Me and Meg
www.meandmeg.com

I've spent the week trying to explain to Malone why I have tattoos. I have two. Sometimes, because they're both so amazing I have trouble picking which one I like best. The tropical fish by my crotch is the winner though. Yes. I got a fish tattooed on my body and chose the middle of my hip flexor as the spot. It's really ugly with bubbles coming out of its mouth. I was eighteen; I went with two friends, both who had something picked out ahead of time. I got to the parlor and buckled under the pressure, what the hell was I going to pick? So I picked a fish. I think I might go and get "idiot" tattooed underneath it. Then people can stop asking me why I 
picked it.

The second one is a star on my foot. I'm okay with it-sometimes. Every now and then someone will say "did you pick the star because each point is a member of your family"? Shit, no. I did it on a whim on a date-completely random.
Here's my conversation with Malone about them:
Malone: why do you have that permanent mark there (pointing to the fish)?

Me: I don't know.
Malone: it's permanent that means it can't come off, right mom?
Me: yes.
Malone: did you do that when you were a teenager or adult?
Me: teenager, it was a mistake. I wish it wasn't there.
Malone: yeah, I think it's stupid, I'm not going to get one, even when I'm a teenager.
Me: good Lones. Don't do it.
Well, it looks like I have taught Malone another valuable lesson from a mistake I made.

Imagine this with bubbles coming out of its mouth. Yes, it's this bad.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Little 'Cookie' is 5 years old, and in SK, he is vibrant, loving and full of knowledge. I for one, take great pride in raising my kiddos with a respect for the world around them and a constant thirst for knowledge. That being said, I have made it my mission to experience and have them experience things at least once. 

Well, this week posed a really big challenge. 

When I said, I wanted them to experience life to its fullest....that means WITH me. I know many of you out there will chose to disagree, but this is what works for us...

so far, so good. 

Cookie's class is going on a trip today. They are going to a place he has never been, and would probably thoroughly enjoy. When the letter came in, I signed it, sent money and volunteered to attend....never anticipating that I would NOT get picked. Well, guess what? I wasn't picked.

Let the agony begin!

Over the past week I contemplated endlessly whether or not he should attend without me. If maybe, I could follow the bus without him knowing and sneak into the place while hiding in the bushes. Guess what? my constant 'what-if's' came into play, and I decided  that he is still too young to go on his own with his class, and he will not really be missing much. Besides the trip is only 3 hours in length...how much can you possibly see? All these tactics to made ME feel better, in actuality they are just ways of soothing my paranoia. The tough part came when I had to tell him the truth. What is it about that mommy-guilt that gets you every time?

I really thought Cookie would hate me for this one, so I tried to make up for it by promising him a 'Fun Friday' date with me and his little brother....(bribery at its best)

Guess what? It didn't even phase him. He was happy enough to stay home. I wonder how long I can pull-off keeping him from going on school outings? Forever? hummm.....

Until the time comes, I am free of guilt and enjoying every second....even if it means he misses out on his class trip.

Be honest ladies, when did these become an option:

I understand if you are wearing a certain ensemble and need some help for the night, fine, rock a pair of Spanx. But daily? I just don't know how you can feel like you are making it happen with these big ol'undies on? I am not suggesting you have to look hot for your man. I'm suggesting you look and feel hot for yourself. Does that sound really lame? Maybe not having thread up your crack makes you feel sexy? Hmm. I'm not convinced. Thongs are not the only option, I understand there are times when you just want to rock a fullback brief. Why not go for something like this:

Why don't we ask Leigh, she loves fleshy tone, nasty fullback underwear. She just got back from her workout...

I think what is most disturbing is that Leigh is going so far as to wear them swimming:

Let me start off by saying this is my first 'personal' post. I am finally ready to let my readers into MY world. So sit back, hold on and get ready for the laughs, the tears and all the things I experience on a daily basis! This blog portion of Lil'sugar will be updated every Friday. This is an introduction...

Most people who know me and my family think we are NUTS! I am not afraid to admit it, but we are. We love whole-heartedly, and devote our entire beings to one another. This is sometimes not always the way to go. You see, I am finding that more and more these days people are showing themselves to the world one way, and actually living another--the illusion. When I had my first born, who I call 'Cookie,' I endlessly tried to 'fit in' and keep up with the world around me. In the town where I live people are ALWAYS dressed to perfection, wealthy and appearing to be living the 'dream.' Picture hollywood, only a lot smaller and not as talented. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of good people here and these people are probably nice people....but this is what people see from the outside looking in.

I later realized that with the dependence of family members, nannies and the lack of employment this is an easy task. I decided to SCREW fitting in and START living and doing what I wanted to do with my family. For people that know me they know I am not a completely sane person either. I have beliefs and I hold on to them very strongly. 

A few things to note about me: 
- I get annoyed by the lack of parental involvement with children nowadays 
- I am a paranoid parent in terms of 'letting go' (a.k.a 'bubble mama')
- I am obsessed with children's fashion, food, toys....anything child-related really
- I hate characters on clothing and despise subjecting my children to my own choice movies, t.v shows, characters and opinions.
- I am  a hands-on mama- try to do EVERYTHING possible with and for my children- even if it means sleeping on the floor.
- I believe in letting my children express themselves freely 
- I think rules should be rules and everyone has them

....sounds crazy doesn't it? But, this is an honest look at me.

So who would marry such a crazy woman?
Meet 'J' - he's a laid back, quiet guy who won't admit it, but has always had a crush on me ;) I met him years before we started dating and had immense hatred for him....until one day....well, the rest is history! Here we are 7 years later, bickering constantly (well, mostly I bicker), with 2 kids and a dog....who would have thought? 

The Kidlets:
They look innocent don't they? Like I said, its all an 'illusion,' looks can be deceiving. Although they are CRAZY and keep me sleep-deprived, mis-matched and always on the run, these guys are my life. 'Cookie' is a super-charged ball of energy, inquisitive, and bright beyond his years --we often refer to him as the polish kid in the family (we still can't figure out the blonde hair, blue eye thing). Then there is 'Neigh' a boy who started off quiet, sweet and innocent and is now joining forces with his older brother both intellectually and annoyingly ;) My days and nights are often with them, laughing, dancing, dressing-up, playing barbies (who says boys don't play with barbies?) and baking...something has to keep them occupied right? Since, 'J' is hardly ever home (works a lot) I have devoted my time completely to them....my world for the next 19 years (probably longer).

So there you have it....we are all a little whacked in our own quirky ways. Over the next few posts you will realize that we are all on different than one another, and maybe, just maybe I am the craziest of all! 

My mom always said 'You will know when you become a mother'.....boy was she right!

Before I became a mother I was rational, secure and positive about the things in my life. I was ready to let go and willing to try just about anything. Then he came into my life. From the moment I found out I was pregnant, my whole world flipped upside down. That instinct to become so insanely infatuated with this new life and willing to go to all stops just to protect, nurture and consume every second with him became a reality. 

How funny, all the things you imagined you would be like, would do, as a mother...all changes...the second you become one. This doesn't change the second time around either, that emotional instinct just takes over, and continues to take over again and again.

I am now overbearing, protective, and intimidated...some may say a little 'too much'!! That's just what a mother becomes I guess, someone she thought she wasn't, but truly is because of LOVE. 

After-all, the future of these little human beings depends on us doesn't it?

So What Does Walmart Think of Moms?

About the Mom of the Year Award

This year Walmart is launching the Mom of the Year Award to help celebrate and recognize the huge contribution moms make as role models and integral members of the family and community.  This award will become an annual program to celebrate all that Mom does and shine a light on what is important to her.

Nominations will be accepted Mother’s Day (May 13) through July 8, 2012 and can be submitted through www.momoftheyear.ca. They can come from daughters, sons, family members, friends, colleagues or community members.

Eight finalists will be selected and notified in mid-August and will be treated to an award celebration weekend in September. The Mom of the Year Award recipient will receive $10,000 for personal use and $100,000 to their cause or charity of choice. The remaining seven finalists will each receive $10,000 for personal use and $10,000 to their cause or charity of choice. Can you imagine the impact you could have on your favourite charity with that much money!!

What are you waiting for? If you are a Mom who deserves recognition, or you know someone who does, sign up and become Walmart Canada's Mom of the Year!!

Are you a gambler?

Me and Meg
www.meandmeg.com

Meg wants to have a fourth child. I'm all for it. It's good for business, and she can finally shut our mother up who says "I had four with no help". Meg will be able to say that too, and that excites me. Why hasn't Meg done it yet? Well, she wants a bigger house. Fine. Lately though she's been saying that the age gap is going to be too big. Billie's going to be three, Jax is already seven. I looked her at her confused.

 My response: "you're thrity-one, have another baby". Meg's been talking about getting a dog lately, and got a little dewy-eyed over watching Kai play with rabbits? Huh? Now I know she's in real trouble. You get a dog when you're broody or bored. Or you're kids have talked you into it. I told Meg, you need to have a baby. I reminded her she hates dogs. Next thing I know she's going to come home with a pet hamster. 

If you don't know, Meg has a penchant for small critters,click here: http://www.meandmeg.com/blog/2010/8/9/crab-glory.html. 

 We had a conversation over the weekend, about celebrities and babies. Here's what ensued: 
Me: "Meryl Streep has four kids, I think". 
Meg: "she does, she has had such a great career". 
Me: "I wonder how much of an age gap there is between her kids?" 
Meg: "I am going to google it right now, if there is a big age gap between them,I will have a fourth". 

I must say, I was really impressed with Meg's logic. Does everyone who has such weigthy life-decisions to make use this same tactic? Between Meryl's four kids there is a nine year age gap. This means Meg is having a fourth baby. I am now asking her each morning if she's pregnant. I think she really likes that. Cheers, cheers L.

I am thrilled to be part of the Sony Brand Ambassador Program with PTPA!!

Over the next little while, I will be updating you on the latest and greatest that Sony has to offer. Bringing you contests, updates and more ways to connect one of Canada's biggest electronics companies! 

Here is the first campaign (so excited! eeek!)... Do you have a hero in your life, someone who has changed the way you look at the world? Even your fondest memory can sometimes become a 'Magical' experience. I am so excited to tell you about how Disney is making your memories and dreams a reality with their new contest "Share the Memories." All you have to so is simply share a story of how a special person inspired you and you could win a Walt Disney World® vacation for you and your special "Memory Maker." PLUS a Sony HDRP-PJ260V Handycam® camcorder!!!! 

Excited yet? 

These camcorders are amazing! Capture all the magic and more, with a built in projector-that's right, watch home movies instantly anywhere! capable of projecting up to a 100" diagonal image using the projector cleverly built into the LCD panel. Also has, low-light sensitivity, Optical SteadyShot™ and Active Mode! Everything built into a handy compact device! 

To Enter: Go to: www.disney.com/memories by May 13, 2012 and share your Magical Memory then... Enter daily for a chance to win one of the 24 weekly prizes, like a Sony Handycam® camcorder and a $200 Disney Shopping Card!! 

Easy right? what are you waiting for...share the magic and WIN!! 

For more information about the Sony HDRP-PJ260V Handycam® Camcorder: http://store.sony.ca/handycam 
Why chose a camcorder: http://content.sony.ca/en/html/whycamcorder/ 
Dates to Remember: May 13, 2012 – Grand prize contest closes to win a Walt Disney World® vacation and a Sony Handycam® Camcorder 
Weekly Sweepstakes open from April 2 – Sept. 30, 2012 

Follow Along On Social Media: 
Use Hashtag #SonyMemories on Twitter for more blogger updates and reviews!