New Hair Styles

This afternoon miss joy and I enjoyed the sunshine pouring through the windows at Gramma and Grampa's house. She sat on my lap and we giggled and took pictures together while the sun warmed our faces and filled our souls.

 

Later on in the afternoon I took the big boys in to the barber. Turns out mamma's barber shop is no longer sufficient for these cool dudes and they require a more professional hand (I can only do one style). They've been wanting a middle part for quite some time now, and today they made it happen. I let them explain to the barber exactly what they wanted and payed after. They were both pleased with their new hairstyles and have been playing around with them in the mirror all evening. 

 

On the Court

Today found us back at the middle school watching Hyrum play some basketball! They all played well and we enjoyed watching him run and shoot baskets!

 

Winter Sunshine

The weather has been beautiful these past few days! I've enjoyed listening to the trickling sound of the drain pipes as the snow melts off the roof. We had some little cousins out to play this weekend and Grampa took them all for a sled ride around the acreage.

The snow was sticky and perfect for snowman today! Ollie was really proud of his creations and asked me to come out and see them!

Sonny is getting better at not stealing the kids mittens when they are out playing. He loves when they come out with him. He and Hyrum seem to have a special relationship. 

 

Welcome February

"I have found that there is romance in housework: a charm in it; and whimsy and humor without end. I have found that the housewife works hard, of course - but likes it. Most people who amount to anything do work hard, at whatever their job happens to be.

 The housewife's job is home-making, and she is, in fact, 'making the best of it'; making the best of it by bringing patience and loving care to her work; sympathy and understanding to her family; making the best of it by seeing all the fun in the day's incidents and human relationships.

The housewife realizes that home-making is an investment in happiness. It pays everyone enormous dividends. There are huge compensations for the actual labor involved.

The housewife whose songs I sing as I go about my work, is the one who likes her job."

~Majorie Rawlings

 

Family Swim

Last week I promised the kids I would take them to public swim. Tonight was the night! They were all super helpful as I dressed the little people. We are in a sweet spot right now where most of them are independent and can help others as well. Camilla did a great job watching Lily for a little while so that I could pay attention to Sawyer and Ollie. We all had a lot of fun!!

 

A Fresh Snowfall

A few nights ago she fell asleep in a moonlit room to the sound of a January rain. 

This afternoon she slowly closed her eyes while the snow quietly fell outside.

Sonny thoroughly enjoyed the fresh powder and rolled around in it while we shoveled and played before heading out to hockey. When the kids arrived home, I fed them all a snack and then loaded all seven of them up in the cold while wiping off the vehicle. We barely got Hyrum there on time, and then I had to brave the roads once more to come home for Joe's forgotten helmet before his practice began. 

I loved sitting and cheering on Joe as he scored his goals, despite the crazy preschooler and toddler wiggling on the bench beside me. The boys lugged their bags out to the van and we wiped all of the snow off yet again and went to pick up Camilla. I ended up taking the kids for fast food and finally arrived back home over four hours later after all was said and done.

The railings were completed today! They just have to stain them now. I am so happy with how this turned out and glad we made the switch from a pony wall. It feels so much more open breathable in this middle space now. 

 

Piano Lessons

This is how we survive an hour and a half of piano lessons in the car. 

This girl is a trooper!

A January Rain

I don't know why, but I always find myself taking pictures of my babies and toddlers as they nap. 

Perhaps it is the way their lashes fall on their cheeks, or the stillness making them easy to admire.

Either way, I am holding onto these naptime moments.

Tonight we celebrated my mamma's birthday.

 I made her a chocolate cake, with chocolate icing and skor bits. 

And the stairs are coming along! 

They've started working on the railings finally.

As I tucked Lily into my bed tonight, I could see her legs dangling off the edge as she began to slide down. "Dares Mom!" she exclaimed. I passed her her newly warmed heat bag and snuggled her under the blankets. She ended up falling asleep to the sound of a January rain.

 

Hockey Tourney

Last night we drove to Canmore for the boys hockey tournament. We arrived after dark and couldn't see the gorgeous mountains that surrounded us as we checked into our hotel. The boys were super pumped by the view out our window when they woke! We spent our entire day cheering them on as they played. They've gotten really good this year. Fin is a way more confident skater and always dances on the ice while the music is playing before puck drop. He had us laughing pretty good! Joe is the speediest defenceman I've ever seen and is always on it. Hyrum likes to strategize and rocks at getting the puck to the net. It was fun to watch them! We got home late, but enjoyed the sunsetting over the mountains as we drove!

 

Jumping for Joy

This afternoon we slipped outside for a bit to get some sunshine and fresh air. Lily asked to go on the trampoline for a few minutes and she spent the entire time jumping and bum dropping with the biggest grin on her face. We are jumping for JOY this afternoon!