Stepping outside the BOX

Dance like nobody is watching!

2011-04-09T17:09:00.002-06:00

One of the amazing things about the Latin culture is their ability to "Dance." I love that women of all shapes and sizes get dressed up in their best and head out for a night of dancing. It is not that they feel like they have to be a pro and seem like they are trying out for Dancing with the Stars. The bottom line, they embrace the music, they listen to the rhythm and they let loose and have some fun.

It is amazing how the stress of the world around you disappears when you put on your dancing shoes, put on some good music and let your body move to the music. It took me a long time to realize that it didn't matter that I was just learning and most people were probably not watching me anyways. And if they were, they were probably admiring that "I" can dance.

Children are born with the ability to dance. At what stage do we become concerned about what others think? I challenge everyone to put on your dancing shoes, put on some good music and let your rhythm flow. Even if it is in your kitchen!

Friendship

2011-04-02T15:17:00.002-06:00

Following in my theme of taking the opportunity, I would like everyone who reads my blog to make the time for a friend this week. In the busyness of life we often forget to make time for our friends. Buy a friend a coffee when they least expect it, invite a friend for dinner for no reason but to show your appreciation of your relationship, go out for lunch, etc. True friends are around when times are good and when times are not so good. True friends will laugh with you, cry with you, share stories with you, and most importantly accept each others differences. Today my heart is full with happiness after sharing dinner with a dear friend and her husband. We shared stories, great food, some drinks, and we laughed so hard we almost cried. And we realized we don't do it often enough. We look forward to many more nights of dinner, playing games, sharing stories and growing older with great friends like you! Thanks for being you! This week I will show my appreciation for a different friend. I will take charge and slow down the crazy busy life that we have in North America and appreciate what means the most to me. My Family and my friends!

Taking the Opportunity- Part 2

2011-03-29T09:00:00.003-06:00

As I was getting ready for the day this morning, I opened the blinds to let in the morning sunshine. I was immediately drawn to the movement across the way. As I looked closer, my heart began to smile. My neighbours, a couple that I admire, appeared to be dancing in their living room. As I observed closer, it was clear that they were doing an exercise program, together. Now this is what I call taking the opportunity to be healthy, to be together, to just be. This couple less than 2 years ago lost everything in a fire. They have embraced life to the fullest. They continue to focus on the positive and to move forward, together. So many couples today could learn a few things from this amazing couple. Take the time today to Take the opportunity or Make the opportunity to be with someone you love. It can only make your heart smile!

Ancient footprints of Acahualinca- A little piece of history

2011-03-27T19:36:00.002-06:00

Not too long ago, we had the opportunity to share a little piece of history with our children, while visiting Nicaragua.

Tucked away in the city of Managua is a small museum that has preserved footprints that are said to be 6000 years old.

"With the barely pronounceable Huellas de Acahualinca is referred to the ancient footprints left thousands of years ago at the borders of Lake Managua. Workers found a track of footprints by accident in 1874. Later studies proved that these footprints are 6000 years old, which makes them the oldest human footprints on the American continent.

These tracks are left behind by a group of around 10 people – men, women, and children. Some thought these people were fleeing from an erupting volcano close by, but a governmental study has rejected this idea. The people were not running and instead probably on their way to the lake to collect food and water.

Volcanic activity is the reason behind the conservation of the prints though. The original prints were left in a layer of volcanic mud. When a volcano nearby erupted – researchers are not sure which one – a layer of volcanic ash rained down on the footprints and perfectly conserved them.

Only part of the tracks has been found, the other parts probably being covered by volcanic material. In 1978, Nicaraguan researcher Jorge Espinoza excavated an area close to where the footprints ended to see if they would find more. At a depth of 4 meters they indeed found more prints, and the track is believed to continue even further.

At the Huellas (track in Spanish) de Acahualinca (Nahuatl word with several meanings) a small museum is set up. Besides observing the footprints you can also see some artifacts found here as well as in other parts of Nicaragua. Pre-Columbian tools, a scull from León Viejo, and conserved mammoth footprints form part of the collection. Huellas de Acahualinca is a small but very interesting site."

If you are ever in Nicaragua, this is a day trip worth taking!

Taking the opportunity!

2011-03-27T19:28:00.001-06:00

Making the best of every situation can be challenging to some. We woke up to more snow, fog, frost and cold. The best thing to do on a cold day is bake with my girls. Mmmmmmm Grandma Price's Gingersnaps are the best cookies to have on a cold day. Chocolate chip oatmeal cookies are a close second. Now we have choices. Do we eat the Gingersnap first or the Chocolate chip oatmeal?

Taking the opportunity

2011-03-27T19:04:00.001-06:00

The Land of Opportunity

2011-03-27T09:36:00.001-06:00

I recently had a conversation with 2 new immigrants to Canada, who gave up everything for the land of opportunity. Including the opportunity to work in their line of work. One with an architectural degree and one a physician. They both studied hard to get their career in their country only to move to "my" country and not be recognized. Both said they did it to provide a better life for their children. All this being said, Canada is a beautiful country, but why is it that they can not work in their line of work? We continue to talk about a doctor shortage in our country, we have a physician who studied for 8 years, who can't practice because she has to undergo numerous tests to prove that she is fit to practice. Really?!? This frustrates me to no end about "my" country. Why are we not supporting those individuals who want to come to our country, work hard, and provide for their families. Instead we tell them they are "not good enough" so they can't work. They have given up their family, their culture, their way of life, etc. for the land of opportunity.

We also talked about my desire to go to "their countries" to provide my children with a better quality of life. Quite interesting, really! I would give up all the materialism that comes with Canada to take my children closer to their culture and their family. I can go to their countries and work. I can put my children in private school. I can work hard in their countries and be comfortable.

It really is interesting to have the conversation about the "Land of Opportunity." How do you view the "land of Opportunity"?

Raspado

2010-12-27T15:53:00.003-07:00

This was the most amazing and refreshing treat on the beach. It was shaved ice, candied pineapple, syrup and then topped with condensed milk. All for about $.50. I will definately be going back for another one of these.

Afternoon coffee anyone?

2010-12-14T15:02:00.001-07:00

My afternoons consist of a good cup of coffee on the patio. My phone never rings......If you would like to have a virtual coffee with me, message me and I will send you my number. This is just way to nice not to share.

Eating out of a bag

2010-12-14T14:54:00.002-07:00

As you can see, you can buy everything in a bag here. From ketchup, to milk, to sour cream, to oil, hot peppers, etc. The girls think it is the coolest to be able to buy water in a bag at the market, on the street, at the stop lights, etc.

This particular brand of ketchup actually has cinnamon in it. Definately an acquired taste, and not Heinz!

I have become very good at opening just a small corner of the milk so when we are finished we can fold the edge over and clip with a clothes pin and put it back in the fridge for the next time.

I wonder which affects are planet more, the bottles or the bags?

The story of La Purisima

2010-12-14T10:56:00.002-07:00

Catholic celebrations are observed throughout the world, but the celebration is unique to the Nicaraguan people. The custom is to build private altars at individual homes, which will be visited by family, friends, and neighbors. The hosts offer gifts to the visitors who sing before them.

The Tradition in Nicaragua

Today, the population of Nicaragua is predominantly Catholic and devotion to the Virgin Mary is central to the Nicaraguan heritage. The Spanish colonizers brought Catholicism and traditional religious celebrations to Central America. With fervor and piety, the native populations embraced Mary as their Patron Saint and church ceremonies were adopted and modified to mix with the native culture. There does not appear to be any one definitive history of how the veneration of Mary became a cultural custom in Nicaragua. The story is pieced together from a variety of explanations but tells us that the veneration of Mary began in 1562. Her image came to the village of El Viejo, carried by Pedro Alonso Sanchez de Zepeda y Ahumada, the brother of Saint Teresa of Avila, while traveling to Peru. Forced to remain while a tropical storm passed, he placed the statue of Mary in the local basilica. News of the image traveled through the region and many natives came to see, pray, and worship the image. When Don Pedro departed, people traveled to the port to say goodbye to the beautiful image. A new storm forced his return, and the reappearance of the image of Mary was celebrated. Believing it was divine intervention that caused the return, the owner gifted the image to El Viejo.

La Purisima means "the purest one" and celebrates the conception of the Blessed Mother. There are different versions of its origins. One is a story of a miraculous journey of an image traveling upriver and across a lake to women who pulled her from the water on December 7. Another version is associated with the city of León at the beginnings of the 18th century. The story is that monks of the San Francisco convent used candy and fruit to attract children and believers to come and sing to the image of the Virgin. They were quickly overwhelmed and expanded the celebrating, singing, and praying to people's houses where they were encouraged to set up private altars. The tradition spread to other towns and soon to the rest of Nicaragua.

Purisima is a novena, or nine days of prayer and devotion. La Griteria is the boisterous and celebratory festival held on December 7th, the final day of La Purisima. During the novena, altars are built, visits to sing and pray occur, and singers receive gifts from the alters hosts. La Purisima culminates with La Griteria when fireworks, firecrackers, and shouting erupt throughout the country. The common shout is: "Quién causa tanta alegría?" (Who causes this happiness?). People answer with the massive response, "La Concepción de María". As the fireworks explode around them, Nicaraguans go to the streets to "shout" to the virgin. They walk the streets to visit and sing to each altar. House owners give a small gift such as fruit, candy, toys, noisemakers, or drink, and then the group travels to the next altar. This will go on until the gifts run out or there are no more singers.

Mmmmmm Mangoes

2010-12-10T08:27:00.002-07:00

We are nearing the start of mango season. As I am writing on my blog, I am sitting under the biggest mango tree ever. Some flowers are in bloom and others have already turned into small mangoes that seem to grow a little every day. Some are the size of a peanut and others are the size of a prune. My favorite snack is green mangoes served with banana vinegar and a little bit of chili seasoning. Very refreshing!

By Christmas time, we will be eating green mangoes and by the New Year we will have more mangoes than we know what to do with. The thought of a freshly picked mango for breakfast is making me hungry.

Learning a new language

2010-12-10T08:26:00.001-07:00

Learning a new language!

For anyone who has or is trying to learn a new language you will understand what I am talking about. It is not easy! Especially, when you are an adult and are a little afraid to make a mistake. Being immersed is truly the best way to learn. The girls are continuing to pick up more Spanish and are definitely getting more comfortable with speaking. I am starting to wish that we had registered them in school when we arrived. They would have had 6 weeks of full immersion with the language and the opportunity to make more friends. School is now out for the 6 week break over the holiday’s, so we will just continue to home school and encourage the girls to make friends in the neighbourhood.

As for me I am learning it is okay to make a mistake. I tried to tell my niece that someone “plugged the toilet,” only to realize that they say “stuffed the toilet.” They plug something in to an outlet but they do not “plug a toilet.” Oh well! She got the point and soon realized what I was trying to say.

My mother-in-law just appreciates my attempt to try, so every day I challenge myself to speak a little more.

Huembes Market

2010-12-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

This is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. We go to the market about twice a week. They have everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, to hammocks, to paint, to dishes, to meat, to cheese, piñatas, candy, clothes, shoes, etc. We have been here long enough to start to learn the market and where everything is. The smells of the market change as quickly as the shops and definitely take some getting used to. My oldest daughter tells me she holds her breath and only breaths through her mouth at certain parts. I will try to explain in words but this is something that needs to be experienced to fully understand. The fresh fruit and vegetables are amazing but it is fresh and some of it is over ripe. If you want something different this is where you will get it. At the edge of the produce section is a lady with 2 baskets of fish. They say fresh, but I am not sure how fresh it can be when it has been sitting in the heat all day. Now, this is where I am also guilty of holding my breath and not even breathing through my mouth. We just walk really fast. As soon as you enter the other side, there are the amazing smells of burlap sacks full of spices. Every spice you can imagine. And just around the corner from the spices is an entire section of fresh flowers. Your nose definitely gets worked over on just one trip to the market.

From past experience, I know that there is a meat section. We have been avoiding this area with the girls mostly because of the smell. Yesterday, my niece came with us and decided to take a short cut. Straight through the meat section! I am trying to rush the girls through the aisles in the hopes that they don’t really notice the raw meat hanging on the hooks above them, in the baskets beside them, or on the tables. Phew, we made it through! I can’t imagine myself buying meat that has been hanging on a hook in the open air all day long. So we finish doing what we came for and we are heading back the way we came. I am thinking that I have protected the girls from all the weird meat. We turn the corner and head straight for the meat section again. My youngest daughter turns to me and says, “Mommy, are we going past the eyeballs again?” I guess I should give them more credit. They saw every detail. As curious as kids can be, they were looking for the eyeballs in the plastic bags on the way back. We make it through the meat section a second time and the girls are still talking about the eyeball in the bag with whatever else is with it. Believe me! I didn’t stop to check it out! My oldest daughter as serious as she is, looks at me and says, “I am sorry, Mom, but if they serve me something with eyeballs in it, I am not trying to be rude, BUT I AM NOT EATING IT.” I reassured her that she would never have to eat eyeballs, no matter who cooked them. Now the curiosity has got the best of me! I asked my husband what they cook with eyeballs and he calmly replies, “I am not sure, but that is just gross!” So thankfully none of us will have to refuse eyeballs for dinner!

Fast Forward

2010-12-10T07:53:00.002-07:00

Everything in life happens for a reason. We have long had a dream of taking our family to Central America for an extended holiday to expose the girls to their heritage. The events of December 4th 2009 pushed our family to realize that life was just way to short. So we began to plan our trip.

On October 1st we packed our car and headed south. Our road trip was a 2 week journey through the United States with a stop over at Mount Rushmore, a visit with my sister and the girls cousins, and a visit with my aunt. A great time for the girls to learn some geography, some history and most importantly bond with family.

On October 15th, we boarded the airplane heading further South to our final destination. This would be home for 4 months. The unknown awaits us and the learning begins.

Proud Mama

2010-08-24T13:17:00.004-06:00

As parents, we raise our children in the hopes that they take some of what they learned from us and do good with it. Often times, it is once they themselves become a parent that you see this. I was blessed to see this at the age of 8. My oldest daughter has a heart of gold and a very caring personality. The fire troubled her and it bothered her to see the devastation. She loves to draw so I encouraged her to sit down and write her thoughts on paper to help her get through the day. She came up with a beautiful picture that displayed what our neighborhood had become. Little did we know, this picture would do so much. A picture truly is worth a 1000 words. In this case over $4000. This picture touched the hearts of so many and allowed our 8 year old daughter to raise over $4000 for the families that were directly affected by the fire. We have a lot to learn from the people around us. If we have the ability to be a person of Influence at the age of 8, why is it that so many of us lose that ability as they become adults. Do we lose sight, do we lose focus, or do we lose touch with what is most important to us? Take the time to do good for someone, you will be glad you did.

Emotional Rollercoaster

2010-08-22T20:22:00.002-06:00

The days following the fire were simply amazing. We celebrated the hero's from that night, we celebrated life, we experienced loss of pets and belongings and love from all around. A simple posting on social networking brought in a flood of offer's to help. The offer of a warm home for those who did not have one to go home to, home cooked meals to help them get through the day, clothing to keep them warm and household items. Complete strangers reaching out to help in any way that they could. Fire fighter's stopping by to make sure our home was safe to be in and to talk with the girls about that night. Only to leave after blanketing them with a fuzzy warm red blanket wrapped in the arms of a stuffed Dalmation dog. The range of emotions that flowed around us was almost hard to contain. And despite the feeling of relief to be standing in our home, every time we looked out our front window we saw sadness and devastation and the painful question of "Why?" Why does this happen to good people? Why are people so curious to see other's loss? Why do people experience loss? Why them, why us? And the bigger question, What are we to learn from this night?

In the Blink of an EYE!

2010-08-22T16:40:00.000-06:00

In the blink of an eye, YOUR life can change. Many of us think we have control over how life will go day after day. On December 4th, 2009, after a fantastic visit with friends we brought our family home on a very cold and stormy night and settled in to bed. A little more than 4 hours later, we were awaken to some ominous sounds and lights that did not fit with the storm. As I peered out my bedroom window, the reality of life soon flashed before me as 2 of my neighbour's homes were in flames and the fire was spreading quickly. Within 10 minutes, we were advised to wake our 2young girls as they were unable to get in to put out the fire and they were not sure how they were going to put out "the perfect storm." We gathered the few things that we deemed important and left our home. Both of us thought to ourselves, this is going to be the last time that we see our home that we had called our home for the previous 7 years. We gathered at the nearby 7-11 and as the time faded in to the night, we were joined by neighbour after neighbour. We were embraced by the staff with warm drinks and a warm place to stay and were frozen in time. All control was gone! We talked, we cried and we searched for neighbours that had yet to appear, fearing that they had not got out. Word quickly came that 3, then 4, then 5 homes were engulfed in flames and a possible 6th was now at risk. It seemed like an eternity when we finally got word that the fire was under control and everyone had gotten out safely. We decided to return to the friend's home that we had left only a few short hours earlier to resume some sort of normalcy. Although we feared, that OUR "Normal" had changed. In the blink of an eye, OUR life had changed. This was the start of something new. Our purpose had changed.

Back to the Box

2008-01-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

It has been many months since I visited my blog and logged some entries.

Isn't it funny how life just consumes us and before we know it the year is over and a new year has begun. Do you ever wonder how this happens? I have my own ideas and would like to share. Over the weekend, I went out to purchase a new winter jacket for my daughter, since she broke the zipper in her current one. For those of you who are not familiar with Canadian winters, we have at least 2 more months of cold weather to go before Spring arrives. Today is a testament to that as I woke up to -33 C (-49 C with the wind). I went to 5 stores and there was not a winter jacket to be found. They are already marketing for Spring. Are we in that much of a hurry to rush through life.

Think about it! Christmas is not even over and they are already putting out marketing for Valentines. Valentines finishes on Feb.14th and the Easter marketing comes out and so on and so on.

My suggestion for today....take time to enjoy the moment. What does not get done today will be waiting for tomorrow. Enjoy life instead of rushing to the next day.

Terry Fox Run

2007-09-11T11:19:00.000-06:00

My Grandma (Lorna Aitken) is walking in the Terry Fox Run
http://www.terryfoxrun.org/local/asp/r/e/47382

Thought we could help her raise some money. She says she thinks this is her 14th year and she has been the oldest walker for the past 4 years. She is 92 and says she will walk 1km. She has lost 2 sister, a brother, a brother-in-law and my wonderful Grandpa to Cancer......she walks for them. She will also be walking in memory of Eileen Webb - who always challenged her to raise more.Give a little or a lot. The Power of $1 - If 400 people just give up a cup of coffee and donated a $1..........$400.Spoke with her today, she said she is the oldest person in town. I have a hard time believing it as she is so full of life. This weekend my sister and her family will spend the weekend in Eyebrow, SK.

Survived Stampede

2007-07-19T10:06:00.000-06:00

I am proud to say that we have survived yet another Calgary Stampede. A great event that brings travellors from all over the world. It is 10 days of fun, celebrating and for those who really get involved a lot of drinking. I went out one night with 2 girlfriends and had a blast watching people. I did come away wondering what the tourists say about our city when they return home after a week of experiencing the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. We are a young city full of young families, a prosperous city due to a great economy, and a short drive from the Rocky Mountains. There is lots to see and do as a family in and around our city that happens to include the Calgary Stampede. For 10 days most people pull out their cowboy hats and cowboy boots and dust them off for a week of fun. When it is all over, the boots and hats for most go back in to the closet for another year and life returns to normal. Honestly, we are not like this all year round. Check us out, you may just decide to take your next family vacation to Calgary.

Don't let your busy schedule take away from having fun!

2007-07-11T11:16:00.000-06:00

I noticed that it has been a month since I posted. Boy have I been having fun. Summer continues to bless us with great weather, we had a trip to Sask. to visit family, I have been partnering with some great business partners and growing my business, we have been spending time with friends and living life and much much more.

Don't let your busy schedule take time away from you enjoying life. Life is too short to not have fun. Enjoy the little moments! Pick up the phone and call that friend that you have not seen in a while. They may be needing your call. Take a walk to the park with your family. Make the most of the summer, it won't last long.

Summer has arrived!

2007-06-12T15:17:00.001-06:00

Since the nice weather has approached so does the work in the yard. Between cutting grass, digging dirt and planting trees it feels like I have started another job. Fortunately, I can plan my business around my family and my life and do both at the same time. As the days continue to get warmer, take the time to enjoy your family, admire the flowers, take in the fresh smells of summer and relax. Pour yourself a cold glass of ice tea or lemonade and ENJOY!

BBQ Anyone?

2007-05-24T11:00:00.001-06:00

I was thinking about having a BBQ tonight! Would anyone like to join me????

What a Surprise?

2007-05-20T22:04:00.000-06:00

Well it was a hit! My husband turned 40 this past week. I have been planning a surprise birthday party for him for a couple of weeks now. All managed to keep the secret including our 3 year old. We had 30 plus people go through our house on Saturday evening and he had no clue it was happening. He got to put his new BBQ to the test and cooked up a storm. We had lots of fun with friends and enjoyed it all. Thanks to all who made this day a special one!

The Sheriff is in Town!

2007-04-26T10:14:00.000-06:00

On April 20th, 2007, my husband graduated from Class 5 of the Solicitor General and Public Security Recruit Training and is officially a Sheriff to serve and protect all of us. The graduation was amazing and very traditional. An amazing thing for our girls to see! We are so proud of him and see the twinkle is his eyes again as he is doing something that he loves.

Happy Birthday!!!!!

2007-04-22T20:51:00.000-06:00

A great Big Happy Birthday goes out to my niece, who turns 6 today. I hope you had a great sleepover on Friday. I wish I could have been there.

Feliz Cumpleanos!

Love Auntie Candice

Congratulations!

2007-04-18T10:16:00.000-06:00

It is time to celebrate the achievement that my husband has accomplished over the past 6 weeks. He is officially done his 6 week training and his graduation is on Friday. We are all so proud of his accomplishment and his belief in himself that he has completed this journey. The girls and I are driving up for his graduation tomorrow and we are excited for many reasons. For the girls, they have not seen their father in 2 weeks and they are ready to have him home. We are all excited at what this journey is going to continue to bring us as a family. Looking forward to having Papa back at home and a part of the family.

We are all so proud of you!

Spring is finally around the corner!

2007-04-12T12:15:00.000-06:00

How time flies when you are having fun?

Since my last post, Easter has come and gone, I painted my kitchen and main floor bathroom with the help from my mom, my husband has less than 2 weeks left of his 6 week training, and I am officially a stay at home mom earning an income with my children by my side.

Spring has taken it's time arriving and we are all looking forward to getting our hands in to the dirt, pulling out the bikes (and leaving them out), watching the plants grow, and meeting new people.

Wishing all of you a beautiful Spring and lots of room for growth.

Happy Birthday!

2007-04-03T14:03:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday goes out to my brother-in-law. Have a great day!

Feliz Cumpleanos!

Cheers!

Friendship

2007-04-03T09:13:00.000-06:00

We all encounter friendship through our lifetime. Some friends come for a season and some last a lifetime. With my recent injury, I have turned to my friends a little more than usual. I discovered one thing during this time! You sure know who your friends are.

I wanted to take the time to thank all those who have been here for me as I continue to heal, I am left house bound with 2 small children, and have been a single parent for 4 weeks. It reminds me that true friendship will stay through the good and the bad no matter what. This last 2 months would not have gone this good without all you friends who have been here.

The power of ONE

2007-03-28T16:37:00.000-06:00

It is truly amazing how one person can make a choice that can change the world. I had the honour of meeting a very inspirational woman last August. Her story was truly amazing and shows just how one person can make a difference. She has devoted her life to making a difference for many children and families in need.

You can also read about her journey, as her book, Bones That Float, was launched this month. Visit the link under Recommended readings to learn more, if you are also inspired by what you see pick up a copy today, you will be glad you did.

Traditions

2007-03-26T09:42:00.000-06:00

I had the pleasure of taking part in my very first Italian wedding shower over the weekend. What an experience this was! As a bridesmaid, I was a little more involved in the planning but very unaware that there would be a head table at which I would be sitting. I must say , it was like a mini wedding reception with only women. The event was catered by a local Italian company with a light lunch and enough goodies and pastries to feed at least 400 people. And to think this was just the wedding shower. The wedding will take part on a beach which is not traditional for an Italian bride but the reception will follow and will be very traditional with a sit down dinner of at least 8 courses, I am sure. This has been an experience that is very different from my wedding and I am honored to have been included in all the different traditions.

Growth

2007-03-20T13:48:00.000-06:00

We all experience growth in our day to day living. Whether it be personal growth or growth within our family. Growth within our careers. OR growth spiritually. Visual growth of a new flower in the Spring. The growth chart of your children on your wall. Or the growth of a new or existing relationship.

My suggestion to you is to set aside some time today to experience some growth within yourself. Pick up that book that you have been longing to read, do some soul searching, envision your goals and set aside a plan for yourself.

Spring is just around the corner and we are about to experience a lot of growth. You wouldn't want to be left behind, would you?

How do they do that?

2007-03-19T13:09:00.000-06:00

Have you ever watched the television show, How do they do that? They take apart myths and movies and try to prove whether they are fact or fiction. Quite cool! Most of the time they are fiction but that is beside the point. It is not the show that initially brought me here.....

We have become a society in which both parents have to work, sometimes 40-60 hours a week just to make ends meet. If they have small children they go to daycare, preschool or school and spend a couple of hours with their family before bed time. Weekends are spent running around to activities and doing errands that need to be done before Monday arrives again and they start all over. I have had the pleasure of working my career around my family but have recently experienced this lifestyle. My question is, How do they do that? Many families live in one city and one of them work in another. There family takes the back seat to their job. They plan family time around their work and family often gets what is left over.

I think we have it all backwards.....What do you think?

Admiration!

2007-03-15T22:04:00.000-06:00

My hat goes off to all you single parents out there. I admire your determination, your drive and your strength to provide the best for your children.

This week is week #1 of 6 in which my husband is away for training so I am experiencing the life of a single parent. As my girls wake in the morning they come in to my room in the hopes that their Papa is there to give them a great big hug and say, "good morning." When they realize the week is not over yet we get on with our day and take one more sleep off the list.

I feel blessed to have a job that allows me to be home with my children as they experience the life of so many other children who see their father's go off to work far away from home, who live in seperate homes from their father's, or who don't know their father's.

To all you single parents, give yourself a pat on the back for the work you do for your family!

Where does the time go?

2007-03-15T21:56:00.000-06:00

Do you ever wonder why time goes so much faster the older we get? Is this because we are so focused on the future that we forget to enjoy the present. For children, a week seems to feel like a life time. Yet as adults it seems like we blink our eyes and a whole year has disappeared.

So much can happen in a span of a few weeks and we don't even realize until we take the time to reflect on all that we have accomplished.

My suggestion to you is to take some time to smell the flowers, (for those still in winter weather admire the clear blue skies on a wintery day) play with your children, have a hot bath, read a good book and live life for the moment. Life is too short to not admire every day for it's beauty.

Celebration

2007-02-24T16:01:00.000-07:00

I am so proud to take the time to celebrate my husband's courage and drive to always want better for himself and his family. He has never given up on himself despite some hard knocks that have really only made him stronger.

On Feb.22 he was offered a new position with the Sheriff program. He called me from work and I could see his smile through the phone. He sounded like a child who was just let loose in a candy store.

I am so proud of you!

The loss of a great Leader!

2007-02-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

Our team experienced the loss of one of our own this weekend. Beth was a true inspiration and leader that helped all of us work from home successfully. She dedicated her time to our team and supporting others in being successful. She became a friend, a mentor, a support, and a teacher to many and she will be truly missed.

Beth had a phenomenal attitude towards life and faced her life every day with a "no excuses attitude." As I reflect back on the past two years and the opportunity to get to know her and learn from her, I have started to gather the gold nuggets that she has provided me. I will forever remember her dedication to her partners, her family and her business.

Beth, you will be missed!

Saskatchewan:)

2007-02-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

Some of you may say, WHAT?, WHERE?, or WHO? For those of you who are familiar with Saskatchewan you know what I am talking about. For those of you who don't, Saskatchewan is a Canadian province with many wonders to see. I happen to be from Saskatchewan and have returned this week to see family and host a couple of health and wellness workshops.

As we drove in to Grandma's driveway,my 5 year old immediately observed the piles of snow. She commented," Mama, look at the snow, I don't think we will be having a campfire tonight." Campfires are a favorite past time of ours when visiting Grandma's house, just not when there is 3 foot high snow drifts in the driveway. We will just have to return in the summer to enjoy the campfires, the endless skies and the clean fresh air.

For now we will just enjoy the time with Nana and Grandma before we head out tomorrow to see other family. Until next time......

Love is in the air...

2007-02-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Valentines Day to all!

Today is a day we are all reminded to share our love, affection, appreciation, sharing, etc. And for small children it means cards, treats, chocolate and more. The girls and I have been making cookies over the past few days and today they got to decorate them. They had just as much fun making them as they did in eating them. Yes...they taste as good as they look.

Have a great day with those you love!

Catch Up!

2007-02-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, we had to miss our class last night. It was the topic on Parents and In-laws. With no parents or in-laws near by, maybe this was the right class to miss! Anyways, we have the information and will spend some time this weekend doing our homework. All I know is with only one foot functioning and 2 small children it sure would have been nice to have some parents around to help out, even if they don't speak any English. These are the times when you realize that you are far away from family. For those of you who have family close by, when you feel the need to complain about them think of those less fortunate and be grateful for what they do.

Beauty

2007-02-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

Winter has returned for us. Despite the cold that it brings it also brings some beautiful pictures. My favorite thing to see in the winter is frost on the trees. I have attached a photo to share the beauty with all of you.

Habits

2007-02-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how we form many habits in our lifetime. For example, sitting in the same place all the time. I tested this out recently with my daughter and gave her the task of picking our seats. It was almost instant that she took us to the same spot every time. Why is this?

Some habits are good, like telling my children "te amo" everyday and some are not.

In our search for crutches, my 5 year old commented to me, "mommy, if you have to buy them you can just keep them for the next time you break your leg!" My kind remark to this innocent comment was I do not plan to make a habit of breaking bones.

We can definitely learn from the innocence of children.

Opportunity

2007-02-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

Yesturday I had the opportunity to sit in a forum with 3 very interesting men. A Jewish Rabbi, an Islamic Imam, and a Christian pastor. Yes, you read it right. It was the most profound feeling to have a group of individuals who are painted in the media as hating each other sitting in the same room having a discussion. In the end, I came away with many more questions and a lot of realization that most of us want the same thing...to be good honorable people and to have peace in the world.

Why is this so difficult to do????? Why is religion at the foot of so much wrong? Why does the media play on the evil and steer this towards those who want peace. This only paints a bad picture of those who worship. There are many more who want peace than those who hide behind religion to prove a point.

I realized even more that we need to educate ourselves before we judge anyone. And it is important to not believe everything we hear on the news.

I know this topic often draws a lot of conversation/debate and I would be curious to hear what others think.

Forgiveness

2007-02-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

The Power of Forgiveness:

I was given great advice prior to marriage: I was told to never go to bed angry. Somedays I am really good at following this advice somedays I am not so good. Why is it so difficult for us to forgive? Is it because the initial reason that made us angry was so petty? Is it because we don't want to admit our fault in the situation? Is it because the truth hurts? Holding on to anger only brings us down and keeps us from moving on.

Make the step to forgive. Nobody is perfect. After all we are human. The following steps were recommended by the marriage course in restoring hurt feelings:

1.Identify the hurt
2.Apologize (this is a big one, especially if we have done wrong)
3.Forgive
4.Start again together(cross out the hurt and move on)

This process may be difficult, but the reward in the end is well worth it.

"Forgetting what lies behind and pressing forward to what lies ahead." Philippians 3:13

Out of Commission

2007-02-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

If you have children, do you recall how many times you tell them to be careful on the stairs. If so, do they ask why? or how come? I was able to prove to my children yesturday what happens when you are not exactly careful on the stairs. A misstep on the last step earned me a trip to the emergency, an air cast on a fractured foot and two weeks off work. It's a good thing I also earn a living working from home.

I thought I would share with all of you to be careful on that last step, especially if it is before 7:00am and that first cup of coffee!

Pure Enjoyment

2007-01-28T16:21:00.000-07:00

I just spent the afternoon with my 2 preschoolers at a birthday party at the local craft store. First, I was unaware that you could have a party like this and second, what a great opportunity to watch my girls creativity. The greatest was having the mess away from home. I think I will have to consider this for future parties. My daughter's both created a ladybug jewelry box to bring home and proudly show their papa what they made. Supplies needed: a small round box with lid, red paint, black paint, a paint brush, black foam stick on material, 2 eyes, glue and a large green leaf

The greatest thing about this is that life has allowed me to take the time out to enjoy these precious moments with my girls.

Handling Conflict

2007-01-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, we are often surrounded by conflict. Whether it be with family, friends, co-workers, spouse, etc. The ability to deal with conflict helps us to resolve the issue easier, accept fault and move on.

In continuation to our class we talked about the art of communication. We came home with an exercise to talk about our feelings more, and more importantly to listen to our partner's feelings without interrupting, criticizing or offering advice. This is hard to do if one of you always wants to give advice, and tell the other what to do. Try it! You will be amazed at how often you interupt when you are having a conversation. I think we can all work on our listening skills just a little.

Our class talked about the Four Principles for Handling Conflict:
1.Expressing our appreciation for each other
2.Recognizing our differences
3.Negotiating areas of conflict
4.Learning to pray together, or for each other

Quoted from the Marriage Course

The last may be difficult for some to do if you are not comfortable with prayer. I am sure at times we want more for our partners whether it be strength, guidance, or support.

The best thing about the class is we get to take time out of our busy schedules to have a date, have supper prepared for us, meet new couples and to spend time improving our marriage.

The Art of Communication

2007-01-20T22:32:00.000-07:00

Effective Communication is the key to life. Without it you are left in the dark wondering what went wrong and assuming the worst. Effective communication involves 3 key factors, the message, the sender and the receiver. As we go through life we encounter many barriers within these 3 that get in the way of effective communication. We get upset, we back away, we point fingers, we lay blame, and we often forget to look at ourselves and how we can improve in communication.

To improve, it is best to look within, change our unlikable behaviours and LISTEN. Life can pass us by when we are not listening and we can miss the most important lessons. We all have bad habits that stop us from being good listener's. Such as, interrupting, giving advice, reassuring, intellectualizing, and making the situation about us. Maybe the other person just wants us to listen! Try it! You may be surprised.

Something to ponder.

2007-01-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

It is amazing in life how things often get in the way. This quote was presented to me tonight in a training and how true it is. Have you ever let procrastination get in the way of your goals? I know I have......

"Procrastination is the Assassination of your Destination" .
John Consentino

It is amazing with team support and encouragement what you can accomplish. It leaves little room for procrastination and a lot of room for growth. A big thanks goes out to an incredible member of my team today for all of her support. :)

Love

2007-01-12T09:49:00.000-07:00

Last night we started an 8 week class on strengthening and building a healthy marriage to last a life time. We joined 8 other couples, we were served dinner, met new people and then watched a video. Over coffee, dessert and candlelight, individually we discussed some great questions that helped us take stock in our marriage.

The first session was about building strong foundations. I wanted to share some tidbits:

Love is more than feelings
*a definition of love - meeting the needs or desires of another, sometimes at a cost to ourselves
*the greatest need of our husband or wife is to feel understood and loved

I came away remembering it is best to be proactive versus reactive when responding to any relationship.
*Proactive-focusing on each other's desires
*Reactive-focusing on each other's behavior

What a great way to spend an evening with my husband. Stay tuned for the Art of Communication!

Cherishing Every Moment

2007-01-11T15:17:00.000-07:00

As life moves forward, we often find ourselves on a fast moving train that goes around corner's, up and down hills, through dark tunnels and beside beautiful clear blue lakes. For many, it is difficult to see the beauty this train ride brings us every day because we are focusing on what is at the end, who was right or wrong about the direction or how to make it stop. Often it takes a loss, a scare, or a tragedy to make us slow down and cherish the important things in life. As we have recently been hit with some scary realization that life can be cut short, it forces you to take a step back and say, "what can we do differently in life to not miss the important things." Fortunately, this was only a scare to make us take this step back to cherish family and friends who are near and dear to our hearts and value each and every relationship.

The excitement in NEW

2007-01-08T21:25:00.000-07:00

The smell of a:
newborn baby!
the spring!
the rain!

These are just some of the things that bring a smile to my face. I am always excited to try new stuff and to experience new things. I attended Launch this weekend and they launched new and exciting products to simplify life. It always helps to have life simplified a little.

Proud moments!

2007-01-05T14:14:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take a moment to celebrate a very special person in my life. First and foremost she is my sister and in April 2005 she also became my business partner. We often joke about her getting started to help her little sister and that I saw the potential for a great business partner. Boy did I know best this time! She has taken every day as a new day and grown her business to new levels. I learn something new from her every day and more importantly I get to talk with her everyday. Despite the many miles between us, I often feel very close to her and her family. Our business has helped us grow within ourselves, gain and learn new leadership, build new relationships with business partners around the country and value the most important things in life, family.

Hat's off to you, sis! I am so proud of you!

Keep up the great work!:)

Family Photo

2007-01-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

It is a New Year and it was time for an updated Family Photo. So off we went. We got 3 children all dressed up and set off for the photo shop. On the way, we promised the children if the photo went well we would take them out for dinner. We got to the photographer's early and were done our session by 2 minutes after our appointment. As we were closing out our session, our oldest commented, "Do we get to go for Chinese Food now?" Best bribe I have given my children. We were in and out within 15 minutes, had 2 photos taken and I did not have to make dinner.

Planning ahead often helps us to be more successful at what we do!

Goals for the New Year!

2007-01-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

As I take a moment to sit and contemplate what the New Year has to offer, I first must reflect on 2006 which has been a wonderfully successful year in many ways. New jobs, the start of Kindergarten and preschool, relationships with family and friends and health.

2007 is already beginning to be a great year with new job growth within our family and our home based business.

With every New Year comes resolutions as we reflect on the past and on the future. We set short term goals and long term goals that we can work towards as we grow as individuals and as a family.

My goals for the New Year are:
To embrace all the joy and challenges of parenting my two young girls.
To continue to be a support to my husband and my family.
To grow my business.
To help my business partners achieve their goals.
To establish a excersize regime that I can maintain.
To enjoy every day.

Wishing you all the success and happiness in the New Year!

New Beginning's

2007-01-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

It is the New Year and time for New beginnings. I have stepped into the world of blogging.