Friday Links

Yes I know it’s Wednesday. That is not the point here.

This is cool: pictures of people emerging from waterslides.

Surprising things about parenting in Germany – this is the first in the series that makes me want to move to the country at once. Possibly it’s just my heritage talking though.

This was a thought-provoking article: This is what sex-positive parenting looks like. Do you already have a particular approach to talking about sex with your kids?

This article made me cry. Firstly, because it’s a scary situation, and secondly, because kind strangers are so important. And just in case it needs to be said (I hope it doesn’t): DON’T CLICK AN INFANT CARSEAT INTO A SHOPPING CART! EVER!

This article, however, made me feel much better about the ridiculous state of our kid-spaces: My daughter’s room is a mess.

I really don’t care whether you care or not: GO LOOK AT BABY PRINCE GEORGE. LOOK AT HIM.

And finally, in case you need to know (of course you do), these are the best chocolate chip cookies. They just are. They’re perfect. And now that I looked at the picture, I need to make them again.

Have a lovely August long weekend! Is anyone else feeling like WHABAM summer is almost over now? And/or does anyone else feel a crying urge to buy planners and highlighters and sticky notes?

~Annemarie

Long-Awaited Links

So there was a bit of a gap since my last post. Sorry about that. I’m back now!

A Cup Of Jo has brought back their Motherhood Around the World series! Thus far, parenting in China and and in England. I love this series so much, so I’ll just keep posting the new ones every week.

I should hope that by now most of you follow A Mighty Girl (facebook and website). In a similar vein is Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls, and she has an at-home summer camp guide on her website. This is mostly for filing away for future, or for those of us with older kids, but the idea is great and I wanted to pass it on!

This article on the key to a long-lasting marriage made a huge impact on me. So simple, and so valuable. (The theme that just keeps popping up for me is GRATITUDE. Always and forever practice gratitude.)

Children playing around the world – so beautiful.

And breastfeeding around the world – also beautiful.

Rethinking the definition of generosity.

I’m posting this in case anyone else needs it – my back is spasming like crazy because something about giving birth three times has trashed my core. Thus, back to square one. Postpartum ab rebuilding.

The Steinbach Heritage Museum Pioneer Days are happening over the August long weekend, if you need something fun to do.

Finally, there are lots of listy posts of things to do on bad days, but I found this one to be the best so far, and it works at Mr Cranky 2-Year-Old level and even younger (you know, the awkward age between “here, suck on something” and, well, school).

I hope you’re having a lovely summer! For those of you not on Facebook, we’re planning another Mom’s Night Out on the 25th at Gabrielle’s house. Check back for further details – we’d love to see you! And don’t forget Thursday mornings at Vimy, now with splash pad and wading pool!

~Annemarie