This week’s Winning Wednesday Prize is a remendous addition to any home backyard. Whether you like excersizing, playing or just plain fun, we have you covered!!

Springfree Trampolines were developed by a father–yup! a dad!  They were designed with comfort, flexability and safety in mind. Much like a traditional trampoline, only made for families!

One lucky winner is going to win1 Large Square SS13 Springfree Trampoline!! Yes, you heard it right, A TRAMPOLINE!!

The Large Square Trampoline by Springfree has a soft bounce and plenty of jumping space. Designed for large yards and children (and adults!) of all ages!

Now, how would you like a chance to win this amazing prize pack from Springfree?

Entering is easy simply take the following steps in Rafflecopter (below) for a chance to WIN!

Thank you for entering and good luck!

For more information on this amazing product, visit: http://www.springfree.com/

Winners are being announced next Wednesday at 9am EST on PTPA’s Facebook page. Contests are open to Canadian and US residents. Winning Wednesday giveaways will close next Tuesday at 11:59pm.  Winner will be chosen via Random.org and announced on this post, on Facebook as well as emailed. Rules and guidelines click here.

The retail price of the product in Canada is $1349 (delivery is covered up to $200 for giveaways) and in the US, it is $1,899 (delivery is included).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

First off – the story. I read it, and I have to say, it doesn’t really have anything to do with “are you mom enough”. It doesn’t preach to say that attachment parenting is the best method. In fact, it even says that some mothers who follow attachment parenting are so caught up in the details and they read too much into it, that it drove them to feel incompetent and perhaps, act out in extreme measures. To offer a quick summary, Attachment Parenting, the idea brought to main-stream public, was made famous by Dr. Bill Sears in his book “The Baby Book”.

Sears’ theory is based on the following key points: 1) Breast is Best and babies should feed on demand, 2) Parents should respond to their baby’s cries immediately, 3) parents should share their bed with their baby and 4) the importance of baby wearing.

Here’s my point of view on the whole topic. When I first became a mother, I promised that I would never (again) judge another mom. Easier said than done? Sure… do I think it’s weird that a 3 year-old is still breastfeeding? Yes. Is that judging? Maybe… Would people judge me if they knew that I let my son watch TV and he’s not even two years yet? Yes… (although no one has told me yet to my face). Did people think it was weird that I swaddled my son until he was six months old? Sure, but did I stop? No! And that’s my point. Every mom, as long as they’re acting in the best interest of their child, no matter how different their method is from yours, should do whatever they have to do, if it’s the right thing for them and their family. I can’t reiterate that last sentence, or underline it, or bold it enough. Stop and re-read it again. It’s so important. Moms carry so much self-induced guilt and pressure as it is, the last thing we need is someone else to tell us what we’re doing is not right or what we should be doing is this and that. Why do we always seem to be mothering other moms?

If a baby is fed, clothed and loved, does the HOW matter? I don’t think so. Being a mom is not a competition. Being a mom is being the best mom that you can be; without comparison to anyone else. Similar to the saying “Happy wife, happy life”, there should be a saying along the lines of “Happy mom, happy family”.

That’s why I’m choosing to be more than just mom enough. I’m choosing to be the best mom that I can be!

PS. As the famous Zoolander once said “Lucky for me no one I know reads your little TIME magazine or whatever its called.”

Available in select hotels in major cities across North America (and some international locations), PURE Allergy Friendly Rooms have a patented 7-step purification process that they undergo that removes 99% of pollutants from the air and every surface of the room. The carpet, upholstery, mattress, and pillows are treated to protect you and your family from airborne irritants.

My Family’s Experience:

The closest hotel with a PURE Room for us was the Hyatt Regency hotel in Vancouver, BC. As soon as we entered our room, I immediately noticed a difference. The air smelled fresh and there wasn’t a trace of that musty hotel room odour. I had the chance to inspect the cleanliness of the carpet as my baby daughter crawled around and will say that this was, by far, the cleanest hotel carpet I have ever seen. No trace of dust whatsoever.

My entire family slept well and my son did not have a single coughing fit, nor did he develop a runny nose. We woke up full of energy and ready to enjoy a day in the city!

I highly recommend searching out PURE Allergy Friendly Rooms if allergies tend to put a damper on your holidays! The cost is only approximately $20 per night more than a regular hotel room at the participating hotels. and is well worth the expense in my opinion!!

Congrats to PURE Allergy Friendly Rooms on being awarded the PTPA Winning Seal!

Disclosure: My family received a complimentary stay at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver to evaluate a PURE Room. All opinions are entirely my own.

2 boxes of brownie mix ( I used Ghiradelli) and bought a family sized box of Oreos because they were on sale!!

1/2 Cup of Water

2/3 Veggie Oil

2 Eggs

1 sleeve of Oreos crushed

CREAM TOPPING

1/2 Stick of Butter

1/2 teaspoon Vanilla

2 Tble spoons of Milk

1 to 1 1/2 cup powder sugar.. add gradually and check for consistancy

Preheat oven to 325 and grease desired pan

Mix all ingredients according to package, once mixed add crushed Oreos and mix well together, spread mixture evenly into pan,top with the other sleeve of crushed Oreos, and bake for 45min to an hour depending on pan size, so make sure you are keeping eye on it!!

While they are cooking get a small pot and heat the butter on low till melted, once it as add the Vanilla and the milk and stir well. Gradually add the powdered sugar until completely dissolved into the butter mixture and let cook on low until the brownies are done but continue to watch and stir it.

Remove brownies when they are done and you can put a toothpick in the center and have it come out clean. Let cool for about 10 -15 min and drizzle generously on the brownies!! Let finish cooling and enjoy!!!

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions!!!

Myth #1. What about socialization?

Fact: If you ask a homeschooler this question, be forewarned. This is the most often asked question that homeschooling families in general find rather frustrated to answer and, often, find insulting.

Society has a view of homeschooling as a isolation – as if their children were in lockdown or not allowed to participate in the real world. In reality, many homeschoolers are actually never home! They are out in the community – participating in co-ops, groups, classes, lessons, volunteer opportunities, playdates, etc.  They are interacting with a wide age-group of people around them instead of being divided into age categories as they do in the public system.  The school system itself is not intended to be a social environment, but geared to education.

Myth #2. Homeschooling is only for highly religious people.

Fact: Although there is a large community of faith-based home educators, they aren’t the only group of people who homeschool!

There is a growing trend of families who are choosing to homeschool for non-religious reasons. Allergies, special needs, disapproval of the public school methodology, bullying, finding their child behind in school – the list is unending as to the reasons why a family chooses to homeschool.

Myth #3: The school board gives you the curriculum.

Fact: This is completely dependent on where you live. Each province/state has it’s own set of rules and involvement.

Here in Ontario where I live, we basically have no connection with our local school board. It’s recommended that we notify the board to tell them of our intent to homeschool, and we are on our own. We buy/find/use our own curriculum materials and work as we’d please. Compare that with Alberta, whose regulations are more involved. Albertans work with a facilitator to develop a learning plan – and depending on if the family wants to be fully-led by the school board, will be provided complete curriculum materials and funding.

Myth #4:  Homeschoolers do “school at home.”

Fact: Homeschoolers educate in a wide variety of ways.

Some homeschooling families DO use the school model as their design for education. Desks, workbooks, teacher, chalkboard, etc. This works for them. But not for everyone. One of the beautiful things about schooling your kids is that you can choose methods and styles that are best for their needs. Some families like the classical method, while others prefer child-led learning (or unschooling), and still others combine a mix of everything – classifying themselves as eclectic. Some families use online or computer based programs and some do learning through living books. Unit studies, lapbooks, notebooking – trust me, there’s 1001 ways to homeschool. And they don’t all look like the public school method at all.

Myth #5: You can only homeschool until high school.

Fact: You can homeschool forever. Life is learning!

Some families do choose to move into the mainstream schooling world when their children hit the high school years. But, it’s not the only solution out there. More and more resources are coming available for homeschooling families for high school. In addition to distance learning, there are online schools and other options. Once finished high school, students can even do online post-secondary. It’s not impossible, it’s just different.

Hopefully this answers some of your questions about homeschooling.

Do you have more questions? Ask them here and I’ll try to answer them as best I can!

Some of you may know that Little One and I recently went to the Philippines for three weeks because my grandmother was in intensive care and in critical condition.  I’m extremely close to my grandmother and the thought of not having her in our lives anymore is pretty hard for me to accept.

I dragged my three year old on a very long flight from Toronto-Tokyo-Manila and threw her into a completely new culture, new environment, and new routine. All that, coupled with the fact that there was a totally different language spoken and the temperature was a consistent 40 degrees (much warmer than Manitoulin Island at this time of the year!), it was hard on my poor child’s system.  She was a trooper though and I am fortunate that she is such an easy going kid.

There were times while we were abroad when the ugly came out in me.  Being stressed, tired,exhausted, an emotional wreck, and insanely HOT from the scorching temperature, I grew cranky on several occasions.  I’d snap at poor Little One and she’d cry. My poor aunt would say, “Tina (a nickname used for me by family members), don’t yell at her like that. She wasn’t doing anything on purpose. She’s still so little. Please try to calm down.”  Once I realized how short my patience and temper had gotten, I felt awful. I’d go to the bathroom and just cry because I knew my aunt was right. I hate being upset with Little One and I hate flying off the handle like that.

Me: [Insert Little One's real name here], Mommy is so sorry. I didn’t mean to get upset with you. Mommy is just so tired, stressed out, and overwhelmed. I’m worried about great-grandma…

Little One: It’s okay, Mommy. I’m sorry I was so crabby and not being a good girl.

Does that not make your heart melt?

The Case of the Bad Wife

My husband and I grew up completely differently. He’s country, I’m city. Our cultures and backgrounds are so different. His family isn’t as closely-knit as mine. They don’t celebrate events like my family does. This can add a little bit of stress on a relationship. Case in point? Mother’s Day.

I woke up on Mother’s Day and there was no “Happy Mother’s Day!” greeting, no card, no flowers, no breakfast in bed, no gift…nothing.  I instantly started bawling my eyes out and demanded a divorce. I know. Highly theatrical and slightly cuckoo? Yeppers!

My poor husband, who had been working doubly hard since Little One and I were away for three weeks said, “I whispered Happy Mother’s Day to you this morning in bed, but I guess you didn’t hear me.”

“I was SLEEPING! How could I hear you?!”

Poor Hubby also said, “I planned on taking you and my Mom out for Mother’s Day brunch, but you and Little One got up at 11AM. Then when I asked if you wanted bacon and eggs, you said no and started crying.”

Hubby told me to go to the garden centre (one of my favourite places in the world!) and said to buy whatever plants and flowers I wanted for the gardens and patio. He later took me out to my favourite restaurant for Mother’s Day dinner.  All was well in the world again.

Funny story:

When I got home, a stunning flower arrangement awaited me. I beamed, “THANK YOU! I LOVE them!!!” and Hubby said, “They’re not from me. They’re from our neighbours.”

Too funny. Apparently, we (my grandmother and my family) have been in our friends’, community’s, neighbours’ thoughts and prayers in the past few weeks and people have been sending flowers, cards, and well wishes.

I guess the point of this blog post is acknowledging how stress can impact relationships we have with our family.  I hope my husband and our daughter can forgive my shortcomings, and I hope I can learn to better deal with stressful situations.

PLEASE tell me I’m not the only one who “loses it” on occasion.  What kind of things make you feel a little not like yourself and a little nuts?

I know, it’s Mothers Day today. I should probably be writing a post about that but this does have some relevance so bare with me. Besides, I did write a Tribute to my Wife on my personal blog for Mothers Day!

My daughter recently turned 2 years old. I’m not afraid to admit that when I found out we were having a girl, I freaked out a bit. Not because I didn’t want a girl, but because there hadn’t been a girl in my family for 80+ years and I had no idea what I was doing!

As it turns out, raising her hasn’t been much different than raising my boy to date. The main difference I’ve noticed is in their tastes. Let’s review for a moment.

Boy: Diego  Girl: Dora
Boy: Spider-Man  Girl: My Little Pony
Boy: Lightning McQueen Girl: Well, Lightning McQueen (He’s pretty cool)
Boy: Super Mario Girl: Tinkerbell

I know the boy stuff. I lived it for years and the main characters rarely change. But Tinkerbell??? You mean Peter Pan, right? Great, we’ll have a Peter Pan party!!

Wrong.

Apparently this Tinkerbell has her own movies now and a whole group of fairy friends! Even some male ones!

I’m lucky to have a devoted and loving wife, who went deep into Tinkerbell Lore in order to recreate their village of Pixie Hollow for our daughter and her party guests.

Off we went into the depths of the hollows to begin our party! Of course everyone had to have a character card so they’d know who they were. An quick trip to Staples to laminate them took care of that. The next step was to paint and decorate all our fairy houses, which we were able to snag at the Dollarama for next to nothing! (Seriously, these dollar stores are getting more incredible every day!)

I couldn’t believe how much fun we were all having and more importantly for my family, how inexpensive the whole party was. In fact, the cake was more expensive than the rest of the party together! The kids had a great time posing with the Tinkerbell characters and eating lunch, which consisted of butterfly and flower sandwiches, made with love by Mommy and Daddy!

A great time was had by all (especially Daddy) and I learned how great life with a little girl is going to be! I’m no longer afraid of the Tinkerbell’s and Dora’s of the world. Instead I am happy to embrace them and allow them to share the stage with Spider-Man and Super Mario, who after some debate, have also agreed to let them stay!

Oh yeah, and I almost forgot about our favorite part of the party!!

I wrote the following post on my blog last Mother’s Day and thought I would share it here with all of you:

“A Mother is a woman who had conceived, given birth to, or raised a child in the role of a parent“. This is part of the definition according wikipedia however, to me the role of Motherhood is define by so much more than that.

Whether birthed, adopted or taken in, the love is there and a real mother will show it every single day in every single way. Mothers are not perfect but we work hard. Physically, mentally and emotionally. We nourish our marriages, raise our kids, keep our households, hold down jobs, run businesses and make life happen all for love and all with the strength of a woman.

It takes a real woman to truly deserve the title “Mother”. Through the little things she does to the more grand, always doing her best from what she knows. Sacrifices made for the happiness of our children, sleepless nights, early mornings and we wouldn’t ask for anything different.

Every mother is unique from the way she dresses to the way she raises her children, every mother is special and every mother is a wonder woman in my eyes.

These are just some of the words to describe some of the most wonderful moms I know both offline and online. Look in the mirror ladies, tell yourself “I am a beautiful woman and an incredible mother” – because you are.

Mother’s Day isn’t just a day to celebrate Motherhood but also a day we should take to celebrate being strong, beautiful women.

Take this day and do something for yourself. If spending it with your family is what you want, do it. If spending it shopping alone is what you want, then do it. If going out for a fancy dinner while the kids are babysat, then do it. If you want to spend the day at the spa being pampered, then do it. You deserve every minute of it Moms.

“A Strong Woman is one who feels deeply and loves fiercely. Her tears flow just as abundantly as her laughter.A Strong Woman is both soft and powerful. She is both practical and spiritual. A Strong Woman in her essence is a gift to all the world.” – unknown

I am a new PTPA Blogaholic, but I have been a Dad blogger since 2010.   Over on our Dad blog I spend most of my time not being serious and poking fun at all things family related.   So boy o boy would I love to mock Mother’s Day for so many different reasons.

First, as one of the only dad blogger Blogaholics here at PTPA it would seem my responsibility to poke fun at Mother’s Day, while singing the praises of Dads.  Second, there is the whole commercialization of Mother’s Day thing to mock. Last I checked I don’t think there was a Saint Mother who was born on this day and we now celebrate.  Finally, I have serious issues with being serious about just about anything.  So why then is the mocking not pouring out from my fingertips?

Mothers Are Just too Damn Awesome to Mock!

I hate to stereotype. It seems unfair to claim all Mothers awesome when I have yet to have the pleasure of meeting every Mother on the planet.  As a man of science, I know that there must be some less than awesome Mothers out there, just as science tells me there must be life somewhere else in the universe. The thing is, as of today I have yet to see any space aliens or non-awesome Moms!

Hallmark Created or Not, Moms Deserve a Special Day

The idea of having one day where we all buy Mom flowers and gifts is not that special to me. I could take or leave the whole commercial aspect of Mother’s Day, but the idea of celebrating all the incredible and thankless things that Moms do every day of the year is spot on.

I could go on for pages with wonderful stories about my incredible Mother. I could probably overload the internet just trying to recap half of the ways that my wife is a wonderful Mom to our boys. Of course, my story is hardly unique. Everyone you talk to has stories of incredible women and Moms in their life – stories of sacrifice and heroic devotion. Buy them flowers or don’t – that part doesn’t really matter – but show them how much you appreciate everything they do, every day.

I Wish Every Mom a Very Happy Mother’s Day

Wow, when I remove mocking and snarkiness from my posts…the posts are much shorter. Seriously, I sincerely hope that all the Moms out there have an incredible day on Sunday.

As a dad blogger here at PTPA I am supposed to  provide some Dad perspective, so here is some top secret information from deep inside the Dad world…you seated?…ready…here we go…

Guys are not always great at expressing their gratitude and emotions

Yes, I know, earth shattering information.  This is the type of insight no mom blogger could provide

So, while guys may not be the best at expressing their feeling all the time,  I believe I speak for all the guys when I say – Happy Mother’s Day and thank you for being the loving, caring, intelligent and ever patient Mother, every single day of the year.

I find nothing funnier then when people give me what they call their “easy” recipes and when I go to read it (not make it .. read it), I don’t understand half of the words on the page and it takes two hours just to prepare the damn meal and that doesn’t even count the cooking part – who has that time??!! For me, the easier the recipe the better and I think I have found three of them:

Broccoli Soup (Just made this one tonight)

2 packages of Frozen Broccoli (500g per pack)
8 cups of water
3 green onions (scallions)
1 small potato peeled
1 long carrot peeled or 2 if they are small
2 tablespoons of chicken soup powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of pepper (I do a 1/4 teaspoon as 1/2 seems to give it quite a bite)

Cover and let sit on high heat for 1/2 an hour
Use hand blender to puree soup (if you don’t have one I highly recommend the Cuisinart Hand Blender)
Put on low heat and simmer
If soup is too thick, just add some water (I haven’t run into this issue yet)

Baked Chicken Fingers

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup cornflake or bread crumbs
1/4 cup sesame seeds
Salt, pepper and paprika to taste
1/4 cup honey
2 teaspoons orange juice
1/4 cup ketchup

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
Rinse chicken and pat dry
Cut chicken into 1? wide strips
In a plastic bag combine crumbs, sesame seeds and seasonings
In a bowl blend honey, orange juice and ketchup
Dip chicken in honey mix and then drop a few pieces at a time into crumb mix – shake well to coat chicken
Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet with parchment paper
Bake chicken for 7-8 minutes
Turn over and bake another 7-8 minutes until crisp and golden
*don’t overcook though because chicken will get dry

Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls

1 1/2lbs of minced lean chicken
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 clove of garlic
1 egg
2 tablespoons matzo meal
1 1/2 cups of ketchup
2 cups of gingerale (its usually about 1 can)

Combine the first 6 ingredients together and form into small balls
Combine ketchup and gingerale in a large saucepan and bring to a boil
Drop meatballs into sauce, over and simmer for 2 hours
Serve over a bed of rice – YUM!

If you have any EASY (and I mean EASY) recipes that are delicious, please post them below for all to enjoy
T.
xo