Raising Angus~ Story Time

I know that reading to your child at an early age can help them develop the skills to help them learn to read themselves. So we started reading to Angus really young, we continue to do so now. Each evening Dan and I take turns reading bedtime stories to Angus.

Lately I have been trying to get Angus to be more interested in chapter books. Angus’ Aunt Lori and Uncle Jim, got him a chapter book called Roddy Doyle. It is stories about these little creatures who buy poop from dogs, and then make adults step in it to punish them for being mean to children. I think I enjoyed the book more than Angus. Dan started reading a tractor book and that seemed to peak his interest. Then, I found a book called Geronimo Stilton and the greatest adventure. Angus loved it because there are lots of pictures, and lots of funny comments throughout the book. We have two more chapters to finish, but I think we will finish this one.

Hopefully Angus will start being more interested in reading to us soon, he reads quite well, but he prefers to be read too, which really is what he is used to.

Reading to Angus has peaked my interest in reading again, and I have read some fantastic books over the past few years. My most recent book is the Dovekeepers. It is interesting in a historical genre, but the way it is written you get to know the characters as well. 

So I hope that everyone takes some time to read to themselves or somebody else. Reading is awesome and helps your vocabulary, your spelling and keeps your mind sharp.

Find a great book and enjoy!

Raising Angus ~ compromise

There are times in outlives when we will want something and we will not be able to have, do or get what we want. Irealize this happens all the time. My question is, how do we teach that to our children without them “losing it” or having a temper tantrum. The reality for me is that in the beginning, you cannot avoid it. Trying to explain to Angus that we need to leave, so he needs to stop playing now, but we can come back to it, doesn’t make it past the ” time to stop, we need to go”. We always give warnings (I learned that from my sister), simply by doing a count down you are letting  the child know that very soon s/he will have to stop what they are doing.

I have been at the park where parents of other children just suddenly say, it’s time to go, only to be met with tears, stomping and NO! Don’t get me wrong, Angus still objects when he is not-ready to leave, but after almost 6 years of training, I have learned to hold my ground and not give any extra time, because that leads to future pleading and whining.

Even me learning to compromise  with Angus has been tough. There is a certain video game that Angus loves to play, but I think it is inappropriate . So my compromise was he can play that game when I  amnot around. Really because I know my husband will let him anyway. Sometimes we have to compromise with what constitutes breakfast. I am a traditionalist, and believe that cereal, toast, pancakes, etc are good breakfast items. Angus likes cheese and crackers. I was fixated on what he was eating that I forgot that he was eating and it was relatively healthy. So now we compromise on what he eats by almost anything goes.

Compromise is a hard thing to learn, especially if you are as stubborn as I am! But I will master it someday, I hope.

Raising Angus ~ Mother’s Day

So, we all know that Mother’s day is just over a week away, and as a kid I always thought that Mother’s day was pretty awesome. Not only is it a Sunday (and most mothers do not work on Saunday’s) but it is a day where you get to spoil your Mom, forget any dissagreements and realize how much your Mother does (or used to do) for you.

Another thing that was exciting was that I always hoped that I would get to be the recipient of Mother’s day spoiling. For a long time I thought that might not happen. Then the miracle of Angus happened and I was a Mom. What a feeling, how wonderful it was to finally be a part of the club of motherhood. Now don’t get me wrong, being a mother is not easy, but the rewards you get from it are infinite. The first time your child smiles at you, the first time they say mama or dada, the first roll over, crawl, pull up, walk, feeding themselves, getting them out of diapers, the first time they say I love you, the list goes on and on. Becoming a mother has given me even greater respect for my own mother. I am very fortunate to still have my mother with me, and to also have a great relationship with her. I know too many people who have lost their mothers and my heart grieves  for them. I do not know what I would do without my Mum. She is the world to me and to Angus.

I am also very fortunate to have a wonderful mother in law. Not many people can say that. In fact all my in-laws are great.

Recently, on Facebook there has been a wonderful poem about a mother asking her daughter to be patient with her while  she ages, to listen to all the repetitive stories, and to help her when she needs it, and to remember all the things that she has listened to through the years , and the times she took your hand and helped you. I will remember that poem, or the jist of it anyway, as I watch both my parents grow older. It is a hard transition through life but with caring.And kindness we can help make that time easier for our mothers. Don’t hold back, always tell her you love her and try not to take her for granted.

This year I will continue to bask in the glow of the amazing little man that Angus is, and I will enjoy mostly every moment. So Happy Mother’s Day to all Mothers, their daughters who are mothers and their Granddaughters who are yet to become Mothers.

Raising Angus ~ Angusisms

It certainly been a long time since I wrote anything. I have no excuse.

So let’s start with some interesting things about Angus. So he has his own version of things. My favourite is ski-ba-doer. A snow mobile. Side road walk, sidewalk, constructioners are all construction workers.

He has had some really funny observations, like he asked if he was going to lose all of his hair like Dan had. Oh, another funny thing was Angus got hit in the groin, he was laying on the floor and said “oh, my hoach” meaning his groin, then he asked if it would hurt like this all the time. Dan explained that anytime you hit your hoach, it will hurt like that.

Angus is also very observant, he recently noticed that his “y” fronts had a penis pocket. He told Dan hey Daddy look there is a pocket in my underwear so I can get to my penis to fix it, do you have one too?

Angus recently lost one of his front teeth, so he has this gap now, and he said to Dan, hey Daddy we are gap twins! You have a missing tooth and so do you! So we took pictures while they said gap twins.

Things around here are never boring, Angus keeps us on our toes, and sometimes I cannot punish him because I am laughing so hard at what he just said. He also does that thing where you move your hand up and down in front of your face, and when your hand is up you are smiling, and when it is down, you are frowning. Except that his hand is so small that he doeshot block the transition, and he makes a noise like umuh, omuhwhile his hand is going up and down. We both laugh so hard that he cannot do the frown, so now he just makes the noise and we start laughing. God I love that kid!

So, I guess that is all I have to share tonight, have a good one, enjoy your spring weekend,  get out and enjoy the sunshine!

Raising Angus ~ Fun Times.

Wow, it really has been a while. I really have no excuse, just did not feel like it. I find it strange that there are times in life where you are so busy that even the simplistic tasks seem daunting. I was supposed to go see my therapist for a follow up in October, it is now practically April and I have yet to book anything.

Then there are times when there is not much to do at all, I am hoping that the quieter times are coming soon.

I wanted tonight to share some interesting things that Angus has said recently, like one night I was reading him stories at bed time, and he asked me if you need a ladder to get to heaven. I always try to answer his questions honestly, because it is easier to tell first time, because making things up can get you in trouble down the road. So I explained that when someone dies they leave their body behind and their spirit floats up to heaven? Angus could not understand this, so I tried to explain it more and he kept asking more questions. So I finally explained that people become ghosts when they die, and he finally got that.

Another night, I had to give Angus a warning and I asked him if he understood. He said that he did and I said ok.Then he said Daddy always asks me what do I understand, how come you don’t? So I answered that Daddy just wants to make sure you do understand, where I figure if you don’t understand then you should say so.

We were out and Dan pointed out a restaurant and said that we should go there some time alone because it is supposed to be good. angus then said, I don’t want to just be dropped off somewhere, why can’t I come? I kind of laughed and let Dan answer that one!

Angus said that he wants to live with us forever, so when he gets older, he is going to get married and to buy a house and we are going to move in. Dan asked him what if your wife does not want us to live with her? Angus’ response was “if she does not like it she can live somewhere else” we both laughed really hard at that one, and I am totally reminding  him of this on his wedding day!

Good night everyone!

Raising Angus ~ Five for Friday Challenge

1) have you ever been called for jury duty? We’re you picked?
No, I have not, but now that I have said that, I will probably get a letter soon.
2) Would you try to get out of it? Or would you serve and why?
I would serve, because without citizens chosen at random, you cannot have a representation of the population. I have to have faith in the justice system.
3) is there Any kind of trial that you don’t think you could serve on a jury for?
Yes, anything to do with harm coming to children. I could not emotionally be a part of that.
4) Have you ever been in court for any other purpose?
Yes, for law class in high school, we went to the TO courthouse and observed a part of a trial.
5) Are you ready for the time change this weekend?
Yes! It is just one step closer to spring!

Raising Angus ~ Crazy Times

So, my life has been pretty hectic lately.Work has taken a precidence for the first time ever. You see I work at the Laurelwood Veterinary Hospital, and since June (?) 2011, there has been a lot of commotion at 515 Benjamin Road. A new and amazing Veterinary Hospital has risen from the ground. It is a spectacular building that many people,including myself, would be happy to live in.

There is geothermal heating and cooling, there are windows everywhere, and many of them open! I cannot even begin to describe what that feels like after being in a strip mall with literally 3 windows and one front door with windows. I am excited for spring, when we can open the windows and get some fresh air into the place.

Many of our clients have been asking if we plan to add any new staff, well, we have. Her name is Jen and she is our boarding manager. Dr. Carey, Dr. Rideout and Dr. Knight are still working their regular hours. Stephanie, Tori and myself are still the R. V. T’s, and we have Angela and Christine both grooming.

I know that neither Angus or Dan appreciate the new clinic like I do. They just appreciate that the construction is done and I am back at home on Thursdays and Fridays. I have to admit that after spending all that extra time working on the new clinic, I am also glad to have my regular hours back.

So, if anyone is curious feel free to come by and check us out!

Raising Angus~Snowboarding?

Well, here I sit in the chalet of Chicopee , waiting for Dan and Angus to come in from snowboarding. Wow.

When Angus was born, I looked at my beautiful little baby and swore I would not let him do anything that could hurt him. Apparently that was long enough ago, that I realize I basically have no control. It started at 18 months of age when  I turned my back for 10 seconds and found Angus standing on top of his high chair tray, which was on top of the kitchen table! First heart attack of many.

When he started riding around on his belly on a skateboard, I knew that was the end for sure. Next came the scooter, a three wheeled one of course, However he has been asking for one with a motor, yikes! 

I guess I should have known that snowboarding was next, but my heart lurched when Dan told me he was taking him to Chicopee to snowboard. I did not go the first time, but since then I have been here twice and I am stunned that he is as good as he is. I mean he is only 5 and he can get. Down the bunny hill alone. The only lessons he has ever had we’re from Dan. It still scares me, but I have to admit there is a certain amount of joy watching him ride down the hill and do turns and hops! It is a beautiful thing, but when he is big enough for the jump-park, I may feel differently .

Raising Angus ~ I’ve been tagged!

out little things about your fellow bloggers, so I am going to participate

Here are the rules…

#1 – Post these rules.

#2 – Answer the 11 questions from the person who tagged you.

#3 – Create 11 new questions for the people you tag.

#4 – Tag 11 people and link them to your post.

#5 – Let them know that you tagged them

1. If you could have 3 people over for a dinner party, who would they be (and a short why)?

The first 2 people I would invite are my Dad’s parents. I never met my Grandmother, and my Grandfather died when I was about 2 years old. The third person would be my maternal Grandfather, I never met him, because he and my Grandmother divorced when my mother was a little girl.

2. Who is your favourite author and why?

My favorite author right now is Phillipa Greggory. I am currently reading the Red Queen. I love historical fiction.

For summer reading I enjoy Jodi Picoult, easy reads and interesting stories.

3. What activities/clubs did you join in High School and what was your favourite

I did not belong to any clubs in Highschool, it was not my thing. In college I was on the yearbook committee, and since I took most of the photos in it, I guess makes it my favourite.

4. Is there a movie that you can watch over and over again and never get sick of it?  Why?

There are a few. Mostly old movies like Singing in the Rain, White Christmas, Holiday Inn. Pretty much any musical from the 40′s and 50′s. I LOVE musicals, which is probably why I love Glee.

5.  Do you have any hobbies?  Tell us about them.

I have too many hobbies! I love Photography and take LOTS of pictures, I also enjoy reading, I can never have enough to read and getting lost in a book is a great way to relax. I sew a little, my Mom is really talented and I started sewing in my early 20′s when I make my first full-sized quilt. Since then I have made several baby quilts for friends and family. I also scrapbook, mostly for Angus. I did one book for our wedding and liked how it turned out, sadly I have only finished one book for Angus. One day I will make time and do more!

6.  Is there someone from your past that you have lost touch with but would like to have them back in your life…who is it and why?

Yes, Carolyn Poppe. We were friends in Highschool and while we were at Uni, then she disappeared of the face of the earth. She is not even on facebook. I would love to know if she finished her psych degree, and where she is now.

7.  Tell us about your guilty pleasure

I eat way too much chocolate, but I just can’t stop myself. Having a cup of tea, watching a girly movie and eating peanut M & M’s.

8.  Do you watch tv?  What are your 3 favourite shows (and if you don’t watch tv, tells us why you don’t)

Yes, I watch TV. Too much really. Coronation Street is the one I have watched for the longest time, since I was a teenager. I love how real the characters are, and if someone is having money trouble they have no money, not just lost 10 million of their 8 Billion dollar value.

I watch Glee, and I still love it. The other stuff I watch is on HGTV, love house remodels.

9.  What did you want to be when you grew up? 

I had no idea, and it wasn’t until I was 26 that I realized being a Veterinary Technician was the career for me.

10. Why did you start blogging?

I enjoy writing, and this way I don’t have to try and write a whole book, I can share my thoughts with whomever wants to read them. It is a great outlet for dealing with what is going on in your life.

11. Who do you most admire in your life? Tell us something about that person.

I admire my Mom. She came to Canada with my Dad, they knew no one, left their families behind, and started a new life with more opportunities. She has been a stay at home Mom to the three of us, took care of us and the house while my Dad was travelling for work. She can fix a toilet, paint a room, do laundry, sew a dress, make dinner from scratch, and clean the house in one day! She is amazing, although she does not think so. One day I hope she realizes how spectacular she is.

So that was really fun! Thanks Tales of a Blended Family!

So here are my questions:

1) Do you have children? If so how many? If not why not (fertility, don’t want any, not married, etc)

2) Do you believe in God? Do you go to church?

3) What famous historical person would you bring back from the dead, and what 3 questions would you ask them?

4) Are you a bake from scratch person, or do you rely heavily on Betty Crocker?

5) What is your favourite sport to watch, and who is your favourite team?

6) Do you have pets? If so how many and what are they?

7) What is the funniest movie you have ever seen?

8) Do you use or believe in alternative medicine? Why/why not?

9) Which holiday (in your religion) is most important to you and why?

10) If you could go back to school what would you take and why?

11) If someone gave you a blank cheque, and told you to write whatever number you wanted, how much would you write it for and what would you use the money for?

So, now I have to figure out how to tag this!

Raising Angus ~ Working.

I have always been a working Mum. Don’t get me wrong, I took my 1 year Mat leave, and enjoyed every minute of it. In fact, I was nt keen to go back to work, but finances required it. Teh thought of going back to my pre-mat leave job, was sad, the hours were long, and I did not want to be away from Angus for that long. So I looked and found a job that allowed me to work 3 days a week and rotating Saturday shifts. I know that everyone thinks – WOW, what a dream job! OK, so I won’t deny it, it is a dream to work three days a week.

For the past month I have been working 5 days a week, and I was enjoying it, until I saw the changes in Angus. He was angry more, and being sassy more, Dan and I were stunned to see the change in Angus. The extra money was nice, but I think spending some more time with Angus is in order, so I plan on not working 5 days a week for a while.

Finances, finances, finances – ugh. If only we were using the barter system! I say it all the time, I hate money. However, it is a necessary evil. So last October I started my own business, as a consultant for Steeped Tea. I started drinking Steeped tea about three years ago, after going to a party that a friend had. I enjoyed the product so much that I finally started to sell it. Now I have opened up a whole new world of possibilities. So many new teas to try, my old favourites on standby and the opportunity to educate others about premium loose tea.

It has been really exciting, and I have started Angus drinking iced fruit teas instead of juice and he loves it. My husband has cut down his pop and started drinking black tea instead for a pick me up!

So, thank you Steeped tea, I realize that my passions can both be fulfilled with the flexibility of Steeped tea, and my regular job, now if only I could figure out how to do more photography…….