Parent & Tot Playtime

Along with the other fall classes, we signed up for one specfically for Scotlin. With him in mind we decided on a class called parent and tot playtime because of the different kinds of interactive play it provided. Although the class is for Dooey, Miley has no other choice than to tag along. But, she enjoyed it too, and was kept happily occupied while I spent extra time playing with and teaching Scotlin.

The class started out with free time. The kids were able to play with any of the toys they wanted. It was fun to see what things they naturally gravitated towards. Scotlin was a bit shy at first, and of course wanted me to read him endless stories. Miley loved all the toys she could see, and would politely ask me `is it okay if i play with this... or that...`When I told her she could, she was surprised and concerned, telling me they belonged to someone else. She eventually got used to the idea that we were all there to share and play with the toys together.

After snack time the children moved into the gym where they were able to run and play with different equipment. Both kids were loving the open space to roam! I loved watching and playing with them without the mess left for me! :)

I`m so glad to have this specific time each week to play with Scotlin in a new setting. I loved watching him as he played, and discovered new things. It was fun to see him in this large room getting excited, and then running from one thing to the next.

- Lining up his bowling pins before knockin`em down! -

He was so cute and stratigic about it... he had a really nice straight line going.

We cleaned up the gymnasium, and then headed back to the classroom to make a craft.

Both kids were in heaven with the paper, crayons, glue sticks, and scissors! After all the kids were finished Miley was the only one still at the table making her creations. And I loved watching her create!!

I am glad we have carved out this time each week for the kids do the things they are most interested in without any cares.

The excitement came home with us. The kids were so proud of the crafts they had made.

They made apples, and fall colored leaves. And hung them on the fridge for daddy to see when he comes home! I can`t believe how big they`re getting!!!

Awarded

Justin was awarded for the greatest proficiency in Patient Care II. His second awarded year should not have come as a surprise. I know how hard he works and dedicates himself, yet I still am so proud and amazed by all that he accomplishes so well. I think we should make this awards night a tradition! I sure love having another reason to celebrate him and be together. Congratulations so many times to this incredible man!!

Little Kickers!!

Miley has also been able to particpate in a little soccer class. And she is loving it!

She tells me everyday how excited she is to got to soccer class again. Sometimes I catch her smiling to herself, and with a little laugh she`ll say `soccer class is so much fun!`

I didn`t get many pictures this time beacuse I was wresteling Scotlin. But this is a pic of Mi`s warming up with her class. Her instructers had the kids RUNNING the entire time. I am happy Miley has a place where she will be able to run and get some exercise especially when it turns so cold this winter. She ran around the gym with a big smile on her face, waving to me.

Before class, Miley instructed Scotlin and I to stay to the side cheering: `GO Mi Mi! GO MI MI!`
After class she said we weren`t cheering loud enough. ;) We`ll have to work on it for next time!


Seeing her this happy and excited is a huge pay off for me.
We are so grateful for these opportunities!

Many Many Missionaries

When we first moved here I always said I would cut any missionary`s hair for free.

There were some who took me up on that offer, and for the past two years we have had many, many missionaries come through our door.

Sometimes haircuts were the main objective.

Sometimes I spent 3 hours or more cutting hair, one Elder after another.

And then there are times when we get to support them through a spiritual message, a warm meal, a home in which to teach, a convert to fellowship, or a baptism to attend. 

We have tried to reach out to the missionaries in our area, and help further the work along as much as possible. On many occassions we have taught and served together.

 We share a love for this gosple, and want each missionary to feel loved and motivated to do this sacred and important work.

Everytime we are together I think of my two younger brothers serving in different areas of the world, and pray always that they will feel Our Savior`s Love and Power with them where ever they may be.

We love and support the missionaries serving all over the world! 

 And, are grateful to share this special stage of our life with the one`s seving here in Halifax.

Tiny Dancer

This month Miley started her, much anticipated, ballet class! She has been looking so forward to this day for a long time. It made me so happy to see her face light up when she realized the day had actually arrived!

All ready to go!!

Outside of the LeBrun Center. Bedford, NS.

All of these little girls were so excited. Miley had no trouble fitting right into the group. We are both hoping she can make a few new girlfriends from her class.

Parents were invited in to watch the end of class, so we could see everything the girls had learned.

When we walked in, Miley was waving to us with enthusiasm and excitement! 

When the girls were supposed to be dancing, Miley couldn't get over showing me the name tag and sticker the teachers had put on her.

She was so happy, so excited, and so grateful to be in dance class, 

and loved everything that came along with it!

After class she came running to me... wrapping her arms tightly around my neck saying:
"Momma, thank you so much for ballet class!"
I was honestly chocking back tears seeing her be so happy.
I have smiled to myself all day picturing her in her class and loving it so much.

I am glad dane class is a big hit. There is nothing I love more than seeing my girl so happy. 

`I love Tori!`

Hannah, Victoria, and Ella are the three girls who live next door. I have mentioned before how having their family as our neighbors has been a huge blessing. The girls will come over often, and I am always sooo happy when they do. The three of them have been very sweet playmates for my children.
Typically when the girls are here Hannah and Ella are the ones who are running around chasing Miley, and Victoria is the one who is holding hands with Scotlin and helping him along.

Victoria is truly an little angel on this earth. If you could meet her, and talk to her for only 1 minute you would agree. She is so tender and loving to Scotlin, I can clearly see why she is his favorite.

The other day we asked Scotlin: `Who is your best friend...`

He replied: `I love Tori!`

I know he truly does love Victoria, just as we all do.

When the girls have to go home Miley will insist she gives each one a hug before they leave. Scotlin always joins in on the hugs too. This time, after giving his hugs he made sure Tori was given a kiss as well. He gave her his kiss, and then she started to head home. Imidiately, again he insisted `A kiss! Tori! A kiss!`

Tori had to get home, and so we ended up having to hold Scotlin back. He just started to cry, and begged to kiss her again. We all thought it was pretty cute to see just how much she means to him.

The Leeco family is a perect example of how the Lord blesses us. We felt led to where we live, and everytime I think of the Leeco`s I can see why.

- Scotlin Madsen (2)  and Victoria Leeco (11) NS, 2011-

Our Family Dentist

Miley had a check up with her very favorite Dentist today.

I can not even begin to tell you how much she has been looking forward to this.

- Sitting up in Daddy`s dental chair, and beaming! -

This was a day for her to really be a big girl.

She was so excited and delighted to be one of daddy`s first pediactric patients.

First the doctor checked her jaw to make sure everything was growing right. Miley thought it tickled.

She was eager to let him check out her teeth. She just laid back, and opened right up.

She was a very, very good little patient.

Mi`s was so interested in everything about Daddy`s school. He let her look at his tools, and ask lots of questions. She was getting a thrill from all of this!

- Saying `Awww...`And opening wide. -

Such a great patient! We were really proud of Miley, our big girl today!

- Dooey and I were there too. -

Dr Anderson is the Director of Pediatric Dentistry at the IWK, and today he was the specialist on the clinic floor. He came by to see how things were going with Miley J, and was impressed with how great she was doing. He asked Justin if it would be okay to use Miley to demonstrate a children technique to the other students as a learning activity. Justin said he didn`t mind, but we would have to ask for Miley`s permission. When we asked Miley if she would be willing to demonstrate the techinique to the other students she replied: 

`Of course!` 

Dr Anderson was super animated, and so very nice to our Miley girl. Miley was putting on a front, and acting just a little shy, but we could all tell she loved being the center of attention. She remained cooperative, and helpful the whole time, and we were so impressed she was doing so good in front of all these new people.

Dr. Anderson introduced himself, and then asked Miley, `what`s your name...`

Miley told him, `I`m Mi Mi.` Just as she always introduces herself.

He said, `Mi Mi...! And with a surprised look glanced at me and Justin. We nodded, and told him that is her nickname. He smiled, and understood, and then proceeded to ask her... `is that your brother... what is his name...`

`Dooey!` She told him.

;)

Miley`s favorite baby doll, baby Ella, came in handy. Dr. Anderson helped Miley to see what they were going to be doing by first letting baby Ella have a turn.

He explained to the class the technique called `Knee to Knee.`

This is to help kids who are scared of the dentist, or unwilling to cooperate, to feel more comfortable, by involving thier parent, and having them be close to the child and assist in holding them.

Scotlin is the perfect example of a patient who needs knee to knee when we go to see the Dentist.... and he has!

The Doctor was back and forth from teaching the class, and talking with Miley. Miley`s responses had everyone smiling and laughing. All of the students were loving having our kids there for entertainment, and to break up their long and busy days. I was still impressed with how Miley was taking the crowd, and all of the attention in strides.

- Baby Ella having a knee to knee exam! ;) -

- Dr. Anderson explaining the proceedure to Miley and getting her permission to have her demonstrate. -

- Miley`s turn! -

- Being such a good girl! -

- Daddy`s turn! -

Next, some of the students asked Miley if it would be okay if they had a turn. She told them `of course!` ;)

Miley checked out as healthy as can be! We were so proud of our little girl today! Justin loved having the kids there with him, to show them off, and we loved being there with him, and watching him do so well at his job. Way to go to both of my cuties!

- This was just a poster on the wall at the Dental School. Love the words, and couldn`t agree more! -

Blueberry Picking in Annapolis Valley

Our summer tradition of blueberry picking in the Valley continued this year. And they were just as delicious as we remember.

It`s amazing what a difference 1 year can make in these kids. Last year Scotlin wasn`t even walking. This year they were both able to help pick, but that didn`t stop Miley from filling up her bucket with the fruit of my labors! ;)

Many tasty blueberries were picked, over 10 lbs returned to our home, and another great memory was made from a Nova Scotia Summer. Blueberry shakes never tasted so good!

- The whole group afterwards for a picnic. Thompson, Griffin, and Madsen Family. -

Soaking it up...

We know all to well how cold it is going to get, and how very soon that is going to happen. So, we have been making it a point to get out every day and enjoy what sunshine and warmth is left of this summer.
We want to remember all of these beautiful destinations, so sometimes our camera tags along.
The pictures tell the tale of a few of our adventures...

- A morning stroll at Kearney Lake, and pit stop at the playground.

- Kearney Lake, and our hand holding train. (the kids insist we hold hands like this everywhere we go)

- My train lovers get a front row seat...

(this train passed this close to us on our morning walk.

This got a HUGE:

 `OH!!! MY!!! GOODNESS!!!`

from Miley.... she was yelling it beacuse the train was so loud.)

- Trips to Point Pleasant Park...

- Helene and Kingston had been gone all summer to Utah, Nebraska, and Boston.

Helene brought us back this salt water taffy from her trip to Cape Cod.

Summer days are better when our best friends are with us. The kids had a pool party and picnic while we caught up on all we had missed.

- There have been many more playdates, and playgrounds, only they`re undocumented. Our summer has been full of friends and ward family members. Birthday parties, and afternoon`s with the girls next door.

It has been one big splash! ;) Glad we enjoyed it while we could. It won`t be long intil hybernation sets in!