Stormy Skies

This week has treated us to cool, Autumn evenings and gentle rains. I can't help but admire the contrast of the Fall leaves against the dark, stormy sky. I hear we have snow blowing in, due to arrive by weeks end. We have been frantically getting in the garden and cleaning out the greenhouse. The weather is as uncertain as my emotions. I've been trying to suppress them and put on a brave face. While I am excited for the change, I have been missing friends and that sense of home. But alas, life is always changing, just like the seasons, whether you're ready for them or not.

 

We spent much of the morning butchering chickens. Each of us adults had a job and Fin and Ollie just wandered around taking it all in. As Grampa brought a chicken to the chopping block Fin would said, "Don't worry chicken, we're not going to hurt you." It was pretty funny. We were able to get the job done and went inside feeling chilled from the brisk Autumn air.

 

I went in after school to pick up the kids and help Camilla get to her first piano lesson with her new teacher. I couldn't believe how grown up she looked as I watched her play on the playground with her brothers. She's such a strength to our family and I admire the way she sees others needs and helps to fill them.

 

 After the littles were all tucked in I enjoyed a quiet evening baking chocolate chip cookies and packing lunches for tomorrow.

Oliver is TWO

Today our spunky little blonde is officially two years old! He brings so much light and life into our family. I sometimes joke that the only reason we are having another baby is because Ollie is just so dang cute! He is starting to talk a little bit and express himself more. He has a wonderful, big personality and a great sense of humor. He loves being with his older siblings and they are so good to him. His favorite thing to do is play outside and he has really enjoyed wandering around the acreage over these last few weeks. He is becoming more and more independent each day and loves to try new things. I can't believe how much he has grown over these last two years and how quickly time flew! We sure adore this boy and his sweet spirit! Happy birthday Ollie-lollie!!

Free Range

After a night of Musical beds I woke feeling pretty tired shortly before 7am. We had a slow, Saturday morning and pancakes for breakfast. Hyrum ate four of them and I could hardly believe it! These boys are growing so much and soon I will have to triple what I make for food. The rest of the day was spent playing lego, enjoying time outside and laughing together. The older kids spent a lot of time pushing Ollie around the acreage in his little tikes car. It's his very favorite thing. He is in heaven here and loves that he can go outside without a lot of supervision. It's so nice having the extra space and not having to worry about street traffic and lots of people. They munched fresh garden carrots all afternoon while they played. I spent the afternoon cleaning up and organizing a few rooms.

I managed to make a batch of bread and get the dishes cleaned up. As I washed dishes I watched out the kitchen window while Ollie helped Gramma pick carrots in the garden. He wandered to the strawberry patch and picked one strawberry at a time, bringing it in each time to get washed and then eaten. When he had finished the juicy berry he marched back across the yard to the garden in search of more.

We had a few friends over this evening for a fire and a hot dog roast. All of the kids ran around wild, climbing trees and playing ball. Ollie may have finished off everyone's pop, and especially loved the grape flavor! It was fun to get together with a few families and watch the kids play together too!

As Mr. Stannix and I chatted today and I expressed my feelings and emotions to him, he turned and smiled at me. "Life's an adventure!" he said with a smile. Indeed it is. And there is no one else I'd rather adventure with then my dear Mr. Stannix.

Happy Birthday Oliver

It was another beautiful day! We woke early and got the kids off on the bus. Finley watched out the window as the bright morning sun poured in. I spent the day painting walls in the kitchen and making a quick cake for Ollie's birthday! 

Time goes by pretty quickly around here and we didn't get to dinner until much later than I had planned. By the time we got around to cake, the evening sun was pouring through the windows on the West side of the house, right into the dining room.

He doesn't technically turn two until Sunday, but with a busy weekend ahead and Daddy heading back to Strathmore Sunday afternoon we decided to do his birthday tonight. Watching him blow out his candles was a total heart melter. I loved the way he puckered up his lips each time he tried to blow out the candles. He was so excited when we sang to him!

After a bunch of tries, he eventually needed a little help from Daddy to blow out the candles. We sure love our crazy, blonde haired two-year-old!

I spy

 I spent yesterday and today back in Strathmore doing touch ups on the house and packing a few more boxes to bring back. I took the two little boys with me, and they've enjoyed playing together. When I pulled up to the town office I was greeted by these beautiful trees that brought a smile to my face.

I spy with my little eye something that is YELLOW! Autumn is my absolute favorite time of the year!

Adjusting

 Despite the great day at school yesterday, we had a bit of a rough morning. There was lots of grumpiness and moodiness and rough mommy moments. The kids left to school after a big blow up, and no body was very happy. Just as Camilla made it to the deck, she looked back at me and burst into tears. She came running back and threw her arms around my neck, "I don't want to go to school, Mom! I have no friends!" My heart nearly broke for her. 

I spent the morning driving back to Strathmore to take care of a few things. The littles were left in the care of Gramma and Grampa. They spent most of their after school time soaking up the sun and helping Grampa pick tomatoes from the greenhouse. Thankfully Uncle Arland sent me a few pictures and kept me in the loop while I was away!!

First day of school

This morning the littles woke up early, excited for the first day of school! Camilla had asked for me to put curlers in her hair the night before and I was so happy to do that for her. She looked gorgeous this morning and felt great in her new outfit and curls. Uncle Arland and Auntie Naomi are still staying with us and it was fun to have them around to partake in the excitement! We had a big breakfast and then took the traditional back to school photos.

Seeing the three of them together makes me so happy. I am so glad that they are not going into this new school completely alone. Even though Camilla's grade plays on a different playground, they made plans to meet up in the field at recess and be together. 

It feels like her first day of grade one was just yesterday. I can't believe that she is already in the fourth grade! 

This boy was excited for the second grade! At meet the teacher I had overheard a few of the parents saying how lucky so-and-so was to have the teacher that Hyrum will have.

This is Joe's first year at school. He's most excited about riding the bus and learning new things! He has such a quick, eager mind and I think he is going to really enjoy school this year!

We were excited to have Daddy here for the first day (and Uncle Arland who snapped a few pictures). We all walked down the laneway to the bus stop and waited together.

A few minutes after they left on the bus, we hopped in the car and drove in to the school. Joe wanted us to meet him there and help him find his new classroom. Joe and Hyrum are right across the hall from each other which is so perfect! When we got to Joseph's classroom we were surprised to see a few kids from church were in the same class as him and sitting just a row of desks over. It was such a tender mercy and made Joe's transition so much easier than it might have been. After the boys were settled into their new classrooms, we walked across the school to Camilla's class and said good-bye. She was super nervous about making new friends and felt a little bit lonely. They were all on my mind all day long! They arrived home excited to tell us about their days.

Farewell Summer

Back to school preparations are in full swing around here! We've got the signs ready for the first day of school and all of the school supplies labeled and put in backpacks. The littles are excited (and a little nervous) for their first day and ready to make new friends!

I've been busy painting away. Mr. Stannix helped me finish up the nursery and even though we won't use it for a few months, it's such a relief to have something ready and in order.

We've really enjoyed having family in town this weekend and we are eating up the Summer skies and evenings by the fire.

It's so nice to have a few moments to just relax and unwind amidst all of the crazy changes that have been happening! We played a few fun rounds of Mafia, and the kids are really starting to get the hang of it. The stories never disappoint and some of us are really good liars. Ha!

Cooking smores is always a great way to say farewell to Summer!

Families are Forever

 Today miss Camilla shared her testimony in sacrament meeting about the eternal nature of families. I felt the spirit as she testified simply that "families are forever". I am so grateful for this knowledge and the peace and comfort it brings. I know that I can be with my crazy family forever, and that makes me happy!

We passed by a gorgeous field on our way home and I couldn't resist a few pictures! Finley was not in a cooperative mood and just decided to run away, but here is the rest of our crew! Happy Sabbath!

Hello September

 As we wake we can't help but notice the chill in the air as the furnace turns on. The leaves are changing, the sweaters have come out, and school prep is under way. We are excited to enjoy family this long weekend and bask in the sunshine. Welcome September, we're so glad you're here!