Ordinary Days

There is beauty in the simple moments of our days. These days are oh so simple. We are not making our days complicated, rather, they are filled with coloring, reading, playing, and snuggles. That's mostly it. Honestly being home with 4 littles is much easier I think than 4 older children would be. Some schools and teachers are taking this homeschool life seriously and I am so glad I don't have to worry about any high schooler's doing their work.

My favorite moments this week were when I caught sibling relationships forming deep. 

Laney kept trying to help Peter ride her bike and she was so patient with him and cheered him on. 

Crew randomly pulled cards out and asked Laney if he could teach her how to play. No fights were started there either. 

Peter keeps asking to hold Thomas these days where as before, he wasn't too interested in actually holding him.

All are such happy moments for me. 

One of my biggest mothering goals is to help my children really foster relationships with each other. I want them to serve one another, bear each others burdens and left one another. I have a feeling in different seasons of life it won't be an easy feat, but we are sure going to try our best.

Pausing big time tonight and letting gratitude for these people (and their dad) consume me.

For memories sake-they rearranged (my least favorite thing) the entire playroom to best fit their needs...

Peter snapped this bread making photo. We learned that together last week too...and we loved it. The bread was super yummy...downside is I have a major stomach issue with this much gluten I think. I looked about 25 weeks pregnant for a full day after, so we are switching some things around and hope to make slightly healthier bread! Peter is my full-time buddy in the kitchen and he soaks all of it up.

Art heals

I've been this way my whole life...enamored by pretty things, trinkets, art, furniture, fabric, textures. I think I get it from my Grandmas because their homes were always filled with those and it just felt comfy to me. Safe. Homey. Calm. Peaceful. There was always a story behind a decor item or art piece. On my dads side both my grandma and great grandma (we call her great Bea...oh man. I thought for sure I could use that name for a daughter, but I don't think thats in the cards for us.) were artists. They created the most beautiful paintings, one of which I was lucky to snag for my home. 

This week has brought every single emotion that a person could possibly feel (that's slightly dramatic but true) I've gone from feeling like I'm on top of the world to the lowest of the lows. I can't go to my own brothers wedding next week and everyday it gets closer to their wedding, I'm even more sad than the day before. I LOVE WEDDINGS! Everything about them, but the sealing is the sweetest part of it all. To witness that and feel of Gods love for those two people is just something that brings me great joy. So I'm very sad about that. I'm hoping that one day we can throw a big celebration for them. I know it's very hard for them too so I'm trying to put on a happy face--but it's been so tough. Back to the art--yesterday was quite a day. I went from trying to plan meals, to workouts, to school schedules, to church for Sunday...and then I got VERY sad for all the missionaries being sent home. WHAT IS HAPPENING. So it all came crashing down. Pair those feelings with the usual fighting children and bored children, and it didn't go very well. I'm pleased to say that I didn't get mad at anyone, but I cried a lot. A lot of overwhelm consumed me.

This morning I woke up and the same heavy feeling came right back. I decided to print off some coloring pages for the kids and joined right in. I put some church music on and we all just colored for a while. Those little pictures of art healed me right then and there. My mood had flipped and the world felt colorful again. I felt light. It's going to be ok. 

The hard days will still come but there is always joy. and art. So we will be ok. I've been listening to more and more church talks too and those bring great comfort. 

 Thomas has made all the hard days just so much better. He is the happiest and easiest baby...but so was Peter HAHAHAHAH Jokes on me.

 I always "try" and rock him to sleep but we always end up standing there and looking at our shadow. I love him. 

 Peter plays hard and sleeps hard every single day.

 I've got a whole slew of posts just dedicated to this man right here. He's just so so good.

 Left some happy notes for others to enjoy

 My favorite piece of art lately

 Craft day

He always wants his blanket ON his face...so I sneak in and move it to the side. Have I mentioned we are all obsessed with him?

Thomas' Blessing

We blessed little Thomas on Sunday March, 15th in our home surrounded by the family we have here! We missed so many family members far away who couldn't make it. My sweet Grandpa couldn't make it either since he had a cold, and that felt unusual to have a baby blessing without him there. We didn't plan on waiting 4 months after he was born to bless him...but life happens. I actually loved blessing an "older" baby since we could interact with him and get the cutest photos of him smiling in his outfit! I think they are my favorite. 

It took me a while to decide to bless him in our home...something that I wish was different about myself is the fact that I get anxious when hosting things in my home. My other children tend to be way more hyper and then there is the house prep...and then what food to make?! I can just work myself up over it. Thankfully the kids slept over at my mother-in-law's house while we prepped for the blessing. LIFE SAVED. 

It was such a sweet day. His blessing was perfectly tailored to him. Just the sweetest most special little babe. We have a lot to be grateful for. Thomas Lyle, you are a loved boy! 

After, we walked to try and find some green places in our neighborhood to take photos..which didn't turn out super well. But we loved the walk with family! Then we went over to Alex's parents for a little church lesson and to take the sacrament. Taking the sacrament at home with our dearest loved ones around was special. I hope our kids know how amazing that was.

 Thank goodness for uncles! I know that having us there for dinner isn't the easiest task...but we are so thankful and love seeing family!