Little Things

Today was a rough Mommy day. I have decided to leave the dinner dishes on the table and plunk myself down here at the computer to record all of the "little things" I've jotted down this last little while in an effort to make myself feel better. Even though Joe has been "sleeping in" (until 7:00am) I still wake up feeling very tired. We spend our days in the backyard, or exploring a nearby park, or out running errands and I am usually ready for a nap before lunch time even rolls around. We ventured out to Target today to get the boys some much needed sandals for this warm weather. It was there that I noticed Hyrum had a bit of a temp again, so I decided to head to the medicentre on the way home just to ease my mind. The box of cookies and bottle of water that I bought did the trick and everyone was super well behaved. One prescription of antibiotics for an ear infection and sore throat later, and we were on our way home for the afternoon. I then tried to divide my time between house work, food preparation, and a sick little boy, all while keeping one eye constantly on Joseph and trying my hardest to listen to Camilla each time she wanted me to watch her hoola-hoop or do some other new trick. Some times, I'm just not good at doing all of those things at once. But during any chaotic day, there are moments of joy that surface and help make things a little better. So here goes some things from the last few weeks that have brought me joy.

Today I woke up to Camilla tinkering in the kitchen. She can now climb on counters and get her own bowl for her cereal. Hyrum (who had been snuggled next to me for the morning) jumped out to join her and she kindly poured him a bowl too. She is such a good big sister and sometimes I forget that she is only four. I'm glad she puts up with me though. She always tries her best and loves to succeed. She has recently become more daring, which hard for the controlling side of me. Sometimes while she is on her bike peddling extra fast, I have to look away and hope for the best. She likes to test her abilities and dare new heights at the park. Though she likes to try new things outside, she is not so keen to try things at the dinner table. The other night she was convinced that she hated corn, and after an hour tried some and loved it. As we walked up to bed that night she goes, "I LOVED that corn, can you make it again?" I think one of my favorite things was when she said, "I'm glad I don't have another mom, you're the best!"

Hyrum's imagination is exploding lately. He is always putting empty tinfoil rolls in his pocket to use as a pirate spy glass, and a pencil in his other pocket as a sword. When he plays pretend, it's not enough to just do the actions, he has to narrate everything. I will often hear things like, "Open door. Close door" ,as he pretends to walk through a door in the middle of the room, or "Bike, bike bike" as he peddles around on an imaginary bicycle. He has developed a recent love for nature and is constantly carrying around caterpillars and lady bugs. The other day when I told him it was time to go to the store he told me he was going to put his caterpillar in his pocket so he could play with it later. I smiled to myself and then eventually talked him out of it. My little pony is currently his favorite show, and he will often play ponies with his sister. The other day in nursery he picked up a toy to show me and said, "This toy is in-TREH-stin'..." Each night before bed he always kisses sleeping Joseph gently on the head before I can tuck him into his own bed. If he forgets, he whispers, "oh!" and hops out to give a soft kiss. He is such a tender boy and I love him for it!

Joseph has been keeping me on my toes lately. If he isn't raiding the brown sugar container, he's playing with the buttons on the dishwasher, or climbing on the table, or jumping on the couch. For such a sweet boy he is sure good at causing trouble! The trampoline is his favorite place to be right now, and when I refuse to lift him up, he drags his ride-on car over and climbs up himself. He's become quite the thinker and can solve pretty well any problem that comes. If he is on the trampoline he requires constant supervision. Once or twice he's opened the zipper on the net and I've caught him walking around on the mats on the outside. He's kind of a dare devil and gives me about 100 heart attacks a day. He is the best eater of the three and will always finish up the leftovers at any meal. I'm still not sure where he puts it all! He's a little bit feisty and has learned to defend himself well when it comes to his older siblings. Sometimes Hyrum is even afraid of him. I've never known a boy who could be so gentle, yet so crazy at the same time. Hyrum is good with him though and usually responds by taking Joseph by the hand and showing him how to be soft. If that doesn't work, he just hits him back.. Never a dull moment around here. My favorite part of today was when Camilla and I were sitting on blanket in the yard doing some school and Joseph walked up to me, put his hands gently on my cheeks and gave me a smooch. He's such a little charmer sometimes. I also love hearing him squeal with delight each time I kiss him on the lips at bed time. I throw my head back and exclaim, "EWW! Gross!" and he busts out into a belly laugh. Camilla often listens at the door and I will hear her let out a little giggle and ask me to do it again. It's amazing how baby laughs are so contagious and loved. 

 Life is good.