Life ¤ Love ¤ Laughter ¤ Linds

Justin (my supposedly not picky child) has been striking when it comes to breakfast.  With the Christmas holidays, I let it slide as we often seemed to graze or do more of a brunch.   With back to school and the attempt to get back into a routine, it bothers me that he'll choose to leave the house at 7:30am on an empty stomach (and yet... I totally get it! Breakfast early is a hard one for me as well.)  Instead of the drama, I've been adding an extra piece of fruit to his lunch bag... and know that the school office supplies breakfast as well to anyone that would like it, that the first break is fairly early and he's not going to starve, and that as a mother I'm not a failure because there are plenty of food options in the house.  However... breakfast... it's the most important meal of the day, right!?!  I asked him yesterday if he would like me to bake something - banana muffins, lemon poppyseed loaf, etc. to tempt his taste buds.  To him, ba...

A Stitch In Time by Beryl Kingston, my latest NetGalley title, was both excellent and easy to read!  This historical novel was filled with descriptive prose and emotion.  Set during WW1 and the Roaring Twenties, the tale follows one family determined to make their way despite the hardships of life in lower-class London and the intertwining of their lives with an upper-class family full of dysfunction despite their wealth.  Once I could read through the cant (mostly the first few chapters) I was enmeshed in Rose's narrative. In turns heartbreaking, surprising, comical, and filled with grit, it was a remarkable book. Women were extraordinary through the Great War and the lives they built afterwards were inspiring, as reflected in this work.  The determination to keep on - pull up the bootstraps and rely on each other, the resilience of families (as built by blood and by choice), and the hardships faced were unimaginable, but Kingston did well in painting this ...

My youngest son is not picky, with the exception of pizza, hot dogs, and breads (unless it's a bakery loaf.) He loves new restaurants, enjoys picking out new recipes ("Mom, we should try this one!"), and will usually eat any home cooked meal he's served.  His faves include potatoes in any form, butter chicken (but not the way I make it), and rice and peas. (Grandpa's are still his favourite.) The last few weeks he's been asking for burritos... but not at-home burritos - fast food burritos. The closest burrito bar is about 25 minutes from us.  Considering it's the last official day of winter break... and that I have to pick up Kaleb's skis from the pro-shop across the street from a Mucho Burrito, we decided to have a lunch date today and finally get our burritos.. That is my priority. I have a million other stops to attempt, and I know running a full day of errands means he'll most likely get on my nerves. (Honestly, we haven't left...

Have you ever noticed that women need each other, but especially mothers need someone on their team?  Have you noticed that sometimes other moms can be just horrible in their judgement and criticism?  Have you ever felt convinced you were messing up your kids irreparably? Wondered if you're slowly poisoning them because they won't eat a darn vegetable despite your best efforts?  Wanted to crash on your best friend's couch in yoga pants with tears because it seems like you do everything at home, and at work, and at school?  If you can relate to any of those questions... you'll relate to my latest read.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and/or author through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. My first read of 2019 and a new-to-me author:  Pippa James .  The Happiness Project was a charming glimpse into the life of three mothers as they make a list of New Years Resolutions together...

I'm not big on resolutions (mostly because I am acutely aware that my staying power is laughable - good intentions and all that.)  However, I feel like I am in a constant state of assessment - what can I drop? Where can I improve? Why did I do that?  As this year comes to a close, I'm not sure I actually changed much at all over the last twelve months.  I know in some ways I've matured (impressive at 37 years of age!)  I know I've also found myself frustrated.  I've been craving change.  I've been dreaming.  I wonder about the next ten years.  I've tried to make small changes to improve things that I have control of.  Some days I've completely lost control of everything... hello, out of control spiral! In the next year, without making actual resolution declarations, these are the reflections I'd like to embrace. Simplify.  Life, home, habits.  Just stop overthinking, overdoing, and indulging in over-consumerism.  Find ...

I've finished up another new NetGalley title that perhaps captured me enough that I was grateful for yet another morning to sleep in.   It's just so hard to put a good book down when you're cosy in bed and the novel is gripping.  The night light features of my tablet mean I can read all night long without being a disturbance.  As much as I love a real book, there are definite bonuses to e-books. Victoria Connelly is an author I just discovered through this NetGalley request and I'll be adding additional copies of her titles to my to-be-read shelf.  While reading One Last Summer I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to call each and every one of my friends who has ever meant the world to me and to also live life to the fullest as if tomorrow were an unexpected gift.    It was a moving tale with flawed characters (man, I wanted to smack those girls sometimes) which made them feel very real.  The prose was descriptive and I felt like I too was va...

A few days ago, I looked at all the books on my bookshelf that have not been read, and then I opened my Google Books app, followed by my Kobo app, followed by my Amazon app, and thought, as I browsed the hundreds of unread titles available to me, that I just didn't have anything to read. For a non-reader, I'm sure this sounds absurd - hundreds of titles, but nothing to read?  How can that be?  It's much like a woman with a walk-in closet full of amazing clothes and shoes who just can't find the right outfit.  Or my kids after we've done groceries and have a fridge full of food who can't quite find something to eat. So I joined NetGalley as an attempt to prevent any droughts in my reading choices.  I requested a fine number of books, and much to my surprise was awarded the privilege of reading more than I expected within the first 24 hours.  Now I feel pressure... must read the books.  Must do them justice. The first title I chose to read was Robin Lee Ha...

I am a firm believer in routines, schedules, to-do lists, plans, and organization.  It keeps me sane and helps me manage my natural chaos.  I feel like those who have creative bents tend to need structure to be productive in tasks that might otherwise seem mundane.  Who wants to fold laundry when there's a book of beautiful words to get lost in?  Who wants to make a grocery list when there's paint to apply to a canvas?  I haven't given this much thoughtful study, so perhaps it's just me - but I know in my own personal experience, I stress less when I have a system in place. Those lists and routines keep me going.  I tend to have so much running in and out and through my mind at any given moment that a pen to paper approach (or finger to keyboard) help me stay on track.   I've discussed my need for meal plans ad nauseam  (or to the point that it may make you wish to vomit - that's not dramatic at all.)  However, there are times when ...

When it comes to cooking, I have a love/hate thing happening.  You've probably already figured that out If you've read previous posts. If you asked me if I enjoy it, tonight's answer would be that I absolutely love it.  If you ask me tomorrow, my answer might be a vehement no. As I've said over and over, meal planning (or at least a basic framework) is extremely helpful for me, but that doesn't necessarily translate to enjoyable.  What I have recognized the last few days is that when I know the food will be appreciated, truly savoured and even critiqued with care, that the preparation process is a bit happier.  Having fresh and versatile ingredients on hand is key.  I've determined that I enjoy spending time in the kitchen when I don't see the chaos of the rest of the house and dishes aren't piled up in the sink.  I also seem to enjoy it more when I allow myself time to just create. Quick meals are handy and wonderful, but give me a day when I have en...

The weeks I write out a meal plan and grocery list are the weeks I actually stay in a budget of sorts and don't go mad when the dinner hour strikes.  I do meal plan most weeks, but the secret to this being successful for me is having an emergency meal or two on hand (something quick like grilled cheese or something frozen.) I've also started to include the boys in the decision making (and occasionally the prep depending on my mood.) I've also learned through trial and error that including classic, no-think meals is better than looking at my Pinterest boards and thinking I'm Martha Stewart. Looking at the events of my week is also a big plus for being successful. There is a time for experimenting with something new, but if I'm having a week when I'd rather grab takeout than cook, all the meal planning in the world isn't going to help me.  I need easy, peasy, no fuss ideas... and I need to remember to thaw my meat. I know it's only Wednesday, bu...

We are embarking on the next phase in our parenting journey... our oldest son is thirteen years old tomorrow!  At 6:09 a.m. on October 13, 2005, we welcomed our ridiculously large child into our arms - we could almost say his enormous size was indicative of how much our hearts expanded in love.  At 38 weeks, measuring 11lbs, 7oz weight, 24.8 inches in length, and a head circumference of 14.9 inches, we were grateful for a c-section (post delivery.)  Kaleb's delivery story began with an unexpected visit to the Labour & Delivery ward after a sudden drop in blood sugar and extreme nausea in Mom the day before his birth.  This was one of the warning signs we were asked to watch for in our high risk pregnancy towards the end of term.   Tests were ordered, I was examined, and we proceeded with our scheduled BPP.  Fortunately, our actual Ob-Gyn was on call that day and he stuck around for much longer than most doctors would to ensure he was on hand...

Today I was part of a group that directs fundraising dollars towards different community projects.  Three organizations are nominated, presented to the group, and then we vote and the majority vote receives the fund.  Three times a year we gather to make a difference.  This is community. It's laughter. It's tears. It's support in so many ways. Our local youth drop in program (a program I also happen to have been a part of since its inception) was the fortunate recipient of tonight's generosity. I am part of a community that understands the next generation is our future.  That understands the generation needs a reason to hope.  The next generation needs to know they are worth the investment.  So we give our time.  We give our money.  We give our attention.  We feed the body.  We encourage the soul. We build the future. One life at a time. So many times we forget about the untapped potential and amazing gift that has been given to u...

"Last 90 days..."  "Final quarter" "How will you end the year?" Anyone else finding little reminders that 2018 is very quickly coming to a close?  I'm seeing social media challenges, blog posts, videos and more about the last few months of the year with an emphasis on finishing up strong before jumping in new. I'm climbing up on the bandwagon. This month, this quarter, I'd like to continue with my self-care, self-development, family-strengthening goals.  I want to live intentionally, carving out time for certain things like rest, creativity, and evaluating paths & purpose. For October, with Canadian Thanksgiving approaching, a child about to celebrate his 13th birthday (how did that happen????), and multiple family occasions upon us, I will focus on being thankful. I will spend time each day with a pen & journal to jot down the small things I can appreciate, rather than focusing on my exasperation as life seems to be tumbling ...

I don't think I have discoursed much using this platform in regards to my health.  When I was 6 or 7 years old, (I honestly don't remember how long ago it was!)  I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.  It is a disease that has gotten the best of me at times and there are times when I have willfully pretended that it has not affected me at all.   (Ahem... I'm looking at those teenage years - I survived by the grace of God!) In the last 30ish years, myths and management around the disease have changed. There are a few *things* that drive me (and any other number of individuals with Type 1) crazy!  Most of them are actually recapped really well in this post on Everyday Health >  9 Things People With Type 1 Diabetes Wish You Knew There are a lot of factors involved in management and we've come a long way since the 80s, baby.  Banting & Best are two names that will forever hold a place of gratitude in my heart... and despite my frequent compl...

First, and ever so important, this is a judgement free zone.   Seriously.   No judgement.   If you can’t be kind in your thoughts and words, skip to another post.     If you have a hard time looking at someone’s lifestyle and not comparing it to all they *should* be doing, then you might get a little worked up over this one.   If you can’t look past that, I don’t suggest you proceed. If you do proceed and find yourself wanting to dish out non-helpful and self-important opinions, I definitely suggest you keep them to yourself.   Sorry… not sorry. Food and nutrition are always touchy issues, but I’m not looking for a debate on how our family eats. I will (unashamedly) admit that there are days I absolutely crave McDonalds, but when I hit the drive thru, there are actually only a few menu items I enjoy.   Fries are a given once in a while (is it the sodium?) and I can go days with that hankering gnawing at me subconsciously – but in general, I t...

Do you ever stop to actually think about the things that feed your soul?  These are the things or moments that make you stop, pause, and breathe.  They will most likely be as unique as you are, though I'm sure many of us have many of the same items on our lists - the random minutiae that bring you a moment of peace, a spot of joy, or a bit of encouragement or life to your day. I'm also sure that you'll never be able to list all the things that refresh you as many little moments pass us by and we don't even realise that we've been uplifted for the moment. These are some of the little things that are like a breath of fresh air in an otherwise busy life - for me! (Listed in no particular order.) a butterfly on a wildflower escaping in a book a great cup of tea a cool iced latte doggy dreams (our beast howls so forlornly as he chases rabbits - it's adorable) laughter around the dinner table a {gentle} hike through the woods sitting quietly beside a bod...

We went camping at one of our local provincial parks this summer.  It was just a Friday night - Sunday afternoon deal, but my crossover was loaded to the max and the poor beast had just enough room to lie down and switch directions.   Our trip, like usual, was an interesting mix of chaos and comedy, frustration and fun, and well, rain. It never takes too, too long to set up camp.  J has his own little pop-up that he likes to use and takes charge of.  Kaleb bemoaned the camping experience and decided putting an air mattress in the back of the Journey was the way to go.  Kevin & I set up the screened in dining tent, Kevin & J. tackled the main tent and all the air mattresses while K. watched the beast and helped me putter around camp.  There was a campfire ban so no s'mores or grilled weiners for us.  It was so hot the weekend we chose to go and our tent was stifling, so *someone* kept all the windows open to air it out on Saturday.  ...

Kevin had a birthday a few weeks ago and I like to mock how he has aged.  It's all very tongue in cheek because I, myself, have another birthday approaching and am discovering bones that never used to creak, waking up with aches that are new, and of course the occasional grey hair has sprouted (only in my eyebrows, thank-you-very-much.) In a culture surrounded by looks and accomplishments and the next trendy diet, aging can be a drag (and I mean that literally.  Walking through Wonderland is not pursued with the same speed or enthusiasm it was 20 years ago. I drag... my feet, my arms, the dislike of crowded spaces.)  When we're younger we think, "by the time I'm 30, I'll have done this..." or, "oh man, 45 is so old..." and even, "I'm going to have a BA in English, taken some marketing courses, own a book/coffee shop, toured Europe, a vacation home on a lake; I'll be tall, svelte, athletically inclined, play the piano like a virtuoso, b...

Kevin's watching a documentary on Netflix and I sat beside him, laundry actually folded, with every intention of making a dent in my current read .  Instead, I'm gorging on Jelly Bellys (bellies?) trying to get my blood sugar up.  (I just started an OmniPod pump and it's only as smart as it's programming, and we're still trying to perfect that process...)  Blood sugar levels aside, Jelly Bellys are meant to be savoured one at a time, not lobbed by the handful down the gullet.  I mean you have 20 random flavours to pull out of a tiny 100g bag.  35 beans to take your chances on with every bean in a serving.  But I made the mistake of inhaling about 15 in one mouthful, because when your blood sugar drops you may resemble a rabid ravenous wolf.  Self-control tends to go out the window when your body is trying to shut down brain function in order to keep the heart pumping - some kind of self-preservation thing, I'm sure... and Jelly Bellys were close to han...