Looking back on my early years (we're talking 1980's here, people!), I remember harbouring a fondness of learning and an eagerness to do well in school. I excelled in many subject areas and I was proud of it. Sometimes too proud. I am quite certain I annoyed many of my peers and even some of my teachers by making a point of correcting their mistakes whenever I could. Needless to say, my social skills were somewhat lacking and making friends didn't come easily. Recess time proved to be a challenge since I would often be left out or picked on. Sure, I could skip rope and play ball just as well as the rest of them but, having moved to a new school in grade 2, it was hard to muster the courage and self-confidence to ask to join in the fun. Later, I spent many of my recesses volunteering in the kindergarten room or helping out the secretary. It wasn't until I joined the senior girls volleyball team that things began to change.

Now, allow me to clarify that volleyball wasn't my best sport. I made the cut as a sub who would fill in if someone couldn't make it to the game. There were two of us and we often joked about how poorly she and I played. As nerve-racking as it was to actually take a spot on the court, I realize now that it was such a worthwhile experience. Those two years on the team helped to solidify a bond with a true friend, my oldest and dearest friend, who's father would often drive us to the games since I had no other alternative. And because of our friendship, I was able to feel more confident in myself despite my poor volleyball skills. Because what better way to get over the fear of failure than by taking that risk with a close friend and even sometimes succeeding?

Did you know that 1 in 3 Canadian kids can't play the sports they want to due to financial barriers?

Canadian Tire Jumpstart is a national charity that helps financially disadvantaged families give their kids the opportunity to participate in organized sport and recreation. Jumpstart helps cover registration fees, equipment and/or transportation costs.

Since the inception in 2005, Canadian Tire Jumpstart has given more than 720,000 kids across Canada the chance to play. Canadian Tire Jumpstart is dedicated to removing financial barriers, so children can participate in organized sport and recreation.

Jumpstart’s signature fundraising campaign, the Jumpstart Red Ball campaign has been taking place throughout the month of May. The month-long program raises donations, with 100% of the funds staying in the community in which they are raised. Canadian Tire stores and their partners invite customers to support kids in their local community by making a $2 donation in exchange for a little red Jumpstart ball.

100% of customer donations go directly to help kids in financial need participate in organized sport and recreation.

The Canadian Tire Corporation funds all the general and administrative expenses as well as the program delivery costs of the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program.

To find out more and get the facts, visit Canadian Tire Jumpstart.

Prizes: Available to Canadian Residents Only, but all are welcome to the party. RSVP below to be eligible to win {Canadian Tire Gift Cards and merchandise}. We’ll be talking about the Red Ball campaign and getting kids to participate in sports activities as well as chatting with celebrity guests!

RSVP: Make sure to enter your Twitter Handle “@yourTwitterhandle” in the Link/Blog Title field, and Twitter URL “www.twitter.com/yourtwitterhandle” in the url Field*

New to Twitter and/or Twitter parties? I have written the following tutorials to help you out, complete with screenshots:

Now that we're in June, summer is just around the corner. There are only four weeks left until the kids and myself are officially on summer vacation and we couldn't be more excited. The summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the weather with some fun outdoor activities and mini family getaways. One of my favourite places to take the family in the summer is Blue Mountain. The views are breathtaking and the fun-filled activities are plenty. We can enjoy paddle boating, mini golf, wall climbing, swimming or hiking up to the top of the mountain. Most recently, they added the Timber Challenge High Ropes which is incredibly exhilarating.

Our family also enjoys heading out on camping trips. Last year, we camped out at Bronte Creek Provincial Park and the kids had lots of fun. But it paled in comparison to our trip to Gatineau Park when my daughter was younger. Sitting by the campfire roasting marshmallows deep in the woods was such a joy. My daughter and I woke up early one morning and headed out in her Bugaboo stroller only to be greeted by a bunch of deer. With the sun rising behind them, it was truly a sight to behold.

During the summer months, I am always looking for ways to keep the kids busy and active. Aside from playing recreational soccer, the kids keep active by swimming at the local pool, playing at the playground, or partaking in games and activities with the kids in the neighbourhood. From playing frisbie and bean bag toss to jumping rope or flying a kite, the possibilities are endless. The goal is simply to avoid being cooped up in the house watching TV or playing video games and instead enjoy some fresh air while developing hand-eye coordination skills, team-building skills and a love of physical activity. Each year, I like to buy at least one new outdoor game or activity that we can add to our repertoire. This year, I decided to delve into the kids' Italian roots and teach them the game of bocce, otherwise known as lawn bowling. While at Canadian Tire looking for the sprinkler, I also purchased this Moulded Bocce Set for $19.99. It was brightly coloured and more lightweight than the professional set, which I think makes it more kid-friendly. So far, my son seems to like it best. Check out my Google+ album to view my entire shopping experience: Shopping for Fun Outdoor Activities at Canadian Tire.

All in all, I think we are going to have plenty of fun with our new bocce set and sprinkler this summer, along with all of the other summer toys and backyard games that the kids own. I am definitely looking forward to spending some quality time with the family, too.

What are your favourite summer activities that you enjoy with your family?