"I'm Ready Now" (or am I?)

At 7:30am she was standing in kitchen in her pink winter jacket and yellow rain boots (gotta love spring in NL).

"I'm ready now!" she squealed, dragging her backpack down the stairs.

Even when we gave her and Ben a hug and a kiss at school, we (meaning me, PL and FG) were fine. Ok, I sobbed a little at Tim Horton's over a double double with PL. But I was pretty proud of myself. I've thought this moment over and over so many times in the last 6 months -- she's too little; she's not ready; I'm not ready; Brenda loves them so much; we love Brenda so much. But we made the choice based on a whole bunch of things. Then, when today came and off she went to Grands Vents Daycare with big brother Ben at her side -- I was starting to feel alright.

When we checked in at lunch time, she was eating, smiling and getting ready for her nap. I exhaled.

I picked them up at 4:30. FG wrapped her arms around my neck and squeezed tight. She ran her fingers through my hair and rubbed my face, as if she couldn't believe I came back. I asked Madame D & Mlle R how she did when I left. "Excellent - she only cried for about an hour." "What?!" Oh god. To them it was normal, to me it was horrific! Please let it be better on Day 2.

Working Mom's Guide to the 100 Mile (a minute) Diet

Think local, act global.

When you're running a 100 miles a minute, its not eay to pass Dominion and head to the farm (not to mention the farm isn't open on Sunday night's at 9pm when I realize we're out of milk!). Might be easier in Toronto or Montreal where Keningston or Atwater Market is lined off with "grown right here" greens. But what do you do when you live in Newfoundland?

Here's a few places to consider if you and your kids are trying to make a smaller footprint on the planet.

Grandpa's Garden. (for us, that's Placentia Junction)
If you are lucky enough to have grandparents around, you know they love gardening. My parents have been growing root vegetables for years. Put in a little sweat equity on the weekend and enjoy some of Poppy's potatoes, carrots, onions. Kids love pulling them up too!

Lester's Farm. (Brookfield Rd.)
We love this place. They have great local produce, a petting farm, local baked goods and even ice cream. In the Fall there's a corn maze and a Pumpkinfest.

NL Organics. The idea of food co-ops delivering green boxes to your door is popular in Ontario & BC but is just coming to NL. I haven't ordered yet but plan to. I know, I might end up wit a lot of kale in July but its worth it for the Fall goodies.

Windy Meadows Farm & Market. (1 Lundrigan's Rd, Kilbride). Where's the beef? Organic meat, chicken and sausage all at Windy Meadows. Great burgers for summer too.

Moo Moo's Ice Cream.
Local ice cream made right here!

FG Turns 2

FG. Lulu. Lucy. Miss Moo. Mrs. Murphy. My Scallywag. With the same spunk that she came into to the world, feet first, Frances Grace continues to charm us and amaze us. She a funny little creature. A real old soul. Sometimes, she strolls around te house, hands on hips asking "Who made this mess?" Other times, she is hopping and squealing in franglais"I love to saute!" translation: I love to jump!" She loves shoes, purses and it full of hugs and kisses. I know, you don't have to tell me. I have my hands full.
Happy Birthday, baby.

Radio Noon Cross Talk

I'm no parenting "expert". All I have is 4 years of sleep deprivation. Ok, that's a small badge of honour I suppose. Strangely, the week Benjo turned 4 and FG turned 2, I landed a spot on Radio Noon Cross Talk.

Michelle Lester, owner of Coo Chi Coo (LOVE that store) and 2 1/2 year-old, Max chatted about tantrums, fussy eating (alright, I'm an expert there) and nighttime routines.

Thanks to Ramona & Gerry for the oppportunity.

Yabadaba..YUCK

"YUCK!" Bam-bam shot out of his mouth like a spit-ball. "This tastes as sour as a lemon."

You know you have a picky eater when he won't even eat sugary Flintstone vitamins!

Foiled again.

Billy Blazes Look Out - Ben turns 4

Things have been a bit crazy lately with the house and work but I wanted to do something special for Ben for his 4th birthday. For months (that's a long time for a preschooler) he's been crazy about Rescue Heroes. So, when he jumped out of the car and realized he was at a real firestation and screamed "I can't believe my mind!", I nearly cried.

He even met a firefigther named Benjamin. Special thanks to everyone at Central Fire Station for an incredible birthday suprise.

Pebbles, Bam-Bam and Dino - Oh My!

Supper-time battles are a regular thing at our house. We've done it all - "just try 3 bites", "eat this or have nothing", "eat this, get ice cream". But nothing seems to work. Ben is a fussy eater. Despite his limited diet, he's a happy, vibrant, busy boy. That said, there's only so much buttered wacky mac pasta a mom can cook before you really start to lose it.

Last night, I started to worry though (mom's are good at worrying). And I bought some multi-vitamins -- the Flintstone ones. And just to make sure they didn't taste like cod liver oil, I popped one. Yup, tasted just like I remember -- pure sugar. Yabadaba-doo!

If it wasn't for the label I'd be convienced it was just that. I haven't given up on trying to make him get his veggies. But this eases some of the mom guilt... for now.

When I Am 8

"When I am 8," Ben said "I will go to motorcycle school and ride a Harley or a 'crotch rocket'."

"Do you know how old you have to be to ride a motorcycle," Mama said.

"No"

"Sixteen," said Mama.

"Oh. Then when I'm 8 can I have a bicycle?"

Mother's Day at the Junction

PL is in Toronto this week taping Dragons' Den so, I took the kids to Nana's and Poppy's for the weekend.

I was pretty proud of myself -- packed the car the night before and worked through lunch so I could be out of town by 4. The minute we got there the kids jumped out of the van like hyper Labrador retrievers! They love it up there. It is always so amazing to see them run around in the garden chasing Lucy the cat or throwing rocks over the trussel with Poppy ("That one's a real sowzo".) I remember the first time I saw my parents with Ben and later with Frances. It was such a gift. They just squeal and giggle together like old buddies.

One of the main reasons we moved home 2 1/2 years ago was for the kids to know their grandparents. I love it that my parents are also taking time to know the kids. Happy Mother's Day.

Insider's Guide to St. John's

If you're planning a trip to the "Far East" this summer, here's a list of must see/dos.

Lighthouse Picnics My friend, Jill Curran moved back home from Scotland and along with her friend Sonia, started Lighthouse Picnics in Ferryland. One of the province's best kept secrets, its worth the short hike for the fantastic food and view. See pics above from the Lighthouse Picnics.

Iceberg Finder
If there are any, here's where you'll know where to find them.

Puffins & Whales
Depending on the time of year, you'll see both. There's plenty but check out O'Brien's

The Rooms
Some aren't fussy on the modern arcitecture, calling it the "box the Bascilia came in". Others, like me, love it. The home of the provincial museum, archieves, art gallery and a great cafe - the Rooms is stunning. One of the best views of the harbour and narrows. Not to mention the crab cakes!

Ches's
Ask for "fi & chi with d & g" (fish and chips with dressing and gravy). You get a certificate one your first visit.

East Coast Trail
Take in as much of this incredible trail system as you can. Maps available.

Middle Cove Beach
Just minutes from downtown, it's worth the trip out Marine Drive. During the summer evenings, folks go to the beach for bonfires. And in June, you can even scoop up a few capelin.

Hiking at Cape Spear Lighthouse
Cape Spear is the most easterly point on the continent. Be there at dawn and be the first in North America to see the sun rise.

Moo Moo’s Ice Cream and Rennie’s River Trail
Get an ice cream at the family owned Moo Moo's (88 King's Rd). Try blueberry sorbet or the sinfully rich turtle-cheesecake ice cream. Then, take a stroll to Rennie's River (part of the Grand Concourse. This is the winding trail runs right through the heart of the city.

Auntie Crae’s on Tuesday for Lunch (272 Water St)
That's when the Auntie Crae's band comes in for an impromptu concert (free!) in the common room. Bring your own lunch or grab something from the great deli counter.

Georgestown Bakery (60 Hayward Ave at Maxse St)
A quaint, family bakery in the heart of Georgetown. Perhaps the best bagels east of St-Viatuer.

Fred’s Records (198 Duckworth Street)
If you have an interest in music, both local and global, the folks at Fred's will point you in the right direction.

Hava Java (216 Water St.)
Great coffee. A perfect morning stop.

The Ship (265 Duckworth St)
Evening entertainment covers all the bases; expect everything from poetry readings to live jazz, blues or reggae. Wednesday are Folk Night.

International Flavours (4 Quidi Vidi Road)
Chicken or Vegetarian? That is the question— the answer is the best curry you have ever had.

Devon House Crafts (59 Duckworth St)
Great local artisan crafts, visual art and handmade gifts.

Newfoundland Weavery (177 Water St.)
Perfect for one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Johnny Ruth (166 Water St.)
Great selection of women's clothes and jewelry from Canadian designers.

Nuts about Brazil!

This week, a wonderful lady from Brazil named Denise came and stayed with us. It was a part of a Rotary International exchange program. The kids adored her. FG, who is normally very cautious, went to her with open arms. I told Denise that there is a saying that "children and dogs are the best judges of character". It was great to get to know her and a fun way to teach the kids about new places and language. Last night, we made flags of Brazil and Canada and looked both countries up in the Atlas. Thank you Denise for the great visit. We only wish we had more time to spend together.

What He Sees

Yesterday, Ben took my camera for the first time and shot some pictures. Here's some of what he saw. The rest are on my Facebook. Note: After it was done, we made a slide show of it with his favourite song - 867-5309 (Jenny) - as the soundtrack.