Pride

For some reason the word "pride" has been on my mind a lot lately, and even more so since tucking Camilla into bed last night. After the usual stories, snuggles, brushing and flossing, it was time for her to make her way up to bed with one hand in mine and one carrying her baby and teddy. After tucking her in, talking about her day and kissing her goodnight I went downstairs. She began calling for me in a frustrated voice, so I went up to check on her. She wanted her heat bag warmed in the microwave. It was the end of the day and I was just so tired. I smiled, kissed her forehead and took the heat bag downstairs. I stared at the microwave above the fridge and just didn't have the energy to open the door, push buttons and wait, so instead I just pushed a button so it would beep, thinking I'd fool her. I made my way up the long creaky stairs and handed her the heat bag which had been warmed from me carrying it. She didn't by it. A whispered fit erupted as she demanded I heat it up for her. Her room was already roasting from the hot day we had and she was sweating beneath her fuzzy jammies. I couldn't understand why she wanted a heat bag. I tried talking her out of it, convincing her that they are just for winter...She just became more frustrated and Hyrum was starting to stir. In that moment I even thought to myself that I could easily solve the problem by simply putting her heat bag in the microwave and bringing it back up to her, but I didn't. Other examples include shoes being kicked off in the car and me refusing to pass them back to her and instead listen to her cry/complain all the way home, or when she goes to time out, but all she really wants is a hug. I've decided it all boils down to pride. Me not being willing to give up my will to make my daughter happy. It really shouldn't be that hard, and looking back I should have just put the darn thing in the microwave in the first place. 

“For children all over the world, we say: 'Take my hand. Hold on tight. We will stay on the path together back to our Heavenly Father.' -Rosemary M. Wixom

I know I've shared this video before, but I stumbled across it again and it made me tear up a little. Motherhood is such a beautiful and sacred thing.

So when Camilla wants a hug, I'll give her a hug because in that moment, she probably needs the extra lovin' more than the time out. Motherhood can be difficult, but I'm grateful that we can learn and continue to better ourselves.

"You are doing the best you can, and that best results in good to yourself and to others. Do not nag yourself with a sense of failure. Get on your knees and ask for the blessings of the Lord; then stand on your feet and do what you are asked to do. Then leave the matter in the hands of the Lord. You will discover that you have accomplished something beyond price."
~Gordon B. Hinckley

New Season

Daddy just started into his Summer season of Hockey. He had an early game today so we all went to cheer him on. I managed to get a shot of him taking the puck down to the other end. Camilla is his loudest fan with her, "GO DADDY!". He got one goal and an assist. I was pretty proud of him! Both kids were covered in dirt from walking and crawling around the arena all night. Thank-goodness for the invention of the bath tub. 

When we got home Daddy rested on the couch for a few minutes. Camilla, being the thoughtful girl she is, rubbed his head and covered him in blankets without even being asked! It was so sweet to watch. She finished by snuggling her baby in beside Daddy and gently kissing him good night. I love that girl! Here's hoping we'll be able to hit up a few more games this summer!

Siblings

What would this world be like without siblings to share 

your giant double chocolate chip cookie with?

Bathroom Madness

This morning started off bright and early as per usual. We had spicy eggs and toast for breakfast. Just as we finished Camilla came downstairs and said, "I thought you were talking in my dream". She slept in, it was great! Before Mr. Stannix left for work Hyrum stole some morning snuggles. I love those two!

 

Camilla managed to lock herself in the bathroom this morning for half an hour. We have an old latch for a lock, so there was no way I could pick the lock to get her out. I think I was more concerned than she was about the whole thing. Eventually she figured out how to unlock it and I went in to discover she had filled the toilet FULL of toilet paper. This was all before 8:30 AM. 

 I spent a few minutes picking soggy paper out of the toilet with my rubber gloves.

Ah, the life of a Mother.

Hyrum's First Birthday

Dear Hyrum,
Today you are ONE and I can hardly believe it. You took your first steps a couple of days ago and have enjoyed practicing ever since. I am sure in a week or two you will be chasing your sister around the house trying to keep up, for now, she still enjoys grabbing your hands and helping you walk. At one you are very sensitive and caring. You have six teeth, four on the top and two on the bottom. You love fruit for breakfast, but one of your favorites is pears. For dinner you'll eat almost anything but you enjoy sweet potatoes, or squash the most.  You are a climber through and through. You are always climbing on little chairs, the stairs, or out of your highchair.You enjoy snuggling and like your bed time cuddles. You are also a very early riser and always wake up pleasant, happy and full of smiles. You are starting to make more sounds and say things like, "Mamma" and "Daaa". Tonight I cuddled you to sleep in your upstairs bedroom. The last of the suns rays were peeking through your curtains and we paced the creaky hardwood floor together. As you fell asleep, nestled into my shoulder, birds were singing in the big tree outside. It was shortly after 8:00pm, which is around when you were born just one year earlier. Memories from that night played through my head as I tucked you into your crib to sleep. Your body was so much longer and chubbier than the year before. I couldn't believe how much you have grown in just this short time. Happy first birthday my boy!

Backyard Birthday

When we woke up Thursday morning and saw that it was snowing outside, we were a little worried. Luckily it all melted and today we were still able to have Hyrum's Birthday party in the backyard. We were blessed with warm weather and sunshine. I had a tough morning, but Auntie Emma was here to help decorate the cake and go for a balloon run. We couldn't have asked for a better day to celebrate with family and friends!

Everyone showed up around 1:00 in the afternoon. Mr. Stannix made up Hamburgers and Hot Dogs on the BBQ and we all enjoyed lunch while we visited in the backyard (I even got to walk around in my bare feet all day). Hyrum enjoyed being entertained by everyone and was constantly floating from one person to another the whole afternoon. He was super tired when we brought the cake out, but was still a good sport. My sister got a cool picture of all of us cheering him on when it came time to blow out the candle. I love seeing how much Camilla loves her little brother.

After cake he decided it was nap time and cuddled into Uncle Mike's shoulder for a snooze. All the fresh air, sunshine and festivities tuckered him out. He napped for at least an hour while we all continued to visit. Gramma and Grampa Hudkins were there as well as Great-Gramma and Great-Grampa Hudkins. I feel so blessed that Hyrum gets to experience time with his Great-Grandparents. All of my siblings came (except Uncle Arland who is on his mission in Chile), and the Stannix's were all together for the first time in four years! It was so wonderful to see everyone and visit. We also had a few close friends who came to celebrate! 

When Hyrum woke up from his nap we did presents. He's sure a lucky guy. Camilla did most of the opening for him, it was pretty cute. Shortly after, everyone left for home and we cleaned up a bit and went inside to relax.

Hyrum had taken six steps on his own the night before, and with help from Gramma and Grampa Hudkins he spent the rest of the night practicing. It was great to capture his first little steps on video! 

I still can't believe that Hyrum will be ONE tomorrow. This year went by so so fast! Each day I definitely fall more and more in love with my little boy. Mike and I feel so blessed that he is part of our family and that we get to teach him and love him! Before bed we sat at the kitchen table eating peanut butter toast and talking about all the awesome things we enjoyed today and how wonderful it is to have children and watch them learn new things. Hyrum is quickly changing from baby to boy and although each day is new and exciting, I still sometimes miss my little baby who was fully dependent on us for everything. He's definitely grown a lot in this past year! Happy birthday sweet boy!

Time With Mamma

When I get too busy doing things around the house, my little boy usually lets me know. He is my snuggler. He needs cuddles and back rubs, hugs and kisses. I was walking around my house like a tornado this morning picking up this and that, throwing in laundry, tidying the front entrance, cleaning up breakfast. Soon my little boy looked up at me, lifted his arms, and started opening and closing his hands. This told me that he wanted up. As soon as I picked him up he cuddled into my shoulder and clung to my t-shirt. He needed a quick snuggle. My days are filled with many of these and I adore them. They are quiet little moments that we share, just my boy and me. I think I need them just as much as he does sometimes.

Party Plans

I've been doing lots of list making and running around as we are celebrating Hyrum's first birthday this weekend. I can't believe how quickly this year has gone by. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. Time sure flies!

Yesterday we braved the chilly wind and spitting rain and took a trip to Costco to pick up some BBQ goods. We got there just after it opened and I was shocked at how full the parking lot already was! The kids were adorable hanging in the cart together, I couldn't resist a picture!

We spent the afternoon puttering around the house and doing laundry and fun things like that. Camilla loves helping her little brother walk around the house and he loves having someone to practice with. When she goes too fast, he falls on top of her and they both giggle together. It's been fun watching them play together and wrestle around a little.

If you look closely you'll notice my girl is missing a sock as per usual!

Little Princess

 

Recently Camilla has gotten into dress-up. We don't have any real dress up clothes, so she's become really good at using her imagination. Yesterday she used a bib, a tea towel, a jam jar cover, and a toy pot, to transform herself into a beautiful princess. She made up a song that went like this...

"I look like a princess, but I am a bum..."

I'm guessing she got the last part from The Paper Bag Princess.

Joy in Motherhood

Yesterday made me feel super blessed. I was able to find joy in so many little things that my children did. First it was Hyrum who found his sisters unfinished juice box and was drinking it like the world was going to end any second. Then it was when he climbed right into the toy bin to play. I found joy in watching Camilla play so gently with her baby brother. I giggled inside all day long as Camilla ran around in her undies. And I fell in love with Hyrums new version of peek-a-boo.  These two fill my days with so much joy!

Near the end of the day I felt exhausted! As the chili simmered on the stove I lay on the living room floor in the apple apron my Gramma made for me. The sun was flowing through the big window and warmed my body. I looked at my children who were both playing together in front of the couch, their blond hair lit up by the sun shining through the window behind them, big smiles on their faces. We played and laughed and giggled as we ate pretend food together and waited for Daddy to come home. It was so great to be down at their level. My laughs came right from the bottom of my belly and it felt wonderful to laugh without holding anything back. I felt full of joy.

After dinner we walked up to the park as a family to play (and so Daddy could vote). When we got home we ate Jello together at the table. Mr. Stannix turned on one of Camilla's favorite songs to dance to. We both laughed really hard as she stood in her booster seat and started shaking her tush. The Jello that was on her spoon wiggled as much as she did and soon plopped back into the bowl unnoticed. Hyrum began dancing in his highchair and laughing. Time froze for a few seconds as I soaked that moment in. The kitchen was full of laughter. I saw my wonderful Mr. Stannix with a grin of pure joy on his face. My little girl who was wiggling as much as her Jello. And a smiley baby boy who was thoroughly enjoying the moment. 

As Mr. Stannix and I lay awake in bed last night these memories played through my head and I knew I needed to write them down before I forgot. I told Mr. Stannix that I felt like the luckiest lady ever. My house downstairs looked like a tornado had dropped in to stay for a while, but the joy I felt was so worth it.

“Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.”

(Rest of the talk here)