The French Way...

Last week i ordered the new book out "Bringing Up Bebe: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting,"by Pamela Druckerman.
It caught my attention for a few reasons.
1) What wisdom can french woman offer to us "American mothers"
2) Will there actually be some helpful hints inside
3) France...well me and it have a little obsession...so motherhood and France, how can I not read it!?
...maybe a slight bit of envy too in moving her family to France...!?

I have yet to crack the book, but am hoping to tonight. I am intrigued~

My moms friend sent a link to us the other day, which was literally the day after I ordered the book, the author was on the Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda. Follow the link for the clip.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/29054368/vp/46572211#46572211

What do you think? Thoughts on this concept of parenting? Anyone read the book?
I will keep you updated as I read thru it if there are some interesting, must try tips!

"Go the F** to Sleep"...

Have you heard of the book "Go the F**k to Sleep" by Adam Mansbach?
It is hilarious. I had heard of it before but never read it...and for Christmas, my brother gave it to our kids for Christmas. Fitting. If you know Uncle Reid...it is perfect it came from him. The best Uncle. Hilarious sense of humor.

Well, of course we have not read it to them...but to say this is exactly how bedtime feels these days, would be an understatement! Si will not stay in bed, which instigates Kai to get out...and they literally run the house for hours. We have tried ALL tactics...from threats to anger...to a new one last night, ignoring them. Well, that didn't go so well either. I was having a bath...they both came in, took their pajamas off and proceeded to get in the tub. YEP...THEY DON'T CARE whether we say too much or nothing at all. I drained the water toweled myself off, and turned out the lights...this got them out of the tub, and dressed again but not to bed. I GIVE UP!!
ANY SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!!!!!

As I type this, I am sitting here listening to the audio version of the book...read by Samuel L Jackson. Honestly, priceless.
Take a listen... I think tonight, I may have to bring out the book...along with a bottle of wine ;)

3-0...

Life lately has been pretty much anything BUT relaxing. Work has been crazy, family has been busy... and things in general seem to be never ending! I am not complaining, honestly, just looking forward to some summer sunshine and good books.
My husband is turning the big 3-0 in a few weeks... wow where does the time go!! Considering we have been together since he was 18, watching the 20's creep past us and the big one is on the horizon is a little crazy to say the least! Not that we haven't done much through those years, you know: bought a condo, had a baby, bought our current home, had baby number two, baby number three is on the way... Jake, our dog, is still trying to pretend he is a puppy even though he is almost as old as our relationship! Love, Life, Work. Wow! Much has been packed into the years. So as Ryan's 30 is approaching, I am busy organizing a little party for him to honour all of his accomplishments in life.
In the words of Tim McGraw, a favorite artist, along with the singer of our wedding song,

"My Next Thirty Years will be the best years of my life

Raise a little family and hang out with my wife

Spend precious moments with the ones that I hold dear

Make up for lost time here, in my next thirty years."

I hope that they are for you babe, the best years of your life!

I think I may be more excited about his birthday than he is! He is being pretty quiet about the whole thing... maybe a little anxious!?? I have heard that the 30's truly are the best years of your life. Learning who you really are; being comfortable in your own skin; knowing what you want in life and from those around you. I am excited to venture into a new chapter with Ryan and am looking forward to a celebration to start the journey. :-)

I would love to spill some party details... cause honestly it is pretty hard holding it all in!! I have some great things planned and this birthday will be one to remember; however, mum is the word as most of it is, A SURPRISE!
Can't wait!
So, a question for those who have passed a birthday milestone and had a memorable moment or happening; what was it and what made it so fantastic! I am always seeking more ideas.

"Men are like wine: some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age." 
I am lucky then that I have the best!
Now, back to planning...
oh, and another thing to think about... Fathers Day. I told you, the list is never ending these days! Tomorrow I will be featuring a giveaway in honour of Father's Day. Stay tuned!

Terrible Twos...

So I am discovering, on a daily basis, that the "terrible two's" are a real phenom; And with them comes the "terrible twenties" because I don't think I have ever been so mentally and physically exhausted! Mix a two-year old, with daily life and stress, with a walking one year old, and there is no mix in that equation for much of anything...let alone rest!

Kai is at a point lately where I can only leave him with a select few people, otherwise I can't leave him at all. Everything is "mommy do it" "i want my mom", when does this phase progress forward!? It's hard to wish away time, but when you are arguing with a 2-year-old, you quickly find yourself loosing your mind! 

In parenting, I find that with friends around you, you learn from one another. I constantly find myself in "growing friendships."  Within my circle of friends I was among the first, if not the first, to marry, to have a baby, to have a second baby... so I was in a place to "make new friends." With kids the learning and growing never stops, and to have people who can relate to the ages and stages of life help make the days go by! Thank you to all of my friends for being such a strong support system. I don't know what I would do to get through some days!

What I have learned about this age and stage that Kai is going through, is that he needs stimulation and exercise. He LOVES playing outside, going to the park, coloring and playing with his cars. When a tantrum begins sometimes all he needs is a re-direct on to a different activity. This is why Ryan and I have decided it is time for him to enter into Junior Kindergarten. We are now wait-listed for an amazing Junior Kindergarten school CEFA.  Check them out at www.cefa.ca

One of our amazing friends is involved in the Cefa School in Langley and we have heard nothing but the best! Check out her amazing blog at www.cefalangley.wordpress.com

Fingers crossed we can have a fresh start to 2011 and have both Kai and Si in this amazing program!

My feelings are that, like adults, kids need to be social and set into different environments. It only allows them to grow and expand their little horizons. There is so much to learn in life, and as a parent, we can't even begin to think we have the ability to offer it all! We all need a little help. A little piece of mind ;-)

a little...rest!