school.is.almost.over

There are 19 school days left (only 9 for Leah).  The kids can't wait.  I can't wait.  I'm tired of homework, fighting with Jillian about doing her french reading, and packing lunches.  I was all geared up in September, right on top of homework and projects through the fall, lunches were interesting for the kids (I actually made muffins and cut up fruit...now they are getting bearpaws and squeezy applesauce).  Which is why I was thrilled to read this blog post from a mom of five and know I'm not alone.

http://jenhatmaker.com/blog/2013/05/30/worst-end-of-school-year-mom-ever#.UaebYhAbNel.facebook

All I want to do is enjoy the warm weather like Leah did today with this super stylin' summer outfit she put together.  Soon it'll all be about lazy mornings, swimming in the pool and burgers on the bbq for dinner!

a touch of Disney magic

Did you know the first child waiting to at the Disney store before it opens get to officially open the store with a giant key?  And they get to a smaller keepsake key as a souvenir?  Neither did I until a few weeks ago when Leah and I happened upon the store just as it was being opened.  Being a bit of a Disney fanatic, it became a mission of mine to get Leah to the store first one morning.  It took a few tries but finally she had her turn.

I should add Leah was excited to get to do this, but she was also very understanding when we missed out one morning by just a minute or so.  She smiled and played with the little girl who had arrived before us and happily bounced into the store once it was open.  I do love when my kids get to do fun things, but I also love seeing they are able to handle it well when things don't go exactly as planned.

concentration

Leah loves to make artwork and other projects for various friends and family members.  Her latest thing is to make a picture, then make an envelope for the picture (she makes the envelopes from scratch using a piece of paper), and then she decorates the envelope of course.

I love watching Leah concentrating on her work.  She puts a lot of love into each piece of artwork.

More horse riding

I just don't get tired of taking horse riding pictures...especially now with the warmer weather which means sunny blue skies.

This is one of my favourite action shots from this past weekend

Long weekend fun

Our long weekend was filled with fun.  We roasted marshmallows, watched fireworks and played with sparklers with the neighbours.

We went for a long hike and had a picnic lunch at Kortright Centre, and ate ice cream cones.

And we had our first swim of the season!  It didn't look like we were going to get into the pool for the long weekend.  First we had a few parts of the pool that needed to be fixed and replaced before it could get up and running.  Then we discovered the heater was broken.  Jeff got the rest of the pool up and running but the water was cold.  After a few days of sun with the solar blanket on, the pool warmed up to a not-so-balmy 22 *C.  Too cold for me but Jeff and the kids all enjoyed themselves.

And finally dinner al fresco...the perfect ending to our weekend!

Hanging with my buddy

She makes my heart melt

Mother's Day

I had a wonderful Mother's Day.  How could I not?  I have three amazing kids and a husband who makes me feel special.  This Mother's Day as I celebrated with my own children and my Mom & Dad I also thought about all the other amazing moms in my life.  These are the women who make this motherhood journey so much easier, the friends both near and far who are sounding board and cheerleaders, who offer help, great ideas and even the "me too" that always helps (who wants to be the only mom who yells at her kids or who has kids who don't listen?).  We connect in person at the school for quick chats, we talk while our kids are doing gymnastics, we talk on the phone, we use an online message board and facebook.  Sometimes we even get to go out for dinner (and end up spending most of the evening talking about our kids!). 

I know moms who are pregnant, moms who have given birth, and those who did not but are still blessed to be called mommy.  I know children who are celebrating this year without their mom, and a very special mom who is fighting with every breath to spend more time with her boys.  All of these moms were on my mind this past Sunday as I celebrated with my own family. 

Happy Mother's Day to all of my friends and family.  To my own mom who helped me be the person I am today.  To my sister who would love a full night of sleep (someday Noah will sleep through the night Chris!).  And most of all to my three children who made me a mom.  I may get tired some days of hearing "mama I need help" but I never take for granted being called mommy.

Happy Birthday Dad

We went to my Mom & Dad's place on the weekend to celebrate my Dad's birthday.  We enjoyed some fun family time in their backyard - Kyle & Jeff played a game of badminton while the girls watered the garden.

After dinner the kids loved trying out the cool new playground near their house.  Good thing we saved cake until after the park otherwise we never would have been able to drag them away.

driving in style

Goodbye old friend...

Hello sweet new ride!  We decided it was time to trade in the 2003 Odyssey...it has served us well for the past 8 years.  We moved up to a 2012 Odyssey and so far I love it.

outdoor riding

Jillian is able to do her riding lessong outside now that Spring weather is here (actually, more like Summer weather).  The blue skies, green grass and beautiful horses make this photo-crazy mom happy.