Author Archives: Krista McCarthy

This week showed that establishing a routine has paid off. Chores and school activities are going ahead without a glitch. My children know that the work needs to be done and that the sooner they finish, the more time for play. In fact, I am noticing better behaviour all around. I would also give themContinue reading “The New Norm”

This week was very tough, the worst. Country shaken to the core. RCMP officer down along with many other victims. Senseless. Cowardly. Betrayal of trust of the worst kind. Hugging my family close. My kids think nothing unusual as I haven’t told them. I won’t tell them. I want them to feel safe. I wantContinue reading ““Lady in Red””

Planning meals has reached a completely different level at our household due to the COVID situation and the rules it entails. Added to that is the fact that my children have completely different tastes in food. I am challenged to plan meals and shopping lists far ahead as is required by the wait time forContinue reading “Food for thought”

Single parenting young children is challenging on any given day. Add a pandemic in the mix and you’ve got your hands full! I have become their teacher and a friend while already a provider and a mother. This means I school them, I do play time with them and I care for them. I amContinue reading ““Express yourself””

I try to look for teaching moments in everyday situations, now more than ever. For example, we took full advantage of the Spring Pink Moon by viewing it through the telescope and then reading about it. But let’s face it. This whole situation is a big lesson for the children at home, particularly the youngerContinue reading ““Fly me to the moon””

Easter marks the end of week four. In my world, traditions are important. These are things I remember fondly from my own childhood and I try to create similar experiences for my children. Given that we are living with a pandemic makes Easter traditions a bit more challenging this year. My goal, however, is toContinue reading ““It’s a kind of magic“”

This week officially ended the school year. All those geared to grade in January have now essentially graded. Online schooling is still in the works, however, and there will be work to complete. Nevertheless, just like that, my oldest is in middle school. She immediately proceeded to decorate her imaginary first locker ever. For us,Continue reading “End of week three”

Cold, rainy days can be so un-motivating. If it were up to me and the pets, we would curl up under blankets with a good book for the whole day. However, those days are also perfect for the weekly house cleaning and laundry tasks so that when the sun does come out, we can enjoyContinue reading “Rain, rain, rain”

We were blessed with beautiful sunny skies on the weekend. It allowed us to take full advantage of the outdoors and our decks. There was no shortage of bike rides, walks, sidewalk art, barbecues and deck parties. One can only imagine that merely a few moments of stolen time to myself allowed me to write!Continue reading “We can do this”

I have dusted off the “dreadmill”. Running on the treadmill has to be an activity I despise the most in life. However, this is in desperation to have that daily solitary run that I now crave. Hiring a babysitter during this time of social distancing just isn’t an option. Perhaps symbolically, my treadmill is stuckContinue reading “Life on an incline”