the good from the bad

I recently read an article about a 90 year old widow in China who had sadly lost all of her children and spouses and has lived on her own without any surviving family for the past 30 years. (read the article, here) While planning for her final days, she had a simple request when she was planning her funeral...for people to come to it.  This request was published in her local paper, and a heartwarming response ensued from readers, giving her a glimmer of happiness as they decided to spend some time with her now while she was alive, instead of waiting for her death.  .

It is a lesson I've tried to teach the kids as we go through life on dealing with the ups and downs of it. With trials and tribulations, the obstacles and disappointments that greet us only can make us stronger and help us strive for and appreciate, when the good times come.  Our son recently said that he noticed how light seems to glows brighter when it's dark, like it's showing you the path out of darkness, toward the light. Understanding this metaphor, a light seemed to really shine as he realized that sometimes he might not win a game (or a swim meet) but the lessons he learns when he doesn't win only makes winning later on, much sweeter.

It's a fine art to balance the emotions between the two and to remind ourselves that there are lessons in our mistakes.  Sometimes falling can only make you stronger, and that's where the "good" comes from the "bad".  

Bacon, Spinach and Mushroom Pasta

(makes approximately 4 servings)

This pasta has elements that are both good and "bad" for you...I tried to reduce the amount of the "bad"  (bacon) by using organic, reduced fat bacon.  The spinach provides a good balance of nutrition, and makes this dish "good".

Ingredients

• 1 cup low sodium, organic bacon, sliced (about 8 slices)
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced 
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 cup spinach, chopped and removing stems
• 1 ½  cups 2% milk (or cream if you wish for a creamier sauce)
• ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese
• Pepper to taste (I don't add salt to this dish as most of it derives from the bacon and parmesan cheese, so I don't usually add to the sodium content).
• 450g pasta (penne or linguine works nice here).

Preparation

• In a cast iron skillet, sautè the onion & bacon together until the onion is translucent and the bacon is cooked.  Drain the oil/fat. (no butter is necessary in this dish as the oil from the bacon, even when drained, is enough to coat the cast iron skillet to do the job!).
• In the meantime, cook the pasta according to directions.
• Add the mushrooms and garlic and saute until the garlic is browned.
• Add the spinach, and sautè until the spinach is wilted.
• Add the milk then top with parmesan and simmer, stirring until the sauce is thickened. 
• Toss with cooked pasta.

Enjoy!

soaking up the sweet

This past week an expected storm resulted in a snow day.  School was closed and the kids were cheerfully home.  We took this extra day as an opportunity to pack, prepare and finalize any school work before our son was going to embark on a snow adventure for an overnight school trip.   

It's amazing what a year of maturity can bring, as he demonstrated by packing his bags wisely, not just according to the weather, but also in an orderly fashion based on his travel habits.  Daily items in an easy access backpack. Extra snow gear at the bottom of the bag.  Everything placed according to how he's accustomed to travelling. After packing, we spent time chatting while shovelling the driveway, then he took a break and basked in the emerging sunshine.  Work is done!

I guess our family trips have surprisingly taught him lessons beyond cultural and geographical ones.  Although I am often frustrated (like any parent has experienced) when he loses or carelessly forgets his belongings, it seems like he has transformed overnight into a young adult....self aware of his own habits and abilities.  

On the morning of his trip, we woke up early to ensure we were prepared. As I anxiously went through his packing list one more time before we left, he smiled his big warm smile and reassured me that everything was "in the bag" (figuratively speaking).  

He was right (and for a brief moment I realized we were having a parent/child role reversal moment). I stopped micromanaging and let him take charge. It's a lesson to remember at times like these, to stop and see his warm smile and like this bread pudding recipe below, soak up as much of his child-like sweetness for as long as I can. For it will not be long before my young boy will be transformed seemingly overnight again, into an amazing, reassuring, sweet young man. 

Apple Crumble Raisin Bread Pudding

(makes approximately 12 servings)

This recipe combines the traditional tastes of bread pudding combined with the sweet as pie tastes of apple crumble on top.

Ingredients

• 8 slices of raisin bread, cubed
• 4 eggs
• 1 ½  cup half and half
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 apples, peeled and sliced

For the Crumble topping

• ½  cup of flour
• ¼ cup of oats
• ⅓ cup of brown sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon or nutmeg (to taste)
• 6 tbsp. butter, cubed.
• In a small bowl, mix the flour and oats.  Add the sugar and cinnamon. Add the cubed butter, and mix with a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles crumbles (the size of peas).

Preparation

• Preheat the oven at 350 degrees.
• In a large bowl, scramble the eggs
• Add the vanilla and half and half.  Mix well.
• Add the cubed bread and mix until bread soaks up the egg mixture.
• Press bread mixture into an 8x8 square pan
• Layer the sliced apples on top.
• Sprinkle the crumble topping (recipe below).
• Cover with aluminum foil.
• Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
• Remove the aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes more.

Top with ice cream, caramel syrup or enjoy on it's own.

shining star

We've been very fortunate to enjoy many holiday celebrations so far...gatherings with friends, stage productions, holiday festivities...taking it all in and enjoying each moment.

Last week, we had the privilege of watching a charming musical production of Cinderella, making it a family-only night of good food and entertainment.  During the intermission, one of the stage managers approached our daughter and asked if she wanted to go on stage to meet Cinderella in front of the live audience. Although my husband and I were enthusiastic and thought it would have been a fun opportunity for her, we didn't want to pressure her into any decisions and allowed her to go with whatever her heart felt.  Although she was flattered by the invitation, she kindly smiled, thanked the young gentleman and declined the offer.

Later that evening, she sensed our curiosity with her decision and as we were driving home, she stated that she really enjoyed kicking back and just watching the show with her family and didn't want to disrupt that time with us just for a few minutes of "performing and be the centre of attention".

Although the lure of the bright lights and audience applause was tempting for her to go on stage, her decision made me proud and amazed at how mature she has become.  She doesn't get easily dazzled or persuaded by what's flashy, but stood her ground with knowing what she felt was important to her at that moment and didn't need false admiration to fulfill her. 

As her parents, we know that the world will be our children's stage, with many more opportunities in the future for both our daughter and son to show how amazing they are. And when that time comes, we know in our hearts, that their star will shine long and bright, beyond any brief spotlight on stage.

Traditional Gingerbread Cookies

(makes approximately 4 dozen)

This recipe makes a crisp cookie, making it ideal to decorate gingerbread people with icing.  Light, simple and easy.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp. water
• 1 1/2 cups unbleached white flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 ½  tsp. ground ginger

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 350degrees F.  Line cookie trays with parchment paper.
• Cream the butter and sugar together, then add the egg and water, and mix until fluffy.
• Stir together the dry ingredients:  flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and ginger.  
• Add to the first mixture and beat until the dough is mixed.
• Shape the dough into 2 equal sized rolls, flour your hands and the work surface, wrap in plastic wrap and chill until firm for at least 30 minutes.
• Place dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll to a thickness of about ⅓ to ¼  inch (the thicker the better for icing).  Cut out shapes (or put through a cookie press, as I used for the star shaped cookies above) and place about 1 inch apart on the cooking sheet.
• Make the remaining shapes until all the dough is used.
• Bake for about 10 minutes until the cookies are lightly browned.
• Transfer to racks to cool

If you desire, you can decorate with icing.  Recipe found here: Christmas Past

Enjoy!

sounds corny

While I was growing up near Toronto, one of the traditions my family did every year, was to take a day trip to the Toronto Eaton Centre (a historical, six-storey glass-ceiling landmark built before outlets and super-malls ever existed) to see their annual showcase of Christmas trees and window displays.

On an early Saturday morning in December (stores weren't open on Sundays back then), my brother and I would rush through breakfast and our family would take an hour long drive to the Eaton Centre, wearing our snowsuits, hats and mitts (there seemed to be more snow back then), sweating in the car long before our arrival to the world's longest wait to get a parking spot at our destination.

Our parents then clutched our hands as we maneuvered amongst other excited children as we entered the front door of the big department store called Simpsons, where the Christmas trees were displayed. As a child, it seemed like a Winter Storybook/Wonderland was created, and my brother and I would visit Santa, stare in amazement at all the beautifully lit and decorated trees, pick out one special toy we wanted, and purchase as many presents on our lists for family and friends. We'd then go to the World's Biggest Book store next door to get a few Christmas books, then head out to Chinatown for a quick dinner before heading home. It was always a big and exciting day.

It was a Christmas ritual that faded as department stores closed or moved, and retailers put less effort into the magic of Christmas, and more into the commercialization of it.  Other than the craze for the Cabbage Patch Kids, the Star Wars Millennium Falcon and MonChiChi Monkeys (I dare you to Google down memory lane for that one), one of my most fondest memories weren't the toys under the tree, but the day when the Christmas season officially began for us...our trip to the Eaton Centre.

Now the Christmas season seems to begin when the flurry of ads for Black Friday sales dominate, enticing everyone to trample each other hurry in to get the cheapest TV, just in time for the Christmas season.  As much as I love sales, I wonder if we'll have a generation who will only associate the start of this magical season by the sounds of cash registers and hours of lining up at the mall.

Maybe it sounds corny, but as Thanksgiving is celebrated south of the border, I'll be thankful to continue our own holiday traditions, starting the season by making our annual gingerbread houses, setting up the tree on the first weekend of December and avoiding the aggravation of long line ups this Friday.

Tarragon Creamed Corn

(makes approximately 6-8 servings)

This is a great dish to go with turkey for the holidays.  The sweet corn balances the creamy texture, making it a comforting cold weather side dish.

Ingredients

• 8 ears of corn on the cob
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 small shallot, finely chopped 
• 4 sprigs tarragon (or 3 tsp. of dried)
• 1  cup heavy cream (I used table cream)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan

Directions

• Remove kernels from the corn (I find it easiest to cut the corn in half first, then with the flat end down, with a sharp knife, slice downwards to remove the kernels).  Set aside.
• In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallot and cook until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add corn kernels and 3/4 cup water.  (When there is an abundance of corn in the summer, I cook the corn, remove the kernels and freeze them.  You can omit adding water if you use pre-cooked corn...just use the back of a spoon to press out the "juice" out of the corn)
• Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer; cover, and cook, until corn is tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Add cream, parmesan, tarragon; simmer, uncovered, until cream has thickened, 4 to 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. 

Serve.

mini versions

For as long as I can remember, I've always envisioned owning a treehouse.  A quiet little spot for the kids to huddle with friends, dreaming about the future.  A serene place for me to sit up high above the ground to gather my thoughts and write. A "secret" hideout to toast the end of a busy workweek with a glass of wine with my husband or sharing giggles with friends. There's something magical about the solitude of watching the world with a bird's eye view.

Last weekend, we were able to get away for a short jaunt up north and enjoy a little bit of sunshine.  Although the above seasonal temperatures felt like summer, the burnt orange and red leaves were a reminder to enjoy every bit of this last little stretch of warm weather.

The kids had a blast spending time outdoors, roaming for sticks for a marshmallow roast and bonfire, climbing trees and biking on the trails.  Our daughter in particular, closely examined about a dozen trees, deciding which one would be most suitable to climb, which at first I thought, so she can go as high up the tree as her brother.

As we watched the kids, I pondered if we should build a treehouse, sparking a discussion that had us wondering if the kids will soon be out of the "treehouse" stage. My husband thought the kids (much sooner than I would think) would soon outgrow the enjoyment of a treehouse.

Although I agreed at the moment...deep down, I wasn't sure if I have ever outgrown that "treehouse" stage.

After a lengthy search, once our daughter found "the tree", she didn't climb to the top, but sat on a branch that seemed to fit perfectly around her body. On both days of the weekend, she headed towards that tree and spent hours sitting on that limb with a notebook and pencil in tow, writing stories.  She was content to sit for hours in that tree, examining the bark, watching the sunset, writing and drawing in her little book.

Although it's pretty obvious in our house, that our son's personality is more similar to mine...analytical, results driven, inquisitive, and our daughter has the imaginative, fun loving, story-telling spirit like my husband, this past weekend, there was a glimmer of me shining through our daughter.  The part of me that relishes quiet surroundings, taking notes to archive the details, and creating our own little magic with the inspiration of nature.

I wonder if she will keep that part of me and forever embrace the creative process that is driven by solitude. There is nothing more that I want to teach to both of my kids, than to learn to tune out the noise of this crazy, fast paced world surrounding us and truly find and listen to the beat of your own heart.

No one can predict which hidden gems within our souls as parents, will be revealed later in our children.  And as easy as it is to find ways that our children are mini versions of ourselves (which unfortunately prompts many parents to fulfill their own dreams vicariously through their kids), maybe we just need to recognize that this might be a brief point in time when they are just mirroring us.  Exploring, testing, fulfilling their own desires so they can find their own branch that is strong enough to withhold the weight of their world.

As I watch with my own "bird's eye view", my amazing kids discover their world, I'm confident they will find their own way to climb to the destination of their choice, one that suits their needs best.

And maybe they won't want us to build a treehouse for them after all.

Mini Pumpkin Pies

(makes 24 servings)

This recipe is adapted from the back of the Farmer's Market Foods pumpkin puree can.  I added a little more spice, and made my own easy pie crust, which is buttery, flaky, and added a lot of dimension to this recipe.  If you don't have time to make your own crust, store bought versions would work too.

Ingredients:

• 1- 15oz can Farmer’s Market Organic pumpkin (or just under 2 cups)
• 1 ½  tsp ground cinnamon
• ½  tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp. allspice
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (300ml/14 oz)
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 9” pie shell or pastry dough (I used my homemade pie crust recipe, found here)

Preparation:

• Mix pumpkin and spices together. 
• Slowly beat in the milk and eggs, until just mixed.
• Follow the directions for making the pie crust.  If using prepared curst, roll out the dough.
• Using a round cookie cutter, make about a 24 circles.
• Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners then place the crust circles in a muffin pan.
• Add the pumpkin filling in each crust (about 2 tbsp.)
• Bake at 400º for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350º and bake for an additional 20 minutes. 
• Let cool. 

Serve and enjoy!

roll with it

As the kids return to school, I start thinking of packing some of their summer clothes away.  However, we finally are having a summer heatwave, so I'm holding off that ritual, just in case we can squeeze more "summer fun" into the next couple of weekends.

It was that kind of summer.  Examining the weather to determine if we were heading to the beach or for a bike ride that day.  We just rolled with it, and made the best of the weather during our family time together, doing our summer rituals:  going back to our old haunts (riding the bike trails, diving off the pier at the waterfront near our cottage, motorbiking) and trying out new excursions (this year was horseback riding and going to the theme park).  We did everything but spend a hot sticky day at the beach.

The sun was scheduled to make one last appearance less than a week before school began, and on a whim, I was able to take the kids for one big day at the beach (without my husband...he had a previous engagement). It was a beautiful day.  We did everything we could on that short and sunny day.  We swam, surfed, built sandcastles, played frisbee and football, went to the arcade, the candy store, had Beavertails, and went for a long walk in the early evening, ending it with a picnic on the beach for quick dinner, watching the sunset.  Phew!  It was like we tried to cram a summer time of beach fun into one day.

Watching the sunset, I felt this is what being a parent should really be about.  Fill the days with as much love and memories.  Although going to the beach is one of our summer rituals, we didn't realize how much this really meant to us until we we were unable to go together as a whole family.

It's this ritual, the familiarity of it, that provides comfort...not only to children but to adults as well.  We really felt it on that sunny day at the beach.  Although we sent pictures and texts during our stay to make my husband feel a little more included, it still felt strange and incomplete without him there.  It's not only about where we go that make the memories, but the people we spend it with.

It did make the kids realize how much they still like their parents to be around, even though they're at the age where they wouldn't readily admit it.  Although our beach day didn't feel quite complete, I'm glad we we allowed the sun shine to brightly guide us.  That day, we really learned to appreciate the ability to take advantage of opportunities when the sun does rise...

...but more importantly, to also appreciate those who couldn't be there when it did.

Easy Pizza Dough Cinnamon Roll Waffles

Adapted from: Mario Batali

(makes approximately 8 servings)

I was inspired by the pictures on Pinterest using pre-made cinnamon rolls in a can for waffles, but with the controversy of the ingredients in canned dough, I remembered an adapted cinnamon roll recipe using pizza dough.  Instead of waiting for it to bake in the oven, the time was cut in half by turning these rolls into waffles using a waffle iron/maker,   You can use a panini press (or go the traditional route, and bake in the oven).

Ingredients:

• 750g pizza dough  (or about 1 ½ pound)
• ¼ cup melted butter (6-8 tbsp.)
• 3 tbsp. white sugar
• 3 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tablespoons cinnamon
• Flour, for dusting

Simple tip:  It's best to leave out your pizza dough on the counter to room temperature for approximately 30 minutes prior to rolling out (this would make it easier to roll it out thinly)

Preparation

• Heat the waffle iron (or if you're baking this for buns, preheat oven to 375 degrees).
• Using a rolling pin, roll out the pizza until it is about ¼ inches thick.  
• Using a pastry brush, brush the melted butter on top of the dough.
• Mix the white sugar, brown sugar and cinnamon together.
• Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the melted butter.
• Roll the dough until it looks like a jelly roll.

• Using a sharp knife, cut into 1" slices.
• Place the slices on waffle iron, and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, depending on how hot your iron gets (or place in a greased cake pan and bake for about 40 minutes.)

Serve and enjoy.

swimming upstream

My children's school started summer break one week earlier than most of the surrounding schools this year.  So we decided to take advantage of what I seemingly thought would be a quiet week, going to attractions that wouldn't be busy since most of the kids were still in school.

We decided to visit the new Ripley's Aquarium, going early in the morning thinking we could have the whole place almost all to ourselves.  Little did I factor that many schools do field trips during the last two days of school (ughh!), and we found ourselves swimming upstream, so to speak.

Our day started by missing the train...we saw it leave the platform as we ascended the stairs.  Once we arrived at the aquarium, my jaw dropped as we saw bus load after bus load of school children line up to get in.  Luckily we were able to "fast pass" the crowd by purchasing our tickets online the night before.

We decided to do what we did at Disney...do the "back nine" first (I'm sure many of you golfers out there understand this).  In other words, we headed to the end of the aquarium and worked our way back towards the front entrance.  We were able to miss most of the crowds, we ate lunch ahead of the long line ups, and got to see a few interesting shows to boot.

After the lunch crowd dispersed, we were able to really enjoy the best part of the exhibit...the shark tunnel!  And we made it just in time for feeding, so we felt like we were swimming with the sharks.

Although the day may not have started as we had originally planned, it worked out after all and we learned that sometimes going against the crowd works out better at the end.  

{Disclaimer}: There are no endorsements or affiliations with any of the businesses or establishments mentioned in this post.  I just wanted to share the simply beautiful  experience my family enjoyed, and all opinions are my own.

Garlic Scallop and Bacon Pasta

Makes 4-6 servings.

Ingredients:

• 10 scallops
• 10 slices of bacon
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp. dried parsley or 1 tbsp. fresh parsley
• ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese
• 450 g of pasta (linguine, spaghetti or fettucine work here)

Directions:

• Preheat oven at 375 degrees.
• In a cast iron skillet, wrap the scallops with bacon, and bake for approximately 20 minutes.
• Boil the pasta as directed.
• In the meantime, in a small saute pan, brown the garlic in olive oil and butter, until the garlic is softened.
• Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan and parsley.
• Add cooked scallops and bacon, and toss until scallops and bacon are coated with the garlic oil.
• Toss with cooked pasta.
• Top with more parmesan, as desired.

Enjoy!

out of the shell

During a town hall meeting at our kid's school the other week, a parent balked at how much "love" and attention the kids were expressing towards each other in the classroom...particularly some of the girls towards the boys, and the school should have much stricter policies that would eradicate emotional expression and focus more on academics.

I know as a parent of an expressive child who's genuinely kind to everyone, I understand the need to guide and protect our children from the backlash of showing "too much love", as it may be distracting or misinterpreted.  Although there is a fine line between innocent and inappropriate adoration, suppressing the freedom of expression, especially positive expression in our children, is NOT the answer.  It would rob our children of the innocence that childhood brings...the untainted, unbounded generosity and kindness in humanity that we now as adults fight so hard to hold on to.

If children aren't allowed to embrace and accept each other within the safe environment of the classroom, how can we expect them to learn how to embrace others outside of it?

The school had a hot dog lunch fundraiser to help one hundred families displaced after a tragic fire. That morning as I was rushing out the door to drive to school, our daughter was carefully (and slowly) preparing her glass jar (with pretty bow to boot), not counting her money, but making sure all of her recently earned allowance went into the jar, to give more than just her lunch money, to those who lost their homes.

We were late for school but this time I wasn't upset, because my kids reminded me what really mattered...not rushing to be punctual, but deliberately slowing down to ensure that glass jar made it to school in one piece.  In the car ride, I could hear my son quietly talk about the jar, and how proud he was of his little sister.  With his extra money for snacks, my son added a bit more into the jar. For a sweet moment, they both sat patiently during the ride, as if they were about to deliver something precious. Participating in charities have certainly taught them to empathize with others and they truly feel accomplished when they help those in need (as mentioned in my last post, here).

Since this is the last day of school before the summer break, the grade I give their school isn't going to be solely judged based on an academic numeric mark on my kid's final report card.  After seeing how beautifully generous my children are, accepted in a loving and caring environment amongst good, upstanding friends, I think they've learned much more valuable lessons than any grade can reflect...striving for excellence, intelligence, kindness, thoughtfulness and the confidence to come out of their shells and onto the path to becoming strong leaders.

Simple Baked Scallops

(makes 4-6 servings)

Ingredients

• 8 large scallops rinsed and patted dry on paper kitchen towels
• 1 tbsp cubed butter (approx. ¼ tsp. on top of each)
• 2 garlic cloves peeled andsliced thinly (one thin slice on top of each)
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Preparation

• Preheat the oven at 400°C (392°F) 
• In a cast iron skillet, coat the bottom with the olive oil.
• Arrange scallops one layer.
• Place one pat of butter (approx. ¼ tsp) on top of each scallop.
• Slice garlic clove and place one slice on top of each scallop.
• Bake for 20 minutes (depending on the thickness of your scallops), flipping the scallops at the half-way mark ensuring each side is browned.

Serve & Enjoy!

going the extra mile

One of my favourite family activities is to go for a family walk: on the trails, to the dog park or just around the cottage.  Not only does it give us the opportunity to get some exercise while enjoying our natural surroundings and breathe the fresh air, we’re not running from place to place…slowing down enough to connect with the kids.  Our walks gives us time with no pressure or restrictions, so we can talk to each other about anything, both big and small. Whether we’re observing how the seasons change around us, or confiding our big aspirations of making the world a better place, with our own dreams and visions.

According to a national opinion poll, conducted by the SickKids Foundation, 73% of Canadians believe that children’s lifestyles are not as healthy today as compared to their own youth.

I’m probably part of that statistic. As it becomes more and more difficult to compete with digital distractions, sometimes I find as parents, we have to go that extra mile to find opportunities that allow us to just be with each other…time to talk, observe and participate in something healthy together, both physically and mentally.

Last September, our family participated in a unique fundraising event that encouraged all ages to participate in (what is normally reserved for adults) a family type “walk-a-thon”. The Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure Walk to benefit SickKids was an amazing opportunity to take part in a family adventure that not only fed our body…but also fed our soul.

Looking back at that day, not only did my husband and I show a good example of challenging ourselves physically to participate in the full 20km walk (which was not mandatory…you can choose to do 5 or 10kms or complete the whole 20km route), the kids learned that it helps our spirit by helping others…by supporting SickKids and helping improve the health of children nationwide. Knowing we were helping others gave them the determination to keep walking to reach the finish line.

Although we were part of a team of families who worked together to raise money for this cause, we felt like were a part of a larger family consisting of thousands of walkers who were united for a common goal. Everyone cheered each other on, especially during that last final stretch of the route.  Cars that drove by honked in support. There were perfectly thought-out, family friendly stops along the route: fun-filled “campsites” that either entertained the kids with games and activities (where they earned badges for each activity they participated in), or provided a reprieve (for the adults)…a little break to nourish with food, drink or rest.

$1.3 million dollars was raised.  After crossing the finish line, not only did the kids feel accomplished achieving their own physical fitness goals (completing the 20km walk), they also felt rewarded, knowing that their contributions really made a difference.

My kids learned that although the journey may sometimes be long and difficult, nothing beats that great feeling when you stay determined to reach your goals, because you will get to your destination if you keep moving forward…and go that extra mile.

This September 27, 2014, join The Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure Walk to benefit SickKids.  Register at www.WalkforSickKids.ca as an individual participant or as part of a team and all your fundraising efforts will go to support The Hospital for Sick Children.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WalkforSickKids
Twitter: @WalkforSickKids
Hashtag: #WalkforSickKids

{Disclaimer} This post was brought to you by The SickKids Foundation, however the opinions and images are my own. For more information please visit www.walkforsickkids.ca.