Piggybacks for Everyone

I've had a pretty sweet gift card to toys R us sitting in my wallet for a while now. I've been thinking about getting an Ergo because being a Mommy to four kids when you're out and about is hard and I'm envisioning many outdoor adventures this summer. Today I saw that the Ergo's were on sale and I bit the bullet and purchased it. I used it immediately after to grab some groceries and it was bliss. Finley slept in his carseat inside the cart, Hyrum rode in the seat, Camilla jumped on the end and my busiest child was happily strapped to my back running his sticky fingers through my hair. All afternoon the kids took turns riding in it while I did house work. I loved having them close to me so much throughout the day. I've never loved a carrier so much in my life! I can't wait to go exploring with it this Summer! 

A Cushy Bottom

 After a few years I caved and finally bought a few new cloth diapers. Some of the diapers I've been using are from Camilla and the elastics on the legs are starting to wear and leak. I am happy with how long they have lasted, but to really enjoy cloth diapering ya need a good diaper. A few weeks ago I went to visit Melody to grab a teething necklace for Joe and I fell in love with these smart bottoms cloth diapers. If you're in the market for some new cloth diapers you should check out her awesome store. Make sure you tell her I sent you!

 I had to get Finley to model them for me because I am in love with them and his little baby chub.

I can't believe how fast time is flying by with this sweet boy.

Lessons in Mud

 It was a warm Spring like afternoon when I let the kids out into the backyard to play. The snow had all but melted leaving ice and puddles everywhere. I was busy nursing Finley in the front room when I heard shrieking and uncontrollable giggling coming from the backyard. I quickly finished up and place my sleeping baby in his little rocking chair. I went out to find the older two children having a mud fight in the garden. I may have let out a little chuckle before my blood started to boil. It had been a rough morning and I had spent most of our Saturday trying to get the house back in order by vacuuming and folding endless loads of laundry. I was already feeling overwhelmed and the thought of washing one more thing infuriated me. I wasn't sure if I should laugh or cry at this point. Thankfully when I opened the door I heard our neighbor shoveling off his deck which gave me the few seconds I needed to collect myself and deal with the situation without raising my voice. My first instinct was to scold and be angry and make them come inside but that really wasn't fun for anybody. It made me feel like a horrible mother for not letting them have fun and it made them feel badly when they really weren't doing anything wrong. If you ask my mother I'm pretty sure I've had my fair share of playing in the mud.

After apologizing for being upset with them I decided to grab my camera and let them go at it. And ya know what? I may have even laughed and had a bit of fun myself. It wasn't long before my arms were splattered with specks of mud, but seeing the smiles on their faces made it worth it. I want my children to be able to experience childhood to it's fullest. I want them to be able to explore, make mistakes, get messy, and have fun. Sometimes it's super hard to live in the moment and suppress the anger that comes from thinking about the mess and how I'm going to clean it up or if their behavior is acceptable. But then I go back to this post on discipline and those three important questions echo in my mind. Am I asking them to stop out of annoyance? Is it hurting anyone? Will this negatively affect their future? When I remember these three questions I act more out of love than I do out of emotion and it really makes our home a happier place. It's going to take me a long time to become perfect at this though, it's hard.

After they had their fill of mud, I ran them a nice warm bath and let them play in it in their swim suits. In the end we were all a lot happier (and I didn't have to bath them before bed)! A fun and messy afternoon had by all!

Little Grins

 Finley got to wear a cute little onsie that he got from my cousin to church today. He was looking mighty handsome. I adore this little guy and his little grins! He is such a happy baby.

Galaxy Land

 I don't know if we've mentioned it here on the blog yet, but Mr. Stannix has recently changed jobs! It was a tough decision being that he was happy with where he was at, but it's something he felt impressed to do. He is really enjoying it so far! But that's a whole other story for another day. The company he is currently working for rents out Galaxy land once a year for customers and employees. It was a great night even though the littles were a bit tired. 

 Joseph is our little thrill seeker and loved these fast planes! At first, I held him back and just let Hyrum go because I was worried he would try to jump out when they were spinning around, but he did so great and loved every minute!

 This car ride was a definite favorite for both boys. 

 I was glad to spend the night with this handsome guy of mine!

 

Our cautious Camilla took a lot of convincing to ride on anything. She was terrified to go on this kids train, but then realized how fun it was and begged us to go again before we left.

 

She had also been looking forward to the carousal all night long and chickened out last minute, so daddy ended up taking just the boys. It was Hyrum's favorite ride of the whole night. By the time we left it was WAY past bedtime and everyone fell asleep before we even left the parkade. Thanks for the fun Liberty! 

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.