"Groufies" Definition: Group selfie

 I heard the term "groufie" on Jimmy Fallon. It's funny because the term never actually caught on. Shots like these most people term "selfie." But this is my group. We wake up together, eat together, play together, cry together, laugh together, and everything else, we do it together. Its normal now of course, but thinking about my life as a single person compared to the life I live now, it is very different. Even my life with just one child or two. Three children is a very unselfish life. They consume my every waking hour. It's even a little bit ironic, that the two youngest are sleeping and Lucy is off to preschool, and I actually have a minute to myself, but I am writing about them. I love them. They are crazy and always keep me on my toes but I am very satisfied with the time I get to spend with them.

Louis up close

Lucy's 4th Birthday

A few things that everyone should know about Lucy. 

1. She has a heart of gold. She loves to share anything she has with new kids she meets. She is a little less willing to share with her sister, but even then, she gives up what she has more often than not. There really is not a mean bone in her body. She is not perfect, but she is also NOT mean. 

2. She LOVES her baby brother Louis. Lucy loves to make Louis laugh. She loves to feed him. She loves when he wakes up from his naps. She is always willing to entertain him when I need her to. 

3. Lucy loves the color purple. If you ask her, "What is your favorite color?" She confidently answers every time, "purple!" 

4. Lucy loves to play pretend. She pretends all day long. Any object has multiple uses in her eyes. 

5. Lucy is very smart. She is starting to read sight words now, and doing well. She would probably be doing even better if I had more time to spend with her working on it. 

6. Lucy loves her Aunt Anna, and future Uncle Jacob. Actually both Molly and Lucy love them. They talk about them all the time. It is always a treat to have them around. 

7. Lucy has so many friends, because everyone is her friend. She never excludes anyone from her play. She is sweet and loving and I could probably list a lot more about her that everyone should know. 

8. Lucy loves Jimmy Johns sandwiches. It is amazing and disgusting to watch her eat one. She can eat it so fast, and if I let her could finish of an entire sub herself. 

9. Lucy loves to be silly. This is probably the thing that gets her in trouble the most. She has a hard time knowing when to turn on and off the silliness. But when it is appropriate she sure knows how to make us all laugh.

 Yesterday was her birthday and we partied very hard. We are all worn out today because of it. Lucy asked for an umbrella for birthday. It is what she wanted more than anything, and bugged us about relentlessly until her birthday when she opened it up. I kind of thought that eventually the enthusiasm for the present might die down once she opened it and received other toys, but the umbrella continues to be her favorite gift. She has to show everyone. She even took it to the dr today and opened it for him so he could see it. I love her for that. 

We opened family gifts in the morning and then had a birthday party for her in the afternoon. I knew who I invited but my brain didn't make the connection of how many kids would be there until the day of. Fifteen kids showed up for the party! There were two more I had invited that didn't show up. I couldn't believe it. My mom taught me really well, as a young one to always include everyone. I did it this time with out even thinking. It was a lot of fun. We decorated take home bags. Played duck, duck goose and pin the tail on the donkey, played with playdo that they got to take home with them, and ate cake and icecream and opened up presents. And by the time 5 o'clock hit, I was very ready for parents to come and pick up their children. 

I love birthday parties more than anything, but I think from now on, I'm going to keep them small. The party itself was simple and inexpensive, but the amount of kids, was not. I'm not complaining, I was happy to do it, I'm just saying, it was a learning experience for me and I am recording it for my future self to read and be reminded of the amount of work it took. 

After the party, my mom, Traci and her kids, and Jacobanana came over to our place for dinner. Lucy requested Jimmy Johns. We ate and enjoyed the peace and quiet of far fewer kids. 

I was so grateful for all the help I received to put on this party. My Sister has to be commended for the amount of work she did being 8 1/2 months or more pregnant. She was amazing. She just kept going and I don't know where her energy comes from. Jacobanana were on baby duty and sandwich pick up. Becca helped with the party favors and anything else that was needed. My mom made the trip from St. George to be here. That requires a whole other post. I appreciate her so much. She is the one that taught me to love parties so much. She always kept them simple, but I always felt special on my birthday. That is where my motivation comes from to make my kids feel extra special on theirs. She brought her nice camera and documented this entire event. Thanks mom. I love you!

And James.... I don't have enough words to write about the love and support that he gives to me. Especially in stressful times and events, most often brought on myself because of my love to entertain. His very presence is calming to my soul. If he is around, I am less tense, less likely to loose control, and always more happy. I love him. He took over games, and everything else that I needed him for. I really couldn't do anything I do with out him. I don't know why I'm so fortunate to have him in my life. 

This post became less about Lucy and more about the party, but I do love my first born. She is the best big sister I could ever ask for. She bring so much light into our life and home. I love to watch her in primary. I can see her enthusiasm for the gospel increase each week and through out the week as she learns and grows. I am so thankful for all she is and does for me. 

"Love Day"

I've never really loved the "world's" idea of Valentine's day. And other than a few gag Valentine's dinners that I've planned for James just to be funny I haven't done much for the holiday. But since I've had kids I've learned to love it. Mostly because it is a creative outlet for my brain to send out some fun creative valentines of my kids and let them pass them around to the people that they love most as well.
I think I have mentioned how much I love the show, "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" before on this blog. They had an episode playing this week about "love day." The message in that show is really what Valentine's day is really all about. "You have to find your OWN way to say I love you." You do not have to buy roses or chocolates and balloons, like the masses think they HAVE to do. You have to find your OWN way. If roses and chocolates is the way you say I love you, on other days than say it that way.. its fine. But it is better if it comes from the heart and means something to both you and your loved one. Here are a few examples from this year.

Some love from Grandma Wells!!

I have always loved to stay in contact with people. One way I love most is by mail. Yes, good old fashioned letters and small packages. Christmas cards are my crack because I get to send mail to the masses and it brings me so much joy to send a piece of me to all the people I love. I also send out a few valentines in the mail. Its a small way that I say "I love you."
James is not a gift giver. But he shares his love by service. If its been a rough day, he helps with kids. If the house is a mess, he takes the time to help me clean it. If dinner is impossible, than that is where he steps in and gets the kids fed. I forget sometimes how much he really does for me. I repent often of that. Service is how James lets me know, "he loves me."

My kids are just getting old enough that traditions are becoming more important and so I have tried to emphasize a few simple ones as the year goes on. I purchased some tupperware heart containers from JoEllen, and I plan to put something homemade in them each year. Whether it be a card, a coupon or some sort of small craft. I have had an itch to pull out my sewing machine for a long time. My first project, Capes for the kids. Lucy and Molly have been putting blankets or towels around their shoulders pretending to be super heroes a lot lately. I decided this would be a fun and easy project to ease me into sewing again. I loved making these capes. I made a lot of mistakes but in the end they turned out fantastic! And the kids love them as well. Sewing these capes was a way that I told my kids, "I love them."
James and I have never actually joined the masses for a real Valentine's date. This year we had babysitters (aka Jacobanana), so we did! We had a lot of fun reliving the glory days in Provo. We visited some of our favorite places and had a wonderful time reminiscing about our past dating life and early marriage years as well as our future here in this area. It was fun to forget about the kids and remember the importance and foundation of our relationship and the effect it has on our family. We went on a date that is how we show our children that we love each other.
We also had a really good time preparing a Valentine's date for Jacobanana. It was their first Valentine's as a couple and so we thought we would plan something for them as well. Jacob is one of our dearest friends from back when we were dating and Anna... well she's a sister and we love her too. Bringing them together is the way that we showed both of them that we love them.

Not a mean bone in this girl's body. She's
my super hero everyday. Also, she gave
her first talk in primary today, and
KILLED IT!!
Way to go bucket head lightning Lucy!

So here's to showing our love for our loved ones... in our own way.

"We're good."

I have a lot on my mind. I am way behind on my posting here, but like any journal I've ever kept it seems like the best place to start is where you are at, and then back track if needs be. Christmas was very eventful, and I will give it its own post as soon as James is around and I can use his computer, because all of my Christmas pictures are on there. For now I will share a few of my thoughts here.

We have been back from vacation a week and two days. It feels like a month. We have been so busy. James with his continually growing responsibilities and mine with the children and leading the music in primary. I love love my calling. It probably could be less work than I make it, but I really enjoy thinking about it on a daily basis and adding what I can to it as much as possible. I have big shoes to fill. My mother was the song leader the entire time I was in primary. I don't know how she got away with that. It seems like you are only allowed to hold a calling for a year these days and then they make you move. For me, I would hope to stay in this calling forever. I love it. I feel needed. And I feel like I have an outlet for the creative side of me.
James not only has his two jobs, but also works as the executive secretary and is receiving a lot of inquiries to do some private therapy. He hasn't yet taken anybody on, but will probably start soon. He still manages to find time to spend at home and help at home as much as possible. The kids love him, and loved having him home for two weeks over the break. They got so used to them that if I ever got the tinniest bit frustrated with them, Lucy's first response was, "when is dad coming home?" She also let me know one day that she loved dad and not me and that Molly loved me. I know she didn't know what she was saying, but it hurt and tears were shed on my part. I know she loves me, because she has since told me that she does and we have gotten back into the swing of things. She doesn't ask for dad all the time any more.
Lucy has become quite the 3 almost 4 year old. She has become a little bit sassier. She will often tell me, "No!" when I ask her to do something, or ignore me completely. But her nature is still sweet. She gives so much to her two younger siblings and puts up with so much of what Molly dishes out everyday. Although she is learning to stand her ground a little more, which means more tears and screams from Molly for all of us to hear. Lucy has also developed quite the sense of humor. She is getting humor so much more on so many different levels. It means that she is a lot more silly, but when she watches movies or shows that she has seen a zillion times, she finally catches on to the humor of it, and will laugh out loud or get really excited. It cracks me up every time.
Molly is still Molly. I have been trying to grow her hair out, mostly because James and I are just curious to know what she would look like with long hair, but she refused to let me put anything in it. I have tried everything, bribes, hairspray, distraction, .... she is so stubborn about it, I couldn't put up with it any longer. So I cut it again. She will sit without moving the entire time I am cutting it, but will she let me put a rubberband in her hair even if it takes me two seconds... NOPE. Its amazing. I am starting to wonder if she will ever let me do anything with her hair. At least she pulls off the short hair really well or we would be in trouble.
Molly's vocabulary increases at amazing rates everyday. I am always so surprised at how well she is able to express herself. She also has mad fine motor skills. To date, it looks as though she is going to be a lefty. I'm not sure how I feel about that, except you should see her hold a crayon and color. We are still working with Lucy to hold a crayon the correct way, but Molly has had it down since the beginning. (My husband is an OT.... we get excited about these things..)
I'm not even sure where to begin with Louis. He will turn 7 months on Friday, and he can crawl, roll, pull to stand, lean back to sitting position, and basically get wherever he wants. It is RIDICULOUS!!!! He is already into everything. He is CRAZY! I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHERE HE COMES FROM! BABIES ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE ABLE TO DO THESE THINGS! AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is how I feel today. I am not sure that he is going to slow down, so that is probably how I am going to feel for awhile. UGH!!! I love him to death and for the most part, he is a great sleeper, so I can't complain to much, but boy is he going to keep me on my toes.
Louis adores his sisters. They can make him laugh, better and faster than anyone. The feelings are mutual. It is so funny to watch them interact. I haven't left the house much since we got back, mostly because I am so entertained by all of them.
Lucy started Sunbeams two Sundays ago, and LOVES it! I am often very distracted with her there. It is just so dang cute to see her participate in sharing time or singing time like a big kid. She was chosen this last Sunday to report about a scripture her group read. Her teacher helped her, but she spoke out so confidently and clearly with out hesitation. Our primary is combined (JR and SR) so there are a lot of kids in the room, but she didn't think twice. I was very proud of her. I also get to visit the Nursery's for singing time. I LOVE that part of my calling as well. Molly's nursery is quite large and mostly unruly but for some reason when I play the role "teacher" she listens and is the best one in the class. The Jr nursery only has two kids in it now. It is the one that will gain all the kids through out the year (including Louis next December-CRAZY!) I love them as well. They always make me happy.
We live in a fantastic ward. It is just as transient as our ward in Henderson, but we always kind of loved that. Because of the nature of our ward, we feel very needed here and feel as though in the end we were lead here by greater powers. I am not usually one to make really close friends, but there are plenty of sisters that I know I can and have called on for various favors, and that is so nice to have.
I have been doing a lot of instagramming lately. When I reach 60 posts, I can print them in a book for 6$ and have a pretty fun little history of the more daily part of our life. I try not to offend people with the constant posting, in fact I hope they just stop following me if they are offended, because I mostly do it for the personal record. I want my kids to remember the fun stuff we do. The good times. There are lots of fun moments. There are lots of bad and really hard moments in between as well. I believe there has to be both to really know the goodness of our Heavenly Father. So I am okay with the hard times. They make me stronger and my kids stronger. We learn daily, what works and what doesn't. They tolerate my impulsive moods so well. They hug me when I cry and they often just shut the door or walk away, when I yell at things that are really uncalled for and just out of frustration. I appreciate that because often I already feel terrible and find them and apologize with all my heart. They are so understanding. Especially Lucy. They have learned a lot about different feelings through watching Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. It is one of my favorite shows, because there is a little song with each episode, and my girls remember them all by heart and can easily refer to whatever one is needed at that time. I should write the people that make that show and let them know how much I appreciate it, they deserve to know how helpful it is. For the most part, this job is great. It is hard, but so rewarding. It is stressful, but brings me more joy than anything I have ever done. I want my children to know of my love for them, everyday. They may not recognize it now, but by recording some of the good times we have had, I hope they will know it someday. That love is so important for any child to succeed in life. I had great parents. I know they loved and love me now. It has given me every confidence I have needed to be a good parent myself.

Tonight we ate for OSSO at Pizza Pie Cafe

Christmas card and letter 2014

Dear family and friends,

This has been a pivotal year for the James Stewart family.  James finished up his class work around March. Then we moved to St. George to finish James’ last fieldwork. We said goodbye to Henderson Nevada. We were sad to leave our friends there (and chipotle, the discovery museum, Springs preserve, Toys R us, and Trader Joe’s), but we were very excited to live in a smaller community and closer to James’ work. We moved into my childhood home. After a flood in December, the basement had all been remodeled. We grew to love living close to family and the kids LOVED the St. George children’s museum. We visited it often. We spent a lot of time with my Grandma, and helped her out with meals and visits. We got comfortable, and were hopeful to get a job with IHC.

The middle of June, Louis James Stewart was born, only 3 days before James completed his schooling. We had a 2 month break, while James was studying for his board exams and applying for jobs. He interviewed at my old employment, Kids on the Move, and was offered a fulltime OT position with them, to begin the end of August. We accepted the position and moved our family north (again). We are currently living in Pleasant Grove, Utah.  James accepted a second position shortly after with the Nebo School district. Needless to say, James is very busy and we miss having him around more, but the financial support that he brings to us is comforting.

I have had a lot of challenges to overcome staying at home with three children, but little by little we are doing better and having more patience each day. The girls are growing and learning so quickly. Lucy is in preschool two days a week and LOVES it. She is such a good big sister. She loves parties, holidays, and helping me in the kitchen.  Molly gets excited about whatever Lucy gets excited about. She loves dresses, jewelry, the words, “No!”, “Nope!”, and “No way!”.  She makes us laugh everyday with her antics and smart character. Louis is currently wearing 12 month clothing and still continues to grow. Louis is sitting up, spitting up, and keeping his parents up. He has so much energy and the rate he is growing scares me. The girls are absolutely CRAZY about him. They light up whenever he enters the room and vice versa. They fight for his attention constantly.

It is the week before Thanksgiving, as I write this letter, and our Christmas tree is already decorated and set in the middle of our living room to remind us of nearing Christmas season. We have enjoyed the opportunity to remind our children about our Savior Jesus Christ, His birth, life, and resurrection that is so important to our lives. We know that He is the source of our happiness and joy. We are thankful everyday for the atonement he made for us, so that we could live as a family eternally. No matter the state of the world around us, we have every confidence that all will be made right through our Savior Jesus Christ if we always choose to follow him and do what is right.

We wish you all the Merriest of Chirstmas Seasons. We send our love and if you wish to keep up with us, you can always check out our family blog. Jamesandlauri.blogspot.com.

With Love,

James, Lauri, Lucy, Molly, and Louis.