It's a Tuesday and I have no daycare children here and I had planned a relaxing day of naps and maybe putting some laundry away, and just general laziness. Heck, maybe even shopping! How 'bout THEM apples? Instead, my youngest is home with me today.
She has been getting these mysterious fevers every few weeks. She has no other symptoms and seems otherwise fine, but for these low grade fevers. We're heading to the doctor just to make sure we aren't missing something that just isn't getting killed off for good. I know a boy in her class threw up (sorry to ruin your breakfast) one day in class, and then came back the next day to do it again. So, it could simply be that she's fighting whatever it is that spewed from his lips those days. Then again, maybe not.
So, we have plans. I asked her what she'd like to do today, with the caveat that she HAS to rest quietly in my bed this afternoon with a movie. (She picked Mamma Mia which I'm sure we've seen over a thousand times. I think she partly likes it because she says I look like Meryl Streep and her Dad looks like Pierce Brosnan. He sings like him too. Yowza)
This morning though? We're making a Potato Leek soup together and reading some of her Fairy books. It should keep us entertained, and the soup had to be made anyways.
While my plans got thwarted, I have to say, I kind of like these days when it's just one of my girls and I. We get to snuggle and giggle and I get to play nurse maid, which I'm frankly pretty darn good at doing.
It may not have been what I planned, but turns out, it's even better.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
One Of These Things Just Doesn't Belong Here.....
While I generally believe that most moms, no matter where you reside on this planet, want what is best for their children and want better for them, the way we all get there is completely different. I also don't like generalizations, but where I currently reside sometimes slaps me in the face with my umm, unique beliefs.
An example, you ask?
The other night we took our girls to their weekly dance classes. During the classes, we parents generally just sit outside on the folding chairs that are perched all around the waiting room. I usually don't chat much with the other moms, as I have one daughter with me to entertain while she waits for her sister's class to end and hers to begin, plus my husband is there as well.
The other night, the moms were discussing the fact that one child was just back after having had the chicken pox. A few moms jumped in to discuss their child's episode with the illness, and another lamented that her daughter hadn't had it yet! As she was saying she wanted to expose her to someone with the pox, she leaned over in my direction and asked with a chuckle, "Has B(my youngest) had it yet? Maybe we can make them get it together!" My reply had the room almost fall completely silent.
"Umm, nope. I got the vaccine for both of my girls."
"The chicken pox vaccine?? Why would you ever get that? Don't you have to pay for that?" followed "The chicken pox isn't dangerous. I would never bother with the vaccine. It's a harmless childhood disease that got blown out of proportion, just like the H1N1." Several (well, most) moms nodded in agreement.
So, here's my predicament. I'm truly odd man out here. In my hometown, most if not ALL of my friends did the same vaccination schedules as I did, opting to pay the extra for those not covered such as the chicken pox vaccine. Here, it's rare that anyone I know gets any of the "extra" vaccines and they seem truly fearful and misinformed. Heck, many delay the regular vaccine schedule for fear of autism.
I have a big mouth, which I often have to force myself to keep closed. I determined it really wasn't in my best interests at that point to tell a roomful of women why I believe in vaccines or how I diligently research and question medical professionals before coming to a decision. It doesn't mean I'm always right, we won' t know that until some distant future, but it does mean that I try to stay current and proactive in the care and health of my children.
The dreaded follow up questions I feared then began.
"Did you get the H1N1 vaccine? Really? WHY???"
"What about.....what was that other one? Prevnar? Or the Meningitis one?"
My answer didn't seem to help my cause of sticking out like a sore thumb.
"Yes, I answered. I got all of them."
I was met by blank stares and some ogling. The women went back to their chatting and I went back to watching the dancing.
It's likely the last time any of them ask the pariah anything. The good news is, I'm okay with that and comfortable in my "eccentricities." My Mom assures me that there "must be people like you, there." I've yet to find them, at least when it comes to this topic or several others of the parenting variety.
Hockey, anyone?
An example, you ask?
The other night we took our girls to their weekly dance classes. During the classes, we parents generally just sit outside on the folding chairs that are perched all around the waiting room. I usually don't chat much with the other moms, as I have one daughter with me to entertain while she waits for her sister's class to end and hers to begin, plus my husband is there as well.
The other night, the moms were discussing the fact that one child was just back after having had the chicken pox. A few moms jumped in to discuss their child's episode with the illness, and another lamented that her daughter hadn't had it yet! As she was saying she wanted to expose her to someone with the pox, she leaned over in my direction and asked with a chuckle, "Has B(my youngest) had it yet? Maybe we can make them get it together!" My reply had the room almost fall completely silent.
"Umm, nope. I got the vaccine for both of my girls."
"The chicken pox vaccine?? Why would you ever get that? Don't you have to pay for that?" followed "The chicken pox isn't dangerous. I would never bother with the vaccine. It's a harmless childhood disease that got blown out of proportion, just like the H1N1." Several (well, most) moms nodded in agreement.
So, here's my predicament. I'm truly odd man out here. In my hometown, most if not ALL of my friends did the same vaccination schedules as I did, opting to pay the extra for those not covered such as the chicken pox vaccine. Here, it's rare that anyone I know gets any of the "extra" vaccines and they seem truly fearful and misinformed. Heck, many delay the regular vaccine schedule for fear of autism.
I have a big mouth, which I often have to force myself to keep closed. I determined it really wasn't in my best interests at that point to tell a roomful of women why I believe in vaccines or how I diligently research and question medical professionals before coming to a decision. It doesn't mean I'm always right, we won' t know that until some distant future, but it does mean that I try to stay current and proactive in the care and health of my children.
The dreaded follow up questions I feared then began.
"Did you get the H1N1 vaccine? Really? WHY???"
"What about.....what was that other one? Prevnar? Or the Meningitis one?"
My answer didn't seem to help my cause of sticking out like a sore thumb.
"Yes, I answered. I got all of them."
I was met by blank stares and some ogling. The women went back to their chatting and I went back to watching the dancing.
It's likely the last time any of them ask the pariah anything. The good news is, I'm okay with that and comfortable in my "eccentricities." My Mom assures me that there "must be people like you, there." I've yet to find them, at least when it comes to this topic or several others of the parenting variety.
Hockey, anyone?
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Mortifying Moments
My youngest daughter is one of those kids, you know the type, that says whatever she is thinking, LOUDLY, in public. It can result in hysterically funny moments and some not so funny (ie mortifying) moments. She's curbed it somewhat since she's now almost seven and has learned what's cool and not cool to let fly out at the grocery store. It could have been the lasers shooting from my eyes that taught her that lesson, or the talking through my clenched teeth. Ah, the clenched teeth. My kids know it's serious business if Mommy is ruining her expensive veneers.
I remember being out once and it was clear that someone had let some, umm, excess air escape. My daughter and I were just continuing to shop and I hoped she wouldn't say anything about it. I must have jinxed myself, because she then proclaimed, "Did you toot, Mommy?" I started desperately trying to shush her (lasers, clenching) while also feeling my cheeks start to burn. Frankly, you know someone else IS going to think it was me that let rip that toxic stank. I tried to kind of move fast, away from the smell-which of course doesn't make me look guilty in the slightest-all the while telling her in MY loud, outdoor voice, "No, it wasn't me. It's just something stinky in the store, I guess."
I hoped she'd buy that and we'd be in the clear, but oh no, not this kid. "It's not the store, Mommy. It smells like toots. Why would the store smell like toots?" At this point, I'm doing the nervous giggling and moving faster than lightning. I'm pretty sure everyone in the store thought I HAD tooted, well, except the actual perpetrator who was problem killing themselves with laughter.
I could literally go on all day with tales of my woe at having a daughter that has no indoor voice. There were those typical ones, when she was much smaller, like why someone is heavy, or why they need a cane. Those are embarrassing, but I can quietly explain in a very PC way, under my breath. She now knows not to ask things that might hurt someone's feelings or point out their special needs.
Just when I thought we were in the clear, as I said she's almost seven, she threw me for a loop again. This time it was aimed and directed solely my way.
"Mommy, when I'm a lady, will I have boosies as big as yours? Cause yours are REALLY BIG."
You guessed it. So began the lasers and the clenching, coupled with the giggling and red cheeks.
Out of the mouths of babes. Did I really sign on for this?
I remember being out once and it was clear that someone had let some, umm, excess air escape. My daughter and I were just continuing to shop and I hoped she wouldn't say anything about it. I must have jinxed myself, because she then proclaimed, "Did you toot, Mommy?" I started desperately trying to shush her (lasers, clenching) while also feeling my cheeks start to burn. Frankly, you know someone else IS going to think it was me that let rip that toxic stank. I tried to kind of move fast, away from the smell-which of course doesn't make me look guilty in the slightest-all the while telling her in MY loud, outdoor voice, "No, it wasn't me. It's just something stinky in the store, I guess."
I hoped she'd buy that and we'd be in the clear, but oh no, not this kid. "It's not the store, Mommy. It smells like toots. Why would the store smell like toots?" At this point, I'm doing the nervous giggling and moving faster than lightning. I'm pretty sure everyone in the store thought I HAD tooted, well, except the actual perpetrator who was problem killing themselves with laughter.
I could literally go on all day with tales of my woe at having a daughter that has no indoor voice. There were those typical ones, when she was much smaller, like why someone is heavy, or why they need a cane. Those are embarrassing, but I can quietly explain in a very PC way, under my breath. She now knows not to ask things that might hurt someone's feelings or point out their special needs.
Just when I thought we were in the clear, as I said she's almost seven, she threw me for a loop again. This time it was aimed and directed solely my way.
"Mommy, when I'm a lady, will I have boosies as big as yours? Cause yours are REALLY BIG."
You guessed it. So began the lasers and the clenching, coupled with the giggling and red cheeks.
Out of the mouths of babes. Did I really sign on for this?
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tuning In For Lent
Today is the start of Lent, after the gluttony of Pancake (Shrove) Tuesday yesterday. It's a time that many decide to give something up that has a particular pull on them, until Easter. I know my mother-in-law, for example, has given up desserts a few times over the years.
For me, Lent also signifies a time to turn inward. It's a time to focus on how we are living, and to re-evaluate our spirituality and relationships. I'd rather turn the magnifying glass on myself, than merely give something up for a few weeks, just to turn back to it once there. It's not for me to decide another individuals journey or beliefs though, of course. Lent obviously lends itself to fasting and to repenting. My own journey is about positivity, however, and in that vein, I choose rather to find ways to improve on my path forward.
Over the course of the last few weeks, I've been searching the net for various suggestions on what to do for Lent. One such site had a list, submitted by readers, for something to do each day for the length of the Lenten weeks. I thought there was some great info there and the practice of a new and inspiring activity daily was interesting to me. The suggestions ranged from reading Lenten scripture to having a carbon free day by eating by candlelight. Neither of those are bad ideas for the right person. You can find more from that list, here:
http://ship.saintsimeon.co.uk/lent/index.html
Another site has a daily calendar with a listing of what to give up or fast from, what to pray for, and what to start anew. You can find that one, for your own use, here :
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/fast-pray-give-2010/
As to me? After much soul searching regarding how I can make Lent truly meaningful for my own needs, I've decided to take some time each day to meditate. My days are often child centered and are harried at best. I move from one task to the next, never more fully conscious than what that next moment holds and where we need to be in a hurry. I collapse into bed with my family asleep around me, and realize I've never stopped to just "be." I'm no martyr, and I know making time for myself is my own responsibility. I'm just not very good at it. As activities and demands mount, I'm more likely to make sure all is carried out without a hitch and that everyone around me has all that they need. My time focused inwards is minimal to nil.
So, for Lent, I've decided to take the time each day, just 10 to 20 minutes, to reset my focus and re-energize my soul. It will most likely help with stress, for sure, but more importantly, I hope it quiets my mind and my heart long enough that I can breathe. In that breath, I am searching for peace, calm and some time to re-align my true priorities. In so doing, I assume I'll be giving up some things by default.
Whether you partake in Lent or not, I think relinquishing bad habits and seeking new affirming ones is never a bad practice to begin. Check out the above ideas and maybe find your own inspiration for one thing you can do today to make a small change, one step at a time.
Or, you could just go eat that dessert! My mother-in-law won't be needing it!
For me, Lent also signifies a time to turn inward. It's a time to focus on how we are living, and to re-evaluate our spirituality and relationships. I'd rather turn the magnifying glass on myself, than merely give something up for a few weeks, just to turn back to it once there. It's not for me to decide another individuals journey or beliefs though, of course. Lent obviously lends itself to fasting and to repenting. My own journey is about positivity, however, and in that vein, I choose rather to find ways to improve on my path forward.
Over the course of the last few weeks, I've been searching the net for various suggestions on what to do for Lent. One such site had a list, submitted by readers, for something to do each day for the length of the Lenten weeks. I thought there was some great info there and the practice of a new and inspiring activity daily was interesting to me. The suggestions ranged from reading Lenten scripture to having a carbon free day by eating by candlelight. Neither of those are bad ideas for the right person. You can find more from that list, here:
http://ship.saintsimeon.co.uk/lent/index.html
Another site has a daily calendar with a listing of what to give up or fast from, what to pray for, and what to start anew. You can find that one, for your own use, here :
http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/fast-pray-give-2010/
As to me? After much soul searching regarding how I can make Lent truly meaningful for my own needs, I've decided to take some time each day to meditate. My days are often child centered and are harried at best. I move from one task to the next, never more fully conscious than what that next moment holds and where we need to be in a hurry. I collapse into bed with my family asleep around me, and realize I've never stopped to just "be." I'm no martyr, and I know making time for myself is my own responsibility. I'm just not very good at it. As activities and demands mount, I'm more likely to make sure all is carried out without a hitch and that everyone around me has all that they need. My time focused inwards is minimal to nil.
So, for Lent, I've decided to take the time each day, just 10 to 20 minutes, to reset my focus and re-energize my soul. It will most likely help with stress, for sure, but more importantly, I hope it quiets my mind and my heart long enough that I can breathe. In that breath, I am searching for peace, calm and some time to re-align my true priorities. In so doing, I assume I'll be giving up some things by default.
Whether you partake in Lent or not, I think relinquishing bad habits and seeking new affirming ones is never a bad practice to begin. Check out the above ideas and maybe find your own inspiration for one thing you can do today to make a small change, one step at a time.
Or, you could just go eat that dessert! My mother-in-law won't be needing it!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Denial And Enabling
I was watching the show, "Hoarders" on the weekend and many things struck me while glued to the train wreck on my television. Firstly, I cannot believe people live like that, nor that they have to painfully go through each little scrap of paper or old cup to decide if it's a "keep, throw away or donate." I felt their family's frustration as they stood by watching them clear out (sorta) their homes.
My husband came in as I was sitting there in shock, and made the comment that I'm the opposite of that. I'm an anti-hoarder. I said I think it's called being a Purger. I throw things out and give things away regularly. I don't like clutter and knickknacks and well, "stuff." I think that probably still falls under some sort of control or compulsive disorder, but I'd rather that than vermin and droppings. Shudder.
It led me to ponder about the nature of it all, this denial versus enabling.
It's curious to me how one can have an emotional or behavioural problem that is so obvious to everyone around, and yet be in denial about it. I know people in my own life that are the same way and no amount of calling them on it will convince them that they have "issues." The hoarders were saying things like, "Well, I collect things and I just have too much right now." The other excuse I heard was, "It's just not organized in here." Whaaaat??? How can you honestly deny what is so apparently a massive problem?
I know people with many, many social and physical phobias. They won't do certain things or have to do certain things on a timetable, the same every day. They'll deny it's a problem or make excuses for the reasons behind why they behave that way. The denial always leaves me scratching my head.
Yet, it was the family members that seemed to me to be just as big of a problem as the person with the issues. They were also making excuses, going along with the hoarders, living in the house with the mess. The enablers I know in real life are the same. They don't kick their partners butt to help them, to take them out of their circle of rules and lies, but go along with them. They defend the abnormal behaviours. They themselves become embroiled in the cycle.
What is worse? The problem, the denial of said problem, or those that enable it? I don't see how you can recover from a behaviour without acknowledging it, and sometimes you need a kick in the pants to do so. If you love someone, isn't that kind of your job?
I know we all have some sort of behaviour that is slightly odd or off. It could be as simple as that before going to bed, we do a certain routine of checking all the lights are off, that the stove is off and that the door is locked. (ahem) I guess the thing with me is, I could never get away with any truly anti-social or anxious behaviours. I know that the people in my life would never enable it. If anything, they'd tell me off and push me to get over it. Even in times of heartache, I've heard that I need to suck it up, that I need to choose my reaction and my path. I just can't wallow in the crazy. No one in my inner circle would allow that. Uh uh, no way.
Maybe that's part of the key to working through issues. I know part one is personality and I tend to be confrontational with things. I don't live in denial and I usually choose to see the painful truth, even if it's going to hurt like an SOB. I'd always rather pull the Band-Aid quickly than pretend it's not there, or that I don't have any hurts. I can't imagine living in a world where I make excuses for my issues or that I live in a sheltered way because I'm afraid to go out of my comfort zone.
Obviously the second part is surrounding yourself with people who aren't afraid to push you, to challenge you, to get you to take action. If everyone just placates you and agrees with you and pretends the Big Pink Elephant doesn't exist, you'll also never, by nature, confront yourself. Truly, I think people choose others sometimes that WILL allow them to do that, that will make them feel that maybe their issues really aren't that bad. That will deny their existence, even. That will coddle them into complacency.
It's a sad and vicious circle, to be sure. I can't imagine living that way, nor would I ever be allowed to sink that low. I wouldn't allow myself, nor would anyone around me.
There's no denial or enabling here. Thank goodness. Though, every once in awhile, it'd be nice to deny that my need for sparse spaces and no clutter is a control issue or that I'm slightly anal retentive. I'm just neat, right?
Right?
My husband came in as I was sitting there in shock, and made the comment that I'm the opposite of that. I'm an anti-hoarder. I said I think it's called being a Purger. I throw things out and give things away regularly. I don't like clutter and knickknacks and well, "stuff." I think that probably still falls under some sort of control or compulsive disorder, but I'd rather that than vermin and droppings. Shudder.
It led me to ponder about the nature of it all, this denial versus enabling.
It's curious to me how one can have an emotional or behavioural problem that is so obvious to everyone around, and yet be in denial about it. I know people in my own life that are the same way and no amount of calling them on it will convince them that they have "issues." The hoarders were saying things like, "Well, I collect things and I just have too much right now." The other excuse I heard was, "It's just not organized in here." Whaaaat??? How can you honestly deny what is so apparently a massive problem?
I know people with many, many social and physical phobias. They won't do certain things or have to do certain things on a timetable, the same every day. They'll deny it's a problem or make excuses for the reasons behind why they behave that way. The denial always leaves me scratching my head.
Yet, it was the family members that seemed to me to be just as big of a problem as the person with the issues. They were also making excuses, going along with the hoarders, living in the house with the mess. The enablers I know in real life are the same. They don't kick their partners butt to help them, to take them out of their circle of rules and lies, but go along with them. They defend the abnormal behaviours. They themselves become embroiled in the cycle.
What is worse? The problem, the denial of said problem, or those that enable it? I don't see how you can recover from a behaviour without acknowledging it, and sometimes you need a kick in the pants to do so. If you love someone, isn't that kind of your job?
I know we all have some sort of behaviour that is slightly odd or off. It could be as simple as that before going to bed, we do a certain routine of checking all the lights are off, that the stove is off and that the door is locked. (ahem) I guess the thing with me is, I could never get away with any truly anti-social or anxious behaviours. I know that the people in my life would never enable it. If anything, they'd tell me off and push me to get over it. Even in times of heartache, I've heard that I need to suck it up, that I need to choose my reaction and my path. I just can't wallow in the crazy. No one in my inner circle would allow that. Uh uh, no way.
Maybe that's part of the key to working through issues. I know part one is personality and I tend to be confrontational with things. I don't live in denial and I usually choose to see the painful truth, even if it's going to hurt like an SOB. I'd always rather pull the Band-Aid quickly than pretend it's not there, or that I don't have any hurts. I can't imagine living in a world where I make excuses for my issues or that I live in a sheltered way because I'm afraid to go out of my comfort zone.
Obviously the second part is surrounding yourself with people who aren't afraid to push you, to challenge you, to get you to take action. If everyone just placates you and agrees with you and pretends the Big Pink Elephant doesn't exist, you'll also never, by nature, confront yourself. Truly, I think people choose others sometimes that WILL allow them to do that, that will make them feel that maybe their issues really aren't that bad. That will deny their existence, even. That will coddle them into complacency.
It's a sad and vicious circle, to be sure. I can't imagine living that way, nor would I ever be allowed to sink that low. I wouldn't allow myself, nor would anyone around me.
There's no denial or enabling here. Thank goodness. Though, every once in awhile, it'd be nice to deny that my need for sparse spaces and no clutter is a control issue or that I'm slightly anal retentive. I'm just neat, right?
Right?
Monday, February 15, 2010
What A Lovely Little Weekend
Since many of you chimed in with your thoughts and opinions, via email or comments on the blog, regarding my sleepover dilemma, I thought I should give you a little update about how it all turned out.
My daughter left Saturday afternoon for the party. I had told her (okay, badgered her) to make sure to call me before she went to bed, so that I'd know everything was okay. Well, 10pm came and went. By midnight, I still hadn't heard anything. At this point, I figured that she must have just been having a great time and forgot totally about her 'ol Mom freaking out at home. Then, the phone rang. My daughter had had a great time, but she wanted us to come and pick her up. She said everyone had been asleep since about ten, and she had been lying there for hours and couldn't sleep. Plus, her stomach hurt. After a few moments of going back and forth and my asking if she was "sure" about coming home, my husband left to get her. She said she had fun, she just couldn't sleep and was starting to get anxious about it.
The next morning, her friend called to see if she was okay and to make sure that it was nothing that she had done. How sweet is that? That new friend got a little "thumbs up" in my book. She also asked if my daughter wanted to come back for a bit. So, off my husband went to bring her back. They went skating and worked on a project. She had a great time, and any embarrassment she felt about leaving was erased because of the kindness of her new friend. Win-win.
Friday night we had dressed up all in red and white and headed to our friends next door to watch the Olympic Opening Ceremonies together. I had made dinner for the ten of us and lugged it over. My friend added a salad and we watched and cheered and ooh'ed and aaah'ed. It was a late night, but so much fun. My heart was fairly bursting with Canadian Pride watching it all take place in Vancouver. I loved the poem and the special effects. I loved my kids staying up late to watch it even more. They were truly transfixed and as excited as the adults. Those little moments add up, in my mind, and teach my kids about being proud to live where we do, while also not taking it for granted. Plus, it was just cool to be a part of history happening right before our eyes.
I'm jumping around here, but now that takes us to Sunday, Valentine's Day. I am a big keener with occasions and I like to do something fun if I can, for the kids, but also just for me. I always make a "pink" breakfast for Valentine's. I had set the table with a pink heart tablecloth and had pink and red paper lanterns hanging. I had put the girls gifts (chocolates and their favourite candies, as well as a shirt each) beside their spots. I made some bacon, added some red food colouring to their milk, and made some pink pancakes. The girls were thrilled, as always.
That evening , we were surprising the girls with a special dinner out. There aren't many very nice, or very good, restaurants where we now live. My husband had been out for some dinner meetings several times at a place that is the "fanciest" in town. We decided to spend Valentine's not as a couple, but as a family. I also think the way to teach your children manners and what your expectations are when out, is to actually GO OUT and go to places where they can put what you've taught them into practical use. If you never go anywhere, they never have that experience. That aside, we just thought it would be fun and interesting for all of us. We all got dressed to the nine's and headed out for an early dinner. My youngest was thrilled by the piano playing softly in the corner. My eldest loved the views of the lake, the decor, and the fire burning in the fireplace. My husband and I loved that the restaurant offered to make up whatever we wanted for the girls meals-off the menu or on. They ended up making a custom order just for them. My daughters chose to split a striploin steak, with garlic mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli and green beans. The whole meal was their choice, down to the veggies. They started with their own salad choices as well-Caesar for my youngest, and a Greek Village salad for my eldest. While the music played softly, my husband and I got to enjoy our meals of beef tenderloin with a peppercorn foie gras, with a nice glass of Merlot. My girls behaved beautifully and we had several comments about them from the staff. It truly was a perfect evening and I think we all enjoyed ourselves. My girls felt like Princesses and really, it doesn't get better than that. I felt a little Princessy myself.
When everyone was tucked in their beds, a wonderful weekend behind us, I slipped my husband some "Conversation Hearts" in sequence. The small gestures touch the quietest corners of the heart, and my heart was full when the light of another day was dimmed.
My daughter left Saturday afternoon for the party. I had told her (okay, badgered her) to make sure to call me before she went to bed, so that I'd know everything was okay. Well, 10pm came and went. By midnight, I still hadn't heard anything. At this point, I figured that she must have just been having a great time and forgot totally about her 'ol Mom freaking out at home. Then, the phone rang. My daughter had had a great time, but she wanted us to come and pick her up. She said everyone had been asleep since about ten, and she had been lying there for hours and couldn't sleep. Plus, her stomach hurt. After a few moments of going back and forth and my asking if she was "sure" about coming home, my husband left to get her. She said she had fun, she just couldn't sleep and was starting to get anxious about it.
The next morning, her friend called to see if she was okay and to make sure that it was nothing that she had done. How sweet is that? That new friend got a little "thumbs up" in my book. She also asked if my daughter wanted to come back for a bit. So, off my husband went to bring her back. They went skating and worked on a project. She had a great time, and any embarrassment she felt about leaving was erased because of the kindness of her new friend. Win-win.
Friday night we had dressed up all in red and white and headed to our friends next door to watch the Olympic Opening Ceremonies together. I had made dinner for the ten of us and lugged it over. My friend added a salad and we watched and cheered and ooh'ed and aaah'ed. It was a late night, but so much fun. My heart was fairly bursting with Canadian Pride watching it all take place in Vancouver. I loved the poem and the special effects. I loved my kids staying up late to watch it even more. They were truly transfixed and as excited as the adults. Those little moments add up, in my mind, and teach my kids about being proud to live where we do, while also not taking it for granted. Plus, it was just cool to be a part of history happening right before our eyes.
I'm jumping around here, but now that takes us to Sunday, Valentine's Day. I am a big keener with occasions and I like to do something fun if I can, for the kids, but also just for me. I always make a "pink" breakfast for Valentine's. I had set the table with a pink heart tablecloth and had pink and red paper lanterns hanging. I had put the girls gifts (chocolates and their favourite candies, as well as a shirt each) beside their spots. I made some bacon, added some red food colouring to their milk, and made some pink pancakes. The girls were thrilled, as always.
That evening , we were surprising the girls with a special dinner out. There aren't many very nice, or very good, restaurants where we now live. My husband had been out for some dinner meetings several times at a place that is the "fanciest" in town. We decided to spend Valentine's not as a couple, but as a family. I also think the way to teach your children manners and what your expectations are when out, is to actually GO OUT and go to places where they can put what you've taught them into practical use. If you never go anywhere, they never have that experience. That aside, we just thought it would be fun and interesting for all of us. We all got dressed to the nine's and headed out for an early dinner. My youngest was thrilled by the piano playing softly in the corner. My eldest loved the views of the lake, the decor, and the fire burning in the fireplace. My husband and I loved that the restaurant offered to make up whatever we wanted for the girls meals-off the menu or on. They ended up making a custom order just for them. My daughters chose to split a striploin steak, with garlic mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli and green beans. The whole meal was their choice, down to the veggies. They started with their own salad choices as well-Caesar for my youngest, and a Greek Village salad for my eldest. While the music played softly, my husband and I got to enjoy our meals of beef tenderloin with a peppercorn foie gras, with a nice glass of Merlot. My girls behaved beautifully and we had several comments about them from the staff. It truly was a perfect evening and I think we all enjoyed ourselves. My girls felt like Princesses and really, it doesn't get better than that. I felt a little Princessy myself.
When everyone was tucked in their beds, a wonderful weekend behind us, I slipped my husband some "Conversation Hearts" in sequence. The small gestures touch the quietest corners of the heart, and my heart was full when the light of another day was dimmed.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Blog Bustin'
When I started blogging, I just wanted to have an outlet for my feelings, thoughts, ramblings and of course for my writing. As I started, I really loved the opportunities it presented to release a lot of the "stuff" that accumulates daily in my little head.
As I proceeded further along, I started reading more and more blogs from other individuals as well. That's usually a part of my daily routine now, reading my regular blogs and getting a peek into others lives.
However, I also get the "you should increase your readership" line from others and from other bloggers. The other thing I hear is that I should include more photos to make it more "real" and personal.
Here's my thing. I don't necessarily want every Tom, Dick and Harry out there to be able to read about my life and I certainly don't want them seeing my home or my children. Can you say creeeeeeppppy. Maybe I'm just old fashioned but I'm not a big fan of putting all of that out there for the world. I don't mind sharing my life, I quite enjoy it. I do try to keep it non-specific though.
I started thinking about it a little more and while I'm not comfortable with personal photos, maybe I'll send the link to my blog to a few more of my friends on different social networks. If you want to pass it along, feel free as well. I do know that more people read it than are listed in my followers.
I like hearing from people, I like knowing people are enjoying and reading. But I also kind of like knowing who is reading and what type of person they are as well.
Did I mention before that I have control issues?
As I proceeded further along, I started reading more and more blogs from other individuals as well. That's usually a part of my daily routine now, reading my regular blogs and getting a peek into others lives.
However, I also get the "you should increase your readership" line from others and from other bloggers. The other thing I hear is that I should include more photos to make it more "real" and personal.
Here's my thing. I don't necessarily want every Tom, Dick and Harry out there to be able to read about my life and I certainly don't want them seeing my home or my children. Can you say creeeeeeppppy. Maybe I'm just old fashioned but I'm not a big fan of putting all of that out there for the world. I don't mind sharing my life, I quite enjoy it. I do try to keep it non-specific though.
I started thinking about it a little more and while I'm not comfortable with personal photos, maybe I'll send the link to my blog to a few more of my friends on different social networks. If you want to pass it along, feel free as well. I do know that more people read it than are listed in my followers.
I like hearing from people, I like knowing people are enjoying and reading. But I also kind of like knowing who is reading and what type of person they are as well.
Did I mention before that I have control issues?
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