This Moment Is Your Life!

It's been 25 days of renovations going on at our place. We're Rona's #1 customer for the past month. All the employees at the Welland location know us.  The Manager, Jesse told us the other night, that he's bought a new car with all the money we've spent (LOL). We even got a friends and family 15% discount, wahoo! When we're done the reno's, we're having a Rona party (Brian's calling it My Ra Rona - sing to the tune of My Sha Rona). 

Now let me tell you, with all the different plumbing, electrical, drywall, roofing and flooring jobs going on, it's hard for one to be happy! We're sharing one bathroom, we're all pretty cranky. We work all day, we come home work all night. But I keep reminding myself, it'll all be nice when it's done! Looking forward to this day!

Looking forward also to having our normal lives back. In the meantime, we're still doing MonaVie, sharing the berries and the opportunity of better health and wealth with everyone we meet. One of the guys at Rona is drinking right now actually. Told him if he likes it and sees the value in the product, we can show him how to drink for FREE!

My husband hasn't stopped doing his church Minister work either. We're putting in the full 160 hours of work in the week, leaves very little time for sleeping. Now on top of this we've still got to cook and clean and do laundry even with the dust everywhere. My father-in-law is the handiest handyman there is. He's done all our plumbing and all our electrical. He's moved the hot water tank and made our laundry room bigger. The bathroom downstairs is turning out to be the cadillac of bathrooms. Brian's really looking forward to this.

The other night, our handyman Cyril said he is so looking forward to his January Sandals vacation. I told him I was just as excited as him about it because I knew that means he will be done and complete here. We'll have our house back and life will be good.  Life is good actually, just a little tiring right now. The offer still stands friends, come on over, check it out, leave your shoes on, grab a beer and a paint brush!

What A Mess!

Oh my what a mess, I'm pulling my hair out. It's day 2 and 3 of the renovations. Everyone who knows me, knows I can't stand a mess, dust, dirt & drywall everywhere. I swear I can see it in the air, feel it in my throat and smell it. But they keep telling me "think of what it's gonna look like when it's done".  I can't wait. Looking forward to Molly Maid coming to clean when it's all done!

We've got the sunroom windows in, they're beautiful. I spent the weekend ripping up carpets and tiles, we're now down to concrete everywhere. We went to Rona tonight, picked up all the plumbing and the electrical.  Brian's dad, the handyman, the plumber and the electrician, wonderful man that he is worked his tail off today. The bathroom is destroyed.  He ripped out walls and left the toilet in (remember we got a new one a month ago). It's pretty funny, you can go to the bathroom, there is no door to shut and you have to go wash your hands in the kitchen.

Here's some "during" pictures .... don't mind the mess!

I talked to Dave the painter, he's the best, he's done work for us before. He does a great job and cleans up his mess. He's coming by on Sunday to see what needs to be painted, I told him we've got a week's worth of work, if he wants it. He's pretty excited about that.

Tonight, we took the old tub out and put it on the front lawn. We were going to throw it in the dumpster but Brian told his dad, you know someone might take it, they always do when you leave stuff out front.  Let's see if it's gone tomorrow, our ugly 40 year old tub. Yuck!

Time for a cold one and an hour on the couch ... or should we go in the hottub. Yeah better idea, relax those muscles. Good night friends!

The Day I've Dreaded For So Long!

Now that's an understatement because at the same time as the day I've been dreading for a long time, today is also the day that I've been so excited for and waiting for it to arrive. Construction started this morning ..... yep, it's time for the house renovations! Been looking forward to it for a few weeks now since we got to buy all new stuff, two bathroom makeovers and a complete sunroom makeover (gonna be a 4 season sunroom finally). On the other hand, our family knew this day would come, that it's gonna be a mess, that we're going to have major clean-up and clutter everywhere, that we're going to have to share 1 bathroom. Oh my, how are we going to do it with a teenager LOL

The past three weeks have been really fun shopping with my husband, picking out our new bathrooms. We were at Rona one Saturday and spent over 5-6 hours there, I want this, I want that. Only to find out it didn't come in the sizes we needed or the door to the bathroom was not wide enough to fit it in. Choosing vanity, shower, flooring, taps, lights and so much more. As any woman can attest to, let your man go crazy in Rona and you've got one happy husband.

Picking out the paint colours though for each room, is like pulling teeth. Ouch that really hurt, no one can agree on what we want. We've decided since we're doing these reno's, may as well have the whole inside of the house painted, make it all fresh and pretty.  Here we go back to the paint store for more swatches. I think I'll go alone, pick out what mom wants and everyone will just have to live with it (smile)!

I told my husband though once the whole project is done and the house needs cleaning, I want a Molly Maid (it's actually Aunt Jean - she's our cleaner) and he agreed. So needless to say, tonight I can handle the mess a little easier knowing what the end result is going to be.

Now for the ugly part, pictures below....going to be doing some "before" and "after" shots, don't mind the mess.

While I was at work today, my husband (works from home) sent me a text "honey, your contractor is here, the house is a mess" with a smile. A few hours later, when Rona delivered everything, I got another text "honey, your bathrooms are here, your house is getting messier" and smiled again. As I was driving home from work, I couldn't help but wonder what am I going to walk into when I get home.  It wasn't as bad as I expected, I must say. We have boxes everywhere, there will be no dinner at the dining room table for at least a week, it's gonna be grab a seat wherever you can.

Bathroom colours - I like the orange family ... Brian likes the purple. What do you think, what shall it be?

Now to my friends and family, if you come to visit, the rule is "keep your shoes on" ... no cleaning going on here until it's done. Pick up a hammer ... I have cold beer!

Learn More About Us!

So proud of my husband, creating our website for financial freedom so that we can share it with our friends and family. We are living A More Meaningful Life and you can too.

To learn more about us, click on the link.
http://www.explorefreedom.com/morethanjuice/

There is something better out there! We say NO thanks to this type of pyramid scheme. We know that if you really want something bad enough, it is out there and we can make it happen, we are working on it right now. You can too - WE promise! One of my favourite quotes "If it is to be ... it's up to Me!"

Brian even created a You Tube account (of course named MoreThanJuice). Think about it for a minute ... what is MonaVie? ... it is MoreThanJuice.  I love the name, I love the website and I love him!
http://www.youtube.com/user/MoreThanJuice

Once again, to learn more about us and see Brian's website, click the link below and watch the videos. It will be worth it!!
http://www.explorefreedom.com/morethanjuice/

I Am MonaVie - Testimonial

Click on the picture of us to make it appear full screen and then you'll be able to read our recent testimonial that appeared on the MonaVie website.  Exciting!!!

 We Are Living A More Meaningful Life!  

Don't Hate Me Because I'm Beautiful!

I'm not really, well at least I don't think I am. Now my husband on the other hand tells me all the time that I am Beautiful. Geez, he's even sang it to me, but I'm pretty sure he was singing along with James Blunt. I don't hear him sing often but when I do and it's to such a lovely song, I smile! What is beautiful anyways? Is it all those darn gorgeous women in Hollywood or is being beautiful what's really on the inside?  They say "Beauty is Skin Deep", what does this mean? It is a physical characteristic not what's deep down in her soul. It's what inside that counts!

There is much that can be said about beauty.  Think about it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What's this mean? You and I have different views on what we see as beautiful. Almost like a garage sale "one man's trash is another man's treasure"! 

I have met some very beautiful women in the past few years that I enjoy being around, spending time with, learning from them, growing with them. I'm not talking about beautiful on the outside. These women are truly a gift from God, in our lives and in our business.  They inspire me, they motivate me, they lift me up, they teach me, I respect them so much. Every chance that I get to be around them, I take advantage of it. I thank them deeply from the bottom of my soul for helping me grow in personal development these past few years. I thank them for helping me to become a better person. I am committed to becoming just like them, giving back to others what they have given us. I love them dearly with all my heart and soul and that's because they are beautiful both on the outside but more importantly on the inside. I look forward to the day when I can hear someone other than my husband say "Karen .... is beautiful"!

Drink It, Feel It, Share It!

Now is your chance to try MonaVie and discover for yourself why we love this product so much. Drinking only 2 oz twice a day can change your life.  We have been blessed physically, financially, emotionally and spiritually with MonaVie. 
MonaVie is a leader in the health and wellness industry. They provide an avenue for better health and financial well-being through its premium quality nutritional products and rewarding opportunity. MonaVie offers a timely solution to today’s challenges. And now, they are redefining how to lose weight in a healthy, effective way.
MonaVie’s extraordinary products feature a delicious blend of the Brazilian açai berry and 18 other body-beneficial fruits from around the world. *Health Juices *Energy Drinks *Weight Management

Here is the info that was in the ad in the USA today. Get a FREE sample, if you have never tried MonaVie.

MonaVie has won many awards.

* No. 18 on Inc. 500 2009 list; No. 1 in Food & Beverage category

* Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur of the Year® Dallin A. Larsen

* CEO of the Year by Utah Business magazine

* Named Fastest Growing Company in Utah by MountainWest Capital Network

* Ranked No. 1 in Fast 50 edition of Utah Business magazine

We are truly blessed, living A More Meaningful Life.  We are helping to change people's lives, one at a time!

www.MoreThanJuice.ca

Everything Happens For A Reason!

They say everything happens for a reason!  Who is they and what do they know? There are many things that have happened over the past few months and I've questioned "why?" We all do it, don't we? We say, "Why me", "Why is this happening"? But there's a reason.  We don't always know what the reason is and sometimes it takes months and even years to find out but eventually we do find out why. I ask why did my husband have to get in a car accident in June and still be in so much pain. I ask why has the weather changed so suddenly, summer left too soon! Although we got to enjoy the pool alot, for me, it just wasn't enough. I'm glad the kids are back to school though, now that one I didn't question and ask why. Just happy to have a schedule and normality in our lives once again.

We recently had a death in our family, a young cousin who wasn't supposed to die at this young age. And so this I've asked and questioned the Big Guy "why" many times over the past two weeks. So young, handsome and such a wonderful guy ... why! But they say "Everything Happens For A Reason". Not quite sure what the answer to that one is though. Our hearts are heavy and filled with much sadness.

We've met a few new friends just three weeks ago, by accident. Wendy, Ed, Julie & Mike, they have this place they call "The Perch".  On Saturday, August 27th, we took a road trip to the Winona Peach Festival. Well me being the wife I am, didn't write a location down and so couldn't plug an address into the GPS and took my husband on a wild goose chase. Got lost, go figure. Stopped and asked these people outside for directions (and a beer) and well let's just say 1 turned into 2 turned into 3.  We made it to the Peach Festival and had a great day. As dawn neared and it was time to go home, we stopped in at the Perch and they were still there, so we had another beer and another beer and well we had to drive home, so we called it an early night.  We've since become friends on facebook, we now text each other, we chat regularly and we've been back to visit The Perch.  What an amazing group of people, you should really stop in sometime if you're in the Beamsville area, I swear they will welcome you with open arms (and beer)!  Check out the umbrella between the two driveways, coolest thing I've ever seen with neighbours. Their motto is "if the umbrella is up, The Perch is open". There's even a sign that says "Beer - 2 for $5.00". Every car that drives by, toots their horn. It's amazing, what a great group of people. Nice that in this crazy world we live in, there are some people still so friendly and welcoming, it seems that we've known each other for years!

So I know the reason why we got lost ... we met some great new friends!

 I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so you can appreciate them when they're right. You believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself. And sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.   Marilyn Monroe 

Don't Worry ... Be Happy!

I know, it's easier said than done!  Everyday we all have something to worry about, its just human nature. One church service, many years ago, the Minister said "Don't worry - just pray".  Now that was a hard one to swallow. How can one not worry about their family, their bills, their health and how can one just learn to overcome their fears and anxieties? So I thought I'd try a little experiment, about a year ago, I said to myself "Okay Karen, no more worrying, just pray about it". Wow, difficult thing to do. I was worried about my husband's health, I was worried about our children's future, I was worried about what bill to pay first and how we were going to manage. From that day on, I have tried my hardest not to worry and I just take it to the Lord in prayer. One of my girlfriends came to me with problems and troubles in her home, her family life, her job, her finances and I said "Don't Worry, Be Happy!" She just looked at me with those frozen eyes of the deer in your headlights. I told her remember what the Minister said in service awhile back "Don't worry - just pray!" I gave her my word that I would also pray for her. I'm not saying things got better but we put all our faith in God.  I can't say I've been honestly faithful in doing this all the time since then but I try to do it most of the time. I find myself less of a worry wart. I find that I don't have anxiety or as much stress in my life as I use to have. Try it my friends, if even for just one day.  You might surprise yourself and find that you are worrying less and that you are praying more and there's nothing wrong with that!

Then about a year ago, I went in search of quotes on the internet, each and every morning, I post one on my facebook profile page.  What a great way to start off your day and the day of your friends.  It puts a smile on your face when someone clicks "like" on your post knowing that you may have helped change and influence someone's day in a positive way.  What is even more rewarding is when you see a friend post it on their page. They're spreading the joy and it's almost like something contagious.  Before you know it, hundreds of people are reading it and changing their day.  Don't Worry, Be Happy!  

Below are some of the quotes that I have posted over the past year to help me and others deal with anxiety and stress in the hopes that I can change just on one person's life!

Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight. ~Benjamin Franklin

Imagine every day to be the last of a life surrounded with hopes, cares, anger and fear. The hours that come unexpectedly will be much the more grateful. ~Horace

The mind that is anxious about future events is miserable. ~Seneca

How much pain have cost us the evils that have never happened. ~Thomas Jefferson

It is the trouble that never comes that causes the loss of sleep. ~Chas. Austin Bates

Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. ~Henry David Thoreau

Thus each person by his fears gives wings to rumor, and, without any real source of apprehension, men fear what they themselves have imagined. ~Lucan

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. ~Albert Einstein

It is idle to dread what you cannot avoid. ~Publius Syrus

The rose is fairest when it is budding new, and hope is brightest when it dawns from fears. ~Walter Scott

Don't waste your life in doubts and fears: spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages that follow it. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

No longer forward nor behind

I look in hope and fear;

But grateful take the good I find,

The best of now and here. ~John G. Whittier

It is not work that kills men, it is worry. Work is healthy; you can hardly put more on a man than he can bear. But worry is rust upon the blade. It is not movement that destroys the machinery, but friction. ~Henry Ward Beecher

MY FAVOURITE

Ask yourself this question: "Will this matter a year from now?" 

~Richard Carlson

And my favourite quote is a story in itself, I'll save for another time, my husband thinks it's quite funny actually. Remember - Don't Worry, Be Happy!

Are You there, God? It's Me, ..... Karen

Alll my friends and women everywhere, I am sure, have all read the book "Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret". Remember 6th grade, we giggled to ourselves and each other as we passed it from friend to friend. Thinking back, over 30 years ago and how it brought a smile to my face, as the mother of a teenager, I remember my daughter reading the book in 6th grade and giggling with her friends.  
This post today has nothing to do with that book, I actually started it out with "Are you there God" and then I was reminded of that book and my childhood, it just made sense and seemed to fit for the title ... "it's me Karen".

For those who knew me growing up, as a teenager and then in my early twenties, they were surprised to learn that after I married, my husband became a Minister. I know I sometimes find it hard to believe myself. It has been almost 7 years that Brian was ordained into God's work. I say to people I run into that I haven't seen in years, well I am making sure to secure my place in Heaven LOL 
All kidding aside, I love what he does and wouldn't change a thing. We rarely miss a Sunday service, even when we go on vacation, we try and attend a local one. There are times on a Saturday night, when I'd like to have another Smirnoff's Ice but then I remember Sunday morning and just say no. I think of all things that was probably the hardest to do, giving up late Saturday nights but hey as we mature, we have to make sacrifices eh! There are times when I see the sun shining and we are entertaining the congregation and I think I'd rather be in my pool. But your know in all honesty, I can truly say I have met some of the most wonderful people in church, in ours and other congregations. We have developed strong personal relationships with many families. I wouldn't change it for anything. 
We have good days and we have bad days too. We have the days we question things and God, being the wife of a Minister doesn't make it any different than you, we all deal with thoughts of doubt, sin, questions and unbelief. 
May times, I have said "why me"? On the other hand, so many times I have said "thank God" I know the angels are surrounding me and my family! Just recently my husband was in a car accident the day before we left for our anniversary vacation, it could have been much worse. One of my dearest friends and her daughter were involved in very serious accident on the QEW and walked away with a few cuts, a few bruises, minor stitches and a swollen elbow. When you see the car, this is when you know there is a God!
When I was younger my brother was involved in a car accident that even the paramedics couldn't believe he lived through. I remember my grandfather, God rest his soul, saying at the time, that "God was on vacation and the Devil didn't want him". Makes you wonder sometimes eh, makes you appreciate life a whole lot more. 
We just spent the weekend in emergency with my husband who has not been feeling well for the past two weeks and so this past Sunday morning we stayed home, him to recover and me to sleep in. Today I told a few friends that I was glad to be at work, I felt like I  had two kids all weekend. You don't hear that often on Mondays from employees. It was a nice change LOL
For the past two years, being on this MonaVie journey, it has also led us to some wonderful Christian friends. At our big R3Global weekend functions, we are eager to join in on the Sunday service with Ed & Cheryl Henderson from New Life Network. 
http://www.newlifenetwork.org
We have seen so many lives changed with this bottle of juice either physically, emotionally, financially or spiritually, all because of the Power of God!
Perhaps feeling a little guilty for missing a wonderful weekend in Detroit, at Brian's cousin's wedding, with family and missing a Sunday service led me to write this tonight. Not really sure the purpose of it perhaps God just wanted me to share some thoughts in the hopes that someone, somewhere in the internet world out there tonight needs to know that just like in the book, Yes Margaret, there is a God!
He who kneels before God can stand before anyone. ~Unknown

I'm Addicted and I Just Can't Get Enough!

We've all got addictions that's for sure. Some are good for us and well yeah some are bad for us.  So as I'm lying in the pool this afternoon, I was thinking of the things I'm addicted to and just can't get enough of! There are the things we love and then there are the things we're addicted to. So what's the difference one might ask? I say to myself, what are the things that I know I can't live without, what can I not give up? Well my family and friends of course but does that mean I'm addicted to them? No, its means I LOVE them all dearly from the bottom of my heart! 

Just last weekend, we went on a road trip and one of us in the car has a big addiction to food.  I know we all need food to survive but to be addicted to it, that's a sad story. I'm not sure how she got that way but it sure is hard for the family to watch her turn her life upside down. You can only say so much to those you love and care about it and they only listen so much.  At what point do you throw your hands up in the air and give up trying to help? 

I thought I'd list the things (good and bad) that I know I am addicted to:

• The sun - when its out, I'm in the pool;
• MonaVie - 2 oz twice a day, makes me feel and look good;
• Smirnoff's Ice - can't just have one, no matter how many times I try LOL;
• Smoking - I know, its bad for me, have tried to quit many times;
• Talking - bet you knew I was gonna say that? I will talk to anyone, about anything, anytime, even strangers. I wonder if my parents ever told me not to while growing up. I couldn't imagine an hour without opening my mouth LOL;
• Music - its kinda like I have two ears for a reason, love noise more than I love talking (bet you find that hard to believe);
• Sex - now seriously, isn't everyone?;
• Tostitos, nachos, corn chips of any kind - if I could only have one food for the rest of my life, this would be my choice;
• Vacation - you just gotta have time off from the crazy hectic daily life;
• God & Jesus - no other words need be said!!

I am sure if I sat for an hour or two, the list could go on and on, those are just a few off the top of my head. What are your addictions, are they good or bad for you.  Take a few minutes and think about it today. If you knew you couldn't live without it, then I'd say your addicted, just like me!  

On the flip side, things I could give up in a second and never miss again:

• Snow - absolutely hate it, can't stand the cold;
• Bugs - like spiders and snakes and bees and so if I never saw another one again for the rest of my life, wouldn't bother me;
• Fish - when I was a kid, it's all my father ever did and we ate it every day, day after day, after day;
• the dark/night - I don't see the purpose really except to sleep and its not that I am afraid of it, its just something that makes no sense to me, let there be light (all the time)
• the Devil - he tempts me too many times (here eat this, drink this, do that, go here). Why can't he just go away!!

What are your addictions friends, would love to hear your comments!

Being Goofy!!

At Disney in January, with Goofy .... where Dreams Do Really Come True!!

My handsome husband started his weight loss journey immediately after we got home from hanging out with goofy!  Weighing in at 200 lbs, he still looked good but you should see him now, down 22 lbs (in 6 months - that's healthy weight loss), he looks marvelous! Pictures coming soon - he wants to lose a few more lbs, stay tuned for the before and after  shots.  He's getting his sexy back. All our friends and family know "We Are MonaVie" and so when they introduced a weight management product, he was already on board and ready to start RVLing a new him and getting his sexy back.

We share his story, track the journey and promote the MonaVie products on our facebook fan page "MoreThanJuice".  We're all in ... for life!  This product contains 19 fruits, including the acai berry and it has changed his life.  Each January we go to Disney, with our support system, R3Global and this year we brought my mother and my daughter. The weather may not have been the warmest for those wanting to sport their little teenie weenie bikini (Brandi the tanner) but we had a blast anyways.  (Note we're in long sleeves and hoodies).  It was mom's first trip to Florida and I'm happy to say it was with her "goofy" family.  Funny thing happened as we were leaving the gas station with the rental car heading to the airport.  If you ask my mom, I'm sure she'd say at the time "it wasn't funny" but my husband and I laughed so hard, we cried.  Brandi said to Brian as he pulled away "where you going"? I thought to myself what do you mean where are we going, she knew we were  heading to the airport. Brian said 'we're going home" - excited to start working on his weight loss dream.  Brandi said "what about Nana".  I turned my head around from the front seat, did a 180 and said "what do you mean what about Nana" and oh my gosh, she wasn't in the car, just as Brian was exiting the gas station and heading onto the freeway.  Stop, slam on the breaks, hope no one is  behind us, where is my mother?  Apparently, when I was in the gas station paying and Brian was pumping gas, she went inside because she saw a sign that said "souveniers/t-shirts here" and she had to grab that one last gift. I looked back and in the distance could see this cute little lady standing there looking all around for her family.  I was in tears and oh my ........ so was she.  It's a story you laugh at time and time again (well Brian, Brandi and I do anyways), Nana - not so sure (she says her son-in-law tried to leave her behind, it almost sounds like a country song).

So I asked her and Brandi just last month if they wanted to come to Disney again with us in January and perhaps hang out with the "goofy" guy again.  Brandi said "no, the weather suck", my mother said "I'm never going away with you guys again"....LOL  Come on now, free trip, food, fun in the sun and they still don't wanna come.  Let's see how they feel when Christmas nears.  Looking forward to sharing more of Brian's MonaVie RVL Weight Loss journey with our friends and family, next year at Disney, just us ....... being GOOFY! 

It's All About Me!

Well that's what I used to think anyways!  Now as I get older and more mature (yes that's possible), I see that it never really was about me. At the end of this first day of vacation, I can't even begin to tell you how absolutely wonderful and awesome the past 5 days have been and vacation is actually just started.

We had our all our children and their partners with us for our annual BK Broiler. We had a blast, we had family, friends, church friends, MonaVie friends, new friends and older friends (no I'm not talking about Anita) LOL  We had friends from around the corner, down the street, family from hours away and some so close we call them neighbours.  This was our 10th annual and we have never run out of food the past 9 years.  The backyard was packed, the pool always had someone in it and my husband, well you couldn't get him away from the karoke.  We sang till the wee hours of the morning and even BBQ'd more food at midnight.  Bet the neighbours loved us.

Sunday morning, everyone slept in. Took an dip in the pool, enjoyed the day and headed down to see the fireworks at Canal Days in Port Colborne (that's another annual tradition).  We took the kids for dinner down at the West Harbour restaurant overlooking the marina, what a lovely sight. I am sure that every mosquito in Port Colborne was near me and had attacked my feet and legs. Oh so itchy! The kids had a blast, eating funnel cake, listening to the bands, watching the lighted boat parade and more.  Each year the party gets bigger and bigger, my daughter said she couldn't breathe walking through the streets.  Now Brian and I, we sat back on our lawn chairs, put the blankets out and opened a few cold ones (that's how I got bit by those nasty blood sucking critters), had I walked with Brandi ... guess who would be fine and not itchy today!

Holiday Monday, pretty much the same, slept in and took a morning dip in the pool.  I can't remember actually spending as much time with the kids as we did these past few days. And they're not just kids anymore, their 16, 18 and 21 so yep ..... they're becoming adults. Sure is different at this age, they actually want to spend time with you.  Cost us a fortune going out for dinner, sightseeing and all but it was so darn worth it.  I told my husband today "you're kids cost me alot of money this weekend".  He said "your daughter cost me alot of money everyday"....LOL  Now, we're even :)

I swear that this has been by far the best summer for the weather and having the pool.  Absolutely love it, when the sun is out, we're vacationing in the backyard and what a perfect weekend for family, friends and fun! If tomorrow never comes, I could honestly say that this has been one of the best vacations and summers so far and we're only at August 2nd. Looking forward to the next few weeks of fun and sun. The kids are enjoying themselves, got the girlfriends coming over tomorrow for a birthday celebration, the parents coming over Thursday for drinks and cake ... life is good, couldn't be better. Heading off to a big MonaVie conference on Saturday, going to learn some tips on building our business ...... we're going GOLD!!

Just got back from my first bike ride of the season with my daughter and her friends and so now not only do I have itchy feet, I have jelly legs!!

I am truly blessed though and so yes, really .... its all about me :)

Our Five Minutes of Fame!

Just last month, beginning of June, we attended the MonaVie International Convention in Utah.  We almost didn't make it as Brian was involved in a 3 car accident on the QEW Toronto just the day before our flight was due to leave.  We were at the hospital taking x-rays less than an hour before we had to leave for the airport.  The doctor who saw him said that he should start physio the next day and I had to explain to him that Brian's wife bought "non-refundable" and "non-transferable" tickets for both the flight and hotel.  Needless to say, the doctor heavily medicated him. Despite the pain he was in the trip and the convention were fantastic.  We didn't walk as much as I wanted to, we had to take taxi's and we even took a horse drawn buggy midnight ride.  All in all, it was good.

While we were at the Convention, we were asked if we wanted to be "interviewed" to have our 5 minutes of fame!  Oh yes, I say ........ you know me I talk alot. But when it comes to MonaVie, you can't shut Brian up, he tells his story, he talks about the product, he goes on and on about the business opportunity and I can't get a word in.  Now, on the other hand, when you put a camera or a microphone in front of me, I freeze, I can't talk, must be stage fright and those who know and love me would say "that's not Karen". LOL

So we sit down, put the microphone on, camera's rolling, okay tell me your name and where your from.  Brian answers, I sit smiling for the camera.  Next question, Brian answers, only one or two words. I'm waiting for more, he can't talk, nothing is coming out, he's freezin, blinded by the lights.  Its not something I'm used to, I can't believe it. One of our very best friends are with us and they are like looking at him wondering what's happening. Even the producer is trying to pull words out of him, still nothing, one or two word answers. I'm thinking to myself, this is not what they are looking for and then I open my mouth. I take over, I start talking, I can't stop, the words keep coming out, I tell the whole story, just as it happened .... and then I'm in shock, so are our friends, so is Brian. It's like "what's happening here", yeah the stage fright disappeared. I just forgot the cameras were there and away I went ....... now my friends who know and love me would say "that's Karen, she's back"! LOL

We're home now from vacation, its been a month, Brian is doing better. We are eagerly and excitedly looking forward to when this little interview will come out for public viewing, how much is cut and how it turns out.  I had forgotten completely about it until tonight, only because I was asked to describe why "I am MonaVie" in less than 200 hundred words, with a picture and  submit a write-up.  I'd love to share that story with you but I got a feeling that something is in the works and perhaps it's going to be in a magazine or brochure in the near future.  And so tonight my friends, I say please continue to join us on this journey to a More Meaningful Life, I look forward to sharing both the interview and the article with you soon!

B & K Broiler - Top 10

Our 10th Annual B & K Broiler birthday party celebration is coming up!  B for Brian, K for Karen but you knew that already, right!  Our birthdays are only eight days apart, his end of July, hers beginning of August.  Yep, you guessed it, the August long weekend, birthday party celebration and you're invited!

What started out as our 1st B & K Broiler was before we were married, we had moved in together, bought some new patio furniture and decided to have a party, the guests helped us assemble it.  The 2nd B & K Broiler was a month after we got married, came back from our honeymoon, decided to have family and friends over and show off our pictures.  It then became a tradition.  Each year gets better than the previous.  We've both had our 40th birthday celebration B & K, didn't embarrass each other too much, yeah right! We've had family and friends drive from long distances, fly from other provinces and even fly from within Ontario.  We've had young friends, old friends, new friends and even friends to be celebrate with us. I remember each B & K had sleepover guests, some too tired to drive long distance, some drank too much, wouldn't let them drive and some just wanted to stay, couldn't kick them out if we tried!

Last year, family flew in from Ottawa and when we picked them up at our little Welland airport, they insisted on taking us flying, over the falls.  Who could turn that down even though we knew guests were showing up shortly.  What a spectacular view. I remember getting a text from one of our friends asking where we were, I text back to say "look up, we're flying over, be home in 10 minutes".  It was a great B & K!

So this year, what to do? We've gotta make it a special one, do something different, its our 10th Annual.  The name B & K Broiler comes from my handsome husband, I think it was the year Burger King introduced a new burger. The weather has always cooperated and so again it will this year. Our family is flying in from Mississauga and has offered to take our guests out flying, if anyone is interested.  I can't imagine anyone declining this great opportunity and so I can only bet that Ned (the pilot) won't be at the party much!  

B & K as we are called, have so much more to the meaning than just Brian and Karen. I did a quick google search and was surprised to find a few interesting business, restaurants and more.  Wishing actually that we could claim each one as our own, wouldn't that be nice, take a look at this list of B & K's.

1. B & K Food & Wine, 71 Beulah Road, Thornton Heath, London

2. BK Specialty Foods, 6512 Eastwick Avenue, Philadelphia

3. B & K Seafood International Food Market, 4600 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS

4. B K Studios, Designer Photography, 1616 Redfern Street, Victoria, BC 

5. B & K Custom Floors, LLC, 8915 S SHROUT RD, GRAIN VALLEY, MO

6. B & K Furniture, Kirkybank Road, Liverpool

7. B & K Soul Food & Carribean, 1228 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

 8. B & K Components, Ltd. 1749 Chapin Road, Montebello, CA

9. B & K Services, Inc.. — Heating and Air Conditioning, 41 E Warehouse Ct, Taylors, SC

10. B & K Landscaping and Lawn Service, 163 Westview Drive, Rock Valley, IA

Now that's called FREE advertising, wonder what we'd get if we contacted all these companies? But seriously now, our list of B & K (and please feel free to add your own) - not sure I can list 10.

1. Butcher's Knife

2. BBQ & Karaoke

3. Beer & Kool-Aid

4. Big Kahuna

5. Birthday Kake (Cake)

6. Bishop & King

7. Bees & Kites; and of course

8. Brian & Karen

Come celebrate with us on July 30th, we're having a BBQ, bring your Kids, come swim, we can do Karaoke, drink Beer and Kool-Aid. It'll be a Blast ....... Kool! 

The Grass Isn't Always Greener

You win some, you lose some! Seems it took quite awhile for summer to get here but I am sure everyone would agree, its here! What does summer mean to you?  To me, its family, friends, patio time, BBQ's, swimming and a whole lot of fun! But my grass, oh my ... the front lawn. I can honestly say the grass isn't greener on the other side.  The whole neighbourhood has this brown looking rough hard straw type of lawns.  I thought maybe I was alone, cheap me that I am, no .... don't water the lawn, think of the next water bill. I've already got the pool and hot tub to fill and top up from time to time. But today as I was driving home from Niagara Falls, I saw this straw looking brown grass everywhere. I've noticed I haven't heard as many lawnmowers in the neighbourhood lately, kinda good for the environment, isn't it? You can't have both now can you! A whole lotta sun means no green grass. But I do enjoy the smell of fresh cut lawns.

Anyone who knows us, knows one thing for sure, when the sun is out ....... our family is in the backyard. Great big nice 45 year old tree back there, shades half the lawn and yep, you guessed it, the grass is greener!

They say its going to rain tomorrow and I'm okay with that. I know everyone's lawns and flowers need it.  So, since its Monday, I don't mind, I'll be working and unable to enjoy an afternoon in the pool. I've been quite lucky lately with my 3 Friday's off in July so far, each and every weekend, the sun has been shining, the BBQ has been grilling, the friends and family have come over to cool down and we have enjoyed some great weekends in the pool.  When we move (yes we're thinking of it in the next year or two), a pool is non-negotiable.  This time around though I want an inground pool.  I want tropical grass and a bigger back yard with lots of shade and green green grass. 

July 30th is our 10th Annual B & K Broiler to celebrate both our birthdays, lots of friends and family, BBQ, fun in the sun, chill in the pool and relax in the hottub. I was just thinking to myself, as I sat down to write tonight, oh my ......... the grass isn't green, what will everyone think.  Then it hit me, everyone's looks the same. They won't even notice.  So, ok, bring on the rain!  I don't want to water my lawn!! For our local friends and even those long distance ones, you are all welcome, please stop by on the 30th, come celebrate with us. I promise you one thing ...... the grass isn't greener!

We've Got a Little Boy in Brazil!

When we started making money in MonaVie, we said we wanted to give back, just as Dallin has taught us!  We're sponsoring a little boy in the favelas located outside Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, his name is Lyedson Andre and he is now 8 years old. We've written to him a few times and he has written back to us, he is always drawing us pictures. Like a proud parent, we hang his photo's on our fridge. He is Portuguese and all our letters are translated.  This makes me want to learn another language so when we go visit him, hopefully next year, we are able to speak to each other when we give him big hugs.  He is so cute, he does not have electricity or a functioning toilet in his home. He lives with his mother and two brothers.  He has running water in the kitchen but not a functioning shower.  He does not have good sleeping conditions.  Can you even imagine living like this?  We hope to be able to provide him with a More Meaningful Life through the Believer's Program at the More Project.

http://www.themoreproject.org/

Our goal is to help provide a safe haven for him, to assist with his eduction, food and dental.  We know that he will receive a good education, enjoy leisure and recreational activities in the Believer's Program.  We can only hope that the difference we make for him today will have a lifetime influence. We pray for Lyedson and his family every day and trust in God that he will take care of them for us. We are hoping to go visit Brazil in the year 2012, with our teenaged daughter whose life will be forever changed when she sees the poverty that these families live in. I'm thinking this will be an experience of a lifetime for her and all of us and how much more we will appreciate what we have at home, when we return.

Sergio Ponce (More Project Brazil Director) and Katy Holt-Larsen (Executive Director) are two of the most wonderful people we have ever met.  Their passion, dedication and committment to the More Project is out of this world. They both keep us updated on activities, the happenings of the Believer's Program and always put the children and their families first, their hearts are made of Gold! They are truly a blessing to all of us. 

We are honoured to be a part of Lyedson's life and thrilled to be able to provide him with so much more that he can have a promising future and a More Meaningful Life!!  Looking forward to the day when we can say "Nós te amamos" ... We love you Lyedson :)

5 Days in July!

No its not Blue Rodeo, 5 days in July really!  Its 5 Friday is July and guess what ....... I'm not working them!  I've been working for quite alot of years and have never in all my history taken Fridays off for a whole month in the summer and thus having 5 long weekends in a row.  Oh my, this is the first time I've done something like that and I must say, this being only my 2nd Friday off, I think I'm loving it! I got to sleep in today a whole extra couple of hours, what a great feeling. I got up had my coffee on the back deck, sat in the sun and started out my day. I didn't do much really, kinda like the Bruno Mars song "today I don't feel like doing anything" .... nothing at all! I washed my car, I watered my flowers, I pruned my roses, I ran a few small errands.  I even got gas and filled up, thought I was getting a deal at 125.9 in Welland since when I left work yesterday in St. Catharines it was 134.9.  Cost me $70, my small itsy bitsy spyder must have a big gas tank. I can't even imagine the people who have trucks and vans, what's it costing them.  I had my RVL shake for lunch and went back out on the deck and the sun was shining. My daughter was out tanning and my husband was off to physio (because of his recent car accident), poor guy, so much pain.  I decided ah its time to throw on the bathing suit and sit on my floatie. Our lawn guy came by, did the grass and weedeating. I enjoyed the afternoon nap in the pool.

My husband and I decided to treat ourselves to an ice-cream tonight.  Congratulations on his 20 lbs weightloss on the scale this morning, so we went down to Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls. I couldn't believe the amount of people, they were everywhere. I said to Brian "where are these people coming from", you'd think this was the honeymoon capital of the world LOL  Took some nice pictures of the falls, managed to get some without any people in it too!

The day is just about nearing bed time and lights out. Still got time for the hottub though.  What a lovely Friday off, had a great day with the family.  Looking forward to the next 3 long weekends.  Summer is my favourite time of year. Pretty soon will have to start planning our 10th Annual B & K Broiler BBQ and Pool Party (its both our birthdays coming up).  We've been having these parties for years.  We won't talk about the Happy 40th pink flamingos on the lawn party though, that one goes down in the history books.  In case your not sure what B & K is, well that's Brian and Karen, it could also be Burger King, although we'd never eat there.  Stay tuned for our top 10 list B & K countdown coming up soon.  And hey, if you're in Niagara end of the month, stop by for some Birthday cake :)

Do You Like Getting Things for FREE?

I love FREE things. Who doesn't like getting something for free? I've never met a person yet who got something free, anything at all and it didn't put a smile on their face.  Smiling is free, its also contagious! We all have our own free will. The air we breath is free.  Think about it, we take these things for granted most of the time. I love receiving free things (like tonight, I got the $35 activation fee waived on my new iPhone I'm getting Thursday, wahoo)!! 

So now we wanna give away something for FREE! You might ask yourself, what can we give you for free? Read on! We've started our own facebook fan page MoreThanJuice.  We've started blogging Our MonaVie Journey! All you have to do is "like", post or comment on our MoreThanJuice fan page (click attached link below) and / or comment on this page (at the bottome of the blog) before the end of the month, we'll have a FREE draw for some MonaVie product. Not quite sure yet what we'll offer, perhaps a combination of our juice products, our energy drinks and/or our new weight loss products. If you want to lose weight, if you need more energy, if you need better health, let us know, you could be the lucky winner and get something for FREE. 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/MoreThanJuice/115263625232438


Dreams are free! Smiles are free! So are hugs, give someone a hug today and see how it makes them feel.

My Itsy Bitsy Spyder!

I have a Mitsuibishi Spyder, say it three times fast and it sounds like itsy bitsy spyder.  I'm smiling, case I know you're saying it as you read this :)

She's my sweet baby, convertible, just love her in the summer.  Well yesterday I took her in for carsmetics surgery.  New paint, no more dents, scratches, bumps and bangs, cleaned up and detailed. She'll be coming home with a brand new fresh look, so exciting.  I am sure I will feel like I just got a new car. Although I am going to miss her for a few days, I'm looking forward to how beautiful she will be when she comes home. 

Now being a two car family, it wouldn't really matter to be short on a vehicle for a few days.  Well I guess I wasn't thinking when I booked the appointment date.  Over three weeks ago my husband was involved in a 3 car accident on a major highway with his company vehicle.  He's been driving a rental ever since and I didn't get covered or insured to drive it.  Although I am on his company vehicle and sometimes do like to have a bigger "trunk" when I'm going shopping (smiling here)! 

Well talk about feeling handicapped.  I couldn't go out anywhere today, had to hang out in the backyard, in the pool (not so bad though the weather was perfect).  We invited a few friends over for a swim and a BBQ and since yesterday was a holiday, I never got around to getting much groceries.  Now with friends over, I need some condiments, buns, drinks and more.  It's kinda funny, hey can you come over but first can you drive me to the grocery store and wait while I shop.  My daughter and her friends were going out and needed a ride, which mom does quite often.  I think she believes parents are meant to be taxi drivers.  She had to call her grandmother to come and drive her and her friends around.  It was actually kinda nice at the same time, having a few cold ones in the pool knowing its okay, you're not driving. 

I'm not sure how people with one car and more than one or two kids actually do it.  What about those hockey dads and the ballet mom's.  Who gets the car first? Perhaps I should take up biking and get my daily exercise at the same time.  But where would I put my groceries.  I could walk and take a buggy from the grocery store home with me but that would look and feel read odd! 

On another note, tomorrow will be another pool and BBQ day, what else is there to do when the sun is out.  Its not like I'm going to clean, that's what my teenage daughter is for (ah, that's why I am the taxi, I remember now).

Needless to say, after a weekend of being a one vehicle family, I really appreciate my little itsy bitsy spyder and am going to let her know when she comes home nice and new.

I've Impressed Myself!

Brian and I celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary this week and he bought me an iPad2.  Oh my, you should have seen my face.  I still have a 5 year old cell phone and have just figured out how to text.  I'm not current and up to date with new toys and technology. One month ago, I didn't know what an i was: ipod, iphone, ipad ... what the heck, let alone even know what an app is. But what the heck, its the thought that counts right. Should I ask my teenage daughter to teach me, nope ... she's too busy, I'll bet. So now its time to start learning. 

Well its been 5 days and I must say I've impressed both my husband and my daughter and now to tell you the truth, I've really impressed myself.  I love it, I'm still learning but I'm having a blast.  I've imported my contacts, I've taken pictures (so what their upside down LOL), I've downloaded apps and now I'm actually tweeting.  Well I must say now "its the thought that counts"!  Its my MonaVie business all in one cute little square thing they call an iPad2 ....... loving it!  Loving my wonderful husband more for being such a thoughtful guy :)