The Beginning of the End

After six years of hard work Mike's post secondary education came to a close today as he completed day three of the UFE. It's been a day of celebrating in the Stannix family. We are all excited to have him back after all of his long evenings spent studying and working so hard for us. Education is such a blessing and I am so grateful for a husband who values this. I hope that our children will learn from his dedication and hard work in this area of his life, as well as others.

My parents came up today to pick up our littles since Mike and I are flying out on vacation tomorrow sans short people. It's been a hard day for me, anticipating being separated from my dear children for seven whole days. A normal Mamma would probably be jumping up and down with excitement, but I can't stop thinking about how much I will miss them! Just after lunch we all headed over to cheer and congratulate our favorite Daddy as he emerged from his rigerous three day exam. Tears totally welled up in my eyes as he came through the doors. I am so so proud of him! We then enjoyed pizza lunch with his firm and the other UFE writers. Every writer gets a happy meal. All of the writers gave up their awesome toys to my kids, so we now have a bunch of happy meal toys kicking around. Being the only kiddos there, they got a lot of attention.

 

Camilla and Hyrum were pretty excited to go to the acreage for the week. I put Joe in his "Off to Gramma's" shirt for the occasion. I spent the morning soaking in some play time with them. We played Hide n' Seek and soccer in the backyard. After the festivities, Mike and I switched over the carseats and loaded up their bags. We squeezed them each tight before buckling them in. We stood on the sidewalk to wave them off. Mike put his arm around me and held me close as he knew it would be difficult for me. I cried as they drove away, and my eyes remained wet for a while after I went into the house. I told Mike I would get it all out of my system before we left so that we could have fun!

We went out with his firm tonight for more celebrating. We didn't stay too long though. We wanted to take advantage of our time together and decided to hit up a movie. After half an hour of waiting in the theaters, just before the previews evan began we decided we were too tired to stay out so late and exchanged our tickets for passes to come another night. I am looking forward to some much needed sleep, and praying my Mom gets the sleep that she needs tonight with Joe.

Autumn Afternoons

I am loving the refreshing Autumn air. We've had fun outside lately! Both Hyrum and Camilla have been playing in the garden and come in covered in dirt at days end. After dinner we fill the bath up and when we drain the water it is black. I am glad they are having fun being kids, and love watching them play so well together in the backyard. Next Summer we will have an awesome little sandbox for them to enjoy instead. Camilla has been a super helper lately with Joseph. I had to giggle when I found them playing together.

One of my favorite things about Autumn is the colorful leaves contrast against the bright blue sky.

Joseph is getting good with his balance! I love watching him learn.

After Daddy got home we ran some quick errands. We ended the evening by playing together. We dug out the race car and the children each took turns racing. Hyrum was pretty posessive of the remote and his car. It sat on his lap the whole way home and he even wanted to sleep with it!

It was such a gorgeous evening! I love being together as a family. I love watching the children giggle and Mike show off his awesome race car driving skills. Happy memories.

Baking with Little Boys

Ya ever wonder what baking with little boys looks like?

Making cookies with the children is one of my favorite things.

I especially love Hyrum's sound effects.

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!