A View from the Park

brace your face

2012-01-30T04:30:00.000-08:00

i got nothing.
I sat down with high hopes of having something interesting to say last night.
Nope.
Nothing.

How about a photo instead....(deena searches, hoping to light a flame and find something interesting to blog about) and....
and I have something!!
My husband got his braces off!!!! I remember that day in grade 12 like it was yesterday when I got mine off. He's not super excited, but I sure am!!!

Dan pre-braces, chomper style with hair...

Dan with braces,

My handsome man sans braces....

and of course some cute kids to top off the post...

A night needed

2012-01-27T04:30:00.000-08:00

After a week with zero social life because of marking and single momming, a night like tonight was just what I needed.
Sister and I took off for a little light mall walking, which included a stop at Sephora. When I asked the Sephora girl what the trends were for spring she mentioned hot pink and I laughed. As if, that was so 20 years ago, plus pink looks horrible on my already pinky toned skin. But when I decided to try it, I was surprised to find it actually didn't look that bad. Pink it is!
We then proceeded to have sushi. Yum!
This was followed by a walk through the Bay where I tried on some fun outfits from BCBG and great Jessica Simpson jeans. I concluded that I still need to drop a size before I do any serious clothes purchasing, although I was happy to see that the jeans I was trying on are a size smaller than in the fall when I last bought some. Yay!
We then headed out to Jordan's for a partylite gathering which was the perfect combination of wine, friends and laughter. Just what I needed. Heidi, Jordan, Kerri and Kyla (Michelle was missing) are a fantastic group of friends that I've grown rather fond of and I definitely don't see enough of them as a group. We used to have monthly supper clubs with our husbands too and I actually miss that. Although we have been making an effort to get out every month or so for a girls' supper, which has been great too. With that being said, I await Kerri's email about Feb's get together. Wow- I even need routine to keep my friendships rolling. Oy. I need help.

Have a great weekend!

and the beat goes on.

2012-01-26T04:30:00.000-08:00

It may have taken me a couple weeks after Christmas to get back on my "lose 15-20lbs" wagon, but I think I'm officially back in the groove. This mantra is constantly playing in the back of my mind all day, willing myself to find the time to get on the treadmill or hit the weights.
It's playing so loudly, in fact that yesterday I hit an all time multitasking level of awesome: I corrected finals while walking at an incline on the treadmill.
Can't say too much for my penmanship, but whatever. I got the job done.
Both of them, actually.

Routines

2012-01-25T04:30:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I can get so caught up in my nightly routines. So caught up, in fact, that if one little change happens, it can completely throw me through a loop.
The nights/days that I'm alone are down to a T and I have it perfected to an art.
From,
The kitchen needing to be tidied before bed (a mess in the morning cramps my style) ..
to the coffee being ready, just needing the button to be pushed,
to my lunch made and ready to transfer to car,
to the precious minutes I have before a child wakes up in order to make myself look professional. I still haven't spent more than 10 minutes doing my hair, let alone actually straightening the entire head. We'll work on that.
to the time I need to be feeding the kids breakfast in order to not be late,
to the bags needing to already be in the vehicle the night before (because how fun is it trying to get out the door in one piece with all the extra baggage) Now isn't that a metaphor for life....
to the time I need to leave my house in order to get Lucia to Kyla's and Willis to Diane's so that I can make it in time to work early enough to sit down and actually get some work done (because I know now that the only time I'll get work done is before school/during my 1st prep)

I could go on.
The past couple nights have been interesting. My school life is kinda on a different schedule now that we're in finals. What the main difference is my nights not belonging to me. Instead I have corrections. I hate being behind on corrections. During the school year, I can deal with it and it's never too big of a deal. (Until the students start REALLY harassing you) Finals, however, that is my deadline. It NEEDS to be done. So correcting I do. It's kinda a nice change, but with one exam left, I'm mostly over it.

I wasn't very aware of the level that my routines were etched into my soul until my sister kept Lucia a couple nights ago because we had that kindergarten information night.
But she actually kept kept her, which meant, when I awoke Tuesday morning, sans daughter or husband (who was already off to Regina), I was blissfully aware that it was just Willis and I.
And I kinda enjoyed it, while missing my happy morning baby at the same time.
It was relaxing, I actually did my hair while Willis played on my bed.
It was easy, I didn't have to worry what I was forgetting or what I needed to do: I just did because I could.

It made me think that I'd win a freaking gold medal in the Olympics if I was still single. Not too sure what it'd be for yet. I'm just amazed at how much I've overlooked the simplicity of life at times.
I was sure happy to get my sweet baby back though, not gonna lie. Who wouldn't miss that smiling face:

The gartenofkinder

2012-01-24T04:30:00.000-08:00

Tonight I came to a multitude of realizations as I pondered my son's academic upbringing whilst not paying attention to a presentation.
1- I'd make a bad student. My attention span is oh, so ADHD seconds long.
2- Willis is gonna be just fine in kindergarten. He's teacher isn't scary.
3- I'm going to be just fine with Willis in kindergarten. In fact, tonight's parent orientation left me quite excited for the little rascal.
4- I think I'm mostly excited for him for a couple reasons.....the main one being I know he'll be challenged and will love learning, but also because the school that we chose provides door pickup for the bus route and he'll know 2 kids in his class. For some reason I think buses should be scary, but it's good to know he'll be boarding el autobuso with his friends at daycare.
5- I think knowing two kids, or two sets of parents, makes me feel many times reassured. I know that he'll continue his admiration for Maya (who's parents I've recently met and so far very much enjoy) and then will make a new friend in Noah who is son to a PA friend of mine, Danielle, so naturally a two boys with PA roots will get along. Although I think Noah is a Flames fan and Willis is partial to the Oilers.
Hmmmm...not sure how that's going to work itself out.

Alas, I'm a very happy mom and I'm sure we've made the right decision in schools. This is much better than the sad and trepidacious mom that I thought I'd be this morning.
YAY for school!

And in the spirit of nothing else related to my gartenofkinder topic, can you NOT see the Diehl in my daughter? Someone please tell me that she looks like my brother or my beautiful cousin, Glenna.
My little light may look like her momma after all.....

Where I've been, what I've done.

2012-01-23T04:30:00.000-08:00

A year ago I made a bucket list with my brother and sister.
Although I was hesitant to jump on board the creation of a list (I love change and found it hard to create a list that I had to stick to) (I do realize that I don't have to stick to anything, but then what's the point of making a list if you aren't going to make an effort to achieve it) I still made a meaningful effort.
Anyway, recently while watching the Bachelor, I was introduced to a new concept - a leap list- which makes way more sense to me: choose a milestone that's approaching, then think of 10 things you want to do before that milestone.
This is exactly what will work for me: it's not as macabre as a bucket list of things do to before I die, but rather goal setting in a reasonable time frame.
Now to think of some goals to set for my new leap list, and I garuantee that although "snow" skiing in San Francisco in a bikini does sound appealing, it most certainly won't be making an appearance on my list.

In the meantime, let's take a look back at the last year in my bucket list and see where I've been and what I've done:

The Unaccomplished:

Learn to play another instrument. Guitar? Flute? Cello?Change careers at least once.
Work in a greenhouse.
Donate something substantial.
Build and design my own house.
Have a pool. A real one.
Play Masters level fastball.
Master a culinary dish from 10 different cultures. Throw a dinner party.
Visit each continent, except for the cold, impossible one.
Memorize a poem.
Sell a painting to a stranger.
Take six months off of life and travel with my family, home schooling my children.
Perform on stage. This could be singing, dancing......who knows.
Remarry my husband with our children as witnesses.
Have the same bff when I'm 50.
Visit Bethlehem.
Visit St. Lucia, the island. With my little Lucia.

The very close to be accomplished:

Experience the glory of NYC with my mom, sister, Lucia, Kinsey and any other girl added to our family. Okay, no Lucia, Kinsey or Jenn but Mom, Kyla and I are heading to the big apple in May!
Buy a pair of Christian Louboutins. Feel no guilt. Just need to lose 15 lbs and no guilt will be felt buying these babies whilst in NYC!
Fit into my wedding dress better than I did on my wedding day. Damn you fifteens!

And the very much so accomplished:

Go on a trip with just my brother and sister. Yay Scotland! Definitely want to go back there again. That was an amazing trip.

Have a conversation with a celebrity. Well kinda. NKOTBSB concert last July with cousins, Lea and Renee. We stood outside the buses and chatted it up with Howie, Jon and Matthew Morrison

Wear red lipstick. This I was very scared of and it didn't help when my husband informed me the first time I put it on that I looked like the joker. Whatever, I have rocked the red many times since.

Tough boy

2012-01-20T04:30:00.000-08:00

My little guy took a nasty tumble on Tuesday night. We have sleepovers when Daddy's out of town and that happened to be one of his nights. He LOVES to cuddle with his mommy! Anyway, sometime around 2 am I was awoken by a scream and cry, poor guy had rolled off the way too tall king monster that we sleep in.
His Harry Potter-esque scratch didn't actually break skin, thankfully. It could've been much worse. Now he just has to deal with a bruiser around his eye and a cool Nike shaped scratch.

He's a tough guy though, and went back to sleep in 2 minutes after having fallen.
What a boy.

We've been quite fortunate with him, he hasn't had many accidents, in fact when thinking back, the only time I could remember him being knocked around was when he was Lucia's age and had taken a nasty spill at daycare.
Not too shabby.

Have a great weekend!

project

2012-01-19T04:30:00.000-08:00

I like to be busy in the same way that I also like to be bored: they each have their own unique convenience that keep me entertained during the week.
A couple weeks ago I decided my bedroom needed some sprucing up. When we first moved into this house I was quick to update the otherwise boring decor. It's been 4 years now and time to make our abode a little cozier.
Simons (my favourite french retailer) was having a sale after Christmas and it was perfect time to get a couple things to compliment what I had originally done.
I am absolutely in love with this space and seriously can't wait until I can retire to my cozy bed to read for the evening.
Check out my before, after and afterer pictures:

When purchased:
March 2008:

January 2012:

A glimpse into the future?

2012-01-17T04:30:00.000-08:00

They say that kids grow up way too quickly.

I will not even waste a minute doubting that one.

One minute you have a sweet, sleeping baby in your arms, totally reliant on you for every aspect of life. Next thing you know, that sweet baby boy is sitting at a desk, patiently working away at letters.

Line, down and hook.

Josh, Justin, Jesus.

What begins with J...

Next week at this time we have a kindergarten meeting for our not so little boy.
AHHHHHHHHHH. If that doesn't tug at your heartstrings, I don't know what will. The thought of sending my little love off on a school bus makes me want to grab that hourglass and stop every last pebble from dropping.
This can't be happening so soon.
Willis also informed me tonight that he was going to marry me.
Yup, mom. I'm going to marry you. Because you're sweet and I love you.

Again. Much too old, much too soon. Here he is, all snuggled up in his brand new pajamas and all he could say when I handed them to him was : wow! I love these. Thanks Dad for picking them out.
Not too sure where all the gratitude and love was coming from last night, but I'll take it.

Meanwhile on the other side of Narnia, a sweet little girl was begging for attention. And playdough.

CHEEEEEESE, she screams as I snap a picture.

There's another one that is likely going to grow up much to quickly.

Isn't life grande when you focus on the beautiful?

and that is exactly what I needed.

2012-01-16T04:30:00.000-08:00

This weekend I thought about my Friday post. I also did some reading about triumphs and about living life through tragedies and trauma and all the crap that gets in the way.
In the end, what I've decided is most true, is that we all have baggage and stuff that we experience, something is bound to happen in our lives that rocks us to the core.
So what really matters is finding the love in it and holding close to those relationships that make a difference.
I'm pretty sure that anybody who has been through anything can definitely name somebody that made a difference during their rotten times. It made me think of a story that was in a novel our grade 9 class studied this semester:

The Starfish Story
Original Story by: Loren Eisley

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed
a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into theocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, "What are you doing?"

The youth replied, "Throwing starfish back into theocean. The surf is up and the tideis going out. If I don't throw themback, they'll die."

"Son, theman said, don't you realize there are miles and miles of beach andhundreds of starfish? You can'tmake a difference!"

Afterlistening politely, the boy bent down, picked up anotherstarfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then,smiling at the man, hesaid
"I made a difference for that one."

So I did just that. I seeked out things/people/activities that made a difference in my life and it surely was easy to come by. Some quality family time at home and then some girlie time with the besties, doing what we do best: dinner, popcorn and a movie. We even were able to Facetime with our faraway bestie in Calgary.
And it was good and exactly what I needed.
I am feeling so much better about things and am really looking forward to some other moments with great friends: lunches, house parties and skating dates, coming up in the next couple weeks, some celebrations this weekend with my parents and then a roadtrip to Calgary to see Christy and a Park family trip to Edmonton.
Good times ahead, folks.
Happy Monday.

Friday contemplations

2012-01-13T04:30:00.000-08:00

I've been finding myself lately getting caught up in thoughts about the world wind of life that can sometimes surround us.
Maybe it's just me going into reflection mode as Dad tackles his last cancer treatment tonight.
Maybe it's the constant bombarding of bad news.
Maybe this is just a passage of time.
Maybe it's because I started reading the newspaper again and we all know how joyful it can be.
Maybe it's hormonal.
That might also explain why I felt the need to eat two chocolate bars yesterday....

DO you ever get that way when you can't stop thinking about the constant shit that people are going through? We're getting older, the people around us are as well and our circle of friends is broadening, therefore we're more affected by people's lives.
I don't ever remember being this way.
I mean, I lead a fairly sheltered life growing up and apart from a couple people I knew passing away during my youth and high school years, I never really experienced true grief until Kelly died in June 2001. Since then I've said an unexpectant goodbye that same summer to my Grandpa Park and then in 2008 to an ex and old friend, André.

Still, compared to what others have experienced, my life is simple.Yet, I can't seem to stop thinking about the constant craptacular drone of nonsense that clogs the airways that I'm trying to breathe.
Come to think of it, I'm at a point now that I can't even think of somebody in my life who doesn't have something bogging them down, something to worry about, something to stress them.
I guess these are things that bring us closer in this experience we call life?
It does become the moments that build lasting relationships?
So the eternal optimist that resides in me does finally get a word in.
She starts to make sense of things.
I like her better than the hormonal mess I can become when left for extended amounts of time (with far too much chocolate and not enough wine) without someone to talk to at night for entertainment's purposes. Chris Harrison and his rose ceremonies can only go so far.

Then sometimes I even find it comical that I get all stressed out about cancers and diagnostics and illnesses and accidents....I mean isn't death the one thing we all have in common anyway? It's not something we can hide from or prevent. Unless you're Voldemort and well, we all know that's a completely different problem.

So really, in the end, I guess my point is, if I'm even trying to make one in this blurb of nothing, that when I start thinking about all the shit and the guck and the blah that happens, it just makes me want to have a closer relationship with God. Because if I ~~know~~ believe that there's something bigger and this is not the end and that love lasts forever even after our physical end, then I can, in a sense, find peace in the happenings in life. Because I know that life goes on and that there's a grander scheme to things.
And that gives me peace.
Now if only I could find the rest of those chocolate bars. I didn't buy a 4 pack for nothing.

Happy Friday! Happy last injection day, Dad!!!

On the same topic.

2012-01-12T04:30:00.000-08:00

The word melanoma was introduced into my vocabulary on August 17th, 2010. I was at Dodge City, signing the papers on my new Journey. I will never forget my mom's phone call, while standing in the middle of the showroom ,I lied when she asked if I was alone ;) when my world changed forever.

Melanoma is now a very big part of my vocabulary.
I am now hugely aware of how this can change someone and affect a family.
After a year of immunotheraphy treatments, Dad has one injection left and then hopefully it'll be smooth sailing from here.

This doesn't mean that I'll never have to use this word again.
What it does mean is that I'm going to be super vigilant in monitoring my own body and those of my children.
If you have someone you love in your life, please share this video with them.
And hopefully you'll never have to use this word in your life.

so close

2012-01-11T05:16:00.000-08:00

two more injections, Dad.
You can do it!

10 year rewind

2012-01-10T04:30:00.000-08:00

I had a bunch of ideas about what I wanted to write about for today, but instead I got carried away reminiscing *by myself, while looking at old photos. I'm quite impressed that my digital albums actually go back almost 10 years. And no, I haven't scanned all my photo albums yet, in which case these pics would go even further.
For now, let's do a 10 year January rewind:

IN MY LIFE

a year ago:

Not too sure what was happening here, nor why Coco was going for my butt. I do notice right away that Lucia hasn't any hair and can still fit into that Bumbo.

2 years ago in our wintery lives:

We had outside playdates with the Simairs

3 years ago:

We were celebrating Christmas in the Mayan with Simair Clam

5 years ago:

Our dear Willis was baptized.

6 years ago:

We were having supper clubs at Carmen's

Sleigh rides with Christy

And trips to the airport to pick up someone....ah, Dan with before braces....

7 years ago:

hitting up a Jordan Knight concert the cousins

8 years ago:

Serious gaming happening in our Warman house between the brothers

9 years ago:

Lots of cuddling with Sniper and Bailey

10 years ago:

Christmas parties with the girls and a clear obsession with flippy hair. Remember the days when we didn't have to ask our husbands if we could go out???

The time when winter forgot us.

2012-01-09T04:30:00.000-08:00

Years from now we'll look back on this most wonderful winter and remember how it looked like spring and tempted us to not even wear our winter jackets because it is so warm.
10 degrees today?? How awesome is that?
And to be truthful, I the only time I missed the snow was Christmas.
It's been fantastic taking our strolls outside without freezing and being able to play at the park for extended amounts of time.

We had some great family time this weekend and I really am soaking up the lazy month of January and enjoying the do-nothingness that I have lined up for the next bit.

Good times!

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

Goals and such. Again.

2012-01-06T04:30:00.000-08:00

Well that was easy.
I don't think I've ever actually accomplished a New Year's Resolution so quickly.
Satisfying.
I blogged one less day this week.
Now that I'm such a role, let's move on to Goal #2:
Focus on memory making.

Hmmmmm...
I've had many ideas on how I can do this.
Naturally, Pinterest is the source of most of these ideas....they would include:
Writing down specific special memories and putting them in a mason jar to be opened New Year's Eve.
That's kinda like blogging. So no.
Doing a photo a day for a year.
Enticing, but then I think when I don't feel like taking a picture it'd be forced and unspecial and likely of my fat cat.

I could go on.
Although I do really like the idea of those ideas, I think what I'm going to try to do (and I've genuinely tried this every year but always managed to fall short) is to make a real, true, authentic effort to connect more with my friends, my companions (probably the same thing?) and my acquaintances.

How, you ask?

Well. I plan on continuing to make a point of getting my close groups of friends together regularly on playdates, drinkdates, supperdates, moviedates, exercisedates and roadtrips in order to deepen our bonding and strengthen our love for each other. I also want to continue to make a point that our children hang out together so they can have mutual friends that last a lifetime, like my parents did for us with the Desjardins, the Degirolamos, the Regels......

With my sister, who falls in a completely different category, I'm going to tell her I love her more and instead of annoy her, I will focus on complementing her and highlighting her strengths and wonderfulness she brings to my life. Like how she feeds my daughter healthy food and looks to take care of her by doing daily strengthening activities with her. My other family member/friends would also fall in that category of sisterly love, so watch out.

My acquaintances are women who I still kinda keep touch with and see sometimes only because of life and distance and things like that. I really need to try to get together with these ladies at some point this year and make an effort to connect. Bonus point awarded to me, by me, because I did do that today by emailing Jyl and requesting a date.

Man, I'm on the ball this year.
I wonder how long this will last.

Happy weekend of memory making!

Goals and such

2012-01-05T04:30:00.000-08:00

New Year's goal #1: blog one day a week less.

Strange goal perhaps but I'm going to substitute a night of blogging with more sleep.

Sounds good for me.

Happy Thursday.
d

The perfect day

2012-01-04T04:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a great last day before I headed back to work. It was a day that combined the best of the best from my distant mat leave memories and it has given me fuel for what is left of this beautiful winter.
We did crafts, we ate together, Lucia had a fantastic nap during which I was able to get a workout in while Willis watched a movie. There was even time to spare so I could read a book while Willis contentedly colored beside me. And to top it off we went for a lovely stroll to the park with the Golightlys and then enjoyed an evening with my parents.
This is what a great day in my books looks like:

Love the view from my run: My three motivators; Willis, Britney and a new pair of heels!

something new. 2012 edition

2012-01-03T04:30:00.000-08:00

Today I ventured out to Sephora to indulge in a makeover & gift card spending, courtesy of Sara. They have a sweet setup, much similar to places like Mac and Clinique, where you get a makeover for free when you spend x amount of dollars from a giftcard.

Win, win if you ask me.

I decided that I would try the Temptu airbrushing system which is highly acclaimed and recommended and even used by some of the Bachelor contestants whose style I've adored (Emily and Michelle). The system was originally used in the movies for airbrushing. In fact it was Temptu that turned the chick blue in X-men.

I learned a lot today!
If you are ever in the market for a makeover at Sephora, I highly recommend Blaine. She was fantastic. She is knowledgeable, friendly and I felt comfortable with her from the start. She is easily somebody I would be friends with.

Anyway, back to my learnings......
We started with the Temptu which gives incredible coverage and doesn't feel like I was even wearing foundation. It's a little spraying machine that does foundation, blush, bronzer and illuminationizers. Which isn't a word. But whatever.
This is definitely now on my wishlist. In fact, I got the makeup done at 1 and at 9 pm, after having rough-housed with the kids, made supper, cleaned bathrooms and even vacuumed and I still looked the same at 9 as I did at 2. Love it.
After my foundation/blush and bronzer she did my eyes and eyebrows. She taught me some different techniques and tried some makeup that I had never even heard of.
Some things that I'll be trying today are:
- bronzing in the E3 zone as opposed to the T zone.
- Pack and tapping my brushes before applying makeup.
- How to use cake liner and lash lacquer to get a look I've never tried before.

All in all it was a fantastic experience and I was quite happy to learn some new techniques and try some new colours that I've never used before.
Definitely recommended by moi.

Here is the before and after.

That was so 2011

2012-01-02T04:30:00.000-08:00

I just did a little reflecting by rereading last year at this time's blogs and I'm glad to say I'm in the complete opposite state of mind.
The problem last year was me doing tons in preparation for the holidays then falling into major burnout land for a couple weeks after.
This year I did nothing leading up to Christmas. Not even a visit to the Enchanted Forest (gasp) but I can say that I'm full of energy right now and truly profiting from my break. My house has never been more organized.
It was a great Christmas. We had Dan's brother, Josh, with us during the week which was an absolute treat. Willis was on him every second that Josh was awake: Josh, want to colour? Josh, want to do sticker books? And Lucia? Well, Lucia I can say fell head over heals for her uncle! So cute.
We spent 4 days back home in Prince Albert visiting with my family (we swap family Christmas' every other year-way easier!) and got to profit from some major down time and visits. Lucia clung to my Dad and is still requesting "Gampa" whenever she sees Skype.
We did a cooking class with Dan's family on boxing day. I learned that de-boning things is not my thing and the sound of little quail bones breaking disgusts me. I'll just eat, thanks.
We majorly cleaned/organized our house which is LOVELY!
I barely worked out and didn't really mind my diet. The damage was only 2 pounds gained and I can handle that considering how much I've lost.
Tomorrow starts Part 2 of my ass-kicking regime because it is the half way point from ball season to ball season, and by the way,I am that obsessed with ball and I now have 4-5 months to lose the other 20 lbs so I can turn those triples into in the park homeruns!
Speaking of ball, props go to my hubby for getting me the best Christmas present ever....tickets to the Jay's season opener in April. Man, does he ever know me well! On top of it, I'm going to be dragging along my good friend, Jordan for some quality ~~girl~~ ball time. Can't wait!

So that's it.
Today is our last day at home as a family before Dan goes back to work. Lots of good things coming in 2012 so I'm not too sad to see this break over !
Here are some of my favourite pics of the holidays.
Happy Monday!

Love having Josh home!~

Lamb, yum!

Matching sweaters. Not even on purpose

New Christmas tradition: Family photos

Willis loving his Uncle Rob

Heart

Epic

Cooking class

Catching up with Alicat, who conveniently lives acrossish the street from my parents

2011 Rewind

2011-12-31T15:14:00.000-08:00

As I wrap up a great year at home with my little family, I can't help but feel grateful for everything we experienced; the good and bad included, for it made us who we are today. And I love us.

Happy New Year!

Mommy Diaries: The even more experienced Mommies

2011-12-30T04:30:00.000-08:00

My Grandma Diehl. Mother of 7. Grandmother of 18. Great Grandmother of 16? (I lost count).

My mom sat down with Grandma earlier this month, and this is what she had to say (verbatim)

Good evening daughter - I am awfully glad that you are good at writing andrecording things down- it's so amazing how so many ppl have such a difficulttime remembering events!! Talked to Aunty Louise today and can you believeshe cannot recall anything from christmases when she was a child??? Hardto believe!! And then Aunty Chris came to the lodge and she has nomemories either from when she was a little girl!! Then there's me of course whocan still recall the clothes I wore and many other very vivid memories. Itired gramma out with my remembering and probing of her memory bank! Sokeep writing things down - it's good to record these things!

Anyway from Gramma Diehl - speaking about family to her now isvery emotional and when I read your question about what keeps a family close,she immediately began to tear up but she did say - it's even though you aremiles apart like some of her kids are - you still keep in touch with yourfamily by phoning often etc. Then Aunty Chris came along and the same questionmade her tear up - we had a good laugh over that ( btw - Aunty Chris is askingher kids what they think the answers to these questions are so she can put herinfo together)

Back to Gramma. She is very proud of her Santa Claustradition that she kept going for 25 years but before that she had troubleremembering anything extra special she may have done at Christmas. Shesaid our tradition of going to midnite mass and reveillons afterwards didn'tstart till Aunty Judie and I weren't babies anymore, so that gets into myschool-age memory where I remember having to take a nap in the evening because Iwould be staying up very late. I told mom today she probably did that justto get us kids out of her hair for a bit while she was busy in the kitchen. She was amazed that I could still describe my very favourite christmasdresses that were never new but new to me!

She said our best vacationswhen we were young kids were our trips to our cabin at Martin's Lake. Although she didn't do anything relaxing but keep us fed, she said it wasa get-away from their hard work at the school and she loved going there. Then I probed a bit more to ask about Christmases when she was a littlegirl, and she remembers travelling in a horse-drawn caboose (stoveincluded) from their farm to town for midnite mass and then going over to theircousins' house in town who she called "rich" and lived in a very beautiful houseon the corner of main street for reveillons. She said her mom wasalways cooking and baking and she could even make those beautiful swan-shapedcream puff pastries!! Imagine that!!

That's all I got - Grampa Diehlprobably has lots more stories and memories but alas he is still on his"reprieve", as Gramma calls it, on his moose-hunting trip with a couple of mycousins.

I do love old stories.

My Grandma Park. Mother of 2, Grandmother of 6 and Great Grandmother of 6. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Grams earlier this month and am hoping I can get the gist of all the goodies she told me.

1. Best Christmas Traditions/Memories:
When Grams was a young girl, they would always travel to their aunt/uncle's home by horse. She remembers leaving early in the morning to make it for a turkey dinner and then a play in the snow. She recalls heating rocks for the sleigh ride home and also going for a horse ride every Christmas. They didn't get a lot of presents, although she does remember one year when her parents were so mad because they received a bag of apples/oranges that were rotten because they were wrapped too early. They were poor and a standard gift would be fruit. Other families got toys. As an older girl (10 years old-ish) she remembers getting clothes that were bought (would otherwise have been made). They always had Christmas pudding with one sauce (the brown sugar one). They would go to Grandma Ingram's for New Year's and have goose. Doug and Don (my uncle and Dad) were always spoiled. Grams told me about the time that she got a muskrat coat from Gramps and she cried, she was so happy. Grandpa said "Isn't that nice, I buy you a coat and you cry" . Ah, Grandpa, how we miss you.

2- The best vacations were out to B.C every year. They (my Dad as a child) would go to New Westminster and drive the whole way. They would stop in Hinton to see Aunts/Uncles. Don had to pee a lot. Grams emphasized that point. One of his lines that she remembers is, as they were approaching Canmore he yelled out, "I need the can more than ever"

That is all I got, I think we got interrupted with a good game of Scrabble.

That's all for Mommy Diaries this year. Thanks again to everyone who was willing to share a little peak into their world, I know I definitely profited from it!

A Mommy Diary, experienced Mom edition

2011-12-29T04:30:00.000-08:00

I decided this time to ask some different questions to the more experienced Moms in my life, as there is a lot we can learn from them.
Here is what I got for answers:

From my Aunty Marcie, mother to Brett, Lea and Renée. Grandma to Brooke, Jarek and Sienna

Our best tradition we had at Christmas was,  we would pick a night to put up the Christmas tree and all together decorate the tree and had to put on Christmas music and I always had a box of Seashell chocolates and maybe Turtles .  It was kind of a prelude to the Christmas season.

Next question was what was the best vacations.  Our best vacations were camping as we had time to have one on one with our kids playing games and sitting by the fire.

Last question is what keeps a family close.  Doug and I both thought communication, respect for one another and lots of love.

Next up is my mother in law, Denyse. Mom to Dan, Monique, Chris & Josh. Nana to Willis and Lucia.

Our best Christmas traditions:

Christmas tree of course and Pork pie, Christmas stockings, going to church Christmas eve, visiting our wonderful neighbours, the giving and receiving of presents with our loved ones and having a wonderful meal for a couple of hours. Other nice things we did were anticipate the coming of baby Jesus birthday with a homemade Advent Calendar with a little project or treat for each day, a homemade baked Christmas ring with a birthday candle to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus Christmas morning, and also making a family clay nativity set that we enjoyed the memories with each year.

Great vacations:

Travelling together all squished in our camper van and touring and camping together. When we would go to the Rockies and all the high lights in between like Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump, science centres, museums and Dinosaur Provincial Park. As we travelled, the kids marked with highlighters on a cardboard map where we travelled each day.

How to keep a family close:

Prayer is the one essential that opens the concerns of each of its members to the support of its family members and Jesus makes everything else happen!

Then my Aunty Chris answered....multiple times! Mom to Sarah, K.C and Devon.
I asked my girls these questions. These are K.C's answers.

Our best traditions.... Xmas eve at grandmas, uncles as Santa, take turns putting angel on the tree. Best family vacations... Road trips to B.C every summer.

What keeps family close.. Family events, more family get togethers and communication like facebook and Deena's blog keeps everyone in the loop with each other's lives.

Devon says Uncle Brian as Santa.

Best travels: B.C adventures

Keeps a family close? Grandma and Grandpa keep us all close

From Aunty Chris:

Hi I know I didn't send you anything concrete. you mom and I were talking about this on Sunday. Your mom is so good at taking me think deeper.

For keeping a family close. One thing I would suggest to young people is to have a role model family. Your family was that to us. We did certain things with our family because your family role modeled that for us. For example. eating meals at the table together, church on Sundays, grace if not everyday at least at special occasions. many visits with Grandparents.
I also never had video games or electronic stuff for our kids. When we travelled we talked and played games and sang.
When I tucked the kids in at night. we did a good day/bad day conversation. Did anything bad happen in your day, did anything good happen in your day to end on a positive note. We did this in bed, then we counted our blessings of what we had to be thankful for as our evening prayer.

And lastly, my Mom answered my questions for me.

1. Best created traditions for Christmas?

singing in the Christmas choir and getting the boys to come to midnight mass and ask themafterwards - how was the music?
trying to continue culturaltraditions like reveillons after mass and traditional foods like tourtiere and English Christmas pudding
get togethers with family over the holidays
a surprise visit from Santa Claus!

2. best vacations

easy peasy - summer trips to Vernon! Sometimes we even ventured on to the coast or took a different wayhome

3. what keeps a family close?

one daily sit-downmeal together and everyone has a job with cleanup and dish-washingafterwards
regular family outings like camping trips, picnics andtravelling together to sports tournaments etc. and being dragged to yoursiblings games/events/etc.
staying close to your grandparents as theyage so respect and caring for the elderly becomes the norm.
and goingtogether to church on Sunday certainly gives you quiet time together and atotally different experience from other types of activities, plus develops asense of community and concern for others. Then that should always befollowed with a special breakfast, even if it's just pancakes!

Year 7.

2011-12-27T04:30:00.000-08:00

Last night we sat down with my family to share in an anniversary cake made almost perfectly by my mom and sister.
What made it so special was that we could share it with our beautiful and rather cheerful children. (But who wouldn't be cheerful eating a mound of angel food goodness topped in layers of orangey whipped cream.)
Apparently had they followed the recipe, it would have been even more orangey. I thought it was fantastic regardless. So fantastic that I even had 2 pieces.

Today is our 7th wedding anniversary. 7 years seems like a lot, but really in the grande scheme of things, when I'm surrounded by grandparents who have been married 65 years and parents celebrating their 36ish, it's nothing. I hope one today to be that couple that has been married FOREVER and who stands up in the middle of wedding ceremonies to share their story (Like we experienced at Alynne and Mark's wedding, which still moves me) . Or to be that couple that still holds hands and shows their love everyday.

I adore my husband and definitely feel extremely lucky to have landed such a fine chap.
In seven years we have (in no particular order):
Had 2 homes,
Welcomed 2 children,
Adopted 2 dogs and a cat,
Got braces, lost hair, acquired grey hair,
Celebrated countless birthdays,
Maintained great friendships and made new friends too,
A date night at least once a week,
never really been in a fight (although he has p'd me off many times and me likewise, I'm sure),

and still are very much in love.

Happy Anniversary, hubby!
~la wife.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T04:30:00.000-08:00

We have spent a most wonderful weekend with my family in Prince Albert for a very brown and unseasonably warm Christmas.
It was wonderful.
Family time is always a cherished time in my books, especially after the year we've had. Although this house did get crazy at the best of times, it was great to have everyone together.
We ate, we played, we laughed, we photographed, we played outside, we crowned a new MarioKart champion (brother Rob, aka Little Rob).
We started a new tradition (Annual Christmas Family photo). We embraced old traditions: Grandma P's Christmas pudding and Grandma D's Christmas buns.
Probably my favourite time of the weekend was Christmas Eve mass at St. Mark's. It was just my mom, Kyla, the 2 Robs and I, but it was special. Maybe it was because we so seldomly go back to the Church in which we grew up, so it was neat to see people all grown up also, or maybe because it was my siblings and I.
I don't know.
But I do know that it made me feel extra grateful for the people in my life. The priest gave a lovely homily, in which his message was that God gave us a gift on Christmas in the birth of Jesus, therefore it's our job to celebrate Christmas by giving heartfelt gifts to those we love.
I think that's why I liked the mass that much.
I LOVE gift giving. Receiving is fun, but for me, the best part is planning the gifts and making them something meaningful.
For me, that is one way I can show my family how much they mean to me.

I hope you all had a Merry and Bright Christmas as well.

Christmas time is here.

2011-12-23T04:30:00.000-08:00

And I'm back to blogging.
It's been great reading through the different ideas of the Mommies and I always learn a thing or two each time. I think the most important lesson that one could take away from this is that we're all in the same boat and if we were to keep that in mind; that we're all fighting the same fight, then maybe we'd be less critical and hard on each other.
We need to appreciate each other's talents more and seek inspiration in what others do.
That's my thought anyway.

And us, over here in Simairland? Well...we've been slacking. I have done nothing in comparison to my other years of Christmas prep. No 12 days of Christmas, no cookie makings, no drives through the Enchanted Forest....nothing. Why? Well I think the tole of singleparenting during the week, a month of a sick household, sleepless nights, fulltime jobs and not enough time has taken over my Christmas prep brain.
Do I feel less festive and prepared? Absolutely not.
I've come to terms with the fact that I didn't necessarily kick Cmas' butt. But that is mostly because of a words of some wise old friends. When feeling down about my efforts this year, I just happened to be chatting with my BFF, Christy, who had just happened to be chatting to our other BFF, Sara about Christmas traditions. Sara raised an interesting point that it takes until a kid is about 6 or 7 to truly embrace traditions.
So I have some time. And even if I didn't do much this year to enhance our traditions, our kids will spend a wonderful Christmas weekend surrounded by a family that absolutely loves them.
And when it comes to it, that's all that Christmas is really about.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas.

The year our Christmas was taken over by ideas from Pinterest

Mommy diaries: Candace

2011-12-22T04:30:00.000-08:00

Candace is our last Mommy Diary until sometime after Christmas when I'll resume the Mommy Diaries, but with a difference spin; a few lessons from our more experienced moms. I look forward to putting them together to see what they have to teach us.

Candace is one of my closest friends and is very dear to me. She is like a sister and is probably one of the most giving people I know. Relatively new to the Mommy gig, she's already rocking it and is a natural in her new role!

Candace and Amelia

1- Things your kids do to make you smile

Amelia makes me smile everyday for so many different reasons.

When she wakes up in the morning and I say Good Morning she gives me the biggest smile ever. That always starts my day right. When she discovers something new like her hand, my finger, a toy, my hair (the list could go on) and shoves it in her mouth. And lately she has discovered her voice, her little squeeks and sqeals make me laugh. Also when her daddy comes home from work she gives him the biggest brightest smile ever!

2- Favourite vacation place with family

Going to the lake. I grew up going to the lake all the time and I think the same will be for Amelia. Also heading out to BC. We love the coast!

3- How you would spend a rainy day at home (with your kids).
It would be a PJ day with lots of cuddles, playtime and maybe a movie

4- What you do to survive the long winters.
By getting out for playdates, going to the lesuire centres, mall walking (or shopping ) with friends. Going outside on warmer winter days for walks and playing in the snow. And maybe one day we can add a hot winter vacation!!

5- What kind of traditions are you creating for Christmas.
My husband and I have started to talk about this one.
Go to grandma & grandpa's in PA to help decorate the tree. When I was growing up we would go driving around looking at Christmas light displays on houses through the city, this is something that we're going to start with our family. I love seeing everyone's house all lit up and Christmassy.
Every year we get a real tree so starting next year we'd like to go to a tree farm & pick out/cut down our tree. I think Christmas Eve will be just for our little family of three. Spending the evening together, eating appetizers, playing a new board game, watch a Christmas movie.

6- If you were to have one entire day, alone in your house, how would you spend it?
I would sleep!!
Bubble bath
movie
Clean
Sleep more

Mommy Diaries: Heidi

2011-12-21T04:30:00.000-08:00

Heidi is a great friend: she's caring, she's compassionate, she's loving and she'sdevoted. I really couldn't ask for much more in a friend. I cherish every minute I get to spend with her.

Heidi and her son, Finley

Thing's my son does that make me laugh....
When our little Fin comes into our room in the morning and turns on our light (the switch is at bedside height) to wake us up and then giggles.

Favorite vacation place....
Going to a cabin anytime anywhere in the winter just to get away. To enjoy all the outdoor activities.

How I would spend a rainy day with my son....
Definitely napping with him, baking and reading lots of books
(kids books that is).

What I do to survive a long winter....
Normally I curl up on the couch with a glass of red wine and my husband of course and watch lots of movies and TV shows. But lately substituting the wine with a hot bevy & snacks (ha, ha).

Traditions I am creating this Christmas....
I have bought my son an advent garland to fill with goodies & toys. And at a Christmas party I got another one as a gift for myself. I'm hoping my husband will fill it with chocolates :) I can't hardly wait till December 1st.

If I had an entire day to myself in my house I would spend it....
Sewing, scrapbooking & lying on my couch having coffee with the fireplace on, listening to Nora Jones.

Mommy Diaries: Mel

2011-12-20T04:30:00.000-08:00

This, of all the mommy entries, is by far the one that I'm most excited about, for many reasons:
1- Mel didn't post last time (and almost didn't this time), so I'm pumped to hear what she has to say.
2- I played ball with Mel. She was one of the "older" (bahhaha) gals when I joined the Ganza as a "younger" (equally bahhaha because now I'm the old one) gal. I looked up to her as a player (she's an insane short stop) and as a mom (seriously, who breastfeeds between innings other than Mel).
This lady exudes confidance, humility, humour and dignity.
I still look up to her very much and hope that some day I can bring the serious game that she has (on and off the field).

1. Things your kids do to make you smile.
My kids are all a little older now, so there's a wide variety of things they do to make me smile. Rhyan is the youngest at 5, she has always entertained herself quite easily. As long as she's got two of something in her hands, she can make them have the funniest conversations while she plays. Eavesdropping on those conversations always makes me smile if not laugh out loud! Now, my older girls, Shaye almost 14 (yikes!) and Camryn soon to be 12, are very fair haired and unfortunately they are true to their "blonde" roots. If I don't smile at some of their "moments", I'd be worrying about how they'll survive the real world! Jett, the poor soul, is the only boy in our family. He'll be 9 this New Year's Eve. He is the more quiet and sensitive of the 4 kids, so his quick wit still surprises me. My kids make me smile daily with the things they do or say, but when I think about them and how blessed I am to be their mom, my heart smiles too!

2. Favorite vacation place with your family.
Most of our vacationing is done at the lake. We love camping. We've never taken the kids on a "real" vacation, but we are hoping to take them some place warm next year. Any suggestions on a family friendly vacation spot?

3. How do you spend a rainy day @ home?
Catching up on housework and baking! The kids get put to work too! Am I a terrible mother? Once our business is taken care of, the kids have the rest of the day to watch a movie or just play and I'll usually read. If the rainy day happens to be when we are camping, we head to the nearest city for a movie!

4. What do you do to survive the long winters?
With 4 kids on 4 different hockey teams, broomball, and my husband working 2 weeks in/2 weeks out, winter is never long for me! It flies by! So, I guess I survive the winters by keeping busy.

5. What kind of traditions are you creating for Christmas?
Every year, we spend Christmas Eve with my side of the family at my mom and dad's. After a turkey dinner, most of us head to the church for midnight mass (which is at 7:30pm!). Then we have some appetizers and open some gifts. The next morning is just for our family. We spend a relatively quiet morning at home, opening our gifts from Santa and the ones exchanged between ourselves. Later in the afternoon, Stan's family comes over for another turkey dinner and we have another gift opening with them. Every year, I also take the kids to do some shopping for those less fortunate. We used to package up the shoe boxes ourselves, but the school has made things easier for us. Now we just have to do the shopping and the kids at school do the packaging.

6. If you were to have one entire day alone in your house, how would you spend it?
First, I would make sure my house was clean, laundry done and baking on hand before my "me" day. This way I could make it a true day just for myself and not feel like I should be doing something else. I would start my day on the computer, then get a good workout in. After a long, hot bath, I would read, and maybe do some scrapbooking.

All in a week

2011-12-19T04:20:00.001-08:00

I find it somewhat amazingly crazy how during the holidays I somehow manage to jam in more events than I have in three months combined.
It's going to be a busy week, but not the annoyingly busy kind. More so the busy that reminds me of the feelings of anticipation one experiences as a child, waiting for Santa.
So for my Christmas anticipation week, adult style, I will:
Go for drinks with my ball friends,
Finish work,
Deliver a hamper to a family in need,
Wrap the remainder of the gifts,
Finish up the mommy diaries,
Bring the kids to their immunizations,
Watch Love Actually. Twice.
Count down the days to see my BFF,
Celebrate my husbands birthday,
Find birthday present for husband,
Host a Christmas exchange and supper with the Simairs.
Spend some quality time with my brother.
Pack up and head to Prince Albert,
Celebrate Dad's retirement,
And finally, enjoy Christmas!!

Have a fabulous Monday!

Mommy Diaries: Jyl

2011-12-16T04:30:00.000-08:00

Today's blogger, Jyl is probably one of my favourite people in the world. I love her honesty, her sincerity *I suppose those would be the same things, and the inspiration she provides for me, without likely even knowing it. I would love to be able to spend more time with this remarkable woman. Check her out....

Hey Deena....I'm hoping it's not too late to send you an entry for the Mommy Diaries 2.0. Part of the reason for the delay is that I have no good pictures of Katelyn and I together!! If it's okay with you, I'm just going to send a pic that sums up current life with Katelyn to a tee...she's half-naked and riding her horse in the kitchen at midnight. She's a crazy kid, but I can't imagine life without her :)

Things your kids do to make you smile:

At 22 months, everything Katelyn does makes me smile :) One of my favorites would have to be when she leans in for a kiss, closes her eyes and says, "Mmmmm.....". Watching her take care of her baby melts my heart...she's modeling all the things I do with her and that makes me feel great!

Favourite vacation place with family:

We haven't travelled very far since Katelyn has joined the family, so I would have to pick my parents' cabin at Little Bear Lake. There are no phones, no internet and no TV which means we're all forced to "do" things...puzzles, card games, reading books, going for walks etc. It is so calm and peaceful up there and I really hope Katelyn makes as many wonderful memories as I have!

How you would spend a rainy day at home (with your kids):

If it's a light or warm rain, part of the day would have to involve playing with umbrellas outside, catching worms and splashing in puddles :) When we're hanging out inside, our time would involve stories in our fort (made out of blankets and the dining room chairs), some crafts and hopefully a nap or two!

What you do to survive the long winters:

Getting outside as much as possible, as long as the weather is appropriate. If we're forced to be indoors, I try to get together with other moms/kids at least twice a week so she can have some fun with kids her own age. At home, playing/crafting/baking/cleaning (she LOVES to help clean right now!) would hopefully take our minds off the yucky weather!

What kind of traditions are you creating for Christmas?

My favourite Christmas tradition is one my parents started more than 30 years ago...our Elf Box. It is a small mailbox that sat in a central area (ours was always in the hall by our dining room). In the days leading up to Christmas, the elves would check in on us every couple of days to see if we were behaving. If we were being good, they would leave us small presents (a pack of gum, new crayons, dollar store toys etc). The anticipation of waiting to see when the elves would stop by just about drove us bonkers!

For Katelyn, I want to continue the traditions that my parents did with us kids...taking one full evening to decorate the house and tree (complete with Christmas music, goodies and hot chocolate!); decorating a gingerbread house; having Chinese food for Christmas Eve supper (turkey supper is always Christmas Day, so who wants to cook on Xmas Eve) and then going to church. Under no circumstances were we ever allowed to open a gift on Christmas Eve...I still haven't decided whether I'll bend on that one or not :)

If you were to have one entire day, alone in your house, how would you spend it?

I can't even contemplate what an entire day alone would feel like! There are four main things I would do: clean, nap, read and update my website, Sweet Baby K (but not necessarily in that order...I would probably nap first!).

~Jyl

Mommy Diaries: Melissa

2011-12-15T04:30:00.000-08:00

My former roommate, my teaching buddy and my great friend, Melissa is always amazing me. I'm not sure where she finds the energy to handle two energetic boys on top of a busy classroom, but she does it and still keeps in shape and in touch with her friends. She's always so easy to catch up with and I find myself forgetting that we live in different cities!

Melissa's two sweet boys: Kole and Carson

1-Things your kids do to make you smile (action, something they say...)Each day brings a smile to my face from the time the boys wake up to the time they go to bed. Kole's saying "you get what you get" to Carson if he doesn't get the right cup or bowl. To Carson saying his numbers in french or coming home with a new french word or phrase he has leaned in school that day. The words "I love you too", to the silly songs they sing or just listening & watching the two of them play and having their very own conversations.

2- Favourite vacation place with family (can be near or far, realistic or dreamlike, as specific as you want)We have not done many trips with the boys. But last summer we drove to Edmonton and took the boys to the water park and galaxyland. We enjoyed the time together and the boys travelled great. We also bought a trailer last summer and spent a lot of time this past summer camping and being at the lake.

3- How you would spend a rainy day at home (with your kids).

On a rainy day we can be found playing cars, doing puzzles, colouring, painting, playing with play-doh or having a game of mini stick hockey down in the basement. Never a dull moment in the McGregor household!

4- What you do to survive the long winters.As you know Saskatchewan winters can be harsh. But we take every opportunity to get outside and go sledding, make a snowmen, take the dog for a walk or warming up in the hot tub with our tuques on of course!

5- What kind of traditions are you creating for Christmas: Our Christmas traditions include attending Children's Mass at the Cathedral. Spending Christmas Eve with the Schrader/McGregor family(depending on whose year it is). On Christmas morning the boys are sent on a scavenger hunt following clues to find their 1st Christmas present. This was a tradition my dad started with my sister, brother & I when we were teenagers and it has continued with our own families.

6- If you were to have one entire day, alone in your house, how would you spend it?I have been very lucky to have had a few days, here and there, to myself. The boys will head to Moose Jaw for the weekend leaving me to some R&R! I take the opportunity to go for a run, read a book, spend some time with my mom & sister & enjoy a whole night sleep without being woken up!

~Mel

Mommy Diaries: Rae

2011-12-14T04:30:00.000-08:00

Raelene was one of my favourite people in University and I'm pretty sure if we lived in the same city that I'd be at her house all the time, soaking up the sweetness that she is. I really need to see her sometime soon. Trip to Edmonton, anyone???

Rae and her babes: Gavin and Brianna

1-Things your kids do to make you smile (action, something they say...)
Gavin is almost 21 months old and watching him develop his vocabulary is awesome. My favorite is definitely "wuv oo" (love you)! What a heart breaker, especially when he says it when I am putting him to bed! Brianna is four and is quite the entertainer with her dances and improv songs! Doesn't matter what kind of a day I have, when I come home and look at them I feel blessed and smile!

2- Favourite vacation place with family (can be near or far, realistic or dreamlike, as specific as you want)We bought a trailer last summer so we enjoyed quite a few weekends camping together (rain or shine). It was great family time playing games and colouring inside or outside blowing bubbles and running around at the beach.

3- How you would spend a rainy day at home (with your kids).Baking, crafts, tea parties with stuffed animals, and playing cars, or as Gavin says "Play vroom!"

4- What you do to survive the long winters.
Playdates, indoor parks, and as much time outside building snowmen and stuff as the weather permits.

5- What kind of traditions are you creating for Christmas.
So far we do an annual gingerbread house making day as well as sugar cookie decorating all together as a family. Gotta have that picture with all of our tongues blue from icing!

6- If you were to have one entire day, alone in your house, how would you spend it?
Probably cleaning and scrapbooking.

~Rae

Mommy Diaries: Alynne

2011-12-13T04:30:00.000-08:00

The Alynne I met in high school and the Alynne I know now are so different. Who'd have thought that the crazy party chick that I knew would eventually love to make crafts and cozy up in pajamas, watching Love Actually repeatedly. I LOVE Alynne and absolutely adore the woman she has become. I can't wait to meet number 2 in May!

Karter

Things your kids do to make you smile (action, something they say...)
His new line is “missed you so much mommy”. This even works at 6 am on Saturday morning when he comes marching into our bedroom.
His hugs, he must have learnt this from Mark because he gives the best hugs ever.
I love it when he uses his manners.

Favourite vacation place with family (can be near or far, realistic or dreamlike, as specific as you want)
Candle Lake – Marks family owns a cabin up there.

How you would spend a rainy day at home (with your kids).
We would read books and make cookies. K loves sports, so one minute we would be playing hockey, the next football, etc. I am sure we would throw in a craft – maybe a painting. Right now we are fighting monsters and robots on a daily basis so I am sure there would be some bad guy ass kicking throughout the day. The last thing we would do to wind down our rainy day is build a fort and turn on our starry turtle and look at all the constellations.

What you do to survive the long winters.
This year we will be spending more time outdoors walking the dog, sledding, and teaching Karter how to skate. I guess just trying to embrace the cold outdoors. And if that doesn’t work, I think we will be making yearly winter trips to Phoenix to visit my Dad.

What kind of traditions are you creating for Christmas.
One tradition that is very important to Mark is real Christmas trees. I love this too – and in a couple years I want to start cutting down our own tree. I did this growing up and loved it. Another tradition is driving through the Enchanted Forest – So pretty! This year we are going to get into Christmas movies. First on my list is Mickey’s Christmas Carol. And then there is getting a picture with Santa Claus. We already had our work Christmas party this year and Karter could not wait to sit on Santa’s lap.

If you were to have one entire day, alone in your house, how would you spend it?
I would sleep for a very long time. I really do miss sleep. Then I am sure I would be cleaning my house and maybe do an art project. I would also call my girlfriends and talk to them for as long as I wanted. I am sure I would also be missing my husband and K. I would have to keep the radio or tv on all day because it would be WAY too quiet in the house.

~Alynne

Mommy Diaries: Carmen

2011-12-12T04:30:00.000-08:00

I learned a lot about Carmen these past few days. Although I've known her for the majority of my life, I think I've only truly seen who she really is after this weekend.
And what is that, you ask?
Well, I see a dedicated and sensitive mom. I see a mom who would stop at nothing to make her children happy, safe and loved. She has this creative energy that can literally blow you over in either admiration or envy. She threw the most epic birthday party for her son this weekend and I must say I was super impressed and inspired. It was one of those events that leave you, mouth hanging open, jaw dropped in awe. She killed it. I'm so very impressed with her right now. Not everyone is gifted with the organizational and creative ability to pull off such a party, but Carmen is. And she is letting her light shine and using her talents like she should.
Way to go Carmen, you're one seriously awesome Mommy.

Carmen and her boys, Liam and Koen

1-Things your kids do to make you smile (action, something they say...)

Liam smiles all time, but what makes me really smile is watching him try and get other people to smile back at him. We were at the Telus store the other day and he smiled at the store clerk for about 10 minutes before the clerk finally smiled back. It's like the guy was having an awful day and just got melted by a baby. I love that!

Koen makes me smile when he gets into a giggle fit, usually playing with our dog, Josie. I think it's hilarious when he's laughing so hard, you can't help but laugh your self!

2- Favourite vacation place with family (can be near or far, realistic or dreamlike, as specific as you want)

For us it is definitely at the cabin! It's already stocked with our all our things so never any need to pack anything except food! A wonderland with swimming, boating, quadding, beaches, playground....who could ask for anything more!

3- How you would spend a rainy day at home (with your kids).

The day would be broken up into several parts. In the morning we would start by having breakfast in our pyjamas followed by a messy craft - then we'd get dressed for the day! Maybe have a hot lunch, followed by nap/quiet time (aka cuddle time) watching a movie. After that Koen would play independently while I do some household chores (like laundry or vacuuming), make a hot supper, bath time, story time, then in bed we'd tell a story about how our day went and what our favourite part was. It would be a very, very cozy and relaxed day!

4- What you do to survive the long winters.

This is a tough one. Last Winter nearly killed me and if it wasn't for my good friends in Warman, meeting up for coffee and playdates, I probably would have become cold, just like the weather! Now that we're back in the city this Winter will consist of trips to the Library, Soccer Centre, Mall playgrounds, Western Development Museum, and coffee dates with friends. I REALLY wish I was writing in this spot "Jetting off to Hawaii" that would be a VERY fun way to spend the Winter!

5- What kind of traditions are you creating for Christmas.

This year we are spending Christmas at the cabin so this will be very new! Traditions for us always centre around being with alot of family and I hope that can always continue. I will have to get creative with a few more traditions, would love to hear from others!

6- If you were to have one entire day, alone in your house, how would you spend it?

I would like to clean and organize. I know that sounds terrible but I would really, really enjoy myself because I could be able to focus on a task without interruption.

I would also like to sit and learn how to do photography.

I would also like to work on some crafts from Pinterest.

I would also like to create some home video montages. But I would need to learn how to work my program first.

I would also like to sleep.

I would also like to watch a good movie, uninterrupted. With good snacks of course :)

Looks like I need about a week or so instead of just one day!!

~carm

Changes

2011-12-09T04:30:00.000-08:00

Many things that I've been wanting to blog about, and since I've been concentrating on my Mommies during the week, you're left with this completely random post on just about everything.....

1) Christmas parties are always a great opportunity for people (me) to try out new outfits. Apparently same goes for my husband......

2) I'm at the 20 lbs lost mark! I had plateaued for awhile and never thought I'd get over that hump. But alas, I did. 20lbs lost means that I'm officially at the weight I was at before I got knocked up with Willis. That was 5 years ago. Pretty sad that it took that long to get it all off. Ah well, better now than never. Honestly, it wasn't a difficult thing to do; just some adjustments to my diet and adding in a regular workout routine had me losing around a pound a week. I can imagine the next 20 will be a little more difficult. But I have a plan. And I have a goal. And I motivation. But first, how did I celebrate the 20 off, you ask? This was more a present from my wonderful hubby, a fresh Versace bag all the way from Italy. It arrived last week and I LOVE it. Now if that isn't motivation, I don't know what is...wait- maybe a longer and healthier life for my kids and my Dan. Yup, that's enough to get me back on that treadmill. Now to work towards that 30 lbs goal. Oy, that sounds daunting....

3) Speaking of daunting tasks, how about 2 weeks single parenting with a sick household that is stuck in a cycle of sick, sick and more sick. Flu, fever, pink eye, bronchial coughs....AAAAAHHHH. I've had enough and am about ready to lysol my house down this weekend so we can finally get out of this slump. That or drink enough red wine at Candace's tonight to wipe all the bugs out of my system. I'm so over it.

4) A year ago, I first wrote about my Dad's cancer diagnosis. So, where does that leave us, a year later? Well, Dad has had a complete year of immunotherapy treatments (Monday, Wednesday, Friday self injections of a drug called interferon) and now he only has one month and 4 days left. That is 15 injections, if I can count correctly (highly unlikely). I can't imagine what your year has been like, Dad, as I'm whining about 2 weeks of sick. You've had 12 months of flu symptoms and nap more than Lucia and Kinsey combined. We're just as excited as you are to get our energetic, life-loving Dad back! Bring on a year of celebrations!

I'm pretty sure I had more that just 4 points built up in my mind but I've forgotten. Ah well. Enjoy a great weekend of Christmas prepping. We'll be doing a photoshoot, celebrating a sweet boy's birthday, prepping Christmas cards, wrapping presents, working on our video newsletter and just enjoying the precious family time!
Happy Friday.

Mommy Diaries: Jordan

2011-12-08T04:30:00.000-08:00

My dearest Jordan:
I love you like I love my sister and I have the utmost respect for you. I think you are strong and beautiful. You've held your head high and kept us all right beside you on your journey, which shows me your strength every single day.
As the famous french author, Albert Camus says: Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.
That to me, is exactly what you are in my life.
Much love.

Jordan and Calder

Things your kids do to make you smile

Calder has started calling me "Mama" or "Big Mama". I never had a nickname as a kid and every time Calder calls me one of them it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy! Hugh, Calder and I also have family hugs. We all snuggle in and shower each other with kisses. Calder is so funny when he moves his lips from Hugh to I at a lightening pace (well, he thinks it's a lightening pace, but it is almost slow motion!).

Favourite vacation place with family

Hugh and I are all about laid back vacations and Calder just loves to play, so for us the lake hits the spot. My parents have a cabin and we spent a ton of time up there this summer. If I had a transporter or port key, I would whisk us away to a beach at least once a week. Florida, Mexico, Hawaii, Greece. . . you get the picture.

How you would spend a rainy day at home

I would definitely spend some time baking. It is one of my favorite things to do and I love how cooking warms up the house on a cold day. I would start by luring Calder in with some chocolate chip cookies (where he gets to control how many chocolate chips go in his mouth and the bowl!). Baking would be followed by a competitive game of floor hockey. "He shoots. He scores!"

What you do to survive the long winters.

I definitely need some candles and a good book in the winter. It is so dark and cold in the evenings that I light a candle on almost a daily basis. I am a wimp for the cold, but I try to take advantage of getting outside on the mild days. I like to throw on my gear and head out for a walk. Hugh and I are hoping Calder enjoys skating this winter. Hugh is building a rink in our backyard, so if everything goes as planned I will be lacing up my skates multiple times a week.

Christmas Traditions

My mother-in-law always gave her boys pajamas on Christmas eve. I LOVE this. You get a gift that you can use right before bed on the most exciting night of the year. Who doesn't love new pajamas? My mom and dad always let us get up before them on Christmas morning and open our stockings, which was AWESOME. I remember my brother, sister and I crawling into each other's beds Christmas morning! (We always had to wait until 6 am to go downstairs!) Santa left our gifts unwrapped under the tree and I loved coming down the stairs and scouring for my gift. I hope some day Calder might get to do this. . . And hopefully Santa will do his part and leave his gift unwrapped! I also want to do something to acknowledge Tripp at Christmas, but I still have some thinking to do on that.

If you were to have one entire day, alone in your house, how would you spend it?

This is all dependent on my house being clean. I can't do anything fun if a messy house is hanging over my head. Let's pretend it is spick and span from top to bottom. That being said, I would organize!!!!! I had to put 5 explanation marks because it sounds terribly boring and a lot like cleaning, but I seriously love organizing stuff! After the organizing was done, I would bake some buns and read while I waited for them to rise.

~j

Mommy Diaries: Jodi

2011-12-07T04:30:00.000-08:00

If I could elect any of my mommy friends to start a blog, I would choose Jodi. I find her to be so very interesting and inspiring. We met when I was living in Warman and have maintained a casual chatting friendship, although she is one that I wish I could see more of. Maybe a ~~visit~~ glass of wine with my Warman mommy friends should be planned. Jodi has a beautiful family, a beautiful home and most importantly is teaching her children to be kind and gracious souls. I think she is a wonderful mommy!

Jodi, her husband Toby and their beautiful boys: Grayson and Holden

1-Things your kids do to make you smile

Where do I start with these two munchkins... Grayson is so expressive and passionate about everything he does. He has such a stubborn personality and yet he has the biggest heart. He is inherently goofy. He does this crazy dance when he feels he just has to bust a move (which is usually when his little brother Holden is getting all the attention). He makes me smile the most when he is just his loving self. He craves big hugs and lots of kisses, especially when he is in trouble. He is a lot like me in that way. He feels immediate remorse and craves forgiveness immediately and his heart feels broken until he receives the forgiveness he needs. During these tough moments I am trying to be hardcore and be the disciplinarian but all I want to do is hug him and make his heart feel full of love. This makes me smile knowing he has a heart that big. He asks to drink Clamato at any given time ... even after eating peanut butter which makes me shake my head. Holden is my littlest man and he is a sweetheart. I love how he is beginning to add words to his vocabulary but still insists on singing "he...ha....he...ha...he...ha" which translates to "go up (or down) the stairs. I think he will be 4 and still singing that. He also does a very expressive "UH OH" to almost everything. He makes my heart smile when he gives his kisses and hugs. The best is when he hears a song he loves and he will bolt in from another room and just bust a move. He has great rhythm ...he must get that from me :)

2- Favourite vacation place with family

I loved taking my kids to Phoenix. We went when Holden was just 5 months old and Grayson was almost 3. We stayed in a house with a pool and just swam and lounged around with friends and family. I loved that vacation and would do it again in a heartbeat. We are planning a family trip to Oahu, Hawaii this Easter with close friends and their kids and I think that vacation will probably be on my "best vacation list" too.

3- How you would spend a rainy day at home

Spending time at home on a rainy day would involve a lot of puzzles, lazy morning of breakfast buffets (my kids love breakfast and can make it last for an hour with their requests), watching Team Umizoomi, driving tractors and trucks, picking up said tractors and trucks (a hundred times), doing laundry (because that is SO much fun), refolding the laundry because the monster trucks needed a ramp and a mountain to climb over, soup for lunch, nap for Holden and some quiet time for Grayson (which usually involves building with his legos), and maybe a trip into the city to play at Lawson Heights Mall playground.

4- What you do to survive the long winters.

I stock up on wine... kidding (sort of ;) We spend a lot of time outdoors. My boys LOVE being outside which is great but I am a total suck when it comes to being cold so I usually have to suck it up and be cold or haul them in for a lot of "warm up" time. Last Winter, we would go for walks and pull Holden in the sleigh but this year should be a lot more fun for Holden now that he is 2 and is more mobile. He really wasn't a great walker last winter so it was tough to be bundled up and barely able to walk. We take trips to the mall and to the Fun Factory too to mix it up a bit. I am hoping to find more fun inside things to do on those too cold days. Both the boys have snowmobiles so I imagine I will be stressed out watching Grayson fly around the back yard or across a farmer's field. My husband has framed up a rink in the back yard this year too so that should provide for some great fun. I am a figure skater and miss being on the ice so I should be able to brush up on my spins because I am too old for jumping. Grayson started Initiation Hockey this year so we will get to partake in some early hockey games and all day tournaments :)

5- What kind of traditions are you creating for Christmas.

Every year we go to my parents for Christmas Eve and head to the farm to see the Torkelson side of the family for Christmas Day. We usually split the week between Estevan and the farm visiting friends and family, sledding, playing outside and enjoying family. The big traditions I want to instill in my boys is that family time is the most important and as long as we are all together, we are blessed.

6- If you were to have one entire day, alone in your house, how would you spend it?

Oh gosh... alone? Like go to the bathroom alone, take my time showering, maybe even have a long bath...by myself? Where do I start? My urge would be to go to the city and "get things done" but if I was smart, I would have a lazy morning at home, take my time getting myself together, go for a run (outside), have a coffee or two and get some of my photo-books done that I am 2 years behind in doing. If I had to spend it at my house and not venture outside I would probably feel like I had to clean so I think I would break the rules and leave so I could meet a good friend for a long lunch, go shopping down town where I never go because hauling kids in and out of stores on Broadway is a headache, go to some specialty food and wine stores like Cava Secreta, go get a massage or a pedicure, and then make a date with my husband or a best friend I haven't seen in a long time. JUST TAKE MY TIME... that is the kicker...to just relax and not worry about schedules. That is the luxurious part of being alone

Mommy Diaries: Annick

2011-12-06T04:30:00.000-08:00

I often wonder how different my life would be had I lived in Montreal like I had dreamed. 3 months chez Annick on la rive sud had me hooked. Although I didn't end up in Montreal, I do enjoy hearing about Annick's french adventures and can't wait until we start making trips up there to reinforce our kid's second language and do some serious bonding with my Quebecois family.Voici Annick. PS. When I read this I read with a french accent:

Annick & Jean-Michel, et leurs enfants Rapheal et Olivianne.

1-Things your kids do to make you smile: Raphaël is a serial charmer with women and it always makes me smile. I also love when Olivianne transforms a word that gives a sentence a whole new and funny meaning.

2- Favourite vacation place with family: We are looking forward to a family vacation in Disney sometime in the future, went several times as a kid with my parents and the memories are still vivid thirthy something years later;) Olivianne always gets excited when there is a Disney add up on tv, and I am sure the anticipation will make this trip evenmore magical!!! In the meantime, we spend a week in the Summer in the Mont Tremblant resort up north and we have a blast, so much to do for both kids and parents.

3- How you would spend a rainy day at home (with your kids): Olivianne loves cooking, so my mother-in-law bought her this awesome kids cook book which comes with minitures real cooking ustensils, that's the perfect activity on a rainy day. Raphaël unfortunately can't help yet, but he loves to play along with Daddy with his remote controlled car.

4- What you do to survive the long winters: There is nothing like going for a snow shoe ride with the kids packed up on the Charriot and the dog running like there is no tomorrow in the hood next by our house and getting back home to enjoy a hot chocolate by the fire! This has got to be my all time favorite family activity.

5- What kind of traditions are you creating for Christmas: Olivianne loves to help decorate the Christmas Tree, three times more than one. My mom and my mother-in-law each have her over for a sleep-over when the time comes to put their tree up. My kids are fortunate enought to have 3 sets of grand-parents and 2 complete sets of great grand-parents, so the Holidays is the perfect time of the year to spend quality time with them all.

6- If you were to have one entire day, alone in your house, how would you spend it? I am actually alone in the house today, but nothing exciting on the forecast, only cleaning, washing, etc. But I would love to catch up on some much needed sleep, if I can get down my list quickly enough;)

~Annick

Mommy Diaries: Christy

2011-12-05T04:30:00.000-08:00

Dear BFF, I think you are a wonderful mom who puts so much energy into raising your children. I think the world of you and think you're doing a fantastic job.
Just saying.
Oh, and I miss you.

Christy and her boys: Grady and Cooper

Things your kids do to make you smile

Each and every time Grady tells me he loves me it melts my heart. It also makes me smile when I see the kids play together, which isn't often these days. So when it does, I enjoy the moment. Doesn't every mom secretly hope that their kids will be best friends?

Favourite vacation place with family

Before kids, my favorite vacation place was Maui. Now, my favorite place to be with my family is anywhere the kids are happy. It the kids are happy, I am happy. We are still trying to figure out where the perfect vacation spot is for our family.

How you would spend a rainy day at home (with your kids).

Puddle jumping! Is there any other way?

What you do to survive the long winters.

We survive the long winters with lots of activities. We go to the zoo on nice days, the pool, indoor play places, kid friendly malls, play dates, classes etc etc. We take advantage of the nice days and head out for walks, make snowmen, go tobaganning, and this year we will hopefully skate. You have to get creative when winter in Canada lasts half the year!

What kind of traditions are you creating for Christmas.

I love Christmas and am trying to blend traditions from both sides of the family. My favorite Christmas tradition is setting up the Christmas tree the last weekend of November if possible. I love remembering each and every ornament and finding that special place for it on the tree. Ironically enough, this is one tradition that is the same on both sides!

If you were to have one entire day, alone in your house, how would you spend it?

Sleeping? Reading? Taking a bath? Watching a movie? Maybe all of them? But likely I would be bored.

~Chrr

Mommy Diaries: Kyla

2011-12-02T04:30:00.000-08:00

My beautiful sister, my partner in crime, my shopping buddy, my vent-taker and my mommyfriend. I need not say much for this one as she is already such a star in my eyes. Voici ma soeur.

Kyla and Kinsey

1-Things your kids do to make you smile: I love it when Kinsey yells my name from her crib when she wakes up. It makes me feel so needed and love. Then I love just picking her up in my arms and holding her close for those special few minutes. Anything she does or says just makes me smile because I am so proud of her and so happy her have her as a part of our life.

2- Favourite vacation place with family: I really loved taking Kinsey to Hawaii, we had such a great time. Though I think it could have been much different depending on her age. I can't wait to take her to Disneyland or world. I felt like such a little kid when I went there for the first time when I was seventeen. Right now though I would love to take Kinsey somewhere warm where we could just swim, relax and play all day long.

3- How you would spend a rainy day at home: Reading, playing games, making a craft. Probably bake something together in the kitchen and then enjoy it with a cold glass of milk. I think I would also be outside on a rainy day too. Splashing in puddles, huddling close under an umbrella. I love it when it rains.

4- What you do to survive the long winters: I love the winters so I don't really see it as something I need to survive. Winter allows us to slow down the pace and enjoy each others company. You don't feel like you need to do as much and you just enjoy looking outside at a land covered in white. I can't wait to get outside with Kinsey when the first snow hits and then playing with her. Warm soups, baking, rosy cheeks after playing outside in the snow....can't wait!

5- What kind of traditions are you creating for Christmas. I want to start the Elf on the Shelf (or whatever that is called) soon. I am not sure what kind of traditions we are starting, though we are continuing many that have been passed down from our families. I am excited to start baking with Kinsey and getting her to help in the kitchen. I would like to start a tradition though where we give back during the Christmas season. Whether we volunteer, do something in the community....just need to think about that one a bit more.

6- If you were to have one entire day, alone in your house, how would you spend it? Probably cleaning, baking, reading a whole book, a bath with a lush bathbomb and a glass a wine. However, I get enough time in the evening and when the girls are napping to have that "me" time that I don't feel so frazzled and wanting that day alone. I can read my book for a whole evening if I wanted to and have a nice relaxing bath. I am very grateful for that.

~Ky

Mommy Diaries: Liz

2011-12-01T04:30:00.000-08:00

Liz is probably the teacher friend that I spend the most of my time with. We work together on SRC and usually spend our noon hours hashing out our lives, trying to make sense of them. Both our kids are of the same age, so that is another advantage for me of having her at school. She is a great friend.

Liz and her kids: Carter and Brooklyn

Things your kids do to make you smile: I love their facial expressions and the things they say. It is so cute when Carter has caught on to things I say and uses them. Today was, "Speaking of which, here is a pillow mom". So precious!

Favourite vacation place with family: We love taking the kids to the lake. We bought a new camper and this past summer we spent 25 nights there. The kids love being outside and experiencing things at the lake like roasting marshmellows, etc. The family time is great! We took the kids to Florida last January for 2 weeks with my parents and brother. We had a great bonding time and Carter still talks about Florida.

How you would spend a rainy day at home: Rainy days or cold days are hard with kids. We play downstairs and watch movies with popcorn. Carter loves making crafts and playing games/puzzles. Brooklyn just does what her brother does.

What you do to survive the long winters: I like to take kids places to get out of the house. We make playdates, visit the grandparents, go to the library, shopping, etc. We are hoping to actually get outside more often, but it is difficult with the little one yet.

What kind of traditions are you creating at Christmas? My family always celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve and went to church Christmas morning. We have started going to church Christmas Eve, going to my parents' Christmas Eve and then celebrating as an immediate family Christmas morning at out house. We will probably invite the grandparents and my brother over for supper Christmas Day. We'll see how this turns out.

If you were to have one entire day, alone in your house, how would you spend it? Alone, without kids??? Wow, can't even imagine this. I forget what I did. Oh, I know, I used to have a spotless house. I would probably clean, then catch up on my shows, sleep, read and take a bath sipping some wine. Ahhhh!

~Liz

Mommy Diaries: Christa

2011-11-30T04:30:00.000-08:00

I went to high school with Christa, having much in common she was an easy person for me to get along with. I haven't seen Christa since high school, but have been brought closer to her through technology, I love blogs for this matter. Not only do I get to watch her grow into a devoted mother, but I also get to see, from what feels like a firsthand view, the beautiful formation of her daughter. I love her blog. She is so natural at everything in life and she reminds me much of my sister. I think if we lived closer this would be an easy friendship. Also helps that our daughters are so close in age!

Christa and her babe, Vaya and husband, Ryan.

1-Things your kids do to make you smile

Everything. Seriously, Vaya is a little comedian. My favourite things lately are her very off-key serenades that are usually performed while in the van. I am also digging her conversation which is pure babble but girl knows what she is saying and it usually ends with giggles. I love how Vaya says hi and bye to everyone. Her favourite word lately is apple and she makes the word apple into songs...adorable.

2- Favourite vacation place with family

Our favourite vacation place is definitely going to be heading back home to Candle Lake. I am so excited for Vaya to fall in love with spending time at the lake. I can't wait for her to crave the smell of bon fires, deer in the yard, boating, kayaking, and playing in the woods.

3- How you would spend a rainy day at home

Reading, practicing gymnastics (Vaya almost has her forward roll down), dancing.

4- What you do to survive the long winters.

We take advantage of the sunshine and snow. There is nothing better than playing in the snow. Being from Saskatchewan, I say that if it is going to get cold than there definitely should be lots of snow...Lethbridge doesn't always agree.

5- What kind of traditions are you creating for Christmas.

Last year was our first year as a family of three. We are trying to start traditions in our family and I am so excited to read all of the responses to this question. We have decided to follow in my parents foot steps and buy/make a new ornament for Vaya every year. I remember looking forward to picking out my very own ornament every year when I was younger....my parents unfortunately ended up with a moose skiing, a bear playing ball, a creepy ballerina on their tree but sent all of these beautiful ornaments with me so they now grace our tree. We will continue with one present being opened on Christmas Eve...which is always PJ's.

6- If you were to have one entire day, alone in your house, how would you spend it?

hmmm...a whole day. I think I would have a little bit of a sleep in...say 8 or 9am, isn't it sad that 8 or 9 is considered a sleep in. I would have a lazy morning, coffee and my computer. Probably make my way to a cross fit class, without my little one at my feet during a workout always results in such a better workout. I would relax. Catch up with friends. Chat with my sister and my parents. Probably miss my hubby and my little girl!

Happy Holidays!!
Christa

Mommy Diaries: Kim

2011-11-29T08:49:00.000-08:00

When I first became a mom, I was living in Warman and just in the process of meeting a fantastic group of ladies who were also just becoming mommas. Kim was one of these remarkable women who helped eased me into the great role of motherhood. She has the most welcoming smile and loving heart and is constantly giving out praise, with utmost sincerity. She makes me feel good about myself. We moved from Warman shortly after Willis was born and Kim is one of the ladies that I'm glad to still be in contact with, even if we don't see each other often.

Je vous présente Kim:

Kim and her kids: Beckett, Cooper & Paisley and her hubby, Corey

1-Things your kids do to make you smile

It's funny how kids, even though siblings can be so very different. I will start with Cooper (since he is my middle child) he should go first for at least something. He is my sweet BIG boy, he loves to give kisses and cuddle and he is at that repeat stage that we ALL love soo much ( kidding). He seriously is just beginning to talk more and more , he is 28 months and has been in repeat mode for several weeks now. He makes me smile as he is sweet as candy but also can be seriously feisty, NO fear are words I would use for him!

Paisley is my oldest at almost 4~ going on 14, she makes me smile as she is SUCH a diva and girly girl, which is surprising as I am a jeans and hat kind of girl! She can put a runway outfit together at the drop of a hat, she always matches right down to the headband or elastic, its all colour coordinated and is all by her own doing.

Beckett, sweet baby Beckett almost 4 weeks old, he is pure.sweet.love! Nothing beats a 4 week old baby all curled up on your chest, listening to them breathe and taking in every sweet noise~

2- Favourite vacation place with family

We have yet to vacation with kids, I really believe we missed our window of opportunity! Paisley and Cooper are 17 months apart so the though of taking 2 littles on a holiday was rather exhausting, now add in a newbie baby and we have 3 kids 3 and under, only able to say that for a few more months as Paisley turns 4 in Jan! If I could take my family on a vacation WITH a Nanny entourage, it would be Hawaii! We went there on our honeymoon and our 5 year plan was to go back, oops, never made it.... YET

3- How you would spend a rainy day at home (with your kids).
Crafting, we LOVE to craft and bake! Cookies, cupcakes, muffins, and who can forget DANCE parties

4- What you do to survive the long winters.
PLAYDATES, COFFEE and movies

5- What kind of traditions are you creating for Christmas.

Last year we made reindeer food, boxed it up and sprinkled it on the steps for the reindeer on Christmas Eve. Church on Christmas Eve and we also plan to start the tradition of making a homemade crafty item for each family member (ssssh its a work in progress and a secret)

6- If you were to have one entire day, alone in your house, how would you spend it?

My day would consist of taking in the silence and wondering WHY its so quiet! Then I would snap out of it and visit my fave blogs, shop online and work on my own online venture, a FB page called Itsy Bitsy Gently Used Kids Clothing items, I started it in the summer to get rid of my kids clothing, I am a self proclaimed shopaholic and love to SHOP! So what started as a way for me to get out the OLD and bring in the new has now landed me great customers, MANY who have become great friends ~I have been able to sell LOADS of gently used kids clothing and am now bringing in lots of great brands, new with tags! I'd also try to read if I had any spare time left over! Something about reading in complete silence makes it all the bestter!

~Kim

The weekend Christmas happened. And then some.

2011-11-28T05:21:00.000-08:00

This weekend was all about Christmas preparations. And puking. And fevers. Oh my!

First, there was tree decorating. Mostly because we decorated the house Friday night (before I started my pukefest) and when Willis woke up Saturday morning to see that TicTacToe (our elf) had not arrived (we told him he likely would if the house was Christmassy), he was vexed. So we decorated the tree (to improve the likelihood of TicTacToe returning, or me remembering to put him out)

And once TicTacToe returned on Sunday morning, Christmas and all it's glory was brought into our house. Willis spent the morning talking to his friend, the elf. Telling him about the presents he wants (a ball, more sweatpants and a DS) and goofing off to try to make him laugh. It was priceless. Lucia wasn't as fond of our elf friend. She just stared. But then again, she was plagued with a fever all weekend, so I don't blame her.
After we Christmasized the house, we took on some major crafting. Willis had a box of supplies in front of him and he came up with the cutest concept (all by himself) of pasting eyes to stickers of footballs, baseballs, volleyballs, trophies (picture below) and then putting colourful poofs for legs/arms/hair. He then went on to name them and to tell me that his friends are growing up, so he's sad because they're going to be big kids. Hmmmm.....

I, on the other hand, was inspired not so much by the aging of my friends, but by pinterest and had a handful of crafts I wanted to make for the holidays. Here are my finished products....

These are magnets for the fridge/stove/wherever

All in all, this weekend passed my test on productivity and I felt good spending lots of quality time with Willis making a mess and getting cuddles from Lucia who was to out of sorts to take part in our shenanigans.
This week we start our December countdown to Christmas. Stay tuned to see what kind of trouble we'll be getting ourselves into......

Mommy Diaries: Becky

2011-11-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

The most wonderful thing about my workplace is that at any given moment, if I need it, I can find a friend to vent to, randomly dump knowledge onto or just share a coffee with. Becky is one of these wonderful women I call my teacher friends. What is even cooler about Becky is that we have a freakish amount in common and I am thoroughly enjoying getting to know her better every day!

Becky and her babes: Whitney and Logan. And of course her husband, Tony.

Things that my kids do to make me smile and laugh...
well anytime my 4 year old daughter opens her mouth she always has something interesting to say or ask!!! One of her most recent thougths are "Mom, when can I get a BISA card??" I had to laugh, I guess you know you like to shop too much when your 4 year old catches on to it!! And Logie Perogie, he makes me laugh daily!! He is behind in his talking. He will be 3 in February and he has just started putting words together. His favorite is "Bicky... ToopyBino" Yes, my 2 year old has called me daddy and now he calls me by my first name. He has yet to call me mommy! I am just happy that he has FINALLY decided to talk... frankly he can call me whatever he wants, I just love to hear him talk!!!

Favourite vacation place with family
Our favorite place is our cabin at Anglin Lake. Its a quite lake but we love to be away from the stresses of work and school and just truly enjoy the kids, the cabin and our boat.

How you would spend a rainy day at home
Lord knows we love rainy days!!! This is just an easy excuse to stay in the pyjama's ALL DAY!!! and not feel guilty that you are missing anything outside.

What you do to survive the long winters
We love weekends. My husband and I love to entertain!!! We do most of this during the winters, on Fridays and Saturdays. We have many friends with kids the same ages as ours so we quite often will have people over on Friday and Saturday nights for supper and ya know.... a little ROCKBAND!!!

What kind of traditions are you creating for Christmas
Its funny with Christmas traditions..... My husband and I did things totally different when we were both kids and we both want to pass our traditions down to our kids. I used to be allowed to open one present on xmas eve and then Santa would come during the night leaving big presents that were left unwrapped (along with the already wrapped gifts under the tree from mom and dad) My husband would open all gifts under the tree and then Santa would come during the night and leave gifts that were wrapped for the kids to see. So far, our Christmas' have been similar to mine when I was young, but my husband still laughs at me as I put the big gifts under the tree that are from Santa. He doesn't understand why "Santa wouldn't wrap the gifts?" Anyways, it always works out. We are Together, Happy, Thankful and Grateful for each other!!!!

If you were to have one entire day, alone in your house, how would you spend it?
Well for those of you who know me.............. I would CLEAN!!!! I love a clean house and sickly enough...... I find peace when I am cleaning. Please don't phone the mental hospital...... My feelings are that I am proud of my home. I look at it as a huge accomplishment for all my hard work in school, in work,.......... in life and I really want to take care of it!!!! These days are few and far between, but I do what I can with the time I am given!!!! My kids always come first to a clean house, and if they want to play... then the gloves come off!!!!!

Mommy Diaries: Sara

2011-11-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

Sara is a great friend, a beautiful person and a giving mother. I absolutely adore this woman.

Sara and Aiden

1-Things your kids do to make you smile

Aiden is kinda growing out of this but he wouldn't call animals by their actual name he would call them by the sounds they make. For example, a cow he'd call a "moo", a sheep would be a "baa", horse would be a "nay", a bear, lion, tiger, dinosour would be a "roar", we struggled with a zebra and giraffe cause I don't really know what kind of noises they make...He still calls a rooster a "doodle do".

2- Favourite vacation place with family

We haven't really been many places with Aiden but we did go on a hot holiday to Royal Solaris in Los Cabos last year. It was a 5 hour flight but the resort was right on the beach and had a really fun waterpark for kids with animal theamed slides, which was perfect for Aiden who is an animal lover. There was also an arcade which Aiden was too young for but older kids would have liked. Major con of this vacation place was they did not serve food between the times of 4:30-6 which is when Aiden normally eats supper. We'll probably go back but mostly because the in-laws have a time share there.

3- How you would spend a rainy day at home

Watch movies and colour.

4- What you do to survive the long winters.

By getting out of the house as much as possible. If it is even remotly warm (-10 and warmer) we'll go for a ride on the sled. Many playdates for change of scenary and signing up for an organized activity like swim lessons to force us to leave the house.

5- What kind of traditions are you creating for Christmas.

Still working on this one. We are blessed to have all of our family close by so we spend Christmas visiting with family and going from one place to another. We'll make sure to have a special evening (usually Dec 23rd) that is just us three to celebrate our little family and this usually involves a drive through the enchanted forest. I really want Aiden to learn the "reason for the season" so we always go to a Church Christmas Eve service. Santa will most likely NOT have a big role in our Christmas celebrations in years to come. Right now Aiden has no idea who Santa Claus is and we will allow him to believe in Santa however Santa will have a minor role - Christmas is much more then getting presents!

6. If you were to have one entire day, alone in your house, how would you spend it?

SLEEP, and clean.

Mommy Diaries: Monique

2011-11-23T04:30:00.000-08:00

Je vous présente one of my most inspiring teacher friends, Mme. Bowes, aka Monique. She is what I aspire to be everyday: enthusiastic, full of passion, always smiling and loving.

Monique and her boys: Sam and Charlie

1-Things your kids do to make you smile

Everything! Sam has tons of cute insights that make me smile daily.... interesting, sweet little things that make me laugh. Charlie is at that cute baby stage where every day he also makes me smile... with his new words (mama, sa(m), zy (daisy), dada, ball) or his huge, toothy grin.

2- Favourite vacation place with family

LOVE Waskesiu. The boys have a blast, playing outside, building a pirate ship, going to the playground, and I love the time that we can be together.

3- How you would spend a rainy day at home:

Movies, crafts, colouring, reading books, building a fort...

4- What you do to survive the long winters.

We try to get out often - to the museum, dinobouncers, the science centre. We've been known to bundle up both boys and do laps of the university just to stretch their legs and get out.

5- What kind of traditions are you creating for Christmas.

Just being together. We try not to go too crazy with gifts, usually try to get a book, some pjs, something fun to play with. We do some baking (Sam always helps) and do the stockings. Sam is learning about secrets so he will get another chance to prove himself this Christmas!

6- If you were to have one entire day, alone in your house, how would you spend it?

Reading, catching up on some favorite tv, doing some organizing, feeling guilty about not doing school work. I would try to fit a Wii fit workout in there somewhere too.

~Monique

Mommy Diaries: Elaina

2011-11-22T04:30:00.000-08:00

Elaina (read here) was a brand new mom when I did my original Mommy Diaries post, now she is on the last half of her mat leave before she comes back to work (with me!) and is already a pro. She is also beautiful person that always makes me feel good about myself and somehow leaves me smiling. I truly enjoy her company and her little man is the sweetest little thing too!

Elaina and her babe, Jaxon

1-Things your kids do to make you smile

I love walking into Jaxon’ s crib in the morning or after a nap, and the smile he gives me fills my heart and puts the biggest smile on my face. He has just learned how to kiss me (only mom) back and that right now is the best feeling in the WORLD!!!!

2. Favourite vacation place with family

We have not gone on many trips with Jax, but in February we are off to Palm Springs. Palm Springs is a favorite place for my family and I to go over the holidays. I am sure that it will be even better now that we have Jaxon with us.

3. How you would spend a rainy day at home

Right now everyday is the same and revolves around eating, naps and getting through the night. When it is rainy, it will probably be the same.

4. What you do to survive the long winters.

I am not sure how the winter will treat us. Jaxon really loves going for walks and enjoys the outdoors, but being so young, I think this winter will be difficult. We always go away somewhere warm in the winter to escape for a while and that will be how we will survive!!!!

5. What kind of traditions are you creating for Christmas.

Christmas baking is a major tradition I have. I love doing it, and giving away my treats to others. I can’t wait until Jax is older and can help decorate the cookies and tree!!!!

6. If you were to have one entire day, alone in your house, how would you spend it?

If I have the entire day to myself in my house, I would probably try to finish Jaxon’s baby book. I have bits and pieces of it done, but I hate starting something and not finishing it. I would like to say that I would do something for myself like cook a new recipe or bake!!!!

This is me: Mommy Diaries .2

2011-11-21T04:30:00.000-08:00

Welcome to round two of the Mommy Diaries. Different questions provided and hopefully some new insight to the greatest job on the planet! I figure I should probably start this off......
ps. if you haven't handed in your submission, don't fret, there's still time. I'm waiting for you....

My Babes: Lucia Kelly and Willis Jules

1-Things your kids do to make you smile (action, something they say...)

How Willis randomly comes up with the wildest ideas or craziest memories. We'll be walking down the street when suddenly he'll spurt out lyrics to some random song. I'm sexy and I know it. Lucia is hilarious right now. Put her down in any store and she's running up and down the aisles, screaming at people or saying hi. Too cute. Or when she puts her hands on her butt and shakes it. Bahahahah.

2- Favourite vacation place with family (can be near or far, realistic or dreamlike, as specific as you want)

Our best vacation by far was San Diego. If I wasn't working right now, I'd beg for a getaway to Legoland or even another Legoland somewhere in this big, big world. London maybe? Florida? Essentially a successful vacation for us has to have a pool and warmth to play outside.

3- How you would spend a rainy day at home (with your kids).

Crafts, baking and more crafts!!!!!! I'd have to be organized for this but it would definitely happen.

4- What you do to survive the long winters.

Same as a rainy day: cookies are our specialty. Maybe we'll branch out this year. I'm also getting way more organized and motivated for crafts since I got hooked on Pinterest.

5- What kind of traditions are you creating for Christmas.

Dan started our "12 Days of Christmas" a couple of years ago, so we'll definitely be continuing that. I can see it evolving as our kids get older and can do much more complex/thoughtful things.
The elf on the shelf is a favourite, Willis can't wait to see Tic Tac Toe again (he named him last year) Kyla actually tried convincing him that the rabbit tracks outside were Tic Tac Toe's today. Not too sure if he bought it.
I'm always looking for ways to enrich our holidays and will definitely be paying close attention what the other Mommies have to offer on this one.

6- If you were to have one entire day, alone in your house, how would you spend it?

Normally I would say read a book, clean the house and have a bath. But I'm going to assume that those are done. So what would I really do? Make a video, play with photoshop. Organize something. Complete a craft from Pinterest. Play SuperMario. Paint.
So much I'd LOVE to do.

~D

The ugly side of the good.

2011-11-18T04:30:00.000-08:00

Last week we found out that Grandma Park has breast cancer.
My Dad's Mum.
My dad is currently in month 10 of 12 in his treatment for skin cancer (immunotherapy).
Life can be wicked and nasty. That's what I discovered this week.

I spent most of my week in anger. When I look back at my posts I notice that I directed most of this anger towards my students, but I think deep down that I was feeling anger towards the cards that we're being dealt and in turn resentful to those who take things for granted.
Just when I thought we were 2 months away from ridding that cancerous word from our vocabulary, here we again.
My Grandma already had cancer 30 some years ago. Uterine Cancer.
F*ck Cancer.

After having spent a week in anger, I think I've made peace with this situation. But that's only because of my Grandma. She makes me so proud.
She is likely one of the strongest, most dignified ladies I know. She doesn't miss a beat. Ever. And she doesn't stop smiling, joking and telling stories.
She tells the best stories.

Last night I had one of the best nights I've had in years. It was a combination of many things that I love: Scrabble, red wine, Christmas music, online shopping (browsing only), chocolate, my husband home and a visit from Grandma and Mom. They were in town because she's having a dye test tomorrow, the same one Dad had last year at this time and then a lumpectomy in Prince Albert later on tomorrow.
It was one of the best nights ever because you would never know that she is being affected by this dreadful disease. Her world hasn't stopped and she's just gonna keep on living.

My Grandma is my role model. I guess she always has been, but it's just been made so much clearer now. That despite the shit that has been handed to her in life, she won't let that get in her way of
a) kicking our ass at Scrabble
b) reminiscing about wonderful Christmas memories (stay tuned in the Mommy Diaries)
c) knitting tuques and mitts for my children
and most importantly letting her joy and zest in life shine on.

She is one fine lady and will be in my prayers today.
Have a blessed weekend.

Park out.

Inspirations and musings way too late at night.

2011-11-17T04:30:00.000-08:00

I have a couple people in my life who are always doling out awesomeness. They inspire me to be a better person, and more specifically, a better teacher. They are both french teachers, by coincidence and just in the past month, they've unknowingly placed little nuggets of information here and there that I've scooped up and soaked in and applied to my life.
Whether it's music, activities or general enthusiasm; I've found a way to be inspired by these two ladies. I want to be like them and bring so much passion to my lessons and to my classroom because in all honesty, right now it just feels like I'm merely surviving.

So I take what they've indirectly shown me and I've found ways to spice up my lessons. Once upon a time, I think I'd have no problem doing this, but in all honesty, right now I'm not there. I need a way to make things more exciting.
I therefore started thinking about what is important to me right now, as a teacher. And really it's not so much to teach the curriculum (which obviously I'm doing) but rather to show these kids how to be compassionate, loving, caring, respectful, contributing members of society. But the question is really, how can I do that?

This brings me back to the one thing that stuck to me the most, which was an article that one of the said teacher friends reposted on Facebook, entitled "Why Teachers Should Blog". I've asked myself that question a number of times, but it's mostly in the form of: Why am I even doing this blog thing? After much consideration, it always comes down to the same reasons: a living memory book for myself, my family and friends or just a place that I can let it out and reflect, because while doing that I am forced to examine my life and make changes.

Being a teacher adds an interesting aspect to blogging. I have no clue if my students read what I write or if parents or colleagues do either. By blogging I'm exposing myself to the world and likely being judged for what I do or don't do. And that scares me. But really it shouldn't. Because if my students were to read what I write, maybe they'd see me more as a human and not just as the bossy lady they have to deal with everyday.

As the author stated in the article:
Because to blog is to teach yourself what you think.

And sometimes what we think embarrasses us and we must then confront our thoughts and consider whether there are alternatives.

This is real maturity. Because real maturity is not about having the right answers, it's about having the audacity to have the wrong answers and re-address them in light of contemplation, self-argument, and experience.

This is made perhaps even more evident by the public nature of the blog, and that is one of the foremost reasons all teachers should in fact blog. Because to face one's ill conclusions, self-congratulations, petty foibles, and impolite rhetoric among peers in the public square of the blogosphere is to begin to learn to grow.

And to begin to understand that it's not all about 'getting it right', but rather is a matter of 'getting it'.

We live in a culture that tells us that you learn from your mistakes, yet which continually punishes and shuns those who make mistakes. It is teachers who have the power to change this. It is teachers who have the power to teach a generation that to fully live and to fully know one's self is to fully live and to fully know one's self in the public conversation. And that to be wrong or to come off as shrill is not always a bad thing; because those too are forms of experience and in reflection they too are to be learned from.

And so, we should teach this new generation to move beyond embarrassment and fear. This is not to condone manifestly insolent behavior online, rather in teaching the qualities -- the unique qualities -- of the globally connected public square, we should be instilling in students both a strident determination to take part in the unadulterated public debate and yet have humility.

I think both are achieved through the crucial practice of critical thinking and earnest self-analysis. And no where, if sincerely met with daily conviction, can both be better employed than in the practice of blogging.

And so, I firmly believe that all teachers should be bloggers. Because if Descartes is wrong, then the thrust of our identity is determined not by our inalienable and essential state of being but by the differences in idea and sense that we demonstrate through our interactions with others.

And teachers, perhaps more than anything else, are the medium -- or have the potential to be the medium -- through which students learn about all that which is 'other'.

This brings me to an idea I had last night while thinking of today's blog subject. Maybe I should have my students blog. Maybe I would see a side of them and be able to connect with them more sincerely. Maybe it would improve our relationships.
Or maybe I should just ask Mme. Bowes or Mme. Ginther about this.
I'm sure they're already on it ;)

Backwards

2011-11-16T04:30:00.000-08:00

It feels like I spent my entire day yesterday disciplining kids. Don't do this. Don't do that.
Teaching can be exhausting. I wouldn't even go as far as calling what I did yesterday teaching. It's tough to even touch the curriculum when the students are bonkers. The energy-sucking type of bonkers that leaves me feeling mad, resentful, grouchy, frustrated and pooped. Add a 3 day consecutive sinus migraine-type headache and I'm not a super happy camper.

So I come home to my kids exhausted from having spent the day reprimanding someone else's kids and I'm left to dig deep and not take it out on them.
So I try to focus on nothing but hugs, kisses and cuddles Because I know that when I'm in my worst spot, career wise that is, that a little love from my munchkins can easily make me forget my day.

I therefore spend my night erasing my memories of my day and filling my mind, heart and soul with as much 4 year old sincere goodness and 18 month old cuteness as I can so that I can be better the next day.

And I end my day doing everything backwards. Having just spent the day telling kids how to do things properly, I do everything that as a mom, I'm not "supposed" to do. Willis knows Dad's out of of town and he requests a sleepover in my bed? Of course you can, Willis. Lucia wakes up often, crying....I'm in there in a flash to soothe her and rock her back to sleep. And you know what? My backwards moments of parenting were my most rewarding part of my day. The cuddles I get from Willis at night are priceless and those precious minutes I spent staring at my sleeping angel as I rocked her back and forth and back and forth and back and forth gives me enough fuel to get through another day.

Maybe I should start teaching my students backwards. Whatever that means....

A call out to all mommies

2011-11-15T04:30:00.000-08:00

Over the past couple weeks I have been collecting some answers to questions posed to my mommy friends out there. They've been trickling in and I'm finally ready to start posting again. I really enjoyed the last Mommy Diary segment in May and I learned a lot from the beautiful ladies who surround me. I sure hope that this go around can be the same.
So if you received my email and are slowly piecing together a response for me (please and thank you!) then keep working at it and have it in sometime in the next couple weeks. I have enough answers to cover a good couple of weeks, so you do have some time! I want to hear from you. These Mommy Diaries are only a success because you are willing to share.

If you weren't on my email list, or I missed you somehow and you think you'd like to participate, then I'll post the questions and you can email your responses, along with a picture if you have one.
Thanks again to all those who have sent in their answers! I can't wait to put them all together and start next week.

Here are the questions in this segment, (I sent these one to our "younger" moms, there are separate questions for the "experienced" moms, they will follow these)

"Young" moms
1-Things your kids do to make you smile (action, something they say...)
2- Favourite vacation place with family (can be near or far, realistic or dreamlike, as specific as you want)
3- How you would spend a rainy day at home (with your kids).
4- What you do to survive the long winters.
5- What kind of traditions are you creating for Christmas.
6- If you were to have one entire day, alone in your house, how would you spend it?

"Experienced" moms (feel free to forward to your own Mother)

1- What were the best traditions you created in your family for Christmases.

2- What were some of the best vacations you took with your families.

3- What keeps a family close.

Thanks again!
d

Looking back

2011-11-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

This weekend I took a moment to sit down and look back on my last year via le blog. I think my blogbooks have quickly become one of my prized possessions; they are a great tool for reflection and pause in a busy life.

A year ago I was :
freaking out over Lucia's size, or more so to people's reactions to it. HERE
dreaming of other career possibilities, inspired by my friend, Jyl's endeavors, HERE
redecorating my living room, HERE, which I've since redone ;)
and
babbling about nonsense, HERE

I see not much has changed in the past year and the things that occupied my mind in November of 2010 still find a place now. How about 2 years ago? Well....

2 years ago I was :
sharing my morning prayer, HERE
daydreaming of Christmas plans, HERE
babbling about Mother Goose nonsense, HERE
and
praying for two friends who went into early labour, HERE

Again, not much changes. Sometimes I even feel like my blogtopics are recycled and old, but hey, I'm having fun, so whatever.

Happy Monday

In Remembrance

2011-11-11T05:32:00.001-08:00

Thanks to the veterans, war is not something I will likely know or have to experience in my life. I will not have to send my son off at the tender age of 18, I will not have to deal with the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that comes with the service and sacrifice that these brave men often face.
Nonetheless, I am grateful. Today I will remember especially a man I never knew: my great Uncle Mike. He was my mom's uncle.
Lest we forget
My information comes for the Saskatchewan Virtual War Memorial

In memory of
Flight Sergeant
Michael Patrick Kimber
who died on 25 Jun 1943

Service details

	Conflict	WWII
	Service	RCAF
	Unit	No. 428 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force
	Rank	Flight Sergeant
	Service number	R98960
	Date of death	19430625
	Cause of death	killed in action

Narrative history

R98960 Flight Sergeant (No. 428 Ghost Squadron RCAF Halifax air gunner) Michael Patrick Kimber (b.1916) of Blaine Lake was KIA 19430625 in a night bombing run over Wupperthal and is buried at Groesbeek Canadian war cemetery near Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands. He was the son of William Charles, a Boer War veteran, and Exirienne (Turcotte) Kimber. William came from Kent, England, to homestead NW30-35-10-W3 just south of Kinley, later moving to a farm north of Blaine Lake. Michael was farming when he enlisted in 1941, and left a wife Florence (Diehl) and children Doreen, Phyllis and Wayne.

Memorial information

Saskatchewan rural municipality for commemoration

434 - Blaine Lake

Grave or memorial location

Groesbeek Canadian war cemetery, Gelderland, Netherlands

Honour roll location(s)

Blaine Lake

Geo-memorial

Kimber Lakes

Geo-memorial location

60.0167°N / 108.3667°W

Geo-memorial NTS map reference

75C1

Personal information

Date of birth

19160723

Place of birth

Kinley

Enlisted on

19410512

Place of enlistment

Saskatchewan

Residence on enlistment

Blaine Lake

Occupation

farmer

Hmmph

2011-11-09T20:13:00.001-08:00

I was grouchy yesterday. Good thing for everyone and by everyone mostly I mean my students, today is a new day.
I will make an effort to smile more.
Or I will dance.
Pourquoi tu gaches ta vie??!!
Or i could just play with swords.
I love random phone pictures.

C'est le but!

2011-11-09T05:06:00.000-08:00

I did many things last night that I'm very proud of:
1- I located a site online that streams NHL games, notably the Oilers (long family history of team support, and because I like my family and somewhat like hockey, I shall continue to support and participate in all the hoopla in order to show example to my young, impressionable son. Sports = good. Drugs = not good. I'd rather him be a hockey fan than a fan of other things illegal)
2- Said Oilers vs. Habs game was in français, which I thoroughly enjoyed. C'est le but! Il tire! I vividly remember Saturday nights when I was staying at Annick's in Montréal in grade 11. The whole family would pile into her basement, get cozy, order chicken from St-Hubert and watch a hockey game. Great times!
3- I procrastinated and did NOT do my corrections, which I purposely brought home to accomplish. Nope, not here. Even though report cards are due Monday and this assignment is imperative to mark. No way, that still didn't motivate me.
4- Instead I edited a video, being inspired by my grade 10s who just completed a rather awesome project, I must add, in their Français 10 course. They created a movie trailer for the play, Zone. So I felt I should do something similar for them. Well that and I'm behind in my Simair video updates.
5- I did the video to my new favourite french song: Elle me dit by Mika. LOVE. Even if you don't know what they're saying you'll still be singing it. Guaranteed.
6- I ate a slice of Dan's Saskatoon berry pie. Oops. But it was so good.
6- I ran (fully knowing I'd eat pie tonight) and did my JM before getting the kids which I'm seeing is essential if I actually have full intentions on working out. Get it out of the way and bam, I have a night to myself to procrastinate, make videos and watch french hockey.
C'est la vie.
Elle me l'a dit.
~ Mme. Simair

Needs and other thoughts

2011-11-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

I need my friends in my life as much as I need food in my belly, a house over my head and family to hold on to.
What would you do without a friend to call? I don't know about you, but they have been a staple in my life for years.
My friends are the ones who have held my hand and walked beside me through life's ugliest and most beautiful moments. They are the girls who will continue to be present as our lives shift and change and grow.
A need in my life? Absolutely. I am a better person because of them.
I have two separate but very strong groups of friends. One group I've known through growing up and high school and the other that I met in university through sports. Our friendships are based on different things and are quite different, but I love them all the same.
Having just come off of a couple great visits with both sets of friends, I have been left feeling humbled for the gifts they bring into my life. They are beautiful women, inspiring moms & gracious friend.
It's crazy how much you can learn from your friends. In one date with them I see myself so much clearer. As Socrates said "the unexamined life is not worth living". Every minute that I have with friends provides for countless moments of reflection after. I learn. I listen. I grow.
And in the end, I don't feel so alone. I find new ways to tackle my obstacles. I become a better mom, a more loving wife and a humbled friend.
Sometimes it takes a while to see what your friends can really do for you, and once you get past the sore cheeks from all the laughter, I'm sure you'd realize that you have a friend like that in your life too. So why not take a moment this week and say hello to a new friend, or an old friend. Rekindle that relationship or build on what is already there.
We aren't in this alone, so why not reach out to a friend and hold on tight.
Life is much better when laughing, anyway.

PS. The piano was exiting the home, probably to a Broadway stage or the piano orphanage, or to be adopted by little elfs or something of that sort. I'm not sure it's final destination, but it's out of my house. Now to start dreaming of it's replacement....
PPS. I voted today and I voted based on who I was pissed off at. Hmmm...high school much?
PPPS. Never eat a large platter of deep fried food, even when shared with 3 others. You won't feel good 2 hours later.
PPPPS. Anyone know how to perfectly balance motherhood, careerdom and wifeness? I'm taking applications.
PPPPPS. I just felt like doing that.

Have a good day!

Weekend phone pictures

2011-11-06T19:50:00.001-08:00

I'm feeling uninspired to write today so instead I'll unleash my fave iPhone pics from a fantastic weekend.

What I learned in High School

2011-11-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

Teaching in a high school setting is probably one of the most entertaining and frustrating jobs out there. I spend most of my days laughing, sharing and learning. My students are really great. But in the same breathe they also aggravate me to the core.
There are many reasons and whether it's their fashion sense, their goals in life or their vocab, I find that I'm always on my toes with them.
But who am I to judge? I'm sure that my teachers were just as confused at our trends.

Ah, how Clueless we really were. :)

So to give you a taste of what high school kids are like right now, I decided to really pay attention to what they were saying. Let's see if you can understand any of this (I'm spelling the way it sounds for some of the words).......

'Sup. Don't be a noob and get the right deets. You're toads out of style. What you need now, bro, is some sick flow to top that look off. Ya, that' it. That's deese.
What? You don't like it? Don't hate. You too emo for this? Ah, snips! Don't be such a tool. Just chill, okay? Look I gotta bounce, I'm out.

Have a great weekend!

another one bites the dust

2011-11-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Last year around this time, we got rid of our landline. It was a somewhat easy decision as I couldn't justify paying for that line plus two cell bills. A year later and I haven't regretted it for a moment.
This year's cut will a little more difficult: Digital T.V. I love my PVR, I love cuddling up on the couch to watch my shows, but in reality, all my shows are free online so really, why should I pay for them.
Today is our last day and our equipment will be picked up on Friday. We'll likely spend the weekend rearranging our house so that our T.Vs can be hooked up to the internet so we can stream everything. Hopefully I'll feel like nothing has changed.
Time will only tell.
Maybe ask me again when ball season starts.........

Deena the Grouch

2011-11-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

It's been two days in a row now that I've not been able to get myself out of this slump. I don't want to exercise, I'm snappy with the kids and husband and my self image is pitiful. I'm hoping this doesn't last long.
What I'm noticing is that when I'm in such a slump, I get so caught up in self pity that I can hardly recognize the great things around me.
For instance: husband scratched my head last night until I fell asleep (my fave!)
or a friend posted something sweet on my facebook wall that made me smile. Or the co-worker who brought us coffees for our 1st period prep, or the student who wrote kind words to me......I could go on.
Point is that all it takes is for me to recognize all the beauty and bam, that PMS induced mad house who took over my body and mind is out.
The Grouch is out.

What I see now so clearly is how far sincere, kind words or actions can go in making someone smile. So today at work and in my day, I'm going to go out of my way to say something nice to someone and hopefully it'll brighten up their day a bit too!

Trick or Treat

2011-11-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Halloween is fun again!
We're now into that awesome stage with Willis where Trick or Treating is a mission to get as much candy as possible. Or at least until the bag is too heavy for him to carry or his legs get too sore or he wants to go home and hand it out instead.
Regardless, we had a blast with him. My cousin, K.C came out with us and we were very entertained by the enthusiastic little alienboy.

Spooooky

2011-10-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

Halloween is one of my favourite holidays.For the past 5 years at least, we've had gatherings at our place to carve pumpkins and break bread. Now that the kids are getting older, I can definitely see these parties ~~getting out of hand~~ progressing to be something that borders on awesome, like the theme parties we used to love throwing.
Last night we had some friends over to carve, to eat and to be merry. And we even convinced the kids to simultaneously get into their costumes for a photo. Which was actually the easiest photo we've ever done. I'm gonna keep building on this party and try more decor and games for next year. Oh, and require that the adults dress up too....
muahhahaha.
Happy Trick or Treating!

Willis' pumpkin (Alynne helped him out)

My Lord Voldermort

Fall Trends: my favourites

2011-10-28T05:30:00.000-07:00

I have absolutely loved investigating the fall trends this year. There have been so many fantastic looks that I've been dying to try and now that: 1- I'm getting pay cheques again and 2- I'm fitting clothes much better, I have definitely taken the opportunity to try some new looks.
Here are some of my favourite trends for the season.

1- Colour blocking/colour form/colourful jeans.I've always been scared to put two solid colours together or to wear anything other than grey, black or brown for work. Enter the crazy red skinny jeans from simons.ca
For a reasonable 38$ (and free returns if you don't like them), you get the comfiest pair of pants I've ever tried. Although I was hesitant to rock the skinny jean, it wasn't that bad as long as I wear it with a longer sweater. My favourite thing to pair with these jeans is a black poncho.

2- Polka dots. Way too fun!
I love this dress from H&M

3. The Boyfriend Blazer.I have my eye on a beauty from Simons ....I think it would look great with the red jeans.

4. Lastly I'm looking forward to Christmas parties and have had my eyes on a couple of dresses from a site that I've followed for a couple years, but have yet to purchase from. It's called Shabby Apple and the collections are the most unique I've ever seen. We'll see if I can get to my next target weight before I even think about ordering one.
My two favourites are:

Have a great weekend!

Taking care of 3

2011-10-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

I babysat Kinsey last night while Kyla worked my dream job at Sephora. I'm single-momming it this week so it was me and the three nutcases. I decided it'd be entertaining to dictate what was happening as we played in the basement.

Lucia, watch this. Willis the entertainer is on the couch, bouncing. I'm going to balance this on my nose. On my head, I mean. I'm going to play hit the balls.
Vroom Vroom. Lucia is oblivious to the show on the couch. She'd rather drive around on her car.
Kitty's here, try to hide from her. Enter our cat, Sniper.
Hi baby,
Hi titty
Hey titties,
Kitty, meow meow
No NO
Tickle tickle tickle tickle screams Kinsey as she runs into the playroom.
Hi. Hi. Hi! As if it's the only word she knows, Lucia runs around in reply.
Willis begins to roar like a lion. Mom, Kinsey was eating something.
Ball. Lucia bangs on my keyboard, repeatedly hitting the backspace. This sentence took me 5 minutes to write, she was having so much fun.
Ah, says Kinsey as she watches me take a sip from my Coke.

Mom, Kinsey was eating a bullet, like, Mom, Kinsey was eating this. Ya she was. He then chucks it at her head. *Note, these are plastic, nerf "bullets"
Not yours, it's mine. More throwing.
Kinsey is unsure what to think of this. Lucia in the meantime is rolling around on the Cars bed. Up and down. Up and donw.
Kinsey is now collecting all the balls in the basement and putting them on my lap.

Hi Coco.
OH, OH.
T VZ GF2W,. Lucia was determined to sit on my lap and type as well.

They are now happily eating cookies and dancing. It's gonna be a good night. Bath time is next.

To adjust or not to adjust...

2011-10-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

I get asked quite frequently at school "how are you adjusting?" We are 2 months exactly into the school year and that is a question that I've pondered almost daily.
What am I doing? How am I doing? Am I happy?
To say the first couple weeks were difficult would be an understatement. I was mad. I was angry. I was resentful with my decision to go back to work full time. But at the same time I was excited to see my colleagues, happy to see my former students all grown up. I was kinda pumped to get back into a routine and get dressed up in nice clothes.
Eventually my feelings of anger dissipated and I got into a groove of some sort.
Now I'm at a place of contentment with my decision. I make the most of my time with my children after work and I love every minute I get to cuddle with them and share in their day. I'm grateful for two caregivers who love my children, which is the most important thing for me. Willis has a caring place to go to during the day where he can burn off that 4 year old steam with his friends. Lucia is cared for by my sister and is being fed healthy food and is engaged in enriching activities. I don't think my set up could be better. So I'm grateful and slightly jealous still that I'm not getting that time with them, but I do know that I'm a far better mom during the time I have with them because my time is limited.
My issues right now are mostly surrounding my demands placed on me as a teacher. I can handle my housework, my health, my mom duties and wife role without missing a beat, but I'm struggling with my teacher hat.
There is so much I want to do for my students. I'd love to put my whole heart and many levels of creativity into my assignments or I'd love to at least have assignments or exams corrected the next day for them. But I can't. I'm barely a day ahead of myself, if that. I just feel like I'm not the teacher I used to be: energetic, enthusiastic, giving......ah well. Someday I'll win the battle.
All I know is that my mom hat is far too heavy right now and will continue to occupy the majority of my time because I know that these moments with my kidlets are fleeting.
And really, I don't get paid enough to miss that.

Dear Jillian Michaels,

2011-10-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

Fine. You win. You may have figured out a way to motivate me to exercise for 30 days straight. Your 20 minute workout suits my lifestyle and I find it easy to accommodate the torture you impose on me during that time span. Even when I'm at my most fatiguing part of my day, I know I can muster up some courage to kick my own butt and feel good about it.
I feel stronger. You're right. I can do it.
But really, deep down, I know the credit does not go to you alone.
Instead I should high five my little motivation goblin who sits on the couch beside me while I exercise.
My little 4 year old monster who tells me when I'm doing the reps wrong.
Mommy, they have their hands together.
My angelic boy who keeps me on track.
Mommy, you can get off the floor now.

My sweet mancub who makes me strive to be a better mommy.
Mommy, you can do it. Go, Mommy!
Ah, my boy.
He's my motivation and I'm working to be a better, stronger mom because he believes I can do it.

Things I did this weekend:

2011-10-24T05:30:00.000-07:00

I started my Christmas shopping list. This I find hard to do at the last minute as I like to make my gifts as thoughtful as possible. I also find it difficult to buy for my kids. Really, what do they need. I could get them a box and they'd be pleased.

I went on a date with Willis to church on Sunday night. He was very well behaved and wouldn't stop asking Jesus questions. We talked about why Jesus died, prayer and talking to people when they are in heaven and angels. He still remembers the story I told him about my friend, Kelly and that warms my heart.

I dressed up as a Disney princess.

I made homemade chicken quinoa vegetable soup. Sans recipe.

I fell asleep, for the night on Friday at 7 pm.

I ate Vietnamese food. Twice.

I didn't lose my 1 lb/week. Likely because of the Vietnamese food.

I bought our Halloween candy and did not open the box, as tempting as it was.

I dressed my mom and my sister up as a Disney princess.

I saw Footloose with Candace and Sara.

I finally made a Willis/Lucia video, I've been seriously slacking in that department.

I browsed simons.ca on my mom's behalf and with Kyla's evil-doings, we ordered her 2 jackets. She has no clue what she's getting into with us. Bahahahahahah

Have a lovely Monday!

Thoughts

2011-10-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

While roaming the hall of Cross, I often find myself wondering about 10 years from now when my kids are in high school. Who will be their friends? What will they be like? Will they be at this school? What sports will they play? I could go on forever.
Yesterday and today are parent/teacher/student conferences at my school. Although they can be tiring, I do love these events because it opens my eyes to so many different parenting styles. There have been numerous families that I have absolutely admired and can honestly say I hope my kids are like that: Respectful. Kind. Responsible. Caring. Hard Working. If Lucia and Willis can come out with any of those qualities, I'll be a happy mom.
Lately I've been vexed with the thought of kindergarten registration for Willis. As far as I know, it'll be in the new year and I'm really not prepared. We have two really good options and to be honest, I keep flip flopping back and forth between the two.
They are both obviously French Immersion and in the Catholic Division.
They both have great teachers.
One is closer to our house.
One has a band program.
The other offers free busing.
One has kids from all over the city.

How does one make this decision? So many things in my kids' lives will be affected by their school. And not to mention my kids' lives, but the lives of their cousins, as the Golightly clan will follow suit. Their school = their friendships, their interests in life, their little personalities.....a parent can do much for this but the school has such an influence as well.

I need to do some thinking. I need to talk to some teachers and parents. I feel totally out of my element.

And that is where I'm at right now.

But hey, it's Friday and it's going to be jam packed weekend with lots of dodgeball, cops and robbers, colouring, crafting, uno and playing outside. And that's in the first hour.

Enjoy it, folks!

Crafty Willis

2011-10-20T05:26:00.001-07:00

Willis lately has very much been into doing crafts and colouring. Last night we sat down for some
quality time to make a spooky wreath for Halloween. He could've made wreaths all night.
Its going to be so fun come christmas if willis is still on a roll!
Watch out, Christmas, I have a feeling Willis is going to craft the heck out of you.

You would never tell from these photos that he is enjoying himself. That must be because along with the crafting phase, he is also going through the "do not take another picture of me, mommy, phase"

Corn maze

2011-10-19T05:30:00.000-07:00

You know it was a good weekend when it's Wednesday and you're still posting about the awesome things you did.
Sunday the Simair family joined clan Hamilton for an impromptu visit to Rosthern's corn maze/petting zoo/pig procreating factory.
It was a great visit with one of my favourite families of all time. I think I love this family so much because they reflect so many values that I desire in my own world: compassion, love, humour, honesty, respect are just a few things that I notice about Jordan and Hugh's relationship. I could add other similarities such as baldness, cameras and the inability to stop watching a pig try to procreate (to put it nicely).
It's always good times with the Hamiltons.
Here are some of my favourite pics from both Jordan and my cam.

Calder insisted on wrestling with Will

the busy pig

Meat, baby

2011-10-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Friday night was date night and we ventured out on a triple date with the other Simair siblings to the new Brazilian BBQ restaurant.
Holy meat, baby!
I mean holy meat baby, growing in my belly by the end of that night.
Either way I was beyond full by the end of the night. But who wouldn't be when you are being approached every 4 mins or so by a goucho (sp?) who shaves off a slice of meat from a sword.
The food was insanely good.
But also insanely uncomfortable in my belly.
Almost like a meat coma, complete with the shakes.
Overall I highly recommend the restaurant for the experience; the atmosphere makes you feel like you're in a big city, the food was awesome, the meatmen (gouchos) knowledgeable and entertaining.
Just maybe order some veggies.
OR don't EVERYTHING that is offered to you.....

Dropping the kids off at the sitters

Pretty flowers from my man

Kim and Kiana preview

2011-10-17T05:48:00.000-07:00

This fall has been outstanding, which makes taking pictures anywhere a joy.
This weekend Kyla and I met up with her friend, Kim and her daugher, Kiana to do some photos on the riverbank.
All I needed was a pumpkin spice latte and the day was complete.
Here are a couple of my favourite pictures.
Want to see more? Check out our new photo blog : parkography.blogspot.com
It's in development at the moment, but it'll be where we house all our photography and videography information for the time being.

Self image

2011-10-14T05:40:00.000-07:00

I have this picture in my head of myself that I use as motivation.It's a point in my life where I felt my most fit and my healthiest self: my hair was long, my skin glowed and I was just defining my own sense of style.
I feel awesome about me at that time in life.But unfortunately over the years I lost track of that, gained weight and had babies.Not that babies weren't a good thing, but now that I'm done that, I'm dying to get back to that point in my life.
I have a couple items in my closet that are my guides. I try them on every summer, hoping that they will fit.They never do.One of these items is my bridesmaid dress from Christy's wedding. At that wedding I felt my best.Unfortunately the dress didn't fit. For 6 years actually.
But now, my friends, I'm very happy to say that I tried it on last night and the dress fits again!YEEEHAAAA to finally living a healthier and happier life.

These are some pictures that I found from that time that I love and wouldn't untag if they were on Facebook because I felt ashamed of how I looked.I think I'm finally getting there.Oh, and to celebrate that, I re-pierced my nose. FYI.

Awesomeness

2011-10-13T05:23:00.000-07:00

On the weekend I usually can think of all my posts for the week or at least a theme that they'll run by.
This week I have struggled.
I'll sit down with an idea and then BAM, the lameass system has to shut down. 8pm. I'm done.
But nope, not last night.
Last night I did a little experiment and exercised (yay Jillian Michael's 30 day shred) at 7.
It provided the perk that I need, so much, in fact that by 10:00 I had : cleaned the kitchen, packed my lunch, finished the laundry, blogged, read a chapter on Mesopotamia (school, not pleasure), watched Kim Kardashian's FairyTale Wedding (don't judge) and had a bubble bath with a bathbomb while reading my novel for English A90.
Ka-Bam.
So I will definitely try to keep with that trend because it felt oh, so good to be productive again and even get to bed at a reasonable hour.
Now sticking with the rest of my week theme of : funny things I found on pinterest.com, I will leave you with this, which best describes how I'm feeling about my night:

A student called me "headmaster" yesterday. Must've been because of the black poncho that I was sporting that looked much like a cape. Friggin awesome.

A View from the Park

brace your face

A night needed

and the beat goes on.

Routines

The gartenofkinder

Where I've been, what I've done.

Tough boy

project

A glimpse into the future?

and that is exactly what I needed.

The Starfish StoryOriginal Story by: Loren Eisley

Friday contemplations

On the same topic.

so close

10 year rewind

The time when winter forgot us.

Goals and such. Again.

Goals and such

The perfect day

something new. 2012 edition

That was so 2011

2011 Rewind

Mommy Diaries: The even more experienced Mommies

A Mommy Diary, experienced Mom edition

Year 7.

Christmas 2011

Christmas time is here.

Mommy diaries: Candace

Mommy Diaries: Heidi

Mommy Diaries: Mel

All in a week

Mommy Diaries: Jyl

Mommy Diaries: Melissa

Mommy Diaries: Rae

Mommy Diaries: Alynne

Mommy Diaries: Carmen

Changes

Mommy Diaries: Jordan

Mommy Diaries: Jodi

Mommy Diaries: Annick

Mommy Diaries: Christy

Mommy Diaries: Kyla

Mommy Diaries: Liz

Mommy Diaries: Christa

Mommy Diaries: Kim

The weekend Christmas happened. And then some.

Mommy Diaries: Becky

Mommy Diaries: Sara

Mommy Diaries: Monique

Mommy Diaries: Elaina

This is me: Mommy Diaries .2

The ugly side of the good.

Inspirations and musings way too late at night.

Backwards

A call out to all mommies

Looking back

In Remembrance

Hmmph

C'est le but!

Needs and other thoughts

Weekend phone pictures

What I learned in High School

another one bites the dust

Deena the Grouch

Trick or Treat

Spooooky

Fall Trends: my favourites

Taking care of 3

To adjust or not to adjust...

Dear Jillian Michaels,

Things I did this weekend:

Thoughts

Crafty Willis

Corn maze

Meat, baby

Kim and Kiana preview

Self image

Awesomeness

The Starfish Story
Original Story by: Loren Eisley