Saturday, November 30, 2013

Date Night With The Wolverine



An evening with my hubby, a bottle of red wine, box of chocolate dipped fruit and Hugh Jackman on the TV makes for a great date night!  I will admit that I originally had no desire to see the film (well, other than the fact that Hugh Jackman would be on my TV for 2 hours that is!) However, I knew hubby wanted to see it so I was all for receiving the Blu ray!

To be completely honest, I had zero expectations of the film itself when we sat down to watch it.  I am not an X-Men follower, so I don't really know the back story, and can't compare this movie to those. There were a few parts in the movie that didn't really make sense and could have used a bit of explanation (the character of Viper) but all in all I was entertained and enjoyed the movie. There were some good action scenes, some great shots throughout Japan and Hugh Jackman does a great job in his role as Logan/Wolverine - and as I said above, he alone was enough to entice me into watching!

If you have a Wolverine lover in your life, then you may want to add it to their movie collection! Have you seen it? What did you think - if you want to own it, check out my giveaway!


Snow Day

It happened this week - we had our first "real" snowfall of the season.  The snow started Tuesday evening and continue until Wednesday afternoon.  The kids were ecstatic to wake up Wednesday morning to 20cm of snow - yep, that's a lot of snow to play in.

Friday, November 29, 2013

Baking Fail

I decided to make Peanut Butter Blossom cookies today. It has been many many years since I made them, so I had to go searching for a recipe. I found one that seemed easy, and looked delicious.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

WW: Tired Boy

Mr. K fell asleep in the car, when we came inside he grabbed my sweater (his comfort item) and lay back down to sleep)

Monday, November 25, 2013

Elf On The Shelf



Meet Zolly; a magical little elf that made her way into our home last year.  She stays still in the location she chooses while the kids are awake, and at night she heads back to the North Pole to inform Santa whether or not Mr. J and Mr. K have been behaving or not.  She arrives back just before they wake and is in a new place for them to find.  

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Do You Yell At Your Kids?

the smiles I always want to see

When my oldest was born, I had lots of patience.  Up until I got pregnant with Mr. K, when Mr. J was just shy of 2.5, I had yelled at him twice, and it was to STOP in a dangerous situation.  I was great at distraction and ignoring if need be - and understanding that he was ONLY 2.5, and did things that kids do.

Unfortunately, when I got pregnant with Mr. K, I lost all the patience I had. I am not sure if it was me being hormonal or what, but I started getting frustrated easy and my voice got louder and louder.

When I read THIS post today, it really struck a chord with me.  I nodded my head at pretty much everything the author wrote.

Today, I am making a change. I am going to consciously make an effort not to yell.  Today was a great day - we had a few hiccups throughout, they are only 3 and 6 of course, but I managed to keep my cool while dealing with the situations, and they diffused pretty easily.

When I turn to yelling, the kids get rangy - honestly. The more I yell, the louder and more wild they get. Today, that didn't happen (well, they did get pretty loud but they were just having fun!)

Will you join me on my journey of change?  What are some tricks you use when your kids are not listening or behaving as you want?

Friday, November 22, 2013

Wolverine (Blu-ray) Giveaway (CAN/US 12/3)

The Wolverine is coming home for the Holidays on DVD and Blu-ray on December 3rd!

The Wolverine’s release to DVD and Blu-ray is right in time for the holidays. No better way to relax by the fire than watching Hugh Jackman face his ultimate nemesis as he stars in this action-packed thriller. See The Wolverine in his most vulnerable state yet and witness as he fights off mutants and samurai. While the film takes place in modern-day Japan, a country The Wolverine has not seen since World War II, he is actually from Alberta, Canada. To give you a better sense of where The Wolverine comes from and truly understand his character, we have compiled a list of the top 5 things to do in his hometown of Alberta! 


  1. Hit the slopes -  Alberta has numerous ski resorts that are both kid and adult friendly! Ski Banff is a resort in Mt. Norquay that is great for skiing, snowboarding and even tubing! This awesome snow spot is most famous because it is the Olympic training ground! If we had to guess, we think The Wolverine probably skis in his spare time
  2. Ice Fishing - In Alberta ice fishing is a very popular outdoor activity that includes a free dinner (if you manage to reel in a fish of course).
  3. Snowshoeing - This activity provides a great workout and is kind to your wallet! Find a trail and get to shuffling!
  4. Eat at Rouge Restaurant - This delicious establishment was placed on a list of the Top 50 Restaurants in Canada (Vacay.ca). The ambiance is just as beautiful as the environment around you. What do you think The Wolverine would order? Maybe a salad?
  5. Visit Dinosaur Provincial Park - Dinosaurs and The Wolverine, so much in common, right? Anyway, the Dinosaur Provincial Park is a must see if you are going to Alberta! You can be involved in a dinosaur dig and even camp on the grounds! This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Are you a fan of The Wolverine? Do you want to own the film? Enter for your chance to win a copy! I have ONE copy up for grabs, contest is open to Canada and US, starts November 22 2013 and ends at 11:59pm EST December 3, 2013.  Fill out the form below for your chance to win!

Want more chances to win? Enter on these great blogs as well:


See my thoughts on The Wolverine

Like to win? Check out the Tales of Mommyhood Giveaway Linky and find more contests to enter!

Tales of Mommyhood Disclosure Policy

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Despicable Me 2 - Check Out The Minion Mobile!




Have you seen Despicable Me 2? We haven't had a chance yet, but my kids both LOVE the first one, so I am sure we will be just as happy with  the second.

It's That Time of Year Again - Santa Claus Parade

Tales of Mommyhood Santa Parade
The boys waiting patienty with daddy for the parade to start,
donating our food items and waving to Santa!


I have very fond memories from attending the Santa Claus parade growing up.  My parents would take us down early, we would find a great spot, grab a hot chocolate and wait.  We would bring with us a toy we no longer played with to donate to the collection for less fortunate children.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

The BEST Shortbread cookies


unsure of original recipe source


When I was growing up, I loved to help my mom bake. Every year in late November she would start her Christmas baking. There were many items that made the list every year, but 2 that I remember most. One, my favorite, peanut butter balls - and second, shortbread.  She made the same recipe that her mom had always made.  As a kid, I didn't like it - AT ALL. Although every year I would try them again, and eventually I acquired a taste for them.  Now, I love them - and this recipe is the only one that I truly love.

1 lb butter, softened
1 cup icing sugar
4 cups flour
red and green glace cherries (optional)


Whip the softened butter (see note below)
add in the icing sugar and then flour; mix until combined.

Form a ball with the dough, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for approx 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350

Roll out dough (1/4 ")onto well floured surface (make sure rolling pin is well floured also)

Cut with a shot glass (you could use shaped cutters, but my families tradition is shot glass) and garnish with glace cherry pieces

Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for approx 10 minutes (bottoms should JUST be starting to turn golden)

Remove to cooling rack immediately; allow to cool completely and then store in air tight container

(the secret to this recipe is to whip the butter WELL - I put the butter in my stand mixer and let it whip for about 5 minutes on speed 6)



stand mixer

Sunday, November 17, 2013

World Prematurity Day 2013

Today, November 17 2013 is World Prematurity Day.  Every year, 15 Million babies around the world are born too soon.  2007 saw 3 preemie's for our family. In January 2007, my niece and nephew were born at approx 32 weeks; they spent 3 weeks in the NICU of a local hospital and then came home with their parents.

6 months later, Mr. J was born at approx 36 weeks.  My mom mentioned that having 1 premature grandbaby would have been more than enough, but after 3 in 6 months she never needed to see another incubator again.

However, we are SO fortunate to have the medical care we do.  In high income countries, 10% of premature babies die. Which is incredibly sad, and my heart goes out to those families. In low income countries, that number is not 10 %. It is higher, much higher. That number rises to 90%.

To read some personal stories about Premature babies follow the links below:

Tanya's Stories
Avery's Act of Kindness
Julien's Story
Marcus' Story
Life on Manitoulin

BeyBlades - Samurai Cyclone Battle Set from Hasbro

3 - 2 - 1... Let It Rip!  

Are you familiar with that statement? I had no idea what it was when ODS first came home saying it. I quickly found out it was a Beyblades thing.....I had heard of Beyblades prior, but had no idea it would be such a big thing in our house.

Friday, November 15, 2013

DIY Christmas Wreath

During the holidays last year, my husband was looking at the outside of our house and thought it needed something. At first, he couldn't pinpoint what exactly it was (we already have Christmas lights on the roof lines) but he knew something could be added. It took a few weeks of thinking, and he finally decided it would be nice if we had a large wreath between our two family room windows (our family room is above the garage, and we have 2 windows, with approximately 5' of space between).

React Mobile

Have you ever been in a situation that made you uncomfortable, and wished that there was a discrete way to let your family know you were safe? Many years ago, my hubby (boyfriend at the time) was in an apprenticeship program. It required him to head to the GTA for 8 weeks at a time (3 times throughout the program).  Of course, being young and in love I couldn't stand the thought of being away from him for 8 weeks, so I made the trek down there almost every weekend.  I will admit that the first few times I was slightly nervous. I was alone in my vehicle, I didn't know the area well and if something should happen to my car - would I be able to give an exact location? My mom, being the wonderful mother she is, of course worried about me making the 4 hour trek alone (especially because it was sometimes at night). Luckily, nothing ever happened and our worries were un-founded! When I first heard of  React Mobile (great app for iphone and android) I immediately thought of that time in my life, and how convenient it would have been to have. The best part? It is a FREE download from itunes!

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Kellogg's Treats for Toys


Kellogg's recently sent me a wonderful red box filled with all kinds of goodies! What was inside?
  • an apron with the Treats for Toys logo
  • 1 Box of Rice Krispies Cereal
  • 1 bag of Marshmallows
  • cute collectors tin robot toy
  • sprinkles, smarties, icing and other treats for decorating

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

And Life Comes Back - Book Review

Tricia Lott Williford Book


When I read And Life Comes Back, it was extremely emotional for me. Having lost my father when I was young, it transported me back to that time in my life - but with a little bit of insight to what my mother must have been feeling.

I never really understood what my mom went through when he died.  She got up every day, went through the motions of our life and always had a smile, hug and words of encouragement for my brother and I.  If she was feeling down, she never let it show to us.  Not that I thought she wasn't affected by it, but I guess she just focused so much on OUR grief and making sure WE were ok (which of course, we weren't) that I never really thought about how she must have been feeling (I was a teenager - teens are selfish).

Reading And Life Comes Back was a huge eye opener for me. Maybe now that I have children of my own, or maybe because of the glimpse into the raw emotion that Tricia Lott Williford shares in her writing. But after all these years, I finally see everything that it must have taken for her to pick up and go on day to day.

This book is not fiction, it is a true account of her life after loss. It offers readers a glimpse into her heart, her mind and also tips on how to be with someone when they are grieving (and some of what NOT to do).

I will warn you though - while I loved the book, I cried through the majority of it.


You can read more from Tricia on her blog and look for "And Life Comes Back" when it is released this February.

ISBN: 9780307731982
Format: Trade Paperback, 224 pages
Release: February 18, 2014

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Turbo on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download #TurboFastFun

Turbo was released today on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download!  It`s a great time to pick it up for an extra Christmas gift or stocking stuffer (and a chance to WIN it with my Turbo GIVEAWAY - ends 11/20)

Prematurity Awareness Month - Tanya's Stories


Another story to share with you during prematurity awareness month. This is written by my friend Tanya - here is her experience

Both of my babies were preemies. My son was born at 33 weeks 3 days via emergency c-section and my daughter was born at 35 weeks 6 days via scheduled c-section. I had gestational diabetes for both pregnancies but luckily it was controlled by diet and exercise. I had control over that part of my pregnancies however, I had absolutely no control over developing mild pre-eclampsia and HELPP syndrome.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Remembrance Day



Today is November 11th - in Canada, that means Remembrance Day.  It is a day set aside to acknowledge our veterans, and those currently in service of the armed forces.  It is a day to show our respect and thank them for all they have done/are doing.

My grandfathers both served in the RCAF. They were both pilots. One fought overseas and the other was a flight instructor.  My maternal grandfather rarely talked about anything from that time (this is something I often hear from others as well, that their loved ones really didn't talk about anything to do with war).

Today, I will watch the Ottawa ceremony on the news, and will take a moment of silence.  I will make a phone call to my husbands grandfather (who was also in the Air Force) and thank him for his service - as I do every year.

As a mom, it is important to me that my children know all about Remembrance Day. I see how things are changing, and a lot of the younger generation don't care at all about it - and that saddens me.  I don't want my children to be those that don't care.

Mr. J always asks about Poppies and why we wear them, and I try and answer the best I can. My answers get a little more in depth each year. Today, he asked me for a poppy. We were going to a store, and I told him we could get one. When we were checking out, they had a box of poppies at the cash, so we bought one for him to wear. He plans on wearing it to school tomorrow - to show his support of our troops.

Today is Remembrance Day - I remember.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Playskool Heroes Transformers Rescue Bots Optimus Prime Rescue Trailer

Mr. K has been pretty obsessed with Rescue Bots since we found the tv show on Netflix.  It is the first thing he wants to watch during his tv time (sometimes the only thing). His favorite character is Heat Wave, and he even wanted to be a fireman/firetruck for Halloween because of it.


Friday, November 8, 2013

The Jungle Book - Diamond Edition Swings Onto Blu ray, DVD and Digital February 11, 2014

Are you a fan of The Jungle Book? Are your kids? You won't want to miss this release.



Film Synopsis: Now for the first time ever on Blu-ray with glorious digital high definition, Disney’s Jumpin’ Jungle Classic has never looked so lush or sounded so good! Beloved characters, swinging music and new behind-the-scenes bonus features make this Diamond Edition Blu-ray a must-have for every family’s classic collection!

Meet the most unforgettable characters and embark on a thrilling adventure with Mowgli as he journeys deep into the jungle and learns “The Bare Necessities” of life from happy-go-lucky Baloo the bear. Meet Bagheera, the wise old panther, and crazy King Louie, the orangutan. But watch out for the cunning tiger Shere Khan and Kaa, the ssssneakiest snake in the jungle!

Explore your family’s wild side as you venture into The Jungle Book for extraordinary adventures and a heartwarming tale that celebrates the true meaning of friendship.


Check out our Holiday Gift Guide for more great gift giving ideas.

#WIN Ottawa Senators Tickets #giveaway

I am so excited to pair up with some great Ottawa blogs for this awesome giveaway! One lucky reader is going to win a family pack of tickets to see the Ottawa Senators play the Minnesota Wild at the Canadian Tire Center on November 20, 2013!! To find out how you can win, keep reading to learn about Broker4Tickets.

Broker4TicketsLogo

Broker4Tickets, located in Kanata (Ottawa), Ontario, "was started by sport enthusiasts tired of seeing season tickets go unused when there are fans willing to pay for these premium tickets".

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Disney On Ice! 100 Years Of Magic

"Join the celebration as more than 60 of Disney’s unforgettable characters from 18 beloved stories come to life in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic!  You’ll be captivated by the one and only Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and many Disney Princesses.  Be thrilled by exciting moments from The Lion King; Mulan; and Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Toy Story films; in a skating spectacular filled with magical Disney moments you’ll remember forever as Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic!"

I am so looking forward to taking the boys to see this show in February when it comes to Ottawa!  We have yet to take them to an event like this, and I know they (and hubby and I as well) will enjoy it!  
Tickets can be purchased online and there is a discount code available MUM44 (*4 tickets for $44.00 - weekday shows only) and MUM4 (*$4.00 off tickets for weekend shows)
You can connect with them on Twitter and Facebook

*Excludes Front Row, Rinkside, and VIP tickets. No double discounts. Additional Fees May Apply. Weekday is defined as Monday thru Thursday and Friday Matinee. Weekend is defined as Friday evening and Saturday and Sunday.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Turbo #giveaway #turbofastfun


Turbo – Top 10 Snail Facts!

Buckle up for Turbo, coming to DVD and Blu-ray November 12!

Monday, November 4, 2013

Christmas Traditions - The Sparkle Box (review and giveaway)

Every year at Christmas time we celebrate in many ways. Some are traditions we have done for many years, and others are just spur of the moment decisions that are made.



Friday, November 1, 2013

I Still Remember - Prematurity Awareness Month

July 4, 2007
3:16am - I hear his first cry, such a sweet sound; they clean him up quickly, put him on my chest wrapped in the standard hospital blanket with a little cap - just his eyes peeking out; I cry. I hug him. I kiss him. I cry some more.