Slow Down

Today I had multiple reminders of the importance of slowing down and savoring the moment. We got a crazy ice storm just before dinner followed by a downpour of rain. As soon as it started the children both rushed to me, one clinging onto my leg and the other grabbing my hand. I was reminded how much they rely on me for safety and security. We pushed the backs of the couches close together and put a blanket over top to make a fort in the living room and distract the children from the storm. Hyrum ran under it like it was a tunnel, in one side and out the other, over and over again. Camilla begged me to come inside and play with her. It wasn't an easy feat with my baby bump, but I am glad I did. We giggled and laughed until Daddy came home and joined us. I let Daddy take over while I finished up dinner. He hung out in the fort, tickled and wrestled with the children. The giggles were priceless. At one point I went into the living room and watched Camilla come up to her Daddy and wrap herself in his arms as she asked for a cuddle. It was such a sweet moment.

We ended up having a late dinner after enjoying visitors morning and afternoon. Camilla surprised us all by eating her plate all gone! Dessert was in order and ice cream sundae's were served to everyone following dinner. We then had family prayers and let Daddy get to work while I jammied the little man and tucked him into bed. 

After he was fast asleep Camilla and I went out to grab a few groceries. Having one vehicle has been tricky with Mr. Stannix working out of the office more and more. Camilla was excited to get out of the house though and gathered up the spare change that Grampa had given her earlier that day into her little wallet. She was pleased to have her own money. We talked about checking out the dollar store so that she could pick out a new toy. She needed some special one on one time.

As we made our way to the car, I went around the front to unlock the doors and Camilla went around the back. Behind the car was a huge puddle from the rain earlier. As I was waiting for Camilla I heard, "This is a GREAT puddle mum!"  I smiled to myself as I opened up her door. She splashed her way through it and to her door and  then we were off. We finally made it and parked. I was in a hurry to get in and hit up the places we needed to and get back home. As we ran through the parking lot, her hand in mine, I found myself being pulled all over the parking lot just so she could splash in every puddle. I laughed, partly out of enjoyment, and partly out of frustration. Then I caught myself and remembered that she will only be this way for a very short time. So we splashed and danced and jumped our way through the parking lot, hitting every puddle we could. 

As we walked through the mall she talked non-stop. My favorite was her never ending question of "why?". She's become so inquisitive as of late and I bet I hear the word "why" at least a million times a day. We hit up the toy cars for a few minutes and then continued on our way. As we made our way down the mall she jumped on every floor tile she could. Soon she grabbed my hand and started jumping over the pink ones to stay on the white colored ones. 

When we got to the Dollar store the first toy she fell in love with was a water gun. I tried explaining that there was lots of toys and that we should look at everything before she decided what she wanted to spend her money on. She then found another toy that interested her and thought for sure it was the one she wanted, only to run put it back a few minutes later when she found yet another fun toy. We took our time and I let her make her own decision. She finally decided on two smaller toys. As we headed to the check out she spotted the lollipops and said, "I should get a lollipop for doing such a good job at picking these out". I laughed. She has a sweet tooth like me. We added up her money and decided that she had enough to buy herself a lollipop. She put everything on the counter and payed all by herself. She was so proud of herself. 

We jumped tiles, zigged and zagged all the way back to the other end of the mall to get groceries. When we got to the stairs Camilla went up the ramp and I went up the stairs. We raced all the way to the top where I popped out and scared her. We giggled the rest of the way as we walked hand in hand into the grocery store. At the check out I answered a lot more "why's". She asks the funniest questions. Then it was time to go home. 

Before bed my thoughts were consumed with this idea of slowing down and enjoying the moment. I was reminded of this video where President Uchtdorf says, "We would do well to slow down a little, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most." Camilla's puddle jumping, smiles, and laughs replayed over and over in my head. Spending time with my children and family is definitely what matters most. It was a good reminder for when Camilla comes in and asks me to play, or grabs my hand for the millionth time to show me something. I want her to know how important she is, and how much I love her. And when she asks "why?" for the hundredth time that day, I will try my very best to come up with an answer. It was a good reminder for when Hyrum is demanding my attention, or just wants a little hug. The dishes and house cleaning will always be there, but my children won't stay this way forever and I want to savor every moment!