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Interview Your Child For Posterity

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 11 2012

Are you a glass half-empty or a glass half-full kind of person? My glass virtually spills over in the stellar family and friend department. Professional opportunities are plentiful and generally I want for nothing. Life is pretty damn good. So how pessimism, fear and negativity have crept into my thoughts is beyond me. I’ve been told that the trauma associated with parenting a child with medical issues takes a toll. I’ve also heard that switching from working outside the home, to working in the more solitary environment of home can change ones mindset. I also know that living more online can influence your perspective. Whatever the reason, I’ve noticed a few more glass half-empty days lately. And I don’t like it one bit. This chick likes her glass filled right up to the brim thank you very much. *clink* Maybe I’m one of those needies who craves drama? Perhaps I even create it for my own personal amusement. Didn’t Oprah do a show on that very topic? My nickname is “Fun Thornbury” for heaven’s sake but I haven’t exactly been living up to my name. I’ve decided that ziplining and hiking with the kids and Games Night and simple[…]

Aug 04 2012

She’s six years old today. Our amazing girl is six. She’s sassy and strong. She’s happy and healthy. She’s curious and kind. She’s feisty and funny. She’s full of life. After Avery was hospitalized for the first time, we made a short video. It’s linked here. The song accompanying the video is called, “Amazing”, by Janelle and it’s beautifully perfect, just like our little girl. A few favourite lyics are below. Sappy, I know. I’m quoting songs now. But, my baby’s six today. I can help but be a little sap-imental. Amazing You came like crashing thunder breaking through these walls of stone You came with wide eyed wonder into all this great unknown. Hush now don’t you be afraid I promise you I’ll always stay I’ll never be that far away I’m right here with you… [Chorus] You’re so amazing you shine like the stars You’re so amazing the beauty you are You came blazing right into my heart You’re so amazing you are… You are. I hope your tears are few and fast I hope your dreams come true at last I hope you find love that goes on and on and on and on and on I[…]

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[…]

Interview Your Child For Posterity

Positively Positive…mostly

Six

Ruby the Catty Bunny

Summer Fun