Find a Penny, Pick it Up

My sister has been doing some theme photography in between her family shoots. She asked if she could borrow my little blondie for a few hours and came back with these great shots!

Eleven Months

Dear Joseph,

Today you are ELEVEN months old! Only one short month away from a year. You have grown and changed so much in just the last few weeks that it's hard to document every little thing. But I will try my best!

I think that your biggest accomplishment this month is learning to sleep through the night. I didn't push it, but you were getting pretty heavy to rock and I was in desperate need of some extra rest. It didn't take much to coax you into sleeping through the night when you were finally ready to do it. Now, you go to sleep all on your own for every nap and each bed time. We usually put you to sleep first since you're the youngest, and usually the most sleepy. After a bottle, some snuggles and multiple kisses goodnight, we simply lay you in your crib and then listen to you sing yourself to sleep on the monitor. Moments after you settle in for the night, Hyrum and I will sneak in so that he can go to sleep too. You are getting used to sharing a room and hardly wake up when your brother has bad dreams anymore. 

You are getting pretty steady on your feet. Whenever we play downstairs on the carpet you will crawl over to me, stand up and then let go and balance on your own. You get quite excited and like to show off. This week you even took TWO steps all by yourself. We are anxiously awaiting the day you decided to start walking. 

You love playing with Camilla and Hyrum and always try to get in on whatever they are doing together. You're pretty rough and tumble lately and don't mind so much when they smother you in hugs and play on the floor with you. Whenever you are part of the action, you are happy.

You really enjoy being outside and get grumpy with me when I let the older two out to play and keep you inside. We usually end up joining them. Your favorite thing to do is push the car around or dig in my garden. You are getting better at keeping the dirt out of your mouth and in the garden. 

At eleven months you like to talk and visit with anyone who will listen. You recognize when people are leaving and will often wave and shout "Ba-Byeeeee!" It melts our hearts. You are super goofy and giggly. The other day you and Daddy kept shaking your heads at each other and you were laughing pretty hard. 

You love toast, cheerios, peaches, pears, cut up bananas, small pieces of chicken, chili, spaghetti and all sorts of food. You will eat pretty well anything we put in front of you and are a pretty solid kid to pick up.

You have such a great attitude and are a joy to be around! You are often smiling, babbling and checking things out. Thanks for bringing so much happiness to our little family! 

Love ya Joe,

-Mom

A Morning Walk

 The littles woke up a bit grumpy this morning, so I knew it was a day where I needed to keep everyone busy and happy. We made up some colored goop with cornstarch and water, which turned out to be super fun for quite a long time. The science of that stuff still amazes me. Once the sun came out and warmed everything up, we went out for a walk down the trail to our favorite little bridge. 

The Fall colors were amazing, the bright blue sky, the golden glow of the sun and the bright leaves.

 

 The littles love looking at the reflection in the water and throwing rocks over the edge.

My sister was around for the day and made sure to join us! It was great to visit as we walked, and have the extra help with everyone.

 Hyrum is a pretty handsome little man. I adore his big blue eyes and blonde hair. We frequently get stopped on the trail and receive many compliments on his hair. He has such a quiet, pensive personality. He just likes to observe and think. 

 Joe is super close to walking and has even taken a few steps on his own! Lately he is a giggly ball of energy. It makes me want to squeeze him tight and kiss his cheeks all day long. He has become pro at going to sleep on his own which has made both nap and bedtime that much easier for everyone involved. I adore that ball of boy.

 Auntie Emma was great at multi-tasking, holding hands and pushing strollers. I was also super impressed with Camilla's little legs. She peddled a long ways!

In order to walk up to speed I had to lift Hyrum up like this sometimes or else he would end up peddling his legs off to keep up with the speed I was walking. He thought it was hilarious though and compared it to being on a motor bike. The sound effects this boy produces are priceless. We are hanging onto days like these and jumping on opportunities to get outside and have fun!

The Corn Maze

Today we ventured out and got lost in the corn maze! We started our day pretty early when the morning was still brisk and nippy. Even though it was chilly, it was nice to beat the crowds and enjoy the maze. Our first stop was the race track. Camilla hopped right on and started peddling. It surprised me! She made it all the way around twice on her own.

When she rounded the last bend on her final lap she pretended to be super tired and let her arms hang by her side as she peddled. I had to smile.

Hyrum wasn't quite big enough to peddle on his own, so Daddy kindly pushed him around for a lap.

After the kids had their fill of racing, we made our way towards the maze for some exploring. Just outside the maze was a cute little wagon filled with hay and pumpkins. It was the perfect photo-op. The only problem was that my boys' smiles were no where to be found.

Daddy offered to carry Joseph for the morning and they were the best of friends. Joe loved bouncing up and down as Daddy walked and smiled everytime he got me in his sights. I think Daddy enjoyed the extra snuggles.

Hyrum was scared, and cold, but mostly scared. I piggy-backed him majority of our time in the corn. I put him down for a few minutes and he pretty much looked like this the entire time.

But when he was up on my shoulders, he was in heaven! He loved trying to look over the corn and help us find our way.

It wasn't until near the end that Hyrum enjoyed getting down and running around the maze, leading the way. Camilla was pro at answering the questions at the different posts and saying "left" or "right". I love her energy and enthusiasm. 

 

At one point she had a fallen stick of corn and she was holding it as high as she could in the air so that the people on the other trails would be able to see it and laugh at the corn moving through the field. She cracks me up!

When we finally exited the maze we made our way over to the animals. The kids watched the pigs and goats for a while. 

I couldn't help but snap a shot of my handsome husband holding his little man. 

Those two melt my heart.

The kids absolutely loved this bouncing pillow. Camilla helped her brother up by pushing his bee-hind and then she would take a running start from all the way back at the fence to get enough speed to make it to the top. 

Just before we left we checked out the giant mountain of hay bails. Camilla loved climbing and jumping off. Man that girl is a looker! I adore her.

All in all a morning well spent! We came home to hot turkey sandwiches and afternoon naps for ALL! It was wonderful to spend a chill day together as a family. It's nice to be able to enjoy each others company and really be able to listen to the children. They have such sweet and special spirits. I ended my day feeling very thankful and blessed for all that I have. I couldn't have asked for better kids, or a better husband. Mike is so patient with everyone and works so hard to provide for us. I am so glad for this time of year and the way it fills me with gratitude.

A Homegrown Thanksgiving

We held our first official Thanksgiving in our new home. Since today was such a busy day, I did a lot of my cooking yesterday. I made up the dressing and pies in the morning and whipped up a batch of buns after the kids were in bed. After I got the turkey in the oven this morning we all got ourselves ready for church. I had to give a talk and teach young women's. Camilla saw me curling my hair and decided she might like some too. My goodness it made her look so grown up! She and Hyrum looked adorable and I had to take a picture of the two of them before we left.

Nana and Auntie Faith came up to enjoy the Holiday with us. Nana came to church with us this morning to help Mike out with the littles while I was speaking. It was great to spend the day with them.

 

When we got home from church the house smelled amazing! Turkey-lurkey was cooking up fabulously and browned up really nice. The flavor was incredible! There is nothing better than a homegrown turkey. Thanks Mum and Dad for raising such deliciously huge Turkeys and sharing them!

Mr. Stannix carved it up for me while I put the finishing touches on dinner. It's kind of his thing and he's gotten really good at it! 

This is the first time we've had a kitchen this big to dine in. Usually we are crammed into our tiny pocket kitchens with our elbows touching as we visit and enjoy. The extra space sure was nice this year!

 

Joseph pretty well licked his bowl clean. He is a huge fan of dressing, potatoes and gravy!

 

This was also my first year making pie crust! Usually my mamma does it, or I just buy them and make my own filling. I used my Mum's recipe and it actually turned out okay. Next time I'll roll them out a little thinner and they will be perfect! I made one apple and one pumpkin.

 

When it was time for everyone to leave, Joseph gave the cutest waves. I love the new things he learns each day and I couldn't get over how sweet his chubby little hands were as they waved good-bye.

 

We've had a great time visiting with family this weekend and are looking forward to spending the day together with Daddy tomorrow! Happy Thanksgiving to all of our friends and family.

Spot Lighting my Favorite Girl

 It's been a while since this little girls sweet face popped up on the blog. I thought it was time to do another update on my big girl. She is such a good kid and it's easy to forget to pay attention with two rambunctious little boys. But those moments when I sit still and snuggle her close and she talks my ear off... those are some of my favorite moments. 

Before I left to volleyball the other night she and I were sitting on the couch waiting for Auntie, Uncle and her favorite lady, Naomi to arrive. She sat close to me and talked pretty much non-stop for a good ten minutes. It made me realize how much she has grown up over the last little while. Her little mind moves quick and makes her seem four going on ten. I am torn between homeschooling and sending her to school. She talks about school all the time and how much she wants to go. I think she would thrive in a classroom environment and would love socializing and making new friends. But a part of me loves her being at home with me taking chances, getting messy, and making mistakes as we learn together.

When we went to pick up Daddy at the airport she started singing the "Green means Go" song at a red light. Her version went something like this...

"Green means Go, Yellow means Slow, and Red means FAST FAST FAST!"

Who taught her that I wonder? It made me laugh.

Back scratches are kind of our thing. I will often scratch her legs, arms, back, draw on her face with my finger tip and play with her hair while we visit. She loves it, and it makes her sleepy. Sometimes she will tell me, "If you want to do all of those tonight, I don't mind..."

Camilla has a contagious little belly laugh and a special love for life. I admire the sparkle in her eye and the energy in her step.

Lately, she has become such a big help with her brothers. The other night Hyrum got out of bed while I was feeding Joe his night time bottle. I asked if she wouldn't mind helping her brother back to bed and she gladly obliged. I listened from the other room as she said, "it's okay, Hyrum, go back to bed now". She tucked him in and kissed him good-night.

Her imagination is the best! The other day the trampoline transformed into a ball pit, only we couldn't touch the balls because they were poison. She and Hyrum also love to play "Garbage Man" where they pretend they are a garbage man and tackle the other one down. Seriously, where do they think up this stuff. I love the things she comes up with!

When we were driving in the car the other day she asked, "Did Heavenly Father make us with tools?"

Most mornings lately she has gotten into the habit of getting herself dressed and making her bed. Sometimes she even makes Hyrum's bed too!

I love this girl so so much!

A Pretty Cool Lady

Auntie Emma has been hanging out here quite a bit lately and we love it!

The kids sure enjoy playing with her.

This morning we had an impromptu photo shoot.

 Hyrum totally wears those glasses well. We need to get him some in his own size. I love how serious he is, and I adore his thumbs up!

Joe was all giggles today too! Can't wait to pick up Daddy tonight! Oh how we've missed him!

Hanson Concert

A few months ago a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to go see Hanson with her. Of course I said yes! Monday night was the night! My awesome siblings came to watch the littles and a few of us carpooled to Festival Place to sing and dance along with the band. I loved the venue. Even though we were in the second last row, it still felt super close to the stage. The only concerts that I have been to were huge and at Rexall. It was nice to be in more of an "intimate" music enjoying environment. 

The opener was pretty good and had amazing voice range, but when Hanson came on everyone went crazy! I also discovered something about myself. I think I am more of the band geek concert going type just because I am super reserved and okay with sitting the whole time. Since the whole front row was standing and everyone in the very back, our group decided to join in. It was great to be there with such fun ladies who were able to help me get out of my comfort zone and rock out with them!

 

I didn't know many of their newer songs, but it was okay because they also mixed in a lot of their older stuff! Love their voices and their harmony. Music is so good for the soul and I definitely enjoyed listening and singing along!