Wednesday 27 November 2013
ABS - Day 27 of #30daysofthanks
As I drove down the two laned road a car pulled out from the shoulder to my right, attempted to u-turn in front of me and couldn't make it in one try. So he backed up and tried again. All while my brakes were grinding with the sound of the ABS engaging. I leaned into my horn as I was not going to be able to stop on the black ice. He got the hint and I just missed hitting his left rear panel. All I got for "encouraging" him to go faster - he flipped me the bird. But in taking things positively and with thanks, I am thankful that I had ABS which I am sure kept me out of an accident today.
Nap Time - Day 26 of #30daysofthanks
Two words: nap time. Very thankful for this today as I need a recharge. Napping for MiniD, quiet time for Bear and a bit of both for me.
One Month Countdown!! - Day 25 #30daysofthanks
Anyone who has known me for any amount of time knows that Christmas is my favourite time of year. My love language is that of a gifter so there is no better time to be around me...except birthdays, Easter and any other time I can think of giving gifts! Just one month until everyone I've bought for can open their carefully chosen presents - I am so much more excited about giving than receiving.
Candles and Quiet - Day 24 #30daysofthanks
Thankful for my niece celebrating another birthday and for Handydan going to help out at the party while I stay home with MiniD who is too small to participate this time. Normally I'm the one ALL OVER the parties (that's the event planner in me) but for the activity the kids were doing today it just made way more sense for Handydan to go. It was bittersweet - the first of any of my nieces/nephews birthday parties that I completely missed, but I enjoyed my one-on-one time with my little man too.
Our Principal - Day 23 of #30daysofthanks
I grew up with a mom for a teacher. I have witnessed first hand how horrible the career of a teacher can be when they do not have the backing of a strong, engaged administration. The honest-to-god reason that I am not a teacher today is because of my moms cautioning against it due to her own personal experiences, mostly negative due to terrible administration. It wasn't all awful being a teachers kid...she taught English at a high school and junior high level so my papers were always perfectly edited. I had lots of practice before exams and it sure didn't hurt around diploma or provincial exam time...if you know what I'm saying...
I am overjoyed with the admin at Bear's school. I haven't had a lot of interaction with many of them, but seeing the principal outside every morning with her hair done, in her professional clothes stopping cars so than that the kids can safely cross at the crosswalk and the vice principal in the drop off zone where she has been hit by cars gives me hope. There are so many teachers, staff and other admin who I truly believe are looking out for our children, it gives me hope for my friends who are teachers - that they may have great administration to work with and truly enjoy their careers.
I am overjoyed with the admin at Bear's school. I haven't had a lot of interaction with many of them, but seeing the principal outside every morning with her hair done, in her professional clothes stopping cars so than that the kids can safely cross at the crosswalk and the vice principal in the drop off zone where she has been hit by cars gives me hope. There are so many teachers, staff and other admin who I truly believe are looking out for our children, it gives me hope for my friends who are teachers - that they may have great administration to work with and truly enjoy their careers.
Giggles - Day 22 #30daysofthanks
Both of my children have contagious laughter. Even when Bear is in time out and giggling about something I am unaware of, it is hard not to crack a smile. And MiniD...just thinking about his gut busting laugh makes me smile. When I am away from them but hear that familiar sound it warms my heart. When they are playing with just Handydan I like to be close so I can hear it. Both kids are finally reaching a stage where they are able to make each other laugh...be it somewhat violent tickling or silly faces, the two of them laughing together is the sound of my heart overflowing.
Whole Hearts - Day 21 #30daysofthanks
My mom was born with a hole in her heart. No one knew until she was in her forties and started having fainting spells. When I was 15 she had open heart surgery and a very painful recovery. She goes back for tests every few years but her heart is whole again.
In April 2012, a beautiful baby named Hope was born. She was born with only half a heart and her story didn't end happily like my moms. After many surgeries, complications, good days, bad days and everything in between, Hope passed away at the innocent age of 13 months. I have been following Hope and her families journey here and now I am following the journey of her family as they are expecting a new baby. A baby who had an ultrasound today and it was found that she has a whole, perfect heart.
I am thankful for the heart health of both my mom and this new baby...and so thankful for the impact that Hope's short life on earth has had on so many people. <3
In April 2012, a beautiful baby named Hope was born. She was born with only half a heart and her story didn't end happily like my moms. After many surgeries, complications, good days, bad days and everything in between, Hope passed away at the innocent age of 13 months. I have been following Hope and her families journey here and now I am following the journey of her family as they are expecting a new baby. A baby who had an ultrasound today and it was found that she has a whole, perfect heart.
I am thankful for the heart health of both my mom and this new baby...and so thankful for the impact that Hope's short life on earth has had on so many people. <3
Wednesday 20 November 2013
Crockpots and snow pants! - Day 20 #30daysofthanks
Foreword: I apologize for being so thankful for snow on Day 17. I think I might have jinxed us. We definitely have A LOT to be thankful for in that regard...
At a chilly -34 degrees Celsius today, I am thankful for crockpots full of spaghetti sauce cooking away and making the house smell delicious. Dropping off and picking up kids after school for work today...I am thankful for my snow pants and all the winter gear that makes this bearable. I have seen the social media requests today for anything that will help the homeless get through this cold snap and I am again reminded of how much we have.
At a chilly -34 degrees Celsius today, I am thankful for crockpots full of spaghetti sauce cooking away and making the house smell delicious. Dropping off and picking up kids after school for work today...I am thankful for my snow pants and all the winter gear that makes this bearable. I have seen the social media requests today for anything that will help the homeless get through this cold snap and I am again reminded of how much we have.
Work - Day 19 #30daysofthanks
Jobs. Love 'em or hate 'em...I'm a lover!! So thankful today for work for others which provides work for me in return. I am constantly reminded of how blessed I am to have found my "calling", doing what I love AND being able to be at home with my kids. Some days are challenges, others are a breeze. But nothing compares to completely LOVING what you do!
Side note: out of school care is FULL as of January 1, 2013. ;)
Side note: out of school care is FULL as of January 1, 2013. ;)
Husbands - #30daysofthanks
So overwhelmingly thankful for Handydan today. For all he puts up with, for following his dreams, for all he does, and for shoveling. After a big dump of snow, a long day of work in said snow and equally long drive home from work he still took care of shoveling the sidewalk and driveway. Love and thanks...
Monday 18 November 2013
Day 17 - Givin' Thanks!
I'm not going to complain about the weather. I'm going to be thankful for mounds of deep, white, powdery snow. I'm not a skier (it's been years since I was on a hill) but I know what this beautiful white stuff means to them...and I want to jump on board.
Side note: I might have complained once or twice this summer about the weather. I really do like it hot. High 20's, even low 30's is wonderful. It is the humidity that I cannot handle. Side note to this side note: I honestly didn't know about DEhumidifiers until recently. I though that Handydan was just saying "humidifier" wrong, or he had learned the word wrong as a child (just like Bear calls lasagna "pasagna" and we don't correct her - how was that for a side note, side note, side note?). When I saw the dehumidifier setting on our air conditioner this summer I had to admit to my lack of knowledge and learn about this whole new world! Next summer will be a lot better and there will be NO complaining here!
Okay - back to enjoying snow! Last night was absolutely wonderful, laying in bed listening to the wind and what sounded like something much heavier than light snow (we may have told Bear that Santa and his reindeer were out practicing to keep her in her bed and calm her down to go to sleep). I knew we would wake up to lots of deep, white, untouched drifts and that would lead to tobogganing and lots of great outdoor play! What a treat it was to wake up to!! We can FINALLY use our unlandscaped backyard for outdoor play - including snow painting, snow angels, forts, snowball fights and eleventy billion Pinterest suggestions. The temperature is supposed to stay warm and we are going to make the most of this great situation. I hope to have pictures up of all the fun outdoor snow activities I have planned...stay tuned!
#30daysofthanks
Side note: I might have complained once or twice this summer about the weather. I really do like it hot. High 20's, even low 30's is wonderful. It is the humidity that I cannot handle. Side note to this side note: I honestly didn't know about DEhumidifiers until recently. I though that Handydan was just saying "humidifier" wrong, or he had learned the word wrong as a child (just like Bear calls lasagna "pasagna" and we don't correct her - how was that for a side note, side note, side note?). When I saw the dehumidifier setting on our air conditioner this summer I had to admit to my lack of knowledge and learn about this whole new world! Next summer will be a lot better and there will be NO complaining here!
Okay - back to enjoying snow! Last night was absolutely wonderful, laying in bed listening to the wind and what sounded like something much heavier than light snow (we may have told Bear that Santa and his reindeer were out practicing to keep her in her bed and calm her down to go to sleep). I knew we would wake up to lots of deep, white, untouched drifts and that would lead to tobogganing and lots of great outdoor play! What a treat it was to wake up to!! We can FINALLY use our unlandscaped backyard for outdoor play - including snow painting, snow angels, forts, snowball fights and eleventy billion Pinterest suggestions. The temperature is supposed to stay warm and we are going to make the most of this great situation. I hope to have pictures up of all the fun outdoor snow activities I have planned...stay tuned!
#30daysofthanks
Sunday 17 November 2013
Thankful - Day 16
This quote showed up in my Facebook newsfeed a couple of days ago:
There is some history behind this quote and the friend who posted it. You know those tear-jerking commercials on tv with the children who have no food, have distended bellies, flies buzzing everywhere? The ones that I frequently turn away from because they break my heart? The ones that are coming on more and more now with the Christmas season coming up...and with the background music of John Lennon's "So This is Xmas (War is Over)"? Well, I know a number of families who have sponsor children and TWO of these families have had the AMAZING opportunity to travel to meet their sponsor children over the last couple of years!! I had the privileged of reading a summary of all that they were privy to when visiting the now young man who they have been sponsoring for the last 11 years or so. What an amazing experience for them, and I am so thankful that they shared with me the details.
And now for a bit of a confession. I have a really hard time donating money to any sort of charity. It stems from my dad and his frugalness, and some of the information I have heard about how much of the actual money gets to the child, child's family, etc. When I know of a person who is personally visiting an area that needs help I will absolutely send money, basic necessities, whatever they want/ need/request because I trust that it will get there and a majority will go where I think it should go. I absolutely understand that there are administrative costs, and other expenses to these organizations but I have heard just too many bizarre horror stories of the salaries of the CEOs of these companies and that holds me back. I have done SOME research and, for example, on the Red Cross' own website they state that their president and CEO makes $500,000 annually. They compare this to other large corporations, and no where does it state how much she gives back to the organization. So here I sit. I know that it's not yet time for New Years resolutions, but I am making one. I want to sit down and research a few of these organizations and find out as much as I possibly can on the nitty-gritty of who makes what, where my actual money goes and then choose to sponsor. Whether it's a child, an orphanage, a well for clean drinking water, or some farm animals to help a community grow, I am committing to this now. I already have the basic necessities that so many are without - and I take them for granted, rarely making mention of my gratitude for them. It is time to help others out. Please help hold me responsible for this - I am definitely reserving a future blog post for this revelation!
#30daysofthanks
"If you and I have running water, shelter over our heads, clothes to wear, food to eat, and some means of transportation (even if it's public transportation), then we are in the top 15 percent of the world's people for wealth." - "Radical" by David PlattIt's pretty obvious what I'm thankful for today - basic necessities that are so often taken for granted. Food. Shelter. Water. Clothing. And even transportation. I am truly wealthy in all that I take for granted. (Now someone please tell the bank to stop calling me about late payments...)
There is some history behind this quote and the friend who posted it. You know those tear-jerking commercials on tv with the children who have no food, have distended bellies, flies buzzing everywhere? The ones that I frequently turn away from because they break my heart? The ones that are coming on more and more now with the Christmas season coming up...and with the background music of John Lennon's "So This is Xmas (War is Over)"? Well, I know a number of families who have sponsor children and TWO of these families have had the AMAZING opportunity to travel to meet their sponsor children over the last couple of years!! I had the privileged of reading a summary of all that they were privy to when visiting the now young man who they have been sponsoring for the last 11 years or so. What an amazing experience for them, and I am so thankful that they shared with me the details.
And now for a bit of a confession. I have a really hard time donating money to any sort of charity. It stems from my dad and his frugalness, and some of the information I have heard about how much of the actual money gets to the child, child's family, etc. When I know of a person who is personally visiting an area that needs help I will absolutely send money, basic necessities, whatever they want/ need/request because I trust that it will get there and a majority will go where I think it should go. I absolutely understand that there are administrative costs, and other expenses to these organizations but I have heard just too many bizarre horror stories of the salaries of the CEOs of these companies and that holds me back. I have done SOME research and, for example, on the Red Cross' own website they state that their president and CEO makes $500,000 annually. They compare this to other large corporations, and no where does it state how much she gives back to the organization. So here I sit. I know that it's not yet time for New Years resolutions, but I am making one. I want to sit down and research a few of these organizations and find out as much as I possibly can on the nitty-gritty of who makes what, where my actual money goes and then choose to sponsor. Whether it's a child, an orphanage, a well for clean drinking water, or some farm animals to help a community grow, I am committing to this now. I already have the basic necessities that so many are without - and I take them for granted, rarely making mention of my gratitude for them. It is time to help others out. Please help hold me responsible for this - I am definitely reserving a future blog post for this revelation!
#30daysofthanks
Giving Thanks - Day 15
Today I cannot help but be thankful for organizations like the "Make A Wish"
foundation. If you have been following along on social media, you will
have seen how some amazing people, the city of San Francisco and the "Make A Wish"
foundation in southern California granted a 5 year old boy his wish to
be his favorite superhero for a day. Cancer survivor Miles, who is also
known as "Batkid" or #SFBatkid has spent the day rescuing all sorts of
people from the traditional Batman villains and their pranks. I've seen
Penguin and the Riddler and even Robin (Miles' little brother) along
with the San Francisco Giants, San Fransisco Police Department and even
President Obama be involved in this amazing day of granting Miles'
wish. What a dream come true for this little guy - and also all of the
people involved as Miles took his role very seriously and kept "Gotham
City" very safe today. To all of you who made this little boys day,
week, year - heck, even LIFE - thank you!
A little closer to home, the "Make A Wish" foundation touched our family when a close family friend was granted her wish to visit Disneyland and the Disney studios where she could learn about animation in hopes of one day becoming an animator. And that she is!
And just a couple of years ago, the same foundation granted a wish for a young boy living with cancer who resides just outside Edmonton. Nathan received a giant skate park with every "feature" (insert a lot of skater lingo here) in his backyard - something every young boy would drool over.
To organizations like "Make A Wish", thank you for
what you do. You have helped so many families with children struggling
with serious illnesses. And today you helped me to smile. I smiled A
LOT and shared today's amazing story with so many people. Thank you.
A little closer to home, the "Make A Wish" foundation touched our family when a close family friend was granted her wish to visit Disneyland and the Disney studios where she could learn about animation in hopes of one day becoming an animator. And that she is!
And just a couple of years ago, the same foundation granted a wish for a young boy living with cancer who resides just outside Edmonton. Nathan received a giant skate park with every "feature" (insert a lot of skater lingo here) in his backyard - something every young boy would drool over.
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| Photo courtesy of Devon Dispatch |
Friday 15 November 2013
Days 13 and 14 of 30 Days of Thanks
Day 13: Today I am thankful for my daughter. She is so much like me, and yet so much herself. I see her potential and on dreary days, she is my hope for all that is to come. For the times when she is just like me - say tonight, in her rhythmic gymnastics class - my heart is so full. On days when she is nothing like me - when she is quiet, introspective and patient - I am thankful that she is herself. Amazing girl, that Bear is!
Day 14: I am doubling up on this one because my mom deserves another shout out. On a day when sickness invaded our home and both Handydan and I were unable to function, mom came to the rescue. Getting Bear to school, feeding MiniD, picking Bear up, playing with both kids with Handydan and I rested...I am so thankful for my mom. I do not know how I would have gotten through this day without her. For family that lives close by and literally drops everything to help out - thank you!
Day 14: I am doubling up on this one because my mom deserves another shout out. On a day when sickness invaded our home and both Handydan and I were unable to function, mom came to the rescue. Getting Bear to school, feeding MiniD, picking Bear up, playing with both kids with Handydan and I rested...I am so thankful for my mom. I do not know how I would have gotten through this day without her. For family that lives close by and literally drops everything to help out - thank you!
Wednesday 13 November 2013
Day 12 of 30 Days of Thanks
Day 12 - I didn't want to jinx it by posting earlier, but I am so thankful for sleep...full nights of uninterrupted sleep!! After pregnancy insomnia and over a year of feeding on demand, Mini D has finally started sleeping through the night. I have always been able to nap - pretty much anywhere, on anything for just about any length of time. But these last 5 or 6 nights are a different kind of sleep. I feel like a new woman...a well-rested ready-to-take-on-the-day woman!! But don't wake me if you catch me catnapping...
Days 8 - 11 of 30 Days of Thanks
Day 8: Without getting political, I am thankful for our healthcare system. For being able to get needed treatments when necessary and to be able to access testing to see if treatments are necessary. Thankfully, a clean bill of health for a close family member and no more tests for a few years!!
Day 9: Today I am thankful for friends. I am blessed to have friends that even the sun, moon and stars can't outshine! xoxox
Day 10: Thankful today for medicine. Western, naturopathic, natural...it all has a place and right now it is keeping me going! That and lots of sleep...
Day 11: Today I am thankful for peace, for brave soldiers and for our history. I am thankful that we can learn from war. I am thankful for poppies, for veterans, for Flanders Fields and for the hope of tomorrow.
Day 9: Today I am thankful for friends. I am blessed to have friends that even the sun, moon and stars can't outshine! xoxox
Day 10: Thankful today for medicine. Western, naturopathic, natural...it all has a place and right now it is keeping me going! That and lots of sleep...
Day 11: Today I am thankful for peace, for brave soldiers and for our history. I am thankful that we can learn from war. I am thankful for poppies, for veterans, for Flanders Fields and for the hope of tomorrow.
Thursday 7 November 2013
Days 5 - 7 of 30 Days of Thanks
Believe me or not, I haven't been neglecting #30daysofthanks. Day 5 was a pretty big day for us and I wanted to make sure we had all bases covered before I posted. So...here it is!
Day 5: We are so thankful for our realtor who closed the deal for us. Bittersweet though, we loved our little yellow house and the amazing renters that we have in it right now. In the bigger picture we are thankful for having a roof over our heads!
Day 6: I am thankful for my job. Before I left my last job I had an epiphany of sorts. While I could never be a dayhome mom (stay tuned for another post on this - I have so much respect for women who can run dayhomes, but I am not one of them!) providing before and afterschool care was something that I could definitely do! Years of working with children, coaching, teaching dance, leading daycamps, working at summer camps and so much more reminded me that I love kids...in short bursts! So, working from home allows me to be with my kids as much as possible, lets me volunteer at Bear's school, and save money on childcare! Bringing in a few extra kids before and after school as a "job" has been perfect for me. I'm sure Handydan would love the house to be cleaner and tidier, but having a job that I love this much is really not like having a "job" at all!
Day 7: I am thankful for quiet moments. Snuggling with Bear this morning before the alarm went off...listening to the older kids read to the younger kids after school today...small reminders that being still, quiet and in the moment are still so important. I need more quiet moments in my life...
Day 6: I am thankful for my job. Before I left my last job I had an epiphany of sorts. While I could never be a dayhome mom (stay tuned for another post on this - I have so much respect for women who can run dayhomes, but I am not one of them!) providing before and afterschool care was something that I could definitely do! Years of working with children, coaching, teaching dance, leading daycamps, working at summer camps and so much more reminded me that I love kids...in short bursts! So, working from home allows me to be with my kids as much as possible, lets me volunteer at Bear's school, and save money on childcare! Bringing in a few extra kids before and after school as a "job" has been perfect for me. I'm sure Handydan would love the house to be cleaner and tidier, but having a job that I love this much is really not like having a "job" at all!
Day 7: I am thankful for quiet moments. Snuggling with Bear this morning before the alarm went off...listening to the older kids read to the younger kids after school today...small reminders that being still, quiet and in the moment are still so important. I need more quiet moments in my life...
Tuesday 5 November 2013
So much to be thankful for!!
Late to the party yet again!! But that shouldn't surprise anyone. I'm joining 30 Days Of Giving Thanks. I have a pretty amazing life and want to take time to just be grateful each day this month.
Day 1: I am thankful for the amazing teacher that Bear has! After watching Mrs. R in action on Halloween with 24 wired kids...wow. I don't know how she does it, but I am so thankful she has the patience, energy and love to do it!!
Day 2: I am thankful for our amazing family photographer who has captured our family's growth for the last 5 years. How she gets some of the pictures that she does I honestly do not know. But wow! Here are just a few of our favourites...
Day 3: I am thankful for my nieces and nephews! They love my children like their own siblings and sometimes more! I am thankful that they were all born so close in age and that they will grow up being best friends.
Day 4: I am so so so thankful for my mom. Besides giving birth to me (sans epideral, which it enough to be thankful for in itself!), and raising me, she is my best friend. I can count on her to be honest with me about anything and everything. She listens to my crazy rants, I listen to hers. When my kids are participating in pukefest, she is only a phone call away. And when that isn't close enough she rescues me for sanity breaks. And still manages to bring baking over. Words are not enough to describe this thankfulness.
#30daysofthanks
Day 1: I am thankful for the amazing teacher that Bear has! After watching Mrs. R in action on Halloween with 24 wired kids...wow. I don't know how she does it, but I am so thankful she has the patience, energy and love to do it!!
Day 2: I am thankful for our amazing family photographer who has captured our family's growth for the last 5 years. How she gets some of the pictures that she does I honestly do not know. But wow! Here are just a few of our favourites...
Day 3: I am thankful for my nieces and nephews! They love my children like their own siblings and sometimes more! I am thankful that they were all born so close in age and that they will grow up being best friends.
Day 4: I am so so so thankful for my mom. Besides giving birth to me (sans epideral, which it enough to be thankful for in itself!), and raising me, she is my best friend. I can count on her to be honest with me about anything and everything. She listens to my crazy rants, I listen to hers. When my kids are participating in pukefest, she is only a phone call away. And when that isn't close enough she rescues me for sanity breaks. And still manages to bring baking over. Words are not enough to describe this thankfulness.
#30daysofthanks
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