Laughter

 

 

 Today I am grateful for slow mornings filled with laughter! With so much uncertainty in the world today it can be hard to find the silver lining sometimes. Every belly laugh this boy gives me makes all the worry melt away! What happens within the walls of our homes is far more important than anything else. 

Joseph’s Baptism

 Today we were able to get together with immediate family and support Joe in his very important decision to be baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has been looking forward to his eighth birthday since last year as he has had the opportunity to watch two of his older siblings be baptized and hear of their wonderful experiences. Over the last few months he has had "lessons" with his Dad in preparation and an interview with the Bishop of our congregation. In our church we believe Eight to be the age of accountability, an age where you can begin to be accountable for your choices. Joseph has shown great maturity over the last little while and it's been so wonderful to watch him grow! For his eighth birthday he got his own set of scriptures with his name engraved on the front. Since then he has diligently read a little bit from them every night. 

This morning he counted down the hours until it was time to head into the church. He eagerly watched as the font was filled and changed into his white jumpsuit to be baptized by his Dad. My Mom and I got to be witnesses as the baptism was performed, to make sure the prayer was said correctly and that he was fully immersed under the water.  He enlisted both of his uncles to give talks on baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. And his Grampa was able to give him the gift of the Holy Ghost and a special blessing. Due to the pandemic and restrictions, only Grampa, his Dad and the Bishop were included in that small circle. My Grandparents and some aunts and uncles were able to participate via zoom! It was a wonderful day and Joseph said he felt like he was walking on top of the world after. We are so proud of him for the choices he is making in his life and the ways he tries to be like our Savior.

 

 

 

Living in a Snowglobe

I made the mistake of listening to the radio yesterday as I was driving home from my midwife appointment. The news was filled with so much that can weigh heavy on a persons heart. As the world is in commotion, it can be difficult to sift through everything we see and hear on the media to find truth. There is so much fear, contention and differences of opinion.

 

As I watched the sun come up this morning, and the children walk out to the bus stop I was filled with hope. Each day we are given a fresh start and new opportunities. We can choose to be kind to others despite our differences. 

 

 

Today I am choosing to focus on what matters most, and that's what's happening in our home. I will be snuggling my babies close and creating a peaceful refuge for my littles. The last few days have been like living in a snow globe, and this scene brings me so much peace each morning!

 

The little boys had so much fun outside in the sunshine! Ollie practiced his hockey skills and Sawyer sang and wandered around the beaten down trails.

"Watch this, Mom! It's gunna be a good one!"

 

Nursery Make Over

Recently we decided to give the nursery a bit of a re-do. While I loved my chevron wall, I wanted something more gender neutral as baby girl and Sawyer will both be sharing this space. While scrolling pintrest I came across a DIY wainscotting that I fell in love with. We measured out the room and figured out how many boards we would need to make it work and then Mr. Stannix spent an entire Saturday cutting, and nailing the trim and boards. For the next week I painted and caulked the wood and I am so happy with how it turned out! I added a couple more woodland animals (which still need frames) and can't wait to get the crib all set up in here now! Sawyer keeps exclaiming, "New OOM!" He loves his new room. It's been a while since we've had a baby share a room, so it will be a fun adventure. It always makes me think of our little old white house in Edmonton where we had three littles in a room and every wall was covered with furniture and our little crib was stuffed in a little indent.

 

 

 

Halloween

This morning I woke early, the light of the full moon streaming through my window, casting its white glow on the floor. I blinked sleep from my eyes as I tip-toed around the kitchen grabbing a banana and a drink for Sawyer. We whispered and snuggled together on the couch until the older kids woke. 

 

"Mornin' Mum! It's Halloween DAYYYYYY!" Ollie has been eagerly waiting for this day all month. 

 

 We ate breakfast, watched a movie with Daddy and then got our costumes on for the Trunk or Treat activity at the church (socially distanced of course).

The littles were super excited as we loaded up to leave. We arrived early and turned the back of the van into a gypsy tent.

 

While everyone went around collecting candy, I got to hand out candy and use my magic ball to tell their fortunes. It was a blast! The kids were glad to be outside and able to chat with friends.

Afterwards we went home, relaxed, at dinner, and got ready to head around the acreages nearby.  Some of the littles were happy enough with their haul from the Trunk or Treat and didn't care to stay out too much. We went to most of the houses in our little area, many of them friends. Lots of people had treat bags to grab on their porches and stood at a distance to chat with the kids as they arrived. With everything being so different this year, I think everyone did a wonderful job at pulling off a fun Halloween for those who decided to go. Happy Halloween!!

 

Pumpkin Carving

 A few days ago Mr. Stannix told me he had booked me an appointment for a hair cut. It was a gesture of true love. He knows I'm too practical/cheap to do it myself. It's been over two years since I've been to a salon (remember Camilla was the last person to cut my hair). 

 

  

I got a good couple inches chopped off and it feels so light and fresh now! I am grateful for a husband who looks out for my needs despite his busy schedule. 

After dinner we did our annual pumpkin carve. We grew four little pumpkins of our own this year and I picked up a larger one from the store on a whim. It worked out well because each child had their own pumpkin to design and carve. Ollie buddied up with Daddy and was so excited about their idea to make a pirate pumpkin!

 

It's always fun to watch and observe and see what they come up with. The boys always love playing with the pumpkin guts (except for Sawyer who wanted nothing to do with them).

I love Ollie's proud little smile in this picture!!

 

When they all finished, we lit the candles, and they called Gramma over to check out their creations. A cat, Harry Potter, a pirate, a one-eyed alien, and an old man with a unibrow. We are officially Halloween ready!

 

Apple Fritters

 Today I woke feeling tired after being up all night with an older child. They kept coming to my bedside every five minutes telling me they felt sick. I'd sleepily rub their arms or back and suggest eating or drinking things that may make them feel better, but they would be back a few minutes later. My alarm was set for 5:45am so that I could get a little study in before the house woke. I dozed in and out of sleep, not looking forward to the early start. Sawyer stirred at 5:00am needing a drink and his covers pulled up. I tucked him back in and tip-toed out to the living room. After turning out every light in the house, left on by the older child who was wandering around all night, I sat and studied my scriptures with half closed, sleepy eyes.

 

I followed Mike to town (he had to drop his car at the mechanics) and on the way home I couldn't help but notice the beautiful snow-capped mountains. "Look at the mountains, Ollie!" He replied, "Wow! They're GORGEOUS!" He then began asking when we could go hiking again. If there's one thing I want to instill in my littles its a love for God's creations and the beauty that surrounds them every day!

When we got home I made some dough for Apple Fritters and then a batch of bagels. I've never made fritters before, but found a recipe that looked easy and delicious!

Oliver and I enjoyed ours warm and freshly glazed.  I spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning the kitchen and getting dinner one the table.

 

Sunday

I always wake up on Sunday mornings with aspirations for a happy sabbath. This morning Satan quickly crept in. Children were fighting, everyone was thinking only of themselves, comparing who got the biggest piece of German pancake, becoming angry over toys. It escalated quickly to door slamming, harsh words, and me sobbing into a pillow wondering where it all went wrong. But after church, things started to look up.

Tonight we started the bedtime routine a little earlier than usual. Once Jammies were on and teeth were brushed, everyone cozied up in the bunk room while I read. Joy and laughter prevailed and our day ended on a good note.

As I type, two sleepy boys are snoring in my ear and I can hear the pages of books being turned while the big kids wait for me to tuck them in.

Families teach us so much about love and forgiveness and grace. The days aren't always easy, but the little things always make it worth while.
 

Handmade

Over a dozen hours of love was poured into this bonnet and bootie set. Being a self-taught knitter, I am a little bit slow! I modified the boot pattern to make it look like a pair I had swooned over in a small shop a little while ago. They are more like socks than booties and should keep baby girl extra cozy! The addition of the tights helps keep them on babes kicking feet. I love it when I have time to create and make things for those that I love. I am grateful for the example of my Grandmother!
 

Wonder and Awe

Sawyers favorite place to be is outside! It was a lot easier in the Summer to just send them out to play. Now we have to put on snow suits and extra gear. He slowly walks around, his eyes filled with wonder and a smile slowly creeping across his face. The snow is cold, but beautiful. He pauses to examine it with his mittens. He looks around at all of the trees and then up into the sky as he slowly remembers what Winter is. After all is said and done, he is happy to be outside!