Forever in Pretend Land

We've all heard the countless quotes that have gone around about being 'Just a mom' and how that really means 'you are a waitress, teacher, photographer, psychologist, secretary, hairdresser, maid, chauffeur, nurse, referee... etc. etc.' And all that is true, but I feel like these quotes are missing a key phrase before the endless list of professions: 'I get to be.'

Playing pretend in my own little secluded world growing up, was my go to favourite pastime. It was such a big part of my life that lets just say I still did this long after my peers stopped (thank goodness I grew up in a very physically remote location). I loved LOVE playing pretend! And now, being so privileged to be a stay at home mommy, I get to pretend to do pretty well every profession one can think of! I'm a ballerina, country singer, bus driver, fashion stylist, accountant, detective, speech therapist, counsellor,  plus I have my very own cooking show. The list could go on and on ( I also pretend to be a blogger on the side;). Who else could carry on this many roles in a single day? Seriously, this gig rocks. True, it isn't really paid in money...but with all the giggles, gurgles, cuddles, snuggles and kisses from kidlets, it definitely makes up for all the missing dollar signs.

It's funny how when you're a kid you list a ton of things you want to be when you grow up, and as you age you finally realize that that all could've been said by saying just one profession: parent.

Heaven's slice is playing pretend even in adulthood!

The HARDEST part of Parenting

(In the "littles" phase anyways...)

It's not the tantrums, it's not the colds, it's not the messes, it's not the lack of sleep, and no, it's not losing the precious "me" time.

The hardest part of parenting is feeling the judgment of others. 

Whether it's from a close family member or some dude in the cereal isle, it's hard to ignore the deep anxiety that ensues within when your child has a hard time in front of others. You're scared that they think you are an unfit or inadequate parent, but what's even harder is feeling like someone is judging your child; that they're bad mannered, or something is wrong with them. It's just the worst feeling, and as much as I'd love to say it's all in one's own mind thinking they're judging us when they aren't, let's be honest - they are. I've done it, especially before having my own kidlets. You've done it too I'm sure. From Facebook post sharing of self-righteous parenting do's and do not's, from a blogpost pin on Pinterest, from swimming pools to the public playground; We judge. We judge, and it's AWFUL that we do this. Unless there is some serious red flags regarding abuse that need reporting or a direct involvement with your child, we have no right to pridefully disapprove someone's parenting of their own young.

I'm not saying this is the only only reason, for there are many, why I'm somewhat of a hermit - shutting myself in with my kids, but... it's definitely one of the reasons. Staying in my own home away from public is just so much more empowering for me as a mother to raise, teach, and love my darlings the way I feel is best. I feel completely secure in how I'm helping them grow when I'm away from the judgement or perceived judgment from others.

Sometimes I think people genuinely feel that by giving advice without being asked it is doing a parent a kindness. However, I feel that parents are a lot more assertive than people give credit and if they are struggling and want advice, they will most definitely ask for it first.


Oh, and also putting jeans on a squirmy baby, that's pretty hard too... it may be a tie for that one.

Heaven's slice is training yourself to stop judging other parents and finding ways to not care about what others think of our own parenting.

Challenge Accepted!

So recently the hubs and I had an interesting meal time together ...

It was decided that we'd have to sing anything we spoke and whoever messed up first (speaking without a tune) had to go to the gas station to get a slurpee. Now though I do kinda like going to get slurpees (as I've mentioned before), the thought of having to put on socks, AND shoes, AND a coat just didn't feel like something I wanted to do at the time (I'm a little lazy...); I was in it to win it! Which, may I add was NOT an easy thing considering there was a two year old standing on her chair not eating her supper that we had to sing sternly to 'pleeeeeease sit dooooown and eat your supperrrr.' How authoritative do you think we sounded to her? I was pretty impressed though, we made it an entire 15 minutes!

Guess who won?...
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I love how immature we are.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Heaven's slice is winning!

Has anyone seen my kids?!

I swear they were on the couch a second ago....

and now they're not there...











Oh wait...

There they are!!



 (And yes, she is in the adorable cheesy grin phase and we love it!)











Heaven's slice is cream cable knit, red plaid, and camouflaging one's self.