Checkin Up

You might not see the significance in this post, but in this family, a visit to the dentist is a big deal. 

(Also, taking advantage of our 'last' free health care services is worth documenting, as life will soon be dramatically changing in this area)

Bringing our three kids through the dental school doors is enough to stop traffic. 

Loren was passed from assistant to assistant as they admired every inch of her baby cheeks. 

Miley was an excellent patient, and especially good at showing off everything you need to know about 4 year olds. 

Scotlin had the moves down pat. He was laying back with his mouth wide open without even being told. 

The kids made sure to bring all their energy with them, and in the dental chair they were feeling oh so cool. 

A+ check ups!

 Making Daddy Proud. 

Mother's Day Tea

For Mother's Day this year I was invited to join my two favorite preschoolers for a Mother's Day tea. 

( I may have been the only mother who doesn't drink tea, but we made it work.)

Moms were asked to dress up for this fancy garden party event. I was happy to borrow a few items from my neighbor Liz, so I could dress the part. I looked forward to this afternoon with my sweeties very much! 

At the tea party we were treated to delicious lunch and deserts. We read mother's day stories, and sang Mother's Day songs, and were gifted handmade gifts from our children before heading home. 

Miley and Scotlin's teachers went to a great effort to make this a special day, and it truly was.  

Mother's Day

It is my life's greatest honor to be a mother. 

I am overcome with joy and love for each one of my children. I am grateful for their uniqueness and for all the ways they challenge, teach, and inspire me. 

I adore their personalities and cherish their very spirits. 

They are a treasure beyond gold. My priceless pearls. 

This has been one of the happiest Mother's Day I can remember. 

My family is happy and healthy, and I feel there is truly nothing more I could ask for. 

I love my family, and I consider my role as a wife and mother my life's greatest calling.

 It is my joy, and tremendous privilege to serve them, give them my time, and all of my heart.

Happy Mother's Day

3 things happening right now~

Baby sweets loving rice cereal. 

I think we were all a little excited for her to give it a try. Won't be forgetting her bib next time. 

Welcoming Spring by playing outside ALL day. 

Getting all kinds of dirty.

~Packing Central~

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.