Time Out

Saturday morning came early, too early for me. Mr. Stannix was up and showered before I woke up.  I stayed cozy in bed as I listened to Hyrum coo and screech in delight from is crib. Mr. Stannix quietly came up the creeky stairs to kiss me good-bye before he left. He had a course all weekend and I was going to be all alone with the children. He sat on the edge of the bed and bent down to kiss my forehead. He apologized for leaving me with a boring Saturday.  Suddenly I blurted out that I was thinking of going 'Home' for the weekend to see my Mum and take a time out from city life. Mr. Stannix smiled at me, "Whatever you decide sweetie, I'll take my house keys just incase." I really don't like leaving Mr. Stannix, but I needed a break after the long, crazy week. Before he went downstairs to leave, he brought Hyrum in and snuggled him into bed with me. Soon I heard Camilla's little feet on the hardwood and she joined me for morning snuggles. As he went downstairs he said, "If you do decide to go, make sure you drive safe." I debated to go or not to go for the longest time and finally came to the conclusion that Mr. Stannix was going to be gone for most of the weekend anyways. As I got up and made the bed, I began setting out clothes to pack without even thinking. That settled it. I made some porridge for breakfast and spoon fed my little man some rice cereal. I whipped up a big pot of chilli and some homemade buns for Mr. Stannix. I know how he hates to cook and I wanted him to be taken care of while I was gone. With the house clean and morning naps had, we took off just in time for the kids to have their afternoon naps in the car.

The drive was beautiful. I love this season. The colors on the trees were gorgeous. As I rounded a few corners and coasted down the familiar hills the views were breathtaking. The fall leaves provided a beautiful contrast to the black storm that was rolling in over the mountains. I took a deep breath in, and slowly let it out. I was home, and it felt good.

Camilla woke up just as we got into town and excitedly exclaimed, "Almost there!!" We drove over the bridge and checked out the river, then onto the windy little highway to the acreage. As we pulled into the subdivision Camilla exclaimed, "There's Damma's house! I found it! YAY!" Hyrum woke up and Camilla looked over at him, "High-am we here!! You so excited? Mum, High-ams smiiiiiiilin' at me!"

I spent the rest of the afternoon juicing crab apples with my Mum. Dad Barbecued Chicken for dinner, and we had acorn squash smothered in butter and brown sugar, fresh garden potatoes and freshly peeled garden carrots. After dinner, Mum and I made two batches of crab apple jelly. I got excited for my sister and I both to come home in the future and can jams and jellies with Mum in the kitchen. It was special for me to spend that time with my Mum.

The kids went to bed in the spare room and I spent the rest of my night crocheting and listening to the wonderful pop sound as the jars of jelly sealed. I chatted with my parents without the interruptions of cars zooming by on the street. As I turned out the lights and went to bed, it was super dark. It had been a while since I had experienced dark like that. There were no streetlights shining in the windows, just the lone yard light on the far side of the house to keep an eye on the deer and wildlife. I snuggled into the big queen bed and missed Mr. Stannix like crazy! Camilla rolled over and snuggled into me as I fell asleep. Before morning, both children were sharing the big bed with me as we slept.

We missed Daddy while he was home doing is course, but it was nice to be in my old home ward where there were many helping hands and laps for Hyrum to bounce around on. Camilla enjoyed nursery and playing with the kids. We got to visit with Nana and Auntie Faith after dinner and then we called Daddy. Camilla left him a cute little message to call her back. Mr. Stannix was at a church meeting Sunday night and didn't get in until late. I kept Camilla up to talk to her Daddy when he called back. She got tired and started resting her head on Gramma's lap as she snuggled under a blanket. Then she snuggled Gramma with her head on her shoulder for a few minutes. Finally, Mr. Stannix called back to talk with his girls.

Today we are looking forward to returning home to Daddy and spending time together tonight! I am not looking forward to the long drive, but I am so looking forward to giving Mr. Stannix a big kiss when I get home! I am so grateful for my Mr. Stannix and his wisdom, love and support. He works so hard for us, and we love him so much!