Helpful

This morning I came downstairs to Joseph scooping spoonfulls of white sugar onto our couch in the front room. The best part is, both his older siblings were sitting right next to him watching a show on the iPad and nobody seemed to notice. I had to vacuum it many times to get it all out of the nooks and cranny's. This afternoon when he had woke up from his nap, I caught him vacuuming my kitchen. It made me think of a favorite Primary song. 

When we're helping, we're happy!

Sunny Days

 We got to enjoy a bit of nice weather this weekend. The littles were thrilled to get outside and play. We had big plans for hitting up the sledding hill, but ended up having just as much fun in our very own back yard!

 Joseph adores the outdoors and would be out there in the middle of a snowstorm if I'd let him! 

 Finley joined us for some of the afternoon and I managed to catch this sweet moment.

All day long I kept looking around amazed at how big these kids are getting! 

 

 These boys totally crack me up!

 I love this big girl of mine! She is so much fun and always so positive!

 Joseph really enjoys shoveling snow.

I sure hope he still loves it this much when he's older!

Daddy's Shoes

Today Joseph wore his Daddy's old shoes to church and of course I had to snap a picture. Most of my pictures are of him jumping off the chair just as I would snap the picture. This boy isn't one to sit still. But I managed to get one good one before we headed out the door to church! I can't believe how big this boy is getting!

My Valentine

 Valentine's day was pretty low key for us this year. We spent the day together as a family and didn't make any crazy romantic plans for the evening. I am super grateful that I get to be married to my valentine for all eternity. He surprised us girls in the morning with flowers and treats. Camilla was absolutely tickled to get a little stuffed monkey from her Dad. I love that he thought to get his little girl something. I am grateful she has someone like Mr. Stannix as the main man in her life. He treats her so well. Dads are important to little girls for they measure all other men against them. I am grateful that she has such an amazing Dad!

In the evening I made up some chocolate covered strawberries for the littles to enjoy as their bedtime snack. Once everyone was asleep Mr. Stannix and I snuggled up on the couch and watched a few of our favorite TV episodes. Maybe next year, when we don't have a new baby, we'll be a little more creative with our evening plans. I'm just glad I got to spend the evening with my favorite guy.

Finley's Photoshoot

Shortly after Christmas my sister came to visit and did a little photoshoot for Finley. She always does a great job! Here's a sneak peak.

Raphael

Last weekend when we sat down at the dinner table Camilla randomly said, "Uncle Ryan, did you know Daddy was Raphael before he married Mommy?" We all had a good laugh. The things their Daddy teaches them. Anyways, Hyrum has been obsessed with ninja turtles for a few weeks now. Today I have my very own Raphael fighting crime in the basement with a tissue paper mask and an empty paper towel roll down the back of his shirt for a sword. I sure love this kid!!

My Chunky Monkey

I know I post a lot of pictures of Finley, but I just can't help myself! Babies change so quickly. I could kiss his cheeks all day and these pictures make me smile.

Six Week Checkup

Today was our final visit with our Midwife. It has been such a great experience working with these ladies over this last year. They were so great about catching things and helping me cope emotionally with everything. I love how much they involved the siblings in everything. Today when I asked if they would prefer me to lay Finley on the couch or the floor they told me to lay him on a blanket on the floor so that everyone could help. I love how laid back they are and how long our visits are. Finley checked out just fine and weighed in at just over 11 lbs. At the end of our appointment the children helped me give the midwives their gifts and thank-you cards. Just before we left my midwife hugged me good-bye and told me to come back if we find ourselves having another baby. I am so pleased with our experience and with midwifery care. I am also super grateful that is covered under healthcare and available to those who would like it. Though it was freezing cold outside, we left with warm hearts. 

Filled with Love

 Happy February! We have been busy finding ways to decorate and fill our home with love this month to celebrate valentine's day. For FHE last week we talked about all the different ways we could fill our home with love and it has definitely improved the mood around here this week. There is a lot less fighting and the children seem a little more agreeable throughout the day.

We have also  been working hard to keep the cookie jar full of our traditional heart cookies.

I think Camilla's sign has been working well because I have made three batches of sugar cookies already this month.

 

One of the ways Hyrum likes  to show love is by holding his baby brother. 

 

I've been trying to cut out Joseph's naps to see if it will help him sleep better, but he usually ends up crashing before lunch on the couch. Doesn't he look delicious? I could kiss those cheeks all day!

Sunday Snapshot