Friday Eve!!

Camilla has discovered how to climb up onto the couch, and she's very proud of it.  Can anyone else stretch their legs up that high?? It's pretty funny.

Today was a busy busy day. I took two loads of brush to the dump, mowed, weed whipped, weeded, did dishes, vacuumed, cooked....etc. We spent from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm outside. My face got a little sunburt (stinks because we have a fam reunion this weekend and I'm already burnt).  Camilla was a trooper through it all. She even picked up twigs and leaves and threw them in the garbage for me. It was cute. She's so willing to help.  She's growing up so so fast!
Every time I look at the top pic, I laugh out loud, seriously, so funny to watch and listen to her grunt....

The joys of being a mother :)

Daddy's are so Special

Camilla LOVES it when her Daddy comes home.  Even when Mr. Stannix is really really busy with work and school, he still takes some time for his little girl.  Last night she got a ride on his back around the living room. It was sweet.  Whenever she doesn't get her time with Daddy, she's usually sad or upset, and it's noticeable.  There's something to be said about the relationship between a little girl and her Daddy.  I'm beginning to notice this with Camilla and Mr. Stannix.  Camilla usually cruises into our bedroom on Saturday mornings after I get her out of her crib (thank goodness she hasn't climbed out of that yet), and stands on her tippy tip tip toes to look for Mr. Stannix in the bed.  She loves Saturday mornings because that means that Daddy is home, and usually, he's all hers.  She loves him so much! 

This week, I have been lucky to have my Dad staying with us.  We've had lots of great talks, and I've gotten lots of advise.  Today he even pruned some trees for me!! It's been awesome being able to visit with him, and he's enjoying some time with his grand-daughter as well. Like today, for instance......

Dad slowly opened the pea pod, and showed her how to pick out the peas.  He said something about "Patience in each moment" and taking our time with things as we teach our children. He explained to me all about patience, and how he taught us kids patience.  He talked today of him and my brother planting trees at the acreage.  My brother wanted them to grow "right now"!  Now that my brother is older, and sees  what the trees have become, he knows it was worth the wait, and he learned the value of patience and looking ahead. Dad's really are special! I'm sure thankful for my dad and everything that he has taught me through our conversations, and by his example.  He's always been a great example to me of giving service and hard work.  I'm so glad Camilla has such a great example for a Grampa! They've shared many sweet little moments.

In other news, we have fresh peas growing in our garden! They are absolutely divine! I can't wait for the baby potatoes and yummy carrots.  This, my friends, is my favorite time of Summer! Camilla has enjoyed chowing down on fresh peas and garden goods. 

Our Little Climber

This is how Camilla climbs

Our little miss Camilla has recently turned into a hard-core climber!! I'm waiting for the day when she will fall and hurt herself...It's been keeping me on my toes!! She has no fear, just a mischievous look in her eyes. She gets more and more fun every day.  Yesterday, I caught her going for the computer mouse.

A part of me is scared because the chair is so tipsy, but a part of me figures that she will learn, and falling down might be a part of that.

This morning, we hung out with Grampa, and spent some time outside.  I decided to take my little climber up to the park so she could run free and have some fun.  The first stop was the swing set.  She stood beside it, pointed, and said "up". So into the swings she went. 

It's one of her favorite things to do at the park.

She was enjoying climbing and standing too!!

Tonight when Mr. Stannix came home, he asked if I wanted to go out for dinner. That was a definite YES! It's up to me to decide where!! I asked him if I could have dessert too. Of course, he said "yes" (because he loves me). HaHa So after he takes a round out of his homework, we're off!!

Belly Laughs

March 2010

Last night, Camilla was hilarious! I almost peed my pants I was laughing sooo hard at her! I put her in a bath to kill some time before I put her to bed (and to clean her up obviously).  She had all her toys in there and was playing around.  Then she started splashing, I laughed a little... She thought it was funny, so she did it again...and again..and harder and harder! I fake screamed and moved to the side to avoid the water splashing up and she laughed this harty, right from the gut, deep, long, giggly, bubbly laugh. (Any parent knows this laugh).  It was THE BEST LAUGH IN THE WORLD! I lost it, she cracked me up! We played this game for about 5 minutes. She would splash and smirk, I would duck "ahh" and she would burst out laughing again. Pretty soon, Mr. Stannix was peeking around the bathroom door, and also cracking up.  It was great! If she ever does it again, I'll have to get the video camera.  

March 2010

After her bath, I put some nummy smelling lotion on her.  When she was all done and in her jammies I pulled her in for a smooch and started sniffing her (because she smelled so good!).  She broke into a little giggle again. So, like any good mum who wants to hear her laugh, I did it again!! Pretty soon she was crinkling her nose and shrugging her shoulders and laughing full out again.  Then she stopped, looked at me, moved her face close to mine with her nose sticking out, and...she sniffed ME! (Only one sniff though, she can't do multiple sniffs in a row like I can lol) It was great. She's such a clown. Mr. Stannix fed her the bottle, snuggled her and put her to bed.

Today, she is busy climbing and almost falling off things. It's keeping Mommy on her toes!!

Telephone, Teeth, and a TV

What a weekend!! Mr. Stannix came home around 5:00pm on Saturday night! I waited all day for the call to go pick him up.  It's so great having him home safe and sound. He had SO much fun at camp too!! Camilla couldn't wait to give her Daddy a hug when he got home and she cruised around the church parking lot following him around while we gathered everything up.  After dinner, (and a much needed shower and shave for Daddy) Mr. Stannix came grocery shopping with us.  He and Camilla chatted away while we went around the store.  We picked up a badminton set with the works and can't wait to play with it!! 

Yesterday, Camilla was enjoying sitting in her car seat watching her Piglet movie.  It's funny, when it's not in the car, it's a novelty to sit in.....

Last night was not a good night.  She was up from 11:00 - 2:00am talking, babbling, and the odd whimpering.  From 3:00am until 8 this morning, I think I got like 2 hours of sleep.  She was really warm, and kept crying and grabbing at her mouth. My guess is that she is teething. Poor girly.  She was so grumpy and sad this morning that we debated keeping her home from church.  She cheered up though, and did alright during church.  It's so hard because she is such an active kid.

Today, she wanted to call someone.  It's cute, when her Daddy isn't home, she'll say "Da da" and put the phone to her ear and listen.  

Today, she was also being a daredevil and CLIMBING on her little chair.  One of these days, she's totally going to biff it, and it's going to hurt.  There were a couple close calls today.  

We are excited to have my dad staying with us for the week while he does the trade-show up here.  It's nice to have some extra company in the morning and Camilla enjoys having her Grampa here :)

When Daddy's Away...

So, I stayed up ridiculously late last night because Mr. Stannix is away. Seriously, there's something about a dark house, alone, at night....I always get freaked out. I listened to music until around midnight, with every single light on in the house. One more night alone...

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....

In all seriousness, I've never been a fan of the dark. Before I was married, my roomate and I had a night light in our basement suite.  The boys used to always make fun of us. It took me a while to get used to the silence of the dark when I would have to wake up to nurse our tiny girl. I'm O.K with that now, I just hate sleeping alone. Camilla and I shared the bed last night :)

Today was a very eventful, fun filled Friday.  We spent the day with my cousin and her sweet little lady.  It was fun to get the girls together and just to hang, and prepare things for the big reunion next weekend.  She is such an amazing lady, and I always learn so much from her when we get together.  I admire her "go-getter" personality.  She's so great, and always puts in her best effort to everything.  She's an awesome example to me.  

Camilla was such a ham today. She was loving goofing off and being silly.  Her personality comes out more clearly every day.  She's a lot like her Daddy. Very fun loving, determined, and.....goofy. I love it!

She has learned to put her sun glasses on  

all by herself.

And peek under them...

And put them on her head like her Uncle Mike.
I seriously adore this pic! It's totally "Camilla". I love the gentle look in her eyes and the slight grin on her face. Although she can be a monster at times, deep down, she is the sweetest, most loving little girl.
(Who loves to pose for the camera lol)

After everything was finished, we went outside to catch some rays and blow bubbles. Camilla had fun with Jenny!!

I now have some house cleaning to do, and some dinner to make!

Happy blogging!

Going, Going, Gone

 What a handsome guy hey? This pic is pre-knowing-mike

So, this is what Mr. Stannix will be doing for the next few days. Well, sort of, he's going to be canoeing down a river.  I'm going to miss him......Especially at night, when the house gets quiet and dark.

He read Harry Potter to me last night. We stayed up late.  This morning he was loaded with energy bright and early. I woke up to get him breakfast (because I love him) and asked why he had so much energy so early.  His reply was "I woke up, and looked next to me. I have a wife who looks beautiful....First thing in the morning".  With my luck, I was probably still snoring (I really don't snore) and drooling all over my pillow. But at least he thinks I'm beautiful! It practically made my day.  After breakfast, (his whole one slice of banana bread, it's all he wanted) I smooched my hubby, he gave me a long hug, and then.....I went back to bed. 

Farewell Mr. Stannix! I shall see you in 3 days. 

In The A.M

This is how a typical morning goes in my home:

6:15 Mr. Stannix's alarm goes off

6:16 Mr. Stannix gets up 

6:17 I hear music from the iPod in the bathroom, the water turn on, and the shower go.

6:17 (and a few seconds) I roll over and go back to sleep, still groggy...too early for me...lol

6:45 Bathroom door opens and light gets turned on in room

7:00 Finally roll out of bed to make Mr. Stannix his breakfast and pack his lunch (because I love him!!)

7:01 Make a bit of noise in the kitchen and desperately hope it doesn't wake Camilla so I can go back to bed after Mr. Stannix leaves for work. Maybe I'm just a little lazy? haha

7:10 Camilla awakes, is happy to see Daddy home still, and has a bottle

7:30 Mr. S gives me a kiss, tells me he loves me, and heads off to work.....

Even if I'm still sleeping I get him to wake me up just for the kiss, and "I Love you". A day just isn't complete with out those two things.

Camilla and I say prayers, get dressed (usually haha) 

Then, sometimes, I turn on the TV. And we watch the one of three channels that has all kids shows on in the morning.

Camilla can be found, eyes transfixed on the TV (for maybe 10 minutes if I'm lucky) snuggling with her doll. This must have been a good morning, because she's already dressed! (Still looking sleepy though)

After breakfast, my kitchen floor can be found looking like this (usually worse).  Camilla will drop her food over the edge, then say "up, up, up".  I take her out, and she roams around the kitchen, grabbing chunks of toast here and there as she pleases.  She's not one to sit still and eat....

Peanut butter toast kisses are the best though! After she's done "picking" at her food, we get all cleaned up.

Then I do some house cleaning while Camilla follows me around. 

This morning I made beds, tidied rooms and sorted all of Camilla's "Too Small" Clothes into a box. After that, we went to the store to try to exchange one sleeping bag for a left zippered one. Sadly, they didn't have one...Darn, I was really looking forward to zipping 2 together and snuggling with Mr. Stannix on our Camping trip. 

This afternoon brings weeding and yard work as long as these blue skies remain!!

Classics

My Mum came up for the day today! It was great! Fun to just hang out.  She brought a backup from her computer of a bunch of old pics for me. I copied them to my computer, we looked at them, joked, laughed. It was good times.  It made me miss the good ol' days. haha My siblings will probably kill me for this! But I was looking through the pictures and found some fun, crazy ones.  Good memories....

Everything from lettuce fights, to dressing up, to Christmas, to just being silly!! We had so much fun together. Especially when we would sneak up onto the garage roof (we weren't really allowed). It's lovely to have siblings around your age.  The three of us were tight growing up (still are, just live further away).  Being homeschooled for a while, we had lots of time to be together and grow together.  We've shared many an inside joke, participated in many a wrestling match, and done many...many dishes together.
"I don't need a dish washer, I have three right here!" --Mum 

It was a lot of fun growing up with these two goof balls!! I love the relationship we have together.
Thanks for the memories guys!! Keep 'em coming!

Love,
Your Big sis!

P.S. Please don't beat me up to much for the pics, especially because you're both taller than me now, and Arland is definitely stronger...Not like the good ol' days when I could pin ya down ;)

Funday Monday

"Who says I can't wear my sunglasses upside down?"

"Don't I look pretty Mum?"

This is how I found Camilla this morning when I came into the kitchen after tidying the bedrooms.  Sunglasses on upside down and happy as ever! She even kept them on long enough for me to pull out my camera and snap some pictures.  She danced around the kitchen, checking her reflection out in the stove for a good 10 minutes or so. It was great.  I thought she looked super cute.  I think she was trying to be like her Uncle Mike, who always has his sunglasses on his head. 

After some breakfast, and a nap for the munchkin, we set off to run some errands for Mr. Stannix.  On Thursday he's leaving for a 3 day camping trip with the Young Men.  We are going to miss him very much!! I packed the stroller up in the car and we set off to check out MEC for some camping things.  Miss independent decided she didn't want to sit in her stroller, and nothing (not even the straps/belts) were going to hold her back.  She wriggled her way out with some trouble and proceeded to grump and scream in the middle of the store.  Oh Camilla, why can't you be that quiet sweet baby you once were.  Toddlers are fun, but I'm telling you, they do have their downsides! haha So, we bagged the stoller, and I let her walk around the store a bit, she only pulled a few things off the shelves, but after a few minutes she had had enough!! I made my way over to the checkout (just in time too!!) with a screaming baby.  Just as I got in line, so did a million other people behind me (phew).  Needless to say, I was glad to get outta there!!

Then I had to check out another place for sleeping bags (I looked at MEC, but holy expensive).  As I was trying to weigh out my options and check out all the different kinds, my awesome toddler was running away and trying to get her hands on anything at her height.  Between grabbing her and bringing her back to the sleeping bag aisle and trying to look at what I wanted and check out prices, I was feeling frazzled.  I finally made my way out with some compact North 49 sleeping bags.  Orange and black outside and grey inside.  Not exactly the look I was going for, but they are hooded (I like hooded sleeping bags) and the price was right!

We finally made it home, and boy am I glad!! I kiboshed grocery shopping in lieu of the crazy tot in the back seat. We'll save it for later, or tomorrow for that matter.  It's been drizzling off and on all day, again, but I guess it is July.... On the good side, our garden has grown like crazy! I really need to pick the lettuce soon or it's going to go bad. 

Mr. Stannix doesn't get home until 9:00  tonight.  I can't wait! I want to show him all the cool stuff I got for him today!

A Fun Filled Saturday

Today was a great day! We got to spend a lot of time together doing a lot of fun things!! 

It started out as a typical Saturday Morning.  Mommy getting breakfast ready, Daddy getting ready in the bathroom, and Camilla jamming out to Daddy's ipod while she watches him.  She has recently learned how to "head-bang". She moves forward and back, and bends forward and her hair flies all over while she rocks out. She was doing it in Wal-mart last night, pretty funny!

A total Michael Stannix face

Daddy studied for a midterm this afternoon, so Camilla and I spent some time out in the backyard. She played with a bunch of balls, ran around a bit, and talked to the puppy next door through the fence. The best part is, IT WASN'T RAINING!!!

After Daddy finished his studies, we went to Millennium Place! Best swimming pool/wave pool ever! Camilla loves to swim!!

Catching the waves

Chillin' in the pool and lovin' it!!

We may have swam a little too long as Cami came out all wrinkled!! She had fun though!

We went to the indoor play place after the pool and burned some more energy.

Tonight, Mr. Stannix and I are going to snuggle up to a movie and enjoy some candy and popcorn. What a glorious Saturday indeed.

Next time I pray for patience...

Next time I pray for patience....I'll have to be more clear.  I've come to discover that when you pray for patience, Heavenly Father doesn't grant you patience, he gives you opportunities in which you have to practice patience...Like today for instance, when Camilla got frustrated or something happened (I'm still really not sure what) and she threw a screaming fit.  I've never seen her THAT angry before, she's usually very happy and bubbly.  I think she was frustrated that she couldn't get her shirt back on herself, who knows, I certainly don't.  I can tell ya though, my patience has been tested by this munchkin all week. It seems the more she learns about the world around her, the quicker she wants to grow up and the more frustrated she becomes. She is so determined to do everything herself.   She wants to dress herself, and gets frustrated because she can't get her t-shirt on.  Some days, I wish she could talk so she could voice her frustration instead of just screaming. (This is a new thing....screaming)  Luckily, I studied my scriptures this morning, and said my prayers, or I probably wouldn't be able to deal with the cute little monster. It's a good thing I love her ;) Today, I feel like I'm handling it well, I didn't even feel angry when I was unable to control her little outburst.  The quote my Edmund Burke "Patience will achieve more than our force" is definitely being repeated over and over.  I can't force her to stop screaming, but I can help her problem solve. She is just learning about things and learning how to control her feelings, and as I'm patient with her, I can help her learn and grow.  I'm definitely going to quit praying for patience though!! HaHa.... I think I've had my fill of it.

In other news, IT'S FRIDAY!! T-minus 2 hours or so and Mr. Stannix will be walking through that door, and he's MINE!!! I'm excited for  the weekend. Just hoping the rain clears up so we can enjoy the outdoors a little bit. 

 This is our center piece for dinner tonight. I picked it this morning. They're my favorite flower!

My Little Helper

This morning, Camilla woke up at 7:00 am.  Mr. Stannix was okay with that because he got to see her before leaving to work!! I got her a bottle and they snuggled on the couch until Daddy had to leave. He misses her too!  She went over to the door with him and got to his shoes before he did. She then picked up the heavy, black dress shoe and handed it to her Daddy. It was sweet.

Camilla and I took advantage of the sunshine in the early hours of the morning and took to the yard.  I pulled out about a million thistles, and weeded some of the flower beds, mowed the lawn, and then we came back inside.  After a short nap, I decided it was a good day to bake cookies.  Camilla pulled up a chair and was my little helper.  It was a lot of fun!!

We made, and enjoyed, oatmeal cookies! I need to get my mum's recipe though, the recipes I get offline just aren't the same as the delicious cookies I used to eat growing up.  My mum would make them, and the whole batch would be almost eaten before the last pan came out of the oven (that's how good they are!).

Camilla is missing spending time with her Daddy as he has night classes this month, and unless she wakes up early, he hardly sees her (if at all) in a day.  She keeps running over to our wedding picture and pointing and saying "Da-da".... Yesterday when he left for work she cried :( It was sad.  Every time I sit down at the computer, she comes and says "uppp", and she sits on my lap and we browse through pictures/videos.  She loves it! And it's special to spend time together telling her stories and showing her pictures.   She is such a sweet little girl. We are excited because tonight, Daddy will be home after work and able to eat dinner with us.

I do miss Mr. Stannix when he is away. Like a lot.  Yesterday I went stir crazy and had to keep myself busy.  I think I scrubbed every nook and cranny in our little home.  I washed all the floors, shined all the sinks/taps,  I even scrubbed down the inside of the "hood" thing over the stove.  It was disgusting, it had like an inch of caked on oily grossness. It felt so good to get that done, and now I can admire it when I turn on the light underneath it.  I vacuumed this morning, but as I type, I can feel oatmeal cookie crumbs beneath my toes.  I may have to do another once over ;)

Another Rainy Day

Thought this was cute! The poor kid is so bored inside all day thanks to the rain.  She fell asleep in the middle of the living room with "Shattered" by OAR playing in the background.....

Oh to be a kid again!!!

Power Outage

Late last night, after Mr. Stannix got home, and the dishes were all done he brought out Harry Potter again. He read to me a little bit while I tinkered around in the Kitchen.  After brushing our teeth, and saying our prayers, we jumped into bed.  Mr. S left the lights on though! As I lay there wondering why, he slowly slides Harry Potter across the bed towards me.  He likes when I read to him. It's cute.  I enjoy reading aloud! I can't wait until our kids are older and I can read it to them with Mr. Stannix.  Reading Harry Potter together is something we started last year.  I had never (shocking I know) read Harry Potter before and Mr. Stannix is practically addicted.  So, to make me read it, we read it together.  We've read the whole series once and are on our second round.  Anyways, As I was reading the third book to him, the power went out.  We waited a few seconds, it never came back on. So I got Mr. Stannix to run and grab a flashlight.  He held it for me as I read.  Romantic right? I thought so.....

Miss Camilla was asleep through the whole thing!!

This pic was actually taken on Canada day, but it's cute!!

My Mother

"Mothers, take time to teach your children. Catch the teaching moments. This can be done anytime during the day -- at mealtime, in casual settings, or at special sit-down times together, at the foot of the bed at the end of the day, or during an early-morning walk together. Mothers, you are your children's best teacher. Don't shift this precious responsibility to day-care centers or baby-sitters. A mother's love and prayerful concern for her children are her most important ingredients in teaching her own.

Teach children gospel principles. Teach them it pays to be good. Teach them there is no safety in sin. Teach them a love for the gospel of Jesus Christ and a testimony of its divinity. Teach your sons and daughters modesty, and teach them to respect manhood and womanhood. Teach your children sexual purity, proper dating standards, temple marriage, missionary service, and the importance of accepting and magnifying Church callings. Teach them a love for work and the value of a good education. Teach them the importance of the right kind of entertainment, including appropriate movies and videos and music and books and magazines. Discuss the evils of pornography and drugs, and teach them the value of living the clean life.

Yes, mothers, teach your children the gospel in your home, at your own fireside. This is the most effective teaching that your children will ever receive. This is the Lord's way of teaching. The Church cannot teach like you can. The school cannot. The day-care center cannot. But you can, and the Lord will sustain you.Your children will remember your teachings forever, and when they are old, they will not depart from them. They will call you blessed -- their truly angel mother.

Mothers, this kind of heavenly, motherly teaching takes time -- lots of time. It cannot be done effectively part-time. It must be done all the time in order to save and exalt your children. This is your divine calling. (From address given at a "Fireside for Parents," 22 Feb 1987 President Ezra Taft Benson - Ten Ways to Spend Time with Children)

I'm glad I had a mother like that! One who quit her job to stay at home and teach us all of these important things! She did teach me a love for the gospel, for my Savior, and helped me develop a testimony.  She taught me how to be modest and respect my body and myself.  Whenever I would wrestle my brother she would tell me to respect him. She taught me proper dating standards and helped me prepare for a temple marriage.  She taught me to Love and Value hard work! She cooked, cleaned, made bread/buns, baked so we could come home to cookies, taxi serviced us around, and did everything else to help the home run smoothly. I'm grateful for her sacrifice and diligence.  She gave up a lot for us!! She's has shown me the ultimate example of what it takes to be a great mother and instilled in me the importance of being home with the children and teaching them daily.  I never realized how much work and effort she went through until I became a mother myself.  I now appreciate my mother probably more than I ever did.  She is a wonderful woman! Working together with my Dad, they have provided a great home for me, and great example. Thanks Mum! You truly are my angel mother.  

 Bread that my Mum taught me how to make

Delish!

Four Needles and a Drizzle

Today is a not so fabulous day.  This morning Camilla had her one year immunizations. She was a very brave little girl. She got poked in both arms and both legs.  Two minutes after, she was toddling around the clinic gabbing and saying hi to everyone.  She did good over lunch, had a small nap, and played.  A few hours ago though, I think the immunizations caught up to her.  She was so sad, so we had a cuddle on the good ol' lazy boy, she woke up still sad and her limbs seemed to ache. 

She decided to lay her pretty little head right here and use her thumb to soothe herself.  

Eventually, she made her way over to this guy and snuggled up for a snooze.  Every couple minutes I hear her little voice complain/cry, and go and cuddle next to her.  I don't think she's ever fallen asleep on the floor before, she does look cozy, so I think I'll leave her. She's still in her pj top from this morning.  When we woke up, it was raining, and it has been drizzling allll day.  I dubbed it a lazy day, threw on some sweats, and left the kiddo in her jammy top.  Perfect weather to snuggle up together. This evening Mr. Stannix is at a night class, so the girly and I are definitely going to snuggle to sleep. I'm hoping she feels better by tomorrow so she can giggle and play the day away.