Bon Voyage

 

During March break, I decided to do a mother son trip with the boys and head east to Montreal on the train.  We went for two nights and had a blast.  The train ride was a lot of fun and a lot more relaxing than the plane.  I just had to convince the boys that it was not against the law that the train did not have seatbelts.

In Montreal, we spent a lot of time at the indoor pool in the hotel. 

 

 

(there was even a shark in the pool!)

 

We went and explored the port in Old Montreal, which was a lot of fun.   

 

 

 

 

 

We also enjoyed some yummy Montreal food.

It was so nice to spend some time with just my boys and all three of us had a fabulous time.

 

 

 

Carpe Diem

 

I think it started at Christmas when Josh lost his first tooth.  It compounded as I watched my baby girl take care of her baby girl and was complete when I went last month to sign my baby boy up for junior kindergarten for Sept.  The sudden realization that my kids are all growing up too quickly. 

 

 

 

 

Josh has now lost two teeth, Owen seems to grow taller every day and Megan tries to do everything on her own.  

 

 

 

(when Owen opened these stickers in his stocking, the first thing he said was 'great, I got two packs, now I can share')

 

It definitely makes me sad and makes me be one of those who lament, 'they grow up too fast'. But, more importantly, these 'milestones' for my babies have made me realize that I need to seize the day (carpe diem) and try to enjoy every moment I have with them.

When I went home last week to celebrate the life of our dear friend, James, I was reminded of how short life is and how important it is to 'live life to the fullest'.  James did seize the day and lived life to the fullest; he worked hard and played hard and made sure that everyone in his life knew that they were important.  I think that in his 37 short years, he laughed more, smiled more, impacted more lives (and talked more;) ) than most people do in 75 years.  James' life and legacy is a reminder to me that as life passes us by, we need to cherish every moment and make as many memories as possible.

So, I will continue to remind myself to carpe diem and make a conscious effort to make memories with my children by doing things like going for icecream when it's -5,

 

 

making a mess by having a painting party,

 

 

 

 

playing a seventh round of UNO,

 

 

and having a sushi pj party picnic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let it Snow

 

 

It's hard to believe that we live in Ontario and it's been almost 2 years (almost to the date) since we had enough snow to play in.  The other week, Owen asked me 'when is it going to snow, lots and lots?' so you can imagine his excitement when a few days later, we got our first snowfall of the season.  We dug out our sleds that we bought last year and had never used, and headed for the hill.  It was Megan's first time in the snow and she thought it was great.  Sledding was a hit with the kids and kids at heart (mommy & daddy).  It has been snowing here all day today (the most snow Toronto has had in 5 years) so we are looking forward to another weekend of playing in the snow!

 

First time in the snow!

 

 

 

Sledding!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blessed

So, I must admit that I sometimes like to have a pity party and see my glass half empty.  I sometimes start to feel sorry for myself, of course about the big things like being away from family and friends, but also the smaller things, like not having had White Spot for 9 months!  But when I get out of my funk, I realize that my glass isn't just half full but it's more than full, overflowing with so many blessings. 

 

 

 

 

When I look around, I can't help but see how much I have been blessed.  I have three wonderful, healthy, happy children.  I have spent more than half my life with the man of my dreams.  And, the sky is blue and the sun is shining!

 

(Photo credit - Danielle G.)