Weekend Wrap up

On Sunday morning we woke up to beautiful blue skies and sunshine. The kids slept in until well after 8:00am (which never happens). We enjoyed a slow morning and then got ready to attend church in Grand Prairie. I had only brought one pair of nice clothes for the boys which ended up pretty dirty from the day before, but we made it work! After we got back from church we ate and spent the rest of the afternoon down at the creek keeping cool.

While everyone else swam around in the water, Joseph was content to throw rocks from the shore.

We were pretty proud of this little lady for braving the water. She truly is our "Cautious Camilla" so we were glad to see her being so brave. 

We found a little pool of warmer water on the other side of the creek and it was loaded with little fish. The kids used the butterfly net that Gramma sent to catch them. It was super entertaining!

This is how Mr. Finley spent most of his time this weekend.

He also enjoyed dipping his toes in the water and splashing around a bit!

 

Auntie Emma helped him cool off in the water.

He looks so much like his Dad!

Mr. Stannix drove home with my brother on Sunday night and we all traveled with Grampa and Auntie Emma the next day. We stopped for ice cream and donuts part way into our drive and Grampa snuck Finley a few licks when I wasn't around. Of course he loved it!

After everyone finished their cones and the baby was nursed we were on the road again. The kids were excited to be home and quickly grabbed their favorite toys. Hyrum fell asleep playing cars and Camilla brought a huge arm full of favorite teddies to bed. Even though the told me they wanted to go camping "for a thousand years" I could tell they enjoyed being in their own beds again!

Wedding Festivities

We just got back from a fun weekend of camping with family. My cousin got married on Saturday and they rented the whole campground for the weekend. The kids had a lot of fun being with family and enjoying the outdoors. My dad rented an RV for us to squish into and we were super grateful for the a/c to get us through those hot nights! 

On Saturday Camilla also turned six. We gathered some of the family to sing to her and I secretly brought along cupcakes and her present to help make the day feel special. 

We all changed into our nice clothes after lunch and headed up for the ceremony. The decorations were beautiful and the couple looked great! 

These two were best buds the entire time.

Uncle Arland helped me keep an eye on this independent two year old.

We even managed a quick family picture before the boys clothes got dirty.

Later on in the afternoon we enjoyed a wonderful dinner and reception. Finley got to snuggle with his Great-Gramma for a while during the speeches.

The evening brought lots of dancing and fun!

These two rocked out on the dance floor for quite a while!

Daddy finally got in a slow dance with his favorite little lady.

I got to jive with my brother for the first time in years and loved every second! Mr. Stannix also managed to steal a dance just before we took the kiddos to bed for the night.

Joseph had a pretty fun day in the great outdoors. Note to self: Don't buy white shirts for little boys

Six Years

Today our big girl turns SIX. She is over 3 1/2 feet tall and full of spunk and goodness. She has brought so much love and laughter to our home since the day she was born. She is always looking out for the good of others and is constantly serving her little brothers. She is very smart and a great problem solver. One thing I have always loved and admired about this girl is her optimism and love for life. When it rains, she puts on her rain boots and plays in it. When I ask her to do a chore, she finds a fun way to get it done. She always tells me that she is a "mommy in training" and it warms my heart to see her nurture others. I have really enjoyed watching her learn how to read, play piano and ride a two wheeler this past year. Those little moments brought me so much joy. We feel so incredibly blessed to have her in our family. She really sets the tone for our home and is a great example to her brothers. She has a big heart, a special spirit and a love for those around her. We love her so much!

(Two years old)

Boating

We have some pretty great friends here in the city, so when Mr. Stannix called late this afternoon to see if I wanted to head out to the lake there was no hesitation. I love the kind of friends where you can plan last minute BBQ dinners and hang outs. The littles went on a boat, swam in the middle of the lake and even tried some tubing. It was a wonderful summer evening for a boat ride and brought me back to my childhood boating days with my good friends growing up. The boys had so much fun tubing and Camilla loved swimming in the lake with her life jacket. Thanks friends!

Sunday Shenanigans

It has been a long Sunday. Early this morning a full bowl of cereal and a fruit cup were spilled on my freshly mopped floor. The boys woke up cranky and were at each other all morning. Mr. Stannix and I were also wiped from a busy week. Church was super long and I ended up hiding out in the mothers room snuggled in a rocking chair with two of my children while tears of discouragement wet my cheeks. By the time church had finished the weather had improved, as well as my mood. Camilla shared an oreo with Joseph and by the time I had gotten the baby buckled I found the steering wheel covered in oreo icing from a sticky little boy. Joseph fell asleep on the way home and even though we knew it would make bed time more difficult we let him finish up his nap on the couch. He looked so still and peaceful, I couldn't help but take a picture.

While he napped I finished prepping dinner. I took the roast out of the oven and set it on the counter to slice. Camilla asked, "Is that from a chicken?" I replied, "Nope. A cow." Hyrum quickly jumped in with a, "Huh? How did a cow lay THAT!?" He asked with such a serious tone that I couldn't help but laugh. They know all about a chicken's "circle of life" on the farm, but we haven't talked about cows yet! 

After dinner the kids went out to enjoy some sunshine. I made up some strawberry banana milkshakes before bed and ended up cleaning half a cup full off the floor while pursing my lips tightly together. Mr. Stannix and I took turns putting Joseph back into his bed over and over again and after everyone had fallen asleep I broke into a favorite chocolate bar to make myself feel better. Sometimes our days run smooth and sometimes they are long and hard. Tomorrow is a brand new day and I am praying it's a little easier.

"Arrr Me Hay-tees"

Auntie Stuck around for the day and organized a game of pirates with the kiddos this afternoon. They had a lot of fun on their pirate ship shouting things like "Arr Me Hay-tees" and "Shiver Me Timbers!" It was quite amusing. I even caught some video footage of their puppy rescue. We sure love that Auntie!

Color Me Rad

 A few months ago my siblings and I signed up for a 5K run together. I was going to go out running a few times a week and get all practised up, but I only made it out half as much as I would have liked and was not as prepared as I should of been! It was super fun to run with my brother and sister though! I miss being able to hang out with these guys all the time. Every kilometer or so we got to run through a color station where they threw powder at us or squirted paint. We finished the race sweaty and dirty just as a storm was rolling in. It was totally rad!

Canada Day

 The kids and I ended up taking a last minute trip out to the acreage to pick up some "fresh farm meat" as Camilla would call it. My parents have great connections out here and I am so excited to have homegrown beef in my freezer again. We spent the night and stretched our stay a bit so that Daddy could get his work done at home. 

In between spurts of rain we spent most of our time outside. The kids love the freedom to run and play where they please. 

They went on a few walks, collected eggs, had a quad ride, picked strawberries, and played with friends. The quiet was much welcomed!

I got to sneak over and enjoy some chats with my Grandparents. We are so lucky to have them close by! After an early dinner we loaded up to make the drive home even though nobody wanted to leave. They had all played hard and soon fell asleep.

 Daddy was glad to have us back and we spent the evening enjoying the Canada Day fireworks together. 

 

 Finley adores his Daddy!

 The fireworks were great! Finley was a bit scared, but did good.

 Joseph covered his ears the whole time. He's never been a fan of loud noises.

The older two loved every minute! Even though I was exhausted and a wee bit on the cranky side, I'm so glad that we went and made the memory. The kids look forward to the fireworks ever year on Canada day. It was great to spend time together as a family and celebrate this awesome country that we live in! Happy Canada Day!!

The Life we Share

Today Mr. Stannix and I celebrate seven years of marriage. I always knew that I wanted to be married young and have a big family, but I never knew that life could be so sweet. I adore this man of mine and all that he does for us. He treats me good. He is gentle. He is kind and ever forgiving. He is always a "man on a mission" and even though he sometimes walks ten feet ahead of me when we're at the movie theater, I couldn't have asked for anyone better to spend forever with.I love our inside jokes, and the way he makes me laugh even when I might not feel like it. We have been with each other in the best and the worst of times and grown so much closer than I could have imagined. He has made all of my dreams come true and more! Happy anniversary sweetheart!

Wow that was a nice post sweetie!!  I am curious to see how long it takes for you to see this....probably not very long.  I love how well you document the most important things in our life.  I wanted to say a few words on our 7th anniversary that our children can read later when they are married.  You have taught me so many things over the years, but probably the most profound thing that I have learned from you is that happiness in family life comes from selfless service.  As I have tried to keep up to you always being 10 steps ahead of me, walking the life of service, I have found great joy in the acts of service to our children and each other.  Thank you so much for your inspiring counsel 6 years ago which changed everything for us!  Truly there was a small shout for joy from at least a few of Heavenly Father's spirits when you helped me understand the importance of having children.  That was the best decision we have ever made and will ever make as a couple!  I cherish the short moments when bursts of laughter erupt while brushing our teeth, or when I try and read to you - because we both know how awful I am at reading and emphasizing emotions in books :).  I was told before I was married that marriage will often bring surprises, things you learn about each other.  I can honestly say I have been surprised over the last 7 years, but EVERY surprise has been a sweet reflection of your inner beauty and has made me want to be a better person and I thank you for that and a life filled with love!  I love you...Happy Anniversary Sweetie!

Happiness is...

 Licking the pot clean...

Running through the neighbors sprinkler (in sock feet).