Christina Chase-Nugent

One happy lady today! I am proud to do my part to protect my elderly grandparents and the people in my life who are immune compromised and fortunate to be eligible for this life saving vaccine. Our mental health has taken such a hit and I’m so glad I finally got my #shotofhope #feelingbetteralready #pfizer

Please remember @topsinpizza the next time you are in Orillia. If the ingredients can be used by kids and preteens to make incredible home-made pizza...then the pizza in store must be amazing!

Thanks so much to @topsinpizza for sending the kids these incredible pizza kits today! They were a blast to make and taste even better!! Next time in Orillia you have our business!

It’s National Pet Day so the Nugent’s are making it official! A week ago we welcomed a new dog (yes you read that correctly) into the house, an old English bulldog called TROUBLE! Bulldogs are my fave breed and Gus was a true champ in our household. Trouble’s mom and dad couldn’t take care of her anymore so we are going to let her nap here for a couple years. She barely moves or makes a sound. The cat hasn’t even noticed her. Gia and Penelope love her already and she keeps my feet warm on the couch. Welcome Trouble!!

Bagheera is a good kitty #catsofinstagram #blackcat

On this day last year our lives changed in an incredible way. After a noon phone call and a family discussion, we agreed to welcome two little girls for a short-term foster placement in our home. That afternoon, minutes after I got in the door from school, the doorbell rang and 2 pj clad little imps stepped into the front door and our hearts. I will not sugar coat this journey. It has been hard. Working through trauma, grief and loss, fear, and anxiety...even balanced with t...he adorable giggles, hugs, and genuine love has been tough. We are always anticipating what will happen next and we are almost always surprised. The mental processing that takes place in young minds is baffling. Everything is related and you have no idea why. Happy things are sad and sad things are angry and there is no way to know if today will be better than yesterday or if you’ll be strong enough to get to tomorrow. Foster care will shake anyone. There is constant fear of inadequacy. Worry that you’ve made a grave mistake. The weight of responsibility for trying to guide a life down a better path is a yoke that is heavy at times. But I would choose it again. And again. And again. We are stronger, we are more unified. We’ve had discussions and grown emotional and cultural intelligence in each family member. Our failures and shortcomings are all future areas of growth, and so push through and ask how we can be better next time. And the little imps who arrived have grown too. A little taller, a little more hair, a bigger palate, some more interests and talents...hopefully less worries, less fears, less distrust...more family and friends. Still challenging-every single day. We don’t know where the path is leading right now but at least we’re on it together.

On this day last year our lives changed in an incredible way. After a noon phone call and a family discussion, we agreed to welcome two little girls for a short-term foster placement in our home. That afternoon, minutes after I got in the door from school, the doorbell rang and 2 pj clad little imps stepped into the front door and our hearts. I will not sugar coat this journey. It has been hard. Working through trauma, grief and loss, fear, and anxiety...even balanced with t...he adorable giggles, hugs, and genuine love has been tough. We are always anticipating what will happen next and we are almost always surprised. The mental processing that takes place in young minds is baffling. Everything is related and you have no idea why. Happy things are sad and sad things are angry and there is no way to know if today will be better than yesterday or if you’ll be strong enough to get to tomorrow. Foster care will shake anyone. There is constant fear of inadequacy. Worry that you’ve made a grave mistake. The weight of responsibility for trying to guide a life down a better path is a yoke that is heavy at times. But I would choose it again. And again. And again. We are stronger, we are more unified. We’ve had discussions and grown emotional and cultural intelligence in each family member. Our failures and shortcomings are all future areas of growth, and so push through and ask how we can be better next time. And the little imps who arrived have grown too. A little taller, a little more hair, a bigger palate, some more interests and talents...hopefully less worries, less fears, less distrust...more family and friends. Still challenging-every single day. We don’t know where the path is leading right now but at least we’re on it together.

Both tuckered out from their vet visit today and found a cuddle buddy

Who is watching?

So this is what a distanced birthday looks like: we ordered red lobster and marble slab ice cream delivered to Cierra’s door and got our dinner all ready at home. Are together, dang happy birthday and made her blow out the candle/bbq lighter! 19 years old today and living her best life.

#everychildmatters #orangeshirtday

Two of my favourite students surprised me with a DELICIOUS muffin oatmeal/apple/sugary crumble top and it made my week! I am SO lucky to have such thoughtful students who will change the world with acts of kindness and love! #muffins #actsofkindness #amazingteens