Melekalikimaka and Aloha!

I'm sorry to be alittle late wishing everyone well but I have a good excuse...

We were in Hawaii! We wanted to celebrate Z's first xmas and Hawaii seemed like a dreamy destination.

Although it was beautiful to wake up on Christmas day, slip on my swimsuit and head to the beach, it was kinda weird to wake up in a hotel with no tree or tacky wrapped presents to guess at and rip open like a little kid.

I know this probably sounds superficial but I'm just being real. Obviously, the most important thing is that we were together and healthy etc. Well, sans Jay which added another weird layer on top of an already weird layer.

I know wah wah wah! Life's a beach and then you die....poor baby right? ha!

Well, we all agreed (Jay included) that next year we want to be home on Christmas, cause after all Dorothy was right. There IS no place like home.

But jet hopping on Boxing Day is just fine!

Ola J.J!

My eldest son left for Peru today with his girlfriend + her family. He has been working very hard towards this all year and he's finally on his way.

It didn't hit me when I said g/bye at 4 this morning, but now that I'm awake, I'm starting to go thru Jay-withdrawal sniff sniff.

The day Jay was born, I knew he was destined for great things. He is a young renaissance man.

Knowing Jay has made me a better human. He has an inner wisdom that most 18 years don't have. The highlight of his trip is going to be visiting an orphanage and bearing dolls to little kids. And Macchu Piccu. Lucky!

Here is a song that played in the hospital a few minutes after he was born...

Forver Young by Rod Stewart

May the good lord be with you
Down every road you roam
And may sunshine and happiness
Surround you when you're far from home
And may you grow to be proud
Dignified and true
And do unto others
As you'd have done to you
Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart youll always stay
Forever young, forever young
Forever young, forever young
May good fortune be with you
May your guiding light be strong
Build a stairway to heaven
With a prince or a vagabond
And may you never love in vain
And in my heart you will remain
Forever young, forever young
Forever young, forever young
Forever young, forever young
And when you finally fly away
Ill be hoping that I served you well
For all the wisdom of a lifetime
No one can ever tell
But whatever road you choose
Im right behind you, win or lose
Forever young, forever young
Forever young ,forever young
Forever young, forever young
Forever young, forever young

I love you and miss you terribly, yet I'm proud of you for following your bliss

Love mom x

Edvard Munch-"The Scream"

It's Edvard Munch's b-day today, in case anyone was wondering. A dear friend shares his birthday who happens to love this Impressionist.

Everyone's seen this ghoulish painting, but do you see what I see??

A skitzophrenic suffering.

Maybe it's not as simple.

It reminds me of once we were at shall we say an "over educated" friends house. He had invited me and the clan over to get my perception on this painting he had just bought.

I was flattered!

Him and his wife made the whole clan a haute cuisine meal..dusted off a bottle of Chianti..his wife even had dessert baking in the oven. The full on royal treatment. I kept thinking, wow, this painting must be something for them to go through all this work. The anticipation was building!

Anyways, I'll never forget when he whipped off a velvet cover and all I saw...were a bunch of fat brown cows eating grass.

His analogy was how brown cows do hang out with other brown cows. Much deeper than what I saw. I'm lucky he thought it was funny!

What do you see?

I find it fascinating how different us humans see things.

Blog your heart away !

Deja Vu

I think i have some essplanin' to do..


1)This is my twin sister in the picture above.

False. I have a sis but we ain't twins!

2) I have a tattoo of three dolphins on my back.

True. After swimming with the dolphins in Hawaii, I designed a tattoo and got inked to imprint the experience. (if you look closely you'll see the kids initials)

3) I played trombone.

True. Me and Nelly Furtado. I believe it was an outlet for my comical side. And the band teacher thought I had "good lips" for it!

3) I owned a pet rat as a teenager.

True. I wanted a monkey but settled for a rat. I think it was for attention. Gross, what was I thinkin'!??

4) We're going to Hawaii for Christmas.

True. Melekalikimaka!

5) I was in a movie with Stanley Tucci.

True. If the movie ever makes it past editing, it's called "The Whole Shebang". Stanley Tucci is the nicect man, bald is beautiful!

6) I raised thousands of dollars to aid African hunger.

True. This is one of the most proudest things I've ever done. I threw a bash and raised lotsa deniros for World Vision to aid African famin. There's alot of money out there!

7) I have a yin tattoo on my chest.

True. My BH and I decided to symbolize our love. We gave new meaning to the saying, "screwed, blued and tattoed"!

8) I think Borat is hot.

True. have you seen Sasha Baron Cohen in real life??? Holy Snappin' Catfish he is hhhhhot!

9) I ride horses.

True. Been riding since I've been a grasshopper...started in Cherryville.

10) I collect rocks.

True. Altho I don't put em in my socks!

Merry MeMe

I know memes are retro..but hey so am I.

A fellow cancerian blogger inspired me to play a little game.

And the winner will receive a free budgie...direct from Tex and Edna's Organ Emporium!

So you get to guess T or F and seriously if anyone guesses 'em all right..I will mail you a bill with Sir Robert Borden on it.

1) This is my twin sister in the picture above.

2) I have a tattoo of three dolphins on my back.

3) I played trombone.

3) I owned a pet rat as a teenager.

4) We're going to Hawaii for Christmas.

5) I was in a movie with Stanley Tucci.

6) I raised thousands of dollars to aid African hunger.

7) I have a yin tattoo on my chest.

8) I think Borat is hot.

9) I ride horses.

10) I collect rocks.

Good luck!

My Real Life Angel

Shani is what "inner and outer beauty" is all about. She is the most sweetest, smartest, funniest, thoughtful, supportive, talented and loving souls I've ever met.

We became fast friends and talk daily. She lifts my spirits with humour and heart.

Poor doll, she's had such a tumultous year. And yet she's always happy for me.

She was my biggest fan when I was pregnant with Zara. And she's not even maternal.

And how many friends would promise you a kidney if you ever needed it? Or offer to pay for your next tattoo?? Not many.

I can only hope I'm as good of a friend to her. Thank you Shanilicious, you're a real sweetie-pie!

We're like Mary and Rhoda. But can we both be Mary???

Here is a cute rap song Shani just wrote for baby Z...


BABY Z RAP
YO CHECK IT OUT I’M BABY Z
ME SO CUTE AS CUTE CAN BE
SKIN SO SMOOTH JUST LIKE SILK
MUST BE FROM DRINKIN’ ALL THAT MILK
LOVE TO CRUISE IN MY BUGABOO
GOIN’ SHOPPING AT THE ‘FREW
UH OH .. DAT MY DIAPER FILLING?
WHEW, FALSE ALARM, I’M JUST CHILLIN’
I MELT HEARTS WITH MY SMILE,
I’M ROCKIN’ THE HOUSE ZARA STYLE!

Bonne chance Dancing Queens!

My two older daughters Bee and Dee have their Cechetti ballet exams this week.

An examiner flies all the way from Toronto to critque them. Serious dance biz.

The examiners are typically ice queens, but my dancing queens are not intimidated in the least.

It's true, they have the gift of flexibility from their father's side but they have Chutzpah from their mama's side!

A very good or a very bad combo..depending on the situation.

Dancing comes naturally to them, as the Ballet vocab--they are fluent in french. (See girls, you're finally seeing the fruits of your labour!!)

They have developed a healthly awareness of their talent in which I respect and admire.

When they were little, they used to dance to The Nutcracker + Cat Stevens all the time.

I remember so vividly, Britty would lead Dolly around the whole house teaching her over and over how to perfect the Pas De Deux!

Dolly was a perfect student too, so eager to please Busy Bee. The promenades were endless. I can still hear their little voices..Bbbwwwitney swow down...Dem dem you're soo BEE-u-ti-ful!! Jay would join in sometimes and have both girls giggling by twriling them around at the same time. Then it would turn into London Bridges or Red Rover...or a hockey game!

Little kids are so entertaining. Both Cory and I have many laugh lines!

I love watching my kids express themselves. Dancing is the hidden language of the soul and I listen carefully.

I'm so proud of you girls, good luck and dance like everyones watching.

your #1 fan,
mama x
ps-does anyone remember that line from Bring it on..cheerleaders are dancers who have gone retarded..halarious!!

Stones and Snow

We had our first snowfall here in Vancouverwood.

Zara was quite mesmerized by the dancing angels tickling her face..

She was equally amused by watching her big sis Bee mock Mick at the concert on Sat night.

Ohh the world we live in!

Zia Lin + Z

Here is another one of my all time fav humans that I've been lucky enough to cross paths with in this lifetime, meet looovely Linda!

We met swimming the canals in Venice.

Not true ha! We actually met via our hubbies being biz partners.

She is another passionate creative soul like Bob, who is a teacher, gifted writer, world traveller, marathoner, a devoted mother of two of the cutest one year old twin girls EVER, loving friend..the list goes on.

Thank you Linda for your earthiness, 1000 watt smile, kind spirit and unconditional friendship. I heart you!!

I feel so lucky for my kids especially, to be surrounded by such wordly people. It does take a village to raise children.

Ironically, Lin and Bob are both Sagittarians!

Love, love, love Jenny x

What about Bob?

This is Bob with Baby Z. He's one of the most passionate and fascinating humans I've ever crossed paths with.

He is a South African native, painter, bio-chemist, Anti-Apartheid Activist, cancer survivor, devoted father, comedian..the list goes on.

We met through our sons private school and I feel blessed to have met such a special soul.

Thank you for your friendship, many laughs and unique paintings. Look forward to having you and Rhys over for dinner soon.

Jammin with Jay

Looks like we have another little babesta on our hands!

Music gives our children an early start in their life's journey.

It nurtures a universal wish for health for all children by giving them a melody of calm and relaxed alertness which resonates throughout the body, mind and soul.

Zara's Zoolander

One of the biggest reasons I LOVE being a mom is I get to play all day!

I've always encouraged my kids to use their imagination through simple play..like a cardboard theater.

I believe we have a little Drama Queen in the making..

Happy 1st Birthday Madeleine + Noelle!!

A little poem for my adorable nieces and their wonderful parents..

A meeting convened one day in Heavens sacred hall.

The Ideal mother and father must be found for twins so sweet and small.

They must be patient, first of all,
and kind and calm and wise.

And capable of chasing tears away from little eyes.

They'd have to put her children first and be so very smart, with a sweet and loving heart.

They all agreed you two were the best. No other mom and dad would do.

Yes, Heaven found the perfect parents and sent those twins to you!

From that deep place in our soul full of love, Zia + entourage xx

In Your Eyes

Peter Gabriel's song, "In Your Eyes" was my first love song to my husband.

I believe when we fall in love, we fall in love with our partner's eyes. Our shell changes over the years, but our eyes remain the same.

Here are some of the lyrics..

In your eyes the light the heat in your eyes I am complete in your eyes I see the doorway to a thousand churches in your eyes the resolution of all the fruitless searches in your eyes I see the light and the heat in your eyes oh, I want to be that complete I want to touch the light the heat I see in your eyes..

Thank you for loving all of me...I love you more than all the love in the universe combined xx

Salami Mommy

Ok, so I, haute mama, am still on this selfish kick YEEHAW!

So Z is almost 5 months and even tho I can 'eek' into my pre-prego clothes I am kinda feeling like a "salami mommy'.

Ya know, alittle more junk in the trunk than I'd like.

Don't judge me yet, I'm not embaressed of my bod. I've had four kids and am proud of my temple, just want to firm up. (I love you Susan Powter!)

After all, strong body, strong mind, strong spirit.

So I, haute mama, have signed up for kickboxing bootcamp in the new year YEEHAW!!

Hey, I have to learn how to defend myself from all these children of the corn!

Wish me luck and remember put yourself UNO!!!!

Selfish WTF?

It's been awhile since I've blogged about something other than kids. I am sorry but I've been on my babymoon! I'm still crazy in love with my wee topolina, however..

What I want to blog about today is the word selfish. How easy it is to think of someone as selfish because they put themselves first. I mean what a concept...putting yourself first wtf?

WTF's wrong with putting yourself first? It's all about balancing input/output HULLO!!

I, haute mama, have been accused of being selfish..ok I can admit that after my kids are taken care of...I come first most of the time...what does j-hi want to do now..but why is there a negative connotation to that? I'm not really a people pleaser, I do what I want when i want...once my kids are taken care of.

I spend more time with my BH than most, if anything some people might argue it's unhealthy so I would say I don't always put myself first, second, third, fourth or fifth...but I try to balance it with ME whenever I can!

So, I say...maybe people are selfish who expect more of me than I can give.

I also say, enough about me what about me? ha!

My wise older cuz once said to me, our life is like a pie, there are eight pieces..me, kids, husband, house, hobbies, friends, family and me!

WTF once you're a mom, you are supposed to be a martyr?? I don't think so...

So, I am advocating selfishness. Go. Give your soul what it deserves right now.

WTF are you waiting for?

multum in parvo

Lil Z reminds me alot of her big sis B..

So much Chutzpah in their little bodies..

So much Chavah in their eyes..

Alittle Meshuggah in their smile..

Red Lipstick

Rita and Moi having a good time..

Last night my gal pal and I put on red lipstick and painted the town red.

We actually went to a comedy club and had martinis and LOPO.

Rita and I first met at an xmas party, where we had an instant connection. We were both wearing rubber gloves...you had to be there.

We also share a love of horses and spend girl time together up at the ranch...where we recharge and meet up with friends from around the world.

Cheers to girl friends!

http://www.webtamara.com/hill/sundance/

This Little Piggy Went To...

PRADA.

Can you believe there is actually a book out there called that??? I kid you not!!!

WTF?

What's next..Gucci and the 3 bears???

This Little Piggy is 4 months today!!

wwwhhheeeeeek!

Cosmic Muffin

Kisses and cuddles from Herbie the Lovebug...ahhhh the life!

Buon compleanno Nonna!

An angel was born 79 years ago today.

I am so grateful to have a mother figure as patient and kind as nonna, in my life.

Thank you for offering me a stable refugio growing up with lots of comfort food and room to quote unquote express myself!

I love you Nonna x (and I love + miss you too nonno! A day doesn't pass where I don't think of you. Nonno displayed such strength and embraced everything in life with conviction)

Dining Diva

We just realized our Zara has been to 9 different restaurants...and she's just shy of 4 months old!!

Eating is a passion of ours.

Here we are out for Greek last night. Our teens are all engaged in their hobbies late on Thursday, so we take advantage of bonding time with baby Z.

We feel like we are tourists in our own city, trying everything from Westcoast to African.

I think next we'll try Indian. Vij's all the way..

Vomit Vibrancy

I have hailed this Zara's tree.

When I was pregnant and out for a stroll last Dec..I had a sudden morning sickness attack.

And for some reason, I ran across this street, kneeled down under this tree and graced it with a "smoothie".

And I swear it's the most beautiful tree on it's block!!

I highly recommend fruit smoothies for prettier plants. . .

Miso Cute

www.stylekid.ca

I found a great local online company that just launched their biz 6 weeks ago.

Any suggestions on where to shop online for cute kids clothes?

They have Miso Cool for boys!

3 month milestone

Our princess Zara was officially 3 months young yesterday - on our anniversary.

It's amazing to think that last year she was conceived around this time. And not the old fashioned way either!

Our lives are richer with you in it baby Z. Thank you for picking us as your family!

oxox

Today is our anniversary and we decided to try the urbane Diva at the MET at the cosmo-Metropolitan Hotel right here in Vancouverwood!

We loved the moodiness and the uniquely-crafted cuisines. Yum-my!

Half way through dinner, our litle muffinpants decided it was time to go home.

So home we went and after we tucked Z into bed, we cruised down the street to Sweet Revenge on trendy Main. (while our son watched over her) This place is small but the desserts are BIG.

Cheers!

Diva at the MET

Sweet Revenge + Diva at the MET images

Love Baby

Meet baby Claire and Julie. Claire is a love baby. Julie is a teacher.

Julie taught both my daughters back in grades 6&7.

That's four long years of the Hillbillies!!!

We went for a lovely long walk down to Kits beach today with our love babies.

Thank you teacher Julie for your patience and for being spiritually connected to everyone and everything. And of course thanks to Claire for her big smiles!!

Happy Sweet 16 Britty!!!

Or should we call it Sexy 16??

Yup, my daughter wanted her navel pierced and a Brazilian wax for her 16th.

Hey it could be alot worse and it's alot cheaper than a car!!

I love you doll. I'm wishing you a year full of rainbows and unicorns! (inside joke)

You always brighten my day with your off the wall sense of humour, 1000 watt smile and sparkly eyes!!

Read Jay's message below - dido to you.

Mamacacajujufafa (another inside joke)
ox

Happy Birthday Jacob!

Happy Birthday my sweet Jaybird - hard to believe my 1st baby is 18.

I hope I've given you the ability to think for yourself and also limits within which to understand the world.

I hope your up-bringing has been full of wonder, travel and freedom.


I celebrate you everyday Jay, but especially on Sept 15.

Happy Birthday!

Love mom
ox

Tribute to Tracy

This is me and my soul sistah - Tracy. We met when I was prego with my son Jacob, 18 years ago and have seen eachother almost weekly ever since. We had an instant karmic connection and have hailed ourselves as soul sistahs.

(people even say we could pass as sisters!)

Tracy is a friend that I can count on to have fun with, share secrets with, go to for support, and most importantly she loves me unconditionally. (the feelings mutual!)

From pregnancy to pole dancing, and many good times in between our friendship has endured alot.

Thank you for accepting me and my choices.

I heart you Tracy!

Tummy time

Happy 10.5 weeks to me!

I look alot like my daddy still.

But my mommy says so did my big sis Britt and now she looks like my mommy hee hee.

A summer to remember

I've had the most amazing summer. Having Zara has been one of the most spiritually gratifying experiences in my life. And this summer has felt like I've been right up to the moon and back.

Baby Z is 2 months old, yet i believe she has been kissed more than some people get kissed in their lifetime.

Can you blame us?

(I love you right up to the moon and back my princess Zara -from the book Guess How Much I Love You)

Seawall Spirits

Zara chillin' on her grandpa's lap down at the seawall. She had her first swing ride too!

Sister Smooches

Big sisters B + D maul baby Z after a long day of being dancing queens..


They just lubs me soooo much!!

Proud Mama Bear

Princess Zara is almost 6 weeks old!

We are feeling more adventurous and went to Granville Island yesterday!

Ring Abbey's Bell!

Twin Princesses Madeleine and Noelle stand guard while Princess Zara sleeps off her milk drunken state.

I hope this isn't a foreshadow into the future!

Zara's Shalom Soiree

(Rose Heart Bouquet made by friend Jane - www.budgetblooms.ca - the theme was hearts)

Zara had her first party. It was hosted by her amazing Zia Linda - the most VIBRANT woman in my universe.

Zia Linda is powerhouse mom of twins - Madeleine and Noelle.

Three old souls that I am blessed to have as my surrogate family.

Zia touched my heart and soul by investing her precious time and energy to organize Zara's party. She didn't forget a thing, from the kosher coffee to the creative gift www.heifer.org . It was a very enchanting day!

Zara spent the day asleep while a dozen women showered her with love and gifts.

Each of her siblings read her a short blessing and Zia read a poignant Kaballah story that didn't leave a dry eye in the room. (Zia's a very talented writer/teacher and is a natural born reader)

Zia Tracy wrote a beautiful poem from Zara to us called "What Am I Thinking" that even made the BH sob. (Zia T missed her calling as a Blue Mountain card writer)

Thank you Linda, Tracy and friends from that deep place in my soul full of LOVE.

<3

Month Milestone

Our little angel is one month old and is adapting to her new world quite well. I love this picture, it shows her personality shining through.

I still have to pinch myself that she's here!!

Almost party time!

Zara's all ready for her Shalom soiree on Sat.

Thank you Natalie for the beautiful outfit!!!

(she bought it from Beansprouts on Main)

Happy Birthday To Daddy!!!

My daddy is the bestest because he loves to cuddle and laugh and is a fun bath buddy too!

I so lucky. . .

I LOVE YOU DADDY!!!!

Your angel,

Zara
oxox

Dolphin Delivery

OK, so remember that Ommm blog of mine - where I said, "I met an enigmatic woman with an orange aura". That said how much she LOVED labour and offered me some advice??

Well, she is FULL OF SHIT man.

She whitewashed labour so well, that she almost convinced me that I might be able to block out the pain and enjoy the process.

NOT A CHANCE.

I went into real labour in the afternoon on the 27th. My BH and I were at Mandeville Gardens, picking up some more plants. My contractions were consistantly irregular, but we decided to start timing them. By 3pm they were coming every 15 min. By 5pm they were every 10 min. And by 8pm they were every 5 min and intense! I decided it was time to go to the hospital...

By the time we got there, I was begging for an epidural. Of course, the doc on call tried to procrastinate - I think she thought I was 2cm or something.

She checked me at 9pm, and was surprized. I was 8cm. They quickly wheeled me upstairs to a suite...thinking I'm going to pop this baby out any second.

I kept asking for an epidural and she kept trying to talk me out of it.

ARGH.

I demanded one and finally got one around 11pm.

This was my fourth natural delivery. I had an epidural with my first. I sensed something was wrong, the pressure was unbelievable. (unlike my first three) I consider myself to have a high pain threshold, but the downside to having a doctor you don't know is they don't know you.

In a nutshell, Zara was sunny-side up and stuck. I knew something was up. I was pushing for a few hours and nothing was happening, it was exhausting.

Finally, an OBGYN was called in at 1am - Dr. Unger. Baby Z was getting stressed out. Me too!

Dr. Unger had these long gentle fingers. He found a focal point on the wall, reached in and manipulated her head.

He was my real angel - not that crazy lady at that party!!!

Three pushes and Zara slipped out on June 28 at 1:20 am.

The kids reaction reminded me of when they swam with the dolphins in Hawaii.

Bewilderment. Disbelief. Bliss. Surreal.

By the way, I LOVE dolphins. They have the highest chakra of all mammals. I even have a tattoo on my back to prove it of 3 dolphins with the kids initial on each of them. Which almost posed a problem I might add when it came time for the epidural. Lucky there was some uninked parts.

Looks like I'll have to add another one for Zara...ohhh my BH is gonna LOVE that!!

Sleeping Angel

Zara sleeps and eats like a true blue cosmic cancer love baby.

Thank you sleeping fairy!!!

The BESTEST birthday prezzie ever!!!

3 day old Zara and happy birthday to me!

I am in love.

Jacob's grad ceremony

Baby Z just made it to her big bros grad ceremony!

Presenting Princess Zara

Princess Zara made her grand entrance into this world on June 28 1:20am weighing 7lbs 13 0z.

She was welcomed with love by her proud parents and brother and sisters.

We are very blessed.

More blogging later when I catch up on sleep..