Open for Business

 Thanks to a whole lot of help from my sister and my mom, the kitchen is now open for business and my house smells like home!

Welcome

Ten Months

 Have I ever told you how tricky it is to take still photos of a ten month old? My camera could hardly keep up with him. After about 100 tries I ended up with four good ones of my wiggly worm. This kid is an absolute joy! I haven't slept in ten months, but his smiles and giggles make it all worth it! He is officially weened but still doesn't sleep through the night. I think we're getting pretty close on that one though.

His newest love is shrieking, ear-piercing shrieking. He has definitely found his voice! He is quick on his knees and loves to climb! He has also become pretty independent and will play forever on his own which has been nice. He loves it when I get down on the floor to play with him and will climb all over me and give hugs and kisses. Joseph will tell me "I sure love Finley!" He is a lot of fun and we all adore him!

Moving Day

 This morning I woke up early, got everyone dressed, tore apart the beds, and shoved the last few odds and ends into boxes before the movers arrived. This whole weekend was a whirlwind of birthdays and events and things to do. I managed to get the kitchen packed up late last night after we got home from sharing dinner with our friends one last time. While we were there I watched our kids play together in the backyard and choked back the tears brimming in my eyes. In just a few short days everything would be different.

The kiddos spent their morning raking leaves in the backyard and their afternoon glued to Paw Patrol on the iPad. They were so well behaved and made me proud. Two big men loaded up our life into the back of a blue moving truck in just under four hours and promised an early morning delivery the next day. I loaded my hungry kids in the car, stuffed the bedding, pillows, teddybears, and important things around them and tossed them a few snacks for the road.

I turned on a favorite movie to settle them in and then walked back into the house one last time. I had done so good all day being very business like and not crying. As soon as I stepped through the door into our dining room I could feel the tears pricking my eyes. I stood at the front entry way and looked over the empty sitting room and floods of memories came to me. 

As I walked up the stairs to the bedrooms I started sobbing, realizing this would be the very last time I walk through this house. I soaked in the beloved nursery one last time. I peeked into Camilla's empty room where the walls were once filled with random artwork taped up where she pleased above her bed. So many nights I spent awake in those rooms as the street lights poured through the windows. I wiped away the tears as I locked the door and then joined the children in the van. 

Our first stop was to say good-bye to Clara and Jessica. The kids rushed through their front door and hugged Jessica's baby bump as they excitedly told her about our big move. Then they happily ran in and played with Clara while Jessica and I embraced in the entry way, the very same entry way we hugged and cried together after I found out we lost our baby. It is super hard to say good-bye to someone so near and dear. We've shared so much together! They waited at the front door and waved us off when it was time to leave. We made our way over to Daddy's office for hugs before we left and got out of the city before rush hour. 

Three hours later we arrived in our new little town in the dark of night. We grabbed a late dinner and had a picnic on the floor of our new home as the kids ran around oo-ing and ah-ing at everything. Then it was time for jammies and bed. Camilla put out blankets in front of the fireplace and once everyone was cozied in I dimmed the lights and turned it on. They watched the glow as they fell asleep and then I joined them. There is nothing more fun than camping out (at least that's what the kids thought). Our stuff arrives tomorrow and I can't wait to put everything in it's place. 

Platform 9 3/4

 Mr. Stannix was an avid Harry Potter fan when I met him and I had never read the books. After we were married we read the books together. It was a lot of fun sitting up late taking turns reading aloud. Mike would always beg me to read more chapters and I didn't mind because I loved how much he loved listening to me read. I can't wait to read the books to our kiddos someday! A cherished memory for sure. Anyways, this weekend my friend threw a Harry Potter themed party for her husbands 30th and it was so so fun! We left the kiddos for the evening to get sorted into houses, drink butter beer and pumpkin juice, and enjoy tarts and other Harry Potter themed food. We played games and I laughed until I cried with some of the other girls the party over a pair of spanx. It was a pretty awesome night out with my love and a good group of friends! 

Last Day of School

Today was Camilla's last day of school with her awesome teacher, Mrs. Ertman. I smiled to myself as I thought about her reaction when I told her the name of her school. "Velma?" she giggled. "Like, Velma off Scooby-Doo!" I was so worried about sending Camilla to school this year but I adored her teacher and her soft manner. The worst part of this whole move for me is the thought of pulling Camilla from a classroom where she is thriving and making friends. We went to the school a little bit early in the morning to say good-bye since her teacher was going to be away in the afternoon. Though I haven't been able to volunteer in the classroom with three kiddos at home, I have kept in very close contact with her teacher. She is such a sweet lady and we are sure going to miss her. It was nice to hear how much of a leader Camilla is at school and to hear how she will be missed in classroom discussions. "She is an AWESOME student!" she told me. And it made my mother heart swell with pride. 

Just before we left we took a picture with her very first teacher.

She wanted a picture of her desk she shared with dear friends.

Before we left I asked her if there was anything else in the classroom that she wanted to remember. She paused, put her finger on her chin, and looked around the room. "Umm...my smartboard!" Alright. A picture in front of the smartboard it is! She is looking forward to a few days off school to play with her brothers and to settle in at the new place.

Thankful

 I tried to get everyone together this morning for a picture before church and it turned out quite comical. I am thankful for my family and their crazy personalities. I am grateful that my kids love each other with a fierce love (even though they fight sometimes).

 I am grateful for the friendships found in families. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who is always there when I need Him. I am grateful for a hardworking husband who follows through with things even when the going gets tough. I am grateful for his strength and advice. I am grateful for our financial stability and the blessings we enjoy. 

This black eye was courtesy of Joe. I am grateful it's on the mend! Happy Thanksgiving!

Easy Afternoons

 Most of the house is packed which means that we get to enjoy a lot more of this beautiful weather! This afternoon I took the children out front to ride their bikes and get some fresh air. Finley needs a lot of wiggle room now and seldom sits in one place too long. It's so fun to watch him explore and crunch the colorful leaves in his fists (or mouth).

Finley managed to make his way over to the tricycle when it wasn't being used and tried to climb up. I sat him in the seat and pushed him a couple of meters and then Joe jumped on behind. It was super cute walking along side them as Joe shuffled them up and down the sidewalk.

 

 Joe can't get enough of smooching his little brother. These two are becoming fast friends.

Stop Growing Up

This week I've found myself repeating the words "Please stop growing up!" At breakfast Finley happily shoves little pieces of pancake into his mouth between sips of milk. He now takes a bottle like a champ and feeds himself. While I watch him chug his milk I can't help but think please stop growing up. While I sit on the stairs talking to my mom Finley decides to climb the couple of steps for a hug. Ah! Stop growing! He stands any chance he can get and giggles infectiously with glee. Slow down, baby. Stop growing up. He takes a tumble at the hand of his rambunctious brother and sits right back up like nothing happens. His eyes are starting to twinkle with mischief as he explores the house. No, not yet. It's too soon for that. Throughout the day he oozes with cuteness and laughs infectiously and I can't help but plea, you're so darn cute, stop growing up! At days end he lies his head on my shoulder with an "awww" noise before I place him in his crib to fall asleep. I slip in later to peek at him and my heart is filled with an overwhelming love for this chunky, growing, bundle of boy.

A Walk in the Park

Autumn is such a magical time of year, so when we leave the house and the weather is warm we always stop off at the park for a bit. We are going to soak up all this beauty before the final leaves fall and the snow flies. On this particular day Joseph scrambled up a tall rock without any help or hesitation. Finley was also trying to climb the playground. We all enjoyed the fresh Fall air and amazing smells!