Breakfast

It was funnier when he was wiping up his spill with a piece of toast in his mouth.

This boy suddenly can't decide if he's too big for his booster. 

Lately he prefers a chair.

This morning it was one foot on each.

Afternoon Snack

Today after naps we all enjoyed strawberries sprinkled with sugar.

Hyrum insisted on sharing with me.

And Camilla just looked so sleepy eyed and cute, I just couldn't resist a smooch.

Quiet Time

Afternoons in this house are my favourite.

The warm sun pours through our front window

and warms our living room.

Yesterday as I enjoyed the sun, 

I also enjoyed the view.

Camilla and Hyrum were both whispering to Joe

as he enjoyed some tummy time.

Camilla sweetly rubbed his head and they

giggled at his baby babble and

ability to blow spit bubbles.

It was so quiet and peaceful.

One of those perfect moments I will

forever treasure.

Mirror on the Wall

Mirror, Mirror on the wall...

Joseph has fallen in love with mirrors. He loves to talk to himself and giggle at his reflection.

It's pretty darn cute. Sometimes in the morning while the other two kiddos are getting dressed, we hang out in my bedroom in front of the mirrors and giggle in the morning light. He has quite the conversations with himself.

Box Cars

While Joseph was napping this morning the kids and I built some box cars to pass the time. 

It was super fun to do this with them.

Camilla chatted my ear off as we cut and glued 

and Hyrum was all over helping me squeeze out the glue.

When we finished, they drove their cars to the bakery 

for some homemade cookies.

Our computer is currently on the fritz so you'll have to

excuse the low resolution pictures over the next little while.

Daddy and Auntie Faith got back from camp today.

It's so great to have everyone back together again.

I definitely missed Mr. Stannix.

I get so freaked out when I'm home alone at night.

Tonight we are snuggling up to a movie and our 

favorite bag of chips.

Sweet chili heat Doritos are the best!

Thumb Sucker

Looks like we've got a thumb sucker on our hands!

Joseph has been such a good baby lately.

More than once yesterday he fell asleep all on his own 

in his chair while imaginations ran wild around him.

I also got four hours of sleep in a row last night.

It hasn't happened for a while, so it was a big deal.

Everytime I see those round chubby cheeks

I want to kiss them a thousand times!

 

Blessed with Much

This last month has been nothing short of a trial. Trying to keep up with church callings, a busy little house hold, tax season and dealing with family matters has left us stretched thin. On Sunday I felt like I would burst into tears if I was asked to do something as simple as saying a prayer. The Relief Society lesson was so well done. It was on serving others. Tears were close to the surface the entire time. I felt so overwhelmed and wondered how I could consider serving one more person when I already felt so stretched with our current situation. Music has a way of speaking to my soul. As the closing hymn began emotions overtook me.

Because I have been given much, I too must give.
Because of Thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live.

The words sunk deep into my heart. I knew that what we are doing is the right thing. My lips began to quiver and my voice cracked. I couldn't possibly sing another word. Instead I rested my head gently on my baby boy who was snuggled into my shoulder sleeping, making me feel secure, and silently let the tears fall as the rest of the sisters finished out the remainder of the hymn.

I shall divide my gifts from thee with every brother that I see,
Who has the need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care,
I cannot see another's lack and I not share,
My glowing fire my loaf of bread, my roofs safe shelter overhead,
That he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed by they great love, dear Lord,
I'll share they love again according to my word.
I shall give love to those in need; I'll show that love by word and deed,
Thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

While they sang, I rocked and cuddled my baby. During the closing prayer I wiped my eyes and nose on Joseph's burp cloth. Super classy.

This whole week I've been playing catch up, trying to keep things in order and enjoying holding my little ones close.  My patience has been stretched and some days are really hard mommy days and I go to bed feeling exhausted and guilty. I just feel so weighed down with life and I think I'm on my last tank of optimism. It's frustrating to feel like your not fulfilling your most important roles the way you would like. Hopefully after another couple of weeks, our family will fall into routine and life will get easier.

As I drove home from Walmart the other night I realized that at some point during that day they had filled all the potholes in the road that I drive to and from the school each day. I considered it a little tender mercy and a reminder that Heavenly Father does love us and is aware of our every need.

Camilla has been quietly getting dressed and making her bed all by herself each morning. This has been a wonderful help! She feels happy and excited about being able to do this, and it's one less thing I have to worry about. Tonight before bed she read us the entire "Cranky Bear" book almost word for word. She has an awesome memory. I'll have to get it on video one of these nights. It made my day.

Joseph has also started going to bed at a decent hour, allowing everyone to get the sleep they need. This has totally been a blessing. Dear friends have also been a great blessing. One of my good friends said that Heavenly Father must trust me a lot and knows that I can do it. This thought has been comforting to me throughout the week when I've felt like I've reached the end of my rope. It's been nice to ponder my relationship with my Heavenly Father.

Auntie Faith left on winter camp with the young women on Wednesday after school. With the awesome weather I bet they're having fun. Mr. Stannix left on winter camp with the scouts today after work, so it's just me and the littles for the weekend. It will be nice to have a few slow mornings with the children snuggling in my bed catching some Netflix on my iPad. I've always hated being home alone, but hope Daddy is enjoying the little breather with the young men.

I spent majority of my evening tidying and whipping up dishes. I put a load of laundry in before Camilla went to bed. I freaked myself out tonight though, so there's no way I'm going into the creepy basement until morning. Before bed I indulged myself in some chocolate (cures everything) and a chick flick. I may have had a little too much chocolate though. Now that Joseph is asleep, I think I'll head to bed myself.

Belly Laughs

 Last night I took both the boys up the stairs together to tuck Hyrum in to bed.  Hyrum's chubby little hands clutched the railing as he slowly made his way to the top. I followed close behind, one slow step after another with Joseph in my arms. Half way up Joseph started giggling. A step or two later he delighted me with a full out little laugh. His whole belly shook in my arms as he giggled at his brother's head bobbing up and down in front of him with every step we took. Hyrum would turn around and smile and Joseph would let out another belly shaking laugh and flail his arms in delight. By the time we reached the top, all three of us were laughing pretty hard. Best sound ever! And the perfect end to a busy day.

Sunday Afternoon Naps

Sunday afternoons at the Stannix's usually include a nap. 

Mr. Stannix kind of depends on them.
And I couldn't resist a picture of my little guys white cuffs.

You may have had a good Sunday afternoon nap if...

You wake up looking like this.

And you're really thirsty!

My Blue-Eyed Helpers

Hyrum woke up from his nap today just in time to help me roll out the dough for bread and pizza buns. I snuggled my sleepy-eyed boy for a few minutes before placing him in his booster. Before I got my hands in the dough I placed a handful of flour infront of my little boy. He grinned from ear to ear and looked up at me. The expression on his face was a I can't believe you're actually going to let me make a mess look. I couldn't help but smile back as I went to work. And then, with my doughy hands, I couldn't help but grab the camera and photograph his big blue eyes and fresh from sleep cheeks. 

The other day the kids spent the afternoon outside. Usually when they come in a million things need my attention, so we throw the snow gear in the entry way until it dries enough for me to pick up later. Miss Camilla surprised me by hanging it all up, and insisted on showing me. She was so proud of herself. I just couldn't believe it all fit on one little door handle, boots and all!

I love my kids and am so grateful for them and the way they help me experience JOY on a daily bases!