Decide on Five

A list of decisions I have made:

1. Put Cohen back in school.  This decision scares me to bits.  I imagine children giving him tips on how to drive me crazy, torment his siblings even more than he already does, and develop unhealthy habits like drinking milk through his nose!  School is a scary place.  I should know I lived taught there for a few years.  I know...I know...he will be fine.

I just love this picture of my first and last. Sweet!

2.  Embrace my domestic life.  When my husband's cousin read that I wrote for Blissfully Domestic she laughed and made fun-just a little.  I felt a tinge of hurt but dismissed the thoughts that carpooled along.  I tried to explain that I am not living in la la land.  I know that parts of my life scare most people - even me.  But I do find bliss throughout my life in little pockets on my apron, in cheeks full of home cooking, and size 3 overalls.  I love being at home.  I wish I could conjure up a list of reasons right now.  But it is more about the things I can't describe or take pictures of.  The pauses.  The luxury of time.  The learning woven in and out.  It is in pyjamas at noon and time to make filet-au-poivre just because.  It is making rainbows throughout the day, and Costco runs with the Besties.  Okay I said I wasn't going to make a list but I did.  What can I say- I made a decision.

The epitome of domestic bliss!

3.  Take a compliment.  Thank you.

4.  Take care of myself.  It all started with the girls weekend away.  I washed my face- at night.  I bought my favourite body product and dressed in the light.  I even looked in the mirror up close and from afar.  Something in me clicked.  I wanted to paint my toes, wear lipstick that didn't blend, and wash my face every night.  It felt good.  It made me feel human- again.

We really did not want to leave.  

5.  Dream.  Which would involve sleep.  So on that note good night.

What's your five?

Four Tips to Help Your Child Read (Ages 3-10)

Reading is such a complex concept and can be very difficult for children.  As a Reading Recovery teacher, I had 20 weeks to bring a struggling reader to grade level.  The next time your child brings home books to read, follow these simple tips to make this time together enjoyable.  Join me at Blissfully Domestic today as I share some strategies.

SAHM- I am

There are days when I wonder if giving up a promising career as an elementary school teacher was the smart path to take.  These doubts are also partnered with negative comments and stereotypes from others.  Many of those comments center around identity and ambition. Join me at Blissfully Domestic today where I will explore the issue of identity and ambition as a stay at home mom.

How does your identity sit with you? I would love to hear from you!

Awakening to Gratitude

Today I was stirred by a beautiful song by Chris Tomlin, Awakening.  It reminded me to let God wake me from the my distractions, business, and desires.  I appreciate when a simple song can remind us that God needs to be our alarm clock.  We should allow God a place by our bedside where he can speak into our ear the things and desires we have been sleeping through.  In my case I tend to focus on the tasks at hand and the stresses in my life.  I hear God telling me "wake up and see the good I have sprinkled into your life".  I feel his hand turning me to face the good in my life when I want to curl up and face the corner of darkness behind me.  This is my awakening.


Thank you God for:


-awakening to gratitude
-a great Father's Day Lunch with all four children that was void of tantrums, tears, and tension
-my newborn's gummy smile
-beautiful worship music that stirs
-Hannah's potty success (look mommy no diapers)
-awesome message from Brett Ullman (wow)
-reminding me that I am my children's first messenger of your love
-Cohen's sales talent
-a late night with friends, their spouses, and the best brownies ever
-a stress free High Tea
-Kiran's love for his siblings
-Your love for me





Join me and many others as Ann Voskamp  reminds us to give thanks!




Join me at Blissfully Domestic today.  My post is evidence (for my frommies- mommy friends)  that I am committed to going green- one hue at a time.  Today I will talk about my journey on the cloth diaper trail.  I learned that going green benifits the pocket book as well as the environment.  If you want a more detailed look at cloth diapers and want to check out my review of Wee Ones cloth diapers have a look at my new Check It Out page at this blog.  Stay tuned for my reviews on some summer products distributed by Urban Bubbles.