General Women's Session

I look forward to the General Women's session of conference with eagerness to be uplifted, edified, and feel of the sisterhood of other women watching around me. This year my mom was down visiting my sister for the day, so Camilla and I took the afternoon and spent it with them! We left home shortly after lunch and went dress shopping together. I didn't have much luck, but Camilla found a pink, long-sleeved dress in just her size that she wanted to try on. Because most of my kids have been raised on hand-me-downs, this was a special experience for us both. Rarely do we go shopping and even more rare do we have time to try things on. We left the shop hand in hand, and the sun warmed our faces as we walked to the car. 

We arrived at my sister's with a few hours to visit and enjoy a yummy dinner! We made it to the church just as the broadcast began and found some seats near the back. Oliver happily giggled at his aunt and Camilla took notes the entire time. When I told her that I had missed part of the last talk because I was out with Ollie she happily exclaimed, "Don't worry! I took notes for you!" Her little scribbles will be tucked into my journal to smile upon again at a later day. As always, the talks were great and the spirit whispered to my heart some things that I can improve on, as well as confirmed my Saviors love for me.

 "When we spiritually lean unto our own understanding we lean away from the Savior."

-Bonnie H. Cordon 

"Holiness is in the striving and the struggle to keep the commandments. Holiness is making the choices that will keep the Holy Ghost as our guide...If we are to be holy we must give time to holiness."

-Carol F. McConkie

"When we have become distracted, doubtful or discourages, may be accept the Lords invitation to drink of his living water. When life seems unfair...may we remember Martha and declare our similar certain witness."

-Linda K. Burton

"Those who do not see their weaknesses do not progress. Your awareness of your weakness is a blessing as it helps you remain humble and keeps you turning to the Savior. The Spirit not only comforts you, but He is also the agent by which the Atonement works a change in your very nature. Then weak things become strong."

-Henry B. Eyring

Afterwards we took a trip over to Marble Slab for some ice cream and sat and visited for way too long. Camilla sat next to us with her legs dangling from the chair, swinging them happily as she chatted our ears off. I'm sure she felt grown up, and I hope she felt special and loved.

I was so glad that my mamma could make it!

Camilla was glad to see her auntie. It was a wonderful night all around!

My Sunshine

This week has been rough. Mike's been working so hard and long that he practically falls into bed after arriving home. Last night tears fell as I rocked Ollie to sleep for the third time, dreaming of crawling under freshly washed sheets and resting my tired body. Just as I gently placed him in the crib I was interrupted by my five year old who came to tell me he had just puked all over his bed. I changed his bedding while the baby screamed, then sat in the rocker and started all over again. Shortly after crawling into bed my sweet toddler woke with a nightmare. It was well past midnight before I even fell asleep and the rest of my night was spent jumping at the first sound of dry heaves, nursing the baby, and sharing my half of the bed with my preschooler. I woke exhausted to Mr. Stannix kissing me good-bye for the day and my four year old asking for breakfast.

As I go through another day of mothering, mopping up puke, and giving comfort there is a feeling of loneliness in the back of my mind. But when my sweet children smile at me, wrap their arms around my neck, tell me a funny joke, or ask me to sit with them "just a little bit longer mommy" that feeling of loneliness fades and becomes replaced with swells of love for these little blessings that I get to learn from each and every day.

The Big Melt

Today we woke to wet grass and rain streaked windows. It's finally starting to feel a little bit like Spring! This afternoon I went out with the boys to the park. They enjoyed splashing in puddles and swinging high! Ollie even had his first swing at the park and loved it! We are looking forward to warmer days and more sunshine!

Happy Spring

We are combating "The Monday's" with warm, gooey cinnamon buns for breakfast, and long afternoon naps! Happy first day of Spring!

Terrible Two's

All in all, this boy hasn't been TOO terrible. 

But this happened today...

And I had to laugh.

And take a picture.

No body liked that flavor of toothpaste anyway.

St. Patrick's Day

 We woke up with big plans for St. Patty's day! We had friends coming to play and I was supposed to be babysitting in the afternoon. All of our plans quickly changed after Finley turned green in the face and ended up barfing up the small bowl of lucky charms he ate for breakfast. We canceled out plans and hunkered down for a quiet day. Joe helped me make our traditional green cupcakes and we iced them after lunch! Finley put himself for a nap whenever he was feeling bad. I finished the day with two loads of bedding to wash, but thanked my lucky stars I didn't have to mop anything up off my floor! The older kids built a leprechaun trap and almost caught one! They were thrilled when he used his magic dust to escape, leaving behind a trail of green glitter. It was a good excuse to put my NEW vacuum to use and Fin was more than happy to do it for me! 

Fine Arts

This afternoon I dropped the boys off at a friends and attended the Fine Arts afternoon at the Elementary school. The back of the gym was full of artwork from each grade and all three choirs gave an amazing performance! 

 

Camilla loves choir and has been blessed with an incredible music teacher and choir director. Next week they will be performing in Drumheller and then in Calgary in April!

 I loved being able to watch my girl sing her heart out without having to worry about her brothers being too loud or too crazy in the audience. It was nice to focus on her and cheer her on.

 After they had finished all of their pieces they invited parents up and presented a medal to each child. This girl is getting so big!!

 Her class displayed artwork depicting different perspectives. It was fun seeing the creativity and differences between them all!

 Despite some snow this morning, the afternoon treated us well and we enjoyed soaking up the sun with a picnic on the deck.

Daylight Savings

This week has been a lot of early mornings with Ollie waking shortly after Daddy sneaks out to the gym at 5:00am. While the rest of the house sleeps, we snuggle in our big bed and wait for the first rays of sun to peek through the window. My body is weary from being up most of the night and I am desperate for another hour of sleep that I know will never come.

Our mornings have been filled with imaginary play and kindergarten work books. My house is often filled with ninjas and if I'm not careful where I walk my feet scream in pain after stepping on the hundredth Lego of the day. The boys fill the sink for their Lego boats and play shirtless in the water. It isn't long before their jeans are wet and water is everywhere.

The warmer weather brings a morning walk because we could all use a little fresh air after hiding out in the basement during this cold snap. We all return home with runny noses and smiles on our faces. 

Noodles are requested by some for lunch. My stubborn toddler rests his chin on his folded arms and stares at his food refusing to eat...again. Upon closer examination I find two big molars growing in which have made sleeping and eating difficult this past week. 

My afternoon is filled with sticky fingers and food covered faces as they race around and play. 

There's red lollipop in the dogs hair from the day before, but she is still happy to jump on the dishwasher door and pre-wash a few things while I'm loading it. With so many sticky kiddos she pretty much requires a bath once a week it seems.

Hyrum comes into the kitchen walking with a stiff body, and then jumps with both feet. When I ask what he's doing he shrugs and says, "I just wanted to see what a toy feels like..."

 

We pick up Camilla from school and take Joe to his chiropractor appointment. Everyone behaves well and listens great! I praise them and tell them how much I love them and they are quick to return the sentiment. 

The late afternoon brings coloring at the kitchen table. They smile as I proudly tape their artwork to my kitchen wall to display. The children have learned about rainbows this week and each picture has a rainbow, pot of gold, or a leprechaun as we get ready for St. Patty's day. 

 

While I make dinner Joe starts making me crazy and then runs away shouting between giggles, "AH! run for my life!!!" By the time I catch him my anger has melted slightly and I hug him tight and laugh.  He is the only kid who can drive me so crazy and make me love him so much all at the same time.

Daddy is working late tonight so we have an earlier dinner. My toddler hardly takes one bite before he excuses himself from the table. I put the little boys in a bath, start the shower for Camilla, and load the diffuser with some Peace and Calming before bed. I quickly do dishes while listening to Hyrum sing to himself rather than eat his dinner. His made up songs make me smile.

When I go to get the boys from the tub I discover that they have flooded the floor with water...again. This time it takes five huge towels to mop up and miraculously didn't leak down into the basement. 

Once everyone is jammied, Camilla turns on the Moana soundtrack and dances with her little brother. She has him put his feet on hers and it's about the cutest thing I've seen all day!

After that it's bed time routine. We brush teeth, watch a quick church video to settle, and pray together. I sing to the boys while I nurse the baby. Just when everything is still and calm, the dog jumps up and barks at Hyrum singing in the tub. I wait again for the boys to be still. Camilla sneaks in and rubs my back tenderly and whispers, "The ceiling started leaking, don't worry, I put a towel down." sigh

 

When the little boys are finally asleep, I tuck Ollie into his crib and head downstairs to read to the big kids. I find the dog eating poop from the diaper pail and my patience is oh so thin. She gets put outside while I clean up the mess and direct the littles (with less grace than I'd like) through their bed time routine. 

Before long the house is finally still. I sit in the rocker and put my feet up for a few minutes, letting out a sigh of relief. Daddy finally arrives home from a long day at work and brings me a yummy burger to lift my spirits. We snuggle up to a show and it feels good to be together again.

Stow Away

When you're heading out to a dentist appointment and Reese thinks she's coming too.

Great to be Eight

This afternoon Camilla and I attended a little "Great to be Eight" event at the church! The primary did a great job of putting together treats and introducing the almost eight year olds to all of the fun stuff that they have to look forward to in the coming year! It's crazy to me how fast time goes. This little lady is growing up and looking forward to her baptism with excitement. It's fun helping her prepare and watching her learn. We sure love her!