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Monthly reviews are my favourite tradition. Here’s how it works – every month I come up with some things I learned. Then, I ask you all to join in with some recent revelations of your own. And we all learn and grow and what-not. Or at least share a laugh at our own expense, because some of these lessons are both hard-fought and funny. Sound good?

So, without further ado, here are some things that I learned in August.

Things I learned in August

1. I learned that when your firstborn is 5 1/2 and about to enter kindergarten, and she learns to swim, and she gets her 6-year molars, and your baby turns 2, you are sort of an emotional wreck. Where did the time go, I ask you?

2. I discovered that I can take 2 children to the fair, and not even cry once. (Big thanks to my friend Carrie for the invitation, and the fabulous Marilyn for coming along, too!)

Hannah and I, not crying on our way out of the fair

3. I canned peaches for the first time.

4. I watched Jacob on his first set of wheels, and it was delightful.

A boy and his balance bike

5. I experimented with fermenting my own dill pickles. It is still ongoing, but I will hopefully have an update by the time I report my September learnings. Preliminary results: super-easy, but skimming mold is kind of gross.

6. I helped the amazing Crunchy Carpets organize an “I’m Not Going to BlogHer Pity Party“, and it wasn’t pitiful at all. I suspect that when a bunch of people get together in the name of fun it never is.

Non-pitiful pity partiers

7. I asked you to share your story, and many of you responded, and I am so amazingly touched and inspired.

8. I learned that I am far from alone in my shopping cart neuroses. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to know that so many of you are also dedicated cart-returners.

9. I fell in love with my cherry pitter. Not only was it super-handy when I made cherry ice cream, but it works on olives, too. Although I haven’t tried olive ice cream (yet), so I can’t tell you how that would work.

The kids try out the new cherry pitter

10. I have found myself immersed back in the world of 2-year-olds throwing temper tantrums. I am remembering a lot of stuff that I’m pretty sure I forgot on purpose. Such as, how completely dedicated your toddler can be to having only one sock on, and how upset any attempt to change that situation can make him.

What about you? What did you learn in August? Please share! And read some of these fabulous posts to see what other people learned in August, or add your own:

Monthly reviews are my favourite tradition. Here’s how it works – every month I come up with some things I learned. Then, I ask you all to join in with some recent revelations of your own. And we all learn and grow and what-not. Or at least share a laugh at our own expense, because some of these lessons are both hard-fought and funny. Sound good?

So, without further ado, here are some things that I learned in July.

Things I learned in July

1. I learned that summer feels even better when you have to wait for it to arrive. After a cold June, a hot July has been just the ticket.

2. I discovered the joy of becoming an aunt for the first time.

3. I uncovered my own hypocrisy when I felt that dairy cows ought to be let outside, but I refuse to allow my own cat outside.

4. I tasted raspberries from my garden once again and re-learned their sweetness.

5. I encountered an opportunity for personal growth, when I had to wait 30 minutes for my friends to show up at a restaurant.

6. I learned that in parenting you shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep. And I also learned that a good face-painting job makes up for the time I forgot that.

7. I discovered that almost nothing feels better than finally getting stitches out of my mouth after 3 weeks. It’s right up there with finally getting the braces off my teeth, in fact.

8. I learned that sharing my dream with others is a powerful, powerful thing. I was afraid to do it, but it’s brought me so much joy.

9. For the 8 millionth time I was reminded that white shirts and toddlers are a bad combination.

10. I found out that I can still sew a mei tai in an evening, even 2 1/2 years after closing my baby carrier business. I also learned that, for me, sewing is way more fun when it’s not obligatory.

What about you? What did you learn in July? Please share! And read some of these fabulous posts to see what other people learned in July, or add your own:

Monthly reviews are my favourite tradition. Here’s how it works – every month I come up with some things I learned. Then, I ask you all to join in with some recent revelations of your own. And we all learn and grow and what-not. Or at least share a laugh at our own expense, because some of these lessons are both hard-fought and funny. Sound good?

So, without further ado, here are some things that I learned in June.

Things I learned in June

1. I found out the hard way that salt water and digital cameras are not friends. Not even a little bit. But wrist straps and digital cameras just may be.

2. I learned rather a lot about cheese. Like how long pathogens can survive in raw milk cheeses, and how cheese-making is not for people with short attention spans.

3. I learned that if you’re going to have non-stop tapas and still be able to walk afterward, you have to know when to cry uncle. Because if you put food in front of me, I will eat it.

4. I discovered that before you decide to take a walk by yourself with two little kids, you need to know the route. Because while the scenery might be gorgeous, carrying a toddler for 2+ hours is not fun at all.

5. I missed out on a chance to meet an online friend because I didn’t think to let her know I’d be in the area. This made me sad.

6. I discovered that just like me, my 5-year-old daughter Hannah loves to feel the wind in her hair. I anticipate some fun times on the roller coaster in our future.

7. I found out that after you have dental surgery and your face bruises up, people start looking at you funny. I felt like I should be wearing a shirt that says, “My husband didn’t do this to me, my dentist did.”

8. As I tried to avoid laughing during said dental surgery, I learned that The Golden Girls really holds up. Much like Betty White herself.

9. I felt a thrill of victory when I finished a sweater! It’s the February Lady Sweater, and I used my friend Kirsten’s soft spun yarn.

10. I learned that the first strawberry of the season from your own garden is sweet indeed, even if the bad weather did delay it for weeks.

What about you? What did you learn in June? Please share! And read some of these fabulous posts to see what other people learned in June, or add your own:

Monthly reviews are my favourite tradition. Here’s how it works – every month I come up with some things I learned. Then, I ask you all to join in with some recent revelations of your own. And we all learn and grow and what-not. Or at least share a laugh at our own expense, because some of these lessons are both hard-fought and funny. Sound good?

So, without further ado, here are some things that I learned in May.

Things I learned in May

1. Jon and I discovered the magic of kindergarten orientation with Hannah. She raised her hand at every question, sang along with the songs, did the crafts and didn’t want to leave. I think that kindergarten is going to be great.

2. I re-learned the joys of a new toy. In this case, it was a digital camera.

My eye, in fish eye

3. I was overjoyed that 140 people took part in my book idea / blog survey. You guys rock! (I’ll be talking more about that on Friday.)

4. At Northern Voice I discovered that I am bloggable, and sat on the Family Matters panel.

See? Bloggable.

5. I discovered that it is possible to have a civil discussion about epidural use and availability. Colour me thrilled.

6. I learned that you pretty much either love or hate tempura dill pickles.

Tempura dill pickle recipe from The Gourmet Pregnancy

7. I learned that I can’t garden with Jacob by my side, if I want any of my plants to survive the experience.

8. I was thrilled that Jacob hit it off with his great grandfather, when 4 generations of Strocel men got together for the first time.

Ted Sr, Ted Jr, Jacob and Jon

9. I managed to make lunch using ingredients from my local farmer’s market, and it was good. Fresh food really does taste better.

10. I found joy in releasing baby salmon into the wild. May they live long and prosper.

Hannah releases her fish

What about you? What did you learn in May? Please share! And read some of these fabulous posts to see what other people learned in May, or add your own:

Monthly reviews are my favourite tradition. Here’s how it works – every month I come up with some things I learned. Then, I ask you all to join in with some recent revelations of your own. And we all learn and grow and what-not. Or at least share a laugh at our own expense, because some of these lessons are both hard-fought and funny. Sound good?

So, without further ado, here are some things that I learned in April.

Things I learned in April

1. I made a balloon-y baby blanket for a new special someone.

2. I learned how to make dandelion blossom fritters, using this recipe. Delicious, especially drizzled with maple syrup.

Dandelion blossom fritters, right up close

3. I honed my solo parenting skills when Jon spent 4 nights in Las Vegas.

4. I learned that all the cool kids have their own yoga mat.

A yoga mat of my own

5. I discovered the wonder that is Trader Joe’s. Another reason to be jealous of Americans.

6. I enjoyed some much-needed downtime and rediscovered that my husband and kids are actually pretty cool people to hang out with.

Me downtiming with my family in the background

7. I read that I just may be a terribly irresponsible parent. But I’m cool, and I’ll tell you why tomorrow.

8. I learned how to make a raised garden bed. Or, more accurately, how to watch others make me a raised garden bed.

The new garden bed, which I stood by and watched others build me

9. I was reminded of my hopeless maternal sentimentality when the arrival of Hannah’s school supply list for kindergarten caused me to tear up. New crayons for school – sniff!

10. I discovered that through the wonder of paprika and chili powder, I can dye a white egg to look just like a brown one. Thankfully, the turmeric (yellow and half of green), purple cabbage (blue and half of green) and beets (pink) turned out a little better.

Easter eggs dyed using veggies and spices

What about you? What did you learn in April? Please share!

PS – I am a finalist in Vancouver Mom‘s Favourite Vancouver Mom Blogger contest! If you’d vote for me (and any other fabulous contestants you read) once a day until May 6 I’d be ever so grateful.

Monthly reviews are my favourite tradition. Here’s how it works – every month I come up with some things I learned. Then, I ask you all to join in with some recent revelations of your own. And we all learn and grow and what-not. Or at least share a laugh at our own expense, because some of these lessons are both hard-fought and funny. Sound good?

So, without further ado, here are some things that I learned in March.

Things I learned in March

1. I found out that I am a better programmer than I thought I was, and successfully tackled my first solo website re-design.

2. I learned that Scattered Mom makes the best cookies when she handed some out at our Vancouver-area mom bloggers meet-up.

3. I did my first speaking gig, and it went well. Although attendance can be lower than you hoped if it turns out to be a gorgeous Saturday morning on the first day of spring. But how can you complain about a gorgeous spring day? You can’t.

4. I tried my hand at making ice cream. So. Good.

5. I discovered how fortunate we are to have both a deep freeze and access to a second, small fridge when our refrigerator’s starting relay died and the replacement part took a week to arrive. Otherwise, all my homemade ice cream would have been lost.

6. I learned that if you’re going to do Earth Hour with a toddler in the house, you’ll end up sitting in the dark after you give up on candles in frustration.

7. I figured out how to improvise a skirt pattern, using a skirt I already owned.

8. I went shampoo-free, and it was not half as bad as I expected.

9. I experienced wonder when the seeds I’d saved myself sprouted. Hooray for plants!

10. I learned that when I’m having a bad day, nothing turns my mood around like stripey over-the-knee socks. I sort of suspect they’re better suited for someone 10 years younger, but that’s how old I am in my head anyways so I don’t care.

What about you? What did you learn in March? Please share!

Monthly reviews are my favourite tradition. Here’s how it works – every month I come up with some things I learned. Then, I ask you all to join in with some recent revelations of your own. And we all learn and grow and what-not. Or at least share a laugh at our own expense, because some of these lessons are both hard-fought and funny. Sound good?

So, without further ado, here are some things that I learned in February.

Things I learned in February

1. I discovered what it’s like to have an 18-month-old and a 5-year-old. The verdict? Sort of crazy, but in the best possible way.

2. I learned that walks to nowhere are sometimes the best kind.

3. I found out the hard way that you should always schedule your pet’s veterinary appointments for a time when you won’t have to bring your children along.

4. I discovered, once again, that sprinkles really do make any cake better.

5. I found some peace and redemption when one of the articles that I submitted was declined. Here’s the thing – your work can be good, even if it isn’t the right fit for one particular venue. And no one else thinks badly of you for trying, and trying again, and not succeeding. Life is about making mistakes and learning from them, after all.

6. You need a shocking amount of documentation to register your child for kindergarten. And you will cry at least once on the outing, wondering where the time went and how your baby can possibly be going to kindergarten already.

7. I remembered that I am just not that good at solo parenting, as I did it for most evenings this month. I could probably become good at it if I needed to, but I’m glad that I don’t need to.

8. I discovered the joy of cinnamon bark.

9. I re-learned how suddenly the end of February creeps up on you. February is short, yo!

10. I saw communities come together, in the most inconvenient circumstances possible, just to glimpse the Olympic Torch. I felt awe-struck.

What about you? What did you learn in February? Please share!

Monthly reviews are my favourite tradition. Here’s how it works – every month I come up with some things I learned. Then, I ask you all to join in with some recent revelations of your own, and we all learn and grow and what-not. Or at least share a laugh at our own expense, because some of these lessons are both hard-fought and funny. Sound good?

So, without further ado, here are some things that I learned in January.

Things I learned in January

1. I discovered the beauty of dried ground cherry husks.

2. I learned that I can still climb a tree rather well, even after a 20+ year hiatus.

3. I choked on my objections and realized that Jacob doesn’t mind being on a leash, and in fact in certain situations it’s a lifesaver.

4. I discovered the hard way that SimplyLinked is more reliable than Mr. Linky for all your link-up widget needs.

5. I found out that many Canadians from less temperate climates get jealous when I post photos of green grass in January.

6. I learned to check the weight before buying large, imported fruit.

7. Thanks to some bad planning, I learned that not-quite-5-year-old Hannah can push a full cart through the IKEA warehouse, but she can’t really steer. Or see over the top, for that matter.

8. I found that life is much better if I’m not so self-critical, and that perceived flaws become less noticeable with time.

9. I joined Ravelry and discovered a whole new way to waste time online. But, oh, the fibery goodness!

10. I learned that being an expert is in the eye of the beholder, and that we all have areas of expertise that we don’t credit ourselves with. One of mine is maternity leave.

What about you? What did you learn in January? Please share!

Monthly reviews are my new favourite tradition. Here’s how it works – every month I come up with some things I learned. Then, I ask you all to join in with some recent revelations of your own. And we all learn and grow and what-not. Or at least share a laugh at our own expense, because some of these lessons are both hard-fought and funny. Sound good?

So, without further ado, here are some things that I learned in December.

Things I learned in December

1. I discovered that I can say ‘um’ 37 times in 5 minutes and 18 seconds, for an average of one ‘um’ every 8.6 seconds. But I am proud of my needle felting how-to video all the same.

2. I learned the thrill of victory when I made it into the final round for two Canadian Blog Awards, and the Blog to Inspire contest. And then I learned the agony of defeat when I did not win any of them. Although I did come in second in the ‘Blog Post Series’ category of the blog awards, so that’s something, right?

3. Hannah and I discovered local ventriloquist and children’s entertainer Kellie Haines, and had a great time at her show.

4. The value of my auto club membership was confirmed when I had a flat tire and a dead battery on the same Monday morning. I was overjoyed when a very nice man solved both problems and had me going again less than 30 minutes after I made the call.

5. I learned from you guys that if I don’t want my gingerbread house to collapse into rubble, I should build the house and allow it to harden for a while before decorating. Thankfully, rubble tastes every bit as good as an intact house.

6. I learned that I am going to be an aunt in early July. Hooray for babies!

7. I re-learned that if I don’t want to be up until 11:30pm sewing on Christmas Eve, I should start my projects before the last minute. I’m sure I will re-learn this one again next December, too.

8. I was reminded how quickly it can turn from an ordinary Saturday morning into an emergency when Jacob choked on a piece of Hannah’s jewelry.

9. I discovered how much I rely on social media when I changed my Twitter password and my account was locked for days. Word to the wise – disable TweetDeck before changing your password to avoid the same fate. The whole episode was rather embarrassing, but thankfully has now been resolved.

10. In the middle of the chaos, I found the joy in seeing Christmas through the eyes of a 4-year-old. It’s pure magic, it really is.

What about you? What did you learn in December? Please share!

This is my third monthly review, so I say that it has officially become a tradition. Here’s how it works – every month I come up with some things I learned. Then, I ask you all to join in with some recent revelations of your own. And we all learn and grow and what-not. Or at least share a laugh at our own expense, because some of these lessons are both hard-fought and funny. Sound good?

So, without further ado, here are some things that I learned in November.

Things I learned in November.

1. I learned the joy of possessing a pretty pink laptop. Oh, sweet Thusnelda.

2. I learned, yet again, that November is my least favourite month. Can you say blah?

3. I found out that good leashes make good step stools, if you want to keep your toddler out of trouble.

4. I discovered that I am not the only mom who just can’t seem to find the time to be sick. We’re busy, yo!

5. I learned that I sort of find my husband’s moustache cute, and less irritating than he does. He was so happy to get rid of that thing at the end of Movember, let me tell you.

6. I sent my first email to my Strocel.com email list, and found out that the people who signed up for it really did want to hear from me. Bless their hearts!

7. I remembered how very, very small a 5-pound infant really is. My daughter Hannah was born 6 weeks early, and I can’t even conceive of it now. I also wondered, yet again, where the time has gone.

8. I learned that submitting an unsolicited article for publication feels a lot like handing in a term paper or applying for a job. As it should, because it’s sort of a little bit of both those things.

9. After some false starts I made my own sourdough starter and baked my own sourdough bread. Yum!

10. I was reminded, yet again, how much I hate handling the technical side of blogging when we switched web hosts. It’s amazing to think that I was a programmer for so many years, considering how uncool I am when any issues crop up here.

What about you? What did you learn in November? Please share!

PS – Allow me to brag a little, and tell you all that my post, Battling the Toy Catalogues, was featured on the Yummy Mummy Club. Be sure to head on over and say hi!