Sun Bathing

Oh how we are looking forward to Summer afternoons in the sun!

Today Joseph enjoyed some tummy time in the afternoon rays that

pour through our living room window.

He played and cooed and twisted and turned while the warm rays kissed his soft baby skin.

I could have watched him play and eat his blanket all afternoon.

When Hyrum and Camilla came down from their naps they quickly put their imaginations to work.

Joseph loved watching them play.

I love quiet afternoons like these.

Two Today

Dear Hyrum,

Today you are two years old! You've grown up so fast! We had a very tiny birthday party on Saturday with some family and cupcakes. Today you opened your little gift from us though. It was a tiny man with magnetic clothes so that you could dress him up as a fire fighter, super hero, police officer and a few other things. The first thing you did was pull out two of the man's boots (which are oddly shaped like hockey sticks) and shoot and pretend puck around the living room. I have no idea where your obsession with hockey came from but it sure is interesting to see what you turn into a hockey stick these days. The other day it was your cracker and you and your sister had a shoot out at the lunch table.

You love to run and skip around the house and have recently fallen in love with jumping. Each time you wash your hands on your stool in the bathroom you ask me to hold you hand so you can jump super high and land on your feet with a giggle. The way you move your little body right now is priceless and I love watching you swing your arms and shake your hips while you dance along side your sister in the living room.

It has been such a joy to have you in our family. I love your sweet little voice, your obedient nature and your love for reading. I adore the way you said "I lub you!" a bunch of times before bed tonight. I love smooching you before bed as you excitedly cling onto your Daddy's back for a piggyback ride up to bed. Thank-you for making me smile each and every day. We sure love you!

Cupcakes for Dinner

Today we held a super low key birthday party for Hyrum.

He turns two on Monday.

The weather started out lovely in the morning and turned to rain by the afternoon.

The children spent the morning outside.

Hyrum asked if he could bring his cowboy out with him, which meant his hat.

They played soccer for quite a while.

 I joined them outside just in time to witness a sweet moment  between Daddy and his boy.

Hyrum had blown a shoe while kicking the ball and Daddy came to his rescue.

 Gramma, Grampa and Uncle Chris came in the afternoon to celebrate with us.

We had a little BBQ and ran out of propane just as the smokies were ready.

Phew.

After we had filled up, we busted out the cupcakes.

I tried to make them into the shape of a hockey stick with a puck, but I'll spare you the pictures.

I'm not very creative without my artsy fartsy sister.

They were still delicious though and I caught the kiddos sneaking more 

and hiding under the table to eat them around dinner time.

After all the hustle and bustle Hyrum ended up crashing on Gramma's shoulder for the evening.

I brought him up to bed shortly after 6:00PM, took off his jeans and changed his bum.

He slept through it all.

I still can't believe this boy is going to be TWO!

Thrill Seekers

Tonight Mr. Stannix and I went on a date to Galaxy Land! A super awesome friend offered to watch our kiddos for us, and did a great job! I have never left Joe that long with anyone, but he took his bottle fine and was sleeping when we got home. I didn't hear a peep from him until well after three in the morning which hasn't happened in quite a while. She's a baby whisperer I tell ya! It was super nice to have an evening out. Neither Mr. Stannix or I are big thrill seekers anymore. I used to LOVE amusement parks, but I have to admit if I didn't have my dear husband there to make us go on rides, I probably would have stuck to the bumper cars and kiddie rides.

This was my first time EVER doing bumper cars.

Everytime after we got started on a ride we asked, "Why did we do this!?" It was still fun, but my stomach isn't quite as strong as it used to be!

Mr. Stannix talked me into going on the swings. 

Our very last ride of the night was The Mind Bender. I am shocked we even went to be honest! How could you not go on the WORLDS LARGEST INDOOR TRIPLE LOOP ROLLER COASTER at least once in your life time. The lineup went quick and before we knew it we were strapped in wondering what the heck we were thinking! I survived it though, even if my arms were too short to comfortably grab onto the bar in front of me. I closed my eyes for a lot of it. I've never seen the look of fear in Mr. Stannix's eyes until tonight. It takes automatic pictures while you're riding, and ours was pretty funny. When the ride finally came to a halt I was sure I might puke, and as I looked over the edge of the roller coaster car I saw some nice dried stuff from a previous rider and knew at least I wasn't alone. After a walk through the mall and an ice cream cone from Marble Slab, I felt much better. We came home to a quiet house and sleeping kiddos. Thanks so much to a super awesome lady for watching our babes for us!



Growing Older

Today we ventured out to the library for some new books. It turned out our favorite program was running and we had friends there, so we stuck around a little longer. Hyrum is growing up and actually joined in on the songs for the most part. He was very quiet and shy for a little bit and held my hand while he did the actions. He is totally a boy and eventually lost interest and went to climb the small ledge by the window and explore the room. It's hard to believe he will be two on Monday.

His new favorite phrase is "Okay, Mom." Anytime I remind him to sit on the couch, or ask him to make his bed or do a little chore he says, "Okay....Mom" in his deep little voice. He can be so obedient sometimes and those words are music to my ears.

After lunch he picked the old lense-less 3D glasses out of the toy box. He loves to put them on and take them off. Today he thought it was super funny to put them on his belly. I almost giggled every time he said the word belly. "Put glasses on beh-yee, Mom". Whenever he says Mom it melts my heart. I couldn't have asked for a better job title. Anyways, he took the glasses up with him at nap time and ended up looking super cute after he fell asleep.

Last week he had a cold and would often come up to me and say, "I have booger Mom. Would you pick booger? Mom?" Part of the joy of motherhood I guess. He is getting a little old for me to pick his nose, so I did the next best thing. I taught him how to pick his own. Just kidding. But with some Kleenex and a little encouragement I am hearing that question less and less.

The Simple Life

We have officially started looking for our very first home as of a week ago. Mr. Stannix has worked so hard to get us to this point and I am very grateful to him. It's been exciting, busy, stressful, fun and crazy all at the same time. One of the upsides that I am enjoying is spending a little bit of extra time with Mr. Stannix. Throughout the day my inbox piles up with emails from him with new listings or flirty phrases. The other day we even went on a lunch date with him between showings. We both fell in love with a home in a great location and neighbourhood which we love and actually jumped and put an offer in on it. The home was on the market for maybe a day and already had an offer above list price moments before we put ours in. There were a few more homes in that neighbourhood we were going to look at, but they had already gotten offers as well. Mr. Stannix and I decided this home buying business feels a bit like kill or be killed, and since we were killed we are kind of gun shy now.

We spend our evenings together searching MLS listings and weighing out different options. Do we buy in an old, well established neighbourhood and spend a little more? Do we want newer interiors? Do we prefer a modern look? How long will the commute be? Is it worth it? What kind of lifestyle are we wanting? How long are we planning to stay here? Do we get something cheaper so we can sock away money for something we like down the road? And ultimately, will we be happy there? After a week of looking, I am already wanting to take a break. Mr. Stannix makes sure I love the kitchen and the yard and has been very understanding and loving. I just want to make sure he doesn't have a crazy commute to work so that we can spend more time with him. I couldn't have asked for a better, more loving or more understanding husband. I sure am lucky.

Camilla's little ears pop in and out of our conversations and this morning she said, "How 'bout we just move to a new house and if that house doesn't have teddies, then we just come back to this one."  She said it so matter-of-factly I had to giggle. If only life were that simple sometimes. Speaking of the simple life, tonight we bathed all three littles at once. I tried convincing Camilla to have her bath after the boys finished theirs, but she jumped on in anyways.

Mr. stannix and I had a long talk tonight and decided in the end it really doesnt matter how emaculate the home is but rather the feeling that is there when you enter the front doors. If we can find a modest home in a favorite neighborhood for a decent price, I think it will be worth the wait. Until then, we are thoroughly enjoying the simple life in our quaint two bedroom home. The children are happy and I couldn't ask for more!

Morning Smoothie

There are days when I wish my children would stop growing so fast. Joseph has been growing and changing every day it seems. Lately he has shown a big interest in food. While we eat our meals he sits in his high chair and fusses while he chomps and smacks his lips. Today I made the kids and I a smoothie for our morning snack. Trying to drink mine with Joseph propped on my hip was no easy task. He went nuts over it and grabbed at the glass with his chubby fingers as he pulled it to his little mouth. He got so grumpy when he couldn't have any. I love seeing that personality of his come out. He's one determined little dude. He has become quite the wiggler lately and is constantly reaching and grabbing for things that he wants. Every time I try to place him in his high chair or car seat he buckles his knees and makes it difficult. He loves to feel his feet beneath him. When he's on his tummy now he will turn his little body side to side and reach for toys. As excited as I am, I would be okay if he just slowed down already!

It Was a Monday

I took this picture a while ago, but I think it perfectly describes today.

It was definitely a Monday.

Sleepy Boy

While the children and I baked cookies this afternoon I noticed Joseph dozing off out of the corner of my eye. His head was nodding and he fought to keep his eyes open as long as he could. Just as I slipped the third pan into the oven his eyes closed and his head dropped. The poor little guy was so tired he fell asleep amidst the excitement of fresh cookies and noisy siblings. I guess house hunting can do that to ya. Shortly after I snapped a picture I reclined his high chair and snuggled him in a blanket. Sleep on little one, sleep on.

Five Months

Dear Joseph,

Today you are five months old. Time seems to be going by way too fast lately. I feel like you should still be a newborn! You have grown into such a happy baby and bring so much joy into our little family.

You have recently discovered your feet and love when I leave your toes out so that you can play with them. I love seeing the dimples on your elbows and knees as you play. Those chubby thighs of yours are so hard to resist and whenever I gently squeeze them you break into giggles. I could munch your soft baby cheeks all day and adore your open mouthed kisses!

You have become so interactive over the last few weeks and love to reach out and grab things. The other day as I drank a glass of water with you in my arms you squirmed and reached trying to get a taste. You are super interested in food and enjoy your tiny helpings of rice cereal each night. You are getting good at shaking your rattles and grasping your toys and everything goes to the mouth.

Whenever you are propped on my hip your chubby little fingers always seem to find my hair.  You often grab at the back and open and close your fingers slowly as you feel it between your fingers. While I perform my motherly duties with you propped on my hip you will often have a firm grasp on my shirt collar or hoodie strings making sure you are extra close to your mamma.

You love interacting with your Daddy. The other day he taught you how to growl and you've been doing it ever since. At dinner time your gaze often finds him and you flash him that awesome ear to ear grin of yours.

The other day as I was nursing you I couldn't help but gaze at your tiny little face. I noticed your hair is starting to come in and though it is light, you are turning into quite the little fuzz head.

Though you can roll, the desire still isn't there. You are okay to just lay and be entertained by your siblings. While you are on your stomach though you like to be on the go and your legs and arms are always moving and pushing.

I suspect a tooth is about to make an appearance because you are constantly munching your fingers.

The jolly jumper has become a recent favourite and I love watching the pure joy you get as you bend and push those chubby little legs of yours. You especially love when your siblings jump close by. I think it makes you feel big. Camilla can hardly leave you alone when you jump and loves the position you are in for awesome hugs and kisses and you willingly oblige throwing your arms around her neck as you try to suck on her hair. She will often try to hold your hands as you bounce until I gently remind her that you are safer jumping on your own.

You still don't sleep through the night, but some of my favorite moments with you are in the late evening as I nurse you in the quiet of the streetlight lit bedroom upstairs. There is no one else demanding my attention and technology is far out of reach. I get to sit in the big green chair with you cradled in my arms. As I listen to your sweet breaths I notice your chest gently rising and falling in the stillness of the room. Your chubby little hands open and close as your arms push and fight against the blanket. Soon your body realizes how tired it is and you snuggle into my arms and drift off to sleep. I should probably start sleep training you, but I so enjoy those bedtime snuggles.

Feeding Time

Today after everyone finished their dinner, this is what my kitchen looked like...

Oh that Camilla, how I love her!

Jumping Joseph

Apparently I like alliteration. On Sunday we tried out the Jolly Jumper for the first time. To say Joe loved it would be an understatement. He was giggling pretty hard the whole time! The kids loved watching him jump and whenever they were around it made him laugh even harder. They sure do love each other!

First time jumper!

Full of Giggles!

Loving Life.

Cafe Rio

Tonight we got totally spoiled! Our friends invited us over for homemade Cafe Rio, and it was awesome! Since Mr. Stannix served his mission in Salt Lake City, Cafe Rio is one of his favorite places to eat. He said that this tasted like the real deal, and was totally in heaven! I may have to get the recipe of ya, Jessica.



Looks delicious right?

Thanks for the fun night guys!

The Measure of Success

I think I may have actually fixed our computer. We've been going without it for almost two months now. I've been using my iPad for so long that it's hard for me not to want to reach out and touch the computer screen when I want to do something. It's kind of like when you start driving an automatic after driving a standard for so long and your foot almost goes through the floor when you reach for the clutch.

I have spent an entire week fighting a really bad cough. It's been hard to sleep at night so I've been catching a few winks with the kids in the afternoon. Although I've been sick, my sense of humor is luckily still in tact. The kids have been cracking me up lately. The other night I was so looking forward to the much needed 9:00pm bedtime. When I snuck up stairs to nurse Joe for one last time before bed I had to smile. I was sitting in the green chair watching Camilla, still awake in her dimly lit room. I watched the dark outline of her body as she organized and reorganized her teddies across the head of her bed. Joseph decided sleep wasn't for him and I watched my early bedtime come and go. Finally close to 11:00pm, I snuck into our bedroom and located my pjs on my bed. When I tried to slip into my pj pants I realized they were sized for a five year old. During nap time earlier that day Camilla had pulled and tied the strings so tightly in that twisty way she ties things that it took me almost five minutes to undo them. All I could do was laugh, with a hint of frustration.

Today I got a kick out of watching Hyrum at lunch, mimicking everything his sister would say or ask. One of the times was especially cute. With his elbows on the table he rested his chin on his chubby hand, looked up at me with his big blue eyes and said, "that be great, Mom?"

Joseph learned a new trick from his Daddy the other night and its also adorable. He likes to open his mouth nice and big and growl when the rest of us are talking, just to be sure he gets his ten cents in. Today he growled up a storm in the back seat while we were driving down Whyte. He had all of us laughing pretty hard.

I found myself feeling a little bummed today as I reflected on this last year. I feel as though we were just making party plans for Hyrum's first birthday and now all of the sudden we're thinking about his second birthday. What did I even do for a whole year? When I look back I feel as though I haven't accomplished much. I haven't learned a great new skill, played any sports, taken up running again, or greatly expounded my knowledge of the Gospel. I think I need to start setting goals. I'm the kind of person who likes to measure success. I loved school because my grades told me how well I was doing. It's hard to measure success as a mother day in and day out. Just as the laundry gets finished more dirty clothes fill up the basket. Just when the dishes get finished, someone dirties another dish. It can be challenging doing the same things day in and day out.

With the computer being temporarily fixed I found myself looking through old pictures and reminiscing. That's the one thing I've missed the most is my photo library. I get so much joy out of being able to look back on old pictures and memories. Although I felt as though I hadn't accomplished anything for myself, looking at the pictures reminded me about all of the things we've accomplished and done as a family. I really do get my greatest fulfilment and joy out of being a mother. I have an amazing job and some pretty cute little people to work with each day! And even if my biggest accomplishment this year was learning how to grocery shop with three littles in tow, I am doing an important work.

Trecherous Tantrums

It's lunchtime when Hyrum breaks out into his gazillionth tantrum of the day. These aren't your regular tantrums, these ones last a long time. In his defense he's been battling the same nasty cold virus that I have and a sore throat is never fun. He was playing in his soup, so I assumed he was done. He follows me to the counter and immediately begins screaming. I sigh, force a smile and ask him if he'd like to sit back at the table and finish his soup.

"NO!"

I place the half eaten bowl back on the counter.

"SOUUUPP!"

Frustration overcomes me ad I gently place my screaming toddler on the couch for a time out. Camilla stays at the table singing to herself and refusing her lunch. Between Hyrum's screams of frustration I can make out "Get....teddy!" I pass him the teddy he was pointing to, but he refuses it. When I put it back he wants it, but gets more angry when I try to hand it to him once more. He continues to scream and point at things and I wish I could read minds. Five minutes later I give up and head up to my bed for a time out.  I plead to my Heavenly Father for patience and guidance. After I indulge in a chocolate break, I head down stairs to turn on some Beatles.

Camilla soon joins us in the living room with some disco moves. After half an hour Hyrum still continues to scream and I sit down to blog while the music muffles the sound. I'm sure he's forgotten what he was angry about in the first place.

And then when I'm feeling like I'm about to lose my sanity I call nap time!

We're all good here.

Mommy Daughter Date

Mr. Stannix got me a night at the Spa with Camilla for my birthday. He booked the appointment for tonight. We had a lot of fun together. It started with manicures and ended with hair cuts. We took our boots off at the door and headed up the stairs to the couches. The ladies were super great! Camilla picked pink for her nails of course, it is her favorite color. I got a kick out of watching her drink her juice box between the palms of her hands because her nails were wet. She did so good for such a little girl. She chatted the ear off of whoever would listen and enjoyed the extra attention and one on one. Thanks to Daddy we are sporting fun new nails and fresh hair cuts.

She looked pretty cute!

I was super boring and just did sparkles. I like my nails naked.

 Pre-haircuts

It was super fun to hang out with my little lady and I look forward to our next little date together. It was all she could talk about all day, and I have to admit that even I was pretty excited about it! I am so glad to have lost some weight after chopping my hair. It had been way too long since my last cut! It feels good.

Another Year Gone

This weekend has been wonderful, despite being sick. I have enjoyed watching General Conference with my little family and getting my house back in order. My bathroom sparkles and so does my kitchen floor. I definitely feel a greater sense of peace after listening to the talks this weekend. Today we spent the day at my Grandparents place again. My parents and Uncle came up for the day to enjoy Conference with everyone. I was surprised first thing in the morning by Camilla who came to my bedside with birthday wishes. She was so excited to give me their present that she had been hiding in her room. Her secret keeping efforts are getting much better! Mr. Stannix surprised me with an awesome card and a night out to the spa with Camilla. He's such a thoughtful guy. It was so awesome being able to spend my special day surrounded by family and being inspired by great church leaders.

Cami girl snoozing while Gramma watches Conference.

Since I never get pictures WITH my parents anymore, I thought I'd take the opportunity!



A few of my favorite talks here, here, and here.



They're Great

We spent the day today at my Gramma and Grampa Hudkins place. The kids had fun playing with different toys and spending time with their Great Gramma and Grampa. As soon as we pull up Camilla recognizes it as "Gramma Hunkins". It was nice to be able to spend the day with them and I feel so lucky to have them so close. They are a great example of selfless service and Christlike love. I am so grateful for them and all that they do!

Teething

Last night was rough. I felt like a ping pong ball bouncing back and forth between Joe and Hyrum, and then during my breaks I was busy snoozing in the chair or finding lost slippers for Camilla. Our little home is bursting at the seams and its frustrating having no where to go with a teething baby in the middle of the night. Nonetheless we carry on. We've been filling our mornings with outings and our afternoons with naps. Amidst feeling stressed and tired I find the most joy out of getting down on the floor and really playing with the children, or dancing around to some Mindy Gledhill in the late afternoons when we have the house to ourselves. My favourite moment from today though was when we were all sitting on the kitchen floor. Camilla and Hyrum were playing their wooden kazoos and Joseph was laying on my lap. He looked up at me with his giant blue eyes and gave a grin with his hands stuffed in his mouth. I was glad I had a camera in hand to capture his sweet little face. I sure hope his little teeth come in soon!

Windsday

Today we got together a birthday package for Uncle Arland to send off to Chile. His only big request was good ol' Smarties. We hit up the dollaramma last week for a funny card and lots of Smarties to send. I told Camilla the letters and she signed her very own name! She's getting soo big!

The chillens helped me package it up this morning and off we went to the post office. It looked like a beautiful day to walk, but in the end I was glad I'd brought extra sweaters for everyone. The wind was awful!

Camilla had fun gathering boquets of leaves and picking up sticks.  I was given lots of special leaves as gifts. Hyrum hid from the wind in the stroller.

We finished off our time at the mall by picking up some bakery donuts and a steamer for the walk home. The kids were troopers! We hit lots of puddles on the way home to make our adventure extra fun. Besides that we boogied to get out of the chilly wind as quick as we could!

Camilla's a fan of the jelly filled just like her mamma!

Easter Recap

We spent part of our Easter weekend at the Acreage. Mike ended up with a bit extra time off work, so we decided to escape the busy city. The weather was perfect! We got a lot of visiting and outside time in. Hyrum and Camilla love the extra space to run.

One of my favorite places to sit first thing in the morning is in the recliner. Joseph actually fell asleep in the sunshine on my lap while we visited. I soaked up the cuddles from my sleeping babe and continued to enjoy the warm sunshine pouring in through the front window.

This time around we were able to spend a bit more time with Great Gramma and Grampa next door. Hyrum and Camilla loved sneaking over for treats from Gramma. She's been working hard knitting. Last time we were out she traced each of the kids feet and hands. She had knitted them little mittens and is now making matching socks. I couldn't resist snapping a picture of Gramma sizing up the heal on Hyrum while Great Grampa held the back of his sweater to keep him from falling. I love that my Grandparents are able to spend time with my children, it's such a special thing!



Mr. Stannix and my Dad took the kids out for a long afternoon walk over to the next subdivision. I guess on the way home Camilla ran most of the way and beat her Daddy to the house. Mr. Stannix said that by the time he reached the end of the laneway he was out of breath and Camilla's little legs were still going strong ahead of him. She has so much energy! I love to see her enjoy life. 

We also enjoyed quad rides and being pulled on the sled.

I loved watching Hyrum and Camilla dodge Grampa's snowballs on the front lawn.

The kids kept Grampa on his toes and gave him a nice leg workout.

 I enjoyed relaxing and visiting the most! My mamma also cooked a delicious Turkey feast for Friday evening. There is nothing better than a home cooked meal! We spent the rest of the evening decorating easter eggs. Thank-you pinterest for the genious idea of using a whisk! The kids had fun. Hyrum wanted to be Mr. independant with a spoon and ended up smashing one of his eggs. I just chuckled as I grabbed a new one. They did pretty good!

We forgot to champ them before we left on Saturday, but Mike's Nazi/missionary egg ended up winning. Apparently it had a pretty mean point to it! The tradition continues.