Three’s Company
There have been studies that indicate that three children is the most stressful number of kiddos to have. Three is no easy feat. As the picture shows, I had my hands very full back when I had only half...
View ArticleHow to Light up your Backyard Party
Every year, we host a big Victoria Day fireworks party. For my American friends – this means that yes, we celebrate the birthday of a long dead English Queen, but we’ll take our holidays where we can...
View ArticleHow To Tell Kids They’re Not Getting What They Want With Positive Discipline
I have a busy house full of my kids, their friends, neighbourhood kids, and an assorted number of random drop-ins. I’d rather not sound like the meanest mommy on the block, so I have a few key...
View ArticleDinner time Debates: How to Take the Stress out of Supper
People often ask what it is like to feed half dozen kids. Feeding families can be a “thing” and many parents report that dinner time can be the most stressful time of the day. I decided early on that I...
View ArticlePutting Creativity back into Christmas
Our family is going overseas for the holidays this year. I hate the thought of Santa having to turn up at our holiday destination because it means I have to lug oversized bags full of gifts both there...
View ArticleTwo Key Messages for a Good Start to 2015
I usually write about parenting because I spend a lot of time doing it. With six crazy kids, parenting is a full-time job. But, like most busy moms there are other things going on in my life and I try...
View ArticleSurviving the kids’ birthday party.
March is birthday month in my life. March brings birthdays for both me and Mabel’s Labels. I also have a daughter with a birthday this month. I recently had a parent ask if I had any birthday party...
View ArticleThe Birth of a Superstar
In celebration of Mabel’s birthday, Julie Cole reflects on a birthday post about one of her favourite people – her very special Aunt Joan. Do you celebrate someone special in your family? 50 years ago...
View ArticleSpring Happenings!
It has been a long, harsh winter in these parts. Although, there are a few signs that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Here’s how I know that spring is near or almost here: 1) Spring Fling We...
View ArticleSleepaway camp: The best way to decide if your kids are ready.
I’m no stranger to sending kids to sleep away camp. My “biggie” kids have been going for several years and the benefits are countless. This year, I have a new crop of kids who are great ages for sleep...
View ArticleHow to motivate an unmotivated kid.
I’ve always been fascinated by what makes some people super motivated, and others, not so much. I found this particularly interesting when I saw differences in motivation between my children. Why do I...
View ArticleHow to Light up your Backyard Party
Every year, we host a big Victoria Day fireworks party. For my American friends – this means that yes, we celebrate the birthday of a long dead English Queen, but we’ll take our holidays where we can...
View ArticleWhy I haven’t had a date night in 12 years.
I recently experienced something very new and different. For the first time in over 12 years, I had a night away from the kids with Daddy-o. Yes. The first time in over 12 years. His cousin was getting...
View ArticleGirls’ Trip to Disney: Classic Moments & Memories
I had the opportunity to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration recently. Packing up my whole crew to do Disney is way outta my league, so I picked my three favourite children to bring along...
View ArticleHow to Create a Backyard Staycation for Your Kids This Summer
Summer holidays are knocking at the door. People often wonder how I keep six kids occupied during the summer months when school is out. While my kids love spending some time at summer camp, I was sure...
View Article
