Scenes From Thanksgiving

This weekend was a blast! We spent lots of time with family and it was nice to escape the city and get some good time to relax (even though we stayed up way too late)!

 We had fun with Nana and celebrated Thanksgiving and Faith's 13th birthday on Sunday night!

We spent Monday with my family for Thanksgiving. 

 Grampa, Mr. Stannix and little Camilla spent part of the afternoon up in the garden digging the last few rows of potatoes. Camilla enjoyed sitting in the potato holes and getting wheelbarrow rides. It was a chilly fall day, but oh so beautiful. Mr. Stannix tended a giant fire for the rest of the afternoon as we burned the old raspberry canes. Camilla trucked around outside, played ball with Daddy for a while and played with Grampa. I got to snuggle Mr. Stannix by the fire as we talked about our hopes and dreams for the future. We both agreed that we wanted something like this someday, an acreage where we can relax and putter around outside, it's good for the soul. 

My Gramma came home from the hospital this week. She's had a tough year full of surgeries and illnesses. Now that she is feeling better I brought the kids over to see her. She got to hold Hyrum for the first time since he was born. With the illness that she had she wasn't allowed to hold or play with the children for the longest time. Finally, we were able to get a four generation shot.

 Tears filled her eyes, and emotion overtook her as she hung onto her great-grand baby for the first time since he was born. Camilla snuggled up to her as well. It was a very tender moment. My sister and I snuggled up with her on the couch after and she let the tears flow. She held our hands, and pulled us in close and there we sat, the three of us together. It was also sweet to see a special moment shared by Gramma and Grampa as they snuggled on the couch. That is fifty five years of love and life right there.

My Mum and Sis baked pies for dinner. It was the first pie my sister has made and it was de-lish! My mamma makes the best apple pies, so she's learning from the master.

Dad carved the turkey for dinner, and we all crowded around stealing pieces of meat here and there, or as we passed through the kitchen.

Camilla climbed up in the chair as soon as I put the dressing on the table and while we were all busy in the kitchen prepping food, she stole chunks of dressing right from the bowl. When I noticed I moved it to the other side of the table and she said, "Hey, bring that back here! It's good for Camilla!". She then had a meltdown at dinner because she missed her nap. She didn't want dressing or potatoes, and then when I took them away she DID want them. She ate so much, I don't know where she put it all. Then I bathed the kiddos and Mr. Stannix packed up the car. The babes were asleep before we even hit town and snoozed the whole way home.

Corn Maze

It has been a busy, fun filled weekend so far! We came home for Thanksgiving and have been spending time with family. We started off at Nana's house and enjoyed our time there, opening presents, playing with the dog, watching movies, and hanging out. It's been fun to play there and special for the kids to have Nana put them into their jammies. Today we all went to the corn maze for the afternoon. Camilla had a blast!

We started by checking out the slide and games before we went to the mazes. They had a pretty sweet set up! The last time Mr. Stannix and I went to this corn maze we were just married a few months and went with friends. They have made so many improvements since we were there last! They had a bunch of slides for the kids, pony rides, go cart races, face painting, rubber duck races, pits for roasting, picnic tables, and a pumpkin gun (which they shot at an old bus).

 You could also buy pumpkins, fresh from the field! My sister snapped some pictures of the kiddos on her fancy camera. I love this time of the year!

We roasted hot dogs and smokies over a fire for lunch, and then Camilla ran around and Grampa walked around with Hyrum. With the kiddos all being occupied, I had some time to snuggle up to Mr. Stannix on the hay bails.

 They had these goats that you could feed on the sky walk. It was pretty neat to watch!

 Soon after we made our way into the mazes. Camilla loved it and was constantly telling Auntie Emma to hurry up (because she was taking pictures) so she wouldn't get lost.

 Then Camilla started hiding and jumping out to scare people as they went by her. She made some guys laugh pretty hard with her cute little ROAR. Mr. Stannix found a stalk of corn on the ground and started practising his ninja skills, and almost took out a random person who he didn't realize was behind him.

 I had fun carrying my little man around for the day. He's so easy going and ejoyed being outside.

 Finally we made it to one of the three lookout towers and climbed the steep steps to check out where the end of the maze was. What a beautiful sight! I was so impressed with the blue sky, sunlight and corn. It was amazing!

 After we made it down from the towers, Camilla had a mid-maze-meltdown which started on the ground, getting dirty hands and smudging her tears all over her face. Who needs a $12.00 butterfly painted on your face when wet mud will give you the same effect?

 Thank-you Auntie Emma for being the unofficial photographer for the day! We love your pictures as always!

 It didn't feel like we were lost for too long before we found our way out!

 It was fun for me to spend time with my sister for the afternoon. She is one talented photographer! Most of these pictures are hers (shh don't tell).

Mr. Stannix also got to spend some valuable time with his little sister who spent the day with us.

Until Next Year...

For My Daughter...

There are many things a mother should teach her daughter and one of the important lessons that I want my daughter to know is that beauty springs from femininity.
 
"Femininity is not just lipstick, stylish hairdos, and trendy clothes. It is the divine adornment of humanity. It finds expression in your qualities of your capacity to love, your spirituality, delicacy, radiance, sensitivity, creativity, charm, graciousness, gentleness, dignity, and quiet strength. It is manifest differently in each girl or woman, but each of you possesses it. Femininity is part of your inner beauty."

~James E. Faust

Two Year Old Shenanigans

Last night I was up with a teething baby, coughing toddler, and puking Daddy. I spent the morning on the couch snuggling Hyrum who wouldn't sleep unless held. The morning was filled with clouds and grey, but Camilla totally changed my mood the second she woke up. She ran downstairs and gave me a big kiss and hug good morning. Then she ate cookies for breakfast! It got me thinking about all of the hilarious things she's done lately to brighten my day. Camilla is at such a fun age right now. Difficult some days, but always hilarious.

This little diddy was taken when she dug down deep into the diaper bag and discovered my lipstick. It now has chunks taken out of it, but I guess it'll still do the job! 

Yesterday she was playing with an empty paper towel roll in the kitchen. She slid her alphabet magnets through it one by one and would exclaim, "Yee-haw!" after each made it successfully out the other end. 

Her newest movie kick is "101 Dalmations". She calls it her "lamation movie". Her favorite is "Pon-oh" the dog and she refers to Cruella as a "Pay-zee Damma". She likes to run around the house all day quoting a line from the end of the movie, "One hundred and ONE!? Where-all come from?" over and over. At the dinner table I caught her saying, "My toes are froze, and my nose is froze". What a kid!

She loves gingersnap cookies, but calls them chocolate cookies because of their color. She can't get enough of them and will do anything to get her mitts on a second...third...and maybe even fourth. She always comes up to me and asks nicely for another and then says, "This be the laaaast one mommy. Last one."

She loves having "Choo-choo's" for breakfast with milk and sugar of course.

The other morning I was showering and she wanted in. She knocked on the door and then shouted, "Get me outta this place!" even though she really meant in.

Every time she wraps herself or baby doll in a blanket she goes, "Look, all wrapped up in an eiderdown!" It's what they call a blanket in her "Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes" book.

When Daddy left for work this morning she repeatedly said, "Bye Mr. Gator! Bye Mr. Gator!" over and over again until she was heard.  She really meant see ya later alligator, and after I said it, she repeated that.

When we ate lunch today she looked at her bowl of sour cream and chive side kicks, pointed at the bowl and said, "Is that spinach in there?" Thank-you little bear for teaching my girl what spinach is.

Our Morning Adventure

This morning we took a walk to the library. I bundled up the children in coats and hats and was surprised by the crisp, coldness of the outdoors! It had rained the night before, so there was a chill in the air and you could see your breath. 

Camilla insisted on walking, and helped me push Hyrum in the stroller. It always amazes me how far her little legs can carry her. She collected sticks along the way, and found one that made a perfect walking stick. We warmed up at the library and took our time looking at the fish, books, and movies. On the way home we collected leaves and explored the puddles in the alley. Camilla couldn't resist splashing! I stood in the alley and watched as she ran through a long puddle over and over again. One of life's simple pleasures. 

By the time we made it back to the door her shoes and jeans were soaked. After lunch Hyrum went down for a nap and Camilla and I did a craft together. It's amazing what you can create with an iron, a few sheets of wax paper and chunks of crayon. These beauties now decorate the side of my fridge. Camilla has big plans for a few of them.

Good Luck Daddy

Today we were all up before the sun to get Daddy ready and off to his big exam! We are sending good luck vibes his way! Yesterday Camilla looked at Mr. Stannix and said, "My Daddy, he's SO sweet! And he's SO heavy!" I'm sure she meant strong.

I spent the morning organizing my fridge. It is the place I keep my pictures and quotes that inspire me. It was getting a little cluttered. Some quotes were taken away and new ones were added. It was exciting. 

We are looking forward to spending the weekend together without homework or distractions. We will enjoy watching General Conference on the big screen in our living room or "vroom-room" as Camilla calls it. I am looking forward to hearing the messages which have been prepared for us and especially to listen to our Prophet's voice.

Reaching Up

Today I am feeling very sentimental and a bit teary eyed. Maybe it's because Camilla has practically given up napping and I'm going to miss those quiet afternoon moments. Maybe it's because she trashed the one stick of lipstick I own today. Maybe it's because I just finished packing up a box of baby clothes that are too small for my little boy. Maybe it's because my children are growing so so fast and I am already missing the moments I get to spend with them playing on the grass in the autumn leaves, kicking a ball in the backyard, or reading stories. Or maybe it's because the only thing on my mind this passed week is how my little boy who was born what seems like yesterday is almost half a year old. Where does the time go? It just makes me realize how important it is to cherish the time we have with the children because we can't buy back yesterdays.

Today Hyrum is five months old and growing big. He rolled once from his stomach to his back on Sunday, but is just content to lay around and smile at people. He likes to do half turns to grab things on the change table while I'm changing him. He is becoming more interactive and responsive and loves to hold things. I am in love with his constant smiles and carefree nature. I am in love with the way he looks up at me, just to flash me a handsome grin. I am in love with the way he reaches up to touch my face with this amazed look in his eyes, like he can't believe I'm his forever. It makes me feel so special to be his mother. 

I love that I get to be home with my children each day enjoying their giggles and being smothered with hugs and kisses. Right now my sink is stacked high with dirty dishes, but that doesn't matter, they aren't going anywhere anytime soon. My children, however, are growing and changing daily, and I can hardly keep up! My bathroom is sometimes messy, but Camilla helps me clean it with her splashes at bath time. The giggles are worth it! My couch is sometimes stacked to the roof with laundry to be folded, but we enjoy the adventure as we work together and play pretend. The chores are never ending, but so is the joy. This is heaven on earth.

The Hokey-Pokey

Mr. Stannix let me sleep in for a little while this morning. When he got up to get ready for his day, Camilla followed him downstairs. I fell back to sleep moments later. When I finally woke up I heard Camilla singing the Hokey-Pokey up and down the hallway.  I smiled to myself when she said,  "Shake it all about"... I got dressed and went downstairs just in time to kiss Mr. Stannix good-bye and feed the girl who was now sitting at the table requesting crackers and butter (something my dad used to make us when he had soup on Sunday afternoons). They had played together and brushed their teeth together. I am so grateful to Mr. Stannix for letting me catch a few extra Z's!

After some toast, porridge, and a round of dishes, we loaded up in the stroller and took off to the park for the morning to visit with friends. I smiled at the sound of the leaves crunching under my feet and the stroller wheels. It was a great walk! The wind was pretty strong and the leaves were swirling to the ground all around us. Finally, we arrived, unbuckled and ran free. Camilla is such a big girl at the park now! I hardly helped her with anything today, just in and out of the swing. She ran around with her friends and played. I was very grateful for her and her independence today as I had my cousins' sweet little boy with us, and he wanted to be cuddled. We all enjoyed some delicious chocolate cookies brought by a friend and it was great to get out and chat with so many other moms. When we got home, some napped, and some didn't. Whenever someone is sleeping Camilla goes, "Shh, we have to be tow-it" (sounds like tower, but with an -it). That and her belly laugh will make me smile every time!

Another funny moment from today was when Camilla told a story to my cousin about when I took away her books the other day because she wouldn't nap, and then how I shut the bedroom door...She finished by showing off her fat lip and saying, with her head tilted to the ground, "It was tewibble!"

In the Middle of the Night

Last night I got this song stuck in my head and I'm still singing it this morning, hence the title of this post. Around 2:30 I was woken up by the sound of Hyrum blowing bubbles with his tongue and cooing. He was awake, but content. I listened to him from my bed as I tried to force my eyelids to stay open. I sat up in bed and touched my feet to the cool hardwood and ventured over to the next room. The floor creaked and groaned as I walked across the landing. Knowing where the "bad" spots are, I was able to maneuver my tired legs around them so that I wouldn't wake up Camilla with the noise. I looked over the edge of the crib and saw the faint outline of a grin as he kicked his legs in excitement. I tucked his little arms back into his blanket and wrapped him up snug, then cradled him in my arms as I walked to the rocking chair. I sat and nursed him for quite a while, but he would not go back to sleep. Finally, wrapped up tight, I tucked him back into his crib and left him to fall asleep on his own. He continued to coo and blow bubbles for the next half an hour. Finally, slightly annoyed that he was keeping me up, I hopped out of my warm bed again and tried to feed him one last time. He nursed for a few seconds, then looked up at me and stared. There in the dark we sat and rocked and stared into each others eyes. I took my fingers and started drawing on his face. First, around his eyes, then across his forehead, then down the side of his face, up to his ear, and around his eyes. As I sat I listened to the odd car drive by on the street and watched the glow of the orange streetlights outside the upstairs window. With every circle I made around his eyes, they slowly began to close. Just as he fell asleep I heard the 3:30 train whistle in the distance. I snuggled him for a second and then placed him in his crib and covered him up. As I left the room in my tired state I thought of the events of that special moment over and over so that I wouldn't forget them in the morning. I didn't want to forget the way that he looked up at me and watched my face. I didn't want to forget the warmth of his tiny body as it cuddled into mine. I didn't want to forget the love that I felt for my growing baby boy. I went back to bed grateful for the special time that we got to spend together, just the two of us, in the quiet dark room of our old house.

Homemade Play Dough

This morning after Hyrum went down for his nap I decided Camilla needed some fun one on one time. We made homemade play dough and spent the morning making fake cookies, sandwiches, and pizza. The familiar feel of the play dough on my fingers brought back so many memories of when I was a kid. I'm pretty sure my mum made this for us at least once a month if not more! 

It's super easy and quick to make. The best part is that it doesn't have a strong smell and if she eats it, I know what's in it! 

Play Dough Recipe

1 Cup flour

1 Cup water

1 TBSP oil

1/2  Cup Salt

2 Tsp Cream of Tartar

Mix together in frying pan and cook like scrambled eggs, scraping bottom frequently until it cooks and pulls together into a ball like shape. Dump onto the counter and knead until it cools. Add your favorite food coloring and voila!

Although making lots of colors is fun, the monochromatic part of me wished I had just made one color. Camilla invented a whole new color called marble from the orange, blue, and pink. When we're done playing with it, we will roll it into balls, or a ball depending on how much the colors mix, and store it in the fridge in a plastic bag for more fun tomorrow!