Take my heart & wrap it in a ribbon & a bow

Christmas is about bringing happiness. 

2008 will now be known as the year that Bratz dolls invaded our home.

I'm in denial so I'll be calling them rock and roll dolls. All that matters is that we have some very happy, little girls, going from toy to toy while singing songs about Rudolf, bells and mistletoe. 

The warmth of the season has filled my heart and I'll be spending the day thinking about friends and family that I don't get to see today. I'm looking forward to 2009 and the time that will bring us together. 

Gone

Summer has come and gone. Where did the time go? While the rain kept us guessing, I had the craziest luck. My car was stolen; I took a lay off soon after but the kicker of it all has got to be breaking my collarbone while riding my bike home from a concert. Not exactly the luck I’m used to. They say bad things happen in threes so I’m hoping that this is all that is in store for me.

When I was a kid, summer used to mean jumping in the car the second school was over. We would call the cottage home for the next two to three months. This was MY world. Bonfires, bridge jumping, kick the can, boats, swimming, water skiing and the best friends anyone could ever ask for. In the city I was the shy kid. Up north I was fearless; seeking adventure and occasionally getting into a little trouble now and then.

Time didn’t exist. The days were endless. I wouldn’t know what day of the week it was. The only sense of time that I had was in knowing if it was July or August. I always dreaded the Labour Day weekend. It meant that long drive back and walking into a home that felt familiar but didn’t feel like it was your own. I know I was lucky. I got to enjoy this until I was 19. Being the eldest my younger brothers didn’t get as long as I did. When I turned 20 it was my job that held me to the city. I would still escape every chance I had but by then things had changed. Friends lost touch or stopped coming up all together. In time I started venturing downtown and got into the bar scene. Once again I was seeking adventure and occasionally getting into a little vodka induced trouble now and again. I would still make it up to the cottage but by now I was bringing my friends up for a weekend.

Now as a parent I want to provide the same things I had as a child for our kids. But things are so different than thirty years ago. Who can afford a home in the city and also a cottage? If you have the finances for the two properties then odds are that you cannot afford to take the time off to spend it with your kids. We would even have to pay for daycare because we couldn’t possibly lose our placements once school started.

I know our kids are not lacking in any way. They are loved and we give them lots of opportunities to enjoy plenty of experiences in the city. Their friend network revolves around daycare and I know they are happy. I see it in their faces everyday.

Two's a Charm

No one promised that having babies was easy. Well maybe Paris Hilton did but she has yet to become a parent and will have a team of nannies to correct her mistakes when the time comes so we cannot go by what Paris may or may not offer up.

I have luckily already gone through the sleepless part of two and I am thrilled to pieces that we may be on the verge of being completely out of diapers. Saying things like that as part of a baby shower for some wonderful ladies that are about to give birth is about as smart as something that comes out of Paris Hilton. My apologies. Let's start this post over again.

Dear Mrs. Chicky, Mrs. Chicken and Her Bad Mother,

You are at that magical point in your family when you go from one child to two. I remember trying to get tons of special time in with my first born before the second one made her grand appearance. Little did I realize that Strawberry was not going anywhere. We still have plenty of time together to bond as I do with my youngest Buttercup. Everything seems to multiply when you add another baby to the mix. The fun, kisses and hugs, the plastic sea of toys, the laundry and the not so fun tantrums.

There is a time for adjusting to having another person in the family. These growing pains go by quickly. I barely remember how Strawberry would jump on my back and try to hug me with the tightest squeeze whenever I was holding Buttercup.

Being the older sister meant lavishing attention on the roly-poly new baby. Placing kisses on little toes can abruptly turn into a sudden jealous bite. It's confusing having this new sibling at first but the love comes rushing to the surface.

I remember worrying that if one woke up crying that the whole family would be crying a chorus of tears through the long night. Thankfully that was unnecessary worrying. I keep my children so tired that when one wakes up in the middle of the night, the other sleeps like a rock.

I quickly discovered that having two children means that you will always have at least one angel. Whenever one decides to act up, the other goes pie eyed with pure innocence and looks at the other like they could never display behaviour that naughty even if it was their turn five minutes ago.

As the little one learns all the same tricks as the first has mastered like holding their head up, sitting, talking, walking and running well then the real fun begins. Seeing my children happily play together is worth all those growing pains. Hearing my children sing together makes my heart just about explode. I can see their bond and know even though they are going to have plenty of trying arguments, there will be even more hugs. The two of them are going to be the other's anchor, cheering each other on and sticking together through thick and thin.

Life with two is a dance party. Load up your MP3 player's ladies and let the good times roll.

Hey, who turned out the lights?

On Thursday, Strawberry came home from school visibly upset.

"Mom, Mom. One of the big kids told us that all the polar bears are going to DIE."

We sat down and talked about how the earth was getting warmer which causes the ice at the Arctic to melt. I told her that the polar bears need ice or else they get really, really, super tired from swimming because they are trying to find some ice to rest on. It is getting hard for the polar bears to find ice when it is melting away. I went on to explain that one of the things that help to stop this is by being careful with how we use electricity.

We talked about Earth Hour and how everyone today at 8 P.M. is turning out their lights to make a big difference. Of course if we really want to help save the polar bears, we always have to make sure that we don't leave lights on in rooms when we don't need them.

Since then she's been running around the house making sure that everything is turned off. Forever more we will be sitting in the dark with just the glow from the television because obviously the polar bears want us to be watching TV.

Hoping the Muffins are Tasty

The chef hats were created with mad skills by NotSoSage.

Wordless Wednesday
More Wordless Wednesday Participants

A Loaf of Bread, a Container of Milk and a Stick of Butter

This is what happens when I should join in on Wordless Wednesday but instead go the route of rambling. It seems that I am slightly manic. I have a persistent, mild headache that feels like I have drank thirty cups of coffee on two hours of sleep. Not so.

I am feeling the itch for something new. I need to mix in spice. There is a fiery craving for change. I imagine this is the state that drove Britney to shave her head. It is a good thing I am not in need of rehab.

I desperately need to switch to the unappetizing "KH diet" while hitting the gym for intense workouts for the next twenty days straight but that is not likely to happen. I will be breaking out the summery clothes in Austin for SXSW. It will be a sweet change of scenery especially being that it will not stop snowing in Toronto. Every time I venture outside it is snowing. Right now… Snowing.

I took the girls grocery shopping on Monday and then we went to rent a pony video because I obviously enjoy strange forms of torture even though I protest loudly. There was a special moment that I etched to my memory as I held each of their small hands and made our way walking in the freshly falling fluffy snow.

I let them torment Colin with the pony escapades while I cooked dinner. We ate our plateful of creamy carbs and then the girls helped me make mini blueberry muffins for room nine's bake sale. Strawberry topped each muffin with an extra blueberry chanting, "One for me, one for the muffin." I felt all warm and fuzzy. It was a splendid way to mark the first official Ontario family day!

The other thing making me smile is that within twenty four hours, ten people from all different parts of North America stopped by this post to find out how race car drivers relieve themselves. I am no authority on such matters. For the record, I personally have a bladder of steel and can go nine hours without having to make a pit stop. Of course that is only if I have not been hanging out with blogging friends pounding back beverages causing tipsiness. With that said, I would not be partaking in any race car events after that kind of fun. **No cars have actually been raced by me.

It's Not Always Smiles and Giggles

First things first. Thank you to everyone who left the most awesome, thoughtful, intelligent comments on my last post. The understanding and support that this medium holds amazes me. I colour the people that come by my little spot happy shades because you all brighten my blue.

There is certainly enough guilt to go around for everyone. I am over thinking things. If I wasn't thinking, I would be exercising and that would just be frightful.

Now on to new business... Have you seen Jon and Kate Plus 8? They have twin six-year-old daughters and a set of sextuplets that are three. They have eight times the madness. Eight is enough. No actually eight is unimaginable. They have a remarkably clean house and even more wondrous is that they get all the children dressed and they leave the house. They go out! I get tired just thinking about it. Not to mention that they have a camera crew recording the daily insanity. I would lose.my.mind. I'm in awe. I have huge admiration for these parents.

A few more of us and we could rule the roost!

There are days when two parents and two children leave us feeling matched. Other days make me wish to become octopus like and grow eyes in the back of my head. Negotiating with two in public can drain you faster than a keg at fraternity party. However nothing can stop a Mom About Town. Metro Mama has given me a prime slot to share a day out in the city.

I can barely lift my arms to the keyboard. It seems that walking around the Science Centre taking turns holding our daughters is a great work out. Before heading over to KidSpark, we thought we would tour through the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition.

Continue reading here...

Blue Christmas

The tree got decorated last night. Only three ornaments were broken!

I obsessed over a martini shaker of nogtinis.

My daycare has a great sense of humour. They turned Buttercup into an angel.

Hope you and yours have a very, merry Christmas!

High Strung Cheer

It's not the Christmas lights that are high strung upon the roof. No that would refer to me. I am frazzled and dazed as one of the most anticipated times of the year zooms full on at warped speed.

There is so much to do and not enough time to do it. I don’t want to rush through the motions. My lofty goal was to enjoy the season and create some lasting memories. I took the girls to Casa Loma to decorate gingerbread houses. I was flustered, unable to successfully manage the craft with both Strawberry and Buttercup. I am sure they lined their tummies with a thin layer of decorating glue. Thankfully Kittenpie had come along and helped me immensely with an extra shirt for Buttercup after she some how managed to spill her juice on her shoulder. Kittenpie also brought some of her beautiful puppets to entertain our girls as we waited in line to watch a performance of A Christmas Carol.

How could I possibly be creating new rituals and lasting memories when I am barely able to hold it together. When we left, a chunk of my poof ball hair got caught in the car door and the strap of my purse was wrapped in my scarf. I struggled not to throw myself into a snow bank with the gusto of a toddler's tantrum.

On Tuesday, we went to Strawberry's first school Christmas concert. The Kindergarten performances turned me into an emotional basket case. It took every ounce of personal strength not to let tears of joy stream down my cheeks. Buttercup did burst into tears as soon as intermission began. I think she may have been upset that she did not get a chance to go on stage to sing songs.

With only five more sleeps until the big day, we have yet to get a tree. The shopping is not nearly finished. Only half the usual number of cards were mailed. Packages have to be shipped. Songs will be sung. Gifts will be wrapped. I imagine many cups of cheer will be sipped so that I can remember to relax, breathe and enjoy the happiness that is buried under the stress.

Magical

While he bore no resemblance to Brad Pitt he was a gentle, merry soul. There was no disputing that he had flown in from the North Pole with that real white beard. He leaned over and asked Strawberry what she wants for Christmas.

"A house."

Visions of Ty Pennington arriving with the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition crew danced in my head but I felt the need to clarify on her behalf, "A doll house."

He then turned to Buttercup however she genuinely was overwhelmed with shyness. With great wisdom he suggested that she might like Dora and her eyes lit up. He then asked if they both like surprises. Strawberry said yes while Buttercup nodded in agreement. It was time for a quick photo followed by candy canes and colouring books!

Wordless Wednesday

More Wordless Wednesday Participants

Snap

We took a roll of wrapping paper and created a backdrop. Then we added two sugar infused, cranky pants girls and tried to create a holiday picture. We used every trick in the book.

Come on! Santa wants to see you smile.

Then we put on some music and bribed them with Smarties.

Merry, Merry 2007!

I am still not set that this is the photo. I was getting a glare from the lighting on the shiny paper and that hair in Buttercup's face is driving me mad. I may attempt another photo session when they are in happier spirits because I like to inflict pain upon myself. You can see the professional 2006 photos here and this year's multiple outtakes over here.

Hiding the Happiness

To keep the masses content before things got started, the clowns barreled down the street handing out Cadbury Mini Eggs by the truckload. The excitement completely overwhelmed me. I fought back tears of joy. My daughters used deep concentration to focus on the chocolate treat. My husband, who was with us, thinks I have lost it. These are the days.

'Tis The Season

Standing around the water cooler on Friday, the conversation, which of course was focused on weekend plans, landed on the Santa Claus Parade.

While 1500 people are marching and more than half a million people line Toronto's streets, another profession is experiencing a boom in business. One of the guys in my office heard an interview on the radio with a call girl who proclaimed that the Santa Claus Parade is the busiest time of the year for women in her line of work. It seems that moms are taking the children to the parade while dads are taking care of some personal business. Ho ho ho. It brings a whole new meaning to being jolly.

Colin's talking about cover songs over at Pop Rocks.

Here is one of my favourites.

Family

Wordless Wednesday
More Wordless Wednesday Participants

Because Celebrities Are Doing It

Wordless Wednesday
More Wordless Wednesday Participants

Fair Time

Last year we had a perfect day at the Canadian National Exhibition. Our expectations were set high this year and we made plans to go on a weekday evening so that we would avoid the big crowds. Unfortunately we were fighting odds on a repeat performance because Colin and I were both in a cranky mood. It didn't help that after buying a Ride All Day Midway Pass for both our girls, we discovered that Buttercup did not make the height requirement by a couple inches. She was turned away from many rides but luckily not everyone took their jobs too seriously.

Strawberry wanted to try the squirt the water into the target game. I spied a cuddly polar bear that she could win. There was only one other racer so she had a fifty percent chance of winning. Strawberry won the first try but the race was called off because the other player switched seats in the middle of the game. It really looked like she won the second round by a smidgeon but the carnival worker declared the other person victorious. Strawberry was obviously confused and disappointed. Colin and I tried to hide the fact that we were bitter and angry.

On some rides Buttercup wore the look of fear but she always returned to us bubbling over with excitement.

We questioned her, "Were you scared?" With wide eyes she nodded, "Yah. Scared."

We ask her, "Was it fun?" Then she gave a gleeful shout, "YAH!" and chased her big sister to the next ride.

Even though we didn't have the sweetest time ever, it was still pretty good family fun.

Maybe next year we'll try Canada's Wonderland instead.

Nature Chronicles by an Urban Girl

It was a fine afternoon for a leisure canoe ride. We suited the children in life jackets, grabbed the paddles and set off.

I was admiring my Opi Dutch Tulip pedicure when disaster struck.

A tree frog landed on my foot.

Knowing that I did not want to upset the girls, tip the canoe or pass on a fear of amphibians, I willed myself to remain calm. The feeling of the slimy frog on my skin was beyond my tolerance level. I screamed out "GO AWAY! GET THE HELL OFF OF ME!"

My husband piped up from the rear, "I can't do anything for you."

In a disgusted tone I lashed back, "Not you. The frog!"

Unfortunately I am not fluent in the language of frogs or maybe he was attracted to my Dutch Tulip toes. The canoe ride was abruptly called off. We headed for the shore.

Colin did damage control showing the girls not to be afraid of the little froggy. Strawberry asked, "Mommy do you think he's ug-gah lee?"

No sweetie. Frogs are our friends.

All the Colours of the Rainbow

With respect to science, we've discovered some disturbing, unofficial test results, not once but twice.

It appears that if you give your children every colour of the rainbow, you will discover that one colour is triumphant in the end. That's right. This is a mommy blog so I am talking about poo here.

After eating multiple shades of licorice, the dominant colour that will shock you with its vibrant shade and revolting chunky bits is a radiant shade of green.

Not actual poo!

Of course further research would be required to prove that this phenomenon goes beyond my two willing test subjects. However I do not condone the testing of any products on children even fruit flavoured candy. I think we will stick with regular Twizzlers from here on out.

Now if this doesn't seque into all matters green ever so nicely... Would you kindly spare a moment of your day to answer one important question?

The Private Butterfly

The blasting sound of two parties battle on, like a bad DJ out of control. The night air is crisp and cool on my skin. My hair desperately needs to be washed. I run my fingers through my dirty tresses and bring out handfuls of long strands.

The passing train adds to the mix a comforting reverberation. It is similar to the drifting banjo that came from across the bay three nights ago. I prefer those twangs than the loud, beating bass and constant shouting of drunken excitement from around the blazing fire.

I have been coming to this spot in the world for fourteen years. It is a place that is not my own. The sun stretches across the lake and the wind blows in from the west. It is my husband’s family cottage. The old, yellow cabin is the most worn out building among the new expanding lakefront properties.

Years ago it was my boyfriend that invited streams of friends to congregate each long weekend. We turned the yard into a campground with everyone bringing tents, boats and drinks aplenty. Now that we have turned into an old married couple and spawned, we traded our tent for a pop-up trailer. It is his youngest brother's turn to offer up the northern getaway to every city friend. Most of the girls are a decade younger than me. They parade around in bikinis.

The beer that I brought remains in the cooler. The gin and tonics are not poured. I have no desire to join in on the merriment. I hide in our new tent trailer or take my daughters on walks to collect rocks. Tonight by flickering candlelight I sit and write on my laptop. I contemplate if it is my lack of self-confidence that makes me crawl into my shell. I have always considered myself to be an extrovert but I am now reflecting that even in my youth, the act of being a social butterfly never came easy. When my own friends surrounded me, I would still often opt out.

At the moment, with the generation difference, I find myself fighting off feelings of disgust in the ceaseless carousing. I long for some quiet time with my family. I want bask in the beauty of nature. I don’t want to feel self-conscious or out of place. I need to unearth a slice of Zen. It surrounds me however it is miles away.

B.O.B. (Bullets Over Blogland)

As seen here, here and often here, bullets are all the rage.

I can't get my act together. I'm twelve days behind in the 365 project. I have dozens of personal e-mails that need to be composed. I have to write for MBT. I'm sick. It's just a chest cold/throat thing. I must comment on your site. Gah! Please, please forgive my lack of blather commenting. I've been reading through bloglines and google reader so I know how far behind I am. I figure most of you have given up on me, as you should. But the love! I have so much love for you all. I should install an official slacker seal. You don't even want to see the sorry state of my house.

You may ask, "What have you been doing?" That is a really good question. I don't have time to ponder that and I have absolutely no idea. I guess I spend my time going through the motions of every day life and exerting an insane amount of energy on feeling guilty for not being able to keep up my online life.

Strawberry had a birthday. She's four! I seem to be struggling with this. Up to eighteen months is an infant and then comes the tantrum filled years but at four she has moved beyond that. Four seems so grown up. The changes in appearance and behavior, the quick grasp of knowledge, the ability to reason, the range of emotions and the fragileness that comes with all of this is overpowering. We had a birthday party for her at Nana's house. Strawberry requested a Happy Feet birthday cake. While her guests played outside, she wanted to do a new puzzle on the dining room table. Her little sister slept in the living room. It was the most fun I've had in a long time.

I also had an extreme amount of fun with Metro Mama when we went to Evil Dead: The Musical. I couldn't stop smiling! If you get the chance to see it… Go! You can check out Metro Mama's recap of the night.

Two days earlier, I took the girls to a musical of their own - Go Diego Go! It was Buttercup's first time at one of these children events. She couldn't understand why there was an intermission and cried for Diego to come back for the whole twenty minutes. We're still singing "We're gonna get your growl back" around the house.

I'm off to the airport for a trip out west and I've run out of time. I'm scared of mosquitos... Later!