This past week has seen many highs and lows coupled with the stresses of managing a busy schedule and finalizing report cards. I've laughed with my children, yelled at Cristiano Ronaldo during game one, and cried with my sister as we chatted via Facebook. On Friday, I mowed the lawn, washed my Jeep, and cursed the weeds. Saturday morning, I attended an advance screening by my lonesome since the kids had to have their soccer pictures taken. Afterwards, I watched teenage girls chase Justin Bieber down Richmond Street as his car drove passed following a sound check on the Much Music Video Awards stage. Sunday was spent with my entire family in Hamilton, oohing and ahhing over the thunderous jet fighters, snowbirds and other aircraft as they flew over my parents' backyard during the Hamilton Air Show. And today, I woke up feeling different.

Today, I resigned to the fact that, as much as I would love to hold onto the idealistic view of how my life should be, there are certain things I cannot change. And while it saddens me to think that my life will never be exactly as I had once imagined it would be, there comes a certain sense of peace with the realization that I no longer need to force myself to struggle for the unattainable. Some may regard this as giving up or giving in. But maybe it should be more about forgiving. Forgiving others who may have reacted out of circumstance, forgiving myself for losing sight of what's truly important. I don't know. I will tell you, though, that one of my goals is to incorporate mindfulness into my day-to-day life. To call my attention to the present moment, and as Laurel @Optimom wisely suggested to me when we first met, just let it go. Let go of the past. Let go of negative emotions. Let go of the things I cannot change. 

Three small words that could very well be my saving grace.

Just another one of my friend Odette's amazing balloon creations.

This woman is after my own heart. 

 (You can visit Balloons by Odette on Facebook for more stunning balloons!)

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According to a parenting article in the Globe and Mail last April, studies have shown that "up to 10 per cent of kindergarten-aged children suffer from an anxiety disorder – a rate that jumps to more than 15 per cent of high-school students." While teachers may not necessarily pick up on anxiety disorders since they normally do not affect a child's ability to learn, parents often notice their child's unusual behaviour. One of the coping strategies mentioned in the article is to explain to the child that his or her feelings of fear and worry stem from a condition called anxiety. And what better way to begin an open dialogue than through storytelling. Allow me to introduce you to Martha the Mouse.

You know those days when you have a gazillion and one things to do, and your husband is working, and the kids are arguing over the one toy that's been collecting dust for months? Those days when the house is a complete and utter disaster, the laundry is piled higher than Mt. Everest and you haven't even begun to think about what's for dinner? It is during those desperate times when motherhood seems the most daunting, when all you feel like doing is throwing your hands up in the air and running in the opposite direction. Sometimes, all you need is some good old quality 'me time', a break from the every day routine, a solitary walk in the park, a soothing cup of coffee alone in a café or even just an hour of yoga and meditation. Serenity now? Maybe. Grandma now? You bet!

Having moved to Toronto from my hometown of Hamilton, I don't often resort to dropping the kids off at my parent's whenever I'm in despair since it's at least a one-hour commute. I am, however, incredibly grateful that my mother-in-law lives literally five minutes away. And that she loves children. And that she's an amazing cook. And that she's always ready and willing to lend a helping hand. For this, I am truly grateful.

By now, I'm sure your little ones are getting really excited that Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted will be opening in theatres this Friday, June 8. Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria and those crafty little penguins head out on a European adventure as part of a traveling circus, which they reinvent à la Madagascar. What your children may not know is that KINDER® has partnered with DreamWorks® to bring you specially-marked boxes of 3 KINDER® SURPRISE® Eggs: 1 of the 3 eggs inside is guaranteed to have a Madagascar 3 toy inside! There are 5 cool gadgets and 9 original Madagascar 3 Toys to collect. But the fun doesn't end there. Starting today, Madagascar 3 characters will be taking over the KINDER® Canada Facebook page for a massive promotion. For the next twelve days, fans will have the chance to instantly win 1 of 120 Cineplex® Family Passes to go see the movie as well as 1 of 4 Grand Prize passes!

Each Family Pass is valued at approximately $76 and includes two adult general admissions with two soft drinks, and one popcorn, plus two children’s admissions (ages 13 & under) with two kids’ tray combos (drink, popcorn, treat). Be sure to head over to KINDER® Canada Facebook page today.

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Sheepskin boots. Yeah, I've seen them around. Yet, I've never convinced myself that I needed to try on a pair. Not until recently, that is. But now that my daughter has her very own pair courtesy of EMU Australia, I'm beginning to suffer from sheepskin envy. The kid just doesn't want to take them off, they're that comfy. I don't see what the big deal is, really. I know they keep your legs and feet toasty warm and help to regulate your body temperature. Still I'm not so sure they would look good on me. My daughter really knows how to work them, though. She received a pair of EMU Wallaby Hi boots in chestnut and wears them with anything and everything. They're made with the finest Australian sheepskin and are one of the best quality children’s sheepskin boots available on the market.

Today is the first day of the last month of school. Not that I'm counting down the days, or anything. Who am I kidding? I am totally marking off the days with my red marking pen. It has been a busy school year and summer vacation is the perfect time to re-energize and spend more quality time with the kids. One of my favourite things to do over the summer, believe it or not, is to shop for back-to-school deals in anticipation of the beginning of a fresh new year. Even as a kid, I would get all tingly inside thinking about the first day back. New school supplies, new shoes and of course, new clothing - be still, my heart!

The Children's Place, Limeridge Mall in Hamilton