Nativity

Every year around this time, our church puts on a Nativity display with hundreds of Nativities from all over the world. As part of the display, they have the Primary children come and sing on the Saturday afternoon. They all dress up as shepherds and angels and gather in the gymnasium. It's always so fun for them and their sweet singing voices always invite the spirit!

Quiet Time

Every day when we finish lunch, I slip away to the nursery with Sawyer and rock him to sleep. He knows the routine and is happy to snuggle up on my shoulder and run his chubby fingers through my hair. Sometimes he slips his arm under mine and tries to lift it over his back. I wrap both of my arms around him and give him a little squeeze, he smiles and sighs contently. 

It only takes a few minutes for his breathing to grow heavy. Soon his eye lids close and his body melts into mine. I relish in the moment and then place him gently in his crib.

Oliver gets tucked in next with a story and a quick back rub. He falls asleep quite fast after keeping busy all morning. I relish in a few hours of peace and quiet, usually spent folding laundry, playing UNO with Finley, or catching up on some reading.

Christmas Baking

This time last year we had a brand new baby! While I relished in the joy of a newborn, I had little time to bake and prepare Christmas cards and tins of goodies for friends. As I stood at the counter today, Finley pulled over a stool and told me it was his lucky day because he got to help me make cookies! I love when life slows down a little and I am able to enjoy some one on one time with my kids!

We made a giant batch of our favorite soft ginger cookies. It filled the cookie jar and more!

Mom and I found ourselves glued to the puzzle table. It was hard to pull ourselves away after a few hours.

After dinner, the children put on their jammies and then gathered around the twinkling lights. The Christmas season is so short and the lights are my favorite part, so we enjoy them every chance we get! It's crazy how fast a year can go by. As we played beneath the glow of the tree tonight, I wished I could freeze time, or at least slow it down a little so that I can soak it all in.

Gnomes at Sunset

It's snowing today, so we are taking it slow. The boys are quietly playing beneath the glow of the Christmas tree and I've been enjoying a warm cup of cider while I tidy the kitchen. I've been pondering the similarities between the seasons in nature and the seasons of life. I'm really enjoying this season I'm in now and relishing in the joy the children bring me each day.

Bedtime Stories

I happened upon this scene tonight before bed. Hyrum is such a loving big brother and it was so fun watching him read books to his younger siblings!

Deck the Halls

Today we pulled out the Christmas tree and decorations and went to work! I love the Christmas season and the cozy feeling of glowing lights, laughter, and hot chocolate. The lights on the tree were all in working order (unlike last year) and the littles had a lot of fun decorating! 

 I'm pretty sure Oliver hung most of the ornaments. The tree was a little bottom heavy. 

 The big kids took turns climbing the ladder to put decorations in the middle, and Daddy and I made sure we got a few up top.

I sure love this Mr. Stannix of mine!

Sawyer basically pulled the decorations off just as fast, if not faster, than we were able to put them on. Slowly, we put the decorations back on out of arms reach and the tree became mostly decorated on the top and not so much on the bottom.

While the Christmas music played, some of the kids hung out beneath the tree reading picture books and enjoying the peacefulness.

We finished the night off with a Christmas movie and started our Polar Express puzzle. 

The puzzle is a new tradition I wanted to begin this year. It was fun to have us all gathered around the table sorting and searching for pieces together! I can't wait to see it finished!

Happy Birthday Darling

It was a busy Saturday, but we managed to squeeze in a birthday celebration for our favorite guy! He always finds time for us somehow while juggling his own business and a busy church calling in the bishopric. He puts his best effort into everything that he does and gives selflessly of his time and energy day in and day out. He works hard and is a good provider. He's there for his kids and makes sure that I always know I'm loved. I am so proud of him and the man he has become! Happy birthday darling!

The Main Hub

The place where bellies are filled and love is felt as we gather with family, friends and extra kiddos that are hanging out.

His Own World

Today I caught Oliver, playing in his own little world. I love watching their imaginations grow and stretch. Listening to him play away with different voices and sound effects while I folded clothes was the best!

Roommates

 In the dark of Winter, it is so nice when the sun graces us with its presence. As I carefully placed Sawyer in his crib at nap time today I couldn't help but snap a picture of his sunny snooze. A part of me wished that I could curl up next to him and enjoy the warmth of the light pouring through his bedroom window.

With Mr. Stannix out of town for a few days I ended up with two new roommates. When I went to bed tonight I discovered Camilla and Ollie snuggled up together in the middle of my big bed, dreaming away. I just smiled to myself and then tucked in beside them. When Mr. Stannix is away I plug in all of the nightlights because the house always seems extra scary without him around to keep me safe. I usually stay up as late as I can before I let myself be overcome with sleep. Tonight, I was secretly grateful for the extra company, even if they were already asleep.

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