Vio Family Adventure

Littest itty bitty clown she sure is!  Brookie keeps the laughter going in the family.  She is the "goose", the "monkey" or, as her sister lovingly refers to her as, the "silly little monkey butt".  Everyday is an adventure to her, finding new ways to get laughs and giggles out of everyone around her.  Always with a smile on her face, a joke in her back pocket and a silly trick up her sleeve.
Yesterday morning, Brooke was being a total goof and in the funniest mood.  I snapped a few pictures of her to show off her beauty, as silly as it is! 







ps - please excuse the bed head.  She had JUST woken up!

Yes everybody, thats right, its my favorite time of year!  Busy, full of fun and laughter, parties and baking.  Most importantly, its full of extra time with our amazing family!!!!! :D  That typically makes for one super happy lady (ME).

So, I've decided to seperate this blog.  Im going to keep here "home".  The VioFam will stay its all natural, out and about, adventure.  On this blog I will continue to track the girls, the family and all of our off the wall, out of the ordinary (and some quite ordinary) adventures. 
I was debating weather or not to switch this entire blog over to a new one, but I have so many family and friends that frequent this blog and I dont want all the added work/stress/hassle of switching everyone over to a new one!  I've decided to create and keep up with two seperate blogs.  In my new blog, it will be....dun dun dun....personal.  Ok, well, not exactly, but it will be MY blog.  My foodie posts, my baking/caking adventures, my journey to the new "me", my schooling, personal life, opinions and outrages vents.  All the "goodies".  Stayed tuned as I post the new link once I get some things switched over, organized and started.


.......................................TO BE CONTINUED...........................................................................

An end is near! Sad news...we will be without internet for 24-48hours :( I know, I know, hold in the tears! Lol. We are changing and upgrading some of our services so we will not be up and running until tomorrow night, possibly Wed morning. I'm going to take the opportunity to do some super fun things with the girls (and B when he's home) so stay tuned for pics and don't miss me TOO much while I'm gone!!!

Happy Sunday everyone!!!  We've had quite a weekend here in the Vio household.  Friday night was "party prepping night".  I built the custom cupcake tower for Lexis party next weekend, started to organize the loot bags, got all the supplies for the kids cupcakes, the Halloween cake, candy apples and games.  Late night but with the help of an amazing friend I was able to accomplish all I had on my list for that night.  Saturday, for the most part, was a pretty typical Saturday.  Beautiful weather, so we took the girls out and about in the neighbourhood for the better part of the morning.  Walking, visiting friends, playing outside.  All those little joys that keep the kiddos so happy.  Saturday afternoon Lexi had a "just because its almost Halloween" party at her friend Julies.  Aimee put on a great get together for the girls and the 7 of them had a BLAST!  Face painting, playing at the park, Halloween treats, decorating cookies and cupcakes.  After her party Lexi went for a "girls night" at Nana's.  Nails, good food and a fun movie topped off her day.  Lucky little girl she is!  Brookie got some awesome 1-on-1 time with Mommy and Daddy, her favorite kind :)  We watched a movie, went for a walk and had ice cream.  Once she was settled in for the night, it was time for mommy to have some fun.  I had a bachelorette to go to last night and it was amazing.  This oldie stole the show haha.  Great times had by everyone and so worth every pretty penny we put into it. 
Sorry this is such a quick and random update.  This is literally the first chance I've gotten all weekend to turn on the computer and sit back for a few minutes, and it is short lived.  Off to get Brookie bear ready for gym.  Lunch, gym, grocery shopping, visit to Nana's, cleaning and a hike this afternoon with the vio clan.  I'm wiped already and it just started :D

I hope everyone here had a WONDERFUL weekend.  I will be back some time soon (don't hold me to it, it may not be today.  I'm really bad at getting on the computer lately.  Apologies!) and post some new pictures I took and post more news/updates instead of these random rambles.

Much love!

Lexis 6th birthday is quickly approaching and we have been having a blast getting ready for it all!  We spend an entire night last week creating her invitations.  They turned out wonderful!  Everytime an RSVP came in, we would get a compliment on the invitations we made together and how great they looked.  Definatly worth all those hours!  This Friday Abby and I are buildng the cupcake tower special for Lexis big party.  Im also going to be working on her custom goody bags, thank you tags and molding the peices for her cake.  She is so excited for her party!  Magician and ballon maker, cupcake decoration, halloween games, costume contest, food, candy apples and awesome treats.  Every "soon to be" 6 year olds dream! 

I have not had time to upload all the pictures that I wanted to and my muscles are screaming "WORK ME", so....I'll end with this, adorable, final note:

Gelato.

Thats all.

Took the girls out for Gelato for dessert.  It was delish!!!!!  I had Lemon and grapefruit (scoop of each).  Oh lala!  Brookie had chocolate (go figure!) and Lexi had vanilla and mango.  Brian had vanilla. 

Thought you'd all love to know and be jealous of our gelato goodiness :0

Im a slacker and it took getting TWO phone calls yesterday yelling at me about lack of updates and posts to get my butt in gear. 
Sorry
Sorry
SORRY!
Jeesh.  You people are impatient!

See that up there?  I just wrote that almost 2 hours ago, left the comp open and got busy doing something with Brooke.  This is why I cant blog everyday anymore.  It would take me hours to make one post!

And there we go again!  10:18 I wrote that part, it is now 12:50.  This is getting ridiculous!  I dont even remember what I was going to write about anymore.  Oh well, something will do right.  Im sure Ill recieve a phone call or two *cough cough* tonight complaining about this HAHAH!!  Just so you know girls, I will not be home tonight.  I have a father/daughter date night with my dad at the Keg (yeah..the keg..you know, that expensive STEAKHOUSE!  Leave it to my father to take his vegetarian daughter out on a date to a steak house haha.  Gotta love that man!)  For the record, they do have a few veggie options (Like their amazing Spinach salad with goat cheese, or their steamed fresh asparagus, portabella and button mushrooms.  MMMM..OR their Tempura Snap Peas & Asparagus.  Gosh Im getting hungry!  I might get the baked goat cheese as a starter). Yeah yeah, I KNOW that is what you wanted to know :)

So lets give a little update on the girls.  Alexis is into her 4th week of school.  Everything is going great, as expected.  We are SO pleased with the way the new program is working out for her and are really glad they tested her last year for enterance.  She has recieved 100% on all math and spelling tests and has recieved 100% on all homework assignments.  She is well on her way into the 100 club.  She has read, reviewed and written about 12 books already this year.  Not bad for a start! :)  Thats my little genious.  As Geri would say "harvard wont be able to keep up".  HAHA.  Its our little running joke about Lexi and Beth.  Gym is going amazing, she has nailed down her roundoff double back and can safely (and properly) do a backtuck into the lowered mat.  GO GIRL!  Watching my little angel fly through the air like its jumping rope just amazes me day after day.  I love it and I love her for working so hard and always believing in herself.  Forever Faith Kids is into its 3rd week now and she loves it.  Last week they did activities about being Gods treasures.  They made little bottled treasures with a note to god inside (which....we cant get out!), started practicing a play, had a snack and played dodge ball in the gym.  Not bad for a kiddos night out.

Brookie my Brookie.  We are into our 4th week of homeschool preschool.  It is going way better then I had ever expected.  I WISH I did this with Alexis instead of wasting money on preschool, a program which she was way beyond her years for!  We are starting our learning boards this week (starting with A, 1).  I will post it once I complete it for everyone to see.  Im excited to start these and it will help us stay on track and focus on our goals for the week.  Brooklyn is such a big help doing them too and loves every moment of "school" (especially snack time hahahaha).  Right now we are doing approx.  3 hours a day, 5 days a week.  Although this 3 hours includes a zillion bathroom breaks and a snack.  We are not necessarily on a time frame, even though we try to do it every morning.  Sometimes the weather is just too nice and calling our names though.    I am amazed at how fast she is picking everything up and even more amazed at how much she is like her sister.  Although different in so many aspects, learning is not one of them.  She thrives on learning and is so quick to pick it up and remember it without skipping a beat (like counting to 7 in french, that her sister taught her in about 10 minutes).  Gym is going really well for her also.  We were a bit hesistant with starting her in pre-comp a year early and going with kids who are 4 turning 5  but it has worked out to her benefit.  She has zero problem keeping up and picks up new moves faster then we thought she would.  Looks like this is another area where she is following in her sisters footsteps.

Brian and I...usual.  School is back in session.  I have one class at the college (which really...is only IN class 5 times total).  Im also starting 2 online classes.  6 credits left and Im trying to get them completed asap!  Brian loves his new position and things are going utterly amazing there.  The courses and workshops they pay for are definatly serving him well.  The shoppe is doing wonderful.  We are still baking out of the same place.  We've put some new advertising in place and it has helped alot with getting out name out there.  Orders are coming in steady.  Not over the top, but enough to keep me busy and the money has been a god sent.  I never thought Id find a "job" that would make as much, let alone more, then what I made weekly with daycare.  Put on top of that a job I LOVE which holds such a bright future.  Well worth everything put into it.

I have so many pictures I need to upload but not really any time to do it right now.  Given that Im out this evening with my dad, I have alot to finish up before I leave that Id normally do in the evening.  So, here are a few randoms I HAVE put on to tide you over :)

What a face!! haha.  Eating a quick bite before gym practice.



Little Ham 1, 2 and 3 (at marineland 2 weeks ago)




Beauty




My love




Why...its MEEEE

Just collections over time, most recently really.  Here you go :)

Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.

-- Oprah Winfrey

 
LIVE by this one! 
Hanging onto resentment is letting someone you despise live rent-free in your head.

-- Ann Landers


1.  Live more in the moment
2.  Practise positive affirmation
3.  Believe in the power of positive thinking
4.  Don't dwell
5.  Focus on the positive
6.  Get moving
7.  Face the fear
8.  Try new things
9.  Shift your perspective


Stop being so negative!  It is unappealing and very unattractive!






Never Stop

© Terrie Brushette

Never stop caring about the little things in life

Never stop dreaming or give into strife

Never stop wondering, are we on our own

Never stop thinking has your spirituality grown



Never stop building bridges that leads to better tomorrows

Never stop trying or give into sorrow

Never stop feeling amazed at the beauty that surrounds you

Never stop hearing the music or give into the blues



Never stop pushing away negative thoughts that make you feel sad

Never stop looking at the all the miracles we have had

Never stop loving the ones you hold dear

Never stop giving or give into the fear



Never stop smiling and look forward to each new day

Never stop shining in your own special way

Never forget that all storms will clear

Remember brighter tomorrows are always near

And yes....everyone.  Pwease :)

My daughter, dear Alexis, is on a soup kick for school.  We try to keep variety (I know I hate eating the same stuff day after day) so she doesn't get bored.  Yesterday we send a super yummy soup, and she LOVED it!  She begged for soup again today.  Luckily, I had another batch frozen in the freezer.  She loves to bring warm stuff in her thermos rather then sandwiches etc.  We've done sandwiches (of all sorts, chicken, 4 different veggie), wraps, "mixed" lunch, lunch muffins etc.  So far, soup is the winner.  So....I need new and healthy soup recipes.  I have a few, but I need a ton.  Soup, stew, even healthy pasta/rice dishes that would keep up well in her thermos.  Please send them my way, Alexis would greatly appreciate it!!!

I can blog from my phone!!!! Why the HECK did I not try this before!?! Wow, now ya'll will never get rid of me mwah-ha-ha :)
Seriously though, this rocks. No more lying in bed bored or sitting at the kitchen twiddling thumbs. Yeehhhaaawwww

So anyways, that's where I be right now. I'm at the kitchen, been here since 9pm. I'm waiting for 2 last things to finish baking and my #*@ is grass. I had class tonight, first day of cognitive modification. Awesome class! Favorite prof, amazing material. Pretty excited. I have 2 online classes also this semester (Oct start and Nov start). Super mom to the rescue. I'm trying to hit an end of summer grad. F more classes. I CAN DO IT! I'm really proud of myself, to be honest. I haven't given up, I've stuck through it with amazing marks and not missing a beat. Go me :). I have a 7yr plan, so far, so good. What takes most 6-7yrs (3yr full time program, part timers given 7yrs) has taken me 2 years, with a 3rd year finish. I'm proud. Not many can tough out 6 classes part time in a semester like I did...3times! I struggled, I cried, I laughed. Most importantly I've learned a TON, grown so much and am so thankful for everything this program has given me and my family.

Enough about me (not like that's what people want to read about anyways). Let's get on to the girls before I head out.

Today was awesome. Alexis had so much fun in class today. I can't believe the way this child has picked up french. I know her being able to speak fairly well Portuguese helped, but my goodness! Today was her 6th day of school. It was also her 6th french class....ever! She can successfully (with no help and no prompts) count to 10, name all colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, black, white, brown and gray), say "hello my name is Alexis, what is your name". She can also say how are you? I am good. I am sad. I am OK. She knows the entire alphapet minus 2 mix ups and can say goodbye, have a good morning/afternoon/evening. Now common. That is damn impressive. Madame called us this afternoon inquiring about Lexis prior french experience. No no, she has none :)
The program this year has been amazing for her! I'm so thankful she tested into it. I can fully tell the challenge is what she needs, She's happy, thriving and learning faster then my own head can comprehend!

Let's see how Brooklyns day went. Seriously, that little angel makes my days amazing. Amazing! I couldn't brag enough about her if I tried. She learned a new sight word today, even pointed it out to daddy at dinner when he was looking through the paper. We worked a bit with her dry erase alphabet/number boards. I've given up switching the hold on the marker, its just how she holds it! Strange, but it works for her *shrugs*. We made an awesome craft for daddy this afternoon and went for a nice long walk. Right before Lex got home, Brookie and I made a neat snack we saw on a website (itty bitty critters) for Lex and Brooke to enjoy once she got home. That little lady just loves to help and loves it even more when its making something for her sissy. Their bond is just unreal. Makes me "jealous", wishing I had that with my sis growing up. They are really so lucky!

Ok, well, dinger went off. Time to cool, fill, ice and get my bones home!
Goodnight all :). Most of all....enjoy ;)

Ok, so maybe that is a bit of an exageration.  I don't know if anyone else feels it, but it does not seem like Tuesday.  I woke up thinking today was Wednesday, and then shook my head and thought "no way".  Honestly, I felt it was THURSDAY!  I don't know why this week is dragging.  Maybe its because it has been so overly busy (new gym schedual for the girls has kicked in starting yesterday *after a week off*, FFK is back in session for Lexi and everything else we are geared to do!).
So, as my darling daughter sits here working on her warm up worksheet (http://www.first-school.ws/t/alphabet/handwriting/train-1-zb.htm)  I will start off this Tuesday blog with foodies!!  First things first, Lexis school food:

Yogart & Muesli - morning snack
Spicy Mexi wrap (her request for the day) - lunch
Carrots/Green Peppers/Red peppers/Broccoli & dip - lunch
Orange and Apple slices - afternoon snack
xlarge thermos of crisp cool water - all day :)

And for the rest of us (and the rest of her day)

Boiled eggs - breakfast
Fruit Salad (I cut up Melon, Pineapple, grapes, apple, kiwi and strawberries) - breakfast
Mexi wrap - lunch
Carrots/Green Peppers/Red peppers/Broccoli & dip - lunch
Yogart & mix - afternoon snack
Carrot & Red pepper soup - dinner
Garden salad - dinner
Smoothie (blackberry, thanks mom!) - dessert

So whats everyones plan for the day?  The weather is gorgeous out!  Although I am glad the temps have cooled off just a tad and we are able to do SO much during all hours of the day, I do miss summer.  Yes, you heard me!  I miss the 9 straight weeks we had of 30s-40s and humidity in the 90%s.  Yeah, I love heat.  But I wont complain because I love our beautiful Canadian weather.  It is perfect for us and the types of things we like to do!
Today our day is pretty simple.  Brookie and I are playing school, as per usual this morning.  We dropped Lex off at the bus and came back.  I did a little "lesson" for her, we changed up our learning board to match today and she got to work on a few sheets.  That, in fact, is what my princess is doing as we speak.  She works, I update.  Fair trade, right?  Once she is done, we are meeting with Shannon and Issac for a walk to Sobeys.  I need to get some indredients for bread and pick up more fruit (where does the stuff GO!?!?!).  After our walk, Brookie and I will come back for lunch and maybe a jump together on the trampoline before she decides if she wants to lie down.  IF she decides lying down is in the cards today, I will clean.  If not, we will plan something else (yeah, I havnt thought of anything just yet.  Maybe call a friend for a playdate).  This evening I have class.  BOO!  One class this semester (I cant give up, I have 5 total left.  Almost there!) and the class is a majority online (only in class for 4 tests and a final all semester, the rest online).  It will work, because I NEED my Tuesdays for prep work.  So while Im at class, Brian is taking the girls to the ghetto of Toronto to ezees for my new mixer.  Yeah yeah, you heard me, my new mixer.  They got in the 5proplus in Ruby which will match my HD in Ruby.  I NEED matching for the shoppe kitchen.  Yes, thats right, matching.  I know, Im silly.  No one goes in there (its ONLY a kitchen LOL) but I like it!  So it came in last night and he is going to pick it up for me.  Then he will get me and back to put the girlies to bed.  I'll have to go into the kitchen tonight to do my prep so its going to be a damn long night.  Not looking forward to that at all (damn you school!).  Well, thats our day in a nutshell.  Be back with more tomorrow! (after Brookies gym training and Lexis FFK).

Good morning, Good morning, Good morning to you!  Hope all my readers are great on this (not so) lovely Monday morning.  Once these icky black clouds get chased away, this day is going to be a beautiful one!  Popping in for a minute to give a quick update on our exciting, yet long, weekend.

Friday I had 3 cake pickups, which in turn, meant I spent most of Wed and Thurs evenings at the kitchen.  The cakes turned out wonderful, one in particular which I LOVED!  It was a new one for me (something I had yet to do) and the outcome was more then I expected.  Three please customers made Friday afternoon very successful.  Friday night I also spend at the kitchen as I had a wedding cake drop off at 11:30am on Saturday.  Pretty basic cake, white fondant, black ribbon and some black and white sugar flowers.  Nothing out of the ordinary but just as the customer ordered.  Right after the drop off/set up I had to run to Milton for a Bridal shower (number 2).  It was a great afternoon outdoors by the pool (if only the bees would have buzzed off).  Good food, good fun and alot of laughs.  Theres pics up on facebook so I definatly wont bore you all with staring at the same faces twice *insert wink smiley here*

Saturday after the Bridal shower I came home to my wonderful family and spend the remaining of the day with them.  Jumping on the trampoline, grilling some yummy food and playing basketball outside.  Basically....a typical weekend day.  Saturday night (late, at that, it was last minute), I headed out for a birthday drink with a friend.  Good times, late night and very tired mommy the next day.

Sunday also, alas, was pretty typical.  B went with the boys out golfing and us girls stayed behind with allll the kiddos.  They were perfect to say the least though, so I cant complain.  We had a BLAST all together and by 4pm the boys were back (golfed at 10am - left at 9am) and we were all able to spend Sunday evening together with more good food and a ton of good laughs.  Night ended short as most of the munchkins had school the next day.  I believe I passed out not long after my kiddos (7pm for them, 701? for me lol).  Ended up a short nap as I was woken up by a phone call, but it was a great phone call so I didnt mind.  Nothing like the voice of dear friends.  Back to sleep I finally got at 11:45 and up bright and early at 6:30 (yea, I appreciate the nickname insane) for a quick run and get the day off to a good start.  I have a bunch more I want to blog about, but alas, it is 830 am, kiddlet is off to school and Brookie is dinging for mommy, so...see ya later! :)

Alexis is all ready for school, up and at em' with the birds and buzzing to go see her friends.  Mom on the other hand, sad again :(  This has got to get easier, right?  I packed an extra special lunch for my baby girl today, hope she enjoys it!!  I'm handing in my form for parent councel, wish me luck! :)  Meetings are at 3:30 and the kiddos get to come and play.
Today will be an easy day here on the home front.  I was up real late last night finishing an order that went out this morning.  It was one of those "nothing wants to go right".  To a perfectionist, its a dang nightmare!  Luckily, I sucked it up, worked hard and got it done the way I like it. 
I have a little lesson set up for Brooke today in her "classroom" <--- thats what she calls it.  HaHa, so cute!  Kid is SO excited for kindergarden next year.  We will do that this morning, make a yummy lunch, she will have a little rest and we will go for a walk.  All in all, easy. 
We have a few papers to go over tonight and sign, get into the commitee for some changes in the kitchen.  Things are going good though and we precieve this to go good as well.  I've changed my prep day this week because of the holiday and Ill be living there tomorrow because I have a big order going out for Friday as well as a few little things.  The big one is causing me grief already (I joke, I joke).

Ok, Im blabbing too much.  I went for a jog this morning because I couldnt sleep, had some breakfast and not IM buzzing just like my daughter.  Please pray for me that this energy lasts all day!

Or, mommy made it would be a better interpretation.  Today was my "not so baby" baby girls first day of grade 1!!  She was excited, I was sad. :(  6 years and my darling hasn't been gone from me "all day, every day".  She was ready for the leap, I was ready to hog tie her to her bed, cuddle her all day, shed some tears and wish for time to stand still.  I can't believe how fast she has grown.  How fast time as zoomed by at the speed of light.  I've cherished every waking moment Ive had with her, and I will continue to cherish every waking moment I still have.  Once my baby, always my baby.

Alexis "the brain" Violante test at the top of her grade and was accepted into the 1/2 program this year.  We were very proud of her, although not suprised in the least.  She is placed with 3 of her very, very best friends (Bethany, Larissa and Chloe).  They will have so many fun challenges ahead of them this year and Im so excited to share this with her and watch her continue to grow and flourish like I know she will.

This school year brought so many firsts for my sweet little angel.  First day of Grade 1.  First day in school all day *le sigh*.  First day in her spankin' brand new school (they tore down the old school this summer and build a brand new, state of the art school with all the features of the future - lol).  There was the news and the paper and hundreds of spectators there this morning as the grand opening of the NEW Our Lady of Fatima opened.  We are so blessed for our baby to get to enjoy this school for her entire elementary education.  Not only are we fortunate enough for our school to be rated in the top 13 of ALL Ontario elementary schools (Public and Catholic, out of over 4 thousand), we are also blessed for her to get the top notch Catholic-private school education.  Top that with the cherry that is a brand new school, I would consider her one very lucky little duckling.

I got some wonderful pictures of the new school, and my baby this morning.  My battery is charging (died right after I clicked my last picture, thank goodness!) so they will be a smidge delayed.

So, for a picture i DO have uploaded already, here is my baby girls, first ever....school lunch!  You know me, on top of the ball lol.
And yes, her lunch is labeled.  Home made, full of goodness.  Even included a special note in her lunch bag to my baby on her first day.
Ok..I miss her already! :(

I do not feed my child low calorie, fat free or sugar free items.  That is my choice.  Just as some choose not to put vaccinations into their child, B and I have decided not to pump our daughters with preservatives, additives and more junk then we know how to pronounce.  No, we also do not feed our children pre-packaged food.  No matter what you say, that won't change anytime soon either.  We choose to make and prepare our own food from the earliest point life allows us right now (without a farm of our own).  We grow whichever veggies and fruit in our yard that we can at this point.  What we can not grown on our own, we buy locally from friends or farms which we have visited/inspected. We participate in local CSAs. We make our bread/dough of any sort at home.
No, I do not use salt.
No, I do not use additives.
No, I do not use preservatives.
Why is that so hard to understand?  Why can some people not just accept that and respect our choice.  I have done hours, upon hours, upon hours of research on food/nutrition.  I have completed courses/classes/workshops.  Im not unknowledgable.  Im not just pulling this stuff out of my behind.  I know how many calories (proper, full calories), how much fat (good fats) ext a child at every age needs.  I have it drafted out.  I make sure each and everyday my children, no matter what (!), get exactly what their little bodies need to grow and develop to its optimal.  That is my choice.
I only feed my children organic, local grown white meat.
That is my choice.
I am a vegetarian and have been for months upon months.
That is my choice.
I am not making that final choice for my children.
I will leave that up to them.
Just because you want to feed your child "crap", and then sit back and wonder, why?, is none of my concern.  That is your choice.  Live with it.

Things have just been insane around here!  I figured since Im up early (and its raining, therefore my morning run is a no go, as is anything outside at this moment.  But, its much needed, we havnt had rain in suprisingly a while) I would jump in, do a quick catch up, and then hopefully get on to blogging about the real things in life.

I apologize for not keeping this up as of late.  Things have just been insane!  There has been lots going on in Lexis gym that has been keeping up busy.  Between the 9hours of training (Tues 4-7, Wed 4-7, Thurs 12-3), the fittings, meets, photo ops and optionals, it is been i.n.s.a.n.e!!  I don't even want to know what life will feel like when Brooklyn starts pre-comp (2006 group.  Yes, she got accepted into older :D ) in September!  Even though the 4hour training schedual will feel like a piece of cake.
Speaking of cake, things at shoppe have just been amazing!  Nothing like a little taste of the "Goody Shoppe".  Demand has been amazing, so there was no stepping back for end of the summer as planned.  I won't complain though, it has been so well worth it.  It has allowed us to change our entire family dynamic (THANKS DAD!) and give us everything we wanted.  I really hope our "supporters" (ok ok...dad, Lisa, Mom lol) know how much we appreciate allllllll they did/gave to make this possible.
Lexi starts school in 2 weeks, 1 day *sniff*.  Im in the odd mom camp and one of the few who are NOT looking forward to her child going back to school.  I have one of the best almost 6 year olds *super sniff* and the thought of her not being here with me everyday makes me so very, very sad.  She is excited, mom...not so much.  She got accepted into the 1/2 class this year, which is going to make things so much better for her.  There are 4 of them going, one who happens to be her best friend Beth and well, that definatly makes Alexis one happy camper ;D
Brooklyn is a little sad that she does not get to go to school this year with all her friends (its hard when she is the "baby" of her group) so we have built a mini "school room" so I can be teacher and Brooke can be student.  We've given it a few test runs and she LOVES it.  She eagerly sits with her workbooks Ive made, plays at the chalkboard, listens to our "lessons".  She is SO good, Im so lucky.  I will have to post our lesson boards, starting with "A", the first day of school (Sept. 7).
So things we have been up to since our amazing Europe trip.....paintballing, beach, friends, BBQs, parties, hiking, keeping up with my garden, swimming..........ect........ect......ect! lol

Ok, back later for real updates with pictures and all that good, juicy stuff.  Stayed tuned (yeah, you, I know your here) :)

Its been a while and since I have a bit of time, I though Id do a fav.  Its 758am.  The girls are still off in lala land.  I woke up at 530am for my morning run.   I feel SO good after a sunrise run, it is one of the best things for myself I started to do.  I got home at 645, got Bri up for work and headed to the shower ;)   Still gave me plenty of time for the day prep and even a goodbye snuggle.  *swoon*

So, here is what I decided for the day.

Breakfast - Veg breakfast patties (homemade - tempeh, water, veggie bouillon, rolled oats, tamari, extra virgin olive oil, sage, thyme, marjoram and a smidge of onion.) and ultimate fruit salad (kiwi, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, oranges, apples, brown sugar, fresh oats and slivered almonds).

Snack - I packed up some apples and natural PB for the play place

Lunch - Im taking the girls to Affinity (google it, Affinity in Hamilton, 87 John St South)

Snack - no snack needed, they will have a yummy dessert at Affinity :)

Dinner - tabouleh in pitas and veg kabobs on the BBQ

if we have a "before bed snack" after our walk, I'll let daddy decide.  That always makes him happy :)


And now, off to wait for my loves to wake up, get them fed and ready and off to Chatters for the morning.

HEY ALL MY BLOGGER FANS!!!!!  We are back from our amazing 16 days in Portugal.  I wish I had the time to get into all the details (and 2300 pictures) but that will have to wait a bit more (I know, I know.  Im sorry!!!).  I will get some spoilers up tonight, promise.  I just wanted to reassure you all we made it alive and well off the plane and are slowly getting back into the swing of realtiy.

There is so much going on as of late.  The website is 98% complete, Andy is just helping us with a few finishing touches and then I will post it for the "public" to view/order/whatever.  Brian is almost done the classes, and let me tell you, that man looks HOT in his "gear".  Maybe I will embroider his name on his "hat" lol.  hahaha.   Or we can match?   I'll get pics of that too, dont worry.

We've been super busy since we got back, thanks to my dad.  Mr. Business man and investor.  We seriously could not thank him more, even though 2 cities is more then we bargained for a few months back, its been worth it thus far.  So yeah, its a love hate relationship with that right now hahaha.

Other then that, getting ready for "back to school", helping some old parents iron out plans (sorry guys!) and continuing on with everything else, things have been normal.  Yes, as normal as they can be and have been since April. 

Stay tuned everyone, we have pics coming that you dont want to miss (vaca, summer, family, kitc, reno ext).

Just some fun pictures that turned out great.  After the shoot Deb came with us over to the beach park.

Yes, theres more!  These are some of my absolute favorite!!!!

And more!

Our family pics!!  A big special thanks to Deb.  We are SO lucky I met you at kickboxing!!!  Thank you for these beautiful pictures via DebFuller Photography.

So lets start off with some pictures in the fields of the girls.  Ill have to make this into seperate posts since there are so many wonderful pics I want to share :)