Quote of the Week

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“How many bars do you have?”

Yesterday we listened to a speaker at Church make a comparison between being connected to Wifi and being connected to others. He asked : “How many bars of connectivity do we have to each other? To our family? To our Heavenly Father?”

Zach turned to me and said, “Hey this should be our quote this week : how many bars do you have?”

We are constantly connected to our technological devices. Constantly looking for hotspots where we can connect or get stronger connectivity.

But are we seeking connectivity to those most important to us?

We know we are running low on wifi connectivity when we see our bars running low. We actively seek a better connection then.

We need to check in with ourselves with regards to how many bars we have with those that we love, those who are most important to us.

If our bars are weak, then we need to find a hotspot!

Perhaps we find this hotspot on our knees, or in the form of a phone call, words of encouragement, one on one date, a hug, a note, or a good old discussion about how the bars are doing.

Even when our bars are high, we need to make sure we keep doing things to maintain connectivity.

Last week I encountered these two sweet acts:

A little note, cookies (little ones were baked in the Easy Bake Oven) and milk left by Zandra for us when we returned from a walk one night!
 
So for this one, I forgot to take a picture of  the real thing – but it was so sweet – I didn’t want to forget it! I went to sit down for dinner one night and Zach had left me a Godiva chocolate bar on my chair which he had bought for me that day!

Not only do we need to be reaching out to connect more, we need to be actively welcoming and acknowledging other people’s reaches for connectivity. These little examples were priceless connections to me.

I know my challenge is to be more appreciative, to let the ones I love know how I appreciate their hugs, kisses, words of encouragement, offers of help and general enthusiasm. I also need to quiet my mind and surroundings a bit more so I can listen to the Spirit a bit better, listen to promptings, listen to my gut, and truly feel connected.

But when we are connected, life is just so much better. It’s well worth the daily check in!

Tips for Traveling with Kids

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When the kids were little, I liked to be prepared for long trips.

When they were really little, it meant having enough food for them (including bottles), their favorite “friends” (be sure not to lose them!!), extra clothes, and some fun activities.

The key to the “fun activities” was new stuff. I often just went to the dollar store, or found cute things online or at the toy store that were reasonably priced.

I would pack in their bags some new toys and some new books. In fact on their first flight ever, I bought them backpacks (they were really little so had never had backpacks before) and presented them filled with their new stuff at the airport.

This stuff was strictly travel stuff and would only get pulled out when we travelled.

Every time we travelled, I’d remove what was outdated (or what they outgrew or were sick of) and replace with a few new items.

As they got older, I expanded a bit. They still got a new book, some new toys, and then I usually went and rented some new movies (the time when blockbuster was around:).

In recent years, as they are getting older, they are more responsible for packing their own carryons, but  I  remind them to pack their electronics, a book and any other item they think they would like to have (often a small stuffie is thrown in). I then sometimes add something new, and usually pack new movies or tv series (especially for road trips).

I also started packing them their own individual snack bags – which they love! It saves me from pulling out snacks every five minutes! They get a great big ziploc filled with some of their favorite snacks and treats.

With this upcoming big trip, we talked about how they will have tv’s on their seats, and they can bring their electronics and books. Santa also got them some eye covers to use to sleep, some magnetic games (chess, checkers, tic tax toe) and Josh gave everybody some warm fluffy socks for Christmas to wear on the plane.

But the other day, Zach asked me if I was going to make the “surprise bags” for the plane ride – like I used to make when they were younger. He was backed up by a series of “Yeah!! Remember when you got us those Star Wars figures, those army guys, those knights!”

So they DO remember the little things like that!

So then I’m sold! Anytime my kids remember something with such fondness, I’m a sucker.

So I’m starting to collect stuff for their surprise bags! It’s a bit harder as they are older, but art stuff, books, magazines, and travel games are for any age. I’ll only be able to share the specifics later – as I don’t want to spoil the surprise for my kids who read this now:)

But suffice it to say – traveling with kids? Prepare surprise bags and give only in the airport! New stuff, small stuff and noise free stuff!

Also prepare individual snack bags. Easy for them to manage carrying, and you don’t have to be digging through bags every 5 minutes ( you still have to monitor how much and when they are eating for the little guys though).

Then the basics: comfort toys/stuffies, extra clothing (especially a hoodie as it gets cold on a plane) and a plastic bag. You never know when you’re going to need it – trust me:)

UPDATE: Here’s what was in their “surprise bags” (kids range from 7-14 and they were a hit with them ALL!!)

– Travel journals and travel stickers
– A magazine specifically geared towards their interests
– Sudoku and word search books
– Pens/markers/glue stick
– A blank notebook that I purchased and then went through and wrote in questions of things for them to do. (There was a question section: “Name your 5 closest friends, 5 fave foods, 5 fave quotes, 5 fave movies” etc… basically a top 5 list;  as well as drawing section – draw a mini super hero, a banana dancing, a one eyed monster etc)
– A couple of travel games: tic tac toe, chess, checkers, battleship
– Little boys got little sticker activities
– Lots of snacks: fun stuff like “astronaut icecream” and fortune cookies, gum, chocolate bar and then normal stuff: granola bar, dried fruit, bagel.
– Eye masks, ear plugs, travel pillow, travel toothbrush and paste

Recipe: Tahitian Coconut Bread

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Back in 2010, Rob and I went to Oahu, Hawaii.

While we were there, we visited the “Polynesian Cultural Center” (which we both really enjoyed). We went to the Tahitian Pavilion, as it was especially meaningful since my father had served a mission for our Church there back in the 1950’s.

At the Pavilion, they handed out this recipe for “Tahitian Coconut Bread“.

I wish my dad were still alive so I could ask him if he ever in fact ate anything that tasted like this, how authentic it was etc. But regardless of his answer, everyone here (except for Zandra) enjoys this sweet bread.

And it is super easy to make. The kids like it for breakfast sometimes – served just a little warm.

Tahitian Coconut Bread

2 Cups fresh grated coconut (I just use grated coconut from the bag…it’s as fresh as this Canadian is gonna get it)
4 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1.5 cups sugar (note – this is a SWEET bread, so don’t be surprised)
1.5 cups water

Combine coconut, sugar and water. Blend flour and baking powder together. Mix all ingredients to a doughy texture, adding a little flour as needed so it is not too sticky (it is pretty sticky though). Separate into 5 equal parts and roll into the size of a hot dog bun. Wrap in aluminum foil and bake in 350 degree oven for 1- 1.5 hours. Makes 5 loaves.

Enjoy!

Travelling with Kids: We’re going on a big trip!

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When  I was a divorced single Mom, I made a decision that regardless of how how hard I found life, I would find a way to travel with my kids. Travel was such an important passion for me. I craved it and I craved sharing that with my children.

Through the grace of some very good friends, family and even acquaintances,  after I went through the first year after divorce in “survival mode” I took the boys on our first trip.

Disney World.

I know, I know, a bit of a Divorced Single Mom cliche, but it was soooooo worth it. The boys were 3.5 and 5. And a big handful. But we more than survived – we thrived. Despite the challenges, I knew that travel with my kids was a MUST.

Disney!
 

 

The next year we made our way to Mexico (which I regretted within the first few hours of going, but it ended up being amazing – more on that another time), and a trip to Utah and Yellowstone National Park. Again, Amazing.

Mexico

 
 
Yellowstone National Park
 

So I started planning for future trips. I started planning big. Two trips a year (and I don’t count the little weekend trips that we make back to my hometown, or up north, or a few hours away). I also decided that I would take the boys on 3 “trips of a lifetime” before they turned into “adults”. I would start saving asap for these trips, and then have a yearly savings fund for yearly trips. It would mean prioritizing travel over many other things that many others enjoy.

But it was important to me, so I made that pack with myself. We would be travellers.

Enter Rob.

And 3 more kids.

And an ex-wife that sucks up a lot of extra money.

Hmmm.

Sorry hon, I’ll marry you, but we still need to travel. A lot. You can kiss your little fancy sports car dreams good bye for a while.

We need to take a trip a year with the kids (at least), a trip a year on our own (at least), and 3 big “trips of a lifetime”.

I admit, it didn’t seem possible. But it was gonna happen.

So, one day, shortly after we were married (almost 5 years ago now), we sat down with the kids and discussed our priorities.

Ok, they didn’t care. Gabe was 9, Sam was 3 and the others were squished in between at 7, 7 and 5.

Family Honeymoon in Jamaica. First Family trip, and first time Gabe, Zandra and Sam had been on an airplane!

But we did discuss where they would like to go for our “trips of a lifetime”. Of course, I pushed them in the direction of my desires, and that seemed to suit them just fine: Australia, Africa and  Volunteer Service trip somewhere.

Rob and I looked at the kids ages, our calendars (when it would be our turn to pick holidays) and our finances and began to make the master plan.

Australia in 2013. Africa in 2015 and then sometime after that, a Volunteer trip somewhere.

Last summer, it started to become a reality.

We sat down with the kids again to make some plans. This time, they had more to say. I had contacted a travel agent and got an idea of some itineraries. The travel agent sent us some “whirlwind” trips  downunder, some just Australia, and some included parts of New Zealand, and some included Fiji.

Well you show that to kids, and what do you expect?

We are now going to Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia.

For 2.5 weeks.

Yup.

I know, seasoned travels cringe at how quickly we are going to fly through cities. “That is way too short of an amount of time. You need at least a week in a city!” “Why bother flying all that way for such a short trip?” “You won’t be able to see a thing.”

Move over naysayers. We ain’t listening. I’m doubting you have travelled with 5 kids in tow, so you may just not get how we need constant stimulation, and constant change and constant entertainment (which equals constant exhaustion) to keep the littles from getting restless. But that is life with kids!

So we leave in under 6 weeks and we are headed to Fiji, Auckland, Rotorua, Sydney and Cairns.

And, because I love documenting, of course I will be documenting our travels! However, I thought I would also document the prep for our travels And that starts NOW!!

So, bear with me as I share how we are prepping for this amazing adventure of ours over the next few weeks. I will try to share some of my best travel tips for travelling with kids! And, if you have any suggestions, then PLEASE share your advice and expertise with me in the comments below!

I promise to give you my best and not whatever is left over…

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A while back I was reading one of the little articles that my Mom had sent me.

It was quite a while back – far enough that I can’t even remember the whole context of the article. I do remember enough of the context that it was a husband speaking to his wife.

 I also remember the line that struck me, and now it has been bouncing around my head for weeks.

 “‘I promise to give you my best, and not just whatever is leftover. “

This line struck me for a couple of  reasons.

One, I am married to a man who says this kind of thing, who means this kind of thing, and who does this kind of thing. I get his best. Always.

Two, being a Mom who works outside of the home, especially being a therapist, I often feel sucked dry at the end of the day. During the day, with my clients, I have to be perky,thoughtful, supportive, motivating and always “on”.

When I come home, I want to crash. I feel emotionally drained on many days. I feel like I can’t listen anymore. I can’t encourage anymore. I can’t help anymore. Please. Someone pick me up!

But  I come home to the most important people in the world to me.

Are they getting my best? Or are they getting whatever I have leftover?

I have had to stop and ponder this.

Because the reality is, often they are getting whatever is leftover.

And this is NOT good enough. This is not what I want.

This is NOT the kind of wife and mother I want to be.

So, I have resolved to remind myself before I walk in the door: These people deserve my best. These are the people I want to save it all for. These are the loves of my life.

I’m hoping that this gentle reminder will be motivating enough to dig deep and find the energy. That my spirit will be renewed enough just by thinking about how much I love them all.

What do you do to make sure you are giving your best to those who matter most?

Focus Word 2013

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Back in this post, I talked about what my “mantra” was going to be for 2013.

I had come across this quote and loved it:

But I wanted to also think of my one word for the year that would help me remember this quote.

I toyed around with different words. But the one that kept coming back to me was:

“With purpose”.

Two words, I know, but it just kept coming back to me.

If I do think that when all is said and done I will see it was not random, then it inspires me to have the faith to just carry on.

But I feel I need to “carry on” – with purpose.

I feel that time is slipping by. My kids are growing so fast and they are becoming more and more independent. I feel like I just can’t leave too much to “chance”.

Yes, I can leave some things up to destiny, and fate. I can have faith and trust that Higher Powers know what is best. And I will do that.

But I can also do more things with purpose. I can stop and pause to appreciate the moment. I can seek opportunities to teach and to serve. I can make time for meaningful experiences and activities. I can seize opportunities and take advantage of as many as possible. I can take pictures with my heart and I can say yes more often – for the sake of sharing a special moment, being spontaneous, or enjoying the opportunity to be the example. To just have more fun for the sake of making our home a place you want to come home too. To discipline and lay down the law for the sake of giving security and loving my children.

With purpose. Being deliberate. With real intent. Make each moment count. Make each moment a picture moment.

I think reminding myself to do things “with purpose” will help me enjoy each moment a lot more. It will help me focus on what is important. Hopefully it will slow time down a bit too.

That will be my focus this year.

Good times, good friends

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To finish off the Christmas vacations, we packed all our stuff and headed to the cold, COLD east to spend a weekend up north (ok – 7.5 hours north east of us) with our good friends.

When I say “packed”, I mean PACKED. Seven pairs of skis, ski boots, poles, helmets, skates… plus all the snow gear, and of course, we needed a few clothes. Well, we sort of skimped on the clothes, but Rob managed to use every square inch of our truck and got us all squeezed in, but when you opened a door or window, everything busted out. We were literally bursting at the seams.

It’s a long trip to drive 7 hours for a short weekend (2 nights and 1 full day), but we packed it all in! And Robbie is a hero for doing all the driving. Again.

This is how we spent the time driving:

Don’t ask what Zandra was doing. We just don’t know! But it was pretty funny!

We stopped off in Montreal and went to our favorite pizza place and filled our tummies with yummy Gigi’s pizza. We drove around a bit, and went for a quick visit at my Dad’s grave. The snow was too deep to go see the grave but we could see the head stone plain and clear. Right where we last left it:)

I then took the kids down a quick trip to memory lane to visit the church chapel  I went to while growing up. The parking lot was empty, and covered with snow, perfect for doing some donuts (which I remember doing as teenagers —- shhhh —- I told my kids they’d be in big trouble if they ever did that…) , so Rob did some, and made most of us sick with dizziness!

We then headed up north, made our way through a bit of a storm and arrived at the cozy cottage. Ok. Gorgeous home. With indoor hot tub.

The kids went straight out to play while we unpacked. We then had a great chili dinner before heading out to the gorgeous skating rink in the woods where we skated around under the stars. Beautiful!

On Saturday, we loaded ourselves back into the truck and headed to the ski hill. We got our ski legs back and enjoyed the amazing scenery (gorgeous!!) while we skied the day away, stopping of course for some poutine.

After skiing,  the kids played a bit more outside, while the adults rested our sore muscles in the hot tub. We went out for dinner at at a Chinese place in the village. Poor Sam and Josh:( We ate a little late, and the service was SOOOOO slow that these little bunnies were falling asleep at the table.

Sunday was a day to drive home. Robbie squeezed all the gear back in the truck again and the kids watched a marathon of “Switched at Birth”. We stopped for some real poutine and steamies (the ski hill didn’t give me my poutine fix). So good going down, but ya feel it later:)


We pulled in to our street a mere 7.5 hours later. Ugh. So tired. The kids were awesome at unpacking with us and within an hour we were all unpacked, laundry on, sitting down to some homemade mac and cheese.

It was a pretty sweet weekend!! Good times and good friends. Nothing better.

Quote of the Week

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For this quote of the week, I am stealing a little something from one of my favorite blogs: 71 Toes. She talked about goal setting here and came up with this great quote (or her husband did):

Start somewhere, and keep moving.

I loved it when I read it.

So many times it is intimidating to set a goal, or we get discouraged if we don’t achieve the goal.

But setting goals, aside from the pursuit of the actual goal, is really meant to propel us forward. Even if we don’t attain what we are initially setting out to attain, we can come across many amazing things along our journey. We just need to get moving.

My challenge to my kids this year is to set a lot of goals – lofty goals, simple goals, ambitious goals, realistic goals – whatever goal comes to mind. Set them. Try to make a plan for them.

Then do something about them.

Then keep going from there.

And then keep going a little further.

Zach asked me the other day on our drive to our friend’s cottage (which is another post as we had a great time!) whether I thought it was better to start something and fail (or quit/give up halfway through), or to never have tried it at all.

Not sure what he was thinking about, and the best answer would be to try something and keep going until completion of course (but that is the perfect, obvious answer and I’m pretty sure it’s not what he was looking for).

So, I said to him when he looks back on his life, he will be so grateful for all the things he will be able to say he tried – some will be successes, some will be failures – rather than look back and see nothing at all except a bunch of regrets.

Sort of like this cute quote:

“It’s better to look back on life and say ‘I can’t believe I did that’,  than to look back and say: ‘I wish I did that.”

This seemed to satisfy as an answer for him.

So I realized, with New Years still around us, and these things on his mind, this week was the perfect week to have our quote of the week be about moving forward.

Start somewhere, and keep moving.

Come on. Do it.

New Year’s Eve and Day

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I thought I would just document how we spent New Year’s Eve day and the actual night because we had a lot of fun!

We first woke up early and hung out with the Greco’s. A little tobogganing, snow ball fighting, and feasting on the delicious brunch Larissa and AJ put on. And Adam is simply delicious too:) We had fun playing with him and oohing and ahhing about how CUTE he is is!

We then headed to pick up some ice cream – a tub for each person, if you can imagine.

This was on our family bucket list from last year – we were to “wallow” and eat ice cream like they do on Gilmore Girls.

Although we certainly have nothing to “wallow” about, but the kids loved it.

We watched a few episodes of Gil and then watched a movie.

We ordered in some Chinese, and then got all dressied up and headed over to Andrea’s to ring in the New Year with her kiddies.

It was a low key, but meaningful way to bring in another great year.

New Year’s Day was pretty good too,

We went to see Les Miserables. I sobbed my way through it, and surprisingly, the kids enjoyed it too (we had talked about the story line, expectations (they sing the ENTIRE time) etc.so they knew the commitment they were making.

The afternoon was spent lounging, playing some games, and removing everything Christmasy from our home. Such a sad thing, but I actually like getting back to the groove of life too. Christmas will be back…but we can always try to keep the spirit of it in our home year round.

So long Christmas Season. Til we meet again.