Hustle & Bustle

I was just sitting by the Christmas tree in the dimly lit living room reflecting on my day and my mind was suddenly flooded with so many thoughts and words. I knew that I needed to jump on here and write just to unwind and hopefully feel a little bit better after a long, hard mommy day. 

I've been feeling so frustrated lately. We are all tired and I feel like Christmas has kind of been thrown together this year. We've missed a few of our fun traditions and there isn't enough hours in a day to accomplish all of the things that I want to. I always think that Christmas should just magically be the time of year where we all try our best to be kind and get along and speak softly and feel peace, but this year I feel like we are majorly failing in that department. The littles are cranky with each other, and with me. They are at each other all day long it seems and inside I'm screaming this is not how I taught you to behave!!!  There was a lot of yelling, and frustration, and sadness today on all accounts. It's so not Christmas spirit-like. But how can I be justified in getting frustrated with the kids for their lousy moods when mine isn't so great either? I could blame my mood on the fact that I missed lunch and ate way too much chocolate, but truthfully those things shouldn't dictate my mood. It's so hard to choose happy though when you feel like you're failing every time you turn around. 

Mike and I have both been feeling a little on the tired side this month. We have so much going on with church and our crazy family and the days just seem to be melting into each other. I've been stressing about Christmas. I think I've bought ONE gift. We have five kids and Christmas is like T-minus 12 days away. Yikes. The other night I had a nightmare about forgetting to prepare dinner for my entire family while we are staying at the Cabin over Christmas. I've been planning, stressing, worrying and trying to keep up with life. It's super frustrating to want to reach out and serve so many around you, but be so burnt out after giving your all to your own little family. I also hate asking for help.  Mr. Stannix lovingly joked on the phone with my Dad the other night that I would rather lie down and die before inconveniencing anyone. I almost snorted my egg nog when he said it, because it's absolutely true (and I've never heard it described that way before). He knows me so well.

I took the boys to the chiropractor this morning for their monthly check-up. She is so great with them and they lie so still. Next we stopped at the post office to mail some letters and buy some more stamps for Christmas cards. The boys were super antsy and I regretting getting out of the car as soon as we walked through the front door. While they are usually a tad crazy, this time they were actually crazy. Joe kept flopping on the floor every time I grabbed his arm and then he started throwing his coat in the air and catching it while a smirk teased the corners of his mouth. He had that mischievous twinkle in his eye and I knew I was done for. As we stood in the line Joe kept dropping my letters (which I let him "help" me with as a distraction) over and over again. When I picked them up I said, "Alright, you're fired," and handed them to Fin. Without even blinking he retorted, "You can't fire me! I QUIT!" and folded his arms across his chest for good measure as that sneaky smirk crept up on his lips again and his eyes shot me a challenging glance. Then I did something I hadn't done all day. I laughed. Out loud! I couldn't help it. The line-up kept getting bigger and bigger. I had to fill out a few extra papers. At one point the boys were running circles around a poor lady in line and laughing their heads off. To make matters worse I ran into somebody I knew! When we were finished I escorted them out to the van, buckled them in not-so-kindly and cried all the way home. I wanted to quit.

I spent the afternoon stewing over my morning and trying to get into Joe's head and figure out where he's coming from and why he is acting the way he is lately. He has some anxiety issues and other things, and could probably use some more mommy time. I tried to brainstorm how to bring the Christmas spirit back into our home and how to make my kids magically get along again. I decided that TV time would be cut by more than half (with the exception of Christmas movies of course) and the Wii would be shut off for the next few weeks. I feel like video games and TV are turning their brains to mush. While it is a lot harder to say no and direct them to another activity, I'm pretty sure it will be a huge game changer around here. 

Just before dinner all four of the boys were cuddled up around the Christmas tree. Ollie was lying on Hyrum's chest and the other boys were right next to each other. The fun and giggling lasted only a few minutes, but it was definitely a bright spot compared to the rest of my day. 

Most of the kids are in bed now, and as I snuggled next to Joe tonight I couldn't help but take an extra few minutes at days end to gaze on his sleeping face and take note of his freckled nose and the way his eyelashes gently brush his cheeks. The big kids surprised me with homemade Christmas cards which they carefully constructed while I was tucking in the little boys. Camilla's was filled with a sweet note that read "Marry Christmas Mom. I love you and I want you to no that you are the best mom a girl could ask for. I have a little present for you. Can you guess? It's a HUG!" She also gave me a matching bookmark that says "Crawl into a book". She's a keeper for sure.

In my hopes to enjoy this season a little more I think I've decided to quit stressing over things that are out of my control and to quite worrying about the commercial aspect of Christmas. I am super excited to spend a few days together with my entire family over Christmas. As we read our Christmas stories each night I can't help but be reminded of the real reason for the season. Over these next few weeks I will be doing things simple, saying "no" to more so I don't burn myself out, and trying my hardest to soak up these littles of mine that are growing up so crazy fast!

A Visit from Pops

 Last week amidst all of the crazy we enjoyed a visit from Mike's Dad! We don't get to see him very often, so it's always exciting when he comes. The littles warmed up quick, and quite enjoyed telling him stories and memories, likes and dislikes, and what they love most about Christmas. Uncle Andrew also came out to spend some time with us and it was fun having a few extra people at the dinner table! It was great to catch up!

The Best Medicine

This morning we ventured outside for a morning stroll. The littles were all fighting on the couch and everyone was suffering from a touch of cabin fever after a few days of being sick. Even though they weren't quite feeling like themselves yet, I knew that some fresh air and sunshine would do us all some good. Sometimes nature can be the best medicine. 

As we walked the sun warmed our faces and the chickadees serenaded us. If I didn't know what month it was, I might have guessed it was early spring. The weather was insanely warm for a typical December day, but today I wasn't going to complain. We strolled across a dried up canal just to get out of the shade and soak up the sun on the other side as we walked. The sky was so blue and clear that we could see the mountains which really gives me a sense of home and contentment. Breath in. Breath out.

When we got home we had a cup of hot chocolate and then Ollie tucked in for a nap.

Since there was no school, there was plenty of time for crafting and cuddling. We did our traditional reindeer footprints and hung them in a line on the wall. Everytime I look at them I wish that my children would stay little forever. 

These years are numbered!

Under the Weather

It all started Wednesday evening. I got a bad case of the aches and shakes, rendering me useless in my Mom duties. Camilla kindly offered to crack eggs for dinner and managed french toast and scrambled eggs for everyone. I supervised in the kitchen until the cooking was over and left them to eat while I lied on my bed listening. When they were finished the older two unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher while the younger two went down to clean the basement. I smiled as I listened to them, eyes closed. Fin ran into my room a couple of times and then ran out and exclaimed, "Yep! She's sleepin'!" They spoke in hushed tones as they discovered the four chocolates left in a bag in the cupboard. "There's enough for each of us!" they all whispered. "But then Mom won't get one....She can have mine," added Hyrum. Such a sweet boy he is. He and Camilla ended up splitting one and leaving the last one for me to eat when I felt better.

Mr. Stannix came home early to help me put the littles to bed. I soaked in a warm bath filled with epsom salts and essential oils and then tucked into bed. Just as we were falling asleep I heard a heave  and a splat. "Someone just barfed," I said. Mr. Stannix tried to assure me that if someone had indeed thrown up they would be crying for help. My mom senses were tingling, "I'm pretty sure someone just barfed." Sure enough a few minutes later, Hyrum appeared at our bedside, "Mom, I threw up....."

He managed to get his bed, and two spots on his floor. Mr. Stannix and I worked together to quickly get it taken care of. Before long he was tucked back into a fresh bed with a puke bucket nestled in beside him. I went back to bed with a heat bag and shook until I fell asleep.

In the morning the older two were not looking so good. Camilla lamented that they would miss the ugly sweater day at school. Just as Daddy made his way to the door in his shiny work shoes Camilla came running down the stairs to beg for a blessing (she hates puking) and started dry heaving over his shoes. She thankfully made it to the bathroom, and Daddy and I giggled over the near miss as he said good-bye. 

While I was upstairs she did manage to barf on the carpet just outside her room. Joe ran up to tell me all about it and added that he stepped in it. Great! A second puke bucket was handed out and we all spent the morning in our jammies surrounded by baking soda on the puke puddled carpets.

I grabbed a bag of broth from the freezer and started some homemade soup for the sickies. Hyrum wandered upstairs and sat at the table and began spouting off things he learned at school. "Did you know three and three is six? And four and two is six? Six is an even number..... Less is more in art, Mom." I smiled up at him from the counter as it became apparent that he was indeed feeling better.

The three boys sipped their soup while discussing alternatives to "bad" words. "Instead of saying that, I just say holy cow..." suggested Hyrum. Finley immediately piped into the coversation, "OH my COW!" over and over and over.

After lunch the boys went down to play. Fin and Joe were rough housing around on the couch and one of them ended up crying. I went down just in time to watch Finley upchuck all over the livingroom carpet. I tried to catch it in my hands, ya know, to save the poor carpet from yet another puddle of puke, but I was too late (or there was too much). It was off to a bath and bed for him.

Since Ollie got it last week, and Daddy's been fighting it off and on all week, the only one left is Joe.

The rest of the day was filled with more puking and sleeping. A friend dropped by a bottle of ginger ale and saved the day. By dinner the older two were feeling much better. They were all pretty happy to tuck into bed for the night and rest up. Thankfully it's a quick one! And thankfully it didn't come on Christmas. I will be glad when this week is over though!

 

By Tree Light

This time of year I love playing piano by tree-light while my furry pup curls up next to me...

Christmas Baking

 Today I managed to make a double batch of Christmas spice cookies and a batch of Sugar cookies. Joe sliced the Christmas cookies and placed them on the cookie sheet all by himself. Fin woke from his nap just in time to help cut out the sugar cookies. The last pan came out of the oven just before the big kids got home from school. I whipped up a batch of icing and pulled the sprinkles out of the back of the cupboard. We all squished at the little round table to decorate trees and stars. They each ate a couple and then I finished up and froze the rest for our give away tins. I love Christmas traditions, and I love my kids being little and excited about every little thing we do!

Ultra Organized

I texted this picture to Mr. Stannix and he laughed and told me that it was totally blog worthy, so here I am! Our girl likes to be super organized. She always sets her clothes out the night before and prepares well for school days. She has a morning routine that she likes to stick to and some days she writes herself little notes. I found this particular one when I was tidying up the toy room one afternoon. It made me smile because of the whole "give mom a hug" part. I love that I am important enough to be included on her morning list. Not only does she get herself ready in the morning but she's also super helpful when it comes to grabbing cloth diapers for Ollie and helping Hyrum keep his room tidy. This girl is a firecracker and we love her so much!

Deck the Halls

 Everybody slept in today, and it felt amazing! The morning was going so well until Ollie threw up his breakfast all over his church clothes, and then it was back into the bath for him. Daddy took the older three to church and I stayed home with our sick babe and a runny-nosed Fin. 

 Ollie went back to bed shortly after everyone left and fell asleep without complaint. 

 I spent the rest of the morning lugging Christmas boxes out of the storage room and pulling out a few things before the kids got home. 

 The house was so quite with Ollie napping and Fin playing quietly. It was actually nice to have a few moments of peace after a busy week. I was able to read my scriptures and have some time to plan out my week. 

 When the littles got home we ate a quick lunch, put on our Santa hats, and turned on some Christmas music. Daddy set up the tree and then we spent the afternoon decorating it!

 We quietly giggled at the size of the dents in some of our plastic Christmas balls while the littles exclaimed more than once how much they love Christmas. 

 For every ornament that went on, two fell off. The plastic balls bounced all over the livingroom and were quickly grabbed by an eager Finley.

 He loved decorating the tree so much that every single bottom branch had it's very own decoration. 

 The big kids were great at putting the decorations up high and filling in the holes. 

 It's so crazy how fast they're growing!!

 I am sure glad to be married to this guy. He's my very best friend! His hugs are the greatest and he puts up with a lot from me. Ha!

 Hyrum wanted to put the star on this year, but he wasn't quite brave enough to make it to the tippy-top of the ladder. Camilla fearlessly climbed on top and managed to get it mostly on. Daddy quickly fixed it after.

 Ollie slept through the whole thing and threw up shortly after he woke up. I cleaned up a puddle of puke, changed his clothes, and brought him out to see the tree.

 He shrieked in delight when Daddy showed him the lights, and it was the sweetest moment ever!

 They were super cute together.

 All of Finley's hard work was quickly undone by chubby baby hands. Every decoration that came off was strategically placed a tad higher up the tree.

 Oh the excitement! 

 This sweet girl has almost been with us an entire year now! She fits in so well with our crazy family and does great with the kids. She's used to the loud noises and the chaos and has a different relationship with each of the littles. 

 We spent our evening downstairs taking in the Christmas devotional. It's always a really great way to feel the spirit of the season. The music alone had tears welling in my eyes. I am so grateful for my Savior and all that he has done for me. 

We read a quick story from our advent book with a flashlight and blankets and then enjoyed a yummy apple pie before bed. Everytime I walk by the tree I get giddy inside. It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

Annual Nativity

 Every year our church puts on a fabulous Nativity display with Nativities from all over the world. We took the kids last night to help us get into the Christmas spirit. 

It was a slower evening and I enjoyed the peace and joy I felt as we walked around checking out the different displays. Ollie's favorite spot was in front of the fireplace.

Hyrum and Camilla did a fun little scavenger hunt counting how many igloos, or looking for special words or pictures.

I loved how cozy everything felt and I loved all of the lights! 

 It was done so well and really helped us remember the reason for the season.

 On the way home we stopped by the ball diamonds to check out the light display. It was so weird not to have snow crunching under our boots as we walked around.

The colorful lights and the smell of a wood burning fire took me to my happy place. This is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate. The littles each grabbed a candy cane at the end and then we went home and enjoyed homemade steamers while we watched our Light the World video.

Welcome December

December has arrived, but the snow has vanished. We've enjoyed some pretty great chinooks over the past week and while the weather has been amazing, I am kind of missing the snow!

The last few months of the year always fly by with three birthdays in our little family and Christmas prep. I've already baked and froze a batch of Soft Ginger Cookies, and Shortbread Cookies to enjoy over the holiday season. We've been trying to bake something every day as we prep gifts for friends and neighbors.

The littles are still not sleeping the greatest and every night feels like a giant game of musical beds. In the morning time, Reese runs upstairs and sniffs around until she figures out which bed I'm sleeping in. Joe has been in our bed every single night for almost three weeks now. Usually I end up in his by morning, and then he joins me around 5:00am and we sleep until Reese greets us.

I am getting excited to have the older two home for Christmas break. If I had the energy and organizational skills I would seriously consider homeschooling them. They love their classes, teachers, and friends right now though which is great! Every morning I have to fight Hyrum to dress warm. If he could have his way he would go to school in a sweater and running shoes every day. I don't want any sick kids though. It's quite the battle some days.

We've enjoyed getting out and walking around the neighborhood. There's a cute little old folks home just down the street and the cute ladies always wave at us as we walk to the park. It happens so often that Ollie automatically starts waving whenever we walk by the house even if there's no body in the window to wave back. It's super cute. Camilla wants to take her violin over and play Christmas songs for them. I love her big heart and desire to spread Christmas cheer.

I am looking forward to setting up our tree this weekend and adding a little more Hygge to our home. This month our family will be participating in the Light the World campaign and serving 25 ways in 25 days.