Babywearing Brother

If you've been reading my blog for a little while now you will know I am a HUGE Babywearing fan. I am also a Boba Ambassador and thrive to share knowledge about safe, and proper babywearing. Well, I just wanted to share this little story with you because not only is it adorable, but I know most of you will enjoy it as well!

A few weeks ago we were getting ready to head out to the park when Jordan who will be turning 11 on September 7th asked if he could wear Justin in the Boba. I was a little hesitant at first because Justin is turning 1 on September 9th and isn't the smallest of little ones - but I said sure, let's try it. Little did I know both boys would love it and probably enjoy it as much as I do.

Jordan wore him to the park, at the park and on the way home...

 How cute right?

Well, last night just after 7 Jordan and I were talking about phone cases and how his broke, he didn't want to order one so we decided to head to the dollar store to grab him a new case. All the other kids were in bed, but I was bringing Justin with us. Jordan asked if he could babywear him again. A little shocked, I wasn't so sure because Justin was snuggly and pretty much ready to nap himself but Jordan really wanted to and said he would be fine and of course he was. Not only did Justin smile, and bounce the whole time but he even snuggled his head into Jordan, and cuddle most of the time too... SO CUTE.

So I just wanted to post and say, not only is Babywearing amazing for Mom, Dad and Babies but also for getting siblings involved too! Jordan not only was so proud, but he also said he felt closer to Justin being able to cuddle and keep him close too. 

Babywearing is for everyone! Even if it isn't your thing, or you don't have babies of the babywearing age aren't the photos cute to look at? I love seeing siblings babywearing, especially with it being one of my very own passions! Jordan is such a great big brother, I hope he realizes how much these kids all love him! 

Paleo Friendly Bread

My husband and I have decided that in an effort to eat better, and feel better we are going to start eating following the Paleo way on September 1st. So I have been looking everywhere online to find paleo friendly recipes I can make for us. I came across this recipe on Pinterest and of course had to pin it to my new Paleo board.

Well, I decided after sending the husband to pick up the necessary ingredients I didn't have on hand (coconut flour, almond flour, raw honey...) that I would make it today.

It turned out really, really well.

I find it to be nutty, yet light and very flavorful and it's not at all dry, but in fact pretty moist! I am not a coconut person, and I don't taste it what-so-ever in this recipe. It is okay dry, but I'm going to try it with almond butter, or some kind of nut butter I think to see if I can even make it taste even better. I am usually a butter, peanut butter or gasp, a cheese whiz gal when it comes to my breads and toast.

I also made this bread in the wrong pan. I only have the normal bread pans, and it calls for the smaller 7.5x3.5 in pans! I also don't have a food processor and I left out an ingredient.. But, that's okay for testing purposes it turned out great!

Full Recipe Source 

/ / I left out the Flaxmeal and no food processor but it still turned out ~ oops.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 3 tablespoons coconut flour
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 5 organic eggs
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons raw honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Directions: 

1. Grease a normal loaf pan, or smaller 7.5 x 3.5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a bowl add the almond flour, coconut flour, salt and the baking soda and mix until fully mixed together.
3. Add in each egg, the coconut oil, raw honey and the apple cider vinegar. Continue to process until the ingredients are mixed very well.
4. Place the batter into the loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees F for 30  minutes or until the center is cooked completely.

Not everyone is Paleo - so I'd love to know what is your favorite treat to make paleo or not?

5 Ways I'm Preparing My Kids For Back-To-School!

School hasn't started for us yet. It starts Sept 2nd ( we get out at the end of June and always go back in Sept ) None of my kids are excited to go back so it's been a bit of a struggle. While Jordan is bordering on being SUPER EXCITED and SUPER NERVOUS for starting grade 6, having a locker etc the others? Couldn't care less and want to stay home.

 So here are some of the tricks I've been trying these last 2 weeks before school starts up...

New hair cuts for school!

5. Shop for back to school - the only reason they get excited for back to school items is because I get them involved and let them basically pick everything out themselves!

4. Let them Choose hair styles and Cuts - I took them last week to get their hair done and let them Choose what they wanted. Jordan chose a small trim, Kyla wanted bangs, Jayden's was a wee bit short but suits him and Ava couldn't exactly get much done because her hair is soooo curly and crazy, but she got her bangs cut and a good trim!

3. Get them back on an earlier schedule with our back to school bedtime routine. During the school year if we have good bedtimes we bring back our Family Movie Nights on the weekends with treats of their choice. So we've started this again, this past weekend we had our first back to school movie night. Kids got to pick their treats & stay up later. We get to do these every weekend when we have smooth bedtimes during the week, which can sometimes be EXTREMELY hard especially after a summer of somewhat later, scattered bedtimes. (much different than our week night family movie nights, which they too love during the summer!)

2. Discuss all the fun, good things that happened the previous year - they've had a rough go with schools. Hoping with the coming of a new principal in September in this school they've been in since March will be the little change they need to make it better. Discussing it all and reminding them how we deal with issues appropriately seems to help re-assure them things will be just fine!

1. New year, new grades, new duds, new friends, how exciting? The last thing I'm doing is encouraging and trying to make going back to school as fun and stress free as possible. I remember how nervous I always was, and how much stress it put on me. So I'm trying as best I can, and as much as I can to alleviate that for them and make the most of this exciting, nerve wrecking and probably scary time!

Do you have any tips? If your kids are just starting school, veterans or long out of school what helped prepare your kids for the big day?

Peace, Love & Misunderstanding

I really enjoyed this movie, but this post isn't exactly about the movie...

If you haven't seen this movie yet I'll give you a little bit of info,

"When her husband tells her he wants a divorce, devastated Manhattan lawyer Diane heads upstate with her two teens to Woodstock to stay with her estranged hippie mother. In this charming village, Diane and her city kids get a new perspective on life: poetry-reading daughter Zoe becomes interested in a sensitive young butcher Cole, nerdy son Jake finds material for his first film project, and Diane herself grows close to a handsome carpenter/singer Jude. Most importantly, Diane finally gets the chance to end the ancient war with the mother she has not seen for decades." - Wiki

My husband and I were watching this movie the other night and it got me thinking. From reading the above info you probably have no idea where I'm going with this because it really doesn't say in the description, so I'll tell you -

Pot.

In the movie Jane Fonda's character is a hippie Grandma and she is a pot grower and seller - at one point in the movie she smokes with her grand kids for their first time at ages 17 and 15 (if that!)

Now, this is what got me thinking - my son who is turning 11 in less than a month was offered pot at age 9...out front on my lawn by a kid 1 grade higher than him who he was kicking the soccer ball around with. Could you imagine? Now, he came right inside all upset and never hung out with this kid again.

My son is going into "Junior High" ~ grade 6 and it seems as though kids around here are doing these things younger, and younger - especially since where I come from is a very small city and at this age I didn't even know what drugs were let alone be offered any ever until well into my teens.

Jordan was raised the way I was, drugs are not for us. All drugs. I have never touched any sort in my life, and I know realistically that isn't all too common but despite how I may feel, I still don't want my kids doing any type of drugs so I've made sure never to change my stance on them and I feel very confident that Jordan will always choose how he was raised, but he may not.... So how does one prepare for that?

How do you accurately talk to your kids about not doing drugs? It's sad we have to think about this, but the time is coming.

I know someone who told me her 14 year-old smokes pot and she knows about it and to me that's just a scratch on the head. I am not sure how one can be okay with that?? Regardless, pot is illegal here in Canada and to me needing mind altering substances isn't needed when an adult, let alone a child.

I think it's important for my kids to know at this age about drugs, because I was completely caught off guard when my son was 9 being offered it. NINE. Right outside my house on my lawn. NINE.

I know PLENTY of adults who do it.

To each their own, an adult can make that decision on their own but kids? Shouldn't even have access to this stuff let alone offering it to friends. That I think is most disturbing to me.

How would you prepare your kids for the possibility of being offered these types of things in school or from peers? Have you had these types of talks with your kids? If you don't know, or aren't comfortable saying - - Have you seen this movie?

Chicken Pot Pie Cupcakes & Chocolate Loaf Cake!

Everytime I post a photo of these on Instagram I get asked for the recipe so I wanted to share this here. I've been making these for a little bit now that I found on Cupcake Fanatic. My kids absolutely love these, and actually request them. They are super quick to make and easy! I will even be making them to send to school for their lunches, that's how much they love them!

Ingredients:

2 cups of cooked chicken breasts diced

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 cup frozen mixed veggies

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 tablespoon of  dried thyme

1/2 tablespoon of dried basil

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic salt

2 (10 oz) cans Pillsbury biscuits

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400.
2. In a bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, frozen veggies, cheese, herbs and spices.
3. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin and place the Pillsbury biscuits into each cup, pressing into the bottom and up the sides.
4. Evenly spoon the pot pie mixture into each biscuit cup. Slide into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Check at the 12 minute mark.

 Easy, Yummy and a huge hit with the kiddos! Need something for dessert? Why not try a chocolate loaf cake or two! My Grandma had this recipe in her book when she passed away and I got it, so I've been making it ever since. I'm not sure where she got the recipe but its delicious and super moist and good!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups applesauce
1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Frosting: You can make any you want, I sometimes don't put a frosting on, but if I do it's usually a quick one I search online. The one above was leftover I had from cupcakes (and a jar! oops haha)

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar. Add melted chocolate chips, eggs and vanilla; mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with applesauce. Fold in miniature chocolate chips. Divide batter into 2 loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

   

I do What With Washi? (And You Can Too!)

As most of you who have read my blog for the last little bit know I find comfort in all things washi tape.

What IS washi tape?

"Washi is a style of paper that was first made in Japan. Washi is commonly made using fibers from the bark of the gampi tree, the mitsumata shrub (Edgeworthia chrysantha), or the paper mulberry, but also can be made using bamboo, hemp, rice, and wheat. Washi comes from wa meaning Japanese and shi meaning paper, and the term is used to describe paper made by hand in the traditional manner.

     Nowadays masking tapes are widely used for decorative purposes. They are printed with different patterns, some Japanese tapes are made of washi paper." - wikipedia.org/wiki/Washi

I use it in my planner, for crafting, for covering up ugly pieces of house, you name it I can use it! But -- when I get a new roll, or five I post it on social media I'm always asked "what do you do with it?"

Well, here is the last 5 things I've done with washi tape!

5. Light Switch - My daughter asked if I could make her light switch in her bedroom fancy! Of course I can, and she chose this beautiful Mermaid Scales washi to use! I didn't create this, I saw it of course on Pinterest (brilliant!)

4. Crafting - I had these boring "H O M E" letters on my shelf, so I decided to pretty them up a little bit and put washi on them. It took all of 5 minutes and looks super cute!

3. Envelopes - I will not mail an envelope that looks plain and ordinary anymore. How cute does this look? It never hurts to get pretty, happy mail!

2. Planner - I use it in my planner. To break up days, to decorate, and to just make the days brighter to look at. This is something I do weekly, and its relaxing and gives me that half an hour to myself once a week to start decorating for the weeks ahead to be filled. It's much nicer to look at and always makes for a cheery week!

1. iPhone cord - I didn't think this up either, but I did it because we have 3 iPhone's in our home and 2 of which use the same cord, and mine ALWAYS goes missing. No denying who this cord belongs to now!

So if you happen to just have a roll laying around, or you see a pretty pack at the store grab it! Not only can these little projects brighten up these boring plain items - you can do LOTS of kids crafts with them, use them to decorate photo frames that are boring solid colors.. ANYTHING!

Puppy Love

Before we moved to Toronto we had gotten our dog Chase. He was a mix of Chihuahua and Jack Russell. Besides being a bit yippy, and loving to escape hes a great dog. We decided when we found out we had gotten this house that we would look into getting a 2nd dog.. Why? I'm not really sure, I didn't actually think we would find the perfect dog so I wasn't too worried about it.

We lived in an Apartment and a week before we were to move into our house my husband was coming home from the store. He opened our door and said "I found you a puppy!" I didn't think anything of it until a girl came in behind him, with a dog and she was carrying a fashion bag. I looked at the dog and thought "Huh? That dog is at least two!?" little did I know when she put the bag down two little heads would pop up..  Coco and Chanel.

Coco was white and had brown markings and Chanel was blonde. Shih Tzu's. I was IN LOVE.

Of Course, I wanted. They had a pretty big price tag, but I didn't care. I had to have her.

My husband said, which would do you like.. I jumped up and over she came to me! "THIS ONE!"

We bought her, meet Chanel.

 Isn't she darling?

Well fast forward to the summer. We had never had a female dog before, I've always had males. So I was oblivious, and pretty dumb to be honest. We had scheduled her spay for later on in the summer (little did I know, sooner the better!) but RIGHT before that could happen, she fell pregnant. AWFUL I know, I'm still mad at myself for it. We know how awful it is, the risk and what bad doggy parents we were. No need to remind.

Chanel & Chase.

She went to the vets a few times during her short pregnancy, and even an ultrasound to try to help us determine how many puppies she was going to have. October she was due. I had made her a Whelping box, had everything ready that she needed. I had done tons of research and informed myself the best I could. The vets couldn't tell us how many puppies she had inside her - 5 possibly 7. Take a look at her sonogram photo, I was in SHOCK I had never seen an ultrasound of a dog before.

October rolled around and she had been spending lots of time in her Whelping box (normal) but I knew it was coming. We had been tracking her temp, and the night before the big day I knew it was coming she was right where she needed to be temp wise, she was panting and restless.

October 6th, dinner time we were sitting down to eat our Thanksgiving dinner and Chanel let out a HUGE yelp and noises that instantly brought me to tears. I checked, she was fine. I went to unload the dishwasher and our oldest yelled "Chanel has something black shes licking!" I came running - sure enough, puppy #1! I was in shock.

640p a tiny itty, bitty little blonde puppy - a male - was born. He was adorable. So it began. Husband got the kids bathed, and ready for bed while I sat with Chanel, cheering her on and being the best support for her I could. I was so nervous, and basically a wreck. My poor girl was a trooper though and finished giving birth just before midnight to 6 absolutely perfect, stunning puppies.

The kids and I named them all. Theodore, Thomas, Leo, Ace, Skyla and Butterscotch (was the runt!) She had 4 boys and 2 girls (kinda like someone else I know, eh?) This started our journey to making sure these puppies got the best care, and would end up in the best homes possible.

BOY OH BOY ARE PUPPIES A CHORE! But - I wouldn't change it for the world. This is an experience I'm glad I got to go through once in my life, but won't ever do again. Ever.

Watching them grow, learn to walk, learn to eat/drink was absolutely an incredible experience. Chanel did amazing nursing them all until it was time to get them on solid food. She didn't neglect any of the puppies, and we didn't lose a single one. All 6 survived and thrived. My kids helping and being able to see all of this as well was truly amazing for them. They loved every second of it.

I didn't want to let them go, any of them. So I originally said I wasn't letting them go to homes before 8/9 weeks, but by 6 weeks we had amazing homes for each and every single one of them, they had been to the vet's twice and were all perfectly healthy, had their shots and were ready to go. 7 weeks they all went to their new furever homes. It was the most heart wrenching experience of my life to date. As each one left, I cried and cried... It's amazing how attached to these little creatures one can get.

We didn't want to make money off the puppies, just enough to cover their vet trips and shots so we charged a small re-homing fee, and checked into the families, all of which agreed to keep us updated on how the puppies are (they ALL have except 1 family) The families they went to are incredible. I even have one on my instagram, she even made HIM an instagram account too so we follow him along his life too!

We decided to keep 1 puppy, Butterscotch but we didn't end up keeping her because I had become strangely attached to a different puppy, Ace.  Something about his eyes really had me attached to him, and its funny because now hes so attached to me its like he has had this bond with me since his birth, and its something I've never seen before.

So yes, we have 6 kids and 3 dogs... This is our family, and it's absolute chaos but I love it! These dogs, are apart of our family, they are apart of us! So now you know them, here they are... Chase, Chanel and Ace!

 

(side note: Chanel was spayed shortly after the puppies left, and Chase was fixed right before so no more puppies will ever come into this household.)

Letting Yourself Go?

What do you think of the "Letting yourself go" part of this at first glance at this meme?

Me? I took it as "letting go" = hair, make up and clothes.

I also didn't really notice the  "try it sometime"  I guess that could be considered a dig at some, but I didn't really notice it at first, so this isn't about that.

A friend of mine posted this meme on her facebook page and got some pretty unkind responses. She took it as not doing hair, make up and wearing heels everyday while others took it as unhealthy (unfit, etc)

Let's forget what else the meme says and focus on the "Letting yourself go" part...

I am one of those moms who does put my kids 1st in the daily department. My needs are met, albeit probably not first thing in the morning but they are met. I'm happy. Truly, happy when it comes to most aspects of my life. So what gives?

Most days I don't get a shower in the morning, I have it when my husband gets home for work or mid afternoon when both babies are asleep.

Most days I don't wear a single speck of make up. I haven't since I was about 20. Not because I don't have time, or I'm lazy... Pretty much because I'm uninterested. Some days I feel like putting it on, and sure it makes me feel different but I don't feel I need it on a daily basis, especially when my time is mostly spent at home tending to the kids and household.

Most days I also don't do anything to my hair besides brush it and that's fine with me. I've NEVER been one to do fancy updos, or even throw my hair in a pony tail (I get migraines from them!) so my hair is mostly down, and often looking iffy because the heat does wonders to thick, wavy hair!

My clothes? Right now I'm still fighting losing all my baby weight so I mostly lean towards the black clothes often with a splash of colour... And jeans? Haven't put any back on since having Justin almost a year ago, but I'm comfortable and to me? That's what matters.

Does that mean I've "let myself go?" Not really, not to me anyway - I don't really care what others think. I wasn't put on this planet to please anyone, I care how my kids feel and how I project onto them.

I will say, in all honesty it wasn't until about a year or so ago when I really became aware of the fact my kids watch what I say/do very closely, and it all reflects back on them. I even posted a blog about it not long ago. I began watching what I say about myself negatively and made sure to ALWAYS compliment them even on the littlest things. If one of them says "you are so pretty mommy" I thank them, and giggle with them. To them I'm not only mommy but one of the two most important people in their life, so I go with it!

I know a healthy, happy mom = healthy, happy kids. But to some of us being happy doesn't mean wearing make up everyday, wearing the latest fashion or having fancy updos. To some of us it just simply means BEING US. No muss, no fuss.

Doesn't mean those who wear make up, the latest fashion trends or have beautifully done hair care about themselves anymore or any less and it most certainly doesn't mean they care anymore or any less about their children.

I was mortified when I saw the above meme turn into yet again another mommy war. Maybe someone felt guilty about their choices? I don't know. But one persons sweat pants may be another persons Jimmy Choo's. Who knows.

Also, just to explain Why I didn't think the meme meant unhealthy? Like maybe some do - Food, and body wise!? Because I know SO many people battling weight issues. Their own fault and/or not so I never know. I see people struggling and really trying so when things like this are said, being fat/unhealthy/unfit/ letting themselves go doesn't fall into that category for me at all. Maybe that's only me, but who knows.

I have discovered over the last (almost) 11 years of parenthood taking time for yourself is CRITICAL. You don't have to do much, but getting some time to yourself (a late night bubble bath, an hour to yourself to read or even time blogging or browsing Facebook in the quiet) is important and most needed! So if you can find the time, please do! If not for sanity's sake, then for you because you deserve it.

It doesn't matter at the end of the day what you look like or wear. It matters how you feel about yourself. As long as you are a happy, healthy mom that is all that matters. It all projects back on to those little impressionable minds that often times we don't think are watching, but they are!

What do you think?

A Little Piece of Hollywood North

Yesterday was my daughter Ava's 7th Birthday. We had planned on a girls day and she requested going to the Ripley's Aquarium of Canada.

We woke up, ate breakfast and off we went. And kept going. The line? Was all the way down the street and around the corner. Some people had been waiting over an hour. It was hot, the girls were hungry and no one wanted to wait.

We kept walking and decided we would go for lunch and have a mini shopping spree for Av's day.

We walked and walked and finally happened upon some filming. Of course we had to stop. At first I thought it was my favourite tv show that I've been obsessed with lately, Suits. I didn't see anyone I recognized though but I got out my phone anyways to see what I could get.

Hmmm, that guy looks familiar. Of course! It's Peter Gallagher (of "the OC" fame) so awesome! I tweeted asking if anyone knew what was filming in Toronto with Peter Gallagher. I was too impatient so searched and found it was the tv show Covert Affairs. I haven't ever seen it, so I had no idea what it was.

I know lots of filming happens in Toronto it's even been dubbed "Hollywood North" Toronto. I however never see it, ever. So we stopped for a few minutes, I took out my camera for some photos while we watched them film a scene.

 Pretty cool if you ask me!

I was checking out what all is filming in Toronto right now and not only is my favourite Suits filming but so is an Adam Sandler movie called Pixels, Rookie Blue (a Canadian hit we love!), Degrassi, Property Brothers and more! I thought was pretty cool. I often see photos of Suits filming on social media so Jordan has asked if I could take him on a lunch date downtown in the areas and see if we can catch a glimpse next week. Harvey Specter? Mike Ross? Who am I to say no?

Have you ever stumbled upon a famous person while out and about? What about a filming? Talk about fun!

A Moment of Truth

I am a very honest person. Sometimes a bit too honest. Get paid twice in a month? It's okay, I'll send that money right back. Mail me 2 of the same item that I was only suppose to get 1 of? That's okay I'll let you know and offer to send it back or ask to give it away! I always go out of my way to be honest even if it ends up biting me in the butt!

One thing you may not know about me though, is that as honest as I am there is something very dishonest about me too - that is how judgemental I have become in the last few years. I am SO judgemental but at the same time too honest that it's actually gotten me to a point in my life where I had to stop all contact with some people, and regroup. It has nothing to do with anyone else, this is all on me. I felt like I would be too judgemental to others, and I would be negative and hateful for no reason. I would dislike someone for simply seeing them do things online and not even know them. I would see someone stroll through the park and think "well gee, does she have to stop and talk to me every single time?" Harsh, right? or I would see someone posting on a group or page and roll my eyes and just be pretty negative. It was bad. I, however wouldn't ever say anything that I couldn't or wouldn't say to someone's face had they asked. I always own what I say and do, but it wasn't always right. Is that dishonest? I'm not sure if that's exactly the right word, but it sure made me feel that way.

I didn't want my kids to overhear me talking or thinking like this so I put a stop to it right away. Although I'm still pretty judgy, I do make an effort to talk to people, get to know who they are before I form any real opinions. I've noticed forcing myself to do this leaves me in better moods, and I dislike people a whole bunch less! Even some I disliked a few months ago have become great friends, and yes I did tell them my original thoughts - but getting to know them proved that it was an issue on my end, and nothing to do with them.

Is there something about yourself you think you need to re-evaluate and work on? I think this will be something I'll always have to work on and not let get out of control again... But at least I am trying and so far so good.

My Top 10 Reasons Having a Big Family Rocks!

10. Never a dull moment - Ever. There's always someone telling a story, a joke or scaring someone. Pranks? Oh boy, forget about it... It's always something 'round these parts!

9. No one can EVER say they are bored - How can they? There's endless amounts of fun to be had, and games to be played without needing more players!

8. Protection - Always someone to watch out for one another - Having a bad day? Need someones advice? Need help with a friend situation? Have no fear, someone is always here to give advice or offer an ear!

7. Hands - Lots of helping hands - Need help putting away groceries or laundry? What about picking up toys, or tidying the books? Baking with mom, or cooking with dad? How about working as a team to get jobs done quicker? Lots of little willing hands ready to help!

6. Busy - Always running around! - Always something going on somewhere in the house, and backyard. There's schedules and routines for a reason, there's lots of us so we are kept busy! 

5. Never lonely - Although sometimes we may feel lonely, there's ALWAYS someone around and loving us. No matter what.

4. Noise - It's never quiet, ever. Although this may not be good news for some, I thrive on the noise. It is home, and makes my heart feel full. The kids love it too, they know that we are all always around, and this is a comfort to them.

3. Hugs & Kisses galore - Can't turn a corner without someone running at me for hugs and kisses! This, makes me melt! Kids giving each other hugs, and we often hear them high fiving and shaking hands!

2. Laughter - Lots and Lots of laughter - Music to my ears. The sounds of  giggles and belly laughs always fill the rooms..

1. Love - Endless amounts of LOVE. No matter what, we all love each other and are forgiving, caring, and there for each other. At the end of the day, nothing else matters but family.

While I understand all of these can apply to any and all families, these are just some reasons that our big family rocks! Smaller families don't love less, laugh less or care less... We just do things a bit differently because there's so many of us, but at the end of the day.. Family, regardless of size is all that matters!

 What are your favorite reasons your family ROCKS - no matter the size?

Feeding Our Babies

With world breastfeeding week coming to a close today I figured it would be a good day to post about this very topic, breastfeeding or more importantly just feeding our babies!

I have 6 children but have only exclusively breastfed 2. I attempted with 2 others but failed miserably at 2 weeks with both of them. Both times ending with mastitis and me switching to formula.

OH NO DID I SAY FORMULA?

Yep. 4 of my babies have had formula and guess what? They are smart, happy and extremely healthy. All 6 of my kids are in fact extremely smart, happy and healthy! I am okay with this, and don't love some babies more than others, or think some will do better in life than the others...

I am really tired of all the formula feeding vs breastfeeding fights. I am also really tired of the "OMG you are breastfeeding in public? COVER UP!" Comments too. How rude can you be?

I would just like to say on the 9th of this month Justin and I will have hit 11 months. He does eat solids now but that doesn't stop him from breastfeeding every 3-4 hours still. Yep, you read that right. In addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS snacks during the day... He nurses every 3-4 hours. It's okay, I feel the e-hugs.

I don't mind it, I actually am very proud of where we are at and am cherishing this while I can. Jackson quit himself at 14.5 months and although we hit a year and I'm so very proud of that, I wanted to hit 2 years. So, while I may have some experience under my belt I still however am nervous out in public. Even more so now because he rips the blanket off, so I can't cover up. I do wear layers even in the 80+ degree weather. No one has ever, or can ever see anything at all and Not because I'm worried about what Tom, Dick or Harry has to say but because I'm just a shy person.

It really breaks my heart to see comments I do all over the internet regarding breastfeeding and moms should "cover up when out in public!" What comments? Hmmm..

"I don't want to see that cover up"

"Go sit in the bathroom to breastfeed!"

"I didn't come out in public to see your boobs"

"Breastfeeding is bonding, no need to shove it in anyone's face. Do it in private"

First of all, while in the beginning breastfeeding is huge for bonding yes, and yes it still very much is throughout - but to be very blunt; it's feeding a baby. Also, I know I don't breastfeed in public to shove it in anyone's face, I do it because my baby is hungry and will NOT take a bottle or a sippy cup yet.

How can I put it simply? Breastfeeding has nothing to do with YOU. It's about that person who is breastfeeding's child needing to be fed, and possibly comforted. Whatever the reason may be, a breastfeeding mother and child isn't any harm to you or anyone else so why does it matter? I don't think I will ever know the answer to that.

I do know that most comments I read, or hear are from other women. Any comments from men are generally sexual, which I won't even touch on - but other women? That is very, truly sad. 

I understand not everyone wants to breastfeed, or if they want to but can't.. I get that, I really do. But there is no need for anyone to bash breastfeeding or formula feeding either for that matter. As long as a baby is well taken care of, loved, and healthy why does it matter? 

I know if I was a young mom with zero support, and just starting out with my family if I heard some of these comments it would most definitely interfere with my breastfeeding relationship with my children, especially out in public. Not everyone has support, and encouragement and not everyone can just brush off the comments or deal with them the same way. If someone were to say these things to me today, I would most definately tell them what I thought but not everyone is like that. It's a real shame.

My children know breasts are for feeding babies. They did before I breastfed my youngest two. Sure as they get older they will realize they can and do often get used for other things, but there general purpose is breastfeeding. I used to think back when I was without children I wouldn't ever breastfeed in public or want to see it because "OH MY GOSH WHAT IF MY CHILD or ANOTHER SEES THAT?" Now, I say - oh well, explain that's what breasts are for and move on...

Isn't that simple? I think so. Most kids are curious and would ask questions, it would be a great time to educate them properly about breasts.

I decided today was a great day to write this post because of comments I saw to this photo of Olivia Wilde and her gorgeous baby boy, Otis. While I know a lot of people are all "OMG HER BABY IS NAKED IN A DINER!" - note its a photo shoot, and shes really not out to a diner with a naked baby, and focus on the true beauty of the photo.

Photo credit: Glamour magazine - glamour.com

Not everyone has to agree, and not everyone has to "feel" one way or another about breastfeeding or formula feeding.. But, it goes both ways. Formula Feeding and Breastfeeding mothers absolutely hate being labeled, and hate being made to feel bad about their choice. THEIR choice - At the end of the day, feel how you want to feel, own it, but also remember: Feeding ones baby isn't about you, and your comfort it's about the baby and the babies comfort. Babies have to eat, from breast or bottle and regardless of how our babies are fed... They are fed. That is truly what matters. So ladies, feed those babies and be proud - you are doing the absolute best you can for that beautiful baby of yours!

Our babies need to eat. Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding it doesn't matter. Happy bellies, and healthy babies is all that matters!

O Canada

A few years ago a friend from the USA and I decided to mail each other a box of goodies - things you couldn't find in each other's own Country. It was probably one of the most fun things I've received in the mail to date. Here's what she had sent me:

I still haven't found any of these here in stores in Canada. Which sucks because this stuff was awesome. White chocolate reeses anyone? Those Symphony bars? My fave.

I find it really fun the things we can get in Canada but American's can't and have no clue what some of them are and  vise versa. Although I'm a bit jealous of some of the stuff available in the US.

When I brought up on twitter a few years ago that in Ontario we enjoy our milk in Bags. "A BAG?" People were so stunned. I posted about it on Instagram not long after and got the same reaction. I did some research and found out that the most common way to purchase milk in Central and Eastern Canada is in a bag.

MILK IN A BAG? SAY WHAAA?

Yes. Milk in a bag has 3 smallers bags within the bag of milk. All 3 bags of milk equal 4L of milk total. You can purchase jugs, and even cartons of milk. All different sizes but bags only come with 4L. 

We store the big bag of milk on the bottom shelf of our fridge and pull out the individaul bags as needed. We put them in our milk jugs and cut off the tip and use when needed. No, it doesn't go bad and we don't have to cover the cut in the bag. Pretty neat huh?

Other treats can you get in Canada but possibly not in the USA?

Well, there's a lot of things but here are the few I can think of my faves...

Chocolate Bars - Coffee Crisp, Crunchie, Crispy Crunch, Mint Aero just to name a few.

Chapman's Ice Cream

Ruffles All Dressed and Lays Ketchup Chips!

 

Kinder Surprise Eggs

 Poutine

Smarties

Have you gotten a treat from over the border and wish you could get it locally? SHARE in the comments below!