About Time!

Can't believe it's been almost 5 years since my last entry! So much has changed in that time, some for the good, some for the not so.. A beautiful daughter has been born to us, and is now 4. We lost one of our beloved Border Collies Gus, at age 14, such a sad time it was to say goodbye to a dear and loyal friend.

 Life is busy with 2 kids, and Teo spent 2 yrs in public school, but I knew homeschool would be a better fit for our family, his learning style, and our lifestyle. We are now almost 3 yrs into homeschool and lovin' it. So much freedom, creativity, and unforced learning has seen Teo accelerate in amazing ways. Being able to personally teach him to read, tell time, tie his own shoes, fractions, spelling, and everything in between is so rewarding. Taking vacay when we want to, doing school in pjs, it's just the "cats meow." Socialization is actually better now as he is not segregated with the same age all day, this kid has learned to be a friend to all ages and can talk any adults ears off, and command a crowd. He is busy at hockey, club, playdates, outings and get togethers. No shortage of social here!! Evie does 2 trips a week to her kindergarten readiness and playgroup. I have started homeschool with her, such a quick and independent learner, just a joy to teach. A creative mind who flourishes at painting, and making interesting artworks.

  Patience is a daily struggle that I'm sure all homeschool teachers can attest to, the ups and downs, but the progress makes it worth it. So funny the feeling of "working" inside the home vs. outside. The constant question "Where do you work, what do you do??  *YAWN*  Years of post secondary and working in the field of journalism, video, photography, editing; And now...I'm home. When did the job people work to pay bills become such a defining moment to calculate their identity and selfworth?! At one time in history, it was celebrated for Women to raise kids and keep house, no one batted an eye. Have we come so "far" that it is now unacceptable for any Mother (or Father) to now make that choice? I made the consious choice to raise, mold, and teach our kids for the 7 hrs a day, 5 days a week they would have spent at school. What a privilege and responsibility it is to fulltime empart wisdom, morality, manners and grace into your very own children. I appreciate the fact that not everyone can make that choice, and I respect that it simply doesn't work for every family.

Tom and I often refer to the fact that we're raising our kids like it's the '80's. I love challenge for our kids, struggle, dirt, chores, minimal screen time, and plenty of hikes and good old fashioned fresh air. It just works for us.

A few things I've learned about toddlerhood...

This time in a child's life is full of mystery and intrigue, battles and emotion, discovery and independence. Despite the numerous "helpful" advice, books on parenting, and somewhat relevant articles that try to broach this subject, most fall a little short in truely capturing what a Mother goes through. Here are just a few things that I've come to realize:

1. You should never refuse a toddler a bandaid. Period. They may shove their grubby little finger in your face and say "here, see!?" and no matter how hard you strain to see a cut, you see nothing. But to them a bandaid is a cure-all. It magically makes them forget any problems in their little world and makes life rosy again. And be generous with them, load up your cupboard with all kinds of them; Disney, Nemo, Curious George, and let him put one on every finger if this simple luxury makes him feel all better. If only Adults were this easy to please..

2. Everything tastes better with cheese on it. If there is a meal you're making that you think your little one might balk at, load it up with the orange stuff. I find the ooeyer gooyer it is the more appeal it has, and the more fun it is to wrap around a fork and make long "string-shots" with.

3. Nothing is more frustrating then feeling like you have no options. Toddlers have so very little control in their everyday lives. Face it, parent's tell them when to go to bed, what to eat, how much to eat, what they can't touch, what they can't watch, and the list goes on. If he wants to wear faded red jogging pants that now look suspiciously close to a Strawberry Shortcake shade of pink, then let him. We as parent's really need to get over what other people think of us, and let them express themselves as they see fit, within reasonable perimeter's. They are their own unique individuals, they are different than us, and they are wonderful. So major on the major and minor on the minor's, and give them 3 or 4 options when available.

4. Electronic's are usually the least creative option. As our society continues to become more digital and rely on computer's for everything, it is quickly invading the classrooms and our child's lives. Where I do agree that sometimes it is necessary to let them watch t.v while your busy on the phone with the bank, or watch a dvd while your driving long distances, for the most part they're glorified babysitter's. Steve Jobs once said " Lincoln did not have a Web site at the log cabin where his parents home-schooled him, and he turned out pretty interesting. Historical precedent shows that we can turn out amazing human beings without technology. Precedent also shows that we can turn out very uninteresting human beings with technology". It's crazy that they now have tabletops that adjust to potty's so children can continue to "play" on their tablets. Let's get a grip people, what a money maker, going after the innocent because parent's can't get a handle on their own addictions to multimedia. Computer's however can be a great tool for learning, and open up a world of information and access, it just has to be used in moderation. A child can learn more by going out into their world and exploring, asking questions, and discovering. After all that's how most of us learned. I remember hours of playing manhunt with the neighbour kids, and social activities galore. Get em outside people and into arts, music and sports activities!!

5. There is rarely a time that they aren't watching you. Children are sponges, they absorb all the sights and sounds and info that is constantly being presented to them. We've learned this the hardway many times, like when our toddler yelled at car's going buy "stop splashing my Mom!!" when I'd yelled something similar just seconds earlier. Or repeating pieces of conversations that you and your Husband had that day, that you thought he was simply tuning out, only to find he repeats it at the most inopportune time. Oy! We are their models and this is both an overwhelming task at times, and also a great privledge and responsibility. Lord let me model the kind of person I want my child to become like.

6. They're voice and they're opinions count. So many times our son has grabbed something off the shelves while shopping and I say "Teo we don't need that only to look at it and realize we DO need it". They are so sharp and they keep an eye on the day to day just like we do. They recognize familiar products, landmarks, facial expressions, neigbour's, and so on. Their voice deserves to be heard, and often if we take the time to validate their points, we will find that they have great insight and fresh minds that haven't been tainted.

7. Dollar Store toys are great incentives. Ya sure they are cheap and often break within days, but boy the wonder and excitement of being able to pick out ANY toy, and sometimes just BECAUSE they co-operated and listened that day for the first time, all week.

8. Day trips are a great way to break up the monotony. My little guy loves to take the bus. Seems pretty uneventful to us, but to him it's a venture out into the adult world. And boy the questions that he comes up with. It teaches him about geography, travel, money, socializing, patience, and reaching a destination. We've also taken the train for a daytrip to a neighbouring city, which is also a great way to get around. Sometimes we go to the local tractor distributor or a petting zoo, or just to get icecream. You don't have to spend loads of money, to them it's all an adventure.

9. Cooking and baking is frustrating with a toddler, but do it anyways. They are very sensory in nature, and they love squishing things between their fingers, getting covered in flour, and watching their production come out of the oven. I remember many a time baking with my Mother, and they were always such happy memories. And such a great skill to have as an adult, especially for guys!

10. They will become functional and contributing adults to society one day. I always keep this one in the back of mind on a day-to-day basis. In the future he will have a wife and kids, and other people will have to work and interact with him. I would like him to be a man of honour, integrity, God fearing, loving, compassionate, faithful, and fair. So I better help to instill that in him while he's young and moldable.

These are but a few things that I've learned lately, as I continue to grow in this experience that has both changed me and grown me. And continues to challenge me in the greatest job of my life.

Year of change..and other stuff..

Lots of stuff on our minds these days..We've been involved in looking for jobs these days, well more for Tom then I, as we would both love for me to continue to stay home with Teo.

The economy has tanked in our City and the daunting task of sending out resumes, going for interviews, and being turned down has really taken it's toll on both of us. I went for an interview the other day (more out of curiosity than anything) This is only the 3rd interview I've had in 3 years, since I haven't really needed to, and it ended up lasting 3 hrs!! Crazyness, right?! Loads of mathematical testing, personality testing, etc.. I passed and basically was offered the job, but after much thought I called and let her know my answer. Nope. Don't want to rot my life away in a stressed out customer service position for Sears, with calls off the hook and performance-driven greed. Just can't do it. Sorry.

Tom has the possibility of doing a few days of work this week for a construction company that interviewed him last week. Installing windows etc..So that will help out a little.

We have been seeking out God's will for our lives this past year with intensity. Change is imminent, and not just because of job prospects or lack of them..Teo is starting school this September and we want to be established and hunkered down for him by September. I wont go into depth as to our ideas on this change or any specific details because God is teaching us to trust Him in the big and the small, and to learn to walk into HIS will, and not necessarily just beg for it. Of course he wants us to ask for His answers, but so often we as humans whine about "I'm not hearing the voice of God, which path does he want me to take? Etc" First of all He has given us His Word- The Bible. Every answer you need is in there. Secondly, things are often common sense. He's given us a brain, creativity, and free will. I believe he delights in us making our own decisions within the perimeter of Godly choices. Thirdly, we need to take the initiative and boldness to walk through the doors He is opening. He will shut the one's that aren't right for you, and direct your steps according to his Word. His desire for us is to learn, mature, trust, and to become more like Himself. And these things come with time and experience in watching his provision for you as you choose to walk along the narrow path.

In other news, Teo is doing really well with the toilet training!! I think with boys especially, it takes a little more patience and perserverance, but then one day it's just like BINGO. He's got it, and he's doing sooo well at it! It's a miracle. So cute watching him tear around the house with his Curious George underpants, and not wearing those pull-ups anymore. Cheaper too. He's growing up so fast, and loves his friends at church and family space. His vocab is quickly expanding and people can't believe how much he talks for a boy. He'll be soo ready for School in September, and we are working on the sitting down for a few minutes, listening, and routine. We also pray often for his future teacher's and classmates, so important.

Our house reno's are coming along, and still to complete is: buying and installing countertop in kitchen, painting new cupboard doors, paint 2/3'rds of house, and then we're done. Biggest holdup is the finances. Our flip house across town is still on the market, but we had positive feedback from several people who came through the Open House today. So we're hopeful and waiting..

Took Teo for his first sledding experience recently. He had a blast at the farm with all the church kids, and especially loved the tractor ride that brought them back up to the top each time. Going into the cow barn during milking hour was a big hit, as well as the numerous barn kittens. He had so much fun that we took him again last week, although it was very icy but probably added to the fun! We also spotted our 2nd fox this Winter.

We started a Vegetarian challenge for Tom and I to eat no meat for 1 month. So far so good. We're at a week now and going strong..It's not as tough as I thought it would be, although we had cut out almost all red meat and pork in the last few months, so I guess that makes it easier. It's the lack of chicken that's a little tougher, but it's fun experimenting with veggie meals and learning how to use different forms of protein.

Tom and I have also started to help out with our Sunday School at our church which is always fun and such a privledge to help teach other's little one's about the love of Christ.

Well, that's a little of what's been happening in the Armstrong family. Here's to year 2013, I remember when that seemed soo far away when I was a child. So futuristic, and hard to comprehend. But alas, we move forward. All the best to your family this year too!

Tis the season..

It's been over 5 months since my lost post, but alas I'm baackk! We are busy ramping up for Christmas time and have already revelled in a few get together's with all the fixings...yum. Last weekend was spent in Toronto with friends and family which always warms my heart and encourages my spirit. Nothing like crazy gift exchanges, long hours talking with dear friends in cozy Restaurants, and experiencing city life again all lit up with lovely festive decorations.

First Christmas parade

Making salt-dough ornaments

First Christmas recital-Teo was a real performer!

Waiting for the Holiday train to come through

Lots of hikes this season!! The dogs love it too :)

 

I've been busy buying, wrapping, and sending presents and cards this season. I told myself last year that this year we would be in Florida for Christmas, but finances didn't come together so smoothly this year, so we are hoping to do it next Christmas instead. Our desire is for us to just go away as a family and let Teo experience the wonder of Disney World at such a magical time of year. It's been almost 5 years since a vacation so we are really looking forward to that!

 

 

Teo is now 3 1/2 and toilet training is a daily struggle. He doesn't mind doing his pees in the toilet but #2's are a little more of a struggle sometimes. It's 1 step forward 2 steps back. I've started a sticker chart for him and treats which seem to be the incentive he needs right now. Lots of praise, and waffle underwear, make him feel like a big boy. I was chatting with another lady at starbuck's the other night and her boy was the same age and having the same struggles. She's one of many I've talked to that say most boys are definitely tougher than girls to toilet train. So it puts my mind at ease, and I know that by this time next year he will be trained and in school!!! Can't believe it, seems like yesterday we brought him home from the hospital.

 

 

Our house renos are coming along. Tom ripped out all the rads and put in new duct work, and we had to have a new furnace put in as an old one we bought was toast. 2 days and much moolah later we finally have proper heat for the first time this year! We still have to put a counter top in our kitchen and spray and attach the cupboard doors, varathane the new stairs, paint the patch work from changing over heat, and then we are done!!! Our reno house across town is also complete and on the market.  A large 3000 sq ft house that we've been alternating taking turns at hosting open houses. I have faith in time it will sell, as it is gorgeous inside and out, and will be a wonderful family home for a somebody and it's close to schools.

 

 

Well I think that brings you all up to date, there are so many day to day excitements and activities and milestones I cannot possibly all write down, but life is speeding ahead. And we are embracing every minute of it with trust and awe in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In the next week Teo will be helping me make a birthday cake for Jesus, the true reason for the season.  

Summer's here!

Well it's been over 3 months since my last post, so I figured I should update the latest Armstrong family news...

On May 31st, Teo turned 3! We had a wonderful Curious George-themed party for him, as he is obsessed with this cartoon:) Tom did a wonderful meal including blueberry and goat cheese stuffed chicken wrapped in prociutto, homemade burgers, mushroom and garlic bake, etc, and I made a curious george cake.

Festivities!

Started his morning with a few presents to celebrate him!

 A very excited little boy!

Elmo Pinata time

Some downtime with his friend Ben, watching Curious George of course..

Hanging with his cousins

Another fun event we had was Teo`s first train trip! We took a 35 min. VIA train ride to Kingston. We also had numerous bus rides, and Teo`s first ferry ride to Wolfe Island, where we watched an outdoor horse competition. I got burnt to a crisp, but we had a great time checking out all the cute boutiques and shops along Princess St. Teo fell asleep by 2pm and slept for 3 hrs through bus trips, and a coffee shop visit, he was all funned out.

A sad event that occurred in May, was the passing of my Aunt Jill. She was a fighter and had lived her life beautifully and strong, despite a heart condition, and numerous surgeries over the years. We had a memorial for her 2 weeks ago, where many family members flew and drove here to Belleville, to celebrate her life together.

Teo and his cousins, and Jill`s grandkids watching a movie

Teo and Christopher licking the beaters

Beautiful family photo taken after the memorial

Tom also went away to Colorado for 10 days to work on a deck for a client. It was nice for him to spend time with his brother`s there, and I`m glad he had the chance to do that. We also attended a wedding for friends of our`s in Belleville, Farah & Peter, which was a really good time. Another sad event was the passing of the Mom of a dear friend of mine, Pam. I drove down to Milton and stayed over in Georgetown at Sylvia`s to attend the funeral. Carol is very much missed by her kids and grandkids, but is now made healthy and whole and enjoying the presence of her Saviour.


We also had a break-in next door a few days ago, and  the same people broke in within the hr. down the street, but 2 were caught. So I`m praying for God`s restoration and healing power in this location of town, and throughout Belleville.

Our house reno's in our flip across town are going well. I have been busy continuing to paint, pick out colours, designing, and gardening in this extreme heat. But it is definately worth all the hardwork, watching such a dive come together and become an amazing stately home that will be a wonderful house for some family to share memories at, is amazing. Well I better be off to bed, Tom`s golfing with my brother tommorrow, and I will have Teo for most of the day. So I need to gear up for another exciting day in our lives!

Spring thoughts

My mind is constantly musing. I often wonder about things and people, pondering why and how and hmmmm.. I think it drives Tom a little nuts when I say things like "what do you think they do for a living?" or at an accident site "What do you think happened?" "How should I know?" is usually his response. At which point I say "Well can't you just make something up then to satisfy my curiosity?" I suppose the fact that I took Journalism in College, and worked in the field for several years, was a natural career choice then for me. I remember my friends posting "Brooke-ism's" on the wall of our apt. which were regularly updated. It's funny, the thoughts going around in my mind seem normal but when they come out they seem part hilarious, part revelation to many. I guess I say the things people are thinking but with a little Brooke-twist substitution.


"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." -Albert Einstein


1. I think it's so strange that people I see once in passing, like while driving, I may never see again. They have no idea I exist and will continue to go on living their life, because it's their reality. What's important to me is my family, and the same goes for them. We would exhaust ourselves if we really got to know everyone in our community, so I guess some people are merely images on the way to our own destinations.

2. I wonder what I would think of me if I wasn't me, but someone else.

3. Do people really like eating escargots, and shrimp, and sushi, or do they just pretend to like it, so everyone else will think they are really sophisticated?

4. I honestly think that a lot of societies mental and emotional problems come from Aspartame, MSG, and Sucralose. I also believe it's a conspiracy on behalf of the Government to market and put gum at the front of the grocery aisle and everywhere you turn. They've also added these chemicals to gum that never used to have it, like Bubbalicious and Juicyfruit. If people are messed up emotionally and physically they need to go on meds. And more meds mean more bucks for Big Pharma. Hmmm..




As you can see I like Einstein, he has so many brilliant quotes. I like eccentric, can't-figure-them-out, kind of people. So refreshing, so unassuming, so rare.

Life is so short and there is so much beauty to explore. I've come to the conclusion that I really just don't care anymore if my norm is the norm, as long as I'm true to myself and living a life worthy of my calling. God has made no two snowflakes alike nor too people, so embrace your "isms" and refresh the world.

"I'm a big kid now!"

Well it's the end of an era. Teo has officially been weaned for over 4 days now, and it's bittersweet. After a very rocky start of establishing breastfeeding, we eventually made a really good run of it lasting 2 years and 8 months!

Teo had a rocky delivery because of the vacumn assistance, so his head was bruised and he found it painful to open his mouth to nurse. We had one successful nurse and then he got frustrated in subsequent attempts. After spending only 15hrs in the hospital we had such a frustrating time at home trying to feed him. He got so hungry and cried all of the time, poor guy, but everytime I tried he would latch and then get impatient for milk to come, and give up and scream with hunger. I was also injured badly through delivery so I had to try and nurse standing up with someone holding him, or lying down. Finally my midwife told me to call Tom in the middle of the day and have him go out immediately and buy a pump for me. She weighed him and he had gone from 8lbs 15oz to 7lbs 15 oz in one week. I got acquainted with the pump which was a whole nother story in itself, and then we tried bottle feeding it to him but it came out too fast for him and he didn't like it.
I then received some amazing advice from another of our midwife's who visited (they wouldn't give up on us!) She brought a syringe and a tube and some surgical tape. We rigged up a contraption so that the the tube was taped to me. We filled up the syringe with my milk and pushed it through the tube so he thought he was getting it from me directly. They also had me go on herbs to get my milk back up since my demand had gone down from him not nursing. During this time I was also seeing a lactation consultant, where we vented our frustration and got so much encouragement and guidance. At the 2 week mark she said "don't give up, just give it one more week, I think he's almost there" I remember my Mom going to the local pharmacy to get some more syringes and the Pharmacist just looked at her funny.
It took 3 full weeks of tube feeding which was an art in itself , and then one morning I had simply just had enough, and I said to him "Teo just take it already" and I latched him on and it worked!! What a miracle and such a relief! I didn't have to sterilize syringes and tubes anymore. I didn't have to tape myself up anymore either. I was free to nurse him anywhere and everywhere and it gave us the freedom to go out to restaurants and enjoy our lives again.

After-Much happier, and look at those cheeks:)

But what a journey it has been. A few days ago I knew it was time, so I started just saying no and substituting with a nuk or a bottle and at first he complained, but then he started asking less and less for it.
It's bittersweet because I miss the closesness and our bonding times, and being able to give him something that no one else could. But it is nice to have my body back, and to not feel like a milk machine anymore! Tom and I are not sure whether or not God has another little one instore for us someday, so Teo may be the only child I nurse. I wouldn't have changed any single part of it. The challenges, the intense frustration, the "ah ha" moments, and the joy of success. It was worth every moment of this journey with my son.