When I grow up, I want to be… When I was a child, I was a little dreamer. I always knew I wanted to become a teacher. My first experience with relationships outside the family was with my kindergarten teacher. She was a gentle, caring, nurturing teacher and, as a timid child, that made all the difference in my experience entering my school years. In grade five, I had … [Read more...]
Getting My Child to Eat her Food: The Truth Is…I Have No Tricks!
Several friends have asked me countless times how I get Little One to eat her school lunches every day. The truth is, I have no tricks or tips. We've just been very lucky that Little One happens to have an adventurous palate and a voracious appetite. Seriously. That is all. I was thinking about how all kids are different and have different tastes. What works for one … [Read more...]
The Day Mommy had a Meltdown
Growing up, I don't recall ever seeing my mother cry. I don't recall ever seeing a day that my mom had a meltdown. Sure, my mom would yell at us when we misbehaved or didn't listen, but I never saw her cry. I thought that surely she was the strongest person on the planet. Then I realized when I grew up that no one ever knew if Mom had a meltdown or how often she would … [Read more...]
March Break Craft Ideas
With March Break upon us, many parents have been thinking of activities that will keep the kids busy and entertained. My first thought? March Break craft ideas! We go on day trips, visit Science North, spend lots of time outdoors, and partake in local March Break events. We even spend a little downtime Netflixing. We do a lot of fun things together on March Break. I … [Read more...]
F is for Family Day
Growing up, we were taught that family was always the most important thing in life. With two brothers and lots of cousins, we were a tightly-knit bunch. My grandmother always told us, "Love one another." Every day that we got together was "family day". To this day, family is still the most important thing to me and we're still a tightly-knit bunch! I try to … [Read more...]
This Year, I Resolve to NOT be a Supermom!
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...]