the time we tried to get nativity photos

I've been cleaning up my picture files and came across these gems from November, when Oliver was just itty-bitty. I had grand visions of getting sweet nativity photos of the 3 of them, but quickly did I learn that if I thought taking pictures of 2 kids was hard, 3 was 100% harder. Who was I kidding to try to pull this off alone while Brandon was at work? One of them was always moving, my camera was on the wrong setting (didn't realize until it was done), Blake was annoyed at the itchy straw, Evelyn kept taking off her headwrap, and Oliver kept trying to bust out of his swaddling clothes. It's hilarious now and I'm sure in 10 years these will be priceless. You win some. You lose some.  

winter days at home

This year I've been trying to use my real camera more often to capture the simple moments at home. As much as I love setting up "photo shoots", I also want to remember the simple and real moments that we are having these days.  

 

juggling act

My boss at Omniture back in the day gave me some great advice. She said there is no such thing as balance in life. Rather, it's a juggling act. How true that is! I've always been one to think that we can make time for what we want. And sometimes that is the case. But lately I've learned that I can't do it all. That's hard for me. I can't cook healthy meals and keep the house clean and do fun activities with my children and be showered and ready after a good workout and have amazing scripture study and keep in touch with all my friends and family regularly, etc. etc. etc.

If I'm good at cooking and working out, then my house isn't clean. If I'm a good friend or sister, doing activities with my kids might get pushed to another day. If I'm in bed early, I don't get to blog and write down memories.

Life is a juggling act. I can't do it all ALL the time. And that is hard for me to accept. Life with 3 has been humbling that way. But I know that these days won't last forever, and so I'll keep taking one day at at time and try to be the best I can for everyone each day.

christmas sunday

Christmas Sunday is my absolute favorite.  I was asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting and it gave me the opportunity this week to make pondering about spiritual things a priority. And it was a blessing. I felt the Spirit much stronger and that helped us get through a week that stretched us in many ways. Somehow we were lifted and everything that was required of us was doable. 

As I watched my 4 favorite people from the stand, my eyes teared up as I was overcome with gratitude and love for them. My heart wanted to burst! I'm not sure how I got so lucky, but truly they are my favorite gifts (besides the Atonement, of course!) 

at the tree farm

It's all about the simple things. Like stopping to smell the pine trees.

One of these Christmases, I want to go up to the mountains and cut down our own Christmas tree. Until that happens, I'll just dream and make my family stop at random tree farms to savor that wonderful pine smell that is so prevalent this time of year. (Oliver was napping and Brandon was working from home this day, hence only an adventure for Blake and Evelyn.)

  

meeting santa

{December 5} The Youth City Council in our town puts on the cutest activity each year. This is our 2nd year going and it's perfect for the kids. They get to write letters and make crafts and eat cookies while they wait to meet Santa. And then each family gets their private viewing and FREE photos with the old man himself. 

I was proud of Blake who was extra brave this year. This is after just a few days earlier he told me he didn't want Christmas to come.  It was so cute hearing him tell Evelyn, "it's okay. Be brave." We got professional photos mailed to us, but here's what I got on my camera. I helped Evelyn because she wouldn't dare go near him without me. And Oliver did just as he was supposed to do with his first photo with Santa-- scream and cry. It's a classic childhood picture that I'm glad we have for the books. 

brotherly love

It's safe to say that Blake loves his brother. He always wants to help out and be around him. He kept begging to be in Oliver's one month photos. Well, he didn't have to twist my arm! These sweet moments make the craziness all worth it! And trust me, there are a lot of crazy moments.

bedroom playground

It's a lot harder to get out of the house these days. So one morning we took advantage of our indoor playground and spent the morning at home. Oliver and I enjoyed watching Blake and Evelyn play. We got this slide bed last January from a yard sale and we've totally got our $80 worth out of it. 

sibling love

The transition to three children has been rough at times. Not because Blake and Evelyn don't adore Oliver, but because I think they are feeling the lack of attention and are manifesting it in ways we aren't use to seeing-- for example, during nap time. I had a few very angry mom moments this week that I am not proud of. I really like my sleep and when I don't get enough of it, I'm not very patient. But thankfully, my kids are very forgiving and still love me!

I have especially loved watching Blake be the big brother. He always wants to hold Oliver, give him the binki or blanket, feed him a bottle, sit by him, etc. The sweet sibling love I see from these 3 is what is keeping me going. But, I'd still love a really long nap. :) And please note that in nearly every one of these photos there is at least one in PJs. That's how we roll these days. Keeping it real.