Tuesday 18 November 2014

My Little Gymnast

  So I am not a mama who is inclined to live vicariously through my kids. I have let them try out various sports to see what they like. We always made them finish the season or session even if they didn't like what they were doing, because it is important that kids learn to finish what they start. So, when Akira wanted to start gymnastics, I didn't hold hope that it would last any longer than her other activities.
  BUT, we are now in year three and she is gearing up for her first meet in a few weeks. She has had days when she is tired and doesn't want to go, but at the end of class she always tells me it was "awesome" or the "best day ever".
   It has been fun watching her progress from barley being able to do a back bend, to being able to walk the length of the gym floor while in a back bend. She has worked so hard and she almost has a perfect split on her "good" leg. She says her favourite apparatus is bars. Soft, girlie hands she has not. This girls hands are tough and full of calluses.
  If you have known me since I was wee you know that I did a bit of gymnastics as a kiddo. I don't think Akira really thought too much about it until last week when a package arrived from Grammy. when she opened it up she found my old competition leotard and track suit. She was thrilled and tried everything on right away.
  When I went to pick her up today, there she was all decked out in '80s blue looking like a little rockstar. She was so proud to be wearing my old gear. It was pretty cute. So, while I'm not going to live out some crazy Olympic dream through my little girl, I am so proud to see her working so hard and sticking to something even when it isn't easy. I love you little girl!


She still has to hit the books even after 3 hours of training! She's a trooper.

Tuesday 11 November 2014

Lest We Forget

  Today is the day set aside to remember and honour those who have fought and served to give us the freedom we enjoy today. I was fortunate to be able to attend a remembrance day ceremony with my family. When I told the kids a few days ago that we would be going, the announcement was not quite met with the enthusiasm I would have liked...
  We did manage to get everyone on board and out the door on time (yay). It was heartwarming to see the Q-plex filled to capacity with people of all ages out to honour our soldiers. I think what meant the most to me was seeing the families that were out with young kids. As a parent of young, fidgety people myself, I know what a challenge it can be to come to an event that is meant to be quiet and solemn.
   I was proud to be counted among those who had little people wearing poppies and asking questions about what was going on. Simon did have to make an exit a time or two with Asher who couldn't quite make it through without being chatty (although he did manage to stay hushed for the two minutes of silence). I think it is so important that families continue to bring there kids to this ceremony and pass on to the next generation the knowledge and respect that is so deserving the brave men and women who served to keep us strong and free. So to those who may have been a bit put off by the wiggling and not so quiet whispers, be kind, be patient, and be thankful that these families care enough to bring there little ones to this event.
   I am a proud daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and sister in law to men who have stepped up to serve. Not every member of my family was called to serve in war, but those who did returned with physical and mental scars and memories that they may not want. I am so grateful for what they did. So today, and every day remember them, lest we forget.

Sunday 2 November 2014

Another Year Older

  To say that my 36th year of life was eventful would be an understatement. I fell into the dark hole of depression. I spent weeks on the psychiatric ward learning to heal and to cope with the realities of life. I  found a new job that fits me like a glove. I discovered how deep my husbands love for me runs. I learned to enjoy every moment with my precious kids and I have learned cuddles on the couch supersede the need to vacuum the floor. And the most important event of this year for me was finding a church family that has taken me in and is helping me walk on my journey.
  I am fortunate to have been able to spend a weekend lounging in a hotel and shopping with a sweet friend. I had to laugh when I woke up this morning though, it looks like my 37th year is going to start off eventful as well. I peeked out the window only to discover snow!
  The winter wonderland didn't deter Erica and I from hitting the mall. It did however make for a very entertaining day. You would think that two Canadian girls would be prepared for the winter, right? Ha! I have no snow brush, no shovel, and I still have my summer tires on. Neither of us had gloves or winter boots either. We discovered that the men in Maine are very willing to help a girl out. We were shovelled out, pushed out, and plowed out by a few good men.
  We're now back tucked safely in the hotel, a few bucks poorer and a few bags heavier. Pizza should be arriving soon and I've got a load of tasty munchies waiting to be nibbled on. All in all it has been a fantastic day. I will return home rested and relaxed and ready to hit the ground running again.
   I am truly blessed and I am really looking forward to seeing what 37 has in store for me. It's going to be a great year!