tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16459782086817874342024-03-05T21:17:02.608-08:00Raising A Leftie in a Rightie WorldStacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-82138751114763630752013-12-31T10:03:00.001-08:002013-12-31T10:03:01.627-08:00Wordless Wednesday Friday - Day 30 #30daysofthanksIt can't be Wordless Wednesday because it's Friday. So what? <br />
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Here is what I am thankful for, in photo format. <br />
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So much love, so much thanks!Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-92224862229112807692013-12-27T12:45:00.002-08:002013-12-27T12:45:23.158-08:00Corn-y - Day 29 #30daysofthanksCorn. The only vegetable Bear will eat at the moment. I will be thankful for this until I can add more to the list...Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-16510717831093218042013-12-27T12:45:00.001-08:002013-12-27T13:26:44.543-08:00Swimming - Day 28 #30daysofthanksSwimming lessons were bittersweet for me as a child. I excelled to a certain colour level and hit a wall. I couldn't pass it no matter how hard I tried. I had learned all the basics and could swim long enough to get to safety if I wasn't in life jacket territory. I could tread water for a good length of time. And I had my wits about me around water. When my daughter started swimming lessons at around a year old she LOVED them. Just like mama. Something changed around age 2 to 2 1/2 though and she hated water. Baths were war, hair washing was pure torture for everyone involved. This continued until she was about 4! Some people said it was a stage, other people couldn't believe the difficulty we were having.<br />
Then came Spring 2012...and <a href="http://www.paulsadlerswimland.com/Locations/Canada/Edmonton.aspx#" target="_blank">Paul Sadler Swimland</a>! The only way we could think of moving forward from this fear and hatred of water was to bring in the professionals! At her FIRST lesson she splashed and floated...more than she ever did at home. I remember sending Handydan a video and asking him if this was really our daughter. She has since passed 3 levels and asks almost daily if it's swimming lesson day. We love the approach at PSS, love the staff, love the ratio of students to instructors, but mostly LOVE that Bear wants to be a swimming teacher when she grows up! What a difference, at home and in the pool. Thank you PSS for teaching my daughter to love the water again, for teaching her water skills and water smarts!<br /><br />
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This is NOT a sponsored post! These are my unsolicited thoughts and feelings. :)Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-73778209703226745712013-11-27T12:48:00.004-08:002013-11-27T12:48:57.903-08:00ABS - Day 27 of #30daysofthanksAs 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.Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-61565888972132235342013-11-27T12:48:00.003-08:002013-11-27T12:48:49.480-08:00Nap Time - Day 26 of #30daysofthanksTwo 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. Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-89738124923999211672013-11-27T12:46:00.002-08:002013-11-27T12:46:38.190-08:00One Month Countdown!! - Day 25 #30daysofthanksAnyone 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.<br />
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<br />Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-28833684025903355332013-11-27T12:27:00.001-08:002013-11-27T12:27:41.760-08:00Candles and Quiet - Day 24 #30daysofthanksThankful 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. Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-65293259194349870882013-11-27T12:05:00.000-08:002013-11-27T12:05:17.332-08:00Our Principal - Day 23 of #30daysofthanksI 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...<br />
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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<b> <u>every morning</u></b> 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 <u style="font-weight: bold;">she has been hit by cars</u> 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. Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-81935480235736522282013-11-27T12:04:00.002-08:002013-11-27T12:04:32.310-08:00Giggles - Day 22 #30daysofthanksBoth 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. Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-14412571746415280002013-11-27T11:36:00.002-08:002013-11-27T11:36:34.695-08:00Whole Hearts - Day 21 #30daysofthanksMy 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. <br />
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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 <a href="http://mendingheartsandbendingknees.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">here</a> 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.<br />
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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. <3Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-18367811569651192122013-11-20T15:16:00.002-08:002013-11-20T15:16:46.295-08:00Crockpots and snow pants! - Day 20 #30daysofthanksForeword: 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...<br />
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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. Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-69856029683394343082013-11-20T15:16:00.001-08:002013-11-20T15:16:20.915-08:00Work - Day 19 #30daysofthanksJobs. 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!<br />
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Side note: out of school care is FULL as of January 1, 2013. ;)Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-67098806041857812432013-11-20T14:49:00.000-08:002013-11-20T14:49:37.397-08:00Husbands - #30daysofthanksSo 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...Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-41720315467735955582013-11-18T08:49:00.000-08:002013-11-18T08:49:16.653-08:00Day 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. <br />
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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!<br />
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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!<br />
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#30daysofthanksStacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-65648552760308631712013-11-17T01:57:00.002-08:002013-11-17T01:57:27.826-08:00Thankful - Day 16This quote showed up in my Facebook newsfeed a couple of days ago:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">"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.</span>" - <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[19zxs].[1][3][1]{comment10153467200985161_44242533}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3]"><span data-reactid=".r[19zxs].[1][3][1]{comment10153467200985161_44242533}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[19zxs].[1][3][1]{comment10153467200985161_44242533}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[0]"> "Radical" by David Platt</span></span></span></blockquote>
It'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...)<br />
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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. <br />
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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 <a href="http://www.redcross.org/news/press-release/Red-Cross-Statement-on-Inaccurate-Viral-Email-on-Charity-CEO-Pay" target="_blank">that their president and CEO makes $500,000 annually</a>. 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! <br />
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#30daysofthanks<br />
<br />Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-362343925725412792013-11-17T01:27:00.002-08:002013-11-17T01:27:35.532-08:00Giving Thanks - Day 15Today I cannot help but be thankful for organizations like the "<a href="http://makeawish.ca/" target="_blank">Make A Wish</a>"
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 "<a href="http://wish.org/" target="_blank">Make A Wish</a>"
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!<br />
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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! <br />
<br />
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. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDJl1TG8yZi9RAvI2lorzeHyKTaYg7CPCYjLr4iFP0RXHOlIA6cB5JriVBGMa6TcIvDAb2jiZYDm0UGTcBGURAkZHF8nRT9Fl6X_orxzOcjSncbmRlBG8qe193ITElD7EdHewf11gdHsm/s1600/-509276_ORIGINAL.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDJl1TG8yZi9RAvI2lorzeHyKTaYg7CPCYjLr4iFP0RXHOlIA6cB5JriVBGMa6TcIvDAb2jiZYDm0UGTcBGURAkZHF8nRT9Fl6X_orxzOcjSncbmRlBG8qe193ITElD7EdHewf11gdHsm/s320/-509276_ORIGINAL.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Devon Dispatch</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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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.Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-91832885477153908872013-11-15T16:57:00.003-08:002013-11-15T16:57:52.649-08:00Days 13 and 14 of 30 Days of ThanksDay 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!<br />
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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!Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-65938232102621717272013-11-13T13:00:00.000-08:002013-11-13T13:00:08.834-08:00Day 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...Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-84848144598576427542013-11-13T12:52:00.000-08:002013-11-13T12:52:12.088-08:00Days 8 - 11 of 30 Days of ThanksDay 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!!<br />
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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<br />
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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...<br />
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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.Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-29941381248264980562013-11-07T21:42:00.000-08:002013-11-07T21:42:59.940-08:00Days 5 - 7 of 30 Days of ThanksBelieve 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!<br />
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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!<br />
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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!<br />
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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...<br />
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<br />Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-7620001981150398222013-11-05T10:28:00.001-08:002013-11-05T10:28:26.363-08:00So much to be thankful for!!Late to the party yet again!! But that shouldn't surprise anyone. I'm joining <a href="http://www.30daysofthanks.com/" target="_blank">30 Days Of Giving Thanks</a>. I have a pretty amazing life and want to take time to just be grateful each day this month.<br />
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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!!<br />
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Day 2: I am thankful for our amazing family <a href="http://www.constancepohlphotography.com/index2.php#!/HOME" target="_blank">photographer</a> 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...<br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAlD-_ElaMCwMxs8s4Kzw0qY1w_vgR9SrecSkCa0l4VdYYQI3018T276QV42vjb3KGQFt30I5bOYYHUVcMZQG0z0KKwNupUK06iYbqjHy4ZRF8KS8eIaJPwH-TCl_xuxbysWHl7Ry8xr6/s1600/999186_10151804518846101_1504991292_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAlD-_ElaMCwMxs8s4Kzw0qY1w_vgR9SrecSkCa0l4VdYYQI3018T276QV42vjb3KGQFt30I5bOYYHUVcMZQG0z0KKwNupUK06iYbqjHy4ZRF8KS8eIaJPwH-TCl_xuxbysWHl7Ry8xr6/s320/999186_10151804518846101_1504991292_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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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.<br />
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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. <br />
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#30daysofthanksStacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-21925469137773611702013-09-23T11:00:00.001-07:002013-09-23T11:00:56.477-07:00Damn those gender lines!For the first time in her 5 short years, Bear started talking about "boy" colors and "girl" colors. Then "boy" toys and "girl" toys. My heart broke a little. Actually, a lot. We have tried so so so hard to raise her in a world where colors don't matter, she can do anything she wants, be anything she wants and not let anyone or anything make those choices for her. For the longest time her favorite color was blue. Try finding all blue clothes for girls in a regular store!! Handydan and I have gone out of our way to make sure she has plenty of gender neutral (ironically, most in stereotypical "boy" colors) toys with her dolls. We own literally close to one hundred Thomas the train engines and cars. Even more Matchbox cars between her collection and Handydan's. She plays with her wall-mounted race car track more than she does with her princess dolls. Her first dress up clothes were construction workers. She has princess dresses now too, but often wears them with a hard hat. It was only a month or so ago that she really noticed that Mini-D has a penis. We don't treat them differently or give them different gender based options so why should she notice except for the pure physical difference? But it seems that this might be coming to an end. So what has changed?<br />
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The one massive change in her life is school. I MUST preface this all by clearly stating I do NOT in any way think any of her teachers or classroom assistants bear any responsibility in encouraging gender stereotyping. Just the opposite, actually! Last year, she was in preschool and we had just one incident. The kids were learning about occupations and when it was Bear's turn to share, she told the class that she wanted to be both a mommy and a worker. My heart overflowed. Until that moment when another girl told her she couldn't be both a mommy and a worker. WHAT?!? Age 4 people. The world should be her oyster and if she wants to be a dinosaur-puppy-doctor-mommy-worker-astronaut-swim instructor we need to encourage it. With kindergarten this year she comes home every day with new questions about the world, stories (both true and make believe) about her life, characters in stories, her teacher and other classmates. And now much more clearly defined gender roles it seems. Even looking in the Sears Wishbook for Christmas present ideas, she would skip whole sections because they were "boys toys". Like...Lego. Not Friends Lego, just regular primary coloured Lego. <br />
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What does this all mean for us? A lot of careful planning, love and boundary breaking. She will still be a dinosaur for Halloween, even though I had to buys the costume from the boys section. And a dinosaur birthday party next year, where I will throw out all the packaging that shows boys only playing the games. Noah will play with the few pink coloured toys we have (mostly bought to support breast cancer rather than for their color), with dolls and we will encourage him to be his best self rather than pushing him towards male stereotypical roles. In my heart of hearts, I hope that nothing has to change. But it seems that outside influences are playing a strong role in my precious daugther's life now. I want to shelter her but I see that as a hindrance in the long run. For now, we will educate her on equality and fairness, being strong and true to herself. Only time will tell how she stands up to the world around her...and we will cheer her on, whatever she chooses.Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-76913439999614261982013-09-18T08:41:00.003-07:002013-09-18T08:41:44.943-07:00Bowing out gracefully or failing miserably?Needless to say, I have had to abort the Summer Blog Challenge. With the start of our first school year, my new business and just simply life with two small kids my blogging is sporadic at best. I wish you could see my "draft" list...so much potential but so little time. I HAVE really enjoyed getting back to writing, so I will continue but on my schedule (which really is my kids' schedule). And I need to learn how to make time for me and my hobbies. I will be back next year with new ideas and move some of my drafts into the "published" list. Until then, check out how the rest of the SBC crew is doing with their blogging!<br />
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<i style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This post is a part of the Summer Blog Challenge 2013. You can check out the full list of participants <a href="http://www.bisonweb.ca/blog/?p=397" style="text-decoration: none;">HERE</a>, and comment on <a href="http://www.bisonweb.ca/blog/?p=395" style="text-decoration: none;">Liam’s blog</a> to join us! Meanwhile, check out what <a href="http://bisonweb.ca/blog/" style="text-decoration: none;">Liam</a>,<a href="http://magzdlife.com/www.thestayathomefeminist.com" style="text-decoration: none;">Natasha</a>, <a href="http://magzdlife.com/thedulockdiaries.blogspot.ca" style="text-decoration: none;">Zita</a>, <a href="http://magzdlife.com/delusionalmom.com" style="text-decoration: none;">Hethr</a>, <a href="http://thismomsgotsomethingtosay.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">April</a>, and others are up to!</i>Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-73385014351476721312013-09-03T23:42:00.003-07:002013-09-03T23:42:37.390-07:00SBC Day 12: Let her soar on wings like an eagle!Today my baby bird stood on the edge of her nest and jumped off. She didn't stumble, she didn't falter. She took off soaring. Just like her mama, she loves school and cannot wait to get back. May she always have such a love for learning!<br />
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<i style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This post is a part of the Summer Blog Challenge 2013. You can check out the full list of participants <a href="http://www.bisonweb.ca/blog/?p=397" style="text-decoration: none;">HERE</a>, and comment on <a href="http://www.bisonweb.ca/blog/?p=395" style="text-decoration: none;">Liam’s blog</a> to join us! Meanwhile, check out what <a href="http://bisonweb.ca/blog/" style="text-decoration: none;">Liam</a>,<a href="http://magzdlife.com/www.thestayathomefeminist.com" style="text-decoration: none;">Natasha</a>, <a href="http://magzdlife.com/thedulockdiaries.blogspot.ca" style="text-decoration: none;">Zita</a>, <a href="http://magzdlife.com/delusionalmom.com" style="text-decoration: none;">Hethr</a>, <a href="http://thismomsgotsomethingtosay.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">April</a>, and others are up to!</i>Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1645978208681787434.post-37888087644701638632013-09-02T20:42:00.001-07:002013-09-02T20:44:46.711-07:00SBC Day 11: T'was the night before Kindergarten...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2518; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Twas the night before kindergarten and as they prepared,
<br />kids were excited and a little bit scared.
<br />They tossed and they turned about in their beds,
<br />while visions of school supplies danced in their heads.
<br />Erasers and crayons and pencils galore
<br />were stuffed in their backpacks and set by the door.
<br />Outfits were hung in closets with care,
<br />knowing that kindergarten soon would be there.
<br />In the morning it came, school starts today!
<br />Would the teacher be nice? Would they still get to play?
<br />Faces were washed, and teeth were brushed white;
<br />Kids posed for pictures with eyes sparkling bright.
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<br />Parents packed snacks and kids hopped in cars
<br />As if they were boarding a spaceship to Mars.
<br />Some kids brought blankets or their favorite stuffed bear;
<br />in hopes they could nap like they did in day care.
<br />Their parents exclaimed: "You're big kids. WOW!
<br />Let us hold your bears and blankies for now."
<br />The parents were worried their children would cry
<br />if they left them at school with just a good-bye.
<br />So they told their darlings, "If you want, we can stay <br />and make sure that everything will be A-okay."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2518; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">
<br />The teacher then greeted each one with a smile,
<br />and invited the students to stay for a while.
<br />The room was all filled with toys, books, and maps,
<br />but where were the beds for midmorning naps?
<br />They colored and painted and played Simon Says,
<br />then tumbled and skipped and stood on their heads.
<br />They sang silly songs from beginning to end.
<br />Within just a minute, each kid had a friend.
<br />The children were happy. They loved Mrs Roux
<br />It was she who would show them a great deal of care.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2518; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">
<br />When what to her wondering eyes should appear
<br />but sad moms and dads who were holding back tears!
<br />Their noses so sniffly! Their eyes red and wet!
<br />This was the saddest good-bye Miss Clare had seen yet!
<br />She gathered the grown-ups on the magical rug,
<br />then sent them away after one final hug.
<br />The children all waved from the door of the school.
<br />"Don't cry Mom and Dad; kindergarten is cool!"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2518; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">~author unknown </span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2518; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE. PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2518; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE. PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2518; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE. PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2518; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE. PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2518; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE. PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2518; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE. PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2518; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2518; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE. PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2518; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE. PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2518; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE. PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE. </span></b></div>
Stacy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02194239747723535953noreply@blogger.com0