Family

Ah Christmas.  Such a busy, hectic, crazy, money-guzzling...amazing time.  I love Christmas.  It was so nice to be able to spend time with family the last few days.  Christmas eve through to Boxing Day, we spent with my family, and the 27th was my wife's family gathering.  It really hit me (again) this year what a blessing it is to have such a wonderful family on both sides.  It's something that I realize not everyone has.  I know many people who are estranged from their parents, siblings, or children...and I can't imagine what that would be like.  I feel for anyone in that situation, and hope and pray for reconciliation.

The more I think about it, the more I know that I am blessed to have a great family that loves me, who have shared ups and downs with me, with whom I have amazing memories, and who share the same faith and beliefs that I have. And I married into a family that's the exact same way.

If you have such a family, count your blessings this Christmas - and everyday.  We are some of the lucky few.

Happy Birthday!!!

Today is a special day in the Maassarany household - it's my son's 2nd birthday!

He was born 12/12/12 (which is pretty cool).  But the past two years have whipped by.  He's talking in full sentences, laughing, being naughty, being great...it's just gone way too fast...

It's amazing how much joy he brings into my life.  You always hear parents say that, and if you're not a parent it can get annoying...yes, I know.  But it's so true.  I come home, see him, and a smile comes from deep down.  When I have to discipline him, I HATE it.  I know I have to and that it's good for him, but it's so hard for me to make my son upset, even when it's for his own good.  I would do anything to keep him safe.  He's my boy.

I know that time flies.  I'm trying to cherish every moment.  Perhaps one of my favourite things right now is how excited he gets when he hears me pull into the driveway.  I open the front door and hear him running down the stairs yelling "Daddy, Daddy!!"  And then a HUGE hug...oh, his hugs are so good.

My boy, happy birthday.  I love you so much.  I'll try to always be the best dad I can.

Christmas Traditions

Tomorrow on the All New Breakfast Club, we're doing a talk-back show on Christmas traditions. I think we may have started a couple of new traditions in our family.  Christmas usually rushes by for me...the season gets so busy that it's hard to slow down and really take it in.  I'm happy to say though, that this Christmas has started off a bit different, for a couple of reasons.

My son is almost two years old, and he has made it his mission to yell "CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!!!" every time we pass a decorated house.  It was funny the first few times...now it's a bit deafening, lol.  It's especially tough when we pass five houses in a row that are all decorated.  But every time we're in the car, it's a constant reminder of what season it is, instead of driving by the beautiful lights and barely noticing.  Ah, the enthusiasm and excitement of kids...

We've also started doing something new this year.  We've titled it our 'Fantastically Fun Friday Family Film Fest!"  Which basically means that every Friday night for the month of December, we watch a Christmas movie together.  This is a rare treat in our house because we don't have cable and also don't let our son watch too much on Netflix (we'd rather have him playing and engaging in hands-on learning).  So this is a bit of a change and it's nice to sit down together as a family and relax.

And finally, my wife created an advent calendar for our son.  Everyday in leading up to Christmas, we read a bible passage and then he gets to open one small gift (from the dollar store).  He loves it, and it's fun for us to watch as parents.

So I guess the link in all of these is...my son.  I didn't realize that until I wrote this post.  So although you'll likely never read this, thank you Leonidas, for helping me to get into the Christmas spirit earlier this year.  Yay, it's Christmas!

It's a special day...

My wonderful wife turns one year...wiser...today.  It's her birthday!

My wife always puts me to shame when it comes to gift-giving.  Actually, 'puts me to shame' is putting it nicely.  She destroys me.  Every year, for every occasion.  I really try, but I never stand a chance.  Our first Christmas was a very humbling experience...I bought her one big gift, and she sat and watched as I unwrapped her nine gifts.  I told you - destroys.

I think I've done okay this year.  Here's the spread (there was also her favourite ice cream - Ben and Jerry's Coffee Toffee Crunch...but that was eaten before this picture was taken).

We'll also be heading out tomorrow night to celebrate with an evening that I've planned (sorry, can't spill the beans).  I'm hoping I've moved up at least half a notch when it comes to gift-giving.

Oh, and I took some time at lunch this afternoon to do this:

Vote!

It shocks me every election how few people vote.  Numbers usually come in between 30-50% of eligible voters who actually cast a ballot.  In central Ontario, the highest voter turnout I saw was in Owen Sound, 52%.  The lowest? Barrie, 31%.

This post is not to rip on anyone who didn't vote.  It's to encourage you to think about voting next time around (hint hint - federal election, October 2015).  Voting is a privilege.  People around the world fight and die for, and dream of the opportunity to have their voices heard.  There are dozens of countries like North Korea where the people are so oppressed...and we're on the complete opposite end.  We have freedom.  We can express ourselves without fear of persecution, jail time, torture, or even death.

If that's too dramatic an approach - although in reality, it's not - then bring it back to your life personally.  I always think it's funny when people complain about the government, specific politicians, high taxes, horrible roads, a failing school system...or whatever else bothers you (take your pick), and then an election rolls around and they don't vote.  I've always been of the mindset that if you're going to complain, you should have a solution to go along with it.  Complaining doesn't do much.  Solutions fix problems.  If you're upset with the way things are, one solution is to vote.  It's important to note that this also goes the other way - if you like the way things are, then vote to keep it status quo.  Otherwise, things might change and you'll be on the other side of the fence ("Oh, it's too bad that person didn't get re-elected...")

To me it's sad in general that we don't realize the incredible privilege we have to vote.  But it's even more sad after everything that happened in Ottawa last week.  Corporal Nathan Cirillo's death was a reminder that brave men and women have fought (and continue to fight) for our country, and they protect the freedoms we have today.  People would die to have the privileges we have.  And last week, one man did just that.

Being a dad...second time around

My new son is just over three weeks old...and growing like a weed.  What's the deal kid??  Slow down already!  My goodness, the newborn stage is so short...

Fatherhood.  Awesome.  I love coming home and seeing my 22 month old.  He's fun.  He's happy (usually).  I absolutely love watching him learn about the world around him - new words everyday, how things work, the highest stair he can jump from, etc...  He teaches me patience, innocence, genuine excitement, trust, selfishness (yes, selfishness), and what it means to love unconditionally.  The most heartbreaking thing though?  Watching him cry.  Can't stand it.  But I know that sometimes it's necessary for discipline, or it's part of the learning process (I.e., when he realizes, 'Oh, that stair was TOO high').

And now, there's a second one.  I know it's only been three weeks, but it's funny how much you learn the first time around.  I'm much more relaxed with this newborn.  I've learned to try to REALLY cherish the time that he's young and small, because it flew faster than I could ever imagine with our first born.  I've learned to just sit with him and enjoy.  Just stare.  Take him in.

I've also learned that with two kids so close in age, sleep can be a rare commodity, and diapers begin to take over life.  Even still, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Nostalgia...

I'm not a 'Dancing with the Stars' type of guy, but this is perhaps one of the best things I have ever seen.  Enjoy a trip down Memory Lane.