Ollie: Seven Months

 This sweet, goofy boy is already seven months old! He is full of rolls and belly laughs and makes me oh so happy. His cheeks are wonderfully kissable and the way he wraps his arms around my neck and shrieks with excitement melts my heart.  He's recently turned into quite the mover and although he can't crawl, he can roll anywhere he pleases. I adore his chins, his pudgy fingers, his curled toes, and the way his eyes light up with laughter at the sight of anyone he knows. I love how excited he gets when I run the bath for him in the evening. I love his fuzzy head and his dimpled smile.This boy loves his food and eats three meals a day. He gets quite upset when his bowl is empty, and I'm left wondering where he puts it all! He is just such a fun kid and it's been fun watching his personality shine through. Happy seven months buddy!

A Banff Birthday

 Mr. Stannix took me to Banff for my birthday! I think this is becoming a tradition and you will hear no complaining from me. He treated me to dinner at the KEG, shopping, a very large carmel steamer, and a full nights sleep in a fancy hotel. My Mamma was kind enough to stay at our place and watch the littles (minus Ollie). I slept in until close to 9:00am and we took our time getting ready. The weather was cold and rainy when we woke and we weren't sure what we were going to get up to that day. We walked around town and checked out a few shops after breakfast while it drizzled/snowed. In the early afternoon the sky cleared a little and the mountains were visible once again. We decided to check out tunnel mountain and brave the icy trail. With Ollie bundled and warm we started the climb and quickly realized how out of shape we were! It was so great to talk about life, goals, dreams, and feelings as we made the climb. We laughed our way to the summit, and endured snow for the last few minutes near the top. Going down proved to be much more difficult given the ice and I was thankful for Mr. Stannix and his outstretched hands catching me when I slid and keeping me safe. He's very good at taking care of me and I am so grateful for him! 

As we left Banff for home the weather cleared, the skies became blue, and the sun lit up the snow-topped peaks. We made a stop in Calgary for dinner and brought home cheesecake from the Cheescake Cafe to share with my sister and mom.

All of the littles were tucked in when we got home, except our oldest girl who was excited to have us home. We stayed up way too late visiting and laughing. Happy twenty-eighth to me!!

Nap Time

 This little boy keeps growing, so I'm hanging on to all of the sleepy snuggles I can get!

Little Explorers

 Today brought us out for a late afternoon walk! We went down to the pond and checked it out! The ice was mostly gone around the edges and the littles had fun throwing sticks and looking for bugs. 

The wind was a bit chilly but they begged to bike further. The older three biked ahead and Finley and I took up the rear. Ollie fell fast asleep snuggled on my back and Fin walked Reese most of the way. 

I couldn't get over how adorable he looked in his camo hoodie, overalls, and rubber boots. He was all boy and loving every minute!

 Who's walking who,,,

 This kid is such a trooper. He could spend all day outside!

 When we finally made it to the end of the trail we found the kids climbing a favorite tree. This time Camilla made it to new heights and was feeling quite proud. 

I also learned that a box of bandaids can keep a child quiet for at least half an hour!!

Sunny Snoozer

 The weather was so nice today that we decided to forego naptime and play away the afternoon outside. Finley was able to play at the park with Daddy in the late afternoon and enjoyed every second. After dinner I came downstairs at 6:00pm to find him snuggled on a chair fast asleep. I love that this kid can sleep anywhere. He looked so sweet I couldn't help but take a few shots with the beautiful Spring sun pouring through the window. 

Sunday Afternoon

We have all been snuggled up at home this weekend watching General Conference while giant fluffy snowflakes fall outside. This afternoon brought me a sweet, sleeping babe and lots of great spiritual insight.

Crafternoon

Today brought about a spontaneous trip to the library! We picked our sister up from school and headed to a friends place to pick something up and learned of a fun program going on at the library. I wasn't planning on being out for long. Ollie had no socks on and a wet post-nap diaper, but I decided to go for the half hour anyway. A little while after arriving Ollie peed out the side of his diaper soaking the carrier and my sweatshirt (too much information?). I decided  to endure the rest of the craft and pasted a motherly smile on my face. I helped Joe and Fin make their little planter cups and watched the older two craft away across the room. It was so worth it for the grins and excitement!

A Spring Sunday

 On this Spring Sunday I woke and admired the fresh tulips on my dining room table. Then I rushed around feeding and dressing each child and making sure the diaper bag was stocked with necessities. 

I am always the last one to get ready and today was no different. I threw on and took off about three different outfits before I settled. 

Then I run a brush through my hair and sit to nurse the baby while listening to the older kids find their church shoes. Joseph has taken it upon himself to help Finley put on his jacket and zip it up (since he can do zippers now, YAY!). Everyone hustles out to the van and gets their seat belts on  acts as though they've escaped from the zoo. Every blinker is on, every door is open, some are shedding tears, there is screaming (I won't tell you who from) and we were supposed to leave ten minutes ago.

 

 After church is probably my favorite because I get to snuggle up next to this handsome little boy and watch him drift off to sleep. He seems so grown up lately I can hardly handle it! Those long lashes of his get me every time!

 The afternoon sun was calling us outside so we went for a family walk after dinner. We watched the geese fly overhead in their famous "V" formation. The children stood in awe as we watched and listened. We saw a red breasted Robin in a tree and listened to it's familiar Spring song. The children climbed the tree at the end of the trail like they always do, even higher than last time! 

 Finley was tickled to be allowed to walk to the dog. I hung back with him and listened to his sweet little voice, "Doooood dirl, Reesie! Tum-on! Wet's go!" I wish I could freeze him at this stage. He's so darn cute!! Happy Sunday!

General Women's Session

I look forward to the General Women's session of conference with eagerness to be uplifted, edified, and feel of the sisterhood of other women watching around me. This year my mom was down visiting my sister for the day, so Camilla and I took the afternoon and spent it with them! We left home shortly after lunch and went dress shopping together. I didn't have much luck, but Camilla found a pink, long-sleeved dress in just her size that she wanted to try on. Because most of my kids have been raised on hand-me-downs, this was a special experience for us both. Rarely do we go shopping and even more rare do we have time to try things on. We left the shop hand in hand, and the sun warmed our faces as we walked to the car. 

We arrived at my sister's with a few hours to visit and enjoy a yummy dinner! We made it to the church just as the broadcast began and found some seats near the back. Oliver happily giggled at his aunt and Camilla took notes the entire time. When I told her that I had missed part of the last talk because I was out with Ollie she happily exclaimed, "Don't worry! I took notes for you!" Her little scribbles will be tucked into my journal to smile upon again at a later day. As always, the talks were great and the spirit whispered to my heart some things that I can improve on, as well as confirmed my Saviors love for me.

 "When we spiritually lean unto our own understanding we lean away from the Savior."

-Bonnie H. Cordon 

"Holiness is in the striving and the struggle to keep the commandments. Holiness is making the choices that will keep the Holy Ghost as our guide...If we are to be holy we must give time to holiness."

-Carol F. McConkie

"When we have become distracted, doubtful or discourages, may be accept the Lords invitation to drink of his living water. When life seems unfair...may we remember Martha and declare our similar certain witness."

-Linda K. Burton

"Those who do not see their weaknesses do not progress. Your awareness of your weakness is a blessing as it helps you remain humble and keeps you turning to the Savior. The Spirit not only comforts you, but He is also the agent by which the Atonement works a change in your very nature. Then weak things become strong."

-Henry B. Eyring

Afterwards we took a trip over to Marble Slab for some ice cream and sat and visited for way too long. Camilla sat next to us with her legs dangling from the chair, swinging them happily as she chatted our ears off. I'm sure she felt grown up, and I hope she felt special and loved.

I was so glad that my mamma could make it!

Camilla was glad to see her auntie. It was a wonderful night all around!

My Sunshine

This week has been rough. Mike's been working so hard and long that he practically falls into bed after arriving home. Last night tears fell as I rocked Ollie to sleep for the third time, dreaming of crawling under freshly washed sheets and resting my tired body. Just as I gently placed him in the crib I was interrupted by my five year old who came to tell me he had just puked all over his bed. I changed his bedding while the baby screamed, then sat in the rocker and started all over again. Shortly after crawling into bed my sweet toddler woke with a nightmare. It was well past midnight before I even fell asleep and the rest of my night was spent jumping at the first sound of dry heaves, nursing the baby, and sharing my half of the bed with my preschooler. I woke exhausted to Mr. Stannix kissing me good-bye for the day and my four year old asking for breakfast.

As I go through another day of mothering, mopping up puke, and giving comfort there is a feeling of loneliness in the back of my mind. But when my sweet children smile at me, wrap their arms around my neck, tell me a funny joke, or ask me to sit with them "just a little bit longer mommy" that feeling of loneliness fades and becomes replaced with swells of love for these little blessings that I get to learn from each and every day.