Date night

Yesterday evening, Andreas and I went to see one of his favourite comedians (Jim Gaffigan, see link here) live. It was a 9:30pm show (which is our usual bedtime) on Wednesday (which is usually a day of the week where we are observing our said bedtime) but we went out and successfully stayed awake through the whole thing (insert clapping sound). We were so proud of ourselves ;) It was a great show and we had a fantastic time! This is clearly a bonus of having boys who are getting older. Yes, they ignore you but they also provide the opportunity to have a date every once in a while ;)

Wishing you all a great day! xox

How civilized!

Date day

Today, Andreas and I had a very non traditional date day. We even got dressed up... in rain jackets and rubber boots ;)  Armed with shovels and work gloves, we went to help out at a local volunteer centre to fill, move and load sandbags for those affected by the floods. I had gone there earlier in the week with Nicklas and Alexander (here) but, because we had about 50 mm of rain over the past few days and the risk of flooding was still very high, we wanted to go back and help out again.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, it was a really fun date! It was amazing how many friends we met up with and how many people we got to know in the few hours that we were there. Nothing brings people together like a good cause and a lot of mud ;) We participated in a human chain that helped move sandbags from the bagging area to the backs of cars/trucks/vans and it felt good to be a part of something so positive. Even though our time there was limited by chauffeuring boys to football practice, we were so impressed with all those who have made helping out a full time effort over the past week. You are all heroes! To all those who are living with the fear of losing their homes, we are thinking of you and admiring your courage.... may the sandbag walls stay strong and keep the water out!

If you live nearby, please consider coming out to help for a few hours. Honestly, it is a lot of fun... you won't need to go to the gym (moving sandbags is a really good workout) and the help will be really appreciated :)

Stay safe and dry, our neighbours xox

Sunday morning date with my husband ;)

This morning, Andreas asked me out... for a date.... to play soccer with his regular Sunday league. I happily accepted and, with take-out coffee in hand (he doesn't skimp on dates 😉), we headed to the field. It was a fun game... only 3 women on the field and, out of about 20 players/17 different nationalities, I think that I was the only Canadian 😉 I felt special 😉 Considering we are parents, you take a date wherever and whenever you get the chance 😉

Hope you all had a good weekend xox

Yes, this is a post-game picture so excuse the sweaty look ;)

Date night

Because Andreas and I simply cannot get enough soccer (wink wink), for our date night, we went to see the Montreal Impact play. We got to yell and cheer without embarrassing the boys which, frankly, was not quite as fun as when the boys get red-faced because of us ;) Part of the perks of being a parent ;) Even though our team lost, we still had a great time!

Today was even more soccer: Alexander's team made it to the Regionals.... and won the finals this morning! Seriously, what an upset... but it was sweet ;) Now I have 8 post-game boys in my basement.. making lots of noise... but happy noise ;)

Happy Sunday to you all! xox

Evening out

Last night, Andreas and I went to a friend's wedding. It was a lovely evening... obviously lots of love for the newly weds. The food was awesome (thanks to the bride's Italian background) and the dancing was a real workout (thanks to the groom and his friends). It was nice to sit down and use a knife and fork to eat ;) The wine was good too ;)
It is funny with weddings... it makes you really think on your own marriage. Andreas and I will be celebrating our own 11 year anniversary this year and, despite the ups and downs, I am very thankful for the love that we share and the family that we have made. I consider myself very lucky... although Andreas does have selective hearing at times... hint, hint to my husband... He makes up for it by his awesome choice for a wife ;)

Wishing you all a great remainder of the weekend! xox

PS: Yes, sometimes Andreas actually reads my posts ;)

Date

Since the summer time, Andreas and I have been taking the train in to work and, increasingly, we are finding ourselves able to take the same train! It is kind of like a date... only in the morning... and on the way to work... and with lots and lots of other people... and without food or coffee... or wine ;) Given our ability to actually go out on dates, we'll take it!

Happy Tuesday to all xox

PS: No comments about the matching stripe shirts, please. It was not done on purpose and I only noticed it after posting this picture. OK.. we are cheesy ;)

Evening out

Maybe I forgot to mention that it was my 45th birthday at the end of June- the 25th to be exact-... and maybe I forgot to mention it because we were in an airplane for a good chunk of the day. Let me tell you that being in an airplane is not very conducive to celebrating birthdays ;) Anyway, at this point in my life, I am not so into celebrating birthdays... however, Sunday night, my lovely husband treated me to a great dinner at a local place called Musselbaren (= if you don't like mussels, forget it). I LOVE mussels and these ones were harvested just a few meters away... can you say "fresh"? We had a nice (and quiet = no boys with us) time. It almost made it worth being one year older ;)

Fancy date night

Last night, Andreas and I went out on a date night... Making it even more special was that it was also for a good cause :) We went to the Friends for the Cure gala, which is always so well done and, rightfully, well attended! The food is simply amazing and our table company made the evening awesome... We even got to dress up and attempt to look like adults ;)

PS: Thanks must also go out to our new babysitter... we love her!

PPS: Thanks to the man who bid way above where I would have bid on that fancy coffee maker at the silent auction. Your big bid kept me from spending a bunch of money that I didn't really have (insert note: it was really an awesome coffee maker... and it was red.... just like my kitchen.... and I loved it.... but that man saved my dilemma) ;) Darn silent auctions ;)