Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Family

Toons for Toddlers… It’s Chugginton!

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Last month, I let y’all know about Toons for Toddlers – 60 minute, toddler friendly screenings that run with lights left dim and reduced sound levels. If you’ve ever tried to take your little one to enjoy an animated movie in the theatre, you’ve probably found that once the lights go dark and the sound booms through the speakers, either your little one is scared… or else after an hour they lose interest. Toons for Toddlers is the perfect outing for your family!

With young children, November can be a challenging month. Days are grey, the weather is cold and damp, and these are the first weeks when running around outside for hours on end is no longer an option. Many of us go the family pass route for museums and other indoor fare, but if that’s getting stale, taking advantage of a Toons for Toddlers screening can be a nice affordable treat for the kids (and a welcome break for you!).

Last month Toons for Toddlers packed theatres with the awesome screening of the Wiggles Big Birthday, and this November 24 & 25 they are returning with The Best of Chuggington- Fan Favourites at participating theatres across Canada including Toronto, Ottawa, London, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, and Vancouver.

The best part? It’s an extremely affordable family outing! Tickets are only $6 per person (babies in arms are free). At the end of the show, each child receives a small gift (colouring sheet, stickers or other cool stuff), and if you want a morning off, this is definitely the kind of event that a grandparent could enjoy with their grandchild.

To reduce wait times at the box office, tickets are being sold in advance on line at www.toonsfortoddlers.com or you can phone 1-888-222-6608 for tickets.

About The Best of Chuggington: Traintastic adventures await in the exciting world of Chuggington where eager engines Wilson, Koko and Brewster are learning to become working trains. Join these three young chuggers on their adventures, fun and excitement on the rails. Throughout each episode, the trainees embark on different adventures where they learn to ride the rails of life and explore Chuggington, a safe and exciting world. Each episode is designed to teach simple, yet important, social-emotional lessons that help preschoolers prepare for their early learning years. Enjoy the show!

This post has been sponsored by Toons for Toddlers. 

Happy Birthday Husband!

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Halloween is over, and Christmas preparations are in full swing!

(Not really, but I love eliciting upward eye rolls.)

And… it’s my husband’s birthday! For those of y’all counting, he’s officially waaay closer to 40 than 30, you know. Yup, I’m married to an old man.

I recently realized that I spend a lot of time gushing about how wonderful my boys are, but I rarely pay tribute to my husband. He’s just about the most affectionate person I’ve ever met (which is actually kind of stressful, being that I’m a non-PDA-please-don’t-touch-me-before-washing-your-hands kind of person), is smart, kind and funny, and he actually works two jobs – his day job, and his daycare job, taking care of the kids early morning and late night as I blog.

Here are some pictures of the man I love on our recent Royal Caribbean cruise (yes, Ryder IS a carbon copy of him):

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Just Take the Toy and Say Thanks. (You’re Welcome.)

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There comes a day when your little one will take your fun away.

(Yes, I know the above statement can be in reference to one of the many time-draining, life-zapping scenarios that children throw at us. Please, don’t let me get started.)

However, in this particular instance, I’m talking about the day that your child picks out a toy for him/herself. At some point, he’ll point to it on a shelf, in a magazine, on the television, etc… and will ask, “Please, can I have this?” And, all those times that you visited your local toy store, carefully picked out a fun, educational toy and watched the joy spread across his face as you presented it… will be nothing but a distant memory. Because now he knows exactly what he wants and wants ONLY that one particular toy – and does not suffer fools gladly.

I was this child. For the longest time, I was content to play with almost anything I received, until I discovered Barbie dolls. Sure, building blocks and water colour paints were fun, but at the tender age of four, I wanted a Golden Dream Barbie. Badly. 

I’m not quite sure if Golden Dream Barbie was age appropriate at the time I lusted after her; I’m not even sure what my parents thought of my incessant pleading and begging for a doll that frankly, was quite gaudy compared to the more illustrious Peaches ‘n Cream (which would eventually turn out to be my favourite) and Magic Moves (which I’d later campaign for too). But from that moment on, I became the child that wanted to pick out her own toys, and carefully prepared Christmas and birthday wish lists that were to be followed to a tee.

(My parents threw in the towel surprisingly quickly and presented me with cash at every occasion from there on in. Totally took their fun away, however, #winning)

I suppose the question is – who drives the purchase of toys in your household? Do you leave it up to your children to decide, or do you stick to your instincts and buy the toys that you think will be the most beneficial to them? (Maybe it’s a little of both.) However, if you do decide to take pointers from your kids, at what age do you let them influence – or dictate – your purchase decisions?…

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So You Think You Can Dance?

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Our little guy was just registered for Toddler Dance classes! After playing “Just Dance 3” obsessively for the last two weeks, we felt he was trying to send us a message :) Excited to see Reid bust a move on the school’s dance floor!

Three minutes of foot stomping and fancy hands ahead…

I Hope You Dance.

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As my first born – my baby – starts school in exactly two weeks, I’ve been a bit “off”.

I’ve been a bit excited, and a bit scared. I’ve been a bit concerned, and a bit nervous. I’ve been a bit sentimental, and more than a bit emotional. And, I’ve been a bit sad.

I’ve spent the last four years knowing that this time would come, and yet somehow, I don’t know where the time went.

And so I’ve caught myself humming this song on and off for the last few days – “I Hope You Dance” by LeAnn Womack. Last night, thinking of Ryder and the beginning of his journey, I drifted off to sleep in short prayer, thanking God for my infinite and often unearned blessings… and for our many, wonderful opportunities to dance.

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder; You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger.
May you never take one single breath for granted… God forbid love ever leave you empty handed.
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean; Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you’ll give faith a fighting chance; And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance…
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance; Never settle for the path of least resistance.
Living might mean taking chances, but they’re worth taking… Lovin’ might be a mistake but it’s worth making.
Don’t let some hell-bent heart leave you bitter; When you come close to selling out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance; And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance…
I hope you dance

I hope you dance

(Time is a real and constant motion always rolling us along, tell me who wants to look back on their youth and wonder
where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean; Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you’ll give faith a fighting chance; And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance…

Dance!
I hope you dance

February 2, 2011

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For my boys:

One day, you will fight over whose turn it is on the Xbox (or whatever futuristic game station is relevant).
You will argue over who “needs” to borrow dad’s car immediately.
You will poke fun at each other, keeping the insults just above the belt until someone gets really peeved and will go there. (Though he will apologize later because it’s the right thing to do.)

Someday, you will borrow each other’s clothes.
However, well before that happens, you will put a stop to me dressing you both in matchy-matchy outfits.
You will accuse me of favouring one over the other, and believe it until you’re 35.
You will scream “He’s hitting me!” exactly 4,348 times over the course of the next 10 years.

One day, you will be embarrassed to be related to one another. (Thankfully, it will pass quickly.)
You will hide toys, steal crayons and take the last treat for yourself.
You will be an honest and enthusiastic snitch – pointing out your brother’s shortcomings and faults.
And, when asked to borrow 5 bucks, you may opt to keep it for yourself.

Someday, you may take each other for granted.
You will intend to call, but the days will stretch into weeks.
You will be busy with your own family and your own priorities.
Maybe, you just won’t feel a connection to each other.
You will forget about your best friend.

And, on that day, I will forward this link – and these impromptu pictures that I took on a cold winter afternoon in February 2011.

Yes, you were in matchy-matchy outfits.
Yes, you were very young.

But you only had eyes for each other.
Unadulterated affection written all over your faces.
You took care of each other in way that makes my heart explode.

Boys, meet your first true love: your brother.

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Who Says Kids Have ALL the Fun?

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… Certainly not me! I’m off to the Fisher-Price headquarters in New York for a couple of FUN-filled days. Along with three other #FisherPriceMoms Play Panel members (Tammi, Caroline and Lisa), we’ll grab a sneak peek of the newest toys, tour the facility, and even get to spend time at the famous Fisher-Price Play Lab!

Hence, this is me signing off for the next couple of days. Have a splendid week, and I’ll catch up with y’all on Saturday!

The Happiest Place on Earth?

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So, Ryder has a *slight* addiction to cars.

He plays with them. He takes them to bed at night. He makes highly annoying noises; emulating the roar of an engine, the impact of a collision, and – my personal ticket to hell – the screeching sound of brakes.

Oh, happy day.

At last count, he has over 100 toy cars – a smörgåsbord of Hot Wheels, die cast models, mini Kinder Surprise cars and even a ride-on Fisher-Price Cadillac Escalade (or the “Escalegg” as he refers to it). I don’t even know how he amassed such a collection; most of the cars conveniently disappeared during my massive decluttering session, only to reappear a few days later.

However, if there’s one car that Ryder treasures above all; one car he plays with EVERY single day – it’s his die cast red MINI Cooper. Fashioned to look exactly like my own, it was gifted to him by his Uncle Adam after a trip to San Francisco, and he’s been hooked ever since. At first, he referred to it as “Mommy’s Car”, but now he correctly (lovingly?) addresses the toy as “Red MINI Cooper”.

(Not to be confused with “Blue MINI Cooper”, the car he’s been asking for, and “Green MINI Cooper”, the car he wants mommy to buy. Oh, and “Silver MINI Cooper” which is just on another level. Of course.)

So today, on a day when soccer practice was a little scary, and his little brother was a little annoying, Ryder was feeling particularly low. And after it was apparent that not even Popsicles and pretzels could pull him out of his sour mood, I decided to take him and Reid on a little road trip.

“Where are we going, Mommy?” he asked.
“It’s a surprise,” I replied.

Ten minutes later, we rounded the corner and the MINI Oakville dealership came into view.

“Ta-da!” I exclaimed. “We came to visit MINI Coopers at their home!”

Okay, so you know how parents record their child’s reaction when they are told they’re going to Disney? I wish I had recorded Ryder’s reaction as we pulled into the parking lot. His eyes nearly bugged out of his head.

“MOMMY!” he yelled. “We’re visiting the MINI Coopers? In their home? I’m so happy! I love you MINI Coopers! I’m here to see you!“…

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The Toronto Zoo: Same Planet, Different World

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On Saturday, my whole family had the chance to “Discover the Hidden Zoo” – a media preview with the Toronto Zoo. Since most press events require me leaving the boys behind, they were tickled pink to join me at the coolest place on earth for kids of all ages. Needless to say, they had a blast.

Needless to say, I was pooped. Almost comatose, actually.

I didn’t take a lot of pictures, because let’s face it, you’ve all seen someone’s zoo shots of a hippo lying in the water. (Oooh, look, a motionless hippo!) But here are the photos I did take:

There are four boys in this photograph, assuming the white rhinoceros in the background is male.

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Friday Morning Funnies

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Who doesn’t love a friendly game of Battleship? “It’s America’s All Time Favourite Game!” But this ad from the 1950’s always gives me a chuckle. Can you spot the faux pas?

Come back later today – I’m currently blogging a recipe for the BEST lasagna I’ve ever had. Until then, hope your Friday is off to a fantastic start! xoxo

#OldNavyFamilyDay: Now THAT was a Party!

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I’ve said it once and I’ll say it before: Old Navy knows how to throw a party, y’all.

(Insert any track from “Dance Hits 2000” here.)

If you happened to catch one of their #OldNavyFamilyDay celebrations on Monday, you’ll agree with me all the way. From the Crazy Cookie Bar to the Accessory Creation Stations (which were a HUGE hit with all the kiddos – standing room only!!) the entire store was packed with families, shoppers and little ones busting a move on the Funky Floor. Here’s Reid showing the party people how low he can go (very low, from the looks of it). You’ll also notice big brother Ryder in yellow, standing around trying to look cool. #nicetry


Other photos from the event, courtesy of the über talented Racheal McCaig:

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The Apple, The Tree, and The OCD

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File this under: I can’t believe I’m writing this and you probably won’t believe me anyways.

But what the hey, here goes.

I have a touch of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). I say “a touch” because for the most part, my obsessions (anxiety) and compulsions (rituals) don’t interfere with my daily activities or hinder my life in a significant way. Yes, I believe in “safe” numbers and have been known to scrub my hands a little too often… with a little too much soap. However, if I had to sum it up in 10 words or less, I’d say I’m a quasi-germophobe with low levels of paranoia and repetition.

And here’s a fact that likely borders on too much information but you’ll understand the relevancy later: I have NEVER used a public restroom for #2.

Noooo way. No way no way no way. My OCD will just not allow it, dammit.

Before you think, “Really? Never? How is that possible?” You should know that I’m the most regular person on the planet, and when I’m not, let’s just say I can hold it. Because there’s absolutely freakin’ way I’d ever linger on public toilet for longer than say… 12 seconds or so.

Okay, enough about me. Just call me the tree.

Time for another fact. Ready for this? Deep breath.

I have NEVER changed a diaper in public. Never. I don’t even know why I own a diaper bag. It’s all for show. I’m a fraud. I have no idea what a Koala change station looks like. I don’t want to know.

Which brings me to my two apples, Ryder and Reid. They have never pooped in public, either. Ryder, at almost 4 years old, has never troubled me to change a stinky diaper unless it’s in the comfort of our home, and now that he’s toilet trained, won’t even think about using a public restroom. Reid, at almost two, has followed in his big brother’s footsteps – not once soiling his little diaper in the public eye. Most people would say I’m extremely fortunate, but I’m extremely worried… Could Ryder and Reid have inherited my OCD?

Now please don’t go thinking that I somehow pushed my own germaphobic tendencies on my boys. Babies do exactly three things: eat, sleep and poop. And if I could somehow wave a magic wand and train babies to only poop when it’s convenient for parents, I’d be the Jedi Master of diaper changes. And yet, my boys do exactly that.

Therefore I can only assume that since it’s not a trained behaviour, it’s an inherited one. Does Ryder think public restrooms are gross? Does Reid realize the social faux pas of popping your pants among strangers? Do they have an aversion to germs and germ-infested environments? It’s just SO WEIRD.

I would love if someone could please shed light on this little situation I call The Apple, The Tree and The OCD.

Tales of a Winter Hermit: A Sunless Survival Guide

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I believe that we can learn many things from nature. From the self-sufficiency of trees to the uniqueness of a snowflake, we only have to look outside our windows to find inspiration. And just like the strong, wise black bear, I too curl into a ball and hibernate for the winter.

Seriously! Who wants to spend the winter outdoors when you can rest peacefully ensconced in a cave or hollow tree… or a semi in the suburbs. (Er, same thing, I’m sure.)

I fully admit to being a winter hermit. While it was common for me to shy away from the cold during my working days, being at home has only intensified my dislike for the three S’s: snow, slush and sleet. In fact, if I hear the words “minus” and “degrees” in the same sentence, chances are I’m shacking up for the day.

The truth is, the entire season depresses me. Clinically, I’m sure. You’ve heard of “February blahs”? I have them from November to March. I find myself eating more, caring about my appearance less, avoiding social interaction and most of all, spending too much time in my pjs. Really, if someone studied my habits for any length of time, they’d likely have me on some kind of watch. But it’s not that I’m unstable – I just hate, hate, hate being cold.

Two unwilling casualties of my reclusive behaviour are Ryder and Reid, of course. As little boys, they adore the outdoors! And it doesn’t matter how long it takes to pull on their winter gear; they’ll do anything for a chance to walk through the snow, sit on the white stuff, and catch snowflakes with their tongues. Unfortunately for them, this winter has been less than cooperative – I’ve only been able to take them out for a good snow day a handful of times. Other times, I’ve made excuses – it’s too windy, it’s too dreary, it’s too cold. Translation: it’s not summer.

Ryder's introduction to snow, December 2009

Now other than robbing them from experiencing all the Canadian seasons, I’m also robbing them of sunshine – and Vitamin D. Until I had children, I paid little attention to the “sunshine vitamin” and certainly have never considered my own body’s reaction to a deficiency. But lately, I’m beginning to wonder if my own winter blues are in part due to a lack of exposure, and with good reason: “Maintaining Vitamin D levels helps prevent numerous ailments such as osteoporosis, depression, cardiovascular disease and can help to reduce the risk of certain cancers (by almost 60 percent)”. (Source)

From Deborah Lowther of IronKids:

“Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin because our bodies naturally synthesize it when our skin is exposed to sunlight. Recent studies have shown even with the Vitamin D in our diets and exposure to direct sunlight, the majority of the population is Vitamin D deficient.”

Yikes. I wonder if my little guys have been in direct sunlight for more than 5 minutes at a time this winter. Shamefully, I think the answer is no.

And so I’ve made it my mission to conquer my distaste for winter and GET OUTDOORS. (As Vitamin D producing rays cannot penetrate glass, clothing or sunscreen, I can’t really count the drive to the mall. Darn.) Additionally, my boys receive an IronKids Vitamin D Gummy EVERY DAY; each great tasting gummy contains 400 IU’s of Vitamin D, which is the minimum daily intake as recommended by Health Canada and the American Academy of Pediatrics. I’m proud to say that I’m not just a brand ambassador – I’m also a brand enthusiast. From their Gummies Multi-Vitamins for Active Kids to Gummies Calcium for Growing Kids, we LOVE the products.

So tell me, do you experience winter blues? On average, how much time do you spend outdoors during the colder months?

I am an IronKids Brand Ambassador – with pride. I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this brand.
The opinions on this blog are my own.

GTA: Family Day FUN at Old Navy Etobicoke

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Ah, Family Day. However did we spend quality time with relatives before being explicitly told to do so?

(I’m not complaining. LOVE the extra day off!)

The perfect Family Day celebration would be equally enticing for everyone involved: shopping for me, unadulterated fun for the kids, and golf for my husband. I guess two out of three isn’t bad.

On February 20th, I know where I’ll be – Old Navy’s Family Day Funnovation Imaginariaum, a FREE wild and crazy party for families to celebrate Family Day from 1-4 pm. The event features activities, a catwalk, a dance party – and much more!

Kids from Etobicoke and all over the Greater Toronto Area are invited to this special in-store event to experience the Funnovation Imaginarium, a place where you have insane amounts of fun while being crazy creative. Highlights include:

• A Crazy Cookie Bar!
• A Funky Floor where kids can show off their dance moves
• An accessory creation station
• A Funnovation Catwalk to model their wacky accessories
• A Funnovation Lab to create crazy creatures and monster machines
• A free gift with purchase

YES PLEASE! I already know my two little guys will be camped out at the Cookie Bar, and I can’t deny that merging shopping and cookies may be one of the greatest combinations of our time (definitely surpassing Sonny and Cher, but not quite at a Peanut Butter and Chocolate level just yet).

If you do stop by, be sure to say hi! It promises to be fantastic family event!

Yes, We Love it: Dell Inspiron One 2320 All-In-One

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It’s been just over three months with our beloved Dell Inspiron One 2320 All-In-One desktop computer. Now I normally don’t follow up with product testimonials after the initial review, but given that this unit is STILL a family favourite chez Lena, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to remind y’all why I love it so much.

(Read my first two posts here and here.)

But why am I so obsessed with this computer? In addition to its sleek design, redonkulous 23″ touchscreen, almost completely wireless interface and powerful, juiced-up performance, I simply love that the Inspiron One 2320 meshes so well with all our entertainment needs. Consider this:

Dude Appeal

My husband loves streaming sports events online. Before the Dell Inspiron One 2320 All-In-One, he’d hunch over his laptop while squinting away at the screen, trying to capture every detail. Our new 23″ touchscreen is approximately the same size of my first television! So he can enjoy all of his games and matches, up close and in perfect detail. A bonus: the unit is highly portable, so the main event takes place wherever he decides!

Kid-Friendly

Obviously my children love it – did you see Ryder go to town on YouPaint? (Watch again here – just scroll down to the video at the bottom of the post). But it’s more than just letting the kids go crazy with touch-optimized games like Dodge or Bug Garden. You can also:

– Web conference with family and friends with the HD webcam and enhanced audio.
– Swiftly transfer photos and videos to the Inspiron One with the built-in media card reader.
– Listen to your favorite music playlists on the awesome high-fidelity JBL speakers.

Between web conferencing with their beloved aunties, watching endless home videos, and dancing their pants off to mommy’s 80’s playlist, the kids have officially dubbed this their entertainment central.

Mom Approved

If you’re going to blog, blog in style. And I’m treated to this sleek and streamlined machine, perfect for keeping my living spaces clean and uncluttered. Even better – I can watch movies in vivid quality, reveling in the high-definition 1080p LCD with WLED backlighting. In fact, a few weeks ago, when the entire family was sick, I designated Ryder’s room as the movie theatre. And we all snuggled in his bed while hours of Toopy and Binoo projected from the screen atop his dresser. Quality family time? Heck yeah.

So in conclusion, do I love this computer as much as I did 90 days ago? A huge, resounding YES! 

Click here to visit Dell.ca.

A Lesson in Humility

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Sometimes, it’s the parent who needs to be scolded.

This morning began like most others. Wash the kids, clothe the kids, feed the kids, keep the kids from killing each other… and so on. Except I learned a valuable lesson I won’t soon forget, courtesy of Ryder – my lovely, sensitive, incredibly perceptive little guy.

It happened while I was (trying) to help them change out of their pajamas. Reid was running around my bedroom, and I swear that kid is so fast and so small it’s like trying to catch a greased pig. As he continually dodged my advances, Ryder ran in front of me, taunting me less heartily but highly annoying nonetheless. Well, after about 30 seconds of a game that felt like 30 minutes, I’d had enough. Grabbing Ryder by his shoulders, I steadied him and yanked his pants and undies down in one swift movement, puling them from around his ankles and tossing them into a clothes hamper behind me.

And then Ryder looked at me. It was a combination of shock and pure disgust; a look reserved for someone who had just slapped you across the face. And then he began to cry – tears of frustration, shame and embarrassment. He wailed and hid behind my dresser, trying to pull his pajama top down over his torso.

It was then that I realized that by unceremoniously yanking down his pants, I had humiliated him – robbing him of his dignity as he stood there naked from the waist down.

It had never occurred to me that a 3 year old could be embarrassed.
I have never considered myself a bully.
I will never make him feel cold and shamed again.

And so today, in humiliating my son, I learned a lesson in humility.

(I’m sorry, sweet Ryder.)

Kiddies LOVE the Dell Inspiron One 2320 All-In-One

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In my previous post, Put a Bow on It: Dell Inspiron One 2320 All-In-One, I shared many, many reasons why I love the Dell Inspiron One desktop computer. If you weren’t paying attention (shame on you!), just click the link above and prepare to be blown away with all the amazing features. Remember, it has officially earned the title of “Best Holiday Gift of 2011″ in my books. Sweet!

Today, I want to show you why my little guys love it.

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Put a Bow on It: Dell Inspiron One 2320 All-In-One

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Since I don’t like to mince words, I’ll just come out and say it:

This is my favourite computer EVER.

Introducing the Dell Inspiron One 2320 All-in-One desktop computer. This is not the computer I blog from (though I should). It’s not the computer my husband works from (though he could). It is simply the computer the whole family loves, and when we use it, we enjoy it as a family. After reviewing it for just three weeks, it has officially earned the title of “Best Holiday Gift of 2011” in my books….

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