Sunny Snoozer

 The weather was so nice today that we decided to forego naptime and play away the afternoon outside. Finley was able to play at the park with Daddy in the late afternoon and enjoyed every second. After dinner I came downstairs at 6:00pm to find him snuggled on a chair fast asleep. I love that this kid can sleep anywhere. He looked so sweet I couldn't help but take a few shots with the beautiful Spring sun pouring through the window. 

Sunday Afternoon

We have all been snuggled up at home this weekend watching General Conference while giant fluffy snowflakes fall outside. This afternoon brought me a sweet, sleeping babe and lots of great spiritual insight.

Crafternoon

Today brought about a spontaneous trip to the library! We picked our sister up from school and headed to a friends place to pick something up and learned of a fun program going on at the library. I wasn't planning on being out for long. Ollie had no socks on and a wet post-nap diaper, but I decided to go for the half hour anyway. A little while after arriving Ollie peed out the side of his diaper soaking the carrier and my sweatshirt (too much information?). I decided  to endure the rest of the craft and pasted a motherly smile on my face. I helped Joe and Fin make their little planter cups and watched the older two craft away across the room. It was so worth it for the grins and excitement!

A Spring Sunday

 On this Spring Sunday I woke and admired the fresh tulips on my dining room table. Then I rushed around feeding and dressing each child and making sure the diaper bag was stocked with necessities. 

I am always the last one to get ready and today was no different. I threw on and took off about three different outfits before I settled. 

Then I run a brush through my hair and sit to nurse the baby while listening to the older kids find their church shoes. Joseph has taken it upon himself to help Finley put on his jacket and zip it up (since he can do zippers now, YAY!). Everyone hustles out to the van and gets their seat belts on  acts as though they've escaped from the zoo. Every blinker is on, every door is open, some are shedding tears, there is screaming (I won't tell you who from) and we were supposed to leave ten minutes ago.

 

 After church is probably my favorite because I get to snuggle up next to this handsome little boy and watch him drift off to sleep. He seems so grown up lately I can hardly handle it! Those long lashes of his get me every time!

 The afternoon sun was calling us outside so we went for a family walk after dinner. We watched the geese fly overhead in their famous "V" formation. The children stood in awe as we watched and listened. We saw a red breasted Robin in a tree and listened to it's familiar Spring song. The children climbed the tree at the end of the trail like they always do, even higher than last time! 

 Finley was tickled to be allowed to walk to the dog. I hung back with him and listened to his sweet little voice, "Doooood dirl, Reesie! Tum-on! Wet's go!" I wish I could freeze him at this stage. He's so darn cute!! Happy Sunday!

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!