#janphotoaday Challenge

January is officially over and so is my favourite photo challenge - #janphotoaday. Started by @fatmumslim, a list was provided, prompting followers to take photos based on a theme for each day. It was a great way to remind me to capture special moments, and a fun way to use Instagram in a different way each day! Here's the list with my pictures:



I'm looking forward to #febphotoaday, starting tomorrow. Will you join in the fun?

Quotable Bits #4

Another week full of fantastic quotes. Some shared with us the most perfect sunset, some shared the meaning of love from a pig's point of view, and some shared gems found in their bathroom (yes, you read that right!).

I love the diversity of the quotes that are posted each week. Some make me laugh, some make me think, and some inspire me to make some changes in my life. My favourite quote of this week was posted by Mama and the City who shared with us what she didn't know about her mother. Her quote came from a comment left after she wrote a personal post about her mother, and the quote was so raw and so  true. It came from the heart, and reminds us to think before we speak. 

Thanks as always to everyone who stopped by to read our quotes and who posted some fabulous quotes of their own.

I did something new this week. And what is the fun in trying something new and exciting if you can't share the experience with others! I went on a staff trip to our famous local ski mountain - Whistler, where I went zip trekking for the very first time. It was exhilerating, it was beautiful, it was a little scary, and it was an awesome adventure. I was so nervous at the beginning, but by the end of the 3 hour expedition, I was zip trekking upsidedown. This mama rocked it.

"For an occurence to become an adventure, it is

necessary and sufficient for one to recount it."

- Jean-Paul Sartre

That's not me on the left, but that's one of the exact lines I did...

Now it's your turn! Pick a favourite quote, add a picture or write about it, and link up with us! Don't forget to "like" other posts while you're at it ;)

Soundtrack Of My Life

10 Songs that would be on the soundtrack if my life were to be made into a movie:

Track 1: Rolling Stones "Miss You"

This was at the top of the charts in the year that I was born. My biological parents were big fans of the Rolling Stones, and their on-again, off-again relationship is probably highlighted in the lyrics. They were such big Stones fans in fact, that I was named after Mick Jagger's wife at the time, Bianca.

Track 2: Rosalie "Mommy Get Off the Phone"

A favourite song from my early childhood days. Noone I know seems to have heard of this artist, but when I was a kid, I fricken LOVED this album. I knew all the words to every song, and I still do to this day. Eat your heart out Raffi.

Track 3: Queen "Bohemian Rhapsody"

The Queen Greatest Hits Album was the first CD I bought. I listened to it religiously, and I don't think anyone has forgotten this hit song (featured in Wayne's World which was also the movie I saw on my very first date).

Track 4: Destiny's Child "Girl"
Oh how dramatic we were in our high school years. My best girls and I loved this song when we were having boy troubles. There's no special bond like the one you have with your girlfriends (no matter what age you are)!

Track 5: ACDC "Shook Me All Night Long"

This is our song (not by my choice, for the record). It's not romantic, and it's definitely not because there is any underlying meaning for us in the lyrics - but it's our song, and we will forever head bang, jump around, and dominate the dance floor together when this song comes on. And yes, we danced like maniacs when this song came on at our wedding.

Track 6: The Beatles "In My Life"

This was the song I chose for my father/daughter dance at my wedding. The man who I call dad isn't the one who made me, and he isn't the only father I've had in my life, but the line "there is noone who compares with you" has special meaning to me because he truly is the best father a girl could ask for, and he will always and forever be my dad.

Track 7: Etta James "At Last"

This was our first dance song at our wedding. Original, I know, but very applicable (hint: he made me wait 5 years for a proposal - "At Last" is right!). A beautiful artist with the voice of an angel.

Track 8: Dumbo Soundtrack "Baby Mine"

When I had my first child, I wanted to find a special song that I could sing to her when I rocked her to sleep at night. A song to soothe her to sleep, and one that I could remember. This is the song I chose and it still makes me well up when I watch this clip from the movie. Yes they're elephants, but how sweet is this scene?

Track 9: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros "Home"

I just simply love this song. "Home is whenever I'm with you" - so true, especially when I have to spend so much time away from my family as a busy career mommy. It's light and funny with a catchy get-stuck-in-your-head tune. Did anyone see the father/daughter duet to this song? Melted me.

Track 10: Ingrid Michaelson "Everybody"I pretty much love every song by this artist, but this is a good one that the kids and I sing together in the car. Such a happy song, and who doesn't love love?

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Don't forget to link up a favourite quote for Quotable Bits, every Tuesday!

More info here: Quotable Bits Linky

Career Mommy I'll Bee

I'd like to say that it was purely a financial decision. That I only returned to work because it would have been financially impossible for us to live on one income. But truthfully, we could have managed. Money would have been really tight, but it wouldn't have been impossible.

I'd also like to say that it has been unbearable. That I have to pry my desperately clasped hands from my children as I drop them off at daycare each morning, and that I cry quietly to myself as I drive to the office each day. But I don't. On some days it is tough to say goodbye, but they love their daycare, and they know I'll come back and squeeze them with all that mama love that they've missed all day.

Yes there are days when I wonder if I've made the right decision.

Yes I miss my children every moment that we're apart. But my career is part of who I am, and working (outside of the home) is something I have to do. Not just for the money, but for me.

I have a theory (and a big emphasis on "theory" here) - that many women who were raised by stay at home moms, choose to do the same when they become mothers. The same seems to apply to women who were raised by career moms - they seem to grow to become career moms themselves.  

It's a crazy busy life being a career mommy of two. It's a crazy busy life being a stay at home mommy too! In Canada, we're lucky enough to enjoy a full year of maternity leave, so I've experienced both sides, and I can truly say that they are both equally as challenging.

When it comes down to the decision to return to the office, or to stay at home full time, it's purely a personal decision, and for me, a career mommy was the right fit for me.

How about you? How did you make the decision? Did you follow in your mother's footsteps?

Weekly Bits (Wordless Wednesday)

Linked up with:

 

Quotable Bits #3

Another great collection of quotes were linked up last week, including a quote by Julie of otownmommy who brought a great quote into her home (literally), a quote by RoryBore of Time Out for Mom who honoured a great man on his birthday with some of his words of wisdom, and Sue from Cookie's Chronicles who reminded us to live in the moment.

So many fabulous quotes, but my favourite quotable post of the week was shared by Lisa of Schwartz Chronicles, who wrote about the first snow fall of winter. Not only does she match some beautiful family photos with a great quote, but her own words used to describe the imagery are even more quotable than the quote itself! Thanks for linking up Lisa!

My quote for the week:

"What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how
compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility."

- Leo Tolstoy

The hub hubs and I are exactly the same when it comes to personality traits. After over 10 years together, I haven't decided if that makes us compatible or incompatible yet! Either way, it's definitely important to deal with disagreements in a respectful manner - especially with little eyes watching your every move.


Now it's your turn - pick a quote, add a picture or write a post, and link up!  

Bee's Bucket List

It's Monday and you know what that means - time for my favourite Monday linkup, Monday Listicles! Today's topic is "10 Things I'd Like To Do Before I Die" - so I thought this would be a great opportunity to write myself a little bucket list. Before I die, I'd like to:

1) Write and publish a novel.
2) Spend a month touring Greece.
3) Take a gourmet cooking class.
4) Live in a house somewhere warm, steps from the ocean.
5) Ride in a hot air balloon.
6) Meet my great grandchildren.
7) Take a family vacation to Trinidad so the children can explore some of their family heritage.
8) Celebrate 60 years of marriage with my husband.
9) Learn how to play the guitar.
10) Take a trip to New York with a group of close girlfriends.



I've had this painting on my wall for over 10 years.
 I dream of sitting at that little table with a cup of coffee and a notebook, writing all day!

What's on your bucket list?

Bits of Joy

I've been moving through each day as though I am racing through a dream. I can only remember bits and pieces, too busy to absorb each moment. Rushing through routines while my mind is elsewhere. When I'm starting the morning off with the kids, my mind is compiling lists of what needs to be done at work. My eyes are shifting to the clock, ensuring that I move through the routine in a timely manner. 7:40am, time to load the kids into the car.

When I arrive at the office and settle myself into my desk with a hot cup of coffee, my mind shifts and all I can think about is my children. I wish I had taken another moment to say goodbye, given them one more kiss - a tighter hug - to let them know that I love them. That I miss them while we are apart. I wonder if it's all worth it. Do I love my job enough to be away this much?

I have had an infinite number of sleepless nights. My toddler won't sleep. My 4 year old doesn't want to sleep in her own bed anymore. And when they do sleep, I don't. I'm exhausted, yet I can't sleep.

I'm burning out. 

So what better time than now to remind myself of the things that make me happy. Amongst all the craziness that comes with the life of a career mommy of two, what are the moments that make it all worthwhile?

What brings me joy?

Little hands clasped behind my neck while moist kisses are planted on my cheeks at bedtime.

Belly giggles that echo on the walls of my house while I watch quietly with my husband, taking it in.

A warm cup of coffee and Baileys with a sweet dessert.

Laughing until tears pour down my cheeks with a group of my closest girlfriends.

Watching enthusiasm and wonder take over the faces of my little ones when they wake in the morning to discover freshly fallen snow on the ground.

Spontaneous family dance parties in the living room.

Feeling the cool sheets graze my skin as I tuck into bed and lay my head on my fluffy pillow at night.

Hearing the words, "I love you" from each person in my little family.

In the high-stress moments of my busy, busy life, I think of these things and my heart rate slows, my mouth curves up at the corners, and I return to feeling content with my life.



What do you think of to bring yourself back from a burnout?



Snow Princess (Wordless Wednesday)

 

Quotable Bits #2

Last week was an exciting milestone for me. I hosted my very first link up, and I loved every minute of it! I've always loved words, and how they come together through inspiring, humourous or touching quotes, and the posts that were submitted covered off everything - the post by @runnermomjen made me giggle. The post by @momwich made me well up a bit, and @beeswithhoney's post renewed my self confidence.

So many great posts and quotes - but my favourite from last week was by @TimeCrafted who wrote about the importance of believing in magic.

My favourite line from her post: "Fresh crayon boxes, filled with pointy rainbows."

And now on to a new week, and a new quote. My pick for this week is an important reminder for career mommies like me:

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing,
you will be successful."

- Albert Schweitzer

Still trying to decide if I love what I do...

I Would Never...

Emma (4): "I would NEVER let MY baby do that.."

It starts early. The judging from non-parents (aka people who don't know shizz). Here are 10 things I said I'd never do as a parent.

1) I would never let my child have a temper tantrum in public.
2) I would never give my child snacks just to keep them quiet in a public place.
3) I will never raise my voice at my children when I'm a mom.
4) My children will never disobey me, they will do as I say.
5) I will never let my children leave the table without finishing their dinner.
6) I would never travel without my children - I could never spend an extended amount of time away!
7) I will never let my children sleep in my bed.
8) I would never use the computer or my cell phone around my kids, I'll always give them my undivided attention.
9) I'll never let my kids play video games or play with my cell phone.
10) I would never let my child "cry it out"!

4 years in and 2 children later, and I've done every single thing on my list. And not just once. It didn't take me long to learn that until you've been a parent, you really don't know shizz!

Sleeping in my bed...

The Mommy Singsong Syndrome

I've come to the realization that I've developed a syndrome in my 4+ years of motherhood. A little something I like to call, The Mommy Singsong Syndrome (TMSS).

Early Symptoms: It starts when you rock your first newborn in your arms at night. Your natural inclination is to hum or sing your child to sleep, and if you're like me, you will be stumped for a tune. Without a solid database of lullabies in my head, I once caught myself quietly singing, "my milkshake brings all the boys to the yard, and they're like it's better than yours...hmmm hmmm...la la la la la...warm it up..." Yes, that's right. I caught myself singing the Milkshake song to my precious little newborn baby.

Phase 2: As she grew older, I started to sing various songs, all to the same tune. You may know the tune I'm talking about - the tune that would accompany something like this: "This is the way you brush your teeth, brush your teeth, brush your teeth, this is the way you brush your teeth, when it's time for bed." I started to change it up, slightly varying the lyrics, graduating to such hits as, "This is the way we pee on the potty..." and "This is the way we put on our jammies..."

Full Blown Syndrome: You will eventually graduate to the phase I'm at now - the "make up your own lyrics to a tune only your generation would recognize". An example of this is my famous bath time song. I sing it to the tune of The Love Boat theme song (if you're younger than me, you probably won't have any idea what I'm talking about): "It's baaath time, exciting and newww. It's baath time, and mommy's gonna wash youuu." Yes, there you have it folks. I've revealed another one of my hidden talents.

There is no cure, and you will know you have full-blown TMSS, when  you're wrapping up a play date with one of your friends and her children, and as you start to pick up the toys, you start singing, "Clean up, clean up, everybody, everywhere..." Without thinking, your mommy friend will join you as you pick up the remnants of your children's play. You will start to harmonize, pause, and then look around in embarrassment, realizing that while you two are singing and picking up, your children are nowhere to be found (true story).

Do you have The Mommy Singsong Syndrome?

It's bath time, exciting and new...

Linked up with:

Sleeping Beauty (Wordless Wednesday)

I'm posting another sleeping picture for Wordless Wednesday this week. Not only because my little ones' sleeping faces melt me, but also because this picture reminds me of those quiet, simple moments - when the craziness comes to a hush, when the chatter is muted. When you wake up from a long night's sleep, turn over, and see this...

Quotable Bits #1

I'm so excited to be posting my very first linkup, of hopefully many, many more. I've always loved quotes and sharing beautiful words written by others, so a meme encouraging writers to share their favourite quotes seemed like a perfect fit for me! For more information on how it all works, check out my Tuesday Linkup page. I look forward to reading your posts, and hope that you'll take the time to read each other's posts as well!

As a career mom, I am constantly challenged to find the perfect balance between my job and my life with my family. One thing I try to do, is to focus my weekend time on my children, to enjoy our time together as a family. I try to cherish every moment I have with them, to enjoy all the precious little things in life.

"Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
With your one wild and precious life?"

- Mary Oliver

Now it's your turn!

If You're A Mom, You're Qualified

I'm starting the week off right - with a fresh new list to link up with @NorthWestMommy for Monday Listicles! The topic for this week was to write about 10 strange jobs I've held in my life, however I don't think my resume is very "strange" as it's full of pretty mainstream jobs (teaching English to ESL students, editing for a local teen magazine, and an array of marketing positions). Instead, I'm going to write about 10 jobs that I think every mom would be qualified for, based on their family responsibilities. Who knows, maybe I'll inspire some of you to make a career change!

1) Taxi Driver - because we drive them to school, we pick them up, we take them to lessons, doctor appointments, and play dates. They sit in the back seat and babble about anything on their minds, and we nod quietly and listen while keeping our eyes on the road.

2) Actress - let's face it, sometimes we're not in the mood for imaginary play. But boy do we know how to fake it!

3) Traffic Controller - pretty self explanatory. We keep things in order, ensure there are no collisions.

4) Professor - because we have ample experience in teaching life lessons. We lecture on a regular basis, and are frequently assigning homework.

5) Stunt Man - because we're pretty good at taking a beating, especially as we navigate through the toddler years (as I wrote this, I took a soft football to the head. Oh the irony!). Also, because we are very often not credited for taking on the tough parts.

6) Film Director - we have a vision and work to make it come to life. We have experience working with all different personality types, and do our best to ensure everything flows together to create a nice and happy story.

7) Lion Tamer - because our everyday lives are a circus. We have worked with unpredictable animals who can appear to be sweet and devoted, and can suddenly become hostile and irrational at the flip of a switch.

8) Chef - ok we may need to work with more ingredients and use more exciting techniques, but I think we have a pretty solid foundation to work with!

9) Nurse - because we have cured many syndroms, healed many ailments, and can make a person feel all better with nothing more than a kiss.

10) And every mom would make a Kick Ass Cop!

Four vs Forty

"Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional."

As I begged my four year to take another bite of her dinner (for about the millionth time), while simultaneously holding my two year old's arms so he would stop banging his spoon on his highchair tray, I got to thinking (and I know this is totally not an original thought), "youth really IS wasted on the young".

When you're four, you don't want to eat. You'll do anything to avoid taking a bite of your dinner, desperate to return to your play. You will whine and groan, thrash your head back and forth like you're possessed, cover your mouth, make excuses and beg to be excused.

When you're forty, you want nothing more than to enjoy a nice, warm, home-cooked meal. You'll do anything to savour the last bite - even wipe up the last droppings with a piece of bread. You will want seconds, maybe even thirds, and you will linger at the dinner table for hours, just enjoying the moment and the company that you keep.

When you're four, nothing is more terrible than having to take a nap, or to go to bed at the end of the day. You will literally run away when even the hint of sleep is whispered in your ear. You will babble uncontrollably, weep inconsolably, procrastinate and attempt to negotiate your way out of it.

When you're forty, you won't stop talking about your sleep deprivation. You'll give up a morning shower for an extra 9 minutes in bed. You'll moan a sigh of relief and satisfaction when your skin grazes the cool sheets as you finally tuck into bed at the end of a long day.

It drives me crazy that my little girl despises the things that I would give anything to indulge in. Sufficient sleep and delicious meals without consequence? Please. In. My. Dreams. She has no idea. And I can't blame her because I know I was once in her shoes, and she will one day be in mine.

Coming Soon - My Weekly Linkup: Join me every Tuesday for Quotable Bits!

Pick a favourite quote - it can be a quote by a famous figure, something funny your kids have said, lyrics from a favourite song, a funny tweet you've seen - anything you've heard or read that has inspired your post. Quote, post, and link up! I'll be picking a few of my favourite quotes, and featuring those favourites in the following week's post.

 

The first linkup will begin THIS Tuesday, January 10th - I hope to see you there!

Worth It (Wordless Wednesday)

"A flock of sheep that leisurely pass by
One after one; the sound of rain, and bees
Murmuring; the fall of rivers, winds and seas,
Smooth fields, white sheets of water, and pure sky -
I've thought of all by turns, and still I lie
Sleepless..."

        ~William Wordsworth, "To Sleep"

A sleepless night with my little one - seeing him finally at rest, makes it all worth it.

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Coming Soon - My Weekly Linkup...

I'm going to start a weekly linkup and am looking for some feedback from my readers before I set it all up! I'd like to call it "Quotables" - pick a favourite quote of the week - it can be a quote by a famous figure, something funny your kids have said, lyrics from a favourite song, anything you've heard or read that has inspired your post. Quote, post, and link up! Let me know your thoughts, I'm a newbie looking for feedback!

Linked up for Wordless Wednesday with:

Habits Are To Be Made, Not Broken

It's the first Monday of the New Year, which means it's time for my first Monday Listicles list of 2012!

Many people focus on habits they'd like to break in the New Year - to quit smoking, quit eating, quit procrastinating. But for me, it's a time to reflect on the things I'd like to add to my life, habits I'd like to create for myself in the upcoming year. So here's my list of 10 habits I'd like to make for 2012:

1) I'd like to make a habit of seeing my girlfriends on (at least) a monthly basis. Too much time goes by without that all-important girl time, and I refuse to let those special friendships drift as a result of the busy lives we lead as mommies.

2) I'd like to create a more regular blog schedule for myself. Up until now I've blogged when I've had a free moment, throwing together a post (without proof-reading) just to get something off my mind, or to get something up on my site. This year, I'd like to plan it out, post 2-3 times a week, and start my own weekly linkup!

3) I'd like to make a habit of spending one-on-one time with each of my kids, at least once a week (mommy and me time). It can be something small, like a trip to Starbucks. Just some time away from computers, TVs, and siblings, to focus on each child, one-on-one.

4) I'd like to make a habit of having regular date nights with the hub hubs. We very rarely take time to enjoy each other's company, and I think this is important to ensure a happy family life.

5) I'd like to make a habit of discovering new music. I love music, but rarely take the time to enjoy it. I'm going to try to download/discover new songs as often as possible.

6) I'd like to make a habit of taking more pictures. I love photography, but seldomly take the time to snap special moments with my beloved camera.

7) I'd like to make a habit of making more creative dinners for my family. To try new recipes and ingredients. I'm a self-proclaimed foodie who needs to step up the training of my tastebuds!

8) I'd like to make a habit of pampering myself every once in awhile. A monthly massage or mani/pedi, to relax, refresh, and rejuvenate myself.

9) I'd like to make a habit of asking for help, and delegating chores around the house (instead of nagging with no results).

10) I'd like to make a habit of reading more blogs, commenting more on what others write, and being more active in the blog community.

What are some habits you'd like to make for yourself this year?

Twenty Twelve

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012 FROM THE BEE FAMILY!

Stay tuned for a new blog design, and a weekly linkup in 2012!