Kids say the darndest things, they really do! While we were out shopping yesterday, Darwin spotted a man in the store that was very tall, rather large, and had longer white hair, with a matching LONG white beard. Without a second thought, he shouted out - "That man looks like Santa!!!" Just as I was turning my head to look, Dylan bellows out a "HO HO HO" to go with the comment. The man noticed, as did many other people, but didn't acknowledge it. I quickly walked in the other direction, not embarrassed, but rather doing my best to not burst out laughing. It was so innocent and sweet :)
Before we went shopping yesterday, we went and had photos taken of the boys. It's something we don't do often (and after paying for the photos, not a habit I will keep), so D&D aren't really used to it. Dylan was great and had no troubles or hesitations. Darwin started out pretty good (bear in mind that the bribe of getting a donut following a successful photo shoot was already on the table), but after a few pics, he grabbed my hand and whispered to me in his soft, raspy little voice - "Mommy, I don't think I want to do this anymore". He is WAY too mature for a little 2 year old! And fortunately way smart, so it was easy to coax him into a few more, so long as Mommy was right there (just hidden from view of the camera), and I upped the ante to include a lollipop! Many wonderful photos later, WAY too much money spent on said photos, and a sugar rush to make any kid delighted - I'd say it was an overall WIN! Hopefully I can share the photos when we get them!
Tuesday 16 August 2011
Thursday 7 July 2011
Our Trip!
Wow, so many times I have sat down to write this. The summer seems to be flying by. I can't believe our holiday was a month ago!!! (and let's not mention how long it has been since I last wrote on here....eeek!).
Anyway, without further ado - here is the itinerary and details from our amazing holiday. We packed the van and headed East into the southern Adirondacks. From there we went NorthEast to Vermont, then back west to Lake Placid. This was the first long vacation we had taken with the boys and there were AWESOME! It was so much fun, and filled with so many amazing memories.....
Our first 3 nights were at a cabin in the southern part of the Adirondacks. It was a little slice of heaven. The black flies were horrible (poor Darwin was their favourite), but it forced us to stay inside a little more and just hang out as a family. We read, played games, etc. It was great! At night we lit the little wood stove in the cabin and roasted marshmallows. During the day we were able to squeeze in a few hours of outdoor time. We spent those on the beach (completely private). Day 1 we picnicked on the dock, day 2 we ate lunch on the boat in the middle of the lake! What fun! The boys had so much fun digging in the sand, splashing in the water, catching salamanders, kayaking, etc. It was perfect!
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Anyway, without further ado - here is the itinerary and details from our amazing holiday. We packed the van and headed East into the southern Adirondacks. From there we went NorthEast to Vermont, then back west to Lake Placid. This was the first long vacation we had taken with the boys and there were AWESOME! It was so much fun, and filled with so many amazing memories.....
Our first 3 nights were at a cabin in the southern part of the Adirondacks. It was a little slice of heaven. The black flies were horrible (poor Darwin was their favourite), but it forced us to stay inside a little more and just hang out as a family. We read, played games, etc. It was great! At night we lit the little wood stove in the cabin and roasted marshmallows. During the day we were able to squeeze in a few hours of outdoor time. We spent those on the beach (completely private). Day 1 we picnicked on the dock, day 2 we ate lunch on the boat in the middle of the lake! What fun! The boys had so much fun digging in the sand, splashing in the water, catching salamanders, kayaking, etc. It was perfect!
Next 2 nights were in Burlington, VT. The kids especially got a kick out of crossing Lake Champlain on the ferry. We spent a lot of time downtown, enjoying the shops and restaurants. We made the trip to see Ben & Jerry's (FUN!). On our last day in Burlington, we went to the little ECHO museum there. I absolutely LOVE that town and hope to go back at the next chance we get!
From there we drove to Lake Placid. Again, another fun ferry ride and amazingly scenic drive! Our hotel in Lake Placid overlooked the lake and mountains. It was wonderful. Lake Placid is a very cutesy tourist town. We walked the shops, ate at a local bakery and a local brewery/pub. There was a beach there that the boys had fun playing and swimming at. On our last day, we decided to do the Olympic stuff. We toured the 1932 and 1980 arenas (and the museum containing memorabelia from both Olympics). We checked out the ski jumps, then went to the bobsled tracks. We went on the tour, so were driven to the top of the track. The views of the mountains and the little surrounding towns were awesome. Then the best part - we got to walk DOWN the track to get to the bottom. It was pretty cool. The track is a mile long. It was the original location of the 1980 Olympic track, but was rebuilt in 1998. Finally, Mike took a ride down the 1932 track. What a ride that was! By the last turn, they said there would have been 2 Gs of force on his sled! He was shaking for a few hours afterwards ;)
We stopped for lunch after that at a really fun BBQ joint. Being that we were there during Americade, there were bikers all over the Adirondacks, and this little BBQ joint (called Tail O The Pup) was PACKED with them. It also had a live band, outdoor picnic tables you eat at, a little playground for the kids, etc. It was busy, but loud and our kind of food, so perfect for us. The boys were impressed with all the bikes. It was fun! We hit the road after that and without looking back, made the 7 hour drive home. The kids slept during a lot of the drive, or watched a movie. It's always sad to end your holiday, but also nice to be home.
I truly hope that my boys hold onto some of the memories from that trip. I also truly hope that it is the first of many we can enjoy with our sweet little guys. I am a lucky Momma. What a great life!
Tuesday 24 May 2011
Life goes too quickly...
Not a day goes by where I don't think of something I should blog about. But then I remind myself that I don't need to write down every single step of my/our life (that or someone else reminds me!)....and now I find myself blogging every few weeks (at least on this blog).
It's very easy to say I'll write tomorrow and then tomorrow becomes next week, and so on. When you are chasing 2 little boys around all day, sometimes the energy to blog at the end of the day just isn't there (plus that is when I usually write in my other blog). Anyway, I apologize for not keeping up to date on here. I'm trying, but time slips by too often!
Life is the same craziness as usual. This past week-end we had a garage sale. The boys were pretty good about letting go of some of their toys, old clothes, shoes, etc. Some things I thought should be put up for sale remain in the house (still barely touched), but overall they were great about giving things up. They even had a little sale of their own - selling juice boxes and cereal bars. They raked in $7.50!!! Good work boys!
This past week-end we also went to the baptism of my sweet little neice Avery. She looked like a pretty little princess in her dress. Following the baptism, we went back to Avery's for her very first tea party. A few of us wore fancy hats, we drank out of fine china, and we ate miniature sandwiches and cupcakes. Such fun! I may not have a girl of my own, but I am lucky to have 3 little neices to enjoy and get my girly fix through!
Yesterday Mike brewed 2 batches of beer at the house. I can't wait to try the kiwi wit beer! Yum! See - I'm not the only one in the house that likes to make things from scratch!
This week we are trying to get the house back in order before we skip town to Aunt Mindy's. What fun we'll have on Thursday - 3 cousins and 6 kids. Can't wait! Then Friday marks the official countdown until holidays. This will be our first LONG trip with the boys (9-10 days away from home). Everyone is excited and awaiting the fun!
Well, that's enough of an update for now. I shall try to post before we leave for holidays and then of course blog about our trip. Bye for now!
It's very easy to say I'll write tomorrow and then tomorrow becomes next week, and so on. When you are chasing 2 little boys around all day, sometimes the energy to blog at the end of the day just isn't there (plus that is when I usually write in my other blog). Anyway, I apologize for not keeping up to date on here. I'm trying, but time slips by too often!
Life is the same craziness as usual. This past week-end we had a garage sale. The boys were pretty good about letting go of some of their toys, old clothes, shoes, etc. Some things I thought should be put up for sale remain in the house (still barely touched), but overall they were great about giving things up. They even had a little sale of their own - selling juice boxes and cereal bars. They raked in $7.50!!! Good work boys!
This past week-end we also went to the baptism of my sweet little neice Avery. She looked like a pretty little princess in her dress. Following the baptism, we went back to Avery's for her very first tea party. A few of us wore fancy hats, we drank out of fine china, and we ate miniature sandwiches and cupcakes. Such fun! I may not have a girl of my own, but I am lucky to have 3 little neices to enjoy and get my girly fix through!
Yesterday Mike brewed 2 batches of beer at the house. I can't wait to try the kiwi wit beer! Yum! See - I'm not the only one in the house that likes to make things from scratch!
This week we are trying to get the house back in order before we skip town to Aunt Mindy's. What fun we'll have on Thursday - 3 cousins and 6 kids. Can't wait! Then Friday marks the official countdown until holidays. This will be our first LONG trip with the boys (9-10 days away from home). Everyone is excited and awaiting the fun!
Well, that's enough of an update for now. I shall try to post before we leave for holidays and then of course blog about our trip. Bye for now!
Saturday 7 May 2011
The ants go marching....
Two cute stories to post about Dylan today. I keep chuckling to myself about both of these.....
1 - Yesterday Mike saw Dylan sitting on the ground looking down at something and giggling. He asked him what was so funny, to which Dylan replied "I just saw an ant carrying a piece of food, so I stole the food and ate it! ha ha ha." :) :) :)
2 - Tonight we went out for ice cream and were sitting on a bench near the door to the ice cream shop. A woman came along carrying a cigarrette that she was finished with. Dylan doesn't really know what cigarrettes are, so he watched her go up to the side of the garbage can near the door and push the butt into it to put the cigarrette out. As soon as he saw this, he looked at me with such worry and said (loud enough for the woman to hear) - "Mommy, she is lighting that on fire!!!" :) :) :)
1 - Yesterday Mike saw Dylan sitting on the ground looking down at something and giggling. He asked him what was so funny, to which Dylan replied "I just saw an ant carrying a piece of food, so I stole the food and ate it! ha ha ha." :) :) :)
2 - Tonight we went out for ice cream and were sitting on a bench near the door to the ice cream shop. A woman came along carrying a cigarrette that she was finished with. Dylan doesn't really know what cigarrettes are, so he watched her go up to the side of the garbage can near the door and push the butt into it to put the cigarrette out. As soon as he saw this, he looked at me with such worry and said (loud enough for the woman to hear) - "Mommy, she is lighting that on fire!!!" :) :) :)
Thursday 5 May 2011
Puppy Love
Last night, out of nowhere, Dylan asks me - "Mommy, what will happen to Brook and Cedar when all of us die? Will they go back to the pet store so someone else can have a turn with them?"
I was stunned by the question and didn't have the heart to tell him the truth.....the subject was quickly changed! So sweet, yet so sad :(
Something I don't want to think about.....and it's too soon to start preparing the boys (I hope!!!), so let's hope he doesn't bring it up again!
I was stunned by the question and didn't have the heart to tell him the truth.....the subject was quickly changed! So sweet, yet so sad :(
Something I don't want to think about.....and it's too soon to start preparing the boys (I hope!!!), so let's hope he doesn't bring it up again!
Thursday 28 April 2011
Dum Dum Da-Dum
I'll confess. I plan to set the alarm for 5:30 tomorrow morning to get up and watch the Royal Wedding. I can't wait to see it! I know I'll need a LOT of coffee to get through the morning, and likely the whole day, but I think it will be worth it!
Tuesday 26 April 2011
Big and Strong
You know how you always tell your kid to eat their veggies/dinner/etc so they'll grow up to be big and strong??
Well, the other day Dylan says to me - "Mommy, are you all done growing?" I said "Yes, I am". (we had recently had a discussion about how people stop growing taller when they are a teenager).
So he says to me - "Well then why do you eat vegetables?!?!"
:) :) :)
Well, the other day Dylan says to me - "Mommy, are you all done growing?" I said "Yes, I am". (we had recently had a discussion about how people stop growing taller when they are a teenager).
So he says to me - "Well then why do you eat vegetables?!?!"
:) :) :)
Friday 15 April 2011
shhh, don't tell!
On more than one occasion, I've sat down to write this post. Just as I collect my thoughts and words, I am usually interrupted. Tonight is an early sleep night for everyone. That means I have all the time I need to sit here quietly and type away!
So what is it that I want to say?! Well, let's start by saying that (as most of you know) my 2 best friends - my husband and my sister - went behind my back and plotted and schemed and LIED! They even got other people in on the secret and lies! And somehow, through it all, everyone managed to keep this secret from me for almost a month. I was completely in the dark. Right up until the moment I heard - SURPRISE! :)
Yes - that's right. The two of them threw me an amazing surprise 30th Birthday party. The way I worded it made it sound like it was going to be something really bad, eh? But no - all the "dirty" business that was done behind my back was done with love and the greatest of intentions. And every little white lie, scheme, plot, secret birdy that was involved, was worth it. I truly was surprised and without a doubt, had a fantasticly awesome birthday.
So, although I already sent out thank you notes, here's my blog thank you's (cause I can!):
To all of my guests - first of all, thank you so very much for driving long distances to be at my party. I hope you found it worth it ;) I love each and every one of you and was so happy to see your faces there. Second, thank you all for the wonderful gifts. You made me feel so special and so loved. I've tucked all of the cards away in a safe place, so I can always remember that day and who was there.
To my family who are sending me away on a surprise getaway - tomorrow we leave for Great Wolf Lodge and all of us are super excited! I can't wait to see what the boys think of it and watch their little faces light up with excitement when they see all the surprises and fun things that are there. Heck - I can't wait to go down all the waterslides and play just as much as them! What an awesome getaway it will be. And a real treat when I get to enjoy my spa treatment, too! Thank you!
To my sister - Wen, please know that I what I take away from that day is the wonderful feeling of knowing just how lucky I am to have a sister like you. I love that you schemed and that you were able to completely surprise me that day! Yes, I ask too many questions and at times need to just roll with it. You were quick and on the ball with your answers, so not to give anything away, and to only confuse me more! I love it! I want to thank you so very much for helping make my 30th birthday unforgettable. I love you as your sister, and as your best friend! You are an amazing woman in all that you do. I hope you know just how special you are to me. I love you lots!!!
To my husband - well, what can I say?! I didn't think you had it in ya! Mr "I don't like surprises" - you sure got right into this one and did a darn good job at keeping me in the dark. It was a surprise that I will never forget. Thank you for an amazing party that I am confident in saying everyone enjoyed. And thank you for the massage I got to enjoy before the party! I love ya lots, too. You are a keeper!
To anyone who actually read this entire blog - thanks for bearing with me! Healthy Momma out!
So what is it that I want to say?! Well, let's start by saying that (as most of you know) my 2 best friends - my husband and my sister - went behind my back and plotted and schemed and LIED! They even got other people in on the secret and lies! And somehow, through it all, everyone managed to keep this secret from me for almost a month. I was completely in the dark. Right up until the moment I heard - SURPRISE! :)
Yes - that's right. The two of them threw me an amazing surprise 30th Birthday party. The way I worded it made it sound like it was going to be something really bad, eh? But no - all the "dirty" business that was done behind my back was done with love and the greatest of intentions. And every little white lie, scheme, plot, secret birdy that was involved, was worth it. I truly was surprised and without a doubt, had a fantasticly awesome birthday.
So, although I already sent out thank you notes, here's my blog thank you's (cause I can!):
To all of my guests - first of all, thank you so very much for driving long distances to be at my party. I hope you found it worth it ;) I love each and every one of you and was so happy to see your faces there. Second, thank you all for the wonderful gifts. You made me feel so special and so loved. I've tucked all of the cards away in a safe place, so I can always remember that day and who was there.
To my family who are sending me away on a surprise getaway - tomorrow we leave for Great Wolf Lodge and all of us are super excited! I can't wait to see what the boys think of it and watch their little faces light up with excitement when they see all the surprises and fun things that are there. Heck - I can't wait to go down all the waterslides and play just as much as them! What an awesome getaway it will be. And a real treat when I get to enjoy my spa treatment, too! Thank you!
To my sister - Wen, please know that I what I take away from that day is the wonderful feeling of knowing just how lucky I am to have a sister like you. I love that you schemed and that you were able to completely surprise me that day! Yes, I ask too many questions and at times need to just roll with it. You were quick and on the ball with your answers, so not to give anything away, and to only confuse me more! I love it! I want to thank you so very much for helping make my 30th birthday unforgettable. I love you as your sister, and as your best friend! You are an amazing woman in all that you do. I hope you know just how special you are to me. I love you lots!!!
To my husband - well, what can I say?! I didn't think you had it in ya! Mr "I don't like surprises" - you sure got right into this one and did a darn good job at keeping me in the dark. It was a surprise that I will never forget. Thank you for an amazing party that I am confident in saying everyone enjoyed. And thank you for the massage I got to enjoy before the party! I love ya lots, too. You are a keeper!
To anyone who actually read this entire blog - thanks for bearing with me! Healthy Momma out!
Wednesday 6 April 2011
Happy Birthday To Me....
Today is my 30th Birthday. I am officialy out of my 20s.......yikes! I have had some reservations over turning 30 (not that I can stop time!). I'm not even sure why it is bothering me so much. Yes, it's just a number. and "You're as young as you feel", etc......but it's weird to say good-bye to my most accomplished decade (as of yet). My 20s were amazing! I hope my 30s are just as good (though it will be hard to beat)!
Some of the things I did in the past decade:
Some of the things I did in the past decade:
- Graduated with honours from a 4-year university program (Geography)
- Completed (and wrote) a thesis that is still in use today (undergraduate and professor survey)
- Married the most amazing man
- Bought a house and 2 dogs together...
- Flipped that house, sold it, and started on the next one!
- Gave birth to 2 amazingly, wonderful little Ds......
- Started to really develop into the person I am today....Mommy Jenno (aka Heathly Momma)!
Tuesday 29 March 2011
Orange you glad?
So, what have I (we) been up to that's keeping me from writing on here? Well - our biggest project(s) would be home renos. That's something that seems to be never-ending in this house. I don't say that with any negative tone, but rather with some excitement, as we make our new house into OUR home!
On the list recently (including completed and ongoing projects, but not everything we have done to date):
So it was done. Dylan had picked out his new wall colour. It's called Mariachi and it is without a doubt, BRIGHT orange. I put the first coat of paint on the walls yesterday and the smile on Dylan's face when he saw his new wall colour was worth it's weight in gold. He LOVES it and is getting super excited to have a room of his own soon. However, the boys are pretty sure they are just going to BOTH move into Dylan's room, as I think they have grown quite fond of sharing a room. (Next project to add to that list - BUNK BEDS!!!!)
There you have it, folks. This is one busy household, with a to-do list that seems to only grow, never shrink. I know Mike is slightly stressed that we are all over the place with the projects (and I will confess that it's ME who keeps starting another project before completing the first).....but it's coming along. Our house is starting to feel more like our own and we are really enjoying it. There are times I still miss Fenwick. I miss the neighbours, the deck, and certain features of our first house, but I've come to realize that our new house is much more suited to our family and it's where we belong.....for right now, anyway ;)
On the list recently (including completed and ongoing projects, but not everything we have done to date):
- install 13 new windows
- trim said 13 windows, inside and out!
- complete kitchen remodel (almost complete and I'm in LOVE with it!!!)
- makeover of downstairs living room/play room
- custom built trim for down living room
- shop/garage re-do (new walls, door, etc)
- the eventual remodel of entranceway
- general "home-y" touches throughout the house
- Finally - Dylan's Bedroom!
So it was done. Dylan had picked out his new wall colour. It's called Mariachi and it is without a doubt, BRIGHT orange. I put the first coat of paint on the walls yesterday and the smile on Dylan's face when he saw his new wall colour was worth it's weight in gold. He LOVES it and is getting super excited to have a room of his own soon. However, the boys are pretty sure they are just going to BOTH move into Dylan's room, as I think they have grown quite fond of sharing a room. (Next project to add to that list - BUNK BEDS!!!!)
There you have it, folks. This is one busy household, with a to-do list that seems to only grow, never shrink. I know Mike is slightly stressed that we are all over the place with the projects (and I will confess that it's ME who keeps starting another project before completing the first).....but it's coming along. Our house is starting to feel more like our own and we are really enjoying it. There are times I still miss Fenwick. I miss the neighbours, the deck, and certain features of our first house, but I've come to realize that our new house is much more suited to our family and it's where we belong.....for right now, anyway ;)
Friday 25 March 2011
Click!
Ever feel like if you blink you'll miss something. That's how I feel lately with my boys. They are growing up WAY too fast. I wish I could freeze time....
Sure, there are moments of frustration and impatience......but when I sit back and think about how they are little for such a short period of time, I try to savour every moment, rather than wish for them to be over, or for the day to finally end. I have to make sure I grab that little hand that reaches out for me every time, cause I know someday all too soon, they will be embarrassed to hold my hand! Every single snuggle, hug, kiss, "I love you, Mommy", just melts my heart and I hope they don't ever give that up!
I love you boys! Don't ever stop being YOU!
Sure, there are moments of frustration and impatience......but when I sit back and think about how they are little for such a short period of time, I try to savour every moment, rather than wish for them to be over, or for the day to finally end. I have to make sure I grab that little hand that reaches out for me every time, cause I know someday all too soon, they will be embarrassed to hold my hand! Every single snuggle, hug, kiss, "I love you, Mommy", just melts my heart and I hope they don't ever give that up!
I love you boys! Don't ever stop being YOU!
Saturday 19 March 2011
Busy, Busy!
This past week was an especially busy one. The boys and I took advantage of many of the March Break activities going on around us. We spent some time at the library, watched "The Wizard of Oz" live (45 minute play), visited the Niagara Butterfly Conservatory (which had a bonus snake and turlte exhibit), went for a stroll through Niagara-on-the-Lake, visited with friends and family, and spent LOTS of time outside, enjoying the Spring-like weather we were spoiled with. It was a wonderful week. All of us enjoyed ourselves. Next week we will return to our normalcy and Dylan will head back to school (Mon and Wed afternoons for 2.5 hours).
I can always tell when Dylan is really enjoying himself. If he really likes what we are doing and is having a good time, it's almost inevitable that I will hear "Mommy, can we do this EVERY day?!?!" :)
The most enjoyable experience we've had lately was the hotel sleep-over the week before. We went with Papa Ken (for his birthday), Aunt Wendy, and cousins Mason and Avery. 3 adults + 4 kids + 1 hotel room = great, great fun and lots of memories. We all had such a good time and hope to be able to do it again sometime soon.
I sure am a lucky woman to get to have this much fun all the time!!! :)
I can always tell when Dylan is really enjoying himself. If he really likes what we are doing and is having a good time, it's almost inevitable that I will hear "Mommy, can we do this EVERY day?!?!" :)
The most enjoyable experience we've had lately was the hotel sleep-over the week before. We went with Papa Ken (for his birthday), Aunt Wendy, and cousins Mason and Avery. 3 adults + 4 kids + 1 hotel room = great, great fun and lots of memories. We all had such a good time and hope to be able to do it again sometime soon.
I sure am a lucky woman to get to have this much fun all the time!!! :)
Wednesday 16 March 2011
Tardy
I . O . U .
I acknowledge the fact that I need to post....been busy, but promise to check in soon!
I acknowledge the fact that I need to post....been busy, but promise to check in soon!
Wednesday 9 March 2011
Life after Death.
So, over the past few weeks, Dylan has been talking and asking about dying. This mostly started from a few farm visits, one of which included the purchase of meat right from the farmer. Dylan saw a baby cow on the farm and wanted to know if we were eating a baby cow or an old cow. I explained to him that when a cow gets old, it dies and then we eat it. He immediately asked if that cow has a mommy or daddy, to which I replied that the mommy and daddy cows likely already died, too. We've talked about eating animals before, so he was okay with that and proceeded to tell ME that we need to eat cows and meat to get big and grow. (for the record - no-one dare better teach Dylan about veal!!!!!)
Then last week Dylan's pet fish, Elephant, died. After he died, we flushed him down the toilet, because "that's what you do when a fish dies". Dylan sad he was sad and that he missed him, but no tears were shed and he surprisingly handled it really well. He hasn't said anything about Elephant (unless telling someone that he died), until tonight. Here is our conversation - I will highlight Dylan's words in red......
Mommy, is Elephant sad right now?
Is he sad??
Well, he doesn't live with us anymore and he is swimming in the pipes in the sewer now.
Honey, Elephant doesn't know he is in the sewer. After you die, you don't know what happens to your body.
Fish go in the sewer and people get burried, right?
Yes, that's right.
What do you look like when you die?
You saw Elephant; he looked the same, only he wasn't moving or breathing. That's what happens to people, too.
Do people die when they get old?
Yes, they do.
Mommy, are you getting old and dying?
(*insert broken heart here) No, honey, I'm not....
(we then talked a bit about how long most people live, etc)
Mommy, do you know anyone who was old and died?
Yes, Dylan. Gigi's Mommy died and so did Papa Ken's Daddy. They were old and got sick and then died.
What statue did they die on?
(*long pause.....had to think this one through.....) Ohhh, you mean where is their tombstone where they were buried??
Yes, where's the statue where they died?
*We went on to discuss the fact that people don't die in cemeteries, they are just buried there. And that the stone lets people know whose body is buried there. We have taken many walks through the cemetery near our house, and he's really trying to put it all together. Another example of the innocence of a 4-year-old's mind. I love how inquisitive that boy is! When Dylan starts trying to figure something out, he doesn't stop until he has an explanation he can really believe. Remind you of anyone?!
Then last week Dylan's pet fish, Elephant, died. After he died, we flushed him down the toilet, because "that's what you do when a fish dies". Dylan sad he was sad and that he missed him, but no tears were shed and he surprisingly handled it really well. He hasn't said anything about Elephant (unless telling someone that he died), until tonight. Here is our conversation - I will highlight Dylan's words in red......
Mommy, is Elephant sad right now?
Is he sad??
Well, he doesn't live with us anymore and he is swimming in the pipes in the sewer now.
Honey, Elephant doesn't know he is in the sewer. After you die, you don't know what happens to your body.
Fish go in the sewer and people get burried, right?
Yes, that's right.
What do you look like when you die?
You saw Elephant; he looked the same, only he wasn't moving or breathing. That's what happens to people, too.
Do people die when they get old?
Yes, they do.
Mommy, are you getting old and dying?
(*insert broken heart here) No, honey, I'm not....
(we then talked a bit about how long most people live, etc)
Mommy, do you know anyone who was old and died?
Yes, Dylan. Gigi's Mommy died and so did Papa Ken's Daddy. They were old and got sick and then died.
What statue did they die on?
(*long pause.....had to think this one through.....) Ohhh, you mean where is their tombstone where they were buried??
Yes, where's the statue where they died?
*We went on to discuss the fact that people don't die in cemeteries, they are just buried there. And that the stone lets people know whose body is buried there. We have taken many walks through the cemetery near our house, and he's really trying to put it all together. Another example of the innocence of a 4-year-old's mind. I love how inquisitive that boy is! When Dylan starts trying to figure something out, he doesn't stop until he has an explanation he can really believe. Remind you of anyone?!
Friday 4 March 2011
Tastes like chicken.....
Just took the boys grocery shopping. While we browse the store, I like to get them involved and be on the look out for the items on our list. They are great helpers and very observant. They often see things they aren't sure of and either make up a name/guess for it, or ask me. You can almost bet that next time we go, Dylan will name these new discoveries and tell ME all about them.
Anyway, today Dylan saw something that he apparently hasn't seen before. There was an end freezer display of boxed chicken "nuggets". Dylan looked at them then proceeded to tell me "See those round chicken things over there, Mommy? Those come from the chicken's legs. They are chicken ankles".
I swear this is a true story. And I swear I replied - "I bet you are right!" :)
Anyway, today Dylan saw something that he apparently hasn't seen before. There was an end freezer display of boxed chicken "nuggets". Dylan looked at them then proceeded to tell me "See those round chicken things over there, Mommy? Those come from the chicken's legs. They are chicken ankles".
I swear this is a true story. And I swear I replied - "I bet you are right!" :)
Thursday 3 March 2011
Hello. My Name Is....
I am pretty sure the chances of people who don't know me actually finding this blog and reading it, are slim to none. However, I imagine some of the people who will follow this may know who I am, but not really know what defines me. I thought I'd write a little about myself, so you get a better understanding of the person behind the blog.
If you asked me 5-10 years ago - "Who ARE you?" - the answer you would have received would have been much different than the answer you would get today. To be perfectly honest, I am not even sure what the answer would have been, as I truly can't remember who I was before I became a mother. I know I was a student, with dreams of finding a job related to the environment, or a job in teaching. I was a girlfriend, finacee, then wife, to the man who is also my best friend. We started dating when I was 16 years old, and since then, he has always been included in my "dreams" of the future, too. We bought a house and renovated it (and are now on house #2); we added 2 dogs to our family and loved on them as much as possible; we enjoyed picking up and going on road trips, to whereever the car took us. We had a lot of fun, as 2 people, with the world as their oyster. We still have a lot of fun....But even back then, my dreams always included the day I would become a mother. I vividly remember the day we got the positive pregnancy test - it was on my 25th birthday! I knew our world was about to change, but never would have guessed by just how much. I also remember the day our first son came into this world (in a way I never ever dreamt of, which is a whole other story in itself), but from that day forward, I was no longer just Jenno.....I became MOM!
Fast forward to today and I certainly know who I am - 100% Mommy! My kids are my life. Being a stay-at-home-mom is wonderful and I wouldn't change it for the world, but it does leave little opportunity for me to be something or someone, other than Mommy. I am okay with that. I try and make room for the other important aspects of my life - being a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend. But being a Mommy comes first. Always. And being those other things almost always includes my kiddos now, too. I am no longer an employee, unless you consider my kids my "boss", so I have lost the social aspect that comes with working. Again, I am okay with that, as I wouldn't trade my life for any other job in the world. I know just how lucky I am to be able to stay home with my kids, and watch them grow up in front of me. I also know that this job isn't for everyone. It works for our house, and it works for me.
After becoming a mom, I still had, and still have, dreams of the future. Most of my dreams include my kids, and our family. I wonder what they will be like at 5, 10, 30 years of age. I wonder if they will love playing hockey, as much as their Daddy does. I wonder what their passions will be, what kind of goals they will set for themselves. I wonder about the kind of friends they will have, the social activities they will want to partake in. I wonder what tomorrow will bring. Or the day after that. And I wonder what kind of Mom I will be, every step of the way.
I also dream about what my future holds. Will I be a stay at home mom forever? Until they start school? Until they leave the nest? If/when I return to work, what kind job will I have? Will I ever get to teach again, something I truly enjoy doing? (Well, of course I will get to teach my kids, and that in itself is 100% fulfilling!)
Notice the pattern here? Every dream I have, everything I do, is always about my kids. I'm not saying this makes me the best mother, in fact, it could mean that it makes me less of everything else. I'm just trying to say that as a parent, as a Mommy, it is very easy to let that role be what defines you. I love that it does. I love pouring my heart and soul, my everything I have, into my children, our household, our family, OUR life. But I do understand that at some point, every mother or father, needs to make time to be more than just a parent. I know I need to devote more time to be just a wife. Not the mother-of-my-husband's children, but my husband's Wife. The woman he has spent the last 13 years with. The woman he decided to marry. A few months ago we went on a date, just the 2 of us, and for the first time in a long time, we were Jenn and Mike, not Mommy and Daddy. It felt good! I also need to make time for myself, to be able to re-charge, re-group, and re-lax! My "job" as Mommy and housewife is not 9-5. It's a 24/7 type job. But every employee is entitled to a day, or a few hours, off. I am fortunate to have a husband that lets me sneak away and enjoy a few hours of solitude now and then.
Anyway, I think I got a little off topic there. Point of all of this - being a mother is what defines me. I choose to let it be the main purpose of my existence. I love being home with my children. I love that at this point in their lives, I am tied for number one as their favourite person (let's not discredit Daddy!). I love experiencing life through their eyes, every single day. The innocence, the enthusiasm, and the wonder in which they see the world is breathtaking, inspiring, and down right awesome! I am one lucky woman....one lucky MOM!
Mommy is who I am. Take it or leave it......
If you asked me 5-10 years ago - "Who ARE you?" - the answer you would have received would have been much different than the answer you would get today. To be perfectly honest, I am not even sure what the answer would have been, as I truly can't remember who I was before I became a mother. I know I was a student, with dreams of finding a job related to the environment, or a job in teaching. I was a girlfriend, finacee, then wife, to the man who is also my best friend. We started dating when I was 16 years old, and since then, he has always been included in my "dreams" of the future, too. We bought a house and renovated it (and are now on house #2); we added 2 dogs to our family and loved on them as much as possible; we enjoyed picking up and going on road trips, to whereever the car took us. We had a lot of fun, as 2 people, with the world as their oyster. We still have a lot of fun....But even back then, my dreams always included the day I would become a mother. I vividly remember the day we got the positive pregnancy test - it was on my 25th birthday! I knew our world was about to change, but never would have guessed by just how much. I also remember the day our first son came into this world (in a way I never ever dreamt of, which is a whole other story in itself), but from that day forward, I was no longer just Jenno.....I became MOM!
Fast forward to today and I certainly know who I am - 100% Mommy! My kids are my life. Being a stay-at-home-mom is wonderful and I wouldn't change it for the world, but it does leave little opportunity for me to be something or someone, other than Mommy. I am okay with that. I try and make room for the other important aspects of my life - being a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend. But being a Mommy comes first. Always. And being those other things almost always includes my kiddos now, too. I am no longer an employee, unless you consider my kids my "boss", so I have lost the social aspect that comes with working. Again, I am okay with that, as I wouldn't trade my life for any other job in the world. I know just how lucky I am to be able to stay home with my kids, and watch them grow up in front of me. I also know that this job isn't for everyone. It works for our house, and it works for me.
After becoming a mom, I still had, and still have, dreams of the future. Most of my dreams include my kids, and our family. I wonder what they will be like at 5, 10, 30 years of age. I wonder if they will love playing hockey, as much as their Daddy does. I wonder what their passions will be, what kind of goals they will set for themselves. I wonder about the kind of friends they will have, the social activities they will want to partake in. I wonder what tomorrow will bring. Or the day after that. And I wonder what kind of Mom I will be, every step of the way.
I also dream about what my future holds. Will I be a stay at home mom forever? Until they start school? Until they leave the nest? If/when I return to work, what kind job will I have? Will I ever get to teach again, something I truly enjoy doing? (Well, of course I will get to teach my kids, and that in itself is 100% fulfilling!)
Notice the pattern here? Every dream I have, everything I do, is always about my kids. I'm not saying this makes me the best mother, in fact, it could mean that it makes me less of everything else. I'm just trying to say that as a parent, as a Mommy, it is very easy to let that role be what defines you. I love that it does. I love pouring my heart and soul, my everything I have, into my children, our household, our family, OUR life. But I do understand that at some point, every mother or father, needs to make time to be more than just a parent. I know I need to devote more time to be just a wife. Not the mother-of-my-husband's children, but my husband's Wife. The woman he has spent the last 13 years with. The woman he decided to marry. A few months ago we went on a date, just the 2 of us, and for the first time in a long time, we were Jenn and Mike, not Mommy and Daddy. It felt good! I also need to make time for myself, to be able to re-charge, re-group, and re-lax! My "job" as Mommy and housewife is not 9-5. It's a 24/7 type job. But every employee is entitled to a day, or a few hours, off. I am fortunate to have a husband that lets me sneak away and enjoy a few hours of solitude now and then.
Anyway, I think I got a little off topic there. Point of all of this - being a mother is what defines me. I choose to let it be the main purpose of my existence. I love being home with my children. I love that at this point in their lives, I am tied for number one as their favourite person (let's not discredit Daddy!). I love experiencing life through their eyes, every single day. The innocence, the enthusiasm, and the wonder in which they see the world is breathtaking, inspiring, and down right awesome! I am one lucky woman....one lucky MOM!
Mommy is who I am. Take it or leave it......
Wednesday 2 March 2011
The apple doesn't fall far....
Both of my kids are brilliant. But that was to be expected, considering who their parents are ;)
(Yah that's right. This is MY blog, so I can call it as I see it....I mean, write what I want)
Here is a little example of how incredibly advanced my 2-year-old's mind is:
Now that Spring is approaching, the boys and I have been talking about planting our spring garden. We discussed that we will go to the store, pick out our seeds, then plant them in the new garden in the backyard and wait for the plants to grow. Both boys are thrilled about this, and have acutally been talking about it since before Christmas! We had a tiny (pathetic excuse of a) garden at our old house. The new yard here will offer much more space to grow things.
Anyway, over the last few weeks, everytime we eat apples, Dylan (who is 4) asks about the seeds inside. They are learning about the connection between fruit (or vegetable) > seed > more fruit. Darwin (2) always asks to hold them. I didn't think much of it, and would give him the seeds to hold. I guess I never paid attention to the fact that the seeds always disappeared. That is until I discovered something in Darwin's closet yesterday. He has a small lid, turned upside down, in the back corner, filled with all of these apple seeds he's been "collecting". He watched me as I found his stash, and immediately said with the proudest smile on his face "See, Mommy? Now we can grow an apple tree when the snow melts!"
Oh, my little Darwin.......I doubt you will ever know how incredibly cute you are! And just how amazingly brilliant that little mind of yours is, even at only 2 years (28 months) old!!!
(Yah that's right. This is MY blog, so I can call it as I see it....I mean, write what I want)
Here is a little example of how incredibly advanced my 2-year-old's mind is:
Now that Spring is approaching, the boys and I have been talking about planting our spring garden. We discussed that we will go to the store, pick out our seeds, then plant them in the new garden in the backyard and wait for the plants to grow. Both boys are thrilled about this, and have acutally been talking about it since before Christmas! We had a tiny (pathetic excuse of a) garden at our old house. The new yard here will offer much more space to grow things.
Anyway, over the last few weeks, everytime we eat apples, Dylan (who is 4) asks about the seeds inside. They are learning about the connection between fruit (or vegetable) > seed > more fruit. Darwin (2) always asks to hold them. I didn't think much of it, and would give him the seeds to hold. I guess I never paid attention to the fact that the seeds always disappeared. That is until I discovered something in Darwin's closet yesterday. He has a small lid, turned upside down, in the back corner, filled with all of these apple seeds he's been "collecting". He watched me as I found his stash, and immediately said with the proudest smile on his face "See, Mommy? Now we can grow an apple tree when the snow melts!"
Oh, my little Darwin.......I doubt you will ever know how incredibly cute you are! And just how amazingly brilliant that little mind of yours is, even at only 2 years (28 months) old!!!
Here we go!
I recently started a blog to record 365 recipes in 365 days. I am 2 days in, and already addicted. Although I cook and/or bake almost daily, I think it will be a fun challenge knowing I HAVE to make something, in order to report to my blog. I also am excited at the fact that I can use the blog as a cookbook of sorts. It will be a place I can go to look for my favourite (or not) recipes that I have tried and want to make again.
I started thinking some more, and realized that the blogging world is a great concept. Why not use it even further to my advantage, and start blogging (ie. RECORDING) all the things that happen in my life, on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. I do write in a journal now and then, but those are thoughts I am not about to share with the world. The stuff I am always wanting to share with anyone who will listen, almost always has to do with my 2 boys - Big Little D and Small Little D. By writing it down here, you all can read about how adorably cute my kids are, and how clever they are, too! Or you can hear my random thoughts. Or frankly, whatever I feel like writing. It will be my public journal.
I look forward to documenting things as they happen, to be able to go back and read about it, and to share my life with you, as it unfolds. My kids are changing ever so quickly; days, weeks, months seem to blur together at times. So sit back, read away, and hold on for this fast pace ride called LIFE!
I started thinking some more, and realized that the blogging world is a great concept. Why not use it even further to my advantage, and start blogging (ie. RECORDING) all the things that happen in my life, on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. I do write in a journal now and then, but those are thoughts I am not about to share with the world. The stuff I am always wanting to share with anyone who will listen, almost always has to do with my 2 boys - Big Little D and Small Little D. By writing it down here, you all can read about how adorably cute my kids are, and how clever they are, too! Or you can hear my random thoughts. Or frankly, whatever I feel like writing. It will be my public journal.
I look forward to documenting things as they happen, to be able to go back and read about it, and to share my life with you, as it unfolds. My kids are changing ever so quickly; days, weeks, months seem to blur together at times. So sit back, read away, and hold on for this fast pace ride called LIFE!
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