The Stay at Home Mother

This morning I was on Breakfast Television in Vancouver to talk about the myths that moms have about being the "ideal" mom.

We took some viewer feedback and some "on the street" ideas about what makes a great mom.

The funny thing is that the things that we think would matter to our children the most, really don't.  For many viewers, it boiled down to time - ie, how much a mother gives of her time to spend with her children....

So right now the biggest health issue in our country (and many others) is the H1N1 virus.

Everytime I open up a newspaper, listen to the radio or watch the news on tv, I am bombarded by images and stories about children and adults alike who are healthy and strong, dying from this epidemic.

I have never been more scared of anything in my life - especially for my children.

And we aren't that family who gets a regular flu shot every year. We believe in naturopathic answers like vitamins, eating right, exercise, etc.

Which made the decision to have both my children immunized with the H1N1 shot so difficult....

Well its been one week with my children both at school, and I'm finding that its not so much them who are having an issue with the new routine - as it is me.

Don't get me wrong, I love the fact that they are now both off and running, but I don't think I was prepared for the reality of figuring out my own time now.....

Whether you have children who are newborn or in elementary school and beyond - sometimes it's so easy to get wrapped up in our children's lives that we forget about us.

Many moms I have spoken to on the topic of "Me-Time" have either dismissed it as though they don't need it, or that its selfish to even factor themselves in to the family equation. Some also claim that they just don't have the time to do the things they want to for themselves anymore and put it off to do "down the road".

Sound familiar? 

The fact is "Mommy time" is just as important for the sanity of you, as it is for the sanity of the entire family unit...

The other week we decided to take a trip to Seattle for a quick get-away.

It was pretty "last minute" - and if you are like me and my family, doing something last minute with children can be anything but easy!

We chose Seattle, WA as our destination, as my husband and I have a fondness for it and hadn't been there in years.

Although we did manage to get out of the house relatively unscathed, we weren't so lucky on the road....

So the Enterprising Moms event in Richmond, BC is over and I am finally starting to unwind. The speakers were amazing and the women showcasing had so many wonderful businesses. The evening reception was fun and I think everyone really enjoyed themselves. But it did make for a long day.

On Monday, I was able to spend a relaxing day with my children and take my son to school. He only has eight days left of school - I can't believe it! So now the question is - what the heck am I going to do with him all summer!.....

For the next few days, I am on my own. My husband is on a business trip and I am finding it challenging to keep both my five year old son and my three year old daughter entertained.

Usually during the day, I am the one responsible for keeping them busy and getting them to their classes and playdates.

In the evenings, my husband takes over and plans some things for them - however, now that its just me this week, I'm finding it a bit challenging to keep them occupied....

I wanted to take the time to wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas.

Appreciate being near the ones who mean the most and reflect on all the things you are thankful for.

Or reach out to someone who has been on your mind, but you just haven't been able to "get around" to making that call. It will make their holiday.

I have lots of stories to share about Christmas in the coming days - but not today.

May today bring you lots of happiness and love to you and your family.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We have worked very hard to have Christmas be more than just about the opening of presents for our children.

This week, I thought it would be fun to have an article written almost entirely by my five -year old son and what Christmas means to him.

The article is going to be published in its entirety this Sunday in Black Press newspapers, however, I am posting some of his random, but very meaningful thoughts in this blog to share with you....

I can't believe Halloween is already here! I have to admit - it is my favourite time of year. I have always made Halloween fun at my house.

I decorate it inside and out. In our driveway, it is lined with glowing sculls, in our garden are tombstones and at the doorway is a six foot dancing Frankenstein who sings the "oldies". Inside is filled with cobwebs, skeletons, pumpkins and witches....