Last Week Of "Normal"

So today marks my last Friday "off" before I officially become a student on Monday! This past week has been wonderfully bittersweet .. I've been living my life in this comfortable bubble for a few years now (we've developed a nice work / home / family balance!) and things are going to change big time next week. So these past few days, I've really worked to savor every little moment. 

I enjoyed coloring with my kids ..

And being silly under a cozy blanket!

And playing ..

And quietly meal-planning with a cup of tea while the kids were at school ..

And sharing an umbrella when I picked up them up ..

I won't get to pick the kids up from school for a long time, and that's the part I'm the most sad about. I really enjoyed meeting them in the school yard, the excitement on their faces when they saw me, walking home and hearing all about their day! 

I'm sad about "letting go" the comfortable routine I've had for these past few years, but I know in my heart that the challenge of returning to school with two young kids will be worth it in the end. I'm working to make our incredible  lives even better! 

One cool thing I keep in mind: I'll be showing my kids LIVING PROOF that you CAN make your dreams come true. No matter where your life takes you, no matter how old you are, no matter how much money is in your bank account, you can always find a way if you are willing to make sacrifices and work hard. Anything is possible. 

Tonight, we will go for a walk together as a family. Maybe take the kids for ice cream. And maybe cuddle under a blanket and watch a movie. But I will be sure to savor every moment. Because this time next week, I'll have homework and readings and papers and dishes and work and laundry ...!

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!! 

School's Started

Hey guys! My apologies for not being as active with my blogging this summer .. I kinda felt like I didn't have much to say. I worked out a lot, went for lots of "park hop" walks with my kids, and really enjoyed spending quality time with my family - mostly outdoors! If you follow me on Instagram (I'm mama_lego) you'll see my summer in photos! I adore Instagram - I use it as a photo journal / blog and just love looking back at the memories.

So school has begun! My baby girl has started full-time junior kindergarten and my baby boy is in the first grade. I'm so proud of them both and I love their excitement for school. It was a BIG adjustment, sending them both off .. I was very emotional the last weeks of summer and the first week of school. It's so hard, watching your babies go and grow away from you .. But so wonderful when you see how happy and confident they are. And the stories I get to hear when I pick them up! Priceless!

I felt a little lost at first - what do I do with myself?! But I found lots to do. I worked out. I went for long walks and listened to some incredible podcasts. I did lots of housework. I read a lot. I had coffee dates with friends. And I spent lots of time with my best friend. I'm enjoying my "my time" now, while I have it, because ..

MY BIG NEWS:

I'm going back to school! 

I was supposed to start this coming January in a two-year college program, but that really wasn't the right way to go for myself and my family. I was thrilled to find a local college that offers the same program for a length of ten months. I'm registered and ready to go in October. I'm very nervous and scared as this is a huge change. It's going to be very hard work - and balancing school / homework / my job / the kids / my family is going to be challenging. However, as challenging as it's going to be, I know it's going to be so worth it. As nervous as I am about jumping right in, I am so excited to be starting school and finally be working towards my dream instead of just dreaming about it!

What am I taking? Fitness and Health Promotion! At the end of my program, I'll be a CanFitPro certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor and nutrition and weight loss consultant. And that's only the first step in going after my dream. I dream of working with teenagers who struggle with body image issues and healthy living, I dream of teaching yoga, I dream of running community wellness programs, I dream of helping people who are just like I was! 

I plan to blog about my school days because it will be an incredible journal to look back on (much like my Instagram photos!) and hopefully schoolwork isn't so intense that I can squeeze a post or two in a week! I'm also back up on Twitter (@mamalego) so you can follow me there for those quick little blurbs! 

I'm so anxious and thrilled and nervous about the next step in my journey .. I can't wait!