Background

Saturday, May 11, 2019

The Tooth Fairy

The weather was warm and beautiful today! Mike left bright and early with a few of the older kids and my Dad for highway cleanup and I spent the morning with the littles cleaning and prepping for Hyrum's baptism tomorrow. 

I got a few early Mother's day cards that the kids made at school. I treasure homemade cards so much!

Camilla spent part of her afternoon coloring me this amazing picture because she knows how much I love goats! 

While we were visiting at my parent's place Joe asked Grampa to pull his tooth out. It easily came out and Grampa hid it in the Kleenex and told Joe he would try again tomorrow. When Joe realized he was teasing him he ran to the bathroom to look at his mouth. A few hours later Hyrum asked Grampa to pull out his tooth. When he showed me how loose it was I joked that he could probably push it out with his tongue. He gave it a little tug and it popped right out. They were determined to break the tooth fairy's bank I guess.

Friday, May 10, 2019

Planting Grampa's Greenhouse

Today started bright and early just like every day. The children woke up agreeable and happy which was a refreshing change from a few mornings this week. Hyrum hugged Camilla good morning as he made his way into the kitchen.  He's grown up a lot over these past few weeks and it's been fun to watch him mature and change. He helped me flip pancakes for breakfast while I packed their lunches. Joe entertained Sawyer in his highchair while I got breakfast on the table and then we all sat down together to eat. Ollie climbed up on my lap while I ate and snuggled in for a few minutes while everyone else happily chatted. 

The early start gave us lots of extra time to play and practise piano. It wasn't long before our quiet house was filled with the clunking of piano keys, noisy boys playing make-believe, and Ollie running circles around the kitchen. Hyrum read scriptures for me this morning because I have come down with a terrible cold that has made my voice all croaky and yucky. 

Camilla kissed Ollie on the top of his head before leaving for school. Ollie hugged them all good-bye and then shouted out the door after them, "Bye guys! Be nice on the bus! Wuv you!"

I studied my scriptures at the table amidst sticky syrup, peanut butter knives and left over pancakes. Then I tidied the living room and nursed the baby in the warmth of the morning sun on the corner of the couch. The dog curled up by my legs and the baby slowly fell asleep while the little boys ran wild in their superman costumes. 

I ventured out to Grampa's greenhouse to check on the tomatoes and help with the planting. My Dad, Fin and I planted half of the greenhouse while Ollie and Sawyer napped. Dad dug the holes, Fin filled them with a scoop of salts and bonemeal and then Dad and I alternated planting. We had a pretty awesome system going!

The dirt is looking rich and nice and I can't wait to see these guys grow!

Finley loved watering and being a part of the process. I love watching him learn and work along side us. My hands are already stained with dirt and I can't wait to finish planting in here!

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Children's Hospital

Today we ventured down to Calgary with Oliver for his EEG. After his seizure a few months ago we were referred to a pediatrician who recommended getting an EEG done. We had to keep him up until 10pm last night and wake him at 4am this morning. He was not allowed to sleep on the drive there and needed to be super tired upon arrival. It was a super long day for me since I was up at 4am and had to keep him awake and busy for the entire drive. Mr. Stannix drove so that I could entertain Oliver for the 2 1/2 hours in the car. He did so good, but nodded off for a few minutes just as we arrived at the Children's hospital. 

He was so chill about getting "stickers" on his head and was super cooperative. I ended up having to lay with him on the bed until he finally fell asleep. After about ten minutes of sleep they said they had everything they needed and asked me to wake him up! The poor boy was so so tired (and so were we). I'm anxious for the results which should be coming in a few weeks.

We stopped at our favorite place to eat on the way out of the city. Ollie was such a trooper. He and I shared a salad while Daddy had a burrito. The drive home was relatively painless as they fell asleep shortly outside of Airdrie. Mike and I were pretty exhausted when we finally got home!

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Rainy Days

Today was rainy and cold. The boys and I went to town bright an early to pick up a few things. The air was crisp and fresh. This extra moisture has been so great and the grass is getting greener every day! These last few months of school are always the hardest with end of the year field trips and soccer a few nights a week and the anticipation of Summer right around the corner. 
Sawyer and Ollie ended up napping at the same time this afternoon while the rain fell in sheets outside their slightly opened windows. Their rooms smelled fresh and they slept for hours!

I made a double batch of our favorite chocolate peanut butter no bake cookies and Finley licked the pot when I was done. I brought the whole lot to town when I picked up the kids from school and they pretty much ate them all. They needed the energy for their first night of soccer which I am still thawing out from. 

Monday, May 6, 2019

Cinco De Mayo

Today was truly a "Monday". I don't know what it is, but everyone around here is always so tired lately! By the time the afternoon rolls around the boys are practically begging for naps. 

Finley isn't typically a napper, but he was the first one to fall asleep after I suggested laying down with Ollie and I.

I totally spaced on our "Cinco De Mayo" celebration yesterday, so I made up for it today with quinoa chicken burrito bowls.

The fresh salsa and grilled chicken really makes the dish delicious! Even the kids enjoyed it after some convincing.

Saturday, May 4, 2019

First Pears

Sawyer had his first taste of pears today and he loved it! It was so fun watching his expressions change when he took that first slurp off the spoon. He wouldn't let go of the spoon after that! I can't believe how fast he's growing up! 

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Ollie-Lollie


Two year olds are the greatest!

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Welcome May

The sun graced us with it's presence on and off today, but for the most part it was just cold and more cold. We enjoyed a slow morning playing toys and reading books. It's hard to believe we are beginning another month already! I'm still trying to figure out what happened to April. The highlight of my day today was watching the big kids color together at the table after school, singing at the top of their lungs to "The Greatest Showman" soundtrack and laughing together. When life gets messy, these are the moments that get us through!



Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Farewell April

The weather was pretty wild today! The wind blew relentlessly and the snow continued to Fall. 

Spring, where are you?

So I turned on the oven and baked some strawberry muffins to fill our tummies, because what else are you going to do in the middle of a snow storm in April?

Monday, April 29, 2019

Hyrum Turns Eight

Today Hyrum turned Eight! It's hard to believe that he is already so old. It's been a treat watching him grow and mature over these past few months. He has been an easy boy to raise so far and a great example to his younger brothers. He loves his hugs and touch is definitely his love language. I love the way he treats his siblings and friends. He is often the peacemaker in our home and has a special way of making everyone feel loved. His teachers adore him and he is a hard worker. He is really looking forward to his baptism next month and loves to do what is right. He has such an easy going personality and he is totally a people pleaser. I see a lot of me in him. He has a quiet nature and doesn't like to be the center of attention if he can help it. He quietly serves those around him and is such a blessing to our family! This year he helped me ice a three layer cake and requested words on top. It was simple, but made with love! Happy birthday buddy! We love you!