Today was not my day. Everything that could go wrong did. I was awoken when Camilla dropped her baby on her brothers head while he was sleeping in the crib. Not fun. I left for our library program this morning with two screaming kids, thinking to myself,
why oh why are you doing this? I was late picking up Mr. Stannix from work (but so was he, so it was okay). My metal mixing bowls have served me well the last couple of days and the kids love to drum on them. This is how I got my dishes done yesterday. They were quickly moved to the carpet after this shot to help dull the dinging.
My afternoon was full of a screeching baby and an expressive two year old. The highlight was listening to the two kiddos giggling when Camilla was hiding behind my curtains in the office. Alas, it didn't last long before Hyrum got pushed over. My patience-o-meter had gone way passed it's limit. I pulled dinner out of the oven only to discover it was burnt and threw in my oven mitts for the day.
Because Hyrum has had a bad case of the virus that's going around he got to bath on his own tonight. While I bathed Camilla he waited in an empty laundry basket at my feet so he wouldn't get into trouble. He only tipped it five times and almost smoked his head on the toilet bowl once. When it was finally his turn he loved having the whole tub to himself. It was quite funny to watch.
Mr. Stannix was out cold with a terrible headache (there will be ice cream later tonight to fix that). So I went ahead and put the kids to bed. And wouldn't you know it, I got a paper cut while reading the bedtime story, from a board book! It was cute watching Hyrum try to eat his sisters face as he jumped on his knees on the bed.
Hyrum needed help getting to sleep which resulted in me standing over his crib patting him to sleep. When I finally finished that, my girl was still awake. I tapped her side and she scooted over. I then crawled in next to her for a snuggle (it was more for me than for her). She quietly rolled over and fit her tiny body next to mine with her baby doll hugged in her arms. I ran my fingers through her damp blonde hair and massaged her head. Memories were brought back of when my Mum would do that to me at night, and it would comfort me and make me tired. Then I tugged up the leg of her pant and massaged her leg. When I finished with one, she pulled it away and moved the other one in for a rub. Next her arms were massaged and then we snuggled quietly in the dark. Neither of us saying anything to the other. I looked over and she was giving her baby a head rub, then we had to scratch baby's arms and legs too.
When I was about to leave it was as if she could sense it. She gave me her heat bag, "It's so warm and cozy from the microwave Mum". Then she tucked me under her fluffy warm blanket. Then she massaged my head and gave me a kiss. It was nice to slow down after a crazy day and just take in the moment. I never want to forget the way her fine, blonde hair slipped through my fingers. I never want to forget her cold, wet little lips on my cheek as she kissed me. I never want to forget the way she whispers "Low-you-too" as if it's all one word.
"If I could have one thing happen for parents and leaders of this Church, it would be that they feel the love of the Lord in their lives each day as they care for Heavenly Father's children."
~Bonnie D. Parkin
Tonight, I felt of that love as I snuggled with my little girl. What a wonderful blessing little children are in our lives.
I am now off for some valuable Mr. Stannix time. I've missed that guy lots this week!
