don't be offended when I decline.  My kids need a solid 12 hours of sleep, and in that 12 hours I must sleep for 8.  That leaves me with 4 hours.  You got it, that is 4 hours to do the laundry, dishes, cleaning, prep for tomorrow and have some time for myself.  Those 4 precious hours give my life a little bit of balance.  So please don't be offended when I say 'no', and then imagine (or remember) what your life was like when each day was really only 4 hours.  It isn't that I can't, it's that I just don't want to!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Dad's Day.

This happened just this morning and it proves that JD is a good dad, and very possibly a better parent than me.  So, read on:

After everyone enjoyed homemade pancakes to celebrate Father's Day, JD and Molly stayed at the kitchen table.  JD was finishing up his coffee and Molly was happily (and quietly) playing with Play-Doh, while I tidied the remnants of our sticky, maple syrup-ed breakfast.  I happened to drop an extra sticky fork that Molly had been using and of course syrup quickly spread across the counter, my fingers and everything I touched.  In irritation I whispered (or thought I whispered), "Oh shoot!"

Molly (and her super-sonic-superhero ears) quickly began to utter repeatedly, "Doot, man! Doot, man!"  Yes, over and over and over.

JD pipes in now with, "What is she saying?  Is she saying Dude-Man?"  (Dude-Man is an expression that has been part of a long running family joke, so old that I don't know when or how it started anymore.)  "Who taught her Dude-Man?"  At this point I can tell that JD is hyped Molly is so quick to pick-up his skateboarding, surfer-guy lingo, but yes I must break his heart.  I must tell the truth.

"She isn't saying, 'Dude-Man'.  She is saying, 'Shoot, man!'"  (Insert my sheepish look here.)

"Who did she learn that from?"  (Insert JD's look of shame-on-you mixed with caught-ya here.)

I, of course, did not dignify this question with an answer, besides we both know that any bad language our girls pick-up comes from their potty-mouthed mother.  So there you have it - JD is the better parent.  The parent who doesn't teach his daughters to curse inappropriately, but at least it was only shoot and not the f-bomb.  Right???  So for today, this lovely Father's Day, JD wins the award for "Best Parent" and I hang my head in shame.

All joking aside - Happy Father's Day to JD!  You are a great dad and husband.  The girls are so very lucky to have a dad that loves to play dress-up, ride bikes, read stories, build bird houses and tuck them in at night!  We are grateful for all that you do.  Enjoy your special day!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Too Short to Wait.


"Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for wind to fly a kite.  Or waiting around for Friday night or waiting perhaps for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil or a better break or a string of pearls or a pair of pants or a wig with curls or another chance.  
Everyone is just waiting."
~Dr. Seuss
After a busy day with the girls I was fully prepared to rant about my child(ren)'s ungrateful attitude for all the special things we do together, but then I found out that a childhood friend's mother died yesterday and I remembered.  

I remembered that life is short and unexpected.  I remembered that my girls are little and what they don't appreciate now they will appreciate later.  I remembered that sometimes the fun things we do are for me to enjoy them and not for them to appreciate me.    I remembered that they smiled and giggled all afternoon.   I remembered that the best any mom, any parent, can do is give their child wonderful memories  that help them to move forward in life as a kind, empathetic and strong individual.  Life is too short and sweet to wait for my children to express their gratitude.  As long as they smile, hug and laugh that is enough for me!
I hope when our time together is done they will remember this:  
"Don't cry because it is over.  Smile because it happened."~Dr. Seuss

To C:  I don't know if you are still checking in, but I'm thinking of you.




Friday, June 17, 2011

Friday Five.

Sniffle, sniffle, blow.  Darn cold?

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Reflections Forward

No steam for anything new today, but still working away at my photo/gratitude project.  If you haven't had a chance yet please check out my other blog, Reflections Forward.  I'm spending time looking back at older photos to find gratitude and reflect on the growth and change of my little family.  Thanks!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Birthday Wishes Come True?

My Friday Five last week was a list of birthday wished.  Read on to see which wishes were granted!
  1. For the weather to be nice enough to enjoy a dinner date on a patio. Check!
  2. A new flirty top for said dinner date. Nope, but not without trying.  JD and girls only gave me a small a gift in the hopes that I would have a mini-shopping spree on my own, but I just couldn't find anything I loved enough to buy.  Fun trying though!
  3. To sleep late Sunday, and I mean to actually sleep and not lie in bed awake listening to the girls downstairs. Check!  Slept until after 10 am, thank you!
  4. Chai latte, please.  Check!
  5. Hoping for a homemade birthday card accompanied by the singing of "Happy Birthday" from my girlies.  Check!  Home made card and lots of "Happy Birthday Mama!"
All in all it was a lovely birthday.  I spend the day with the girls and then JD took me out for a date night.  It turned out to be the strangest and funnest date night ever!  First, burgers and beers on a patio.  Then, glow in the dark mini-putt which was hilarious!  After two rounds of mini-putt JD took me shopping...at the grocery store.  Nothing like buying $5, 100% cotton tees, kleenex and allergy medicine all in one spot.  Gotta love Joe Fresh!  Next a stop for dessert at a yummy coffee shop and finally a movie cuddled-up on the couch.  Simple, but lots of really great time together.  This is the kind of birthday I'd like every year!  Thanks JD, and love ya!

P.S. Only negative this darn runny nose, sore throat and plugged up ears.  Spent most of today in bed feeling miserable.  :-{

Friday, June 10, 2011

Friday Five.

My Friday Five this week is a list of five birthday wishes:


  1. For the weather to be nice enough to enjoy a dinner date on a patio.
  2. A new flirty top for said dinner date.
  3. To sleep late Sunday, and I mean to actually sleep and not lie in bed awake listening to the girls downstairs.
  4. Chai latte, please.
  5. Hoping for a homemade birthday card accompanied by the singing of "Happy Birthday" from my girlies.
(Hopefully JD reads this between now and tomorrow morning because otherwise my wishes probably won't come true! lol)

Thursday, June 9, 2011

My Summer Bucket List

I'm not really a big fan of the bucket list idea.  The cynical, critical side of me says, "Why do you need a list to encourage you to live life?  Just go live."  Meanwhile the honest, Jiminy Cricket on my shoulder side whispers in my ear, "The only reason you dislike bucket lists so much is that you aren't adventurous enough to have a list longer than three things.  Stop criticizing people who honestly enjoy their lives!"  Regardless of Jiminy on my shoulder I generally have felt like bucket lists are for me.

Then I read Foster and Boo's "Summer Bucket List" and felt inspired.  I'm home all summer with my girls because of school holidays, they are growing so fast, I always feel like I don't have enough time for myself and we spend so much of the winter holed-up inside that having a summer wish list seems like an awesome idea.  I'm taking Foster and Boo's lead and creating my own summer bucket list.  Not sure how well I'll do, but I'm looking forward to having fun with the challenge.  Here it goes:

Visit the library and splashpad with the girls at least once a week.
Get a haircut, brow wax manicure and pedicure.
Read at least three books, kid books don't count!
Get to the gym three times a week, 12x3=36. Yikes
Two real date nights.
Overnight beach trip.
Camping.
Share a bottle of wine, or more, with my girlfriends.
Learn a new skill or hobby.
Have a Mommy-Sophie date.
Try more than two new recipes.
Go somewhere new as a family.
See a movie at the theatre or drive-in.

Even though this school year hasn't quit ended there are only 12 weeks until the new one begins.  I better get going!  This should be fun!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Yeah Me!

I don't consider myself to be completely new to the world of blogging, but something new and fun did happen today.  Sarah at Not So Silent Mommy honoured me with an award for being a blog she enjoys to read.  A nice compliment!



The idea is that when you receive the award you share 7 things about yourself and then pass it on to 7 other bloggers.  I don't usually go in for things like this when they are emails or on Facebook, but sometimes when you are blogging it can feel a little like talking to yourself.  This seems like a great way to let others know you are reading, relating and enjoying.  So here goes nothing!

7 things you maybe didn't know about me:

  1. I'm the oldest of three.
  2. I married my high school sweetheart.
  3. I was born, grew-up and now live my adult life all in the same southwestern Ontario town.  Crazy and unadventurous, I know!
  4. I am addicted to chai lattes, and even buy the same mix that Starbucks uses so I can make them at home.
  5. I hate feet!  I won't touch them and I don't like bare feet touching me.  Yuck!
  6. My favourite way to spend a day, aside from being with my family, is in my pajamas with a good book.
  7. I think that people who say they live life without regrets are lying because regrets are lessons learned.  Regrets propel us forward.
Now I'm suppose to pass the award forward to 7 blogs I enjoy.  I've decided to switch things up a little and I'm going to list a combo of blogs I enjoy, and new blogs I've recently discovered and look forward to exploring more.  Check them out!  (In no particular order.)
  1. Foster and Boo
  2. Icing & Crumbs
  3. Is There Any Mommy Out There?
  4. Raising Three Thinkers
  5. Stray Matter
  6. The Bitchin' Wives Club
  7. Modded Mama
Thanks again to Sarah at Not So Silent Mommy.  Blogging is an adventure in group therapy and mommy-networking like none other.  It is so nice to know that others are reading along and hopefully enjoying!

Monday, June 6, 2011

Appreciations.

Time for another Appreciations post.   I'm going to dedicate today's appreciations all to Molly on her second birthday, but before I do there are some special appreciations I'd like to share.

First, I'd like to thank Sarah at Not So Silent Mommy for choosing one of my posts at a favourite.  What a great compliment!  Thanks Sarah!  Second, thanks to all the readers who made the trip from Not So Silent Mommy to come and see me.  I read quite a few nice comments this weekend and really appreciate the kind words.  Looking forward to sharing about me and reading about you too!

*          *          *

Now back to Miss. Molly on her second birthday.  Let me say that again...SECOND birthday....GULP!  Where does the time go?  Where did my baby go?  Rather than be morose and sad that my baby is growing too fast I'm going to spend my day appreciating everything about her.  So here it goes, Appreciations for Molly:

Love that she loves to cuddle.  

Quick to share her hugs and kisses with everyone.

Molly's manners, "Peassse" and "Gank ouuu, elcome!"  And yes, she says "elcome" for you before you can say, "You are welcome!"

Tight ringlets just at the back of her neck.

Colour of her eyes, that no one can quite describe.

Beauty mark on her lip.

She still smells like a baby.

Terrific fake laugh, yes fake.

Thinks "faaarttts" are the funniest thing in the world.

And, loves "boooobieeees" too! (Can be embarrassing in public, but oddly comical too!)

Thinks babies, puppies and most other animals are "cuuuute".

Actually likes to clean-up as much as she enjoys making a mess.

Singing. Dancing.

Knock-knock jokes with Sophie.

Insists on iPod music.

Must walk everywhere, but still loves the stroller too.

Her blankie.

Ma, Mama, Mommy, MOMMMEEEE!

Giggling on the potty, hilarious.

"Pitty dess" aka "pretty dress".

Water baby, even if it is freezing cold sprinkler water.

THINKS she is a big kid.

No fear, even if it makes me fearful.

And then there is this.....

A girl who loves to have all the control, Elmo's Keyboard-o-rama and the sunshine.  
Happy 2nd Birthday, Molly!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Friday Five: Two for One Special.

Car parts cost too much!

AND

"Go the F*ck to Sleep!" 
by Adam Mansbach

(I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy this for myself and include it in every baby shower gift, not for those who are easily offended!)

Global Warming?

We spent Sophie's first soccer game standing in POURING rain.  We were so wet that not only did I peel Sophie clothes off of her, but I literally drained water from her shoes.  Problem:  global warming, maybe?

Sophie's second game last week was so COLD that we cuddled under blankets and wore warm coats.  Problem: global warming, maybe?

Sophie had her third game this week and it was so HOT it was almost unbearable, except for nice breeze.  Problem: not global warming, I'm just not built to be a Soccer Mom.

I think next we will go for pottery classes or drama or better yet a book club.  More my pace!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

My Favourite Posts Revisited.

I recently realized that I've been at this blogging thing for over a year now and decided to look back at some of my old posts.  In re-reading them I thought I might share some of my favourites.  Hope you enjoy these as much I do!

1)  Thirty, here I come!  This was the very first post I ever wrote.  Even though it is over a year-old not much has changed and it still resonates with me.  We have added a second car, I've lost 10 lbs (plus some inches) and my floundering career is improving; but, on the whole everything is just about the same.  Amazing how much can change and how much can stay the same in twelve months!

2)  Sometimes the small things...  All about how much I love my husband....and how much he drives me crazy too!  Marriage is such a LOVE-hate thing!  Me teasing about the ups and downs of marriage was balanced by this more sombre look at love, The Most Truthful Moments.

3)  The Encyclopedia of Sleep of Positions, this one just makes me smile.

4)  Kids Say and Do the Darnedest Things.  I like all the "darnedest" posts, but this one is still a family favourite.

5)  A tie!  What can I say I just couldn't decide between A Real Potty-pooper! and Cinderella Sunday.  Maybe you can decide...

Friday, May 27, 2011

Friday Five.

The ants go marching.  Yech!

They are in my whole house and I feel like I'm going crazy.  It is like a modern version of Hitchcock's "The Birds", but with ants instead of birds.  Yech, yech, triple yech!

(Okay, I cheated with more then five syllables, words, etc but I had to get this one.  They are making my nuts!)