The Light Switch

 My day today started bright and early when Joseph decided to bring a stool into everyone's room and flick on the lights. His tummy just couldn't wait any longer and he figured this was the best way to get everybody up and at 'em. For all of the "trouble" he causes, my heart still overflows with love for him. He really is a sweet boy who sometimes lets his curiosity get the best of him. When I was feeding Finley this morning he came into the room and asked, "Where's baby win-wee mom? I hold him in a minute?" His concern for his baby brother melts my heart.

 In the early morning Finley had a snooze in his crib while the morning rays poured through the window. Just before I left the room, I couldn't help but snap a picture. It was so beautiful and peaceful. I paused to soak in the moment knowing it would help me through the rest of my day.

 

I came downstairs to a curious little boy thirsty for milk. Once he was satisfied we had some craft time.

 

Hyrum and I made up this little leprechaun who apparently likes to dance. 

Camilla crafted up a hat to wear on St. Patty's day and a leprechaun of her own.

 

 

The two of them have been having a blast with these paper leprechauns. They dance the jig, cross their legs and float in the clouds and are best friends. Camilla snapped a few pictures of them on my camera. 

Finley and Joseph have alternated nap times today. It's been nice to have only three children at a time to deal with for the most part. It makes for more story time and one on one moments. For the past few mornings I have been praying to feel more joy and recognize special moments with the children as I go about my day. Those prayers have been answered countless times and I am so glad for the little pick-me-ups that my children give me each day! I feel like somebody has flicked a switch and made my mothering trials a tad easier to bear. I am so grateful for the power of prayer.

Potty Training 101

It's been a crappy morning...literally. Joseph successfully used the potty this morning and was quite proud. The baby started crying as soon as Joseph finished so we started upstairs together. I lost him in the kitchen and continued to call for him while I tended to the baby. A few seconds later I heard, "Biiiig poop Mommy". I figured he was just talking about his last trip to the potty, but went to check it out anyway. I found him squatting under the table and let out a big sigh. In the process of trying to get him out without him banging his head on the table he managed to step in it and burst into tears. I carried him upstairs and ran him a bath. Once he was settled, I ran back downstairs to find Hyrum poking and prodding at the log with a tiny stick someone had brought inside yesterday. Honestly, what is it with boys and grossness? I know, I know. I should have diapered him sooner, but really...

Just before I put Joseph for his nap, he asked to use the potty again. While he was sitting there he grinned at me, closed his eyes, shook his head and said, "I an't wee" which is interpreted as I can't see. Before he even finished the sentence he lost his balance and fell right into the potty. I laughed. It was either that or cry. I ran him another bath, changed his clothes, and tucked him in for a nap. As he layed on his pillow he let out a huge yawn and smiled, "I tie-ya'd, Mommy. Time-a-go a fweep!" I admired his cute face and the way he has to sleep with one arm tucked inside the pillowcase. I hear ya buddy, I thought.  I'm pretty tired too!

Our afternoon picked up though after I burnt the first pan of cookies. I know, who burns the first pan of cookies?! I can understand the last pan, but seriously. Then Camilla begged me to make a craft with her while Hyrum watched ninja turtles. So we sat down amidst the mess in the kitchen to create and came up with this little diddy.

 

Rainbows make me happy, and so does this little girl. When she finished she took it up and hung it on the wall above Fin's crib. It was cute!

Welcome

I haven't written poetry since Highschool, but I needed a creative outlet this afternoon. 

Welcome to my humble home,

Please don't mind the mess.

Even after my children have grown,

This is how I'll like it best.

My fridge is filled with art work,

Sticky fingerprints dot my wall.

There's flour dust by the pantry,

And socks scattered in the hall.

There is chocolate on my toddlers face,

Though I bath him twice a day.

And please just leave the dishes,

They'll just end up back that way.

There is laundry covering my basement couches,

Stacked up a mile high,

I'll fold it while my children sleep,

Before that, I don't dare try.

Pretend you don't see the half eaten cookies,

Or the big pantry doors open wide.

And watch out for the lump of brown sugar

that my two year old tried to hide.

Please don't mind the noise,

If you choose to stay and chat.

It's probably just a game of pretend,

Princesses, ninja's, or something like that.

And if you stay for dinner,

And find your socks stuck to the floor,

Know that's probably the exact same spot,

My toddler sat before.

The crumbs appear like magic,
Though I sweep them up each day,
There's always something to be done,
But I'd rather sit and play.

Though to the naked eye,

Our home is filled with quirks,

It is also full of lots of love,

Much laughter, and good works.

Sun Bathing

Weekend Recap

 Since the most exciting thing that I have to write about today is poop on my walls and the weather outside, I figured I'd do a recap of our weekend instead. On Friday evening we escaped the city and headed out to the acreage for the weekend. The littles were so excited to go to Gramma and Grampa's. It was all they could talk about all week. We all stayed up super late talking on Friday night and enjoyed a full day together Saturday. Despite the late bedtime, the littles woke early in the morning. The kids each had a banana to tie them over until Gramma made pancakes. Camilla cracked hers open, licked her lips and said, "MMM! Fresh farm bananas!" I had to laugh. Apparently they taste better than ours at home. My mamma finished Finley's baby blanket and I was able to snap a few pictures of it in the morning while the sun was pouring through the big front window. 

 I love the size and the bright colors!

Thanks Gramma!

 Finley had a nice little chat with Gampa before breakfast.

 

Gramma spoiled us with hot pancakes, homemade fruit syrups and whipped cream. Joseph was lucky enough to score the beaters from the whipped cream!

We spent most of our afternoon relaxing, visiting, and snuggling baby Finley. Grampa took the kids out for a sled behind the quad and they had a blast!

 The kids loved exploring outside walking up and over the snow drifts, exploring around the acreage.

 When they got in Gramma made them some hot chocolate to warm them up. We enjoyed many good conversations! I loved when we were all sitting around chatting and Joseph walked up to Grampa and said, "Grampa, up lap? Hab a bisit?" He wanted to have a visit too. 

We also spent a bit of time next door at my Gramma's place. She loved holding Finley and kept calling him "a good wee boy" and "a little sweet heart". I loved hearing her laugh and getting long hugs.

On Saturday evening Mr. Stannix and I snuck away for a date and let Gramma and Grampa put the kids to bed. The last date we went on was the night before Finley was born, so it was nice to get out again and reconnect. I feel like we've had a busy couple of months and we are kind of surviving in our own little worlds, him at work and me at home. I'm always glad when we can have some special time together and be reminded of how much we love each other!

When it was time to say good-bye everyone came out for the send off. Sunday afternoon was beautiful and it was hard to pull the kids away from their time outside playing. After everyone was buckled, we rolled down the windows and shouted "I love you's" while we waved. Everytime we drive down the lane, I look up at my Gramma waving from the deck and notice the tears in her eyes. Usually this makes me cry too, and then Mr. Stannix promises we will be back soon. 

A Thankful Heart

It's just barely past six when I hear Joseph sneak across the hall, the sound of his diaper scrunching as he walks. It was a rough night and I saw this boy many times between midnight and morning. I throw my legs over the side of the bed and a line from Cinderella enters my mind, Oh, that clock! Old killjoy. I hear you. "Come on, get up," you say, "Time to start another day.". I grumpily mutter to myself, "Time to start another day". The boys are already half way down the stairs. I join them in the kitchen just as Joseph throws open the pantry doors and starts spouting off all of the things he'd like to eat for breakfast, "Kee-ios Mom? Pa-cakes?" I let out a sigh and go to work getting breakfast. Mornings are not my thing and I struggle through my "Be of Good Cheer" theme each and every time I get out of bed. 

It isn't long before Finley hears all of the commotion and cries to be picked up. As I near the edge of his crib he looks up at me and smiles while his legs wildly kick with excitement. He is in need of a new diaper and outfit so I place him on the end of our bed to be changed. Daddy joins us in the bedroom and gets some nice coos and smiles from Finley before he heads down to finish getting ready for work. After Finley has been changed we head downstairs and I put a bagel in the toaster for Mr. Stannix. Camilla joins us at the table and I pour her a bowl of cereal. When Daddy is finished we all get a hug and a kiss good-bye and then it's time to start our morning routine. Everyone slowly gets dressed and makes beds between imaginative play. I fold a few loads of laundry on my bed while Finley lays on my pillow and sucks on his fingers. Once everyone has finished and morning prayers have been said, the older children engage in a game of pretend and I escape to the rocking chair for some morning snuggles while the snow blows out the window.

 It's not long before tummy's are grumbling and the children are asking for a morning snack. Joseph has the fridge door open and is asking for "pea-butter toes". I pop some bread in the toaster and we wait together for it to pop. As soon as it's ready I smother it in peanut butter and he sits at the table to eat. When he is finished he is covered in peanut butter and still has some toast crumbs stuck to his cheek. "Gank-oo Moooom!" he says. The fact that he remembers to say thank-you totally warms my heart. This motherhood gig is much easier when you know that people are thankful for what you are doing for them each day.

Parent Day

 Today was parent day at swimming lessons. It's kind of a gong show doing lessons so close to dinner with all four kids, but we only have two weeks left to go. All of the struggles are totally worth it when I see that our kids are really catching on and trying their best. The whole way to lessons Camilla was talking herself up and trying to make herself brave for the shallow end. She's been working really hard at trying her floats without help from her teacher. "If I just stick my tummy up, look at the roof and BELIEVE then I can do it!" she says to me. Today she swam the best she ever has! She did her backfloats on her own and even her back glides in the shallow end. I loved the smile she flashed me when I gave her a thumbs up from the pool deck. Her teacher said she will probably need another go in this class until she becomes confident in the shallow end of the pool. I am so proud of her though and her determination to try her best!

Hyrum is doing really well! His teacher was really impressed with the way he is getting his face in the water now. He still hates putting his face in, but does it because his teacher asks. He is such a brave boy. She also commented on how polite he is in class, always using his pleases and thank-you's. I'm hoping he will pass this time around! He really enjoys swimming!

Next time I will be a little more on the ball and register them in morning lessons. I think it will be better all around!

Morning Snuggles

The best part of Hyrum's morning is snuggling his baby brother on our bed.

He's done this each and every morning since we brought Finley home.

It's pretty special, and they are so cute together!

Joe's Mustache

I mustache you a question...

A "Great" Day

 Our morning started early, like it always does. Joseph and I were the only one's awake when Daddy left for work. Every morning, just as Daddy opens the door, Joseph shouts, "Forgot! Hug!" even if he's already been hugged good-bye. Daddy chuckles, gives him another hug and a kiss and heads out to work. Once the older two made their way downstairs, I made up some good old porridge for breakfast. Then we headed upstairs to get dressed and do our morning chores. The sun always pours through Camilla's window in the morning and I love to sit in the rocking chair and feed Finley while the sun beats through the glass and onto my face. 

 After he finished his belly was full I let him hang out in the crib for a bit while I helped the littles with their chores. He was looking pretty cute!

 

The boys kept him entertained while I helped Camilla tidy her room. It was pretty sweet watching them interact with their baby brother. 

 We spent the rest of our morning visiting my grandparents at their place. It is always a treat to hear stories and play with them. Each time we are there I think how special it is for the littles to get to know their great-grandparents.

 For lunch we all sat down and enjoyed peanutbutter and banana sandwiches made by Grampa. They were delish! Finley woke up just as we were finishing up and got to snuggle with his Great-Grampa for a bit! I can't get over how chunky Finley is in this picture!

And of course Gramma snagged the big guy for some snuggles too! We had a great time visiting and playing. I love spending time with them!