I'm A Top Five Finalist!!

A Military Wife's Mayhem is a 

TOP 5 FINALIST 

in the Canadian Weblog Award 

in the Military Category!!! 

Momversation Monday: When Volunteering Is Involuntary

Good Monday everyone!
I hope everyone had a great long weekend!

Today's Momversation is about volunteering. It's great to volunteer your time to a cause, but when your kid's school makes it mandatory to volunteer is it sending the right message?

I'm on the fence on this one, there are many different levels for me on this one.

First, Jessica mentions that her daughter is in middle school and has to start volunteering, which means mom needs to drive daughter to her volunteering. It sounds like just another thing added to parents plates. I'm sorry but I've done my fair share of homework while I was in school, it doesn't seem fair to be adding yet another thing to my 25 hour days, and this especially goes to families with only one parent, time is rare. So adding to the burden of an already stressed out parent might not be a good thing.

Second, I believe that parents should be teaching kids about volunteering at home. My mom taught us about volunteering and giving back to your community. As a family we donated to food drives and things like that. And now I pass this lesson on to my kids.

And third, I disagree with what Dana said on school forcing volunteering and that it takes away from the kids growing and wanting to volunteer. I learned a lot. I  was able to choose where I wanted to volunteer my time, learn about the programs they had and I enjoyed my volunteering time, to this day I still donate to that charity. And today I volunteer at my kids school, at the SPCA and donate to various charities monthly.

With the internet, iPhones, Twitter and Facebook we are raising the next generation of self-absorbed humans. I think with having the school mandate volunteering, kids are forced to get out of their comfort zones and stops them from being so immersed in their lives.

Ducky is learning about volunteering through his school but they are all within school hours, once he is in high school he will have to volunteer like I did and I can't wait for that day because I would like to get his perspective on this.

Volunteering, no matter how it was brought to the kids attention can't be bad right?

What do you think?

The Basement Reveal!

Twelve days, ten donations bags, eight garbages bags, 4 moves from the basement to the garage, two kids running through my dirt piles and one minor flood and my basement is FINALLY done!

I'm pretty impressed with it myself, but I know it's not an extreme makeover, but at least the basement is now functional and the kids toys are out of my living room and dining room.

So introducing... The kids Rec room!

Let's first start with the stairs leading to the Rec room. There was too much stuff that accumulated over the past three years, so I took all the winter gear that has outgrown my kids, washed them and donated the ones that Chicky out grew and kept the ones that she could grow into.

I put up the railing myself! YEAY! Next I got rid of the shoes that needed to go in the garbage and stored the rest leaving the ones we used often.

Now you see the futon has been moved to make more space for the kids to run around which is the main point of having the place cleared out! Their toy box is in the corner of the room so once they are done with the toys it all goes there. I have an old entertainment stand that I never got rid of, now I'm thinking we might bring the TV down here. Where did all the stuff go?

Once all the junk was put in garbage bags and the bookcase was brought downstairs, that I moved by myself, I put all of Cpl. Mayhem's military gear and paperwork there, I don't know what it is so it's up and ready for my husband to deal with when he gets home.

The kids have been wanting an area where they could do their art projects and now they do!

My favorite spot is under the stairs. now all the jackets not being used are there, if you look closely there are some hangers with bags on them, that's Ducky's old snowsuits that I'm saving for Chicky for when she grows into them.

All of Cpl. Mayhem's kit is there and ready to go when he needs it, he no longer has to wonder where it all is!

I moved the papasan chair (right?! who knew it was there under all that stuff?) over to the stairs so now there is a nice spot for reading or blogging while the kids play. I just have to make a couple of adjustments to the chair, like a new cover and fix one side of it ( a project for my dad) and it will be perfect!

As for that flood... Well, since I moved the washing machine I kind of moved the nozzle for the water and it missed the sink but luckily for me everything was off the floor!

This project definitely kept me busy for the last ten days but it was worth it! And now I'm ready for the next project. Since I took the bookcase out of the dining room that will be the next room I'm focusing on! 

But tomorrow, I'm relax and enjoying a job well done!

Guest Post!! The Best Time For Bilingual Learning

Early Childhood Education – The Best Time For Bilingual Learning

It goes without saying that a good education is one of the best ways to prepare that child for the future and that begins on day one.  Many studies have shown and experts believe that from the ages 2 to 5, the brain is at its most flexible at this stage.  Particularly for those who are teaching their child a second language, they should keep this in mind.

The Bilingual Future

A truth about our nation that has never been more true is the existence of a diverse, global society. It is a necessity almost now a days to be multilingual.  Not only for them to succeed in a hard economic time, but it's important for children in this diverse society to have intercultural appreciation and sensitivity.  

Getting Ready

Typically teachers begin teaching a second language in middle school, or sometimes even high school.  Recent research contradicts this, showing that this teaching can begin at their child care facilities.  Studies clearly demonstrate that the optimal period in a child's life for multilingual education is during the preschool years – at exactly the same time they are learning their first language. Yes, it is possible to learn a second and third language later in life, but it is more difficult, because that neurological "window of opportunity" – when the brain is most malleable – has passed.

Parents, don't worry either, it will not interfere with them learning or perfecting English.  It's as easy for young children to learn two or three languages as it is for them to learn one.

Where To Start

The best way for a child to learn a second language is by actually speaking it in a total immersion environment.   While it's not that easy to simply take your child to another country, it is easy for you to get involved with this learning process at home.  Have a theme night with the food, music and traditions of the country from which the language they're learning is from.  

Co-written by Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas

Emily and Kathleen are Communications Coordinators for the network of Austin child care facilities belonging to the AdvancED® accredited family of Primrose child care schools.  Primrose Schools are located in 16 states throughout the U.S. and are dedicated to delivering progressive, early childhood, Balanced Learning® curriculum throughout their preschools.

Thank you Emily and Kathleen!
Here's my question: Are you looking into having your child learn a second language. Are you bilingual yourself? And if you are, how easy is it to incorporate the second language in your daily life?

Amoral And Disgusting Prank! Crank Calls To Canadian Military Families.

(Canadian Press)

Those are the words that Defense Minister Peter MacKay has described for these "pranks" targeting families of Canadian soldiers that are serving in Afghanistan.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! 

What heartless person would do something like that?! 

Anger doesn't even describe how I'm feeling right now! What would possess someone to think that would be even funny?! That's right they weren't thinking!

At least three relatives of soldiers at Base CFB Valcartier have received hoax phone calls saying that their loved ones died in combat. 

The military wants to remind families that they do not deliver terrible news through phone calls, they deliver that news in person. But in all seriousness, if you were a family member, like me with their loved one doing their first tour, you don't know what to expect! And even though I KNOW that a phone call is not protocol, all common sense gets flown out of the window when I hear Cpl. Mayhem's name and the military in the same sentence.

A great example of that is, the Deployment Support Centre giving me a call a month into Cpl. Mayhem's deployment. When I looked at the number it was the base number, before I could even answer the phone, my mind went blank I lost feeling in my legs and thought the worst. All I heard was,

"Hi, my name is MCpl. Blah, and I'm calling from the Deployment Support Centre, we just wanted to know how you were doing and if you had any questions".

My answer was oh thank God and I started to laugh uncontrollably realizing how silly I just became!

The MCpl. laughed and said that he's had that same reaction all morning. So I know I'm not alone here.

The news is saying if the prankster is caught they could face jail time. Could? No, WILL!

SHAME ON THAT PRANKSTER and my thoughts go out to the victims of such an atrocious prank.


UPDATE: While reading some of the comments under the articles surrounding this matter, CF members all seem to believe that jail time would not serve this idiot! Some have said to send him off on the next rotation to be educated on what CF members go through while they are overseas. Not a bad idea!

Wordless Wednesday: Inspirational Video Starring Luca "Lazylegz" Patuelli - SYTYCD Canada

Update At Base Mayhem

So you've seen my messy basement. Well, it's still messy....

BUT!

We have major progress on Base Mayhem. All the boxes are gone and so is most of the garbage. I was able to make space for that metal bookcase that was in the dining room, and after some maneuvering, it's finally in the basement!

There's half of it!
Washed the winter gear and it needed to be hung to dry.
That will be gone by tomorrow!

I ran out of time to set it up it so that will be the next thing on my list for tomorrow.

I was lucky I didn't miss the Cystic Fibrosis van for their donation pick up, that would have been the third time I believe we've missed each other and the donation pile was taking over my front door!
I moved a ton of stuff, on my own I might add, to the garage for the spring garbage clean up that happens. Now I might have shot myself in the foot for admitting this because if Cpl. Mayhem sees this I might loose some leverage on the "hunny-do" list discussion!

I found a ton of Cpl. Mayhem's PT clothes, now he can't say he doesn't know where they all went!

Finally got the courage to introduce myself to the neighbours that are attached to my duplex. It so happens that my neighbour knows my husband and he doesn't hear the kids screaming in the morning. Bonus!

Christmas shopping is all done! That does include stocking stuffers and cards! WOOHOO! I have to say for the first time ever all I have to do the food shopping! It's such a great feeling not to have to rush two days before Christmas.

I'm having a SPArty (get it, Spa Party...), and I've picked up some wine and finger foods! I have two ladies coming to my house and my gals and I are going to get pampered before our husbands comes home. Photos of that after the party!

Can't wait to eat these when the basement is done!
Yes that's right, I'm rewarding my hard work with Chinese food!

OH and speaking of food, I found the cutest items at M&M Meat Shops while I was getting the food for the party. They are authentic chinese takeout food like beef and broccoli IN cute takeout boxes! At first I thought it was silly, then you have to take the food out of the boxes to heat and all that... NOPE! You can heat it in your oven in the box! Love it!!

That's all for now. Pictures when the basement is done!

Later days,

Momversation Monday: Ready, Set Shop!!

Hello! Happy Monday!!

Today Daphne Brogdon of Cool Mom asks Momversation viewers to tell them about our holiday shopping tips.... WITH the kids.

Now, first of all I don't even go grocery shopping with my kids let along doing holiday shopping! I can't help it! It's my personal quiet time where I can actually hear my thoughts and relax! Some people hate going to the dentist, that's my "day at the spa"! Dental work, relaxing? That's my life! HA!

Or going to the drug store, that's my oasis! I've mentioned it before, I think I would break out in hives if my kids and I were in the drug store together.

So, if I were to take my kids holiday shopping, here are my tips.

• Go early in the morning and in the middle of the week. Have you been to the mall on a Wednesday when it first opens? NO ONE IS THERE!!!  The kids can run around and you don't have to worry about them bumping into people or getting lost!
• Snacks and drinks are a must! Never leave the house without them, that would be like leaving the house without diapers, which is another tip of mine....
• Stock the diaper bag! You don't want to be surprised when your kid needs a change!
• Write a list in advance of what you are going to get and where you are going to get it. Why? You don't want to be stuck in the wrong store looking for the wrong gift. It's the best road map you'll ever have.
• Plot a course if you have to so you are not zigzagging around town because you forgot something.
• Holiday food is something I plan for throughout the year. I save the money in advance and then slowly start gathering things before the holidays. That also goes with the extras you'll need around the house if you have company like toilet paper and paper towel, and those things go on sale throughout the year so you aren't spending a fortune.
• Shop online, beats waiting in lines. Esty stores give you an option to shop for homemade items as well.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Christmas shopping is not the time to wear heels! 
• Purchasing some apps for your iPhone or iPod for the kids, it will keep them busy during the long line ups.

What are your holiday survival shopping tips?

Tell me! Then go to Momversation share your best tips on shopping with the kids you can be entered to win a $500 Target gift card. Do you have a holiday saving tip? Put your comment at Momversation and you can be entered for a $250 Target gift card. OR leave a video comment and be entered to win a $100 Target gift card.

Love At First Sight

If you haven't been to an SPCA you really should.

My neighbour needed me to take her to the SPCA to get some paperwork done and while she was doing that I decided to look at the dogs.... BIG MISTAKE!!

Meet Dakota.

I'm a big dog lover and I just couldn't help but falling in love with this adorable girl!

She is a 2 year old Beagle/ Alaskan Husky Mix. Spayed, needles and housebroken! Tame and good with kids and other animals.
I swear if Cpl. Mayhem was here she would be propped up on my sofa right now.

And that is the number one reason I didn't. There are so many pets, especially during the holiday season that come into a family and then go right back to the shelter because of a rash decision.

Will Dakota be there when Cpl. Mayhem comes home? Probably not. But I would rather talk with my kids and husband,  and find the perfect breed for everyone in the family.

So I will wait, if Dakota is not there when we all go back, I will be heart broken but she deserves the best home even if it isn't mine.

So before you run to get a dog, do your research, talk about it with the entire family. Volunteer  as a family with the SPCA or spend time with someone who has a pet to get your kids used to being around animals if you are looking into getting a pet. You may learn that as much as you want a pet, your kids might not be as interested as you are.
Look into your finances, with the recession more pet owners have had to give up their pets because of cost of caring for their pets. Before you make that commitment make sure you can afford to have one.

And as cute as it would be to have your kids open a Christmas present with a cute little pup, just remember that you are bringing in a new member of the family.

Could The Basement BE Any Messier?

A natural disaster has occurred and it won't be on the 10 o'clock news.

My basement looks like a tornado hit it and came back for more. This space was supposed to be the rec room but ended up being a dumping ground for military kit, Christmas stuff, sister's crap than never got picked up, and baby stuff that no one uses anymore. The only way to get to the laundry machine was to make a path which required jumping over the treadmill and maneuvering around two strollers.

The past two days have been spent crushing down boxes from, get this, moving day THREE YEARS AGO. And it just accumulated over the years. When we got something new the box just got added to the rest. Can you believe how much space was taken up by boxes alone?!

Who knew the floor was grey?!

And I'm still sorting and digging through all the stuff but for the most part taking a break until Friday then most of the junk that is going in Spring Cleanup will be put in the garage where it should have gone before Cpl. Mayhem went on deployment. I think I might be on garbage bag number four...

I'm planning on adding another bookcase where the chalkboard is to put all of Cpl. Mayhem's military stuff. That pole is actually the staircase railing leading down to the basement that was moved to get the dryer in but never put back. Oh the things we do halfway in this house!

My biggest project is reorganizing the space under the stairs, I don't know what happened there. I HAD it organized then Cpl. Mayhem walked in with his gear and all hell broke loose! You were able to hang the winter clothes there and it was still organized. Now all I see is golf clubs, kit and his junk everywhere. under the stairs alone is a day project in itself. Did you know I have two of the same slip n' slide? Me either!

I know I need to fix that papasan and get new covers for both that and the futon because they are really old, but once the mess is gone I could really see it as a place the kids, Cpl. Mayhem and I could use often! Plus I promised the kids they can have an area so they can do arts and crafts, something I hate doing upstairs because of the huge mess I hate cleaning up afterwards. At least in the basement when it's time to eat the kids can just leave the crafts there instead of moving it all to clear room at the table.

I'll post the after photos once it's done. Wish me luck!

Nominate Your Favorite Mom Blogger

Momversation is having their First Fresh Voices Awards.
Are you a mom blogger or know a mom blogger whose fresh voices should be heard but get lost in the blogosphere.

Nominate your favorites or me, just throwing it out there!

You have till December 12th!
Click here to nominate!!

A Good Cry

Have you every had a good cry?

Once you were done crying you felt better and life just seemed easier to cope with after all was said and done?

This week was just a roller coaster of emotions. Both kids were sick and not sleeping well. Exhaustion ensued with a migraine headache that just wouldn't end. Sound, light and movement was hard to deal with. Cleaning seemed to be only thing on my mind and there was I just staring at it. Wishing my painful migraine gave me super powers if I blinked my eyes it would all be organized or something. I would love to have more migraines if that was case!

The week went on with a pile of emotions that I hate admitting to. Jealousy, anger, annoyance, sadness and fear. Stress and the loss of control over everything (well the last one I've had since Cpl. Mayhem went back to Afghanistan but I figured I should add to that list above).

I just kept adding to my already filled bottle of emotions and keeping it in was no longer working until finally I burst and broke down...

...On my kitchen floor...., staring at my ceiling and sobbing like a baby. For the first time I felt like I couldn't talk to anyone. No one would understand- they were supermoms! Busy with their lives, not worried or could be bothered to care if I was around. And why should they? I wasn't around for them, I left for 3 months.

Being alone is a crappy feeling. No amount of phone calls or emails can replace a hug or touch from another person.

Thank God for my friend B.

Cpl. Mayhem has a best friend named J. B is J's girlfriend. B and I were able to infiltrate their very tight knit unit, since then she and I have been buds. This week after my cry we talked and had the best laugh with her. Mainly about our significant others and the crazy stuff they do. She wouldn't know that while I was talking her I had tears in my eyes cause I missed her and J so much.

It's hard living on a base where friends are hard to come by. I'm thankful the ones I have but since being back it's been hard to get together, talk or heck even get an email response sometimes. And we all know that those friendships are hard to keep once you get posted out of base or even leaving for a couple of months.

So I cried, for everything I wanted to say but couldn't, for feeling helpless and for being human. I'm not going to fake perfection, I have days, weeks even where I need help, I'm not happy or forget why I even do what I'm doing.

Until that little note comes in my inbox from Cpl. Mayhem:

" Hi V, I miss you so much, can't wait to come home and have you in my arms. Send kisses to the kids, I'll write when I can." Cpl. Mayhem

Remembrance Day 2010

WE WILL NEVER FORGET

Watch We Will Remember Them: A Tribute To Our Fallen Heroes on CBC. Check your local listings.

Take 2 Minutes

Remembrance Day this year is the hardest day for my family.
Cpl. Mayhem and I both lost friends in Afghanistan and he is still there. I don't know what else to say about that, it's hard.

But for the most part I'm disappointed by how little this country seems to care about our veterans, past, present and future. The second Halloween was over television started playing their Christmas commercials. Stores started decorating with wreaths and setting up for the Christmas consumerism which seems to engulf our minds and pocket books the second the leaves changed. Why?

I don't understand why we are so focused on spending money on gifts when we should be taking two minutes on November 11th to stop and thank those who fought for our freedoms. Is that so hard?

Why can't stores just close until noon to respect our veterans?



This Remembrance Day, Veterans' Day, take two minutes to thank those who fight for our countries past, present and future. I'll be remembering the sacrifices they made, the sacrifices families have made and for the bravery they have to do something I could never do.

Thank you.

Travel Must Haves

I'm in need of a new suitcase.
Something sturdy that won't fall apart during a trip.

When Cpl. Mayhem and I were travelling on his leave one of the wheels on our bag broke before we got on the plane then the airline put a HOLE in it! The lining was the only thing keeping the thing together.

Then the one that came home in one piece fell apart when I loaned it to my dance teacher. Sad.

So I decided on this suitcase.

Strong, sturdy and we'll get to our destination with all the wheels on the suitcase.

Actually there are some other items I plan on taking on our next trip.

A scale because I never want to repack my bags in front of checking again!

A good name tag. The ones at the airport fall off all the time! I'd rather a splash of color and it would be easier to find too.

A gadget organizer. I had a really hard time keeping all my things in order in my purse. Plus I felt like I was going to forget something on the plane, I was never relaxed!

What are some of the items you wished you had on your last trip?

Day 39- Organizing The Entrance

With the kids at school yesterday I had the whole morning to spend time on my side entrance. It's sooooo small!! When the four of us are home bringing groceries in and taking winter gear off it's a major problem.

The steps end up being the dumping ground for boots and winter stuff
When it's full there is no space to walk!

Nothing but junk.

First I cleaned the space and got rid of everything! We weren't using the sidewalk chalk anymore and the empty diaper wipe box should have been in the recycling bin when we were done using it last week.

Now I have space!


Next I drilled some holes for the shelf I was putting in. And because I needed to show my family that I don't do things half-ass...

And so everyone knows I did it right...

LEVEL!!

Now the kids have a spot to put their gloves and mittens that doesn't involve leaving them on the floor!

Plus Cpl. Mayhem's shoe shine kit isn't at kids reach

I found this really nice coat rack and it's now ready for our winter gear!

Tah-dah!!

Chicky approves!!

Master Bedroom Makeover Day 40

Have you ever had such a long day that all you want to do is go in your room, shut the door and hide under the blankets?
As I headed to bed after a long and draining day, I walk into my room only to step on one of my kids toys and go flying across the room!
So after the shopping yesterday, I spent a good chunk of the day getting rid of garbage, donating things that no longer fits, organize and dusting!

The kids now have orders not to bring their toys in my room. I need a place that can be oasis. And my oasis doesn't involve My Little Pony and Hot Wheels.

Here it is! I wish I had a photo of what the room look like before.

Not a single toy on the bed!

Still trying to find something to put here.
Nothing caught my eye yet

I can see the top of my dresser!!!

Day 41- Collecting Items for Projects

Today has been a long day and the day isn't over yet!

After dropping the kids off at school, I did a bunch of running around for items I need for DIY projects around the house. Stopped at Home Hardware, a furniture store, fabric shop and Staples. I'm spent!

Some of the major projects in the house are finding enough space for all our things in the front entrance.

I want to update my coffee table and move my ugly bookcase in the dining room to the basement- putting a dresser in the bookcase's place.

Hanging a TON of photos! And the basement need a great deal of TLC. It's going to be FUN!!

It's sad I feel like I'm nesting! I know the last thing Cpl. Mayhem is going to be looking at how organized the house is or if something is out of place but I want the house to be ready for his arrival! 

Projects I'm tackling, my top 10 in no particular order:

1.  Coffee table makeover
2. Putting photos up on the walls
3. Put dining room curtains up
4. Move bookcase to the basement
5. Organize the front entrance way
6. Organize the basement
7. Move dresser to the dining room
8. Put up shelves in dining room
9. Getting ready for Christmas ( A 4-part series)
10. Organize paperwork

Could be great, could be a disaster! Pictures to come!

Wordless Wednesday: A video. 42 days

Dedicated to all our troops.