This morning I woke to Cooper shouting from his crib (he asks to be put to bed there instead of his toddler bed), "MOM! MOOOOOOMMMM!" This has become his morning routine shortly after 6:00am and it always takes me a few minutes to blink sleep from my eyes and will myself out of bed. As my feet touched the floor I could feel how much they hurt from all of the things I've been trying to accomplish over the last few days. My heels pinched and I felt as though I was walking on pins and needles instead of the cool morning floor.
I snuggled on the couch with Cooper for a few minutes before I heard Hyrum's alarm go off. When I didn't see either of the two big kids, I went downstairs to investigate. Hyrum didn't remember his alarm ever going off and was running a bit behind. Camilla pretty much opened the door when I was about to knock. I offered to help them toast their bagels while they took care of packing their lunches and making their sandwiches. Then we all gathered in the living room for a family prayer and they were off to Seminary.
After the chaos of breakfast, lunch packing, and bus catching, I headed down to the basement to do a tidy and vacuum. Things had gotten out of control in the TV room and I couldn't stand the crumpled up croissants on the carpet or the empty cans of pop lining the ledge. Cooper helped me tidy the toys and we gave everything a nice thorough vacuum! I put through a few loads of laundry in the process (which I now need to fold at some point).
Daddy worked in his home office today and all morning long I had to keep a close eye on Cooper as he would run into the office at any given time. Once, he did it while Daddy was on the phone with a client. He raced right over to the desk while I frantically chased him down and then he giggled his head off while I peeled him out of the room. I then decided that we should maybe play outside for the rest of the day so that Daddy could work in peace. Lily was still feeling under the weather and opted to stay inside and rest.
We headed up to the garden and dug all of our beets and carrots. The sunshine was warm on our faces despite the slight chill in the air. It was nice to visit with my parents while we worked! We did not get a good yield this year and most of our carrots are the size of my pinkie finger. Two whole rows gave me a five gallon pail. Quite a few of the tiny tiny ones went over the fence to the chickens and I kept back the ones I'm willing to fuss over and put into the freezer. Joe was a big help to Gramma and Grampa as they pulled their carrots and beets as well. He also took Cooper for a gazillion quad rides to bring the chickens garden treats. It's been so great having him home!
When I came in, I put a ham in the oven for dinner and made up some cinnamon buns for Camilla to bring to youth tonight. The dishes took me pretty much all day to get through (and there's more) between diaper changes, naps, and toddler tantrums. Shortly before the bus dropped the kids home, I chopped up some fresh potatoes, carrots and beets to roast for dinner. They joined the ham in the oven and the kitchen smelled delicious! When the ham came out, the cinnamon buns went in so they would be ready in time for youth!
Daddy ate quick before heading out to a meeting at the church. Camilla brought Fin home from volleyball after she finished reffing at the middle school, which was super helpful! It is really nice having another driver in the house and my life has really been simplified as far as the number of trips I need to take to town now. The littles and I ate together and Joe joined us when he got back from dirt biking. Happy chaos seems to be the theme of our life these days.
Shortly after Camilla and Joe left for youth group, I jammied the littles and got them all ready for bed. While I fed Cooper his bottle and tucked him in, I had some jars warming in the oven for apple juice and jelly. By the time I had tucked the younger three in, the apple juice was warm and everything was sterilized and ready to go! I put six quarts of Kerr apple juice into the steam canner and then began a batch of jelly while it came up to speed. Fin came into the kitchen and asked to help, so he poured in the pectin and sugar and did some stirring while chatting my ear off about volleyball and school and science class. I love when he gets talking! He is so smart and there are so many things that run through his mind.
I finished wiping down counters just as the kids got home from youth. Camilla burst through the door, yelled that the Northern Lights were out and then ran downstairs somewhere. I happily headed out to the deck! It was the perfect way to end a busy day. She joined me again a few minutes later and we excitedly took in the lights together. They were dancing and changing so fast! We even saw pink (which I've never seen from my deck). At one point they stretched up high into the sky above the house and I got some pretty great shots! We spent the next few minutes sending our best pictures to each other. I love that she enjoys the same things as me! I love that she relishes in the wonders and beauties of the earth.
Now the house is quiet (except for the hungry child in my kitchen raiding the fridge). As I type, I happily listen to the jar lids popping away while they seal. My eyes are heavy and my body is tired, but my heart is so so full! Welcome October, we're so glad you're here!
