Winter Fun-crafts and soup time!

I have to admit, after my boys sat and marvelled at the snow for a few minutes, I closed the blinds and turned on some good halogen lights and pretended it was Summer again.  I know, I know, I could hardly wait for Winter a month ago.  The grass is always greener...literally!  
In spite of my "bah snow' moment, I brought out the paper and scissors and as we talked about the beauty and wonder of snowflakes, we each made our own individual paper snowflake. Moms, do not underestimate the joy of making a paper snowflake...,duh! they get to wield scissors (what kid doesn't like using scissors?!)  
I learned a little something in this exercise too...my husband can make a prettier snowflake than me. I actually found myself studying his and trying to find ways to make mine better but I...just...couldn't.  He is so wonderfully creative!  It was a great way to celebrate the coming snow. 
In keeping with the celebration with snow, here is a great website that has wonderful winter themed ideas.  I especially LOVE the ice ornaments. However, with Calgary's fluctuating temperatures, I wonder how long they would last.  

Courtesy of: Hands on as we Grow

I am not much for soup in the warmer seasons but once it gets chilly out, I am all over it!  Here are some of my great finds on Pinterest. 

This is a picture of a yummy Tomato and basil soup that I found.  However, when I went on the website to get the recipe I realized that it was in a language I do not know.  So, I found another recipe from erecipe.com with a less tantalizing photo but I am sure is just as yummy.

If you have not yet discovered allrecipes.com yet, you must today.  I first found them when my friend Karla sent me the easiest and most amazing cinnamon bun recipe (I share the recipe in my post On the Lighter Side ). This Cheeseburger soup is something I think the kids might even enjoy. 

Keep warm and stay safe on the roads!  

-Angela   

My Sad Heart

It has a been a tough day. After watching our 12 year old dog Stewart struggle for days with congestive heart failure, we made the decision to put him down.  I really didn't image taking it this hard.  As you may have learned from my previous post Food, fun and Stewart, it was bitter sweet having a pet.  However, as I reflect upon my relationship with "Stewey", I can say he was the most faithful and loving dog I have ever had.  As my husband so wonderfully put to the vet,

"When you have a dog and no kids that dog is your kid; they get all the attention and love you have.  When the first child comes, the dog moves down the totem pole a bit and then when the next child comes a little lower and then when the third comes, the dog becomes the annoyance and frustrating task to deal with. Stewart took that role humbly and he did his best with it.  He loved those kids even when they were the ones who took his place."

He was a great dog, full of humility and courage.

The question has been, "will you get another dog?" Maybe one day.  Right now we have these boys to raise.  We wish that we would have had more time and love to give Stewart in our busyness and so I think we will take that as our lesson. 

We had prepared the boys for Stewart's death and so one night while Munch and I were raking leaves he says, "I really love Stewey, Mommy."  I reply, "I know honey, you are so good to him. When he's gone, why don't you take that love you have for Stewey and use it to care for the other dogs in our neighbourhood? You could play with Sarabi next door or maybe take Cola for a walk."  He thought that was a great idea and began suggesting ways he could help our neighbours with their dogs.  So, that's how we will fill our Stewart shaped hole in our hearts for now.  And perhaps, we will get a gold fish...people don't generally cry over dead goldfish, right?

Until next time,

Angela

Flu season

This last week has been one of many guests in our home...but not the welcome kind.  We have had puke (minimal), fevers, headaches, body aches, stomach aches, stinky gas, stinky diapers and exhaustion.  Strangely enough, I have enjoyed the cuddles and extra naps but nothing is greater when your littles are up and playing again.  The kids are now almost 100 % and Ryan and I are trying to get by, both feeling yucky at the same time. My favorite remedy for the body aches and chills is The Hot Toddy.  Ryan reluctantly takes it but I chug back, bundle up and sweat it out! 

Here is a simple recipe:

2 Tbsp rum

1 Tbsp honey 

1 slice of lemon and one 

1 cinnamon stick 

Boiling water

Mix all ingredients into boiling water. Once mixture is at a tolerable drinking temperature, drink quickly.  Bundle up and get to bed. 

Hope this finds your home healthy and happy. 

-Angela

Your Mother Dresses You Funny

He loves everything that makes me cringe...and not to drive me crazy,  he just really genuinely loves the mismatched, very colourful, completely cheesy clothing that triggers something deep inside of me causing me to turn red in the face and hold my breath, only to let out the largest defeated sigh possible.  Now, I am no fashionista, I know that.  (I do really, really...REALLY appreciate things that match though; like strangely, however, that's not the point.)  The point is that when my dear son wears his turquoise, yellow and red Iron Man socks with a green and grey t-shirt and orange sweat pants, I cringe.  

The other day the question came to me, "Why do you cringe?"

  

 I cringe because I don't want other 

people to think I chose that for him  

 "Why is that"? 

(Here is where I get honest, like really honest)

• I believe that how I look to others is important
• What people think of me really matters    

This is not healthy thinking.  What my son thinks is healthy.  He does not care what people think about his clothes because he is simply expressing who is without apology.  He is not worried about brand names or colour trends. He likes what he likes and he wants to enjoy that in his clothing. I do not want to rob him of that.  I do not want to begin teaching him that he must change who is or pretend he is something he is not to impress people.  I appreciate that he is colourful. I hope he stays colourful.  I don't want him feeling pressure to dress a certain way to make friends. I certainly do not want him to wear his pants halfway down his arse (God help us all!) to fit in with people who don't care about who he really is.

 I appreciate what his individuality is doing to my insecurity issues.   As much my as his purple tie-dye dinosaur hat drive me up the wall, I am grateful for it.

With that being said here is a list of things I want to work on:

1.  I no longer want to be annoyed by my sons' love for slippy pants, rubber boots and Thomas the Train t-shirts...I want to enjoy them because they are KIDS AND THEY LOVE RUBBER BOOTS AND THOMAS THE TRAIN!!!
2. I want to let them pick out their own clothes on most days (I say "most" because realistically there are days where they need help according to the event, weather, etc). 
3. I want to stop criticizing their choices under my breath, joke or complain to others.  
4. I will "try" to stop using the "FYI, his father dressed him," comment (but sometimes, they just gotta know, right?"  

 

Is it just me or does some of this resonate with you?

Have you ever asked yourself why you insist your kids wear or not wear certain things?  

What is your reasoning for why your littles need to where Tommy Hilfiger when they don't even know or care who he is?  

It is an interesting thing to ponder. For me, it is a difficult thing to ponder.  Going to those honest, ugly places is not fun and as much as I will try to do the list above, I know the deep "whys" will take much longer to work on and will require much prayer, surrendering to the Lord and renewing of my mind.  Until then, I want to protect my minchkins from the same way of thinking and encourage them to be who they are without apology.  

Be blessed this week!  

-Angela 

Pumpkins-Pinterest best

When I was little I thought pumpkin pie was disgusting.  Now that my taste has matured passed French fries and noodles I LOVE pumpkin everything (heard about the pumpkin spice M&Ms? What?!)
This week's Pinterest Best is in recognition of ....

 

Our kids LOVE to finger paint. They can enjoy this...

from Free Kids Crafts

While we enjoy this....

from The Smart Cookie

Have a great week!
-Angela

At the risk of sounding cliche...Just Do It!

See that woman with a double stroller chasing after the two kids on bikes in the picture? Rather, do you see the bigger dark spot behind the two smaller dark spots on that path (Ryan took the picture from the deck with the iPhone).  That bigger darker spot, which is a a woman chasing after the two kids is me....me jogging...me attempting to jog.  Of course, I chose one of the windiest days of the week but here is my point.
When you get the urge to be active, just do it! Do it before you come up with a hundred excuses why you shouldn't and then don't and then regret it and then give up and then don't do it for so long that you might as well not ever do it because where do you even start.  What am I saying?...Just Do It (Nike really had something there.)
Do it even though you need better shoes and are waiting for a really good sale on a not-so neon pair of 'jogging' shoes.  (Note: I ran in a pair of 8 year old hand-me-down runners from my mother-in-law)
Do it even if you don't have the fancy running stroller you have been coveting from the avid mom joggers in your neighbourhood (who, I am sure, also sport those fancy running coats with the reflective V-stripe on the backside).  I ran with that ridiculous double stroller with the front wheels' turning lock on...sure made for some real muscle around the corners!
Do it even if you have three kids, two kids, one kid, fifteen kids.  Tell them you are going to chase them and if you catch them they are going to get the whoopin of their life or make them chase you and if they catch you, you have to buy them a tub of ice cream.  I opted for having the boys race around the creek and try to beat their best time.  The first time, they had to stop to look at every leaf on the ground and how the wind blew the water so I tried doing squats while they meandered. Second time around (yes, that 's all we did...it was freakin' cold!), we made half our time.  There was much to celebrate.
Do it even if you know it may be the only day you do it this week...or ever do it.  You will just feel good doing it.  I hear those new marathon running moms out there say, "It gets easier and easier until one day you crave running."  I personally do not get that and doubt I ever will be someone who says that phrase but hey, let's trust them.  Give it a try.
Do it even if you know you are only going to run, like, 5 metres.  Next time it may be 8 and then 15...
Do it even if its cold out. You will warm up.
Do it because you know it is good for you and you will love yourself for it...and you can eat that cookie later and not feel quite so bad.
 
Last week I tried to get the boys to ride their bikes while I ran to the park.  Well, Bubblegum's sandals fell off a gazillion times and the two boys got in a few pushing matches over who was in front but I made the most of it and did some pilates on the grass at the park (and some mean squats, step-ups and push-ups on the playground;which I learned from the wonderful Courtney Cassidy of FitMom).  

With kids in tow, it probably won't be perfect but a little is better than nothing. Am I right or am I right?
So, Mom, if you are looking for that kick in the butt to get active...this is it! No excuses! Just do it!

Please tell me some stories of ways you got out there and did it!  This is a great way to encourage and challenge one another.  I would love to hear from you.

Have a great rest of your week!

Never Underestimate the Power of a Colouring Contest

Today we went swimming at our favourite pool.  The boys were delighted to go since they hadn't been there since swimming lessons.  They showed a whole new confidence in the water.  Baby Goo showed too much confidence, which caused a lot of water intake but he smiled all the way through.  This family trip to the pool was not just any trip.  This one was very special.  We were able to enjoy our time because a certain little boy won us a free family pass in a colouring contest.  

I really didn't know how important this colouring contest would be until I received the phone call from the pool congratulating Munch on winning.  I was filled with so much pride and was very excited to tell him about it.  He was elated...not because he won a contest, but because he won something for the family.  What a confidence builder.  What a way to show a child that they can contribute to their family; that they can bring blessing and joy to the people they love.  We had a blast today at the pool but not just because of the awesome kiddie area and the pool noodles but because it was a celebration of a great accomplishment.  Who knew a simple colouring contest could do such a thing?  I will never pass by a colouring contest entry the same way again. 

 One of our budding artist's drawings of Dad (that coloured bulge in the arm is Dad's muscle-as if Dad wasn't totally pleased) 

Our other artist scribbling away with pride. 

Have a great weekend! 

-Angela

Autumn fun

I know I already said this but...I LOVE Autumn! This week's Pinterest Best is all about Autumn.
We have a lot of apples around here and are looking for ways to enjoy them. We also have a lot of leaves and broken crayons around and are looking for ways to creatively use them AND we have pumpkin...not a lot but still always trying to find great ways to consume it.  Oh and yes, we have a crock pot. Enjoy!

Thank you, The Skinny Chef

Thank you, Sunny with a Side of Sprinkles

Thank you, Pop Sugar Moms

Pinterest Best Activity of the Week 
Thank you, Ramblings of a Crazy Woman

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. -Proverbs 25:11

-Angela  

The craft closet is complete!

I had the garage sale from all the stuff Nichol and I gathered from the closets.  It was a horrible weather day so I ended up consigning and selling on the Internet.  With the money I made I was able to buy the bins and containers for the craft closet and a few other small things for around the house.  If you are looking for a good price and storage containers, Canadian Tire has great deals weekly.  Nichol tipped me off on shoe box size clear containers at an amazing price.

I bought 10 for $14.  I also went to Target and although had a few trendier items, they were not comparable in price to Canadian Tire.  One great deal at Target right now is a shower caddy. I used it as a house cleaning caddy for both floors.  

Another recommendation is a label maker. Nichol brought one and labeled the craft closet and boys' hangers for size marking.  Ryan just asked me where the label maker went because he needed it for his office.  We will be saving up for one of those babies for sure!  My pantry is the next project and the label maker will be perfect for that.  I won't mix the pancake mix with flour anymore! 

And here it is. Thanks to Nichol Kripki from Nik's Knack Home Organizing, the great transformation. Linen closet to craft closet. 

 BEFORE 

 

This was an everything closet.  I was so frustrated with it that I just shoved things in half-hazardly.  We moved the towels into the boys' bathroom and got rid of all the extra bedding and vases that we really didn't need.  That change table that was in the way was sold at the garage sale as well. 

 As you can see, we were able to get a lot more in the closet with some organization and thought.  The boys are able to access their activity books and crayons easily and with the labels, I know where all the craft supplies are can grab and go.  I don't get that scrunched up forehead whenever I open this closet now.  I breathe and enjoy.  

Can I just encourage you to find a friend to help you with your clean up, like my friend Jenn did today OR contact a professional like Nichol.  They are well worth the money!  

Getting Squiters!

One of the first actions our Baby Goo learns is warding off mosquitos..it was that serious! 

We have returned from the land of endless mosquitos.  It was a lovely time with boating, reminiscing by the fire, and lots of great food... but we will not miss the buzz of those blood sucking fun stealers.  They are here in Alberta as well but it seems they are a bit more bearable. For our repellent of choice, we settled happily with Off for family (still has Deet but a smaller amount) and had a coil at every door and an Off lantern under the outdoor table.
If you are looking for something a little more natural there are some great recipes out there.    I also heard that Scentsy has a coconut lemongrass lotion that supposedly does the trick and my mom and aunt swear by Bath and Body Works' Warm Vanilla Sugar lotion.

Here's a recipe that another one of my aunts is trying out.

15 drops lavender oil
3 Tbsp vanilla
10 drops of  citronella oil or lemon-eucalyptus oil
1/4 lemon juice

Combine all ingredients above and put in spray bottle. Fill the remainder of bottle with water/witch hazel mix.

One trick that helps best is to stay away from dark clothes.  While sitting around the fire,  it was amusing to witness those in dark clothing slapping and waving crazily while the others in light clothing were not being bothered at all.  
Even if we spray and put out a hundred citronella candles, those little guys will find a way to get you...like in between your third and fourth toe. Grrr.
If that's the case,  then relief is in order.  Again, we were happy with After Bite. The stuff works like a charm.  A girlfriend recommended Lavender Oil and last year we were happy with Tea Tree oil.  One suggestion that seems interesting is the pulpy inside of a banana peel.  That's cheaper than using a crushed up Aspirin, I would say.  Or you can always settle for the finger nail marked X (it only works for a second!).

Regardless of the mosquitos, I hope you are enjoying all that Summer brings.  We are excited for a sunny day to play at Riley Park...one of my favorite kiddie pools in Calgary.  Maybe we will see you there!
Happy Long Weekend!

Angela

Great family day for $5

 For those of you who live in or are visiting the Calgary area, you won't want to miss out on this cheap day out with the family.  Spruce Meadows  is just 5 minutes south of Calgary off the 22X. Not only are there jumping horses but there are playgrounds, mini golf, and plenty of room to run and play.  We went during the week but I read on their website that from Friday to Sunday there are entertaining dog shows, pony and wagon rides.  On occasion, you will also find musical entertainment from various show bands.  The great part?  $5 for adults and kids under 12 are free. Free!  The boys and I enjoyed ourselves for three hours on $5.  So excited to have found this place.  We really got into the competition as well.  Bubblegum would cheer with hands up, "Yay horsie!!" 

The boys enjoyed the playground and all the international riders' children playing there. So many languages, I thought we were in another country. 

Every pocket of this park has something fun for the family. 

There wasn't a sign saying we were not allowed to climb the tree and I mean, the statue kids were climbing it so...

 I was unsure as to the "etiquette" of the audience during the competition.  The boys just couldn't resist the long grassy hill.  Just in case, I made sure they were at the top of the hill, sitting quietly when the horses passed us.  They turned that into a fun game. "Ruuuun! The horse is coming!" 

I loved how the boys applauded along with the crowd after each horse and "oohed" when the horse made a jump fault. 

Did I mention there is free parking?

 http://www.sprucemeadows.com

While we were in Vancouver, I was able to experience what it was like to be around girls for an extended period of time.  What I mean is parenting girls.  Many of my friends have girls and I have seen the good and the ugly that comes with raising daughters but this was my first time witnessing it for an extended period of time.  I think it was a little unfair because the baby girl of this particular household was one of those exceptionally easy babies.  She sat quietly when we chatted, she ate her food gently and then made a sweet cough sound when she wanted to be nursed.  I can only think that she is saving some misbehaviour for when she can walk and talk but really, she was a dream.  Over the years I have seen some of the differences between parenting girls and boys and well, this week, I am feeling the envy of girl-moms out there.  I know, I know...there is good and bad to both, but can I just have my moment here?  I also know that there are exceptions to the male-female deal.  I know a few girls who have outmatched many a boy in busyness and zeal.  However, I think most people would agree that there are some differences that cannot be ignored.
I love my boys.  I actually love being a mom of all boys.  I grew up with only brothers so it was natural for me to be in a household of males.  I often joke that I would not even know what to do with a girl and would fear her attitude as a teenager (mean girls scare me).   I enjoy the casualness of boys, their love of potty humour and their desire to be gun-wielding super heros.  I would not trade my masculine threesome for anything...I just...wish I had some...estrogen here too.
Growing up, I resisted pink and all that was frilly (don't get me wrong, I liked dresses, just never wanted to overdo it).  Now, the frillier the better.  Walking through Gap Kids the other day, I oohed and aahed over the coral sundress with matching bloomers and cherry-covered bathing suit with red sunglasses.  I want to buy it all.
A month ago, we stayed at a friends with two girls and a boy.  Their 2 year old was playing with her sister's little dress up dolls (not even sure what they were, like Polly Pockets with rubbery designer clothes?) I just had to join her in the fun.  We put a cute mini skirt with a great pair of knee high boots and a tank with coordinating cardigan.  I have to admit,  I don't get that excited playing Hot Wheels or dinosaurs.  Yes, I could buy the boys a Barbie, but I can guarantee you she would be naked with one leg missing and disheveled hair from all the drops down the balcony and being smashed up by 4X4s.

All of my boys have had a blast in the exersaucer that was handed down from their cousin.  They never stayed in it too long; chewed a little, pushed a button then....banged up and down until I couldn't handle the noise any longer.  This week, I watched in awe as this little girl, enjoyed each play compartment for minutes on end; examining, holding, bending and tasting, all while she twisted gracefully in her seat.  Then when she was bored of that, she rocked from one foot to the other while smiling proudly (and quietly) at her mom.  I had never seen that before.  She stayed in their for over 15 MINUTES!!!! HAPPILY!!!  Unfortunately for her parents, she saw what was possible from Baby Goo and began bouncing around in it loudly too.  Oops!  It was a sight to see as we sat these two great babies together and watched the differences in how they took in the world.

I thought that Baby Goo was going to be the baby like me.  Bubblegum was so busy and Munch was really high maintenance so I figured, this one will be the "easy one". Ryan jokes about the pictures he has seen of me as a baby.  I was a happy baby and really laid bak.  Most pictures of me are slumped over like a happy sack of potatoes...even in the jolly jumper.  Baby Goo seemed so much like me as an infant, with his sunny disposition and all but now that he is becoming mobile, I am finding that he is just as busy as the other boys, if not busier.  He is already trying to wrestle.  He already has a great love for sticks, pulling my hair, laughing at his body sounds and playing with his penis.  AHHHHH!!!
After I cleaned the bathrooms the other day, I had a pity party about stinky boy pee and began dreading the day I would have to beg them to clean up their stinky rooms (I still remember the smell of my brother's rooms as teens).   "I just want one person on my team, just one!" I lamented to Ryan.  I want a girl who will eventually roll her eyes with me when they boys make fart sounds with their arm pits and who I won't have to worry about head butting me when when I go in for a kiss. I want to go dress shopping for grad and weddings and stay up late chatting about, I don't know, girl stuff.  I want a crafting partner and a cooking partner.  Don't get me wrong....my boys do those things and it is fun but... it is different.  I don't even know how to explain it.  I guess one example is, when I am trying to make my snowflake the most unique and beautiful, Munch will be just trying to make his bigger than Bubblegum's.  It could be the ugliest un-snowflake ever but if its bigger...and he made it faster, it is the best snow-thing ever.  See what I mean?  One afternoon after doing crafts with the boys, I called my girlfriend and asked if I could borrow her daughters one day to do crafts with me.
When people see me with three boys, I almost always get the same comment.  It's either, "Oh, I am so sorry." (to which I reply, "I'm not."), or they shake their head and say "so busy" or they say, "It gets easier".  I am encouraged to know that most moms of boys find that although it is crazy in the first few years, boys tend to be a delight to parent after the age of seven.  I admit, I didn't even like myself as a teenage girl so I don't know how I would handle one as a parent.  I hang on to the fact that these may be my hardest working years right now and that one day I will see the fruit of my tears and sweat (sweat from chasing them through the mall as they run into each store yelling "aaah-haaa!").

So, what do I do with this pining for a girl in our home?  Have another baby?  An acquaintance of mine just had her fourth boy.  Adopt? Maybe.  Reach out to more girls in our neighbourhood? Perhaps. Or maybe I will just enjoy the swords and ramps and dead bug collection on my window sills.  Maybe I will just remind my girl-moms what a delight their daughters are and laugh at crazy stories they share about being in a girlie world.  I will definitely pray about whether being the mom of a girl is something God has for me.  Until then I will love my testosterone infused home (did I mention that I have a male dog and a male tenant in our basement as well?).  I will put on my lip gloss as my boys watch in awe and enjoy their obsession with my pretty toe nails (begging to have just one toe with paint on it, much to their dad's dismay) and revel in the fact I am the only one that is not allowed to be tackled in this house.  Those frilly dresses and Barbies will make great gifts.  I can always hope for future daughter's in-law.  And, end rant.  

InstaFriday-quick trip to Vancouver

It has been busy here in Vancouver.  Ryan has been busy filming for the last three days.

I am joining Life Rearranged in Instafriday so that I could share some of our trip through photos.
Enjoy a view of our time in Beautiful British Columbia (note: our view from a home in B.C...next time we will see the sites!)  

We had the priviledge of staying with the wonderful Kwun family (Ryan interviewing Willie and Brenda). These two have the gift of hospitality and live out the book of Acts everyday!

Ryan spent hours filming Jack minister to many people throughout the last two days.  He has the gift of healing and is a very funny and wise man. 

Brenda is a true foodie and has even created a guide to eating in Vancouver (photo below). These were some Chinese pastry that Willie brought home for everyone to enjoy. In our four days we ate Japanese, Vietnamese,  Taiwanese and New Zealand style. (burp)

My little friend Alysha's rock collection.  She would like you to note the Berenstain book in the background and the non-rocks in the collection. So cute. 

A great idea Brenda had a few years ago.  It is a deck of cards that share the great restaurants that the "locals" enjoy.  If you love food, Vancouver is the destination for you.

I sent this photo to my boys through Messenger today. Big kiss! 

My girlfriend sent a photo of when she went to pick up the boys from Grandma and Grandpa's for a sleepover.  What a brave woman.  Miss my munchkins.



 Check me out on Instagram at thenaturalmom. 
Have a terrific day! 

Mommy!

It has been a hectic day.  Life is happening all around us and sometimes it can be overwhelming.   Broken bones, planning for parties, new business ventures, crashed computers and disappointment with another negative pregnancy test were just some of the conversations in my day.  I have to admit that,  in response to some of the day's events, this was a day where my kids had more interaction with a screen than me.  However,  it's days like today where I am glad I limit their screen time because the tv did the trick and I don't feel guilty. 
I just can't believe the week is already over.  We have a birthday party, Mother's Day (and no, no I didn't get the card out in time) and packing for a trip to film in B.C in these two days. Not sure how it will all pan out but it always does. It's a good thing I don't need a lot of sleep.

The boys have been asking me what I want for breakfast on Mother's Day.  Of course I want to say an extra hour of sleep but I think I will go with yogurt and granola.  I love seeing those proud faces bringing in a tray of breakfast along with a nervous daddy (waiting for the big spill).  It's this day, even if I hear it twenty times a day in many different octaves, that I cant believe I am someone's mom.
It's this day, too, that makes me dislike being so far away from my own mom.  They are a 13 hour drive and a way too expensive plane ride away.  I don't even remember the last Mothers Day we have actually had together.  My mom is one of the coolest people I know.  I always knew I had a great mom but as I have gotten older I am realizing what a great friend she is too.  She is just one of those people you can't help but like; so kind, an amazing listener (to her detriment at times, she has complete strangers spill their life's secrets to her at random times), easy going and compassionate.  I could go on and on but really, let me just say that I am truly blessed to have this woman in my life.

It's also at this time my heart breaks those for who have lost their moms (my mom being one of those women this year) and for those who have desperately wanted to be a mom but for whatever reason, have not experienced that.   Please know that I am praying for you; that the One who made you will heal your broken heart and give you rest.

I would love to hear from you. Tell me what your Mother's Day traditions are or what was the strangest Mother's Day you have had.
Before I get on with this weekend,  I wanted to share The Family Fun Spot's recipe for homemade bouncy balls.  Maybe if you are having a more relaxed weekend, this can be a part of your fun.  I am not sure if we need more bouncy balls but I was thinking it could be a great birthday party activity/take home gift.  Have I mentioned how much I love Pinterest? Next week, I will share some of the other Pinterest tips and tricks that I have tried and their outcomes.
Until then, bless ya, friend.
-Angela

Cloth Diapering and Grocery Shopping

I was very grateful to my in-laws for taking the boys for a few hours while I ran some errands today. One of those errands was finally picking up some supplies for the cloth diapers. That little DIY diaper recipe that I mentioned I was going to try in my post Adventures was a bust.  The diapers got so stinky I just threw them in a drawer (after I cleaned them!) and left them until I could talk to someone.  I remembered going to one of those Mom trade shows and chatting with some very knowledgeable women from a store named Babes in Arms.  They have all the best information on baby carrying, cloth diapers and all things natural.  I have been waiting to get there for months and finally, today...I got there!
As expected, the staff was extremely helpful and friendly and I walked out ready to put the disposables aside again.  If you live in the Calgary area and are looking for help with baby carriers or cloth diapering, please go visit these ladies.  You can even rent their carriers so that you can find the best fit for you.  They offer classes on diapering and baby "wearing".  They are all moms who are passionate about being good moms....so worth the visit! That being said, the advice was to give my inserts a heavy rinse as there was most likely a detergent build-up.  I bought a new detergent, superficially for cloth diapers and will see how it goes.  Here's hoping!
That was a few days ago.  I rinsed the heck out of those inserts and....ta da!!!... As good as new. Thank you Babes in Arms!  My boy is clothing it again.  We are also now using the disposable liners and loving them.
Can I just brag a bit?  Since we are living on God-directed donations, I have had to learn to be wiser with our money (which we all should just be anyway).  It has been a struggle when it comes to groceries because our town of over 15,000 only has one grocery store and it is the most expensive of all the chains and because it is in a "wealthy" town, the prices are even more inflated.  I do try to get into the more economical stores in the city but most times, that is just not possible.  Tonight, I went to 10% Tuesday and killed it!  I saved so much money that they needed a manager to override my final total.  So exciting.  Before I went in the store I prayed and asked God to come grocery shopping with me.  I told Him that I wanted this grocery trip to glorify Him.  I had the craziest insight on this trip.  I learned that the organic apples were cheaper than the regular apples.  I found a double pack of cheese strings that were way cheaper than the regular pack that were marked on sale and I used more coupons than I ever have in all my shopping trips together.  Who knew grocery shopping could be such a blast.? I am really growing up. All glory to God!
p.s.  It really does pay to just take time to read the little price cards though.  There are little secrets everywhere in the stores and if you pay attention, you can save a tonne.  That being said, I found a great Albertan blogger who is gifted in saving.  Sign up for her updates and receive information on sales and coupons for stores in Alberta.  Edmonton Frugal Mama.


Just so you know, I did memorize Ephesians chapter one.  I know that I said I would vlog me sharing it but I have been procrastinating.  I tried taping one day but my kids kept walking in on me...the other times, I hate to say, I just didn't feel camera-worthy.  So, I am debating whether or not still to do it as really, the point was just to get me to memorize it and I accomplished that.  I don't know.  Not today, anyway.  One point on the memorizing, is that the method I mentioned in Let's Get Physical just wasn't cutting it.  I ended up doing what I do when I memorize lines.  Look away and try to say it without reading. When you can do it, move on to the next line and when you get to the end of the paragraph, recite the paragraph without looking and so on. Way easier.  I also did a lot of underlining and circling to make connections to themes and points.  What I loved about memorizing this scripture was that God allowed it to be used in that time through different conversations and situations.  The words just became a part of my thought process.  And, isn't that what it is supposed to do?  

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2