Three things you don't want to say to mom's of many...

• 3. "Are they all yours?" - I really want to respond with something sarcastic and funny when I'm asked this. Truth is I am just so tired of this question.  I usually just smile and say yes. I don't ever think of anything witty or sarcastic at the time I'm asked. Only time I say anything is when that question is followed by a remark after I answer "wow, that's a lot" why yes it is, thanks for reminding me.... Or  "Wow! You don't look old enough, are they ALL yours?" Really? Yes they are. People think I should take it as a compliment that people think I look so young but in reality it gets super annoying super quickly when it's commented on All.the.time.

• 2. "Are you going to have MORE?" - I never answer this question. I smile and carry on. I feel it's no ones business and the mere fact is this question is asked to even moms of 1 and 2. Sometimes people ask it WHILE someone is pregnant. Why? I know in my situation it is usually rudely asked. "Gee, 6... Are you having MORE?" What is so bad about 6? Or 7? If you think it's too many that's fine, they are mine not yours. This one still blows my mind. As long as we love them and they are well cared for I don't see the problem. Perhaps if we couldn't do it or were struggling but we aren't, and we do everything ourselves so this question, just quit it!

• 1. The worst question of all: "Are you getting your tubes tied or is he getting snipped??" - um hello! Could a more personal question be asked? I find this the worst of all. I don't get it.  Why should I undergo surgery because you think so, because you think I have too many kids? I don't know if this one is jealousy or what, but it to me is the worst. I get asked this a ton. From people I don't see, ever. Clearly they don't see my everyday life or know what I do or go through with my kids so to me this is just a rude question. What business is it of anybody else's how many kids I want? Do you ever help me? Do I ask you for anything, besides maybe an ear every once in a while IF that? (And it's usually never regarding my kids I need an ear for fyi)

These of course are questions I get often and bug me. I'm sure others could add to it, or even disagree but as a young mom to six kids these are the top three questions I get asked the most. I don't think they would bug me as much if they were just randomly asked but it seems every time we go out we hear #2 and #3 which really gets tiring after a while. #1 I get less often, but it's my biggest pet peeve. Perhaps if the people asking #1 were around more than say once a year I wouldn't be bothered by it but they aren't, and online people ask that too! I just can't believe it. Sometimes it's best to keep your comments to yourself, and maybe only ask these questions to someone you are close enough to ask or just don't at all. Family is different, they can basically say whatever they want - even if it does seem a bit odd, but they are family!

I get that six is a lot, and not for everyone. I do. But, for me? for us? it's perfect. It's a perfect number and I love my family. The bigger the better, the more love!

Do you have any that could be added to this list? I would love to hear some things people ask you. If so, leave them in the comments I will share in an upcoming post!

Toronto Ice Storm 2013...

We knew it was coming, but we didn't think much of it considering a lot of the weather reports lately change in an instant. Big mistake! I will now always listen, and prepare even if nothing comes of it because although it wasn't as bad for us as it was for some people living in Toronto it still wasn't fun.

We woke up Sunday morning to no power. It had gone off around 2am... It was freezing. Turns out, we were hit with a huge ice storm and not only was our street out but 250,000 other Toronto residents power was out also. Everything was covered in ice. Power lines, trees, branches, steps, the roads, the sidewalks and even Christmas lights! It was obnoxious how much ice was on everything and it was thick. I ventured out just on my street to take a few photos because I wanted to make sure I could blog about it!

 Although it looks incredibly beautiful in photos it was a mess. Our street wasn't hit nearly as bad as most places. The destruction is pretty bad all over the city. We lost our power for exactly 24 hours only, some people are going on 4-5 days without power now. The worst part of it for me? Wasn't that we had no lights, tv or internet but that we had no heat. It was mighty cold. We made the best of it though. We wore layers, and cuddled under blankets. Right now there's still about 72,000 without power. I couldn't imagine. I opened up my house to a few people without power so they could charge devices, get warm and enjoy some hot food.

The city has got other Hydro workers from all over the Province here working around the clock. I can't say I wasn't irritated with Mother Nature the 24 hours we were without power, because I really, really was... But these Hydro workers are working their butts off and even missing Christmas with their families to help restore everyone else. Big thanks to them. I really hope the rest of the city gets restored soon. It's so cold people and although there is warming centers set up all over the city, it's still not enough. I was reading some tweets, and people are freezing and very upset. I wish something more could be done!

Although we were in the dark, the kids had fun and couldn't wait for Christmas... They even played dark tag in the basement with little light. It sure isn't the same without the tv, lights and all the electronic perks. I was really grateful for the lack of noise and early bedtime that night though!

Things to remember: ALWAYS have lots of extra candles, and LOTS of extra blankets handy. Not so fun looking for them in the dark - and it's not so fun when candles eventually burn out! Hopefully Mother Nature isn't so mean in the coming weeks or months, at least until Spring.

Giveaway Sneak Peek!

I am thrilled to see the stats and that people are actually coming and reading! So, I figured I would share with you guys a little bit of what is to come. Here is a sneak peek of the 1st giveaway I am planning come 2014...

 

Super cute prints right? This wonderful gal offered to donate for my big giveaway, but the package arrived just a few days ago so I wasn't able to include it. Now, I will be doing a giveaway for these 2 items instead! (and linking the heck out of her shop, because shes awesome!) 

What would you like to see me giveaway in 2014? Nothing too extravagant, it must be realistic... comment and let me know!

Inexpensive Teachers Gifts!!

While sometimes the office administration can be a bit lacking, I absolutely adore 3/4 of my kids teachers. One of which I did happen to give this address to at parent/teacher interviews when discussing her class blog - but I doubt she reads! And it's not that I don't like the other teacher, I just don't know that teacher very well so I can't really say either way. I do know all my kids teachers are very good for and with my kids, and are great teachers! So we had to do something small for them for Christmas!

All that being said, I can't afford to go crazy on Christmas gifts for teachers this year. I have 6 kids and a husband to buy for, so I did what a lot of others do and I searched Pinterest.

Pinterest has a ton of ideas, cost effective homemade ideas which I love. I find it's more personal as apposed to a store bought box of chocolates or a gift card for Tim Hortons, which I have given in the past and learned so did a lot of other parents.

So this is what I chose to do... A mug, 2 packets of hot chocolate, a chocolate mint and a chocolate spoon!

It isn't much. But the kids loved it, and it's a nice little treat. The mug we didn't buy Christmasy on purpose, we figure they can use this one all year 'round! We had to get the ECE in Jay's class something too which I completely forgot until last night when Jay said "What about Mrs A?" ahhh, so of course she got the small gift card for Timmys. But this was just much nicer to me than a gift card for the teachers that I find are extraordinary this year (Mrs A is pretty fabulous too!). I'm really, really happy with them and I'm already planning much better gifts for the end of the school year - thanks pinterest for that too! I wrapped them up, and sent them with the kids this am.

 

Not too much, but not without thought either. 

The kids were thrilled to give them to their teachers so I do hope they enjoy them. Do you send gifts with your kids if you have any? I think even the smallest thing would be nice receive. Although, I'm more of a giver and get much more joy out of giving than receiving!

Guest Blog: Remembering...

Today marks three years since I received the horrible news of my dads passing. My dad had his share of health issues in the past, so when I got the call from my aunt saying "it's about your dad", I responded "oh is he in the hospital again"? Her response was one I never expected, especially since my dad was only 50. "No Heidi, he died". My whole body went numb, I couldn't even get the words out to tell my other half. I was in such disbelief, I cried a little but it just didn't feel real. It wasn't until 3 days later at his funeral that I realized this is actually happening. I am never going to see or talk to him again, and then all of my emotions came flowing out.

My dad and I were not talking at the time of his passing so it made is so much harder for me. I had so many regrets and still do. There was nothing I could do, it was too late! My daughter who was almost 2at the time had never even met my dad, this really ate me up. We both made mistakes and said things we shouldn't have. But why we were so stubborn to not talk for so long? The thought of this now just drives me insane.

If I could change the past I would, unfortunately all I can do is move forward with the memories I have of him. If this experience has taught me anything it is that life is too short to bicker about nonsense. Hold your loved ones tight and accept them for who they are. None of us knows what tomorrow may bring, I learned this the hard way.

Gone but never forgotten <3 Heidi

I love this short story below, it speaks volumes to me about priorities. Sometimes we all need a reminder. :)

The Big Rocks of Life!

One day a wise teacher was speaking to a group of his students. He pulled
out a one-gallon, wide-mouthed mason jar and set it on a table in front of
him. Then he produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed
them, one at a time, into the jar.

When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he
asked, "Is this jar full?"

Everyone in the class said, "Yes."

"Really?" he asked. "Let's see." He reached under the table and pulled
out a bucket of gravel. Then he dumped some gravel in and shook the jar,
causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the spaces between
the big rocks. Looking carefully from face to face, he smiled
benevolently and asked again, "Is the jar full?"

His class was catching on quickly. "Probably not," one of them answered.

"Very good!" he replied. He then reached under the table and brought out a
bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand in and it went into all the
spaces left between the rocks and the gravel. When he was finished he once
again asked, "Is this jar full?"

"No!" the class shouted.

"Excellent!" he replied. Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and poured it
in until the jar was filled to the brim. Once again looking intently into
the eyes of each student, he asked, "What is the point of this illustration?"

One eager beaver raised his hand and said, "The point is, no matter how
full your schedule is, if you try really hard, you can always fit some more
things into it!"

"Aha, that's very good!" the teacher replied, "But let us look a bit
deeper. This illustration also teaches us a higher truth: If you don't put
the big rocks in first, you will never get them in at all!"

What are the "Big Rocks" in your life? Financial freedom? A project that
YOU want to accomplish? Time with your loved ones? Your faith, your
education, your business? A cause? Teaching or mentoring others?

Remember to put these BIG ROCKS in first or you'll never get them in at all.

Here's how to grow a little. Tonight just before you go to bed, or first
thing tomorrow morning take a moment to reflect on this short story, and
ask yourself this question: What are the "Big Rocks" in my life or
business? Put those in your jar first.

Author Unknown

10 More Sleeps!

Jordan and I ran out last week to Walmart to grab some stuff. This guy was in front of us in the line. I saw him from down an isle and knew I had to get behind him in line so I could snap this photo! 

He  had 2 girls with him. Probably 13 and 15. It was awesome. The looks he kept getting, and the fact that he nor the girls he had with him cared was amazing. The lights on his coat were flashing, he moved and bells jingled. It was great, totally got me in the spirit and put a smile on my face which I'm sure was part of his reasoning for wearing it.

I instagramed this photo soon as I took it. It got some good laughs, It also made me want to get an ugly Christmas sweater to wear out in public... Maybe next year!

Speaking of Christmas I've got most of the gift wrapped I've bought. Most of them, but not all because I just can't seem to find the time. At night when the kids are in bed I'm so tired I can't even get the energy to look at my tree let alone wrap gifts.

I say this year after year, but I hate wrapping gifts, so that's probably why I keep putting it off too....

The gifts have been put under the tree because I cannot for the life of me find any hiding spots the 2 year old and 4 year old can't find. We've had 2 gifts unwrapped so far - which is fantastic considering. When I was a kid, I was one of those kids who took presents into the kitchen, turned on the kettle and used the steam to open tape, then fix it up. Yeah, I still to this day hate surprises and snoop when I can, so I don't blame them. Having them under the tree though they haven't touched, only if hiding I find they must see whats in them.

There is 10 sleeps now until Christmas, and I never thought I'd ever say this but I can't wait. I just want to get the holiday's over with. Put away my Christmas tree, decorations and everything - it feels so cluttered with it all out.  I am usually a Christmas freak and soak it all up, but I can honestly say this year has been so stressful and rushed I just can't wait for it to come, and go so I can relax a little bit..

Maybe then I can get back to regular blogging too, I see all the traffic I am getting... and I promise 2014 will bring more giveaways, and awesomeness.. It's just a busy time of year right now for everyone! I will be writing as much as I can going forward now.. Anyone else as rushed and anxious to get this over as I am?

Guest Blog: Christmas Shopping!

 Hello everyone and welcome back for another wonderful Wednesday. Today I am going to discuss Christmas shopping. I personally find it very stressful having to get out in the crowds at this time of year. I usually love shopping, but somehow running from store to store when one is sold out of that one item on your list just isn't as fun as the usual mall trip.

I am no miracle worker but I always try my best to get everyone what they really want (within reason). I always ask my friends or family what they would like? Or if they could give me some ideas for their children. I like to know what to buy, that way I know it will actually get used and not just sit in a closet collecting dust. Some might think it's wrong to ask for something, or to tell other what you want. Honestly I find it makes things easier. I make a list and therefore plan my trip accordingly. I am a practical person and enjoy buying practical gifts.

Tonight my daughter was out at an activity so hubby, DS and myself all took a trip over to the local mall. I had a clear plan in my mind of where I wanted to go and what I wanted to purchase. I managed to get quite a bit done. 1-2 more small trips and we should be completely done. I really should have just went myself though because lets face it, 99% of husbands HATE shopping. I feel rushed when he is with me because I know he could care less about what I am buying and who it's for, he just wants it done. Then when I look at things that have nothing to do with the Christmas gifts I am there for he really gets annoyed, haha whoops!

I tell myself every year "I must start earlier". Why can't I be one of those wonderfully smart people who are done in September-October? No I always wait, and put myself through this torture and stress. Maybe I don't feel in the holiday spirit so early? Maybe I wait for sales? I don't really know why I wait. I am definitely going to strive to start earlier, if only to make it easier on myself and my wallet so it's not such a large chunk all at once. At least I am not as bad as my hubby who usually shops on Christmas Eve.

Are you a planner and have your shopping all finished wayyyyyy early? Or are you like me and still have a few more to go?

Have fun shopping for those last gifts, the malls are only going to get crazier. Heidi <3

Where has the decency gone?

Yesterday I went and picked up my son's glasses, they finally came in. He had his previous pair broken a week ago at school so we needed to get him new ones. After I had picked up the glasses I had to run over and grab my kids from school. I had to go a slightly different way and As I was walking down the sidewalk pushing my sit n stand as it is too cold to not bundle right up and if I get bundled, and have baby on me I get way too hot and it brings on a migraine - whole other subject - so I had the sit n stand, we got right in front of the school when a car was parked right in the middle of the sidewalk. Not even enough room for me to push by. 

So I stood there and said "I can't get through" he sat there just staring at me. I said "Can you move so I can get through?" He shook his head no at me. At this point I was irritated, it was cold.. I had a 12 week old baby, and a 2 year old on the stroller.. I asked again "Can you please move so I can get by?" he again shook his head NO.

Baffled, and now angry I had to go on the road in to oncoming traffic - which luckily, stopped so I could get by - I did have some choice words for this man as I walked past him sitting in his warm car looking all smug. How rude can you be? I don't understand how hard it would be to move? It was in a bus loading zone for one which, you cannot park in... and for two? He took up the WHOLE sidewalk. Are sidewalks for cars now? I must have missed that memo.

I went right into the school office, and asked the secretary who I speak to about this and she said "The police" I said, "is it really a matter for the police?" I was a little shocked that she suggested I call the police because I didn't really see it as a matter for them but she said, "The police traffic division.. I call all the time, and urge others too as I'm just once voice and it's illegal what he did, and dangerous for you. Its a bus loading zone too. Big no no... Go get his license plate number and call!"

So back outside I went, however when I was coming out I saw him storming over to his car speed walking, dragging his child behind him. I got as close as I could before he drove off and got the photo above. I have no shame in sharing it, I'm just upset you can't make out the plate at all.

I wasn't able to call the police as he took off so fast, and again the photo didn't turn out so I can't even report it to anyone. I will however, be finding him on Monday and letting him know just how I feel about how he acted, in front of a school with children 10 and under... and what a wonderful example he is to those who actually did see (no children, school was still on but a bunch of parents looked on).

Why am I posting this? As a reminder to those who do drive - it's not that hard to be nice. It wouldn't have been hard for him to have turned his car on and even moved up, or moved himself over a bit. Ignorance has reached an all time high when a man can't even simply move for a mother with 2 small children. It's disgusting.

It's a bit ironic too because that morning my husband was speaking to a parent outside the school who is disabled, and she was telling him she couldn't walk on the sidewalk either and when she went to the principal with her concerns she told her to call someone who could deal with it, she couldn't. When the mom called the police to report and see what could be done? No one even bothered to call her back. 

It may not seem like much to some, so small or petty... But last time I checked cars are for roads, and sidewalks aren't meant to be a parking lot. Parents and Children shouldn't be put into danger having to walk on a road into oncoming traffic so you can park right in front of the school because it's cold and you don't want to walk far to pick up your kid! The school has 2 parking lots, both of which usually have lots of free spaces, and on this day in question? Did. Multiple.. The other side of the road, which is a 1 way street is where cars are asked to park if spots are full, so buses can pick up kids and parents can pick up their kids safely and freely using the sidewalk. Guess he didn't get the memo, and can't read signs.

HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY!!!!

Hello everyone!

I am extremely thrilled to announce my big giveaway is here! First off I would like to thank everyone who has donated:

AppleCheeks Cloth Diapers - Has generously donated - Three bundle packs! 3 winners will win 1 Bundle Prize pack from AppleCheeks containing: One little bundle, One size 1 storage sac and One swim diaper. All in your choice of size and color!

Lil' Tulips - Has generously donated and 1 winner will win One $35 e-gift certificate to their online store!

My Lil Sweet Pea - Has generously donated One Delish Naturals Scrubbie bar, One Bunchafarmers stain stick, One Paci clip and One Paci!

Itsy Bitsy Necessities - Has generously donated One size 2 AppleCheeks cloth diaper in Chocolate and 1 bink link.

Kiwi Baby Shop - US ONLY - Has generously donated One $25 physical gift certificate to their online store!

TwoZs - has generously donated One nursing necklace in teal.

On top of all these MAJORLY generous wonderful donations, I also spent some time and bought the rest of the items to include because I LOVE YOU GUYS ALL SO MUCH!!

Now I am sure you are all dying to know what this is all about so I will tell you: THANKS. I am simply hosting this giveaway as a thank you to everyone who I have come in contact with online via this blog, instagram, twitter and facebook. Even if you are just learning who I am now, that's fine you are here now! It's as Simple as that, THANK YOU. It's the season of giving and it's my absolute favorite thing to do... Now I'm sure you are wondering what the heck am I giving away? Well I'll tell you:

7 prizes with lots of ways to win and gain 63 entries - here is what you can win:

All are open to CANADIAN and US Residents.. EXCEPT: "green with envy pack" which is US only. ENTER BELOW! GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!! Thank you all for being YOU!:) Giveaway ends 12/11/2013!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Blog: The Wonderful World of Bento!

Hey everyone, it's Heidi here on another wonderful Wednesday.

I hope everyone is well during this crazy stressful time of year. Today I am going to talk about school lunches, in particular the Bento meal.

Bento is defined as a single-portion takeout or home-packed meal common in Japanese culture. A traditional bento holds rice, fish or meat, with pickled or cooked vegetables, usually in a box-shaped container.

It was around 6 months ago that I really got into this bento craze. I saw a ton of awesome pictures on instagram displaying these incredibly cute, compact healthy lunches. In even cuter bento boxes with all of these amazing accessories that go along with it. I had been struggling for sometime to get my 4 year old daughter to eat her lunch in a timely manner without a fight. Once I saw these I knew I had to try them. These would be my answer to getting her to eat healthy lunches while making it fun. I placed my first order in July to a wonderful Etsy shop in japan, "Bento A Day". I received my order within a week to Canada, which I was totally shocked about. Upon opening the package with my daughter I explained to her what these item were for and how they were going to make lunchtime fun.  We were both extremely excited and I couldn't wait to see if my plan was going to work. The next day I made our first bento lunches and boy was she in love.

I knew with My daughter starting school in September that these would ensure she would eat most of what was packed for her. Almost everyday her lunch is coming home empty, which makes me extremely happy. While at the school for meet the teacher the subject of lunch came up and my daughters teacher couldn't stop raving about how wonderful these bento lunches were. It made me feel extremely proud to hear some recognition that wasn't just from my DD.

If you have a picky eater or maybe just a child who is bored or the same old thing, you should definitely look into the world of bentoing. We have not missed a single school day of using these great boxes and accessories. She looks forward to opening her lunch everyday and finding out what we packed for her and how unique it looks.

As much as I despise the chore of making lunches I am so glad to make these bentos because she truly does enjoy them. I know one day not too far down the road she will be too "grown up" for them, so I will enjoy this while I can.

 

<3 Heidi

Inappropriate Elf: A Thief In The Night....

When Jill over at Baby Rabies announced she was going to be holding her Inappropriate Elf on the shelf contest again this year I was thrilled and immediately began to think of things I could do. So, this is what I came up with. There's a story to it, so we decided to play it all out and write it up for you all to view! ENJOY...

Elfie - A Thief In The Night............

 

 T'was the night before Christmas and all through the house the family was frantic, couldn't find their dear Elf. On dad's way out the door to work once again, little Jordan saw Elfie and screamed, "Oh no! not again!"

Dad didn't hear and kept on truckin', dear little Elfie was chucklin'..

 

Elfie hopped off dad's jacket and hid in a shoe, He said "haha, heehee I guess I fooled you!"

 Alas, it's night's end.. And nobody's near, time to crack the code, Elfie gave a big cheer!

 Open sesame, Open sesame it's time to get movin', once inside this here safe Elfie's comfortably groovin'...

 He's in hangin' out with some sweet smellin' cash, Now it's that time of night, to take all the stash. 

I wonder how much is left in the till...?

Holy cow he made it, oh what a thrill!!.......

Oh what a thug, that Elfie I say... He took Christmas money and said HAVE A NICE DAY!!

The End.

#MapleVoxBox from Influenster and Review!

What Is Influenster?

Influenster is a free-to-join community of trendsetters, social media hotshots, and educated consumers who live to give opinions of products and experiences.

The Influenster site is a hub where members meet to learn about new products from our favorite brands as well as review the products they already use in their day-to-day lives!

Influenster invites its most active members to participate in exclusive VoxBox programs where members receive complimentary products to test and review.  In exchange, we ask our members to do what they already love to do: share their opinions with their friends and followers on social media! - - -influenster.com

Back on January 2nd 2013 I signed up for Influenster. I fill out a bunch of surveys, left some reviews about products I enjoyed and didn't go back for a while because it was not yet available to Canada. About 2 weeks ago I got an e-mail saying I qualified for the 1st ever Canadian box called #MapleVoxBox

I was so stoked. I clicked the link to take the survey then I waited. Last week I signed in to see and I had the badge and the next morning? The awesome box jam packed was at my door! I was really surprised to see how much was in the box and the fact they weren't samples, but actual sizes of the products was a huge plus for me. I was so impressed. I am going to review each product individually on the blog and today I am reviewing the Mascara that was in the box called "NYC Big Bold Curl" in Black.

REVIEW: NYC Big Bold Curl Mascara

I am really picky when it comes to mascara. I hate when it clumps and I hate when I have to constantly fix it or touch it up. I didn't have that problem with NYC Big Bold Curl.

I was able to put it on with the big brush it comes with, and not have to worry about clumps. I was worried with how big and chunky the brush is, but was impressed by how smooth and quick it went on with the bigger brush.

My Eye lashes aren't very long, but they do curl pretty well themselves so I  was surprised when I put it on and it immediately gave them more volume and it was a noticeable difference. The photo above doesn't really give a perfect representation of it because it was hard to capture but you can see a difference.

My favorite part of the mascara besides the immediate volume was the fact it didn't have any smell like some mascara's I have tried. I can't use any product on my face that has any scent what-so-ever due to migraines, so this was a huge plus for me. Even the smallest scent trigger my head.

I left it on for about 6 hours and it was still perfect by the end of the time. It was easily removed by my make up pads, and I was extremely happy that it came off so quickly.

Retailing for $4.99 it is inexpensive and would be perfect for every make up bag! I am extremely happy with NYC Big Bold Curl, so much so it will now be the first thing I reach for when getting ready in the morning. Great product, I would recommend.

please note, I did receive NYC Big bold curl from Influenster for free for the purpose of testing and reviewing. The opinions and thoughts expressed here are solely 100% my own and factual, I did not receive any other compensation for my test or review.