B-Days I Love You!

Ok, where did I leave off? Oh yes, my darling Jules's B-day! The crazy thing was that there wasn't only Jules b-day, but four days later it was Sofia's B-day and two weeks after that was Emma's B-day...

I love to celebrate these occasions. What could be more important than the day we were born... It is special and I like to make the people that I love more in my life feel that they are the most important person in the world, because that is exactly what they are for me!

To start, I do not think that this day is a moment where we wait all day to have a party, cut a cake and open presents ... NO. It is a whole day from the moment that we open our eyes until we go to sleep.

So for Jules, Sofia and Emma's B-days we always start with a family celebration from the second we meet in our bedroom early in the morning. I decorate  our room the night before full of balloons, the b-day cards that Grandma, Grandpa, Uncles and Aunties have sent to us and some presents on the bed, all preceded by an explosion of a confetti rocket the second that any of them walk into the room ... that always makes Emma very exited!

I like to celebrate our b-days on the actual day, however Jules b-day was on a Monday this year, so we did not have a big party like the one's in the past, as our friends begged us not to start their working week with a "Beautiful Hangover!!" So instead I decided to stagger the celebrations over 3 days! On the Saturday night we had a fantastic dinner party for Jules in our house that finished very late or I should I say early! - Well put it this way, the sunrise was beautiful!

Normally for the girls we take a cake to the school to share with all the classroom and teachers, sing happy birthday and blow out the candles! Jules doesn't have a classroom but one of his biggest loves... his Football team.. play every Sunday morning; so the girls and I went to wait for Jules and his team on the street corner (nicknamed "White Trash Corner" where they always meet after they have finished the game) with two beautiful cakes as a surprise! He loved it... We all sang happy birthday together and all the boys had a little bit of cake to accompany their normal beer of course!

And finally on his b-day we went for a very special lunch to our very favorite restaurant with the girls. On the way back home Darling told me how much he had enjoyed the lunch with just the family and that it had been a wonderful birthday ...... what Darling did not know was that a few of our good friends were coming that night for a complete SURPRISE Party (I love surprises).  Thanks so much to our "Italian" friend who whisked Darling away for an hour to go and have a drink together, as this gave us the time we needed to decorate the house and for our friends to arrive before he got back home. And so we ended the day, and long weekend celebrations with friends, bubbly and enjoying  a relaxing night together! Cheers baby!

Sofia's b-day - Saturday!

 After our customary celebration in our bedroom early that morning we went to... Horse riding of course! Next up we arrived to our special corner where we eat ice creams and hot dogs.. Jules took Emma with him and I went with Sofia and one of our doggies to by a dress for that night. We found the perfect place, a gorgeous boutique where they have the perfect clothes for that strange age when the girls are still not teenagers but also are not babies either... so I was soooo pleased..

Back home in the afternoon all Sofia's girlfriends started arriving to get ready for the night... Loud music, lots of talking, laughing, singing, dresses flying all over the place, pink nails, red lips... They feel beautiful and the energy was magical!

That night we took Sofia and her friends to a very nice restaurant, they LOVED IT.... We were all sitting at the table talking and laughing, these kids are truly amazing, and it was such a pleasure to be with them. At the end of the meal the waiter presented Sofia with a bouquet of roses that Papi (Jules) had ordered and arranged to be delivered to the restaurant for his daughter, Smiles...

On the way back to our house the singing was still going strong and the faces still shining and then the magical words came " Mami, Papi I love you so much, thank you for this amazing day..." What else could we want?

Emma's B-day - Thursday!

Family moment in the morning.... then off to school walking her three doggies, yes, three, we still have Cookie, the dog that we found in the street a few weeks ago... Emma was holding a big balloon that said "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" for the world to know that it was her day!  "Quite right Emma!" That afternoon we picked up Emma and her friends from school, they all came to our house and the party began... Oh yes! Music, changing clothes, talking, screaming, opening presents... An hour later a big van arrived to pick up the kids, Jules and I, and to take us all to the Barbie house... Imagine... I can't tell how were their little faces... When we arrived their eyes where even bigger...

Barbie house, wow... They had a Tea table ready with delicious food and drinks, them some sweet ladies took them off to have their hair and make up done... After that they played games, danced and to bring the party to a close ....a fashion show... They looked adorable... Emma was in her element!

Back home one of her friends stayed for a sleep over.. She could not believe this day! " The best day of my life!"

Any special occasion in life is a perfect excuse to celebrate, little moments and big ones are equally important for me... they are memories that stay with us!  ❀ Liana

Tongue Tied

Liana and I have been working together through our local expat group this school year.  At the December meeting when she tried to hand me the microphone I just about broke my leg as I stood in high heels, trying to get away from her.  Later on that day when I got home I asked myself what happened?  I spent most of high school on a stage and then all of university making public presentations.  When did I become a nervous public speaker?

But like so many things in life . . . it slipped away.  I had no reason to speak in public during my life abroad.  In fact the last time I spoke publicly was our wedding over thirteen years ago. Had that much time really passed?  Yes.

So when we came up with the idea of doing ice breakers for the welcome back meeting in February and the life coach that we hoped would facilitate us couldn't make it, I stepped up. I researched and made a plan. I wrote my speech.  I fretted for a week and went to bed full of nerves the night before. The next day I went to the meeting very early to set up the room.

And then as the meeting started to unfold something happened.  Liana did her speech and turned it over to me.  I was fine.  I didn't even use my notes.  I led fifty people in three team building exercises.  It was like riding a bike.  I'm so thankful that I did it.  It's such a weight off my shoulders.

This year I want to continue to challenge myself whether that is tackling the new or re-introducing the forgotten. What a gift! ✿ Micheline

Move Them Hips!

I knew that I needed to shake up my exercise routine this year. For the last year I have had the same routine - running three times a week and Power Plate twice a week.  It's been working well but it's time to mix it up a little.  I decided to hill walk instead of run.  As time goes on I can feel my knees aren't happy with jogging. And with so many knee replacements in my family I know that running was never a long term lifestyle choice for me.  I'm just thrilled that I was able to do it! I'm keeping Power Plate. And to really mix things up I've added a dance class.

I love to dance and always have.  But I like to joke that in Canada there are usually two requirements for dancing.  It's always dark.  And there is usually a bit of alcohol.  It smoothes the edges . . .

In Latin America darkness and alcohol are not required.  I can't tell you how many times spontaneous daytime dancing has erupted around us much to Michael's dismay. He'd rather wax his legs (and they are hairy!) than be forced to dance in the afternoon sun!

But even with my own love of dancing, walking into a Reggaton class at nine in the morning surrounded by Latinos in a brightly lit room isn't easy.  In moments like these I'm reminded of just how Canadian I am.  I swear that my hips don't move in certain directions!

Reggaeton is great for the core. It's all about control. As I look around the room nobody can stand still even between sets and shouts of "100% actitud!" and "floja te" meaning "100% attitude" and "keep it loose!" float around the room.  It's good fun.

I'm no Latin mamacita but I am trying. I screw up a lot.  And I'm laughing. ✿ Micheline

Bean Night Is Back!

Over Christmas a lot of things fell apart . . . bed time, early mornings, lessons and routine in general. Menu planning went out the window. It was great for a while.

But as we have gone back-to-school for the new semester it was time to find that rhythm all over again. We were all ready. I have been meal planning during the week for about a year now.  It took me a while to make it routine but we now that we have I love it!  

To get the kids eating a balanced diet we jointly decided (kids included) on five nights of the week that rotate around depending on our schedule.

• Red Meat
• Chicken or Fish
• Beans, Legumes, Grains or anything we call 'Adventurous Vegetarian' (by kid standard that is)
• Eggs
• Kid Cheesy 

'Bean Night' as it's known at home is the biggest challenge of the week. It's my job to try and make things as tasty as possible.  It's their job to be open and not to whine when they don't like it. Some days we do better than others. I'm sticking to my guns.

This week I revisited a grain from my past that I love.  Quinoa.  It has a crunchy, nutty flavour that is delicious. I started eating quinoa when we lived in Quito many years ago.  It comes from the Andes in South America. Quinoa is actually a seed. Not only is it high in protein but it makes a complete protein which is fantastic!     

Recently on our trip to northern Chile I noted that quinoa was everywhere. They served it in every possible way but my favourite had to be as a risotto.  I fell in love and vowed to start cooking with it again this year.

Quinoa Risotto 

2 cups quinoa

1/2 of a white onion, finely chopped

a splash of olive oil

6 cups chicken stock (roughly)

Juice of a lemon

Handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese (no cheese in a can!!)

Simmer the stock.  Rinse the quinoa several times to get rid of any bitterness. Then saute it with the onion and olive oil for a few minutes.  Gradually ladle the stock into the quinoa adding more stock as it absorbs.  Keep stirring and ladling for roughly 15 to 20 minutes.  The quinoa will break open and will become soft forming into a risotto consistency.  Add the lemon juice and cheese.  

I served this this sauteed mushrooms but you can use any vegetables you like. 

At the end of dinner Colin looked at me.  He wasn't convinced but he doesn't like regular risotto either.  (How is that even possible?) And then he said, "Mom next week can we have lentils for bean night?" Victory!  ✿ Micheline

Day By Day

After the great holidays we all arrived home energized and ready to carry on with our different activities.

Sofia and Emma had lots of play dates, sleepovers, horse riding, and for the last two days they have been spending quite a lot of time with a new doggie that we found on the street a couple of days ago...

He is so beautiful but we cannot keep him (Cookie.... as he has been named already by our daughters) as we all ready have two huge Golden retrievers and one tiny Argentine Hamster. So we are trying to find a new owner. Let's see how we go with that...  

Last Saturday we had a goodbye party for our good friends that are moving to Spain. We arrived in Argentina almost at the same time as them, so nearly four years ago and since then we have been become pretty close. So of course it is never easy to see friends leave  but as expats we always understand that this is part of the life ... . saying hello and learning how to say goodbye... The beauty of the whole thing is that despite the distance we always know that we have each other, distance is just distance, friendship is stronger than that. "Goodbye friends and see you very soon".

Carrying on with life, I have to tell you that I am very happy... I have a new horse and his name is Duke. He is stunningly gorgeous and incredibly spoilt. In the world of horse riding you fall in love too many times with too many different horses. So Duke landed in my life a couple of weeks ago, and now we are in the process of creating  a relationship, you know what I mean

... lots of carrots, washing him, lots of talking and stroking... In return "please  Duke do not throw me off, be good!".

So on many mornings I am at the horse riding club with Sofia jumping. During the  holidays we can have classes together, I LOVE IT! Emma now is riding in a bigger 

ring, something that she is very proud about it and we are too.

Riding Duke!

School is going to start very soon, after a long holiday the girls are ready! It has been a very relaxing time and I want to keep it that way...this is one of my resolutions in life, staying calm and relaxed, no matter what  or how many things  I am doing, stay RELAXED... I really like how I feel when I manage to do this, so I want this feeling to become a part of me...  

Saying that... Darling's birthday is very soon... so excited!!! I do not know what I am going to prepare for him but for sure we will be celebrating!!!

Before I go I want to recommend a video that in my opinion is incredible from every single perspective, watch it and enjoy the amazing photography and the  strong message.  ❀ Liana

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbDmOt-vIL8

A Helping Hand . . .

Me With A Pile Of Empty Backpacks

I've always felt it's been a privilege that I get to stay home with our kids.  It's something that I will always, always be grateful for.  During the baby years life was all consuming.  The old phrase that charity starts at home certainly applied.  I don't think I even took time to sneeze for several years.

But as Colin started kindergarden I felt it was time that I started to give back to our community.  As a kid my grandmother was our stay-at-home parent when my mom was working.  She took wonderful care of us. But beyond that she was always volunteering at the church, the hospital or the library. I can so clearly see my grandmother tucking into her volunteer activities  -  baking, selling tickets to events and serving high tea at  fundraisers. The library was her favourite cause.  She remained on the executive board until she was ninety years old helping to give children a love of reading.  She watched my childhood friends grow-up, get married and start to bring the next generation of children into the library long after I was gone.  That's amazing.

In Buenos Aires I've chosen to work with a group of expatriate women on a project called SACS or Send A Child To School.  We provide personalized backpacks with age appropriate school supplies and size specific shoes, socks and lab coats to children for the first day of school. In Argentina a public education is free but you need to have the supplies.  We give kids everything they need to make a strong start.  We give the gift of confidence.  What can be more important for a child?!

Our group works with schools, homework centres, shelters and churches to find kids in need.  We work with kids on the bubble whose parents are trying to make ends meet.  We extend a hand and help families to help themselves.

Throughout the year we fundraise. In October we pick which groups we are able to help.  From there we spend the next couple of months collecting data from the institutions, sorting and compiling information and shopping for the kids.  In January we pack everything one backpack at a time.  We make little Ana or Jaime's backpack with everything they need according to their age and size. February brings our Santa moment when we deliver.  We hand out each shiny new backpack individually.  And in return we get smiles, handshakes, hugs and wonderful drawings.  Going on a delivery is a good day.

We recently packed our backpacks for the season, drawing on volunteers from our community to help us.  Deliveries are coming up.  I loved seeing the kids last year.  Their bright faces burned in my memory long after the day. After a quick breather it will be time to start fundraising again.

I urge anyone to volunteer.  Explore passions and share them.  Not only do you help a community, you help yourself.  It's hard to complain, to whine or to have a bad day when you are helping someone else.  I believe that with all my heart. ✿ Micheline

Labcoats

Just A Handful Of The Shoes.  

Kinder Packs

Packed Bags Tagged and Ready For Delivery

Holidays in Jose Ignacio - Uruguay

I do not have the right words to describe this place... it used to be "An old fisherman's town, but now it is one of the most exclusive locations of Este. It is a fantastic mix of nature, gorgeous and eclectic beachside houses, incredible restaurants, beautiful people, fresh nights and perfect roads to have a walk. You can find complete solitude with just the company of the sea and its sound or  be in the middle of a fashion show on the beach...

My family and I arrived to Jose Ignacio on a Wednesday late afternoon.  We were incredibly excited to be there. We packed our bags for a four day stay but ended up staying for eight! We cannot help ourselves... Firstly the break from BA was so refreshing, the girls were having a smashing  time, the SEA FOOD was incredible and the bubbly was always within arm's reach!

One morning we went for a long walk on the beach and had a big surprise, we found loads of stranded jellyfish.. I have never seen so many of them out of the water and have no idea why they were there  but it gave us a long job for that day... We spent hours picking them up from the sand and putting them back into the water hoping that they might still be alive. Darling was not too sure about this but he rolled with us...

We played games on the beach, jumping waves with Emma, body boarding with Sofia (which by the way I enjoyed immensely).  Sofia and I laughed so much, the waves were so strong that they made us roll over and over again and of course the celebration when we caught a wave really well... I was not using the right type of swimming suit for this, something that Sofia thought was hilarious, imagine...

On Friday afternoon there was a Fashion show on the beach, my girls could not believe it .. "Mami really? with real models?"  They ended up sitting down right in front of the catwalk with their cameras ready. Jules and I left them there and went back to our big beach lounger to have a glass of champagne. We took turns to go and see how the girls were doing... They loved it! After all this "glamour" the following day the girls and I had an Idea..." Let's go and do a photo shoot on the rocks"  - So we took a big bag, with make- up and some other things...  I then spent a nice long hour in the sun taking photos of my two favorite models, it was hysterical!

By the end of the holiday we had had many nights at the beautiful restaurant in front of the beach, walks, laughs, games, and even Jules and I managed to escape one night for a very cool party, but the best thing of all... We all enjoyed the  amazing opportunity to share the company of each other, the biggest blessing we have!

 ❀ Liana