Outnumbered

Could I really be on the PTA?

When you're a mom you have a lot of responsibility.  Many things fall on our mommy shoulders...providing the necessities of life, raising children with good morals and values, keeping them safe from harm, guiding them through life, making lunches, changing bums, kissing boo-boos...the list goes on.

There are so many things that go along with this job of being MOM.  I have to add being an ADVOCATE to the list.

Some of the things I listed above I think I'm really good at...others...not so much.

Things like PTA (that's Parent-Teacher Association for the moms of kids not yet in school) scare me off a bit.  I had Jackson when I was young (by today's standards anyway) so when I went to parent meetings I always felt a little out of place. So I quit.  Now, that I'm more mature (haha, some beg to differ) I am starting to get better at being a part of the mommy crowd and voicing my opinion.

I do love to volunteer at the school - it's been tough since January because I'm working full-time, but it's so fun to be around the kids and it's the most rewarding thing to  be able to give back to the school, the teachers and the adorably fun kids. 

School trips are always a hit too - Jake wants me to go on his next field trip with him - how sweet is that?   He assured me that if I can't fit on the bus (because SO many parents want to go - don't you know), I can just drive up and meet the group there.  So sweet. 

Last year I got over my mommy shyness a little bit.  After chatting with a neighbour about how our 'hood didn't have a park, I contacted our city councillor. I really felt passionate about advocating for our kids and the kids in the area. We really needed someone to play, socialize and meet new friends! After many contacts and her hard work with the city, we were able to get the ball rolling on a new play structure.  There were a few naysayers. For example the one person who wanted a tall cone shaped play structure that kids climb on -- and it spun in circles too! Oh yeah, that's great fun -- particularly for a peds nurse who knows THAT is a head injury waiting to happen!

I did the politically mommy correct thing and had a meeting at my house about the park and what the neighbours wanted.  My dear neighbour (also a nurse, love that she fully understood my 'head injury waiting to happen' issues) helped me to pass around the playground catalogues and got input from our neighbours.   We all picked the ones we liked from the catalogues and the peeps with the budget made the final call.  During this meeting; if I recall correctly, there were kids playing in our basement and someone came up and accused Jake of saying a$$$$$$$hole. OHMIGOSH. Really??????? I was horrified!!

..............................

No, not really - turns out he was playing King of the Caaaastle. Wouldn't that just up my status for mother-of-the year. Whewwww.

So after some heated discussions (nope sorry, no one plays with tether balls anymore) we decided on a structure that suited 18 months to 12 years.  (It's actually tough to find one for all age groups- so many are either for 2-5 or 5-12 years)

It was installed last winter so we didn't get much time to enjoy it....but now that the warm weather is here, it's a hit!  Jake even told his friends & our neighbours that when I die, I will be famous because they will then name the park after me! That makes it all worth it.

Isn't it gorgeous?

Now that I've mastered the mommy advocated park installation...

I'm sure PTA will be a piece of cake.

Sunday night blues

I wasn't going to post tonight...but I sat down and started to type away anyway.  

How quickly the weekend passes by...we had some beautiful sunshiney weather, the kids had a friend sleep-over at our place, and some of our friends came over for appetizers, wine, card games & hot-tubbing. Today we went to watch a Wiggles show at the theatre.  Good times!

2 days off seems to just FLY by....I'm sure other mommies out there can relate. SO much to do, so little time right?

As I get closer to my stay-at-home-momma test weeks, I start to think there needs to be some sort of option for a happy medium for all this chaos.   My friend who I work with suggested a job share, or a 0.8 fulltime position (which means 80% of a full-time)  OMIGOSH.  What a fabulous idea.  Why didn't I think of that? Anyway, it definitely isn't an option right now as I am fairly new in my current role at work...but perhaps in the next year or so it could be something I could think more seriously about.  It gives me hope : )

Until then, weekends will continue to fly by, all the work I want to accomplish at home will have to wait.  The tiredness & exhaustion of working full-time and raising my babies will continue into my Mondays.  
I am realizing that not everything can be done at once these days....patience is a virtue.  One day at a time, one foot in front of the other.  Meh, I'm learning there are more important things to life than cleaning out my basement.

And finally I would like to share valuable lesson I learned this weekend...I'm getting too old to stay late and wake up early.  Also, next time we have friends over for red wine & hot-tubbing, I will do it on Friday night instead.  'cause I apparently my aging body would prefer one extra day to recover before heading back to reality!

Hope everyone has a great Monday....short and sweet post, I know.  I'm a little tired tonight.  Self inflicted, I will admit!

If you wanna see something cute though - Check out this post of my little man and his fun with Sudocrem.  I posted it back in March, but it's a fun one.

Thanks for stopping by.

: )  Keri

Mommy's MIA on a Friday afternoon...only in Costco

I went to work early so I could get home early so I could shop early so I wouldn't be home too late.

I didn't leave work quite on time as planned, so I decided to make a "one stop shop" at Costco. 
I love Costco. I love the man who greets me and hands me coupons, only after flashing my shiny black executive card.  I love the tall shelving, filled with wonderful merchandise for me to browse. I love the smell of the hot dogs & fries.  I love the man who is rambling on about something I can't really understand, and I love him even more because he's offering me free turkey sausage samples.  
I love the feel of the concrete floor under my feet and the way the cart just rolls freely over it.
I love that there is everything and anything I could ever imagine shopping for in one place
Errrrrr. Stop the presses - everything except wine that is. Dammit. 
Well they sell almost everything. They even sell organic goods, I love that too.  (I must include this disclosure since I'm all about being honest - I don't like the non-local produce, but I keep away from that part if I can...)

With no children in tow, I find myself wandering up and down each aisle.  I find things that are on sale and that gives me more ammunition to keep shopping. The deals! The deals are amazing!  I find myself craving more.  My cart becomes heavier and heavier.

Suddenly it hits me - WHAT was it that I came here for? 

Oh Em Gee.   (Thanks for that line Sarah)

What did I come here for? I look down at my cart, filled with organic chicken broth, kids books, new skirt, yoga pants, hot pink tank for spin class, polo shirts for the hubby...snack foods, appetizers for a get-together we're having at our house this weekend, some milk, sunscreen...the list goes on. 

Does anyone else do this? I just become overwhelmed with the excitement of shopping alone! The other problem with Costco is - if you don't buy it right then, you're risking the fact that it may be GONE forever once you come back.  Speaking from experience here. Gone forever!!!

I decide to call home for the list....whewww.
Organic baby carrots, peanut butter, nutella, facewash, vitamins, Premium plus crackers, milk etc (That's just GREAT, I got one thing on the list) 

A few hundred dollas and 1 hour and 15 minutes later I left Costco.

Now I have to admit what the most...um....errrr...interesting purchase of the day was......

 

...wait for it....

 

....Wait for it......

 

A jewelry tree.

 

Yes, I spent $22.79 on a JEWELRY TREE.   It was a good idea at the time....check this baby out.   This is what happens when a shopping deprived mother is set loose in Costco.

If you think it might look like an okaaaayyyyy purchase from the box with their lovely earth tone jewelry  hung with care,  you should see it NOW draped with my costume exquisite jewelry.  HID-E-OUS! 

Really? UGH. Who buys this stuff? (I hope I'm not the only one!)

So if you think you've got issues, or want a good hearty laugh...just think of me.

 

Me and my jewelry tree.

 

: )   Keri

The test of a working mom being a stay at home mom. This is only a test.

You might have already read that I have a live-in caregiver for my boys. For us it 100%  beats daycare. We first hired our nanny back in 2008 when I was pregnant with baby #3 and had to work full-time to get my maternity leave hours in. Yeah, I know...super planning on my behalf right?

Well our dear caregiver (aka Nanny, aka Fey-fey) is heading on a much-deserved vacation back home for one full month.  I am so happy for her because it's been years since she's been home; but it will definitely be an adjustment for all of us.  Brian has taken a week off work & so have I.  We have made other arrangements for childcare in between our vacation time. 

You might have read about my struggles to find balance between work and home life, between being a wife, mother, nurse, therapist, sister, friend...

I struggle....struggle somedays more than others to actually walk out the door. 

Most days I make it just fine, but somedays those pangs of guilt, feelings of love, feelings of missing these little people who have my heart with them all day long, even though my brain is working hard on projects in which I put all my intellectual effort into all day long.

I hate feeling like I'm missing something. Somedays I wake up and I have obviously been dreaming about my decision.  I know, I probably sound like I need therapy, but this is my therapy.  So, to be perfectly honest I will have this feeling come over me, all of a sudden I am panicked - Am I doing the right thing? 
Oh my goodness these kids are growing up so fast & I'm missing it!
Have I completely missed the boat on this?

I know it's not feasible to stay at home FULL-time without bringing home some bacon.   It seems to be so rare to have a sole breadwinner anymore...we drive bigger cars, live in bigger homes, have bigger expenses, and bigger needs, bigger wants.  All of this needs bigger DOLLARS.  That part, I've come to terms with.  I've also come to terms with the fact that the hubby and I aren't really ready to give up yearly family vacays and other luxuries (like dinners out together) and we're really not ready to give up our nanny!  (Even if we did - it wouldn't actually make any difference in my ability to stay at home. I did the calculations. Damn!)

Regardless, I am interested to see how I cope with being home with the boys, with no other help, just us.

When Maripe goes away for almost 5 weeks I have many questions....

Will I miss work?
Will I long for the challenges and rewards of working outside of our home? (I love my job, it's honestly and truly my dream position - besides being a mom of 3 of course)
Will being a temporary stay-at-home momma drive me over the edge?
Or will I love being at home every day, doing those domestic chores that on somedays I truly LONG to complete?  (You have no idea how much mopping the floor is a joyous occasion for me. I'm sick. Very sick)
Then I ponder, will I feel the total and utter fulfillment that I've convinced myself I will feel if I were to stay at home? 
Will I decide to open that home daycare I have dreamed about as my only real means to still make money & be at home with the kids?
Or conversely, will I be wanting a glass of Malbec by 3pm?

I know it's just a test, it's only a test.

I may not even be home for a long enough time period to really give me a full picture of stay-at-home-mommyhood is really about. I also have the utmost respect for women and men who are able to be stay-at-home parents ('cause I know it can be harder work than actually leaving for work, believe me!) 
 
How do working moms do it?  I know I'm doing it, I'm livin' the workin' momma's dream, but how do you get through it without all the emotional turmoil?

Does it finally just become something you accept?  If I'm not really emotionally okay with working full-time outside the home right now, will I ever be?

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

These are just delicious! I promise.

I absolutely did not create this recipe, so I can't take credit for it being original but as always I made a few alterations in the ingredients, so I will take the credit for sharing it!

1 and 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup organic cane sugar
1/2 cup turbinado sugar (or use brown)
1 tsp baking soda
1 egg (THANK-you for fixing my typo Janine @ www.3girlmomblog.wordpress.com)!
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil or olive oil
1/2 to 3/4 cup of plain yogurt  (I used natural Balkan)
1 tsp vanilla
3 ripe mashed bananas
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

First combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the egg, oil, yogurt and vanilla.
Stir this mixture in with the dry ingredients just until moistened.
Stir in bananas (best kid job is to mash those bananas!) and then chocolate chips (best kid job too, because they inevitably sneak a few!)
Fill paper muffin cups about two-thirds full.
Bake at 325 or 350 degrees F depending on your oven for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

You can also make mini-muffins and bake them for about 1/2 the time.

Yummy. These never last in my house, I think I'm going to start making a double batch!

Don't let anyone tell you being a mommy means you're not cultured

I am actually watching American Idol tonight. It's probably the only show I'm able to follow - mostly because it doesn't really require any consistent viewing to know what's going on.  (It's quite simple, every week someone's getting the axe!)

Tonight one of the contestants (sorry I don't even know her name...ughhh....be right back, I'll go google it)

.......................

Sorry about that, it was Crystal Bowersox (You can see all the contestants by visiting the American Idol Contestant page) She reminds me of Janis Joplin and she actually had someone playing the didgeridoo as she sang "Come Together"

Well OF course there was a huge discussion by the judges & Ryan Seacrest about what a didgeridoo actually is.  THe discussion: Does anyone really know what it is?

Oh my gosh! Oh! Oh! Pick me! Pick ME!! I know what it is!!

It's an Australian instrument in which you have to use "circular breathing" to play properly. This means you have to breath in through your nose and out through your mouth at the same time to make the sounds through this wind instrument.

Who knew little old Momma K was so knowledgeable and cultured in the department of didgeridoos!

Now...aren't you wondering where I learned all of this quirky information?

I'll give you 3 hints.

 

1) Australia

2) Kids

3) Music

 

Yes, I learned everything that I know about didgeridoos from...

 

 

THE WIGGLES!

 

 

So don't ever say being a mundane momma means you're not still being culturally enlightened.

: )  Keri

Learning about mommy blogging

I started my first blog back in 2008 (or was it 2007?)

I started writing as a diary of my life with 2 kids.  I didn't want to forget anything, so I thought I'd simply use my blog to jot down my thoughts & feelings.  As I pursued furthering my nursing education, and had another baby, blogging took last place on my list of priorities.

My very first post was about a woman who talked to me in the mall parking lot one day...remind me and I'll post it someday (if I can find it on my old computer).  It was a moment and a piece of advice that I will never forget...

Anyway, now that I'm writing almost every day (or posting almost every day) I am learning some fun and interesting facts about mommy bloggers.

A few of my friends actually have expressed interest in blogging and I'm so excited to start reading their posts!  I have so many intelligent & creative friends who are much more witty than me...when they start blogging, I'll let you know too!

Here are a few tidbits I've discovered about mommy blogging:

1)  BLOG is actually short form for Weblog.  Get it, Web-Log!  If you're a techie you're probably rollling your eyes and scoffing at me, but I honestly did not know where "Blog" came from before I ventured into my own.

2) In addition to BLOGS, moms are also getting their stories out there and building online communities with VLOGS.  Wanna know what VLOG stands for?  Yep...you're obviously smarter than I am - video log!

3) There are many platforms you can blog on. Typepad, Wordpress, Blogger are just a few of the most popular.  They make it so easy - for the most part you pick the design you want and start typing away.

4) Even though it looks like I post every day, sometimes I will write extra posts when my kids have gone to bed on time (rarely), or when I'm feeling creative.  With typepad, I can actually set my posts to publish at a certain date and time.  So I could write now and post next week.  So cool!

5) There is a huge cult community of mommies out there to connect with and read about.  Check this out, it's crazy!!!  http://www.topmommyblogs.com or http://www.mombloggersclub.com/ Many moms just start out just writing as a diary like I did, wanting to keep an online scrapbook of their adventures.

6)  It's a MYTH that YOU as a mommy have nothing to write about. I've had a few people say, "Oh, I could never do that..."  I will guarantee that you can write.  Most nights, I have nothing on my mind and I will just start writing.  More words just start flowing as you write.  Some posts are better than others, that part is true.

7)  I have a few favourite mommy blogs.  A few are really well known like my ULTIMATE fave  Playgroups are No Place for Children who blogs about life with kids & also offers tips on mommy blogging.
Others are authors of books & blog as well: Because I said so. Others, are professional working moms who are striving to find balance: Spilled Milk.  (She's a lawyer and mommy by day, mommy blogger by night, love it!)
Janine is a sweet home-schooling pastor's wife whose memoirs are called Spoonful of Sugar.
Other mommy bloggers get to review products and give them away for free like at Millenial Housewife !

8)  When someone who feels like your friend thanks to the world of mommy blogging, but yet also feels like a celebrity thanks to the world of mommy blogging actually comments on a post YOU'VE written, it is such an exciting moment.  When Jennifer from Playgroups commented on this post, I was on CLOUD 9 for like a good hour and yelled, "Brian, Jennifer commented on my post!!"  He replied, "Ummmm WHO is Jennifer?"  : )    Um, seriously this excitment is equivalent to people who are tweeted by Donnie Wahlberg!

9a) There are many tricks to the trade that I have yet to learn. I like the design of my blog and I've added a few extras for fun but I like the fact that I just have to click "New Post" and can start typing. Keepin' it simple works for me. 

9b) There are "dummies" books out there for people like me. Blogging for Dummies and even TypePad for Dummies. I won a free copy for coming up with an idea for a book I'd write if I were to write a dummies book (FYI my book was called how to be a superstar momma & still look hot for dummies! I guess they thought it was funny!!)

10) Mommy blogging is scandalous! Lots of negative press about being a mommy blogger. Trust me...or even better, google it!

11) Mommy bloggers make change.  Check out just one example of this in an article featured in the Financial Post.

10) For only 10 bucks a year you can buy your own domain name. Hence my domain www.outnumberedmomma.com

11) Sometimes the hardest line to write is the last one. 

The moral of the story is blogging world is very complex, confusing, exciting, wacky and wonderful  and I'm just trying to navigate through it with a little style and grace.
And how's this for the last line...I've got spaghetti noodles cookin', garlic bread toastin', spaghetti sauce simmerin' & this mommy blogger has gotta run!

Much love,

: )  Keri

Will he sleep? Will I sleep?

I wasn't going to blog tonight...I was feelin' a little lazy after my glorious long weekend (which I will add does not end until TUESDAY!)   Then the power went out, so there was no need to clean, do laundry or put toys away.  Sweetness.

We had an amazing weekend, filled with delicious dinners and visits with our wonderful families and great friends...tonight we were at my parents' home and the plan was for Jake to stay overnight. Ollie never stays overnight there, although he's been invited numerous times.  

Ollie said to Jake - "You're my brother right?"

Jake said "Yep, I am"

Ollie said, "I want to stay here with you"

My mom was through-the-roof ecstatic.

I figured that, as I packed up Spencer, Ollie would change his mind, but he didn't budge.  As I walked out the front door to join my hubby in the car, I figured he would give up this charade of bravery and change his mind. 

He looked up at me with concern and a serious expression in his baby blue eyes...I smiled at him, just like I always do -- and he smiled that special smile I swear he only puts on for his momma.

I walked away slowly....waved at him and he waved right back.

It broke my heart, just a little.

I know he's safe and happy with his Grandparents, and I know they are an amazingly important part of his life. 

I'm happy he's staying there.

But part of me can't believe he's growing up this fast. 

I called them from my cell phone on the way home.  He was fine, of course.

The house feels a little strange tonight, but I am so happy that he's enjoying this very exciting 'first'. 
His first ever sleepover away from home in his little 3 year old life!

I wonder if he'll sleep okay. I wonder if the hubby and I will.

Sometimes, the thought of the boys growing up so fast breaks my heart a little. 
But thanks to my insightful husband I've been reminded that this is okay. This is good. This is glorious!

My hubby has kindly reminded me that part of our job as parents is to give our children their roots...and the other part is to give them wings.  How inspirational is he?

Oh wait...I just received another stat message from the hubby.  I'm slowly descending down from the world of metaphoric inspirational quotes into the real world of motherhood. 

The hubs has just reminded that when he wakes up at 3am, wanting to come home, I've been delegated to be the one who drags my arse outta bed to get in the car and pick him up.  
Oh dear....hahaha.

We...shall....see.

...To...be...continued...

How to survive shopping on the Saturday before Easter

Someone informed me today that the Saturday before Easter is busier than shopping just before Christmas.  It makes sense to me when I think about it.  We spend MONTHS preparing for Christmas whereas Easter doesn't get as much marketing and planning attention. 

Then, dammit, before you know it; it's Easter weekend and your days are suddenly filled with organizing family dinners, eating ham, turkey and so on.  And....if you're anything like me.....you thought you were on the ball and got about 60% of your Easter bunny shopping done during the week, but alas Saturday comes much too quickly and you realize there are important things to buy! Aghhhhh!

I decided (of all places) to go to WAL-MART this morning.  I figured it was a one stop shop so I would be good to go.  And for those who know me will not be surprised it was not my only stop -- the sales of Canadian Tire lured me in ... My willpower couldn't muster up any fight against my yearning to wander aimlessly around the gardening department on such a beautiful sunshiney day. 

As I sat in traffic, this is what I thought of.

How to survive shopping on the Saturday before Easter

1)  Leave the children at home (this is absolutely the most important - if you do nothing else, do this)

2)  Try really really hard to pay attention to the road.  Don't follow too closely, and stop at red lights. No texting and driving please.  (This becomes self-explanatory in rule #3)

3) Pull to the RIGHT of the road when the fire truck, ambulance and police are trying to get through to the idiot who rear-ended someone (outside the liquor store no less!)  Emergency vehicles take precedent, I don't care how important you think your Easter shopping is.

3)  Bring your favourite CD's (or if you're not a total loser like me you might have Sirius radio or some fancy Apple device) with you.  Traffic may keep you in the car for quite some time. You might as well create some ambience.  Enya anyone?  Or, you can act like you're a reckless coolio teenager and blast Estelle & Kanye, Jay-Z & Beyonce.  Oh yeah, I got checked out, I swear.  hahahaha. Till they saw the 3 carseats in the back that is.

4)  Don't expect miracles.  Really, did you THINK that all the GOOD Easter stuff would still be there on the Saturday before Easter?  Sorry about your luck folks, you're gettin' the no name chocolate today.  Lindt is  gonna be sold out!!!!

5) Smile at people.  Even when they almost ram their cart over your new and hot little silver flats, keep smiling. It's infectious and people will really wonder what you're up to. 

6) Be patient.  Be nice to the Wal-mart cashier who hates her life more than you do in that very moment.

7) When people are trying to get out of the parking lot where you've been waiting for 15 minutes, let someone in.  It's been 15 minutes for goodness sakes, is 15 minutes and 10 seconds reallllly going to make a difference? If you're nice to someone, it will get passed on. Remember: karma can be kind, or it can be a real bitch if you are.

8) I was going for top 10, but I'm stopping at 8. 
For all your hard work, be sure to buy yourself something.  NO, toilet bowl cleaner does NOT count.  Remember, Wal-mart has a Wine Store strategically located at the exit for your shopping pleasure.  We all deserve a reward for our hard work.   Don't forget to treat yourself too.
(I got myself a new Kitchen Aid cast iron dutch oven, 70% off to boot!!)

HAPPY EASTER!

 

Mommy & Son

People think 3 kids is alot.  It is busy, yes, but one thing that I ponder when we discuss 3 vs 4 children (besides money!) is the time you actually get to spend with each child. 
We are blessed to have a lot of family time together but  I think it's so important to have one on one time with each individual child.  Even if it's once every few weeks I like to have an outing with just one of the boys.  It's so special for them, and for me.

Poor Jax is overdue for his mommy/son time.  Since he's in school I'm at work during the week it can prove difficult to arrange our special time together. Luckily, with the long weekend we are able to get away and see a movie together.  He's been reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid so we decided that would be the perfect date.

This is the trailer, it looks pretty funny!

 

This mommy & son time is yet another way I am trying to seek out balance for my family and for myself and to be honest it's a date I've been looking forward to for weeks!

J is at such an age that he's really becoming more involved with his friends/peers and he is definitely more social.

I realize that's perfectly healthy and normal; but I think this time together is also extremely important so that I can catch up on what's going on at school, with his friends, and I can get an idea of what's happening in his life in general.   It also gives him undivided attention, no interruptions (from those pesky little brothers)!

I know my little man is growing up much much faster than I ever dreamed he would (where did the last 9 years go?!!?!) but I am so happy that he still actually likes to talk to me. (Here's hopin' that lasts) 

As I reflect on our family life, and how quickly time is passing, it really makes me recognize how important it is to soak up every single little moment I have with them. 

I'm so excited for this fun opportunity to spend time with one of my main men...just mommy & son.