Date Night With Hairspray–The Broadway Musical

Last night, Gary and I went to see Hairspray–The Broadway Musical at the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park.  I had never been there before, or seen Hairspray, and I love that feeling of something brand new!   

The musical is about Tracy Turnblad's desire to appear on The Corny Collins Show in the 1960's in Baltimore. After landing a spot on the show and becoming famous, Tracy works to help foster inclusion on TV, and in the community, at the risk of her role and and friendships.

{Photo by Tim Matheson}

What were my thoughts on it?

1. Tracy, played by Erin Walker, was awesome.  She can really sing and plays that bubbly personality so well.

2. The venue was so unique, fun and romantic.  I said a few times "Gary, this would be such a great first date!" and "Imagine if we were cuddled up on a blanket on the hill there?"  We enjoyed hot chocolate and popcorn and cuddled up in our seats which was romantic, too.  

3.  Love the 60's--had to pick my favourite dress out amongst the dancers on The Corny Collins Show.  Gary did not pick his.

4. I really enjoyed how upbeat and joyful it was.  I was smiling the whole time and when I was  peeking over at Gary (who is not really a "musical person"), he was smiling, too.

5.  I love how this musical is all about inclusion, which is still such an issue today, but really highlights what it was like in the 60's.  

I wish I could take "real" photos of the musical to show you what it looked like with all of the lighting and costumes but you'll just have to see it for yourselves.  I would totally recommend going to see Hairspray–The Broadway Musical and you can find out more here!  It just runs until August 21st so don't take too long making that decision.  If you do go, bring layers and snacks (there are also options for food and drink that you can purchase there but you are allowed to bring in your own food.)

Have you been to Theatre Under the Stars before?  Would you go?  If you are looking for a thorough review of it, check out this one. 

Love,

Louise

One Minute In My Head

Gary and I think about things very differently.   Let's say we are driving to the grocery store, Gary's thoughts are on what he wants to buy.  What goes on in my head during one minute of driving? Well, it starts out the same way...

All right, where am I going? Oh ya, I need to go to the grocery store and get some fruit.  I wonder if watermelon will be on sale--the kids love their watermelon.  I should watch that YouTube video again where that guy cut up the watermelon so it was super easy to eat, that would be great for the next play date.  I should probably text Maria about a play date for the kids...where's my phone? Oh ya, not now, I'm driving.  I don't want a ticket (so much money!) and I don't want to get in an accident.  Oh man, like that guy that went around the roundabout the wrong way--who does that? People should google how roundabouts work if they don't feel confident just like I googled that tricky way to teach your kids to tie shoes because I wanted to make sure that I was teaching it right.  That sure was confusing.  I'll definitely stick with the old-fashioned way of tying shoes.  I think we only got to step 1 in teaching Koen how to tie his shoes.  I should probably teach him the "bunny ears" step.  I wonder if you could get through your whole life without having to tie shoes; those elastic shoe laces, velcro shoes, slip-ons....you probably could but it would be embarrassing if you were a teenager and your shoelace came undone and you couldn't do it up.  That's just like how it seems like everyone can drive a standard except for me.  I should learn one day, you know, in case I'm on Amazing Race or something.  How do people go on that show without learning to drive a standard? I would start training in so many things right away; skating and archery and swimming...I should start swimming again but the water's just too cold.  No swimming for me.  The kids are signed up for swimming lessons.  When is that again? I need to look at my calendar.  I should probably start putting everything on my phone but I love my paper calendar.  Do people use paper calendars anymore? What if something happened to it? How would I know what was going on over the next few months?  All right, at the grocery store--what do I need to get again?

{See, I told you they love watermelon?!}

It's pretty interesting when you try to track your train of thought.  Are you similar to me? Gary?

Have a great week, everyone!

Love,

Louise

PS If your mind does not stop and you have a hard time sleeping, let me tell you my trick! It sounds so simple but it works 5/7 nights for me.  I start from 100 and count backwards and if my mind wanders for a millisecond, I have to start all over again.  If I pause a bit to think of the next number, I have to start over again, too. It's so boring but it clears my head of those other thoughts.  Let me know if you try it :) 

Planting a Seed to Become Foster Parents

{I was nervous to press "Publish" on this one because we're not experienced foster parents yet.  But, it's what's on our hearts now, so here is my heart...}

I want to plant a seed in your mind.  It might sound wild and crazy and too much of a stretch, but just read, please. We were led here--to become foster parents--by someone encouraging us.  It wasn't one giant leap; they were baby steps.  Maybe this will be your first baby step by considering it.

My question is:  What do you want for your kids? Whether it's the children you currently have, the ones you hope to, or even those you know and love--what do you desire for them?

To be loved? Known? Happy? Successful? Safe? 

To make a difference? 

To love others?

There are many children whose basic rights (fed, clothed and nurtured) are not being met for a variety of reasons.  We can invite those children into our homes so that their families can hopefully get the help that they need.  We can provide those basic needs (and hopefully more) in a safe environment where love is abundant.

Gary and I are on an emotional ride here and it's just begun; trusting God in the placement of the right child(ren) in our home--yes, we've opened our minds and hearts to allow for siblings.

If you've ever considered fostering, even a bit, I'd encourage you to look into it a bit more.

The need is so great right now.  If you have any questions, please ask.  If you are in B.C., here is the link for the Ministry of Children & Family Development for more information.

Love,
Louise

PS I will be unable to share any details or photos of the little ones that come to our home, but sharing my thoughts on fostering in general is okay :)

Thankful Thursday

This week I am thankful for:

1. Soccer camp.  Our church puts on a week-long soccer camp each summer and this year the boys are in the regular camp and Nya is in mini-camp.  Gary helps out and I get my mornings free to work/clean/run/relax.  Win-win.

2. Air conditioning.   After that last heat wave I decided that we needed an air conditioner for the upstairs bedrooms.  I found this one on the facebook Bidding Wars group.  It was one month old and she bought it on sale for $299.  I won it for $191 which is pretty steep but we had been looking at new ones and this was pretty much as good as new.   Can't wait for the next heat wave. Wait...I can.

3. Fire fighters.  There are so many fires in B.C. right now.  Thankful for the fire fighters that are working hard to protect homes and communities.  It is so eerie seeing a haze over the Lower Mainland.  I can't wait to have some clean air and beautiful views back again.

4. An amazing family reunion.  It was a great way to get to know everyone better and we had such a good time.

5.  Another good book.  This is the sequel to The Rosie Project which I really enjoyed.  Happy to finally get my hands on it!

6.  A hard-working husband.  I love that he always has time and energy to play with our kids and to cook dinner if I don't feel like it.  The older I get, the less I enjoy making dinner.

7.  Movie date.  I won tickets to Minions through Vancouver Television so Kai and I were able to go to the advanced screening.  Kai gave it a 4.5/5.  I would give it less but I'm very picky with my movie choices (I only go to about one per year.)

It was in 3D which was fun!

8. Kai Bear teaching me how to play chess.  We played twice. I lost.

9.  A "free" new toaster.  I had won a London Drugs gift card a few months ago and it has come in so handy to buy items that we need to replace!  The lady at the checkout said that I should probably treat myself to something special after winning a gift card so I bought two dark chocolate bars--the pricey fair trade kind ;) 

10.  Drum roll please....a new nephew!  I was able to witness the beautiful (and uber fast) arrival of my newest nephew, Benjamin, Wednesday afternoon.  He was born to my sister Trish (Nut) who now has two girls and a boy (in 3 years!)   The midwife said that the birth gave her goosebumps because it was so serene and relaxed.  Seriously--she was smiling and laughing and completely relaxed at 10 cm.  I don't know how she does it but it's amazing to watch.  She trusts her body so much.  So proud of her and so glad that I could make it to his birth...he was born 30 minutes after I arrived at the hospital (and just one hour after she arrived.)  My job? To encourage and take some photos.  I can do that!

I hope that you are having a good week.  What is something you are thankful for today?

Love, 

Louise

A Belated High-Five to Parents I've Judged

Why are their boys so out of control? They just fight and break things and seriously, can't they ever just sit still? Are they even listening? Those were my thoughts before I had two boys of my own. And now, I get it. Oh, do I. Get. It.  Boys have mass amounts of energy and when you have two like mine...they fight. They have a hard time sitting still and they feed off of each other's energy. They love words like "fart", "poop" and "underwear" and get out of control with the jokes by egging each other on.  I know this doesn't pertain to all boys but it sure does describe mine – and it's okay. If that energy is not released, it's not pretty.  e're working on how to expend all that energy respectfully but it's okay if this process is a bit messy. And loud.

{Keeping seated at dinnertime is a feat in itself because they must move. Always. }

Why are their kids in play clothes all the time? I'm going to dress my kids in the cutest outfits and their hair will be so cute – I can't wait!  Well, apparently some kids don't like wearing jeans because they want to wear their "comfy pants" with an elastic waistband. Other kids just want to wear Lightning McQueen shirts for a year straight. Some kids refuse to have gel in their hair. Many won't even notice if they have food all over their face. And finally, socks with sandals may be insisted upon. The more kids that I have, the fewer battles I choose. Wear what you want as long as it's clean-ish; matching is preferable. I draw the line at stinky.

{What? Is there something on my face? }

{Hello, energy.}

I've realized that when I question other parents' decisions, I really need to check myself. Each parent-child dynamic is so diverse and there is no way that a quick glance, or even a 2 hour play-date, can show you all the factors at play. I know my own three kids are all so unique in their strengths and struggles, and in turn, I parent them each differently. Instead of judging, I've learned that it's actually pretty interesting to learn what makes each kid "tick" and what parents have found work with their child(ren). Gather resources, people!

{Talking about how each child is different, well, my son is obsessed with Hello Kitty.  We embrace it.}

I recognize that people will look at me with my three kids and make their assumptions, too.  Why is she giving in to her screaming 3-year-old daughter?  Doesn't she know she has to stand her ground? Why are her boys running in the grocery store aisle?  Can't they learn self-control? Wow, that mom sure raises her voice – I'll never do that! 

It's okay. I know. I've been there.  Said that.

{I suggested that we go to the park.  She loves the park but still had to figure out how we could go but not look happy about it.}

{"I'll sit here but I'm not going to enjoy it."}

Let's take the time to observe relationships with curiosity and a desire to learn and help rather than make a quick judgment call.

Think of all the knowledge we could acquire in the place of negative thoughts and opinions.

{Thumbs up for growth rather than judgment!}

To the parents with multiple wild boys who dress their kids in "comfy" clothes and let them wrestle in public – I so get it. To the parents of three-year-old daughters who are melting down again – you do what you have to do. Give in. Stand your ground. Whatever you need at that moment, I understand. A belated high-five to you all.

Love,
A Humbled Louise

So there you have it: I was Ms. Judge-y Pants.  That is one of the many lessons I've learned through experience with my own kids.  Here you can see what these lovely blogger's thoughts about "One Parenting Lesson We Learned the Hard Way." Here's Sarah (of Sarah on Purpose), Jac & Juli (of TwoFunMoms) & Shawna (of Simple on Purpose). 

PS Please tell me I'm not alone!  What is one thing you said before you had kids that you now realize wasn't realistic?

Bittersweet Moments

“You will lose someone you can’t live without, and your heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of your beloved. But this is also the good news. They live forever in your broken heart that doesn’t seal back up. And you come through. It’s like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly—that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp.” ― Anne Lamott

After spending a fun week with my extended family, there were some bittersweet thoughts.  Someone was missing and yet so many new wonderful people have been added to our lives through birth and marriage.  My sisters joke that I am always the one that will cry when we start talking about Mom, but I'm okay with it--it is sad that she is gone. I'm glad that I've made it through the hardest part and that I've learned how to "dance with the limp."  I'm thankful for each day that I get to speak into my own kids' lives and hopefully there will be many more.

"The cycle of grief has its own timetable. Until that cycle is honored and completed we are moving along life's path with an anchor down." — Ann Linnea in Deep Water Passage

Love, 

Louise

Top Ten Family-Friendly Activities at Tigh-Na-Mara

We just returned from a four night stay at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort  in Parksville, B.C. with my entire extended family – 30 people. It was extremely relaxing due to the ages of our own kids (3-9 years old), the set up of our accommodations, and the family-friendly activities available at Tigh-Na-Mara. This is our third family reunion and definitely the most enjoyable. 

Camping in Tofino

Every year we head out to Ucluelet and Tofino; I believe this was our 7th year! Usually we go over Spring Break but this year we decided to go in the summer. We were going to Parksville later on in the week for a family reunion so it worked out well.

We always stop at Cathedral Grove; it's located just 20 minutes before Port Alberni and the perfect rest stop. The trees are amazing and the kids have a great time running around.

We arrived at our campground in Tofino around 2 pm. The road there is quite windy for an hour so be prepared! We stayed at Bella Pacifica Campground because it had good ratings and we were able to get a beachfront spot (#7).   If you go, I highly recommend getting a beach spot. It's not cheap at $54/night during peak season, but it's probably one of the most affordable lodging options in Tofino.   It is located on Mackenzie Beach which is just a 5 minute drive from town. If you are looking for a little more privacy in the beachfront sites then #1-8 are best. 

I did not pack appropriate clothing. We had left home when it was about 35C so I packed that way – it was a cool and windy and even rained the whole first night! 

We have a 5 man tent that we've been using the past few years. It fits us well but I don't think we could fit any more bodies in there! Every time I spend a night on that inflatable mattress I do wonder how many more years I can do it; my hips really feel it!

This is the view from our tent – nice, right?

Well, at least we didn't need to worry about sunscreen?! 

A major plus about this beach is it has an area that is contributed to by a stream. The water is warm and the kids played in there for hours.  

The sites were quite small but it worked for us and our tent.

After waking up to rain on Tuesday morning, I was not a happy camper. The kids loved their "camping breakfast" (cereal in a recyclable bowl from Costco.)  

It was too cold for the beach so we decided to go hiking. We hiked about 14 km total over the day!  We did the Rainforest Trail which we really enjoyed and would do over again. Koen said that was the highlight of our trip there. Notice Kai wearing Gary's shirt.  Note to self: always pack each person a hoodie. Always. 

We also drove into Ucluelet to the lighthouse because we really enjoy that view and it's tradition to get our photo at this sign. We did some more climbing and exploring there. Nya doesn't seem so impressed with that tradition.

{Below is the picture from 2014}

{And 2013...I'll stop now}

We went back to Tofino (Ucluelet and Tofino are about 30 minutes apart) and went out for pizza. I wasn't ready to go back to the campsite until it warmed up! The playground in Tofino is always a hit and we went there each day. My sister Maria and her family were staying in Tofino as well so we met up several times which the kids loved.

The sun came out so we went back to the campsite and got ready for a day at the beach!

Having a kite was also a major hit for the kids. They loved it; Kai was a little more successful than Nya with it.

We had the whole beach to ourselves!

The kids have been racing these animals for the past 6 years; there were 4 of them but now there are only 2.

By the afternoon the sun was out in full force–yay! By the way, this is our Costco hammock and we love it.

The cousins came over to play at our beach and this was Kai's higlight; jumping in the waves with the girls.

Then we had "smorepedoes" back at the campsite (waffle cone with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips wrapped in aluminum foil and placed in  pot on the stove.) 

Once the kids were in bed, we had a little time to relax.  

I was definitely happy that our second night would be warmer!

Wednesday morning was beautiful – I didn't want to leave!  

We stopped by Long Beach on our way out. You can't go to Tofino and not go to Long Beach.

Bye bye, Tofino. Now we need to figure out if we'll come back at Spring Break or the summer in 2016. Whatever we decide, we're definitely keeping the tradition alive.

Have you been to Tofino? What was your highlight?

Love,

Louise