Cherishing my Children

The other night I was having another "wo is me" motherhood moment. Sometimes it's easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, or wishing you could put responsibilities on hold just so you could take a nap or shower without the children popping in and out. At our weekly companionship meeting I related all of my wo's to my dear husband. As we set goals for ourselves I had a hard time narrowing mine down. There were so many things I wanted to improve on, so many ways I wanted to be a better mom this week. Thankfully I have a smart husband who was able to help me simplify things and set a measurable, achievable goal. This week my focus has been on spending quality time with each of the children.

Joseph took a mile long morning nap today. When I went upstairs to grab something I couldn't help but pause beside his crib. He was still wrapped in his blanket, sleeping soundly. My eyes were drawn to his chubby little feet which were peeking out from the blankets. I admired the curl of his toes, the rolls on his legs and the softness of his baby skin. He looked so peaceful, I could have just eaten him up in that moment. An hour later I thought I heard him stirring and ran up to get him, but he was still fast asleep, chubby feet outstretched beneath him. He woke up just after the other two had fallen asleep for their afternoon naps. This was my chance for some one on one time. He woke up smiling and talking as he grabbed at the toys in his crib. I picked him up for a snuggle and he wrapped his boyish arms around my neck and planted an open mouthed kiss on my face. Those moments are the best. We made our way downstairs and practised sitting and playing on the living room floor. Then he snuggled on my lap for a while and told me stories. I couldn't help but plant a million cheek squishing kisses on his little face.

After the littles woke from their afternoon naps we went to the kitchen to make our Family Home Evening snack. They were great helpers, stirring and licking the bowl. I tried to be as hands off as I could, giving them the freedom to steal a few licks here and there. It was fun hearing them giggle. Hyrums goofiness made me laugh so much today. He is so full of energy, giggles, and funny quotes. I smiled each time Camilla would say to me, "Mom, the funniest thing..." and end it with a hilarious story. These are the moments I don't want to miss and I cherish them so much.

Tonight we shared the sweetest moment together. The Family Home Evening lesson was kind of improv and started out by watching some Mormon Ads on my iPad. The kids have a few favourites (here and here). We then watched a video from Christmas time about how we lived in Heaven and rejoiced at the plan and opportunity to come to earth. I shared my testimony with the kids after and tears of joy welled up in my eyes. I felt the Spirit so strong and couldn't help but tell the children how much Heavenly Father loves each of them. We talked about the atonement and how we can repent when we've done something wrong. Camilla payed such close attention and almost started crying along side me. I am so grateful for the presence of the Holy Ghost in our home during our mini lesson. I am so grateful for the power of testimony. If I can teach my children nothing else, I want them to know that their Heavenly Father and Jesus have a special love for each of them.

An Afternoon Walk

Today after church we decided to skip our late afternoon naps in hopes that the children would be able to go to bed at regular time. Sundays are always tricky like that with afternoon church. We decided to spend our time together exploring the trails in the ravine close by. I had never been. It was so great to walk through the quiet, tree covered trails and check it out. Aside from the bugs, it was a great little walk! 

We let the kids out of the stroller before heading up the hill home. They loved stretching their legs and running around in the wide open space. I loved admiring them from afar, looking as if they were touching the clouds as they danced on the hill top together.

It was the perfect day!

The Busy Basket

Sometimes it's the simplest things that make the best toys.

Joseph is becoming a busy boy lately.

Sitting is his new favorite thing, but he still needs practice.

The laundry basket was a lifesaver today.

He spent a lot of time sitting, playing with toys, and eating his blanket.

Spring Showers

After all of this hot weather, our little old house welcomed the rain. I opened all of the windows and let the cool, fresh air pour in. It smelled so wonderful! Camilla and Hyrum enjoyed some time outside before lunch. It was so sweet watching them walk around the yard together. Camilla takes on the role of big sister so well. Sweet moments like these make all of the sibling rivalry worth while.

After they finished, they came in to warm bowls of soup before nap time. The rest of the day we occupied ourselves with movies, finger painting, and chocolate chip cookies. Mr. Stannix tidied the house tonight before I got home and there's a cool breeze coming in through the balcony. A great start to the weekend!

For the Love of Swinging

We are loving this warm weather!



These crazy monkeys fell in love with this swing today.

"Higher, Mommy, Higher!!"

Lots of laughs were had at the park today!

Joe was enjoying the swings too!

Cowboy Undies

Today I decided to walk up to the mall with the littles and pick up Hyrum some fun undies. We have been working on this potty training thing on and off for a while. He does really good when I remind him, but we still have lots of accidents. Better here than the carpets in our new place! I've been taking it slow, but I think he might be close. I thought some fun undies might help him feel more like a big kid and give him incentive to use the potty. He just couldn't decide between his "cowboy" ones or the monsters.

After our long walk this morning Hyrum and Camilla were pretty pooped and crashed on my bed for their afternoon naps. Joe was still asleep, so I got to snuggle them both for a few minutes. I love watching Hyrum's long dark lashes as he falls asleep, and Camilla always loves a good back scratch before snuggling in.

Joe and I have been having fun hanging out together without his older sibs around.  We went out front and played in the grass for a few minutes. It's a good kite flying day, the wind is pretty strong! 

While the two kiddos finish up their naps, Joseph his working off those crazy thighs of his! I love this chubby little guy. He's been super happy and easy going lately. He gets more and more active by the day and I'm sure he will be crawling along behind his brother and sister in no time! For now he just scoots across the floor on his back.

 

Sunday Snapshots

 The weather has been good to us this weekend! I couldn't resist a few shots of the boys dressed up in their Sunday best beneath the gorgeous pink flowers on the tree in the front yard. Hooray for Spring!

Sold!

 Saturday morning came with waffles, strawberries and homemade syrup. I love Saturday morning breakfasts when we can take our time eating together as a family and no one is in a rush. Joseph hasn't been loving his food lately and gags on pretty much everything. Today we tried peaches...

 He wasn't so much a fan, but finished most of it!

Then Camilla and I went to dance class. Turns out the building was locked and it was canceled today.  I wasn't the only parent confused though. I decided to take advantage of our hour together and we stopped at the park to play. She's growing so big!

We had a nice relaxing afternoon. Mr. Stannix kicked my butt at Skip-Bo TWICE! After the kiddos woke up from their naps we went over to my Grampa's place to surprise him with cupcakes and birthday wishes. We all went out for dinner together and enjoyed the evening.

 Joe was so hungry he could've eaten the whole menu!

On our way back we decided to take the kids to see our new house! Most everything is finalized now and we take possession the end of June, just in time to celebrate our fifth anniversary. It's a sweet little two story with a fenced backyard in a quiet neighborhood. It's just what we need and I am so excited to make the place our own! I won't have to fight spiders to do the laundry and Hyrum won't be able to lock himself in the bathroom anymore.

 

About the only downside I can see right now is that for the first time in our marriage I will have to clean more than one bathroom, but I think I can handle that. We are going to miss our little old house though. As we drove the tree lined streets at dusk I just knew that I will miss the beautiful Elms, especially come Fall.

Kicking off May Long

 My morning started out nice and early when Hyrum woke up. He stood at the end of my bed for a long time watching us. I kept my eyes closed hoping for just a few more minutes of sleep. He soon made his way downstairs and started building towers with his blocks in the office. Before long we were all out on the back deck playing and enjoying the sunshine.

We spent the early afternoon at the park sliding, playing in the sand and collecting rocks and sticks. Hyrum is so big and independent now, it still blows my mind! I love him and his boyish ways. He goes everywhere with his hat on backwards and even naps in it most days.

The littles seem to play so much better together when they are outdoors and unsupervised. I think our cramped little home keeps them from getting the "unsupervised" play they need. I can't wait until they turn the water on at the parks so we can cool off and enjoy making mud pies.

 

Little Joe is six months old today! I can hardly believe half a year has come and gone. He enjoys sitting on his own more now and will often play at my feet or with his brother and sister while sitting. He is definitely getting more and more active each day and has started lifting his little tummy off the ground. Crawling and moving are just around the corner. A part of me is excited for him, and another part of me is sad that he is growing out of his baby ways.

 

 We kicked off the long weekend with homemade pizza and strawberry milkshakes. I love Friday nights. It's great to be with the fam and enjoy spending time with Daddy. Hyrum ran up to him this afternoon exclaiming, "Daddy!" and hugged his legs. Super cute. The littles sure do love that big guy!

Camilla's photog skills!

Happy May Long!

An Hour Ahead

I have been an hour ahead all day today. I knew that we had to get up and out the door pretty early to get to Joe's immunizations. I had fallen asleep in the green chair for the early part of the morning. I heard the front door close twice, once when Faith left for school and again when Daddy left for work. I glanced down at my watch after the second time and decided it was time to start our day. I managed to shower, blow dry my hair, straighten my hair, feed the kids breakfast, and make it to the clinic on foot with three kiddos in tow all by the early hour of 8:00am. The only problem was, Joseph's appointment wasn't until 9:30am. I knew something was wrong when I saw all of these kids biking to school in our neighborhood as we walked. They were either really late, or I was really early. I felt so weird not knowing what the actual time was. So we cruized through the mall and checked out Target, the only store open before 10:00am. The kids did pretty well chilling in the stroller and Joseph ended up falling asleep just as we entered the clinic. He now weighs a whopping 18 and 1/2 lbs.

After the clinic we slipped over to the library for some new books and singing time. It was so fun to see Hyrum singing along and participating. Every time we go he seems so much more mature than the last. He didn't even play on the window ledge half way through like he usually does. We picked up a new bag full of books and movies and then started our walk home. Joseph was quick to fall asleep in the wrap, so we took our time picking dandilions, rocks and sticks along the way. I ended up pushing an empty double stroller all the way home, but the kids were enjoying stretching their legs.

While the boys napped this afternoon I got to spend some time with Camilla. Her naps have been hit or miss lately. I don't know who's more sad about it, her or me. Although I miss my quiet time, I have decided to make the best of the time that her and I get to have together. We sat on the livingroom floor for a long time together and read library books. She asked me to make my legs like a puppy house so that she could climb in and be safe. I love her imagination and her sweet personality. Today at the library she suggested a song to sing infront of the whole group. Even though the program is teacher-led, I am grateful for understanding teachers who are willing to improvise. It's so funny watching miss Camilla in front of a group. She is totally fearless and I can totally picture her as someone who will enjoy drama/dance later in life. It's so fun to recognize talents in my kiddos and I am grateful for them each day!