Birthday Wishes

Today I have been feeling pretty blue. It just hit me that it would have been my (deceased) brother's 31st birthday today. He was only 19 years old for 11 days when he passed. I miss my little bro. Happy birthday, Mikey. We still love you and think about you every day.

Decorating Dilemmas

I am having a lot of anxiety with this decorating project we have decided to undertake.

We did the laundry room a lime green (see picture above) which is great and what I wanted. The laundry room is on the main floor and now I want to do the open concept aspect of the main floor - kitchen, dining room, hallway, family room and pillars. What colours do I choose that are not going to completely clash with the laundry room?!

My Glamour Shoot

My sister-in-law, Caralin Ruth, took these photos of me. I was really impressed with the results - and the shoot was so much fun! Too bad Ava puked just before the shoot and was crying the whole time while Daddy held her back. A true "more than a mom" photo shoot, I'd say.

If you like these photos, don't forget to join the photo contest on my site and you could win a session like this too!

Laptop Update

My husband is awesome. He was able to fix my laptop with all files in tact (thank goodness!). He also got me a keyboard so I don't have to scrunch up my fingers on the laptop one and I can use the wrist "pillow". Now I'll need to invest in an external hard drive to keep the panic at bay if it happens again!

My Laptop, Oh My Laptop!

Ack! My laptop is not working. Windows XP is having some sort of system start-up issue (this is non-tech talk from a non-tech gal, in case you didn't notice). I really hope I can figure it out. I thought I was saving files to the network but I cannot seem to access them from this computer. Oi! Wish me luck. Technology problems stink!

Laundry Room Renovation

This weekend is the painting and re-organizing of the laundry room. Dear Husband doesn't think it's a priority but, his own theory put back to him, it is a domino effect - we have to take the shelves from our master bedroom closet to move the tall-boy there and we need to put those shelves SOME where so why not re-organize the laundry room/mud room first? Then next weekend he can paint the master bedroom (as my birthday gift!).

I was very excited about this project and today I started to dismantle the room. I got an alarmed hubby calling from work asking "you did what?!". I just want this project done if I have to do it myself. I'm even willing to paint it all on my own during nap times if need be! I've lived in this house of sad-grey-based-taupe for four years now and it's time to punch in some colour. Although hubby insists I'm picking "girlie" colours - which to my defense I believe they are "kid" colours. I was looking for a lime green but chose a toned-down version hubby could agree to (although it still is lime green to me but he feels better about it!).

I'll post our before, during, and after of the project. I also have a great idea for curtains (but who need curtains in the laundry room asks hubby?! - I DO!!).

Catching Up to Technology

Now that I've gotten into the blog thing I figure my next step is to understand my cellular phone which can text, take photos, use the internet and probably a lot of other stuff that I have no clue how to use. We got a promotion in this months Rogers/AT&T bill to let me have unlimited internet access on said phone (which I've only owned for almost five years) for the low price of $7 per month. I have to figure out what this means exactly and how to log on to see if it is even worth my while but there have been SO MANY times in the car where I wished I could Google an address or look up a phone number via the internet. Anybody use this technology? Can anybody explain what SMS is?

My Birthday

Today is my 33rd birthday. I babysat five kids (including my two), catered to their every need, raced to the Drivers Motor Vechicle place to renew my license and plate stickers which expired today, came home to two needy kids and am now hiding on my computer just to get a moment of peace. Remember when birthdays were filled with cake, ice cream, balloons and maybe a swim or visit to a bowling alley or McDonald's party room?!

Happy birthday to me ...

Bed & Nap Time with Ava

I know I've written about this before but this sleep stuff is starting to really bother me. It's been 2.5 years of no consistent sleep for any of us.

I may be the most fed-up at this point as I was up for the most-part before Travis was born in January to either breast-feed or take Ava back to her bed during night time. I also am home with the kids during the day so again it is me who has to deal with her nap issues; inconsistent times for going down even though we start at the same time every day to go to sleep and inconsistent naps at all - she doesn't feel she needs nap these past few days (gasp!).

The night time routine of putting Ava to sleep in her own bed is going well but I am still having to sit with her for any where from 10 minutes to one hour or more. She "needs" me to sit with her or cuddle her on her bed. I'm so tired by that part of the day that it's not worth the fight not to. I've tried the Super Nanny thing of standing at the doorway but whenever I make her cry to do that for a few nights, softie Daddy puts her to bed and gives in to her ways and there I go back onto the bed with her. Why make her cry and me have to listen to it if it's just going to resort back to that?! And I know - consistency is key and get on the same page and all that ... it just doesn't seem to work with us and I am at a loss as to what we do or where we go next. I am hoping that by kindergarten she'll be more independent?

Night time sleeping through the night is better when Ava does not have a nap - her 24 hour cycle seems to be 11.5 hours of sleep exactly whether with a nap or without. So she tends to go straight through the night without a nap but she's a bear if she doesn't nap (sigh). What to do?! I've been making her rest at least in a playpen in our room. I give her books and a toy and if she falls asleep, bonus. I figure it's my break time and if I can get 3 out of 4 toddlers and infants asleep at the same time that I deserve it! So I lay in my bed and either doze myself or roll onto my side and read or, most recently discovered, use my laptop.

Travis, on the other hand, I am determined to ensure continues to be put in bed, roll over, and fall asleep on his own!

Facebook Nostalgia

Facebook has brought me together with a lot of people who I knew at different stages in my life. I really enjoy this social network because I don't need to know email addresses, married surnames, cities of residence or even search my memory too hard to make my past relationships a part of my present life. It's been fun and a lot of nostalgia has been going on through my brain. I miss certain parts but am glad I am where I am in life just the same.

Overwhelmed In The House

It's Sunday morning, just after 11AM. Yesterday I got a huge amount accomplished errand-wise and in the house (I dusted, put a lot of stuff away that hasn't been done since getting back from a two-week vacation LAST Sunday, and scrubbed all four bathrooms). We even squeezed in a birthday party for one-year-old Ben!

So why do I still feel SO overwhelmed today? I do have the main floor and the basement that I need to get organized, finish drying, folding and putting away four loads of laundry (two are folded at least) plus file papers in the office, organize the toys that are taking over the main floor, figure something out with the laundry room that is going to need to accommodate five kids now plus two adults AND set up a crib, install the car seats and get the high chairs all arranged. I'm tired just typing it. And having my 2 year old Ava whining beside me is not helping my anxiety. The decluttering that I HAVE gotten around to needs to be listed to sell too!

Riverview Park & Zoo

We had a great trip to the Riverview Park in Peterborough while visiting the maternal grandparent's cottage. We didn't even know it existed until this trip! Kids really make you look at things you never thought to find before.

Ava fell in love with the camel and we must have stopped by it several times because she didn't want us to leave it. What sound does a camel make exactly?


There was a mini train that took us on a 10 minute tour of a miniature village. Very cute. Long enough to rest our legs but short enough to keep the kids attention.






Travis, of course, was more interested in the tie on the umbrella than with the animals or other sites to see.

Travis's New Teeth

While on vacation Travis got two new teeth on his bottom. The first week one popped out for the maternal grandparents and then the second week he got his second one for his paternal grandparents - what a thoughtful kid! He is a fantastic teether and other than needing to cuddle a little more at night and nurse he was relaxed and content as always. I think he's working on number two and number three on the bottom - will let you know as they all pop out.

Hubby and I cannot seem to agree on when Ava got her first tooth - I seem to recall it being around 9 months while Hubby thinks it was around 6 months. Travis is 6.5 months with his first.

And wasn't he a good boy letting Mommy stick her fingers in his mouth so we could get a peek?!

Modern Menus

I found another site that is completely free. I have done two of their menus with items I didn't think I would like but they were both delicious meals! I'm going to be downloading these menus as they come out every Friday with the grocery list that comes with it!

If you try any recipes, let me know what you think!

Again, this is NOT a paid recommendation.

Just A Mom?

I received this email as a forward and I thought it was SO pertinent to what I have been thinking about how being a "mom" is not as accepted socially as a fancy title is!

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office, Was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

'What I mean is,' explained the recorder, 'do you have a job or are you just a ..?'

'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman. 'I'm a Mom.'

'We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it,' said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, 'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.'

'What is your occupation?' she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out. 'I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.'

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, In bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest, 'just what you do in your field?'

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, 'I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) In the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) And already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) And I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.' Motherhood!

What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers 'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations' And great grandmothers 'Executive Senior Research Associates?' I think so!!!

I also think it makes Aunts 'Associate Research Assistants.'

"Zapped" by Carol Higgins Clark REVIEW

Zapped: A Regan Reilly Mystery by Carol Higgins Clark

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
A really easy read with an interesting story line!

Four books to read before the due date of Monday, August 11th! Think I can do it?!


View all my reviews.

Book Overload

I was very ambitious about spending a lot of time reading this vacation. I checked out 6 books from the library and they are all due on Monday, August 11th. So far I've read one. I'm on book two but I'm going to skim it so I can get through it tonight?? Five more to go.

The good thing about the library is that I do have a deadline - otherwise the books would be collecting dust at home and I'd be on to OTHER more pressing things to do.

So much to do, so little time.

Decluttering

I'm getting ready for my house next week when the big declutter is on! I have a goal to clean out the baby's room (the closet has been a storage house for clothes that don't fit and extra kids clothes for far too long) as well as the "gift" closet - with wrapping paper, bags, tissue paper, etc. and finally the basement (mainly the furnace room and the surrounding area). I'd like to get this done by the end of August.
To prepare I am working with my sister-in-law, Caralin, to work on her space at her parent's house (she doesn't live here any more). She did a great job today sorting through her items. We have a significant pile that has gone to recycling and another significant pile that is going to the Salvation Army. I'm so proud of her! I hope I do half as well next week when she comes to my house to urge me to purge.
I also roped my husband into helping complete a bathroom project at the in-laws. He installed three towel rack holders and a light fixture (that apparently has been collecting dust for 13 years). The other day I gave it a good cleaning (it was the least I could do with 16 people showering it daily!) and even vacuumed the ceiling and the fan from some cobwebs. I even took down a dark shower curtain to lighten up the shower stall. It's so pretty now and mom-in-law is ecstatic. I don't know who is happier - her because I'm helping get some stuff organized or me because she's spending time with the kiddies and I'm doing what I love to do without anybody hanging off me.
The more I'm organizing things the more I wonder if I wouldn't want to do this as a business on the side?

Easy Peasy Contest - Win A Photo Shoot!

I'm more than a mom - I'm a sister-in-law, too!

My sister-in-law, Caralin, has been shooting professional portraits since 2005. Last month, she launched a new website for her business, Caralin Ruth Photography, and to help spread the word, I am creating a contest!


Why am I promoting her work? Yes, she is family, but that's not the only reason. Her work is beautiful, her sessions are fun, and unless you're lucky enough to have a professional photographer in your family too, I thought this prize would actually interest and benefit my readers.

WHAT CAN YOU WIN??
The Picture Perfect Prize - Take Your Pick!

OPTION A: Free Family Portrait - $250 value!
You're proud of your beautiful family so here's your chance to get the professional photos you've always wanted to show them off.

OPTION B: Free Solo Portrait - up to $300 value!
Since you are more than a mom, choose this package to celebrate fabulous, gorgeous you. Nothing makes you feel more glamorous than a chance to be a model ~ unless it's the reaction you get when you show them to your loved one!

If you want to feel really sexy, you can upgrade for free to the Boudoir Shoot.

For more details on the prize package options, check out Caralin's website by clicking HERE. Please note, this offer is limited to the Greater Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo and Owen Sound areas unless you want to pay for Caralin's travel and accomodations.

CONTEST DETAILS
This contest is open to everyone!! To be eligible to win, you must do the following:

1. Leave a comment on this post letting me know why you deserve to win and which photo shoot you would choose. Be sure to leave your email address in the comment so I can reach you if you've won. Non-bloggers are also invited to enter ~ 1 entry

2. Send a copy of your comment in an email to Caralin at contact@cruthphoto.com ~ 1 entry

Only two steps! See? I said it was easy peasy!! If you REALLY want to win this prize, increase your chances by earning BONUS ENTRIES:

-> Post about this contest on your blog. Leave your link in a comment on my page ~ 2 bonus entries

-> Add my link to your blog's sidebar. Leave your link in a comment on my page letting me know where it can be found. If you've already done this, let me know and you'll still earn these entries ~ 2 bonus entries

-> Subscribe to blog by RSS feed or email. If you've already done this, let me know and you'll still earn these entries ~ 2 bonus entries

Contest closes September 30, 2008. The winner will be chosen randomly from random.org and notified by email. The winner's name will be posted on this site. Prize photo session must take place by November 30, 2008.

Back to School 2008 Giveaway Event

The Back-to-School Giveaway Event will take place from August 4 - 10. All the posts will be open through August 12, and the winners will be posted on August 13.

Here’s how to get involved in the giveaway:

-> Add a comment on the giveaway you want to enter. PLEASE note: You need to enter each giveaway individually. Make sure you click over to each giveaway and leave your comment there.

-> Either link back to the giveaway post and include a “Back-to-School Giveaway” button in that post or on your sidebar (to get the code scroll to the bottom of this post,) or link to the individual giveaways you choose to enter. (If you post and include the button, either in your post or on your sidebar, and link back here, you are good for all the giveaways. No more linking required.)

-> As always, non bloggers are welcome to participate! We understand you can’t link - but please spread the word to your friends.

-> Some giveaways may be open to Canadian shipping addresses. Please check individual giveaways.

Back-to-School 2008 Giveaway

Click over and comment on each giveaway that you want to enter.

1. Our first giveaway is for a Dymo Personal Labelmaker.
2. Our second giveaway is for a Kodak ESP 5 All-in-One Printer.
3. Our third giveaway is for School Zone gift certificates.
4. Our fourth giveaway is for one of three inspired artistic T-shirts from verymeri.
5. Our fifth giveaway is for a Sony Cybershot Digital Camera

PLEASE REMEMBER: You need to click over and comment on each giveaway you want to enter. All giveaways will be open for entries through August 12. Head over to each giveaway you are interested in and comment at THOSE posts.

Menu Planning

I love the internet - you can search anything and somebody somewhere has done it. I wanted to have weekly menus with recipes and grocery lists to make things easy for me. I found it!

Menus 4 Moms has free and paid subscription options. I am doing the free ones right now and they are nutritious with recipes included. Thank you Menus 4 Moms.

This is absolutely NOT a paid advertisement.

Internet Black Hole

I sit down at my computer to do specific tasks but when the screen lights up I am somehow mesmerized and forget all those important things I was going to look up or work on. I've been getting better at keeping a notepad with a list of what I want to work on but still I get interrupted by someone needing something or by my own train of thoughts sucking me far away inter the internet black hole.

How often do I sit to write a blog but then realize I want to do a quick search to further understand or better explain my article? The next thing I know I have twenty windows tabs opens and am no further ahead on completing my original task. Does this happen to anyone else I wonder?

Day Trips

We are visiting the Grey Bruce area and there are some very interesting day trips I'd like to take the kids on. They include a local self-guided garden tour or several horticulture enthusiasts who have opened their gardens to the public, a wizard exhibit at a local museum, a Lego pyramid exhibit at a local children's center and of course, my favorite, the beach! Because the kids are so young these seemed most appropriate as options. I'll be posting photos of the trips we actually get to for sure so keep checking back.

Vacation Brain

(Me before vacation)

It is 12:30AM. The kids and husband are asleep. Why am I not?

My mind is whirring with random thoughts. I think it all started when vacation did. I seem to have really needed this break or "freedom". Should I feel guilty that I am pleased to have some me time without clingy children all day? That I am relishing, perhaps even more than the grandparents themselves, that the children are visiting with their extended families and I'm taking a back burner and a much needed rest from the rigors of daily life and responsibility?

I'm realizing right now that the kids haven't had regular baths, meals, diaper changes or clothing changes from me since we've been vacationing one-and-a-half weeks ago. Ah the freedom. Ah the rude awakening I am in for when I need to get us all back on a routine when we return. But kids are supposed to thrive with different things thrown at them once in a while, no? I'm holding fast to that hope while mommy reads and catches up on the internet.

(Me now)

Swimming at the Lake

Ah, the lake ... Ava loves the water but I wasn't sure how she'd like the lake. What do you think?

This Mother's Rant

Why is it that this mother is the only one to pack the car for an outing; or to even determine what the outing will be for that matter while that father gets to get only himself ready and hop in the car only on the road to question if the mother remembered the diapers, extra clothes and sunscreen?

Why does this mother have to put the children to bed the "agreed" way (as in, not on the couch but in their bed) after that father has hyped up those children and then wondered why they aren't tired?

Why doesn't that father see this mother's circle? (It was eloquently described to me that one partner's perspective is a circle while one is the square. Neither is right or wrong as we each see the world differently. The key to strong communication is to meld the circle and the square when trying to come to understanding the partner's shape). This is the best image I could come up with to try to visually describe what I mean.

Toddler Biting

Ava (2 years old) tends to bite when she teethes. This would not be so bad except for the kids that I care for – it’s hard to send your own child out of care for such behaviour.

The good part about being with Ava 24/7 is that I know her very well and know the cause which makes it easier to determine it will be short-lived.

In the time while we are living through it, however, I have been able to give her a soother attached to her clothes and re-direct her to chew on that instead of her friends or brother.

Also, I have to eliminate the opportunities for her to be able to bite. For instance, when I am changing diapers or preparing a meal and cannot pay close attention to the children I put her and the others in their high chairs with books and crayons. They are not in trouble but they are contained and I can relax knowing I have done all I can to reduce incidents.