December 31, 2013

WHAT I LEARNED IN 2013

Last year my word for the year was “learn” and as 2013 concludes it is only appropriate to reflect on some of the things I have learned. 


I learned that having matching plates is extremely important when trying to obtain some sense of adulthood. (Here) Now I have 6 matching dinner plates, saucers, and bowls. Don't get me wrong, I am totally into mixing it up so that not everything is matchy-matchy, however the pictures above does not reflect that lol. 

I learned how easy it was to eat vegetarian for a week. In fact many of these recipes (here & here) have become household favourites.

I learned that doing something as simple as tossing rocks into a great lake can become one of our most cherished memories. 

I learned that you can have it all  but you might not have it all at the same time.


I learned that it’s okay for me to need my husband. I have always been a super independent, forward thinking kind of gal who thought that the idea of a woman needing a man to be outdated. It is true in a sense. Women shouldn't need A man or men in their lives but when you find the right one, the one that you create a life with, there is nothing wrong with needing his comfort and support. I need this from my husband along with a whole list of other things. Admitting this doesn't make me any less of a woman. 

I learned that completing my bachelors degree is super important.

I also learned that slowing down is the antidote for a hectic life and it makes for a calmer life.
What’s in store for 2014? Will I make resolutions or have another word to live by? I’m over making resolution. All I want and all I have ever wanted for myself and my family is to be the best that I/we can be. I think that will do.  
 

December 27, 2013

AN ICY CHRISTMAS


How was your Christmas?

Ours was rather eventful, but lovely.

It saddens me to take down our tree and to pack away all of our decor so I, along with most people I'm sure, will wait until new years day to part with the holiday season.

Last week we had this huge ice storm. We lost power for a good portion of the weekend. It was dreadful considering I had just discovered the joys of Netflix. Luckily my mom was in town staying with my Aunt who still had her power, so the guys and I spent all day Saturday there. The boys spent the night seeing that we were without heat and it was freezing cold outside. Aaron and I toughed it out and went back home. We were dressed from head to toe then climbed into bed and "slept like bears" as I put it (sleeping snuggled up). Luckily we regained power around 4am on Sunday morning. Some people are still without power. I cannot imagine how they are handling this in the dead of winter.

The storm was awful but it did make for a beautiful scene!







December 21, 2013

THINGS THAT HAPPENED AFTER GETTING A RECORD PLAYER


I can't blame everything on getting a record player but it would seem extremely coincidental that upon the arrival of this new device, the following things started to happen:

The television gets turned off a lot more
Cleaning has become more fun
I started reading more
I actually take time to listen to music all the way through an album

I love listening to old records. The pops and crackles are charming. While at work, I think about carving out a small section of time during my night, after the kids are in bed, to listen to Cat Stevens or Willie Nelson. It helps to have a lit Christmas tree and the fire place station playing on the television...makes up for not having real fire place! So I turn the television off (kinda) and listen to music while either reading a book or surfing the internet. Because I can't bother to get up and cue up a new song every single time, I get to enjoy listening to a full album. Calming and soothing.

I am enjoying that nostalgia and the slowing down of life.

Christmas is coming soon, I want the next 4 days to slow down too.

November 17, 2013

DIY: SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTS


I love a Christmas tree with a whole lot of character, covered with homemade decorations. This weekend we decided to put up the tree! A day before, we set it up to "air out" and decide that it would be a great time to create some tree decor of our own. A week or so prior I looked up some ideas for making ornaments that will last a long time. I discovered...rather re-discovered these salt dough ornaments that I believe I made once in elementary school. They are very easy to make.

What you will need:
2 Cups of flour
1 Cup of salt
1 Cup of water
Cookie cutters
Rolling pin
Straw or toothpick (straw preferred)
Acrylic paint
Ribbon/yarn/string
Mod Podge (optional but preferred)


Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the water and kneed the dough until smooth, with the consistency slightly more firm than play dough.

Form dough into a ball and with a rolling pin, roll out the dough on a floured surface. I just sprinkle the counter and roll out the dough on that.





Using the cookie cutters, cut out your shapes and transfer them to a cookie sheet.

With your straw or toothpick create a hole at the top of your ornament which you will string threw your yard or ribbon. The straw make a perfect size, so if you use a toothpick circle it around to create a larger hole.





Set your oven to 200 degrees fahrenheit and set it in the over to bake. A lot of recipes told me 1 hour but mine ended up needing 2.

Let your ornaments cool completely. If you prefer you can add a thin coat of white paint, mixed with a touch of water to thin it out,  as a "primer." I only apply this to the front of the ornament. If you decide to do this, let the white paint dry and then proceed to have fun decorating!


Let your creations dry and then add a coat of Mod Podge, I used the Satin finish and once everything has dried (shouldn't take more than 20 minutes). I prefer to use decorative ribbon because it really stands out on the tree.

These also make a wonderful gifts for grandma and grandpa!


 

November 12, 2013

ITS ALL ABOUT ME

Sometimes it is all about me, as in I take a chunk of time out of my day where I do whatever I truly want to do. For instance, Aaron took the boys grocery shopping after work on Sunday; he came all the way home to get them then left soon there after giving me about two hours of down time. I thought to myself,  what shall I do with all this time? I got dressed to work out. Working out is not fun for me but I figured I would get that out of the way so that I could spend more time with Aaron later on. Was that what I really wanted to do? No. What I really wanted to do was to fix myself a drink, grab some chocolates and watch a marathon of The Hills, so that's what I did.


I kind of felt bad that I skipped my workout, I've been very lazy but I want to change all that..so last night I worked out. And I think I will again tonight!


What have you done for yourself today?

November 8, 2013

LET THE SUNSHINE IN

The Wonderful Elizabeth of The Bradleys was gracious enough to nominate me for the Sunshine Award. She selected 10 questions for me to answer and in return I must ask 10 questions to other bloggers whom I will nominate. I decided to stick to some of Elizabeth's question and then created some of my own.

 The Rules:
  1. Include award logo in a post or on your blog.
  2. Link to the person who nominated you
  3. Answer 10 questions about yourself that the person who nominated you asks.
  4. Nominate 10 bloggers to receive the award. (make sure to link your nominees to the post and comment on their blogs letting them know you have nominated them)
My questions for you!
  1. What is the latest book you have read and what did/do you like about it?
  2. What is one thing you like that most people dislike or what is one thing you dislike that everyone else seems to like?
  3. What is your food weakness?
  4. What is your favorite season and why?
  5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
  6. Why did you start your blog?
  7. If you could prefect one skill or talent what would that be?
  8. What is one thing that feel you must do to treat yourself?
  9. What was the weirdest dream you've ever had (that you can remember)?
  10. What three fictional characters would you love to meet?
My nominations:




What is the latest book you have read and what did/do you like about it?
Heaven by V.C. Andrews. I admit those books are my guilty pleasures but sometimes a girl just wants to indulge in a soap opera style novel. Currently I am reading The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.

What is your favorite thing to cook/make?
I love a classic roasted chicken on a bed of vegetables with a side of mashed potatoes. Nothing beats comfort food for me and my family, plus it's very simple to nail! Check out Ina Garten's recipe.

What is your food weakness?
Cheeseburgers and Chocolate! I don't think any explanation is required.



What is your favorite season and why?
Fall of course. The color, the fashion, the warm beverages. The farms, the food and the amazing golden lighting around sunset as the light shines through the red, orange and yellow trees. What is not to love?

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I wasn't such a softy. I think people tend to take advantage of that and my willingness to forgive so easily.

Why did you start your blog?
I will copy and paste from my about me section... "I love to write and I use my blog as a way to develop my skills while I share my story with others, no matter if it’s one person reading it or 1 million (yeah right lol). I feel like there are so many blogs written by mothers who stay at home that working mothers don't have their story told quite as much."

What could you continue learning about your whole life because you love it/are obsessed with it?
Writing and literature! I love writing and I love to read.


What do you like most about your husband?
I love how he's such a partner. He brings me coffee in bed on the weekends. He makes breakfast on the Sundays when he's home and he is a great father. I love him.

What was the weirdest dream you've ever had (that you can remember)?
I have had many weird dreams as I dream a lot and I remember them all. Recently I had a dream that Chef Gordon Ramsey new restaurant he had opened in Toronto (not in real like). When I got there it was filled with ghosts that were just floating around like. They started off as a gray mist that materialized into solid looking gray ghosts, something that you would see at the Haunted Mansion in Disney World.

What three fictional characters (from books) would you love to meet?
Poison from Poison by Chris Wooding. It's my favorite book and she's such a strong character
Charlie from The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Jonas from The Giver by Lois Lowry

November 4, 2013

HELLO NOVEMBER


I had contemplated titling this post “So long October!” but that didn't seem as positive as it would be to welcome the new month. The holidays are right around the corner and I am practically sitting on my hands, stopping myself from dragging out my decorations. To get me through the next few weeks I would like to focus on the month we are in. I want November to own its place in the year and I wish to centralize it around family, because that would be a fantastic introduction for what is to come. Thank you Elizabeth for inspiring this post.

Here are my goals for the month of November:

Put pictures in my frames & get new photo’s developed.
Learn to cook something new.
Teach Joshua how to prepare cereal in the morning.
Get Joshua a wallet and have him be responsible for his own allowance
Tell my husband “Thank you every day” for the little things that mean a lot.
Have family movie nights with popcorn and hot chocolate.
Finish reading The Night Circus (I’ve been busy with school)
Have a great time in New Jersey (going for thanksgiving).
Decided on whether or not we will try for baby #3

October 26, 2013

HOME INSPIRATION: DINING


What can you tell about a person after touring their home? If done properly you should be able to tell a lot about them. Are they nostalgic? Logical? Are they forward thinkers? Sentimental? Your home should reflect the family living in it, and while the photo's above are not of MY home, they are what inspire me. I love a country rustic home, the only chevron I wish to display will be in the form of a typical afgan knitted blanket. Don't get me wrong, I do love a trendy pattern but it's usually sprinkled here or there and not over killed.

I am dying for a cozy place like this to dine. I don't think I will ever be the dinner party hosting gal, though i love to fantasize about it, so something like a breakfast nook would be a lot more practical for me. I love the pops of red and the dark wood complimenting the white booths. I love the casual buffet table with the wine slots beneath and room on the top for dinner essentials.

What inspires you for your home?

*Buffet table from Pottery Barn

October 20, 2013

A TINY GLIMPSE




Last weekend weekend Aaron and I road tripped it to New Jersey for my 10 year reunion without the boys. They stayed with Aaron's parents for the weekend which gave us the quality time we needed.  The trip from Toronto to New Jersey is always a beautiful one but unfortunately we didn't get to enjoy the country and the Catskills until the trip home as we decided to venture to New Jersey at night. The best part of the whole trip was being able to relax at "home" but of course I did miss being in the backyard and not having the boys there, it was such a beautiful weekend.

October 19, 2013

HOW I LIVE NOW


I wake up in the morning feeling nothing like P. Diddy. Most days it's an inner struggle to retreat from my warm cave of thick comforters and fluffy pillows but I take solace in the fact that waking up at 7:30 am is nothing to complain about. I have become immersed in my kids, my husband, my job and now my education and this had left me with a small portion of time to devote to blogging. I am not apologizing because luckily I don't charge for sponsorship so the number of posts I publish a week/month is really up to me.

Class is going well. I am enjoying learning something new every day and I have fallen in love with Astronomy, so much so that I often recite fun facts to Aaron while we are watching television.  Last week while at my parents house, I decided to take advantage of the beautiful day and went into the backyard, grabbed a reclining patio chair and hunkered in right in the sun and read my Astronomy text book. I am doing something for myself and for my family. The more I do the more I want to do and that's a great feeling.

September 22, 2013

FARMER'S MARKET



How did you spend the first official day of fall? The family and I did our tradition stop at the farm and picked up some farm fresh produced as well as homemade pickles and corn relish. After we got home I made a roast chicken with some of the stuff we picked up.  This weekend went by so fast that my heart aches a little. A part of me just wants to use an extra day to curl up in with the 3 of them and just watch television and cuddle all day long. Maybe next weekend.

September 20, 2013

CURRENTLY

Lets take a moment and say goodbye to pictures like these for a while!...goodbye!

Reading
The Night Circus. I wish I had more hours in the day to put to reading this book because so far it's been a delight! I feel bad as I have not gotten very far and considering that I am going back to school, Im not sure how long it will take me to finish this. I love how it's written, the language; not too wordy yet the author's use of the vinacular is smooth and intellegent.

Watching
How I JUST started watching Married to Jones is beyond me considering I am a sucker for reality television. I just adore Danielle, she's so sweet.

A few of my fall shows are coming back! Parenthood, Once Upon a Time and Walking Dead. The Parenthood is a such a true depiction of family and it makes me all walk inside when I watch it. I love that Once Upon a Time left off in Neverland and I am so excited to see the new host of characters that they introduce us to this season. If you follow Ginnifer Goodwin on Instagram you may have seen the latest teaser pics for the up coming season. I think there will be a new character SWIMMING around if you catch my drift *wink*. As for The Walking Dead, I am not sure how I felt about last season's finale but Rick is just too damn sexy for words even if he's going nuts, so whatever lol.

Pondering
I'm pondering whether or not "currently" posts are supposed to be as long as I'm making this one.
Whether or not I think there is a point to giving someone under the age of 8 homework. 

Anticipating
On the short term there are a few things. Firstly I am looking forward to our upcoming trip to the farm this weekend! You have no idea how hard it was for me to hold off going ever since September began, I assure you, it's been hard! Now, going to the farm has always been something that our family has done but I wanted to start a new tradition. The first weekend closest to the actual first day of fall, we will go to the farm and shop at the farmers market then return home to make a nice dinner using the things we bought as our way to kick off fall.

Next month is my High School Reunion! 10 years seems like no time at all when you add Myspace (remember that?!) then Facebook, instragram and all that other social media stalking devices to the mix. There are certain people that I can't wait to see but Im not sure if I'm so much looking to reconnect but just to feel the high school nostalgia again. I'm inlove with the idea that our class has opted out of the the banquet hall and white table linens and decided to go for something a little more Jersey, a rented out Bar..open bar I might add, with live entertainment and food.

If you have ever taken the drive from Ontario to New Jersey cutting through the mountains, that alone is something to look forward to. This trip we are taking without the boy, as we will only be in New Jersey for 2 days. We are going back for American Thanksgiving anyways (another thing I'm anticipating) with the boys anyways. No sense dragging them all that way for such a short time.

Seeking
I am desperate for any tips on how to help my 6 year old build his motivation to do his homework and to do it without a fight. He's very smart but he's 6 so he wants everything to be fun and I have no idea how to make reading comprehension fun! Any tips?

September 14, 2013

I'M HEADING BACK TO SCHOOL

I thought I was done with college. There was nothing, not anything, that anyone could say our do to send me back. Not even a team of wild horses could drag me there.

I had Joshua rather young in life and before I had him I didn't really take things seriously, thinking that I had all the time in the world. After I had him I said to myself,  hey girl, you need a career and you need one now! So it was off to school for me and this time I would pick something career specific.


I took the Law Clerk program mostly because  I could complete it in two years and then work as a legal secretary...those people made good money with experience.  I completed that in less than two years since I went straight through the summer. After graduation I decided, why not just become a Paralegal? That way I could take my own cases and make even more money, not to mention it would only take me an extra year since I had so many transfer credits from the Law Clerk program.  Halfway through I got pregnant with Lucas. Me and my ever expanding belly trotted on to campus every day because I was determined to finished this program as soon as possible. Eventually I decided to take time off so that I could stay home and rest and have my baby. A few months after Lucas was born I found a job in the Legal field working for a Landlord corporation which forced me to put my little 3 month old in daycare. It was a heart breaking moment and I felt awful. Joshua didn't have to go to daycare until he was 19 months old and I wanted the same for Lucas, but unfortunately life was not cheap, bills had to be paid.

I hated my job. I hated every minute of every day. My sole purpose was to evict people that were diliquent on their rent. You can imagine the phone calls that I received constantly throughout the day: 

"Please!" the woman begged. "I'm a single mother and I have 5 kids. My husband left me and he's not coming back. I can't even afford to buy my kids juice!"

That was over $120 and there was nothing that I could do about it, the Landlords were pressuring me to get them out. Needless to say I quit my job 4 months in. I realize that people can't live for free but it wasn't something that made me feel good as a person. I'm a big softy! So I was unemployed for a while but that was alright as Aaron was making more money at that point. I got to stay home with Lucas and Joshua for while. I was a stay at home mom for about a year and half and it had its highs and lows but I was happy to be there for my boys, especially Lucas since he was the baby.

At night I went back to school in order to complete the last few classes that I had left of the Paralegal program. After I finally graduated the only job that I could find was working part time doing retail working around Aarons schedule. Finally I landed a full time job working at the same company that Aaron does (different department and different floor). Aaron and I reached a whole new level of financial stability that I was so greatful for. I love this company and I love my job but of course I want to move up to high positions.  Well being that I work for a company that provides support for various University across the North America, they have this amazing benefit..they will pay for my education at any one of the various schools that they support. So the first chance I got, I put my name on the waiting list and six months later I was selected to enter a program that would allow me to complete my Bachelor's degree! Folks, Mama's going back to school in two weeks! I feel a mix of excited, scared, anxious and curios all wrapped up in one. I know this will be an amazing experience and great investment for my furture.

All of this reminds me of this post. I do want so much for my life and for my family and I just may be able to have everything I want but it might just take me more time to get there, but the great thing is, I am super patient!

September 6, 2013

A WEEK OF SCHOOL LUNCHES






1. Mini pita stuffed with chicken salad | Grapes & blackberries | Cheese
I love the mini pita idea. It is literally a two bit "sandwich" with no mess because it never falls apart! It's easy to eat especially for those with little hands.

2. Whole grain flax seed crackers | Cold cooked and sliced pepperoni | Cheese | Cucumbers and Tomatoes with salt and pepper 


3. Mini croissant sandwich with turkey and cheese (buttered) | Celery & tomatoes |Orange slices
Again, anything small for kids is super easy to eat and pretty fun. When slices the croissant, I didn't go all the way through (like a hotdog bun) so that it would hold everything in. Joshua loves to move around, toss him back pack and so forth so I want to make sure that if his lunch bag gets turned on it's side that his food will not deconstruct itself.

4. Whole grain wrap with turkey, cheese and red peppers | Grapes | dried apricots.
I put his wrap in tin foil only at ends to that he can pick it up and eat it with ease, avoiding parts from falling out of the bottom.

School started on Tuesday so that means I only had to pack 4 Lunches for Joshua. To save myself the hassle in the morning, I pack everything up the night before. Having a container with separate compartment prevents the juicy fruits from getting anything else soggy. I give him plain water to drink but from time to time I might put of a few shots of coconut water in to give it a healthy flavor.

September 3, 2013

FIRST DAY OF FIRST GRADE



The first day of the 1st grade.

Yea, that happened today.

I got to live out my lunch packing dream by preparing Joshua something the night before so that all I had to do this morning was to open the refrigerator, pull out his packed lunch bag and put it into his backpack. Done! I will go into more detail on Friday about what I backed him for the week.

He was eager to go to bed last night! Starting at around noon on Monday he kept asking "is it bedtime yet?" At which point we had to explain how many hours where left until bedtime, then we had to explain the concept of "hours" and the concept of "time" and why we needed time. *sigh*

This morning he was so excited to start his day. I felt a range of emotions. Happy, sad, excited, scared, anxious, nervous, proud, then sad again. At work people kept asking me what the matter was, I told them I was tired, which was true considering I didn't go to sleep until 2am this morning. Really I kept wondering about Joshua's day, looking at the clock and saying to myself he's already had lunch, I wonder how that went!?...He's had recess, I wonder how that went!!?

Everything went well according to Joshua! He ate all his lunch, his teacher told him that he was a good student, he made a friend and he had girl chasing him because they wanted to play with him but he wasn't up for that...you know, cooties and all. 

September 1, 2013

SEPTEMBER


Farm trip from 2012

September welcomed me with a cool breeze in the morning. I am looking forward to the crisp mornings and cool night with the sent of wood burning fireplaces in the distance. The leaves changing to yellow, bright orange and apple red. Currently I have filled my home with the season, Nutmeg & Spice candles, orange and white porcelain pumpkins, chocolatey brown throw blankets. I nearly died when I found out that the Pumpkin Spiced Latte would officially release on September 3rd, this undoubtedly marks the true beginning of autumn.

I am looking forward to so much this month. Besides the start of 1st grade and all that comes with it, I am anxious for trips to the farm filled with hayrides and pumpkin patches. Farm fresh produce, pies and jams. I can't wait until its socially safe to start decorating for halloween, I figure it will be when it officially becomes fall on the 22nd. I'm looking forward to cable knit sweaters, brown leather boots, light jackets and warm apple cider.

What are you looking forward to? 




August 30, 2013

HAVING EVERYTHING YOU WANT

source


...You can't have it all.

I cannot tell you the number of times where this phrase was uttered in my presence whether it was via television personalities discussing the role of a working mother or by people who I personally knew carrying this topic in small groups. Admittedly no one as ever said this directly to me but really, you don't have to. Comments like this are made to anyone within earshot as it's one of those dreaded blanket statements.

What does it mean? Well, it seems to mean that a woman should not expect to have a husband, children and a demanding career all at the same time while coming home relatively sane at the end of the day and still having time to enjoy the family that she helped to create. Unfortunately this burden is only placed on women. Why? I guess it's still not important for a man to spend a substantial amount of time with their children. Men are expected to be the main bread winners and therefore are expected to be away from home for as long as he needs in order to climb that ladder so he can better provide for his family. I find that to be a load of crap! My husbands time with our boys is extremely valuable, no less valuable than the time they spend with me. The fact that this is only placed on women is unfair! Guess what? Women, now more than ever, are expessing a strong desire to work outside of the home and provide for their families too. Sometime it isn't about desire but rather they MUST work due to finances. There are many reasons.

As for me, I feel like I have all that I want for now. I have a full time job with a company that I love, I see my kids every day and spend a lot of quality time with them. I have a loving marriage that isn't stressed due to a lack of time spent together so what's with that phrase anyways?

I believe women can have it all to some degree but it is a balancing act. Do you want that corner office with the amazing view more than you want those extra hours with your kids at night? Do you want to have dinner with your children more than you want that office? Will you settle for a nice offer, but not the corner one and still make it home in time for dinner? Maybe you definately want the corner office and still make it home in time for dinner then maybe you wait until the kids are in college? Maybe you'll make up those extra hours at work in the morning? Maybe that corner office is not as demanding as you thought. Maybe you get an amazing assistant who can lighten your work load...phew!

There are so many possibilities and options. No two jobs are alike and no two families are alike. Having it all doesnt have to mean having it all RIGHT NOW.

What are your thoughts?

August 25, 2013

HEYDENSHORE



We spent our Sunday afternoon down at Heydenshore. The day was a beautiful mix of warm and breezy and the water cashing onto the rocks was irresistible to say the least. I sat and watched the boys toss rocks into the lake. Aaron wowed them with his stone skipping abilities. This is the last Sunday that Aaron will have off before school starts so we made the most of it, doing simple things that add up to great memories.

August 22, 2013

THROWBACK THURSDAY: NINETEEN

the following was a post that I did on another blog that I used to have a long time ago. I have not read it over to edit it or anything because when I wrote it, I let it pour out of my heart. I literally wrote it and pressed "Publish" without going back.
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Nineteen to now seems like yesterday. It's hard to believe that so many years have gone by, but nevertheless it has. Back then there were so many things that I thought I knew, but didn't; I severely under estimated the hardships of life thinking how easy it would all be once I moved out of my "controlling" parents home and started living on my own. I would making my own decisions and learning from my own mistakes. Things weren't always so simple.

When I turned 19 (seriously, the day after my birthday) I met a man, a 31 year old man who seemed to know so much, much more than my nineteen year old self knew and to me that was amazing. I put my heart and soul into him, and when he told me he "loved" me for the first time, I thought I had won this amazing prize. I fell hard, too hard, harder than anyone should every fall. I started thinking that my life would be nothing without him and that he completed me, he was my everything.

For most of the year I was living in Canada going to college, while he had his life in New Jersey. I would travel as much as I could and see him on all my visits back home, back when Jersey was home. In my mind I had it all. I would finish college and we would get married, buy a house and pop out two kids and live oh so happily ever after. Life, or God had other plans for me though, he knew what I didn't know.

I would soon come to find out that I was "mistress". My 31 year old boyfriend already had a girlfriend before he started dating me. I missed so many sign, the way he never answered the phone when I called from college, the way I could tell he was going to a different room before it was "safe" to talk, the way he never came to visit me, the way he never called me, the way we would only see each other on certain days when I was in town, the way I never really met any of his family, the way his best friend seemed so awkward around me and the biggest sign of all, the way my heart knew something was off.

How did I find out he was cheat? To make a long story short, lets just say I had a strong gut feeling one day and I pressed "play" on his answering machine, then I pressed "redial" on his phone and had a very interesting conversation with a certain person, which then led to a big confrontation with him and an accidental meet up with his girlfriend. We both learned the truth. Let me just say that now at 26, I am not for looking through someone personal property. Truth was I should have broken up with way before I found out his was cheating.

There are so many things that I learned from my year with him. I look back now and I don't understand how I could have been so naive and trusted him so much when he never gave me a reason to trust him. I learned that NO man should be your everything nor should he complete you because before you get into a relationship you should already be a complete person. My husband is amazing but he doesn't complete me, he adds his own complete self to me. I thought I couldn't live without him, well he's gone now and I'm still living, better now than before.

Rachael Yamagata's Happenstance was the soundtrack to my life that year, especially this song.

August 21, 2013

BACK TO SCHOOL BASICS

As a mother of a soon to be 1st grader, I am not well versed in the ways of Back-to-school shopping. My first day of school etiquette could use a little help as I have no idea what school supplies Joshua would need. I did know, however, that there would be 3 main things my little guy would need, so I figured I would start there.

The Backpack



Truthfully, Joshua did not need a new backpack as the one he had from Kindergarten worked just fine and still looked pretty new even though he used it everyday. Purchasing a new backpack as part of the B2S ritual is sort of a right of passage.  After work the four of us stopped into our local Winners (similar to TJ Maxx). We selected a few backpacks that we like then let Joshua select the one he wanted. We ended up with this black and red Converse Backpack which are Joshua's two favourite colors.

Before committing to it, I stuffed a large lunch box it in and made sure there was still enough room for notebooks, a pencil case and his water bottle. We also had him try it on to make sure It wasn't too small or too big.

Lunch Bag

I know that I haven't had chance to test this product out but I do have a lunch bag of the same material myself made by the same company. I love the feel and style of this bag (the piping is more bright in person that the picture displays). When it comes to design, boys are usually limited to vehicals and sports so I was please to find that Target had many other options. Joshua loved the monster theme! I love that the material is stretchy especially since at the time of purchase I did not have his lunch container so I required a bag that would accommodate different shapes and sizes. I also love that when empty, it colapse to less than and inch in thickness. Talk about easy storage! If you have kids that can be a little messy do not fret, you can toss this into the washing mashine and let it hang dry. Being that it's made of bodysuit material it will dry in no time.

Lunch Container



Obsessed. That is the word I use to describe the love of lunch containers and packing lunches. Finding "the right one" has been difficult to say the least. Poor Aaron thinks that I've completed my search only to be blindsided with yet another lunch container purchase! Husband better deal with it! This is his life now...

Container #1: This is a Rubbermade brand that I purchases at Walmart. It comes with two interchangeable compartments, so depending on my mood and Joshua's lunch I can add or remove them with ease. Why was I not satisfied? Well I dont like the idea of a lot of small pieces, especially with a 6 year old who is just learning to be responsible for his thing outside of the home. I have decided to keep this container though as a backup.

Container #2:  The brand is Fit & Fresh and until yesterday I had never heard of them. I found this at Winners the same time we got his backpack. I must say that I love the colours. The lid is easy to remove and even thought it's a different shape, it fit perfectly into Joshua's lunch bag. The container consists of three compartments all together. The top tray is removable but unlike #1, there is only one removable part rather than two.

So does that mean I am finished with my Lunch Container hunt?! Not a fat chance! I did some more research into Fit & Fresh and found the Container #3, the one that I had wanted all along and to make matters worse for my container addiction, they are super affordable. A certain someone may decide to make an online purchase...we'll see ;)

Links:

Lunch Bag
Container 1
Containers 2 & 3

How is your back to school shopping going?

August 19, 2013

WEEKEND KIDDIE POOLSIDE


After roughly two weeks of late September weather (no complaints here) we were given a true summer this weekend. It was Aaron's birthday on Sunday so we spent some time with my inlaws out in the country.

The boys enjoyed their kiddie pool. 

Aaron and I enjoyed out beer on the patio. 

Call me lazy but there is something so charming about the ideas of sitting...sitting and doing nothing but enjoying your thought. After having two energetic boys you learn to appreciate simple things like unbroken moments of thinking. Talk about simple things huh! 

I took the Monday off work, Aaron had that day off too so we took the boys into the backyard again for some pool time.

This time daddy joined in.

August 17, 2013

CURRENTLY


Excited about: There are a few things that are making my heart flutter with excitement. I could devote an entire blog post to the lengthy list but in the efforts of not becoming long winded I will keep it short. Back-to-School! My first baby is going into the 1st grade and I will admit that it is bitter sweet. It makes me sad to think of the day the when I won't be able to hold him in my lap and cuddle him and kiss him. I know those days are miles away. I know that the best thing to do is to hold on to those moments and cherish them, live in them. This is why I am living for school supplies, backpacks, packing lunches and new school clothes.

Hating: I've gotten into a major funk about a few things. I honestly don't remember a single time in my life where I lacked such confidence. Was it when I was 12 year's old wear those big round speckled framed glasses, when I wore no makeup, had bad teeth and weight 80 pounds soaking wet? No. Back then I thought that I could seriously wed Leonardo Dicaprio if I ever met me. Was it when I was 14 and had braces, glasses and wore flared jeans that were two sizes too big? Nah...then I loved my braces because lucky for me everyone had them who needed them and a lot of kids that I went to school with did. Now that I am out of middles school, high school, braces and glasses (well, when I want to be) I feel so down. One good thing about myself is that I always make an effort to improve so I will be getting my act in gear and start this road to self renewal!

Listening to: Recently I have started this love affair with instrumental piano music (my husbands doing I swear). I find it so calming to write to or to have as background music while I cook dinners. It mellows me out. In addition I cannot get the song Cruise by Florida Georgia Line out of my head! I've been humming the tune without even realizing it now, not until I am half way though "..In this brand new Chevy with a lift kit, would look a hell of a lot better with you up in it.." catchy, huh?!

Drinking: I've got a bottle of Coor's Light, light means low calories right? hmm, I'll have to check that. What I love about beer is the way the icy coldness feels on the back of your throat. It's the weekend, and I've had a long week and right now we only have beer, tequila and banana liquor. Last week Aaron and I drank too much tequila so I'm scared of that stuff right now..beer it is!

Quoting: Thomas A. Edison - "Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."

August 11, 2013

BOWMANVILLE ZOO







After an entire summer of Aaron working weekends, he was finally give his second Sunday off! We took full advantage of our day. When we started out we had no preconceived plans, just a car and hope; hope that a beautiful day was ahead of us. We got in the car and started driving east on the highway. We drove, not knowing where exactly were were going, just the general directions. We drove around for a while until we drove past a sign reading "Bowmanvill Zoo." Done! We decided to check it out! The boys had a blast and us grown ups did as well. What I did love about the zoo was that it was small! No miles and miles of land separating one exhibit from the next. No large hills to climb, no annoying crowds, just a few people who much like us wanted to take their kids out of a Sunday afternoon.