Anything and Everything.

I was designed and destined to be a mom, and had known from a very early age that that was my purpose in life. In the last eighties (or early nineties) I used to watch an old Access TV program on VBAC births. Who knew I would need to recall that info years later with my second child? Although it took years (and that's another blog post in itself - see the Journey to Parenthood post here ) my first pregnancy was perfect. I had nothing to complain about, and just adored being pregnant and feeling this beautiful life grow within me. I had waited many years for this, and was taking the pregnancy day by day, enjoying each new milestone. I loved being pregnant!  I wasn’t even upset by the fact that I was well overdue until my niece was born (who was supposed to be born after my child). Holding her, I desperately wanted to be holding my  precious baby. Sure enough the next day I went into labour. :)  No prenatal class, no book, no TV show prepared me for what I was ...

Our family loves to star gaze as we've been doing it for years. We're quite knowledgeable in our space sciences information, as are our children. Because we've gone out to dark sky sites, we know the rules or proper etiquette of going to these places. After watching a recent meteor shower, I think most do not. While it's FANTASTIC that so many want to watch in something so spectacular, a little courtesy goes a long, long ways. Trust me on this - I heard many grumblings from the people present about the lack of respect. It's very disruptive to your vision to finally get it adapted to the dark (as it can take upwards of an hour to truly adapt) only for someone else to drive into the viewing area - headlights shining all over. Before I begin, here's a fantastic blog on why red lights are preferred over white. It's not to be mean or difficult, there really is a reason why the white lights are harsh. When you arrive, it's considered proper etique...

 Every summer, my boys and I paint on t-shirts. A relatively cheap and fun activity with long-lasting results. Each year seems to have a theme. One year it was minions, then Harry Potter, then Minecraft. This year - no surprise - is pokemon. My kids still wear their shirts from 3 years ago. I blogged about it here . First, well before summer, I watch Michael's for t-shirt sales (I find they're a very durable shirt and can handle MANY washes). I can usually snag shirts 2 for $7, but sometimes I get lucky and can get them 2 for $6, but that's a rarity. Then I buy fabric paint (again at Micheals) and use the 40% off coupon to apply to a set of paints. I have been known to get coupons and cash and a different paint set to send with my kids through the cashier. ;) Whatever works. When we have decided what our theme is, I will either print out a coloring book style picture or a regular picture and freehand draw it. I tape it to a window with the picture underneath the fr...