The Little Things

I feel like this past month has been a whirl wind (in a good way). Things are finally settling and it's time to re-group. I can't believe Joseph is already a month old. Seriously, where does time go?! I pray each night to have sweet moments with my children and the opportunity to just look into their faces each day and enjoy all of the little things they do. This is definitely a challenge each day with such a busy little household. I feel like I'm always making meals, changing diapers, wiping up spills, sweeping my kitchen floor, and trying to keep up with the dishes, all the while tending to three very important little people who each have their own very important needs. As we left for church last Sunday I took a quick look around the house just before closing the door. Toys were scattered everywhere and I actually giggled at the banana peel on the floor in front of the bathroom door that I had been sidestepping all morning as I curled my hair and readied the children. I silently giggled as I noticed the muffin squashed into my living room floor as my visiting teachers were giving me the lesson a few nights ago.  Each morning I have been greeted by the confiscated drum sticks on the kitchen counter, the water cooler that's constantly being emptied onto the floor, and sometimes even last nights dinner dishes. But, amidst all the craziness of life it is the little things that bring me joy. I listened to this talk recently and have been thinking a lot about no regrets and living each day with a purpose. Over the last couple of days I have tried to "behold my little ones" once more and really enjoy the little things about them. In an effort to enjoy them more fully I wanted to record them here so I could re-read them later.

Lately I have really enjoyed when Mr. Stannix walks around the house singing his newest favorite song. He used to sing to me sometimes when we were dating and I still love hearing his voice. His latest song obsession makes me smile. I love when he sings the chorus. 

Miss Camilla, you are growing up so fast. Sometimes I forget that you are only three. The other night I loved rubbing your back before bed. Your sides were dry like they always are, and it made me smile. Then you asked me to grab you a pair of socks to keep your "footsies" warm. You pretty much sleep with socks every night. It is one of the quirky things I love about you. You are full of good stories and words and it's often hard for me to leave your bed-side at night because I don't want to interrupt you. You can talk a mile a minute and I so enjoy your facial expressions and the excitement in your voice. Camilla you are such a great big sister to your little brothers. You are always trying to help them and do good. I love listening to you and Hyrum giggle and whisper together under the kitchen table. You have an amazing imagination that I hope you will always hold on to. It's fun watching you share it with your brother. I love the way you say "Gotcha" every time you kiss Joseph on the head. You are so gentle and loving towards your baby brother, always wanting to hold him and stealing kisses any chance you get. I don't think you have ever walked passed him without giving him a kiss.

Hyrum, you are a joy. You learn a bazillion new words a day and today you said your sister's name for the first time, "Cama". I also love when you say monster. You and your sister were pretending there was monsters in the kitchen at lunch. When I walked in you screamed, "MUH-UH!" My favorite is when you smooch me right on the lips and say, "Goo Mornin'!" Some days I wish I could follow you around with a video camera all day just to catch all of your words and your sweet little voice. I know one day I will forget how you pronounced things and how your little almost-two-year old voice sounds. You are such a big helper and will often put Joseph's dirty diapers in the garbage without being asked. A few days ago we went to an indoor playground and all you wanted to do was stand at the glass window and watch people skate on the rink. Your love for "Ha-ee" goes unsaid. My heart melted a hundred times over as I watched you peer through the glass with wide eyes. At the end of a long day after you have long been asleep I like to sneak to your bed-side, kiss your forehead and pull up your covers.

Mr. Joe, I think I'm finally learning your tricks. You like to sleep in your crib at night with a soft, warm blanket beneath you. Your favorite place to sleep is still being held. You like to fall asleep in an upright position with your cheek pressed against mine. I love the way your tiny eye-lashes brush my cheek until you finally drift off. You are very patient with your older siblings when they both smother you in kisses and love when the house is noisy, everyone is talking and music is playing. Perhaps this is why you don't sleep so well at night. Your snuggles are the best and you bring such a sweet spirit into our home.