A weekend filled with Moments Captured...

This past weekend was a busy one! Work was busy. Kids were busy. Life was, busy!

Ryan and I were definitely feeling the effects of it; Not feeling too connected, and in general, a little run down. I think it is time for a much needed date night...before this baby comes!

On the fun side of the weekend, I captured some pretty great photo's with some great families! The sun was shining too... couldn't have asked for better weather!
Now to edit... here is a sneak peak ;)

Before I get back to work mode, one last note...I have an amazing GIVEAWAY coming up this week! Stay tuned for the announcement and how you can enter the draw. I have to review the product first, to ensure my readers will be happy...I am excited! It is a great one for this time of year :)

Keep you posted!

Now off to edit...play with the kids...then pre-natal yoga :)

Happy Monday!

One More Week...

Today Ryan is heading home for work till Friday; that means it's down to me vs. the kids for the last week of vacation. I have to admit, so far the week has been filled with both the busy and restful times. What is with new places and a new bed that can alter a child's sleep schedule so much!! The kids have been having some seriously AMAZING naps...close to 3 hours. I guess it's all the fresh air and exercise; yet when in comes to bed...they seem to end up in bed with us (well make that me, as Ryan then goes to find more space in an empty bed). At least this week, he won't be in search of more space in bed...as we will all be still cabin bound.
I am hoping this week I can learn to relax a little more. Honestly, I am finding it hard to allow myself to completely unwind. I keep thinking of what I need to do, what needs to be done once home, and I guess really what I feel I should be doing instead of telling myself that I deserve this time!!
In a life that is always so busy and rushed, once you become used to a certain level of chaos, R&R seems to be a bit of a hard concept to grasp!

With Ryan heading home today, a friend is coming up! Looking forward to spending some time with her. A little girl time with some much needed catching up. Should be a nice way to spend the week of vacation in a beautiful place :)

"The railing hurt my beautiful hand." Kai just came over to where Ryan and I sit drinking our morning coffee (decaf for me) to tell us what just happened. The words of wisdom from a three year old mind...beautiful.

Happy Monday!

Vacation Mode...

Well, sort of! Yes, it has been relaxing up here. Sun, play time, swimming and no shortage of food! But work has not been left behind. I am still checking messages, making calls, negotiating deals and sending too many texts/emails daily.
It is too important to not deal with at this point; which in turn, vacation mode 100% takes a back seat till another day.
I guess that is the life of the self employed realtor. I should know...both my parents are realtors as well ;)

These past few months, the term "Working Mom" really has been kicked in to full gear for me. I think I am just finding the 'groove' so to speak. It has been a hectic while as I went from quiet to anything but...trying to find the balance of family and work...the right amount of attention to both to not lack the details. I think i found it. Not without a few hiccups and exhaustion along the way...but I am doing it :)
Working moms out there, how do you find the balance? How much is too much work...and what does balance really mean?!

If you had the choice/ability...would you choose to work (full or part time) while still raising kids, or would you prefer to stay home and be a STHM?

For me, I enjoy working on a certain level. I don't think I could ever not work outside of the home in some way, shape or form...but I LOVE being there for my kids and spending days and time with them. Playing with them. Teaching them. Learning from them. I would never give up any of that at the same time. So the answer for me is, a "balance" that works for all and keeps all happy...and sane!

Now, for this subject removal to come through...and then hopefully a few days of real R&R.
(ps- sorry for spelling errors....no spelling on this medium up here :) after all, it is vacation!)

Pictures to come soon :)

Treading Water...(giveaway)

It's only Monday and this is how I feel already. I am looking at the week ahead and know how busy it is going to be and has been already; I feel like I am at a stand still with so much to do and not knowing where to even begin!

We are heading away on vacation this Friday for 2 weeks! I am so excited to just get there...and unwind! A much needed rest, and well deserved if I do say so myself. But it is the getting there that is always so stressful! The organizing of my work while I am away; ensuring everyone and everything is left in good hands. It's the packing of the kids. The "stuff," the clothes, the toys, blah blah blah. It's organizing the dog. Getting laundry done. Ensuring DH (dear husband) packs. And then finally packing myself. I am hoping to fit in a few "girl necessities" before heading away...we will see if that works out. Somehow a pedi and a wax don't seem to be taking front seat!

To add to the chaos of our lives, we are dealing with the wall in the basement where my office will move in to. Originally, we were just going to throw up a wall and call it a day; now we are re-thinking the plan a little as the area is also plumbed for a bathroom. So instead of doing it later, why not do it all at one time. The contractor is coming over tonight to ses out the situation.

When plans are all up in the air I always feel so "stressed" and disorganized. I like organization. I like post-it notes and lists. Right now my lists are long and the things i have to do do not fit on a post-it!


On another note, I received a link for all of my readers for access to a FREE COOKBOOK! There are some yummy sounding recipes in here...and some that sound really quick and easy!
If you are interested in taking part of this FREE COOKBOOK offer, the cookbook is called "dinnerRevolution" by Chef Jeff. Take a look and get cooking! Just click on the photo to receive your free online access!

Let me know if you try anything that is worth while giving a go! I will let you know once I find some time to get back into the kitchen ;-)

Happy Monday~





JUST CLICK IT DAILY! Thank you

Emotional Ride to Whistler...

Wow. I cannot believe it is already Wednesday. Nearly a week since I last blogged. So much to write about and so many things to express, yet my mind and body have not been linking together well these past few days and I have not found much time, nor the energy, to type... I am dying to get things down, but am having problems finding the right words to express myself.

Lets start easy and see where it goes.

Thank you again to Kristi Gordon for her interview last week for the featured Celebrity Mom Interview! It is always fun to catch a glimpse into the busy lives of other woman (mom, mom to be, or not at all!). I find sometimes glimpses of other peoples lives helps to put our own lives in perspective in some odd way.

As for life and what has been going on over here. Well, my husband is officially 3-0! We celebrated last weekend with the family as he rang in the new digit. Too much food, good wine, some amazing gifts...and one not so great one.

Unfortunately, the art of surprise to my husband isn't really a good thing. I am not going into any great detail here, lets just say, I thought that a surprise trip to an undisclosed location sans kids would be an amazing gift for him...and us.  A nice thought and gesture wasn't received the way I had "expected" it to...and thus, a weekend blow-out and emotional exhaustion for the two of us, beyond any we had experienced in a long...LONG...time.
Life can be full of surprises. And his birthday came with one for both of us. Never in my wildest dreams did I think my plans would cause any form of argument, sadness or anger. And it did all of the above. That is the funny thing about expectation. Even when you know someone, you cant necessarily "expect" things. Be it a reaction, an outcome, a gesture or a gift. The minute you take your own expectation out of the equation, you wont get hurt, saddened, angered or disgruntled along the way. It is something that seems so simple, yet is the hardest thing to accomplish.

Putting the past behind us, we picked up our bruised hearts and broken egos and continued on with time for just the two of us; only looking a little different in location to me...but with the same intent. To spend time with my husband...just the two of us.

And so, here we are in a wonderful part of our province, even more beautiful on a hot sunny day, spending time together:laughing, talking and re-kindling the love that was hiding behind anger over the past few days.

It is amazing what you can allow to escalate and argue about when feelings get hurt and exhaustion takes over.

The tears are gone and the smiles are here.
The clock has been reading 8:30 am..instead of 6:30 with the kids. The work emails and phone calls have been minimal. The food has been made for us. I have only done one load of laundry. We are relaxing.

And so we are enjoying our mini-vacation. With the kids never too far out of thought. They are in most of our conversations.
Once a parent always a parent. Always wanting a mini moment to yourself, but missing them the entire time you get it.

To Life. To Love. To Happiness.

Welcome to Mommyhood! Celebrity Interview...

Yes, I know it is Thursday; But today is like our Friday cause tomorrow is Canada Day! And so, in honour of our "Friday," our long weekend, the last day of June and the beginning of SUMMER (July), today is the day for the next Celebrity Interview!

Today's featured celebrity is another local woman. She comes to us by way of Global TV bringing us our weather. That's right, it's Kristi Gordon!

Kristi is an almost ready to pop mom-to-be.
With life in the public eye, an expanding figure and a new family addition, I had to ask her how life (and baby bump) has been treating her.

Check out our Interview.

1.  How has your pregnancy been overall? Any difficult times (morning sickness, etc...)

I've been very lucky. I had slight nausea for a month in my first trimester and otherwise was just tired. Since then I have felt great. Although, I have definitely slowed down in the last month. The only really difficult part about this pregnancy was sleeping...I often have a hard time falling asleep because I have too much on my mind or because I'm uncomfortable. Plus, I have developed Restless Leg Syndrome which makes it incredibly difficult to sleep. To fix this, I have had to cut out absolutely all caffeine. I can't even have a morning tea.

  2.  What are you most looking forward to with regards to parenting?

 I think I'm most looking forward to when the baby isn't as much of a baby anymore. I'm looking forward to seeing him or her grow up. I think watching (and helping) a personality develop is so neat. 

  3.  What are you most looking forward to doing on your own (without that bump!)?

Sleeping on my stomach and tying my shoes!

  4.  Do you generally have a workout routine (before baby) and have you kept one up while pregnant?

Yes, absolutely. The one thing I would urge any expectant Mom is to keep active. It has helped me feel better both mentally and physically. I have been taking a Cycle/Circuit class through the North Vancouver Rec Centre with an amazing instructor Louise. This has been great. Plus, I've taken yoga and other step classes. I just keep going to as many workout classes as possible (3-4 times a week). I can't do all of the exercises but it doesn't matter, I just do my own variation.

 5.  Have you had any “I wish they told me that!” moments through your pregnancy? (i.e.. Some woman gain a show size, sweat more, can’t sleep...) or any “pregnancy/upcoming mom” advice?

I wish they told me that you definitely need maternity pants. What? You mean...I can't just roll your regular pants down at the front? Nope. I can't even pull my regular pants up over my thighs anymore, let alone over my behind. 

As for advice...whenever someone says "you're eating for two now", don't listen. If you do, you WILL end up eating for two....two of you! The baby will still be tiny. 

Kristi

Thank you Kristi for finding the time in your busy life to answer a few questions and let some moms and/or moms to be in on a few tid-bits!

Wishing you all the best in the last of your pregnancy and a big congratulations on your upcoming addition!

all the best~

Post-it's and Paper...

There has been so much going on lately that I cannot live without my pen and paper to ensure I write down every flitting thought; otherwise i don't think anything would be getting done!
I feel like I have no time to breathe lately, but honestly, I am not complaining. It is a good thing to be busy. It seems as if, and i am not sure if this is true for all, when I am busy with one avenue in life, everything seems to kick up at the same time. Now it is the balancing act to ensure all is done; and that all is done correctly!

I have been so crazy with party planning, birthday surprises and a child-free vacation after Ryan's birthday that our personal life was taking on its own form of busy. Now add real estate picking up with lots of showings and offers being negotiated...and I have found a new scale of busy. And I cant forget the pre and post natal fitness classes I have been subbing along with a new interest in a prenatal training program by some new moms I now have to develop...and in a crazy way (cause clearly I am!) I am loving it all!

I am happy and satisfied, as long as I can put my best self forward in all of these avenues...and so far it is all coming out ok! And in a few weeks time, I will have a week of R & R with my amazing husband...some quiet time...sans kids!

Another update that I am behind on is Si's legs!
We had our follow-up appointment with the pediatrician a few weeks back and her legs are getting straighter every time! When she walks, she still shows a bow; but how they can judge progress is by pulling their legs together while lying down to see if the bones aline straight...and they went straight! So it really is a matter of time that will heal in this circumstance and we are so relieved. She is running fast and climbing high already...those little legs have not and will not hold her back!!

I had to sit and write for a few minutes to unload my brain...now its time to do the laundry, have a workout, clean the house, take dog to the vet, pick up party supplies, write and offer, drop of documents, play with the kids, show a house...you get the idea.

Hope your Tuesday is a great one!

"As busy as I claim to be, I've still got the greatest job in the world. " ~Peter Criss