So are you ready for Christmas?
What does that mean? Ready for Christmas? Is it going to attack us? Will we be getting a jet plane ride? Is someone coming? Ready for what? OOOH do they mean did you shop and buy gifts for people, did you put up light? Are you just now sitting on your couch WAITING for IT to happen?
Um no.
I don't think ANYONE just sits around waiting for Christmas to HAPPEN to us. You might THINK your done, but your not. Every single person I know and you are one of them, ends up doing that LAST minute THING. We are just busy trying to pack A-Z into one month and here is some of mine.
What happens in December is:
Avent Calendar ( I made my own this year )
Baking
Candy Cane Reindeer making
Decorating house, in and out
Elfing (secret santa stuff)
Frockling in the snow (we are going to try Tobogganing this year)
Games with friends
Holiday Carols
Igloo making ( we use mini marshmallows )
Jesus talks ( why do we have Christmas )
Kissing
List making
Making crafts
Newsletter writing ( I only did one page -time restraint )
Ornament fixing (with toddlers they tend to fall or break )
Present buying
Quiet nights with family by the fire
Railway Christmas rides
Santa sitting
Tree lighting
Uniforms for Christmas concert
Vacations
Wrapping
Xmas card sending
Yule log burning
Z -Sleeping from the Christmas Coma
Um, Ready for Christmas? I'll let you know when I breathe.
It's a lot of work...And I'll do it again next year. Ya know why?
For moments when my boys play Santa and make a sleigh. When my boys sing Christmas songs in the back seat and ask for them again. For when my boys go to Christmas plays and visit friends.
When everyone smiles a little more. Everyone is a bit nicer. People open doors for moms, children, and elderly. I will do it again to see the food bank boxes fill up. The wealthy families giving a little bit more to the needy families.
I'll face the malls, the lines, the crying, the whining, the tired and long night of working on that one more little extra thing I wanted to give just to watch my children's eyes light up when they see a Christams display. When my 5 year old gives the librarian and card and whispers to me, "mom, we did it! We did a random act of kind."
Ready for Christmas? I'm IN it! And I'm going to enjoy every minute.
Friday, December 19, 2014
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Whining, who is in control?
Whining with the 3 year old.
I was tired of hearing myself whine about my 3 year old whining. I have been working hard on finding patterns and observing.
What I have learned this week while focusing on Nashville's whining was I had the power to stop this all along. It has been me I have been working on, not Nash. I have become more aware of our environment, of our routines, of how I interact with Nash before, during and after whining and it is getting better every day! Why didn't I just concentrate on this before? I 'wished' it got better, but I didn't actually DO anything about it.
So far the hugging, getting down to his level and talking to him calmly when he whines has diffused this more quickly every day.
I stopped complaining about it, I stoppped talking negatively about his whining to anyone who would listen. I started talking more positive to everyone. I started saying that Nashville's whining is going away and he's getting better every day. Even if I didn't believe it, I said it and it is now becoming true.
I stopped barking at him to stop whining. I stopped saying, "talk like a big boy. stop whining!" I started to just not acknowledge his whining and just ask if he needed a hug.
It's so much nicer now. I am looking forward to this becoming a habit, instead of me having to work at and remember what to do each time he whines.
I was tired of hearing myself whine about my 3 year old whining. I have been working hard on finding patterns and observing.
What I have learned this week while focusing on Nashville's whining was I had the power to stop this all along. It has been me I have been working on, not Nash. I have become more aware of our environment, of our routines, of how I interact with Nash before, during and after whining and it is getting better every day! Why didn't I just concentrate on this before? I 'wished' it got better, but I didn't actually DO anything about it.
So far the hugging, getting down to his level and talking to him calmly when he whines has diffused this more quickly every day.
I stopped complaining about it, I stoppped talking negatively about his whining to anyone who would listen. I started talking more positive to everyone. I started saying that Nashville's whining is going away and he's getting better every day. Even if I didn't believe it, I said it and it is now becoming true.
I stopped barking at him to stop whining. I stopped saying, "talk like a big boy. stop whining!" I started to just not acknowledge his whining and just ask if he needed a hug.
It's so much nicer now. I am looking forward to this becoming a habit, instead of me having to work at and remember what to do each time he whines.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Struggling with whining -week two
The saga continues...
I have noticed a difference in the whining. It is still getting to me and I am still feeling frustrated to almost angry as soon as the whining begins. (I am praying this feeling goes away soon!)
But I have noticed a few things.
Nashville's whining occurs usually and always when he is tired or hungry. Whining also occurs when I have a busy day and have not played with or given enough attention. He likes to reserve most of his whining for me, not dad.
Having this in mind made me hyper aware to give enough hugs, naps and food in the day.
Sometimes this cannot be avoided. His older brother wakes him up earlier than Nash is ready for. He has a hard time being woken up, the whining usually lasts for over an hour if this happens. On these mornings I have to dig down way deep to find new patience and use all my strength to stay calm and rational. I will often make sure we have MORE time than we need for transitions. For instance I would allow him to sit on my lap on the couch for about a half an hour or more and this would stop the whining. I would then make sure he gets to eat something as soon as possible. When he is full, his brain is working on more power.
I need to bring different kinds of snacks and water when we go out in the car; this curbs the whining as well.
We are not out of the dark, but I am learning more about Nash and his needs with this concentrated effort and I have noticed a bit of a calmer atmosphere.
I am quick to pick him up or hug him when he starts to whine and I validate how he is feeling.
I guess at his feeling using phrases like these:
"Your so sad right now, what can I do for you?"
"Your so upset, I'm sorry you can't have that."
"You sound frustrated, would a hug help?"
Theses phrases he almost never answers, but his whining does stop sooner than it use to, so I know he's hearing me.
I will keep you posted...
-Good Luck and Happy Parenting!
I have noticed a difference in the whining. It is still getting to me and I am still feeling frustrated to almost angry as soon as the whining begins. (I am praying this feeling goes away soon!)
But I have noticed a few things.
Nashville's whining occurs usually and always when he is tired or hungry. Whining also occurs when I have a busy day and have not played with or given enough attention. He likes to reserve most of his whining for me, not dad.
Having this in mind made me hyper aware to give enough hugs, naps and food in the day.
Sometimes this cannot be avoided. His older brother wakes him up earlier than Nash is ready for. He has a hard time being woken up, the whining usually lasts for over an hour if this happens. On these mornings I have to dig down way deep to find new patience and use all my strength to stay calm and rational. I will often make sure we have MORE time than we need for transitions. For instance I would allow him to sit on my lap on the couch for about a half an hour or more and this would stop the whining. I would then make sure he gets to eat something as soon as possible. When he is full, his brain is working on more power.
I need to bring different kinds of snacks and water when we go out in the car; this curbs the whining as well.
We are not out of the dark, but I am learning more about Nash and his needs with this concentrated effort and I have noticed a bit of a calmer atmosphere.
I am quick to pick him up or hug him when he starts to whine and I validate how he is feeling.
I guess at his feeling using phrases like these:
"Your so sad right now, what can I do for you?"
"Your so upset, I'm sorry you can't have that."
"You sound frustrated, would a hug help?"
Theses phrases he almost never answers, but his whining does stop sooner than it use to, so I know he's hearing me.
I will keep you posted...
-Good Luck and Happy Parenting!
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Struggling with whining
So I've been struggling with my 3 year old this year and his excessive whining. I thought I was doing everything right, but it has not stopped so I must be doing something wrong. I'm the adult, I have control of my environment, attitude and atmosphere of my home. That said. I will try to keep you posted in the next few weeks to see if anything I try will end this craziness.
Today I am going to try the hugging it out. Whenever he whines, I will give him a hug and validate his feelings.
7:30am
This morning, he was whining pretty bad and I climbed into bed and told him to come and snuggle. Took 20 minutes of snuggling, tickling, kissing and loving before he would let me get out of the bed without whining. Interesting study. I'll let you know how the rest of the day goes...
The remainder of the day felt like the longest and hardest whining day ever! When I got home my husband also was making sure he got down to his level, looked him in they and truly listened to him when he whined.
I didn't feel very successful.
Today I am going to try the hugging it out. Whenever he whines, I will give him a hug and validate his feelings.
7:30am
This morning, he was whining pretty bad and I climbed into bed and told him to come and snuggle. Took 20 minutes of snuggling, tickling, kissing and loving before he would let me get out of the bed without whining. Interesting study. I'll let you know how the rest of the day goes...
The remainder of the day felt like the longest and hardest whining day ever! When I got home my husband also was making sure he got down to his level, looked him in they and truly listened to him when he whined.
I didn't feel very successful.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Don't Bother Calling. (you know I love you)
Come on guys, don't call me in the morning, I'm busy feeding the kids, cleaning dinner dishes up, trying to get out the door while packing lunches and dressing kids who insist on going outside as Batman, a Pirate or a lobster.
You tried calling in the midmorning? but I was trying to exercise, or mediate, which didn't work cause my 3 year old thought that I was a human jungle gym and it was best to climb this mountain. You called again at noon? Haha, I was cleaning floors, milk spills, crumbs, poopy bums and possibly toilets again, I haven't looked... Somewhere in here I think I was homeschooling, but I don't remember what we read. Try texting.
AND Don't call at 2pm or after, I'm driving kids home from Freeschool, going grocery shopping and shoving errands into my day. Also, I have a melting down 3 year old right now and pretty much every day, it's close to nap time. 3pm is not much better, more bums to wipes and I think there's something sticky in my sons hair.
Why would you call at 4pm?, clearly I'm trying to make dinner with babies on my hip. And as the neighbour can attest, I clearly don't' feed my children' cause they are STARVING!
Hello we are eating and your calling at 5:30pm? I'm so not going to answer the phone, I can't believe you think I can. Oh but my children did, did you hear their halarious laughter and the last thing you heard was my sweet motherly voice YELLING< "Give me the phone!"
You called again at 6:30pm.. hahahahaha We are rushing off to soccer/french/band/babysitting and other hobbies we try to squeeze in so we might feel like a normal adult with some life.
Why would you call between 7-830pm, I'm stressing out trying to keep the kids in their own beds, struggling with brushing the kids teeth. How insensitive, Don't you know?
Ok you really called me at 930pm and expected me to be coherent? What did you say anyhow? Don't you know I'm exhausted and trying to get myself to bed after squeezing in a half an hour of my favourite comedy?
Um, so really just call me in like 14 years or so.
To all these active mommies out there!
You tried calling in the midmorning? but I was trying to exercise, or mediate, which didn't work cause my 3 year old thought that I was a human jungle gym and it was best to climb this mountain. You called again at noon? Haha, I was cleaning floors, milk spills, crumbs, poopy bums and possibly toilets again, I haven't looked... Somewhere in here I think I was homeschooling, but I don't remember what we read. Try texting.
AND Don't call at 2pm or after, I'm driving kids home from Freeschool, going grocery shopping and shoving errands into my day. Also, I have a melting down 3 year old right now and pretty much every day, it's close to nap time. 3pm is not much better, more bums to wipes and I think there's something sticky in my sons hair.
Why would you call at 4pm?, clearly I'm trying to make dinner with babies on my hip. And as the neighbour can attest, I clearly don't' feed my children' cause they are STARVING!
Hello we are eating and your calling at 5:30pm? I'm so not going to answer the phone, I can't believe you think I can. Oh but my children did, did you hear their halarious laughter and the last thing you heard was my sweet motherly voice YELLING< "Give me the phone!"
You called again at 6:30pm.. hahahahaha We are rushing off to soccer/french/band/babysitting and other hobbies we try to squeeze in so we might feel like a normal adult with some life.
Why would you call between 7-830pm, I'm stressing out trying to keep the kids in their own beds, struggling with brushing the kids teeth. How insensitive, Don't you know?
Ok you really called me at 930pm and expected me to be coherent? What did you say anyhow? Don't you know I'm exhausted and trying to get myself to bed after squeezing in a half an hour of my favourite comedy?
Um, so really just call me in like 14 years or so.
To all these active mommies out there!
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Letting Go
Recently I've been holding onto some old habits and old ways of thinking. The thoughts have been filled with doubt and a bit of fear. With my now 23 year old a new school year meant a new school year filled with uphill battles and advocated arguments. I didn't look forward to new teachers, new hassles, new problems. I didn't have a lot of 'faith' in what was the come.
Lately with all the teacher talks, a lot has resurfaced, memories have been creeping their way back into my head.
Last night I was reminded to have faith. To enjoy the process. I have been living my life in a different way for many years now and it's time to get rid of old ways of thinking. I am armed now with positive thoughts, better books and a different life. I have different children and a different journey. I am learning to let go of negative arguments in my head and allow a process of faith that everything works out. Cause it does and always has.
Even when bad things happen, it seems that the universe was just saving you from something worse. A stall on the freeway could be your blessing that you missed the accident up ahead. One time I was waiting for a parking spot in the hospital emergency section and just as I was watching my predesesor leave his stall, another large black truck stole my parking spot. At first I was mad, but I took a deep breath and reminded myself I was only there to drop something off to a nurse friend. No one I knew was hurting, everyone was in good health. I imagine that he needed that spot more than I did. Maybe I was simply saving that spot for him. I smiled and drove around again to find my friend out the front door waiting for me, I didn't need a parking spot after all.
I am learning to let go of the small stuff. I have found a lot of great books in the last couple years and this year a great book found its way to my hands called, "Outrageous Openness." by Tosha Silver. Thanks to a good friend of mine who gave it to me for a birthday present. It was just what I needed when I needed it. Which is kind of the basis for this book.
She reminds me that everything will unfold as it should.
I need to let go of my Ego, my forced will.
I need to stop trying to force a bud to flower or
Push a rock uphill.
When I let go, breathe, take my worries to a higher power
I can relax and allow the universe, God, the Devine, whatever you believe in
To just take the wheel and guide my way.
It's a lot more relaxing sitting on a ferry enjoying the waves
Then it is trying to shove and squeeze my way into a parking spot I probably wasn't meant to have.
Just for today and maybe this week lets all try to let go of preconceived notions and just enjoy the ride of life. Allow the community around you to grow with you. Be the best of who you are and show the world your smile. Allow your peace to transfer to others. When it comes to kids, watch them, they are experts at taking their time, letting things happen and enjoying this wide world we have.
Happy Parenting!
Lately with all the teacher talks, a lot has resurfaced, memories have been creeping their way back into my head.
Last night I was reminded to have faith. To enjoy the process. I have been living my life in a different way for many years now and it's time to get rid of old ways of thinking. I am armed now with positive thoughts, better books and a different life. I have different children and a different journey. I am learning to let go of negative arguments in my head and allow a process of faith that everything works out. Cause it does and always has.
Even when bad things happen, it seems that the universe was just saving you from something worse. A stall on the freeway could be your blessing that you missed the accident up ahead. One time I was waiting for a parking spot in the hospital emergency section and just as I was watching my predesesor leave his stall, another large black truck stole my parking spot. At first I was mad, but I took a deep breath and reminded myself I was only there to drop something off to a nurse friend. No one I knew was hurting, everyone was in good health. I imagine that he needed that spot more than I did. Maybe I was simply saving that spot for him. I smiled and drove around again to find my friend out the front door waiting for me, I didn't need a parking spot after all.
I am learning to let go of the small stuff. I have found a lot of great books in the last couple years and this year a great book found its way to my hands called, "Outrageous Openness." by Tosha Silver. Thanks to a good friend of mine who gave it to me for a birthday present. It was just what I needed when I needed it. Which is kind of the basis for this book.
She reminds me that everything will unfold as it should.
I need to let go of my Ego, my forced will.
I need to stop trying to force a bud to flower or
Push a rock uphill.
When I let go, breathe, take my worries to a higher power
I can relax and allow the universe, God, the Devine, whatever you believe in
To just take the wheel and guide my way.
It's a lot more relaxing sitting on a ferry enjoying the waves
Then it is trying to shove and squeeze my way into a parking spot I probably wasn't meant to have.
Just for today and maybe this week lets all try to let go of preconceived notions and just enjoy the ride of life. Allow the community around you to grow with you. Be the best of who you are and show the world your smile. Allow your peace to transfer to others. When it comes to kids, watch them, they are experts at taking their time, letting things happen and enjoying this wide world we have.
Happy Parenting!
Monday, September 8, 2014
Unfaltering faith
I discovered when I was quite young how special I was. I believe it was about grade 3 that people starting to try and tell me how unspecial I was. It was at this time that I discovered I knew something they didn't. I had an unfaltering belief of my talents, abilities and faith in a God I had never met. Kids can be cruel, you heard the saying. But that isn't really it, kids are just kids. They hear and repeat and say things they learn from adults or others. I had this innate intuition that I have complete faith in no matter what kids said. I just knew it was wrong when kids had that much hate, jelously, greed, competition, and lack of faith in their hearts. I felt sorry for kids that couldn't' see the world the way I saw it. I didn't meet very many that felt that same way.
I always felt guided, directed and taken care of. I never felt lost, I always knew I had more power than others. They seems to struggle with the everyday. They seemed lost, confused, frustrated and totally confused on why I was so unalterably happy.
Many people throughout my life have tried to squish this intuition, this positive feeling that everything always works out.
Today I want you to have faith in yourself. Reflect on your talents, your strengths, and your dreams. Don't allow others to define you and your way of life, but reach inside yourself, find your affirmations and sing out your inner belief.
Give yourself a hug - do it now!
I always felt guided, directed and taken care of. I never felt lost, I always knew I had more power than others. They seems to struggle with the everyday. They seemed lost, confused, frustrated and totally confused on why I was so unalterably happy.
Many people throughout my life have tried to squish this intuition, this positive feeling that everything always works out.
Today I want you to have faith in yourself. Reflect on your talents, your strengths, and your dreams. Don't allow others to define you and your way of life, but reach inside yourself, find your affirmations and sing out your inner belief.
Give yourself a hug - do it now!
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