tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86696462104085920602024-02-07T00:49:17.882-05:00BabySteps - Living Life One Day at a TimeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-86782633561447398612015-01-26T12:11:00.001-05:002015-01-26T12:11:32.749-05:00Are Hand-Written Cards a Thing of the Past?The Lost Art of the Hand-Written Card<br />
<br />Email, Facebook, Texting... the internet has all but replaced the well-meaning, thoughtful, handwritten note.<br />
<br />Case in point: On December 5, 2014 I had only received three Christmas cards; one from my<br />mother, one from my niece in England, and one from my dear Aunt Rose who never forgets. A few<br />years ago at that time, I would have had at least a dozen Christmas cards.<br />
<br />
<br />My mother taught me very early on that a hand-written note goes a long way. She still writes cards<br />for every occasion, and sometimes just because. Most of us only receive bills and junk in our<br />mailbox, so an actual piece of personally addressed mail is exciting! My 5 year old gets so excited<br />when mail comes with his name on it, and I find myself getting excited along with him. You know that whomever has sent that card, has put in thought and effort, and that is to be appreciated.<br />
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<br />I offer a card-writing service as part of my VA package. Why? Because I believe in its value. The<br />fact is,when you send a hand-written note, it's read, it's enjoyed, it will be remembered, and<br />some will keep it. Look around your office and you will see a card on someone's desk. Do they<br />keep the Happy Birthday text and read it again a few weeks later? Probably not. I have a special box that I keep meaningful cards that have been sent to me by colleagues, clients, friends & family. Some I keep because they are hand-made, some are too beautiful to toss, some are funny (the ones from my husband), and some have sentimental value... but all are appreciated by me.<br />
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<br />
Below are some tips for writing a great card:<br />
<br />1. Put some thought into it! If possible, pick out a card especially for that person. People love<br />beautiful pictures or meaningful quotes. Find someone who makes cards and get some specially crafted to suit you. A blank card is ok too, as long as it is personalized on the inside.<br />
<br />2. Hand-written! This personal touch goes a long way. If you are sending a large amount of cards, a signature stamp is acceptable, but try to stay consistent. <br />
<br />3. The envelope is important too! Did you know that a hand-written envelope is almost guaranteed to be opened!! I even have a client who prefers that I choose special commemorative or seasonal stamps for his mail outs.<br />
<br />4. It doesn't have to say a lot, as long as it's legible and meaningful. Sometimes all you need is a<br />simple "Thank you" or "Thinking of you" to let your customer know you appreciate them.<br />
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When they read it, they will smile, and that makes it worth the effort and the cost of the stamp. <br />
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I will also note an amazing service called SendOutCards, a monthly membership program, that makes card
sending especially easy and efficient. Please contact me for more information. <br />
<br />
<br />Michelle Callipari, Virtual Assistant<br />MSC Business Solutions<br />www.mscbizsolutions.ca<br />
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(picture below - some of my favourite cards that I have received recently that hold a place of honour on my desk) <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-81789699225112345512014-12-05T21:31:00.000-05:002014-12-05T21:52:29.933-05:00What to Outsource to a Virtual Assistant?If you own a business,
chances are that at some point, you are going to need an extra set of
hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, if you are not in need
of an in-house assistant,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or you don't
have a bricks and mortar establishment, then a Virtual Assistant (VA) may be a
great option for you.
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The question is, where to start?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are a few tips to help you narrow it
down:</div>
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1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Write a list of
everything you do for your business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This means everything from purchasing, ordering, paying bills,
invoicing, designing and stamping, to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>labeling, blogging, marketing and social
media.</div>
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2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take out
everything that you personally love to do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are an artist, you might love creating
your piece, blogging about it and then finding avenues to market your piece.</div>
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<br /></div>
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3. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take out any
items that are income producing, i.e. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>meeting with prospective clients/customers,
designing and making the product, follow up calls, customer service calls, etc.</div>
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<br /></div>
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4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should be
left with two categories:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The things
that you don't like to do, and the things that are non-income producing but still
need to be done. </div>
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5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From this last
list, take out anything that you are not able to relinquish control over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, I have a client who's<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>email Inbox is her biggest
"time-sucker".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's
overloaded, she has too many emails sitting in her Inbox, not enough folders,
etc. However, she is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>not willing to hand
over her Inbox to anyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she
says, it's organized chaos, but she knows exactly where everything is.</div>
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Complete Steps 1 through 5, and this is the perfect place
to start. </div>
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Once you are satisfied with the list of jobs you would
like to outsource, begin your search for a Virtual Assistant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep in mind, all VA's will have specialties
and have certain skill sets, so don't be afraid to "shop around", ask
for references, ask to take a look at their work, and interview until you find
one that suits your needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If that is
too overwhelming or time consuming for you, there are many reputable agencies
that can help you find the perfect VA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is important to note that there is a "settling in period"
for both you and the VA, so give it time.</div>
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Do what you love, outsource the rest!</div>
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Michelle Callipari, Virtual Assistant</div>
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MSC Business Solutions</div>
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<a href="http://www.mscbizsolutions.ca/" target="_blank">www.mscbizsolutions.ca</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-18532723194401683352014-10-17T14:51:00.000-04:002014-10-17T15:51:30.601-04:00Why Your Business Should Have An Appropriate Business EmailDo you have an email address for your business? <br />
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Working as a VA, one of my jobs is database management, which means entering in customers contact information into a company's database. This enables the company to find customers quickly and follow up when needed.<br />
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One of the things I've noticed is that some professionals and entrepreneurs do not have a designated email address for their business. Whether you are an independent contractor like a real estate agent, an insurance agent, etc, or have an online shop or home based business, you should separate your personal email from your business email. Emailing business related items from "ilovemycat@rogers.com" or "mamaissexy@yahoo.com" is not professional. While both may be true, it's still not professional. <br />
<br />
I've also noticed a lot of independent contractors use their family email for business purposes. Again, not professional. If you want to distinguish yourself in your field, create your brand. For example, thesmiths5@hotmail.com is great for family and friends, however, davesmith@hotmail.com makes you recognizable and can be used for both business and personal. Even more professional would be davesmith@davesmithrealty.com. Which email would you open?<br />
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Here are a few tips that I've come up with to help you set up your new business email address.<br />
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1. DO IT! Take the 5 minutes and set one up, or let a VA like myself do it for you! Your business is your brand! Create brand awareness so your brand name gets recognized. <br />
<br />
2. Make it recognizable. For example, when I was looking at email addresses, my business name is my initials, so I stuck with my name as my email address. This also allows me flexibility should I choose to go with a domain name as my business grows, which I have also done and I will link them both together once my website is finished. Most websites come with a domain name... use it. Your email address should be able to grow with your business.<br />
<br />
3. K.I.S.S. - Keep It Super Simple - While I realize that michellescalliparivirtualassistant@mscbusinesssolutions.com is technically my brand name, but wow, is that long and difficult to type. Would you want to have to type that? Choose something easy on the brain and the fingers. mcallipariva@mscbizsolutions.com would work nicely.<br />
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4. If you are tight on cash or don't have a website (yet), use a free account, like gmail, for now. I try to stay away from phone provider emails because should you change providers, then you have to change your email... that's a pain for you and your clients. TIP: When registering a domain name for your website, buy both .com and .ca so no one else buys it. GoDaddy is a great resource for this.<br />
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5. Give yourself some options. Make a list of your top 3 choices and ask some close friends and mentors for their opinions. Your top choice may not be available, so it's good to have another go-to option.<br />
<br />
Good Luck and Happy Emailing!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-81153645669695978102014-09-08T14:14:00.002-04:002014-09-08T14:57:54.000-04:00I finally found "my thing"!I'm not gonna lie, after becoming a first-time mom at 38, I thought stepping back into my travel career would be easy, but just a few shorts months after my son was born, I knew that the travel life was no longer the life I wanted, or the career that suited my family and I.<br />
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<div>
After 4 years of trying my hand at many different things, ie. inside sales, real estate, customer service at an optometrists office, temping as a secretary at our Catholic School Board, I was really struggling to find my "career identity". It wasn't an easy time for us. Transitioning into parenthood is difficult enough, but trying to find out where you fit back into the corporate world can be completely unnerving. I realized that I didn't fit back into the career I once knew, and that really threw our family life into a dither. As I jumped from job to job, tensions and emotions ran high, and the bank account ran low. Financially we were drowning because my emotions would take over and I would carelessly spend on frivolous things, everything we couldn't afford. I was in denial about our financial situation and pretending like we had the same income we had "pre-child". Little did I know at the time, I was also struggling with anxiety, mild depression and un-diagnosed postpartum depression. This made every decision more difficult and extremely emotional. Just when I thought I found something I liked, I would get depressed and anxious about being away from home for so many hours a day, and the vicious cycle would start all over again.</div>
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<div>
Finally in the winter/spring of 2014, during a networking event at our local Staples, I met a "Virtual Assistant". Not really knowing or understanding what a "VA" was at the time, I asked her a few questions and then continued on with my day. One week later, at another networking event, I met another Virtual Assistant. This time my interest was piqued and I asked more questions. I went straight home and looked up Virtual Assistants on the web. Oh the plethora of information! I was giddy with excitement while reading it all. Was this it? Did I finally find "my thing"? </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Fast forward a couple more weeks, and many excited conversations with my husband (God bless that man...), I had coffee with a friend that I had recently reconnected with over Facebook. We were discussing our lives... careers, families, current triumphs and failures, having a good laugh and enjoying sharing our stories with each other. It was then I starting talking about this amazing "thing" called a Virtual Assistant, and that it was something that I truly believed I could do, and do well with my background. Plus, I felt that it would also give me the balance I needed to work from home, bring in an income, feel successful AND be flexible for my family. I was excited, even though I had absolutely no idea where to begin, </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My friend looked me straight in the eye and said to me "I think you would be fantastic at that... and I have a proposition for you. I'd like to hire you. I think we can work something out." On the outside, I put my business face on and remained friendly and composed (ok, I may have giggled a little), but on the inside I was bursting with excitement! WHAT DID SHE SAY?? Could this be my first client?? Little did I know that my friend was in the process of starting a new financial consulting company and they really needed an extra set of hands. MY HANDS!! This is where my business finally started to take shape!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Shortly after this conversation, tax time came around and I was discussing this new VA business with my accountant (God bless him as well). He quickly became one of my biggest supporters and assisted me in the start up information I needed to get my new business off the ground. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
It is amazing how the planets start to align when you are on the right path and you enlist the support and knowledge of people you look up to and admire.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Here I am 6 months later, a Registered Business owner, a Virtual Assistant, and I couldn't be happier. I have embraced working from home, found a routine that works for us, and I have a few wonderful clients that keep me busy during the day, the bills paid, the flexibility we need, and our family life has settled into a nice, peaceful existence. My children are thrilled that I can be there for their school events, sports and extra curricular activities, and my husband appreciates the flexibility and the paycheques. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thank you, THANK YOU, to everyone for your words of encouragement and support. Thank you to my clients who have trusted me to help guide your business and provide you with remote support when you need it. And thank you to all my future clients for taking a chance on me! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
If you are in need of remote administrative assistance, below is a list of my current services. I would be more than happy to provide you with a free business consultation.</div>
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Please contact me fore more information!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Sincerely,</div>
<div>
Michelle Callipari, Virtual Assistant</div>
<div>
Owner, MSC Business Solutions</div>
<div>
Professional Assistance ~ Virtual Guidance</div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MSC
Business Solutions ~ Services Offered</span></b></div>
<div>
<b style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<span lang="EN-US">With over 20 years in
Sales, Customer Service and Administration, here is a list of services that I,
as a Virtual Assistant can provide for your business. This is just a few of
course, the list is endless! If you need help with it, we can find a way to
make it happen!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">1. Transcription – digital
or paper, online or tape recorded.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">2. Email marketing,
creation and updates<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">3. Social media set up,
education and maintenance<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">4. Answering emails,
organizing and clearing out your inbox<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">5. Spreadsheet creation and
maintenance<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">6. Travel arrangements<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">7. Ordering business cards
and other marketing materials<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">8. Research<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">9. Appointment setting<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">10. Organizing your
workshop attendees, taking payments, etc.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">11. Newsletter creation,
updates, printing<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">12. Mail outs<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">13. Sending greeting or
thank you cards to your clients and personal contacts<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">14. Creative brainstorming
sessions<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">15. Proofreading and
editing of documents and website copy<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">16. Resume screening and
human resources assistance<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">17. File organization<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">18. Data collection<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">19. LinkedIn and Facebook
management<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">20. Fielding questions from
potential customers via email, setting up canned responses and auto-responders.
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">21. Event planning<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">22. Invoicing<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">23. Resume creation<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">24. Visual presentations<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">25. General administrative
assistance<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">26. Holiday card creation
and send out<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">27. Moving and relocation
services<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">28. Concierge services,
including travel planning, car rentals, etc.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">29. Organizing business
cards and contacts<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">30. CRM and database management<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">331. Client appreciation/thank you gifts<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">Virtual Assistants are
professionals with a variety of professional backgrounds and specialized
skills. This is just a brief
introduction to the many services I may be able to provide.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">I look forward to working with
you.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Michelle Callipari,
Virtual Assistant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">MSC Business Solutions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">Proud Member of the Canadian Association of
Virtual Assistants, the Strathroy Chamber of Commerce, the Optimist Club of
Strathroy and the London Momprenuers<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-82554445097885344322014-08-25T10:26:00.000-04:002014-08-25T10:26:12.000-04:00Boys, don't lose your fun & colour!<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Actual conversation with my 4 y/o boy this morning:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Sam: Mom, I love my nails, I'm so happy. We have to remember to take it off before school starts.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Me: Why buddy?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Sam: Because I don't want the kids to make fun of me.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Me: Why would they make fun of you?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Sam: Because boys don't paint their nails.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Me: Some boys paint their nails, and I think all boys should paint their nails cuz it's fun and colourful. Sometimes we</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> forget how to just have fun buddy, but that's not your fault and you shouldn't worry about what other people think.<br />Sam: (thinks about it for a minute)... Mom, thank you for saying that. I feel better now... can we paint my fingernails tonight too?<br />Me: Sure buddy.<br />Sam: YEAH! I'm the happiest boy in the world! (Gives me a big hug & kiss).<br /><br />If only everyone could remember what it was like to be 4 and to just want to have fun and be colourful. </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Boys, if you paint your nails (or want to paint them just for fun), please send me a picture so I can show Sam. <i class="_4-k1 img sp_EEtFn_ubaA6 sx_28ba13" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yi/r/ln7mZgK583Q.png); background-position: 0px -8046px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"></i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-70206697998871468732014-02-19T14:07:00.002-05:002014-02-19T14:07:36.828-05:00<u><strong>Things I learned today...</strong></u><br />
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1. Even though I think I am organized, I am not. Really. Not. Just because you put all your receipts, etc into a large box, and your emailed invoices into a folder called "Taxes 2013", that does not make you organized In fact, it makes for a very large, disorganized, headache come tax time.<br />
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2. I get distracted too easily. Oh look, the sun is shining. I see dust bunnies! Where's my Swiffer? Was that the laundry buzzer? See what I mean?<br />
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3. Even To Do Lists don't seem to keep me on track.<br />
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I need to work on that...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-76896542568999369852013-09-23T13:17:00.001-04:002013-09-23T13:17:05.929-04:00A TV Commercial Perfect LifeHello Blog World! I decided to start blogging again! <br />
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I am now officially a WAHM and I am so excited. I quit my last "job" in June of this past year, took a much-needed family vacation to Texas to see my sister, and then spent the summer with my family and working on my home based business.<br />
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You see, in May of this year, I had a breakdown... or a breakthough as I prefer to call it. I had realized that since my son was born, almost 4 years ago, I had yet to spend a summer with him, and September, his first day of school, was looming just around the corner.<br />
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I was full of regret. I was too busy working, changing careers again, and again, studying, finding new "jobs". Where did the 4 years go?? I really thought that once I had my own children (or child), I would be able to find that balance, the right career or job, that would give us the income we need plus the time I wanted to be able to spend with same. I was looking for that TV Commercial Perfect Life!<br />
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I'm learning that life is not perfect, nor is it meant to be perfect and it is CERTAINLY NOT like a tv commercial. It's meant to be full of ups and downs, highs and lows, laughs and tears, excitement and tiredness, but most of all it's meant to be enjoyed.<br />
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Here's a funny story of life in my house:<br />
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<span class="userContent">This weekend I was away at a conference in Edmonton, Albert, and I had the pleasure and honour of meeting NVP <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=754455437&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/kelly.greeningthoburn?directed_target_id=0">Kelly Greening-Thoburn</a>. She was kind enough to invite us back to her room for a party with her team (who are all awesome btw). While chatting, she is telling us this beautiful story of how lucky she is to have found Arbonne because it enables her to wake up her boys every morning by climbing into bed with them, telling them how much she loves them and how lucky she is. Just like a TV Commercial and I'm thinking to myself, "Self, this is the mom you want to be!". </span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent">So this morning, I gently climb into Sam's bed and lean over to give him a kiss and my four year old promptly smashes his hand into my face and says "Mom, what are you doing in my bed?! I'm sleeping!" I calmly reply "I just wanted to cuddle before we have to get up for school." To which he answers "NO CUDDLES, JUST SLEEP! GET OUT OF MY BED"! There goes that dream... clearly my child is NOT a morning person and that was definitely NOT a TV commercial. </span><span class="userContent">LOL </span><br />
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<span class="userContent">On a happier note, five minutes later he did call me back into his room for cuddles, because "now I'm ready to cuddle" he says, so there is hope for my family. </span><br />
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<span class="userContent">The same thing happened yesterday at the airport. Arriving off the plane and walking to get my bag, I am looking for my husband and son. I'm watching all the other families, there is lots of hugs and kisses, tears of joy, smiles and laughter, and I am looking for the "perfect airport arrival". You know the one I'm talking about. The hubby is there waiting with a smile, the son comes running into your arms and hubby picks up your bag with one hand, your hand in the other...</span><br />
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<span class="userContent">So, I'm looking and looking, no hubby, no son. So I text and he says "on my way". So with a smile, I collect my own bag and head outside to wait... and wait.... and wait. Half an hour later, the terminal is empty, it's freezing cold outside and my hubby is still not there. Ten more minutes later, the smile is gone, I'm frozen, and they finally pull up. I put the smile back on my face, hubby takes my bag (no kiss) and says "Sam has to pee". This is my welcome home #1. I open the back door, lean in to give Sam a hug and kiss and he says "Mommy! I'm so happy to see you!! Now take me to pee really quick!!". This is my welcome home #2. Yes my friends, this is my life. </span><br />
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<span class="userContent">I really need to stop comparing myself to other people, comparing my life to others and trying to be like other people. Our life is our life. Is it perfect? No. Is it funny, heck yes! I think we make the perfect tv family.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-51295147974684392302012-04-16T21:00:00.001-04:002012-04-16T21:00:43.579-04:00Of course my son is a genious!I'm still trying to figure out how I can post to my blog using my Blackberry. If I could figure that out, then I would most certainly be posting more often.<br />
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Having said that, I had the most incredible weekend with my boys. Sam is getting so big and I have to be honest, I can't believe his vocabulary at 2.5 years old.<br />
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I know it's wrong to compare my kid to other kids, and I know that every child does things at their own pace, but I seriously know that my kid is a genious. I can actually sit and have a full conversation with my son and he can read books back to me. Granted, he loves to make up stories, but that just confirms that he's a genious because he has the greatest imagination for his age. <br />
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Plus, I think he has superior athletic ability. He can pick up any ball and we just have to show him once what to do (well, he will only let us show him once) and then he can do it himself. You should see his basketball skills. Maybe I should get him an agent...<br />
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Do you think your child is gifted as well?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-25434517101493358372012-04-11T22:21:00.000-04:002012-04-11T22:21:07.572-04:00ThoughtsIt has been FOREVER since I've had time to sit down and write a blog. Having a 2.5 year old boy, a family and 3 jobs doesn't leave time for much. Therefore, my blog is going to turn into more of an interactive comment piece. I will try to post updates, thoughts, curiosities and the like, and feel free to comment back (nicely of course). <br />
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Tonight's comment: After Sam had a "sensitivity" to amoxicillin last week, which resulted in a head to toe rash, fever and 24 hours of painful diarrhea, we've had to get back to sleep training. Mommy finally hit her breaking point last night and needed a good night sleep. Sam cried for a full 30 minutes and then was out like a light until 4am. We had a little "battle" until about 4:45am and I won that round again. Tonight he cried for a full 5 minutes. Yup, 5 minutes. Why was I so worried that he would never sleep well again? Hopefully he will sleep through the night tonight. Fingers Crossed!!!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-39160754698177781432011-11-27T12:59:00.001-05:002011-11-27T15:27:55.537-05:0040 and Fabulous... well, fabulous in the making!I recently turned 40. Yup, 40. I am not your typical person in that I was actually looking forward to my 40th birthday. Just like every year, I consider my birthday the only day on the calendar when I can be 100% selfish and say, without a doubt, IT IS ALL ABOUT ME TODAY! My birthday! Twenty-four fun hours of ME! ME! ME! I love my birthday, I always have and I always will. My theory is that your birthday is going to happen whether you like it not, so you might as well enjoy it! Every year, I enjoy it! This year was going to be no different... or so I originally thought when I was planning it.<br />
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I decided that this year, instead of a traditional birthday party at home, I wanted to do something different. Because 40 is a bit of a "milestone", and frankly, I have everything I need, I decided to host a 40th Birthday Fundraiser with the Canadian Cancer Society's "Girls Night In" program, which supports all Women's Cancers. I chose Under the Volcano, a delicious Mexican restaurant in downtown London, which is owned by a friend of mine. Great location, awesome food, a fun atmosphere and fantastic staff (Special shout out to Alejandro & my Dad who sang to me and Alejandro made me blush).<br />
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I can not begin to tell you how nervous I was. I was not only nervous to host a birthday party and invite more than just my family and a few close friends, but nervous that I wouldn't get a decent amount of money raised. When I was originally planning this event, I was 150% positive that it was a great idea, but the moment I hit 'SEND' on my invitation email, I felt like I wanted to throw up. Why you ask? Well, for starters, I've always feared that no one will show up to my parties. Sounds silly, I know. I have a great friend, Monika, who throws killer parties. I'm talking fun decorations, lots of food, great music and TONS of people. A packed house every time! I love that about her, everyone loves Monika, but my parties are never quite like that. My parties are much more low key, just a few people, mostly family, and everyone tends leaves early. And I'm ok with that. For some reason, the thought of trying to throw a big party, well, it makes me feel weird. Insecure maybe? Perhaps. More than likely. I'm truly afraid that no one will show up to my party. That's why I don't even try. I'm a party chicken. <br />
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I've noticed that since I've started selling Arbonne, more and more people stop replying to my emails, invitations, etc. It's the curse of the business and I understand that, but it really made me insecure about hosting this fundraiser. I normally don't stray too far out of my "invitation comfort zone". Those include my family, of course, who always support me. They are forever my biggest fans and cheerleaders. This includes Paul's family. I am so lucky and blessed to have married into a family whom I love and they love me back equally. My mother and my sister-in-law have turned into my "plus 1's". Always my date to functions and parties (especially anything Arbonne related), but also when my husband can't make it or needs to stay home to look after Sam. I also have a few key friends that I can count on to show up, given enough notice.<br />
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Other than that, I do not normally stray too far from this list. Why? Because that would be crazy! That, my friends, would be setting myself up for disappointment. And I do that... a lot. I come from a family of big expectations. We're Italian (mostly) and I'm the "baby". They expect of lot of me and I do the same of them. So, I tend to get disappointed when other's don't follow that same line of expectation. Needless to say, I tried hard not to set my expectations too high for this party, so I wouldn't be disappointed.<br />
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Back to the "SEND" button. I hit it, felt nauseous, and then waited... staring longingly at my computer screen. Nothing. A few minutes later... still nothing. An hour later... still nothing. I felt the turn of my stomach and the disappointment looming so I shut off the computer and tried not to think about it. When I checked my replies the next day I was so elated to have 4 or 5 replies! One from my mother, of course, and the rest were from a mix of people, friends & family, and I was so pleased. I actually smiled... a big smile. Yay! People, other than my "comfort zone's", were coming to my party! It wasn't going to be a "Monika" party, but people were coming! I was so excited!! <br />
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Over the course of the next few of days, I received a various on-line donations, which is awesome, and a few no's. And then that was it. Nothing. No more activity. And then guess what happend? It showed up. Disappointment. It was rising up from the pit of my stomach, the back of my brain and the depths of my heart. NOOO!! Stop it Michelle! Just stop it!<br />
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Why is it we (I) feel disappointed when we (I) have so many wonderful things to be thankful for? People were coming to my party! People were donating! People were apologizing for not being able to come! But why was I fixated on the 40+ people that didn't bother to reply instead of the people that DID reply? Are we all wired that way or is it just me? If someone invites me to something, whether it be by phone, email, regular mail, even text message, I ALWAYS reply. Whether I can attend or not, I reply. Again with the big expectations of other people. Just because I was taught to reply, why do I expect other people do to the same. What was my problem??? Me, I'm the problem and my own worst enemy. <br />
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The day of my party, I really had to sit back and give myself a HUGE mental and emotional adjustment. I was extremely happy with the people I knew were coming to my party and I was very excited to see them and spend time with them all. Maybe it's the spoiled part of me that was feeling unsatisfied? Or maybe it was the insecure part of me that wants everyone to love me and to be there every time I say "be there"! Wow, talk about unrealistic expectations. I came to the conclusion that it's all of the above. <br />
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Even my son was trying to throw a wrench into my day. He had gotten the croup again this year and it had reared it's ugly sounding cough the day before my party. However, I wasn't going to let that ruin my night. It was my night, my party, my friends and my fundraiser. Now it was all about having fun and making some money for a good cause. That is where I needed to put my focus & my energy. I knew I was leaving my son in good, capable hands, but he sure wasn't going to make it easy on me.<br />
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I managed to put all of my fears and insecurities aside and enjoy my party. And I really did enjoy it. It was great to see my Mom and Dad, Alicia & Uncle Frank, Uncle Wayne, Terri & Bruno, Evona & Mark, Leanne & Jayson, Paul & Shirley, my bff Pat, my friend Monika (yes, THE Monika) who I have known for 30 years, my sister-in-law Susete and my neice Julia, my friend Nancy and her two daughters and a surprise from a very special guest. My brother Guy, drove all the way up from Battavia, Illinois to surprise me, and boy was I surprised. I started bawling right on the spot. Unfortunately no one got a picture of the moment, but here is the moments after.<br />
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It was a truly wonderful evening. There are so many positive things about that evening, that when I re-read this post and read about how I was feeling in the days prior, I feel... silly. We raised just over $400 and proceeds went to the Girls Night In fundraising program. The only "wrinkle" in the evening was my husband getting called home early to look after our little man who wasn't feeling well.<br />
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And guess what I have learned from this experience? I've learned that yes, I am spoiled... but I'm learning to be more grateful and appreciative of what I do have. Yes, I am insecure... but I'm learning to put more trust in myself and faith in the people I love. Yes, I have high expectations... but I'm learning to accept people as they are. Yes, I am unrealistic some times... but I am learning to love myself for my short-comings. It's all a part of growing up I guess. I'm learning that turning 40 is not such a bad thing when you come out the other side a better person.<br />
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Thank you to everyone who came out that night, everyone who donated, and for all the people who sent me birthday wishes by phone, mail, email & facebook. <br />
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A Special thank you to the following people:<br />
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My husband Paul - While I am disappointed that you had to leave early, thank you for going home so that I could stay with my guests and so that I could relax knowing that Sam was being well cared for in the comfort of our home. Thank you so much for always supporting me, trusting in me and being my best friend and partner through life... my crazy life. I love you so much!<br />
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Under the Volcano - Melanie, Dagmar, Alejandro and our server/bartender for helping me accomplish such a wonderful evening. <a href="http://iloveunderthevolcano.onpage1hosting.com/">http://iloveunderthevolcano.onpage1hosting.com/</a><br />
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Girls Night In - Canadian Cancer Society - for making this fundraising idea really easy for me.<br />
<a href="http://convio.cancer.ca/site/PageNavigator/Ontario/Girls%20Night%20In/IFE_ON_GirlsNightIn_home">http://convio.cancer.ca/site/PageNavigator/Ontario/Girls%20Night%20In/IFE_ON_GirlsNightIn_home</a><br />
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Manon Dion from Sweet Tooth Cakes for the amazing cupcakes that were decorated with the yellow cancer flower and the pink cancer ribbon. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/209354645784456/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/209354645784456/</a><br />
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Thank you to the following people who donated items for the raffle draws which helped contribute greatly to our fundraising total:<br />
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Cheryl Lalande - Evolution Fitness - <a href="http://evolutionfit.ca/">http://evolutionfit.ca/</a><br />
Lona Quenneville - Tupperware<br />
Alisha Gleiser - Stella & Dot Jewellery - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/209354645784456/#!/groups/138369952888373/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/209354645784456/#!/groups/138369952888373/</a><br />
Fran Prout Vail - Epicure Solutions<br />
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And of course, Arbonne!<br />
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If I am forgetting anyone who supported me in any way, please know that I am forever grateful. Every little touch was sincerely appreciated. Hopefully I don't have to worry about it again for another 10 years.<br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><em>“Other things may change us, but we start and end with family”—Anthony Brandt</em></span><br />
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Enjoy some pictures!<br />
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But today was different. Today it was unexpected. Today, my stepdaughter was asked to guest play for the U12 Boys team because they were short players. The coach for the boys emailed my husband and asked specifically for Emily and another girl. I have to admit, I was really proud when Paul forwarded me the email... and I was also surprised that Emily said yes. This was a game that I was not going to miss and since Sam spent the night at Nonna's, I was good to go! <br />
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So off we went. Paul, Emily, her mom, and I, and of course we were all giving Emily various pep talks the entire drive to London. "Just play hard." "Don't worry to much." "Just get in there and show those boys what you've got." We were saying all these things believing she wasn't going to get much time on the pitch. We could also tell that Emily was really nervous. Nervous to play with the boys, nervous because we were watching, but most of all, nervous because there's a boy (for the purposes of this story we will refer to him as "the boy") that she has had a crush on since Kindergarten, who plays on this particular team. She wanted to ensure that she impressed not only us, but the coach, and of course "the boy".<br />
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So the boys start playing and Emily and the other girl are on the bench. Emily is biting her nails. Our boys started winning right away, so about 10 minutes into the game the coach put our girls on the field. And that's when it happend... that feeling in the pit of my stomach. I couldn't believe how much I wanted Emily to succeed. I wanted her to put her insecurites aside and play well. I wanted it so badly that it made me catch my breath. I wanted it for her. I wanted it for her dad. I wanted it for her mom. And I wanted it for me too! I wanted it so badly that I didn't even realize I was holding my breath. And guess what? She did it! She played well. She made some nice stops, nice tackles, nice passes, nice kicks. She even tackled some poor boy from the other team and he fell into the nets (it was all she would talk about on the way home).<br />
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Our team was up 8-0 and I was relaxed and enjoying the game and I could tell Emily was too. And then, to my surprise, it happend again. About 10 minutes before the game ended our club's U13 girls started showing up for their game which was next on the schedule. All of a sudden I heard one of the girls say loudly "Hey (Nameless)! Your boyfriend is here!!" And that's when it happened again... "the boy" has a girlfriend and she had shown up to watch the girls play. My heart stopped, and my breath caught in my throat. I looked over at Emily who was only a few feet away on the bench, hoping she hadn't heard. I didn't want anything to divert her attention from the game because she was doing well. Again, I didn't realize I was holding my breath. Thankfully she hadn't heard this exchange and I could breathe easily again. I saw the sadness in her eyes when the game was over and she noticed "the girlfriend". However, "the boy" didn't seem to pay much attention so Emily was able to enjoy her moment and their win.<br />
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This parenting and step-parenting thing is much more difficult than I ever thought. My desire for Emily and Sam to be happy and well adjusted sometimes keeps me up at night. Are we doing right by them? Will they be ok? Will they have good friends? Will they succeed in whichever path they choose? Are we preparing them for the tough times they will have to go through? Are we helping them enjoy the present? Are we giving good advice? Are we being too hard on them? Are we being too lenient? I have to remember to just breathe, go with my gut, do my best and everything will work out as it should.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-69567829043216909892011-10-30T19:38:00.000-04:002011-10-30T20:54:39.224-04:00To Keep or Not to Keep?My son Sam had his 2nd birthday on October 11 and it was so much fun! Sam is the only "baby" in our family at the moment (the next one closest to him in age is my stepdaughter Emily, and she's 11), so Sam really gets doted on...who am I kidding, we spoil him rotten.<br />
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Anyway, after a couple of weeks, the dust has settled and the multitude of new toys have found their place in various spots around the hous, The new clothes have been untagged, washed and put away, and even though Elmo still hangs on the wall and the Sesame Street balloons are still floating through my living room, our house has somewhat returned to it's pre-birthday party state.<br />
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So, tonight I sat down to write my thank you cards. As I've gotten older, I've learned to appreciate the small things and I've turned into a big believer in hand-written thank you cards... cards in general actually. I get this from my mother who sends cards to everyone for every occassion (she sends out her Christmas cards in November!). The truth is, we all love to receive mail that isn't bills. Even though my 69 year old mother is on Facebook and has her own email account, snail mail is her forte and frankly, I'm enjoying carrying on this particular tradition. <br />
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I have a horrible memory (just ask my husband) so when receiving gifts I like to write the gift received in the card that it (normally) comes with. This task accomplishes many things for me. First, I love re-reading all the cards after everyone is gone so I can concentrate on the thoughtfulness of the card. Some people put a lot of thought and effort into choosing the right card (I am one of those people), so I feel the need to give the card my full attention. Second, sometimes the gift opening happens so fast that I tend to miss a lot of what happened, who gave what, etc. Third, sometimes gifts get misplaced amid the chaos, so it's a good way to keep things organized until I can sort it all out at a later time (especially gift cards or gifts of money). The last reason, and most important reason for me, is so I can personalize the thank you cards.<br />
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The question is, now what do I do with the birthday cards? I've read them twice, used them to write the thank you notes, and now what? Do I keep them? Do I throw them out? This is an ongoing dilemma for me... the problem of "keepsakes". What is worth keeping for Sam and what isn't? I'm not into keeping many things, except maybe pictures. I believe my mom has one bin of my "stuff" from growning up, but I think I threw out everything else. Do I regret not keeping some of my old things like my high school cheerleading uniform? Some days yes, but most days no. However, I'm feeling very conflicted on what to do with Sam's stuff. Will he hate me when he's 40 and he realizes that I didn't keep every single card he ever received? I don't think so, but what if...? When he's gone away to college, will <em>I</em> regret not having these things to look back on? I just don't know.<br />
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I have kept a few things of his. For example, I kept his baby blanket from the hospital and the hair they had to shave off his head in the NICU when they put the tubes in. I've kept his Baptism outfit, the first picture Emily drew for Sam, and the first picture Sam painted in nursery school. I have also kept all the cards from his 1st Birthday. But do I really need to keep the cards from every birthday?? I had to make make a decision and ultimately they went in the trash. Let the guilt set in...<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-52783369622121027812011-10-25T11:30:00.000-04:002011-10-25T11:30:57.763-04:00BabySteps - Living Life One Day at a Time: Family, Friends & Fundraising = Happiness<a href="http://babysteps-livinglifeonedayatatime.blogspot.com/2011/10/family-friends-fundraising-happiness.html?spref=bl">BabySteps - Living Life One Day at a Time: Family, Friends & Fundraising = Happiness</a>: Wow! I can not even tell you what an AMAZING weekend I had... actually I can tell you, and I will tell you, but first a little bit of backg...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-48001332846629568382011-10-24T13:57:00.000-04:002011-10-26T20:25:29.734-04:00Family, Friends & Fundraising = HappinessWow! I can not even tell you what an AMAZING weekend I had... actually I can tell you, and I will tell you, but first a little bit of background.<br />
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Ever since Arbonne found me almost a year ago, I have done a lot of soul searching and thankfully a lot of growing. With much thanks to Arbonne and their love of "bettering yourself to be a better leader", I've read some wonderful books, taken part in many inspiring workshops and even attended my first Canadian National Training Conference in Calgary this past September with Keynote Speaker John Maxwell. <br />
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Now, I have always known (and fully admitted) that I am spoiled rotten. I am the youngest in my family (by 9 years... can you say "oops!") and therefore, I was pretty much handed anything I've ever wanted. I get spoiled in so many ways, that most of the time I don't even recognize it. <br />
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So, when I was finally able to quit my full-time sales job in the travel industry this past summer, I knew that I wanted to devote more time to thinking less about me and more about giving. Please understand that this is not an easy task when you've been spoiled. My former sales job took me out of town, out of province and out of the country often and I LOVED IT...when I was single. But having a husband and a toddler changes one's perspective. I really want to be home... and I want to stay home. Don't get me wrong, I still want to travel, but I want to do so with my family, not for my job.<br />
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Back to giving... I truly want to be a better person and this is one of the things I love about Arbonne. They also want you to be the best person you can be. Now, I'm not a bad person by any means. I believe it would be difficult to find someone who thinks I am a truly horrible person, but we spoiled folk tend to be naive when it comes to giving and being sincere. And we desperately want to be liked... by everyone. I will be 40 soon and I still have a desire to be liked... but most importanly I wanted to be respected AND liked. I want words like "fun, giving, engaging, funny, smart, caring & sincere" to be attached to my name. "Yes, I know Michelle, she's a truly wonderful person". Hmmm, maybe people don't really speak like that, but wouldn't it be nice for people to at least think it when they hear my name? I would really like that... but more importantly I would like it to be true. I certainly have many moments of "sincerity", but a lot of the time the selfish part of me asks: What's in it for me? Will being sincere and doing things to make other people happy push aside my own selfishness? Will it still help me achieve my goals for me and family? How will it benefit ME??<br />
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The answer is simple: Happiness. I have found that when I do something for other people it makes me happy... truly, sincerely, crazy happy.<br />
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This weekend was the perfect example and the bonus is it was so much fun! On Friday night my son stayed at my parents and my husband and I went out for dinner with his sister and brother-in-law (date night!). Then I got to spend some quality time with my man, talking, laughing, catching up together on our recorded tv shows from the week. We both did work around the house on Saturday, and then on Saturday night I left my husband and son to do some manly bonding and I went out. I went out for a cause... a great cause!<br />
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My BFF Pat and I, along with two other amazing Arbonne sisters, Evona & Diane, attended Dressfest. Dressfest is a new charity fundraiser in London that supports the London Regional Cancer Centre Patient Assistance Program. We, as Arbonne Consultants, sponsored this event and offered to do makeup and touchups for donations. Why would we do makeup for a charity fundraiser you ask? Well, the catch to this fundraiser is you have to come in your wedding dress. Well yours, or borrowed, rented, or bought, etc. So, armed with wedding dressess and makeup cases in hand, we were able to showcase our product to approximately 100 ladies and we helped a charity that is very near and dear to my heart.<br />
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Dressfest is only in it's second year and it is growing by leaps and bounds. The host this year was Q97.5 and they had a silent auction room with so many goodies I'm surprised I didn't go home completely broke, a free wine bar sponsored by Harrison Pensa, fun raffle prizes & draws, a delicious appetizer bar, and music and dancing. It was so much fun to meet all these amazing women and see a room full of beautiful wedding dresses. Some dresses brought back fun memories from weddings in the 80's & 90's with the huge puffed sleeves and hats with veils. They even had prizes for the oldest dress, etc. I believe one winner had on her dress from her marriage back in 1971. Let me tell you, after 5 hours of non-stop talking, socializing, applying makeup and chit chat, I was exhausted. But I felt elated on my drive home because we did something good for people in need. I forgot my camera (duh) so I apologize for the grainy pictures taken from my cellphone. I will be better prepared next year!! <a href="http://www.dressfest.ca/">www.dressfest.ca</a> <br />
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My fantastic mood carried over into Sunday where my mom and I hosted an Arbonne Holiday party/fundraiser at my mom's house for the same charity. I had cash and carry Arbonne items available plus I am raffling off the Arbonne Vanilla Amber Holiday gift set and all proceeds will be going to the Patient Assistance Program charity. We didn't have a huge turnout, but I still made $50 for the charity and my good mood has continued to last me into a gloomy, rainy Monday morning. <br />
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I am proud to say that this past weekend was my third charity fundraiser this year. The first was the Yard Sale for the Cure back in May in which we raised over $800 for Breast Cancer Research. I had the help of family and friends and raffle baskets donated. <br />
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The second was the CIBC Run for the Cure in September. My husband, son and I raised almost $400 and walked together as a family. We met lots of family & friends who were also walking for this cause. My husband and I decided that next year we are going to put in our own team and my husband really wants me to Run, not walk. My new goal for the spring is to start training so I can run the 5k with my hubby.<br />
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The best part is I spent the entire weekend with people I love the most. My family and good friends. I did some fundraising for charity and I feel truly great about myself. I feel... happy. Maybe there is hope for the spoiled me after all. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-39065908817358134602011-10-16T21:36:00.000-04:002011-10-16T21:36:06.470-04:00He still loves me! A "sleep training" success story!I can actually ask this question of many things, but tonight I am referring to "sleep training" my son Sam. <br />
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If you look back at a previous post a few days ago, Sam has trouble sleeping. Well, that's not entirely accurate. Ever since our trip to Italy this past summer, my husband or I have been having to lay down in Sam's room until he falls asleep. That was fine for the first few months, not a big deal really. Just missing some average television. It actually gave me some time to catch up on my reading. However, lately Sam has been waking up in the middle of the night and wants us to lay down in the bed. Please understand that Sam has just turned two, and he has always been a good sleeper (we've been spoiled). Most of the time he will sleep right through the night, so these past few months have been exhausting, to say the least. <br />
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In hindsight, we should have started sleep training him as soon as we returned from our vacation. We actually thought it would rectify itself over time (WRONG!). I also have to be honest, the idea of "sleep training" made me want to vomit. I couldn't bare the thought of Sam crying himself to sleep. However, after one particularily exhausting evening of getting up with Sam through the night, I decided it was time. My husband and I read some books and articles on sleep training, discusssed which method we were comfortable with, and then chose our course of action. <br />
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This past Thursday night was THE night. We conducted our usual nightly ritual of bath, snack, brush teeth, books and bed, and then we left the room. Before I left the room I told Sam that I would leave the door open and I would be in my office (across the hall) and that I would come and check on him in a few minutes. He looked at me for a moment (I could see this processing, and he didn't look happy) and then it started. The crying. I continued to walk out of the room (with my heart sinking) and the crying turned into screaming. I went into my office and my husband went into our bedroom (to make sure I didn't crack). After a few minutes, I grabbed a tissue, went into Sam's room, wiped his eyes and nose, told him that I love him but it's time to sleep and I'll be back in a few minutes. And that's what we did for the next 46 minutes. Every few minutes, I would go in, wipe his tears and his nose, reassure him, kiss him, and then leave. <br />
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At 47 minutes, the screaming and crying stopped. It just stopped. I thought to myself "Good Lord, I killed him." My heart broke. I jumped out of my office chair and slowly crept into this room. As I made my way to the crib, I picked up two stuffed animals, his favourite blankie and his soother... all of which he threw at some point during the screaming fit. I approached the crib quietly and peeked over the rail. There he was, my beautiful son, laying quietly on his back, staring up at me. He didn't say a word. I tucked him under his blanket, gave him his stuffies and his soother, wiped his eyes and nose, told him again how much I love him and that it was time for sleep, and he closed his eyes and went to sleep.<br />
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I went to bed feeling horribly guilty and truly believing that that my son was going hate me forever. My husband told me he was proud of me, and although I truly appreciated his support, I still felt like a horrible mother. <br />
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Eight hours later I awoke with a start... I realized that miraculously we all slept through the night! I went in to check on Sam, fully expecting him to give me the cold shoulder, and he just looked up at me with those big brown doe eyes, smiled and said "Hi Mom". HE DOESN'T HATE ME! YAY!!<br />
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I am happy to report that for the past 3 nights Sam has gone to bed, on his own, without a tear, and has slept through the night. Tonight I asked myself a question: How did I not see it? Why did I not understand that Sam fully expected us to still be in the bed because that's where we were when he fell asleep? Duh! It's common sense! Now, because we are not in the room when he falls asleep, he doesn't look for us if he wakes in the night. He just puts himself back to sleep. Why didn't we do this right when we got back from Italy? Who knows... I guess some of us have to learn the hard way.<br />
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Now to figure out when to tackle the soother...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdRPDSTpC_O1vfgFTjf08LyO7NZf7_-UmGH-ukJUQDK609PgbfSqsSIhWqtzJjRqZ482ezYNqyozGisA6L9vnqS38W5LNd7swUD8jldAyZQIzSHYprrKxNOOd127UFMPsjbPy1dopje0/s1600/Mommy%2526Sammy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdRPDSTpC_O1vfgFTjf08LyO7NZf7_-UmGH-ukJUQDK609PgbfSqsSIhWqtzJjRqZ482ezYNqyozGisA6L9vnqS38W5LNd7swUD8jldAyZQIzSHYprrKxNOOd127UFMPsjbPy1dopje0/s320/Mommy%2526Sammy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-46514595507292841622011-10-12T21:12:00.000-04:002011-10-12T21:12:51.829-04:00BabySteps - Living Life One Day at a Time: Just who is in charge here?<a href="http://babysteps-livinglifeonedayatatime.blogspot.com/2011/10/just-who-is-in-charge-here.html?spref=bl">BabySteps - Living Life One Day at a Time: Just who is in charge here?</a>: It seems like just yesterday I spent 36 hours in labour to finally meet my son Sam. In the blink of an eye, two years has flown by and his ...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-63564702010900787102011-10-12T21:05:00.001-04:002011-10-12T21:05:51.878-04:00BabySteps - Living Life One Day at a Time: All About Sam - A birthday tribute to my son who t...<a href="http://babysteps-livinglifeonedayatatime.blogspot.com/2011/10/all-about-sam-birthday-tribute-to-my.html?spref=bl">BabySteps - Living Life One Day at a Time: All About Sam - A birthday tribute to my son who t...</a>: I can not believe how quickly the past two years have gone. I remember Sam's birth like it was yesterday. I have vivid memories of a very...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-10694494256194450622011-10-12T21:05:00.000-04:002011-10-12T21:05:18.670-04:00BabySteps - Living Life One Day at a Time: An Unproductive Rainy Day<a href="http://babysteps-livinglifeonedayatatime.blogspot.com/2011/10/unproductive-rainy-day.html?spref=bl">BabySteps - Living Life One Day at a Time: An Unproductive Rainy Day</a>: My day started like most days for us.. Paul leaves for work as I lay in bed waiting for Sam to wake up. Sam wakes up too early (6:30am), so...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-69436440776722435892011-10-12T16:49:00.000-04:002011-10-12T16:49:06.680-04:00An Unproductive Rainy DayMy day started like most days for us.. Paul leaves for work as I lay in bed waiting for Sam to wake up. Sam wakes up too early (6:30am), so I stumble to his room and fall into the empty double bed, mutter for Sam to go back to sleep and pull the covers over my head to block out the sound of his groaning (one of his self-soothing methods). <br />
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The next thing I know, it's 7:40am and I really have to go... of course my leaving the room wakes up Sam, so I grab him out of his crib we jump back into the double bed for a 10 minute Mommy/Sammy snuggle, which I LOVE! "Mommy, watch Elmo?" My one eye pops open. "Mommy, eat toast & peanut butter?" My other eye pops open. Ok, up and at em! A quick diaper change (part of the deal-making process) and we head downstairs. I set Sam up in his high chair with his milk, grapes and video of Curious George, while I make my coffee and wait for Vovo to come pick up Sam so I can start my day.<br />
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8:45am and Vovo is here, I pack Sam into the car with his clothes for the day and I run back inside and get started. I throw in a load of laundry, empty the dishwasher, clean up the kitchen. My morning is becoming quite productive. My sister calls from Texas and I grab my coffee and sit my butt on the sofa and chat for half an hour. We never chat about anything overly interesting, but I love the sound of her voice. This morning she does manage to irritate me by mentioning that my two career choices are probably not my best choices in life, but we get past that and move on to more pleasurable topics. We hang up and I call my friend and Arbonne RVP Evona to discuss how my Arbonne business is going. I have to admit, my October is slower than I would had originally hoped, but my November is shaping up nicely. I tell Evona all about my big plans for Arbonne for the day, hang up, change the laundry, grab my water bottle, drop in half a tab of my Arbonne Essentials Energy Fizz Tab (much better than a caffine buzz), and make my way up to my office to start making calls and working. <br />
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Six hours later I sit here and have not accomplished anything. Well, anything noteworthy that is. Unfortunately my two career choices, real estate & Arbonne, are both networking and marketing businesses and if I'm not "out there" or making calls, I'm not making any money. <br />
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Today, I am no where near "out there". I'm cleaning out my inboxes, filing away papers, cleaning my desk and staring at the large binder of Arbonne clients I should be calling to move my business... and I think my laundry has been sitting there for hours untouched. I did, however, unpack my shipment of new Arbonne business cards and another shipment of John Maxwell's new book "5 Levels of Leadership". I ordered the Mabel's Labels "Loot Bag" combos for Sam's "friend" birthday party on Sunday. SHOUT OUT TO MABEL'S LABELS (I hope they get here on time). I also sent out an eblast to all my contacts with some Arbonne Holidays specials and another eblast to my personal contacts regarding my new blog. Oh, and I did manage to write something for this blog. That's gotta count for something... right?<br />
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Ever have days like this? Days where you do "stuff", but feel like you did nothing? I blame the rain...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-56979364147944669362011-10-11T14:09:00.000-04:002011-10-11T14:54:52.069-04:00All About Sam - A birthday tribute to my son who turns 2 todayI can not believe how quickly the past two years have gone. I remember Sam's birth like it was yesterday.<br />
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I have vivid memories of a very, very long labour. I remember being so frozen from the epidural that I couldn't walk for 48 hours. I remember desperately pushing for well over 2 hours to try and get him out so he would be born on Thanksgiving (didn't happen). I remember scaring the heck out of my family because after 36 hours of labour and Sam being sent to the NICU, I was terrified and exhausted and just wanted everyone to go home. I remember how scared my husband and my step-daughter were. I remember my mom wearing sunglasses because her eyes were swollen from crying. I remember being afraid to take Sam home from the hospital after 3 days because I believed the NICU nurses could take better care of him than I. I remember sitting in the back seat of the car, draped protectively over the car seat, all of a sudden fearful that we would get in a car accident on the way home from the hospital. I remember desperately trying to nurse this little creature at just 5 lbs 12 ounces who would NOT latch on no matter how hard I tried or cried, or how many people tried to help. I remember the first time our eyes met and he looked right into my soul. I remember when I finally realized that I wasn't going to break him. I remember his first bath, the first time he grasped my finger, our first kiss, his first laugh, the first time he ate cereal and giggled the entire time I fed him. I remember the first time he rolled over and the first time he swatted at a toy dangling over his head. I remember how my heart stopped when he fell out of his high chair (I was almost sick to my stomach from fear & guilt). I remember holding my tiny little man while he slept soundly, rocking gently back and forth in the rocking chair in his room, in the dark, and being completely at peace. I remember the day I realized that it's not all about me... it's all about him.<br />
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And now he is a little man, just turning two, and I am the happiest I have ever been in my entire life. I love to watch him play, learn, laugh, discover, make new friends and talk to strangers. I love when he walks down the street with his arms swinging wildly. I love to watch him trying to learn how to skip, or run in the grass without falling, or trying to figure out his colours (when in doubt just say "blue") and trying to count his way up the 13 stairs in our house (he seems to forget numbers 4 and 5). I love when he says "MUAH" loudly when we kiss, or "WEEEEE" when he goes down the slide. I love watching his face as he tries to figure out his emotions. How his little brow furrows when I say it's time to leave the park or how his face lights up when I walk into the room. I love how enthusiastically he says "YEAH!" when I ask him if he wants to go outside and play, and when we are having a conversation and he says "Good Idea!".<br />
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I have a difficult time remembering what my life was like before Sam came into it. I know I was happy, my husband and my family make me very happy, but I don't think I was fully satisfied. Having Sam has given me something that I was trying to find for years. Years of changing boyfriends, jobs and careers. Years of travelling and moving around. Years of living in different houses, apartments & cities. All the time searching...<br />
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I have found what I was looking for and his name is Sam. I love you Little Man! Happy Birthday.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-89021118894065700122011-10-10T15:19:00.000-04:002011-10-10T19:00:24.773-04:00Just who is in charge here?It seems like just yesterday I spent 36 hours in labour to finally meet my son Sam. In the blink of an eye, two years has flown by and his second birthday is tomorrow.<br />
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Not that I'm tooting my own horn... ok, I am tooting it just a bit (TOOT TOOT!), but I happen to think my husband and I are pretty decent parents. Beside the odd accident here and there, Sam is growing up to be a happy, funny, polite, respectful, creative little boy (TOOT TOOT!). We are far from perfect, however, and my two biggest issues, which I have admittedly been trying to ignore, have now come to the forefront. Notice I said "my" issues. Sam only has these issues because of me and I am the one that needs to fix them. I've read lots of articles and books, and asked numerous people for advice. However good my intentions are, my execution is definitely lacking.<br />
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Here is my first dilemma... when Sam turned one I said that we would get rid of the soother. Well, his first birthday has obviously come and gone and we still allow him to use his soother for sleeping. I have to say, Sam is very good about it, he puts his soother down in his crib before we get him out and we've been doing that for quite some time. However, I've been noticing a fair number of older children walking around with soothers lately and I've been focusing on their teeth... crooked teeth. I'm not trying to be judgemental, but this is something I do not want for Sam... crooked teeth. So, for the past few months, I have been slowly tossing out the soothers and we are down to one at my house and one at each of the grandparents. <br />
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I have been telling my inner circle that when Sam turns two, we will finally get rid of the soother. I like to say these types of things out loud because then I have to hold myself accountable. Normally this works for me, but as I sit in Sam's room waiting for him to fall asleep (we'll get to this issue in just a moment), I can hear him happily sucking away on his final remaining soother and I lose my nerve. Who is the person in control here? <br />
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Sam's second birthday is a mere day away and now I'm not sure what to do or how to do it. Can you feel the panic set in? Plan A was to have him throw it out himself, as many a parent has said can happen. I've asked Sam numerous times over the past few weeks if he's ready to put "shushi" in the garbage and of course he says no... or rather "No Mommy, I need it." (sigh... he said need). To my surprise and delight he actually said yes the other day and wanted to put it in the garbage himself! Maybe this was going to be easier than I thought!! YIPPEE! We walked to the bathroom together and I opened the lid on the garbage for him, and then it happend. He froze, "shushi" in hand, staring wide-eyed at the open garbage can. I froze and before I could think of something positive and encouraging to say... he bolted...ran back to his room crying and put the soother in his crib. "No Mommy, no garbage! Shushi goes here!!" (inserting breaking heart here). Geez, I am such a sucker.<br />
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So, Plan B is to cut a hole in it so it loses it's suction (also recommended my numerous parents). Would be considered cruel on the eve of his birthday (insert arrow pointing to me, the wimp). I have no back up soother so am I in for a long night? Quite possibly. Do I have the courage or don't I? I know my husband would do it for me, but the last time we tried something like this, both Sam and I ended up in tears and Paul just got frustrated. Poor guy.<br />
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This brings me to our second dilemma, which involves putting Sam to sleep, and actually goes hand-in-hand with the soother dilemma. Is it smart to get rid of the soother when we're still having bed time issues? <br />
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Allow me to explain. From the time Sam was born, Paul and I decided to put him in his crib in his own room. We also have a double bed in his room so when we were on our all night feeding schedule, I just slept in there so we wouldn't wake my husband. Once Sam started eating infant cereal at 3.5 months, he would sleep through the night. Sam continues to be a fantastic sleeper and my husband and I are extremely lucky (knocking on wood). However, when we took a family trip to Italy this past summer, Sam slept with us in various hotel rooms for two full weeks. He was definitely suffering from seperation anxiety on that vacation, which has slowly gotten better over the past few months. With one exception... since we have been back from Italy, he refuses to fall asleep by himself in his room. He still sleeps in his crib and he's not trying to get out, but he will cry and cry and cry until he works himself into a complete dither. To say I tried the "cry out" method would be a lie. I have to be honest... I lasted less than 3 minutes. I fully admit that I am the wimp here. While I am glad this method has worked for other people, I just can't fathom the thought (or sound) of my son crying himself to sleep... no matter how many glasses of wine I've had.<br />
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So, here I am, sitting on the double bed in my son's room, while he falls asleep in his crib. I have put myself in a terrible position. Sam now fully expects one of us, including the grandparents when they are Sammy-sitting, to sit and wait until he falls asleep. I have created this "monster" of an issue and now I don't know how to fix it. Some have suggested moving Sam to a toddler bed, but are we all ready for that? On a positive note, this time spent waiting has allowed me to start writing my blog. That's gotta count for something right?<br />
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So, with the big birthday looming... should I just take the plunge and shell-shock the poor kid into loosing both his soother and his crib? Will I be able to stand my ground? Stay tuned...<br />
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<div class="actorDescription actorName" data-ft="{"type":2}">
<a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=139782679378764" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Positive-Parenting-Toddlers-and-Beyond/139782679378764">Positive Parenting: Toddlers and Beyond</a></div>
<span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}">“There is no way to be a perfect mother, and a million ways to be a good one” <br />Jill Churchill</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01380113944754497289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8669646210408592060.post-49668705937215660582011-10-07T14:01:00.000-04:002011-10-07T17:24:21.840-04:00Getting StartedWell, I did it. I took yet another leap of faith and started a blog. I've been wanting to do this for over a year, but I have to admit, I'm a better talker than I am a writer, so be nice and please don't comment on bad grammar or jumbled thoughts... unless they are funny comments of course.<br />
Frankly, I started this blog because I feel like I have a lot to say and I don't think that all my Facebook friends want to hear it all, cuz it's a lot. I believe that there are probably a lot of people out there that may be having the same kind of day I am, or maybe they'll get a chuckle out of my many parenting and life mishaps. This is going to be a place where I can write what I feel and not worry about Facebook backlash. lol Or so I hope.<br />
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So, I will start with a quick history on how my life has changed over the past 2 - 3 years and why I'm calling my blog Baby Steps.<br />
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I come from an amazing, loving family, and I admit, I was extremely spoiled and coddled... I still am actually (my dad still calls me "Mishy-Pooh"). So after college and working for 5 years as a legal secretary (borrrrinnnng), I decided to "take off" and try to figure out who I really was. The following 7 years (4 spent in Mexico & 3 in Vancouver) were the best and worst I can imagine, but I learned so much about myself, people, and the person that I really want to be.<br />
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Fast forward a few more years, I moved back home to be closer to my parents and I am now married to an amazing man, living in a small town, with an 11 year old step-daughter Emily (who lives with her mom but we see her every day) and my son, Sam, who will be 2 on October 11th. During this time, I quit my job in the travel industry (an industry I was in for over 15 years), got my real estate licence at the urging of my father, and started my own business with Arbonne. I thought that all those years I was away "finding myself" would be the most interesting years of my life, but oh how I was WRONG! My current life is waaaaaaaayyyyyy more interesting... but we'll get to that in another post.<br />
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Ciao for now!<br />
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