Halloween is right around the corner with the autumn leaves changing colours, the cooler evening, dare I say the word frost?  I will not say the other four letter word which starts with “S”.  It usually does that crazy weather stuff on Halloween night!

My 10 year old daughter and I were chatting about what she wanted to be for Halloween this year.  She wants to be some character on a TV show, I cannot even remember what it is?  She told me the costume is for sale at a store at the mall, for $50.00, but if you wait until the last minute, you just might get it for cheaper…. I told her we would think about it.  Call me thrifty but I tend to get the kids costumes at our local thrift store.  I have always found great costumes there.  I even thought about recycling their Halloween costumes from last year.  Yes I am that kind of mother, please don’t judge me.  However I may not be able to recycle the clown costume this year as her teacher said it is not recommended to wear a clown costume this year because of the “scary clown scare”.  What a crazy world.

Well not being the DIY kind of Mom for costumes and not being able to recycle their costumes this year, I guess I better  maybe we will put our crafty hats on and come up with a plan for this years Halloween costumes.

BOO and all that other scary stuff….what are you going to be this year!

 

Talk soon ~

 

Nancy

 

WOW – August already,  with less than a month to go before school. How did it go so quickly? I think this is on everyone’s minds this time of year. Yes it is still nice and sunny but I gotta tell you my plants aren’t looking as fresh as they did at the start of the season – maybe it is just my lack of plant maintenance? Or is it just that time of year! Most nights now you need a sweater, or is just me always chilly. Probably just moi.

Back to school supplies, yes they are everywhere you go these days. Stopping into the drugstore see all those new pencils just glistening next to the sale priced flip-flops and suntan lotion. So if you are a new Mom sending your kids back to school or a veteran would are you stocking up on this year. Here is a little list to get you started. I think I still have the .29 lined paper left from last year! I always buy 10 or more, and feel like I too am heading back!

Pencils
Pens
Lined Paper
Erasers
Markers
Pencil Case
Ruler
Calculator
Kleenex
Labels

Talk soon ~

Nancy

 

Who knows you better than your bestie?  I love to hang around people who I don’t need to act a certain way or pretend I am this or that.  I am just the “Nance”.  I get so much goodness when I hang around my besties.  I am so fortunate to have many besties in my life today.  They tell me how great I am when I don’t feel that way or they see things in me that I don’t necessarily see.

I have had some changes this past year in my relationships and it has been a year of transformation for this girl.  I haven’t always embraced every change as gracefully as I would have liked but I did reach the other side with both feet firmly planted on the ground.

Being creatures of habit.  I believe it hard to make changes in one’s life, but absolutely necessary if we are to achieve personal happiness.  If you are like me and not sure if you are strong enough to make that change, just think about how you will feel on the other side.  Hold up your hands and take that leap and remember you are not alone.  If you are lucky enough to have some besties by your side, enjoy the ride they will hold you up.

 

Talk soon ~

 

Nancy

 

My son Noah does not want to wear a hat or mitts.  I am a frustrated Mother.  Doesn’t he know I have a label for all of his hat’s and mitt’s.  My daughter is all wrapped up – new coat, hat, mitts, neck warmer, boots.  Noah will barely get his coat on, it is tough most days just to get his shirt and pants on in the morning.

He has developed a funny aversion to any cuffs on shirts, he refuses to wear anything but socks with plastic grippers on them.  He doesn’t like tight underwear and hats and mitts forget it.  He simply says, “No Thanks!”

With the upcoming change of seasons, and the colder weather and dare I say snow arriving on our doorsteps I hope Noah will follow in “Big Sis’s footsteps” and bundle up.  No I don’t think he will, a mother can only pull the apron strings back and say a few little prayers for the little man.

Talking with my girlfriend the other day, she laughed and shared a story about her daughter not wanting to wear her boots in the car, so finally out of frustration her mother put her in the snow with her bare feet.  Guess what she never took her boots off again.

I have recently purchased numerous new hats for Noah and get really excited he might walk out the door with one on, but he always seems to stop in his tracks just before he gets out the door and whips it into the air, and says “No Thanks!”

Like any other Mother I will keep packing those hats and mitts in his school bag, and hope that when he is shivering and turning into an icicle he will remember “Oh yeah … I think I will wear my hat and mitts today?”

 

 

 

 

Talk soon ~

 

Nancy

 

 

 

 

It was 6 years ago this May I had the gift of holding my Grandfather’s hand while he took his last breath on earth. I remember attending my other Grandfather’s funeral in Grade 9. It was the first funeral I had ever attended. You always seem to remember these things in your youth.  Why do we often feel so weird about death and dying?

My crazy high school friend used to cut grass and cremate bodies at the local cemetery when we were in high school. I am not so sure I could cremate bodies, cut grass yes, but burn bodies not so sure I would know how to even add that to my resume.

I somehow ended up being at the hospital for a test the same day my Grandfather passed. His one wish was he didn’t want to be alone when he died.  What a gift to be there when he was taking that last breath and to know that his spirit went to the other side.

It something almost surreal to explain that day 6 years ago, but I will try to tell you how I felt. We were with him, my parents and me, the day which was to be his last. He wasn’t in pain, so that was a blessing. He knew we were there and I remember he gently squeezed my hand.  We spoke too him and told him we loved him and to not be afraid and to know we where there with him.  I will never forget how his hand felt and I sometimes still feel it today at the oddest times. My brother passed 8 years ago and we were very close (best friends).   I feel his presence all the time, usually he is holding my hand, or I might see a glimpse of him somewhere.

I was not really close with my Grandfather but have great memories of him. He was a prominent and greatly admired business man and pilot in the community. He had the largest construction company in our hometown at one time, started a large paving business and began the local Airport, my Grandmother stills lives there today.   He was a colourful character full of life and vigour.

I could feel his last breath and his body slowly went pale, he was no longer the strong barrel of a man, but simply a body lying in the bed with no spirit.   It was somehow peaceful and a pivotal moment I will not forget in my life.  The spirit or soul as some call I know is what makes the person; I could feel when his soul left his body, as could my parents.  I remember another friend who had experienced someone passing and seeing this same process. I truly believe we are just vessels holding different souls.

Anniversaries always seem to take us back to those days when we remember those who have gone before us. It is part of the life cycle. “Death and taxes they say are the only sure things in life”. But I am sure that our souls carry on when we leave this earth. So have fun while you hear because you just never know when you might take that last breath!

 

“Spiritual relationship is far more precious than physical.  Physical relationship divorced from spiritual is body without soul”

~ Mahatma Gandhi

Talk soon ~

 

Nancy

 

 

 

Don’t ever give up your dreams!  I know you have heard that before, but sometimes we just have to put one foot in front of each other and keep going.  I know you have heard that one too.  How about, don’t let anyone burst your bubble!  This world can be tough at times and sometimes all we have are our dreams and hopes for something better.

I really think that without dreams and hopes the world would be a lot duller place to live in.  Dream Big!  What is stopping you from being the best person you can be?  

Fear has stopped me from trying many new things or not giving it my 100% at times.  It can be easy to become discouraged when things are not going as planned, or when things do not get done the way I would like them to be done.  Does any of that sound familiar?

Analysing my life at times I know both  fear of success and fear of failure has stopped me in my tracks.  Fear has stopped me on more than one occasion from trying that one more time, or from not even getting started on the simplest of things .  Fear be gone!   Goodbye I do not want you anymore.  There it is that easy!   

Does the young girl in the photo feel fear like I do?  Will it stop her from realizing her dreams and aspirations?  What lessons am I instilling on my daughter when I am not brave and bold and step up to being what is being called from my soul and being? 

I firmly believe women need to stick together and hold each other up at times.  Mentor and guide each other.  Perhaps just being a friend and supporting one another.  I know for this girl a little support and encouragement can go a long way!

When things don’t go well or things are not going as planned.  I just have to hope that everything will happen as according to plan and have a little faith!  Today when I am self doubting myself,  I say “STOP” to critics in my head.  I keep my shoulders back, smile and maybe just use  a “fake it – till you make it kind of attitude!” “GIRL POWER!”

Does that make any sense to you?  It does for this girl.  That is where my dreaming steps in and I try to imagine what it would be like to fit in my skinny jeans again, or to live by the Lakeside in my beautiful house in the summers atop a cliff where the wind is blowing and kids are playing quietly in the sand.  Ahhh……… dreaming it keeps us going doesn’t it. 

I always surrender to those lottery tickets when I am filling up my vehicle at the gas station.  You almost need to dream of winning the lottery these days just to fill the gas tank these days.  I admit I often dream of just driving off on a long road trip and not returning.  Well maybe returning when I feel like it.  Returning after this Mom gets to take a little break from reality. Maybe even have time to read a book or not think about tidying up the house, not worrying about doing the laundry, or getting the kids teeth brushed for bed. The list is endless what will the day bring? 

I am going to dream of sunny skies and keep my hopes alive.  This girl is not going to let anyone burst her bubble!  Let your wings unfold and hang on to those dreams and soon they will really happen.  You will be lying on that beach with the sun beating down and “Ramone” bringing you a another cool lemony drink .  Wait that is not reality. it is the book I found time to read just before bed, but put down a few minutes later as I couldn’t keep my eyes open from another busy day with the family.  It is nice to dream isn’t it?

My “Bestie” gave me this picture which has this quote on it  for me this year as a gift.

 

LIVE THE LIFE YOU’VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF.

BE FEARLESS IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY.

NEVER STOP LEARNING.

BE TRUE TO WHO YOU ARE.

Recognize the beauty that surrounds you.

Be the architect of your own destiny.

THIS LIFE IS YOURS TO

C  R  E  A  T  E.

  

Talk soon ~

 

Nancy

 

 

 

Hello to my 4-year-old Boy Noah!  He has just bumped his head on the kitchen table, Mommy soothes and comforts his little crying – “there – there… little baby boy Mommy is here!”  My daughter who is 7 years old and my son were cuddling with me on the couch and pretending they were babies.  I was telling them both the day they were born and they wanted to hear the stories over and over again.  They were cooing like like babes and must admit I miss those days.

The presents are opened and he is thrilled running around with his new remote control car – battling monsters with his new swords.  SHHH…..One last un-opened gift is waiting in the garage sporting a big blue bow.  We are saving it for him to open before we go to Grandma’s for a little party.  My big boy will be riding his first new big boy bike today with training wheels.   

I am thrilled to have my boy in my life, I remember when he arrived 4 years ago today – at 8:30 in the morning.  He was a “little breach boy” and refused to turn so Mom got to have a C-Section.  This is a whole different experience from my daughters regular kinda birthing.  We were scheduled for 8:30 and out he came, the Doctor who was wearing his Hawaiian shirt announced “You have a Boy!”  A miracle – the Doctor said we had a “Million Dollar Family”.  That is the term they use for people who have both a boy and a girl.  He said everyone wants a Spring baby, just like the lambs. 

My Noah likes/loves the following~

Digging in the dirt

Playing in the with water and bubbles

Loves his dinkie cars

Loves his truck and new remote cars

Has a best friend Danyl

Eats hotdogs and cheese

He dislikes like fruits & vegetables

Drinks chocolate milk

Adores his sister and his doggie Irish

Likes to watch things grow 

Loves scary movies

Is a good swimmer

Is learning how to read

Is really smart and likes learning

Still needs a nap

Is afraid of the dark

Not scared of the  “Rakka Monsters”s

 

Talk soon ~

 

Nancy

 

“LUCK  IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PREPARATION MEETS OPPORTUNITY”  ~ Seneca   

I think we all want the “Luck of the Irish!”  By the way my dog’s name is Irish.  (I just thought of that as I was calling him to stop licking the cat’s dishes once again.) I didn’t name him, he already had that name when we adopted him.  He has been with me over 10 years.  He is my good “ol” boy, when he is not getting into trouble.  I really couldn’t get a better boy than him, I am so LUCKY!

I have a number of Shamrock plants, they are my favorite.  One of the reasons I love them so much is they are so delicate and sweet, yet fierce and determined with  a strong will to live.  This is their month to shine being that the shamrock represents all things Irish. 

I am a “green thumb wannabe”.   Secretly I would love to work in a flower shop.  I love being surrounded by all plants and flowers.  The closest I did get to this dream was when my Aunt had her Garden Centre business.  I would help her on occasion and went to different markets selling her flowers. I loved being surrounded by all the beauty and loved watching the smiles of people when they purchased.  

My flowers have been my  saving grace this winter. I simply cannot walk past a potted Tulip, or Daffodil without bringing them home.  It is my simple indulgence, and gives me great pleasure.  With the money I have spent this year on my little addiction I could have gone south!

Speaking of flowers, this is when my little Shamrocks like to show their little white flowers. Delicate by nature. Shamrock’s like to stand tall and proud humbly showing beauty and grace.  They close their leaves at night, and open them in the morning. I think I should stay up all night, just to witness this sometime.

I remember many summer afternoons looking for four-leaf clovers in my youth.   I never did find one.   My Mom loved to play the “let’s find a four-leaf clover game”, as it kept my brother and I busy for a good couple of hours it seemed.  

Speaking of four-leaf clovers, I was gifted a beautiful 4 leafed clover in a picture frame by my friend Henrietta (she has a business called “Gift of Luck”).  I truly believe it has brought me luck.   Can you imagine giving people the “Gift of Luck”!   I must say she is one cool friend. 

Back to my Shamrocks.  When they look like they have seen better days and you want to pitch them out. Don’t do it!  They just need a little water.  They just spring back to life. When they look a little rugged around the edges, I simply pull the dead stems and then they look great again.

When summer comes I love to put these plants outside.  They become really full and truly alive.   I think that is how I feel in summer, it is my favorite season.   By the end of the summer the plants  burst with foliage and flowers and become this gigantic beauty. I have several different kinds, purple and green ones. I don’t know the latin names, maybe I should ask my horticulturist Aunt sometime. I have had one of them for close to 10 years. It has seen my ups and downs and still hangs around.  All it asks is that I place her in a sunny spot, give her water and a little love.

That’s all we need isn’t it, just a little SUN, WATER & LOVE!

Talk soon ~

 

Nancy

“I am women – Hear my ROAR!” I love that my Birthday happens to fall on INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY! This is cause for celebration in my books. This March 8th – 2014, the theme from the United Nations, is “INSPIRING CHANGE – FOR THE GREATER AWARENESS FOR WOMEN!”

The 100th year  Women’s Day Anniversary was celebrated in 2011.  This special day on our calendar stands for inspiring women worldwide. We as mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts and daughters must stand tall and unite. There is strength in numbers. Speaking of numbers, there are millions and millions of women of every age, ethnicity and colour in the world.  On this day we stand united and we are one!

Sadly many of the women, girls, and children are not considered equal and face many sad atrocities today. I wish the world was not like this,  it makes my heart bleed. My role as a mother is to build a foundation in my daughter and son which is strong and will not shatter upon adversity. My hope is they will go into the world and be the “best they can be, be strong, be loving and kind”. I am sure this is the hope of all mothers and fathers for their children.

The first ever celebration of women internationally began in 1911 and every year marks many events and celebrations worldwide! So what are you doing today to inspire change. I am eating chocolate cake and squeezing my babies and letting to let them know I LOVE THEM!

 

“We have a world to conquer…..one person at a time….starting with ourselves.”  ~ Nikki Giovanni

 

 

Talk soon ~

Nancy

Can you imagine what the “OLDEST PERSON IN THE WORLD, according to the Guiness Book of World Records, has seen in her lifetime.  Misao Okawa from Japan turns 116 years old today. Imagine if you had 2 children aged 94, and 95? What is her secret you and countless others are asking?

 “SLEEP and EAT and you will life a long life”. She always says “You have to learn to relax!”

I really cannot add much to this as I haven’t mastered these simple good living tips. My Birthday is this week and I have been feeling a little reflective and emotional, turning 29 again. MMM… I think I will try, I say try to work on her simple, but sometimes hard to incorporate practices. I did make time this morning to have a lovely little power walk and tried to eat well (except for those 5 little chocolate pieces). Well they were little so they couldn’t have had that many calories.

When I read this article yesterday, I quickly phoned my 95-year-old Grandmother, she will have another birthday in a few months time.  She was sleeping when I called and I had woke her up.  My father (her 70-year-old son), always reminds her “you have earned the right to sleep” when she says “she sleeps too much.”  She was happy I had woke her up as it was time for her to eat lunch, (she likes her food!)

I guess she is doing something right too! She sleeps most of the day, eats well (she doesn’t like to eat chocolate now because it bothers her stomach).  She is and was always very health conscious.

She laughed and laughed when I told her the secrets to this women’s long life and she told me “she needed to hear that!”. I mentioned another secret the oldest women in the world said.  My Grandmother was very quiet and giddy almost to hear this tip. “She eats sushi once a month” I said.   I told my Grandmother I would bring her some sushi out next week when I go visit her. She quickly said “well I don’t like that one with the…. you know”. I said I know Grandma the “raw fish”.  She said the Japanese women probably eats the raw fish one and that keeps her young.   I said I am sure the vegetable one has the same benefits. “OK” said my Grandma, she would try it!” 

Remember those simple golden rules for a long life!

 

“EAT … SLEEP & RELAX!”

 

Talk soon ~

 

Nancy

Bullying – (definition)
Is the use of force, threat or coercion to abuse, intimidate or aggressively impose domination over others.

Why am I wearing a PINK SHIRT TODAY? My family and I support the ANTI-BULLYING “Pink Shirt Campaign 2014”. My daughter reminded me by announcing when she arrived home from school today.  “It is PINK SHIRT DAY tomorrow MOM”.

It began with 2 students in Nova Scotia in 2007 who did not like what happened to a young man who went to school wearing his Pink Polo Shirt” He was teased and called names such as “gay”. The 2 young men who found out about this went to the local drugstore and purchased 50 t-shirts and wore them the next day to school.  Guess what the bully didn’t say anything more, and the boy was not bothered again.

Did you know the first Anti-Bullying Campaign in Canada was in 2000, and was arranged by Bill Belsey.  I would safely say we have all heard of Anti-bullying Campaigns today.  It is now commonplace to have zero tolerance for any type of bullying.

4 Types of Bullying

1. Emotional
2. Verbal
3. Physical
4. Cyber

Bullying is found in our schools, workplaces, families or groups to name a few. Often a person or person’s who are bullied are targeted by a single person or group and made to feel intimidated. Often the bullies are feeling resentful or have low self-esteem within themselves. Many times they have been born into a family which had bullied them or they themselves have been bullied.

Sadly this past Valentines my cousin’s son who is 10, received a Valentines card from a girl in his class that said “I HATE YOU!” How sad is this for a young little boy to receive such a card. My cousin immediately contacted the Principal and this matter got resolved rather quickly. I am not sure what the whole story is, but I was told other boys in her class received the same type of cards.  This is just one of the examples our children may face in our schools today.  Bullying can turn tragic for many young women and men who feel there is no way out and commit suicide as a result of being bullied.  This must stop!

WEAR your PINK SHIRT,  STAND TALL  and say…. “NO MORE BULLYING!”

Talk soon ~

Nancy

Reflecting on the split second life changing moments was forefront on my mind as I tucked my little angels into bed. I sighed with relief, and was grateful to hear them safely snoring. This morning I was getting my son Noah and I on our way. My son and his Dad walked down our long driveway to put the snow-blower away. We were blessed with more of that white stuff which needed to be cleared.

I glanced down and saw they were both still at the garage when I sat in the Jeep patiently waiting.  I thought maybe I would drive down and get Noah in the vehicle so we could be on our way. Out of the corner of my eye I saw him run in front of the Jeep, he is barely tall enough to see him. OMG I thought I almost had started the vehicle and backed out. What might have happened, how frightening this little episode was. I gave Dad a lot of heck when he finally walked up the driveway to say good-bye to us.

This is , “My bad Mommy Moment #526” Our day was winding down, the kids were watching a little “Sponge Bob – Square Pants”. I was reading the paper, catching up on the events of the day. Jeez I can’t get that darn jingle out of my head now. My son was playing with his newly opened 10 pack (glow in the dark sticks). I didn’t really think too much of it when he had one his mouth. That is not until his sister Meaghan said “MOM…..MOM…..” I turned and looked, to see she was glowing. Not only glowing but she had speckles of purple all over her and mostly in her hair. She started to cry. “Oh my gosh Meaghan, don’t touch anything”, I said. We quickly washed her hands and rinsed her hair. I threw out all of the sticks, (or so I thought). Several minutes later my son started crying and spitting. His grey pants were now a neon green.  I am sure his tongue was glowing.

Luckily they didn’t get any of this gross stuff in their eyes and I prayed my son didn’t ingest too much of that liquid. I quickly googled “what to do when glow sticks break”, and felt some reassurance they would be ok, since there was no vomit and no eyes which needed to be rinsed out, (Mom calmed down a little).  We rinsed, brushed, rinsed 7 more times and drank some Milk.    

Grateful to have my babies sleeping… How quickly our lives can change. How scary to think of how quickly accidents can happen. “Everything can change in a New York Minute!” I guess that is what our Guardian Angels are for.

Talk soon ~

Nancy

 

Families … I am sure you have heard the saying, “You don’t always get to pick your family!”  I wonder if the man in the tree is petrified of his family below and simply doesn’t want to have any part of it or the family photo?  I think we have all been there before, well at least I have? 

I remember my Dad would drive my brother and I to high-school on occasion.  Have you ever seen the movie “Uncle Buck”.  Well I was trying to be that “cool girl”.  Remember that scene when Uncle Buck drops her off and beeps the horn while the car is spouting with the black smoke coming out of the old big Oldsmobile.  Well yep that was my Dad and my brother.   I would request for them to drop me off across the street in the parking lot.  Yep I kept walking knowing that they where giggling as they waved and tooted the horn for all its worth, probably some smoke was flowing from the hood too.  I didn’t dare look back at them, it would have blown my cover! 

We have an official “Family Day” tomorrow.  What will you do with your day?  I hope you will have some time to spend with your loved ones.  It is nice timing to have a statutory holiday to look forward to mid February.  I think we are ready for any type of holiday at this time of year!  Holidays are a great time to spend with family and friends.  

I am so blessed to have many good friends in my life today, who are just like family.  I was so lucky to have the best brother anyone could ever wish for too!  But secretly I had always hoped for a sister too.  My girlfriends are just like my sisters.  We see each other thru the ups and downs of life and I know I can always count on them.   I cherish and love my girl time, which is few and far between now that am I am raising my 2 little people.  But this mommy still needs her girls to feel .. well girly .. I guess.  You know who you are – moi love you!

I don’t think I really appreciated my family as much as I do since I started my own family.  Being a single girl, I was always into myself and thought “oh crap another family get together”.  It always seemed to kinda get in the way.  Now I look forward to those “silly” gatherings.  This past Holiday season we celebrated another meal with my 95 year old Grandmother  sitting at the head of the table.  I hope she will be with us for many more years to come. 

There are those times, like many of us that my family haven’t always seen “eye to eye”, and believe me we have had our quarrels. But I know no matter what my family will always be there for me.  I am leaving you with the dictionary definition of the word family to reflect on.  I met an interesting women yesterday and thought to myself.  MMM .. “How would my life be if I had her for a mother?”  We talked about different types of families and it got me thinking differently about the world and the family unit.   Don’t worry Mom I will never trade you in – you’re the best but since you are enjoying the rays in the sunny south, I have adopted my Grandmother as my “Back-up MOM”.  I guess I am just a Mommies girl!

 

FAMILY (n)

fami-i-ly (fammalee)

1.  group of relatives:  a group of people who are closely related by birth, marriage, or adoption.

2.  people living together and functions as a single household, usually consisting of parents and their children.

3.  lineage:  all the people who are descended from common ancestor

 

Talk soon ~

 

Nancy 

 

 

 

 

 

“Pack your Bags who is coming with me?”  My Aunt Judy who is in Florida now told me before she left.  “Come on down honey – we would love to have you!”.  She just didn’t give me the address yet.  When I call there is no answer, all I get is their answering machine. “Sorry we can’t get to the phone, we are at the Beach, leave a message!” Well I have left a few messages and now I am starting to wonder if maybe she didn’t really mean she wanted to see me and my two young children on her holiday.

My parents didn’t even invite us down, they know me better. They know we would have jumped on that plane and came for a wee visit. I still have nightmares of the plane ride with my son last year, we took him to Florida and it was just not fun. You hear about those parents whose toddlers are banned from planes, well that was us. Or it could have been.  I vowed never again, but as I stare out the window and all I see is white, blinding snow my thoughts drift to palm trees, sand and surf.  It has snowed 5 cm in just the last hour. I think to myself “It wasn’t that bad, he is older now.” Funny how we can rationalize anything.

Waking up this morning and checking the weather network and hearing yet another snowstorm on the way today. I thought surely they will cancel the buses once again and maybe even close the schools. No, all systems ago, the buses and schools are open. My bet is we will get a call this afternoon that the buses will be sending the kiddies home early.

I am a betting women, speaking of betting. A friend who attends the same daycare won an all-inclusive trip for 2 at a 5 star resort in the Dominican Republic this week at a local radio station. Can you imagine! I touched her – just for luck. I couldn’t believe her luck, she dropped her kids off just like any other day. She sat in her Van to hear the radio contest. She told us she didn’t have a radio in the house and she knew their was only 10 minutes to call in if her name was announced.   Amanda her daycare provider asked her daughter “Where is Mommy?” She said “Oh she is in the car, winning a trip” Amanda chuckled and thought “Oh sure she is?”

Well several minutes later Lisa (trip winner) came in babbling with cell phone in hand.  “Yes my name is Lisa, oops I just peed my pants” She was jumping up and down, yelling and screaming with Amanda “I WON….. I WON…. I WON!” All this time she was on the radio live. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer person.  Can you imagine? It really can happen!

Since it is a snowy, blowy kind of day and I have a few minutes, I think this girl just might enter a few contests. Maybe I will win my dream trip to Cuba. Wait…. I hear my phone ringing it is my Aunt Judy calling “she said her and her sister (my mom), just got in from the pool and were a little sun-burned. I could hear the surf of the ocean in the background, I am sure the Palm trees were swaying in the gentle breeze. “Let me grab a pen. I come back there is no answer. I got cut off, it must be the weather!

Talk soon ~

Nancy

My little 3 year old son Noah and I go skating every Monday.  I am trying to teach him how to skate.  Like usual we are late again, but it is a drop in skate so no one really knows you’re late.  Except for the man who works at the rink who quickly came in to the dressing room announcing their would be “senior skating” at noon and we had only a few minutes left.  “But you could stay longer if no one showed up”, he let us know.    I told him we usually only last 5 or 10 minutes. 

When we first started skating he wore his sisters Pink Barbie helmet and Barbie knee pads.  There were a few stares and comments from other Mom’s cruising the rink.  One Mom giggled, “Oh he must have a big sister?”  We wore the helmet for the first month and then a friend from Yoga offered her helmet as her son didn’t need it anymore.  She said she would bring it next week.  So cool, he was going to look like a boy skater, or should I say “hockey player”.  His Grandma got him a yellow hockey stick last year for his Birthday and I bought him some manly knee/shin pads.  We are borrowing someones puck, but I keep putting a note to myself “buy puck”.  Ok I guess this suggests I am a “newbie sport Mom”.

My heart swelled this morning when I walked in and had a bag with skates, hockey stick and helmet in hand.  My thoughts drifted to the Mom’s of the Winter Olympians.  How must their hearts feel this month with the start of the games.  I just cannot imagine the blood, sweat and tears that go into the molding of an Olympian athlete. 

We laced up after about 5 minutes of  hide and seek.  As you know it is tough to get a little person dressed for the ice.   So finally we made it, we were gliding on the ice, he was scoring goals.  Ok well not really.  He was on his skates but I was holding him up with one of those “skate kid holder uppers”.  We skated around pushing his puck, no one else was on the rink and we had an awesome time.  He kept saying “faster Mommy, faster Mommy!”

I thought of that Sochi “Thank You Mom” Ad commercial, Proctor and Gamble is currently running.  It shows the athletes beginnings of walking, skating, skiing, playing hockey, snowboarding as young toddlers.  We watch them grow, with many scenes of  falling on the ice or snow even breaking bones,  but they are determined.  We watch as they grow older and are perfecting their craft.  The music is playing the tears are falling.  My heartstrings are being pulled, (advertising at its best).  Next week we will show up earlier, and as they say “practice makes perfect”.

 

  “THANK YOU MOM –  FOR TEACHING US FALLING ONLY MAKES US STRONGER!”

 

Talk soon ~

 

Nancy

 

Today started like any other day. Saturday’s forecast is 15-20 cm of snow today another major winter storm on its way. This seems to be the norm; I poured myself another coffee and thought this is going to be a long day with the kids. We had already made tissue paper flowers and it was only 8:30 am. Another glance revealed it had just started snowing again, a little light dusting with a balmy -3 temperature. Don’t laugh, really this is balmy after the -23 we have had for the last month.

Dad was in his office so I called him and said “get your long johns on we are going tobogganing”. “Hey kids put your hand up if you want to go tobogganing”? Both little hands shot up, my daughter said just like last week Mom; we can go in the backyard with our crazy carpets”?  They had their 5th or 6th snow day from school last Monday.   The kids played outside on our little 2.5 foot hill in the freezing cold, I was freezing but they didn’t seem to feel the cold.  They had so much fun!  The wind was howling, their cheeks looked like red apples, but they kept going until their little noses looked like they were going to fall off. 

Today we took them to a local “big hill”, the Wellington County Museum in Aboyne, a short drive away. We lucked out we had the whole hill to ourselves. This was our first time and we all wondered if maybe this hill was a little too big?   My daughter was scared the first couple of times. But she quickly was squealing with delight.  Following right behind was little Noah on his super duper-red sporty sleigh.  Both of them made it down without falling off. 

Mom and Dad jumped on the crazy carpets, wow I cannot remember the last time I had so much fun!  I had one good run that was unbelievable fast and should have been posted on YouTube Video. I just hung on tight and let all my cares and troubles float to the sky. YIPEE…..  I was flying down that hill, see yah kids don’t forget to brush your teeth tonight and I’ll see you tomorrow sometime.  I am remembering when I was just a young girl going for one of my first trips down our local neighbourhood hill with my parents.  A little wipeout with snow in my mitts, boots and the back of my neck has a way of bringing you back to reality rather quickly. Wait…. is that crying I hear, oh it is my little man Noah he is getting a little tired and cranky and wants hot chocolate.  Oh I better go now so I can help Meg’s climb up that icy hill, dust off her pants and adjust her sleigh to take one last run!  Maybe next time we will bring our skates for their new outdoor rink!

Talk soon ~

Nancy

I remember when my daughter Meaghan was born.  It was one of the most wonderful days of my life.  She arrived 3 weeks early and I was in labour close to 24 hours.  I had the drugs, but they didn’t give them to this mommy until I felt every contraction it seemed.  I was sitting outside early in the morning and my water broke about 6:00 am.  I remember knocking on the window of our bedroom to tell my husband, he said he tought it was going to be about another hummingbird I saw.  Well he got the bird story right, just not the right bird it was the arrival of the stork.

We calmly made our way to the hospital, (or maybe I was the calm one), he was pacing around.  We stopped for a visit to see my parents.  Then on the way I felt the need to get my eyebrows waxed at the salon.  Ok enough said we all have our stories.  When Meg’s was born I called her MEAGHAN (this was spelled under a drug induced state – but I still like her beautiful name it is just a little tricky to spell for others at times.)

Does anyone ever tell you the ups & downs a new Mom feels int that first month or two?  I think there is a secret club somewhere.  They just shake their heads and nod because they know , they don’t tell you in the beginning but they just know.  I think if you knew all of the ups and downs in that first year I am not sure there would be as many babes born.  One of my saving graces was getting together with my “baby group”.  We were all in this new unknown territory together and we somehow seemed stronger together fumbling around with our new little people.

My first year was like most new Mom’s ( I am talking that first baby adventure).  I have another little babe, but that is another story left for another time.  I think having that first baby just changes your whole, entire world for the better (it just might not seem like it at the time.)  Meaghan was a beautiful little baby.  My Mom said “She must have sat in the barber’s chair with her Dad and had her hair cut, she looked just like him.  And those feet they were huge (her Dad has a size 13 shoe).  Yep my Dad commented, “She had her Dad’s big Clobbers”.

Ok Mom’s to be if you are reading this and wondering what it will be like.  Yep the secret Mom’s club is shaking and nodding their heads they know.  You will be tested like no other experience.  Your body feels like an alien, your mind will be zoned out, and your emotions will be a roller coaster (just ask my family).  Well this was just my experience and maybe the Mom’s club is nodding yep…… So if you are a new Mom hang on and get ready for the best ride of your life.  You will be OK, and you will love that little bundle like you have never loved in your life.  You will be tired, happy, tired, thrilled, delighted, tired, cyring, tired and “Over the Moon”, maybe orbited into another world like I was.  But we call that world Motherhood!

 

Talk soon ~

 

Nancy

 

 

 

 

These are so easy to make, “Easy Peazy!” This is a great indoor craft for the kids and the birds love it too. One of our favorite family pastimes is birdwatching. These bird feeders are a great way to say “I love you to our feathered friends”.

My son loves to say “Mom … Mom … there is a Blue Bird” and my daughter loves the red Cardinals, (she has such a sweet way of saying it!)   Mom prefers the tapping of a Woodpecker and the little chickadees. If you want to spread some love to your birdies and have some fun with the kiddlets why not try these easy home-made heart bird feeders for Valentines.

(Supplies)

 Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter 
 Bag of Birdseed 
 Straws
 Twine
 Knox gelatin  
 Large mixing Bowl
 

(Directions)

Take a large mixing bowl and measure 4 cups of bird seed, (we used wild bird seed mixture).  Add 3 packages of small Knox gelatin mix, stirring in 2 cups of boiling water for about 2 minutes. (we used a bit more water than the package calls for).  “My motto is “More is always better”.  Grease cookie cutter with a non-stick spray.   We used a non-stick pan of 6 heart shapes, still spraying the inside of the pan with the non-stick spray, (we found this at our local grocery store).   Spoon and press into molds.  If you have a single heart-shaped mold (use a piece of foil on the back of it, and spray with non-stick spray).   

Use spoon to smooth top of the filled cookie cutters to flatten. Poke in little holes at top of each heart with straws and put into hearts. We cut the straws in half.   Put in your freezer or outside if cold,  (we used the freezer for 2 or 3 hours),  this allows for a faster hardening process. 

Carefully take out the hearts (we used a knife to start the edge of the cookie cutter.  If straw is not all the way through hole, gently push it to the other side of heart.  Put a piece of twine in the hole.  We started with the hard side of heart to get it through the hole easier.  Use  a big enough piece of twine to tie at top and hang outside.

This recipe makes about 12 small hearts.  Place on trees and watch the birds and kids delight in their new heart feeders.   If you don’t want to put them all out at once, we suggest storing the leftovers in the Freezer in a container as this keeps them hard.  Volia – How hard was that – “Easy Peazy!”

Talk soon ~

Nancy