Archive for the ‘Family’ Category

You know what.

I'm tired of hearing everyone say how busy they are (myself included).

Everyone is so insanely busy that friendships are taking a backseat. It shouldn’t be this way. Our lives should never be so full that we can’t make time for family and friends.

Busy shmizy.

I want to bring the fun into busy and the active into friendships and I think I may very well have figured out a way to do it.

Ready for it...

SOFTBALL. (or soccer or volleybal or dodgeball or bowling etc. etc. etc.)

No joke.

We put a softball team together.

We called up a few family members, old friends, new friends

And voila...

Team ADRENALINE was born.

Over the past few weeks, we've been getting together to practice our mad skills (or lack thereof), which easily leads to laughs and good times. Our kids come along and play at the adjoining playground or (if they prefer) become our little "ball boys and girls" and our fans.

Go ahead. Give it a shot. I'm sure once you start, you'll be wondering what took you so long.

We're making time for family and friends and we're having fun.

Take that...BUSY.

On Thursday, I invited you to post a comment to let us know what you're most proud of mothering for a chance to win this incredibly trendy SAS handbag by Bod & Christensen.

This big, beautiful bag is made of Gucci nylon in cream with cognac trim. It features a satiny leopard lining and has lots of interior pockets for your cell phone, keys and all your goodies. It retails for $90.

And the winner is . . .

apavlovsky, who wrote:

"I try to be a good mother, but it is not always easy, lol! I work part time away from home, but when I am home I try to have some homemade goodies ready for the kidlets when they get home from school. We also have storytime. At the end of the day we snuggle in my bed and read the books they picked out for me. It helps us to stay connected. I sure hope this stage lasts a long time because I will miss our special time when they get older."

Congratulations! And a big thanks to all who entered. apavlovsky, I'll be emailing you for your address so I can send you this super-fab prize.

It's Mother's Day this Sunday.

As with past Mother's Day,
I'm sure I'll be made to stay in bed long after I really want to.
I'm sure I'll hear rumaging through the kitchen and the clattering of dishes.
I'm sure I'll be the recipient of a 1/2 cup of luke warm coffee (the other half spilled all over the tray it's being served on) accompanied by a bitten piece of burnt toast.

As the day progresses,
I'm sure I'll see misshapen made beds, soapy dishes and wrinkled clothing fresh out of the dryer.
I'm sure that if I so much as mention that I'm thirsty, I'll be witnessing a race to the kitchen followed by sulking from the one who wasn't quite fast enough to bring me my tall glass of water.

But through it all...
As predictable as this day has become to me by now, my kids never cease to amaze me. I'm always touched by all the excitement and all the effort they put into making this day a special one for me.

I cherish it, I look forward to it and I savour every last bit of it.

If your home is anything like mine, by end of day on Sunday, you'll be sitting on the couch with your feet up. You'll be enjoying a glass of wine (delivered by one of the kids, of course) and you'll be bursting at the seams with an abundance of love for your precious bunch.

The day after Mother's Day...?
Well that might very well be a whole different story,
but on this day, my day, I'm lovin' my life.

Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful moms out there.

Here's a chance for you to win a beautiful prize for yourself (or to give to your favourite Mom) just in time for Mother's Day.

The incredibly trendy SAS handbags, by Bod & Christensen, range from $50-$150, but you can WIN this one for free.

This big, beautiful bag is made of Gucci nylon in cream with cognac trim. It features a satiny leopard lining and has lots of interior pockets for your cell phone, keys and all your goodies. It retails for $90.

And it could be yours! Just post a comment to let us know what you're most proud of mothering - it could be your children, a relative, or someone in your care. Not a mom? No problem. Tell us about how you're "mothering" and nurturing your business, your pet, even your garden. It's your call.

Let us know by this Sunday, May 8 (that's Mother's Day!). I'll announce the winner here on Monday, May 9.

Good luck!

Picture this...
It's a busy Saturday morning.
We have a million and one chores to do.
It's frantic in my household.
Oblivious to the overwhelming tasks at hand, my little one asks "You wanna play with me, mommy?"
"Oh sweetie, I can't, mommy's busy right now."
She heads over to her father "You wanna play a game?"
"Not right now, Daddy's busy"
She heads downstairs and asks her brother and sister the same thing.
Again, the same response.

A few minutes later, she comes back upstairs
hands me a note
grabs a melon from the kitchen counter
heads into the washroom
and closes the door.

Perplexed, I read the note...

No won wonts to play with me. I am movin.

She's moving?

....to the washroom?

Seriously?

Oh well, at least she thought through the food and shelter situation.

"Hi Mom, Having a great time. Please send money!"

It's that time of year when 20-somethings (and countless others) are heading overseas, many for the first time, and many are opting for group travel. Let me qualify that: interesting, engaging authentic travel - not 48 people in a coach bus with buffet breakfasts.

Travelling in a group has many benefits. The top two: security in numbers and lower costs - when you choose the right outfitter.

For some savvy tips to help your 20-something prepare for his or her first group trip abroad - or perhaps for yourself - I turned to the pros, the Canadian travel company Gap Adventures, who have specialized in group travel for more than 20 years. They're experts when it comes to group travel for all ages, in fact, but they've developed a particular sensibility toward younger travellers, so much so that they now offer a style of travel called You Only Live Once (YOLO), packages which cater specifically to the 18 to 39 year-old demographic.

I pitched 10 questions to Star Statulevicius, who has worked as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) at Gap Adventures for almost nine years. You'll find her advice easily applies to travellers of all ages who are considering group travel for the first time.

Gap Adventures Chief Experience Officer Star Statulevicius (Courtesy Gap Adventures)

1. So, how do you go about choosing a group tour? What should you look for? To me, the destination is the ultimate 'deciding factor' for which tour I choose.  I strongly recommend researching a destination before you're ready to book.  It’s also important to review the itinerary and identify what activities and attractions are included.

   Another item to consider is the timing of your trip.  Every destination has varying climates depending on the time of year.

   Finally, your budget. Make sure you figure out how much you’re comfortable spending.

2. There are so many destinations to choose from when considering your first trip abroad. How do you choose?Decide where your interests lie. Are you looking for an active trip, or more of a relaxing break? Do you prefer cities, or being off the beaten path? Do you enjoy travelling in a warm, cold, dry or wet climate?

3. In your 9 years of travel experience, have you observed any specific issues or challenges that you'd like to share with travellers heading abroad for the first time?Jet-lag is a common problem, especially when travelling east or west.  It can be quite challenging for the first few days, so make sure you get enough sleep! Not having enough available funds can be another issue. It's pretty common to spend a little more than you think you will. I always buffer an extra couple of hundred dollars.

   Culture shock is another common issue – not knowing what to expect or what will be different.  Keep in mind you are visiting a new country where many things including the food, transportation, religious customs, and more, may be different. A common shock are drop toilets!

4. How much preparation do you recommend for people joining a group tour, when there's an experienced escort? It really depends on the destination you’re visiting and what activities are included. Any tour that involves a lengthy activity (such as hiking or rafting) requires much more equipment preparation.

   You should always visit a travel clinic at least one month prior to travel, and ensure you've checked the visa requirements of the countries.

5. Have you picked up any great packing tips over the years?Used or recycled plastic bags are a life saver. They're a great way to separate your dirty laundry. Always bring extra toilet paper and make sure you have wet-naps or hand sanitizer.  Don't bring too many pairs of jeans as they're not comfortable for travel.  Bring one pair along with a nice shirt to wear out.  Less is more and keep in mind you have to carry everything around with you – do not over-pack.
   
   

   Young Gap Adventure travellers enjoy a fish foot massage in Cambodia (Photo: Courtesy GAP Adventures)

6. Do you recommend learning some of the local language before you travel?Yes, always! Learning a few words or phrases will make interaction with locals easier.  It's also a sign of respect.

7. Okay, I'm sure you've seen every type of behavior and response when guiding group tours. What should travellers NOT to do?Do not be regimented. It’s important to be open-minded and flexible. Remember this is adventure travel and anything can happen! At the end of the day, you’ll have an interesting story to tell and brag about.

8. When is the best time to book a group trip through an outfitter such as Gap Adventures if planning to travel in May/June?It’s ideal to book three months in advance.  This will give you enough time to research and prepare.  However, it also depends on the destination.  For example, Peru typically requires booking six months in advance.

9. When do you recommend clients should book overseas flights for May or June travel?Flights should be booked as soon as the trip is booked.

10. Do you have any other practical tips for 20-something travellers heading on their first group trip abroad?Always inform your bank that you will be travelling so you don’t encounter any surprises.  I always recommend bringing a variety of payment options – cash, credit card, debit card and traveller’s cheques.  Plus, US dollars are generally accepted in most countries.

    Finally, if you intend to bring a mobile data device, speak to your service provider about an appropriate plan to avoid an outrageous bill when you return home.

    If you have any questions about travelling abroad, feel free to post them below and we'll see if we can get you some answers!
    
    

I was kneeling over the edge of the tub the other day bathing my little girl when she told me she wanted to wash herself. Soon, I thought, she'll be closing the bathroom door and doing it all by herself.

What age did the others start bathing themselves?

I thought
and
I thought
and
I thought
and
I couldn't remember.

Huh...

Isn't it funny how we put so much emphasis on their firsts, but not so much on their lasts?

My little guy's first time bowling

I clearly remember
their first teeth,
their first words,
the first time they slept through the night,
their first hair cut.

But try as I might,
for the life of me,
I can't remember
the last time I rocked them to sleep,
the last bottle I made for them,
the last diaper I ever changed,
the last time I bathed them.

First time the kids headed out on the canoe without an adult

Interesting, isn't it?

I wonder...
Is it because we are so tired of doing these things that we're happy for one less chore?
Is it because we don't realize at the time that this will be the last time?
Or is it because we're too busy celebrating "the firsts" that naturally follow "the lasts"?

For me, judging from all the "firsts" that are stored in my brain and on my camera, I'd have to say that it's definitely the last point.

What about you?

Why do you think we put so much emphasis on their firsts and not so much on their lasts?

My oldest son's birthday is today.  By oldest, I mean 6.

I've always felt that I should get the presents on my son's birthday!

Am I wrong?

After all, I'm the one who suffered for 12 long hours with no assisted medication. My fault - I did arrive at the hospital too late.

Actually, NO!...my husband's fault for stopping for gas.

Oh YES. Yes, he did.

Instead, cleaning, baking, decorating, hosting, and cleaning again is on my agenda.

Planning a children's birthday party is getting more and more complex.

I remember mine was a home baked cake and the special treat was a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Now families rent inflatable jumping houses, obstacles courses, carnival games and superhero look-a-likes to come. It will certainly be memorable, but quite expensive.

We still have a home baked cake, but baked in my son's favourite themed pan. I usually rent a cake pan at Bulk Barn for the occasion - since next year the theme will be different.

Our home becomes the obstacle course - filled with balloons and streamers.

Our carnival games are simple treasure hunts, pin the tail on the donkey (avoid the pin, use velcro tape), Musical chair with no chairs (kids "freeze" in the most funniest positions).

As for the "superhero", well, if all goes well, that's me. (At least in my son's eyes.)

Usually there's a brief moment during the chaos where  just...for a second...the noise stops and my eyes focus frozen on my son.

And that's when I truly realize that he is my gift.

He makes me a better person, he adds play, fun, laughter to my life. He's love that I've never felt.  He is my heart.

I love the gift of watching him grow up.

I am so blessed.

I have 3 children (2 girls, ages 6 & 15 and an 11 year old boy).
They are of various ages and have totally different interests.
I have always found this to be somewhat of a challenge.

It seems that no matter what outing/event/activity we decide upon, someone always ends up crying, sulking or flat out refusing to join us.
I want to hear excitement and enthusiasm from ALL of them.
Instead I usually hear one "Yay", one "Awww" and one "I'm not going".
It's very frustrating.
Sometimes I'd rather not even bother at all.

But I like to do things with them, all of them, all of us.

Well....

After all these years, I have learned a thing or two.
Things that they ALL like to do

and

I'd like to share them with you.

Maybe, just maybe, it'll help you in your quest to keep the harmony in your family.

1. Everyone loves the beach. We like to invite a few friends and spend the day. The younger ones like to build sand castles while the older ones enjoy walking along the water's edge for miles and miles.

Remnants of a washed away sand castle

2. Family Bike Rides. After dinner, we like to hop on our bikes and take off to the nearby trails or the local Starbucks. Sometimes, on the weekend, we'll pack a picnic and a ball and head over to the park.

3. We live fairly close to some kid-friendly farms. The little ones love to feed the animals and the older ones can go out in the fields and pick apples or strawberries (depending on the season).

4. Cottage and weekend getaways. I LOVE getting away - so do the kids. A night away in a new city or a week in a rustic cottage can be a wonderful bonding experience.

We have many wonderful memories here

5. Family movie nights. We have the kids get together and pick a movie. We pop some popcorn and enjoy some quiet time.

I know that my kids will rarely share the same interests.
They're very diverse and at different stages in their lives.

So, when I find something that EVERYONE likes, I make it a family tradition.

After all, you can't break tradition, can you?

It's already the last day of March Break.
That went by rather quickly, didn't it.
I had a couple of days off work as did my husband.
We didn't really have any plans.
We took it day by day.
On one of those days, we found ourselves downtown.
It's been a while.
Quite a while, actually.

In my late teens, I spent a lot of time down there with my boyfriend (now husband).
Being there brought back a lot of wonderful memories.
Life was so different.
We were so carefree.
I still remember the complexity of our conversations -
"What do you want to do?"
"I don't know. What do you want to do?"
"I don't care. What do you want to do?"
"Wanna go to the arcade?"
"Sure. I'm awesome at Pacman. I bet you I can beat the high score."

Afterwards, we would walk for hours along the downtown streets, stopping every once in a while when a particular store caught our interest.

Hmmmmmmm..............

And we're off. Downtown here we come.

Fast forward approx. 20 years and here we are again.
Walking along the same streets (although the arcade is gone, sniff sniff)
Only this time, we have our kids with us.
We want to show them where we grew up.
We want them to catch a glimpse of us before we became mom and dad.

But....

They're whining
and their feet hurt
and they're hungry
and they're tired
and blah, blah, blah.

They're bursting my "lovely memories of yesteryear" bubble.

They're just not getting it.
Although, I think maybe the older one does.
She seems captivated by it all.
But she's a teen.
She's nearly the same age I was when I fell in love with everything downtown.

Maybe they just need more time.
Maybe they need to be teenagers too......

Ok.
Fair enough.
I'll give them a couple of years.
We'll be back.