Andrew and I met in 1994 – two naïve teenagers, quietly smitten with each other, who’d become the greatest of friends in the early days of high school. We started dating in 1995, both going on 16 years old. He likes to gloat that I’m the “older one”. Ha! Just by a 6 months.
Andrew and I were high school sweethearts who managed to grow with each other through the stages of carefree adolescence to our ambitious 20’s, when we both graduated from Western University, got our first jobs (I in Public Service, Andrew in the Financial Services sector), saved for our first home, got engaged and married in 2006.
Photo Credit: Lace Photography
After some travel and settling into our first home, we decided to start a family.
Our first child Brody was born in 2008, and so began our journey into parenthood. Tyler was born just over 2 years later in 2010. Allegra, our little lady gift, graced us in 2013. And life’s sweetest surprise and grand finale, Easton, in 2015.
Life as a large family is wild! I’m not even going to try to sugar-coat this craziness! But it’s also amazing, and doable (if you’re so daring), and really brings you to the core of what matters most – the love of family and making lifelong memories. Andrew and I often stop and look at each other wondering how two chill people like us ended up with a large brood and the insanity that ensues, but (fuelled by high doses of laughter and strong coffee), somehow Andrew and I make it all work. Wine and whiskey help too 😉
Who we are…
Me
Manager of the gong show and grateful Mama of four. Happily married to a true life partner. Budding blogger + writer, while still employed in Public Service to provide a financial lifeline and stability to our big brood. Owner of iParty Canada (Est. in 2011 and at a stand-still with rebranding). Hockey Mom-in-training (slowly embracing and loving it). Solitude-seeker and lover of all things witty and wise. The no BS parent, with a weakness for love notes and kiddie charm. Healthy skinny pop addiction 😉
Andrew
Co-Manager of the gong show, and hands on Daddy and Hubby extraordinaire (IMHO). Works in the Financial Services sector and manages to balance a stressful sales career with being an incredible family man. Most loyal human being on earth. Loves unconditionally. Hockey fanatic, who bleeds blue + white (Toronto Maple Leafs). The fun parent, and unsung Hero to his four champs.
Brody
Our first born, our greatest parenting teacher. A wonderful blend of conscientious, compassionate, comedic and competitive. The biggest brother with a heart of gold. Hockey-crazed. Lego maven. Grade 3 here he comes!
Tyler
Our free spirit who beats to his own drum with fearless abandon. An old soul, go-getter and wise beyond his years. Hockey-crazed with soccer in his blood. Kindergarten grad off to conquer Grade 1!
Allegra
Fearless, feisty and breathtakingly adorable. Our only daughter, currently teaching us everything delightful (insert a smidge of sarcasm) about fierce female-hood. Nail polish addict. A “girly girl” and “down and dirty” in one beautiful bundle. Approaching ‘Three-nager’ status.
Easton
Life’s sweetest surprise and game changer. Good natured with a touch of fuss face (his middle name is Andrew, for the record ;). Scheduling and sleep averse, this boy is lit up and ready to tackle the world. Turning the ‘Wild One’ soon. Lover of electrical cords!