Keeping it Real

This afternoon Joseph was playing in the laundry basket and filled his diaper. A few minutes later when I was sure he was done I went to change it and found that it had been filled to the point of oozing out the top and making a nice little pile behind him as well. It was the kind of diaper that called for an impromptu bath. Just as I got him out the timer went off for the bread and buns in the oven. Joseph layed naked in the hallway on his towel chanting "Da-Da-Da" over and over again while eating his chubby, freshly clean, little toes. I rinsed his cloth diaper and cleaned up the mess. Soon I had Camilla at my feet in the kitchen asking for fresh bread and honey, a baby who needed to be diapered quick before things got out of hand, and buns that were getting extra golden brown. It was one of those moments where I just had to laugh at the chaos and enjoy the fact that my home is filled with children running or rolling around my feet, demanding my attention and giving me the hugs and kisses that I need, just when I need them. Once things settled, and I had gotten a diaper on Joseph I enjoyed blowing raspberries on his chubby tummy and pressing my lips against his soft baby skin. Now for that bread and honey...

Navigating Life

How did June sneak up on us so fast? I feel as though it was just April. A lot of exciting things are happening for us this month. In just a few short weeks we get possession of our first home and celebrate five years of marriage. The best part is that Mike is on UFE leave for the summer and only has a few weeks of work left before his hardcore days of studying and hanging out with us begin.

I started packing boxes yesterday. I always wish I could leave it for last minute because taking down pictures and packing up books and trinkets makes our home feel so empty. So I fill a box here and there when I have a few minutes and stack them in the office. The children aren't sure what to think, except that they like playing in the boxes. I am so excited to move and get settled and make our house a home. I managed to get our utilities all taken care of today. I laugh because every time I get on the phone the kids have a million things they want to ask me.

At lunch time Hyrum decided to throw his gazillionth tantrum of the day complete with yelling at the top of his lungs, shoving food away, and tears. I managed to stay calm and we worked through it. Eventually he stopped, but he still refused to eat his lunch. I took a leftover pancake from breakfast, rolled it up and stuck it in his hand. When I peeked back in, all was quiet and he had gobbled it up.  He's my pancake lover. He would eat them three times a day if he could. As I looked at him sitting at the table with pancake stuffed cheeks, I couldn't help but smile. I asked if it was good and got a nod in response. I was filled with such immense love for my blonde little man. It's hard navigating this world as a toddler.

Joseph is getting more and more active each day and now tries to lift himself up onto his knees when he's playing in the laundry basket resulting in a face plant. I'm afraid the days of letting him play in there are coming to a close. He talks almost none stop now and is so curious about the world around him. He's always saying "Da-Da" or "Mamamamamamama". It brings a smile to my face. I love when he tries to join our conversations or talk to his siblings.

After dinner Camilla spotted a wasp in the kitchen. We all evacuated and left it up to Daddy to kill it. He went out to the garage and grabbed a hockey stick. Soon Hyrum was by his side with his mini-stick. It was cute watching them both together at the doorway waiting for the wasp to come out of hiding. It was a very eventful evening. We watched it buzz around for so long that I even took a bathroom break. It was pretty funny.

Bed times have been a gong show to the point where they almost stress me out now. It's becoming harder and harder to settle all three littles into the same room. I am so looking forward to having an extra room in our new place to help with the chaos. Hyrum takes forever to fall asleep lately and after all of our hard work, Camilla deliberately wakes him up after we go downstairs because she wants him to sleep with her in her bed. We were almost one kid less tonight. Jokes aside, I do love them and I do love that they have been so good at sharing. We're just at a rough patch right now. I blame it on the sunlight that pours into their bed room windows begging them to play outside for just a little longer.

Summer Splendors

We are loving these long Summer days.

So many afternoons have been spent playing outside,

laying on the grass, chasing bubbles,

playing with sidewalk chalk,

and soaking up the sun.

Today Camilla asked to sit up high in the front yard tree.

I love that tree, and I will miss it when we move.

She sat up there and sang songs for quite a while.

Hyrum ran around the yard blowing bubbles and dodging bugs.

He's in his own little world most of the time,

and just enjoys the outdoors.

I love him and his big blue eyes.

 Joseph just sits in the middle of it all and watches,

while he eats grass of course.

Oh summer, how we love you!

Tonight I was delighted with giggles in my livingroom

while Daddy dressed Joseph.

There is nothing better than baby giggles.

I adore my boys!

Saturday Spoils

Today was a long, full day! We were all up bright and early to get ready for various activities. Mr. Stannix went for a hike with the young men this morning. The children and I got to venture out and ride the city bus to Camilla's dance class. They were pretty excited about the whole thing. Luckily it's still a novelty so they sit in aw and wonder the entire time. Joseph fell asleep in the carrier on the way there which made life a lot easier. We got a super nice bus driver who made the kids helicopters out of the transfer tickets and gave them to us when we got off. It was nice to walk and explore the city, and thankfully the weather was nice too! While Camilla was at her class the boys and I played at the park. I chased Hyrum around for a little while. I love hearing that boy giggle. When we went to pick up Camilla she was waiting in the drama room patiently to show her teacher a dance move she had mastered. It was cute. Although this class is a fun, low key class, miss Camilla takes it pretty seriously. I love that girl and her talent for music.

We took the bus home again and as we walked we passed by Bonnie Fest. Our community puts it on every year around this time and it's great for the little kids. 

 Camilla was pretty excited about the petting zoo, she would have stayed all afternoon if I'd let her! The animals are always super friendly.

I love that they let the kids sit and hold them all.

 

This one little goat seemed to love Camilla. It was adorable. Nothing like baby goat kisses!

 Hyrum loved petting things, but stayed pretty close to my side. I'm sure it would have been easier for me to help him if I didn't have Joseph sleeping in the carrier. Hyrum was so patient.

 Eventually I did manage to get him that friendly baby goat to cuddle. He was so gentle and loving with the little thing. His facial expressions were priceless, I should have captured them a lot better. That little smirk of his gets me every time. Camilla got to hold a little piglet. It was pretty squealy, but thanks to a friend, we got it to calm down for a few minutes on Camilla's lap. They were sad to leave, until Camilla bolted off to the bouncy castles!

When they were finally bounced out, we decided to check out the booths quick, grab some cool stuff and head home for lunch. The kids got little balloon animals and a free mini slurpee. They had a lot of fun! Hyrum was pretty tired and zoned out on the stroller ride home.

 

After lunch and naps we headed out to my cousins for a little birthday party! I'll have to post more on that later, since I forgot my camera and need to steal pictures from my sister. The kids loved playing with their little second cousins and it was super great to see my sister! I do think it's about time for bed. Joe is finally yawning, we'll see how lucky I get in the sleep department tonight...

Some Randoms

 A few random shots for today. 

Yesterday afternoon the kids decided to make our couch into an airplane. 

They flew to a zoo, and saw a school, and a park!

It sounded pretty exciting from the kitchen where I was cleaning up dinner.

I especially loved Camilla's vegetable soup mustache. 

These kiddos are growing like weeds!

Joe has been getting a lot of attention lately from his older siblings.

This afternoon Hyrum came down from his nap and snuggled up on Joe's lap.

He let Joe play with his sweaty hair while he finished waking up.

It was too cute not to run for the camera. 

Joseph loves playing with hair and is constantly tangling his chubby

fingers into everyone's hair.

Brothers are the best!

Puddle Jumping in Overalls

Hyrum woke from his nap today with that wet curly hair I love so much. "Can get me a cup, Mommy?" He was one thirsty boy. He stood in the kitchen with sleepy eyes while he chowed down on a fresh cinnamon bun (which he called "bee-sagna" because they were in the lasagna dish). I'm certain it was his nose that woke him up. We played on the floor in the living room for a little while. He would run at me for a hug and tackle me down.  Each time I fell to the floor he would burst into giggles with his arms around my neck. He's so rough and tumble now. While Camilla was finishing up her snooze we snuck out to the front yard to splash in this morning's puddles. He was in heaven!

 I could have photographed him all day long. I got a few cute pictures of his overalls and messy hair, as well as an adorable video of his little voice. Just as we would get inside, he would sneak out the door right away again. There is nothing better than the fresh air and sunshine for this boy, and I couldn't be happier.

Capturing Joy

Today my goal was to capture joy. After Joseph woke up from his nap we all got ready to explore some more of the ravine. We rushed out the door in such a hurry that I locked myself out. I've lost count of how many times I've done that. Camilla suggested I lift her in through the window and she could unlock the door for me again. After a few minutes, we were on our way, keys in hand. It was a nice, slow walk all the way there. We enjoyed listening to the birds and spotting airplanes. We took a new trail which led us to a nice little bridge where Camilla and Hyrum enjoyed throwing rocks into the creek below. I enjoyed snuggling Joe and listening to his baby belly laughs.

Soon it was time to head home. We looped around on another path, taking our time as we went. The littles picked up rocks of all sorts and ran and skipped along the way. Joe started getting hungry so we stopped at a quiet stairway for a quick nurse. The older two ran up and down and up and down until their legs got tired. The sky started to darken as the clouds rolled in. The sun soon hid and the air became chilly. My red face welcomed the change.

 

We made our way back down to the stroller and loaded up while the thunder rumbled and the dark skies threatened rain.  We got to the top of the big long hill just as the giant rain drops started to fall. Camilla hurried along side me, hand in mine, as I pushed the boys in the stroller. She's always been super scared of thunder, so I started giggling to try and keep her mind of it and ya know what? It worked. Camilla and I ran and danced and stuck our tongues out for rain drops the whole way home. 

By the time we reached the front steps I was glad I had gotten my house keys before we left. I let the two older kids off at the door and ran to the garage to put the stroller away as the rain picked up. I scooped Joe out of the stroller, locked the garage and ran all the way back to the house. We were all soaked. After some lunch and hot chocolate, Camilla and Hyrum cozied up in their beds for a nice nap, and they are still asleep.

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.