I couldn't let the year come to an end without a "wrap up" post. Yes, I know I'm a few days late, but if I've learned anything about finding balance in my life, it's that some things can wait. Lots has happened this past year. Some pieces are my stories to tell, other pieces are not...so I thought the best way to wrap it up was to write about what I've learned from all that went on. So here goes (in no particular order):
1. Life is too damn short not to live it with intention. And it seems like when you forget to live each day like it matters, you get a whack over the head with some piece of reality that makes you remember how precious it is.
2. You can never say I Love You to those that count in your life enough. Even those with a tough exterior need to hear it often...and we should do it now while we still can.
3. I am stronger than I thought both physically and mentally. Well most days mentally...other days I'm a big freaking mess! This year I took up running. I shrunk in size it got stronger with every stride.
4. My kids are growing up and there's not a damn thing I can do about it. I'm super proud of the little ladies they're becoming, but it is very hard for me to watch them exert their independence when all I want to do is shield them from the world. I'm still working on the whole "let them make their own mistakes" thing, but I swear I am working on it.
5. My family is super strong. A few bumps in the road this year, but I saw strength where I had forgotten it was. And I watched us rally the troops, link arms together, and say "we got this".
6. I have some amazing people that I get to counts my friends. I've gushed about how great they all are in a number of posts so won't get mushy here. All I will say is that I truly hope that my daughters find people in their lives like these ladies. People they can count on, who make them laugh from their toes, who are honest with them and who hug them when they need it. Oh and at least one friend must have a porch for late night chats...that is a necessity!
7. My kids have their own amazing strength. I think as adults we forget that being a kid is hard. It's hard to fit in (and some kids can be really, really mean!), and peer pressure to be like everyone else can wreak havoc on self esteem. I watched my girls deal with stuff this year that made me want to bring out mama bear, but they handled it in their own way (see #4...I really am trying). I love to see their strength and compassion, as long as they know tears are ok when they're needed...and mama bear is lurking the shadows if she's needed too.
8. Finding balance is hard. Like really hard. I always feel like I'm missing out on kids stuff, that I'm not working hard enough, that I should be making more elaborate meals, that the house isn't clean enough, blah, bla, blah. Here's what I know right now...I'm doing the best I can do and that's all I can do. I've worked hard this year telling the voices in my head to sit down and shut up...and they're getting a little quieter. I'm not sure they'll ever disappear, but I've come to realize that "doing too much" is how I roll. I've also learned it's ok to ask for help...that one I'm still working on but I'll get there!
So there you have it...my lessons from this year. I do plan to keep blogging here...I just can't promise how often. I'll be out racking up more lessons. :-)
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Birthdays
So for whatever reason, I've avoided writing this one. Figured I would like to look back on it a year from now so here goes.
Last week I turned 40. I was convinced that it wasn't bothering me, and guffawed anytime someone asked if that number was a big deal in my world. Me? No way...it's only a number. You're as young as you feel. I brought out every one liner I could think of to convince everyone that turning 40 was no big deal. Funny coincidence though - as the date got closer I got crabbier. Found my fuse even shorter than usual, and my energy level was through the floor. Finally, the night before the big day, I let myself consider that maybe it was bothering me.
As I mulled it over, I admitted to myself that, for whatever reason, this number was bothering me. Still not sure really why, but that 4 at the beginning of my age wasn't sitting well. Almost in the same instant I felt pretty guilty...how many people don't get to hit that number happy and healthy? So I let myself be grumpy for one more evening, then shook myself out of it. I don't feel a day over 30 (well most days), and I have lots in my life to be grateful for. The day came and went (complete with a couple of amazing surprises and a *little* bit of vodka and 7up) and I got reminded about how truly blessed I am.
I have a husband who stands beside me when I need him (even through all the crazy), and holds me up when I need him to. I am eternally grateful that he chose me.
I have two children who are happy (unless they're moody) and healthy. They give me kisses everyday, and tell me how much they love me. Best feeling ever.
I have an amazing group of friends who understand me the way no one else could. They make me laugh until I'm doubled over, and always have an ear for the days when laughter is not on the agenda. And they all make 40 look amazing - love you ladies!
I have a family who has seen their share of ups and downs this year. Thankfully the ups outweighed the downs - that's all any of us can ask for. And I love each of them for who they are and what they bring to my life.
When I go over all the things I've accomplished in 40 years, I can't wait to see what the next 40 bring.
J
Last week I turned 40. I was convinced that it wasn't bothering me, and guffawed anytime someone asked if that number was a big deal in my world. Me? No way...it's only a number. You're as young as you feel. I brought out every one liner I could think of to convince everyone that turning 40 was no big deal. Funny coincidence though - as the date got closer I got crabbier. Found my fuse even shorter than usual, and my energy level was through the floor. Finally, the night before the big day, I let myself consider that maybe it was bothering me.
As I mulled it over, I admitted to myself that, for whatever reason, this number was bothering me. Still not sure really why, but that 4 at the beginning of my age wasn't sitting well. Almost in the same instant I felt pretty guilty...how many people don't get to hit that number happy and healthy? So I let myself be grumpy for one more evening, then shook myself out of it. I don't feel a day over 30 (well most days), and I have lots in my life to be grateful for. The day came and went (complete with a couple of amazing surprises and a *little* bit of vodka and 7up) and I got reminded about how truly blessed I am.
I have a husband who stands beside me when I need him (even through all the crazy), and holds me up when I need him to. I am eternally grateful that he chose me.
I have two children who are happy (unless they're moody) and healthy. They give me kisses everyday, and tell me how much they love me. Best feeling ever.
I have an amazing group of friends who understand me the way no one else could. They make me laugh until I'm doubled over, and always have an ear for the days when laughter is not on the agenda. And they all make 40 look amazing - love you ladies!
I have a family who has seen their share of ups and downs this year. Thankfully the ups outweighed the downs - that's all any of us can ask for. And I love each of them for who they are and what they bring to my life.
When I go over all the things I've accomplished in 40 years, I can't wait to see what the next 40 bring.
J
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
A few of my favourite things
I'm a pretty easy person to impress. Show me something sparkly or some awesome shoes, or give me great service and you will inherit a client for life. Thought I'd share a few of things that make me happy right now. Let me know if any of them make your favourites list!
Renu Spa : In my opinion, this is the best spa in Ottawa. Not ashamed to admit that I love visiting spas, and have been to quite a few in the city. I have had just about every treatment at Renu and have never been disappointed. Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the products they use are heavenly. If you want an amazing experience you have got to go visit them!
Stella & Dot : Ok so if you know me, you know I'm a bit of an accessories junkie...and I love nothing more than a little sparkle added to any outfit. A couple of years ago, I was introduced to Stella & Dot products. All I could think at the time was "why the heck had I not heard of this stuff before?" They make amazing jewellery for every price range, and I recently bought one of their bag (Madison Tech bag) and am in love with them too. The BEST part for me is the awesome personal stylist that I was introduced to. Nadia is amazing, knows her stuff, and gives you honest opinion about pieces you are looking at. If you want to do some Christmas shopping, or just pick something up for yourself, you have got to get in touch with Nadia. Thanks to her, I have a pretty decent collection of S&D - and I LOVE every piece!
My Tory Burch flats: I recently bought 2 pairs of these flats, and they are my new go to shoes for comfort and style. If you want to indulge a bit, I totally recommend these shoes!
Tagalong Toys : So it may seem a little odd that I have a toy store on my list, but I could not create this list without acknowledging this Kanata store. The selection of toys is awesome (I always find the neatest stuff), but what impresses me the most is their service. Here's an example - I was on holidays and my daughter was asking (in the non stop way 8 year olds do) for a Rainbow Loom. I looked while I was away, but happened to send a message (via Twitter) to Patti at Tagalong Toys. She not only replied, but held one for me until I got back from holidays. When a store is local, and this focused on service, it's easy to make it one of my favourite places in Ottawa!
Terra20 : This is one of my new favourite finds in the city (I know...I'm a little behind) - and I'm a little addicted to their stuff. Not only is it eco-friendly, but very reasonably priced and the selection is incredible. I love their laundry detergent, have found my new favourite hand cream there, have stocked up on re-usable containers for lunches, and am loving the peppermint sticks I found there to help with my headaches. I usually go in for one thing, and end up spending lots of time browsing and finding new things to love. Definitely put this on your list to visit!
Remember to let me know if any of these are on your list of awesome things! And if I find anything else that warrants getting added to my "gotta love" list I'll let you know!
Renu Spa : In my opinion, this is the best spa in Ottawa. Not ashamed to admit that I love visiting spas, and have been to quite a few in the city. I have had just about every treatment at Renu and have never been disappointed. Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the products they use are heavenly. If you want an amazing experience you have got to go visit them!
Stella & Dot : Ok so if you know me, you know I'm a bit of an accessories junkie...and I love nothing more than a little sparkle added to any outfit. A couple of years ago, I was introduced to Stella & Dot products. All I could think at the time was "why the heck had I not heard of this stuff before?" They make amazing jewellery for every price range, and I recently bought one of their bag (Madison Tech bag) and am in love with them too. The BEST part for me is the awesome personal stylist that I was introduced to. Nadia is amazing, knows her stuff, and gives you honest opinion about pieces you are looking at. If you want to do some Christmas shopping, or just pick something up for yourself, you have got to get in touch with Nadia. Thanks to her, I have a pretty decent collection of S&D - and I LOVE every piece!
My Tory Burch flats: I recently bought 2 pairs of these flats, and they are my new go to shoes for comfort and style. If you want to indulge a bit, I totally recommend these shoes!
Tagalong Toys : So it may seem a little odd that I have a toy store on my list, but I could not create this list without acknowledging this Kanata store. The selection of toys is awesome (I always find the neatest stuff), but what impresses me the most is their service. Here's an example - I was on holidays and my daughter was asking (in the non stop way 8 year olds do) for a Rainbow Loom. I looked while I was away, but happened to send a message (via Twitter) to Patti at Tagalong Toys. She not only replied, but held one for me until I got back from holidays. When a store is local, and this focused on service, it's easy to make it one of my favourite places in Ottawa!
Terra20 : This is one of my new favourite finds in the city (I know...I'm a little behind) - and I'm a little addicted to their stuff. Not only is it eco-friendly, but very reasonably priced and the selection is incredible. I love their laundry detergent, have found my new favourite hand cream there, have stocked up on re-usable containers for lunches, and am loving the peppermint sticks I found there to help with my headaches. I usually go in for one thing, and end up spending lots of time browsing and finding new things to love. Definitely put this on your list to visit!
Remember to let me know if any of these are on your list of awesome things! And if I find anything else that warrants getting added to my "gotta love" list I'll let you know!
Friday, July 26, 2013
Being Charitable Warms the Heart
So first let me say Holy Cow...has it really been over a month since I wrote anything? Truth be told, it's not cause I can't come up with ideas (I tend to have great ideas at 11:00 pm when I can't sleep) - it's really just because summer snuck up on us and I've been enjoying the down time with family. 8 sleeps until we leave on vacation, and I can't wait!
I've been meaning to write this post for over a week, and have finally gotten to it. As most parents do, I try to impart the importance of giving back to my kids. I truly believe that we have to teach the value of charity and being charitable to our children - and that this lesson is just as important as anything else they will learn. I want them to appreciate how fortunate we are, and understand the concept of paying it forward and random acts of kindness. And there have been moments when I see that they understand, and another one popped up this week.
At Easter, Marianna got a kit to make potholders. She pulled it out this week and started creating these beautiful, colourful weaved potholders. She is a bit of a perfectionist (no idea where she gets that LOL) so they turned out really pretty. She made one for all the women in our family, and had some left over. So I quipped up and said "Maybe you should sell them". I fully expected her to come back with a response that centred around her using the money for our vacation, or for getting stuff for back to school. Instead, her answer was "Great idea Mom - and I can give the money to CHEO".
I don't know why I was surprised - I know my kids have big hearts and like to help out - but it still stopped me in my tracks. It really warmed my heart that the instinct was to donate the proceeds.
Well it became her mission - and Ally joined in. Ally decided she would make friendship bracelets, and they would combine their proceeds to be able to make an even bigger donation. We talked about how we would get the word out (being from the technology generation they wanted to set up a website - a little too sophisticated for me!!). I told them when they were ready, I would put it out to all our friends and family, post it on Facebook, whatever we could do to get people on board.
She is still in the process of making them, and when we get back from holidays the plan is to put the wheels in motion to start selling them (27 hours in a car will give her lots of creative time!!). When they are done, I'll post pictures for sure.
I truly am excited for the day when we can walk into CHEO and they hand over the donation. It won't be the biggest amount, but it will have been their idea and of their own making. And they will have one proud mama there with her camera to capture it all.
I've been meaning to write this post for over a week, and have finally gotten to it. As most parents do, I try to impart the importance of giving back to my kids. I truly believe that we have to teach the value of charity and being charitable to our children - and that this lesson is just as important as anything else they will learn. I want them to appreciate how fortunate we are, and understand the concept of paying it forward and random acts of kindness. And there have been moments when I see that they understand, and another one popped up this week.
At Easter, Marianna got a kit to make potholders. She pulled it out this week and started creating these beautiful, colourful weaved potholders. She is a bit of a perfectionist (no idea where she gets that LOL) so they turned out really pretty. She made one for all the women in our family, and had some left over. So I quipped up and said "Maybe you should sell them". I fully expected her to come back with a response that centred around her using the money for our vacation, or for getting stuff for back to school. Instead, her answer was "Great idea Mom - and I can give the money to CHEO".
I don't know why I was surprised - I know my kids have big hearts and like to help out - but it still stopped me in my tracks. It really warmed my heart that the instinct was to donate the proceeds.
Well it became her mission - and Ally joined in. Ally decided she would make friendship bracelets, and they would combine their proceeds to be able to make an even bigger donation. We talked about how we would get the word out (being from the technology generation they wanted to set up a website - a little too sophisticated for me!!). I told them when they were ready, I would put it out to all our friends and family, post it on Facebook, whatever we could do to get people on board.
She is still in the process of making them, and when we get back from holidays the plan is to put the wheels in motion to start selling them (27 hours in a car will give her lots of creative time!!). When they are done, I'll post pictures for sure.
I truly am excited for the day when we can walk into CHEO and they hand over the donation. It won't be the biggest amount, but it will have been their idea and of their own making. And they will have one proud mama there with her camera to capture it all.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Father's Day
OK...so I'm a little late with this post, but I figured better late than never. Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads that I know - especially my Dad and my husband.
Let's start with the first man in my life, my Dad. So I'm told I take after my dad in alot of ways - when I was growing up and people would meet me for the first time, they would always know "who I belonged to" because I was a Murphy through and through (for some reason I now look more like my mom so maybe my girls will end up looking like me at some point - I can dream!!). Probably the biggest way I take after him is that I internalize my feelings...this means that I don't tell my dad how much I love and appreciate him nearly enough. I know he knows how I feel, but I promise to be more vocal about it - even if it freaks him out a bit LOL.
If I created a list of all the reasons my Dad was the best, this post would never end. I will just say that he is the reason my standards were so high when I went looking for a husband, and I love him more than I could ever express in words. Thank you Dad for always being there, and for letting me make my own decisions (good or bad) growing up. Made me who I am today :-)
Now for my husband - and I'm pretty sure I won't get through this paragraph without crying. My dear, you are an amazing Daddy. I loved you before we had kids, but that love has grown exponentially since we've become parents. Watching you with the girls (especially when you don't know I'm watching) is a true pleasure for me. I love how you can make them giggle with a sentence, how you can make them smile with a look and how you make the world a better place with a hug. Our daughters are truly lucky little girls to have you as a Dad - but they know all bets are off when they start to date...then I expect you to turn into the overprotective Dad that I need you to be!
I wish I had started this earlier, but this year for Father's Day, I had the girls make signs that say the reason they love their Daddy...and I put them on display. Here is what they came up with. Interesting how he is supposed to be the strict one, and still ends up getting all the kudos for being the most fun!!
Love you loads and loads!
Let's start with the first man in my life, my Dad. So I'm told I take after my dad in alot of ways - when I was growing up and people would meet me for the first time, they would always know "who I belonged to" because I was a Murphy through and through (for some reason I now look more like my mom so maybe my girls will end up looking like me at some point - I can dream!!). Probably the biggest way I take after him is that I internalize my feelings...this means that I don't tell my dad how much I love and appreciate him nearly enough. I know he knows how I feel, but I promise to be more vocal about it - even if it freaks him out a bit LOL.
If I created a list of all the reasons my Dad was the best, this post would never end. I will just say that he is the reason my standards were so high when I went looking for a husband, and I love him more than I could ever express in words. Thank you Dad for always being there, and for letting me make my own decisions (good or bad) growing up. Made me who I am today :-)
Now for my husband - and I'm pretty sure I won't get through this paragraph without crying. My dear, you are an amazing Daddy. I loved you before we had kids, but that love has grown exponentially since we've become parents. Watching you with the girls (especially when you don't know I'm watching) is a true pleasure for me. I love how you can make them giggle with a sentence, how you can make them smile with a look and how you make the world a better place with a hug. Our daughters are truly lucky little girls to have you as a Dad - but they know all bets are off when they start to date...then I expect you to turn into the overprotective Dad that I need you to be!
I wish I had started this earlier, but this year for Father's Day, I had the girls make signs that say the reason they love their Daddy...and I put them on display. Here is what they came up with. Interesting how he is supposed to be the strict one, and still ends up getting all the kudos for being the most fun!!
Love you loads and loads!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Happy Birthday Ally!!
Being a mom was always high on my list of things I wanted to experience, and 8 years ago I became a mom for the second time to a beautiful baby girl. She chose to make her appearance at 1:00 in the afternoon, and she let us know the minute she had arrived...man that girl had lungs.
From the time I found out I was pregnant with a little girl, we had decided on the Alexandra - and I immediately started calling her Lexi. But the minute she looked up at me with her big brown eyes, I knew without a doubt that she was an "Ally". And thanks to my dad, her full name ended up being Alexandria - and the name became as unique as my little girl has turned out to be.
I'm having a hard time believing that my baby is turning 8. It really does not seem like 8 years since she joined us. Time is truly flying by, and I try everything I can to slow it down...but the birthdays keep coming.
Ally,
You are truly an amazing little girl. Your smile lights up every room you walk into - and I love that you always have a smile for anyone who needs it. You amaze me everyday with how big your heart is, and how you always try to see the best in everyone. I love that you love school and love to read - and the fact that you love to shop means that you didn't fall far from the tree :-) While I am in no hurry to have you grow up, I truly look forward to having a spa partner and someone to take on shopping sprees.
Don't ever change who you are my love. It can be hard to be "everything to everyone", but your tenacity, confidence and independence will get you through anything and everything life has to throw at you. Just remember that Mommy, Daddy and Marianna are always here when you need us - and know that we will come to you for hugs and a smile when we need cheering up.
Happy 8th Birthday my munchkin. I love you more than you could ever imagine - and I am truly grateful that we were blessed with you 8 years ago. I look forward to living every moment with you.
Love,
Mommy
From the time I found out I was pregnant with a little girl, we had decided on the Alexandra - and I immediately started calling her Lexi. But the minute she looked up at me with her big brown eyes, I knew without a doubt that she was an "Ally". And thanks to my dad, her full name ended up being Alexandria - and the name became as unique as my little girl has turned out to be.
I'm having a hard time believing that my baby is turning 8. It really does not seem like 8 years since she joined us. Time is truly flying by, and I try everything I can to slow it down...but the birthdays keep coming.
Ally,
You are truly an amazing little girl. Your smile lights up every room you walk into - and I love that you always have a smile for anyone who needs it. You amaze me everyday with how big your heart is, and how you always try to see the best in everyone. I love that you love school and love to read - and the fact that you love to shop means that you didn't fall far from the tree :-) While I am in no hurry to have you grow up, I truly look forward to having a spa partner and someone to take on shopping sprees.
Don't ever change who you are my love. It can be hard to be "everything to everyone", but your tenacity, confidence and independence will get you through anything and everything life has to throw at you. Just remember that Mommy, Daddy and Marianna are always here when you need us - and know that we will come to you for hugs and a smile when we need cheering up.
Happy 8th Birthday my munchkin. I love you more than you could ever imagine - and I am truly grateful that we were blessed with you 8 years ago. I look forward to living every moment with you.
Love,
Mommy
Saturday, May 18, 2013
My pretty reminder
So I have truly trying to live by my "let it go" mantra. And my kids have embraced this new outlook wholeheartedly. I've even caught my oldest taking a deep breath while muttering "let it go". It sounds kind of hokey, but it really does seem to snap things back into perspective pretty quickly.
While browsing Pinterest (yes I'm a pinner), I came across this idea for a tattoo that I fell in love with - it is an image of a balloon floating up with the words "Let it go" inscribed under it. While I'm not quite ready to get my tattoo (still working up the courage), I really wanted a piece of jewellery with this charm on it. Problem was, I couldn't find anything that was just right. Most balloon pieces had hot air balloons on them, and that wasn't really what I wanted.
After putting the word out on Facebook that I was looking for someone to do custom made stamped jewellery, I was given contact info for Teri at Swirlicious (http://swirlicious.myshopify.com/). I sent her my idea (essentially I said a birthday balloon with the words under it)...my heart broke just a little when she said she didn't have a stamp of a birthday balloon. She did tell me she would see what she could do, so I left it in her capable hands.
A few days later, she sent me this picture and asked what I thought of it:
I think I literally squealed...it looked EXACTLY like the picture I had in my head!! I was over the moon excited and told her to go for it. I should clarify that I was getting one for each of my girls and one for me.
Well today I picked them up - and they did not disappoint. I LOVE them, and I can't wait to give them to my girls tomorrow. I'm thinking this piece will get alot of wear from all of us.
I would like to officially thank Teri for using her creativity to make what I wanted a reality. If anyone needs any awesome pieces made, make sure to check out her FB page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Swirlicious/50893132379)!
While browsing Pinterest (yes I'm a pinner), I came across this idea for a tattoo that I fell in love with - it is an image of a balloon floating up with the words "Let it go" inscribed under it. While I'm not quite ready to get my tattoo (still working up the courage), I really wanted a piece of jewellery with this charm on it. Problem was, I couldn't find anything that was just right. Most balloon pieces had hot air balloons on them, and that wasn't really what I wanted.
After putting the word out on Facebook that I was looking for someone to do custom made stamped jewellery, I was given contact info for Teri at Swirlicious (http://swirlicious.myshopify.com/). I sent her my idea (essentially I said a birthday balloon with the words under it)...my heart broke just a little when she said she didn't have a stamp of a birthday balloon. She did tell me she would see what she could do, so I left it in her capable hands.
A few days later, she sent me this picture and asked what I thought of it:
Well today I picked them up - and they did not disappoint. I LOVE them, and I can't wait to give them to my girls tomorrow. I'm thinking this piece will get alot of wear from all of us.
I would like to officially thank Teri for using her creativity to make what I wanted a reality. If anyone needs any awesome pieces made, make sure to check out her FB page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Swirlicious/50893132379)!
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