Fun Times

I've never been much of a game player. I grew up on nature walks, arts and crafts, playing with animals, and lots of reading. But recently, I've discovered the joy of playing games; especially with good company.

I recently wrote that mommies need to stop once in a while to get beautiful and have some fun. Well, I think that getting together with friends for a good game night is also a good way to relax and destress after a long day. Next time some friends invite you to some good old around the table gaming, don't give all the typical excuses like having a pile of laundry to fold, being too tired, etc. Give it a go and you'll see what a boost it can be! ;-)

One favourite game of ours is Settlers of Catan. These pics were taken during a recent game.

A Mother's Beauty

Once in a while, we moms need to get away from the hustle and bustle of home life and have some fun. Let's face it, we are beautiful in our own unique way, so we should get out and "let our light shine!" Take some time off away from home from time to time.--It's great fun!

This photo was taken at The Brunswick House, a college pub here in Toronto during a fund-raising event. We had tons of fun that night rocking out with Haven, Salt of Earth, and Plan of Attack!

All three of us are happy mommies. Joy has two little munchkins, Jean has one, and I am quite happy with my five! I think we were all looking cute that night.

Feeling beautiful doesn't always come naturally though...heh. When you have day after day of teaching, planning, cleaning, care-taking, etc. with barely any time left for anything else, it's tempting to feel anything but pretty. Yet, the truth is that we are amazing women! The strength of spirit and contentment that comes with bearing and raising children makes us glow!

If you're starting to feel a little frazzled and don't like what you see in the mirror, take some time to tune in to yourself. Exercise, put on some makeup, treat yourself to a footbath...believe me, it's worth the time and effort. You'll feel rejuvenated and much more ready to face the challenges that come your way every day! ;-)

What My Kids Teach Me

I realise that I'm being a tad negligent of my blogging duties. Life as a busy mom seems to have gotten even busier of late! Well, here's a little something to keep things going.

Things I've learned from my kids over the past week:

1. Kids learn better through play; especially when they play outdoors.--When they get to have more outside time, they are happier during school time, their creativity increases, and their understanding of the world around them deepens.

2. I'm the best, most beautiful mommy in the whole wide world. ;-)

3. Guiding my kids lovingly up the path of life is made a whole lot easier by setting clear boundaries and following through and what I tell them.

4. Some of the things that I have corrected my kids for (specifically my oldest boy) are things that I also do. The best way to help them learn and change is by changing myself.

5. Stories, cuddles, and talk times at bedtime are worth so so much!

I'm quite sure that I could keep adding to this list. But for now, I'll sign off with a smile...how thankful I am that I can learn something new each day and that I live such an exciting life! It's great to be a mom!

To All Mothers...

Your masterpiece

Raising a child is like painting a masterpiece. As the painter applies layer upon layer to her canvas, day by day you shape the life of your little one.
The artist doesn’t begin with the smallest details, but uses broad strokes to map the basic shapes of her painting. Then, with patience and great care, she adds new tones and a little more detail each day, until finally she can step back and admire her handiwork-a finished product she can be proud of.
So it is for mothers: Patiently and with tender loving care, mothers help transform little children into mature men and women.
One day you will step back and admire your work of art. Others will never fully understand or appreciate the years of hard work and loving care it took to produce your masterpiece, but you and I will-and we will know that it was worth it all!

(excerpt from the Aurora Productions book, From Jesus With Love - For Women)

On Being a Mom

Author unknown

Before I was a mom…

I made and ate hot meals.

I had unstained clothing.

I had quiet conversations on the phone.

Before I was a mom…

I slept as late as I wanted on weekends

And never worried about how late I got into bed.

Before I was a mom…

I cleaned the house each day.

I never tripped over toys or forgot words to lullabies.

Before I was a mom…

I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.

I never thought about childhood diseases.

Before I was a mom…

I had never been puked on-
Pooped on-
Spit on-
Chewed on-
Peed on-

Or pinched by tiny fingers.

Before I was a mom…

I had complete control of my mind,

My thoughts,

My body.

I slept all night.

Before I was a mom…

I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.

I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a mom…

I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down.

I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.

I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.

I never knew that I could love someone so much.

I never knew I would love being a mom.

Before I was a mom…

I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.

I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.

I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.

I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important.

Before I was a mom…

I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.

I had never known,

The warmth-
The joy-
The love-
The heartache-
The wonderment-
Or the satisfaction of being a mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a mom.