Be Still

 It snowed the other night, and so far it's stuck around.We've had kind of a quiet week and our days are filled with lots of outdoor time discovering the joys of snow and lots of really great afternoon naps. I love the stillness of the house during those couple of hours. One afternoon Hyrum and I sat down during nap time and read a whole chapter book together. The other day I was reminded of a quote I once found which said something like "Tend to the children and not the time". This has rolled around in my head all week. The dirty dishes sometimes sit on the counter for an extra few hours while I read a book with Hyrum. Bed times get stretched so Camilla can talk my ear off about her day. I don't always get the things done that I would like to in a given day, but I wouldn't trade it for anything! There's nothing better than smooching those cheeks or tickling those chubby toes!

Three Years

I can hardly believe Joseph turned three yesterday! It's been a wild three years, but I wouldn't change any of it. This boy has stretched me to my limits and taught me a lot over the last couple of years. He's never been a good sleeper (still isn't), is constantly hungry, loves to goof around, and has a huge heart. He has been my busiest child so far and we still have tough Sunday's in church but I love seeing him grow and develop. He is so curious and hands on and loves to figure things out for himself. He is daring and brave and holds his own with his older siblings. I was shocked when he walked pretty much the whole way on our hike this Summer without complaining once. He is rough and tough and loves hard work. Anytime I am busy mopping or shoveling snow or carrying something he always asks to help. 

Lately he has become quite talkative and the things he says crack me up. The other day he was trying to measure (or size) me and he said, "Hold still, I'm just going to exercise you." He then made some hilarious sound effects as he lifted his hand into the air to measure how tall I was. One day out of the blue he told me how much he loved me. I thanked him and told him that it makes my heart happy when he says such nice things and he replied, "Hittin' doesn't make your heart happy, only LOVE YOU'S make your heart happy." 

His most recent accomplishment is potty training. One day I noticed him take himself to the potty, the next day we tried out the big boy undies and he hasn't had a problem since. He always wakes up dry and uses the potty first thing in the morning. Grasping potty training so easily totally makes up for anything else we've struggled with!

He is such a little joy from his blonde little head all the way to his feet that seem to run non-stop wherever we are. He has a zest for life like no other and I can't wait to watch him grow some more! Happy birthday Joe-Joe.

Safe and Warm

 This week I have woken up each day with a new found desire to pull my little one's close and make our home a safe haven from the world. There is so much going on out there right now and I want my children to feel loved and safe at home. Every morning when I send my girl off on the bus I whisper a little prayer that she will be safe and make good choices. 

I woke up this morning to find Joseph snuggled next to me. As I listened to the wind howl and blow against the side of the house I drank in the moment snuggled with those I love in my bed. Daddy got up for work and Finley woke up a few seconds later. I carefully pulled my arm from underneath Joseph's head and went to console Finley. It wasn't long before Joseph joined us and asked sweetly what was for breakfast. My heart exploded with love while I watched Joseph's messy blonde hair dance around as he softly spoke. A small bowl of cheerios kept him extra happy while I got myself ready for the day.

The boys spent the morning playing and Finley went for a nice little snooze. Now that his creaky bedroom door is fixed I can sneak in and peak at him sleeping more often. I love looking at his chubby cheeks, his arm rolls and his sweet little lips. It's hard to believe he will be a year old soon. He was up a lot last night and as we snuggled in the rocking chair I thought about I quote I heard a long time ago.

 "You can comfort them best, and that is your privilege." 

-Wendy Watson Nelson

With the turn in the weather I have also picked up my crochet hook again. Yesterday I worked up these slipper boots and added a bit of leather to the bottom for grip. Everytime I make something Camilla sits close by studying the movement of the hook and begging me to teach her. We did a few rows together yesterday and she wants to make a scarf for her baby. I love being able to create warm, cozy things for my children to wear or cuddle. It's just one more way I like to make our home safe and warm and show my children how much I love them.

Hudkins Family Pictures

Back in September my sister got my whole family together for family pictures. It's crazy how much we've all grown and how our family has grown with all the spouses and kids added into the mix. I sure love these guys and my amazing parents!

Three Cheers

 Today we had Gramma and Grampa and my sister come for a visit to help us celebrate Joe's third birthday! It was a pretty easy going day, but so much fun spending it with family. The weather has been incredible down here. We started out the day hanging out and snuggling the kiddos.

Joseph begged me all day for "cake time" and kept trying to peek in his presents. It was pretty cute. This kid is so full of it. He is the only one who can make me laugh and cry in frustration all at the same time. We opted for an early dinner and followed it up with cake.

 If I were to attach a picture of his Daddy at this age you might not be able to tell them apart! Those cheeks and that smirk!!

 Presents was an exciting time for everyone! Thanks for the dump truck Gramma and Grampa!

 At the end of the day we did the annual measuring. 

 Soon the day came to an end and it was time to say good-bye. Thanks for coming guys!

The older two drew Joe a couple of birthday cards and they were total heart melters. I love how thoughtful they both are! I'll write more of an update on Joseph next week on his actual big day, but for now I'm going to bed!

Little Mamma

Camilla came upstairs before dinner with her little doll on her back.

She hadn't played with dollie for a long time, but when she noticed her new mamma made rainbow hat, she couldn't resist.

"I remember when you asked me to take a picture of you like this..." She said.

I smiled.

"Can you take a picture of me like that too, please?"

She's going to make a stellar mamma one day.

Remembrance Day

 A few days ago Mike and I were talking about Remembrance day and he reminded me that his grandfather fought in WWII. As the week went on I had this on my mind and took to the internet to dig up whatever I could on his Grandfather, Joseph Winston Stannix. I stumbled across a family history site put together by a nephew of Mike's Grandfather and they happened to have a photo titled "Uncle Joe WWII". 

There is no doubt a family resemblance there and I thought it was pretty neat to have come across it as well as some other pictures of Mike's Great-Grandparents and a whole slew of marriage and death certificates that were scanned in. This is the side of family history that excites me, the pictures, the original handwriting. So this Remembrance Day we showed the kids this picture and told them all about their Great-Grandfather, Joseph Winston Stannix.

 

Camilla's school held a big Remembrance Day ceremony yesterday and she was excited to sing in the primary choir. The grade one's also got to pin a poppy to a cross as the names of those who served from Strathmore were read. She was at the end of the lineup and I couldn't help but snap a shot as she walked by.

 (She's on the end of the front row in the corner)

It was great listening to them sing all together! The music teacher is fabulous and organized everyone so well. Finley napped on my back while I swayed around behind the last row of chairs keeping the boys in check. Hyrum sat amazing but Joe was up and down a whole lot. Thankfully they weren't the only kids their and no one noticed too much. It was special to be able to take in the Remembrance Day assembly and be reminded of those who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we enjoy.