It’s all about being together

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Lorraine

For the first five years of motherhood I lived nearly 5000 miles away from my family. It’s my fault – I chose to up sticks and move away. When we were just a couple I was fine with a visit from my parents once a year, a yearly trip home for us and weekly phone calls, but somehow, having babies made me feel closer to my family despite the vast distance between us. I realised how much a rookie mom needs her mom.

As Pickle grew and Bowser arrived seeing my family only once or twice a year and the limited time my parents had with their grandchildren fanned the flames of my smoldering feelings of homesickness. Surviving the nine hour flight and the accompanying jet lag also made traveling home less appealing. So, when Pickle was five and Bowser 18 months we packed up and went home. Now we are a much more sensible 60 miles apart and can see them, if not whenever we want, at least 6 or so times a year.

So that’s how we’ll be spending our upcoming school break – with Nanny and Grandad. We won’t do anything terribly exciting; it’s very relaxed. We might visit with some extended family. I usually get to have some precious ‘me time’ and have a couple of nights out catching up with old friends. We may see a family movie (currently trying to decide between The Muppets and Puss in Boots). Pickle in particular is just as excited about seeing Nanny and Grandad as she is about what we will do when we’re there. For her it’s all about being together. It’s like she’s making up for lost time.

Pickle would like if we were part of an African or Indian culture where the extended family all live together under one roof, but we adults know that we also need our own space. We always try to explain to her that if we spent all of our time together then we wouldn’t be able to look forward to visits. However, when we leave there are always tears that last for at least the first 15 minutes of the journey.

Nanny always has a little welcome gift for them, usually a sticker book and a craft kit for Pickle, a couple of Hot Wheels for Bowser and always a pack of Kinder eggs each. When the Kinder eggs are opened this time I will have a little wry smile as I’ve just become a member of the #KINDERMom program with KINDER® Canada. I expect being a KINDERMom I will see more than usual of these little fellows in the next few months. Nobody around here has any complaints about that.

We’ve decided that we’d like to share a little of our KINDERMom KINDERFun with our blog readers. For a chance to win a 24 pack of KINDER® SURPRISE® eggs, (YES, 24!!!) simply leave a comment below telling us who you would share this delicious bounty with.

For bonus entries:

  • Like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on facebook
  • Like KINDER® Canada on facebook
  • Retweet this giveaway ‘ Share a little #KINDERMom KINDERFun with a 24 pack of KINDER® SURPRISE® eggs via @RookieMommy http://wp.me/pC8a1-2PP #Giveaway ‘

Be sure to leave a separate comment below for each of your bonus entries.

  • Giveaway is open to Canadian residents only
  • Winner will be drawn at random
  • Giveaway closes February 28th, 2012

Check out the KINDER® Canada Facebook page for a peek at the 2012 toy collection, and exclusive monthly contests through the My Kinder Moments application – this February they’re giving away $500 towards the ultimate staycation!

Disclosure: I’m part of the Kinder® Mom program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Filed under: Parenting Tagged: | , , , , , , , ,

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149 Responses

  1. Andrea Bilec, on February 14, 2012 at 5:20 pm said:

    I would share these with my 2 kids and their classmates.

    Reply
  2. Andrea Bilec, on February 14, 2012 at 5:21 pm said:

    I like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on Facebook as Andrea Bilec.

    Reply
  3. Andrea Bilec, on February 14, 2012 at 5:22 pm said:

    I like Kinder Canada on Facebook as Andrea Bilec

    Reply
  4. Andrea Bilec, on February 14, 2012 at 5:23 pm said:
    Reply
  5. Marilyn Wons, on February 14, 2012 at 6:18 pm said:

    It would be hard to share, but I guess I would share them with my two best friends!

    Reply
  6. Nancy T, on February 14, 2012 at 6:33 pm said:

    I would share these with my girls (2 & 5) and their friends at momstown Georgina & East Gwillimbury playgroup.

    Reply
  7. Nancy T, on February 14, 2012 at 6:34 pm said:

    I like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on FB as Nancy Y…. T….

    Reply
  8. Nancy T, on February 14, 2012 at 6:35 pm said:

    I like Kinder Canada on FB.

    Reply
  9. Nancy T, on February 14, 2012 at 6:38 pm said:
    Reply
  10. angela m, on February 14, 2012 at 8:01 pm said:

    I would share this with my two daughters
    thanks

    Reply
  11. angela m, on February 14, 2012 at 8:02 pm said:

    Liked The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on facebook
    angela m

    Reply
  12. angela m, on February 14, 2012 at 8:02 pm said:

    Liked KINDER® Canada on facebook
    angela m

    Reply
  13. angela m, on February 14, 2012 at 8:04 pm said:
    Reply
  14. Kathy, on February 14, 2012 at 8:48 pm said:

    My SUnday School Class~

    Reply
  15. Lisa KH, on February 14, 2012 at 9:30 pm said:

    I would share this with my 2 nieces. If I my son was older, I would share it with him but he’s only 9 months old so too young.

    Reply
  16. Lisa KH, on February 14, 2012 at 9:31 pm said:

    I like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on Facebook. (Lisa K-H)

    Reply
  17. Lisa KH, on February 14, 2012 at 9:31 pm said:

    I like Kinder Canada on Facebook. (Lisa K-H)

    Reply
  18. Lisa KH, on February 14, 2012 at 9:33 pm said:
    Reply
  19. Penny Snyder, on February 15, 2012 at 2:28 am said:

    Would share it with hubby & son!

    Reply
  20. Penny Snyder, on February 15, 2012 at 2:32 am said:

    Lke The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on FB!! Penny Hayes Snyder

    Reply
  21. Penny Snyder, on February 15, 2012 at 2:33 am said:

    Like Kinder Canada on FB!! Penny Hayes Snyder

    Reply
  22. Margaret Smith, on February 15, 2012 at 2:46 am said:

    I’d love to share this with my kids, husband and niece and nephews. Thanks so much

    Reply
  23. Ann F, on February 15, 2012 at 3:25 am said:

    If I won, I would share this with my husband and daughter.

    Reply
  24. Kristen M, on February 15, 2012 at 3:15 pm said:

    I would share with my husband and nephew!

    Reply
  25. Jennifer, on February 15, 2012 at 5:27 pm said:

    I would share with my kiddos and their friends! Yum!

    Reply
  27. mommakoala, on February 15, 2012 at 5:28 pm said:

    I Like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on facebook (Debbie Watson)

    Reply
  28. Jennifer, on February 15, 2012 at 5:28 pm said:

    Like Rookie mom on facebook!

    Reply
  29. mommakoala, on February 15, 2012 at 5:28 pm said:

    I Like KINDER® Canada on facebook (debbie Watson)

    Reply
  30. Jennifer, on February 15, 2012 at 5:28 pm said:

    I like Kinder on facebook too!

    Reply
  31. Marlibu, on February 15, 2012 at 5:49 pm said:

    I would share this with all the kiddies for my babys first birthday in a few months

    Reply
  32. Marlibu, on February 15, 2012 at 5:50 pm said:

    Like u on fb
    Marla p

    Reply
  33. Marlibu, on February 15, 2012 at 5:50 pm said:

    Like kinder on fb
    Marla p

    Reply
  34. Pam, on February 15, 2012 at 6:13 pm said:

    I like Kinder, this prize pack is great … If I win, I’d share it with my closest mommy friends of my 7 year old!

    Reply
  35. Debbie, on February 15, 2012 at 7:14 pm said:

    Believe it or not… my 30 yr old son. He LOVES these things.

    Reply
  36. Debbie, on February 15, 2012 at 7:15 pm said:
    Reply
  37. Samorjj, on February 15, 2012 at 7:17 pm said:

    I would share these with my hubby.

    Reply
  38. Samorjj, on February 15, 2012 at 7:20 pm said:
    Reply
  39. Samorjj, on February 15, 2012 at 7:20 pm said:

    I like you on Facebook. (Jennifer W.)

    Reply
  40. Samorjj, on February 15, 2012 at 7:21 pm said:

    I like Kinder Canada on Facebook. (Jennifer W.)

    Reply
  41. ksceviour, on February 16, 2012 at 12:44 am said:

    I would share them with my son and his friends,

    Reply
  42. ksceviour, on February 16, 2012 at 12:45 am said:

    I like you on facebooK(karla Sceviour)

    Reply
  43. ksceviour, on February 16, 2012 at 12:46 am said:

    I like kinder Canada on facebook (karla Sceviour)

    Reply
  44. ksceviour, on February 16, 2012 at 12:47 am said:
    Reply
  45. Soozle, on February 16, 2012 at 1:09 am said:

    I would share this with my best friend and her little ones!

    Reply
  46. Soozle, on February 16, 2012 at 1:09 am said:

    I follow you on FB (Suzanne K)

    Reply
  47. Soozle, on February 16, 2012 at 1:10 am said:

    I follow Kinder on FB (SUzanne K)

    Reply
  48. Soozle, on February 16, 2012 at 1:11 am said:
    Reply
  49. jenn, on February 16, 2012 at 1:21 am said:

    my own 2 kids and my class of grade ones

    Reply
  50. ginette4, on February 16, 2012 at 3:15 am said:

    I would share this with my girls, my nephews and my great nephew

    Reply
  51. ginette4, on February 16, 2012 at 3:16 am said:

    Like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on facebook; Ginette Dube Anger

    Reply
  52. ginette4, on February 16, 2012 at 3:16 am said:

    Like KINDER® Canada on facebook; Ginette Dube Anger

    Reply
  53. stacey dempsey, on February 16, 2012 at 8:33 am said:

    I would give these to my kids

    Reply
  54. stacey dempsey, on February 16, 2012 at 8:39 am said:

    i Like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on facebook STACEY DEMPSEY

    Reply
  55. stacey dempsey, on February 16, 2012 at 8:41 am said:

    I Like KINDER® Canada on facebook stacey dempsey

    Reply
  56. stacey dempsey, on February 16, 2012 at 8:41 am said:
    Reply
  57. joni, on February 16, 2012 at 8:42 am said:

    I would let my daughter share these with her friends.

    Reply
  58. joni, on February 16, 2012 at 8:44 am said:
    Reply
  59. Sue, on February 16, 2012 at 2:17 pm said:

    I would shared this with my dear daughter and my husband who was the one that introduced kinder surprise to me when we first met over 10 years ago.

    Reply
  60. ginette4, on February 16, 2012 at 2:48 pm said:
    Reply
  61. Tammy, on February 16, 2012 at 3:09 pm said:

    My family

    Reply
  62. Tammy, on February 16, 2012 at 3:10 pm said:

    I like you on facebook
    Tammy D

    Reply
  63. Tammy, on February 16, 2012 at 3:12 pm said:

    I like Kinder Canada on facebook

    Tammy D

    Reply
  64. Andrea Williams, on February 16, 2012 at 8:37 pm said:

    My son and his friends would love these Kinder surprises!

    Reply
  65. Andrea Williams, on February 16, 2012 at 8:38 pm said:

    I liked the Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on facebook.

    Reply
  66. Andrea Williams, on February 16, 2012 at 8:38 pm said:

    Follow Kinder Canada on facebook.

    Reply
  67. Anne Taylor, on February 16, 2012 at 11:02 pm said:

    I’d share these with neices, nephews and grandkidlets galore!

    ty

    Reply
  68. Anne Taylor, on February 16, 2012 at 11:03 pm said:

    •Like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on facebook

    Anne Taylor

    Reply
  69. Anne Taylor, on February 16, 2012 at 11:04 pm said:

    •Like KINDER® Canada on facebook

    Anne Taylor

    Reply
  70. Anne Taylor, on February 16, 2012 at 11:06 pm said:
    Reply
  71. Tammy, on February 17, 2012 at 6:53 pm said:

    I tweeted

    Reply
  72. Estelle S, on February 17, 2012 at 7:52 pm said:

    I would share these with my children (of course) and all my nieces and nephews at our next big family gathering.

    Reply
  73. Estelle S, on February 17, 2012 at 7:53 pm said:

    I like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on Facebook.

    Reply
  74. lelandsweepstakes, on February 17, 2012 at 8:13 pm said:

    I’d share it with my lovely wife. =)

    Reply
  75. C Wilson, on February 17, 2012 at 11:24 pm said:

    I would share this with my two girls and nieces and nephews.

    Reply
  76. C Wilson, on February 17, 2012 at 11:25 pm said:

    I like you on fb as CAroline W

    Reply
  77. C Wilson, on February 17, 2012 at 11:25 pm said:

    I like Kinder Canada on fb as Caroline W

    Reply
  78. C Wilson, on February 17, 2012 at 11:26 pm said:
    Reply
  79. belinda m, on February 18, 2012 at 1:20 am said:

    I would share this with my wonderful son

    Reply
  80. belinda m, on February 18, 2012 at 1:21 am said:

    I like you on facebook – Belinda M

    Reply
  81. belinda m, on February 18, 2012 at 1:22 am said:

    I like Kinder Canada on facebook – Belinda M

    Reply
  82. belinda m, on February 18, 2012 at 1:25 am said:
    Reply
  83. Susan Margaret, on February 18, 2012 at 1:55 pm said:

    I’d share them with my kids!

    Reply
  84. Sandra, on February 18, 2012 at 4:29 pm said:

    I would share this with my family and coworkers

    Reply
  85. Sandra, on February 18, 2012 at 4:31 pm said:
    Reply
  86. Brenda Penton, on February 18, 2012 at 4:53 pm said:

    I would share this with my two boys and their friends.

    Reply
  87. Brenda Penton, on February 18, 2012 at 4:55 pm said:
    Reply
  88. Brenda Penton, on February 18, 2012 at 4:56 pm said:

    Liked The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on facebook as Brenda Penton

    Reply
  89. Brenda Penton, on February 18, 2012 at 4:57 pm said:

    Liked Kinder on Facebook as Brenda Penton

    Reply
  90. Glogirl, on February 19, 2012 at 4:41 am said:

    I would share this with my family!!

    Reply
  91. Glogirl, on February 19, 2012 at 4:42 am said:

    I Like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on facebook. (Amy M)

    Reply
  92. Glogirl, on February 19, 2012 at 4:43 am said:

    I Like KINDER® Canada on facebook. (Amy M)

    Reply
  93. Glogirl, on February 19, 2012 at 4:43 am said:
    Reply
  94. Gianna, on February 20, 2012 at 1:16 am said:

    I have 6 kids and plenty of nieces and nephews to share these with! :)

    Reply
  95. corey, on February 20, 2012 at 10:57 pm said:

    I would love to win this for my kids – they are obsessed with the kinder eggs. My kids would Love ME.

    Reply
  96. Heidi Daily, on February 21, 2012 at 5:10 pm said:

    I would share this with my daughter and nephews

    Reply
  97. Rebby, on February 22, 2012 at 4:26 am said:

    Wow, when I was a kid, Kinder eggs were my absolute fave treat! I would definitely share this with my family, and my brother, for old times sake!

    Reply
  98. Rebby, on February 22, 2012 at 4:27 am said:

    I like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on Facebook! (Rebecca Roberts)

    Reply
  99. Rebby, on February 22, 2012 at 4:28 am said:

    I like Kinder Canada on Facebook (Rebecca Roberts)

    Reply
  100. Rebby, on February 22, 2012 at 4:29 am said:
    Reply
  101. emma walpole, on February 22, 2012 at 4:41 pm said:
    Reply
  102. emma walpole, on February 22, 2012 at 4:42 pm said:

    like kinder surprise on fb

    Reply
  103. emma walpole, on February 22, 2012 at 4:42 pm said:

    like you on fb

    Reply
  104. emma walpole, on February 22, 2012 at 4:45 pm said:

    I’d share with my little guy

    Reply
  105. jacqueline duttenhoffer, on February 22, 2012 at 5:30 pm said:

    I’d love to share this gift with all my little cousins! My little buds I call them, since I’ve been expecting my first child I’ve been practicing being cool mom with all my cousins, inviting them shopping with me, taking them for lunches throwing parties and helping them bake treats for every holiday that they can take to school.

    Reply
  106. Josephine, on February 24, 2012 at 2:49 pm said:

    My 6 year old loves kinder surprise!! He would probably share it with his class mates :)

    Reply
  107. Josephine, on February 24, 2012 at 2:51 pm said:

    I like you on fb

    Reply
  108. Eileen Burke, on February 24, 2012 at 3:55 pm said:

    I would share with my inlaws!

    Reply
  109. Paula Tavernie, on February 24, 2012 at 10:01 pm said:

    Id eat some but would share them with my grand kids!

    Reply
  110. billiondollarprincesss, on February 25, 2012 at 5:14 pm said:

    My nephew loves Kinders. I would share it with him!

    Reply
  111. Dilara, on February 26, 2012 at 7:36 am said:

    I’d share it with my 2 younger sisters.

    Reply
  112. Dilara, on February 26, 2012 at 7:39 am said:

    I already like you on FB (Dilara Litonjua)

    Reply
  113. Dilara, on February 26, 2012 at 7:41 am said:

    I already like Kinder Canada on FB (Dilara Litonjua)

    Reply
  115. ferriz, on February 26, 2012 at 11:46 am said:

    my nephew… though i LOVE those eggs and i may eat them all myself…. ;)

    Reply
  116. Belinda, on February 27, 2012 at 1:39 am said:

    I’d share these with my 5 boys!

    Reply
  117. Belinda, on February 27, 2012 at 1:39 am said:

    Liked your fan page on Facebook
    Belinda B

    Reply
  118. Brittney House, on February 27, 2012 at 2:59 am said:

    I would love to share those with my husband and son.

    Reply
  119. Brittney House, on February 27, 2012 at 3:00 am said:

    the survival guide for rookie moms fb fan brittney house

    Reply
  120. Brittney House, on February 27, 2012 at 3:00 am said:

    kinder canada fb fan brittney house

    Reply
  121. misty sunrise, on February 27, 2012 at 1:59 pm said:

    I would share with my daughter

    Reply
  122. Rebecca Peters, on February 27, 2012 at 4:16 pm said:

    I would share with my kids and my friends kids!

    Reply
  123. Rebecca Peters, on February 27, 2012 at 4:17 pm said:

    I like you on fb.. becca Peters

    Reply
  124. Rebecca Peters, on February 27, 2012 at 4:18 pm said:

    I like kinder on fb.. bEcca Peters

    Reply
  125. Jenny N., on February 27, 2012 at 9:01 pm said:

    I’d share with my cousins, they would love them!

    Reply
  126. chadro, on February 27, 2012 at 11:49 pm said:

    with all of us here in the family

    Reply
  127. chadro, on February 28, 2012 at 12:25 am said:

    I Like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on facebook

    Reply
  128. chadro, on February 28, 2012 at 12:26 am said:

    I Like KINDER® Canada on facebook also

    Reply
  129. Jaque R., on February 28, 2012 at 4:52 am said:

    I would share these delectable treats with my children. :-) Thank you.

    Reply
  130. Jaque R., on February 28, 2012 at 4:53 am said:

    I like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on Facebook. :-) (Jaque Richards)

    Reply
  131. strangedazeindeed, on February 28, 2012 at 9:17 am said:

    I had to go to Germany to find these! I would share with my nephews who adore them.

    Reply
  132. SweetPanda, on February 28, 2012 at 3:50 pm said:

    I would share these with my daughter

    Reply
  133. SweetPanda, on February 28, 2012 at 3:52 pm said:

    Like you on FB (Precilla N.)

    Reply
  134. Laney Stewart, on February 28, 2012 at 3:57 pm said:

    I’d share these with my kids and their cousins…have an egg hunt!

    Reply
  135. Amy C, on February 28, 2012 at 4:04 pm said:

    I would share this with my kids.

    Reply
  136. SweetPanda, on February 28, 2012 at 4:04 pm said:

    •Like KINDER® Canada on facebook (Precilla N.)

    Reply
  137. Amy C, on February 28, 2012 at 4:05 pm said:

    I Like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on facebook
    Amy C

    Reply
  138. Amy C, on February 28, 2012 at 4:06 pm said:

    I Like KINDER® Canada on facebook
    Amy C

    Reply
  139. SweetPanda, on February 28, 2012 at 4:06 pm said:
    Reply
  140. Amy C, on February 28, 2012 at 4:08 pm said:
    Reply
  141. Amity Johnson, on February 28, 2012 at 7:01 pm said:

    I would share with my two young daughters..

    Reply
  142. Chelsea Minhas, on February 28, 2012 at 7:38 pm said:

    I would share with my whole family during Easter Dinner

    Reply
  143. Roxann, on February 29, 2012 at 5:00 am said:

    I would share this with my family for Easter.

    Reply
  144. Roxann, on February 29, 2012 at 5:01 am said:

    I Like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on Facebook.

    Reply
  145. Sand, on February 29, 2012 at 5:26 am said:

    I would share this bounty with my family!

    Reply
  147. Donna K, on February 29, 2012 at 7:32 am said:

    I would share them with my kids.

    Reply
  148. RookieMommy, on February 29, 2012 at 12:12 pm said:

    Giveaway CLOSED

    Congratulations to Rebby (Comment #101) – winner of the Kinder Surprise eggs :)

    Reply

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