Saturday, 26 October 2013

Things My Daughter Says

Life has been crazy lately, but in a good way. Lots of time spent with family is never a bad thing. Time for a post while on the go! This should be entertaining.

Our daughter has a wild imagination. She says what comes to her mind. Sometimes we just shake our heads.

"I wish I was a toilet, so you could pee in me." <face palm>

"Mommy, I worried about you ALL day!" <melt heart.. she says this when I pick her up from daycare>

"Dad, you're old. You're twelve! No... you're FIVE!!! You're five because you can reach the cereal!"

I'll keep adding to this when more happen.

Tuesday, 15 October 2013

The Princess Obsession

I sat a discussion recently about little girls who become 'obsessed' with a popular brand of princesses. I stayed out of it because I don't have experience with that..... well, I didn't at the time. I can now officially say that I do.

My daughter came home one day and I think that she can rattle off ten princesses by seeing their picture and she hasn't even seen their movies. I'll admit that I haven't seen many princess movies in the last couple of decades, so I'm a bit rusty on their stories and their messages.

I caught myself wondering what lessons, if any, is she going to learn from the ones that she does watch? Is she going to hop on the bandwagon of unrealistic expecting for relationships, work and how to get things in life?? Or rather is she going to see the princesses who are feisty (even though sweet as pie) who are willing to negotiate and fight for what they want??

I think that much of it can be a matter of parenting. There will always be times of unrealistic expectations. If we teach our kids young that they need to stand up for themselves and work hard to get what they want in life, then they can feel like they have a royal life.

Let's face it - the chances are slim that we will become true royalty in our life time. That is not to say that we won't be someone's princess (or queen) at some point in the future. It's all in the eye of the beholder. It is treating others well first that will elevate how we are perceived after all.

I have no problem with her wanting to be a princess. Her view of a princess is often someone who helps others, dresses up, and is a hard worker. If that continues, I hope she aspires to be a princess for the rest of her life.

Typed on my phone. Sorry if there are typos.

Thursday, 10 October 2013

The Balancing Act

Life with ten month old twins and a now three year old is hectic, to say the least. I am sure that you would expect me to say nothing different. It is absolutely enjoyable. However, it doesn't stop.

Lately, I find that I am more able to take time aside to do things for me (haha.... Read as, I help out others as my escape). I've been getting out of the house helping a friend out with her business, volunteering a few times a month, and getting to church events. All of these things get me out and socializing with adults, which can definitely help to keep me sane!

I find that, as my social times and outings on the calendar are filling up quickly (I actually should probably take a picture of my calendar and post it on here, because it is literally a mess), I sometimes struggle to find a balance.... as always, a good serving of sleep deprivation helps with that too... :)

So, I have been working on trying to balance household tasks, children, and ME!! Yes, I've finally made it into the equation! I find that, even though there is often a lot to do or a teething babe in tow or a three year old with an attitude, if I don't take time to 'get away' mentally from the four walls of my house, then I am much more exhausted than I need to be. Going for a walk around the block or having a long phone conversation is a great escape, but having an HOUR or two away (or even more at this stage) replenishes the soul!

As a mom, it is so easy to let ourselves fall to the side and to take care of everyone but ourselves. I am finally starting to shift priorities. People have said this for a long time to me, but, now, I feel a lot more confident in the 'shift' taking place.

Onward and upward!!! The toys can be put away later! There are still plenty of clean dishes in the cupboards! The kids won't stay small forever. Time to take time to myself and refresh so that I can keep enjoying them at this stage. :) Loving it!