A thought struck me like a barreling locomotive last Saturday on a Thomas the Tank Engine train ride— this is my toddler's last summer being two. Okay, okay, I know you're all thinking, "Obviously, Erin!" I just never realized how fast my child’s life seemingly speeds by compared to my own. Year to year I feel like pretty much the same person. Yes, I’ve matured, learned new things, and gained a wrinkle or two. But for the most part, I’m still the same old me.

Liam, on the other hand, grows faster than you can snatch up dropped food to beat the 5-second rule. From the moment he wakes, the adventure of nonstop learning and blissful playing begins. This is my boy's only summer to be two. Maybe you've shared similar thoughts.

This last week has been a bit crazy at our house. Seeing as it was “March Break” and I don’t have any school-age children yet, I covered a few more shifts at work — which meant I had to be more on my game with the whole meal planning and going-to-bed-on-time thing. And man, I don’t know how you full-time working moms do it… and still look like you have had eight hours of sleep! However, those crazier-than-usual work weeks always get the wheels turning and me thinking on how to simplify my life whether that’s  our meals or just organization in general. It also means the first day off I’m busy catching up on loads of laundry and cleaning — and more importantly, spending time with my little guy, Liam. Thankfully, he’s still a good sport when it comes to chores and helping mom in the kitchen! Here’s the delicious chocolate crackle we made yesterday…

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you all had some time to relax with your family over the weekend. Last week was a little rough at our house. My almost two-year old finished up antibiotics after a month-long cold/possibly influenza leading to a sinus infection, I had a bout of upper respiratory symptoms (thankfully short-lived), and my husband was out two days with a high fever. However, it feels good to be on the other end of it all and be able to start a new week afresh. As much as I disliked having to slow down for a few days, experiencing a brief illness put my life into perspective. I am extremely fortunate and am blessed with good health the majority of the time. My patients, several acquaintances, and many loved ones go weeks and months (and possibly years) on end with no relief from symptoms and physical or mental ailments. This week was a good reminder to continue to thank God for my family's health and to continue to pray without ceasing for those who are afflicted in this way. 

Anyway —  I was able to do some light reading this week during the "extra" time I had from slowing down. Here are a few of my favourite blog posts, ideas, and links from the week: