So, it appears that we've reached the age of allowances in my house. My daughter, who is verging on 7 years old, is ready to take on more that just clearing her dishes from the table. She wants to earn an allowance, but I'm not sure that the weekly approach is the best choice for our family. That's why I'm going to try out the marble method. << MORE >>

Sitting at my desk, the first snowflake starts to fall and the first thing I think of is snow tires, boots, and shovels. On the other hand, my kids light up and can't want to run and play in the snow. They think of snow angels, sledding, and everything else fun that Winter brings. 

Now, I know I'm not the only single parent with a job. I know there are millions of single mothers and fathers that attempt to juggle the responsibilities of raising children with holding down  a job and growing a career, all while trying not to burn out.

Someone said something to me the other day. 

Ok. So, I am a Ted Talk junkie. I love having these on in the background of my day, listening to amazing people sharing their wisdom and passion. Most of these talks are inspiring, fascinating, funny, and even touching. But, I have recently found my favourite—without a doubt. A woman named Brene Brown has a talk called The Power of Vulnerability, which rang true to me and definitely struck a cord.

I have discovered the most amazing thing. I happened to read an article the other day about the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi. This is completely new to me, but, basically, it refers to finding the beauty in the imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. It is the appreciation of things because of their uniqueness. It's finding the perfection in the imperfect. What a wonderful reason to step back and take a look at life—in all its flawed glory. Now, of course, that doesn't make my messy kitchen aesthetically pleasing, but it does help me appreciate the awesomeness of my daughter's writing or my son's finger painting masterpiece. In a world when perfect is the goal and getting there is often the focus of the journey, I want to appreciate the the process.

It's Spring in the Okanagan. What a wonderful thing! That means the crocuses are blooming, Home Depot is packed, and my kids are itching to get outside (ok, so am I). It's amazing how every year, the same thing happens in my house. I always get the urge to take on another overwhelming and way out of my league outdoor DIY project. This year, I have declared this the year of the fence! I am (by myself) equipped with stakes, twine, and two small children with shovels. I am on a mission to fence my awkward, un-level, corner lot and achieve a little oasis for me and the kids. So, wish me luck!

Here I am, sitting here in the sports bar of my hotel, asking myself whether venturing out on vacation without my kids was the right choice.  I know that I will actually get to sleep in, take part in activities without a toddler or a diaper bag attached to me, and enjoy a few tropical beverages.  However, I can’t shake the feeling that bringing along the little ones would give me the chance to make valuable memories with them in the minimal downtime that I have.  I am a single, working mother and I rarely have a chance to relax.  I don’t have any family within a 7 hour drive and I only call on the babysitter for a night out, every month or so.

So, this begs the question—is it worth it?  Am I doing my kids a favour by going away for seven days and catching up on the sleeps I might not otherwise get or would they—and I—be better served by a fun-filled, further exhaustion inducing family vacation?

Now, I know that the kids have had an amazing time with Grandma this week, eating awful things like Pop Tarts, cheeseburgers, and other things that I would not be feeding them.  They got to go shopping for things that they didn’t need and be indulged in their every whim.  This is essentially a two- and five-year-old dream holiday.

Personally, I have come to the conclusion that an entire week is too much for me, but this comes on the tail on my vacation, when I am not in a sleep-deprived state, surviving mainly on a steady stream of caffeine.  I wish I could join the parents that hop on a flight, carefree and guiltless, but I am not in that group.  On the other hand, perhaps I don’t want to be able to up and leave the country for a week without a worry or reservation about leaving my babies behind.  

Big moment here!  I'm jumping in and writing my first blog post.  I am definitely not ready, but here I go!  I've created this site with the intention of helping families in the Okanagan find activities, resources, and more.  I am a busy, working (redundant, I know) mother, and I love writing. I am constantly looking for, and sharing information about local activities, shopping, eating, and more.  So, I thought this would be a perfect place to make it happen. 

Take a moment check out my site. I can't wait to start bringing you information about raising a family in Kelowna (and the rest of the Okanagan) through my own experiences with my own family. I also look forward to finding out more from parents and caregivers that have information to share!

Thanks so much for joining me!

Welcome to my blog. Please check back soon for new entries.