My Thoughts, Ramblings & Musings

Awe

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 05:22:00 +0000

Sometimes there are miraculous emotions and feelings that no matter how hard you try, you just can't put it properly into words, but for the sake of this journal, I'm going to try.

The excitement of Christmas Day has been building over the last few weeks, more so for me, then both of my children put together. Because of my upbringing, Christmas was never a big thing and I never experienced the 'magic' or joy of the holiday season. Granted, at the time, it didn't bother me because facts were facts - "there is no Santa, Christmas is the birthday of Jesus Christ and although we don't worship, we can honor that day without gifts." "Christmas is too commercialized as it is."

My husband's childhood was a little different, but due to money constraints, gifts were few and far between. I guess due to both of our upbringings, gifts at Christmas time is a big thing for us. Every night, after the girls fell asleep, Ray and I wrapped the gifts together.

Yesterday, on Christmas Eve, C, A and I made 2 batches of cookies for Santa. Their innocence and excitement over the whole ordeal, made me cry. I still just can't get over it.

Christmas morning: 7:30 a.m., I'm lying in bed (I know count my lucky stars) and I hear A calling C from her bottom bunk "Nina, can you get up with me" "Nina" "Nina, can you please wake up with me" "Nina" "Nina, can you please wake up with me". Oh my goodness, my poor aching heart! It was so cute! C woke up, climbed down the ladder, turned on the light and played with her sister. Not a word about running downstairs to open gifts, no rushing like mad to wake us up. She let us sleep and played with her toys. About 20 minutes later we all went downstairs and she was thrilled to see that the milk and cookies were gone. Thrilled!

Again, here I am grinning from ear to ear like the Cheshire cat. Watching them, feeling their excitement - there is no better gift. Even when they opened up their presents. Each one was opened carefully, the box was then opened completely, the toy assembled, played with, looked at and then we went to the next gift. There was no "next, next". After the Disney Princess gifts she received, C said, "This is the best Christmas of my life" "I can' believe this, these are all of the things that I wanted so much" "I just can't believe this". As she clutched her hands to her chest and closed her eyes.

A had a little more trouble opening the gifts "Can you open for me" "Can you do this for me, please I can't do it". Cuteness overload. We bought her a Cinderella dress to her amazement, and she wore it the entire day.

After today, after spending Christmas together as a family. Laughing, playing, watching - I am in complete awe and wonder. I can't believe that God gave me 2 amazing gifts. I said to my husband, I know most people say this, but our children are truly extraordinary. I can't get over it. I love their souls, I love the people that they are becoming, I love their individuality, I love A's infectious giggling laughter that sends pure joy right through me. I adore C's heart, I adore the way her mind works. Their love and respect for each other amazes me. I honestly don't know how I got so blessed. I feel so honored to be the mother of these two children.

After they fell asleep, I went into their room and listened to their breathing. Looking at them sleeping, I can't believe how much they've grown. It's scary. I'm afraid, it's going to disappear so quickly. Their childhood, these magical moments, their sweet innocence. Time goes by so fast, and I don't want these precious moments to end.

Next year, there will be 3 beautiful souls, sitting on the floor Christmas day. We've been blessed yet again, and I am so incredibly grateful!

My girls

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 05:29:00 +0000

It's already middle of July and my baby is almost 4. I can't believe it.

This parenting gig is quite funny. You think you'll be the one teaching them everything, when the truth is, they teach you. Every day they teach you something. Patience is a virtue I have yet to master and with these two, I hope and pray that one day I will.

This little monkey? She is a ball of fire! A walking, talking, screaming ball of fire. Don't let her looks fool you :). She has the sweetest little chipmunk voice that makes your heart melt every time you hear it.

Oh how I love these two little girls of mine!

Busyness

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Mon, 24 May 2010 03:30:00 +0000

Life is such a whirlwind. The good, the bad, the busy, the hectic, everything gets the better of you and before you know it a week has gone by, then a month, then a couple of months.

Is it too late to make a New Years resolution? I need to find a balance or some sort of balance between priorities, family, business and everything in between. Lord only knows how I'll do it, but I have to try!

Wowza

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 03:21:00 +0000

Well, this is officially the longest I have ever gone writing on this blog of mine!

Things have been crazy around here! We went on a beautiful vacation to Turks & Caicos islands back in February and I have yet to post pictures and write about that vacation! I will say it was the single best vacation we have ever been on as a family. Amazing!

Alaina is talking! Yes, talking - can you believe it? Mama, Dada, Nina (for Celina), dog, cat, book, pretty, happy, elmo, flower, etc. There you have it, I have officially leaked my children's names :).

And the big project I was talking about? Well, that is what has been keeping me so darn busy! I launched Child Mode on January 22nd and it took off in a way that I couldn't have imagined. Tori Spelling mentioned us on her Twitter page a couple of days ago which had us on People.com for the last couple of days.

Please come, take a look and if you like what you see tell your friends! Would love to hear your thoughts :).

New Project

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:09:00 +0000

With the New Year comes a fresh start and just a couple of weeks ago I started a new project. I'm really excited about it and will share in a couple of weeks when we return from our getaway.

6 more days!! :)

A Mother's Love

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:37:00 +0000

Some people are excellent writers and can put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboards) and create stories, news articles and press releases which are all grammatically correct and free of all errors. Then there are others who touch you so deeply with their words, so deeply it can hurt like heck sometimes or touch your heart in ways you couldn't fathom. People who can put into words what you can not, bring to life that which is deep in your heart and compose perfection.

I found this video from the wonderful Sara from tout-est-des-roses. Her blog is one which can't be missed, in fact it has become one of my favourite new blogs (there should be awards for that kind of thing).

Now, if you have children in the room or if you are easily offended be warned that there is a teeny bit of language. If you are a mother please watch, the beauty in this message is truly astounding.

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 02:00:00 +0000

"C" is getting so excited, well we all are! 2 more weeks until our vacation begins - sunshine, white sand and turquoise waters here we come!

The weather has been milder this winter then previously but all this snow is quite tiresome. My husband has been working day in and out helping his brother with his renovations. I don't know if I mentioned this already but my brother-in-law seriously injured himself at work a couple of months ago and is now unable to return to work. As he was in the middle of renovating his house, we offered to help him out. 2 months later and we are finally nearing the end.

Days, weeks and months have been flying by and I have no idea where the time has gone. There doesn't seem to be time for anything anymore! But, thats how we roll here - busy, busy, busy!

Broke Down

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 20:10:00 +0000

I am slightly embarrassed to admit that last week I caved in and did something I never thought I would do in a million years.

I broke down and read Twilight. Not only did I give in to the hype, I actually quite enjoyed the book and was disappointed when I reached the end. The story is extremely original and highly addicting.

I don't know whats more shocking, the fact that I read a book on vampires or that I'm reading at all. With two little ones the only books I read these days are "Moo Boo La La" , "Goodnight Moon" and every fairytale known to man. Luckily I've been able to squeeze in 20 minutes here and there to enjoy an activity I haven't participated in ages. It feels almost sinful!

New Moon, here I come!

Its Her Birthday!

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 03:19:00 +0000

When she arrived it was love at first sight. Her beautiful eyes and little lips, the way she looked at us, taking in our faces. I remember it all as if it were yesterday.

She is such a joy, such a light!

And today was her first birthday. Happy birthday to the sweetest baby I know!

(She loved her strawberry and vanilla cake as you can see!)

This too shall pass.

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 02:00:00 +0000

Life is like the ocean. Waves crashing and bubbling up. Peaks forming and water churning.
Other days its placid and calm with little ripples. Things are calm now. The storm has ended and the beach is quiet. Waves wash up to touch my toes and then pull back again as if they are playing a game.

My impatience has been getting the best of me lately. Anxiousness, fear all with no grounds, no reasoning. I lacked the strength to dive into the waves and let them wash over me instead of fighting them. It all passes. It all ends and a new day is just around the corner.

Caught Up

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 04:27:00 +0000

I lost myself recently. Lost myself in busyness of sorts. I didn't realize it at the time and although signs around me were pointing to the obvious, I ignored them all. Unfortunately it took a huge tole on my family and my world around me.

It isn't easy for me to lose perspective but this time I did. Thank God I came back.

There are things that must be done yes. Chores, lists, business, important things. But the most important is your family. If you deny yourself that, if you ignore the most important things, you are denying yourself the real reason and the real joy in life.

2010 A New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 02:50:00 +0000

January 1, 2010. Another year has gone by amazingly enough!

Happy New Year my friends! Hoping 2010 is filled with happiness, health and everything you wish it to be.

2009 was an amazing year!

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 06:04:00 +0000

My heart skips a beat every time she looks at me. Sweet, sweet child of mine.

Beautiful Things

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 03:10:00 +0000

Eight Nesting Lotus Bowls from whitneysmith

Verona Bracelet from mylaveliere

"Almost Ready" print by Kellya

Tired

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:11:00 +0000

Both of our girls are sick with the flu and last night was quite the doozy! "A" cried for 65 minutes straight for an unknown reason and then when I finally got her down and closed the office up she started again from midnight to 1:30 and then again at 3 a.m. top

The next morning at 7 "C" was bright and cheery, ready to go as usual however "A" again woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Then "A" touched the soap in the bath and in a split second she rubbed her eye which started another round. "C" didn't want me to wash her hair, the phone rang and then "C" didn't like her top and dress. As I put "A" down on the bed to change her diaper, she peed all over the sheets.

"C" didn't want toast for breakfast so I went to pour her a bowl of cereal. Once she saw that daddy was having toast, she no longer wanted cereal. "A" decided she wanted nothing but mama's milk for breakfast and then she was ready for a nap at 10 am. Unfortunately as I was putting "A" down for a nap, "C" wanted to draw and read and make crafts.

On and on it went until the blessed hour of bed time arrived. Now, both girls are sleeping soundly and I am so over tired that I've reached the point where everything seems so utterly hilarious. Gahh. I am ready for bed!

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:03:00 +0000

I'm Back

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 05:30:00 +0000

I'm back after taking a bit of a break from the blogging world. There has been so much going on and I have been too busy to do anything until just recently.

I tried Wordpress for a little while and although I think it is much more suitable for a larger blog, I feel more comfortable keeping my little personal one here on blogger. Feels more "at home" for me I guess.

So here I am again. No new name yet... I'm working on it.

"A" began walking last month! It is quite a comical sight actually. This little midget toddling around and falling on her cushioned butt (courtesy of bulky cloth diapers).

"C" is becoming more and more inquisitive and has grown up quite a bit over the last few weeks.

My husband is currently helping his brother "rebuild" the interior of his house. He is hoping to have the living room and kitchen finished by Christmas however there have been some setbacks so we'll see. Hopefully it won't take too much longer.

"A" is now crying so I must sign off. Bonsoir.

Change

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:57:00 +0000

I'm thinking about starting fresh with this blog of mine. A new name, new location and new look is something I've been toying with for awhile now.

I have used Wordpress in the past however does anyone have any previous experience with Typepad?

Next week we are outta here for a couple of days. Hopefully it will be stress relieving as Lord knows we all need it right about now. My husband's favorite line applies yet again, "Life is simple, people make it complicated". The question however is why?

Had something exciting happen to me today. One of my interviews was featured in US magazine online! Amazing!

Lots of new and exciting projects and activities going on at the moment :).

Quotable Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:49:00 +0000

My little "C", 3 years ago.

“Time is like a handful of sand- the tighter you grasp it, the faster it runs through your fingers” ~ Author unknown

Halloween Lady Bugs

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:45:00 +0000

Mama has a new set of wheels! We literally went from Black to White in this case. The comfort exceeds our previous vehicle and the room is a welcome change compared to our little car. I'll try to post pictures soon. Its a beauty :).

We made some Kitty Cat cupcakes a couple of days ago to take to the girl's Halloween party

Matching costumes was the only way to go. If we had different ones... well lets just say C wouldn't have dressed up if A had a "better one" than her. (Everything A has is better UNLESS its the same as C!)

Always so serious!

Forever getting into things :)

Happy Halloween! :)

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:34:00 +0000

Quotable Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:52:00 +0000

I brought children into this dark world because it needed the light that only a child can bring. ~Liz Armbruster

Rant

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 02:56:00 +0000

I've noticed that when it comes to relationships, the media always defends women and seem to portray the men in a poor light. Although many of these cases are justifiable I believe much is left unsaid when it comes to men.

I came to this conclusion when I met a couple, years ago. There was abuse and violence on the woman's part all of which was witnessed by many. She flaunted herself in front of men and had numerous affairs over the years of their marriage yet in the end, when they split up who was the one to receive all of the blame?

While she was in the midst of one of her famed flings, he found happiness and a chance at love and life yet again. Because of this, he was shunned by family and friends. I still can't get over it.

Things have changed since then, but it just goes to show so many people judge without knowing details, scenarios or without even understanding the complete story. There is so much more than what meets the eye.

All a woman has to do it seems is turn on the water works and everyone feels sorry for her. A man? Well he usually isn't as lucky.

There is so much more to this story as there is in so many others and I just feel both sides are not heard equally.

Anyways there goes my rant of the day!

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:01:00 +0000

Cherubs & Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Nadia) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:04:00 +0000

"A" took two steps in a row today. Our little 8-month-old has been standing up for weeks now and can even lift herself up to standing without holding on to anything, however today she actually walked. She isn't too steady on her feet yet and resembles a new colt on her set of legs but my goodness it seems a bit early for walking yet!

My husband was walking by 9 months and I was a little later... 10 1/2 months I believe, so we'll see what happens ;).

We were finally successful in cutting C's hair a couple of days ago. I'll have to post a pic soon as it is just too cute. Her hair was starting to get out of control and we have been trying for months to get her to agree on a hair cut with no success. Finally she agreed and allowed Daddy to do the honors. He did a fabulous job and I'm happy to report no tears were shed during the entire process. Our little girl "resembles" a cherub now with her short curly locks. Note the hyphenated "resembles" ;) (just kidding).

The days are getting colder now making hot meals, tea and warm cookies so much more comforting than usual. We made a batch of chocolate chip cookies which seemed to disappear into thin air. This afternoon I was hoping for a sweet treat to enjoy with my tea and was greeted to 3 lonely crumbs after opening the container.

Tomorrows to do list: Off to the city for the morning, home again to answer emails and file papers and then cookie making with my sweet cherubs :).