Monday, April 23, 2012
Time flies when you're having fun
Today my oldest child is 11 years old. I can't believe it. It feels like yesterday that I found out I was pregnant with him. It feels like just yesterday from the day I brought him home to start our new life together. It feels like just yesterday that he learned how to crawl, and walk and say "ma ma".
When I was growing up I remember my mother and my aunts always saying to me "Enjoy every stage of your life while you are living it, because it passes quickly." Ok maybe they didn't say it that refined, they most likely said it like "Jesus Murphy D, stop trying to act older than you are, because before you know it you will be old like us" ..lol. But their point was not taken because I thought they were lunatics. I thought they were old and that when I was their age, I would be waaaay cooler than them.
Well that time has come, and I am officially the age they were when they would tell me to enjoy my youth. Funny how life works. I find myself telling my daughter to enjoy being a little girl because when you become an adult there is no more excuses for being an idiot..lol. Don't get me wrong, there is no shortage of adults acting like idiots, but it's just not that tolerated after the age of 20.
I try to think back today on how young I was. How inexperienced I was about life and motherhood. I thought I had a plan on how life was going to be. I thought I knew everything about how to make my child behave, how to make my child eat healthy and how to make my child love school. I knew it all...except...I didn't know anything. See this is the crappy part about life. When we are young we are full of energy, full of life and we are also full of sh..t..lol. We know nothing about life. We know nothing about parenthood and we know nothing about almost everything. We look at our own parents and think we will do a way better job than they did.
Well now I fast forward to today. Today I think I know a little more than I did 11 years ago. Today I think I know that we can't "make" our kids love veggies. We can't "make" our kids love math homework. I learned that kids become who they were meant to become. They have their own personalities, they have their own likes and dislikes. I learned that even though I think I am "cool", my son may not share that perception of me..lol. I learned that I have become my mother. Yes, I am ok to accept that fact. (Even though Im still way cooler than her..lol).
11 years ago today I was a 26 year old girl who became a mother to a beautiful baby boy. I had fewer laugh lines, I had tighter thighs, and I had firmer breasts..lol. But 11 years ago I didn't know how to stop a bleeding nose, I didn't know how to bring down a rising fever, and I didn't know how to deal with my child asking me why I lied about telling him there is a Santa and a tooth fairy. Now...I am a pro..lol. At least I think I am?
I think I have learned a little along the way. I think I picked up some good tips and bad tips. Some good tricks and some pretty bad tricks. But the truth is, I am still learning every day. I still have time to learn the stuff that is coming my way. I have accepted the fact that my kids are growing up, and so am I.
The great part about life is that we don't even realize things are happening until they are gone. We don't realize all the lessons, all the wonderful things we are teaching our kids until we see them doing it. We don't realize that life's lessons are best learned when we don't see them. They are learned and remembered once they have passed and left a small imaginary imprint in our minds...we don't remember it at the time, because time flies when we are having fun!
That's my peace today!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Pictures last longer than a Gucci bag....don't they?
This past Friday my daughter celebrated her 8th birthday with all her little friends. We went to a place called Airbourne Trampoline. The kids jump and jump and jump until their hearts content. She invited almost all the girls in her class (it was a girls only party.lol) and a few cousins.
The girls had so much fun. Pictures were taken, food was eaten and cupcakes were devoured. All that was left after 2 hours of fun jumping was some food, drinks maybe a cupcake or 2 and well...the big fat bill. For the love of God and all his disciples....does it really cost that much money for an 8 year olds birthday party???? Well if you ask my mother, she would tell you...HELL NO! and let me tell you why...
I'm taking you back to 1982. When Bon Jovi just hit the music scene, Madonna was no longer the statue Italians had in their front yard...she was a new pop singer, and perms were the common request at the local "hairdressers". It was also the year I turned 8. (ok people do the math now to see how old I am:)) Anywho, picture this, October 11, 1982 in Woodbridge, Ontario. The home of Perry's grocery store and the 400 Drive inn. Life was much simpler then it is now. Cougar boots were the "in" thing and if you didn't have a pair of leg warmers..you couldn't even bother trying to fit in. Life was good. I was in grade 3 and learning multiplications was my biggest hurdle.
My 8th birthday was on a Monday and like always, I had to share it with a turkey. Like a real turkey, stuffing and all. My mother, like always, cooked for Thanksgiving and all my aunts and uncles and whatever cousins were born then came over. There was no invitations required; If you wanted to go to someone's house, you just showed up. You were always greeted with a smile and a shot of espresso. My mother made her own cake, dipped in a whole lot of rum and frosted with icing sugar and green food colouring. She put 8 candles on the home made cake, took a picture or 2 (that she developed a year later) and the night was over. If I was lucky, we were allowed to play in our grey cement basement, that had insulation popping out of the walls, and cement block walls. The night ended, everyone went home. I opened my cards that had $20 in them, I went to bed and the next day it was all over. Life moved on and I waited until 365 days were up to have that day over again.
Now let us fast forward to Friday night. My daughter's b-day. Prior to the day, I had to book the "party place" at least 1 month in advance because if I didn't, there would be nothing left and what would my poor child do if we couldn't find a place???? After I booked the location and left a $50 deposit, I went out to buy invitations that had to match the colour scheme of her cake and decorations. Then I waited for all the other moms to call and r.s.v.p for that day. I wrote down all their names so I knew how many "loot bags" I had to make and how much food I needed to order.
The day arrived, she was as excited as I was the day I turned 8. The only difference is that I partied with Zia Rita and Zia Lina. She was going to party with Isabella, Claudia and Elizabeth. Which I'm sure is way cooler than who I had. :) She went to school that day, she came home she picked her outfit and was ready for the party. She had noooo idea that I had been running around all day, picking up the overpriced cupcakes, the loot bags, and the food, drinks and snacks for the night.
6pm -8pm came and went so quickly. She had sooo much fun. She was so excited that she got to share her birthday with all her little friends. I took lots of pictures of the night. I handed out the loot bags, loaded the car with gifts and handed the girl at the counter my visa. I hid the receipt in my purse because my husband thinks I paid $50 for the entire trampoline rental...lol..and I left.
When I got home I thought about all the money, the stress and the work I had just put into this day. We had already celebrated the week before (on her real bday) with my family. This was just so she could celebrate with her friends. I know she's not the only one. I know this because the Sunday after her party, she had 2 birthday parties to attend. It's something that is now the birthday "norm". Why have we made this the norm? Do we think that if we don't have a party for our kids we are screwing them up? Or do we do it because we feel sorry for them? What the hell is there to feel sorry about??? How come our mothers didn't feel sorry for us? Feel sorry that we ripped our socks on the nails that were popping out of the untiled floors in our basement? or for the fact that we had to serve our uncles and grandparents lupini beans and biscotti on OUR birthday? They didn't feel sorry for us because there is nothing to feel sorry about. We have created this world of giving to our kids. Well I can tell you now, I want to take some advice from my mother on how to throw a party. I want to ask her how I was so happy on that day even though I didn't go to an overly booked, germ infested play place?? How mom? How?
My mother took pictures of my 8th birthday and I have them in an album that I look at once in a while. I am glad that she took those pictures because it is a reminder of my childhood and all the wonderful people who were in it. I too took some pictures of my daughter on that night at Airborne Trampoline. I just hope that one day she too can look back and appreciate that special night because the only thing that makes me feel better is knowing that pictures last longer than that Gucci bag I could have bought...don't they???
That's my peace today!
The girls had so much fun. Pictures were taken, food was eaten and cupcakes were devoured. All that was left after 2 hours of fun jumping was some food, drinks maybe a cupcake or 2 and well...the big fat bill. For the love of God and all his disciples....does it really cost that much money for an 8 year olds birthday party???? Well if you ask my mother, she would tell you...HELL NO! and let me tell you why...
I'm taking you back to 1982. When Bon Jovi just hit the music scene, Madonna was no longer the statue Italians had in their front yard...she was a new pop singer, and perms were the common request at the local "hairdressers". It was also the year I turned 8. (ok people do the math now to see how old I am:)) Anywho, picture this, October 11, 1982 in Woodbridge, Ontario. The home of Perry's grocery store and the 400 Drive inn. Life was much simpler then it is now. Cougar boots were the "in" thing and if you didn't have a pair of leg warmers..you couldn't even bother trying to fit in. Life was good. I was in grade 3 and learning multiplications was my biggest hurdle.
My 8th birthday was on a Monday and like always, I had to share it with a turkey. Like a real turkey, stuffing and all. My mother, like always, cooked for Thanksgiving and all my aunts and uncles and whatever cousins were born then came over. There was no invitations required; If you wanted to go to someone's house, you just showed up. You were always greeted with a smile and a shot of espresso. My mother made her own cake, dipped in a whole lot of rum and frosted with icing sugar and green food colouring. She put 8 candles on the home made cake, took a picture or 2 (that she developed a year later) and the night was over. If I was lucky, we were allowed to play in our grey cement basement, that had insulation popping out of the walls, and cement block walls. The night ended, everyone went home. I opened my cards that had $20 in them, I went to bed and the next day it was all over. Life moved on and I waited until 365 days were up to have that day over again.
Now let us fast forward to Friday night. My daughter's b-day. Prior to the day, I had to book the "party place" at least 1 month in advance because if I didn't, there would be nothing left and what would my poor child do if we couldn't find a place???? After I booked the location and left a $50 deposit, I went out to buy invitations that had to match the colour scheme of her cake and decorations. Then I waited for all the other moms to call and r.s.v.p for that day. I wrote down all their names so I knew how many "loot bags" I had to make and how much food I needed to order.
The day arrived, she was as excited as I was the day I turned 8. The only difference is that I partied with Zia Rita and Zia Lina. She was going to party with Isabella, Claudia and Elizabeth. Which I'm sure is way cooler than who I had. :) She went to school that day, she came home she picked her outfit and was ready for the party. She had noooo idea that I had been running around all day, picking up the overpriced cupcakes, the loot bags, and the food, drinks and snacks for the night.
6pm -8pm came and went so quickly. She had sooo much fun. She was so excited that she got to share her birthday with all her little friends. I took lots of pictures of the night. I handed out the loot bags, loaded the car with gifts and handed the girl at the counter my visa. I hid the receipt in my purse because my husband thinks I paid $50 for the entire trampoline rental...lol..and I left.
When I got home I thought about all the money, the stress and the work I had just put into this day. We had already celebrated the week before (on her real bday) with my family. This was just so she could celebrate with her friends. I know she's not the only one. I know this because the Sunday after her party, she had 2 birthday parties to attend. It's something that is now the birthday "norm". Why have we made this the norm? Do we think that if we don't have a party for our kids we are screwing them up? Or do we do it because we feel sorry for them? What the hell is there to feel sorry about??? How come our mothers didn't feel sorry for us? Feel sorry that we ripped our socks on the nails that were popping out of the untiled floors in our basement? or for the fact that we had to serve our uncles and grandparents lupini beans and biscotti on OUR birthday? They didn't feel sorry for us because there is nothing to feel sorry about. We have created this world of giving to our kids. Well I can tell you now, I want to take some advice from my mother on how to throw a party. I want to ask her how I was so happy on that day even though I didn't go to an overly booked, germ infested play place?? How mom? How?
My mother took pictures of my 8th birthday and I have them in an album that I look at once in a while. I am glad that she took those pictures because it is a reminder of my childhood and all the wonderful people who were in it. I too took some pictures of my daughter on that night at Airborne Trampoline. I just hope that one day she too can look back and appreciate that special night because the only thing that makes me feel better is knowing that pictures last longer than that Gucci bag I could have bought...don't they???
That's my peace today!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Sweet Dreams
Dear sleep,
Remember me? Its Diana. I used to really enjoy you many years ago but somehow about 11 years ago that all changed and we lost touch. :( .I try to catch up with you but it's so hard because I am always so busy doing other things. I miss the nights when it was just you and me; alone in my bed. Now I have no time with you, and I feel when I do, I have to share you with others.
I was thinking of you this morning. I was thinking that's it time you and I meet up again. Maybe in the afternoon or maybe tonight. What do you say? Like old times.
11 years ago our relationship took a turn for the worst. I had to give you up, only seeing you 2 hours at a time. It was hard and I felt the distance. Since then I know you have tried to make a connection and I have been ignoring you. I want you to know, it's me it's not you. It is nothing you did. I really want to be with you again so please understand I am doing my best to have what we had so many years ago.
I know that I am not the only one who hasn't been seeing you lately. I have been talking to my friends and it seems they have lost touch with you too. They miss you, just as much as I do...trust me! I have friends that get to see you over and over again. Every night. They have you for a full 8 hours. I have to say, I am extremely jealous of the connection you have with them. I also have friends that see you in the day time! I cannot imagine it! How could you make time for them in the day?? Shame on you.
I have been asking around about you. You do get around, but for some reason you skip me? You are in my house every night. You and my husband have a very very strong bond! But it seems you do not like 3 year olds, and you don't particular care for mothers? Especially mothers with babies, and pregnant mother. You really hate pregnant mothers don't you?
Oh well, I know one day we will meet again. I am not sure when? I have heard that when my kids are teenagers I will connect with you even less because your friend named "Worry" will be keeping us apart. Then I heard that when I grow older,( like much older) your friend "Menopause" will be even worse than "Worry" I just hope one day you will see it in your heart to forgive me and welcome me back into your dreams. Maybe if you would spend less time with husbands, fathers, teenagers and single people you would have more time for us hard working, strong minded, matter of fact mothers.
I am leaving you some time to think about it. You don't have to give me an answer tonight, but in the near future (lets say maybe a few years from now) You and I can catch up on all that lost time. Although it will be short lived, if only for a few nights we can dance again in my bed. Until then, good night my friend Sleep, and sweet dreams.
Your friend,
"Get me some f""in sleep now or I think I am going to hang myself" Diana
Remember me? Its Diana. I used to really enjoy you many years ago but somehow about 11 years ago that all changed and we lost touch. :( .I try to catch up with you but it's so hard because I am always so busy doing other things. I miss the nights when it was just you and me; alone in my bed. Now I have no time with you, and I feel when I do, I have to share you with others.
I was thinking of you this morning. I was thinking that's it time you and I meet up again. Maybe in the afternoon or maybe tonight. What do you say? Like old times.
11 years ago our relationship took a turn for the worst. I had to give you up, only seeing you 2 hours at a time. It was hard and I felt the distance. Since then I know you have tried to make a connection and I have been ignoring you. I want you to know, it's me it's not you. It is nothing you did. I really want to be with you again so please understand I am doing my best to have what we had so many years ago.
I know that I am not the only one who hasn't been seeing you lately. I have been talking to my friends and it seems they have lost touch with you too. They miss you, just as much as I do...trust me! I have friends that get to see you over and over again. Every night. They have you for a full 8 hours. I have to say, I am extremely jealous of the connection you have with them. I also have friends that see you in the day time! I cannot imagine it! How could you make time for them in the day?? Shame on you.
I have been asking around about you. You do get around, but for some reason you skip me? You are in my house every night. You and my husband have a very very strong bond! But it seems you do not like 3 year olds, and you don't particular care for mothers? Especially mothers with babies, and pregnant mother. You really hate pregnant mothers don't you?
Oh well, I know one day we will meet again. I am not sure when? I have heard that when my kids are teenagers I will connect with you even less because your friend named "Worry" will be keeping us apart. Then I heard that when I grow older,( like much older) your friend "Menopause" will be even worse than "Worry" I just hope one day you will see it in your heart to forgive me and welcome me back into your dreams. Maybe if you would spend less time with husbands, fathers, teenagers and single people you would have more time for us hard working, strong minded, matter of fact mothers.
I am leaving you some time to think about it. You don't have to give me an answer tonight, but in the near future (lets say maybe a few years from now) You and I can catch up on all that lost time. Although it will be short lived, if only for a few nights we can dance again in my bed. Until then, good night my friend Sleep, and sweet dreams.
Your friend,
"Get me some f""in sleep now or I think I am going to hang myself" Diana
Monday, March 19, 2012
I wasn't as sick as you
Ok so I apologize that I have not written in almost 10 months, sorry life just happened. Funny though, I don't feel 10 months older :)...anywho, I just passed almost 2 weeks of virus hell, and it's still not over. We went for our yearly family trip to Florida and when we came back (I still felt like it wasn't really a vacation..and maybe that's because I went with the kids...and my husband. :)the virus' began.
Two days after we came back from our vacation my older son started. Fever, chills, sniffles, cough..you get my point. And because he is a "man in the making" all he did was moan and groan and cry and whine and whine and moan and groan, (well you get my point) for days. Don't get me wrong, I felt horrible for him. In fact I even slept in his bed at night to comfort him while he was up moaning and groaning and whining and crying. lol.
See when one of my kids get sick in the house I always cringe. I cringe because I know that all 4 will get whatever the first one brought home. But see where I cringe the most...is that I know that soon, along with my 4 children getting sick...so will my wonderful and ever so loving husband. If you are married then you totally understand what I am talking about.
The Nyquil brand produced a very smart commercial recently. "Pam...can you call my mom??" That was a brilliant commercial that spoke about the ever so popular "man cold". Anyway, so as I was saying...my husband was the second to get this virus. And for some very odd reason, I just didn't feel as sympathetic for him as I did for my 10 year old son..lol.
I guess it's because if you are anything like me, when you get sick you pop extra strength Tylenol, sip some Green Tea and get on with your day. You don't get to complain, you just do whatever it is you do.
So anyway, after a few nights of me sleeping in my sons bed, comforting him, taking his temperature, putting cold cloths on his forehead I felt very exhausted. But just the same, I went to work, came home, made dinner, cleaned the dishes, took my daughter to piano, and finally, I put all four children to bed. As my butt touched the couch I hear something from upstairs??? Thinking I am hearing things I continue to watch TV. Again hearing something...I finally press the mute button and then I hear it..my husbands' voice of panic for me to come upstairs. Well of course I got up quickly not knowing if it's one of my kids, did they fall off the bed? did one of them vomit? what the heck is going on?? As I get upstairs I go into my bedroom and ask my husband, "What is it? what happen? what's wrong?" He then says.."Oh please help me...I think I am going to die"...LOL...LOL....except I didn't feel like laughing then, I actually felt like slowly placing the big heavy down filled pillow over his nasal passage...lol..but I knew that would only cause more problems..lol..so instead I did what Jesus would do........I told him he wasn't going to die because he still had to stay alive to witness the wonderful years of teenage life with our kids because I wasn't going through that alone, and then I told him he had the flu and it was probably more likely than not, it would go away, and then I marched downstairs boiled some water and put a Neo Citron packet in a mug and brought it upstairs to his helpless body. I then said "Goodnight" closed the door to our room and went to sleep in the spare bed.
The next morning I went to check on my "Woodbridge Patient" and he was feeling much better. He was so thankful that God allowed him to live..lol...(ok maybe I am exaggerating a little). He then noticed me grabbing a tissue and blowing my nose. He turned to me and asked in a very sincere tone, he asked, "Oh no, are you getting sick too?" I smiled, turned my head and said, "Honey, I have been sick for 3 days already..I am actually getting better." He looked at me very confused? How could I have been sick and not know it? And anyone who has a husband can all the say the same response...."Honey that's because, I wasn't as sick as you."
Two days after we came back from our vacation my older son started. Fever, chills, sniffles, cough..you get my point. And because he is a "man in the making" all he did was moan and groan and cry and whine and whine and moan and groan, (well you get my point) for days. Don't get me wrong, I felt horrible for him. In fact I even slept in his bed at night to comfort him while he was up moaning and groaning and whining and crying. lol.
See when one of my kids get sick in the house I always cringe. I cringe because I know that all 4 will get whatever the first one brought home. But see where I cringe the most...is that I know that soon, along with my 4 children getting sick...so will my wonderful and ever so loving husband. If you are married then you totally understand what I am talking about.
The Nyquil brand produced a very smart commercial recently. "Pam...can you call my mom??" That was a brilliant commercial that spoke about the ever so popular "man cold". Anyway, so as I was saying...my husband was the second to get this virus. And for some very odd reason, I just didn't feel as sympathetic for him as I did for my 10 year old son..lol.
I guess it's because if you are anything like me, when you get sick you pop extra strength Tylenol, sip some Green Tea and get on with your day. You don't get to complain, you just do whatever it is you do.
So anyway, after a few nights of me sleeping in my sons bed, comforting him, taking his temperature, putting cold cloths on his forehead I felt very exhausted. But just the same, I went to work, came home, made dinner, cleaned the dishes, took my daughter to piano, and finally, I put all four children to bed. As my butt touched the couch I hear something from upstairs??? Thinking I am hearing things I continue to watch TV. Again hearing something...I finally press the mute button and then I hear it..my husbands' voice of panic for me to come upstairs. Well of course I got up quickly not knowing if it's one of my kids, did they fall off the bed? did one of them vomit? what the heck is going on?? As I get upstairs I go into my bedroom and ask my husband, "What is it? what happen? what's wrong?" He then says.."Oh please help me...I think I am going to die"...LOL...LOL....except I didn't feel like laughing then, I actually felt like slowly placing the big heavy down filled pillow over his nasal passage...lol..but I knew that would only cause more problems..lol..so instead I did what Jesus would do........I told him he wasn't going to die because he still had to stay alive to witness the wonderful years of teenage life with our kids because I wasn't going through that alone, and then I told him he had the flu and it was probably more likely than not, it would go away, and then I marched downstairs boiled some water and put a Neo Citron packet in a mug and brought it upstairs to his helpless body. I then said "Goodnight" closed the door to our room and went to sleep in the spare bed.
The next morning I went to check on my "Woodbridge Patient" and he was feeling much better. He was so thankful that God allowed him to live..lol...(ok maybe I am exaggerating a little). He then noticed me grabbing a tissue and blowing my nose. He turned to me and asked in a very sincere tone, he asked, "Oh no, are you getting sick too?" I smiled, turned my head and said, "Honey, I have been sick for 3 days already..I am actually getting better." He looked at me very confused? How could I have been sick and not know it? And anyone who has a husband can all the say the same response...."Honey that's because, I wasn't as sick as you."
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Life is what you make it
I have not written in a while. I can say that it's because I am busy, I can say that is because I had nothing to say (ya right..lol) or I can say it's because I didn't really feel like it? I am not sure why, but I am writing today.
Lately, or maybe not only lately. Maybe always and every day, I have been hearing bad things. So and so is sick, so and so got divorced, so and so said you are a bitch (you get the point)...and to be quite honest, i don't want to hear that stuff anymore. I think I have reached a point in my life where I just want to hear all the happy things that life has to offer. I have reached a stage in my life where it's not ok to purposely hurt another person's feelings. I don't like the feeling it gives me. I feel so much better when I see people happy and smiling (ok maybe not on my PMS days....bc those days I can just rip someone's eyeballs out..LOL). No, but seriously, isn't life too short to be angry?
Over the past few months , there have been several people that I know or that someone in my family knows, that has fallen ill. It is so sad, it is so horrible. But I have decided (although I pray for the families), I am choosing not to dwell on these things that we have no control over. "One sunny day erases 10 days of rain". This is so true. Think about how happy people are when the sun is shining and people are out walking and playing. This is what life should be all about, or at least..what we should want it to be about.
I am not naive enough to think that there will be never be sorrow, or that emotional pain can be far worse than physical pain, but for right now, and for today, I choose to be happy. I choose to do things that make me happy. I choose to be surrounded by people that are happy in their own lives.
There is far too much sadness in this world. There is far too much hatred in the world. There are far too many things in this world that are unfair. We watch the news, only to feel horrible. Kids getting hurt; countries getting bombed; the food we eat being recalled for dangerous bacteria. I am not saying we should not keep in touch with current events, I am just saying we should just keep them at arms' length and embrace the funny, happy, feel good stories. It just feels so much better.
We are all part of this race. We all begin at the "Start" line and we all end at the "Finish" line. Some people think that it doesn't matter how fast you run in the race, or how many times you fall in the race, or if you helped some other runner when they fell down in the race. But I think it does matter. I think it matters how many times you fell, because it felt all that better when you got up, I think it does matter if you cried the whole time running, or if you were too busy being angry the whole race. It matters.
When we die we leave a legacy. We leave an impression. We leave a history. A path that may be invisible to our eyes, but bold in the minds of all the people we love. We will be remembered by them for all the times they saw us laugh, and for all the times they made us laugh. And for all the times that we made that extra little effort to show them we loved them. This is what they will see and what they will remember.
In the past few weeks, my extended family have lost loved ones, and I know that the people left behind, are holding onto to all the wonderful moments that were shared on their run in the race. All the important days that were shared. They are holding onto all the things that made them smile. They are holding onto all the happy times and important times that made their lives so full filled. They remember the parts in the race that made it feel like time went by so quickly, because it was so special. These are the moments that are forever cherished and remembered. This I promise you.
I hope for myself, all my beautiful friends and of course.... my beautiful children, that we live a long, long, long life. I also hope for everyone, that we live a life full of love, a life filled with laughter, and a life filled with lots and lots of smiles. Because, life my friends...is what you make it.
That's my peace today!
Pickled Asparagus
2 bunches extra thin asparagus
1 part vinegar
2 part water
salt
3/4 c olive oil
3 cloves chopped up garlic
salt
Remove hard ends from asparagus, measure 1 cup vinegar, 2 cups water. Add to pot with asapagus. bring to a boil, salt water. Drain and dry completely on cloth. Meanwhile in a large bowl mix, mix oil, salt and garlic. Toss asparagus in oil and refridgerate.
Lately, or maybe not only lately. Maybe always and every day, I have been hearing bad things. So and so is sick, so and so got divorced, so and so said you are a bitch (you get the point)...and to be quite honest, i don't want to hear that stuff anymore. I think I have reached a point in my life where I just want to hear all the happy things that life has to offer. I have reached a stage in my life where it's not ok to purposely hurt another person's feelings. I don't like the feeling it gives me. I feel so much better when I see people happy and smiling (ok maybe not on my PMS days....bc those days I can just rip someone's eyeballs out..LOL). No, but seriously, isn't life too short to be angry?
Over the past few months , there have been several people that I know or that someone in my family knows, that has fallen ill. It is so sad, it is so horrible. But I have decided (although I pray for the families), I am choosing not to dwell on these things that we have no control over. "One sunny day erases 10 days of rain". This is so true. Think about how happy people are when the sun is shining and people are out walking and playing. This is what life should be all about, or at least..what we should want it to be about.
I am not naive enough to think that there will be never be sorrow, or that emotional pain can be far worse than physical pain, but for right now, and for today, I choose to be happy. I choose to do things that make me happy. I choose to be surrounded by people that are happy in their own lives.
There is far too much sadness in this world. There is far too much hatred in the world. There are far too many things in this world that are unfair. We watch the news, only to feel horrible. Kids getting hurt; countries getting bombed; the food we eat being recalled for dangerous bacteria. I am not saying we should not keep in touch with current events, I am just saying we should just keep them at arms' length and embrace the funny, happy, feel good stories. It just feels so much better.
We are all part of this race. We all begin at the "Start" line and we all end at the "Finish" line. Some people think that it doesn't matter how fast you run in the race, or how many times you fall in the race, or if you helped some other runner when they fell down in the race. But I think it does matter. I think it matters how many times you fell, because it felt all that better when you got up, I think it does matter if you cried the whole time running, or if you were too busy being angry the whole race. It matters.
When we die we leave a legacy. We leave an impression. We leave a history. A path that may be invisible to our eyes, but bold in the minds of all the people we love. We will be remembered by them for all the times they saw us laugh, and for all the times they made us laugh. And for all the times that we made that extra little effort to show them we loved them. This is what they will see and what they will remember.
In the past few weeks, my extended family have lost loved ones, and I know that the people left behind, are holding onto to all the wonderful moments that were shared on their run in the race. All the important days that were shared. They are holding onto all the things that made them smile. They are holding onto all the happy times and important times that made their lives so full filled. They remember the parts in the race that made it feel like time went by so quickly, because it was so special. These are the moments that are forever cherished and remembered. This I promise you.
I hope for myself, all my beautiful friends and of course.... my beautiful children, that we live a long, long, long life. I also hope for everyone, that we live a life full of love, a life filled with laughter, and a life filled with lots and lots of smiles. Because, life my friends...is what you make it.
That's my peace today!
Pickled Asparagus
2 bunches extra thin asparagus
1 part vinegar
2 part water
salt
3/4 c olive oil
3 cloves chopped up garlic
salt
Remove hard ends from asparagus, measure 1 cup vinegar, 2 cups water. Add to pot with asapagus. bring to a boil, salt water. Drain and dry completely on cloth. Meanwhile in a large bowl mix, mix oil, salt and garlic. Toss asparagus in oil and refridgerate.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Take the pickle out...once in a while!
We just came back from a wonderful family vacation in Florida. We really needed the get away from the winter weather and the stress of home. We had not been away since before the twins were born, so it was a well deserved venture.
We booked the trip a month in advance so it was quite the wait for us and the kids. Finally the day arrived and we were ready to part from the cold Toronto weather. I was a little nervous because I do not love to fly, in fact, I hate to fly. The kids were all ready to go and so were we. I was wondering how the twins would behave on the plane because it was their first time.
We board the plane and it was packed! There was not 1 seat available. We went to our designated seats and I was sitting next to my 2 daughters and the boys were sitting next to Franco. I bought headphones for the kids to use when they wanted to watch the in flight movies. The first hour went by without a hitch. The kids were good and quiet. After the second hour, Jenna began getting antsy and she wanted out. She wanted out of her chair, out of her section, and out of the airplane. I didn't think that was a good idea.lol. She is 2 1/2 years old. She is at the age where she kind of understands, but she does not quite understand the threats like the older ones do.lol.
I tried very hard to keep her calm. I tried very hard to keep her quiet. I tried very hard to keep her still...FAIL...FAIL...FAIL. Nothing was working. People around us began to get agitated. Some smiled and understood, and others...not so much. The people in front of us were visibly annoyed with this little toddler of mine. I kept apologizing but they were not being receptive. After a little while, the flight attendant came up to us and tried to talk to Jenna..lol..Negative. She just looked at her and continued to squirm out of her chair. I was embarrassed on one end, and livid on the other. I turned behind to look at my husband for help, he barely knew what was going on because he had the head phones on and was watching the same movie as my 2 boys were..lol.. great!
It was almost 730pm and this was normally Jenna's bedtime so she was just cranky and tired. After some begging, smiling, and passing off candy to her she calmed down and she eventually fell asleep. Phew. We landed at 830pm and she was as happy as she is the moment she wakes up. On the way back we left at an earlier time in the day so she was calm, happy and excited to be flying in the air again.
I am sure many parents have had stressful times like these before. You become so desperate to calm your children down that you forget how angry you are that these "people" are being so mean and uncompassionate. If you are a parent then you should try to remember a time that your toddler had a rough time calming down. I can understand if it was my 9 year old son. He is totally capable of knowing good behaviour from bad.
A few days after I came back from my trip, I was having lunch with some colleagues of mine. We were at a Japanese restaurant discussing some work stuff. As we were speaking we kept getting disrupted by this screaming young child across the way from us. A couple of my coworkers began showing their dismay with this screaming toddler. I carried on the conversation like normal (maybe I am just so conditioned to noise, I now drown it out..lol) We kind of just smirked and figured this child is its mother's problem, not ours.
As we were eating lunch, I couldn't help but hear 2 women talking at another table about this child who was clearly not happy. They were going on and on about how kids should behave and how parents should discipline their children and so on and so on. Then they carried on to talk about how kids should be seen and not heard and just going on and on and on. A part of me was biting my tongue trying my darn best not to speak, but the part of me that just went through the judgmental stares I had just experienced days before on my plane ride to Florida, was bursting at the seams. This child was a small 18 mth old little girl. Her mother was trying her best to calm her down and to figure out what was bothering her. I sympathised with this woman because I understand how stressful a situation like this one can be.
I couldn't take it any longer, I had to speak. I turned around to the 2 women. 1 of the women looked like she was just out of high school, and the other looked like she had something stuck up her a-hole. I calmly looked at these judgemental women, I smiled and I said, "I know it kind of sucks having to listen to the screaming child, but instead of talking about this mother, or her "bad" child, maybe you can try to put yourself in her position and how hard it is for her right now ." I calmly turned back around, got my coat and I left. but Not before I walked up to the mother with her child, that she had now calmed down, and said to her, "I know how you feel..it's ok eventually they grow up and leave us" She laughed, I laughed and I know at that moment she felt better.
In life, we decide that judging people is easier to do than helping them. How is it any different if that women would have fallen and asked someone to help her up? Half the time we get stressed in a situation like that because we feel nervous at what others may think of us, or our children.
A child that is having a bad moment is not a bad child. A child that is having a small tantrum in a public place, is not a bad child. A mother who is having a hard moment with her child, is not a bad mother. A mother who is having a hard time calming her child that is having a tantrum, is not a bad mother. She is just trying her best to go through the little bumps and turns on the journey of motherhood. She is just hoping that other mothers will be understanding and sympathetic, and she is just wishing that people would help, more than they judge, and to maybe take that pickle out of their a** ,once in a while!
That's my peace today!
I thought this recipe was suited for the blog..lol
Jarred Pickles
Baby cucumbers (however many you want to make...1/2 bushel makes 10 jars)
Pickled salt
garlic pieces
bunches of fresh dill
Scrub pickles with a brush. Keep overnight in cold water. In a large pot, boil 4 cups water with 2 cups vinigar, add 10 tablespoons of pickling salt (you will need more if you are doing 10 jars so just keep adding evenly)
Sterilize Mason jar and fill with dry pickles, pieces of garlic and bunches of dill. Add boiling water mixture to the jars and seal tightly. Pickles are ready after about a month. (make sure the lids pop once they are sealed for a few minutes)
We booked the trip a month in advance so it was quite the wait for us and the kids. Finally the day arrived and we were ready to part from the cold Toronto weather. I was a little nervous because I do not love to fly, in fact, I hate to fly. The kids were all ready to go and so were we. I was wondering how the twins would behave on the plane because it was their first time.
We board the plane and it was packed! There was not 1 seat available. We went to our designated seats and I was sitting next to my 2 daughters and the boys were sitting next to Franco. I bought headphones for the kids to use when they wanted to watch the in flight movies. The first hour went by without a hitch. The kids were good and quiet. After the second hour, Jenna began getting antsy and she wanted out. She wanted out of her chair, out of her section, and out of the airplane. I didn't think that was a good idea.lol. She is 2 1/2 years old. She is at the age where she kind of understands, but she does not quite understand the threats like the older ones do.lol.
I tried very hard to keep her calm. I tried very hard to keep her quiet. I tried very hard to keep her still...FAIL...FAIL...FAIL. Nothing was working. People around us began to get agitated. Some smiled and understood, and others...not so much. The people in front of us were visibly annoyed with this little toddler of mine. I kept apologizing but they were not being receptive. After a little while, the flight attendant came up to us and tried to talk to Jenna..lol..Negative. She just looked at her and continued to squirm out of her chair. I was embarrassed on one end, and livid on the other. I turned behind to look at my husband for help, he barely knew what was going on because he had the head phones on and was watching the same movie as my 2 boys were..lol.. great!
It was almost 730pm and this was normally Jenna's bedtime so she was just cranky and tired. After some begging, smiling, and passing off candy to her she calmed down and she eventually fell asleep. Phew. We landed at 830pm and she was as happy as she is the moment she wakes up. On the way back we left at an earlier time in the day so she was calm, happy and excited to be flying in the air again.
I am sure many parents have had stressful times like these before. You become so desperate to calm your children down that you forget how angry you are that these "people" are being so mean and uncompassionate. If you are a parent then you should try to remember a time that your toddler had a rough time calming down. I can understand if it was my 9 year old son. He is totally capable of knowing good behaviour from bad.
A few days after I came back from my trip, I was having lunch with some colleagues of mine. We were at a Japanese restaurant discussing some work stuff. As we were speaking we kept getting disrupted by this screaming young child across the way from us. A couple of my coworkers began showing their dismay with this screaming toddler. I carried on the conversation like normal (maybe I am just so conditioned to noise, I now drown it out..lol) We kind of just smirked and figured this child is its mother's problem, not ours.
As we were eating lunch, I couldn't help but hear 2 women talking at another table about this child who was clearly not happy. They were going on and on about how kids should behave and how parents should discipline their children and so on and so on. Then they carried on to talk about how kids should be seen and not heard and just going on and on and on. A part of me was biting my tongue trying my darn best not to speak, but the part of me that just went through the judgmental stares I had just experienced days before on my plane ride to Florida, was bursting at the seams. This child was a small 18 mth old little girl. Her mother was trying her best to calm her down and to figure out what was bothering her. I sympathised with this woman because I understand how stressful a situation like this one can be.
I couldn't take it any longer, I had to speak. I turned around to the 2 women. 1 of the women looked like she was just out of high school, and the other looked like she had something stuck up her a-hole. I calmly looked at these judgemental women, I smiled and I said, "I know it kind of sucks having to listen to the screaming child, but instead of talking about this mother, or her "bad" child, maybe you can try to put yourself in her position and how hard it is for her right now ." I calmly turned back around, got my coat and I left. but Not before I walked up to the mother with her child, that she had now calmed down, and said to her, "I know how you feel..it's ok eventually they grow up and leave us" She laughed, I laughed and I know at that moment she felt better.
In life, we decide that judging people is easier to do than helping them. How is it any different if that women would have fallen and asked someone to help her up? Half the time we get stressed in a situation like that because we feel nervous at what others may think of us, or our children.
A child that is having a bad moment is not a bad child. A child that is having a small tantrum in a public place, is not a bad child. A mother who is having a hard moment with her child, is not a bad mother. A mother who is having a hard time calming her child that is having a tantrum, is not a bad mother. She is just trying her best to go through the little bumps and turns on the journey of motherhood. She is just hoping that other mothers will be understanding and sympathetic, and she is just wishing that people would help, more than they judge, and to maybe take that pickle out of their a** ,once in a while!
That's my peace today!
I thought this recipe was suited for the blog..lol
Jarred Pickles
Baby cucumbers (however many you want to make...1/2 bushel makes 10 jars)
Pickled salt
garlic pieces
bunches of fresh dill
Scrub pickles with a brush. Keep overnight in cold water. In a large pot, boil 4 cups water with 2 cups vinigar, add 10 tablespoons of pickling salt (you will need more if you are doing 10 jars so just keep adding evenly)
Sterilize Mason jar and fill with dry pickles, pieces of garlic and bunches of dill. Add boiling water mixture to the jars and seal tightly. Pickles are ready after about a month. (make sure the lids pop once they are sealed for a few minutes)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
"No...MY MA MA"
When I had my first child it was me and him against the world. He was my frick and I was his frack. I would watch him breathe at night and just stare at him while he was playing or watching tv. I think it took me a whole year to fully believe he was my child. He was the most perfect little baby boy any mother could have hoped for. I wanted to enjoy him as much as I could, so my husband and I decided to wait a little while before we had another baby.
After 3 years, we welcomed our precious daughter. It was also the most amazing feeling to me because I always wanted a daughter and I had been blessed with one. Once she came into our family, the dynamics automatically changed. I now had to split my time into 3; my 2 kids and my husband (there was never time for me anymore).
For a while we were on the fence about having any more kids so we waited, and waited, and finally after 3 years we decided it was time. If we wanted a third it had to be done. Well as you all know, we were surprisingly blessed with twins. If you can ever imagine a life changing event, it was that. As precious and miraculous as they were, it was a lot of extra work. I think I cried every day for the first year of their life. That is not because I wasn’t happy, but because I was overwhelmed. I remember a time when I first got home from the hospital, Joseph was 7 and I still helped him shower. I was washing him and I suddenly began to cry, and I mean hysterically. He looked at me and asked, “Mommy, what’s wrong?” I answered with my very sensitive hormones, “Nothing Joseph, I just miss our old family.” I know that may sound horrible now when I write it, but at the time I felt like I had caused a tornado in the family by having 2 more children. I can now see that it was obviously my hormones overplaying that day, but let me tell you, I had many of those days.
One thing I have learned over the years is, never judge or question a mother the first 3 weeks of her babies’ life, she goes a little coo coo for a bit, but eventually she comes back. After almost 10 years of being a mother I have also realized that the saying, “You cannot please the people all the time” rings true to a mother. No matter if you think you are doing your best and giving your all to each child you have, they may sometimes feel like you are not.
I see it in my adult life. I have 3 sisters. Although it is the most wonderful blessing any girl can have, it may also be a small battle for our mother. She tries her best to “hang” out with us as much as she can. But because we all adore her and want her around, by the time she makes her rounds we want her again..lol.
I know sometimes my kids feel like I can’t always listen to them whole heartedly, or that I can’t spend 100% of my time with only them, but I try. Sometimes they get frustrated and blurt out things like, “You are always playing with Joseph” or “You are always going out with Maria-Alicia”. It hurts, but I try to explain to them that they may have to share me, but they are blessed with the most priceless gift in the world of siblings. They sometimes don’t buy it, but I have to vocalize it. Now my little twins are starting too. I feel bad sometimes. I mean, if you think about it, they had to share a womb, share a birth canal, they then shared a crib and they share a very important day; their birthday.
Although they look for each other if the other is not there, and they wake each other up every morning, I know that sometimes they want all of my attention. They are getting older and they need a lot more from me every day. They are growing into little people, with little minds, thoughts, and wants. About a month ago they started this thing that they each climb on me, try to push the other off and tell each other that I am their ma ma. It is quite funny and cute, but sometimes when I want to feel depressed lol, I feel bad for them that they have to always share me. The older ones began joining in too now. All 4 of my kids are their own people, with their own dreams, their own likes, and their own dislikes. But sometimes I feel like I can’t give them as much love and attention as they may need.
Being a mother is not an easy job. It is not a fair job either. Our kids need us a lot while they are growing into people. They need us to teach them, to guide them and to help them make the right choices. I know that having 4 children is a blessing and I would never change it for anything (not even an encounter with Jon Bon..lol) but sometimes the human part of me, the mother part of me, the guilty part of me, wants so badly to be able to give my kids equal amounts of my time. But I know it’s not always realistic. I know that I try my best to be the best to each of them, just like my own mother does. I know one day they will somehow try to blame me for something I didn’t do right, like we do to our mother..lol..but it’s ok, I’m prepared for it. I guess for now, instead of feeling bad when they jump on me, pushing the other one off of me, I will just smile when they scream out to each other, “No...MY MA MA” Because I will know that any mother will feel so blessed to be so loved.
That’s my peace today!
Beef broth with Vegtables
1 osso bucco
1/2 cup peeled squash
1 sweet potato
2 peeled carrots
1 peeled white onion
1/2 cup parsley
1 whole tomatoe
2 stalks celery
salt to taste
In a large pot, fill with water, add beef and boil for 2o minutes. With a mesh laddle, remove all the fat from the water. Add all the vegies and salt. Boil for 1 hour on med high. Serve with cooked small pasta.
After 3 years, we welcomed our precious daughter. It was also the most amazing feeling to me because I always wanted a daughter and I had been blessed with one. Once she came into our family, the dynamics automatically changed. I now had to split my time into 3; my 2 kids and my husband (there was never time for me anymore).
For a while we were on the fence about having any more kids so we waited, and waited, and finally after 3 years we decided it was time. If we wanted a third it had to be done. Well as you all know, we were surprisingly blessed with twins. If you can ever imagine a life changing event, it was that. As precious and miraculous as they were, it was a lot of extra work. I think I cried every day for the first year of their life. That is not because I wasn’t happy, but because I was overwhelmed. I remember a time when I first got home from the hospital, Joseph was 7 and I still helped him shower. I was washing him and I suddenly began to cry, and I mean hysterically. He looked at me and asked, “Mommy, what’s wrong?” I answered with my very sensitive hormones, “Nothing Joseph, I just miss our old family.” I know that may sound horrible now when I write it, but at the time I felt like I had caused a tornado in the family by having 2 more children. I can now see that it was obviously my hormones overplaying that day, but let me tell you, I had many of those days.
One thing I have learned over the years is, never judge or question a mother the first 3 weeks of her babies’ life, she goes a little coo coo for a bit, but eventually she comes back. After almost 10 years of being a mother I have also realized that the saying, “You cannot please the people all the time” rings true to a mother. No matter if you think you are doing your best and giving your all to each child you have, they may sometimes feel like you are not.
I see it in my adult life. I have 3 sisters. Although it is the most wonderful blessing any girl can have, it may also be a small battle for our mother. She tries her best to “hang” out with us as much as she can. But because we all adore her and want her around, by the time she makes her rounds we want her again..lol.
I know sometimes my kids feel like I can’t always listen to them whole heartedly, or that I can’t spend 100% of my time with only them, but I try. Sometimes they get frustrated and blurt out things like, “You are always playing with Joseph” or “You are always going out with Maria-Alicia”. It hurts, but I try to explain to them that they may have to share me, but they are blessed with the most priceless gift in the world of siblings. They sometimes don’t buy it, but I have to vocalize it. Now my little twins are starting too. I feel bad sometimes. I mean, if you think about it, they had to share a womb, share a birth canal, they then shared a crib and they share a very important day; their birthday.
Although they look for each other if the other is not there, and they wake each other up every morning, I know that sometimes they want all of my attention. They are getting older and they need a lot more from me every day. They are growing into little people, with little minds, thoughts, and wants. About a month ago they started this thing that they each climb on me, try to push the other off and tell each other that I am their ma ma. It is quite funny and cute, but sometimes when I want to feel depressed lol, I feel bad for them that they have to always share me. The older ones began joining in too now. All 4 of my kids are their own people, with their own dreams, their own likes, and their own dislikes. But sometimes I feel like I can’t give them as much love and attention as they may need.
Being a mother is not an easy job. It is not a fair job either. Our kids need us a lot while they are growing into people. They need us to teach them, to guide them and to help them make the right choices. I know that having 4 children is a blessing and I would never change it for anything (not even an encounter with Jon Bon..lol) but sometimes the human part of me, the mother part of me, the guilty part of me, wants so badly to be able to give my kids equal amounts of my time. But I know it’s not always realistic. I know that I try my best to be the best to each of them, just like my own mother does. I know one day they will somehow try to blame me for something I didn’t do right, like we do to our mother..lol..but it’s ok, I’m prepared for it. I guess for now, instead of feeling bad when they jump on me, pushing the other one off of me, I will just smile when they scream out to each other, “No...MY MA MA” Because I will know that any mother will feel so blessed to be so loved.
That’s my peace today!
Beef broth with Vegtables
1 osso bucco
1/2 cup peeled squash
1 sweet potato
2 peeled carrots
1 peeled white onion
1/2 cup parsley
1 whole tomatoe
2 stalks celery
salt to taste
In a large pot, fill with water, add beef and boil for 2o minutes. With a mesh laddle, remove all the fat from the water. Add all the vegies and salt. Boil for 1 hour on med high. Serve with cooked small pasta.
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