They're so good

Today was one of those rare days. Everyone woke up in a great mood and the morning seemed to roll smoothly. While I was downstairs with the boys I heard Camilla wake, dress herself, and make her bed. I love that girl! I then heard her walk to the top of the stairs. She stopped and shouted down the stairwell, "Do you want me to grab some clothes for the boys?" I smiled big and let out a laugh. I said sure, but she only managed a pair of socks for Joseph. Since the day started out so well, I thought we'd hit up the pool for the morning.

Hyrum had a minor fit at the entrance, but the changing went relatively well considering there was one of me and three of them. I decided to take a picture of them before we got in the water. It was Joseph's first time and needed to be documented. Everything went well but it was borderline too much to handle with all three and just one little me. Luckily my kiddos were extra well behaved and listening pretty good. Joe has no pics in the water. My hands were too full keeping an eye on the other two, but he loved it.

At the end, the kids all left without a fuss. We got changed and found our boots and headed out to have a snack. The kids found a little kids table and munched some cookies and a granola bar. A few minutes later we were finally ready to head to the car. I left with Joe's carseat over my arm, Hyrum's hand in mine and Camilla in tow clutched onto the swim bag. Although they did really well, we might wait for Daddy before we go again.  As I drove home I peeked at the three kids snoozing away in the back seat and thought "Wow, I really do have good kids."

My Pretty Lady

It's been a while since I've blogged about my little girl.

She has grown up so so much.

While we played outside I couldn't help but admire the blonde whisps of hair poking out from under her hat.

I admired her giant blue eyes sparkling in the sun.

And that smile of hers gets me every time.
Even with Jam on her face.

She is such a pretty little lady.

I adore her.



Slow Down

I've said it before, but I love bath time.

Especially baby bath time.

Joseph outgrew the sink a while ago and baths in the tub now.

Before baths I like to strip him down and let him air out for a while.

He enjoys watching the water run and kicking his chubby legs.

I enjoy his giant thighs and chubby feet.

Bath time is one of his favorite times.

He grins from ear to ear as he waves his arms and kicks his legs.

His toes are usually curled, making it hard to get the toe jam.
His breathing is quick and excited as the water waves around him.

When I take him out of the water he shivers for a few seconds.
I quickly wrap him in a cozy towel and snuggle him close to warm him up.
He coos in delight as I massage him with lotion and dress him.
And I can't wait for bath time to roll around again.

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.