Let me begin with saying that I actually don't make New Year's resolutions. I used to (once upon a time), but I haven't made any resolutions in years. I just didn't think they were realistic. Instead, I made goals. They're probably similar, but one seemed to have less pressure attached to its name. In any case, this year I am making a concentrated effort to NOT be a … [Read more...]
This is 40 – A Big Milestone
A big milestone is coming up for me. I woke up this morning and realized that in exactly one week, I will be turning 40. Wow! This big milestone has been on my mind for the past few years, yet, surprisingly, as the date approaches, it's not a big deal anymore. I remember when I was a teenager, thirty seemed ancient to me. I couldn't even fathom what life would be like … [Read more...]
My Kid Makes Me Cry
It's true. My kid makes me cry. Oh, usually I cry because she tests me. She's a very stubborn hard-headed frustrating "spirited" child at times. Many people would not believe me unless they've seen her in action. From an outsider's perspective, she seems so sweet and quiet. Most of the time, people who don't know her think she's mute. We get the "Oh, [insert Little … [Read more...]
Grow A Child’s Education with the New Heritage eGifting Program
Back when I was growing up, my parents placed such high value on education. "Study hard, do your best, be at the top of your class, continue your post-secondary education, finish university, get a good job, and establish yourself in a good career so you can support yourself and your family." Those are all words my brothers, cousins and I were told repeatedly when we were … [Read more...]
How Will You Lend a Helping Hand? #WarmWishes
By now, you have likely seen many #WarmWishes stories on social media and how Canadians all across our nation are spreading their warm wishes and lend a helping hand. I have a story I'd like to mention, because I think it is so heart-warming. A family we know experienced great misfortune recently. No details will be divulged to protect the anonymity of the family. This said, … [Read more...]
Pet People ~ What it Means to be #PetPeople
Ever since I was a young child, I felt akin to pet people everywhere. I remember as a kid, each Christmas I would ask Santa Claus for a white kitten. Each year, Santa Claus would not give me a white kitten for Christmas and I soon lost my belief in the jolly old man in the red suit. The reason Santa never brought me a kitten was because of the fact that I had very bad … [Read more...]
Spreading Holiday Cheer with some #WarmWishes!
We're coming up to my favourite time of the year! Regardless of what holiday you are celebrating, I hope it is a wonderful and special time for you and your loved ones! Whether it be Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or any other celebration, the sentiment is the same - Good will to all and spreading holiday cheer with lots of warm wishes to all we encounter. Though helping … [Read more...]
No More Bedtime Battles #5MoreMinutes #StreamTeam
The wood furnace is roaring, tea is steeping, and it's time to put your feet up at the end of a busy day. All of a sudden the pitter patter of tiny feet can be heard. Wait for it... "Mommmm! I can't sleep!" "I'm thirsty!" "I had a bad dream!" "I'm hungry!" "I need to go to the bathroom!" Does any of this sound at all familiar to you? Please tell me this … [Read more...]
November 17th is World Prematurity Awareness Day
Each year around this time of the month, I become very sensitive and reflective. Every day (and not just on World Prematurity Awareness Day) I count my blessings knowing that we have a very happy and for the most part, healthy child. This was not always the reality though. Little One was born on November 11th, 2008. She was supposed to be due in February of 2009. She … [Read more...]
Going from #SagToSwag with Pampers Cruisers
I would be lying if I said I haven't been entertaining the thought of having another baby. The thought has entered my mind, and as the birth announcements from several friends have been flooding my Facebook and inbox, I have been feeling the want for another baby more and more. Within just the past two weeks, my friend and his husband announced the birth of their twins and … [Read more...]
Netflix Canada-Inspired Halloween Costumes
Netlfix is a big thing in our house, and so is Halloween! Though Little One is only allowed watching TV on weekends, she is always on the ball when it comes to picking which movies and shows we will watch for Family Movie Night on Fridays. In fact, she even came up with a list of Netflix Canada-Inspired Halloween costumes! Halloween is one of the most anticipated days of … [Read more...]
Things I Learned From My Six Year Old
As I went for my morning walk after bringing Little One to the bus stop and after feeding the animals, I reflected on all the things I learned in time time on this planet. There are so many things I've learned and am constantly learning. I've learned that sometimes the hardest decisions in life are the best at the time. I've learned that it's good to trust, but sometimes … [Read more...]
Why Empty Threats Do Not Work
I will be the first to tell you that I am a rookie mama. I have one child, so that means I've had no previous children to serve as guinea pigs in parenting. Little One is it. It's trial and error for me. Though I've read countless books on parenting and child-rearing and have done ample research (the two child psychology courses I took in university don't count anymore, … [Read more...]
WE Day: We Are All Connected In Our Journey from Me to We #WeDay
We are all connected in our journey from Me to We. If there's one thing I wish to succeed at as a parent, it is to teach my child that there is a larger world outside of ourselves and that we all have a journey from Me to We. At the tender age of six, I believe Little One is on the right track. I see it in how caring, compassionate, empathetic, kind, gentle, giving and … [Read more...]
She Doesn’t Look Back Anymore
I remember her first day of junior kindergarten, she clutched my hand so tightly. It was as though she never wanted to let go. I sensed the tinge of anxiety and fear of the unknown. There was excitement, but apprehension too. She was not yet four years old. I was her world. I would rush across the highway to be on her side of the bus so I could wave to her … [Read more...]