Saturday, October 31, 2009

Happy Birthday to My "Big" 4 Year Old Boy


B2 has always danced to his own beat - a rhythm all his own.
He came into the world so quickly just four short years ago.
He stole our hearts from the first moment.
He has such zest, intensity, energy and enthusiasm for life.
He brings us so much joy, so much love, so many laughs, and so much interrupted sleep, which has all been totally worth it.

He is my running contradiction. He has no fear, but gets shy around new people. He kisses and hugs so gently, but can also squeeze so tight it hurts! He looks up to his big brother, but insists he is 'big' and a 'brother' therefore a big brother. He likes to go out and play - adventuring in his world, but loves to home home, safe and secure. He wants to be independent, but won't let me go.

It is so hard to believe that my youngest child is now four years old. He is no longer the little (or not so little!) baby he once was. He has blossomed into a kid who loves life. He is a real joy to be around.


His smile is beyond words!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Friday, October 23, 2009

UN Day 2009

Today I took my children to my workplace and they participated in a UN Day Celebration. They got to hear about peace initiatives, Canada's role here and abroad, and the importance of civil society in bringing about social justice. My sons got to light a candle to represent the UN's Millennium Goals, which was so adorable. Another highlight was watching doves (homing doves) be released to symbolize peace and freedom. (I think they also really enjoyed the cake!)

Thanks dudes!

It was also really cute former students came up to me and asked, "Were your kids here today?" I could proudly state yes, knowing they recalled the pictures I had shown in lectures. Obviously they made an impression!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Thanksgiving Post:

We sat at the Thanksgiving table yesterday as the feast got cold, but our hearts were warm. B1 proceeds...
"I am thankful for My Mom.
I am thankful for My Dad.
I am thankful for My Brother.
I am thankful for all my Family.
I am thankful for My Home.
I am thankful for My Bed.
I am thankful for My School.
I am thankful for the Earth.
(Pause)
I am thankful for Love."

He's 6!

Friday, October 9, 2009

How Moms Support Other Moms...

Moms Support Other Moms By...

1. Run together - I find just having a friend who shares my passion for running and mothering makes both more enjoyable.
2. Cry together - Sometimes I need another Mom to empathize when DOAD gets "it," but the it is a little different from a mother's vantage point.
3. Venting
4. Listening
5. Not judging
6. Laughing

On the laughing note, my own Mom is in town visiting this weekend. She and my Dad have spent the day with B2. B2 wants a new winter coat (even though last year's still fits him, he says, "I'm bigger now!" And, he wants a blue one). I planted the seed about him inheriting his big brother's used winter jacket with both of them earlier today. My Mom attempted to promote said hand-me-downs to B2 with "Look at that awesome blue coat." B2 says, "that's not blue, it's black." Back and forth for a moment with, "Sure, it's blue," "No, it's black" and then my son responds rather condescendingly to my Mom:
"I'm not going to argue with you!" This, from a 3 (soon to be 4) year old!

Tell me more about how you get support in your mothering from others moms through the Mothering Contexts Study.

Friday, October 2, 2009

"You are my best friend"


B2 has taken to letting me know that I am his "best friend!" It is so adorable. He usually says it when we are cuddling before bed. Other times we are driving and his little voice sweetly says, "Mom, you are my BEST friend." It makes me melt. So today, looking for a little affection I said, "Who's your best friend?"

He replied without pause,

"Makayla."

(I shouldn't have asked!)

Please check out the Mothering Contexts Study.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

My To Do List

With so much going on from all sides - work (teaching, administrative, research, committees, media, etc.) and family (school, hockey, husband time, kid's birthday parties, hockey!, pre-school etc. etc.) and attempting to get in "me" time (running, ah.... maybe some yoga, book club... what else?) I feel like there is so much on my to do list.

Is it possible to mother in a way that takes serious the advice to: "Make every task that goes on your list past a test: is it truly necessary? Will I have felt great about doing it, when I’m done?" (from Zen Habits)

What about all the STUFF that ends up getting on my plate outside the 'to do'?