A Sunday Hike

This weekend we had some family come and visit us! It's been so long and it has been so great to see everyone. After our home church Sunday morning, we all hopped in our cars and drove out to the Kootneys for a hike. I could not believe how busy it was out there, but we managed to keep ourselves fairly socially distant as we passed people on the trail. It took us an hour and a half of driving to reach our destination and there were some awful bumps in the road that I thought for sure wrecked our new van. We were super happy when we arrived and the kids were loaded with energy!

When I hiked up to these two cute boys on the trail I couldn't help but snap a picture! I loved the way that Hyrum slung his arm around his little brother as they walked and talked. Moments like these make all of the fighting and hard worth it!

Ollie's little legs were constantly running to keep up with everyone and even though he got tired, he never stopped! He got a little bit nervous when we reached the suspension bridge as he is very afraid of heights! After all of the bridge wigglers crossed over, he and I took our time heading across. The views were pretty amazing on all sides and it was so great to be out in nature.

There was so much beauty along the trail! I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than admiring God's beautiful creations. We loved the flowers, the pussy willows, the tall trees and towering mountains.

Near the end the kids found this gnarly tree and decided to climb on the branch all together. It made for a good group shot! The littles did a great job at keeping up with everyone thanks to piggy backs and shoulder rides. Gramma and Grampa often walked in the back with the smallest walkers, patiently keeping their pace.

As we neared the end, we could hear the water roar! The littles excitedly ran to the top and safely peered off the look out at the water beneath. The last time we were here we had a few less kids and the rest of them were probably too small to remember much.

Our group found a spot to gather for a snack and water break while we took in the view. All around us were little groups and families keeping their distance from one another as they sat and ate. Thankfully there were many adult eyes to watch the smallest two or three kiddos and keep them away from the edge while we waited for Uncle Chris to pop a very important question to a special someone!

I wish I could remember all of the hilarious things that these two got up to while we walked! At one point Ollie noticed a fallen tree resting on another tree, making a tunnel shape. "Look mom! A tunnel! Choo-Choo!" and he ran right through it at the speed of a train. Their imaginations are so priceless and they kept us laughing the entire way!

The hike down took us half the time and before we knew it we had made it back to the bridge and down to the flats. We all hiked in little groups, stopping every once in a while to catch up with each other.

As Sawyer and Daddy hiked back down, Daddy passed him mini marshmallows to keep him happy along the way.

The drive home was quiet and peaceful! Everyone fell asleep within five minutes and Mr. Stannix and I got to visit, uninterrupted, all the way home!

Boating Season

This afternoon we took the boat out for a spin! The lake was pretty busy, but big enough that you hardly noticed anyone else! The water is still pretty cold, so we settled for a few gentle tube rides and soaked up as much of the sun as we could. The kids had a blast and we were even able to convince Fin to hop on the tube for a bit! The glassy lake begged for some water skiing, but the water was just too cold yet! As we cruised around the lake taking in the views and mountains in the distance Mr. Stannix and I both commented on how blessed we feel. If there's one thing we've learned from this crazy time of quarantine it's that we could be completely happy with the simple life, spending time together day in and day out, and enjoying the little things that every day has to offer!

It's Okay to Cry

Tonight as I tucked in the big boys I sat on the edge of their bed for a few extra minutes. They both requested back scratches and a favorite song. While the music quietly played in the background and the room became still, Joseph rolled over and let out a big sigh. "Mom, I miss school. I miss my friends and I am sad that I'm going to miss the end of the year hot dog party where the fire truck comes and sprays us." Hyrum quickly added, "Yeah, I miss my friends and the school assemblies and the games we play and my teacher....." Suddenly, all of the emotion that I had been bravely hanging onto for the past fifty plus days came to the surface and my eyes welled up with tears. Through those tears I told them how I was sad too, and that it was okay to be sad about all of the fun things we miss and were so looking forward to. Then I took a deep breath and tried to control myself as I saw their eyes begin to well up too. It made my mamma heart hurt. Hyrum said most of the time he feels lucky to be with family every day, but sometimes he misses things. We all hugged and cried together and then made plans for an epic end of the year BBQ complete with Jumbo Freezies and all of their favorite things. I know it can never replace the real thing, but it helped take away some of the sadness. We feel very fortunate and grateful that we have each other during this crazy time, but it's still okay to feel sad sometimes and I wanted them to know that.

Spring Rain

The first night in the toddler bed didn't go so well for Sawyer. I spent half of my night scrunched up beside him in and out of sleep. Reese found us early in the morning and snuggled in the crook of my legs. She made Sawyer's morning when he woke and discovered Reese curled up on his bed. He quietly whispered and pet her and tried to touch his nose to hers. The perks of sleeping in a big boy bed I guess!

While the children poured cereal and made themselves porridge, I rolled and cut out the English Muffins that had been rising on the counter overnight. While they finished their last rise, I threw in a few loads of laundry and answered a million questions. The English muffins turned out so great!

It rained off and on all day long. I cracked all of the windows in the house and paused many times to just listen to the rhythm of the rain. The overcast sky made for a lazy day and I used it to bake treats while the children crafted with a box of supplies that was gifted to us. I made easy meals like hot dogs and egg sandwiches with minimal dishes and clean up. The craft supplies sat on the table until dinner and was enjoyed by Camilla and Oliver.

Ollie woke up from his nap in a fabulous mood. He wandered out to the living room and plopped onto the couch to stretch and yawn. This boy gets away with a lot using that smile!

The big boys were in and out of the house all day, biking around on the patio rain or shine. As Hyrum cleaned up his dinner plate tonight, he wrapped his arms around me and thanked me. It caused me to pause and realize how grown up he is getting. I've adored those dark lashes ever since he was born! Shortly after, they ran outside and discovered a mud pit. They all took turns getting their rubber boots stuck. Oliver got so stuck that when his big brother rescued him he ended up pulling him right out of his boots. The boys carried him barefoot to the deck and I took him straight to the bath. When I asked him to pull the plug after his reply was, "I can't. I'm a rabbit!" After tucking everyone into bed for the night I cleaned the kitchen and waited for Mr. Stannix to come home. When we were halfway through our evening show I heard clinking coming from the kitchen and ended up finding Oliver trying to smuggle a tambourine to his bed room. I had already cleaned the little boys room today, but when I went to tuck him back in, he had already started a stash of treasures at the foot of his bed again. I never want to forget his late night escapades and the way he collects and hoards everything!

Felix

This morning the sun cast an orange glow all over the family room as the littles emerged from their rooms one by one. A few of them plop down on the couch and let the suns rays warm them, while others grab blankets and snuggle up on a heat vent, and the smallest of them climbs all over me until they find a comfortable spot to cuddle in.

I constantly find myself looking to the light in so many ways right now. Sunrises, sunsets, and candles are all soothing to my soul.

I jumped on the sour dough train this week. I was so excited to find bubbles when I checked on it this morning! I've only tried to start my own sourdough monster once before and wasn't very successful. I was practically jumping up and down this morning! 

Since I have to remember to feed it every day, my girl and I decided to name it Felix. I am looking forward to sourdough pizza, pancakes, and english muffins.

I caught these two giggling in my bed early this morning as I went around room to room tidying. I love all of the different age gaps and dynamics between kiddos, and I especially love seeing the big kids enjoying the little ones. 

I also love this boy and his sweet spirit! He still asks me to lie with him at nap time, and falls asleep instantly. He plays hard and crashes as soon as he sits still. This morning I fixed something for him and he said, "atta-boy!" Like good job Mom! It was pretty hilarious. He is always keeping us smiling!

New Chicks

The mornings have been starting earlier and earlier. This morning I woke on the couch with Sawyer cuddled next to me. As I blinked sleep away from my eyes, I noticed the most beautiful sky out the front window.

These views and quiet moments spent in awe of natural beauty keep me grounded. It didn't take long for everyone else to wake and join us in the living room. The requests for breakfast soon began and I had to drag my tired body off the couch and start the day.

Grampa got a call from the post office nice and early in the morning and took the two oldest into town to pick up our new baby chicks (they stayed safe in the car to limit exposure to the dreaded COVID-19). When they came home, they brought them inside for a little while so that we could play with them.

It's always amazing to me that these little guys can make so much noise! Soon the living room was filled with the familiar "cheeping" of new babies. 

Sawyer couldn't wait to get his hands on a baby and shrieked in excitement until we brought him one. Grampa helped him learn how to hold the new chickie.

It didn't take him long to learn how to enjoy the little balls of fluff. He was so happy!

Hyrum sported his "farm shirt" for the occasion and asked me to snap a picture of him. I sure love this quiet boy and his gentle nature. 

Oliver remembered the chicks from last year and couldn't wait to cuddle one this year! He was so sweet about it!

In the late afternoon some of us made our way out to the heated garage to check on the babies. Sawyer quickly began begging to hold one. He is happiest when he can listen to the chicks "cheep" in his ear and feel their fluffy feathers on his cheeks. He sat so still for so long! We are so excited  to have new babies at the acreage again. Even though it's super cold outside, the promise of Spring is just around the corner.

Just Imagine

 Today our living room transformed into an ocean filled with deep water, choppy waves, and a pirate ship far off in the distance. These two put their imaginations to good use constructing a dock and a ginormous boat to sail them away to wherever their little hearts desired! 

 They sang songs, had some scary encounters with pirates, turned my wooden spoons into canons, and laughed a whole lot! Hyrum and Joseph even joined in on the fun for a little while, adding new ideas and excitement. They were so loud I could hear them all the way on the other side of the Ocean!

 I love how simple the world is through the eyes of a child. We may not have seen any friends in over two weeks, but these boys don't mind.

They are surrounded by people who love and care for them and they enjoy an environment that lets their imaginations soar! This is the childhood I imagined for them and I wouldn't change a thing.

Fast Sunday

 Today we woke to the morning light and faint sounds of bird song. We quietly went about our morning, visiting and snuggling beneath blankets until the whole house awoke. Daddy reverently prepared the sacrament, the big boys lugged in all of the kitchen chairs for our church meeting, and then the littles gathered in the play room and got lost in a game of make-believe. 

 It is our third week doing church at home as we aren't allowed to meet as a large congregation due to the worldwide pandemic that has put a halt to so many things. Every Sunday as I gather with my family in our little living room I feel blessed to know that we have a prophet here on earth who has prepared us so well for this moment in time. Recently our prophet asked us to join him in a worldwide fast for relief and healing.

“I invite you to join with me in a worldwide fast—for all whose health permits—to pray for relief from the physical, emotional and economic effects of this global pandemic. I invite members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints everywhere, along with our many friends, to fast and pray this Sunday, March 29. Let us unite our faith to plead for physical, spiritual, and other healing throughout the entire world. The Lord understands the feelings you are experiencing. He loves and cares for you, as I do, too.” ~Russel M. Nelson

 When the house was relatively still, I slipped out the back door and walked to the big spruce trees at the property line. They were all covered with frost, but the view from the house wasn't nearly as magical as the view from the other side. I drank in the fresh air and said a quiet prayer in my heart for those who are suffering or in need of peace at this time. 

As we gathered together for fast and testimony meeting in our tiny living room, I couldn't help but feel peace and assurance that everything will work out. As our children each took turns sharing their thoughts and testimonies about the love that Jesus has for them, the blessings of the atonement, and the joy of eternal families, my heart was full. I know that we have a Heavenly Father who knows us personally and loves each of us with a great love. I know that he has a plan for us and that we are blessed as we follow Him. And even though the world seems a little bit upside down right now, He is near and waiting to comfort and help us. 

"When there's no peace on earth, there is peace in Christ."

Our New Normal

This morning I was up before the sun with Sawyer. He is teething and has been awake a lot more through the night. We snuggled on the couch until the rest of the house began to stir. As we tip-toed into the kitchen we could hear Mr. Rooster welcoming the morning. The fog that blanketed the back field all night started to lift as the sun popped up from behind the spruce trees, casting a pink glow over everything in sight. The children were agreeable and began the morning with a squeeze hug. As I prepped breakfast, they rubbed sleep from their eyes and quietly snuggled beneath blankets in the front room. The aroma of German pancakes filled the house and soon they were filling their tummies with yummy pancakes covered in way too much powdered sugar and maple syrup. Daddy did our morning devotional/study while they ate and then we joined in family prayer before he left for work.

Week two of this "new normal" seems to be going better. The children have all adjusted to being home full time and in each other's space. After breakfast they all divided into little play groups (without any prompting from me) and enjoyed their time together until school began at nine. I'm not one for rigid schedules, so I put together a general guideline for the morning so that they each get a turn on the computer to complete their school work. The teachers have been asked to give their students five hours of work per week. We try to get it all done in the morning and then spend the rest of the day crafting, baking and being outdoors. Some of the kids do well with self-guided work and others seem to think that they need me by their side to complete every little thing. One child and I had a particularly rough morning and both ended up frustrated and in tears. But I will never forget the look of success on his face after he finally decided to get to work and complete his writing assignment.  We also had a successful division lesson and high fives all around. A few of them are missing their awesome teachers and it's been hard on both of us, but we are all doing our best.

I've been listening to the same two piano songs all week. Joe can't walk by the piano without playing "This Land is Your Land" or "Puff the Magic Dragon" with gusto! That boy sure loves his music and it's so great.

I wish I had taken a picture of how cute and grown up Sawyer looked today. After his morning bath, his hair dried with these cute little wings above his ears. I also wish I had taken a quick snapshot of Joseph dancing around the kitchen with his baby brother snuggled on his shoulder grinning from ear to ear as they spun around the room to Backstreet Boys (his choice). There were so many moments today that will be captured in my memory forever. There is so much joy to be had, even though the world is full of so much uncertainty.

After tucking in the children, I plopped down on the couch, exhausted from the early morning and the days work. I turned on a favorite TV show as I pulled a blanket around my weary body. After a half hour or so, Oliver wandered out to see me (as he frequently does after being tucked in for the night). "Can I pwees sit on your lap? You look soooo comfy...." I tucked him under my arm and he snuggled in close, and for a few minutes, all was right in the world. During this crazy time I hope that my kids can feel how important they are to me, how much I value having them home, and how dearly I love them!