Glimmer of Spring??

April 14, 2011, first thing in the morning...unfortunately the white stuff

has fallen again since then and is forcasted to visit us again this week

Easter is my favourite holiday of the year for many reasons...Spring is here (or on it's way!), new life will soon blossom in the garden, chocolate is everywhere, and the most important reason of all, it is a time to focus on Jesus and remember what He did for us by dying on the cross. He is Risen! He has forgiven our sins and has given us everlasting life.

Our sweet 4-year old, at the dinner table last week, said "Mommy and Daddy, when I die will I get to hug Jesus? I'd like to hug Jesus." Wow. Kids just say what they feel, don't they? She has been hearing the "Easter story" at preschool and at her age it is really impacting her and she has been thinking a lot about it. It's wonderful hearing her talk about Jesus and what Easter is really all about. We are also very thankful that she is not only hearing about God at home and church, but at preschool as well. The things she says melt my heart AND remind how to love Jesus. "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Mark 10:15

Unfortunately I got hit with a terrible cold just in time for my favourite holiday and spent the weekend coughing, sneezing, enduring sinus pain and emptying tissue boxes. Just miserable. And completely disappointing as I didn't get to fully participate in all of our Easter plans. The girls got to have a fun little easter egg hunt with cousin Liam, thanks to Auntie Audrey for organizing! My parents made Easter dinner which was delicious. Although I managed to make it to the Good Friday church service, I had barely enough energy to help get the girls dressed up in their Easter dresses and send them off to church with daddy on Easter Sunday. And I didn't even have the mind to take a picture of them all dressed up like princesses :( But, we had our own little Easter fun later that day and there are just a few snaps to prove it, although they are no longer wearing their pretty easter duds:

 Their little princess easter baskets

 Kyleigh and her new special pillow (to match her room).

I did do her hair that morning, but she's a kid ;)

 Alyssa and her loot

 And Alyssa's special pillow

The weekend didn't turn out how I had hoped, that's for sure. But that's what life is like, right? Just roll with it. I had plenty of snuggle time with my girls and got to spend an entire day wearing my glasses, sweatpants and no make-up. There's always a bright side ;)

We have seen a small glimmer of Spring...we are all hoping it will actually come to stay for a while!

 

Girl Time

This week daddy is out of town for work and that means it's just us three girls. I always dread the times when he is away. As a dad who is really involved with the girls, and as a husband who is a supportive equal in the household, he is so very missed when he is away. He is awesome! We love him! And I hate having a part of our family missing!

BUT, I went into this week with a positive attitude and a plan...and it's been great so far! Quality, purposeful and intentional time with my girls. On Monday Alyssa and I enjoyed Kindermusik, Kyleigh and I enjoyed some kitchen time, then she showed off her dance moves. Tuesday morning Alyssa and I joined Kyleigh at preschool for her "Special Day", bringing with us her snack of choice - Rice Krispies eggs (with smarties inside of course) and fruit smoothies. Man, she is cute. And she sure looks proud of herself when she gets to be her teacher's helper.

 My big girl and I were able to spend some quiet time together that afternoon with books, tiny princess dolls and 4-year old conversations. Love it. She sure is a smart little thing and asks such amazing questions.

My little girl is a sweet little cuddler and seems to love sleeping in her crib. Which is absolutely a miracle compared to how she was as a baby. I truly didn't think I would ever feel rested again. But it was between 11 and 12 months of age that she learned to sleep well and I thank God for that! She is so cute all of the time, but when she wakes up in the morning or from a nap she looks so precious I could just eat her up ;) This girl gives AMAZING hugs and her kisses are so so sweet.

Their day ended with a lovely bath...sisters playing in the tub, splashing and laughing...until we needed to undertake an emergency tub evacuation. Uh-oh!! (as Alyssa likes to say lately).

Gotta love these little ones, despite the occasional "crappy" moments ;) LOL.

Melt my heart!

Two more sleeps until daddy is home!!

Here's the Deal

My daughters are princesses. Kyleigh is four years old, loves wearing dresses that "tumble to the ground", enjoys music and dancing and majors in drama. The things she says some days cause me to stifle full-out laughter, it is a daily adventure hearing what she has to say! This past week she came right out with, while putting her hands on the table for effect and looking me directly in the eyes, "Mommy, here's the deal. I am going to play a computer game. You can decide if I do that right now or in one minute." Haha! When did she become the boss?! ;) This has now become a little phrase she loves to use and I just chuckle inside when I hear it. I'm sure we're in trouble when she becomes a teenager if this is how she talks to me at four.

Princess Kyleigh after her first piano performance

I love how Kyleigh and Alyssa (15 months) play together (most of the time, LOL) and Alyssa already admires her big sister. Recently when Alyssa is given a food she isn't familiar with she will watch Kyleigh to see how Big Sis responds to the new food. If Kyleigh likes it, Alyssa digs in. But if Kyleigh doesn't like it, Alyssa will shake her head (her head shake is pretty cute BTW) and that's that. For the foods Alyssa already likes, there is usually no problem convincing her to eat :)

 The sisters chilling out at Costco

My little monkey in a rare moment when she isn't running a mile-a-minute

I love spending time with my girls and this week while daddy is away it's just us three girls. So there will be plenty of girl time. Praying it all goes well without him! If it doesn't, there is always coffee.

My view of COFFEE from the living room floor (our favourite place to play)

I'm going to do this!

I feel like time is moving forward at an unbelievable rate. My little girls are growing up so quickly before my eyes and there are moments that I wish could be remembered forever...or I wish I could set life in slow motion for a while to fully soak in the joy and wonder of their childhood.  I can't even remember how many journals I have started in an attempt to capture "the moments". Beautifully bound journals, lovely recycled paper and delicate pens. But blank pages inside. I just can't seem to commit to journaling and I am saddened by "the moments" that have been forgotten; the adorable things Kyleigh says, Alyssa's reactions to new experiences, and on and on.

So, all of that to say this is my newest attempt at documenting our lives. In a few years I want to look back and smile at the memories preserved here. Perhaps putting this "out there" will hold me accountable? I am going to do this. No, I am DOING this :)