Rays of Sunshine

Tonight as I sat in the nursery waiting for Cooper to fall asleep, the rays of sun dancing on the wall through the curtains called to my soul. When he had finally settled in to sleep, I tiptoed from the room, slipped on my shoes, and snuck outside to enjoy the last of the days sunshine and bird song.

Spring always has my mind and my heart battling over what needs to be done. My heart yearns to be outside beneath skies of blue, listening to the birds and pondering. My mind can't let the mess inside rest and my time is often consumed with piles of laundry and stacks of dishes. It seems there's always much to be done and not enough hours in the day to do it, so I carve out a few minutes here and there to do something that will fill my soul (like an evening walk once everyone is in bed).

Typically sunny days mean outside work gets done and windy, rain filled days draw us back inside to play catch up. It's a constant juggling act and I'm still dropping balls everywhere. 

But tending to my children's hearts, nourishing their bodies, and making time for those I love most are high on the priority list in this season of my life.

I'm grateful for the tiny rays of sunshine throughout the day that keep me pressing forward as I juggle my efforts both inside and out.

Hyrum Turns Fourteen

Today Hyrum turned 14! We celebrated last night since we were all able to be together, but we made sure to make him feel special today too! Time flies when you're having fun! He is the tender heart of our family. He's super easy going, typically a peacemaker, and does life at his own pace. He doesn't like to rush things. He loves working with his hands. He still enjoys biking and dirtbiking quite a bit! He enjoys researching everything about bikes and can tell you all kinds of things about what makes a good bike. He is athletic and musical and fun to be around. We are so proud of the young man he's growing up to be!

Happy Birthday Buddy!!

 

Lily's Gramma Quilt

Lily was gifted her Gramma quilt today! She loves the teal color and the floral backing. It fits perfectly on her bed and really adds a nice touch to her room!

What a special treasure! Thanks Gramma! xoxo

 

Naptime

 

AM/PM

Early mornings before school with teens usually look a bit like this....

And afternoons look a lot like this....

Always be Happy

As I went to bed late last night my heart was heavy and my mind weary. It had been a really long day with lots of things to do, and my patience was wearing thin come bed time. As we gathered for night prayers I turned on a hymn to help set the tone. Everyone filed into the living room, but a few of the little ones had more energy than they could handle and were bouncing all over the couches instead of coming to kneel with the rest of us. There was lots of chatter about video games and no one seemed focused on the task at hand. I became grumpy, and then upset, and after what felt like the millionth time of asking, I finally peeled a bouncing child off the couch and sat them in my lap for prayer time. They fought and whined for the duration of the prayer and tears stung my eyes as we knelt together. 

Then began the long process of getting all of the littles into bed. We brushed teeth, flossed, got drinks, went potty and then I tucked in Lily with a hug and a kiss. Next, I went down to Sawyers bedside where his regular back scratch and song were requested while Cooper tumbled around in his crib upstairs. I turned out the light afterwards, and quietly made my way up to the kitchen to make a bottle. Cooper was waiting with blanket in hand and we had a moment to snuggle together. When I placed him in his crib, he did not roll over and drift off to sleep like usual, instead he jumped around for a while and then got really upset that he was stuck there. I sat quietly in the chair waiting for him to settle, laying him down and picking his covers off the ground multiple times after he would throw them out of the crib. Finally, after all else had failed, I went to his crib side and gently patted his back to help him calm down. Eventually he fell asleep and I was able to leave and greet Mr. Stannix and the big kids who had just arrived home moments before.

When I went out into the kitchen I noticed Oliver sitting at the island with a piece of paper and his art kit. It had gotten dark, so I turned on the island lights for him and went to work warming some food for Mr. Stannix.

Next I hugged Fin and Ollie goodnight and they headed down to bed, and soon the teens were also on their way downstairs, dreading the early school morning ahead.

When I finally made it to bedtime myself, I noticed a piece of paper left on my side of the bed. "Always be Happy" it read. My dear Oliver had noticed my frustration over the course of the evening and decided to cheer me up with a little note. Tears of gratitude stung my eyes for that little boy who took time to cheer and to bless. I am forever grateful when my children see a need and fill it. I placed it safely on my bedside table as a daily reminder. 

 

Egg champ

Sunday afternoon we relaxed and then did the traditional egg champ with everyone to see who would come out victorious! 

It's been a long time since I claimed the title of "champ", but this little pink/orange egg did the trick this year!

Easter Sunday

Happy Easter! Cooper got to enjoy TWO baths before everyone even woke up because he kept finding chocolate easter eggs laying around the house. He had half a foil egg in one hand and chocolate all over his face and belly.

After breakfast Oliver kindly helped me finish getting him ready after all of the chocolate was found and put out of reach!

 

My very favorite moment though was watching him surrounded by older siblings saying, "CHEEEEEEEESE"!

Just before we left for church, we moved the entire dining table out of the way and gathered in front of the fireplace for a quick family picture (thanks Grampa). Cooper kept running out of the picture and chucking his hat off, so it was a bit chaotic. Sure love this crew of ours!

I had Camilla snap a Sunday picture of Mr. Stannix and I since he didn't have to go in early for meetings this morning. It feels as though we will never catch up on lost sleep as we juggle eight children, busy church callings, serving in the community, activities, and whatever else pops up, but these are the very best days of our lives! So grateful to be married to this guy forever and ever!

Then someone fell asleep in Grampa's arms at church...

After church we gathered everyone together on our way out the door for a picture in front of this living Christ image from the display that took place this week. 

"Peace is found in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. When He suffered for our sins and weaknesses, died on the cross, and rose again, the Savior rewrote humanity's history. Because of Him, we do not have to deal with our frailties, sins, and fears alone. Because of Him, death is not the end. Resurrection will come to all who have ever lived. Because of Him, families can be together forever. Because of Jesus Christ, we can celebrate Easter. And Easter is all about peace and hope." 

~Russell M. Nelson

Egg Decorating

Today I woke up early after being up most of the night. I worked hard getting the house in order all day and then hardboiled eggs to dye. The kids always look forward to the tradition and love to create different kinds of eggs each year.

We are at the point where they need less and less help and direction and are so creative with what they come up with! The one's who do need help are usually helped by an older sibling, and I just got to have fun taking pictures and doing the little helps that were asked of me.

By the time evening rolled around, I was exhausted. No one sees the mom behind the scenes, picking up the pieces, trying desperately to be the sunshine and magic maker. The egg dye and crayons still sit across the kitchen table. The island is a mess again despite staying up until 11pm last night to put the house to rights. I haven't slept well in over a week and my body feels ever so weary. 

Tears began to fall as I finished things up for the evening alone, carrying everyone's emotional load without anywhere to put it down. My phone buzzed as I was doing the last of the prep and it was a quote and note from my ministering sister. She must have been prompted, because it came at the ideal moment in time, and made me feel noticed and cared for in a time of desperate need. 

I slowly made my way to bed knowing that Cooper will be up at 6:00am ready for the day. Hopefully the children will still feel the magic and enjoy their day tomorrow!

Personal Chauffeur

This girl is getting all practised up for her drivers test! She pretty much drives me everywhere now. For the most part I just chill in the passenger seat and I’m using my imaginary brake less and less these days. Tonight she drove to basketball practise and then I hopped into the drivers seat after she left. She is so grown up lately, and in just a couple of months she will take her drivers test and enjoy even more independence. I love hearing about all of the fun things that happen in her day, I love hearing her unique perspective on everything, and I adore the young lady she is becoming. She is wise and wonderful. Be still my mother heart!