Stories Archives - Page 29 of 38 - Forever In Mom Genes

Bubble Wrapped

Aug 21 2012

I’m concerned that since my daughter requires a lot of my attention due to medical and developmental issues, that my son pays a price. Though so far he’s yet to be jealous of his younger sister, and in fact he plays a monumental role in nurturing her. I couldn’t be the parent I am without him and his “lion heart.” And so I hold onto him, with all my heart. And my two arms, wrapped tightly around him. Some might say that because my youngest child has special needs and has had her share of medical emergencies, that over-protecting my older child is a natural response. I suspect that I’d be just as controlling despite the trauma and trying times with our daughter. I’m a worry-wart by nature and a controlling Capricorn to boot. My poor, poor children… If I don’t learn to let go and allow my kids a little independence, I WILL become the mother from Robert Munsch’s “Love you forever,” breaking and entering into their homes nightly to cuddle them without their (or their spouse’s) permission. That won’t go over well, I’m sure of it. I recently discovered “Bubble Wrap Kids” on the Slice Network. I watched the first episode and verbally tsk-tsked the[…]

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[…]

Aug 02 2012

If you have young children you’ve likely been subjected to Max and Ruby. You’ve also obviously wondered, where their parent are. I always assumed they were killed trying to hop across the interstate. *Update 2017—recent episodes of the show now include mom and dad rabbit! They hopped into the show after their mysterious five year absence. I’d love to know how creator Rosemary Wells feels about this rabbit resurrection. In past interviews she’s said, “We don’t see Max and Ruby’s parents because I believe that kids resolve their issues and conflicts differently when they’re on their own.” Maybe Wells is cool with this. Or perhaps this is the shows producers caving into PC pressures? Very curious… The other day as my daughter sat watching the show her older brother was nearby researching bird calls with his new Bird Watchers App. He’d been asking for it for months. I finally relented and now live in a constant state of, “Is that a bird in my house?! No, it’s just the app. Man that sounds real. Oh my god, maybe there IS a bird in my house?! ” While he was busy with his virtual flock, my daughter enjoyed her favourite[…]

Jul 30 2012

The weather here in Ontario this summer has been perfect for outdoor fun. And what tops our list of family friendly activities? The drive-in and geocaching! The Drive-In A starlight movie night IS summer. I’ve been going to the drive-in since I was a child and I love taking my kids now that I’m all grown up-ish. Drive-in tips: Arrive early enough to ensure a spot not too close to the screen. This can mean up to two hours before the show (depending on the night and the weather) so come prepared with activities to keep the kids entertained. Many drive-ins have a playground for kids to enjoy while waiting for the sun to set. The drive-in near us happens to have the scariest slide and squeakiest swing set anywhere. Outside food/drinks are not permitted but, if a few bottles of water and some snacks should make it in undetected… so be it. I still head to the snack bar and buy popcorn at some point during the movie anyway. Bring blankets, a sweater, socks (in case it gets cold) and bug spray. Bathrooms get busy in between movies so go just as a movie is ending or after the next[…]

Jun 05 2012

I’m not a red head, nor do I have a Cuban husband or a best friend name Ethyl. However, I relate to how Lucille Ball relentlessly generated hair brained schemes. Lucy always had a plan and would stop at nothing to see it through to the awkward and often disastrous end. My friends and family always tease me about my “big plans.” There’s a distinct pause on the phone when I say, “I have this great idea. Want to hear it?” Invariably after they take a breath, they listen and offer words of patient encouragement (followed by a very faint snickering, which I can totally hear by the way!). Admittedly, not all of my ideas are gems. My NiftySnail Craft & Activity Kits delivered to parents and grandparents via snail mail took off with snail like speed and then died a slow and painful death (and now I’m stuck with a ridiculous email addy that I can’t seem to shake). My dry-erase freezer contents tracker system and its fancy digital version got freezed out. The crafting empire I started with my friend Sarah took off, but only for one half of the partnership. Can you guess which half? The half who[…]

Category - Stories

Bubble Wrapped

Interview Your Child For Posterity

Ruby the Catty Bunny

Summer Fun

A Penchant For Invention