Dooey Dates!!!

There aren't many things I love more than a date with my little bud. Scotlin is so sweet and good to his mom. We love to act crazy and silly together in a way that no one else gets it but us. I love my son. He is one of my best friends. Dooey, you are the BEST.

'Give me a high five mom!'

So Much Good

A great article was sent to me recently from a dear friend. I love this small part taken from it~

The joys of life, and particularly of motherhood, come and go in the moments. If we let those moments slip by without any recognition of them, we might find it more difficult to enjoy this journey. Someone once told me that when the sweet moments come, we need to breathe them in long and deep. As a mother of three small children, I’ve loved that advice. It is what I try to do: savor the moment, let time stop, and breathe it in long and deep, because in another moment it will be gone.

I am at a loss for words every time I think of describing these final weeks in Nova Scotia. 

'Breathing in the moments' seems to sum it up well. 

Baby Loren. 

Or as we like to call her~

 Little sweetie pie honey bunny boo boo baby angel so sweet sweet sweet sweet sweet sweet. 

It seems she can be referred to as this and nothing else. It's only fitting, as she is all of these things. 

Someone has been the BEST big brother...

Always playing with Loren, asking to hold her, and keep her company. 

These kids have been so darn good! Making the most of this move, full of love, goodness, and cheer!

It has been amazing to see what is important to our children. They don't care that our home is literally packed in boxes. They don't care that it is not deep cleaned, or decorated, or made 'homey' in the slightest bit. They don't even notice. What is important to them is time with mom and dad. They love their books, they love their comfy things, and most of all they love undivided time and attention. 

I have been very proud of their resiliency and positive attitudes as we are all learning to go with the flow of our changing lives. The lift my spirits every day!

Last Days at DAL

Justin had his last day ever of wearing these blue scrubs to school. 

Over the course of the last few weeks, dental school has come to a close. 

He is finished. It's over. 

There are many faces and places he wont be seeing again. 

A career of professional dentistry awaits the future, and Dalhousie Alumni will soon be the past.

Justin says he doesn't feel much different, maybe expecting to feel a huge relief from the mantel of stress. I am sure it takes time to adjust to a new pace after going hard core every minute for the past ten years. I assure him we have plenty to do at home to keep busy. From my end of things, I am extremely grateful to have him home, and definitely feel the pressure off my shoulders. I love his company, and it has been great to have his help as well. We both look forward to graduation day as it is all that is left of his dentistry experience at Dalhousie. It will be a terrific conclusion as we close this chapter.

Ringette

The Leeco's are very active, so lucky for us there is always a sporting event to attend, and always one of our favorite kiddos to cheer for. Victoria plays Ringette which is the female version of hockey. She is on a competitive team here in halifax, and we have had the chance to attend a few of her games. She is great out there on the ice! We were happy to support her final championship game of the season.

We love our Tori!

Happy Easter

Easter was simple and wonderful this year. Justin and I tagged teamed the temple on good friday, and were able to usher in the spirit of our Savior. 

Between preschool and primary the kids were SET with treats galore. The girls next door also set up a special easter egg hunt for the kids, which was adorable and so sweet. The kids had a great time filling their baskets, and were thrilled with the treats they were able to bring home. 

Saturday morning the ward held a pancake breakfast followed by an easter egg hunt. It was cold, but the skies were so blue! What a great gift!

Enjoying the goods with a few friends...

My honey bunny...

Hannah, Tori, and Ella put together eggs throughout our two backyards, and then surprised Miley and Scotlin with the hunt. Based on the kids reaction, this had to be the highlight of their holiday! 

These friends are so sweet!

Thank you hugs...

The kids were also granted a few special surprises in our home on Easter Morning. 

We enjoyed our Sunday meetings, and the spirit felt there. 

After fasting that day we sat down together to one of our favorite meals. The kids talked to us at the dinner table that night all about the resurrection of Christ, and everything else they had soaked up during primary. Are they ever listening! Scotlin reported that 'He died for us' and Miley understood, 'so we can live with Heavenly Father again.' 

Later, we watched the Testaments, and answered the children's many questions as they watched the crucifixion and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ.  

My thoughts have swarmed around the Savior lately. I need Him every hour!

 I wanted to share a little of my younger brother's latest letter home. He shared such a sweet testimony bringing the warmth of the spirit to my heart. I am so proud of him. I know the change in our hearts he speaks of, and hope I have received this rebirth myself through our Savior's love and power.

My dear friends, I wish to leave you my testimony today and I would want you all to know of the hope that I have in Christ. I have tried with all sincerity to let the atonement have full sway in my heart; even so much that it was my wish to lose all desire to sin and I can truly say I know that He has changed me. The greatest miracle is a change of heart. I don;t know how he brings about these internal changes but I look back on who I used to be and I do not recognize that person. Every morning I look into framed glass picture of the Savior in my room and as I tie my tie I ask myself if I have received His image in my countenance. I am not all that good looking but I know that even my face reflects what the Lord has done for me. If I ever changed for the good in my life is was because with His stripes I was healed, by His word I was comforted and by His power I moved forward. I want you all to know that He is the reason for anything that is good in me. I pray that we may "always remember Him, that we may always have his spirit to be with us". He lives still today and I pray that we may prepare for when He returns (Alma 34:32-35). I love you all and leave you these words in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

~ All our love this Easter Season ~

DAL FAMILY 2013 ~ 4th Year

We had our fourth year traditional family photo. I am not sure if I am living in another space and time, because it doesn't seem real that any of these things are happening. 

I have always enjoyed getting together with this group. 

I'm going to miss my friends. 

Dal Momma's have been busy this year...

babies born one each month September through February. (And one more due in May)

Brittany and JaNae surprised us all with these adorable matching hats...

My Three

 Someone recently asked me if having a baby changed my relationship with my other 'baby'...

My answer was: Not at all.  

Now I just have my little baby, and my big baby. 

Let's be honest... they're all my babies!! 

Classic phrase from Miley lately:

Mom Asks, "Miley how was school today?" and Miley answers: "Nothing but a BLAST!"

Scotlin is so vigilant, and tender. 

If he sees me doing chores he'll ask: "Mommy, can I help you with the dishes?" 

When I ask something of him, he'll come RUNNING, exclaiming, "Of course I will, Mom!" 

He was able to have a playdate with preschool friends last week. When I picked him up, Grainne reported that he had asked her if she needed any help in the kitchen while she was preparing their lunch. :)

 Dooey at his finest.

 I love this sweet boy!

I love hanging out with my little Loren all day. Loren brings so much purity, and innocence  to our lives. She is full of smiles and happy coos. She loves Miley and Scotlin, and they adore her right back. I feel so very lucky in this way. She brings so much love each day.