Ollie Turns Three

Today our Ollie-lollie turned three! It was kind of a crazy day because we had to take Sawyer to the ophthalmologist this morning to get his pupils dilated. I made the cake up yesterday and covered it with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out and was able to ice it after we got home. I still can't believe that Oliver is three! He loves being outside and helping around the acreage or playing on his tricycle. He gives the best snuggles and likes to wrap his arms around our neck when he falls asleep. He is goofy and silly and can't listen to music without dancing (he has the best disco moves). He has a sweet tooth like his mamma and if he's asking for food, he really means candy. He brings our family so much joy and we are so glad we could celebrate him today!

Carry On

This week has felt a little bit crazy and my wardrobe is currently a mash-up of fall and summer. Cozy warm sweaters and sandals are the go-to lately! We have had four extra kiddos staying with us this week to help out some friends with a family emergency. All of our beds are full and I've been prepping meals for twelve! While I feel slightly tired, I still feel like I have enough energy to keep going. It's funny how when we agree to serve or help others, the Lord always helps us and gives us strength to do so.

I spent some time in the greenhouse today with the girls harvesting ripe tomatoes and some of the Tomatillos that were ready!

While he takes a bottle now, the nursing is still going strong. I'm pretty sure this is the longest I've ever nursed a babe of mine, and I can't say I'm hating it. These moments are quiet and precious.

Even though the house is loud and crazy with all of the kids running around, Sawyer still managed a nice afternoon nap. 

And I'm kind of in love with the colors we've been getting from our chickens.

Raspberry Struessel Muffins

It's been a productive morning so far! Raspberry streusel muffins, beef barley soup in the crock pot, and tomato herb bread rising on the counter! The house smells yummy!

Country Roads

The nights have been long in our home this week. I spent last night caring for a croupy child and a teething babe who needed snuggling every half our. Every time I blink I'm reminded how tired I truly am. It was close to 4:00am before Ollie's breathing settled and Sawyer tucked back in. 

We managed pancakes for breakfast and made it to the bus on time! After running to town for groceries with the little boys we explored some back country roads and admired the changing leaves and golden hues. 

Even in the midst of trials we can be reminded how blessed we are and I am filled with gratitude today for each of my littles and my dear husband who is tired right along side me.

I will miss these days.

Back to School

This time last year we had just barely moved, the house was in a state of chaos with stuff here and stuff there, Daddy was commuting back and forth to Calgary, and the children were a bundle of nerves as they began the school year at a new school. This year they all woke up excited and eager to discover what the day would bring! Camilla wasn't worried about making friends, Hyrum was excited about his teacher, and Joseph was excited to learn!

I will be teaching Finley kindergarten at home this year just like I did with each of the other kids and he was excited to be a part of the morning excitement!

The beginning of a new school year also means that the chore charts are back in action. Camilla helped me revise and print them last night and I love how colorful they are!

The little boys and I spent our day picking tomatoes and vegetables from the greenhouse with Grampa!

We get a pretty good haul each day and it's so fun!

Just as we were getting ready for bed we looked out the window and spotted these three deer hanging out in the front yard.

And just like that, the first day of school came to a close and the littles fell asleep exhausted.

One Last Time

Today the littles begged to go to the lake for one last afternoon of boating. The weather was warm, but the wind was cold and the water was a bit on the choppy side. We brought lots of boat snacks (thanks Grampa!) and spent a few hours driving around the island enjoying slow, leisurely tube rides. We were the only ones on the lake, except for a fishing boat. It's always nice when that happens since Crimson is so small. While we were eating Hyrum said, "I'm kind of like you, Dad, I have an empty armpit!" We all burst out laughing. He meant "Hollow leg".

Daddy, Grampa, and I all had a turn on the tube too! When it was my turn Hyrum looked at my legs as we were being pulled around the lake and said, "You need to trim your legs." Turns out I've neglected shaving my legs the last few weeks, and Hyrum definitely noticed! Ha!

When we got home the boys started a fire and we roasted hot dogs and Smores. It was such a beautiful night!  We are loving our new fire pit! It's the perfect height for roasting and cooking!

Sawyer loves being outside and really enjoyed watching everyone roasting, running and playing.

When the sun started to sink lower into the horizon, we gathered the littles and went inside for showers and baths.

We finished off our evening with Father's blessings for back to school and some quiet time together as family. It's so hard for me to explain the way I feel about back to school. It's a good mix between excitement for the children and sadness for me. I love having all of my kids at home together, but it's so good for them to be able to go out into the world and apply the things we teach them here.

Sunday Snuggles

Yes, I still snuggle this boy to sleep. 

And while I rocked today I pondered Motherhood and

counted my blessings.

Happy Sabbath!

Besties

Today our very best friends drove out to visit us! We have enjoyed over ten years of friendship with these guys. One of my favorite songs talks about how you can't make "new old friends". These old friends of ours are pretty dear to our hearts! While the Dad's were inside moving furniture and putting the tv on the wall, Jessica, the girls and I went to pick raspberries and visit. Having a friend who knows your dreams and sorrows is a special thing. I love the way they love our kids and I love the bond our girls have together. 

We finished off our night by escaping to DQ after the littles were all asleep (thanks Mom and Dad!). We had a great visit over poutine and ice cream and ended up laughing pretty hard. We sure are grateful for the Wolsey Family!

Farewell Summer

Today we hosted our annual "Farewell Summer" BBQ. We got a bunch of friends together to enjoy a night of roasting hot dogs and Smores. Everyone brought a dish and the adults had a great time visiting while the kids ran around playing and biking together. It's so hard to believe that Summer break is coming to an end. It all went by too fast!

School Orientation

 This morning we stopped by the school to pick up school supplies boxes and check out the kids classes. We grabbed our boxes and then went down to find Camilla and Joe's class rooms. Camilla found her locker and wanted a picture. Joe's teacher was out and the door was shut so we didn't get to peek, but at least he knew where it was! Hyrum's classroom was looking pretty fun. Every time I went to snap a picture Oliver jumped in! 

After we finished at the school we stopped to find indoor shoes for each of the kids. Oliver needed a pair of runners because he grew out of his. Finley's running shoes were so worn out they could talk, and he was tickled to find a new pair that fit and helped him "run really fast!" It was super hairy having all six kids, a cranky baby, and a toddler who refused to leave peacefully without a treat. When we got home the kids opened their boxes and labeled everything inside. Before long backpacks were packed and ready for the first day of school!