Picnic in the Park

 On day two I woke up bright an early to little whispers in the next bed. The very first thing Hyrum said was, "Camilla, I'm HUNGWY!" The room was still dark thanks to some awesome curtains. Camilla tried coaxing him back to sleep with a back rub. While that was going on Hyrum whispered, "Camilla, are YOU thinkin' about goin' home? 'Cause I'M thinkin' about goin' home..." I almost giggled out loud. Then he said, "Where's Mom?" And up we all got to start our day. Breakfast was included with our stay which is the way to go when traveling with littles. It was sure great not to have to load up hungry kids and find a place to eat. After a bowl of cereal, muffins and some nasty orange juice, we were on the road again. With zero radio stations and no cell reception, we opted for a movie for the littles.

Shortly before arriving in Langley, Joseph pulled Daddy's swim trunks around his head to help him fall asleep. He likes things close to his face as he sleeps. When he started complaining we cracked the windows a bit. This was a frequent occurrence as we drove. The sound of the wind would put him to sleep almost instantly. 

We were able to check into our hotel early.  Most of our family was already there since they flew out the day before. We visited at the hotel for a bit and then headed across the city to the Jensen's to visit for the rest of the day. Naomi's Dad offered to drive some of us to the park in his nifty old car. Mike was in heaven.

We had a picnic and spent most of the afternoon at the park. I couldn't get over the leaves and green grass! It was beautiful there! While the children played, a few more people went for a spin in the car. It totally suited my Grampa.

 I think that car was the highlight of the day for a lot of us!

The littles enjoyed the freedom to run after being in a van for two days!

Joseph had a good time on the swings and refused to get off for lunch.

 Camilla enjoyed the challenge of climbing this huge rock in the middle of the park. It made me nervous watching her navigate her way up and down, carefully placing her feet in the nooks and crannies of the rock face. She enjoyed being up there for quite a while. 

 When I got tired of pushing this little guy, Daddy happily took over. He really enjoyed the extra time he got to spend with the kids on our little "vacation".

 Grampa and Hyrum checked out a nearby creek and we ended up taking a few family photos there.

When everyone else headed back to the house, we took a quick drive up to Golden Ears Provincial Park for some more family photos with my Sis (coming soon). We got a few pictures in before the rain came! It was cold! We quickly retreated to our cars and went back to the Jensen's for a family BBQ. It was great to visit with everyone and get to know Naomi's family more!

Our hotel room was amazing since we got a joined room. We put the three kids to bed in our room and then moved the older two out to the hide-a-bed after we finished visiting for the night. I had to giggle when I went in to check them and saw Mr. H taking up the whole bed. They were pretty pooped from the days events!

Breaking in the Minivan

Last week we took the littles on a road trip to Vancouver for my little brother's wedding! We split the drive there into two days. The first day we traveled a whole eight or so hours to Merritt. The kids did great! I enjoyed the mountain views while we drove through Jasper. Camilla packed her little toy camera without me knowing and asked me for it once we hit the mountains. For a good chunk of our drive we heard it power on and then she clicked away, ohhing and awwing at her surroundings. I think we could have stopped at seeing mountains this vacation and she would have been happy.

"Oh! I HAVE to take a picture of that!" she would say. Click. "Mom! Look at that!" Click. Everytime Mr. Stannix and I heard that shutter go we would chuckle to ourselves. I may end up giving her my old point and shoot when I finally upgrade. 

Driving through the mountains is always magical to me. I love the breathtaking views of those snowcapped mountains. Another favorite part of the drive for me was when leaves suddenly appeared on the trees and all was green. The contrast to back home was crazy.

The clock in the van automatically changed at the right spot (according to the GPS). The kids were getting restless, so we pulled off in Valemount for some lunch at A&W. They drank their juice, nibbled a few french fries and ran and ran. 

On the last leg of the trip, Joseph started whining quite a bit. Ketchup chips were the only thing keeping him happy at that point. We pulled into our hotel not long after with a very red toddler. He was glad to get out and stretch while Daddy checked us in.

We hit up the pool first thing. It was all the kids could talk about since we left. It wasn't as kidfriendly as I remembered it, but Camilla eased her way into the 3ft deep pool and walked around a bit.

With a lot of coaxing we got Hyrum to go down the water slide. After a few times he fell in love and Daddy took him a good five more times before we went up to our room. Joseph enjoyed it well enough and while we swam in the pool he would point to the slide and say, "Ooo-Hoo!" I could only convince Camilla to go with me once, and she hated it. It was "too dark and scary".

We then dried off as best we could and put on our shoes to head back out to our room. We were greeted by a nice little downpour of rain. Daddy went next door to grab a pizza for dinner and I bathed and jammied the littles. After their bellies were full they were easily tucked in and fell asleep before 8:30. Mr. Stannix and I went to bed shortly after and enjoyed almost twelve full hours of rest to prep us for the last bit of driving the next day.

Mother's Day

We drove home all the way from Vancouver yesterday and got in late last night. I think we were all glad to see our own beds! Sadly, the children went to bed really late and got up really early which resulted in an interesting morning while we all got ready and rushed to make it to church on time. I love hearing all of the great talks on Mother's Day Sunday, but sometimes when I hear about all of these amazing women I can't help but wonder if or when I will ever be that amazing. I sometimes cringe when people compliment me on how great I am doing as a mother because I can see all of my short comings. I've been told that I am patient, but I sure didn't feel patient this morning amidst shouting, whining children, door slamming, and tears. I've been pondering this a lot today, on the day that I should be trying my hardest to be my best. I guess what I am trying to say is that I am a mother, I am trying my hardest, but I am also human. Thankfully tomorrow is another day with no mistakes in it yet.

As I've pondered motherhood today with all of it's divinity and difficulty, my appreciation has grown for my own mother. She has so many admirable qualities such as patience, love unfeigned, charity, and grace. I can tell that she values and cherishes womanhood and motherhood, and I am so glad I've had her as an example. It is in those tough times when I am doing laundry for the hundredth time, or cooking meals without thanks that I think of her and all of the quiet service she has rendered to her family. I admire her for working so hard for us without the expectation of thanks. I cherish her wisdom and the advice she gives during those tough times. She truly is an amazing woman and I love her dearly!

Happy Mother's Day, Mum!

Nursery Take Two

Our Sunday morning began very early, as in, before 6:00am. Thankfully I had made cinnamon buns after the littles were in bed and they each enjoyed one first thing to keep their hunger at bay. I nodded in and out of sleep for an hour or so while they played around me until it was finally time to get ready for church. Camilla dressed herself quickly and then I braided her hair. Joseph was next and wore a sweater to stay extra warm on this chilly Sunday. Hyrum fought and fought getting dressed, so I left him to Daddy. Daddy finally convinced him by calling his white pants his dancing pants. He got dressed just in time to fly out the door to the church. 

It was an enjoyable Sunday. We had a member of the second quorum of the seventy attend our sacrament meeting. We have had a no toy policy for the last month or so and the kids are doing so well with it! Camilla always sneaks a teddy to church and I have a few books they can look at, but for the most part they sit very reverently. I have a theory that the more things you bring to keep your kids busy, the busier they are. We also found that they fought over things more. Most times now it's just a few books and maybe some paper and a writing utensil. It's not for every kid, but it's worked for ours. Joseph is adjusting well to nursery and I will probably leave him on his own next time. He clicks his tongue to tell me he's hungry and loves snack time! He also got super involved in singing time while I lingered at the back of the room to give him space. He got a few toys taken away from him, but didn't seem to mind so much. I supposed he's used to it with two older siblings. I tried to stand in the distance and let him fend for himself a bit. He did so well! 

Joseph fell asleep in the car on the way home while Hyrum cried about the lenses being punched out of his 3D glasses. I carried Joseph up to his bed when we got in and made lunch for the rest of us. Once we were done the older two went downstairs to play. I wasn't feeling well thanks to the yucky weather and a busy weekend, so I went up and snuggled into Joe's bed for a snooze. I managed to get about an hour and I gladly took it! We all played downstairs for the rest of the afternoon and then had spaghetti for dinner. I have a love hate relationship with spaghetti. The children LOVE it and clean up their plates, but I HATE how it gets all over Joseph (and the house). I held him as far away from me as I could while I carried him up for a tubby. I love his little round belly and crazy hair!

While he bathed the older two became engaged in a make-believe game of Quidditch. Hyrum was Harry and Camilla was Ron (which she pronounces rone). It was pretty funny!

We enjoyed the company of good friends after dinner. We enjoyed dessert and games. Joseph had a hard time falling asleep, so we cracked the door and left him to it. I came back up to find him nestled on his pillow in his favorite sleep position, arms tucked beneath his tummy. A total heart melter. I threw some covers over him and kissed him goodnight before tucking Hyrum in for the night.

All in all, a pretty busy day, much like most days with three littles. But at the end of the day when I sit down to reflect and write, my heart is always filled with gratitude. I loved being able to spend some extra time with Mike this weekend. I also loved seeing him spend time with the kids. He took the older two to the movies Saturday night and they were just tickled to do something with Daddy. He is such a great Dad!  We had a few bumps in the road today, but every time I peek in on my kids sleeping at days end, I am just filled with so much love! I am one lucky lady!

All Too Sudden

Today Mr. Stannix had a well deserved day off work. He has had some brutally late nights this week. I am so glad tax season is finished! He was busy today running errands, one of which was to pick up a single bed that my Aunt offered us. He got home late in the afternoon. We didn't really want to store it in the garage, so we got to work setting it up and arranging the boy's room. Joe and the older two played on the bed while we did some organizing and shifting of furniture. He was pretty excited about his new bed!

Flash forward to bed time. It was a gong show. I couldn't for the life of me recall how we did this with Hyrum and since we had already taken down the crib, there was no turning back. I left the room and he cried, so I stayed a while. Hyrum joined us shortly after and I snuggled him and did the traditional arm rub. He was asleep in seconds. While my back was turned to Joe I heard him saying, "Bye!" over and over again. I turned around to see him scooching to the end of his bed, ready to leave the room! I switched beds. We snuggled a bit, he played a bit, tossed and turned, giggled. I tried to stay as serious as I could. Finally his belly laughs were just too good and I tickled him just so I could hear more. Then Daddy came up and whispered jokingly, "Hey! I thought you were supposed to be putting him to bed!"  Joseph and I both smiled at each other. Then I closed my eyes. When I peeked again he was looking right at me with his index finger on his nose saying, "shhh, shhh". He would poke at my nose and eyes and whisper, "Mamma, Mamma" over and over again. I love when he calls me that. After a good hour or so, I kissed him goodnight and closed the door. 

I went downstairs, rinsed some dishes and cleaned the bathroom, all the while listening to him on the monitor and trying to ignore the odd "thunk!". I only hoped he wouldn't wake his brother! FINALLY at 9:30, there was silence on the monitor. I listened outside his door for a few minutes and then cracked it open. I found him on the floor in front of the door and barely had enough room to squeeze in!

I scooped him up and put him in his bed beside his "oof" (all puppies, kitties, anything furry are sweetly referred to as "oof" by this kid). We'll see how tonight goes. I'm crossing my fingers he sleeps through until morning!

As excited as I am for him, a part of me aches for that little baby that he once was. Each time something like this happens it's just one more step to being a big boy. I'm sure I'll blink, and this transition will all be over. A distant memory like Hyrum and Camilla's crib to bed transitions. My heart drops a little when I see the crib in pieces, leaning against the wall, waiting to be put away. Since these three have been so close, we have never really put away the crib before. I just feel like it all happened so suddenly and I didn't have time to prepare for it. Though I'll miss my "baby Joe", I love watching the little boy he's becoming!

Portraits at the Park

 I took some snapshots of the kids at the park the other day, just so I could remember them in that moment with all of their great qualities.

 This boy...Quiet, Pensive, Optimistic, One track mind, Caring,

Sweet, Sensative...

 Friendly, Loving, Giant blue eyes, Cute toddler hands...

 This boy...Can't resist splashing, Loves to explore, Curious, Learns through touch, Starting to venture away from his Mamma now and then, Becoming independent...

 Serious, Goofy, Always thinking, Still likes to hold my hand.

 This girl...Charismatic, Spunky, Friendly, Fun loving, Adventurous, Always learning, Smartie pants, Endless energy, Beautiful, A helper, Thoughtful, Considerate, Kind.

 

Keep the warm weather comin'!

Three

 Hyrum is three years old today! It still feels like just yesterday that we brought him home to our little white house. He was instantly adored by his big sister. Just this morning Camilla asked me, "how come Hyrum is three and still looks like he's two?" He is such a sweet little boy and I am so happy to have him in our family. We celebrated early with cupcakes for breakfast before Daddy left to work. 

We all sang him "Happy Birthday". He got pretty bashful and smirked through the whole song. I got Camilla to grab a picture of him with Daddy and I before he dove into his cupcake. I sure love that boy!

I spent a few minutes today going through old pictures and remembering just how tiny he really was. He is still tiny in a lot of ways. His legs have stretched into string beans and his arms have outgrown his jammie top. His eyes are bright blue and his eyelashes still long. When he was a baby I would always admire his long eyelashes while he slept. 

 He came into my room bright and early this morning and told me that he saw the sun shining through his curtains. He has such a love of life. Every day he asks me "What day is today, Mommy" and I'll say, "It's Tuesday" (or whatever day it is). He will then say, "Great! I love Tuesday!" He loves every day and plunges into each one with both feet. Though he likes to say "no" and exercise his agency, he has a tender little heart. His feelings get hurt really easily (just like his Mamma) and he likes to please. He loves to hug and protect his little brother (and push him over sometimes). He is also so good and patient with his big sister and likes to follow her lead with a shrug and a smile. I adore his little manners and the way he responds with a timid but sure, "No Thank-you" when I ask him if he wants to do this or that. 

 He wore his favorite shirt today, and I was able to capture some of his personality at the park. I can't believe how big and handsome he is. Please stop growing up! We love ya, Buddy!

At My Feet

All of us enjoyed a few minutes of sleep this afternoon.

Joseph was the first to awake.

He played at my feet in the kitchen while I prepped dinner for the oven.

The cranberry chicken will be smelling yummy in a little while.

While he raced his car he enjoyed a cold pancake from breakfast.

Love him and his messy bed head.

First Attempt at Nursery

 Today we snuck Joe into nursery. In another week or so he can officially go on his own! He played super awesome for the first bit. Then I snuck out to take Mr. H potty and he lost it when he looked around and realized I was gone. He cries so hard sometimes that he has been known to turn purple. They rushed him out quick to find me because he was holding his breath. We all went back and got settled in again. He kept clicking his tongue at me to tell me he was hungry. Luckily, snack time wasn't too far away! Mr. Stannix and I swapped out for the last hour so that I could teach my lesson. After some more play time and some tired wimpers, he fell asleep on Daddy's shoulder and finished off nursery snuggled in Daddy's suit jacket in the corner. Cutest thing ever. So glad Daddy thought to take a picture for me!

When church was finished we came home for lunch. I changed Joe's diaper and let him out of his church clothes. I could help but snuggle him close and smooch his cheeks. I love when my babies smell like fresh laundry!

 

Love this little man and am excited for his nursery adventures to continue. Hyrum proudly told everyone he met today that his little brother would be coming to nursery with him! He took such great care of him, made sure he got turns on the slide, and patted his head for good measure. It was lovely to watch!

Days End

It's just before 6:00am when my eyes flutter open. I close them and tell my subconscious to keep thinking it's night time so that Joseph doesn't sense that I'm already awake and decide it's time to get up. Of course, a few minutes later I hear the boys door blast open and Hyrum's feet run across the hallway and to my bedside. I pull him in for a quick snuggle before Joseph loudly protests from his crib. Soon all of the children are awake and want breakfast pronto. Since I've been avoiding the grocery store until we absolutely need to go there was no hope of pouring them cereal and curling up on the couch. I switch on my griddle, crack three eggs onto a plate, and slice some bread for french toast. Within a few minutes our whole house smells of cinnamon.  I hear the faucet turn on upstairs. Daddy is awake now. The children are little blurs running around the kitchen, full of energy and ready to seize the day. I sit them down at the table with a warm breakfast and watch them eat. It feels good to be able to provide for them. And it's all thanks to Daddy who works so hard for us at the office. When he comes downstairs he is warmly welcomed by all of our littles. He eats, kisses us all good-bye and heads to work for the day. 

After breakfast is done we make our way upstairs to get dressed. The older two have already begun a game of pretend with some small toys they have already brought up from the basement. Joseph reads books in his crib while I get ready and make my bed. Then I help the older two with their morning chores, asking for the millionth time for them to get dressed and assisting them while they make their beds. We then kneel for family prayer in one of their bedrooms. Joseph plops on his bum, smiles wide, and folds his chubby little hands while Hyrum prays a sweet little prayer. After everyone has been blessed in the family (some of us twice) he closes his prayer and I am tackled to the floor in a big group hug. When those moments happen, I feel so so blessed. I love when things click and our day goes along without too many hitches. 

By the time 8:00am rolls around the whole upstairs is tidy and the children are asking for a snack since breakfast was "SOOO long ago". After their bellies are happy again, I move the chairs out of the kitchen so I can mop the floor. The littles quickly turn the group of chairs into a tent and begin a game of camping and hiking in the entryway. I mop the floor, knowing it will be crummy and sticky again by lunch. When the floor is dry, I move the chairs from the front entry and we go for a brisk walk to the mail box. We wave at our neighbours as the littles skip along, hand in hand.  Once we return, we head to the toys for a morning of imaginative play. I love sitting there with them and observing how they interact with one another. I slip upstairs to grab some laundry and come back to Hyrum fast asleep. His upper body is on the couch while his toes rest on the floor and his arms dangle off the edge. It's not even lunch time yet and my little guy who claims he's "too big to nap" is fast asleep. I pull him onto the couch and he curls his body up as I cover him in a blanket. Joseph grins at me from across the room and my heart totally melts. Every time he wraps his chubby fingers around mine my soul is awakened and I am overcome with joy and love. I scoop him up and kiss his face all over while he giggles in my ear and tangles his fingers in my hair. Being a mother is the best job in the world I say.

For lunch the littles request "Samiches" with peanut butter and jelly. Within minutes they are all gobbled up, except for the crusts which Camilla always leaves behind on her plate. I smile as I clear the table. Joseph keeps me company and babbles my ear off while I work. I wash his hands and face for the tenth time and set him free to play. He toddles at my feet while I tidy the kitchen, exploring the cupboards and spilling his drink here and there. He hugs my leg for a brief moment while I wash the dishes and extreme love and gratitude overcomes me. I am so glad that little guy is mine. 

The afternoon brings friends and more playing. It makes me happy to see my children get along with others. In the late afternoon I start dinner and the children go outside to play. The ground is still soaked from all of the rain, but the sun has warmed the air. It doesn't take long before their boots are caked with mud and fingers and faces are dirty, but they are having fun. I call them in to wash for dinner and they tell me all about their adventures while we eat. I am surprised because they actually eat their plates clean. Sweet and sour ribs, rice/quinoa, broccoli and cheese sauce might become a more frequent meal around here. I am so pleased that they each get a small bowl of ice cream while I tidy the table. 

(If you look closely you'll see Joseph's chubby toe prints on my table)

After dessert the sun is still shining brightly and begging us to go outside. We stay out until close to bed time. I take Joseph in for a bath and let the older two enjoy their time on the trampoline without having to be careful of their baby brother. I crack the window in my bedroom upstairs so that I can hear them while I bathe Joe. I smile as I wipe dirt from his nose and listen to the older two giggle in the distance. Then they come in for the night, ready for a warm bath and clean jammies. 

And now here we are at days end. One kid asleep and the older two snuggled up to a bedtime movie. Toys are strewn all over the basement and dishes are piled high on my counters. I plan to tackle it all after the littles are in bed and while Mr. Stannix is on his way home from work. Bedtime is my favorite time and I always sigh a breath of relief after I've had the pleasure of tucking in the last kid for the night (after the second potty break and third request for water). I am tired, but in good spirits. I feel so blessed to be a Mamma and be able to be at home with these kids day in and day out.