Chillin' Out

Wouldn't it be fun to be this small?

Chocolate Making 101

This weekend was yet another fun packed weekend.  On Saturday, some cousins/aunts went to my Gramma's for chocolate making.  It was great to get together and learn some tips and tricks.  I must say, it was a lot more work then I thought it was going to be, but so worth it!! I left my camera at Gramma's or I would have had some pictures up sooner.  

We kept the finished product on my Gramma & Grampa's bed.  The room was kept nice and cool.  This isn't even HALF of the chocolates we did.  We alternated dippers and rollers, took lots of breaks for some of Gramma's yummy stew or chili and home made bread, and worked a full day.  Whenever we were almost done a tray, we would have to yell "TRAY" and my fabulous Grampa (who was the only man in the house) would come and kindly switch it out for us so we could keep working hard.  He was a trooper!!

 My cousins found some stellar transfer papers!! We thought we would try it out this year, and it totally worked! These are the cherry-almond flavor.  When we take them off the paper they have a nifty design on the bottom to help tell the flavors apart from each other.  Such a neat idea!

Gramma's table was filled with fondant, cornstarch (for rolling) and A LOT of melted chocolate.  My auntie Sylvia is pretty much a professional. Her chocolates looked so good you almost didn't want to eat them...almost. We had lots of laughs and lots of jokes as we went to work.  I think every body lost steam around 4:00 or 5:00 PM though.

By the time we finished, my Gramma & Grampa's bed was loaded, as well as the dresser, and the long table, and a table in the living room, and the top of the TV cabinet.  Grampa counted and said we did 35 trays with an average of 70 chocolates per tray which equals over two thousand chocolates!! YUM!  We had so many flavors! We did almond, cherry-almond, cherry, peanut butter, coconut, peppermint patties, caramels, orange, lemon, chocolate, dipped almonds, and also some peanut brittle and muck-ups (made with the left over chocolate and nuts) and I'm sure I missed some...

I went to pick up my share today and I can't wait to taste test again with Mr. Stannix tonight!! If anyone is interested in a good fondant recipe check it out here, and some amazing tips here.

Near the end, you can tell we got a little bored.  We came up with a hilarious version of the 12 days of Christmas.  It was a blast!

On the first day of chocolates my family gave to me
A grampa switching out trays
On the second day of chocolates my family gave to me
Two pregnant mommies
and a Grampa switching out trays
On the third day of chocolates my family gave to me
Three aching grammas, two pregnant mommies and a grampa switching out trays.
 ***

On the TWELFTH day of chocolates my family gave to me
Twelve fondant flavors,
eleven calls from husbands, ten nimble fingers, nine cheating tasters, eight absent children, seven times five trays, six breaks for napping,
Five tonnes of sugar -- four kinds of chocolate, three aching grammas, two pregnant mommies and a grampa switching out trays.

  Thanks to all who organized, hosted and participated! It was a blast! I had a lot of fun learning from some serious pros! Sadly, I forgot to snap a picture of me in my awesome hair net, and apple apron to share with you all! HaHa But here's one of my kiddo in a hair net from our fondant making day!
Future baker perhaps?

Off to grab the lasagna from the oven and get some dinner on! Looking very forward to the Christmas season!!

Galaxy Land

Yesterday afternoon/evening we decided to adventure out to Galaxy Land.  A bunch of friends have been telling us that kids under two are free (as well as their chaperone(s)).  We thought it would be fun to take Camilla there! We had a blast! 

Riding on the old car..

Being scared with Daddy on the Balloon Ride, similar to a ferris wheel.

On the Carousel with Mum.

Sharing some Orange Julius with Daddy, her fav!

Pretty much after every ride, she cried because she didn't want to get off.  While we enjoyed some dinner and our Julius she was recalling her fun evening and making horsey noises and chatting up a storm! She had so much fun. Then while Mr. Stannix was in HMV we decided to look around the pet store.  She saw another little girl in there a little taller than her and said "hut!" and ran over to give her a little hug.  It was cute (luckily the little girls parents thought so too, and weren't like "uh, what is your kid doing?") She also found another girl in the mall, significantly taller than her, and went up to give her "huts".  It was a great afternoon/evening out. We then came home, and cleaned up the house for the weekend.  Mr. Stannix was great and put Camilla to sleep while I ran an errand.  He also did my dishes and took out the garbage! My brother came over and we made up two giant bowls of popcorn and sat down to enjoy a movie.  

Today brings chocolate making with cousins (definitely a write up to follow) and hanging out with friends! Very looking forward to it!

Damsel in Distress

This morning I woke up, snuggled my girl, got her a Bubba, turned on her show, and then went back to the bed to snuggle with Mr. Stannix.  There is no school today, so I get to spend some extra time with Mr. Stannix.  I was laying there, eyes shut, listening to Camilla in the living room.  It was really quiet, and I figured she was just drinking her Bubba and watching her shows.  A few minutes later I hear some grunting and complaining, she was frustrated about something.  I thought maybe she was trying to climb up on the couch or something.  I kept listening...She kept getting more and more frustrated and more and more vocal about it.  I thought I should go check things out and make sure she was okay.  I went out into the dimly lit living room and found my little girl sitting on the floor trying with all her might to pull something off her foot.  As I got closer, I realized what the problem was...

I knelt down beside my little girl and tried to tug her Bubba off her foot...it was STUCK!  A part of me couldn't help but giggle.  How did she get that on there!?  She was still in good spirits, so I swept her up and took her into the bedroom to show Mr. Stannix.  We got a little chuckle, he called for the camera.  Camilla wasn't happy with all the waiting and really just wanted the Bubba off ASAP.  It was a lot harder then you might think to get that thing off her leg.  It was really, really stuck! Poor kid.  Still wondering how she got it on there so good.

A few minutes later we giggled, gave hugs (or "huts" as Camilla calls them), and kisses.  She then started to relate her story to us and was talking about her toes and babbling about something.  I said, "Was your Bubba stuck on your foot?" and she made a big grunting noise and pretended she was pulling it off her foot again. So funny.  What a little goof.

We then had breakfast together.  It was wonderful to sit, eat waffles, drink juice, and chat.  I then gave Mr. Stannix a hair cut.  I had a fabulous little helper who was combing Daddy's leg hairs.  What a fun filled morning.  As I blog, Camilla is "shaving" her whiskers with Daddy and brushing her teeth.  She likes getting ready with Daddy in the morning.  I certainly love when he's home!

Happy Friday!

P.S Yesterday, I called Camilla a mooch, because, well, she sorta is. And she was mooching... And so she walked around bobbing her head very matter-of-factly and saying "much", "much"...And continued to"much" off people. 

Picture of the Day

My sis found this picture on her computer the other day and edited it and sent it to me.  

I love it for the same reasons she loves it! 

It definitely captures a moment.  It shows my goofy, cookie-stuffed-in-mouth little girl giggling on my shoulders with her wispy hair, and the absolute joy I get out of being a mum.

That was a fabulous day of snapping pictures.

Oh the memories! 

In a Heartbeat

It's amazing the relief, excitement and anticipation that can be found in a heartbeat!

Today was the monthly visit to the doc's.  

I was extra excited for today's visit though because I would get to hear our growing baby's heartbeat for the first time!  

With Camilla, I looked forward to this visit as well, only, the doctor that I went to couldn't find her heartbeat and I got a little freaked out!  

Luckily, I went in the next day for a second opinion and that doc found it no problem!

This is why there was relief found in hearing the heartbeat today.  It meant all is well with our growing little person.  The visit was quick and good. She found the heartbeat right away! Sadly, there was no mention on whether it was high or low.  Mr. Stannix and I were hoping to be able to take a guess as to if it's a boy or a girl! Guessing is fun!

Camilla did really well!! She waited quietly and munched a cookie while I was chatting with the doctor.  

I decided to take another belly pic to add to this baby's collection.  I promise, I look bigger in real life!! (haha).  For me, it's big.  I really don't gain much with my babes.  

Looking forward to the ultrasound now!

Two of a Kind

The other day Mr. Stannix decided to join in on the fun and get hummus all over his face too!!

It was cute! Camilla got a kick out of it!

The best part was when, instead of just washing it off, he asked me to get him a cracker...

No hummus going to waste here!!

That's my man...

They are definitely two of a kind...

Camilla Finds Her Whiskers

This morning was a fabulous Saturday morning.  Camilla didn't wake up until 8:45, and didn't cry until 9:00, which is when I'm guessing her teddy took a dive out of the crib.  I went in and got her and brought her into the bed with us for some snuggles.  Her head hit the pillow by Daddy and she turned and looked at me with her finger on her nose and went "shhhh".  She jumped around for a while, turned, giggled and then had a bubba.  Later on, when Daddy woke up, Camilla was thrilled! She went and snuggled and kissed him and played with his whiskers.  She giggled every time she touched them! After it all, Mr. Stannix asked Camilla "Where's your nose? Where's your eyes?  Where's Daddy's whiskers?"  Instead of rubbing Daddy's whiskers, she rubbed her own! It was totally cute!! We had to get her to do it again on camera...

She put her hand in that fist shape and even rubbed Mommy's chin to try and find some whiskers! She's such a hoot! I love lazy Saturday mornings.  I don't think we'll all fit in our little double bed on Saturday mornings next year though!

Last night Mr. Stannix and I had a quiet Friday night.  Mr. Stannix says he suffers from "Friday Night Syndrome" which is when you think you should be doing something SUPER fun on Friday night.  So, we went and grabbed a bite to eat and cruised through Wal-Mart.  We bought Christmas advent calendars, ya know, the one's with the chocolate for each day.  I got so excited for Christmas with all the candy and decorations that were out!! We picked up some Candy Canes as well so we could have our first mint candy cane hot chocolates of the season.  After Camilla went to bed, I got into some comfy Jammies, snuggled up next to my  Mr. Stannix with our yummy hot chocolate and enjoyed watching "Oceans Eleven".  It was great to get some free time with Mr. Stannix.

Today, I get to play with Camilla and tidy the house.  The weather still hasn't decided if it's going to be nice or not today.  Only time will tell! Hopefully we can hit up a park today because Camilla was making our kitchen floor into a slide this morning. "Weeee". Super funny!

Happy Blogging!!

Little Moments

Peek-a-boo

Yesterday I was up very early.  I don't think I've been awake that early in a very long time.  I was rewarded greatly though with many sweet little moments throughout the day.  

Because we were up so early, even Camilla was a little sleepy.  We got to enjoy a little cuddling together on the couch while we watched some cartoons on low volume.  

Later on in the morning when we were both more awake, we had some fun tickling.  I just love Camilla's little giggles!! 

While I was feeding Camilla soup at lunch, she started playing a hilarious game of peek-a-boo with me from behind her sippy cup.  It was adorable.  

I also got a glimps of what things are going to be like with two.  I had the opportunity to watch the cutest little boy yesterday.  Camilla was so attentive to him and they played very well together.  He would drop his sippy, and Camilla would follow him around trying to give it back.  She brought him books and toys and was very good at sharing.  At one point, Camilla was playing with a rattle and hitting it on the Coffee Table.  The little  boy thought this looked super fun! He wanted to try, so he found a way to get the rattle.  It was neat just sitting back and watching how kids work things out.  Camilla took a step back from the table.  I could just read her thoughts.  First, she wasn't sure what to do, and looked a little taken back.  Then she saw how much fun the child was having with the rattle and a big smile came across her face.  She marched back up to the coffee table, decided to join in on the fun,  and started hitting it with just her hands.  The two of them played at the coffee table, drumming,  for quite a while together.  

Later in the evening, I had just pulled fresh bagels out of the oven.  I cut one open, smothered it in butter, and sat on the couch.  Camilla came and joined me.  I gave her some little pieces to eat of her own and she loved it!! I looked down at her, with her big, full cheeks of food and she looked back up.  Next thing I knew, my little girl was puckering up for a smooch.  I made my lips as big and kiss-like as I could get them and kissed my puffy cheeked, puckered up little girl right on the lips! 

I was carrying something into the house, and Camilla saw me and said "elp! elp!" and she came right over and hung onto whatever part she could grab so that she was "elping" me.  She's so aware sometimes! That makes me smile.

I'm so glad I get to witness these sweet little moments.  Sometimes, my eyes sting with happy tears just watching Camilla do these things.  I love that I am her Mum and that she trusts me.  What a special gift!  I can't wait to see what a great big sister my little girl is going to be!

Numbers and Water

Yesterday was a catch-up-on-the-last-three-weekends-of-sleep day.  I woke up feeling super drained of energy and had a headache still.  I snoozed on the couch for the morning while my very well behaved little girl hung out in the living room with her toys.  I'm so lucky.  When she went down for her nap, I hesitated, and then decided it would be a good idea to catch some more Z's.  Neither of us woke up until Mr. Stannix got home at 4:30.  I felt a lot more rested.  I woke up craving Subway.  Pizza sub with all the veggies except the icky olives and things at the very back.  Because Mr. Stannix loves me and could see how tired I was, he let me get one, as long as I brought him home a big mac.  Lets just say, I tasted the first half of my sub twice (ew).  But for some reason, was still able to finish the second half.  I guess that's just how much I was craving it.  I blame it on the pickles.

I left the girly with her Daddy while I ran out.  She was so glad to have him home when she woke up from her nap.  He's been getting all sorts of cuddles and kisses.  She loves him so much.  As I was pondering what to blog about today, and looking at pictures, I came across these and decided they would be perfect.

Mr. Stannix was bathing Camilla the other day, and I walked in to a little girl covered in numbers.  Daddy was teaching her about accounting!! This is a regular occurrence in our home.  One time while he was doing homework, she was up on his lap and he was explaining something or other to her about accounting.  It's cute watching them.  Her newest fascination is watching movie trailers online  on Daddy's lap.  I've never seen her sit so still. 

Miss Cj loves spending every second she can with her Daddy. This morning, she definitely cried a lot when he left the house for school.  She really didn't want him to leave.  She even snuggled in when he brought her into the room (her way of bribing us).  I'm so glad I have such a wonderful husband who loves his girls so much.  He works really hard for us and I'm grateful for that.  No matter how busy he is, he always makes time for his little girl, whether it's to bath her, snuggle her, dance with her, or play on the floor with her.  I'm glad I have a husband like that.  Daddy's are so special!