Not so lazy days of summer

https://gallery.yopriceville.com/Free-Clipart-Pictures/Summer-Vacation-PNG/Summer_PNG_Clip_Art_Image#.Wzl3mrgnbIU

This summer is about to be full of learning and exciting fun activities with lots of trips to places as well. Yes Blaine is home schooled and too young to be “bored” by being home in the summer and not in school although we learn all year round summer is a different type of learning. There is going to be lots of summer reading, library trips, splash pads, parks and places.

Unfortunately this summer is going to have to be a little bit different than our normal summers as we are down to one car until the truck is fixed so we have to drive dad to and from work.

Our daily summer schedule looks something like this.

Monday's are going to be visit a new splash pad or go to the beach in the mornings before it becomes so hot you have to peel yourself off the sidewalks. In the afternoons we will doing something from the home school bins such as a science experiment or something else that is hands on.

Tuesday's will bring play group in the mornings and the afternoon will include a work sheet.

Wednesday's are going to be our fun filled days weather permitting we will be heading out to adventures such as storybook gardens, the children's museum, Toronto science centre, the African lion safari, the ROM, and many many more exciting places.

Thursday's are our quit days we will visit the library in the morning to get new books and of course play in their play area and do the weekly craft. In the afternoon we will work on our summer reading list.

Friday's weather permitting this year are going to be hiking! He is finally old enough to hike the small trails with me which is great and his love for exploring and learning in nature matches mine. We will hike a new trail every week, do a nature hunt and learn about the items we are hunting for.

Weekends will vary depending on what all is going on, cleaning, yard work, the beach, camping, prepping for the week ahead and of course relaxing.

Through all of these awesome summer plans is his birthday and holidays and of course my business that still needs to function. Each day has time set aside for him to chill out and play while I work on whatever needs to be worked. The crock pot and I are going to be best friends this summer.

What are your summer plans?

Week of July 1st workout

Last year in October I fell and mangled my foot to say the least, it was really stupid how it happened and it was just a perfect place, perfect time moment. Well I was in one of those horrible cast boots and non-weight baring (hahaha with a 3 year old ya right) for 4 months. Come January I was freed from the boot but only allowed limited weight baring and NO exercises and was told I may never run again. So I followed the rules as I watched all my hard work from the year before go down the drain. For the past month I have slowly started getting back on track while being mindful that my foot is still injured. I have jogged twice in June and started working out here and there. This past week I put more effort in to making sure I was walking everyday and working out everyday although it is a smaller than normal work out and I have to bounce around the times as it has been 40 degrees out.

This weeks out will look like this:

Every day!
At least 30 min speed walk and 10 min jog.

100Squats
20 normal
20 legs together
20 sumo
20 pilo

20 legs together on your toes.

100 Per side standing boxer crunch (Boxer knees).

100 Push ups.

100 Russian Twists

How my work out looks:
20 normal squats
20 push ups
20 boxer crunches
20 Russian twists
Shake it out

20 legs together squats
20 push ups
20 boxer crunches
20 Russian twists
Shake it out

20 sumo squats
20 push ups
20 boxer crunches
20 Russian twists
Shake it out

20 pilo squats
20 push ups

20 boxer crunches

20 Russian twists

Shake it out

20 legs together on your toes

20 push ups

20 boxer crunches

20 Russian twists

https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/398990848233293027/

Above is the yoga that I will be doing after every workout this week!

https://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/10-crunch-free-moves-killer-abs?page=2

This is what the boxer crunch looks like

Cherry

Cherry and Donnie came together, however their stories are slightly different. They both came from a shelter in Windsor. They both had the same story “ we picked them up on opposite ends of town but both had a microchip and there was only an email attached that traces back to a known sketchy back yard breeder”. Cherry came with a whole list of her own issues, she was scared of life, had to be carried in and outside barely left Bosscos crate which she had claimed as her own. At her vet appointment when I had built up the courage to finally take her in, about 4 days after Donnie had crossed the rainbow bridge. The vet gave her a good once over, her spay was a butcher mess, both ears were infected, both eyes were infected, she couldn't produce her own tears, she was completely blind, had dementia, was partial deaf, but man her nose worked great!!! She had pressure wounds all over her body from spending her life in a crate and used solely for breeding. Donnie and Cherry were likely a breeding pair.

After being with us for a short time she started to warm up to us and boy she was sneaky. She would steal things and hide them in “her” crate, man she was such a hoarder lol. She was doing great, loved Blaine and would even allow us to snuggle with her. You could tell when she would get lost or confused she would just walk in circles until you went and picked her back up.

One morning we woke up to her having pooped on the mat, pee was the norm with her every morning there would be pee in front of the door on the mat or she would pee in her crate. This morning was different, she had a rough night and had pooped on the mat. I tired to take her out of the crate like every other morning to take her to pee and get some food. This morning she growled and went to bite me, I tired again and same thing so I gave up and left her be figured it was just an off day or whatever. I messaged the rescue and let them know she was having an off day and that I would see how she was at end of the weekend. This happened all day that day. She refused to leave the crate and was bring mean, she had also started to have what looked like the shakes someone who MS gets. The rescue figures she had a stroke or seizure during the night. I called the vet and made her apt for the Tuesday. This would give her time to see if she improved for not. Which she didn't.

Sadly after being in care for a short few months we had to say goodbye to Cherry. This wasn't easy.

After losing both Donnie and Cherry I felt as those I had failed them both, that if I could have found them sooner, if I could have, I don't know done something else to help them they would have been able to feel love for even just a little longer.

In rescue saying goodbye to dogs and holding them while they cross the rainbow bridge, giving the most out of life for even a short while is an honor, it breaks you but it is an honor that not many can handle. The best part? Even though they are only with you for a short time you get to see them be free and happy in a way without you they would never have, you get snuggles and love that is beyond words. You get to comfort, spoil and show them love that they have never gotten in their little lives.

Once again as I write this and think of the amazing snuggles and Cherry trying to steal my shoes as I am wearing them lol or socks from the clean laundry basket as I mate them, I am in tears because though she was only here for a little while each animal touches your soul in a unique way that without being in rescue I would never experience.

Thank you for allowing me to be the one to help those who can not help themselves. Thank you for allowing me to care for those who need it the most and thank you for allowing me to make a difference one dog at a time.

Donny a big headed foster boy

A little bit ago I got asked if I would go and assess two dogs in a shelter in Windsor, Ontario. Of course my answer was yes and I went down right away. We got to the shelter and smell was horrid in even the admin area. The lady there explains where they came from “ we picked them up on opposite ends of town but both had a microchip and there was only an email attached that traces back to a known sketchy back yard breeder”We wait to be taken back to asses this too older dogs, we go back the food dish was moldy, both kennels were filled with shit and piss covered blankets and towels. They open Donny's cage up and out he trots with some gentle coaching. Cherry on the other hand had to be carried out. Neither attacked me lol so they were being sprung, they had them on allergy meds and Cherry had special ointment for her eyes. They tell me Donny has a hernia and can't poop right. I get them into the crates in the SUV not a peep out of either of them all the way to Sarnia, we stop once for pee breaks. Donny jumps out Cherry has to be carried. I notice that even in the crate it would appear Donny is literally bent over in the pooping position all of the time. This seems really odd. We bring them home they take well to my big guy and my son. Donny is leaking consent blood and stool. That means emergency vet visit for Donny. My amazing vet who is honest, down to earth and loves animals looks him over. He has spine issues from being in the poop position for so long. I explained where he came from as he was putting on a glove and lube to shove up Donny's rear end. He pulled at least a pound of poop from his rear and Donny relaxed big time. I was gagging so much blood and so much stool. He said that's all he could get for now. He checked him and then did something I have never in the 17 years I have been going to him do, he asked the young women vet who he has taken on at his practice to come do a second exam she did then went back and they talked. As I listened in to what they were saying. Him “Have you ever seen that before?” Her “No you?” Him “not outside of training” Her “Well I agree it is what we think it is”. My vet comes back in. He looks grim as he starts explaining “Donny should never have left the shelter and you should take him back there right now.!” I explained that it wasn't an option. Then he explained to me what was wrong “Donny's descending colon has separated from the rectum and is no longer lined up. The poop has created a sac inside the rectum that is filling with poop. He has been like this a long time. It could be caused by a long term hernia or something else but we have no way of knowing. There is a surgery that is $5000.00 that will likely not even fix the problem. We can try but it is rare that it will work. Unlike humans dogs can't wear a colostomy bag. I knew what the decision had to be. All the shelter down there had to do was a rectal exam and this dog would not have suffered a minute longer, but nope that's not what they did. I called the rescue and explained everything as I was trying to hold it together. I held Donny while he crossed the rainbow bridge. I told him over and over you are loved, you wont be in pain any more and your a good boy, no one will ever hurt you again. Blaine was with me. I was broken. Blaine said its okay mom he is with my brother Ace now. I cried harder.

Donny was only with me 24 hours but I made him feel as loved and comfortable as possible during his time with me. There was no investigation done into cruelty, there was no charges laid, these “sketchy breeders” have been left to do it over and over and over again.

As I type this the anger all comes back the heart break all comes back.

Good-Bye Ace

Ace was my forever dog, he was my heart and soul. This past year was a hard one on him, well harder than normal. Ace knew me, everything about. Reminded me when I forgot to eat, helped me find the truck when I got lost on the trail, comforted me when I was in pain or sick. No dog will ever be like him, no dog will ever replace the bond I had with him.

We got ace when he was 4 months old. He had come from a puppy mill outside of London that had been shut down and the first owners couldn't handle him. It must have been fate or something along those lines because a week before we were going to adopt a beagle named bagel from the Sarnia Humane Society but she was adopted the same day we went in to adopt her. So we found Ace (moo moo). In his new home he spent most of this time in a crate and when out of the crate he had little exercise and mental stimulation and if you know anything about northern breeds you know that they crave that and when they don't get it they become destructive. I put my everything into Ace. Everything that I would have put into Owen I put into him.

He loved to learn right from the start and in no time learned 30+ commands. At about a year old we found out he had neurological issues that caused seizures and other neurological issues but other wise he was happy and healthy. About a year ago the seizures were getting closer together he was having many a day and he was having issues with his back end. It turns out he had spinal degeneration and arthritis in his hips. Come June (6 months after this) he could barely walk, no more hiking or even walking more then a block. The vet gave him anti-inflamatories and told me this would likely be his last winter.

Even with the medications he was still having a hard time with his back end and getting around. It came to the point where he would lay there and cry. I was told giving him CBD cookies would help him so we did this but it got to the point where he had to be drugged in order to even just lay without crying. The decision had to be made for him, I needed to stop being selfish and trying to hold on to him longer just for my sake. I made the call in tears and brought him in. My vet is amazing I couldn't ask for a more gentle kind man. I held him and cried into his fur as he passed. He was no longer in pain anymore but my heart broke in two.

When we got home Bossco knew the moment we came in without Ace he was upset for weeks, even refused to eat and just moped around. Blaine lost his brother and he went over the rainbow bridge and would no longer be hurting. For weeks after Blaine would ask for moo moo or tell me he missed him.

I can't even explain the connection I had with Ace but I do know my life and my heart will never be the same.

That day in that office a part of me was lost forever.

Crafts: Fairy Garden Globes

Fairy Gardens are all the rage!

I have a son who loves to play in the the dirt and gardens!!!

I gave him the choice between a dinosaur, gnome garden or a farm garden as he says fairies are for girls. I do not know where he comes up with these things, he has never been told this is for girls/boys.

Blaine being the animal loving kid he is picked to have a farm garden! Which is is just fine with me. As I make things I will post tutorials of each item.

What is even more exciting is I will be creating items for 3 other fairy gardens that are to be uniquely their own. Which means lots of creating for me and fun a long the way. 

My first things I created are boyish as well as girly for each garden. They are mini garden globes!

Supplies:
Golf tees
Glue (I used gorilla glue)
Marbles
Paint
Paint Brushes
Clear Coat

Instructions:

1) Paint your golf tees or have your littles one help you, let them fully dry

2) Clear coat them and then let them dry again. Clear coating them will keep them looking nice outside longer.

3) Glue the marbles to the top of the golf tees.

4) Let dry

Put in your mini garden and enjoy!!

Remember small parts can pose chocking hazards for small children and even older children depending on your child. You know your children best!


I would love to see photos of the ones you and your littles create together!

Product Review: Norwex

Cleaning sucks, well it didn't suck until kids, dogs and a brain injury. Now I am lucky to get through the daily tiding and forget washing the floors and walls on my hands and knees now.
I tired so many products that are said to be easy and convenient to use. From Swifers to vileda easy mops, I bought every reusable mop on the market with the washable pads. Nothing cut it, nothing worked how it should or how I wanted it too.

I have always been a fan of Norwex cloths I use them for everything they are amazing, well it turns out they have a mop, I didn't know this until I met Cathy. She is my cleaning life safer. Wait until I tell you all about their toilet cleaners oh man!!!

Their cloths they contain sliver which disinfects without the use of chemicals. Just rinse and keep going yes amazing no extra steps, no buckets to fill and even better the kids can “help” me clean. Very little scrubbing is needed to take most things off, a little more scrubbing is need to take crayon and marker off but it does it! Apparently you can use the same cloth in the bathroom as in the kitchen and well ummm that's just not for me. I label my cloths and they get washed after every use. Now here is the thing and this has never bothered me you can not use any fabric softeners with them or dryer sheets it will ruin the cloths ability to disinfect. This isn't an issue for me because I can only use Eco laundry soap and I don't use dryer sheets due to allergies. 

http://newwaytoclean.com/2017/05/15/amazing-powers-silver/

Toilet bowl cleaner!!! I have the system, well actually I have two systems one for the upstairs bathroom and one for the basement bathroom. This is an all natural cleaner so no harm to your children if you have a curious tot who loves to play in the toilet or your dogs if you have dogs who refuse to drink out of a bowl or a tot who would dump the bowls. Not once have my child or dog gotten sick from my toilets and I use the cleaner everyday.

https://healthyhomecleaning.com/norwex-toilet-brush-dilema/

The MOP, my life saver, this mop is amazing (I know I keep saying that about their products but until you have issues cleaning and search high and low for something that will work for you) I have the large mop and I use the wet cloths I have the dry ones but I always vacuum I have never been a fan of sweeping so never got into using the dry cloth on the floors. It is super thin it fits under my dresser and bed. It has a tilting head which means it does baseboards and walls and to top it off it uses the Norwex technology which means no bucket of chemicals. The handle of the mop adjusts and my 3 year old loves to mop with it too. It is super simple just rinse and move onto the next room. It has turned moping and cleaning from a chore to a super simple task even my 3 year can do it. The mop is super light so even those with a shoulder injury can carry it around with ease. They make a hardwood floor cloth for it but again I have never used it, I just use the simple normal one. I have two cloths for it so when one is in the laundry I can use the other one. 

https://www.amazon.com/Norwex-Mop-Starter-Package/dp/B003H4NCQ0

The floor mat it is one of their newer products and yes I own one but I have to admit I haven't really used it yet as it got hung outside to be shaken off and got left out there for almost a year. I am going to clean it up and bring it back in the house as soon as the winter mats are gone for the season but it is designed to catch all the sand and dirt from paws and children. It did what it was supposed to the short time I used it, fingers crossed I can recover it as Norwex isn't a cheap item.

https://norwex.biz/en_US/shop/product-detail/211654?categoryName=

NO MORE HORRIBLE DISH CLOTH SMELL, I use the one you can use dish soap with as I like the smell of dish soap and I use a natural dish soap. This is another amazing cloth, just rinse and hang up and even after a few days you don't get the horrible smell. I can not stand that gag worthy smell. I have two of them once again in case one is in the laundry.

https://www.amazon.com/Norwex-All-Purpose-Kitchen-Cloth/dp/B013S1MA1E

Yes even in the shower my Norwex accompanies me I use the face/body cloth you use it with no facewash. Now I have to admit I only use it for my face as I use a natural, not tested on animals and no animal byproducts used in it, body wash and shampoo. The face cloth works wonders for my face. After you hit a certain age, “they” say 30 but I think it depends on each persons own skin, your body stops shedding its old dead skin by itself and this is why they recommend gentle exfoliating which you get from this cloth. Have oil? I do my nose and chin are the worst and it takes care of it nicely. I have a reaction to most face washes and because this is a chemical free way to clean your face no more itching, burning, wanting to rip off your eye bows feeling! Those who have sensitive skin totally get this.

https://healthyhomecleaning.com/norwex-facecloths-body-pack/

I almost forgot they have baby cloths too, I have used them on my son since he was tiny as he can't use anything but water or he breaks out in hives or a rash. They were a life saver and to top it off they are soooo soft!!!

https://www.amazon.ca/Norwex-Microfiber-Cloths-Antibacterical-Antimicrobial/dp/B00LVG8ZQ8

 

I do not sell Norwex and nor do I get anything for writing this, in fact Cathy is completely unaware that I am making this post and so is Norwex for that matter. I just love their products and think everyone should give them a try.

This is the link to Norwex Canada to find a rep near you and this is the link to Cathy's facebook if you would like to order from her!!!

What is your favourite cleaning products? What has made your life easier?