Currently: Busy Life Edition

Hi everyone.  Thanks for stopping by.  Today I am just updating you on my life.  It's BUSY, with all the right things, but I've decided that I can't keep up.  So I'll be taking a blogging break for May and June.  I'll be back in July when I am on summer vacay.  I'll be on IG whenever I can, but I've pulled back from that as well in order to make room for my girls, my training, busy spring season at work and my photography business.  Now let's dive in!

Currently FAMILY: The girls are so busy this spring and I am here to update you on their life.  Anya (14) has a big spring in store this year.  She is wrapping up her dance season at the end of May and is starting up baseball.  She will also be leaving elementary school at the end of June, which means she will have a grade 8 farewell.  Halie (17) is busy living her best teenage life, working and gearing up for another riding show season starting this upcoming weekend.  Needless to say the girls are busy and Logan and I are enjoying seeing them doing the things they love.  Logan is playing ball hockey twice a week and I am still loving my job, starting to train for some things I hope to do over the spring/summer, and my photography is really busy in May and June with graduations, mini sessions, etc.  So it's just busy all around until end of June.

Currently READING:  I just finished Hang the Moon by Janette Wells.  I give it a solid ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2.  It's a story of a young lady who inherits her fathers business, as well as his title during the prohibition era. It follows her not only coming of age, but managing her title in a time were women were just beginning to be acknowledged and to hold some position of power.  The book moves quickly, is entertaining, sweet and the main character is easy to love.  Although the story is downright unbelievable at times, it's a great and entertaining read nonetheless.  

Currently EATING:  I've decided to go back to a gluten free diet after years of being on gluten.  I've been suffering from weekly bouts of stomach pain that lays me up and leaves me feeling depleted.  This has happened before and at the time I was misdiagnosed with Celiac disease.  Although a year later I discovered that I was not Celiac, I did spend a ear symptom free.  Anyway, I am back to GF and feeling good so I am thrilled about that.  If you have favorite recipes or items that I should buy feel free to leave suggestions in the comments.

Current PARTY TRICK: Logan and I still love to be completely ridiculous at times.  When my daughter was trying a trick with her friend, I immediately felt the need to show her that we could still accomplish this just as good at our ripe age of 41 & 42.  We are still working on perfecting it but it's safe to say we have a new party trick.  LOL!

Currently WATCHING: A Million Little Things.  This is the best show I've seen in a LONG time.  We are now on season three and each has been as good as the previous.  The show revolves around 4 men that are close friends and then their families that feed into a larger friend group.  It's a lovely show that draws you into the story lines, the characters, and keeps you rooting for them all in different ways.  

Currently WEARING: Since the weather is all over the place, from snow last week, endless rain this week, and some really warm days, I have everything in my closet.  Some days its sweaters and boots, other days its a trench coat and an umbrella,  while others its bare legs and sandals.  We are all over the place over here.

That's a wrap for me.  I hope you are all doing well and I hope you'll be back with me in July, until stay well and follow along on IG.

💖Bo

Currently April 2022

Image purchased from istockphoto

Good morning and welcome back friends.  I decided to take an impromptu break last week from the blog and social media.  If you follow along on IG you probably saw that my grandma died and then I just decided I needed to take a social media break to focus on my feelings, my family and just be present in my home.  So lets jump right in and catch up a little bit.

Currently FEELING.  Much better after having a little time to catch up on life and just take time to be with my family.  I was sad and although we did know that my baka was struggling, it was hard to say goodbye.  Honestly, the last weeks she was suffering a great deal and it broke my heart to see her go through that, to watch my mom watch her mother slipping away and yet fighting to stay with us.  In the end we were able to say our goodbyes, I loves you, and give each other permission to let go.  This is the mini-tribute I wrote to her but there is just so much more to say and reflect on.  

"It is with a heavy heart that I write this post to say my baka Rada passed on the evening of Tuesday, March 22nd. I am thankful that I was there with my parents to offer some comfort and to be there for her until the end. My baka was a strong lady. Life threw many challenges her way over the years but she persevered with love in her heart. As a child I spent endless hours with her and she gave me numerous memories to cherish. She took me on excursions, played with me, provided safety in times of war, and even took me to her classroom when I refused to attend daycare (probably where my love for the classroom began). I am thankful for the years we had together, both in Bosnia and then eventually in Canada, and the fact that she had a chance to get to know Logan and my girls. We will miss her immensely but know that she gave us many years of herself and she is now at peace."

Currently ENJOYING. Although the previous was a sad moment in time, at the exact time, my youngest child returned to the stage in person! Three years ago, in spring 2019, was the last on stage dance performance that I was able to enjoy, so it was beautiful to see all the dancers buzzing with energy as they took their spots on a real life stage. We have another dance competition this weekend and then a recital before dance season wraps up. Anya's dance groups did well and even earned themselves a star award for Jazz.

Currently READING, well trying to read. I am over half way through this book but not enjoying it at all. I put it down 2 weeks ago and just can't seem to get myself to pick it back up. It's just a book that I am finding triggering and uncomfortable without fully being able to explain my feelings. Anyone else read this? Should I keep going or let it go?

Currently WATCHING. I am like 7 years behind but I love Downton Abby! I love all the characters but my favorite is Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley! It's sooooooo good and I wish I could watch it daily but the episodes are too long so sometimes I just can't watch a full one so I switch to Mom, which is 20 minutes and full of laughs.

Currently LOVING. Yesterday I had a shopping date with my BFF and it was soooo much fun.

Currently DREAMING of a trip to Italy that we have booked for my 40th birthday at the beginning of summer. We are so excited to explore Rome, Lake Como & Milan. It's been years and years since we've taken a trip without the kids, so although it was a bit of a splurge we are looking forward to having a grown up experience. What are must haves or tips you have for us!

Currently WEARING. Honestly, I feel a bit in a funk currently because it's still so cold here and I am so very over my winter wardrobe. I took out my spring/summer stuff only to confirm that none of it is weather appropriate and wont be for at least another month. Anyway, I'll just have to make due but all I really want is for the snow to be gone and sunny/warm days to arrive.

Notice the ribbon skirt on the left, it's something that has been worn by many Indigenous Peoples and tribes but can be worn by anyone. In our school we recently had a Ribbon Skirt Day in honor of standing as an ally to a young lady named Isabella. Isabella wore her ribbon skirt for a "formal" event at her school and was ridiculed for choosing this piece of clothing, rather than what her peers and school staff considered to be "fancy". We continue to grow, learn and reflect on our ideas, biases and consider our blind spots as individuals, a staff, with our students. My skirt was made for me by a colleague and I love it.

Thanks for stopping by and see you next Monday for a regular fashion post.

The Top 5 of August!

August is like a long Sunday for teachers.  You know it's coming, you don't want to admit it, but every time you turn around there are reminders that summer will be over before you know it.  Usually, this is true for me as well but this year our August was so jam packed that it was hard to find the time to really dwell while being so excited for life that was happening in that moment.  So lets take a look at the Krienke Top Five of August 2019. 

# 1  Gem Lakes at Narrows Hills Provincial Park

The Gem Lakes are one of those naturally breathtaking places.  There are 7 lakes in total, that were all carved out by glaciers in the last ice age.  The hike around these lakes is  a mere 5.5 km but don't let that fool you, because it's a fairly  difficult trek as the path weaves through the forest and around the  lakes, leaving you short of breath at times.  Along the hike there is much to do and see, from picking berries, meeting other hikers, watching people fish from their canoes, and stopping to enjoy the many look out points along the way.  At the end we looped back to the first lake where we had a BBQ and went for a dip in the clearest water I've ever seen in Saskatchewan.  Next year we are even thinking of going camping in a tent for a night at this location and enjoying it in new and different ways.  If you live in Saskatchewan, this is a MUST do and see.

#2  The 3rd Annual Roffey/Krienke Family Summer Extravaganza

We love all of our friends but the Roffey/Krienke summer get-together has become a tradition.  Our two families settle in for a couple of days of shenanigans, visits, and all things that are fun.  This year included yard sized Jenga, wings night at the golf course, the girls annual fancy lunch, beaching, boating, a lemonade stand and drinks by the fire.  It's definitely become one of our top favorite summer traditions.

# 3 Alen the Teen

We now, not officially, but have a kid that is learning to drive!  Yup, I took Alen for a little drive around Candle Lake.  I trusted him so much that I even let the girls buckle up in the back.  If you are new around here, Alen is my nephew, and I often refer to him as the child who first showed me what  unconditional love for a child meant.  His annual visits are now going on year 13 and it's scary to think that they might eventually stop.  Until then, we love when he comes and  we try  to squeeze as much  fun as possible with him over the short time we  have with him.  This year that included boating until it was way past sunset so he could do all of his favorites (the kid is a natural).  We also went berry picking, played new games, watched a movie and shed some tears, went to the movie theater to the Lion King and did a little bit of shopping. Oh,  and we got some nice photos of the kids with my mom and dad.  Score!

#4  Kid Free Week! 

For the second year, my girls went to British Columbia to visit my sister and family.  All three kids flew back together and the girls came home by themselves.  Here is a media post summing up how I feel about it,

Today my children came home after a week in Victoria with my sister and her family. You guys, my heart is so full knowing that regardless of the distance that separates us, that my girls have a deep connection with them . These trips encourage them to build lifelong bonds with extended family and to feel like they have a support system much larger than just Logan and I. I also am grateful that when they go there they make connections with extended family,Smilja Fazlagic, thank you for always loving them and showing them a great time. Family and friends are our best assets. 🥰

#5  Wedding Anniversary

16 years  ago  we said "I do".  Since the girls were gone we took the opportunity to celebrate by spending lots of time together.  As I've mentioned before we don't do gifts, but rather focus on quality time and making new memories.  This was also our third year since we decided that we would  take turns planning our anniversary date.  The rule is we just have to do something, but it doesn't need to be fancy.  If you followed along on IG stories, you know it was a 2 day event, starting with a river run, followed by 9 holes at a local golf course.  PAUSE.  Bragging break.  I got my first par and I finished all 9 holes by myself and without playing best ball.  Disclaimer.  By  the end of the round I was so over it!  LOL.  We explored the riverbank with our pups, went to Black Fox Distillery to pick some lovely gladiolus and have a drink, grabbed some gelato from Beppi's, and ended the evening off with dinner at Una Pizza & Wine, followed by another river walk.  All I really need and want is to continue to grow and evolve our relationship, and we can't do that if we aren't spending quality time together.  

And since it's Friday and I usually do Fashion Fridays, here are three of my favorite August outfits.  If you are interested in more cute summer outfits check out this jumpsuit, chambray maxi dress, and some pattern mixing here!

What was your favorite August 2019 memory?

Currently: February Edition

Family

We went to Mexico and had the best time.  We desperately needed to get transported out of the freezing cold (between -45 and -58 F for two weeks).  My mom and dad joined us and we traveled really well as a group.  I'll be doing a full  highlights blog post of the trip but for now I'll just say that we relaxed by the pool, enjoyed the evening shows, and danced into the night to live music.  We opted out of doing any excursions and just enjoyed doing nothing as a family.  It was the prefect way to spend seven glorious days in paradise.





Some wave action and fun.

 


This is how we attempt to do a jumping on the beach photo in our family.  LOL!!!!



I already miss this view.

 

Reading

While on holidays, I read Sisters Like Us by Susan Mallery.  It was the prefect beach read that moved along quickly, the characters were funny, real and dynamic.  It's NOT a lifechanging or high literature  kind of book, but it was perfect for the beach.  I am also making my way through A House In The Sky by Amanda Lindhout & Sara Corbett.  I am not really sure what I think of it so far.  It's not a book that I can't wait to pick up again, but it's one that I feel I need to make my way through slowly.  I'll update you on my thoughts once I've finished it.

 

Cooking

When it's cold and you contract a bug, all you want is soup.   When I was growing up, whenever I was sick my grandma made us chicken noodle soup.  Now as an adult, what do I make when we are all feeling a little worn out, chicken noodle soup!   I love this Sicilian Chicken Noodle Soup recipe.  It's a hearty soup, packed full of fresh veggies and it makes so much which I freeze into smaller glass jars for lunches.

 

Listening

Everything by Hasley.  Several years ago I became acquainted with the song Closer which was done in collaboration with the Chainsmokers.  It's still one of my favorites and now I can't get enough of  the song Eastside by Benny Blanco, Khalid & Halsey. 

 

 Watching

The Bachelor.  It's my total guilty pleasure and my hubby is so sweet to watch it with me on Monday nights.  Have I mentioned how much I love that man.  I actually don't who I am 100% rooting for this year, but I like Hanna G (no drama), Caelynn and Tayshia. 

 

Celebrating

We celebrated both Logan's 37th birthday in Mexico and our nephew Coopers 3rd birthday this month!  Our family birthday busy season is October - February, and then there is only a few left from now until fall, including my aunt, grandma, niece and me.

That's a wrap for February 2019.  I always find March to be the hardest month for me.  The winter continues to drag on here and the spring is nowhere near in sight for us, thus March drags.  I am hoping the sunny vacation will help me stay positive through March this year and that the extreme cold warnings will at least be behind us and we can get outdoors to do a little cross country skiing, sledding or snowboarding.   Plus, I am excited to receive my next FabFitFun box, spring addition looks sooooooooooo good.  Use code to get $10 off of your first box.