Hudkins Family Tree Hunt

Today we went out and hunted down our Christmas tree. This is a pretty big deal because it's the first time we've ever done anything like this. We all bundled up and loaded up in the vehicle with the trailer in tow. After getting a tree permit we drove out past North Fork and began our hunt from the car.

"Oh! That's a nice one!"

"Look how full that one looks!"

"That one would look good!"

"Look at that line of trees over there!"

We all oo-ed and ah-ed the trees as we drove down the back road. I think we had each eyed up about 1000 trees before we even stopped the vehicle.

The Dad's went trudging through the snow to check out a few trees while we waited in the car. The left side of the road didn't have a lot to choose from, so they crossed back to the right side. They finally found one that they liked.

 I trudged over to check it out and was surprised at how much better it looked up close. Dad cut through it like a knife through butter and then at the last second asked Mr. Stannix to catch it. It made me giggle. Good thing Mr. Stannix is so strong!!

The strong Daddy's carried it back and loaded it on the trailer. The Mum's occupied the children and my talented sister photographed the whole experience. Camilla became disenchanted with the snow the moment she stepped in and it went over her boot. She hung with Gramma the rest of the time.

It just barely fit in the Rec Room, and looked way taller than we thought it was. Never in my entire life have I had a tree this tall. It was fun to get the ladder out and decorate for the afternoon.

The Daddy's strung the lights, Mr. Stannix and my Mum strung the garland, and we all added Christmas balls.

My Gramma Purdon came out to peek at the tree and visit. She also serenaded us with her harmonica playing "Jingle Bells" and "Away in a Manger". I didn't know she played the harmonica until now! When Mr. Stannix went out to grab the ladder he waved outside until I noticed him and then pretended to stick his tongue to the flag pole. I love my nerdy husband. Then Cj put on Grampa's big boots! She giggled and giggled as she stomped around the house. It was cute!

 After Dad got home from work we all enjoyed the festive lights that Mr. Stannix strung up in the pool room (and the ladder). It was a fabulous evening.

Countertop Conversations

Tonight we made Candy Cane hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. It led to all of us congergating in the kitchen, visiting and laughing together. Pretty soon a few of us hopped up onto the countertop to give our feet a rest while we sipped at our hot chocolate. I love nights like these, where we stay up late enjoying good food and good conversation, treating each night as if it's our last night together.

And We're Outta Here!

We are on our way to Gramma and Grampa's house. 

The kids are thrilled!

We are lucky to have such good little travelers. 

Farewell E-Town, until we meet again!

Boys Have Coodies

 Yesterday while I made dinner after church, I overheard the funniest conversation between Mr. Stannix and his girly. 

Daddy:

Camilla, am I your best friend?

Camilla:

No, You're a boyyyyy!

Although boys have coodies, this girly still kisses her Daddy. Today before he left to write his final exam Camilla gave him a nice, relaxing back scratch and a kiss on the cheek. We are so proud of him and all of his hard work.

 T-19 hours until he is done University FOREVER.

One More Week

I love this Season. Mr. Stannix and I were talking today about how there is only one more week left until Christmas. Time has gone by so so fast! We stayed in bed late into the morning (bonus of having church at 1:00 pm) and watched a few really good Christmas videos with the kiddos snuggled up with us. It was so wonderful to take a few minutes and reflect on the birth and life of Christ. 

I am so grateful for my Savoir and all he has done for me. What an amazing example we have to follow. I love reading the Christmas story and thinking about Mary and how wonderful and faithful she must have been.

In My Element

This time of year I often realize how comfortable I am just staying at home with my kiddos. I always feel so out of place and out of my element at big parties or work functions or social situations in general. Like anyone I do enjoy a good night out, or a good party with friends, but sometimes it just takes me a while to get out of my comfort zone and actually be myself.

I've always been the "shy" type, and labeled as "snobbish" for being my quiet self, but it's just who I am. Those who know me really well have seen me win at games such as Chubby Bunny (played with sour dino's instead of marshmallows), and giggle until I practically pee myself. Unless I know you really well, you probably won't see the confident, goofy me that is hiding inside.

I am however super comfortable and happy just being at home. It's my safety zone. I don't have huge desires to be anywhere else.

To me, being in my element is:
Making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for my baby girl.
Watching cookies baking in the oven
Planning which exciting meal I'm going to cook up next for my families enjoyment.
Giggling.
Playing at the park.
Listening to my little girl sing at the breakfast table.
Using a vocabulary that consists of "potty", "bubba", "sue sue" and other simple terms.
Stacks of folded laundry all over my couch.
A husband who comes home and greets me with a kiss.
Reading bed time stories to my little ones.
Kissing my babies all over their little faces anytime I want.
Tickling my children's bellies and listening to them giggle.
Hearing "I love you" from a child's lips.
Wrapping them in towel and snuggling them after a warm bath.
Cuddling up to Mr. Stannix on the couch to watch a movie or TV series that we're hooked on.
Pulling the children's covers up before I go to bed and watching them peacefully sleep.
Falling asleep in the arms of my Mr. Stannix.

Being in my element, or feeling comfortable, is being home with my family. There is no where else I'd rather be! I don't think any other job could top the joy I get from being a mother.

Meet the "Murfs"

Meet Camilla's "Murfs".

Last night in the middle of her bath she asked me,

"Mum, please grab my Murf for me, please?"

It took me a couple of minutes to figure out who she wanted.

These dudes have been her best friends. 

Today the Picasso-looking "Murf" is helping her perfect her painting.

 Every time she says "Murf" I almost break out into uncontrollable giggles.

I love that girl.

Christmas at the Mall

On Monday after Mr. Stannix's final exam we all went to the Mall to cruise around and finish up our Christmas Shopping. We went on Monday afternoon to purposely avoid traffic and crowds and it worked out pretty good. Parking was a breeze and the mall wasn't super crowded. We checked out the amazing decorations, watched a few kids cry on Santa's knee, and walked and walked and walked. The kids were so good for us!

As we cruised the second floor we were just in time for the sea lion show. They even had a grinch. We couldn't hear very well, but it was fun to watch still. Camilla talked about how they splashed into the water all day. 

We also checked out the Disney store. Mr. Stannix took Camilla into the little Castle and they cruised the store together so that she could stretch her legs. As I was wondering around a man that worked there came up to me and wanted to show me something. He waved this princess wand in front of a mirror and then asked me to step in front of it. I did and then it turned on with a picture of a princess and he goes, "It only works for a real princess". I laughed uncomfortably and then Mr. Stannix came to my rescue. phew. We found Hyrum's Christmas gift there and couldn't resist getting it. It's something he will use and play with for years to come and I can't wait for him to get his chubby fingers on it. 

We then went and hit up a photo booth. It's kind of been a Christmas tradition since we were married. For having two kids and a picture snapping every 5 seconds, they turned out pretty good I'd say. The second and third are my faves. 

The Nutcracker

On Friday night Mr. Stannix and I went on a date to the Nutcracker. He got us tickets a little while ago and we've been looking forward to it ever since. Neither of us had ever been to a professional ballet performance before. When we got the Jubilee it was decked out for Christmas with giant Christmas trees lit up in front of the windows on every level and hot chocolate venders all around. It was magical. 

We proceeded up a flight of stairs to the balcony, and then realized we were on balcony two. We laughed and then walked up another flight of stairs. Personally, I think "the second balcony" sounds way more romantic than "front row seating", not to mention we could see inside the orchestra pit (so cool).

We found our seats early and enjoyed snuggling on the second balcony and staring at the stage.

The performance was wonderful! The dresses were gorgeous and the dancers amazing. I would have went just to listen to the orchestra though. I sat the whole time missing my flute and being part of a band. The music was phenomenal. Mr. Stannix even enjoyed himself. He is not one of those husbands that has to be dragged to the ballet, and for that I am grateful. He actually thought it was pretty cool! He did however wish the fight scene was longer, and enjoyed that part the most. As for me? I liked the end of Act I. All I could do was stare at the ballerina's toes in amazement.

After the show we snapped a self portrait in front of a Christmas tree in the lobby. 

Then we braved the cold to the car and headed home to our sweet Children who we left in the care of my sister....

 They had fun! Thanks Auntie Emma!

Sick Days

Camilla woke up last night throwing up. On went the light, off went the bedding into the wash. Our whole house was awake at 4:30am and it was tough getting Hyrum back to sleep.  I gave up at 6:00am and brought him downstairs for a bottle and then we snuggled on the couch until 8:00am.

Camilla keeps saying she needs to puke and then coughs over her puke bucket. 

After breakfast she looked at me and said, "Thanks for getting my puke bucket mommy. Thanks for holding my hair for me. Thank-you." She's so sweet even though she's sick.

Daddy stayed home while I went to church. I had to play Organ and perform in a flute trio. Two hours of sleep just isn't enough for my brain to function properly on the Organ. It was a gong show. I put Hyrum down to sleep before I left to make things easy. Camilla and Daddy watched "Happy Feet". I walked in to Mr. Stannix saying, "shh". The girl was zonked on the couch. She had fallen asleep in her Daddy's arms an hour earlier and was still sleeping. Hyrum has been out for three hours and counting. It must have been the late night wake up call that has left us all 

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