Merry Christmas

 

Slowing Down

 

Relishing

I am soaking this up because every day she grows and changes! Lainey is such a good baby! She is content with herself. I can put her in her crib and she will happily look around and observe. She doesn't usually fuss and if she does, it's never for very long and usually only when she's sleepy. She has such a peaceful nature about her and I've loved getting to know her!

 

Winter Solstice

 

Finley: Eleven

Finley is ELEVEN! He is helpful, willing & kind. He is a super fun big brother who always gives Cooper piggyback rides or helps with the littles whenever needed. He is chatty and thoughtful and insightful. He is academic and bright! He is looking forward to receiving the priesthood in January and heading into the young mens program. We enjoy all that he brings to our family and are so glad he's ours!

 

He is Near

This morning I read a post about how God could have made things easier for Mary and provided things like a home and a soft bed...but He didn't. The writer went on to say, "the hardship didn't disqualify the moment, it was part of it..." and as I read that I realized that Lainey's birth felt much the same. The days leading up, and even the day of, were full of trial and hardship, but that didn't make her birth any less special or important. Just because things didn't go according to my plan didn't disqualify the moment or minimize the importance of bring a life into the world. But in the moment, it was made to feel like an insignificant event compared to everything else that was happening. I felt like the amazing experience I had just had and the hard work I had just done didn't even matter. The writer of the post then concluded with the thought that, "God doesn't always remove the hard, he enters it. So if your life feels messy or heavy, it doesn't mean He's absent. It means He is near." Tears stung my eyes as I read and realized that I had felt Him near and noticed all of the tender mercies offered along the way in a less than ideal circumstance surrounding her miraculous birth!

 

Lily: Five years

In the middle of the night Cooper and Lily both woke to the room full of balloons. I had lots of fun hanging out in there trying to get them back to bed! The morning sun was much welcomed and we enjoyed some couch snuggles while we visited with the birthday girl.

I can't believe that Lily is FIVE! She is spunky, sassy & sweet. Every day is exciting and fun for her! She's a fast learner and full of energy. She shares her light naturally with others. She is helpful and full of love. She has a big heart and a big personality. She loves music and dancing. We are so glad she is ours!

Happy birthday Miss Joy!!

 

Band Concerts & Birthday Prep

Tonight we enjoyed Finley's band concert! It was so fun to see the grade six band play and hear how far they've come already this year! I dropped off and picked up Daddy at the door. The cold and hard chairs trigger his back spasms, so it was a rough night for him.

Lainey slept and nursed through most of it and Cooper stayed home with the big boys so I wouldn't have to chase him too! 

Camilla picked up balloons for Lily's birthday tomorrow and the big kids blew them all up and put them in her room to surprise her when she wakes. We will see how Cooper does too when he wakes up to a room full of balloons in the middle of the night! 

 

Annual Bakeoff

Tonight we hosted the youths annual Christmas Bake-off! The young men make something over in my parents kitchen and the young women make something over here. There are judges, taste testing, and even a trophy. It's all very official and the youth take it very seriously! The friendly competition is so fun to watch! 

The boys made a forest log complete with moss and fungus. It turned out so nice and tasted great!

The girls did truffles with gingerbread men and the decor and taste was top notch!

After cleanup, everyone went home and we enjoyed some quiet moments near the tree!

 

A Home Visit

This morning my midwife came by for a home visit! Lainey weighs 7lbs 8oz. She got her tongue tie clipped quick and she is doing so well! Mike & my Dad headed into town to pick up new toilets for the bathroom renovation downstairs. and we enjoyed a mostly quiet day. Lily wasn't feeling well and spent a lot of the day curled up on the couch with blankets. Cooper tried dragging Lainey's bassinet out to the pool room (with her sleeping in it). Even though it crashed down the first stair, she stayed safely folded up in the sheepskin and didn't even wake! Sheesh, he's busy! I stayed up late chatting with teens and waiting on our big girl to get home from her bball game in Camrose to hear how it went. It's not always convenient or easy to wait up, but I enjoy doing it and connecting with them when they get home. I love hugging my teens goodnight and checking in with them before bed.