Snowy Mornings

One of Coopers very favorite things to do is play with his older brother's hats. He spent a good chunk of time early today wandering around the living room putting on and taking off this ball cap. 

This morning I put aside the house work and sat at the table to craft with my girl. She gave me countless hugs, shrieked with excitement at our creations and was genuinely grateful and happy to spend time together. It filled my heart with joy on this snowy Winter morning. We did tissue paper stain glass hearts to celebrate Valentine's Day.

And in the evening after everyone was in bed, I got up to some creating of my own and began another knit dish cloth. I now have no more dishcloths left from my Gramma, and it's time to replenish my stash. I will never not think of her when I pull one of these out of the drawer. 

 

Itching for Spring

Today was a sunny, blue sky day and I cherished every ray that poured through the windows. I've got baby chicks and seeds on my mind and I'm itching for Spring! We have a few littles feeling kind of punky and there's definitely something going around! The older two were up very late catching up on school projects and homework, so I was also up late to assist and hang out. Juggling bigs and littles can be tricky sometimes, especially when you're tired. 

 

A Moment of Calm

A moment of calm on a busy Sunday. Miss Lily curled up on the couch with her heat bag shortly after we walked in the door from church. I had a 1:30 zoom meeting, then another meeting back at the church at 3:00pm, and then Daddy had a meeting in Red Deer in the evening. Since he leaves early every Sunday morning for Bishopric, I didn't see him until we arrived at church, but I didn't even get to talk to him until he arrived home after 2pm, just as I was headed out the door. I waved to him on my way home from my church meeting while he was on his way to his church meeting in Red Deer. Not every Sunday is this crazy, but today felt extra. So when I had finished making lunch and happened upon miss Joy sleeping peacefully on the couch, I paused for a few minutes to soak in the moment.

In Relief Society today I was asked to read a beautiful quote by Julie B. Beck and it spoke to my heart and brought tears to my eyes. In a world that demands so much of our time and energy, I'm grateful for personal revelation and assurances to help me know where my time would be valued the most. My heart always yearns to do so much, but for now I'm grateful to be doing the most important work I'll ever do, nurturing little souls and pointing them towards a loving Saviour.

"A good woman knows that she does not have enough time, energy, or opportunity to take care of all of the people or do all of the worthy things her heart yearns to do. Life is not calm for most women, and each day seems to require the accomplishment of a million things, most of which are important. A good woman must constantly resist alluring and deceptive messages from many sources telling her that she is entitled to more time away from her responsibilities and that she deserves a life of greater ease and independence. But with personal revelation, she can prioritize correctly and navigate this life confidently."

~Julie B. Beck

Rest of the talk here.

 

Live Basketball

Tonight Camilla had an away game a few hours from here. Luckily both the girls and boys teams were able to take the bus there and back. 

I was grateful for the live feed so that I could enjoy the game from the comfort of my living room!

When Daddy got home from work, he joined us to watch the game. He watches basketball a lot like he watches hockey...standing up! The kids and I chuckled as he paced the floor keeping an eye on our girl and cheering them on! It was a tough team to beat, but they played well!

 

Definitely Friday

This morning we were all a little bit slow to get going. 

I’ve been yawning all day.

This week has been exhausting.

When I found myself at the grocery store during hockey practise to grab a few necessities for the weekend, I ended up lugging in a sleepy babe. 

He woke briefly, so I sat him in the cart, and then he promptly fell back to sleep.

At the checkout, I asked if the cashier would mind scanning the chocolate milk while it was in the cart. 

The cashier thought it was so hilarious, she asked to take a picture. 

It’s been a long week. 

 

A Nuzzle

There are few things better in life then when a babe nestles into your neck and falls asleep. 

It's one of my very favorite things. 

 

Chiro

Today was a quick trip to the city to visit our favorite Chiropractor. She has been practicing many years and really knows her stuff when it comes to littles. Lily and Cooper are always so happy after their appointments. Cooper almost always zonks out immediately in his carset, ultra comfy because his body is aligned and well again. He has tight hips and it makes it hard to walk and sleep comfortably. He always feels way better after a visit to Dr. J!

 

A Winter Sundog

Lily and Cooper enjoyed hanging out together this morning after the big kids left for school! They snuggled on the couch and watched the blue jays at the bird feeder. We have about six pairs that hang around and flutter in for food. They love watching them come and go!

I was also blessed to catch this beautiful sight off my back deck this morning. It has been said that the sundog is an omen of strength, unity, and good fortune. For me, it is also a sign that there is a higher power at work in my every day life, a God who loves and cares for each of us personally. 

I read a quote recently from Elder Wong that said, "God is our Heavenly Father. He loves all of us. He knows our potential way better than we know ourselves. He knows not only the details of our lives. God knows the details of the details of the details of our lives."

Whenever I happen upon a breathtaking sunrise, a majestically pained sunset, a rainbow arched across the sky, or any other natural beauty, I can't help but feel inspired, filled with hope, and reminded of my cherished relationship with a loving Father in Heaven.

 

Cooper James: 12 Months

Another page on the calendar flutters away and I am left wondering where the time has gone. Surely the year has just begun? Gratefully, time slows when I have a babe snuggled on my shoulder. I can't help but pause and soak up the moment. 

We have enjoyed twelve months of Cooper James! A little late with the milestone photo (like a whole month late almost), but I had to snap it to complete the collection. He is running, can do stairs up and down, and has discovered his toys in fun new ways this month. 

He loves hard, as in, he loves to head butt, grab your face with both hands when he's excited and wrestle his big sister. He has the cutest, raspy belly laugh! 

He still enjoys snuggling and will happily rest his head on a shoulder if he's tired. He loves food and eats constantly! 

He's a total tease and will tug at blankets of pull on the vacuum hose and laugh as I try to vacuum. 

 

He's such a joy and we are so glad he's ours! Happy Sunday!

 

Saturday Sports

This Weekend Camilla went with the Varsity team to play basketball, and the boys had hockey Friday night and today. We loaded up the crew and headed to Sylvan early this morning to cheer them on! 

We always have to get there early enough for them to gear up, so there's a little bit of time to stretch our legs. Cooper enjoyed touring the lobby while Ollie followed him around and kept him from going through doors he shouldn't.

And when Ollie got tired of chasing him, Daddy took over for a few minutes before the game!

Mike has had fun helping coach the boys team this year! It's been a great opportunity for the boys to spend some extra time with their Dad!

The girls took fifth in their tournament!

I just love getting pics like these from our girly. She is full of team spirit and energy. I missed watching her play this weekend!