I am not just a mother

"I'm just a stay at home mom. Nothing special."

So many women have said that to me and just yesterday the topic was brought up on Momversations. I too cringe when a woman announces "I am just a stay at home mom". Its not the title that irks me its the "just".

Motherhood is the most incredibly rewarding, challenging, beautiful and utterly unglamorous job in the world :). Women don't give themselves enough credit. The future of our children is in our hands. The language they speak, the words they learn, their interests, ways in which they interact with others, emotions good and bad are all affected, and in some way originate from our own. The love my husband and I show each other, the way we treat each other will have an affect on future relationships. Its a humbling thought.

Although I do work from home with my husband, I don't hold the title of "Mother" as the essence of my identity. I am a woman, a mother, a wife, a friend. I have many different passions, hobbies and interests which I have not lost since becoming a mother. My husband and children are my world, and are more important than any of these things; they always will be. But at the same time I firmly believe the entire family benefits when a mother is true to herself. I want to be known for who I am and not by an occupation or label. 

I am not "just" and women should never be "just".

I want my daughters to grow up into extremely efficient adults. I want them to learn skills and be passionate about life. I want them to reach for the stars and grab them. I want them to have healthy relationships with others.

I know that we as parents can only pray they turn out the way we hope, but how can we ask this of our children if we as mothers don't set an example? 

Summer days

I haven't been in the mood for writing lately as there is just too many things going on. The motel has picked up considerably, as is expected for this time of year.

The heat has been atrocious over the last few days. A thick, muggy heat which seems to envelop you within itself. Not nice.

Today was different. There was the most delightful breeze which blew ever so gently throughout the day. It was the gentlest of winds which seemed to pick up the very essence of summer with every gust. Creamy Peonies, wild roses, strawberry blossoms and clean cut grass mixed with the scent of fresh water flowing through the rapids. It was gorgeous.

The water is the perfect temperature for swimming but unfortunately C developed a fear of rivers, beaches and pools ever since I showed her some tadpoles and a couple of small fish the other day. I thought she would be intrigued but instead she was horrified. I think I have scarred the poor child for life. I'm hoping she gets over it soon as I am dying to go for a swim. Dipping my toes in for a quick second has been the closest thing to it as we have to leave because of the "Fishies, tadpoles, leaves, rocks and floating wood pieces". Lord help me.

When we got home she said to her daddy, "Next time, you come too and bring your bathing suit and coming swimming with C. Because C scared of fishies and because Daddy will save C and because umm.... because I just need you to come with me and mama and A. And because I just, I just love you daddy!"

Oh yes and have I mentioned her new favorite word is "because"?

Wordless Wednesday

Father

"Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a dad." ~ Anne Geddes

"Fathers, be good to your daughters. You are the god and the weight of her world. " - John Mayer

The bakery

Once in awhile you will come across a bakery. Now, I don't mean the grocery store bakeries we are so accustomed to now a days, although I don't really know why they call them bakeries as everything is shipped frozen and then baked straight out of the box, the bread and rolls have little to no flavor and the cakes have no charm.

I'm talking about the kind of bakery where everything is made from scratch. When if you don't arrive early enough, all of the baked goods are snatched up and your out of luck until the next day. The kind where the owners take pride in their little shop and sell the most delectable breads with crusty exteriors and oh so soft interiors. Where the entire building is filled with the most enticing aromas.

That my dear friends is a bakery and I found the most darling one in Erin.


So much history.







Gorgeous, no?

Trip

The heat has been stifling over the last couple of days! "A" has been sleeping "Au Natural" besides her diaper. Whew! We've been drinking lots of these and that has helped but I think what we need most is a really good down pour.

Our trip was lovely! We left Sunday morning and met one of my childhood friends in Barrie for lunch. It was so nice to see her and her new baby girl. Here we were eating lunch together with children of our own. It's odd how time flies by so quickly leaving so many memories behind. Memories that get swept to the surface by seeing an old friend or even by visiting a certain spot, town or home. And now I regress.

After leaving Barrie we drove to Brampton and went shopping for C. Besides the couple of dresses I made the poor girl had no summer clothes. I was pleasantly surprised to find quite a few beautiful outfits that just happened to be on sale! C was thrilled and insisted upon carrying her bags to the truck.

We stayed at a lovely place which had a walk out. Next time I'll be sure to bring lawn chairs as the area was so peaceful.

Monday morning we went to the Lion Safari which was incredible. We all had a marvelous time and the weather was sunny and warm. We took the tour bus through as my husband didn't want to risk our truck getting scratched up by the monkeys.

In the evening we went out to a quaint little Chinese restaurant with another friend of mine who I hadn't seen in years.

Tuesday morning after checking out of the hotel, we went to Erin, Ontario which is now the single most perfect little town I have ever laid eyes on. If its possible to have a town which you belong to, which your soul belongs to this is the one for us. My husband used to live in the Caledon/Erin area and my goodness if it isn't the most gorgeous area! Too bad housing is so expensive there. Also I wouldn't want to change our lifestyle as its quite ideal at the moment with our home business. But you never know what the future may hold.



After leaving Erin we visited Caledon and saw the house my husband built and were disappointed to see the lack of upkeep. The owners had just let the property and home go. It was sad to see. Although I had never lived in that home or been there when he built it, I felt sad in a way. The history behind the house, my husband's past, the pain he went through... again, memories.



We drove through a bunch of little towns after wards. In two days we managed to visit, Barrie, Brampton, Kitchener, Cambridge, Erin, Caledon, Orangeville, Alliston and Cookstown.

The entire trip was just perfect :).

Wordless Wednesday

Some pictures from African Lion Safari

C needs naps like water. It is truly amazing how a 2 hour nap can transform her from a not so nice little girl to a complete angel. Her naps are usually 1-1/2 hours, however today it was extended to 2 1/2 hours. What a difference!

A has been teething which means constant nursing and lots of cuddles. When I'm not nursing her, I'm wearing her in the mei tai or sling. If someone is drinking a cup of water, A's mouth will open wide and she will reach out to grab the cup. She adores water. I'm sure it has something to do with the cool, wetness on her gums.

Tomorrow will be a busy day. I have to bake some muffins and cookies in the morning so that we have snacks for the drive on Sunday. 3 loads of laundry have to be washed, the house needs to be tidied up, maps printed and pay cheques written. We all need a getaway so very badly! Its too busy to leave for more than a couple of days so it will be short and sweet. Barrie, Brampton, Cambridge and Kitchener all packed into a 2 day outing. But thats how we roll. Always packing as much as we can into a short span! :)

Lilacs

I remember as a child biking through trails that were full of these gorgeous bushes. Lilacs in white, cream, purple, light purple and a dark pink, almost magenta. The scent that filled the air was intoxicatingly sweet and floral. I used to make little bracelets and necklaces by threading the individual blossoms. They were fairylike, so very delicate and fragile. Every year, I await the bloom of these gorgeous flowers.

Wordless Wednesday

Isn't he incredible?

How do you decide who to marry?

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY? (written by children)

You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
-- Alan , age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.
-- Kristen , age 10


WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?

Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
-- Camille , age 10

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
-- Derrick, age 8

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?

Both don't want any more kids.
-- Lori, age 8

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?

Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
-- Lynnette , age 8

On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
-- Martin, age 10

WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE THAT WAS TURNING SOUR?

I'd run home and play dead. The next day I would call all the newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns.
-- Craig, age 9

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?

When they're rich.
-- Pam, age 7

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
- - Curt, age 7

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
-- Howard, age 8

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.
-- Anita, age 9

HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?

There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
-- Kelvin, age 8 

And the #1 Favorite is........

HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?

Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.
-- Ricky, age 10

Little one

Your smile brings light into my soul and fills me with the most incredible amount of happiness.

When you laugh with your sister my heart breaks into a million pieces, every, single, time.

The way you gently touch your daddy's face while he looks at you in the morning makes me melt.

Your big eyes wandering from one object to the next, looking, watching, waiting.

Your "singing" everyday fills me with joy.

The way you sleep with your cheek lying against my chest, mouth formed into a perfect "O". The way your little hands hold my breast as I nurse you; looking up at me with those beautiful big eyes framed with the longest lashes I ever saw.

My beautiful baby girl, you have submersed our lives with an incredible amount of happiness. Your life is a blessing and I am honored to call myself your mother.

Wordless Wednesday

Our drive and views from my window.

Doctor Boy

So, our little outing to the doctor's clinic ended up costing us. We were hit with a wicked flu bug which is just beginning to leave our household. Cough, cold, runny nose, you name it, we had it. Of course this happens after I finished bragging about how. "I haven't been sick in over a year and a half. " Figures.

Thank you to the inconsiderate person who decided to bring their flu out to meet the world. Next time, please try to be considerate and follow the rules of the clinic which clearly state, "All those with any kind of respiratory illness must wear masks before entering the building."

Seeing your children sick is complete torture. I'm glad its almost over and even more relieved that we won't be having to go to the clinic again for awhile. C is still talking about the scary "Doctor Boy". I don't know why she insists on calling our female doctor, "Doctor Boy" but my husband thinks it is the most hilarious thing ever. He bursts out laughing every time she raises her hands and says, "I'm just so scared daddy. Doctor boy made me go on scale, and I'm just 30 pounds! But Daddy, C don't like Doctor Boy. "

In a couple of weeks we will be getting away for the last time for a few months. Our busy season here at the motel is beginning and will kick into full gear pretty soon. More and more people are starting to travel now that the weather is nicer, construction has begun in the area and a couple of contracts in town have brought quite a bit of business recently.

We're looking forward to taking the babies out for some fun. Lions, tigers and giraffes are on the agenda :). Swimming, bowling and a visit to the house that Papa built, among other things, will fill the two days we are away.

Counting down the days...