Grampa's Greenhouse

We went out to visit the greenhouse this morning! The cherry tomatoes are coming in hot and I've been craving a Greek Salad! I couldn't help but snap a few pictures of Cooper as he took it all in. We love Grampa's greenhouse!

Then we headed back inside for a snack and some "school". Lily has been loving this watercolor book and is quickly making her way through her alphabet!

 

First Day of School

Today was everyone's first day back to school! I hate to jinx it, but we really are in a sweet spot as far as independent children go. Everyone was awake on time this morning, and a few of them even showered before we gathered in the living room for scriptures & prayers. It felt good to get back into routine again! Tomorrow, early morning seminary starts and Camilla will be heading in around 7am with Mike. 

Camilla ~ Grade 10

Hyrum ~ Grade 8

Joseph ~ Grade 7

Finley ~ Grade 5

Oliver ~ Grade 3

Sawyer ~ Grade 1

It was fun to have them all together this morning for our first day back! And they were all willing to smile for a picture!

When everyone left to the bus, the house was sure quiet. It felt weird after being together all Summer! This was my view as I tidied the breakfast dishes.

Cooper is on the move! Over the last few days he has learned how to crawl and loves pulling himself up on everything he can get his hands on. He's a little bit more content now that he can move around!

Lily missed Sawyer TERRIBLY today. Her best bud was Sonny boy this morning! 

Calaway Park

Today we took the gang to Calaway Park! It’s been a few years since our last visit and they were so excited! We left home later in the morning and stopped at Wendy’s for lunch in Calgary. We then took advantage of the discounted late admission and spent the entire afternoon at the park!

Sawyer went on the airplanes, merry-go-round, kids swings, kids coaster, and kids air balloons, and rode the bumper cars like five times in a row at the end of the day.

Lily could hardly be convinced to go on anything. The few rides she did end up going on she hated, except for the merry-go-round. 

She happily played in the sprinkler next to the Octopus and ended up with the cutest curls!

The big kids ran around the park all afternoon hitting up the roller coaster, Storm, and the drop ride. 

 

We were able to meet up with Camilla and Hyrum for a chunk of time and do the log ride all together. Mike went with Oliver and Sawyer while Hyrum and Camilla took Lily. 

Joe and Fin went on the Storm at least 10 times in the few hours we were there. Joe was barely tall enough last time and Fin couldn’t ride, so they were happy to do it together!

 I only saw them a few times when they needed their water bottles or were running to the next ride. 

Sawyer waited all day for the bumper cars and was happy when we finally made it over near the end of the day. He rode them five times in a row and the smile on his face was priceless. 

The big kids finished up their day on the coaster and then we made our way out of the park and back to the city for dinner at Costa Vida. We ended up getting home pretty late, but the kids had a super fun time and thanked us on their way to bed. We are cherishing these last few weeks of Summer break!

Bishop Stannix

 Today marks the end of over five years of service in an amazing bishopric for Mike, and the beginning of at least five more years of service as he was called as the Bishop of our ward.

 I wish I could have recorded the looks on the children’s faces as they heard the news during our Sunday services today. 

I’ve been asked by those we had permission to share with how I am feeling about my husband serving in such a heavy calling while we juggle everything that comes with our busy family life, and I honestly have felt at peace. While Mike likes to know where he will be in the next few years and carefully plan, I tend to take a more faith based approach to life, taking things as they come and knowing that the Lord will help me handle the extra load.

I look forward to being by his side sustaining and supporting him as only a wife can as he throws his whole heart into this new call to serve. I know he is close to the spirit and will receive the inspiration necessary. I have personally witnessed the way the Lord has quietly prepared him and his heart over these past few months and I know he will always strive to do what is right. 

I am grateful to the good men who agreed to serve alongside him and I know that these callings come from the Lord. There is no denying it. He is so present in each of our lives, if we choose to see it.

 I’m so grateful for the support of all of our family and friends. I love this Gospel and my Saviour Jesus Christ. 

A Beautiful Privilege

I am needed from the second my eyes open in the morning to the moment they close each night & more.

And while it is exhausting and trying, it is also a beautiful privilege to be needed by these sweet souls day in and day out.

Just a few of the thoughts swirling through my mind as I nurse in the afternoon light of the nursery.

Everything Good

This morning as I sat on the couch nursing Cooper after the morning rush, Lily climbed up beside me and hugged my arm, like she always does while I nurse. I kissed her on the top of the head and said, "I sure love you, Lily!" She looked up and me and said in the sweetest raspy little voice, "I love you too. You make everything good." It felt like a pretty big compliment and I was impressed by her thoughtfulness. As I smiled to myself, she continued, "You make girl cheeeeeese gooooood, and paaaaaancaaakes gooood, and toast goooooood, and all sorts of stuff good!" Not quite the interpretation of "you make everything good" that I had in mind, but I'll take it! Lily Joy makes everything good! We sure love her!

A Prayer for Optimism

Today we woke to a peaceful tangerine sunrise.

I always love to pause and relish in the beauty of mornings like these.

As I snuggled Cooper to sleep I prayed that my children would have just enough of my optimism to laugh when life is unfair and see the good despite the hard. 

More Basketball

Today brought us back to the gym again to watch the Grade 7 Basketball Divisionals. Hyrum had an 8am game and left his gym strip at school accidentally. I rushed everyone out the door at 7:30am so that we could grab his gym strip and drop him at the other school for warm up. We then had to wait around to pick up Camilla from Seminary, so we picked up a dozen donuts for us and a box of timbits for Hyrum's team. Once we had picked up Camilla I went around doing school drop offs and headed back to the Catholic school to watch Hyrum's game. They lost, but fought hard! 

When it was finished I whipped home to tidy, make lunch for the littles, and visit with my sister before heading back to town for his 1pm game (which they won). I ended up staying to watch the other Pioneer team play and then we took Hyrum's friend to the bus lanes and ran home once again with a crying baby. 

I quickly fed Cooper, grabbed Camilla's uniforms and went back into town to grab Ollie from piano, drop off her uniforms at the highschool, and pick up birthday gifts for Oliver's upcoming birthday parties. I got back home just in time to make some chili for dinner and feed the older three before they headed back into town with Daddy for youth group. 

I was finally able to shower and throw in a few loads of laundry after spending all day running around. I tucked the little ones into bed early as we have colds running through our house. I'm hoping they bounce back quickly!

 

In the Stands

Today I spent a lot of time watching basketball. Joseph had divisionals today and we got to watch all but one of his games with a lot of driving back and forth on Winter roads. I was able to leave Sawyer and Lily with my sister and Gramma, and Cooper slept through most of the games. The boys played well, but didn't end up placing. I do love watching Joe power down the court for layups though! I am grateful that I get to be at every game. When they look back on their childhood I hope they remember that their mamma was always there cheering them on from the stands.