Balance

Mr. Joseph has started standing on his own. I am so excited for him, but at the same time wish he would slow down already! My only hope is that I don't miss his first steps while we are in Hawaii! Mike begins his first day of three writing the UFE tomorrow. He's had a tricky few years and has succeeded so well at balancing everything. Over the summer he has been studying day in and day out  (over 150 hours) for this big exam. I am so proud of him and his dedication to church, family and career. It hasn't been easy, but it sure feels good to finally be at this point! Sending luck and prayers his way this week!

Cupcakes

Today wasn't your average Sunday. I woke up pretty tired after a rough night with Joseph. I could hear Camilla and Hyrum whispering downstairs. I smiled to myself as I listened to Camilla prepare breakfast for her brother. I've never been more proud. She pushed a chair around the kitchen and managed to get the cheerios, two bowls, spoons and pour the milk. She was pretty excited when I came downstairs and grinned ear to ear as we highfived in our jammies. After church I found myself in need of a chocolate fix, so the littles and I whipped up some chocolate cupcakes.

We spent the rest of the afternoon decorating them with sprinkles.  Camilla was pretty in to it, and looked darling with the halo of sunlight over her head.

Just before dinner Hyrum rediscovered the toilet and in went his flashlights and almost my oven mitts. By then I was pretty much ready to throw in the towel.

But I still love the guy!

Joseph ate more for dinner then Camilla and Hyrum combined. They were probably full of chocolate cupcakes or something like that. "Basagna" is Hyrum's favorite and he hardly touched it. At least Joe liked it!

 

My Little Smurf

Ever since Joseph's hair has started growing in, it's always had this funny cowlick in the back.

The other day after his bath it dried perfectly.

Love this little dude.



Yabba Dabba Doo

Love the way this boy rides barefoot down the block!

Being a Mother

Being a mother means...

Chubby baby fingers holding tight to my sleeve or hair in the wee hours of the morning, pleading to be held onto for just a few minutes longer.

Smushed banana on my shirt from carrying a certain baby boy around all morning long.
Sharing dish duty with a four year old who's anxious to help and get her hands in that sudsy sink of water.

Giving comfort to a crying child.

Sweet baby breaths on my neck from a sleepy boy on my shoulder.

Breaking up fights and arguments and reminding them how much they love each other and how lucky they are.

Watching the older two hold hands as we explore the neighbourhood.

Seeing relationships grow and deepen on a daily bases.

Dancing in the kitchen to our favorite songs.

Numb hands after scrubbing the kitchen floor on my hands and knees to reach all those nooks and crannies missed by a mop.

Homemade bread on my kitchen counters.

Bed time backscratches requested by a little girl.

Being a light sleeper so as to hear all of the happenings from dusk to the moment when that early risers big toe hits the floor at the start of a new day.

Long nights pacing the floor in desperation with a crying babe.

Laying awake at one in the morning remembering where I placed something incase I need it the next day.

Baking with the littles and letting them mix the cookie dough even if most of it ends up on the floor.

Learning what my children love, their passions, desires and talents.

Smiling at each and every accomplishment my children make.

Snuggling next to their warm little bodies at bed time and running my fingers through their blonde hair.



Crazy visits to the grocery store eased slightly by the free cookie at the bakery.

Giggling and talking with the children before bed, learning new things and enjoying the company.

The joy I get when I watch that older brother put his arm protectively around his younger brother as they sit side by side on the floor.

Daily outings on foot or bike to explore nature.

Escaping into Camilla's imagination and letting the worries of the world pass me by.

Learning to bite my tongue and let the kids be kids.


Trying to smile when messes are made, milk is spilled, or there is a trail of brown sugar leading down my stairs.

Watching the children's eyes light up as they learn something new.

Giggling at Joe when he stands on his tippy-toes to reach the piano keys.

Watching their blue eyes sparkle with excitment each day.

Sweet little belly laughs to help brighten a hard day.

Endless spills and messes to be cleaned.
Welling up with emotion when listening to Hyrum or
Camilla sing "I am a Child of God" at bed time.

 Hyrum's voice sweetly telling me "Mornin' Mommy" each and every day.

The overwhelming feeling of love I get each and every time I hug my children or hold them tight.

Sloppy wet kisses from my little guy.

Knock your socks off hugs.

Night time chats with my little girl which leave me hoping that they will continue forever.

Learning new things each and every day.

Trying to be better each and every day, more patient and loving.

Knowing that Heavenly Father is there to guide me whenever I need him.

Today

I got a glorious six hours of sleep in a row last night. After bananas for breakfast Joseph was in serious need of a bath. Into the kitchen sink he went splashing and smiling. It's amazing how much happier a baby can be when they get a good nights sleep!

After he was finally diapered I was busy running around with the other two. I guess Joseph was feeling left out because when I came downstairs I found him scaling the baby gate like a climber on a cliff. There's no stopping him now!

Auntie Emma stopped by and brought the best kind of flowers ever. The kids will enjoy them for the next little while that's for sure!



I ended my evening by going grocery shopping sans kids. I slowly made my way up and down every aisle enjoying my free time. Now my fridge is full of healthy food and my baking supplies replenished. A good end to a busy day!

Toothy Grins

Today I saw a light at the end of this crazy long teething tunnel when Joseph flashed me some toothy grins and giggles. I couldn't believe the mouth full of teeth he had! His personality is becoming so goofy lately. He loves to give a little giggle for some attention. Today he was showing off for me on the floor and every now and then he would glance over and flash me a grin, making sure I was watching.

Crossing my fingers that these grins are going to lead to better sleeps!

Five and Six

Mr. Joseph woke up with a temp early this morning. As soon as I touched my lips to his forehead I knew he was battling something. He was quiet, hot, and clingy all day long. I spent most of my day with him on my chest or snuggled into my shoulder. Nights have been rough and mostly spent on the couch soothing and hushing. Tylonel isn't helping too much either.

All thanks to these bad boys...



Picnic in the Park

As promised, here is a recap of the family reunion we had on the weekend. We all met at a park in the city and enjoyed a potluck lunch and baked goods. It was so fun to get everyone together again, chatting and hanging out on picnic blankets.

All of the littles enjoyed trying out the games and learning how to toss a frisbee. I especially love how concentrated Camilla was before her big throw.

The weather was beautiful! It was nice to relax on the blanket, watch all of the happenings and play with the babies.

Bubble blowing was a huge hit and the supply was practically unlimited!

The kids especially loved when Aunts and Uncles would blow the bubbles for them.

Hyrum seemed to hang pretty close to Grampa. I especially loved glancing over and seeing my Gramma sitting right on the grass next to them enjoying the sun.

And a Hudkins get together wouldn't be complete without a hilarious game of touch football!

There is seriously so many fun pictures, it's hard to choose. Luckily I can always add more to our blog book later on! We were pretty sad for our get together to come to a close, it's always fun to get together with cousins and family!

Until next time...

Little Boy

Today was pretty full! The morning began with family stopping in for a quick visit. Joe enjoyed some snuggles with his Auntie Emma in the sitting room. They were adorable together!

Our afternoon was spent at a park soaking in some family time with the extended family on my Dad's side. It was so lovely to see everyone and enjoy a potluck lunch and yummy desserts. Since there were a couple real photographers around I sat back and enjoyed. Once I get some copies I will post a full review of the afternoons events! For now, here's a snapshot of my handsome little dude. 

That baby-ness is slowly fading and he's turning into a little boy!