Water Bugs and Dragonflies by Doris Stickney

Down below the surface of a quiet pond lived a little colony of water bugs. They were a happy colony, living far away from the sun.
For many months they were very busy, scurrying over the soft mud on the bottom of the pond. They did notice that every once in awhile one of their colony seemed to lose interest in going about. Clinging to the stem of a pond lily it gradually moved out of sight and was seen no more.

"Look!" said one of the water bugs to another.
"One of our colony is climbing up the lily stalk. Where do you think she is going?"

Up, up, up it slowly went....Even as they watched, the water bug disappeared from sight. Its friends waited and waited but it didn't return...

"That's funny!" said one water bug to another.
"Wasn't she happy here?" asked a second...
"Where do you suppose she went?" wondered a third.

No one had an answer. They were greatly puzzled.

Finally one of the water bugs, a leader in the colony, gathered its friends together.

"I have an idea". The next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk must promise to come back and tell us where he or she went and why."

"We promise", they said solemnly.

One spring day, not long after, the very water bug who had suggested the plan found himself climbing up the lily stalk.

Up, up, up, he went. Before he knew what was happening, he had broke through the surface of the water and fallen onto the broad, green lily pad above.

When he awoke, he looked about with surprise. He couldn't believe what he saw. A startling change had come to his old body. His movement revealed four silver wings and a long tail.

Even as he struggled, he felt an impulse to move his wings...The warmth of the sun soon dried the moisture from the new body. He moved his wings again and suddenly found himself up above the water. He had become a dragonfly!!

Swooping and dipping in great curves, he flew through the air. He felt exhilarated in the new atmosphere.

By and by the new dragonfly lighted happily on a lily pad to rest. Then it was that he chanced to look below to the bottom of the pond. Why, he was right above his old friends, the water bugs! There they were scurrying around, just as he had been doing some time before.

The dragonfly remembered the promise: "The next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk will come back and tell where he or she went and why."

Without thinking, the dragonfly darted down. Suddenly he hit the surface of the water and bounced away.

Now that he was a dragonfly, he could no longer go into the water...
"I can't return!" he said in dismay. "At least, I tried. But I can't keep my promise. Even if I could go back, not one of the water bugs would know me in my new body. I guess I'll just have to wait until they become dragonflies too. Then they'll understand what has happened to me, and where I went."

And the dragonfly winged off happily into its wonderful new world of sun and air.......

From: "Water Bugs and Dragonflies : Explaining Death to Young Children"
by Doris Stickney

Life Lessons....

So, it's been a while... a long while.
I've taken a bit of a mental break.  A much needed break.

While I love this little space, it does take much effort and time to keep up.  I guess I went through a sort of burnout.

I LOVE CRAFTING, THRIFTING, RE-CREATING, YOU-NAME-IT... but, it all takes time.  And when you have 3 littles under foot, you just need to put some things into perspective.  Family first.  Family FIRST.

Don't get me wrong... I've never struggled with priorities.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I put my children and husband first and everything else falls into place after that.... and me?  Well, I'm usually last on that list.  That is, until 2 months ago.  I realized that if I didn't start putting ME a little higher on that list, then all else in my life would start to failing.

My girl-babe is starting school in the fall.  Oh. My.  I don't even want to think about it.  My whole life, I feel, was formed, shaped, guided-by-fate to be a mom.  And I know I'll always be a mom to these 3 little wonders; but, in all honesty - I am the woman who could have been a mom to TEN little wonders.

But, my resolve...

My resolve...

I know I can only have three.... and my time to be the full-on-full-time mom is coming to an end. 

I needed to take stock.  Put ME first. 

Holy Crap!  Did I just say 'Put ME first'?

I did.  And, I have.

Time to reclaim this body of mine.... time to think of what I want out of this life (aside from the obvious - my family).

I've joined the gym.  Working with a trainer who is amply qualified to kick my A**!  And - I'M LOVING IT!  I. LOVE. IT.

I am a consultant for an AMAZING direct sales company which I believe in WHOLEHEARTEDLY!

And, when September finally comes, which I know, inevitably, it will.  I will have some free time to fill with another Mom-preneurial side business....  but, until then....

Drink in EVERY. SINGLE. MOMENT I have left with this sweet little lady and her brothers... I cannot miss a thing.  I owe it to her, I owe it to her brothers.  And most of all, I deserve - DESERVE - to relish every second while I can - while they'll still let me.

I had the best compliment a mom could get yesterday on Mother's Day...

'My mom is as special as LEGO.'

I love my life... what else can I say?

Happy Belated Mother's Day.  **Miss you B  ((((HUGS))))**

;)

RANDOMNESS: life

We never really know where life will take us.  We can plan and plan all we want; but, there are things we just cannot control.

Think of yourself as a writer.... you get to tell the story.... don't let the unknown hinder you.... mold it, shape it, write it.  Give every bump in the road their own chapter in the book of you....

My advice:  Take every day as it comes.  Bask in every ray of goodness.  Jump the hurdles as they arise.  Learn from them and carry on.  In the moment it may be difficult to look ahead; but, don't let that stop you.... YOU are the author...

RANDOMNESS: working mom

Even though I'm a stay at home mom, and have been for quite some time now, I've always thought of myself as a working mom.  As much fun and as rewarding as it is to be able to be home with my kids, it has been work too, but a type of work that I am completely proud and happy to do.... I love being home, I wouldn't miss seeing my children grow for any amount of money.

But, the time has come to start thinking about working outside of the home again.... Scary?  A little.  Do I have a job to return to?  Not in my field of training - I'm obsolete - DARN COMPUTERS!  Do I have options?  Absolutely!

I have some things in the works that I think I'll find both challenging and rewarding and MOST-MOST importantly, will work within my children's school schedule and around my husband's shifts.  No need to acquaint my children with a sitter.... I don't like that option, and neither do they (actually, they don't even like the idea of me working, but that's another story)....

I'm excited for the prospect of working outside of the house again and to be contributing to our household income again.  I'll keep you posted when I figure everything out.

Have a great day everyone  ;)

FAMILY DAYS: production line

For Christmas, my middle monkey made me a button bracelet from the pretty buttons in my button stash.  I saw the bracelet about a month before Christmas; but, had no idea it was for me.  He put it together using a caramel coloured pipe cleaner and some shiny metal buttons (his favourites).

On Christmas morning, he handed me a pretty little box that he carefully wrapped himself.  On top was the cutest little tag that was made from a thick piece of golden wrapping paper that he hand cut and folded.... on the inside it simply said, 'To: Mom.  From: Marek' with a sweet happy face.  My heart gushed and I had to hold back the tears.... I mean, really, I hadn't even opened the gift yet; but, I knew I would cherish it forever....

So, in his ultimate wisdom, and I'm sure after days of processing my tearful thank you to him, he came to me and said, 'I want to make button bracelets for our yard sale.  Because if you like yours so much, so will other Mommy's.'  My heart exploded, and I knew, even more than I had ever known before, that these moments were the reason I wanted to be a Mom.

And today, on this frigidly cold Sunday, we decided to start production in the button factory.  I'll I just say this.... I was in my crafty glory, sitting with my three monkeys, working away, watching them sort through the ga-zillions of buttons we have.... These pretty necklaces and bracelets are the fruits of our efforts today....

For girls; pretty ribbon and button necklaces made by the hands of my two boy monkeys, with help picking colours from the girl-babe; and elastic threaded bracelets made by Mommy.  My oldest monkey had the brilliant idea to make army man necklaces for boys.... so this week we'll be taking a trip to the dollar store for some army men and hemp lacing....

I love that they want to have their own sale table for our annual community yard sale.  I love the initiative, and the excitement they feel over doing something for themselves; and the pride they have in their ideas and finished product....

They make me love them more and more every. single. day.

Happy family day everyone  ;)


p.s.  stay tuned, we're back in the swing of things here on the blog.... starting tomorrow!

RANDOMNESS: enjoying my time

I know I said I would be back to the regular schedule once January hit.... I've just been having too much fun with my babes.  They don't go back to school until next week, and it's been nice just spending time....

We visited the library.... we read a TON of books.... we played barbies, nerf guns, learned magic tricks, and packed Christmas away for another year.... we snacked, and snacked.... we laughed, and we chatted a lot!

Only a couple of days left and the boys will be back at school.... the Ham and I will be on our own again.... and Daddy will be with us on the days he's not working....

It's been a very lovely and relaxing start to the year....

See you soon.... promise

;)

COUNTDOWN: one

Only one shopping day left!!!!

Ok.... I haven't lost it, I do know how to count, and I do realize that technically, there is still one more shopping day left after today.... we'll get to that tomorrow  :)

Please, just humour me for today....  Look at today like it is your last shopping day.  Use it wisely to do any last-minute store shopping; driving here, there and everywhere; and impatiently standing in line with others just like you....

I have no gift ideas for today, other than to give of yourself and maybe pay-it-forward.  Treat someone to a coffee, a perfect stranger.... give up your spot in line to someone who's arms are overflowing, because when it comes down to it, you've left everything to the last minute, it can't get any worse....  Keep your emotions in check, and remember what the season is all about....  Spread the holiday cheer by wearing a smile even if you don't feel like smiling; say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas to everyone you make eye contact with.... You'll be amazed at just how happy you'll be just by simply spreading the love....

For me, Christmas is not about the presents.... it's about time.

 The time we spend with our friends and family.  Times past that we reflect upon.

Time.

We think we have so much of it, but we do very little of actually enjoying it.  So, finish your shopping, as quick as possible with that cheer-filled smile plastered on your face.... then when all is said and done, go and be with the ones you love....  There's no greater gift you can give someone than the gift of your time....

Tomorrow is another day, but spend your time wisely.... stay tuned  ;)

RANDOMNESS: admiration

While sharing family pizza night with a friend and his three children, my friend told me how he wanted to make something extra special for his children to honour their mothers memory.... He wants to make memory quilts for each of them, made from her clothing....

I've seen these quilts before, they've been around for years.... I'm just so moved with emotion that he wants to do this himself.  What a beautiful way to work through the loss of someone who meant the world to you.... and what an equally amazing thing to gift to your children - something you made with your own two hands that represents the love you have for your wife and the love you both have for your children....

The admiration I have for her since I've known her extends to every single one of her family members.... I can't say how I would react if I were in his shoes - I can only hope that I could be one tenth as strong....

Reluctance by Robert Frost

Out through the fields and the woods
And over the walls I have wended;
I have climbed the hills of view
And looked at the world and descended;
I have come by the highway home,
And lo, it is ended.

The leaves are all dead on the ground,
Save those that the oak is keeping
To ravel them one by one
And let them go scraping and creeping
Out over the crusted snow,
When others are sleeping.

And the dead leaves lie huddled and still,
No longer blown hither and thither;
The last lone aster is gone;
The flowers of the witch-hazel wither;
The heart is still aching to seek,
But the feet question 'Whither?'

Ah, when to the heart of man
Was it ever less than a treason
To go with the drift of things,
To yield with a grace to reason,
And bow and accept the end
Of a love or a season?

Yielding with grace, and holding on to memories.... could never be treasonous. It's admirable, and what's needed to move forward....

SIMPLICITY

I know I've written about this before; but, it still amazes me how kids are thrilled by the simplest things....Sure the 'in' toys; the over-commercialized items that are thrown in our faces every time we turn on the tv or open up a flyer are what they desire, want and hope for.... these are what I like to call flash-in-the-pan objects.... they're liked and admired and played with for short periods then quickly forgotten and passed up for the tried and true.  You know the ones, the toys that force kids to use their imagination.... because when it comes down to it, kids love creating their own play.  It's inherent in a child's very make up.  That's what they do - it's how they first begin to learn about the world around them.  So why not nurture these sometimes forgotten forms of play?

I'm not saying that children shouldn't have some of the things they long for.... rather, they should be given a good mix of what they want and what they need to help foster their growing minds.

Aaaanyway.... I painted a set of wooden peg dolls for my daughter last year for Christmas.  One doll representing each person in our family.  A fun little project.... painting.  Painting.... my favourite artful thing to do.  Every time I pick up a paint brush to do a project, I remember just how much I love doing it.... My daughter loves her set.  She even found a little carry case for them.... And I'm certain she would have loved them and played with them just as much if they were left naked....

Anyhow, these little naked people beg me to dress them.... and I lovingly oblige.  I just love choosing the colour of clothes, the hair, the personality.... and my favourite thing - giving them life at the very end by adding their little dotted eyes.

These four little ladies are so pretty.... and finished with a little sparkle.... what little girl doesn't LOVE sparkle?  Every time I walk by them, they make me smile.  Something so simple - and it brightens my day.... I hope the little lady who these will be gifted to, will feel smiley when ever she glances their way too.

A good rule to follow at this time of year.... keep it simple.
Have a great day folks  ;)

p.s.  REFURB-RECON,-REPURPOSE will return.... eventually....

FAMILY DAYS: hockey

Much of our fall/winter family time revolves around hockey.... the boys play four, sometimes five, days a week.... we watch NHL hockey.... at least three times a week there's a mini sticks game going on between the girl and her boys.... and Daddy helps coach the middle man's team and plays pick-up with a bunch of guys on Tuesday nights himself....

Old Hockey Skates.  Art print by Danny Bailey

Where do I fit into all of this?  Well, I don't play.... I'd love to but there aren't any women's pick-up leagues around here, and if I'm being honest, I skate very, very poorly.  Yes, I said it.  I'm a Canadian and my skating skills are beginner at best.  I'd love to invest the money and buy all the equipment and just play.  I think it's the only way I'm going to gain any kind of hockey/skating skill.... but; as I said earlier, they just don't offer, a-hem, women of my age the opportunity near here.

Don't get me wrong.... my role in all of this hockey is very important too.  I wouldn't give up being the bus driver, the skate lacer, the #1 fan, and the after game high-fiver for anything in the world.  Anywhere that my family is involved in something (anything).... it's my job, responsibility, honour, absolute pleasure to be the side liner; watching, cheering, and beaming with pride.  I take this role very seriously.  Sometimes, maybe (always) I can get a little excited.... and maybe, sometimes (always) I make a little noise.... but; I'm sure, positive really, that my guys are very happy to hear Mommy encouraging them from the stands.... right?

Happy hockey season everyone  ;)

THRIFTY MONDAY: clothes

With three kids to clothe, this is one of the places where being thrifty is a necessity.... especially when the oldest and youngest are growing at a ridiculous rate - slow down, you two, what's the rush?  Now, that's not to say that the monkeys never get anything new, they do.... but, for clothes the boys just tear up at school, I can't justify spending crazy amounts on growing kids.... we save the new stuff for birthdays, Christmas, beginning of school and summer....

Anyhow, one of my favourite thrifty places, Value Village, is having another of their quarterly half price sales.... TODAY!  Bu-ut! If you apply online for a super saver card, you get to enjoy the sale a whole day earlier - WITHOUT having to fight the crowds and tear things out of other shopper's hands (ok, so I've never had to do that, but have secretly wanted to.... just sayin')....

I could have waited for today to go, but with Mr. Monkey working, and having to take the girl monkey, I thought an hour of shopping yesterday, ALONE, was waaaay more appealing.  Because, honestly, for us Mommy's, when does that ever happen.... like next to NEVER!

Aaaanyway, check out this haul....

12 pieces of clothing in GREAT condition.... perfect for two growing monkeys.... and a few things for the Momma, too!  All for the low-low price of.... wait for it.... $20.52!!!!  (applause.... maybe the wave.... but, definite applause)....  Not that we're much into labels, but; there's QuickSilver, DC, Children's Place, Gap, Old Navy and H&M.... pretty good for $20 and change, I say!

If you're into it, and you have the time today.... Value Village near us, is open from 7am-9pm.... you never know what you'll find!  Good luck hunting!

Have a great day  ;)

FAMILY DAYS: yummy-ness = togetherness

It doesn't matter how busy our week was, or what conflicts we've had, Sunday mornings are always reserved for this....

On today's menu:  pumpkin spice, o.j. and earl grey.... cartoons and TONS of snuggles.... life is good.
Have a fantastic family day  ;)

JUST SAYIN'

FRIDAY NIGHT VIDEO: retro rewind

I had a HUGE crush on Ian Astbury of the Cult in grade 9....

I guess I must have liked the long haired, bad boy, alternative music types back then....  I can honestly say that long hair on a man now, seems just silly to me.  Regardless, this is still one of my favourite Cult songs and takes me back to grade nine dances EVERY. TIME. 

She Sells Sanctuary - The Cult.... maybe I was attracted to the alliteration of the song title, being the word-nerd that I am....  Enjoy!

RANDOMNESS: keeping up with 'stuff'

I know everyone has days, weeks, months, when they feel like they've just let everything s-l-i-d-e.... I've felt that way since summer.... I KNOW!  Lazy or what?!

Well, I'm trying to get back on track now.... I've made up a house cleaning schedule for myself.  Something I should have done a very long time ago.  But, cleaning is one of those things where I always feel behind, and the nagging guilt I have over it some days is excruciatingly painful and paralyzing.  Can you relate?

Anyhow, I'm 2 weeks into the schedule, and I have to say that I feel much less stress about keeping house.  And, truth is, the schedule isn't really far off from what I was doing before; it's just that I've printed it off and posted it so that it's a BLAZING reminder of my daily tasks.  And, I guess that's what I needed.... ACCOUNTABILITY.

It's funny, I demand accountability in my children's actions and the actions of others; and myself, for that matter.... just not in the context of a clean house.  Why, I wonder?.... Is it because I know the house will never, ever be totally clean (untidy).... I'm not delusional.  I have kids who create messes, I create messes.... and I'm generally the type who 'shoves' things.... thinking I'll get to them later.... but, oftentimes, later never comes.  Please tell me you understand.... give me an agreeing head nod....

I have to say, that this pressure and stress I feel over house work, is pressure I put on myself.  Why do we do that?  If you ever find a reasonable answer to that question, please enlighten me; because all of the answers I have come up with are completely insane when you really think about them.

The world will not end if I don't put the dishes away before bed.... my children will not be forced to wear dirty clothes.... my friends and neighbours will not stop speaking to me because I haven't vacuumed in two days.  I know this.

So, here's the thing.  I make this schedule, and I'm not talking 3 hours of house cleaning a day.... just 15 minutes to half an hour on top of the daily pick-up and tidy..... do at least one load of washing and drying and putting away a day to keep on top of the mountains of fabric that pile up in my laundry room.... and most importantly, MOST IMPORTANTLY, putting things away, right away - NOT saving it for the later that never comes.  HA!

It's working for me.  I'm less stressed, I'm able to rationalize house cleaning better because I know I've accomplished my daily task, I have more quality time with my family and I'm satisfied that my family is not living in filth.... ok, so my house isn't filthy to begin with, just untidy at times really; but nonetheless, I find it somewhat stressful....

Aaaanyway.... In conclusion, I'm happier knowing I'm holding myself accountable for keeping a tidy home....  Have a great day, I'm off to clean the loo!
;)

You say it's your birthday....

Today, my husband turns 40. 

First off.... have you ever noticed how men don't age the same way as women?  I swear, he looks more like early thirties.... so. un. fair.

Aaaanyway.... What can I say about the guy who took a chance on the new girl in high school home room?  I guess, technically, I sought (stalked) him out.... but, once he responded, my shyness took over.  I was so insecure in thinking that he wouldn't really want to date me....  Remember those days back in high school?  The days when you were finding your way....

I'm not meaning for this to be a trip down memory lane.... I just still sometimes can't believe that he picked me.... 

He's my best friend.... my confidante.... the father of my children.... and the person I can trust with my life....  He's funny (like crazy funny, and I love that)....

Happy birthday, hunny.... I love you so much.... we love you so much....  I hope your day is full of happiness and great memories; and that you can see this milestone as the beginning of a great new chapter in the book of YOU....

xo  ;)

I'll return....

Hi folks!

I will be back later today for this week's installment of HOW-TO-TUESDAY.... Just trying to get back on track from a very busy weekend....

Thanks!

;)

Baby no more....

My baby girl turned 3 at 12:05 this morning.

She is my little ray of sunshine.... and now she's 3.  A bit difficult to take because I know she's my last.  Tough to swallow because she's no longer a babe or toddler.... she's school aged.  Yes, school for my little lady begins at the ripe old age of 3.

I thought that being the Mommy to my two boys was the best thing I had ever done in my life....  but, being a Mommy to two boys and one fiery little girl, well, it's even better than the best feeling I've ever had.

She brings so much to our family....

She's funny,

She's beautiful,

She's my companion when everyone else is away.... she is one of four people in this world who I care for more than life itself....

Some people think that winning the lottery will solve their problems and bring them the happiness that they seek.... my husband and I feel otherwise - we're already rich.  We have the love of our three children, we have our love for one another, and we truly cherish the time we have together....

Strip away everything else, and you'll find it's the relationships you form that enrich your life in the most important ways....

From the moment the pediatrician said, "It's a girl!"  I knew that our lives were forever changed....  we had the girl that we never knew we wanted so bad.... both our boys from that moment on were older brothers and protectors.... and a whole new world of emotion melted our hearts and flooded our home.

Hammy-girl, I hope this day brings you all the happiness you deserve.  Mommy and Daddy are so proud you, and are so fortunate to be able to snuggle you tight every. single. day.  We love you, Bug.... to the moon  xo  ;)

FAMILY DAYS: sprouting up

At 12:05 Monday morning,  this little monkey will turn 3 years old....

Yeah, I know!  Where does the time go?

Aaaanyway, today we will be hosting a perfectly pink and pretty purple princess party!  I always said, that if I had a daughter, there would be no way she would be the foofy type.... WOW! Was I ever WRONG!

Ok, so she's not all the way pinkalicious, but she does show some love for the girlie things; while at the same time, thanks to two older brothers, she loves this too....

YAY!  Yay for me, I'm so NOT the girlie-type.... and YAY for Daddy who wants nothing more than to see his little princess play hockey....

Anyhow.... I'll post some pictures of the party later (maybe today, maybe another day)....

Have a great family day  ;)

RANDOMNESS: love for a friend

The other day, I had the pleasure of spending some time with a friend, a father, a very kind man who has lost one of the most important people in his life.... his devoted daughter, and our loving friend, Becky.

It's not possible to put into words, the love and admiration I have for this man and his beautiful wife.  Two people who united and gave us an equally beautiful soul, gifted to us, Becky.... Getting to know Peter and Dorothy over the past few years has given me a glimpse into how Becky became the amazing woman she was.... still is in our hearts and memories.

Coming to terms with the loss of someone so special is no easy task.... one that will likely never find resolution.  So what's left for those of us who are here?  Memories of warm hugs, happy times, togetherness.... time.... time for remembering and reflecting....  It doesn't even remotely fill the space where she lived; but, we have to hold onto every. little. bit. of what we have....

I know that you can't mark the calendar and say, "Ok, I'll be done with the grieving onnnnn, hmmmm,  this date."  But, we still try, don't we?  The hurt is sometimes so gnawing that we want to see the end of it.... But; what can we do?

We can talk.

We can talk together.... talk about how we're feeling, talk about the what's next, talk about her and how she helped us light up....

Though being with Peter sometimes, always, ends in tears, I come away feeling very close to both him and Becky.  I have amazing reminders of the love I have for my friend, in Peter and Dorothy....  And I also have two more beautiful souls to cherish....

Today, I am grateful for the love and strength of Peter and Dorothy, two adoring parents who have endured immeasurable loss yet still smile their warmth upon us.... I am grateful for sitting in a coffee shop next to someone I consider a kindred friend and father figure.... and I am grateful for everything she gave, for she made me feel truly loved by a friend....

Today I'm remembering you, our friend.... always with us, Becky, like a warm, comforting hug  ;)