tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87164222863303455502012-02-07T12:39:27.651-06:00Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.comBlogger781100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-57215625040729699212012-02-07T10:48:00.004-06:002012-02-07T12:39:27.663-06:00

Yesterday we had our doctors visit and were given the green flag to start introducing foods again. Since we don't plan on bringing back dairy or wheat, at this time anyway, we skipped down the list to fruit. Technically I should have done egg first but I was in the city with no frying pan at my fingertips and was antsy to get started. I picked up bananas, apple pairs and a smoothie containing

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-11148382490218426632012-02-02T09:46:00.001-06:002012-02-02T09:46:43.295-06:00

I have lost track of what week we are in after having gone gluten and dairy free, around 2 months.  At any rate, this is where we are at now... We are currently on a hypoallergenic diet (elimination diet) in addition to being gluten and casein free.  Coffee and chocolate were by far the hardest things for me to omit, especially after nailing a decadent brownie with fudgy icing which was GFCF! 

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-8021018438292851312012-01-31T11:18:00.001-06:002012-01-31T13:01:05.391-06:00

I have been blessed with angels on earth and I am truly grateful for their presence. I used to read blogs where people would comment "I don't know what I'd do without x in my life" and it made me jealous, sad and angry that I didn't feel like I had that in my life (how ugly is that, how about being happy for others? Can't happen when you aren't happy with yourself!). Well do you get what you

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-89319294561119737562012-01-26T10:29:00.001-06:002012-01-26T10:56:42.282-06:00

Well I can bitch about facebook or I can talk about what I like about it and why I choose to stay, duh eh :) There are so many great feeds I have subscribed to that offer positive energy galore and I just LOVE reading the messages throughout the day, it's like little doses of positive reinforcement to stay on the right track, especially when I derail.  What I didn't like was that each time I

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-87092967780534866812012-01-23T19:00:00.004-06:002012-01-23T19:26:37.862-06:00

There is a history of heart disease in my hubby's family and so far he has escaped the early heart attack that his father experienced and the one that took his Pappa's life. Hubby was diagnosed with sleep apnea a few years ago and uses a cpap at night. FIL was just diagnosed with the same after many years of gentle nudging (ok, not so gentle really...) to get checked out. Hubby's Pappa was

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-44081033319583009582012-01-23T12:50:00.003-06:002012-01-23T13:30:43.797-06:00

Have you ever noticed the extra surge of strength you get when someone other than your ego offers encouraging words or notices your efforts? Or have you been down and out, only to have a kind soul show up at your door with some soup, kleenex and a warm embrace? Have you ever become unbearable to even yourself only to have a true friend knock on your heart and offer an ear or a swift kick in the

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-7195118803228124642012-01-21T19:48:00.003-06:002012-01-21T20:04:31.763-06:00

As previously mentioned, I've had issues with numbness and tingling in my hands when sleeping. It seemed to ebb once we started the diet but has started up again. Last night was by far the worst and this morning was a touch scary for me.Backing up, yesterday I spent the afternoon tearing down old wallpaper (80's pin stripes with a loon border (ducks!)...yes I know, LONG overdue and it was here

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-45508606654357101722012-01-20T11:20:00.005-06:002012-01-20T11:44:48.831-06:00

There is an art in this world that really could use some reviving or rejuvenating or plain old teaching to those who are ignorant about it's positive effects, especially with all this "social" networking the world has embraced.Empathy.If you choose to open up and let someone know something is bothering you, the last thing that is going to make you feel better is them telling you "hey girl, you

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-17407090913624396242012-01-19T21:31:00.002-06:002012-01-19T21:49:44.288-06:00

How can you tell I'm home full time now? Ah yes, post-a-thon day.Well the f-ing 4's are in full effect with Boy4 and I need to take out shares in Lil Penguin wine because boy oh boy are their sales up...all thanks to us! Isn't it superb that wine is GFCF, sheesh, who needs milk!Boy4 did well this week and I thought ahhh, here we are, we have a groove. He was napping every day, 2-3+ hours each

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-72470414422933739652012-01-19T10:04:00.003-06:002012-01-19T10:25:16.585-06:00

When we cut out dairy, my one major concern was losing creamy sauces for pasta. Where there's a will, there is a way! Last night Girl6 made up our dinner plan. She requested pasta, chicken, beans and salad. And that's just what she got but not nearly as plain as that sounds!I grilled the chicken (cut into bite size pieces after the breast was cooked) in olive oil, fresh garlic, powdered onion

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-17824124362235502712012-01-19T09:46:00.004-06:002012-01-19T10:03:53.419-06:00

It's been a little over a month since we jumped into GFCF. One side effect that I was not anticipating is the weight loss. We are not eating any less, if anything I've added a lot more fat to our meals! However hubby is down 10 pounds and I'm down 9. Keeping it real...we don't exercise much at all... So imagine what you could lose if you skipped gluten/dairy AND exercised!!?I keep hearing

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-10603164093144350692012-01-18T14:20:00.006-06:002012-01-18T22:59:32.678-06:00

I actually enjoy cooking once I have a plan. It's the *plan* part that stresses me out on a daily basis! Yesterday I purged the cupboards, put new contact paper down and got to work prepping for my little kitchen reno. I plan on painting the cupboards and installing a new counter top, sink and lights in the next few months. Then all of a sudden I realized it was 5 pm and I had NO dinner plans.

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-68519165249003585032012-01-16T21:39:00.003-06:002012-01-16T21:52:38.787-06:00

Honestly, the more I read, the more I am convinced we are doing the right thing for our bodies right now, especially the kids.We had a non-blood relative pass away from ALS almost 2 years ago so the tidbits of information I was reading about intestinal health and the link to gluten intolerance/celiacs had me hungry for more. it was surreal how fast this disease depleted his body and with no

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-40122516018231663792012-01-16T20:55:00.004-06:002012-01-16T21:19:35.283-06:00

Boy4's back rash (red patches of skin, slightly raised) has suddenly gotten worse inexplicably and now he has a patch on his tummy. What the what?Add to that, both he and I have acquired our first "cold" of the winter. I must say, that is incredibly impressive for us to go so long without a sickness in this house.At any rate, some other things have gone a tad downhill and I stuck my nose back

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-20991197130689677952012-01-14T02:08:00.000-06:002012-01-14T02:10:10.540-06:00

I'm adding this one to the links page but feel it deserves it's own post.http://nutritionaltherapy.com.dnnmax.com/NutritionArticles/tabid/99/EntryId/26/Go-Gluten-Free-or-Go-Bust-By-Elaine-Fawcett-MJ-NTP.aspx

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-78991349513981180202012-01-13T11:21:00.007-06:002012-01-13T11:45:01.445-06:00

Simple things I've learned to complicate in life...If you feel it, it's ok, don't ask around for someone to give you permission to feel that way.You will never find happiness outside yourself because it's not something that can be found. You have to create it, minute by minute.Everyone has bad days, it's not the end of the world, just yours for that moment in time. Dust yourself off and try

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-61445616544590119882012-01-13T10:28:00.003-06:002012-01-13T13:28:17.361-06:00

You are not responsible for the programming you picked up in childhood. However, as an adult, you are one hundred percent responsible for fixing it. ~Ken Keyes, JrIn my early teens, I started to question my life but I carried on and did my best to blend in with the masses with a hunger to belong somewhere. My early 20's brought out the salmon in me and I went to war with myself. Part of me

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-27870370197229851752012-01-09T14:10:00.005-06:002012-01-13T10:27:57.531-06:00

I've been getting asked a lot "where do you shop?" "what do you eat?" "is it more expensive?"First off...my best advice to you is don't try to find something to replace what you are accustomed to eating as you will often be left disappointed and likely filling yourself with ingredients you cannot read, let alone know what they will do to your body. When we started this journey, I was desperate

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-46575162531281315492012-01-09T11:59:00.003-06:002012-01-09T12:43:47.063-06:00

Girl6 cont'dBacking up to about 16 months of age, Girl6 had cold after cold and her cough, mainly at night, was brutal. She coughed so much that we hardly slept and neither did she.Her pediatrician gave her an inhaler with a few prescriptions and said they don't diagnose asthma until much later, but that this should help. He also said it could be she is allergic to something in her room. So we

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-73247679564546323532012-01-07T10:40:00.003-06:002012-01-07T10:43:47.674-06:00

Girl6 had NINE bowel movements yesterday, NINE! The only times she's had that many were during a stomach flu. Started off large and hard, not what you'd expect from a child and ended the day with "normal" size and consistency. No strange behavior at all yesterday, I think we're on to something here.

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-66167714115484145712012-01-06T11:26:00.003-06:002012-01-07T10:44:10.215-06:00

First let's talk about poop. Yesterday Girl6 was suddenly exhibiting her old bizzarre behaviour. How to describe this....well she makes strange faces like she is straining, will arch her back and tilt her head to the sky while swaying back/forth. To someone who does not know her, I would assume they would think she had a mental handicap (I used to volunteer in a centre for children with mental

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-82007039253524164722012-01-04T22:27:00.004-06:002012-01-07T10:45:00.154-06:00

Quick update before I lose track of more time.Boy 4 seems to be on a good path now. He is MUCH better at maintaining eye contact which is just plain awesome! A lot calmer too.His daycare mentioned that he's done very well this week and asked if he was still on his special diet, I said yes. They seemed very curious about it and we had a nice chat about intestines :) Their report to me was that

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-41513120841911656752011-12-21T10:12:00.006-06:002012-01-07T10:47:27.330-06:00

I've had great intentions of blogging sooner, believe me there is no lack of content right now! It's more along the lines of trying to schedule my priorities and this got bumped.Ok, week 2...Girl6 is doing amazing, remarkable actually. There was only one little "bonkers" moment this week at a large family gathering and she'd had a lot of sugar so I can only assume that had something to do with it

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-26086713966144262642011-12-15T20:01:00.005-06:002011-12-15T20:37:03.341-06:00

We are now on day 6 of a full on gluten and casein free diet. Phew. I'll post more when I have time about what got us here but for now, I wanted to start journalling our trial.Day 1 consisted of a total pantry, fridge and freezer purge. This coming only days after a major grocery shopping trip...which suddenly left us with next to no food. On one hand, I freaked thinking "what a waste of money!!!

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-69869979467426934352011-11-29T12:30:00.002-06:002011-11-29T12:32:56.134-06:00

Trying to stay where my hands areI first heard the term "stay where your hands are" many years ago. Had no clue what it really meant, but it stuck with me.As a semi-recovering "rat racer", I constantly have to remind myself to live in the moment. Planning is obviously required in the event that tomorrow actually comes however since it's never a guarantee, I try not to worry about things so much.

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-36866207363000122132011-11-29T12:26:00.001-06:002011-11-29T12:28:17.704-06:00

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-446814807697053722011-11-28T10:15:00.011-06:002012-01-13T13:28:17.362-06:00

"Don't say you don't have enough time. You have the same number of hours per day as Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson and Albert Einstein."Life's Little Instruction Book by H. Jackson Brown Jr (1991)How often do you hear someone say that or do you yourself utter those words often? Have you ever sat back and thought about what you fill your

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-89402547324774906132011-11-25T23:14:00.005-06:002011-11-28T11:49:33.456-06:00

Sarah Mclachlan is by far my most favorite singer. Her songs express so much of what I've felt over the years and I am so thankful she shares her feelings and talent with the world through her passion filled music. The fact she has such a huge fan base must mean others feel the same!I recently heard this song in a new light. It spoke to me about my experience with some amazing women I met from

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-49885230978484186082011-11-15T12:48:00.004-06:002012-01-13T13:10:56.079-06:00

I don't even know where to start.Welcome back to my blog! I have a lot of catching up to do on here and there is a hurricane of words swirling in my head ready to hit the screen after my hiatus.My life is bursting with love, excitement, peace and hope! After so many years of swimming upstream, I finally feel like I've found the right current to swim against and it feels amazing.I learned the term

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-90534235946203939992011-11-09T11:01:00.000-06:002011-11-09T11:03:52.869-06:00

I'm back! Stay tuned for an update on the last few years and what brought me back to blogging. Sending you hope, love and peace!Hugs and Nonna kisses to you all xxxooo

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-1217692363792969912010-10-22T15:32:00.000-05:002012-01-13T12:06:10.546-06:00

Do you believe everything you read or hear? Do you trust certain sources more than others?If you go to school, do you believe everything the prof/teacher says or do you question certain things they say?Some things in life are factual (the sun and rain help things grow, people need food and water to survive, elmo is a superstar to toddlers).But there are so many other things in life that are purly

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-9965041698616027032010-10-20T10:09:00.000-05:002012-01-13T13:18:17.305-06:00

But if you are open to some hilarious quotes from a 74 year old dad making you think "did he seriously say that!?!?" you should check this out.... Here is the explanation http://shitmydadsays.com/bookHere are the quotes http://shitmydadsays.com/This makes me miss my great grandpa.  He always said what he thought and was always making people laugh (or shocking them!).Have a great day!

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-91407939477485486502010-09-27T19:27:00.000-05:002012-01-13T13:02:38.123-06:00

Meet the newest additions to our farm!We're "cowsitting" these grass eating mommas.  Stay tuned for another rendition of "farm lessons - what not to do" coming up...this one is a doozy!

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-80675019788877898152010-09-20T09:16:00.000-05:002012-01-13T13:02:24.987-06:00

Perhaps I was a man in my past life because food is the way to my heart too.This past week has seen multiple food deliveries to our home and I've enjoyed both the visits and the bounty!  Homemade.... cookies, pickles, banana bread (which I'm finishing up right now!), soup, salads and fresh pickerel - yumm!I'm not sure if it's the time of year or the age we are at or what but we've never had so

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-23774049643249995932010-09-05T21:48:00.000-05:002012-01-13T13:02:38.124-06:00

Lesson #1 - make sure to tighten the gas cap on the tractor - really tightLesson #2 - do not fill the gas tank on the tractor to the top (if you do and #1 fails, your legs will be part of a zen like gasoline waterfall)Lesson #3 - never EVER ever ever ever put gasoline soaked jeans in a washing machine...ever.  ever.  oops.More farm lessons to come, we'll be hearding cattle onto our land in a few

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-37796983836604985182010-08-24T21:59:00.000-05:002012-01-13T12:13:54.089-06:00

Hello again!  It's been a few months and here is a quick recap on what has been keeping us busy...packed up all our stuff and hit the road.  indeed we moved AGAIN.  I warned ya'll about that a few months back :)  so long beautiful Birds Hill!another step towards a simpler life.my van got REALLY messy, nasty messy.  any guess on how old that iced capp is?  yummyunpacked our stuff in our version of

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-17721339889248435752010-08-18T10:43:00.000-05:002012-01-13T12:06:10.546-06:00

hello there :)It's been a while....I started this blog at the end of 2008 as a means to express myself and work through some life issues.  Why online??? is what my husband always asks and the only thing I can come up with is because I often used to google my feelings to see if anyone else has felt the same way and if so, how they got through it.  So I figured if I was borrowing other people's

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-65344818306840510712010-02-25T11:20:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:06:10.546-06:00

I read an inspiring post this morning and feel the need to share it.  This could be perceived as an extremely simple concept yet it's not something that happens in life, or at least not what I've experienced.Here is the post.Simple right?  What an awesome mom!Now imagine how much time & energy we could get back had we made a phone call like this at such a young age and then followed through as

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-46583229605078757542010-02-23T21:52:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:48:15.379-06:00

Here we go, another 24 hours "unhooked".  This time I WILL make it :)  Will you?Call me :)  on the land line, cell is off limits too....

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-21838920196162405442010-02-22T16:20:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:21:01.743-06:00

After all the difficulty we've gone through with childcare arrangements since I started working in January, I breathed a sigh of relief when we found a daycare 2 weeks ago (not even).  The kids have gone twice, all seemed to be going well.  They enjoyed being there, the daycare was open the days/hours we needed - everything jived.  Sweet.Well today I get the dreaded phone call.  She's closing her

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-91244462497485033322010-02-22T00:57:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:48:15.379-06:00

Linda and Cara over at Baby Bunching plugged my wee little blog on their awesome site the other day. I'm so humbled :)On that note, my stats are through the roof and I would like to welcome all of you who have made your way over here thanks to their plug.All of you are very welcome here and I'd love to have some new faces join me for Wireless Wednesdays.Feel free to comment or email and please

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-21154628192707640802010-02-20T11:35:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:54:55.028-06:00

But we are looking to BUY something (WHAT??? that is NOT downsizing you say!)...  a bread maker and I need your help choosing one please!  Any suggestions on what to look for or what to avoid?Here is why if you care to read on....With corn or corn products being a derivative in all/most store bought breads, we want to start making our own and I'm not prepared to knead just yet.  Although that

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-88083957199653404452010-02-17T22:06:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:48:15.379-06:00

so wireless Wednesday was almost a total success.  Baby steps right?  ;)

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-3113607613584493362010-02-16T12:30:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:48:15.379-06:00

I've moved over 20 times in my life. Yes twenty. That's 20 times packing and unpacking. 2 of those moves were in 2008 and included moving 2 kids under the age of 3 and a dog. Want to lose weight? I lost over 30 pounds in that process, yup.Every time we packed, I swore up and down that this was the last time we were going to move and that we MUST pare down on our "stuff". Due to flooding issues in

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-30527410104078017052010-02-11T14:29:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:48:15.380-06:00

I've been inspired to UNPLUG.  No internet, no computer, no TV, no anything that needs electricity to numb my brain.  Gasp, yes, that includes email and blogging.  EEEEEEK!I think it's going to be worth it and may just lead to more unplugging.I'm picking next Wednesday.  Care to join?Here was the source of my inspiration for this.  Actually, it was in her comment section with this and this.I'm

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-10731099273995923682010-02-10T22:33:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:21:01.743-06:00

Early phone call...no more childcare due to broken arm.Big cry.Look for childcare, contact childcare, wait for responses.Little Bear pumps out half a bottle of hand soap while "washing" his hands.  I knew the silence was too good to be true.  Cleaned up puddles of soap.More crying.Babysit friends son.  He decided he wanted to fight his nap today, we both cried together.Note comes home from

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-19865175768149529062010-02-04T13:29:00.000-06:002012-01-13T13:36:58.394-06:00

If we had only ever had Beaner, I would have declared that I was an utter and total failure at parenting.  Everything I tried in terms of correcting behaviour that I saw other parents do didn't work for us.  I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what we were doing wrong and trying to find solutions so that we could raise her right.  No matter what we tried, we were still left banging our

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-12617297572163319092010-01-27T16:07:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:58:49.228-06:00

The fellow across the aisle from me on the plane last night had a broken seat, it wouldn't stay in the upright position that the airlines require for take off & landing.  Since the plane was overbooked, there were no extra seats for him to switch to....Flight attendant sits down preparing for take off (facing our way) and notices the man's chair is reclined.  She opens her mouth to start telling

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-51238721042023234162010-01-25T14:49:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:34:50.533-06:00

I really trusted the medical profession when we had Beaner, had no reason not to. Then some odd things happened. Now I just don't know what to think.Her Pediatrician told me her eyes were fine at 18 months (I brought her in because I saw her eye turning in). Saw a Pediatric Ophthalmologist. She has glasses with a strong prescription. Strike one.He told me her thumb was fine even though she

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-13240478374570659852010-01-24T22:39:00.000-06:002012-01-13T13:06:00.730-06:00

We do the best we can with what we know, and when we know better, we do better" - Maya Angelou.****rant warning****Tonight we watched Food Inc.  If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend seeing it.I'm disgusted, horrified, sad & inspired.To Kevin's mom, wow.  My heart aches for her, especially seeing the videos and feeling like I'm watching MY son as he is also 2.5.  She doesn't want pity though

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-60825706247294542982010-01-19T13:49:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:13:54.089-06:00

I just spent some time with DH over a nice lunch at Timmies WITHOUT kids (do you remember how much talking gets done in such a short amount of time with no interruptions?  sweeeet!).  Anyway, we were discussing blogging and it turned into an interesting coversation, at least we thought so and the girl twittering beside us on her iphone was totally listening in too....He doesn't "get" blogging. 

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-50226887685335914422010-01-13T23:27:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:42:54.459-06:00

Having kids close in age will pay off someday, I'm sure of it (right?  RIGHT?).Right now, it's proving to be quite the challenge that I feel ill equipped to deal with.  If we ever needed a license to have kids, I'm positive I would fail, miserably.

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-71881761773694000222010-01-11T14:44:00.000-06:002012-01-13T13:33:56.676-06:00

Ahhhh, school started back up today, finally :)   Beaner was getting awfully bored at home and I was, as usual, losing my mind.  The past three weeks seemed like the longest three weeks of the year.  Doesn't Christmas seem like it was ages ago?  Now to conquer the next hurdle, the 2 year old "nap strike".  Apparently Little Bear didn't get the memo that when Bean is at school, his nap time is

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-30296553580219023412010-01-08T14:23:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:42:54.459-06:00

If you don't watch CBC news, this won't make any sense.If you DO...ever notice how much FLIRTING goes on between Peter Mansbridge and Claire Martin (weather)???  I mean, his face totally lights up when she's on and there is so much cutsie banter going on it seems like they forget they are on national television!?!  It's fun to watch.  My kids are still being rotten, sigh, everyone is having nap

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-21511234539839666872010-01-07T16:58:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:21:01.743-06:00

yeah, that word doesn't even cut it right now.A kind friend had agreed to watch my kids today so that I could work (from home).  The drop off went well, I came home, worked 6 hours straight, then ran off to pick up the kids.  So far so good.Got to her door and when Little Bear saw me through the window, he ran for the door yelling "maaaammmaaa!" in a happy voice.  Oh good I thought, it must have

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-68756830030812279992010-01-06T15:38:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:21:01.744-06:00

Beaner starts kindergarten in the fall and in anticipation of the possibility of needing before/after school care, I figured now was a good time to call the program and get us on any lists they may have.A few bits of bad news they tell me.  For one, the list is closed to new names, they will re-assess in March IF they will be adding more names so I should call back then.  The real bad news, the

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-51240848073406009562010-01-04T13:26:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:21:01.744-06:00

Last week was to be my first official day working.  Until Beaner woke up and puked all over her bed, 3 times in the kitchen, then another 2 times in her bed (yes I changed the bedding between ralphing sessions).  I was SOOOOO looking forward to getting into a working groove, spending some time being productive and ok yes, some time away from the kids.  Absence makes the heart grow fonder right?My

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-83586004569919953162010-01-01T16:16:00.000-06:002012-01-13T13:18:17.305-06:00

It's much too cold to play outside today and everything is closed...so we're in full on lazy day mode.  Thus post #2 today...I love people watching.  I conjure up stories in my head about what their life is like, why they have that limp or the scar on their nose, how their hands got so roughed up or what their childhood was all about.  Airports make me cry when I people watch.  When you see some

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-90227278242514425392009-12-16T14:58:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:21:01.744-06:00

Since I last wrote about looking for a job, I now have an amazing job offer that suits me to a CAPITAL T AND a line on daycare.  THIS ROCKS!!!!!!!!hooorah!Even if things don't pan out, I'm thrilled that any of this is actually even happening in my life right now and I'm enjoying the possibilities :)

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-67663488345465667512009-12-16T12:13:00.000-06:002012-01-13T13:33:56.676-06:00

oh help.Beaner has a huge puffy belly which has always been a concern of mine however her doctor continues to tell me that it's just fine.  Well she cannot even do up her snow pants,not even close, it looks like she's pregnant. (a new/used snowsuit I bought on ebay in the fall thinking I was being proactive and we'd be ready for the big chill).  So I again started my quest for a snowsuit that

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-74626110984405755772009-12-14T10:10:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:21:01.744-06:00

I've officially started a job hunt.  The clincher is to find something on Tuesdays and Thursdays so that I don't have to pull Beaner out of school.  It's been weird looking for jobs, been a while.  I technically still have a full time job to go back to in 2013 (I took a 5 year leave of absence) but I'm not ready to go back full time just yet.  I believe the kids need me here, as crazy as I am,

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-65388855031820782332009-12-13T18:39:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:25:41.369-06:00

I was hoping that when I wrote today's post I'd be glowing after spending the weekend at a cabin with a warm fire keeping me toasty while reading books, sipping booze and sleeping, a lot. Alas, my big exciting weekend away was cancelled and that's that. One of these days I'll try again!  I'm not giving up on this one.It's pretty cold here. Right now it's -34c (-29F) with the wind-chill. That's

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-76657957358247736102009-12-09T18:10:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:25:41.370-06:00

Due to this fing flu, we're missing way too much fun.Sunday was supposed to be a Birthday party followed by a kids Christmas party with the big man in red.  No dice.Now today I get a call from my Grandma inviting us to a family Christmas this Saturday.  The kicker, no one with any form of sickness can attend to protect a family member who CANNOT get sick.  So we're not able to attend.I'm not

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-84157640689721190412009-12-03T20:54:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:08:28.516-06:00

The power went out for a minute at a time about 3 times this evening. Then....it went out for good.During that time, Little Bear spiked a fever of 104.9 which threw us into a wee bit of a panic. We stripped him down and used water from our cooler (with no power, we have no running water!!!) on a cloth to cool him down. It did the trick, phew.  Over the span of an hour, his temp dropped down into

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-3301400992838250082009-11-28T14:18:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:13:54.090-06:00

So.Being this is the internet and all, I know that anyone can see what I write.  So am I writing for me or them?  or you?  Well if you can relate to what I write, then yes, this is something I write to share with you so that you know that you aren't alone.  If you comment, then I know that I'm not alone in my thoughts either so it's dual purpose :)I've written a few posts over time that I've

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-34954956631185569752009-11-18T10:35:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:46:04.991-06:00

Heard of Zumba?  Want to burn 500-1000 calories per hour?  Finally a workout I've been able to stick to and actually enjoy.  It's awesome.  If you enjoy dancing but just don't have the coordination for choreography, this is for YOU!  We have a wide spectrum of ages in our class from early 20's to late 60's and it's packed each week.Here is a sneak peak.  After searching You Tube for videos, there

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-17842201192446744072009-11-15T14:00:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:30:47.620-06:00

I've been spending some quality time getting to know my sewing machine lately and this affair is built to last.  I love her :)  She listens to me when I talk and never offers unsolicited solutions.  There are times when I want to break up with her out of frustration but more often than not, I realize it's my own insecurities that hamper our growth together....Crummy picture but here are some

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-8323171785389853302009-11-13T11:39:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:30:47.620-06:00

Last night was the inaugural Stitch & Bitch at my place.  There was a good turn out of ladies and all sorts of talent to go around.  The conversation flowed with nary a moment of silence - which is always awkward in a group of newly introduced women - but last night it was all good.It got me thinking about the evolution of friendships.  When do you go from referring to someone as "someone I just

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-15303271285582104922009-11-04T09:02:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:06:10.546-06:00

Conflict resolution classes in schools - made mandatory.  Not just a class kids can sleep through, something interactive like a therapy session where people are coached to resolve things.Am I totally out to lunch or does this not seem like a good start to making this world a better place for our kids?It seems like poor communication skills and lack of proper conflict resolution are some of the

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-75776547680637870972009-10-30T12:47:00.000-05:002012-01-13T12:42:54.459-06:00

Fabulous 4's?  Or the other F?For us, it's one extreme or the other - ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.  Guess what this week has been??  I wonder if 4 year old girls get pre-pms.  Maybe that's what this is.  Help.  Watch out hubby, there are 2 queen bees in the nest now.  Uggg, how did you survive this long with one?  RUN!Must.survive.I love my kids I love my kids I love my kids.  Especially when they are

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-90378185634628134982009-10-24T14:10:00.000-05:002012-01-13T12:30:47.621-06:00

Last year I came across mitten clips and thought they were genius.  I've always sewn strings/elastic on my kids mittens and threaded them through their jackets.  It works but IMO wasn't the best way to keep mittens from going astray (Bean is sensitive and would often complain about the string on her back).  I liked the idea of the clips because I could change up mittens easily when needed without

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-91785683766602187362009-10-17T10:49:00.000-05:002012-01-13T12:47:09.006-06:00

This song is requested often in our house. Beanie can sing it word for word and we discovered this morning that little bear knows most of it off my heart as well.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EdaLfJjDuE&feature=relatedI love the mountainsI love the clear, blue skiesI love big bridgesI love when great whites flyI love the whole worldand all it’s sights and sounds(chorus)

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-88022399571575831182009-10-13T10:23:00.000-05:002012-01-13T13:18:36.394-06:00

A day late, but Happy Thanksgiving!  We discuss almost daily around here how thankful and appreciative we are for our kids, each other and all the other bonuses we have in our lives.  It's nice to have an offical day home together to celebrate.Our big dinner was on Sunday at a friends house. We brought the turkey, stuffing, etc and she made the taters, ham and the most delicious homemade pumpkin

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-43330257202310280402009-10-07T21:25:00.000-05:002012-01-13T13:02:59.355-06:00

Today was my big girl's(Bean/Beanie, her newest nickname)first day back at swimming lessons.Last year was a bit painful to say the least. Blogged about it here. She failed because she refused to blow bubbles for the teacher. It seriously became her mission NOT to blow bubbles in that pool. Then she'd come home for her bath after and .... blow bubbles of course!The teacher actually took me aside

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-15149022977592220132009-06-18T22:33:00.000-05:002012-01-13T12:13:54.090-06:00

A friend and I were discussing blogging a while back after I pulled the plug on this one. She commented how she never really understood the whole pouring your heart out on the Internet deal. And here I am doing it again. Why is that? I've thought about it a lot actually because being that this is a public domain, ANYONE can see this. So why do I write? I've determined it's because I hope that at

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-4620681717947271512009-06-10T10:28:00.000-05:002012-01-13T12:08:28.517-06:00

"You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you."~ Sarah Ban Breathnach ~I was very happy to find this quote today. It speaks volumes about the way I choose to live my life and

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-39207769769473759692009-01-27T22:43:00.000-06:002012-01-13T13:02:59.355-06:00

Phew, we all survived toddler fest. I think it was actually the calmest playgroup (of that size) that I can remember! One group had to back out (someone always gets sick) so we had a total of 8 adults and 15 kids.I didn't see my own kids very much during the gathering, perhaps that's why I feel it went so well :o Hopefully they weren't causing too much trouble. I didn't find any skin under their

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716422286330345550.post-52886022010022872402008-06-21T23:02:00.000-05:002012-01-13T12:59:56.019-06:00

It's funny how priorities in life change so much with kids.Friday we went golfing with a childless couple. They pulled up in their shiny new truck, pulled out their very expensive brand new clubs and carts, slapped on their fancy dancy gloves and off we went (me with my 1950's golf bag where only half the holes will allow me to get my clubs into them). My husband has good gear so he looked cool,

Akashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03828875494825411859noreply@blogger.com0