Family Swim

Last week I promised the kids I would take them to public swim. Tonight was the night! They were all super helpful as I dressed the little people. We are in a sweet spot right now where most of them are independent and can help others as well. Camilla did a great job watching Lily for a little while so that I could pay attention to Sawyer and Ollie. We all had a lot of fun!!

 

A Fresh Snowfall

A few nights ago she fell asleep in a moonlit room to the sound of a January rain. 

This afternoon she slowly closed her eyes while the snow quietly fell outside.

Sonny thoroughly enjoyed the fresh powder and rolled around in it while we shoveled and played before heading out to hockey. When the kids arrived home, I fed them all a snack and then loaded all seven of them up in the cold while wiping off the vehicle. We barely got Hyrum there on time, and then I had to brave the roads once more to come home for Joe's forgotten helmet before his practice began. 

I loved sitting and cheering on Joe as he scored his goals, despite the crazy preschooler and toddler wiggling on the bench beside me. The boys lugged their bags out to the van and we wiped all of the snow off yet again and went to pick up Camilla. I ended up taking the kids for fast food and finally arrived back home over four hours later after all was said and done.

The railings were completed today! They just have to stain them now. I am so happy with how this turned out and glad we made the switch from a pony wall. It feels so much more open breathable in this middle space now. 

 

Piano Lessons

This is how we survive an hour and a half of piano lessons in the car. 

This girl is a trooper!

A January Rain

I don't know why, but I always find myself taking pictures of my babies and toddlers as they nap. 

Perhaps it is the way their lashes fall on their cheeks, or the stillness making them easy to admire.

Either way, I am holding onto these naptime moments.

Tonight we celebrated my mamma's birthday.

 I made her a chocolate cake, with chocolate icing and skor bits. 

And the stairs are coming along! 

They've started working on the railings finally.

As I tucked Lily into my bed tonight, I could see her legs dangling off the edge as she began to slide down. "Dares Mom!" she exclaimed. I passed her her newly warmed heat bag and snuggled her under the blankets. She ended up falling asleep to the sound of a January rain.

 

Hockey Tourney

Last night we drove to Canmore for the boys hockey tournament. We arrived after dark and couldn't see the gorgeous mountains that surrounded us as we checked into our hotel. The boys were super pumped by the view out our window when they woke! We spent our entire day cheering them on as they played. They've gotten really good this year. Fin is a way more confident skater and always dances on the ice while the music is playing before puck drop. He had us laughing pretty good! Joe is the speediest defenceman I've ever seen and is always on it. Hyrum likes to strategize and rocks at getting the puck to the net. It was fun to watch them! We got home late, but enjoyed the sunsetting over the mountains as we drove!

 

Jumping for Joy

This afternoon we slipped outside for a bit to get some sunshine and fresh air. Lily asked to go on the trampoline for a few minutes and she spent the entire time jumping and bum dropping with the biggest grin on her face. We are jumping for JOY this afternoon!

 

 

The National Music Centre

Today I was able to attend Hyrum's band field trip to the Studio Bell building in Calgary. It is a non-profit museum and performance venue. The grade six students enjoyed trying out all of the different instruments and stations, reading up on music history, and listening to the Kimball Theatre Organ. The parents who attended just got to walk around and supervise the students as they went to the various stations throughout the building. I learned a lot and enjoyed seeing everything there as well! It was fun to see Hyrum hanging out with his friends, and he even played his Lord of the Rings piano song on the big baby grand.

 

A Frosty Morning

Today we woke to a blanket of fog settled all around us. The spruce needles were white with glittering frost. 

Lily couldn't help but pull on her boots and find her favourite kitty, Opal. She chased her around the yard for quite a while before she finally caught her!

Sawyer, Lily and Sonny played outside together for quite sometime, doubling on the GT and sliding down the driveway together. They were so cute! At one point while I was watching out the window, they attempted the big drop at the bottom of the stairs. My heart skipped a beat while Lily shrieked with delight. 

Life is an adventure when you're two!

Sunday Snapshots

Today as we sang the Sacrament Hymn at church I was struck by the end of the last verse of "As Now we Take the Sacrament". 

And silently we pray

For courage to accept thy will,

To listen and obey.

We love thee, Lord; our hearts are full.

We'll walk thy chosen way.

It felt like a prayer I could have prayed. With life being what it has been lately and the trials I am silently suffering, it was a sweet reminder just when I needed! I live my life constantly trying to accept His will, but lately it has been hard for me and my mind has been filled with doubts and whys. And so I will continue to silently pray for courage, and hope, and the ability to accept His will for my life.

 

My Joe

I got to steal a few moments with my Joe as the sun went down. 

I sure love this kid and the person he is becoming!