A Golden Birthday

Today my dear hubby turns 30! It's his golden birthday (thirty on the thirtieth) so I want to make it extra special. I have some pretty great things planned for today to keep the surprises coming. I adore that guy a whole lot. He works so hard for us each day and we sure appreciate all he does to provide. We have been very blessed because of him and his "shoot for the moon" attitude. There are many things I admire about him and I could spend all day telling you about them. I admire his optimism and ability to turn any hard situation into something good. I admire his zeal for the Gospel and his love of the Savior. I am grateful that he drives our old vehicle to work and back each day just so that the kids and I can enjoy the comfort and reliability of the van. He is a fabulous father and I love watching him come home from work and interact with the children as they run out to the garage to greet him. I have been admiring his work ethic for many years as he's gone through university and the CASB program. I love the effort he puts in to helping each night after a long day of work. He is amazing and I feel so blessed to call him mine! Happy birthday darling! 

Being Spontaneous

 My heart is full of love today. I am so blessed. We started out our day driving around our new town in search of a perfect fence for some family pictures and ended up in Canmore. It was a bit crazy of us to say the least. We had a bottle fed baby with a single bottle left, a few diapers, and a newly potty trained boy. But what the hey, let's just drive all the way to the mountains for a couple of hours. It was wonderful to spend time together as a family driving towards some pretty incredible views! We pulled off in Kananaskis country and happened upon an incredible vista just off the windy mountain road. The little boys both slept most of the drive and stirred as the vehicle slowed. We all piled out in front of the mountain lake and stretched our legs before setting up the tripod to try our luck at coordinating six people and a camera timer. 

The littles couldn't keep from squinting, it was so beautiful out! Hyrum's eyes were pretty well closed in every single one, but Mr. Stannix reminded me that it's near impossible to get a perfect shot with so many littles. The kids couldn't keep away from the snow despite being without their jackets. When they got cold they scrambled over the snow bank and back into the warm van. When we got back to the overpass and calculated the distance each way we decided to go further 20 minutes to grab lunch instead of 90 minutes the other way. We soaked in the scenery the entire time and grabbed lunch at the Dairy Queen in Canmore. Hyrum was sad that we couldn't hike any of the big chunky mountains, but we promised we'd come back again. I love being so close to all of this beauty! Summer is going to be great this year.

The View from Here

Today we took a little jaunt into the City for a couple of things. I took the backroads to the highway and when I turned the corner at the four way stop I couldn't help but admire the view! I peeked in my rear view mirror to see if the kids would notice the snow capped mountains in the distance. It didn't take them long.

"Look at those mountains, Hyrum!" exclaimed Camilla. Hyrum quickly chimed in, "Cool! I want to climb one someday." "No, no, no, not me! I'm afraid of heights," said my cautious Camilla. "Except for teeter totters, I like those!" she added. Then Hyrum said something that I am still laughing about, "Well I LOVE BIG... CHUNKY... mountains!" Then Camilla tried to convince him that they were too little to climb mountains and they would have to wait until they're thirty. And then I said we would go climb one this Summer and she didn't like that too much. Hyrum on the other hand, he can't wait to scale up those big chunky mountains next year.

We took a slight detour through the next town and onto some back roads to enjoy the view more fully. I loved watching my littles captivated by the beauty. My heart was bursting with gratitude for this wonderful world we live in and for gorgeous mountain views that help ease a hard day. The highway gave me a chance to unwind, and to think, and to put things back into perspective. This really is a beautiful place.

Sleep Deprived

Last night I went to bed nice and early with Mr. Stannix. A few minutes after I shut my eyes Finley woke screaming. I slipped out of bed and shivered as my bare feet hit the cold wood floor and made my way to his bedroom. After a few minutes I was able to console him and tucked myself back into bed, only to hear him wake again, and again, and again. Before I knew it, the clock struck twelve and I had left my bed about that many times. Finally he settled, and just as my eye lids started to close I heard Joseph stir. I listened as he threw off his covers, jumped out of bed with a clunk, and shuffled his way over to my bedside. I could hardly believe it, and wondered if I would sleep at all! He jumped in next to me, tossed and turned and let out a sigh. I hugged him tight, threw back the covers and carried him back to his bed. He whimpered a bit and insisted I turn on the hall light.  I let out a sigh, turned on the light, had a quick snuggle and left him to fall asleep on his own. The rest of the night is a blur of diaper changes, bottles, and crying. I am almost certain that I spent more time out of my bed than in it. Finley and I finally settled on the couch shortly after 5:00am, just in time for Daddy to turn on the shower and get ready for work. Thankfully that man of mine is pro at getting ready quietly. I caught a few quick winks and Joseph was up shortly after. I watched his little shadow sneak by and head downstairs. I knew everyone else would be up soon. I lay with tired eyes and wondered if one can die from sleep deprivation. 

I figured instead of fighting it, I would just get up and get ready. I showered while Camilla watched Finley. After I was dressed I lied on my bed for just a few more minutes. Hyrum came into my room still rubbing sleep from his eyes and snuggled next to me for a few minutes. After a long hug and a few smooches he left to get himself dressed. Joseph spouted off his breakfast requests over and over until someone would listen, and we all settled on pancakes. As I mixed them up I noticed that someone had already climbed on the counter top this morning and helped themselves to my rhubarb cake, but apparently they only liked the crumble top since the top was missing on over 3/4 of the cake. Then we hurried through the morning routine and sent Camilla off to the bus. I watched to make sure she got on okay and then come back in to the boys pleas to go out and play. Since the sun hadn't quite come up yet I made them wait for it to warm up.

We tidied rooms and watched a few episodes on Netflix until the sky turned blue, the sun started to shine, and the snow began to sparkle out our window. While Finley napped I sent the boys ahead to the park, knowing I'd be along shortly. I watched them play out the kitchen window until I heard Finley stir. I suited him up in some serious snow gear for the first time this year and grabbed the big long sled. Everyone jumped on and we cruised around the open space by the park. Finley reached over the edge of the sleigh to shuffle the snow with his hands and gleefully shrieked. Hyrum and Joseph shouted "Woo-hoo!" as I tugged and pulled (they're really heavy). We circled around and grabbed the mail and then headed for home.

 

I spent the afternoon tidying the basement and sorting toy bins while Finley used me to pull himself to a standing position, tugging at my hair, laying his head on my shoulder and giving me slobbery kisses. I took a few minutes to tickle his toes and listen to his belly laugh. Joseph soon joined in and tackled me to the floor. I wanted to stay there and have a nap, but I knew that wouldn't fly. The boys helped put away the cars (even Finley enjoyed throwing them back in the  bin) and then we went to surprise Camilla at after school pickup. 

As soon as we got in the kids rushed out to the park, sleigh in hand, to play in the snow. They took turns pushing and pulling each other down the small hill until they could no longer feel their toes. I watched them out the window as I did dishes and thought about when I would spend hours playing outside as a kid. I put the kettle on knowing they would be in shortly. Soon enough the door flew open. They kicked off their wet boots, threw their mittens on the heat vent, wiggled out of their snow gear and left it all in a huge pile right by the front door. I always forget that dreaded part about Winter until it rolls around again. 

Once they finished their hot drinks they went downstairs to play. Before long dinner was ready and Daddy arrived home. We ate quickly, I jammied the baby, and then we ran out to parent/teacher interviews. I came home exhausted and before I could even take my coat off I was encouraging the older two to get jammies, listening to bedtime snack requests, making up a bottle for Finley and clearing dinner off the table.  The whole time I tried to find my happy place, that tiny reminder of why I love this motherhood gig. 

Then the house was still. Everyone was tucked in for the night with a back scratch and a small chat session. I folded the last few loads of laundry for the day in silence, thinking about the happy and sads today and how to improve upon them tomorrow. Camilla is growing up so fast and I am realizing how small my sphere of influence is becoming with her. I wonder if I am setting a good enough example. I pondered how I could best help her value womanhood and motherhood when most days I feel like I'm drowning in laundry. The one brightspot in my day is when Mr. Stannix calls at lunch to see how I am doing. Other than that, I don't get much adult conversation these days.

Just when I thought about calling it a night, Finley woke up. I let him cry for a bit, but he didn't settle so I went in to check on him. Once he was asleep I brought out his bottle to get it ready for the wee hours of the morning. The water stung my hands, chapped from countless diaper changes, handwashes and sink fulls of dishes.  I then take Hyrum for one last trip to the bathroom, bracing his sleepy body as he tries to aim at the toilet. And finally I crawled into bed and crossed all my fingers and toes that I wouldn't have to leave it again until morning. 

When it Snows

 When it snows...

 We make blanket forts

 Play trains

 

...And practice walking!

Tippy Toes

This kid is growing like a weed! He can now stand up all on his own in the middle of a room and has attempted a few tiny steps on his own. It's just as exciting watching him and it was watching our first child learn to walk. The kids witnessed me cheering and jumping after he bravely attempted a few steps. The best part though is seeing the kids join in on the excitement and cheer him on. Finley gets so excited he can hardly keep his balance and it's so fun. I also laughed out loud the other day when he was digging in the toy box for a toy on his tippy toes and then fell right into the box. We've had a lot of fun around here lately.

Warm Winter

It's been a warm Winter so far! While the weather is good the children have been enjoying a lot of outdoor time.  Most mornings the boys are out in the yard playing nice and early just as Camilla is leaving for the bus. The snow is still new and exciting. They spent the day outside with Auntie Emma today and she grabbed a few pictures of them playing in the little skiff of snow that is quickly melting away.

Eleven Months

 These pictures get harder and harder to take each month with this little wiggle worm. This kid is such a riot lately as he pulls himself up on everything and walks around furniture. He has really got his balance and screeches and laughs hysterically everytime he stands on his own for more than a few seconds. He is so close to walking and even took one little baby step before falling this week. Laughing and babbling are a new thing and his little voice is adorable. Often when we are at the dinner table he will hang out in his highchair half asleep and then out of no where he will start giggling at something and before long we are all laughing. 

He loves his baths and will totally ham it up the whole time he's in the water. He likes to stick his face in and drink the water over and over again and stand up at the edge of the tub. Sometimes when he's in a really funny mood he will fall backwards in the water and kick up a storm as the water splashes around him. His belly laughs are the absolute best. 

Changing his bum is nearly impossible to do these days and pretty much ends in a wrestling match every time. I have to change him on the floor and pin his arms down with my feet and move as fast as I can. If it's dirty he almost always ends up kicking his way out of my grasp and putting his foot in it, or squirming around so it ends up on my pant leg. I've never had such a squirmy baby to change!

 Even a fake laugh requires throwing his head back and giggling from the gut. He is totally hilarious!  Sleeping has significantly declined over the last week. I attribute it to him learning how to walk. It seems that sleep gets disrupted with every new milestone. He could also be cutting some more teeth here pretty quick. 

He loves soft blankets, playing outside, stroller rides and his siblings. He has also taken an interest in feeding himself and I can hardly get a spoon near his mouth without him grabbing it and insisting on putting it in himself. I've held off on the messy stage as long as I could but I think it's time to give in! He's pretty quick on his knees and I know we're in trouble when he starts walking.

The kids can't wait for him to walk and run around and we are hoping (or dreading) that he will be up and walking by Christmas time. It will definitely make life interesting! Happy eleven months Finners.

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.