Move in Day

Although our real possession date isn't for a few more days, we were cleared to start moving stuff in today! I think our builder took pity on us knowing that the project took months longer than originally planned. Even though there will still be a contractor or two about, they gave us the green light. We spent the evening with the kids moving in couches, table and chairs, and island stools. It's starting to look more like a home. There are still a few odds and ends to complete, but we are happy to be in our new space. The children are very excited to be done with dormitory living, and I'm sure my parents are looking forward to reclaiming their upstairs living space. 

The littles played with the Ikea boxes, pretending they were boats. Sawyer would scrunch his face into a wink, pretending to be a pirate with an eye patch. Lily enjoyed snuggling up on the new livingroom couches.

When we had finished, Mike dedicated the home and it was beautiful. He blessed that our home would be a place of safety and refuge for our family and those who enter in. He blessed that the spirit would be present and that there would be no room for contention. It felt so much more like home afterwards.

I think we finally went to bed around Midnight. 

 

Light at the End

We are getting SO CLOSE to being able to move in next door. The cleaners were in to do a full clean of the place now that the contractors are finished with the woodworking, painting, floor installing etc. 

It's crazy to think that this used to be a bedroom/mikes office and now it is a brand new stair case.

I was also blessed to catch this view as I was out and about this evening running kiddos. 

Nature is incredible!

 

Nauvoo Headshots

This year our family applied to be a part of the Nauvoo and British Pageants. We had applied last year with no luck, so we were excited to have been accepted this year. We've been working at getting everything in place for our time in Nauvoo this Summer, including the requested headshots for our ID tags and the Cast List. Today we took pictures of everyone to send off to Pageant Headquarters.

 

Gazing Heavenward

This afternoon as I snuggled Lily to sleep, I couldn't help but notice the way her hair smelled of fresh Spring air from her morning outside jumping on the trampoline and splashing in puddles. I closed my eyes and breathed the scent deeply, knowing I'd treasure that moment for a very long time. It's the small things in life that bring me the most joy.

When Lily woke up to find me mixing cookies she quickly hopped onto a chair, "OHHH Chocolate!" and helped herself.

They turned out delicious! And fresh out of the oven while the chocolate was still melty is my favourite way to eat them. Sawyer wandered into the kitchen after the first pan had come out of the oven, "Mom, what's that yummy smell?" I lost track of how many they ended up eating!

On my way to pick up Camilla from her friends place, I noticed the Northern Lights dancing across the sky. I pulled over when we got back into the subdivision to snap a few photos. 

But when we got home, I went for a quick walk around the yard and discovered they just kept getting better and better.

And so I kept walking, with my eyes tilted heavenward, completely in awe of the beauty that surrounded me while the frozen slush crunched beneath my feet. 

My soul was delighted by the magic of the scene and I came inside feeling renewed.

Signs of Spring

Yesterday was the Spring Solstice. On the way home Camilla said she could smell Spring coming! The sun has been shining all day and the sky is blue. The two littles have been playing outside all afternoon, splashing in puddles in the driveway and riding the trike all around the patio. I even opened the windows to let the fresh air blow through the house. My spirits have been lifted as I've focused on these simple pleasures and basked in the afternoon sun.

 

Sunday Snapshots

Here are a few of our Sunday Snapshots from this morning...

"God will use you if you are willing. He will magnify your righteous desires and turn the compassionate actions you sow into a beautiful harvest of goodness."

~Dieter F. Uchtdorf

 

The ODR

The boys have been loving the warmer weather and spending all of their extra time at the "ODR". 

"Can we please go to the ODR Mom?" 

"The ODR?"

"Yeah, the Out Door Rink...."

Often they will walk up (it's just behind the field), and I will pick them up after dark when they are finally cold and ready to come home. I love that they will spend so much time outside, playing with other kids in the neighborhood!

Basketball Windup

This afternoon was pizza and the parents vs players game at the middle school for the Grade 8 girls. It was a lot of fun! The boys walked to the school when they finished their piano lessons and watched us all play (a few of the older boys joined the parents team). It's been a while since I've run that much!

They had a little awards ceremony at the end where Camilla won "Loudest Cheerer". 

Proud of this girly and all of the improvements she has made this year!

She LOVES basketball with a passion!

 

If Time Stood Still

Another Sunday Snapshot of Miss Joy because every week she seems to grow and change. We are savouring her sweetness. When I told Mr. Stannix how I wish we could freeze time and keep her this way for a little while longer, he asked her if that would be ok. She smiled wide, froze her arms in place and exclaimed, "FREEZE!" She held the pose for a total of five seconds before she proudly giggled at her own wit. 

But for real, she is at such a fun age right now!!

Sylvan Hockey Tournament

Today we spent our Saturday in Sylvan at the boys Hockey tournament. We left everyone at home to hang out, except for Lily Lou. With the boys being in two separate leagues, there was lots of games to watch! On the short break in the afternoon, we went to BP's for a quick bite to eat with Joe, Fin, and Lily. Hyrum had gone out with his team earlier on, and caught a ride back to the rink for their last game. We got home in the early evening and enjoyed the rest of our time together as a family.

 

A Winter Sunset

Today while the boys were taking turns going for piano lessons, Hyrum offered to take Lily to the park for a few minutes. She was tickled pink! 

They didn't last long, thanks to the cold, but they enjoyed the sunshine and their time together.

When we arrived home, the sunset was absolutely gorgeous. Before I joined the rest of the family inside, I paused to take a few pictures and soak it all in.

Catching the warm glow of the sun as it sets is one of my favourite ways to be still and fill my soul.

Boys Basketball Divisionals

Today we spent most of our day watching the boys basketball divisionals, and cheering on Hyrum (who also happens to have the #4 this year). It's been fun watching these guys improve this season! They did so good!

Girls Basketball Divisionals

Today we spent most of the day cheering on our favourite big sister (#4) at Basketball Divisionals. They fought hard and ended up getting second place. We were able to watch all of her games, though it meant a bit of extra driving back and forth. Another basketball season has come to an end!

 

Sonny at Sunset

Tonight when we got home, I couldn't help but snap a few pictures of this pup while the sun was setting! He's gotten so big, but we are loving watching him mellow out and become a better listener. He does a good job keeping an eye on the littles when they are outside. 

 

Sunday Snapshots

This morning as we drove to church, I caught Hyrum's eye in the rear view mirror and made him smile after he had stomped out the door to the van.

If I could take pictures in the chapel, I would have taken one of Hyrum sitting on the Deacons bench, his dad sitting close beside him with his arm wrapped around his shoulders conversing quietly. I would remember their matching navy blue suits and how grown up he looked sitting next to his dad, taking his priesthood duties so seriously.

This afternoon Hyrum asked if he could make cinnamon buns. With a little bit of guidance, he pretty much made the dough and everything all on his own. This guy enjoys baking yummy things!

They made a great afternoon snack, warm and gooey out of the oven. Yum!