Trick-or-Treat!

Just a few pictures to share of my trick-or-treaters!  I hope each of you are having a spook-tacular Halloween! Don't eat too much candy corn!

Thanks to Dolcetto Designs for the FREE Halloween digital designs!

Halloween Memories

A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a pic that represents the Halloween memories I have from my childhood. Its snapshot of my sister and I with my Grandpa... and I truly heart this photo.  First all my grandfather was an AWESOME guy... and second of all, look at our costumes.

These were not costumes purchased at Old Navy or Children's Place or Gymboree... these were some classics that required a little imagination, some hand selected items out of our closets mixed in with a few accents thrown in by my parents. Add some face paint from a kit my mother bought back in 1974, and a black mask for my sister and you've got yourself a pretty successful Halloween.  If can't tell my sister is The Karate Kid, and I'm Punky Brewster.

I remember this Halloween vividly because my mother had lent me her precious silk scarfs for my one of my pig-tails and I lost it out on the trail to hunting down the best Halloween finds our small town had to offer. As you can see in the picture, it was still intact at my Grandpa's house... but later that night I would discover it was missing, as well as, the look of disappointment on my mother's face when she too realized it was gone for good.

Halloween back then was always something to look forward to... we would grab our pillowcases and speed walk around town eagerly trying to cover as much ground as possible before our curfew.  We would lug our pillowcases until we couldn't lug them anymore... cursing all the houses that gave us Pop, but secretly loving that we'd get to have a pop a day for well over the next two weeks until our stash ran out. It was always a fun-filled evening and one that created awesome memories for me as a kid.

Now days, I wonder what kind of Halloween memories will stick with my boys as they grow up... will it be the fancy costumes, craving pumpkins, or going house to house in our neighbourhood collecting treats? I don't know, but I hope as the years roll on in our household there are plenty of memories to come our way!

What do you remember about Halloween as a child... ?

I can tell you one thing... when I look back on this photo below - I thank god that I A. grew my bangs out, and B. my parents had  the money to get me braces! This is perhaps a Halloween memory to forget!

(Erin Seller, this one's for you!)

Perhaps a peek into the future...

I was snapping photos for Hudson's 10 month photo shoot and E decided he wanted in on the action, before I got them both looking at the camera, I caught this one...

 
I think it accurately foreshadows the future of the brotherhood in our household. H can't wait to get his hands on his big bro! He's a grabber... and even though these boys are both happy-go-lucky types, I can see H asserting himself a little more with every passing day!  I have a feeling H isn't going to let the title 'little brother' dictate who runs the show in this bond of brothers! 

I had to laugh... because the next shot I captured was this...

E was too consumed by a toy commercial on tv that he was unaware of H's previous attempt to 'get him'! And H... well he's got that look on his face as if to say  'what, I wasn't doing anything wrong'!

These boys make me laugh every day... and I know there will be lots of refereeing to be done in the days ahead, but for now, I am just happy to be witnessing these little interactions between my boys!

10 Months: Picking Up Cheerios

My baby boy is now 10 months old.

The more I am enjoying my time at home with him, the more I am realizing the reality of returning to work in two short months. I often hear myself telling others, if you want a year of your life to fly by, have a baby! Its sounds a little absurd, but its so true - at least for me! The time is flying by... but let's not dwell on it (right now)!

At the 10 month mark, H is an eating machine... baby foods are almost non-existent. He's onto full blown table food, and is loving the finger foods.  We are having a small issue with cheerios lately. Well... its my issue more than his, but for every 50 cheerios I put on his tray, I am picking up 48 off the floor. Its the age of discovery, where he is entertained by dropping one (or many) items on the floor, over and and over and over again. Meal time gets old fast with this Mommy, but he is LOVING his food. He practically needs a bath after every meal... as he likes to dive into everything he's offered.

H is a whopping twenty pounds... and he's like dead weight if you have to carry him around on your hip for too long. Talk about a forearm workout (problem is my left arm is ripped, my right arm ... flab)! He's solid, but he's so happy and becoming more vocal about everything.  He has the Ma's and Da's down pat... and can associate one with the other. He also likes to talk your ear off ... no matter what the subject, he can definitely share his opinion!

He's on the move too... crawling forward in the army stealth mode and starting to help himself to whatever he's sees at his level. His big brother has been a huge help in making sure he doesn't get into anything that he shouldn't be!

If he's on his game... he can wave hello and goodbye on command! Very cute, and very fun to see him react to something you ask him to do! This boy also has a daily case of the giggles... its one of the best part of the days listening to him focus in one thing and whether its the word 'poop' or his brother running circles around him, his laughter is infectious and can cure any bad mood!

The 10 month photo shoot was lots of fun... we had to wait for the rain to clear up but it was worth the wait.

Hudson, at 10 months, you are such a fun little boy... eager for independence, but satisfied with the life that surrounds you! I love you to pieces my little pumpkin! Happy 10 months!

Trick-or-treat... give me something good to eat!

The spooky season is upon us... and while I'd love to go all out and say Halloween is one of my favourite occasions, I fall into that crowd that says with a groan 'gee, Halloween again?'.

I have mixed emotions on the actual date of Halloween... its my father-in-law's birthday, but its also the anniversary of my grandmother's death. Can you see the additional spook factor here?

On the upside of things, my grandmother was a fan of Halloween.  She was one of those people who always prepared special treat bags for her trick-or-treaters - she didn't just throw a can of pop or a plain bag of chips in your pillowcase, no, she shopped in States for the candy that you couldn't get in Canada (at the time) like Jolly Ranchers, and candy corn. She put some effort into her treat bags and it showed!

Now... with my own kiddies, I have a little more reason to get in the spirit of the season (this is the first year that I have actually hung some Halloween decorations). And while you won't find me dressing up at the door, you will see that every year I take pride in selecting what Halloween treats I give out at my door.  Just like my Grandma B, I want to have a variety of treats to give to our 300 plus customers!

When it comes to choosing treats, I am a HUGE fan of the Allan Candy Company treats. They've been around forever (like 77 years to be exact) and they still make all my childhood favourites like Big Foots, Green Thumbs, and Hot Lips.  The best thing is their Halloween candy is made in Canada, its individually wrapped, and its certified PEANUT FREE.

Trick-or-treating these days isn't as simple as it use to be... you have to be mindful of what you give out, and although I am not a parent who has to face the challenges of peanut allergies, I still like to know that I am doing my part to keep the risk of an allergy attack at a minimum for anyone's child. I want the candy I give out to be safe and edible after the door to door collection is over and I know that when I choose Allan Candy, I am getting safe treats that are good quality!

If you're like me, Big Foots alone are the candy you secretly steal from your children's bag when their not looking! I have also picked up a small addiction to Allan's Intense Jubes & Jellies, and their Fruit Addictions - hello watermelon slices!

I have a few bags of Allan's treats around the house already and keeping E out of them has been a real challenge so far. He's pumped up for Halloween this year, and I can't wait to take both my boys door to door.

I remember how exciting Halloween was as a child for me... it was a special night where we got to eat pizza and then rush to get our costumes on, so we could head out on the streets of our small town to collect the goods.  These small traditions are something I will carry over into my own family with my boys... and I can't wait to see them in their costumes this year! It's H's first Halloween and E's third, but technically his first when its comes to going up to the door and actually saying 'trick-or-treat'. He's excited and we are counting down the sleeps already!

Here's hoping your Halloween preparation is off to a spook-ta-cular start! What do you do to get ready for the big night? Do you have any favourite candies that you like to give out?


Disclosure – I am participating in the Allan Candy Company blog tour by Mom Central Canada.  Although I received compensation for my participation in this campaign I jumped at the chance to talk about Big Foots and all of the Allan Candy as they are my faves!  The opinions on this blog are my own.

Look at these kids...

37 years ago today these two young pups said I do... and I am proud to say these are my parents and the grandparents to my children.

October 12th, 1974 - Thessalon

Not too many couples can say they are celebrating 37 years of marriage and are actually HAPPY. But if you know these two... you know that they are in love, and they don't have to brag to anyone about what a great partnership they have... they just live it.

These two truly are an example to me of how I want my marriage to turn out in another 31 years. My parents are not flashy people, they are not over-the-top, and they don't require much in their everyday lives to keep them happy - this is what I love about them. They are honest and sincere, they are supportive and proud, they are realistic and true, they are wonderful individuals, but even more than that, they are a great pair.

After 37 years, I can't say that I have ever witnessed a time in their marriage when they weren't in love... yes they've argued, yes they've been upset from time to time, but in all these years, they have always taken their marriage seriously, and because of that, they truly are the best of the friends.

Mom and Dad, I wish you nothing but happiness today and the MANY years ahead of you. Happy Anniversary to a wonderful couple, and the best parents a girl could ask for!

xoxo

Cupboard Organization

This post would be so much more effective if only I had taken a before shot of the state of my cupboards ...but my mother and a few close friends can definitely attest to that fact that they were awful... as in awfully disorganized, and awfully full of 'stuff' ... none of which went together, and all of which was jammed into these cubby holes our builder refers to as cupboards.

But... give a girl a year off with a baby at home, and 10 months in she'll get a little extra energy and decide to organize the crap out of the cupboards.  I think the 'nesting' energy that I lacked at the end of my pregnancy with H, was maybe held on reserve until now (and NO I am not pregnant again)!

So... in order to get this little project underway, I dropped forty bucks at the dollar store, got 20 little brown square baskets, add in a half day's work and Bob's your uncle!  Plus you get a lifetime of reward - as long as I don't overflow the baskets and start jamming shit on top of them. But for now... let's just sit back and admire!

I know I know... the working world is thinking, perhaps its time to get back to the office as I may just have a little too much time on my hands!  Whatever the case... I am loving getting stuff out of my cubby holes now! Let's take a dip mix out... no no, let's put it back in. Cooking is even getting more exciting as I can actually see the trillion Epicure spices I have in my cupboard instead of just the first three I could only view because they were at the front. Before it was a death trap... a small child could have been seriously harmed by a falling object when I went rooting through the cupboard... but now, no need to whip out the hard hats in the danger zone.  It's kid safe, and most importantly functional.

Yes... I'm beaming with excitement over this project! What a difference a little organization can make in your life!

Two little turkeys!!

It's turkey time (here in Canada)!

Each year at thanksgiving we count our blessings, but this year, I am especially thankful for my two little turkeys! I sit back and wonder what I actually did with my time before we welcomed these munchkins into our lives. It seems like a distant memory, but I am truly thankful for being busy and rewarded with the love of these two boys each and every day.

Happy Thanksgiving! Gobble Gobble!

The Birthday Balloon Tradition

You may recall for E's first birthday, I created a little balloon tradition that I wanted to do every year on his birthday. We have managed to do it for the last two years, and this year did not disappoint.

This was the first year that I could really explain to E why I like to do this with him, and have him ask me questions about it.

E: "Where are da peoples that love me? Where they live Mommy?"

I tell him every year that we let the balloons go high in the sky as a way to say thank you to all of the people up above us who are watching over us and who love us - AND who I know are wishing him a happy birthday in their own special way.

As much as this is a tradition for E, its a way for me to connect with my grandparents who have passed on... and for me to share a special moment with my little boy and them (as I know how much joy they would have taken from being around him).

This tradition has been fun from the first time we did it, and each year it seems to bring more and more smiles for both of us.

Thanks to all of the special individuals who have passed before us... who watch out for E and who are constantly acting as our guardian angels! If our balloons have reached you... (and I know they have) please know how much we love you!
 

Emery: Age 3

My sweet sweet Emery.

Today you are THREE.

I sit here in amazement that I am now a Mommy to a three year old. 

You are such a big boy in comparison to just one year ago.

You have gone from a babbling toddler boy, to Mr. Independent... doing a lots of things for yourself, talking in full sentences and carrying on adult-like conversations. In fact just the other day you started with "Mommy, can you do me a favour?"

You are a true Canadian, as you finish most sentences with 'eh'... 'eh Mommy, eh Daddy, eh eh eh'!! I love our conversations, and over the last year, since I've been at home, I have cherished all of the extra time I have had with you.

This past year your Dad and I have witnessed big changes in you. A big success since last year is that you are FULLY potty-trained. You went from diapers, to night-time pull-ups in February, and by April you were in full blown underwear 24/7. We've taken long car trips, plane rides and you have the bathroom routine down to a science.

Around two and a half, you gave up your afternoon nap... and at first, I thought it was too early, but you really are an even-tempered boy who loves to go, go, go, and rarely gives into a nap unless its in the car.

Not too long after you turned two... you learned all of your colours, and you now are counting to lucky number thirteen, and can sing the ABC song very proudly. You started a new preschool program called Munchkin Music and are having so much fun learning new songs.  You also love to hear lots of Mommy and Daddy's country music... like Keith (Urban) and Zac (Brown Band).  We have a lot of dance parties around here... but the older you get the more you say 'stop dancing like that Mommy'! You crack me up all the time - and your dance moves are destine for fame!

At 34 lbs, and 38 inches, you are an ever-growing boy.  We had to you CHEO to see the kidney specialist in April and you got good news that your bad kidney is shrinking up and your healthy kidney has doubled in size.  We were happy to get the news that you are doing great and are a healthy happy boy.

Since your last birthday, you have also become a big brother, and are truly a very loving big bro.  Hudson is lucky to have such a fun brother to play with him, and someone who is always looking out for him.  Each morning when Hudson wakes up you are eager to go in his room and wish him a 'good morning'. You two have such a great bond, and I can't wait for the years ahead.

You started skating just a few weeks ago, and although you are the youngest boy there, you are doing great.  You love playing outside - you still love cutting the grass and using the tipper-tipper (whipper-sniper!!) with Daddy.  This summer you watched Mommy and Daddy play baseball and are now practicing for the big leagues!

You love going to the park... and riding your bike(s). You still can't stop talking about all of the fun you had camping this summer, and at the cottage with your friends.  You also enjoy visiting Uncle Scott's sugar shack (Sand Road Maple Farm) with Grandma and Grandpa C and Daddy, and talking to Grandma and Grandpa B on Skype.  You have discovered Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and requested that theme for your third birthday party.  You also love the Wiggles, Cailou, Backyardigans, and most recently, Imagination Movers.

There are so many moments from this past year that I have captured in my mind and will store forever. I wish I could stall time just a little to cherish you as you are today.  You are a sweet little boy, who is considerate, thoughtful, and caring, and brings out the best in people. I am proud you are a part of me... and I can't  wait for the many adventures we will have together enroute to turning 4.

Happy Happy Birthday my big boy... I hope all of your birthday wishes come true.

Lots of love today, and always.

Mom
xoxo

Photo taken by: Baby & Belly Photography

Tonight's bedtime conversation...

Tonight at bedtime, the conversation went like this...

E: What we gonna do tomorrow Mommy?
Me: We are going to celebrate your birthday tomorrow at home, let balloons go in the sky, eat cupcakes, and open some presents.

E: And then I'm gonna be three.
Me: Yes... and then you will be three.

E: But not two?
Me: No... you will three.

E: Two? or Three?
Me: Three.

E: I have fun being two eh?
Me: Yes, but three will just as fun.

E: Will I still have to brush my teeth.
Me: Most definitely.

E: I wanna be two still.

I love his honesty. It was my last night tucking in my two year old boy.... I wonder what three will bring for this little wingman?

Oh toodles... its a party!

We are getting ready for a PAR-TAAAAY today. E is celebrating his third birthday today with a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse party! He is beyond excited to have 'my friends comin to my house'! He woke up this morning and came down stairs to all of the party decorations and said 'Oh, I wuv it, thank you Mommy, thank you Mommy'.

Today should be filled with fun... let's hope he can contain his excitement until 2 pm today!

I can't take full credit for this invite... I discovered a similar one through Pinterest.

I had a hard time deciding what to 'do' for his birthday this year. Originally I wanted to have a party out somewhere because I thought it would be easier, but when I asked E what he wanted, he informed me he wanted to stay home and have friends here.  So this is what we are doing! Its hard to run games for three year-olds, so for another year we are just gathering and mingling! But hopefully by next year, it will be a better year to really get into game mode.

I hope to have more pictures to come in my next post... have a great party today E!