Canadian kids need more physical activity

Are your kids getting outside?

Fewer than one in 10 young people, and only 10% of Canadians as a whole, get enough exercise, according to Statistics Canada. The study comes after national guidelines for physical activity were actually lowered to make it easier for people to meet exercise goals. 

How are you helping your kids exercise? ~KLB

Count Your Blessings

Sometimes we fail to see success in the little things in life. Everyday routine can seem well, very routine, but hey isn't that part of life? Personally, I find Monday mornings extra tough (try getting a 6-year-old out of bed who loves his sleep waaaaay too much). Be thankful for what you have and the fact that your kids go to a good school, and you have a good job, and you have a family to work hard for. Here's a little inspirational quote for those of you who feel their days all seem to blend together as in the mundane. I say count your blessings and have a wonderful Monday! ~KLB   "In the hopes of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet." 
~ Albert Schweitzer

Are You Happy ... Enough?

Gretchen Rubin, a former lawyer-turned writer, wanted to be happier so she devoted a year to testing strategies from sources as varied as Oprah to Plato. This mother-of-two started reading every self-help book she could get her hands on and after outlining a roster of resolutions for a year she developed a bestselling book in no time. Everything from cleaning her closet to being kinder to her husband and starting a children’s lit club ~ Rubin was determined to get happier. And she did. Rubin continues her project online at www.happiness-project.com. What are you doing to be happier this year? ~KLB

What makes me tick - 'da boyz!

What makes your life special?

My boys are 6.5 and 1.5 years old. They’re awesome. Already showing signs of becoming a pro athlete and famous musician (as per my husband lol) we are very fortunate that they are both happy and healthy. Being a mom is one of the most amazing things that has ever happened to me. The ironic thing, however, is that growing up I never aspired to be a mama. I've always liked kids and I was a babysitter in my teens, but I was always focused on my career after university, not having a family of my own. Don't get me wrong I am a family-oriented person and very close to my parents and sister, but I never dreamed of producing offspring. Or at least the thought never crossed my mind until I turned 30. All that changed when I had my first son Connor in 2004, and re-affirmed again when Brock came along almost two years ago. Ever since my boys came into my life, I’ve changed. I now truly understand the importance of a mom’s affection for her babies and the term "motherly love." Being a mom has made me appreciate my own mom more too. So I guess this is my little tribute to all moms out there for their hard work and dedication to their families. Without you (us) our kids would not know how strong a mother’s love/bond is in life. Even if they don’t realize it until they’re older… much love ~KLB

How techy are you?

I must admit I'm not the most savvy cyberspace person to venture into the blogging world (but hey, I never claimed to be). However I am trying. After all isn't "connecting" with others who are in similar situations as you, or those who can at least relate, the reason we reach out in the first place? Maybe, maybe not. But either way, I just think it's crazy that my son (who's six) knows what the terms "Google" "e-mail" "Facebook" and even "iPod" mean and it simply blows my mind! Well, it has made me perhaps a little more savvy -- or at least aware of what I'm up against. Who knows. I can't wait to see what I'm going to have to learn in order to communicate with him when he's in his teens. Gawd help me... ~ KLB

Mommywood trials & tribulations

Celebs have to balance too

A friend of mine passed along a great blog by actress Gwyneth Paltrow ~ thanks Lisa :) It's called GOOP (GP's blog that is). This particular entry is about finding "good balance between having a career and being a mom."  BINGO! Find out how Gwyneth and a few of her famous friends juggle their busy careers and being a mom too. Hey if they can do it, so can we! Turns out some celebs are real people too... what do you think? Check out: http://www.goop.com/?page=newsletter_vn&id=most_recent  

How do you feel about celebrities airing their trials and tribulations of being a mommy? Do they measure up? ~ KLB

Don't forget about YOUR adult time!

Keep the romance alive

How many times have you heard from your parents that couples nowadays give up way too easy? The story seems all too familiar... the next step after engagement is marriage, then kids (or other way around) ... then divorce. Now I'm not saying that there are some relationships that don't deserve to break up (I've heard some horror stories), but I'm here to say that if you're with someone you love (and you're married to him/her or just dating) then make sure to keep the spark going! Life goes by way too fast not to cherish every moment. Plus your kids will notice your positive relationship (don't they say lead by example?) and after all, when the kids leave home it'll just be the two of you.... so have fun! Here are some habits of healthy, happy couples: http://ca.shine.yahoo.com/love-sex/5-habits-of-the-happiest-couples-i-know-blog-5-goodhousekeeping.html Remember, it's important to be happy in all areas of life -- even with the kids running around and busy day jobs. What are you doing to make your relationship a priority this year? ~ KLB