Why Are You Running Away?

This past week I have encountered a lot of people I know who are running away from things. It's bothering me for a number of reasons, so I thought I'd better spill it in my blog!

First it was a friend who was a member of a group of a few women on Facebook. We all had babies in December 2011 and January 2012 and we have all become very close. She just found out that her daughter has a health problem and is understandably upset. She had left our group for some reason and has now shut off her Facebook account because she doesn't want anyone to say anything to her other than "I'm sorry" or "I'm praying for you". She said she doesn't want to look on the positive side or hear any other comments. I understand that some people can be rude in their comments, but I don't see why that would be a reason to close your entire Facebook account. She is running away from the people who care about her when really she should be running to these people who have their arms open to give her a huge hug. Our moms group is so wonderful and supportive and we are always there for eachother and do not criticize. I just cannot understand why she wouldn't want to take the support. I know that's what I need most when I'm dealing with alot of stress.

The next was my sister in law. Once again, Facebook related but she took my husband and myself off of her friends list without saying anything to us. I sent her a message mentioning it and she said that Facebook makes her sad. I guess when I said I was happy to find a reliable babysitter, that upset her because she loves to babysit our girls but our oldest just decided that she didn't like staying there anymore. Unfortunately, I only found this out today after 3 days of wondering what the heck was going on. She avoided the whole issue until my hubby blew up at her because she wouldn't say why she was upset. Once again, someone running away. She ran away from a discussion that could have very easily solved the problem but instead it turned into a huge problem! She called me crying this morning. I told her that she should have just told us why she was removing us and I'm sure it would have been fine.

I understand that everyone has their own way of dealing with things, but shutting people out isn't the answer. We are only human; sometimes we hurt, we cry and we need eachother. Without support in tough times, we can and will crumble.

So a note to my friends; thank you for your support when I have needed it (keep it up!) and I am always here if you have a problem with me, a problem in life or just need a shoulder! I don't want to hear "I needed to talk to someone, but...." because I am here. Don't try to hold it in and be strong because eventually it will eat you up inside. This is something I have learned in my 30 years of life and feel the need to pass on.

All for My Girls

Today I finally did the thing I was dreading and went into my work and had a meeting with my boss about going back to work. For a few weeks now, I knew I had to go in and tell him what Matt and I had decided and I was even having nighmares about it!

I dropped Ceili off at preschool and headed over to work. I visited with everyone there for a bit then went in to talk to my boss. I told him that my family was #1 right now and I just can't imagine leaving my girls to go back to work at least at this point in their lives. When they are young, these are the most precious years. They are learning so much and I want to be there to see watch them grow and change. I was amazed that he was very understanding and said that if I ever decide that I want to return, he will be more than willing to re-hire me there.

I did enjoy working there very much, they are a great company and the office was so small that it was like a family too. Everyone worked well together and they were very supportive when I had to leave and go on bed rest and maternity leave. I don't think I have every worked for such a great company before. I definitely would consider going back to work there once the girls are both in school full-time.

So, I am now a stay-at-home Mommy and am proud to say that our girls are my full time job now. Being a Mommy is more work than any other job you will find, but it's so worth it and so rewarding!

So Much to Give Thanks For!

I can't believe it's Thanksgiving again, it seems like the past year has gone by in a blur. A good blur, but a blur nonetheless! Every Thanksgiving I try to think about all of the things that I am thankful for and every year I have a little more to be thankful for!

I am most thankful for my wonderful husband who puts up with me day in and day out! lol. Well, I guess we actually put up with eachother because we all have our bad days and we love eachother whether it's a bad or a good day! He's always there to comfort me- like this week when I got in my first fender bender with our van and dented the bumper. I called him and he answered even though he was in meetings across the country and he told me he was more worried about us girls than the damage to the van and that everything would be alright.

I am thankful that we have a nice house and food in our fridge because I know there are alot of people in this world without those things. Most people who do have them take them for granted and we really shouldn't.

Two other reasons to be thankful are our two beautiful, smart little girls. They make my days (and nights!) interesting. They have changed how I see the world. I appreciate everything about life so much more since they came into our lives. My appreciation for the miracle of human life is also tremendous now. My body grew these beautiful babies and fought to keep little Abbey safe. At this time last year I was unsure of whether or not we would be meeting our sweet baby in January because of all of my pregnancy issues. I spent almost every day of that pregnancy so scared and I am so happy she is here and healthy!

I am also thankful for a trouble- making dog who makes me crazy some days....well, to be honest most days but I love him all the same! He has made our family complete.

I can't forget all of the rest of my family and friends because without them I would never have mommy- dates, babysitters when I need a break, advice and hugs when I need them the most! As much as we fight with our parents when we're teenagers and think they don't know what they're talking about, I really do appreciate them and all of the support they give me now. I realize they were right all along and I'm sure our girls will shake their heads at us one day and say "you don't understand!".

So this Thanksgiving remember to be thankful for all that you have, not just the things but the people too!

Stop Time...NOW!

This morning when Ceili was at school, I was nursing Abbey before her nap. Being the crazy momma that I am, I was smelling her head and holding her little hand and thought to myself "can we please pause in this very moment forever?". I feel like our baby girl is growing up way too fast.

When Ceili was a baby I was always looking ahead thinking "I can't wait until she can do ______". I am finding with Abbey, our last baby I want to savour every moment of her being a baby. She is now scooting around the house on her bum and trying to stand up. Most of the time when I cuddle her, she pushes away because she wants to go play with her sister. Where has my little baby gone? I can't believe she will be a year old in January!

Maybe I feel like it's going by too fast because we are always so busy and I haven't had as much time to just watch her grow and change. We're always doing something or running somewhere. Plus, breastfeeding has created an amazingly strong bond between us which makes me want her to stay a baby even more.

I think I need to stop, smell the flowers and enjoy my little girls before they're not little anymore!

Super Fast Ooey Gooey Brownies

One of my biggest weaknesses is brownies, so when I found this recipe I knew it was trouble....delicious trouble! It's a perfect recipe for impromptu brownie sundaes.

This recipe is a microwave recipe for chocolate brownies. They have extra cocoa and are super decadent. I have made them twice now and even with 2 kids running around screaming, pulling on my pant leg and a dog trying to push in to get a sniff of the ingredients I was able to get the recipe just right. This is why I call this a no-fail recipe!

2/3 Cups butter, melted
1/2 Cup cocoa
1 Cup white sugar
2 Eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 Cup flour

1) Melt butter on high in microwave for 30-40 seconds.
2) In a small bowl mix melted butter with sugar, cocoa and vanilla. Mix until just blended.
3) Whisk eggs a litter and add to bowl. Add flour and mix well.
4) Grease microwave safe dish and spoon mixture into it. I normally use a loaf pan.
5) Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes and allow to rest for 10 minutes before cutting.

Ceili's First Day of School

Last Monday we sent our first "baby" off to preschool!

Ceili was so excited to go, and of course a little nervous. I was really excited for her because I knew she missed the structure and learning aspect of school. She was in daycare when I was working and absolutely loved it. They did alot of educational things and did crafts, singing and reading books which is why we called it school.

We all got ready in the morning and took Ceili out for breakfast at Tim Horton's before school. We had our breakfast then headed to school. Matt even took time off of work to come along and see his little girl off to her first day!

When Monday came, even after all of the preparation for school it finally hit me that our little girl was actually going to school! Sure, preschool may not be "real school" but next year she will be in kindergarten! As we dropped her off and she barely noticed that we were leaving, I got a little misty- eyed. Looking back, she has changed so much over these past couple of years. She has such a great personality- maybe a little too much of one sometimes! But she is also so much fun and has a great sense of humor. As much as I was sad to see her go to school I was also feeling quite excited for the years ahead and seeing our bean grow and change even more.

After school I picked her up and she had so much to tell me. She loved her teachers and did crafts. They also played in the gym and had snack time. She was exhausted after lunch and had a long nap!

I think this will be a good thing for her and also a good thing for Abbey and I because before this is was rare if we got quality time just the two of us together.

Chocolate Yogurt Dream!

I found this recipe the other day and decided to try it with my own twist by tring a different yogurt and adding raspberries. It ended in a to-die for dessert that isn't completely unhealthy! This makes approx. 4 servings.

Ingredients:
1 Cup Greek Yogurt- I used coconut
4 Tbsp. Semisweet Chocolate Chips
4 tsp. Coffee Cream
16 (or more) Raspberries

1) Spoon 1/4 Cup yogurt into each dish.

2) Put chocolate chips and cream in a small dish and microwave for 15-20 seconds. Stir until blended.

4) Spoon some of the chocolate onto each cup of yogurt and smooth over top.

5) Top with a few raspberries.

6) Refrigerate for around an hour until chocolate is set. Enjoy!