Okay I  realize for some, the topic of girls and their periods is awkward but as a mom to a few girls and a competitive gymnastics coach this is a topic that has come up several times.When was younger (a lot younger!) and competing one of my biggest fears was getting my period while at training or worse yet - at a competition.  Fortunately it never happened that way and I was pretty old by the time I got it anyway (16) so I already knew what I needed to know, however, these days there are so many girls involved... More »

The other day our very own Jen wrote a touching and heart breaking post that you can find here. In relation to that, she had a post on Face book encouraging us parents to take a look at the good in our children and embrace it, rather than focusing on the negatives.  I decided to take her advice and dedicate the next two posts on the positives in each and everyone of my children, starting with the youngest to oldest.Tanner: Although he is only 2, it is already obvious that he has a big heart, and is loving and ever... More »

About a month ago a friend I know went missing.  Seriously. She went missing for real.Everything at first was normal.  It was the beginning of April and I had been communicating with her about five times a week via email and facebook as we had been working on a project together.  Then my life started to get really busy with training and competitions fast approaching and I realized I hadn't spoken to her in a few days so I sent an email outlining some issues regarding the project.  No response.  At this time I didn't panic because I figured she... More »

Okay so after 8 kiddies being popped out of this tiny body frame I have to say that I don't look THAT bad.  However, there are a few annoying things that I would like to improve upon.the saggy boobsthe boob sizethe thicker waistthe bigger buttthe bigger thighsthe scar tissue over hang that comes with 5 c-sectionsOkay that is a pretty big list I guess, and really, there probably isn't a whole lot I can do about most of it, but there are some things that can be improved upon.First of all the biggest issue: I would like to lose 10... More »

So I have a big decision to make.  To put the twins in Nursery / pre-school or not? My oldest went to Toronto French school and started in the pre-k program.  My oldest son went to pre-school and continued in that setting for JK and SK, second oldest boy was in pre-school, as were Ryley and Zachary for one year prior to JK.  Arielle didn't attend because she had too much anxiety.Now there is Thatcher and Tanner who are 26months.  Yes their speech is a bit behind but it is quickly picking up.  Now I know this is going to... More »

One would think that once my house is finally quiet and all my kiddies are sleeping like the little brats angels that they are, I would run upstairs and hop under the covers in my warm snuggly bed.Not a chance! I don't think many moms do.  We are always the ones to stay up late finishing things.  When dad says he is going to bed, he goes to bed - when mom says she's going to bed, she really means she's going to empty the dishwasher, wash the baby bottles, do a few loads of laundry, check the children's knapsacks, make... More »

The other day when I got home from the gym, Ryley was very excited and proud to tell me how he helped his baby brothers Thatcher and Tanner.  I asked him how he helped.  Then I realized that was a mistake, as I might be better off not knowing every little detail.He informed me that he went to check on the babies in their room (er well my room) because although they were supposed to napping they obvioulsy were not. "Mommy! You will not believe what I saw!" he exclaimed excitedly.I was afraid.  really afraid. "What did you see?" I whispered."The babies... More »

When my oldest two were younger and had just started school I remember how excited I was whenever they brought home any kind of art work. Full of pride, I would hang it on the fridge or kitchen wall convincing myself that they were going to be famous artists one day.Then I had more children.All children seem to like arts and crafts, and if you are like myself and have more than one child under the age of 10 this can become a very messy affair.  Seriously, if anyone can point out the moron who invented finger painting, please do.... More »

  I just realized that March break starts next week - well in my case this Friday because apparently the school board decided my children should stay home that day.Although the March Break is only a week, as opposed to summer break, there is still a lot of planning and preparation I need to do, and seeing as I only have about four days I really must get my ass in gear and get moving!Here are some things I need to do and get done before Friday:Clean out the basement play room (again) so that they can make it a... More »

The other day somebody asked me how much food my family goes through in a week.  My answer was A LOT! This question had been asked a while ago and it was the same answer A LOT, but at that time the twins really were not eating that much so I didn't really include them.  My children though go through many "food" phases, were they will eat a ton of the same thing for months and then suddenly that food choice is tossed out the door.  The problem is that with so many children there isn't just one child, who for... More »

Ever since my son was diagnosed with Aspergers I worried about high school.  Elementary school was hard enough with all the academic and social issues - how the hell would he survive High school? I started doing some research when he was in grade 4 and I surprised to find that there were high schools that were specifically designed to assist students with an ASD.  I was even more thrilled to learn that the one High school in our very own city was the actual school that pioneered the whole ASD program!  I filed the information in the one side of... More »

With 8 children life is busy, crazy, sometimes overwhelming but heyITS WEDNESDAY AND I STILL LOVE MY KIDS!                                                                       What day is most chaotic for your family?Until next timeChantel,momof8crazymonkeys... More »

Finding out my son was autistic didn't come as a surprise but rather as a relief, yet realizing he has a mental illness as well, wasn't such a relief.  It made me feel helpless, guilty, and posioned my mind with so many "what if?" questions."What if I had rested more during my pregnancy?""What if it had been him born first?""What if I had less stress in my life while pregnant?""What if I had eaten healthier?""What if I believed in God more?""What if I was a better mother?"And the list goes on, and deep down I know it is ridiculous because... More »