Special Feature (www.brenthogarth.com)

Today I wanted to take the time, before I have to make dinner and then run out trick or treating, to share something that one of my old classmates is very proud of.  He should be it is an amazing message and it deserves to be read and shared, and if he is lucky re-tweeted by Deepak Chopra.  Nonetheless this is an echo of the many teachings of Gandhi someone I very much to look up to and always have.

(c) Brent Hogarth.com

So, without further ado I would like to introduce you to one of my most prized classmates, Brent Hogarth and his blog The Enlighted Athlete.

Born & raised in Vancouver, I now live in San Francisco earning my masters in Sport Psychology. My passion is discovering & shining light onto the best practices to improve athletic performance & wellbeing.

He is truly talented and I am definitely proud to call him a classmate of mine.  All my old friends just blow me away at the things they do and accomplish.  I am truly blessed to know and have them in my life.  Thanks Brent for being such an inspiration. 


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It was a hit!

So yesterday was my Eldest sons birthday party and he had a GREAT time!  In fact I think I can say we all had a great time and the amount of Cars products my son got was insane.  He even got a Cars loofa... yah that is right a loofa!
I shall share my photos now, considering I am wildly hungover, we even bought him some fireworks for his birthday lol.  I mean not every kid is born around the same time that Fireworks are on sale etc.. Every year since I can remember my birthday has always marked the beginning of Fireworks time; October 25th... aaahhh but I am getting off track you want to see photos!  FIRST though, I have to ask you to vote for me HERE!  I really need the votes and I would love to even offer a feature post to anyone who could manage to vote daily (and inform me of it so i can confirm), until November 17th.  So please vote and we'll talk about that feature of yours!

my Highschool gf and my youngest.

Eldest enjoying the box one of his presents came in... playing in it again all this morning might I add.  Looks more like a circle than a square now though lol!

my wienie cars! lol

Wienie cars and spider web dip!  (ketchup and mustard lol)

Eldest clearly enjoying his piece of cake.  I would have taken pics of it BUT grandpa accidentally let it tip whilst loading it into the car.  Thomas kinda had a mudslide lol! 

youngest opening wide for a piece of cake!  This is what happens when hubby puts the fork close to him and holds it there lol!

my simple party food setup, went through soo soo many of these, two packages of hot dogs were used in the creation of these wienie cars.

opening his prezzies!

clearly enjoying his new Cars literature.

enjoying his Cars seating area lol!

There you have it folks a great party and even ended with explosives.  What more could a little four year old boy ask for?!  Today he is even getting more spoiled, his auntie Jenny is going to pick him up soon here to take him to feed the duckies, then Grandpa is going to be taking him out to ride the Halloween train.  He wanted to take him to the Burnaby Village Museum as they have a haunted house sorta thing, but since we have to avoid houses that are "too scary" during trick or treating I doubted it was going to go well so the train was a better idea i think. 

I hope that all of you are having a great weekend too and don't forget to vote !! Also welcome to all the new visitors from the blog hop, VERY nice to meet you! xoxoxoxoxo






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Why does being a mom feel like so much less, when its so impacting?

I have been thinking it would be great if I could get some guest posters for Halloween this year!  I wanted to perhaps stick on the topics of "if I could literally be any costume, what/who would that be?" and "This one time at Halloween...." I think that would bring about a small amount of inspiration in all of you!  I would love to feature your blog here as well.  I love you all very much and I rarely get the chance to show it and I would love to take this time to do so.

On another note I would like to add that I have been placed in the top 25 Canadian mom blogs and I need more votes to keep that up!!  I would love you to death if you could take the time to vote for Mumfection, you are welcome to vote once daily!! My fate rests in your hands, I am already in the top ten and I would love love love to get up higher and be in the top three.  I also have a button for it in the top left hand corner of the page so that you can easily vote for me anytime! 






I have to interrupt myself... I am watching a news segment on mompreneurs and I feel envious.  They have all done it for similar reasons as I have had to do here in my own home.  Is it horrible of me to feel as though my blog, photography hobby and in home daycare isn't enough??  Have you ever thought that one day I want to be more than just the "mom"?  I want to do something impacting and BIG, life changing-ly wonderful.  When I was younger I wanted to be the one to discover Cleopatra's tomb and travel the world being a Historian.  I wanted to feel the heat of the spotlight upon my face as a crowd of people laughed, cheered and cried with me.  Why does being a mom feel like so much less, when it is so impacting??



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Almost Four

My eldest is going to be four years old on Saturday and I can't believe it.  I am sure I have mentioned on here before about how astounding I think he is and how amazingly bittersweet it is to watch him grow.  I mean isn't that what all of us say?  Bittersweet?

It is true my small little bundle is going to be four freaking years old and I can't stand it.  My heart hurts, next thing I know he'll be walking off to school on his first day and i'll be the one crying and getting him up into a fuss.  I will miss him, all day i will miss him and I will be the first mommy in line to pick him up on that first day; daycare kids in tow.

I remember holding that little man in my arms after giving birth to him, he wasn't very little and he is still growing like a weed.  I can see he is going to be the strong mysterious type, whereas his little brother will be the talkative social butterfly.  I can't wait to continue seeing him grow, I can't wait to meet the man that I hope he will become.  The man I pray he will be with all my heart, someone thoughtful, considerate, willingly romantic, and funny.  A man who will always do right by others, and always gives graciously.  Successful and stress-free as much as humanly possible, above all else I wish him all that he deserves and wants.  I wish him the best as all parents wish for their children, so to you my Eldest I wish you a happy fourth birthday this Saturday.  You are my prize possessions and nothing could replace the impact you have made in my life, how you have changed me for the better and brighten my day EVERY day.  You are my love, my joy, my heart.  I love you.

Today I am also apart of one of my blogging buddies hops!! Welcome to all my new visitors I am so happy to meet you!
Also please VOTE FOR MUMFECTION here.  I would love you forever!

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Our Little Scotsman

Our little Scotsman here is finally settling in.  I am so happy to say it as it has been a longer journey than most but he is such a wonderful little man.  He is learning all the rules here really well and is super helpful!  I am sure he isn't this way at home, just like my boys aren't but while he is here he is a smart and tidy little guy. 

I have even managed to take some amazing photos of this little one and he gives me a run for my money most days.  I am happy to report that I have even made the time to edit them to share a couple with you here.  Thank goodness for those few moments he gave me for these gems lol. 

So welcome to Mumfection our little Scotsman we're happy to have you, and we're so happy we've made it past our "ease time" and we look forward to having to as part of the family. 

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I would like to also mention that I am apart of the blog hop today @ About a Mom; for some reason the button didn't work and BUT here is the link to the Wild Wednesday Hop!  Happy to meet all of you new followers I am look forward to checking out your blogs this evening or at my break time lol. 

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I already miss Harry

So last night I spent my time watching the last Harry Potter.  I am sad.  I cried like a baby I can't believe the amount of characters I loved died.  The worst part is I am emotionally attatched to all these characters, I remember when the first book was the BIGGEST deal when it FIRST came out.  I remember spending one of my birthdays with my big sister susan (from the big sisters program) taking me to listen to J.K. Rowling speak at the PNE.  I was in awe I loved these characters like my own friends.... isn't that odd that I am so attached to them?  I get really wrapped up in things.

At the end of the movie last night I couldn't help but think we've all watched Daniel and the cast grow up from the first movie.  I can't believe that I will no longer be seeing them in that way anymore.  Of course it is open to even more movies, but they wont be the same if they don't have teh story line of J.K. Rowling, lets face it.  I will greatly miss you Harry potter and in light of that I have bought myself a golden snitch necklace, I can only hope mine will have a resurrection stone in it as well lol! 

can't wait for this in the mail!

All my best to the cast and crew through the years, you will all be heart achingly missed. 

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Halloween Party Madness

So my party this weekend was wild, WILD people.  I had such a great time, spent too much money and LOVED my costume!  I have to share photos with you as it is the only way to really convey what happened that night lol.

poison apple anyone??

my poison apple punch, alien fingers, mummy dogs and edible ashtray

in this picture you can see the batwings and puking pumpkin and pumpkin brains!

the living room

an end table

specimen jars and candles on our bookshelf

out on the deck the chaos

my gf and I

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Lets Straight Talk this October

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Now I am one of the few people on this planet that doesn't personally own a cell phone.  Yes my hubby has one, one that is so expensive we end up using it as a "family phone" for who ever is going out.  Every month this stupid cell phone racks us up a couple hundred dollars... thank you useless contract. 

I am here to tell you all about Straight Talk a contract free way you can have an affordable phone.  A step to a shackle free life to a phone company.  Imagine what I could do with that extra couple hundred dollars if I did decide to go with a substantial company such as Straight Talk.  I could literally, possibly, Feel Richer with Android, something that I wouldn't think possible these days with all the bells and whistles that smart phones have these days... that, let me tell you, aren't free.  The power of Android is pretty incredible and I would definitely want to get in on the smart phone revolution, perhaps an upgrade is in order??  A downgrade for my wallet.  Straight talk offers "no contracts, no surprise bills and no credit checks. Great nationwide coverage and excellent reception/connectivity. Finally, Straight Talk only uses trusted phone manufacturers like LG, Motorola, Kyocera, Nokia and Samsung." 

With all the problems that I have found with the service of blackberry these last few months this is VERY VERY tempting to try I would definitely give it a shot.  You can get all the games and apps that you want using the wonderful Android, which is a smart phone with a smart plan for sure especially without the shackles of a contract on your shoulders.  Then at only $45/month for unlimited use ( which includes calls, text, picture messaging, and web.) is the best thing I have ever heard, especially with the echo of the no surprises with their billing system which is an amazing bonus if you ask me.  I always here the old story of: "my bill is supposed to be X-amount every month, but this month is is X-hundred dollars!!!!"  It is something that I have heard so much I wouldn't consider getting another phone and still continue to share my hubby's.  "Imagine unlimited calls, text, picture messaging and web for a whole year, for only $499.00!" 

The Straight Talk Image... by LittleBard95

Straight Talk even has a great long distance option that is a flexible prepaid calling service that enables you to make international calls from your home, cell or office phone at low rates.  They even have great reconditioned phones that are available from $10.00 with camera, mp3 player, mobile web access, and blue-tooth capability. Great for young users who are slightly aggressive with their electronics.... although I could say that about my hubby he has ruined every electronic he has ever touched, including my Ipods thank you very much.  So the reconditioned phones would probably be amazing for your husbands who cost us far too much money in new phones lol!!  Their phones are just like everyone else's with: touch screen phones, and app capable phones with features like voice navigation, camera, video recorder, music player, instant messaging, and Bluetooth®.  So why not check them out and see just how worth it, it might be for you and your family this October! 

Have it all with Straight Talk by LittleBard95

Good Morning HELP!

Good morning everyone.  I wanted to take this time this morning to talk about my party planning.  I have been so wrapped up in it I barely have time to breath or remember to take anything out for dinner! I still have lots of stuff to get i'm sure and not having it is making me ansy BUT i have chosen my costume.  I am to be Snow White.... that's right!  Perfect for me I know!  I am terribly excited about it and I can't wait to see everyone else's costume, from what I heard the people coming out are going all out with their costumes.  We have a zombie bride and groom, a football player and cheerleader, a sea captian and sailor girl, a mummy, a dead pirate wench, freddie and me snow white.  Only thing missing in my costume is the head piece for some reason it wasn't in the bag and I wont have time to go in there and demand one before the party so I hope I will find one... otherwise I might have to resort to a crappy pink hair clip or nothing.  I might be able to run out on Wednesday to get some things but i don't want to put that pressure on myself since I also have to get food that day and some color light bulbs that i clearly forgot.  I've already spent WAY WAY WAY too much money.  So i'm worried.  Very very worried. 

A good turn out that I hope will get better and better and hopefully more and more people will come out for it.  Not too many though cause my apartment is only soo big and it was build in 1965 lol no telling if my balcony will manage it lol. 

I have decided that I want my hubby to dress up as the huntsman, the man that was sent to cut out my heart.  I thought it would be a perfect idea since the couples are all doing couple themed costumes etc.. But i have no idea how to pull it off and we have no budget for his costume either... I am thinking of just doing a plaid shirt, jeans and vest kinda thing and he can carry a toy hunting knife.  So not the period but we're looking for convenience not perfection.  Either that or he can dress up as an old witch... I bet that wont go over well either. 

I would love your input on his costume... even though i know I haven't had time to read yours blogs I can't really expect the same but i really really really need the help!

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Aviva; a positive change for community

This post brought to you by Aviva Community Fund. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you ever come to a new town/city etc and noticed how many things you badly want to improve??  A park clean up, maybe community garden etc but have lacked to find a way to actually make a step towards getting anything done?  I know I have had more than a few, as I say then as, overly ambitious ideas for my community; but the people at Aviva like to believe that everyone deserves the chance to help out and with that they would like to announce the return of their Aviva Community Fund competition.  This will be their third competition and that means their offering Canadians $1,000,000 to lead, empower and support community initiatives across the country.  Isn't that amazing?

All that you have to do is visit AvivaCommunityFund.org to submit an idea, and then rally support from friends, family, neighbours and co-workers. The most popular ideas will have a chance to share the $1,000,000 Aviva Community Fund.  You can just simply enter the Aviva Community Fund Contest by like Aviva Community Fund on Facebook or even Follow @avivacf on twitter!

This is what Aviva has said about the winners in the past:

The eleven winning ideas in 2010 ranged from a hockey team for youth with intellectual and physical disabilities in Ottawa, to an animal shelter in Yellowknife, to playgrounds for schools in British Columbia, Ontario and New Brunswick. Launched in the fall of 2009, the Aviva Community Fund competition has already provided over $1.5 million in funding to 19 charities and community groups.

I have to admit all those sound amazing especially when it helps improve the childhoods of our children.  I know a few parks in my area that are amazing and a few that could really use a bit of dressing up and renovations.  With some of the parks in my area being in some iffy places I would love to see maybe suggestions for a morning clean up crew to help make the parks safe for many reasons.  I almost forgot to mention to you, for every "like" received on Facebook; $1 will be donated to Free The Children to support at-risk youth programs in Canada!  That is breathtaking, I love that one of the country’s leading providers of home, auto, leisure and business insurance is really taking an step to really helping our communities in a remarkably positive way, thank you!

Now I HIGHLY suggest that you head on over to help vote for other peoples community plans or even submit your own but you have to get going on it cause you can only submit until November 30, 2011 and the winners will be chosen by the number of votes received so you have to get people to VOTE VOTE VOTE! Here is Aviva's amazing suggestions for getting your idea noticed even more than the rest:

How to get ideas noticed:
• Reach out to friends, family and co-workers
• Get an insurance broker to support your idea
• Use social media to promote your idea on Facebook/Twitter/Google+
• Keep it fresh with new photos and videos
• Take it to the press

So get out there and brainstorm to help your community!

Not since Monday... shame....

So apparently between party planning and the new daycare client I have had NO time or energy to write for you... I even failed to start my Halloween post theme as of yet... though I've read a junk load of stuff.  I just haven't had the inspiration to write something of quality or worth.  I would hate to start that theme on a bad note when I was so excited about it you know??  So I am just going to start it when I start it and hope for the best and some quality writing and research.  I am definitely going to be doing something with this lovely looking woman:

But I am not going to give you anymore than a picture.. I would hate to spoil anything for you all lol!

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I have to say that I have been really enjoying my new client, though he does have pretty bad separation anxiety we've been working threw it.  I've been keeping note of his triggers for his little "home-sick-spurts" to help keep myself aware of the times etc.. in order to then start setting up especially fun distracting things to do at those times.  I will be excited to get them a few fun things to keep on hand at all time to keep him happy when cuddles and what not aren't quite enough.  Of course I like to get these little things once I have gotten to know the little people before hand so I know what kind of things they're into and the like, but I'm pretty sure this round I can make some educated guesses.  So far I would have to say that I am definitely enjoying myself here back at work, I am even more excited to be interviewing again for my other now open spot.  Hopefully we will see a cute new face before the new year!

I haven't been reading any blog posts, I am so so so sorry I just honestly don't have the time, please feel free to e-mail me your blog post links you think I should read or really missed out on.  You guys are all so talented I know that I have missed your brilliance. 

On an additionally pointless note I have no idea what to be for Halloween... any of you have any bright ideas for me??  Even for my hubby?  He likes non-embarrassing but really fun costumes... Please HELP!!

This is what hubby was last year:

@ our old place... so glad we're out of that place!

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Happy Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving up here in Canada:

“

A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed – to be observed on the 2nd Monday in October.

”

So thank you all for being here, thank you all for reading and I bet you'll be thanking me, or cursing me, later when i post my food photos from dinner lol!  I am having a nice quiet turkey dinner with a friend of mine and her bf with our kids etc.. simple and small.   So in light of the fact that i'll be cooking pies and turkey all day I wanted to share with you a few Thanksgiving laughs... so thanks to google we can begin!

Happy Thanksgiving all my Canadian friends!!! xoxoxoxo don't forget to bring your Thanksgiving pants to dinner!
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A little love for a foodie dog

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hills Pet Nutrition for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

The people at Hill's Pet Nutrition want to share with you their newest healthy mobility challenge!!  This awesome challenge opens you to their Hill's Healthy Mobility Coupon  which is a full 30$ in savings!  Not to mention 30 of you could win FREE pet food for a year! What more could a pet owner want other than a care free year and some health improving food for your pet.  Entering is easy peasy and definitely going to be worth your while! 

Doing this challenge will get your fur baby, as some of you may call them, onto a 30-day to better mobility and who wouldn't want our little one to be happy and healthy as can be!  Finally a food that helps with your dogs overall physical health, to help give them the energy to be as healthy as can be!  You are even able to follow Hill's Pet Nutrition on Facebook that will open you up to even more offers and the latest contests!!

Hill's always thinks of their animals first giving you the chance to learn even more ways to keep them healthy and happy.  Cause once again isn't that the most important thing at the end of the day?  A healthy life equals a long life. 

First adult Halloween party!

I am sooo excited to announce that I have determined how I am going to celebrate my birthday this year.  With an adult costume party!  I have always wanted to have one of these and I always just assumed it would be laughed out of the water... I have decided that this year I don't care.  I am going to have it anyways even if it just a room filled with bunny and cat ears lol!  I am sooo busy this whole month it is insane, I will be a complete recluse and I have no clue how much time I will have to sit here and blog... especially now with Eldest hogging the computer... but I'm sure that will stop once daycare clients start again and we're back into our schedule.  We're still on vacation time and my messy house shows that; as well as my keyboard cause its sticky with juice from my eldest and youngest brats efforts lol.  I think youngest is just frustrated he can't play on the computer and shows that by throwing things at Eldest's juice cups.  Can't blame him for trying i guess....

Anyways back to this party, I have figured out all the food, all themed of course.  Mummy dogs, bat wings, guacamole of course with black tortilla chips, and edible ashtray (you'll see), alien fingers, gonna make blood to rim all the glasses lol, and a chocolate cake with cherry filling and white icing!  I am doing nothing but appetizers so that I am not cooking things while the party is happening etc... I wanted to do pretzels in the shape of bones but I am doubting that i'll actually do that, I have enough going on that day one more item to cook is not what I need. 

As for decorations I want it to have a spooky Gothic feel to it... though I have no clue how well i can pull that off with my budget at this point.  I would rather save money and get more for my sons birthday than mine but I have almost all I need for his anyways... I hope.... Lets just say I am not really sure what I'm doing... I clearly have to get pumpkins for it and pray they last to Halloween although i don't need to worry about that too much living in an apartment right?  I mean if they don't' make it, they don't make it right??? I was really hoping to find black vodka for the party but alas it can't be found here in Canada... POOP!! Canadians are never allowed to have fun I swear lol! 

I would love all of you if you could pass along decoration ideas... I know all of you are violently talented and could think up some affordable things I can do along the feel that I want... right?!! SAVE ME!!

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Man Candy Monday - John Abraham

I was at a loss on who to pick for todays man candy but I have figured it out quite quickly after a few google searches.  I bring you someone I haven't heard of before... maybe I have I dunno I don't care, I just want to see the pictures!

Oh yes please give me that womans job!

Look hes thoughtful and sensitive according to this photo *sigh*.....

Just cause i like to see a man in a nice white sweater MMMMmmm

Gotta love a man with tattoos sorry, i just can't resist... he is why my google search ended soo fast... easy to pick this one MMmmMMmmm good!

Just in case you didn't get just how hott this man really is lol.  Have a great monday everyone!!

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