The Three Stooges

Today Camilla got new pets when we visited Nana. They are three busy frogs. Mr. Stannix thought "The Three Stooges" was fitting. I hope they stay three for a loooong time! She's enjoyed watching them swim around all day and up to the surface. Should be a fun new adventure!!!

When we got back to Gramma and Grampa's, "Papa" had to plow the driveway and Camilla got to enjoy a ride on the quad. We are looking forward to a weekend of watching conference and enjoying time with friends and family.

Let Her Stay Little

A few nights ago, at the dinner table, Mr. Stannix and I had another conversation about homeschooling vs. the school system. Growing up, I was home schooled for almost half of my schooling career. I loved the fact that in my elementary years I was at home with my Mum and family learning and growing and taking part in different opportunities that were presented to me outside of an elementary classroom on a farm. Life couldn't have been any better! I did my school in the morning and got to live life to its fullest all afternoon. We played on our jungle gym, fed chickens, learned about life, and laughed the afternoon away on the swings or making mud pies.

On Sunday, we had a lesson in Relief Society from a talk titled "Let There Be Light!" by Elder Quentin L. Cook.  We discussed pros and cons of homeschooling our children as well as our belief in the school system and our communities. We basically came to the conclusion that, like Elder Cook says, "we should be a source of light in protecting our communities."

Mr. Stannix has always supported me in my aspirations to home school our children. My biggest reason for wanting to is not that I don't believe in our school system (because I attended public school and enjoyed it), but more because I want our kids to be able to be kids. I want them to be able to enjoy life at a young age instead of being in a classroom for six hours a day. We talked about how important it is for us to believe in the school system and to believe that there is still good in the world. And if we support our school system, our kids could be that light in helping to protect our community.

At the end of our conversation, Mr. Stannix and I agreed that our kids would always know that we strongly believe in the school system. We want them to be successful and to pursue a secondary education. We want them to delight in knowledge and to work hard.

Just before the conversation was finished, I had to clarify with Mr. Stannix that he was still okay with me homeschooling for part if not all of their elementary years (of course he was). For some reason, my eyes started getting all watery. I re-explained that the only reason I wanted to home school our children is so that they could enjoy being kids. It's such a short time. I wanted them home so that I could teach them and love them and instill in them a value for family relationships and a love for their Savior. I explained that I couldn't imagine Camilla as a five year old being away from me for so long in a day and that I wanted her home, safe with me, for at least a little while (at this point I was crying).  I think that when Camilla does go off to school, I will be crying my eyes out! For some reason, I like my children close by where I can hug and kiss them whenever I please and watch them grow and change. I couldn't imagine anyone else doing that for me.

Mr. Stannix agreed with me and came around the table and embraced me in a big hug and said, "That's what I love about you". And I'm glad he does. So, for as long as I can, I am going to enjoy every new word, every new discovery, every expression of love, every giggle, every bedtime story, every spiritual moment, and everything else that may come our way until our children enter the big world on their own!

A Wa-Wa-holic

Last night, Camilla was super tired around 7:30, so we started our bedtime routine. Lately (since she's had her cough) she always wants to go to bed WITH her whole sippy, instead of just with a little drink of water. Sometimes in the middle of the night, she'll wake up yelling "WA-WA!!" over and over until I go in and find her sippy under her covers or at the bottom of her bed, or on the floor. After a strawberry milkshake and en episode of Smallville, Mr. Stannix and I decided it was time for bed and went upstairs. Before lights out, I like to check on Camilla and make sure she has covers etc. I tip-toed into her room to the sound of her deep breathing. She was laying on her back with both arms up under her head, elbows sticking out to the sides, and her sippy resting close bye. She looked very peaceful and angelic. I noticed her sippy was upside down and didn't want it to leak, so I very gently lifted it up, turned it over, and sat it back down maybe centimeters from where I found it. All of the sudden I heard the word "Wa-Wa" (water) whispered on an exhale and a little arm reached for the sippy and cradled it snug in a one armed hug. It was almost as if it was one of her most prized possessions and she was guarding it in her sleep. Her eyes didn't even open and she kept breathing in and out deeply. The funniest part, I thought, was that she was asleep through the whole thing!! I quickly, quietly as I could, tip-toed out of her room and burst out laughing at my bedside. I related the story to Mr. Stannix, actions and all, and we both laughed really hard! I had to hold my baby belly I was laughing so hard... That kid cracks me up!

In other news, I went and got my hair cut today for the first time in a very long time!! I'm pretty sure it's been over a year. It was nice to get it all thinned and freshened up. I think it's going to take me a bit to get used to the new look (especially the side bangs), but it wasn't a horrible cut.

Mrs. Potato

Today has been a rather slow day. Camilla has been getting up earlier, and even though we lay in bed until 8:00am, I'm usually pretty tired still! She eventually gets tired of laying in bed and demands "Much" (lunch) and "Food" because she's hungry. And if we really don't listen, she jumps down and moves the suitcase blocking the stairs which pretty much makes you have to go downstairs with her. She's pretty smart....

We made breakfast for us and Daddy before he left for school. I spent most of the morning being pretty productive, cleaning, dishes, dusting, and tidying. I lost steam around lunch time and have felt pretty lazy ever since. Camilla went for a nap after lunch and I played on the computer, puttered around and sat on the couch looking out the window. I had big plans for baking this afternoon, but with our oven broken, it wasn't going to happen. So I waited around for Camilla to wake up. After an hour and a half (usually the total duration of her nap), I decided to cozy up on the couch and close my eyes for a few minutes. It turned into a much needed half hour nap and I woke up to a drool covered sweater sleeve. Seconds later, Camilla was up and ready to go. 

We then played with Mrs. Potato head for a few minutes together. It's been a while since she's played with her because she started sticking the ears in her ears, the nose up hers etc. Today has been good so far! She loves her "Tatoe". Our landlord then showed up and fixed our oven for us. It was kinda neat to see how a gas oven works and now I know what's wrong next time it happens! Looks like we're having pizza tonight!

A Promise Kept

A little bit freezing after leaving the warm water

Camilla is such a water baby! She loves swimming at the pool so so much! Daddy promised her that we would go swimming today and she talked about it all weekend. As we got in the car she exclaimed "Nimming!!!" and was excited the whole way to the pool. When she got her suit on, the excitement grew some more. The last few times she's really enjoyed wearing a life jacket and having some "freedom" to move in the shallow waters. She loves the balls, and loves to play catch with Mommy and Daddy. Today she enjoyed some sliding and relaxing in the warm water. We floated around the lazy river a few times and enjoyed sitting and relaxing in the shallow water. She's also getting used to water on her face and some extra splashing.  It was a great two hours and we were all wrinkly when we finally got out. She really didn't want to leave!!

When we got home there was a message on our phone from my little brother! He got a very special letter in the mail today with "Elder Hudkins" on it. After my parents got home from work they got the family on speaker phone and opened his mission call! It's hard to believe that my brother will be hitting up the MTC on June 29th! We are absolutely thrilled for him!

Our Little Snorter

Today was a pretty good day! The only downside about 1:00 church is waiting all morning for it! We had a one hour family snuggle in our bed after Camilla woke up, and then got up and got ready for church. It was not my morning. I tried to curl my hair with hot rollers and it totally didn't work out! I also have a wardrobe malfunction with my ever growing stomach and am down to one skirt that actually fits. Not much longer though! While we were waiting until it was time to leave we had some fun tickle sessions and Camilla got giggling really hard. It totally made me smile. We left the house an hour early as per usual to make it to the church for choir. As I was walking my shoes kept coming un-done (silly Velcro). Choir went really well and Mr. Stannix did a great job watching Camilla (like he always does). During Sacrament meeting I was released from my calling as ward choir pianist which brought mixed emotions. It was a calling that I really enjoyed doing because I got to play on the piano, but I was slightly relieved as I've been stressing about how I'm going to feed a new born when I have choir and then organ right after (2 hour block).

After the Sacrament was blessed and passed I hopped off the organ to sit with my hubby and little girl for the rest of Fast and Testimony meeting.That kid seriously cracks me up. I should have been more serious and I'm sure my face turned red as I giggled in the third bench from the front, but I couldn't help myself. I mentioned in my last post that Camilla was sticking a finger up her nose at breakfast the other day. She started doing it in the middle of the meeting, so I said (very seriously) "No, that's yucky" and gently pulled her hand down. At that point a devious little smirk appeared on her face, and she slowly started raising her finger to her nose again. Well, after about the third "No, that's yucky", she was grinning from ear to ear and decided TWO fingers would be even more hilarious. There was no stopping her now. So I let her. The worst (not really) part was that she was standing on the bench for all eyes to see. After a few seconds with both fingers up her nose, she discovered something fascinating...she could snort! And that she did for the next couple of minutes. A snort followed by a little giggle (repeat). It was soo hard to distract her, and I couldn't be serious enough to stop her if I tried. Mr. Stannix and I just quietly giggled and smirked at each other across the bench. Is that bad?

The rest of the meetings were fabulous! Mr. Stannix took Camilla to nursery and ended up helping out for most of the first hour. When he left she cried for a bit (I was told) but is getting better. After church a sister came up to me and said, "I have to tell you! Camilla was so cute today when I went in for singing time!..." and proceeded to explain how Camilla was lining up the baby dolls in chairs for singing time. A nursery leader also told me that Camilla was "Great today!". It's such a relief to finally see her interacting and playing in nursery. Daddy said she was super happy when he went to pick her up! Before we left to go home, Camilla found a little girl bundled in her stroller and said "Baby!" and proceeded to play with her, hug her, blow kisses to her, make her wave and talk, and make her blow kisses. It was super cute watching them. I think they like each other! Hooray for a friend in Nursery!

I did NOT make her pose like this, she did it all on her own...

Just wanted to make sure I wrote her snorting story somewhere so that we don't forget it! What a character!

The Old Spaghetti Factory

Camilla with her 'Un-toe Mut' and 'Un-toe Kees'

Some of my family is up again this weekend for a visit and we've had them in and out all day. It's been great! We got to spend time with my brothers' girlfriend as well, which was also great! It had been a while since we had visited.  Camilla thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with so many people all afternoon. She threw balls with her uncles, and got balls thrown at her. She mooched cookies from Papa, and gave lots of hugs and kisses. It's so special watching her interact with family.

Tonight, a few of us went out to The Old Spaghetti Factory to celebrate my brother Mike's birthday. My older brothers got to spend some special time with miss Camilla. She got to eat between them at dinner, climb on them, hug and kiss them. It was fun to see her interact with her uncles, she sure kept them on their toes! Her poor 'Un-toe Mut' enjoyed his dinner between feeding her, making sure her booster didn't tip when she would climb out, and trying to keep her sitting and content. She tries so hard with names, and it's pretty funny to hear what she comes up with sometimes! I'm thinking the name she's made for Uncle Mike will stick! 

It was a very enjoyable evening. I love spending time talking and eating with family. The meal was impressive, and the price was definitely right. I am totally a fan of the "All-Inclusive". The waiter was great and even brought Camilla her own little bowl of ice cream for dessert!

Today, Camilla practiced saying "Plees...maaan" (police man) all day long! We had a police car with his lights turned on park outside our house for a good 20 minutes. Camilla liked watching through the window and saying "Plees man" repeatedly. I also learned that I need to be careful how much I say "Michael David" (which I jokingly call Mr. Stannix when he's 'in-big-trouble-mister'). This morning I said it and miss Camilla sternly repeated "MUT DAVEE!!" It was too cute not to laugh.  Kinda like at breakfast when she thought it was funny to shove her finger up her nose...After the second stern "No Camilla, that's yucky" I burst out laughing, and so did Mr. Stannix. She just looked so hilarious with her little grin and piggy nose, and she knew it! Good memories being made at the Stannix's!!

Stone Cold

This morning the Stannix's woke up in what felt like an igloo. Camilla had woken up a few times and walked to our bed saying "Up?". The second time I put her back to bed I noticed her room was freezing cold, but didn't think too much of it. As Mr. Stannix rolled over in the middle of the night I said "Is it colder in here, or is it just me?" and I got a "It's cold". On the plus side, I got some snuggling! Camilla hopped in with us early this morning for a quick snuggle and her feet were like little icicles. We woke up this morning and it seemed almost cold enough that you could see your breath. I know our house is old, but usually it's not this cold. Mr. Stannix bundled up and went down for a shower and even our bathroom was freezing! Stepping into the tub was like stepping on ice in your bare feet. Normally, if we keep the bathroom door shut at night it's super warm inside in the morning! Camilla curled up on the couch with a blanket, honey nut cheerios and her Elmo show for the morning while I started breakfast. As we ate, I thought my toes were going to fall off and wished I'd put a sweater on before coming down stairs. Something was definitely up! After breakfast, I bundled up and made us some hot chocolate to warm our insides. That made things a little more tolerable. I called up our awesome landlord and he came over to investigate for us, since I know nothing about the old school furnace that we have in our house. Turns out the pilot light went out at some point which meant no heat. It was an easy fix and we have an almost toasty house again!

Our beast of a furnace

This morning Camilla and I took in our program at the library. She had fun, like she always does. We then headed to the doctors for a pre-natal checkup. Camilla was very good for me and sat so nice. The baby is healthy and well. Just over a month to go! Camilla fell asleep on the way home and is now napping on the couch in her jacket and hat. At least she's warm!! I think I'm off to get some lunch and do some baking this afternoon!

Happy blogging!!

Highlights

Smooching Mr. Stannix on the stairs before he left for School today

Watching the excitement on Camilla's face, and hearing her squeal with delight as we spotted Daddy's bus come home, and then Daddy walking by the window (she always waves sweetly and blows a kiss)

Plugging in my new (to me) deep freeze

Camilla turning her garlic toast into a horse and making it 'neigh' and run around the dinner table

Watching Camilla play tenderly with her little baby doll, saying 'I love you' and giving her kisses

Going on a Costco run (to buy meat for my deep freeze)

Sharing dried mango with Camilla before she went to bed

Killing four yucky bugs in my house (less to worry about later!)

What Matters Most

Today, I have been thinking a lot about what matters most. I've been thinking about how I show love, how others show love to me and my family, how I use my time, what I place value on etc. As I thought about this, I got to spend some special time with Camilla reading, playing, building towers and giggling. She definitely has a love of laughter. When it came time for a nap, I could have just rushed through the motions, given a quick hug and kiss, and left her to fall asleep, but instead, I took my time. She said her little prayer, and crawled into her bed. I scooted her over and pulled up her covers. We then spent a few minutes reading a story (which she has practically memorized) and laughing. I gave her some water, and lots of kisses. As I left the room I heard a little voice ask "Hut?" and I turned around and gave her a huge hug/squeeze. She went to sleep no problem after that, I guess she felt more secure. I let her have her book to fall asleep, and heard her "read" it through once. After all was silent for a few minutes, I looked in to find her snoozing with her book covering her face. She must have been super tired! I went down stairs smiling, glad that she went to bed happy and content. 

I watched a video today titled "What Matters Most"  which takes bits an pieces from a talk given by Thomas S. Monson. I loved the message that he gave. Part of it talked about filling our days with the things which matter most. I've spent the majority of my day thinking about what those things are for me and how I show my love to those around me. I also thought about how lucky I am to have a husband who loves me and does things to show me he loves me. Last week, he spent an hour and a half chipping all the ice off our walks so that I wouldn't slip and fall and risk hurting the baby. Almost every night that he is home, he does my dishes after dinner and goes above and beyond. Sometimes, he does the dishes of the entire day! But he always finishes up his job by wiping down all counters, the sink, and the garbage. He also shines the taps! My kitchen literally sparkles when he is finished and I appreciate it! Those are just a few of the things he does to show me that he loves me! I am richly blessed! I hope that I may be able to fill my days with things that matter most and keep that eternal perspective!