Twice Is So Nice For These Twin Brothers
Posted: November 12, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a commentFor the past two years, Shane and Mason, have contributed funds to the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation from their ECHOage birthday parties! These boys have both been on the receiving end of the exceptional care at the Montreal Children’s Hospital for surgeries at 5 weeks old and 4 years old respectively. Giving back to the hospital was something their parents felt the boys could really understand, even at such a young age.
For their 5th birthday, the boys had the chance to express their individuality with a ‘kid in a candy store’ kind of shopping experience. Their mom, Jean, reports that they had an absolute ball with pretty much free reign at the toy store when shopping with their funds from ECHOage!
Shane and Mason, we are so proud to count you among our ECHOage heroes!
Montreal Spotlight: Sister Support!
Posted: September 4, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a commentThere is something so special about sisters! Made even more special when they support not only each other but so many families in need as these two sisters did for their 6th and 8th birthdays. Jessica and Talia’s ECHOage party benefitted En Famille, an initiative affiliated with the Jewish General Hospital dedicated to offering professional support and resources for young families to help meet the daily needs of parents who have been diagnosed with cancer.
The birthday celebration was a blast! The girls spent time with their friends at iSaute trampoline centre jumping for birthday joy! To make the celebration even sweeter, the girls chose to get new bicycles, just in time for spring! Their parents loved that in addition to receiving amazing new wheels, they understood that part of their birthday gift (close to $600!) was being used to help parents and kids going through really tough times.
ECHOage offered up the perfect mix of convenience, ease, speed, and lessons learned for these special sisters and their very appreciative working/pregnant mom!
We are so proud to count you among our ECHOage heroes! Happy birthday Jessica and Talia! You’ve got sister power!
Surviving Sixteen Years and Six Kids
Posted: July 30, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Dating Advice, Healthy Relationship Tips, How to Fix a Relationship, Julie Cole, mabels labels, Marriage Advice, Mom Advice, Relationship advice, Wedding Anniversary Leave a commentI recently celebrated my 16th wedding anniversary to Daddy-o. When I say “celebrated,” I actually just mean that we both “remembered.” It has been a busy sixteen years and I’d be lying if I said we’ve actually remembered all of our anniversaries. Usually we are reminded of this special occasion when his mother calls to offer congratulations.
People have asked how we’ve survived 16 years and six kids. I could say all the usual healthy relationship tips: don’t go to bed angry, appreciate each other, say “I love you”, make time for each other, communicate honestly and often, blah, blah, blah. All this marriage advice is useful and we probably do them for the most part.
What I really think has been useful is some of the advice that was given to me.
Before we were married, Daddy-o’s mother sat us down and said this: “Just so you know, there are not going to be hard days, hard weeks and hard months – there are going to be hard YEARS. If you can just work through them it will all be worth it.”
I also remember what my brother says: “If the grass is looking greener on the other side, try taking better care of your lawn.”
Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t actually think people should be miserable with their spouse for years, and certainly some people take very good care of their lawns and still can’t avoid those poisonous weeds. Ending a marriage can sometimes be the very best thing for a family. Only those in the marriage are qualified to make that call and decide how to fix a relationship. But, I think these messages have been good reminders to me that relationships were never meant to be easy all the time and that part of my responsibility is to work on it.
One thing I do know is that the guy who posted his dissatisfaction with his married sex life online last week should have kept this dissatisfaction to himself. I doubt it helped his marriage and I’m certain it won’t lead to him getting more action in the bedroom. So if nothing else, my relationship advice is DON’T DO WHAT THIS IDIOT DID.
You’re welcome. You can thank me for saving your marriages henceforth.
What keeps your marriage/relationship going strong? Did you get any good dating advice that has helped your partnership?
Julie Cole – Founder Mabels Labels
Sticks and Stones -The Power of Words
Posted: July 21, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Dictionary, Julie Cole, kids, mabels labels, Parenting Tips, Raising Children, Raising girls, Vocabulary words, Words that should be banned, working mothers Leave a commentWords are powerful. My dad was an English teacher and word junkie so we were always taught to use our words carefully. The lesson has stuck with me and I have found that in raising my kids, I’m careful about not using vocabulary words that I don’t like. There are certain words not in my personal dictionary, that I’m pretty sure they’ve never heard me use. The short list includes:
“Best friend”
I just don’t like this term and never have. It feels exclusive and it inevitably leads to annoying sentences like “I’m not your BEST FRIEND anymore” and “Sorry, but Jenny is already my BEST FRIEND”. I find the newer terms like “BFF” and “Bestie” far less annoying because they seem to be used more generally and don’t seem so serious. The term “best friend” feels like it should have a ring and commitment ceremony attached to it.
“Tomboy”
Just because a girl is sporty and adventurous does not make her like a boy. It makes her sporty and adventurous. These kinds of gender stereotypes have no place in my home (or society).
“Fat” and “skinny”
As a general rule, I don’t speak about appearances in front of my kids. I specifically try to stay away from comments regarding body shape when describing how someone looks, and particularly these two very loaded words.
“Diet”
My kids have never heard me say this word and certainly not in the context of me going on one. My hope is that my daughters will never feel like they need to diet. I like to think that I will face most parental challenges with a certain level of comfort and confidence. I know the exception is eating disorders. I have three girls and if any of them were sticking their fingers down their throat, you would find me in a corner rocking in the fetal position. The thought of facing eating disorders horrifies me and my heart goes out to families raising girls and dealing with it.
“Waitress” and “Mailman”
My kids never hear me use gender when describing a job or career. Yep, this PC mama says, “Server” and “Mail Carrier”, to name just two.
“I hate you”
My kids have never heard me use this term nor has anyone else. I don’t think I’ve ever used this phrase. Words cannot be taken back, even when you are sorry you said them.
Do you have parenting tips on any words that you keep out of your personal dictionary? What words are on the “no say” list in your house? Do you hear any words that make you cringe or that you try not to use in front of your children?
Julie Cole – Founder Mabels Labels
Even 3 year olds can do amazing things.
Posted: July 3, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a comment
This year for his 3rd birthday, Ray did something really amazing! Not only did his ECHOage birthday gifts go towards a brand new set of bongos and day camp this summer but he supported the Montreal Children’s Hospital making a difference in the lives of so many children.
Ray’s drumming party with Rhythm Exchange was a total blast! Ray was in heaven and his friends loved the party.
Ray’s mom Liz loved the ease of using ECHOage: “I liked that Ray did not receive the typical haul of toys, it’s overwhelming and unnecessary. I love the ECHOage concept, I love the values, I love supporting the Children’s, I love that people didn’t have to shop or wrap gifts, I love what it teaches my kids, it really is a win, win, win, win!”
Ray, you are making some wonderful noise, on your drums and in your world. We can hear your message loud and clear: Kids can do amazing things!
Wishing you a wonderful birthday from everyone at ECHOage.com!
How To Tell Kids They’re Not Getting What They Want With Positive Discipline
Posted: July 2, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Big Families, Disciplining Children, Julie Cole, mabels labels, Parenting Tips, Positive Parenting Leave a comment
I have a busy house full of my kids, their friends, neighbourhood kids, and an assorted number of random drop-ins. I’d rather not sound like the meanest mommy on the block, so I have a few key phrases that allow me to say “NO WAY” to my kids, without using those exact words. Here are a few of my favourites:
“Asked and Answered”
You know that annoying habit kids have of asking you the same thing over and over again in hopes of wearing you down so they get their own way? Rather than saying, “NO” a hundred times, I simply answer the question once. If the nagging child continues asking, I respond with, “asked and answered.” It shows them that I’m unwavering and saves me from saying, “NO” repeatedly.
For example:
Kid: “Mom, can Addie sleep over?”
Me: “No, not tonight.”
Kid: “Mom, PLEASE can Addie sleep over?”
Me: “Asked and answered.”
(End conversation)
“One per Customer”
One of the downsides of giving a kid a treat is that they don’t just appreciate that one treat, they always beg for more. When I have a houseful of kids and I have them all screaming for more of this or another of that, I feel like going all “Soup Nazi” on them and screaming, “NO WAY, you greedy brats!” Instead, I use positive discipline to smile and say, “Sorry, it’s one per customer.” In other words, take whatever is being served up and move right along.
“Try Again With Your Cool Voice”
You know that whiney voice kids use whenever they possibly can? Rather than disciplining children by telling them what NOT to do (i.e. “Stop your whining, it’s driving me CRAZY!”) I try to be proactive and tell them what TO DO (i.e. “Can you try asking again with your cool voice?) That way I’m not whining, about their whining.
“No Opinion Shopping”
Opinion shopping is when kids go to one parent for permission to do something and when they don’t like the answer they get, they go to the other parent hoping for a different outcome. When my kids or their friends try this, rather than screaming, “No, you manipulative little freaks!” I smile and remind them that there is no opinion shopping allowed.
All these phrases tell my kids they’re not getting their way, and allow me to appear calm, cool and collected while delivering the message. Do you have any parenting tips or “go to” key phrases in your family?
An Attitude of Gratitude
Posted: May 27, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Birthday, charity, ECHOage, giving back, Montreal, Montreal Children's Hospital, presents Leave a commentThis year for Kate’s 4th birthday, she got a Mini Ipad from her friends, and she raised over $300 for the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH)!
Kate chose to get an Ipad because she loves to download apps and play games like “Strawberry Shortcake” and “Littlest Pet Shop”. She chose to support the MCH – from ECHOage’s list of over 250 charities – because her grandmother worked there for many years. During that time, Kate saw for herself how much the Children’s helps young boys and girls who are sick, and have to stay in the hospital.
Kate, you are an ECHOage Hero – you have made a big difference in the lives of children in Montreal who are in the hospital, and you have inspired many other children to follow in your footsteps. Happy Birthday to you, amazing girl!
Eden’s 7th Birthday – Helping to Cure Leukemia and Lymphoma
Posted: May 15, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: birthdays, cancers, charity, ECHOage, giving, Leukemia, Lymphoma Leave a commentEden’s 7th birthday is one she will always remember. Never did she think that beyond receiving her much anticipated gift (a Barbie Mermaid Princess!), that she would also be helping people affected with blood cancers.
Mom Dana, however, knew that bringing charitable giving into the mix would make Eden’s birthday even more special. “Being able to share her birthday gift with a charity helped to teach Eden about the importance of giving back.”
Eden chose to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) in honour of her grandmother, a lymphoma survivor. Eden states “Her cancer is better now, but when I saw the LLSC featured on ECHOage list of charities, I knew that was the charity that I wanted to raise money for!”
“Dolls, dolls and more dolls” was the theme of this little girl’s dream birthday. She had a blast making doll clothes with her friends, whacking a piñata and throwing a pie in her brother’s face.
But while the birthday celebrations may be over, Eden’s gift continues to make a difference in the lives of many Canadians living with a blood cancer.
Hurray to this little hero, her support is part of the cure!
Why LLSC?
With blood cancer being the # 1 cancer in kids under age of 14 and with over 100,000 Canadians living with or in remission from a blood cancer; NOW is the time to recognize that Someday is Today. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) is dedicated to finding a cure for blood cancers and improving the quality of life for patients and their families. The LLSC provides much needed funding to researchers, patient support and public education.
By supporting the LLSC at your next ECHOage party, your remarkable gesture will bring hope to thousands of families across Canada living with a blood cancer.
Yonatan’s ECHOage Birthday
Posted: May 13, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Birthday, charity, ECHOage, kids, Party, presents Leave a comment
Scoring Big Time
Posted: April 28, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a commentAccording to Arden’s mom, Andrea, ECHOage is a fantastic concept. “It gave Arden and his friends the opportunity to give back to a wonderful organization in our community. Donating funds to the MCH as a birthday gift allowed Arden to understand that giving is just as important as receiving on your birthday! We look forward to using ECHOage again for birthdays and other family events.”
On the receiving end, Arden chose a Ripstick, stakeboard and street goalie pads for his birthday gifts. “I’m a big fan of skateboarding and street hockey. My favorite position in hockey is goaltender so I really wanted goalie pads. I really like the Ripstik because you can turn with it and you’re not just rolling flat like a regular skateboard.” Cool stuff!
“I decided that for my birthday party my friends and I would play soccer and during the game I scored three goals! I was super happy at the end of the game. My friends also scored a lot of goals so everyone had fun and it was a good party.”
Way to go Arden for scoring big this birthday! Happy Birthday from everyone at
ECHOage.com!
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