… Of the not so rich and so not famous …

One thing I have learned since becoming a parent, is that no two parents, parent the same way. I try my best not to be judgmental of other styles. Nothing irks me more than to hear one mom dissing another mom (depending on the context). I try to keep an open mind, knowing that not every technique will work for every individual. Our children are unique. We are all one of a kind, something I remind my three old on a regular basis.

I have found that the more attached we are to our children the better they are. Becca is amazingly secure, happy and lovable. She is smart, witty and has a wonderful sense of humour. Ethan is content, smiles the most beautiful smiles and is growing like crazy! Both children are amazingly attached and despite being very tired, I think J & I are happier to be close to them than not (Ethan is getting his first molars, we are getting little sleep). The resilience that both have them have shown over the last year amazes me.

With less than a week until Ethan’s birthday, I find myself reflective and weepy, pondering how we have chosen to raise our children. We are attached and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I was so excited when, Amy of the Crunchy Domestic Goddess, asked if I would be interested in helping spread the word that Attachment Parenting International is going to unveil their new website, forums, and logo, as well as announce new parenting classes. We were started done the path of attached parenting, I was so lost. There was a little information out there, but not a lot. Attachment Parenting International is an excellent resource for all parents, looking for support and community. Be sure to check it out.

Our weekend was crazy. Car shopping makes my head hurt. J meets with the adjuster this morning. So hoping they fix our car and it runs for another 5 years. Total wishful thinking on my part, but a girl can dream can’t she? I have been busy trying to get some stuff done, Ethan isn’t feeling well at all, and Becca is challenging me on everything. Never a dull moment. Never.

The kids and I have been going, going, going all week. Not a single day of rest and this mom is weary! It has been a fun-filled week with playing, hiking, books and snow filled walks.

Oh we even witnessed a kid slip into a partially frozen creek! I loved the moments that followed, as the mom attempted not to giggle (we had been giving warnings that were on deaf ears that he was too close to the water!) It cut our hike a little short but all the kids that witnessed the fall listened REALLY REALLY well after … hehe! No one was hurt, but a lesson was learned … “Always ALWAYS listen to your Mommy!”

I have completed a couple blog designs too. Meaning, not only has my parenting time been full, my “down-time” has been full as well. See we went to talk to the bank about a mortgage and “the man” would give us “the money”!!! We still cannot actually afford to buy and maintain a house, but we are one step closer! Weee!! <—me squealing with delight!

Anyway, I am the budget gal. I take care of all of finances, so I can cut back the spending however there are only a few ways I can make money for the cause, all the while still parenting the way I want to.

It is a tough balance.  Yet the blog designs gives me a little play money which is way nice. Plus geeking it out and being creative makes me happy.

Oh … “They” are talking about writing off our car!!! ARG! So we might be buying another car way way before we were planning on it. Any suggestions on a fuel efficient, inexpensive, roomy for four plus a cat, car … are welcome.  We will know more Monday but plan on browsing the car shops this weekend just in case.

That is IF this winter weather cuts out of here. Ummm didn’t spring start like last week?  It is snowing like crazy out there…Since this morning! The kids and I walked to the library and we soaked when we arrived there and then home. It was fun and not too cold, so a good hearted adventure.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I hope to finish up a couple books (that I want to share my thoughts on with you) and do some yummy cooking … some ham, corn chowder is on the menu for sure this blustery weekend! I also hope to catch up with you all .. I hate when I get this far behind in reading blogs … I miss you.

Have fun with more Wordless Wednesday.

I am much more distracted from writing than I have ever been. After writing the last post on escaping into a story, I realized … that which was missing. Any good writer will tell you that one cannot write without reading. I had not read a good fiction book in months. One that roped me in to staying up late just to turn one more page.

I started and completed Duma Keys by Stephen King, this beautiful long weekend. It was just what I needed to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. I feel like a brand new woman. To think the author lives just south of us. I have been reading Stephen King novels for 20 odd years. Often wondering what Bangor, Maine was like and how it inspired so many frightfully, deliciouses stories. It may just have to be a road trip this summer! hehe. Now that the cobwebs are dusted off in my head I am ready to write and design more.

Easter weekend has been absolutely lovely. The weather cool and winter-like, despite the promise of spring. It was so wonderful to have J home, just chilling out doing nothing, no pressure, no rushing…just being. I so love it here. Here is so right for us.

We went to a dinner/play date on Sunday. “Houston we have a friend ..” (my weak attempt at a literary reference) Weeee! J enjoyed meeting the couple and their son, while Ethan adored climbing their steep stairs over and over. Becca of course enjoyed herself with her pal, playing and reading. It was wonderful.  Good food, great company.

I cannot express the sheer joy I experience every time I see Becca curled up with a book. Although she cannot “read” yet, I know that it is only a matter of time that she is jumping into worlds, living, breathing, feeling the stories. Ethan being surrounded by a house of readers is bound for the same fate and shows interest in listening and experiencing the stories.

That is how I read, I live it. I get completely and utterly lost in the story. A good book draws me in, I am not a mere observer, I am there.  An author that can make me laugh out loud, shiver in terror or cry in sorrow, captures my imagination, thrills me like nothing else. I have vivid memories of particular books that left a lasting imprint in my mind. For a long time I could not reread a story because it would last so long in my imagination that reading it a second time would be boring and a waste of precious reading time.

As a young child, I adored the books with animals as the main characters. Titles are alluding me now, but I am sure they are pretty standard for that reading age group, for I did not have anyone assisting me in finding the books. The concept that animals (dogs, cats, horses, wolves) had personified thoughts and emotions tickled my fancy. I gobbled up story after story of lost dogs, horses, cats … I distinctly remember going to see the Incredible Journey with my Dad in Regina. He was gone a lot at that time, away working, so any time with him memorable. The movie only sparked my imagination more. My memory takes us to the Natural History museum there for the movie, not sure why.
When SourceBooks asked if I would like to review a new book series for young girls, I jumped at the chance to relive my childhood love of reading books with animals! The Lucky Foot Stable series by JoAnn S. Dawson, includes humans in the mix, allowing children to enter a world of friendship, horses and adventure. I started reading the first book and totally found myself lost in the character’s lives, looking forward to finding out what was up with their horses!

While it will be a few more years before my daughter is ready for chapter books, these stories are totally what I would want her to read.  Targeted at the 8+ years old girl range, the Lucky Foot Stable series, is wholesome, but action packed. I am pretty protective and shield the children from the outside world a lot. I have yet to have to worry too much about books (although some Becca has found in the library have been questionable!), but a day will come when I have to monitor the media that enters our home.

Want to Win the first three books in the Lucky Foot Stable series by JoAnn S. Dawson? All you have to do to enter is leave a comment, including your favorite chapter book as a child … After the weekend I will randomly pick a winner. This is open to all! I look forward to reading your favorites!