Mothers's Day

I wasn't always certain that I was going to have kids.

I grew up in a house where my mom stayed home, choosing to volunteer at school and Girl Guides instead of working full time. While it was great to have her around, especially during our school years, it meant that we didn't always have the money for extras. There was always food on the table, a roof over our heads, lots of fun camping and swimming in the summer and many, many memories.

But, as soon as I was old enough, I started babysitting, not because I loved it (I'm not even sure I enjoyed it much of the time), but because I wanted to earn extra money. I had my first paying job at 15 and then worked part-time all through high school and university so that I could pay for my education and anything else I wanted. As I went through high school and into University, I was very focused on getting an education that would provide me with a well paying job in the future and was very career oriented. I couldn't see how kids would fit into my plan.

All that changed the summer before my fourth year of University, when my dad died suddenly at 54 years old of a heart attack. In those few weeks after my dad's death, my sisters and I bonded together to support my mom. It was during those weeks that I decided I would definitely have kids one day. I saw how having us around for her kept my mom strong and gave her some happiness through some really tough days. I remember thinking that if I were to go through the death of a husband someday and not have the support of any children, how much more difficult it would be for me.

Now, I can't imagine how different my life would have been if I had chosen not to have kids. And I'm so very proud to be their mom.

Happy Mother's Day first and foremost, to my Mom. She's always been a rock with strength beyond comprehension.

Happy Mother's Day to my sisters, who are counted among my best friends.

Happy Mother's Day to my new sister-in-law (the one who just had a new baby), to my Mother-in-Law and my other sister-in-law, who I'm blessed to have in my life.

Happy Mother's Day to my best friend, who I often think about, despite the fact that we live in different cities and don't see much of each other.

Happy Mother's Day to the amazing friends I have shared the journey of motherhood with for the past 15 years.

And Happy Mother's Day to all of the other amazing moms I meet every day through FITMOM. You make my days bright and happy.

xx

Me, My Mom and My Sisters

Is it a BOY or a GIRL?

Today I became the proud new aunt of another baby! We are so excited to have another baby in the family, especially since it may be the last one!

My brother-in-law and sister-in-law gave birth to a BABY BOY!
They named him Bennett!

Which means there has to be a celebration...

... And a celebration means a contest with a prize at the end:)

Here's how it will work:

1. During the rest of the month of May, you can take a photo of yourself, or you and your baby (or you and a friend) at a FITMOM/FITWOMAN class.
2. Send the photo to me to post on the FITMOM Ottawa Facebook Page.
3. Once it's posted you can tag yourself in the photo.
4. You can also tag yourself in a photo that I've taken and shared.
5. At the end of the month, anyone who has tagged their photo will be entered into a draw to win a $30 gift card to Bridgehead!

Let the fun begin!