A Time to Reflect

I was in my kitchen last night tidying up before bed and making some toast when I noticed an orange glow coming in the window. I went to the front door and saw the most vivid colors of orange and pink that I've seen in a long time. The sun was just setting and casting a glow on everything it touched. The wet pavement made the perfect landing for the sun's rays. I stood on my front porch listening to the rain trickling down. It was beautiful, and breath taking. A view that would stimulate all of your senses at once. I had to take a picture. I never wanted to forget the view from my front door.

Yesterday was one of the hardest days that I've had in a while. Camilla got out of bed a zillion times when I tried to put her down for her nap. It took an hour and a half to finally get her to stay in her bed. After that hour and a half I felt like the worst mother in the world. I lost it after about the 10th time carrying her up the stairs and putting her back in her bed. We both shed a few tears, hers out of sadness and mine out of frustration. I wish I could be the calm mother that never raises her voice. I wish I could keep our house in order whilst finding time to play all day with the children. I wish I had more patience. All in all, I was feeling pretty bummed last night. When I went to put the camera away in the office, I glanced out the balcony door and noticed a rainbow. I called Mr. Stannix in to share in the moment with me. Together we looked out the window at the rainbow, so delicately placed in the glowing sky. 

To me, rainbows mean a fresh start. I was looking forward to waking up today, and having a fresh start. I was also hoping that Camilla would make her way into our room for a morning snuggle so that I could get my good morning hug and giggle with her in bed. Hyrum woke up and found his voice. He was screaming and cooing while Daddy was in the shower this morning. Soon, his big sister made it into our room and greeted us with an enthusiastic "Good Morning!". It is a good morning, and I hope my day will be just as good.

Two Year Old for Sale

We have a two year old for sale or trade.

She's very creative, and loves to play with blocks.

 She's willing to try anything, but gets bored very easily.

She will sing "I am a Child of God" to calm a crying baby.

She's a really good climber, and can climb her way into a crib at the drop of a hat!

She is a talented dancer and loves to "shake-a bum bum".

She's a really big helper, especially when it comes to setting the table for dinner.

She's pretty care-free and likes to splash and sing in the rain. 

She is a really great big sister, and loves to cuddle!

 Did I mention she gives really good smooches?

She's a bit of a dare-devil, but it will keep you on your toes and help you loose those few extra pounds.

If any one's interested, leave me a comment and I'll get back to ya!

***

On second thought, maybe we'll keep her.

The Deathly Hallows

This last weekend Mr. Stannix and I had the opportunity to see the final Harry Potter movie, sans kiddos. My Dad and sister babysat for us! We took off just after 10:00pm to the theater. We got out the door and Mr. Stannix was already walking 10 feet in front of me because he was so excited. It's kind of a running joke between us. Any time there's a movie/theater involved, he gets so excited and walks so far in front of me! I only had to remind him that we were on a date, and then he held my hand the rest of the night! The theater was buzzing with excitement and there was Harry Potter fans dressed up all around us. It was super fun to see. We bought a slush at the concession and waited in line to enter the theater. When it was time we got our tickets scanned and picked up our shnazzy pair of 3D glasses. Mr. Stannix had reserved GREAT seats, right in the middle of the theater, level with the screen. We then lounged back in our chairs and waited for the show to start. When it started, I leaned over and whispered to Mr. Stannix something like, "It's only been 10 minutes and I already have goose bumps up my legs". Overall I thought it was very well done! Only a few things I would have changed. When the movie finished, Mr. Stannix grabbed my hand and led me through the crowd and out of the theater. It was way past midnight, which meant it was way past our bed time. Mr. Stannix wasn't feeling well from all the 3D-ness, so we will be seeing it again soon, this time in 2D. I am seriously contemplating reading the books again, Mr. Stannix will be shocked!

A Weekend Outing

With Mr. Stannix all done his CASB for a bit, we had some time to do some fun things this weekend! On Saturday we got to spend the day with my family. I had some fun things that I wanted to do. It was a great day full of outings and relaxation. In the morning, my Dad, Mr. Stannix and Emma went to the temple. After they got home, we all had lunch and then headed out to catch a train. We explored the farmers market for a little while and then waited in line for the 3:00PM train. 

Grampa and Emma walked the tracks with Camilla while we waited, it was cute!

The tickets were so old school! I loved the whole experience of purchasing a ticket and then getting it punched by the conductor. Mr. Stannix felt like he was boarding the polar express!

Camilla had so much fun jumping from lap to lap and looking out the window as we went through the tunnel and over the highlevel bridge. 

Camilla made friends with the boy next to her.

When we reached "the end of the line" a lot of people got off the train. We got our tickets punched for trip 2 and then Mr. Stannix grabbed a seat near the front and waved me over to steal a romantic moment. I loved it!

Something about being on an old train and sitting by my Mr. Stannix...

Finally, we reached the end of our line and said good-bye to the old train car.

 We spent the rest of our afternoon in the wading pools at the Legislature. Auntie Emma had fun with the kiddos and even tried out carrying Hyrum in the baby wrap.

 It was fun having Gramma and Grampa there to play with and snuggle the kiddos!
My Mum is beautiful!

 Uncle Chris had a lot of fun with miss Camilla. I enjoyed some time with Mr. Stannix!

 Camilla had a blast in the water, even when she was shivering she didn't want to get out!

 Even Grampa joined in on the fun! We had a nice little splash fest.

 Camilla didn't mind being splashed at all!

 I think this picture sums up how much fun I was having that day!

 Then it was time to walk back to the car and head for home. It was such a beautiful day. I felt so blessed to be surrounded by family. The memories created were priceless!

Going to the Moon

The other morning I was upstairs putting Hyrum to bed and I could hear Camilla singing "Happy Birthday". I went down the stairs and found her like this...

"Tooo youuuuu"

It was hilarious. On this particular day, she was cracking me up all morning. Sometimes I miss the imagination I used to have as a kid. I think it's easy for it to get lost when you become an adult. I'm so glad I have children to remind me how fun it is to play pretend. For example, Camilla showed me that crazy carpets make the best rocket ships that money can buy! Her and her baby zoomed to the moon and back all morning long!

"Zoom, Zoom, Zoom! We're goin' to the Moon!"

And just because I haven't posted much on our little man for a while, here's some new pictures! I think he's pretty stinkin' handsome!

Daddy Buys the Treats

The other day Camilla spotted a bag of Oreos on the top shelf of the pantry and asked if she could have one. I took the bag down and opened it up. She pointed at it and exclaimed, "Daddy go shoppin'!" The night before, Daddy had indeed come shopping with us, and put the Oreos in the cart. I guess she knows who buys the treats around here! As I watched her eat the Oreo, I wondered who taught her the art of eating an Oreo cookie. It was perfect -- Twist, pull, raise, lick.  The only thing I might add would be a glass of milk!

Love This Province

Mr. Stannix and I took a trip to the Acreage this last weekend.

I couldn't help but gaze at the fields on the way out.

I fell in love with my province all over again. 

It was the perfect afternoon--A thunderstorm was rolling in. 

I admired the contrast of the dark thunderheads and the yellow fields. 

Some of the fields seemed to stretch on for miles and miles. 

It felt so wonderful to be out of the city.

We had the windows rolled down and enjoyed the air-before-the-storm. 

It was refreshing. 

As I took in a deep breath, all of my worries melted away.

I felt like a weight had been lifted off my chest.

I love this place. 

This is home to me.

All Clean Now

Little children are amazing. If we were all like little children, this world would be an amazing place. They are so open, honest, care-free, and full of love. They are also oh so forgiving. Last night around bath time, things got a little hairy around here. I bathed both kids at once as per usual. I took Hyrum out and upstairs to dress him and miss Camilla snuck out of the tub and ran around the house getting water everywhere. Juggling two kids is never fun, but juggling them both when they are tired and cranky is not my favorite thing. Camilla was not cooperating and I was super running low on patience. I picked up the toys in the tub fuming with frustration, throwing them into the bucket, and then popped the plug out and lifted her out onto the mat. I grabbed her towel and wrapped it around her to dry her off. She looked up at me with her sparkly blue eyes and exclaimed, "All clean now!!" My heart melted, and all of those feelings of frustration and anger disappeared as I lifted my soggy little girl up for a hug. She wrapped her tiny arms around my neck, not withholding anything, and gave me the biggest squeeze. I whispered in her ear, "Yes, you are all clean now". It amazes me how quick they are to forgive and how they can love you without holding anything back. It also made me think of the atonement and how grateful I am that we can be forgiven and made clean again. I love the lessons my two year old teaches me each day. 

Monsters

Camilla is loving her new birthday toy. Yesterday she ran in to me with a pleased look on her face and said, "Look, Mum, I drawed a monster!!" It was pretty scary looking with all of the scribbles. I asked her to point out its nose, eyes etc. And she happily did. Then I asked her, "What's the monster's name?" She looked up at me and said, "Monster" like she couldn't believe I had to ask. She has drawn me a lot more monsters today, and they all have the same name, "Monster". She will bring me the toy and show me her art work and I will ask, "What's that?" and she will whisper, "A monster!!". I think she's watched a little too much Monsters Inc. Then she gave the toy to me and said, "You draw-a monster too, Mum". So I did. It was almost a perfect replica of Mike Wazowski, except for maybe the legs. I showed it to her and asked, "Who's that?" and she replied, "Monster". Guess I have to work on my art skills a little more!! I think she's all done drawing monsters for the day. Now it's on to block towers and some lunch!!

Camilla is Two

Dearest Camilla,

Today you turn two! I can't believe how fast these two years have gone by. I still remember two years ago, shortly after 10:00am when we welcomed you into this world. Daddy got to cuddle you first. You felt safe in his arms and just looked up intently at him. We were so excited that you were our little girl! It's crazy to think how much you have changed in such a short time. The first week that you were home, we slept on the couch almost every night. You liked to be held and snuggled, and I liked having you close to me.

You have grown up so much since that day. You are now full of life and love! You are a great little helper and always see the needs of others at such a young age. You love to share and make others happy. You are so good at taking care of your little brother and always bring me diapers and wipes when I need them, sometimes without even being asked. You love to set the table for dinner and will often ask for a fork a few hours before dinner is even ready. You love to swing at the park and I can never seem to push you high enough for your liking. You have a very daring side to you and love adventure and fun. You also have a very loving side. You will spontaneously wrap your arms around our necks and whisper "I love you" in our ears. It is so special! Your favorite song is "I am a Child of God" and you always ask me to play it for you. When you sing it to Hyrum, he smiles and sometimes falls asleep. You are everything we could have dreamed of! We love you so much! Happy second birthday my girl!