After a fairly difficult week, a day off!  

Today I had a great Bitch'n'Brunch with my girlfriends.  It was GREAT!  Everyone of my friends are so much fun!  I think everyone had a really good time.  Unfortch my restaurant choice didn't work out exactly as planned but we are women and we adapt!  Onward and upward I say!  

Some of the crew couldn't make it for this one and I totally understand!  You were missed my friends, you were missed!  There is always next month!  There was a bigger turnout this month so I expect more girls for August!  

After brunch Melanie Fellers came over with a "gift" for the girls.  The lovely gift was an adorable teddy bear from Seattle.  The less adorable part was that the teddy bear was clutching a lollipop the size of the Space Needle.  NIce Mel, nice!  Should have seen the looks on their faces.   They were in heaven.  Mel laughed and laughed knowing there wasn't a way in hell I would be able to not let them have the lollies!  I get the last laugh tho, I took a hammer and smashed off a large percentage of the offending lollie leaving a manageable piece at the top!  ha ha.. here are the little piggies, er.. darlings:

With giant lollies in hand we paced us up a yesteryear british lunch picnic and hit Riley Park.  Once there we ran into some friends from the neighbourhood!

 I love Vancouver.  I love our community and I love that we don't have to drive if we don't want to!  I am so lucky to have everything!  All my petty complaints aside I have a wonderful husband who loves me, two of the most beautiful, smartest children I've ever met, not one but 2 fun part time jobs, the very best friends a girl can ask for and a great family that keeps  on growing with little ones popping up at least once a year!  I have everything and I'm so lucky!  I love you all everyone and I'm so lucky to have you!

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Tomorrow is a very special day.  

Tomorrow is the day my Mother was born.

I am up late because I just got off work but I know my Mom will be on here at the crack of dawn. Also I wrote this last night when I should be writing it to-night!  It is a day early but hopefully not a dollar short!

Because I'm a day early,  I would like to be the first person to wish you the very best of birthdays.  You are a fantastic Mother and an even more fantastic Grandmother.  No one loves all of our kids more than you Mom.  You have an amazing capacity to love.  I love you for that.  

I also love you for loving every single grandchild the best, not one more than the other but all equally. Funny how you tell each and every one you love them the most and I believe you actually do!  I can't wait til Danica and Mike's little on is in the outside world getting a little slice of the love you have in store for him/her.  Here is my Mom sharing a little of the love with my girls:

No one is more proud of all her children than my Mom.  She brags about all of us, to us, but also to complete strangers. The good in us  comes from the woman who gave birth to us, loves us helps us, hurt us (think throwing rocks), holds us, pushes us and supports us through all the good times and the challenging times.  I love you Mom, have a great birthday!

silly wabbits

silly wabbits
Originally uploaded by Clan Mussellam

Funny thing kids are. Today I was talking to Michael on the phone about going out for a girls night tonight. While talking on the phone He overheard the girls fending for themselves for something or other. Then he heard Maeve say, "I'm spanking my own butt." Michael asked me why I get to have a girls night out when obviously I don't do anything all day. I pointed out that there are just a few things that I do all day.. but it seems like the girls are pushing me out of my own job by putting themselves down for 'naps' and by disciplining themselves by spanking their own butts!**

They are so talented but I do request I get to hold onto my most important job for a lot more years!


**In our family, the spanking of the butts is a term of endearment. Also shaking one's butt at another. Ask Mel Snagg, Madigan endeared the hell out of her yesterday!

***please disregard incredibly creepy looking mother in the background!

DSCF3031

DSCF3031
Originally uploaded by Clan Mussellam

as neil says, "all for one and one for all"!!

good times at the zoo!

DSCF3026

DSCF3026
Originally uploaded by Clan Mussellam

team doucette graciously donated a spare pass to the clan and we hit the Greater Vancouver Zoo... much fun! thanks doucettes..



note today's blog is short and terse due to stupid blogger andnot letting me upload pics of video.. grr

ahem....

Hmmmm Hmmmm Hmmmmm

eh hem......

Happy Birthday toooo youuuuuu

Happy Birthday toooooo youuuuuuu

Happy Birthday Auntie Barbieeeeeeeeeee

Happy Birthday tooooo youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!

Auntie Barbie, we loves you so much!

Holy Tamole

Hi friends!  Today was a scorcher!  To bring you all up to speed, Michael has been away since friday with a bunch of his friends.  Nice I know!  They are off having a 'gay' old time and I'm working my tail off!  Ok, truth be told my Mom has been here watching the girls.  THEY have been having a fantastic time!  My Mother should be uploading pics at some point.  I can only assume she made it home safely because she didn't call me to let me know.. anyhoo I digress..

TOday I was treated to a pedicure for my BIRTHDAY!  My bestie Lisa, took me to Pink Lime to have our piggies did!  We ROCKED those pedi-chairs! 

Of course, before we hit Pink Lime, we rang in the 11th hour with cocktails at Milestones!  How decadent!  

Apres piggie fest, we marched over to Pacific Center Mall where we fought valiantly through the throngs at the new H&M store!  My god that place was a nut house!  It was going to be too much work to wait in line to try stuff on (at least 100 ppl in line) or for the other odd thousand or so buying stuff so.. we headed out.  

I dragged Lisa in to a shop because I need some clothes.  Me and the new boobs *thought* we'd fit into some cute new tops.  Keep in mind I had a full POUND of boobage removed from my person.  I am still registering in at a "D"  (sorry for those of you who didn't need to know that, ie everyone)!  Anyhoo, I scored bigtime at this one shop.  I picked up a sweet pair of plaid board shorts.. and yes they are pink.  I nabbed a sweet little pink a-line skirt for under $20!  I also grabbed this wild and crazy yellow/black/white possible hornet attractor that I'll wait til Michael gives it a thumbs up or down number!  I also managed to grab a suitable outfit to wear to Michael's cousin Brian's wedding at the end of June!  Woot go me! 

 I couldn't have done any of it without Lisa tho, she was very helpful not to mention honest which I value! Sooo, big thanks to Lisa for today. My piggies salute you!  I needed it! 

The colour you asked?  Of course you did... well for those of you that want to know it is;

Don't Socra-TEASE me!

 Also MASSIVE thanks to my Mom for coming over to the mainland to kick it with the girls.  They baked, crafted, snuggled, played, danced and had a GREAT time together!  I loves ya Mom!

 I totally got Pwned by my own daughter!

Today we were watching Yo Gabba Gabba (awesome).  Anyhoo there is one portion of the show where they have a kid and s/he says their name and then says, "My name is ... and I like dancing."

So I said, "Hi, my name is Maeve and I like dancing."

Maeve smiled and laughed then laid this one on me, "Hi, my name is Mommy and I like bossing me around."

Classic!

Then to add further fuel to the fire she adds, "Hi, my name is Madigan and I like to bother Maeve."  

God I love her!

Sunshine!

Here we are at Trout Lake!  British Columbia, specifically Vancouver is absolutely the best place for us!   The girls had a blast splashing around in the lake while I picked up a splatter pattern sunburn on both legs!  Sweet!  We hit the lake friday last week to soak up some vitamin D!  

Maeve is getting SO big!  She is a little on the pasty side but that is a good thing!  I slathered on the sun-block, I don't want the girls to burn this year.  We go through a lot of sun-block!

She is just so bloody gorgeous!  I lobe her!

Two beach beauties and a beach bucket being watched by beautiful snow tipped mountains.  Ahh this is the life!

Last thursday we hit Dorothy Lam park and Maeve 'the brave' wanted to tackle this climbing structure.  Maeve has never really been a big climber but she has been taking tentative steps and venturing up on some around town.  Maeve climbed ALL the way to the top of this one.  She needed a bit of a hand up but once she figured it out she went up up UP!   Sorry you have to tilt  your head to see but look at that little monkey!

Friday!

Hellooooo!

I haven't blogged in ages. Being a full time Mom, part time worker and recovering from surgery is a lot on my plate right now. I'm feeling sore, tired and cranky. Poor Michael and the girls. Good times and happiness are right around the corner tho.. this too shall pass!

Ok blogger isnt' cooperating. How unusual! Here is a video then I'll put some pics up later!

Wednesday! Ballet and a New Baby!

Hiya gang!

We are all well here.  Yesterday was ballet day.  Here are some pics from last weeks' ballet.  I didn't snap any this week!

And a song from my daughter Madigan:

Baa baa black sheep have you any WAR

yes Sir yes Sir three and four!

She knows lyrics like me!  Is that my kid or what?

Hold me closer Tony Danzaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Xox Vashti

________________________

 Radio Edit from Michael:

We also brought home our new baby today. Yes, we traded in the Xtera and got ourselves a little white Honda Fit.  It looks like this (except for the stylish wheels... we have hubcaps):

"Lessening our carbon footprint" and other trendy slogans aside, the beast was just not fitting into our lifestyle much anymore.  We can walk to most things we need, and the driving we do is mostly around the city.  

And gas is $1.31 today; the Fit sips the stuff while the Xtera guzzled like myself left unattended around ice cream!  ~Michael

Hello, new me here!

Yesterday I went in for day surgery and I'm doing really well.  I had a breast reduction so you wont get to see any pics anytime soon.  Unless my rack winds up being super hot then you'll probably be able to catch me in some of the lads mags!  

The girls and Michael dropped me off at 6am and I was on the table at just after 8am.  I woke up in the recovery rather reluctantly!  Its not often that I get that much of a deep sleep!  Auntie Mel watched the girls while Michael came to get me around noonish?  I've been home ever since.  

My lovely friend Lisa brought over a bunch of magazines and a very beautiful floral arrangement.  She is so very kind.  I've had lots of phone calls offering help and I really appreciate it!  

Not going to lie, it hurts alot!  Sleeping was tough last night but its all for the greater good!  Pun totally inteded, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders!  Hopefully my recovery is swift!  I'm doing what the Dr. says, no heavy lifting.  

So there you have it and we are all right as rain! 

Wednesday!

Today new glasses.....

Tomorrow new me!  Stay tuned!

Blog with the blog de dang de dang diggy diggy

Hi ho cheerio!

Hope everyone is well.  I am tired tired tired!  Rough week!  It is wednesday today so we are half way through!  Ballet day was a success!  I didn't bring the camera so no pictures.  Also, the girls were in their respective classes on their own!  They did GREAT!  After ballet we had a picnic with the Doucette gang and after Ronan's 'little chef class' with Roan, all hung out at Riley Park.  It was a long walk from our place to Riley but we made it.. fortunately we made it back too!  We are doing pretty good not driving the truck these days.  We have logged alot of stroller miles tho!  Someone should invent a stroller odometer!  Then when you buy your used stroller you can see how far it has travelled!  

I had a Dr appointment today and my good friend Melanie Fellers watched the girls for me.  Originally Auntie Caca was coming over to play but I didn't want to inconvenience her so I made her stay home!  Poor Auntie Caca was looking to get a little playtime in with the girls too.  Oh well, there is always next time!  I was going to take hundreds of pics documenting her visit this time too.  Last time Danica came in to save the day she stayed with the girls for a week so I could get my training in at the new job.  Unfortunately I was so beat I didn't blog let alone praise Danica for coming to our rescue!  

Some random snippets from out life this week:

Fabulous art time!

Can anyone say glitter?

Beautiful Saturday at Gary Pt with Granny Gracie.

Michael, Granny Gracie and the girls hit Steveston while I was at work!


Just one of 4 SEPARATE women who took a picture of Madigan dancing to the busker music on Granville Island. Not only did they take pictures of her but they all picked her up. I had money on this lady taking off and running with her. Not to worry, I was on my mark. Its hard to not go all Mama Bear when there are people out there that think your children are just that adorable! We did discuss that it wouldn't be a problem if they did swipe Madigan.... we all agreed that whoever swiped her would bring her back within 24 hours. Madigan is alot of work!

Uncle Kenny & Auntie Shannon

Congratulations!!!

Uncle Kenny and Auntie Shannon made a GIRL!!!!!!!

Welcome to the world Little Kara Lynn Oldale!

We can't WAIT to meet you tomorrow!

Warning... WARNING

The content of this blog is about to go into extreme cute overdrive!







First Day of Ballet yesterday!! Both girls did REALLY well! This is the first time that Madigan would have to 'listen' to someone and follow 'rules' and be a member of a group. I was worried!! She marches to the beat of her own drummer to say the least! Anyway, Madigan did GREAT! She joined her little ballerina friends and listened to the teacher! The little kids were soooo cute! There was one little girl that sat on the floor the entire time and didn't move. Luckily she moved at the end when it was time to go, stickers are a great motivator!

Maeve also went for Ballet Day! Notice she is a big girl and no longer wears a pink bodysuit? I think she thinks black body suit means she is much older! There is a bit of a Media blackout for Maeve's group because parents are not able to sit in the class. Maeve's class is 45 minutes to Madigan's 20-25 min. Look at how beautiful she is!







Some video of Madigan the graceful! Notice her mouth! Nice!!







My girls are so beautiful, confident and talented! Michael and I are the luckiest parents!


At the end of Ballet we met up with these two "little Chefs" Roan and Ronan! It was the old gang back again!

Sunday

Hello friends and fam!

71 words

Speed test

You have been challenged!

Thursday!

Woot Woot we are almost finished with this week! I didnt' get half the stuff I should have done yesterday.. boo.. Oh well.. I did manage to fold and put away about 3 weeks worth of backlogged laundry!! While I'm getting ready this is what the girls are doing;


Maeve is always such a little Mommy. She seems to love pretending that Madigan is her baby. I think she takes really good care of her "little" bundle! God I love my girls!



Today we are going on a picnic with the Doucette family. We are going to Trout Lake! The weather is a little overcast but I'm not going to forget the sunscreen!

Here is what Kenny and Michael did... naughty naughty! Nothing like a little home reno! I'm happy to report that Kenny and Michael did a GREAT job and the new opened up kitchen is FABULOUS! Lots more light from the kitchen skylights! Not to mention being able to see more than a half a foot through the kitchen pass thru!

Spring having been Sprung!

We have been so lucky to have Auntie Sara and Jakers over all weekend. The kids ADORE one another! Madigan and Jake argue constantly. It is adorable, it sounds like this: Jake, "YES" Madigan, "NO" over and over and over! They are hilarious!

Yesterday we went to 2nd Beach. We met up with the Kwan D'Eons and the Snagg Duncans! We havent' seen them since FEBRUARY! How in the heck did that happen? Oh yeah, my life is on supreme fast forward! Good times were had at the beach, sand was eaten (mostly unintentionally by me) and SUNBURNS were given! What a dope I am! I had the sunscreen in my hands and then put it back.. no no I said, we wont need it! I don't have any pics but you should SEE how cute the girls look all pinky cheeked and sun kissed! I look like a crispy tomato but whatever! The good news about forgetting the sunscreen was the girls and I actually absorbed some vitamin D. We were just talking about how sunscreen inhibits the absorption of vit D. Soooo basically what I'm saying was that its a good thing that we all got a little too much sun?? That doesn't sound right :P

While we were at the beach yesterday we were 'treated' to a rudey dudey nudey who ran into the water went UNDER the water.. splashed around, washed himself very thoroughly all the while Mel, Ange and I stared open mouthed! Too bad I didn't have pics of THAT! He was well fit!

Today I have a roast in the oven, bread is on the stove rising and I have about 3 weeks worth of house cleaning to do. It is a gorgeous day out but we are inside today. The girls have the water table set up on the balconey and they can play out there but I have serious work to do at home before I go to work tonight!

On a side note I am really enjoying my save on more job! I get to meet lots of people and manhandle their produce! I have already had some repeat customers that I get to joke around with! Poor Michael is in for work early and coming home late. He is still on a deadline and seems overworked and underpayed. Fortunately it wont last too long, his game stuff is locked in on April 15. So half a month to go and we get Daddy back all to ourselves!




Old pics but cute pics!

What the frizzle?

Hello fans,

Still here on the Isla Bonita. Not sure if we are going to leave now. This is what we woke up to!

Does this mean we get another Christmas?