When kids go green...

The "green-ness" has seeped in deeper than I thought.  It makes it hard for me to take the easy way out and to toss that disgusting science experiment glass jar into the garbage instead cleaning it and recycling.  It's tough to multitask and let the water run to get cold before filling glasses while I set the table.  And it is tough playing pretend with my 8 year old.

While shopping yesterday, Laura was getting a variety of pretend materials to help fix up her doll's room.  She carefully checked the price on the options, made sure things fit and the like.  Then she wanted to pick out (imaginary) wood to build a bed for her.

Laura "What kind of wood is that?"
Me: "Um, maple I think.  Is that OK?"
Laura "Yes...but wait!  Is it grown locally and sustainably?  We'd better make sure they plant some more trees too."
Me "Yes, of course.  Good thing you remembered"

Young Green Laura

I guess the next generation is working towards a greener future.  I'll take it... and leave plenty for her too.

Understanding the 'A' word

Yesterday was World Autism Day.  I have mixed feelings about hopping up on a soapbox and demanding the world pay attention to a cause that is personal to me.  Being silent doesn't work for me either.  I am re-posting a piece I wrote last year.  I hope as you read it, you gain a bit more understanding on what this form of neurodiversity means to me.


So apparently it is Autism Awareness Month and I was clueless.  So Happy Autism Awareness Month to you!  I don’t really follow these special focus calendar events very well.  I suppose it is a way to getting word out and having a focus for the cause.  I didn’t notice because this is my life. I am one of those quiet behind the scenes type autism moms.  Hate to cause a ruckus, you know.  But there are some things that I think people should be aware of with the autism spectrum.  Here are a few points to ponder.

If you've met one person with autism, you have met just one person with autism.  It is drastically different between people.  That's what is mysterious, frustrating and cool about it.  You see some of the similarities but many things are different about autism.  My guy has a great sense of humour and is creative, but in a different way than typical people.  I appreciate that. 

I rebelled against the word “autism” when he was first diagnosed.  It didn’t fit my prejudices of people who didn’t speak (he is highly verbal) and who would never be independent.  Yes, there are those who are severely affected by autism.  Even non-verbal people have much to say and contribute.  When the tools are found to bridge the differences, a whole world of interesting, creative and unique people can be connected.  Autism is no longer a scary word for me.

Drop your assumptions.  There are many times I think I know what Owen will do given a situation.  He surprises me all the time.  He can lose it over a book not being in the library or having to take time off school for a family vacation.  He can be the most put together guy when I’m frazzled after running late and  he would be delighted to stand up in front of the school to talk about something he loves.  You never know.  I am learning to roll with it and give him a chance at anything.

Friendships are worth the effort.  Having social and communication difficulties make connecting with others seem like an alien world to kids with autism.  They may not be quick to process how to play, have the right words or understand what is funny.  You have to be patient, explain more and allow some time to see things from their perspective.   However, you will rarely find someone more loyal, honest and eager to play by the rules as many people with autism seem to be.  Their insights and observations may make it one of the most enriching friendships you could have.

I like this YouTube video by another autism mom.  It shows how autism is to those who live with it.

10 Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew

Thanks for listening.  Happy Autism Awareness Month!

Luck Perspective

No wonder I am tired by 10:00 am.  Another typical start to the day...

After rushing around to find clean...ish clothes for the kids and create edible lunches out of mysterious things from the fridge, we hurry to the car to get them to school early for a thing.

O: Look mom!  A bird has pooped on our car!
L: Eewwwww!  (slight gagging sound emerges)
Me:  Oh well, they do that sometimes....  (Auto-response has kicked in.  I have not had enough coffee.)
O: It kinda looks like a face... a sad face actually... 
Me: (Attempting to divert)  Some people believe it is lucky to have birds poop on the car...
L:  I think 4-leaf clovers are luckier. (Still a bit gaggy.)
O: Did you know that the number 13 is lucky to some people but not from Britain... blah, blah,  (insert two minute random rant on luck facts and semi-facts... then silence.)
O:  I think it is lucky to have a bird poop on your car but not your forehead.

So true, my dear, so very true.

March Surprise

You would think I would be used to it by now.  Yet the little miracles still take me by surprise. 

We have had a record breaking warm March week. It is like May and the earth is waking up.    I ignored the calendar and was raking our lawn this morning.  This is what greeted me.

Unexpected tulips popping up from the thick lavender that usually takes over the garden.  The thing is that I didn't plant these tulips.  We have been in this house for four years so they must have been planted by the former owners or, perhaps, some very organized squirrels.  Each "normal" spring the lavender grows dense quickly and the tulips just don't appear.  It is their time this year. They were just waiting for the right conditions to thrive.

I am not a religious person but I do have strong faith.  It seems to me to be a reminder that whatever is meant to happen, will happen, all in good time.  I like that idea.  I don't have to have it all figured out. Sure I can schedule, plot and plan all I like but some things unexpected will happen.  That's alright.  It may turn out to be a beautiful surprise. 

Roller Coaster That Is Life

Hello dear blog.  I have not forgotten you.  It's just, you know, life that keeps getting in the way.  What sorts of things?  Well, let's see what the blur of the past few weeks has been.



Laura on skis for the first time. 

Husband returns from his travels with a man-cold.  So I take the two kids skiing on a perfect Family Day weekend solo, Laura's first time, and it was awesome!   The joy I get out of having them enjoy something new is fantastic. 

Back to the week of getting stuff done.  Visiting a chiropractor to see if I can fix a stupid numbness thing in my arm.  Meh! It is not really working.  Maybe time will heal it.  Well, that and vodka. 

Climb back up for an ultimate amazing weekend with friends I adore.  They have the power to rejuvenate with fun, laughter, tears and a ton of caring.  I loved just being myself for the few days - not a mom, wife, taxi driver and all the other things I do for others.  Awesome.

Plummet back to earth again.  DH still sick, Owen has it too. Ugh. It's alright though.  I am still coasting on my weekend buzz.  While DH is away the next weekend, Laura gets the nasty cold too.  *sigh*  I can handle this with my supermom powers. 

Then we dive lower yet. Lice has entered the building.  Aaaagggghhhhhh!!  I was about to take my dearest to see the doctor about her cough when, gulp, I saw them.  But, being amazing, I handled it all brilliantly.  I just look at it as a very long process.  There is lots of laundry being done, house has never been cleaner actually, and my kids too.  Baths galore and many hours of hair-combing.  We are surviving.

Then dive again.  My MIL is taken to hospital with stomach issues.  DH is stressed again and I must pull on my reserved again. 

It is now March Break.  We have a "stay-cation" booked which is perfectly fine with me.  MIL is healing, lice is departing, colds are disappearing and I took a nap today. 

This, too, shall pass.  Roller coasters are not my favourite ride but I will gladly take on the lows when the highs are there too.  It sure makes for an exciting journey, whether I want it or not.

Cake is a 4-letter word

So, as I noted yesterday, the school had its annual cake raffle.  It involves teaching kids a valuable lesson on probability and dealing with disappointment while they toss in raffle tickets in favour of cakes that are much better than they would ever receive at home.  (Any normal home anyway. ) 

As usual, I try to prime my children on this "tough luck kid" life lesson thing before they go to school to avoid a meltdown in public.  As usual, my daughter has her stupid run of luck and wins, again, like she did here and like our son did here.  (Sheesh!  How the hell am I supposed to teach her to not play the lottery if she wins all the time!  No, wait... "Honey, can you please come to the casino with mommy?" Anyway, here is her winning cake.

Yay, we have a winner!  Except it is not all sunshine and lollipops.  The cake is Chocolate.   Owen can't do chocolate due to this.  So.... being awesome, I commit to making another cake.  Except the kids are wising up and being more demanding.   I raised the bar.  What was I thinking?!  Here is what I created.

I rock.  I am still committed to not making a cake for the raffle next year.    I know I will already be making one at home and I just do not need the extra stress.

The Upside of 40-something

Whoever said you can't teach an old dog new tricks must have just meant it literally.  People learn all the time.  Call is wisdom, been-there-done-that or just a constant search to make life easier, I've noticed some things have got better over time.


• Parallel parking - I can do it now!  First time, I swivel right into the spot without dinging the BMW or knocking down a pedestrian on the sidewalk.  I am amazed.  I have no idea why this is happening now.  Maybe I have just lost the fear and I have no need to impress a date.  Back in my youth I purposely took my driver's licence in January so that I wouldn't have to demonstrate the parallel parking thing due to snowbanks.  Now I grab a street side spot without hesitation. 



One of the cakes I did NOT make


• I say "no" when I want to say it.  For example, I love the school cake raffle.  The parents make gorgeous cakes and send them in.  I did it a couple of times and I know there was lots of swearing involved.  Baking is not my forte.  So, no, I love to help with lots of things but this isn't one that works for me.
• I say "yes" to more things, just because I want to, not to please anyone else.  The past decade has been so devoted to making life wonderful for my family, that I have often felt my needs and wants slipping to the back of the line.  There are times that I had no idea of who I was and what I wanted out of life.  I am taking "me" back.  I deserve it.  When opportunities present themselves, I say yes so much more often.  That feels pretty damn good.
• If I drive the car, I pick the music.  As head chauffeur of this place, I have the joy of driving my kids all over the place.  Out have gone boppy kids tunes to make way for my stuff.  I am a much happier driver if I can sing along to something that doesn't make me want to whack a fuzzy muppet.  Road trip anyone?

I'm sure there are a few dozen more things I could add to this list, but I can't think of them right now.  Another bonus to being more mature is that any need to be perfect has evaporated.  I am happier not stressing over whether this is the perfect post or not.  It isn't and I just want to blog it anyway. 

Maybe the old dogs are actually just getting wiser, having watched too many cats in their happy self-centered worlds.  Forget the new tricks, dude.  Fetch the damn ball yourself, this sunbeam is really comfy!