Christmas Snapshots

Yesterday was Christmas! Hyrum woke up at 5:00 am for his first bottle of the night. I layed him in his crib after he finished his milk and he drifted back to sleep. Mr. Stannix woke up at 6:30 and couldn't stand the excitement any longer. Soon Camilla was awake and up we went to open her stocking. "Look what Santa bwought me mum!" We got the whole thing on video. Then we sent her to wake up the grandparents.

Uncle Chris snoozed and snored on the couch through it all. He can sleep through anything I think. Soon we were joined by Great Gramma and Grampa Hudkins and my parents. Dad passed out the presents like every year and we all watched each other open them. The kids had fun and Camilla wanted each thing taken out after it was unwrapped. She and Hyrum came away with some good loot. Camilla had a kitchen theme this year and loves to make us meals with her fake kitchen. Mr. Stannix finally got his warm dress coat and is in love with it. He got me a new, quicker camera to capture our family memories for the blog. He also had he honor of opening the family blog book this year. Hyrum vibrated with excitement as he would tear at the paper here and there to finally discover what was inside.

We then had a quick breakfast and scrambled to make it to church on time. It was a lovely meeting though and I'm super glad we went! I love Christmas! When we got home the kids played some more. Hyrum loved playing inside a box. Sometimes I wonder why we even bother with fancy toys!

After lunch my little brother called from his mission in Chile. We were delighted to be able to see him thanks to skype. (You can check that out here). He told us he had a whole two hours to chat with all of us. We soaked up every momet. The first ten minutes seemed to last forever. I went to get Gramma Purdon so she could be in on the conversation. She sat infront of the computer and started to tear up. I then started to tear up and was very emotional for the rest of the conversation.

He has been out six months now and is doing great! His Spanish is really good and he and his companion sang "Called to Serve" for us in Spanish. My little brother is already so so grown up! I am so proud of him. When it came to the end of the two hours we all cried through our good-byes and it took a good five minutes for either of us to work up the courage to end the call. Mr. Stannix wrapped his arms around me and comforted me after. I love my dear Mr. S. I don't know what I would do without him.

We then enjoyed presents and a visit from Nana. Camilla named her toy puppy "Dutchess" from the Aristocat movie. She also likes to say to me,"Groovy Mamma, Groovy". She cracks me up! We spent the rest of the afternoon visiting and the kids played with their toys.

I meant to snap pictures of the family together before I jammied the kids, but we didn't. They still turned out pretty good! I was nice to get a four generation photo. It is so wonderful to be surrounded by family!

Gramma and Grampa Hudkins with the Great Grands

Four Generations

Christmas Letter 2011

We just wanted to wish our friends and family a very Merry Christmas. This year has gone by so quickly it seems. We have been blessed with great friends and great adventures.

As of this month Mike will officially be done his schooling at the University of Alberta. He has put a lot of time and energy into his studies and for that I am grateful. He will start work full time January 2012 at KPMG and finish his designation on the side. It’s a long road, but well worth the effort. 

I have been busy doing the job I’ve always dreamed of. I enjoy the sweet moments I get to share with the children as we go on adventures, bake cookies, color, and dance in the rain. It is in these moments that my heart is filled to the top with joy. I have recently become addicted to crocheting hats and it has sort of turned into a mini side business and is something I enjoy doing very much. 

Camilla turned two years old in July and is enjoying life as a big sister. She loves to dance and sing all day long as well as color and read books. She is a great little mommy to her baby dolls and loves having tea parties in the living room. She is quite the talker now and especially enjoys talking on the phone. She has been a great big sister and is always helpful. I love her sweet little spirit and her big heart.  

In April we became a family of four. Hyrum David was born April 29^th, 2011 weighing 7lbs 9oz.  He loved being swaddled and snuggled and has turned into quite a chill little man. He sits back and goes with the flow of things. He loves to watch his big sister and she gets the best belly laughs from him. They are so cute together.

For our Family Vacation in August we spent time in Waterton and Cardston camping with friends, and then in Kimberley B.C. camping together. It added up to about a week total of tenting it and the little kids did great. Camilla enjoyed swimming in the lake and building sandcastles with Daddy.

As I remember everything we’ve done this year I feel so grateful for all of our many blessings. I am so grateful to be a mother and find so much joy and fulfillment in this special role. I am so grateful for a wonderful husband who works so hard for us. 

At this Christmas time I am so grateful for our Savior who was born. What a great example we have to follow. I am thankful for all he has done for us. 

 **Big shout out to my talented sis who snapped these photos for us!**

Christmas Eve

Today was a fun day! Mum put the Turkey on in the morning and made her dressing. She was pretty busy in the kitchen all day and we tried to help where we could.

I got a few minutes to myself during Hyrum's morning nap to read and study my Scriptures. I finished off by reading the Christmas Story in Luke. What an amazing story. My sister then played one of my very favorite Christmas songs on the piano. My brother used to play his French Horn while I played the piano and my sister sang. I love the lyrics to this song. It's such a beautiful song. The words and melody alone are enough to make one teary eyed. I think it expresses my feelings perfectly.

The Manger Bed

Mollie J. Bridgers

A Long time ago in a land far away,

A Baby was born, a miracle took place.

The baby lay awake in a manger filled with hay.

Mary, the mother, looked upon her baby's face.

Chorus:

Did she know the heartache she would suffer?

Could she see the challenges ahead?

Did she know her Son's life would be taken?

Did she sense this, as He lay in the manger bed?

As Mary held her child, she felt joy and happiness.

The sweetness of her baby was pure and innocent.

He was to be the Savior, He would give all He had,

To share the love of Father with fellow man.

Chorus

Did she know her Son would be my brother?

Could she know the love He would possess?

Did she know her Son's life would change my life?

Did she sense this, as He lay in the manger bed?

After Camilla and Gramma and Auntie Emma got back from town, Grampa hooked up the sled behind the quad and took the kids for a spin around the subdivision. On the way back they got excited and Daddy told them to put their hands in the air and cheer. Cutest thing ever.

We shared dinner with friends and family out by the Christmas tree and it was a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit. My Mum is a fabulous cook!

All day Camilla's been "talking to Santa" on her pretend cell phone and making all of us talk to him. Tonight after our pool game he called for real just to talk to Camilla. She ended the conversation by saying, "Well, I'm just watching a show. Bye. HoHoHo." Soon we heard bells coming up the walk and in came Kris Kringle (emphasis on the "Chris"). The girly's eyes got so wide and excited. It was pretty fun!

Looking at Santa

After the children were bathed and in bed, we all enjoyed watching Santa Clause 2. It's been a great weekend so far and I can't wait for tomorrow!!

Gingerbread Houses

Tonight we made the traditional gingerbread houses. Camilla and Auntie Emma made a rice krispie house and called it Cami Estates. There was lots of laughter and fun conversations had.

Mum made pies and Christmas pudding in preparation for the Christmas dinner tomorrow. Gramma and Grampa and Uncle Chris came and we all shared dinner together. Mr. Stannix put in his order yesterday for a wrap around deck. It looked pretty sweet!

Some people were having trouble with their roof. Dad came up with the genious idea of cups, and it worked perfect. I must say that Mr. Stannix has come a long way since our first year of gingerbread house making and he didn't need to use the cups. I'll never forget how proud he was of the house our first year together (we were dating). He told my dad he was going to save it for his posterity and they laughed. Almost four years later and look where we are now!!

Cami girl had more fun eating the candy. I think she did a "one for the house one for me deal". I'll be surprised if she sleeps tonight!

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.