This post was inspired by my friend, Shayna's post titled, Fears of an Older Mother. When I was younger, I had my life all planned out. I had a timeline, like many girls do when they're young and dream about what their lives will be like when they're older. I never thought I'd be "an older mother". I had everything mapped out and wasn't going to let anything let me … [Read more...]
On Childhood
I remember my Summer days as a kid as if they were just yesterday. My parents believed in letting us just be kids and enjoy our childhood "because kids grow up too quickly and before you know it, it's adult problems, responsibility and stress." I'm laughing now, but those were my mom's exact words. Boy, was she ever right! I cherish my Summer memories and just being a … [Read more...]
The Feeling of Loss Never Really Goes Away
The past few days, I've been thinking of my grandmother. A lot. In between phone and Skype meetings or replying to e-mail and wrapping up reports for clients, my thoughts occasionally wandered and were of happy times with my grandmother. I thought of how loving and kind she was. I thought of how patient she was. I thought of how she never talked ill of anyone. Really, … [Read more...]
PC Cooking School for Kids
Cooking is love made visible." Some of my earliest memories consist of being in the kitchen with my grandparents, learning how to cook traditional Filipino dishes. Afritada, Menudo, Sinigang, Tortang Talong, Adobo, Sio Pao are just some of the foods that transport me back to my childhood. I learned a lot about life and family in my grandparents' kitchen. I also learned that … [Read more...]
Dragons: Race to the Edge #StreamTeam
Our Summer has been flying by! I cannot believe it's almost August! How on earth did that happen? It feels like just yesterday that Little One got off the school bus on her last day of grade 1! It's hard to believe that she'll be going into grade 2 soon! Our Summer has been jam packed with Summer camp, activities, beach days, swimming, playing, farm chores, traveling, … [Read more...]
Babies Bring Out the Best in All of Us #BetterForBaby
The fresh baby scent, the cooing and the noises baby makes when sleeping are all parts of having a new baby that I'm sure many parents want to bottle up if we could. I know I'm not alone when I say how much I loved just watching Little One as she slept. That wasn't meant to be creepy, but if you're a parent, I'm sure you know that feeling and have found yourself watching, … [Read more...]
Minions are here! #KinderMom
It seems like everywhere I look, I spy Minions! Minions are here! Yes, even on Manitoulin Island! Little One was so excited to see special Minion KINDER® SURPRISE® eggs at our local store. We had to get a few because she wanted to collect them all. Who isn't crazy for those adorable, funny little guys? Have you and your kids been keeping up with all the Minions … [Read more...]
Minuscule: Valley of the Lost Ants!
Recently, I've been thinking a lot about how something so little can have a big impact on the world. Okay, one would think I was referring to perhaps teaching Little One that though she is one person and may feel small, she is capable of doing great things. Right? Well, that is true. However, I was actually referring to how something as little as a mosquito can have such a … [Read more...]
Encouraging my child’s individual #SuperStyle
I think it's safe to say that my six year old has very eclectic taste when it comes to fashion. She has never been a follower of all that is popular and often goes against the grain. I feel guilty that I sometimes wish she wouldn't be so headstrong and "unique", and that she would just wear clothes that all the other kids wear. I say I feel guilty because I should actually … [Read more...]
The importance of STEM learning
From the moment we discovered we were pregnant, we promised to do everything possible to ensure the well-being and over-all health of that life growing inside the womb. I did everything from making sure to eat healthy, keep hydrated, keep active, and get enough sleep, to reading parenting books and books on pregnancy and what to expect. Once baby was born, the focus was on … [Read more...]
How Being Different Teaches Children Acceptance
It's okay to be different. At least, that's what we keep telling our six year old daughter. She's quirky, a bit feisty, sometimes very stubborn and oftentimes goes against the grain. She's that kid who doesn't like fried food or sugary food. She loves vegetables, meat and fish. She's often the last to finish at any activity and sometimes doesn't finish at all. She … [Read more...]
Letters to Baby #letterstobaby #PGmom
I remember the day we found out we were expecting. Everything seemed so surreal. I was in such disbelief (in a good way) that by the end of the week I had taken thirteen pregnancy tests! The idea of growing a life inside of me was something that seemed so magical to me. I wrote letters to my baby while I was pregnant. I kept a journal of how I was feeling and about all … [Read more...]
Time Keeps on Slipping… #TBT
Time keeps on slipping into the future. Time just seems to slip into the future. I know it's an odd thing to say, but I was thinking of how it seemed like only yesterday that Little One was still little. Now she's six years old! She's brought us so much laughter (and tears). She's given us so much joy (and tears). She's funny, and quirky, and smart. She's thoughtful, … [Read more...]
Family Time with Paddington {Review & Giveaway}
Family time, sadly enough, is something very scarce over here. The farm demands most of our time, so it leaves very little time to just relax and do things as a family (unless we're out on the field or in the barn or bush together). When we received the Paddington Blu-Ray/DVD package, Little One immediately said it was time for "family time". I'm sure glad our six year … [Read more...]
Earth Day Fun for Kids #KinderMom #KinderSmiles
Little One learned from a very early age that as citizens of the Earth, it is our duty to take care of our planet by treading as lightly as possible. We compost, practice reduce-reuse-recycle, use cloth napkins and reusable shopping bags. We also pack litterless lunches. We heat the house in the Spring with passive solar energy from our green house and when the weather is … [Read more...]