Thank you Gorilla family for embracing me....

Day 59 of my 365 day blog challenge

For the last 6 years my journey has consisted of getting healthy physically, mentally and emotionally.  Before getting sick, I felt like my life was heading in a good direction.  I had a good job that I enjoyed, with great "work" friends.  I always knew that there was something more for me as far as work, but I wasn't sure what that meant so I was content. 

In 2005 I started a new job at another restaurant.  I quickly moved up from a server to a manager role.  Then in April 2007 I began my fight with cancer.  So, I took a leave from the restaurant.  I decided to return in October of 2008 while still in chemotherapy.  I felt that I was ready to return to the working world.  But because I was bald, I didn't want to be a floor manager so I was given an opportunity to be the office manger (behind the scenes).  I only lasted about 8 months because I wasn't ready to get back to work full time.  So I left the restaurant industry and decided that I needed to help others going through their cancer journey.  I became a personal trainer.  I did that for almost 2 years.  Still trying to find myself and where I fit in, I studied hard to become a financial advisor.  I thought this was it.  Thought that I had found it.................I couldn't have been more wrong.

So over the course of the last 6 years I have been up......down.......side ways.....Struggling with so many things.  The thought of going back to work now at age 40 after having 5 years off (basically) was very scary.  But I knew in my heart that the only way for me to be truly happy was to follow my passion......raw/living food chef.  I was so nervous to start a new job, with new people and not knowing how much my body could handle.  A lot has changed with my body over the last 5 years.  Though I am physically fit, I have more aches and pains then ever imagined.  At times I get home after work and just want to cry from the pain :( But I am doing it! I am working full time and love it!!

So entering a new workplace, with new people wasn't easy for me.  I can honestly say that my co-workers welcomed me with open arms and continue to do so.  We are an amazing team at Gorilla Food and I am so thankful. 

Thank you Gorilla team for welcoming me into your family.  You have made my transition back into the workforce seamless.  You have embraced me and have made me feel like I have found my home.  It feels so amazing to have true work friends.  Thank you for sharing the love, the laughter and the tears.........LOL

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks!!

I will let you in on a little secret......

Day 58 of my 365 day blog challenge

30 years!!!....ago when I was 10, I started watching the young and the restless with my mom and my grandmother.  Well.........30 years later, I still watch it! Everyday, yes I said it, everyday!! It's part of my childhood and memories with my nanny.  To be honest, I love it!!! LOL Not too many people know this about me, but now everyone does.  I'm okay with that :)

This past fall there was an event for breast cancer.  I knew that the cast of the Y&R would be there, so naturally I volunteered.  I was able to meet some of the cast that I had been watching for years.  Honestly, I couldn't care less about movie stars etc...but I have grown up watching this show.  It was very exciting I must say.  Karen and I lived together for 5 years before I told her about my secret love for the Y&R.  I didn't want to be judged..lol She did make fun of me a little.  But now when I watch it and she is around, she asks questions...LOL

Some may think that I have wasted so much of my life watching this soap opera.  I see it as just another part of my childhood, continued into adulthood, continued into retirement.....LOL Well, I'm off to watch my show now.  What did I ever do without my PVR ;) No judging..........

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks and sending love!!

My blog challenge is this blog tonight :)

Day 57 of my 365 day blog challenge

My challenge tonight is my blog :) It's been another very long day.  I just got home from a meeting at work and should really be going to bed.  But..............I want to write something, as I am committed!!!

It's amazing how I can now easily put in an 18 hour day (meditation practice, gym, work, Nathan, meetings)etc....Up at 5am and bed at 11pm.  Other than really needing to go to bed, I'm not tired! I get by no problem on 6hrs sleep and I'm thinking about getting up now at 4am!!! Besides, we have all the time in the world to sleep when we are dead.  Wow! There's a happy thought......LOL

Time to go to bed...........

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks!!

I get to do it all over again...........

Day 56 of my 365 day blog challenge.

Ahhh video games....whether you like them or love them now, chances are you played them when you where young.  Difference is, if you are my age our games were played on colecovision or atari.  We played pac-man and frogger, gentle fun games :)

We have a Wii sport. We bought it a couple of years ago because we really liked the unit and thought that baseball, bowling, hockey etc would be fun! It is! Nathan is really into Skylanders right now and who could forget Super Mario Bros.  He is not obsessed with it and can go weeks without playing.  But when we have family challenges, that's fun! Times are different now.  When Nathan plays, usually one or all of us are playing a game together.  When I was a kid playing my colecovision, my parents couldn't be found......lol  I Loved my colecovision.  All my friends had Atari so they always wanted to come hang out and play at my place. 

There are many amazing moments about being a mom.  But the fact that I get to play video games again and am now learning from my son, is pretty cool!!! These were some of my best childhood memories.  By sharing this time with Nathan, I hope I am creating some of his best.

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks.

Rock, paper, scissor style.........

Day 55 of my 365 day blog challenge

Most people who have debates usually settle them by talking them through.  Not the Di Venanzo family.  We settle our decisions based on a rock, paper, scissor challenge.  Not just one round but rather the best of 3.......lol.  Nathan loves doing this.  He also loves watching his parents do the challenge.  It's always entertaining. 

But we really do have conversations where we talk things through.  But this is way more fun! Nathan has always enjoyed having a competition.  Whether it's playing hockey in the condo (questionable goals are settled by RPS) :) playing scrabble, Mario Wii challenge etc..... Up until this year, Nathan would cry if he didn't win...lol He's 7 now so that rarely happens :)

I'm sure growing up I settled debates with RPS.  That or by yelling and fighting......not proud that's for sure.  I was a little fire cracker for sure.  A little rough around the edges but very loving.  I had to have thick skin and tough muscles....lol                  


Sometimes when I drive by Nathan's school at lunch time, I see the kids settling a debate with RPS.  Very sweet! So the next time you find yourself at a crossroad with someone just challenge them to settle it via RPS.

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks

Something in me changed.....

Day 54 of my 365 day blog challenge

Eating raw....what does that mean.  It means that I only eat raw/organic fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds.  I use a dehydrator instead of an oven and a blender instead of a coffee pot :) I don't cook my food and with only the above 4 ingredients I can make everything from raw cheesecake to pizza! Cheesecake is made with cashews for the filling and Brazil nuts and dates for the crust.  Raw pizza is made with flax seeds, veggies and onions made into a "dough" and then put into the dehydrator until crust becomes hard.  I eat everything from chocolates to "bread" daily without any guilt!!! No wheat, no dairy, no sugar, no grains.  Nothing outside of fruit, veggies nuts and seeds.  I have never felt healthier in my life!

Something in me changed almost 3 years ago when I became a raw foodie ;) I have never looked back.  I want to provide everyone I know with delicious, healthy meals that will change their lives.  I haven't had 1 cold in the whole time I've been raw.  The concept behind eating raw is that when you PH levels in your body are alkaline, then illness can't survive.  Most foods people eat right now are acidic ie meat, wheat, dairy etc..... That's why we have some many illnesses.  Cancer, diabetes, strokes etc....

I never have any guilt when I eat now.  I am completely satisfied with what I am putting into my body.  My body repays me by staying cancer free and healthy.  More to come..

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks!

Passing some of my best memories onto my son..

Day 53 of my 365 day blog challenge

Sometimes I catch myself doing things that my dad would do for me when I was a child.  Last year Nathan was really into hockey and baseball trading cards.  Just as I was when I was a kid :) He wanted to have a hockey challenge with the cards.  We each picked our players and started to play.  But the game just wasn't the same without the lines and centre ice.  So, I did what my dad would have done for me.........I put down tape on our dining table :) We even had dinosaurs as our spectators.  That tape stayed on the table for weeks! We would each hold a card standing up right and push the little puck into the "net".  So much fun!!!

It reminded me of the time when my dad put a big piece of plywood onto our pool table that functioned as a ping pong table and a track for my electronic racing cars.  You know the magnetic cars on the track with the hand held remotes......LOL Good times!!

My dad loved to build things.  I remember when he built us a mini bike.  It was awesome! All the kids in the neighbourhood wanted to try it out.  But first my dad had to try it.  We all went to an open field behind where we lived in Toronto.  He didn't just want to try it, but wanted to jump it too.  So we found some wood and made a little ramp.  That bike was fast! He raced over the jump, flipped the dirt bike, landed on his back and had oil all over him.  Needless to say, the bike fell apart and I was crying.......LOL He rebuilt it!

Maybe it's time for me to move from putting tape on our table to building Nathan his first bike.  Of course, I would have to try it first ;)

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks!

Those are some big coconuts......LOL

Day 52 of my 365 day blog challenge

I have been very lucky in life to have some pretty amazing friends.  In the winter of 2010 my good friend Sara of 20 years asked me what warm place of travel was on my bucket list.  When I responded that I wanted to go to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico one day, her response was "done"! Not really sure what she meant at the time.  I knew that going away in the new year wasn't a possibility for us.  When I got sick in 2007, Sara promised to come for a visit.  Life is busy and I get that.  The visit never happened and in fact in the 12 years we have lived here, she's never been...:(

In March 2011 our family and Sara's family (3 adults and 3 boys in total) were on our way to Mexico! Sara wanted to give us this gift of travel to let me know how proud she was that I beat cancer.  Wow! it was such an amazing time.  We had never been away together and really only seen each other once a year when we would go to Toronto to visit.  The boys only hung out a few times before.  Boys will be boys and that's what they were....lol

Being a raw/vegan eater I was a little concerned about what I was going to eat for the week.  It was a 5 star resort so I felt confident that I could eat the salad's and veggies.  That I did! ;) Along with beer, fries, nachos and guac (none of which were raw).......lol I did enjoy a few coconuts every day.  I had packed some coconut water in my suitcase and asked the bartender every morning to make my smoothie :))) Such amazing memories.....

I am surrounded by amazing friends in my life.  I really hope that I too have been an amazing friend to many. xo

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks to you and love!

A world free of breast cancer?

A world free of breast cancer?

Day 51 of my 365 day blog challenge.

I just did a google search of my name and this article came up.  It really does seem like a lifetime ago but I do remember it clearly.  I was on the front page of The Vancouver Sun.  It was a big picture and a full article.

I have grown so much since then and everyday I continue to grow.  I am proud of the article and hope you enjoy it too.

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks.

In a happy place but understanding that I am tired.....

Day 50 of my 365 day blog challenge

My day started out today by driving my aunt to the airport as she was visiting for 2 weeks.  That drive was at 5:00am which is usually the time that I get up in the morning.  But this morning I was up at 4:30am.  Drove my aunt to the airport.  Went to the gym for 6-7am and arrived at work for 8am.  Worked from 8-4:30pm, came home and got Nathan ready for soccer.  Arrived home at 7:20pm and had to leave for an 8pm meeting at work tonight and just arrived back home 30 minutes ago......So needless to say, I am a little tired............This picture was taken this morning around 7:30am lol.

I wanted to blog tonight because that's what I have committed to doing and I enjoy it.  So there it is...
and now I am going to bed! Back up at 5am :)

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks!!!

Another fun childhood memory....

Day 48 of my 365 day blog challenge...

This picture was taken in 2008 when I was still going through chemotherapy.  We were heading out to trick or treat with Nathan.  Thought I was cool.......

I will never forget when I was about 10 years old and it was Halloween.  I wanted to be R2-D2....I know, really cool....lol Because my dad ran a auto body shop painting my costume wasn't a problem.  Oh ya, you heard me right...a car shop!! My dad put my costume together with cardboard boxes for my body and head.  He put what looked like that thick accordion laundry hose for my arms.  Then he painted it all silver with.......you guessed it........car paint!!! I couldn't wait to put that costume on.  He put on sticker decals, cut out eyes and even painted a pair of my pants silver and gloves....lol You wouldn't believe how many people commented and stopped me on the street to check out my costume.  My dad could have made 100 of them and sold them easily.  It was the best costume ever! So awesome that he made it 2 years in a row for me.  The only downside to the costume....the fumes from the paint.  I'm pretty sure that I smelt those for weeks.....can't be good! LOL

Thanks dad for another awesome childhood memory!!! xo

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks and sending love!!

Lifetime student......

Day 47 of my 365 day blog challenge

Many times and at different stages in my life I have felt that I have known everything.  Like I was unstoppable and no one could tell me any different.  I grew up in a home where my parents provided me with everything.  Mini bikes, a racing go-kart, the best clothes, played all sports, had a new bike every summer and went on vacations every year.  But was I happy? I mean deep down inside, was I happy? What was happiness to a kid? Sure all these things made me happy, but truly happy....

It has only been this past year that I have been doing some serious soul searching on happiness.  I am not talking about the happiness I feel for my family.  I am talking about my daily struggles at times to understand what true happiness means.  I remind myself everyday how blessed I am.  But that doesn't mean that I always feel truly happy.  I always remind myself to make the best of everything, but I do struggle......With cancer came depression.  Managing such an illness at times hasn't been easy.  Finding the strength everyday within myself to stay grounded and keep my life balanced is a challenge.  I know that whatever I put out into the universe comes back.  At times of struggle with sadness for whatever reason, it's easier to be down than it is to gain that strength to find happiness. 

Tomorrow is a new day.  Today is the past.  I continue to push through and am choosing to be happy.
Besides, the happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything...

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks and sending love.

We can learn so much........

Day 46 of my 365 day blog challenge

Have you ever looked at someone with an intellectual or physical disability and felt sorry for them?  Or have you walked by them without even giving them a second look or a simple smile? 

When I was in kinder garden my best friend had a severe disability.  He was in a wheelchair most of his day, he drooled and he yelled.......a lot.  But he also had this gentle side.  When I would visit him daily, the minute I walked through the door he had the biggest smile on his face and reached his arms out to me to hug him.......he didn't let go.....lol.  Meeting Pierre when I was only 4 years old had such a special impact on my life.  I knew then that on the outside we were visibly different but on the inside, we were the same.  We were kids who were kind, loving and happy.  Pierre was always happy.  Even when he was yelling he had a smile on his face.  Being around him taught me to be patient and kind to others regardless of our differences.  His parents loved him so much! He added so much to their lives.

So much more to say, but eyes are getting heavy.

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks and sending love.

Our sweetheart on Valentine's Day

Day 45 of my 365 day blog challenge

Happy Valentine's to you and yours :)

Nathan came home from school today with this sweet card that he made for Karen and I at school.  These are the moments that I love being a mom.  In case you can't see it, it reads:

I love you mommy and momma
your the best mommy and momma in the world
your as sweet as the sweetest person in the world B my (heart with arrow through it)
Love Nathan

I can't even express how this melted my heart.  We are so proud of our little boy.  So kind, gentle and loving.  What really saddens me is some people in this world don't believe that gay couples should raise children.  It doesn't matter at all whether my spouse is male or female.  The fact that we are raising a child in this world to be respectful, love all those around us, to believe that anything is possible and to always do all that you can to help those in need.  These qualities that Nathan has didn't come from his "gay parents" but rather two mom's that love him deeply and wish for him to have the best life possible.

Thank you Nathan our sweetheart for being the love of our lives. 

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks and sending love.

Special Birthday post: My sweet Stepdad Michael

Day 44 of my 365 day blog challenge

Through heartache and sadness after losing someone you've been with for over 40 years comes another chance at love.  Some people are only blessed once in their lifetime with marriage and true love.  My mom and step dad Mike have been blessed twice..........

Being new at this stepdaughter thing, I thought it was Mike's birthday yesterday......:( When I realised last night at 11:00pm, I had already done my post.

I never imagined my mom's life without my father.  I always thought that they would grow old together.  Then when he got sick and passed away, I worried about my mom.  She met my dad when she was 17 and they were together ever since.  I knew that my father was never coming back and I knew that my mom had many years of happiness ahead.  When I met Mike, it was easy to understand why my mom fell in love.  Mike isn't replacing my father, but rather adding to our lives.

Mike: you a kind gentle man.  All our lives have been enriched now with you and your beautiful family.  We look forward to many more wonderful birthday's.  Thank you for welcoming Karen, myself and Nathan into your family with open arms.  Onto the next chapter of your life with my mom.  Cheers to creating many memories.  Love you daddy Mike :) xo

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks and sharing love.

A special skate with canucks....

Day 43 of my 365 day blog challenge

Yesterday Nathan and I were privileged enough to skate with the Canucks at Roger arena.  Nathan belongs to a fantastic after school program called The boys and girls club.  Again, we are so lucky to be a part of such an amazing club.   The club is for students at Nathans school and they pick them up at 3:00pm after school and walk the kids a few blocks to the club.  They can be picked up by parents up to 5:30pm.  Monday-Friday including all PD days ($17), spring, summer and Christmas break.....all free!!!  They feed them, and provide them with outings (swimming, baseball games, science world) etc....Each child also receives a Christmas gift.  Last year they were also given a bike in the summer and a winter jacket and boots in November. 

We truly feel so blessed to have Nathan at not only an amazing school but be a part of such an amazing place.

I am so tired and I had to remove my contacts so I can't really see....lol Continue tomorrow.

Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing.  Giving thanks and sending love!!!

Open to change.........

Day 42 of my 365 day blog challenge.

Life is busy, stressful and exhausting at times.  But it is also pretty amazing.  Reminding myself every minute of every day to be thankful and grateful isn't easy at times.

We started going to Buddhism about 1.5 years ago.  We love the idea of being able to meditate and be surrounded by others who share the same values and positive energy.  Doing our daily meditation practise is not only important for us but just as important for those around us.  Living each day by waking up and calming the mind for 10 minute's is amazing.  Taking time throughout my day to meditate, calm my mind and enjoy some silence is very peaceful.  Nathan enjoys the temple too.  He is surrounded by others kids and they learn to treat others with such love and respect.  What more could we ask for from our son.

The student was ready and the teacher appeared 1.5 years ago.  I never thought that I would ever be interested in going to a Buddhist temple.  I guess that I never understood what that meant.  Now that I know the benefits of meditation and the love from within that comes with it, I can't do without.

It's pretty amazing how many times in my life I have misjudged or not been open to something.  I can't imagine my life now without my daily practise or keeping my mind in a healthy positive state.  Your thoughts create your reality.  I want my reality to be a place of positive energy and gratefulness.....

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks and sharing love!!

Happy Birthday!!! Special Post :)



 

Day 41 of my 365 day blog challenge

Special blog post for my cousin Christine's 20th birthday today!

 

I was 20 years old at the time when Christine was born.  I was just arriving home from the bar when my mom was waiting for me in the kitchen.  She told me that my Aunt Cindy just had a baby girl.  What??? I told my mom that she must be tired and to go back to bed.  I didn't even know that my aunt was pregnant and just saw her weeks earlier.........

 

My grandmother passed away a year earlier.  I was the only granddaughter up until this point.  Unfortunately my nanny never had the chance to meet Christine.  But they say with ever passing comes a new life.  Christine was the new life and I was super excited to have a new cousin and a girl!!!

 

Though we are 20 years apart, that has never mattered.  I have watched Christine grow up and have always been here for her.  She and Karen met when she was only 5 years old.  I know that they have had a connection ever since.

 

I am so proud of Christine.  Growing up with 3 brothers in the home couldn't have been easy at times.  But she has always had a good head on her shoulders and has made some tough decisions at times.  She is beautiful, intelligent and would extend her hand to help anyone. 

 

Currently she is in school at SFU and comes to family dinners on Sunday's.  We have always had an unspoken closeness though living far apart.  Now that we live so close to each other, we are growing even closer.  I love sharing stories with her about our amazing nanny she never met. 

 

Christine: Happy, happy 20th birthday today.  You are just as beautiful on the inside as you are on the out.  Amazing things are happening for you.  I am so excited to be a part of your life right now and experience your growth first hand.  I am so proud of you cuz!!! With unconditional love..........

 

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks and sharing love.

Spirits all around us....if we are open to it

Day 40 of my 365 day blog challenge

Whether or not you believe in spirits, I have experienced it first hand.

My mother and father were married for over 40 years.  For the whole time they were married my father carried their wedding photo in his wallet.  That picture never left.  When my dad died in march 2010 the picture was in his wallet when we received his possessions from hospital.  My mom and I placed the wallet in his top dresser drawer because we were going to put it with my father at his funeral.  Just hours before we were due at the funeral home my mom asked me to get the picture out of my dads wallet.  I opened the drawer where we left it and the wallet was there but the picture wasn't.  I searched very drawer and called my mom in.  She was naturally freaking out and crying.  We emptied all the drawers on the bed and searched and searched.  The picture was no where to be found.  Running late I suggested to my mom that we just grab another wedding picture.  After we said good-bye to my dad we all went back to their home.  I tried to turn on the tv and the remote batteries seemed to be dead.  When I mentioned it to my mom her response was" they can't be dead because your father just replaced them last week".  She suggested that I got back into their room and get batteries from his top drawer.  The same drawers we emptied looking for the picture.  When I opened the top drawer, I screamed in disbelief.  What was sitting face up in the middle of the top drawer as clear as day....... The wedding picture.  I guess my dad wanted my mom to carry on the tradition of  carry around the picture.  She still does........

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks and sending love!

More tomorrow!

Turning pages........

Day 38 of my 365 day blog challenge

You don't define me anymore cancer, you are simply a chapter in my life.  Wow, for the first time ever I have finally been able to turn the page and write my next chapter.  I was going to write a special post on April 11, 2013 seeing as it's my 6 year clear of cancer.  But why? Why would I wait until then to close this chapter of my life.  Why not today in this moment.

For the last almost 6 years my life has been consumed with my breast cancer diagnosis.  This honestly has been exhausting at times.  It absolutely has been a journey of healing, conquering fears and everyday reminding myself that I have such strength that I never would have realised other wise.

My journey presented me with some amazing opportunities.  I spoke in front of 10,000 people and shared my story.  I was in numerous newspaper articles along with having a few tv interviews.  I have some amazing women in my life now because of our journeys.  New hair and new boobs! I wouldn't change any of it!!!

Up until today, I would usually tell people that I have met that I had cancer.  I don't know why I would tell them.  But they always knew right away.  I guess I felt like it was who I am.  I saw someone today at my workplace that I met about 2 months ago.  For the first time ever, I told her that I beat breast cancer.  It was almost uncomfortable and didn't flow like it use too.  She was very surprised and couldn't believe it.  She said I must have been very young.  I said yes, 34 years old with a 16 month old son.  I've been saying that for way too long.  I realised then that it's time to start a new chapter.

I have turned the page and now starting a new one.  Thank you cancer for this journey but you no longer own me.  You are simply a part of my past.............

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks and sending love.

Some interesting facts for your enjoyment :)

Day 37 of my 365 day blog challenge.

• Two most famous products that ever invented are "the Rubik cube and iphone".

• No matter how many times you should a deck of cards you'll never get the same order

• You can't dream when you are snoring

• The average person falls asleep in 7 minutes

• 12% of people in world dream in black and white

• Grizzly bears they live to be about 20-25 years and cubs leave their mom about age 3 or 4 and have babes by the time there 5

•  Koala bears and Komodo dragons have two penis's

• Every 5 minutes 364 babies are being born in India = 70,000 a day

• Cashews grow apples

• Mushrooms are more closely related to animals than plants

• The amount of water in lake superior can cover all of north and south America with one foot of water

• Before an eraser was invented bread was used to remove pencil marks and peanut butter under extremely high heat could be turned into diamonds

• There are most stars in the visible universe than all the grains of sand on all the beaches on earth

• One third of our lives is spent sleeping

• In our dream we only see faces that we have seen during our lifetime though we may not know or remember

• Dimples are because of improper muscles detachments in your face!!! LOL

Hope you enjoyed! Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing.  Giving thanks and sending love!!

Giving thanks.........

Day 36 of my 365 day blog challenge

Giving thanks.  I wake up every morning giving thanks for my breathe.  Each day I find gratitude in something. 

I wasn't always this way.  If someone told me just a few years ago to give thanks, I would have thought they were crazy.  It's amazing how we evolve if we are simply open to it.  Life is beautiful, challenging and forever changing. 

Tony Robbins once said "think of life as seasons the tough times will come and change just like a season".  Nothing is forever, so embrace it and always give thanks.  We've had our share of tough times and they do flow at times like the seasons.

Today I give thanks for the amazing, beautiful people in my life.  I give thanks for our health and well being.  I give thanks for YOU! xo

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  GIVING THANKS, sending LOVE!!

Seeing life through the eyes of a child......

Day 35 of my 365 day blog challenge.

Okay now I am really putting it all out there....face and all......lol Let me explain :)

A few months ago I decided to follow my passion and find work at a Raw/Vegan restaurant.  I love it! Couldn't be happier.  The only problem was about 2 weeks in I had noticed that Nathan's behaviour towards me had started to change.  Prior to going to work at Gorilla Food I made my own schedule.  The 3 of us always had weekends, most evenings and mornings together.  Very fortunate! With Gorilla the shift that I requested was Sun-Thurs with Friday off (go to school with Nathan) and Saturdays off (family day).  The problem was that my schedule and routine not only changed, but so did Nathan's.  I explained to Nathan that I would be getting a new job and that Mommy wouldn't be around as much as I was before.  But that I loved him and I would miss him on Sunday's.  Most Sunday mornings he would be up when I left for work but on the mornings he wasn't, I would give him a big kiss before heading out the door.

So about 2 weeks in I noticed that when I would come home from work on Sundays and Nathan and Karen were playing, he ignored me.  It didn't matter what I did, he would kiss me and then play with Momma.  I felt so left out.  My heart ached throughout the day because I missed him so much, only to come home to this behaviour for a few more weeks.  I didn't know what to think of this and why it was happening. 

Then I thought: What is it like to look through the eyes of a 6 year old.  Does Nathan really understand what Mommy has a new job and I won't be home on Sunday's means??  Then it clicked! Nathan feels like I have abandoned him.  He feels like when he wakes up expecting both parents and it's just Momma, he's upset but doesn't even know it or know how to express it.  Then all day Sunday he gets to spend with just Momma.  Throughout the day, they are making a connection.  Then I walk in around dinner time and just expect to be a part of the fun.

Solution: I sat Nathan down and explained why these changes happened.  I told him how much I loved him, how I thought about him all day long and even left him notes on the mornings he was still sleeping.  I thought it would be a great idea on Sunday's to send a text with picture (via Momma) throughout the day (1 or 2 times) to show what we were doing so that he would feel loved.  Karen would send a picture of him skating or a funny face and yesterday I sent the picture above.  Nathan could instantly feel the connection.  I would come home from work and things were different.  Hugging me and kissing me.  We do this every Sunday and it warms my heart!

One of my fears has been that one day Nathan would turn to me and say "you are not my real Mommy".  Well during the disconnection and in frustration of not understanding the situation he said it.  I burst into tears and so did he repeating "I'm sorry Mommy I didn't mean it the words just came out".  My heart was sad for him.  Sad that he felt like I could just leave him and not be around after being my his side for 6 years. 

We had a breakthrough.  I opened my heart and instead of acting as the adult and doing what I had to do.  I found a solution to the little heartache my amazing boy was feeling every time I went to work.  We continue to connect on such a deep level and it's amazing what you can learn if you just take a second to see life through the eyes of a child......

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks and sharing love.

Hanging out with the SFU girls.......

Day 34 of my 365 day blog challenge
**This is for you Coral** :)
Who would have thought that Karen, myself and Nathan would be spending our Sunday nights with university students.  This is a picture of my cousin Christine (on left) and her buddy Coral (from Pittsburgh).  Christine is here from Ontario going to University at SFU  (I couldn't be happier and more proud of her). 

We wanted to have any open door policy with Christine knowing that even though she was far away from home, she can still be around family.  Christine suggested having Sunday night family dinners.  Giving her a break from the food at school and hanging with us while enjoying a home cooked Vegan meal :) I should also mention a beer free zone...LOL We also thought it would be nice for her to bring a friend, or two and sometimes three.......and laundry......LOL We met Coral and her other good friend Olivia in September.  Olivia has been here for many dinners, but its Coral who Christine comes with the most.  Christine has some great friends.  Smart, driven, friendly and super cool!!! We really enjoy Sunday night dinners and look forward to seeing them.  Nathan on the other hand says we are all too loud.....LOL

The girls know that we are here for them if they need us.  Whether it's 3am and they need a ride home or are just having a bad day.  We want to be the home away from home for them.  We wouldn't have it any other way!

Only 3 more years of Sunday night dinners...........LOL

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks and sending love!!

It's not often that we beat Nathan at family game night.

Monopoly Millionaire

Day 33 of my 365 day blog challenge.

In our family we usually find the time to have family game night once or twice per week.  It's usually on Friday nights.  My how Friday nights have changed........no club hopping here.....lol  Whether it's scrabble, Monopoly Millionaire, Yahtzee or cards, it's always fun.   Because Nathan can read so well and he is determined to win, he often does.  But not tonight! I cleaned house on Millionaire...:)

The fact that Nathan can read and understands games so quickly, definitely makes it more fun.  I guess we are all competitive individuals which makes us a competitive family.  Board games are a lot of fun.  Great interaction, reading, multiplication, spelling etc....All important for all areas in life.

Eating dinner every night together at the table talking about our day.  Playing weekly board games.  Engaging in sports and school activities.  Spending Saturday nights with our friends while the boys play.  This is the foundation we are setting for Nathan.  Creating his childhood memories of his family always together.  Karen coaches his soccer and I am his baseball coach.  We are on his school advisory committee and are always very involved. 

We are connected! We have an amazing family and are very blessed. 

Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting.  Giving thanks and sharing love. 





The winner is!!!

 



What was I thinking :)

Day 32 of my 365 day blog challenge.

Today's blog is: what was I thinking challenging myself to a daily blog...LOL this is a picture of writer's  block ;)

It seriously is a challenge.  That I will conquer! It's been 31 days of blogging thus far.  31 days!! I've written something every day for 31 days! That's awesome! What's more awesome is the reading, the commenting and sharing.  Wow! I feel so loved and blessed. 

Most of the blogs have been easy to write while others not so much.  Some flow, some may not.  But I really feel like I am connecting with friends and family near and far.  Possibly some new friends too.  I have had over 1600 reviews!! People from around the world.  Canada, USA, Mexico, Europe.  So sweet!!

I feel now that it's my path to continuing to share this journey with you.

I really hope your are enjoying.  

Sneak preview of what's to come: 

Special blog posts on family birthdays (you never know, I might do another about a friend) :)

My 6 year clear is fast approaching!

My 41 birthday.  What was my first year being 444444400000000DDDD like...lol

And so much more!!!

If you want to know anything (maybe not anything) :) about me.  Just ask! 

Would love to blog about it!

I guess I did have a blog to write after all 😉

Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing.  Giving thanks and sending love.

What was I thinking 😉

Day 32 of my 365 day blog challenge.

Today's blog is: what was I thinking challenging myself to a daily blog...LOL this is a picture of writer's  block ;)

It seriously is a challenge.  That I will conquer! It's been 31 days of blogging thus far.  31 days!! I've written something every day for 31 days! That's awesome! What's more awesome is the reading, the commenting and sharing.  Wow! I feel so loved and blessed. 

Most of the blogs have been easy to write while others not so much.  Some flow, some may not.  But I really feel like I am connecting with friends and family near and far.  Possibly some new friends too.  I have had over 1600 reviews!! People from around the world.  Canada, USA, Mexico, Europe.  So sweet!!

I feel now that it's my path to continuing to share this journey with you.

I really hope your are enjoying.  

Sneak preview of what's to come: 

Special blog posts on family birthdays (you never know, I might do another about a friend) :)

My 6 year clear is fast approaching!

My 41 birthday.  What was my first year being 444444400000000DDDD like...lol

And so much more!!!

If you want to know anything (maybe not anything) :) about me.  Just ask! 

Would love to blog about it!

I guess I did have a blog to write after all 😉

Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing.  Giving thanks and sending love.