family Archives - Page 5 of 7 - Forever In Mom Genes

Magical Meal Moments…mostly

Jun 02 2013

The cheerful chatter, the sweet sharing, the ardent appreciation of your creative efforts in the kitchen — meal time is the cornerstone of a family, and the most magical time. Haha. Just kidding. It’s exhausting. Nobody is clambering to eat the healthy dishes I’ve slaved over, except for maybe the two begging dogs who are slobbering under the table, getting hair on my pants. Meals are a balance between casual conversation and intense negotiations. “How was your day? Just eat two more bites!” And let’s not forget reminders like, “Too much! Slow down. Hurry up, its getting cold. Chew! That’s too big, you could choke. Drink your water. Please don’t stab the table with your fork. Elbows off the table. Elbows off your brother. This is my chair, THAT is your chair. Just eat, no more talking.” Left behind are leisurely dinners by candlelight, savouring food and adult conversation. Family dinners are loud and messy. Just like life. Milk will get spilled. Peas will roll onto the floor. Ketchup will end up in somebody’s hair. Kids will pick out the onions. Parents will eat the leftovers from their children’s plates. And someone (usually me) will rest their forehead[…]

May 02 2013

My husband and I are partners in every way. Well, except for banking—I “chequed” out of all the financial stuff years ago. Though I feign interest, he and I both know I’m thinking about Mad Men or what might be happening on Facebook while he’s explaining our bank statements. But that’s okay because I am in charge of other important things—like groceries. Somebody has to menu plan and use coupons. It bores him to tears, so I do it. Like I said, partners — each with specific roles and duties, like a well-oiled machine. Speaking of which, he deals with all things automotive, while I take care of the laundry. He’s actually banned from touching the dryer. The man has shrunk one too many pairs of my yoga pants. When it comes to parenting, we share duties equally. Sometimes we employ the “good cop, bad cop” routine. I’m always the good cop because I can’t stomach the bad cop shtick.When Avery was first diagnosed and we got a glimpse of what we might be dealing with, we realized that one parent would need to stay home full-time. We both knew it would be me. Not that my[…]

Apr 17 2013

When we asked our kids to name their absolute favourite Disney World ride, they unanimously agreed… The Hollywood Tower at MGM Studios was the winner! If you think our six year old would be terrified and far too little for such a ride, think again. She was the dang ring leader. When we up rode the rickety elevator for the first time, we did so together as a family. When the ride came to a stop, and the shrill screams of the riders (mostly my husband) subsided, it went silent. People were obviously catching their breath, and possibly swallowing down bile. And then amid the dark quiet a tiny voice cried out, “AGAIN!!!” My husband’s response to our daughter’s passionate plea was a solid, “Nope. Never again.” So we ditched that nauseated chicken and lined up and rode again. Several times. Yes, I felt queasy. In fact, I lost all blood flow to my upper body and my organs jellified at some point. But, I’d do it again. I love that my kids are fearless. That’s one of the most glorious benefits of childhood. Adventures aren’t obstructed due to pragmatic reasoning. Exhilarating experiences aren’t missed because of “what ifs?” or “maybe[…]

Dec 08 2012

No matter how often I hear my children’s voices–and I hear them often since I gave birth to two chatterboxes–I’m never deaf to how sweet they are. Not the words necessarily, but the actual sound; the unique pitch and tone that make them easily identifiable in a crowd. Didn’t I read something about that and penguins? Oh nature, you rock my world. As we sorted through Christmas ornaments last week the kids sang carols, in the way kids do–loud and out of tune. My son sang in a prepubescent high pitched trill that only dogs can hear. While my daughter hummed in tone than can only be described as the lowest on the register. Granted the girl has a cold, but wow. Coupled with her inability to carry a tune we jokingly referred to her as “The Monotone Baritone.” Out of tune and off pitch, it was still music to my ears. Listening to them talk to each other, uttering phrases they’ve clearly heard from me, like mocking birds, makes me smile and reminds me that little ears hear all. *mental note: quit cursing* As I walked my girl through the school parking lot she chattered away, repeating herself,[…]

Aug 20 2012

Age 5 “What Are They Thinking?” I originally interviewed my son three years ago. I asked him the same questions last year and again today. I plan to do it every year or so (with Avery too, once she’s able) for a sweet look back at what my kids were thinking once upon a time… 1. What is something mom always says to you? 2009 – “Be careful!” (So true. I’m obsessive actually. Poor boy’s gonna have issues) 2011- “Stranger Danger!” (Oh dear, clearly I am an over-protective control freak!) 2012 – “This laundry isn’t dirty!” (Why do they put perfectly clean clothes into their laundry hampers? Oh yes, to drive their control freak mother insane.) 2. What makes mom happy? 2009 – When I help my sister. (Aww.) 2011 – When I take care of Avery because if I didn’t, your life would be way harder (I am so lucky to be this boy’s mum.) 2012 – Clean rooms. (True. A messy room does a cranky mother make.) 3. What makes mom sad? 2009 – When babies cry. (Not true. As long as it’s someone else’s…I’m fine.) 2011 – If I get hurt or if[…]

Category - family

Magical Meal Moments…mostly

Our Favourite Ride At Disney World

The Sweetest Voice

Interview Your Child For Posterity