Our Independant Girl

Right now we are soaking up some sun at a lake in BC! Here's a picture of our miss Camilla one morning last week. She likes to pick out her clothes and dress herself. It has it's ups and downs though. Check out this crazy hooligan!

At least everything pretty much matches! I do believe it's almost time for a hair cut though!

An August Afternoon

Dearest Hyrum,

As your four month birthday approaches a sweet memory is brought to my mind from mid August. Your big sister had just gone down for her nap and I was busying myself around the house. You started calling out from your play mat in the living room. I picked you up and you smiled up at me, safe in my arms. It was a beautiful day, but I could feel Fall in the air when we went outdoors that morning. It was crisp, and there was a gentle breeze, blowing in change. A change of seasons, a change in the leaves, a change in the air.

 I sat on the couch with you, placing you gently on my lap. Your long body stretched from my knees to my stomach where your little legs curled up for warmth. You continued to coo and smile at me while you squeezed my fingers with your little hands. Your grasp felt so strong, and I didn't ever want you to let go. The house was quiet, it was just the two of us. We stared into each others eyes for a few minutes. My heart swelled up with emotion. I got lost in your big, beautiful blue eyes and dark eye lashes.

I looked at your little feet pressed against my stomach and realized that you had grown so much in these four short months.Then I looked at your hands as you played with my fingers and tried to bring them to your mouth. You found my wedding ring and you became so still as you turned it around on my ring finger. I thought about what that ring meant to me, that we were a forever family. I thought about how your Daddy made all my dreams come true as we were sealed in the temple and I later became a mother. It wasn't long until you drifted off to sleep after a short snack of course.

Your eyes slowly closed as I hummed a lullaby. The grasp you had on my fingers loosened slightly, and your tiny breaths became deep and heavy. At that moment, in our quiet old house, I felt so much love for you. I just sat and watched you and listened to your sweet little breaths.  Babies are a miracle, and I felt so blessed to have you as a part of our family. I wanted to hold onto that moment with you forever and ever. It was such a brief time, but it felt like a life time. I love it when time slows down so that I can soak up every ounce of joy and emotion I can out of one little moment with you. I write you these letters so that one day, when you leave the safety of our home, you will know that you are special, and more importantly, that you are loved...

xoxo

Mum

Somersaults

Yesterday, Camilla learned how to do a somersault! She was quite excited about it and has been somersaulting in circles ever since. It's so fun to watch her learn new things! She also gave herself a nice tattoo all the way down her leg with her dry erase marker yesterday at Gramma and Grampa's.

Little Feet

My kiddos already have the sibling thing figured out. You know the "You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" thing? Except, in their case it's, "I'll tickle your feet if you tickle mine".  We are busy bees today running around gathering everything up for a last minute holiday. After the dishes are done and the garbage is taken out, we will be loading up to spend the night at the acreage, and then we will be off for a week of camping!

Afternoon Tea

Today we had afternoon tea on the deck. We got all dressed up, complete with pearls, lipstick and eye shadow. After the table was set, we enjoyed salmon for the main course and delicate little puffs for dessert. Tea with my daughter was absolutely delightful. We indulged ourselves in good conversation and lots of giggling. The cool breeze was especially nice, except when it tried to blow away our salmon.

Dessert went quick, and needed refilling often. My little girl has a sweet tooth just like me. The sun peeked in and out from behind the fluffy white clouds while we sat at the table. Once, when it disappeared, I looked up and noticed the leaves on the tree were already starting to turn beautiful fall colors. I couldn't believe my eyes! Our afternoon tea parties are definitely numbered. Fall is on its way, but I am excited for the change.

When we had eaten all our food and finished our pretend tea, it was time to come in for naps. We removed our strings of pearls and climbed the stairs to bed. My sweet little girl is now quietly resting in her sunlit room with the curtains gently blowing in the breeze. What a perfect afternoon.

Motherly Love

I don't know what it is about this little boy, but every time I pick him up I want to squeeze him tight and smother his little face with kisses. Maybe it's his round little face, or his big blue eyes, or the way he sucks his fingers, or his sweet little grins. I am in love.  So glad I can squeeze and kiss him all day long.

A Little White Shirt

A part of me loves 1:00 PM church because we can spend the morning together, slowly eating, playing, and getting ready for church. The children slept in a little which was nice. Camilla went downstairs by herself and I stayed in bed for a few minutes. Later on, she was sitting by my bed asking for help. I looked over and she had the booster seat strapped to her. We had taken it off the chair the night before to play cards. She sat, strapped herself in and realized she couldn't get out. Poor kid climbed the whole flight of stairs with it stuck to her. How does she do it? It made me giggle as I unbuckled her. Daddy and Camilla made block towers while I showered and got ready. Both kiddos took short morning naps before church while we relaxed. It was a fabulous morning! This last week I found the cutest little white shirt. I figured Hyrum was old enough to be all dressed up for church. I was so excited. We even had time to snap some family pictures before church today. SOMEBODY was embarrassed to be out on our front lawn with the tripod, so I had to make quick work of it!

All ready for church! 

 It always amuses me how huge Hyrum looks next to our petite Camilla.

Then I had to snap a picture of my Handsome men together in their white shirts and ties!

Happy Sunday!

Is Like...

Last night after the park, we decided to watch a traditional Friday night movie. We went to Wal-Mart and stocked up on goodies and then came home. Both the children were bathed and readied for bed. Family prayers were said and up to bed they went. After about a half an hour, Mr. Stannix asked me to plug in the movie while he made some popcorn. I asked if he really needed popcorn and he replied, "Watching a movie without popcorn is like...."

So, off he went to make some popcorn. I warned him that the smell would probably waft up into Camilla's room and she would be down here in no time! One batch was popped on our turn crank stove popper. I melted butter for mine. Mr. Stannix asked, "Are you sure you don't want seasoning? Eating popcorn without seasoning is like....."

As Mr. Stannix finished up the second batch we heard, "Daddy? What-ya doin' down there? Daddy?" through the vent in the kitchen. I said, "Watching a movie without Camilla is like...." (It's been a while actually) Within a few minutes our little girl was snuggled up to her Daddy on the couch eating fist fulls of popcorn. Mr. Stannix has heard stories from when I was little and used to sneak out to the couch in the wee hours on the night to share chips with my dad and catch some of his movie. Dad would send me back to bed and tell me not to tell Mum. After about ten minutes, Mr. Stannix whispered to me that he wanted some "P-O-P", so we decided it was time for her to go back up to bed. She grabbed a fist full of popcorn for the road. Up we went to bed. I came back down to Mr. Stannix holding two tall glasses of pop. He then told me, "Eating popcorn without pop is like...."

After the kiddo was tucked into bed, I got to snuggle up with my Mr. Stannix and watch the chick flick. I like watching those every once in a while, it always reminds me of how lucky I am to have Mr. Stannix. We are always more in love after watching these kinds of movies together. It was a lot of fun to snuggle just the two of us. He put his arm safely around my shoulders and pulled me in close. At the end of the movie, we got up to go to bed and Mr. Stannix found my melted chocolate bar on the couch. He sat on it the whole movie! I told him, "Watching a movie without Mr. Stannix is like...." After we flossed the popcorn kernels from between our teeth and brushed them, up we went to bed for the night.

Swinging High

The other day we spent the afternoon at the park! It was full of firsts. Hyrum and Camilla swung on the same swing set together for the first time, meaning the Hyrum swung in a REAL swing for his first time. He didn't go high at all, just swayed back and forth shall we say. He wasn't entirely sure what to think. The looks I was getting were priceless and many photos were taken of our chubby 14lbs of boy.

Camilla has become quite adventurous at the park. She even tried out the monkey bars with a little help. She loves climbing and sliding. The tall edges make me nervous, but she navigates around pretty good. She also LOVES the splash pad and was soaked after 10 minutes of arriving.

Camilla tried out the "big kid" swings for her very first time. I pushed her low and slow and she instinctively started pumping her legs. She'll be a pro in no time! She even went one handed for a bit when she spotted an airplane... YIKES! She only had one minor fall, more like a slide off, and landed on her feet. She wanted back on right away. All was well.

Correo a Provo

Dear Elder Hudkins in Provo,

(Even though you won't read this until you get home)

Espero que este pronto obtiene.

Hay una sorpresa especial dentro de esta carta.

Con mucho amor,

A Sweet Little Voice

Last night was a crazy night. For some reason I decided to make cookies after dinner. What was I thinking? I believe our baby boy is cutting a tooth. He was clingy and sad all day with the odd smile here or there. He sat in his bouncer while Camilla and I mixed up some cookie dough. Pan one made it's way in and out of the oven. Pan two was slow going as I instructed Camilla to talk to her little brother, get him toys, and put the teething ring into his mouth to stop his crying. Pan two went into the oven.

Then I heard the saddest cry ever from my baby boy, and saw a frightened look on my two year olds face. Poor girl was doing so good helping calm her baby brother, but it wasn't working any more. While I bent down to pick Hyrum up to console the poor kid, there was a knock at my door. Off we went for a short doorstep visit, talking over the screaming babe with toddler attached to my leg.

Pan three made it out while I bounced my crying boy and then I shut off the oven for the night. I looked up at the clock which told me it was 8:30 and time for the children to find their cozy beds. I wrapped up Hyrum in his blanket and put his cheek close to mine as I trudged up the stairs behind Camilla, one step at a time. We finally made it to the top and she hopped up into her bed. "Where's my sippy?" I let out a gentle sigh as I sat on the edge of her bed with crying babe. "Why don't you go downstairs and get it sweetheart, it's on the couch." "Otay!".

She stood at the top of the stairs. "Guess what Daddy?" step
"Guess what?" step...All the way down the stairs.

Finally Hyrum calmed down, scrunched up his little body, and snuggled in close. I layed sideways across Camilla's bed with Hyrum on my chest as I listened to her feet run down the hallway and into the office. My eyes slowly closed for a quick rest while I waited on Camilla's return.

"Guess what Daddy?"
"What?"
"Guess what? I love you, SOOOO much!"
"I love you too Camilla!"

My heart melted at the sound of her sweet little voice. I love that voice. So sincere.

"I'm going to bed Daddy. Need-a sippy..."

She hugged and smooched her Daddy good night.

"Night Daddy. See you in the mornin'. Have good seeeep. LOVE you!"

Her feet ran back down the hallway, and she stood at the bottom of the stairs for a few seconds and then she yelled back to her Daddy, who was hard at work once again.

"See ya in the mornin' Daddy! Night!"

And back up she came, one step at a time.
Clunk, clunk, clunk

I placed my sleeping baby in his crib. Lifted Camilla into her bed. She lay her baby doll on one side, her teddy on the other, and then carefully lay herself in the middle of the two. I Kissed her on the forehead, and told her I loved her as I pulled the blankets up to her chin. Then I snuck down our creaky stairs so I wouldn't wake up Hyrum who was finally contently resting in the comfort of his crib. Pan four and five made it in and out of the oven. My cookie jar was full, and so was my heart.

A Taste of Storytime

The kids have just gone to bed. I figured I would write this post while it's all still fresh in my mind, even though it won't hit the blog until tomorrow. We just finished reading stories together on my 'big' bed. We had some time to kill between baths and bed and Daddy is hard at work on his CASB. I took the kids upstairs hoping to give Mr. Stannix some quiet time. I put Hyrum down on my right side while Camilla crawled up and snuggled into my left side. We started reading, Camilla would finish my sentences and Hyrum was sucking his fist. Soon, my neck was being gooed with Hyrums slimy fist. Lovely. We got through one book and then Camilla hopped off the bed to find another. She came back with two more for us to read together. As I started the second, Hyrum began screeching. Then it became more frequent and more high pitched. My right ear started ringing, and I started giggling as I tried to read over his little voice. Then the crazy kid on my other side decided it would be funny if she joined in and started imitating her little brother. For every one of Hyrum's screeches there was an equally loud duplicate. I tried telling her that she is too big to screech, but that didn't fly. She just looked at me with her crazy eyes, so I tickled her belly. Then we would both burst out laughing each time Hyrum started screeching. He started getting crazier. Arms started flailing, slobber flying everywhere and he started pulling on my hair. It was pure madness I tell ya! But there was no where else I would have rather been. I would do a thousand of those story times again just so Hyrum could run his slobbery fingers through my hair, or I could hear Camilla's sweet giggles. These are the moments that I just love being a Mum!

Warning: This video contains high pitched screaming!

Daddy Daughter Time

I get a kick outta these two crazies. On Sunday night I decided we should make milk shakes, and then Hyrum decided he was hungry, so the blender sat all alone on the counter top. Camilla didn't give up asking for it and couldn't wait until I was done. Daddy came to the rescue and he and his girl fixed us all a nice banana milkshake with extra vanilla because Mr. Stannix likes his with lots of vanilla. They broke a new record in the Stannix home when they finished every last drop of ice cream in the tub. Mr. Stannix actually brought the empty tub into the living room to show me! Next they added a banana, some milk and of course the vanilla and blended it all up. Voila! Three banana milkshakes. I think we might have to start making this a Sunday night tradition. I enjoyed listening to Camilla giggle as she spent time with her Daddy. She wasn't sure what to think of the blender at first, but she was still thrilled about the "ee-pete" (ice cream). I love her face in this picture! Priceless.

Porridge

I awoke to the sound of my little girl tumbling from her booster. She was awake and she wanted breakfast real bad. I jumped off the couch and left Hyrum sleeping to rescue my crying girl. I helped her back into her booster. The tears subsided and there was suddenly a request for porridge. Since I had just woken up I didn't really feel like making porridge just yet, so I figured a yogurt would do instead. While she spooned her peach yogurt into her belly, I carried my little man upstairs to the safety of his crib. I came back down to, "I made a mess. Yogurt...on my belly." Oh boy. "It's okay, Camilla, it's just yogurt, finish eating." When she was done, she notified me by dropping her spoon on the floor. I went in and began wetting a paper towel to clean up my girl. As I was at the sink, a request for a muffin came. "We don't have anymore muffins Camilla. You ate them all last week." I walk the couple of steps to the table and begin the cleaning process. Her eyes pass from me, to the top of the fridge where she spots a banana. The final request of the morning was for a banana. I looked up at them, all freckled with black spots and replied, "No, those banana's will taste yucky, we'll use them for muffins". I look back down at Camilla, who had the funniest look of confusion on her face, like a you said there was no muffins, but that the bananas would make good muffins? What are you talking about lady? "Camilla, would you like some porridge?" Much easier than baking a dozen muffins this morning!

"mmm... I love sugar. My best friend. mmm... My favorites."

Ya can't argue with a kid who loves porridge, especially Sunny Boy porridge!

Livingroom Campout

Last night we got into our jammies, pulled out the hide-a-bed, grabbed a bunch of blankets, popped some popcorn and stayed up late watching Indiana Jones together. Camilla was in heaven seeing as the popcorn bowl was practically as big as she was. Her and Daddy scarfed down a whole bowl of seasoned popcorn. I felt extra special because Mr. Stannix made some old fashioned butter and salted popcorn just for me! I loved getting greasy, salty fingers as I ate my own bowl. For a movie that was made before I was even born, it really wasn't half bad! I actually enjoyed watching it. Those things are classics. I think we'll plug in number two tonight!

Before sitting down for the night, we went out to use up some coupons on dinner. As we were loading up into the car, Camilla threw an "I-want-to-do-it-all-by-myself" fit. Mr. Stannix had to take her back out of her car seat and let her climb in all by herself. As she was trying to clamber up, she looks over at me putting Hyrum in the car and says, "I can't do it. I'm tooo fat!" She was on her belly with her bottom half hanging over the edge. Mr. Stannix and I almost peed our pants laughing. She was so serious when she said it! Both back doors were open to the car, Mr. Stannix on one side, and me on the other, both folded in half laughing. I laughed so hard I almost cried. I'm pretty sure neither I or Mr. Stannix ever use that phrase, so I'm still racking my brain trying to figure out where she learned it from!

All is Well

My dearest Mr. Stannix,

I've been thinking about you today. It's Friday, which means we have the weekend to spend together. I spent part of my morning getting beautiful just for you. These pictures are just a taste of what you get to come home to after your day in the office. Speaking of the office. Sorry I didn't drive you to work today, I was just so tired, being that I didn't get much sleep last night and all. Remember yesterday morning though, when I dropped you off at work, and I ransomed your bag for a kiss?

All is well at home. The children and I had a hardy breakfast of Sunnyboy hot cereal, not Hyrum of course, he's still too little. Then we had some yogurt, it's Camilla's favorite as you know. She blessed the food and was thankful for the "porridge, milt, brown shushur, chicken, rice...". I love her sweet little voice when she prays, and how all her meals get combined into one little prayer.

We spent the rest of our morning laying on the grass in the front yard. At first the grass was a little wet, but we found a good spot in the shade, right under that beautiful tree that forms the canopy around our front window. The suns rays poked through the leaves and branches as we lay. There was a slight breeze, just enough to blow Camilla's wispy pig tails around a little. As we looked up at the sky, Camilla noticed all the air planes and jet streams over head. There was also a little birdy that kept returning to the feeder for some breakfast. He sang us a nice little tune as he hopped around in the tree above. 

The children are happy. I am happy. Thank-you for all that you do to provide for us. You work so hard! We miss you lots and look forward to when you come home tonight to camp out in the living room with us. I love you darling!

Bath Time is a Blessing

I don't know if it was because my children were so crazy today, but tonight, bath time was a blessing. After dinner I ran a hot bath for both of the children. I removed Camilla's diaper (because that's all she wore today) and lifted her into the tub. I went over to the shelf and grabbed the toy bucket and dumped them into the water for her to play with. Then it was Hyrum's turn. I went into the living room to find my little boy playing quietly, grabbing at the toys hanging above his play mat and examining them like only a little boy could. His clothes were soaked from an afternoon of drooling and spitting up. He greeted me with smiles and let out a few little giggles as I reached under his shirt to pull his little arms through. I put him in the bath next to his big sister. Camilla was busy "simmin'" and splashing. Hyrum stared up at me with his big blue eyes. I got a fresh cloth and washed his little face and around his little ears. I then filled my palm with a drop of baby wash and washed his little body off. Camilla helped me rinse him by dribbling her wet wash cloth over his tummy. Hyrum was done. I carefully picked him up and wrapped him in his fluffy white towel and brought him into the hallway. Camilla wasn't done playing with her toys yet, so I left her to splash and sing in the tub. I then massaged baby oil on my little boy. I flipped him over to give his back a quick rub and giggled at the sight of his chubby rolls and tiny tush. He enjoyed some tummy time while I finished getting Camilla's hair washed. She still wasn't ready to get out. I went back and began dressing Hyrum. He giggled each time I grabbed his little arms to put them in his sleeper. We shared giggles and smiles until Camilla was finally ready to get out. As both my squeaky clean babies lay side by side in the hallway, I fell in love with their little grins and Camilla's stories. The day suddenly didn't seem so bad. I felt relaxed and content, just enjoying time with my babes. 

Todays Stats

16 hours

1 trip to the park

 4 loaves of bread

6 bagels

10 pizza sticks

12 banana muffins

 1 trip to the grocery store

6 poopy diapers
10 wet diapers

3 meals

2 snacks

2 naps
1 booby trap

8 nursing sessions
1 colored in blog book followed by
2 little arms around my neck
3 pats on the back and
1 kiss on the cheek
3 homemade pizza's for dinner

1 round of vacuuming
2 bedtime stories
1 mount Everest of dishes washed
1 very tired mamma

Sir Slobber-a-lot

Lately Hyrum has been drooling up a storm! The poor kid just can't help himself. 

His shirts are constantly soaked and my arms get strings of slobber on them when he sits with me.

After baths tonight Hyrum went for a baby-sized rocket ship ride. 

Camilla wanted a ride too, and climbed on up! (see above)

My shirt became soaked as slobber dribbled from his little mouth each time he would grin.

It was super fun though!

Along with his slobbering has come some awesome giggles.

Our little man is super ticklish and it's so much fun!!

Family Pictures

 As promised, here are some of our family pictures from this year. They were taken at a few different locations around my home town! Thanks to my talented sister and her mad skills! We love them!

Simple Pleasures

This week we had an opportunity present itself causing some big decisions needing to be made for the future of the Stannix family. We stopped over in Red Deer and then decided to stay over at the acreage for the night. The warm summer night welcomed time with family and picking fresh raspberries from my Mum's raspberry patch. We picked until the sun went down last night. Just picking, and thinking, and picking, and eating the odd plump berry. It was so peaceful, just the type of atmosphere we needed to make a big decision. As the sun set over the trees, we had finally come to a conclusion together, with advice from parents, and lots of raspberry picking.

My beautiful Mum is so dedicated to her little patch of heaven. I admire her so much!

Camilla did some picking and eating of her own today! 

 Her and Grampa quickly became best friends, filling their bellies with plump red berries.

Mr. Stannix enjoyed himself and got right into it, literally!

So grateful for the simple things in life.