Wednesday, June 30, 2010

What's the Scoop?

Okay, friends and inter-blogging readers that I have not yet met & stay silent, what gives?
Comments have become null & void.
Readership must be low.
Or non-existant.
What's going on?
Boredom?
Irrelevant topics?
Annoyed?
Moved on?
Left the computer age and started a more simpler life with limited technology?
Do tell.
I love blogging, sharing, releasing, but feedback is one of the most beautiful results of blogging.

What's the Scoop?

Okay, friends and inter-blogging readers that I have not yet met & stay silent, what gives?
Comments have become null & void.
Readership must be low.
Or non-existant.
What's going on?
Boredom?
Irrelevant topics?
Annoyed?
Moved on?
Left the computer age and started a more simpler life with limited technology?
Do tell.
I love blogging, sharing, releasing, but feedback is one of the most beautiful results of blogging.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Do Tell...

"My penis is wiggly. It's dancing!" ~ Bup

" You be Jabba the Hut. You're fat and he's fat." ~ W

"I'm telling you! You, big time out Mommy!" ~ Bup

" I'll be the church-man! This is the last time we gather here to celebrate." ~ W...the churchman.


There are certain things you just don't want to hear from your children.
There are also statements that cause you to squirt your drink out your nose as you drink and laugh at the same time.
Oh...what will they say next?

Do Tell...

"My penis is wiggly. It's dancing!" ~ Bup

" You be Jabba the Hut. You're fat and he's fat." ~ W

"I'm telling you! You, big time out Mommy!" ~ Bup

" I'll be the church-man! This is the last time we gather here to celebrate." ~ W...the churchman.


There are certain things you just don't want to hear from your children.
There are also statements that cause you to squirt your drink out your nose as you drink and laugh at the same time.
Oh...what will they say next?

Summer fun pics...





Summer fun pics...





...and more pics




...and more pics










Pictorial Review






There's been many events happening in our lives lately. Endings and beginnings. The end of school, "Hana", OT, home school days, rock climbing class, and the beginning of summer.
So rather than ramble tonight I thought I would just share a few pics sharing what's been on the go in our home lately.

Pictorial Review






There's been many events happening in our lives lately. Endings and beginnings. The end of school, "Hana", OT, home school days, rock climbing class, and the beginning of summer.
So rather than ramble tonight I thought I would just share a few pics sharing what's been on the go in our home lately.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Thursday Thoughts

As I write this the rain is patting against the windows, the house is dim with evening sun and quiet with sleeping children. I am blissfully nestled into the couch. Where I think I will stay until my bed beckons.

Did you ever vow that you would NOT be like your parent(s)? Or are you one of the luckies who wants to even strives to be like their parent?

Well, an epiphany has been brewing in my mind and body.
Ugh.
I have determined that I am so much like my father it's frightening.
As a kid, I remember my father couldn't do this and that....couldn't run, play, etc....cause of his heart and back. Well, I find myself saying similar things to my boys. Talk about sinking my heart...cringing on the inside....
On any given day lately, I hear myself saying "my back hurts, my neck hurts, headache, tired, Achilles tendon, plantar fasciitis, knee, neck is pinched, back hurts, back hurts, etc...I can't...later....just a minute...."
Ohhhhh....what have I done? What have I become? I can't even stand to hear myself.
I'm 37 basically 38 and seriously feel....oh, I don't know, 90. Yes, 90.
I need a plan. A get healthy, action plan. Forget getting slim. Gawd knows I need to but being healthy is so much more crucial.
So, in any given week I'm pretty sure I need a massage, chiropractic care, physio, acupuncture, sleep, detox, the naturopath, and all the basic parts of being healthy like getting off this comfy couch with the rain pattering windows and get outside. Rain or not.
Maybe putting it all out there like this will spur me into some sort of action. That's what I need spurs...or a cattle prod...after all Stampede is almost here!

Thursday Thoughts

As I write this the rain is patting against the windows, the house is dim with evening sun and quiet with sleeping children. I am blissfully nestled into the couch. Where I think I will stay until my bed beckons.

Did you ever vow that you would NOT be like your parent(s)? Or are you one of the luckies who wants to even strives to be like their parent?

Well, an epiphany has been brewing in my mind and body.
Ugh.
I have determined that I am so much like my father it's frightening.
As a kid, I remember my father couldn't do this and that....couldn't run, play, etc....cause of his heart and back. Well, I find myself saying similar things to my boys. Talk about sinking my heart...cringing on the inside....
On any given day lately, I hear myself saying "my back hurts, my neck hurts, headache, tired, Achilles tendon, plantar fasciitis, knee, neck is pinched, back hurts, back hurts, etc...I can't...later....just a minute...."
Ohhhhh....what have I done? What have I become? I can't even stand to hear myself.
I'm 37 basically 38 and seriously feel....oh, I don't know, 90. Yes, 90.
I need a plan. A get healthy, action plan. Forget getting slim. Gawd knows I need to but being healthy is so much more crucial.
So, in any given week I'm pretty sure I need a massage, chiropractic care, physio, acupuncture, sleep, detox, the naturopath, and all the basic parts of being healthy like getting off this comfy couch with the rain pattering windows and get outside. Rain or not.
Maybe putting it all out there like this will spur me into some sort of action. That's what I need spurs...or a cattle prod...after all Stampede is almost here!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Father's Day


I love that my husband is a father.
There are times when I watch him fathering and find myself wishing that I am as kind, patient, fun or loving as he is with the boys. Years back, watching him with the babies...now that was something. It would almost bring a tear to my eye....witnessing him snuggle and sing to a "little ball of goo." (as he used to refer to babies...)
Now to see the absolute glee on W & R's faces when their daddy arrives home from work. Well....that's just enough to give a girl goosebumps! His arrival is the definite highlight of their day.
So, B the D, deserves such a celebratory and day of gratitude, but.....
it didn't happen. Not on the scale my FH deserves.
We are all recovering from colds, my FH included, so no one had much energy to celebrate. Although the boys woke up their dad bright and early to give him their handmade gifts which are too cute. Especially the Interview about Dad that W completed while in pre-school:
My dad is 41yrs old. (lol....he's off by about 3 yrs here)
My dad helps me with heavy stuff.
My dad likes to play with me.
My dad's likes to wear his Oilers shirt.
My dad has a workshop.
If I had $100 dollars I would buy my dad a new, big, pipe wrench.
My dad's favorite color is red.

Did you celebrate Father's Day?
May the fathers in your life, know they are special and loved...just like our B the D.

Father's Day


I love that my husband is a father.
There are times when I watch him fathering and find myself wishing that I am as kind, patient, fun or loving as he is with the boys. Years back, watching him with the babies...now that was something. It would almost bring a tear to my eye....witnessing him snuggle and sing to a "little ball of goo." (as he used to refer to babies...)
Now to see the absolute glee on W & R's faces when their daddy arrives home from work. Well....that's just enough to give a girl goosebumps! His arrival is the definite highlight of their day.
So, B the D, deserves such a celebratory and day of gratitude, but.....
it didn't happen. Not on the scale my FH deserves.
We are all recovering from colds, my FH included, so no one had much energy to celebrate. Although the boys woke up their dad bright and early to give him their handmade gifts which are too cute. Especially the Interview about Dad that W completed while in pre-school:
My dad is 41yrs old. (lol....he's off by about 3 yrs here)
My dad helps me with heavy stuff.
My dad likes to play with me.
My dad's likes to wear his Oilers shirt.
My dad has a workshop.
If I had $100 dollars I would buy my dad a new, big, pipe wrench.
My dad's favorite color is red.

Did you celebrate Father's Day?
May the fathers in your life, know they are special and loved...just like our B the D.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

The End is Here


It's all coming to an end this week. Our schedule...pre-school, OT, SNA in the home,
Rockclimbing class, and even our respite caregiver has the audacity to move to another province and leave us!!!
The last couple of weeks these endings were about to give me a wicked, itchy case of hives. What will I do? With all our spare time?
Today....even though the whole family is sick with colds....I'm good with it. We'll make our own schedule and find other more flexible ways to keep busy. Exploring the parks (despite the monsoons), Vacation Bible School, gymnastics, camping, camping, camping and an alphabet summer of sorts.
This Calgary Family Fun site brought lots of ideas about, some of which I had never considered such as the Spaceport, Grain Academy Museum (yes, my kids will be thrilled to learn more about grain and trains), pony rides, etc.
Having said all that....I do hope we can secure another caring, compassionate, responsible caregiver for the summer...and soon. Bup is going to be so sad that his "Hana" is gone. He LOVES her! Everyday he states that "Hana is coming tomormow" and always gives her hugs and kisses when she leaves. Poor Bup! He'll miss his Hana so much!
Here at the RWB household...the scheduled year is all over and we're ready for summer to officially begin today.

The End is Here


It's all coming to an end this week. Our schedule...pre-school, OT, SNA in the home,
Rockclimbing class, and even our respite caregiver has the audacity to move to another province and leave us!!!
The last couple of weeks these endings were about to give me a wicked, itchy case of hives. What will I do? With all our spare time?
Today....even though the whole family is sick with colds....I'm good with it. We'll make our own schedule and find other more flexible ways to keep busy. Exploring the parks (despite the monsoons), Vacation Bible School, gymnastics, camping, camping, camping and an alphabet summer of sorts.
This Calgary Family Fun site brought lots of ideas about, some of which I had never considered such as the Spaceport, Grain Academy Museum (yes, my kids will be thrilled to learn more about grain and trains), pony rides, etc.
Having said all that....I do hope we can secure another caring, compassionate, responsible caregiver for the summer...and soon. Bup is going to be so sad that his "Hana" is gone. He LOVES her! Everyday he states that "Hana is coming tomormow" and always gives her hugs and kisses when she leaves. Poor Bup! He'll miss his Hana so much!
Here at the RWB household...the scheduled year is all over and we're ready for summer to officially begin today.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Boogers n Worms

It's raining here. It's been raining for weeks. Quite literally.
Which brings you know what onto the sidewalks, among other places.

Do your kids pick their nose? And eat it? How do you get them to stop?
Well, I've tried all sorts of things....having to wash hands as soon as that finger disappears...etc. And then my sister and a friend were reminiscing about childhood and some of the ridiculous things our parents told us, such as that boogers give you worms.

Bingo! I'm gonna try that!

Not one of my finer parenting moments, but come on....I need something!

So today while waiting for pre-school to open, it was me the other parents could hear snorting with laughter and I did NOT offer any explanation.

W and 4 little friends were all crouched on their haunches watching a long, skinny, slimy worm squirm around enjoying the rain, when another mom and I heard W say...as clear as sunny southern skies.....

"Boogers make worms."

"Did I hear that right?" asked the other mom. To which I replied yes, kept laughing and did not explain.

Yup, a fine parenting moment.

So, fess up. What white-lie do you tell your kids?

Boogers n Worms

It's raining here. It's been raining for weeks. Quite literally.
Which brings you know what onto the sidewalks, among other places.

Do your kids pick their nose? And eat it? How do you get them to stop?
Well, I've tried all sorts of things....having to wash hands as soon as that finger disappears...etc. And then my sister and a friend were reminiscing about childhood and some of the ridiculous things our parents told us, such as that boogers give you worms.

Bingo! I'm gonna try that!

Not one of my finer parenting moments, but come on....I need something!

So today while waiting for pre-school to open, it was me the other parents could hear snorting with laughter and I did NOT offer any explanation.

W and 4 little friends were all crouched on their haunches watching a long, skinny, slimy worm squirm around enjoying the rain, when another mom and I heard W say...as clear as sunny southern skies.....

"Boogers make worms."

"Did I hear that right?" asked the other mom. To which I replied yes, kept laughing and did not explain.

Yup, a fine parenting moment.

So, fess up. What white-lie do you tell your kids?

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Tears from the Heart

Children are the keepers of our hearts, aren't they?
Yes, they're also the little mites that cause us the most weariness and frustration while in the next moment causing our smiles to beam and hearts to swell.

This evening the boys and I attended my nieces 17th birthday celebration. The fact that Shiny is 17 at all blows my mind. I remember very well being 17....it feels like yesterday. I'm old aren't I?

Anyway, prior to birthday parties the boys and I always discuss what to expect, how to act, etc. And tonight was no different. (Except I left the "earmuffs" at home by accident.) Group singing is one of those things that hurts W's ears beyond compare. The sensory pain is rampant and strong when a lot of people are singing, which obviously happens at birthday parties.
Now, did I ever think that at the end of Grace, there would be a lot of loud noise to hurt this little one's ears? Never. It did not cross my thoughtless mind. For some reason there was some cheering and laughing.....
...and I saw my little man melt.
I saw him sit with his elbows on the tables, his hands tightly covering his ears, his lip tremble and eyes fill with tears as he tried so hard not to cry. I scooted around the table to comfort him immediately, while telling W, "It's okay, It's okay" but I was too late. The damage was done and rather than cry in front of everyone, he took off. Ran out the front door and was going home to get his ear muffs, the tears streaming down his little face.
Ugh.
Gut wrenching.
Eventually I convinced him to come in the house, go the basement where it was quiet and we would all leave, the three of us. I was barely keeping it together when W agreed for me to get his earmuffs. So off I went home (it's only 3k away...no biggie...) and sobbed the whole drive. It just broke my heart! To see him hurting and fighting so hard to keep it together....to want to escape so badly....to hurt so deeply....it hurts. I just wish and wish and wish that W didn't have these struggles and could enjoy a birthday party like most other kids....singing and eating cake too.
When we left the party, there were more tears because W wanted cake and doesn't ever get it! (Thankfully, my sister is thoughtful and did not present cake until we had left.)

Oh, if only one day, life in general will be a little easier for my boy, W. Does a parent ever ask for anything more? Really ask for more? Not really. No.

Until then, we'll keep moving forward....and sharing a tear or two.

Tears from the Heart

Children are the keepers of our hearts, aren't they?
Yes, they're also the little mites that cause us the most weariness and frustration while in the next moment causing our smiles to beam and hearts to swell.

This evening the boys and I attended my nieces 17th birthday celebration. The fact that Shiny is 17 at all blows my mind. I remember very well being 17....it feels like yesterday. I'm old aren't I?

Anyway, prior to birthday parties the boys and I always discuss what to expect, how to act, etc. And tonight was no different. (Except I left the "earmuffs" at home by accident.) Group singing is one of those things that hurts W's ears beyond compare. The sensory pain is rampant and strong when a lot of people are singing, which obviously happens at birthday parties.
Now, did I ever think that at the end of Grace, there would be a lot of loud noise to hurt this little one's ears? Never. It did not cross my thoughtless mind. For some reason there was some cheering and laughing.....
...and I saw my little man melt.
I saw him sit with his elbows on the tables, his hands tightly covering his ears, his lip tremble and eyes fill with tears as he tried so hard not to cry. I scooted around the table to comfort him immediately, while telling W, "It's okay, It's okay" but I was too late. The damage was done and rather than cry in front of everyone, he took off. Ran out the front door and was going home to get his ear muffs, the tears streaming down his little face.
Ugh.
Gut wrenching.
Eventually I convinced him to come in the house, go the basement where it was quiet and we would all leave, the three of us. I was barely keeping it together when W agreed for me to get his earmuffs. So off I went home (it's only 3k away...no biggie...) and sobbed the whole drive. It just broke my heart! To see him hurting and fighting so hard to keep it together....to want to escape so badly....to hurt so deeply....it hurts. I just wish and wish and wish that W didn't have these struggles and could enjoy a birthday party like most other kids....singing and eating cake too.
When we left the party, there were more tears because W wanted cake and doesn't ever get it! (Thankfully, my sister is thoughtful and did not present cake until we had left.)

Oh, if only one day, life in general will be a little easier for my boy, W. Does a parent ever ask for anything more? Really ask for more? Not really. No.

Until then, we'll keep moving forward....and sharing a tear or two.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Womens Retreat

Ahhhhh.....the support and power of women...of friends. Not to mention the mountains! We shared an inspiring weekend in the Rockies, the four of us. Which brought face aching laughter, hours in the outdoor hot-tub, a few tears, and the desire to do it all again next year.

Our Rockies are always inspiring, yet on a sunny day it's almost overwhelming. Awesome, over-shadowing amazingness. (Aren't I great with words?!)

What did I learn over these two days?
That despite my deep, unshakable love for the three men in my life (big & little), there is a need for friends. Always. The support of girlfriends is like no other.
Also....goodness I miss cheese!
And ice cream!
And bagels with cream cheese! Oh! The sneakiness of eating when my Kiddos aren't around. Now....it's back to reality....no cheese.

Womens Retreat

Ahhhhh.....the support and power of women...of friends. Not to mention the mountains! We shared an inspiring weekend in the Rockies, the four of us. Which brought face aching laughter, hours in the outdoor hot-tub, a few tears, and the desire to do it all again next year.

Our Rockies are always inspiring, yet on a sunny day it's almost overwhelming. Awesome, over-shadowing amazingness. (Aren't I great with words?!)

What did I learn over these two days?
That despite my deep, unshakable love for the three men in my life (big & little), there is a need for friends. Always. The support of girlfriends is like no other.
Also....goodness I miss cheese!
And ice cream!
And bagels with cream cheese! Oh! The sneakiness of eating when my Kiddos aren't around. Now....it's back to reality....no cheese.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Pre-school Birthday



What a wonderful, thoughtful teacher! Since W has a summer birthday, Mrs. J celebrated his birthday at pre-school today. The celebration included a special birthday crown, a gift, designated snack guy and show'n'tell. Of course, W brought safe birthday cupcakes for everyone. Star Wars themed. This child is Star Wars crazy right now. Craaaaazeee!
Which by the way, is not ideal, but what do you do? No, he's not watching the movies. No he doesn't really own any Star Wars toys, just a sticker book and Lego Visual Dictionary, which was the show & tell item, as well as coloring pages for each child.
All the little boys were thrilled! The girls? Probably just happy to get their cake and go home!

Pre-school Birthday



What a wonderful, thoughtful teacher! Since W has a summer birthday, Mrs. J celebrated his birthday at pre-school today. The celebration included a special birthday crown, a gift, designated snack guy and show'n'tell. Of course, W brought safe birthday cupcakes for everyone. Star Wars themed. This child is Star Wars crazy right now. Craaaaazeee!
Which by the way, is not ideal, but what do you do? No, he's not watching the movies. No he doesn't really own any Star Wars toys, just a sticker book and Lego Visual Dictionary, which was the show & tell item, as well as coloring pages for each child.
All the little boys were thrilled! The girls? Probably just happy to get their cake and go home!

"Homeschool" Field Trip


Since the end of the school year is rapidly approaching, we've decided to throw some fun into it and get out doors...rain or shine.
This week we went to the Erratic where W learned about Quartzite, gophers, glaciers and a Blackfoot legend about a trickster and bats(which by the way, we saw in person on Fri at our friend's home...W was thrilled!) that split the rock in half. He loved,loved, loved the legend!
Miss C, W and I enjoyed an afternoon away from home. Bup....well, he enjoyed it in a different way as he fell asleep as soon as we started driving and slept the whole time. Sleepy student.
One more week with Miss C so next week we'll spend more time out doors. What will we do without Miss C? It'll be a sad farewell. So, we'll have to make our last week together the best one yet.

"Homeschool" Field Trip


Since the end of the school year is rapidly approaching, we've decided to throw some fun into it and get out doors...rain or shine.
This week we went to the Erratic where W learned about Quartzite, gophers, glaciers and a Blackfoot legend about a trickster and bats(which by the way, we saw in person on Fri at our friend's home...W was thrilled!) that split the rock in half. He loved,loved, loved the legend!
Miss C, W and I enjoyed an afternoon away from home. Bup....well, he enjoyed it in a different way as he fell asleep as soon as we started driving and slept the whole time. Sleepy student.
One more week with Miss C so next week we'll spend more time out doors. What will we do without Miss C? It'll be a sad farewell. So, we'll have to make our last week together the best one yet.

Don't look over the fence!


Bup is in the midst of toilet training. After all he is three now!
We had a unseasonably warm spring day....once...last week and this brought the boys out of doors. There was a bare bum involved as well. However, I did check with my local parenting mentor before allowing the outdoor nudity. Truly I did! I phoned my sister for advice as to whether it's appropriate for my son to be baring all in the backyard. To which she replied..."My kids did and we didn't even have fences." So.... we have fences.
Plus, the neighbors already talk about us and now they really have something to discuss if they're looking over the fence.
Bup is toilet training so it's sometimes easier to let him go free and easy rather than changing underwear and pants several times a day. He's doing awesome! Even going on his own without prompting yet there's still some misses such as forgetting to pull the pants down before sitting on the toilet.
So....what's your opinion? Childhood backyard nudity? Yes or no?