Sunny Saturday

 We are spending the weekend at the Acreage hanging out with family and chatting over Skype with my little brother. This morning Hyrum was up before 6:00 again so we spent the morning out in the Pool Room where I could contain him while I rested my eyes on the couch. When I peeked over at him at one point he was hanging out with the gnomes and seriously examining Sir Lancelot. 

After his mid-morning bottle we snuggled up on the blue recliner between open windows with the sun pouring in on us and took a snooze. It was much needed and the breeze was heavenly. Hyrum's chubby fingers grasped my hair tightly as his head rested on my shoulder. Outside the window I could hear Mr. Stannix typing away on his computer on the patio. 

My Gramma and Grampa and brother arrived around noon. After a nice lunch we spent most of the afternoon out front. Camilla loved throwing rocks in Grampa's "pond" and it's all she wanted to do all day.

It was fun to watch her and Hyrum throwing pebbles into the water together. They are growing up so so fast! By the time nap time rolled around Camilla's little cheeks were nice and rosy from the sun. 

 

Mr. Stannix spent most of his Saturday here at this table working hard at his CASB. He looked super handsome as he typed away.

I would interrupt him every once in a while to steal a kiss or just chat. It was a beautiful day and I thoroughly enjoyed running around barefoot on the green grass.

Hyrum was loving chilling with his Uncle Chris and throwing pebbles in the water. He's starting to walk around more and loved when he found someone's hand to hold while he walked.

When Grampa took him for a walk around the Acreage he was in heaven. I just thought they looked super cute together, my little dude next to his tall, strong Grampa. He loves his Grampa!

We also got to Skype with my brother which was one of the main reasons for all being together this weekend, but more on that later!

Holding His Own

While I made dinner last night a little bit of wrestling went on by the kitchen. Hyrum was jumping up and down on his sister and she was giggling really really hard. It's good to know he can hold his own with his big sister now (let's just hope he doesn't do that with new baby in the Fall)! Camilla could be heard saying, "Get off me ya little ronk (runt)". A few of my favorite things about this picture are Hyrum in just his diaper with his bare little feet, the drum sticks, Camilla's awesome pink house coat, and Camilla's rubber boots.

Moment Captured.

Spring Cleaning

 The children and I had a wonderful morning outside today! We were out bright an early to mow the lawn and clean up the yard after the winter. It took me like a gazillion pulls to get the lawn mower started, and when it finally fired up, Hyrum burst into tears. All the other times I started it after that he would smile and get excited. He was pretty chill and just hung out on the blanket and watched contently. I love him with his little ball cap and woody in this picture. He's always thinking and watching and figuring.

He's starting to get up on his feet more and more and enjoys walking around. I love how beautiful the trees are becoming as the leaves are popping and Spring is finally arriving. Bring on the warm weather I say.

The children were super cute and played together while I did the back yard. We lost Camilla half way through the front yard. She was cold and wanted to go in, so she just watched from the window and popped out the front door occasionally. 

After we had finished that, we made a quick trip to Wal-Mart for some fruit and a storage bin. There's been lots of "too small" clothes from both the children piled high on top of Camilla's dresser. My mission today is to organize all of the crazy boxes of clothes that we're storing and try to condense it. As I type my bed is covered in clothes and boxes fill my room. I was only able to get half way done this morning but will probably finish it before dinner. 

When we got home from Wal-Mart it was close to lunch time, so I sliced into the water melon to make up smoothies. I think it was one of the juiciest, yummiest water melons I've ever picked. I stripped down Hyrum and let him go nuts while I finished slicing and putting it in containers for the fridge. He loved it! Then I whipped up some melon-berry smoothies. I made half of it into popsicles for these warm days and we enjoyed the other half on the back deck. It was beautiful and sunny outside.

 Camilla has been such a character this morning. This pink/yellow dress is her favorite and she's always going upstairs to change into it. I'm sure she would wear it every day if I'd let her. I just washed it yesterday and hung it up in her closet. Every time she sits on my lap it smells like fresh laundry and I can't help but lean in for a better smell and smooch her on the cheek. She paired it with a pink house coat and her new yellow rubber boots and it made me giggle. I love that she's independent enough to dress herself, and it always makes me smile.

 Hyrum continued to eat away at his piece of water melon and thoroughly enjoyed sharing my smoothie with me. It was a nice refreshing treat. I am envisioning many more Summer afternoons on the back deck enjoying fresh fruit and sunshine. We finished off with a snuggle on the monkey swing and then came in and got ready for naps.

Our yard looks awesome now. I love the smell of freshly cut grass. It always brings me back to when Mike and I were first married and working lawn care together. We had so much fun at that job (not to mention we got killer tans). This afternoon I moved the big winter coats from the front door to the boot room and have been tidying other things along the way. I'm looking forward to some vacuuming and dusting and our house being all sparkly clean before we head out to the Acreage this weekend! 

An Outie

Only three months along and I already have an outie...

Just Another Day

It's just after lunch when Mr. Stannix calls to see how my day is going, last night was a tough one. After Camilla has had her fill of macaroni she practically begs me to go upstairs for a nap. Between the hours of 1 and 5 this morning she got up to pee, asked for three glasses of water, changed her jammies in the dark, tried to sneak downstairs 109288 times, and cried every 10 minutes. I blame it on the full moon. Needless to say, she's one tired monkey today and needs some extra lovin'. While Hyrum is finishing the last of his macaroni I read Camilla a story. She snuggles under her covers as I pull them to her chin. I kiss her on the cheek and she's out like a light. Hyrum finishes up his last bite as I come down the stairs. I pull him out of his highchair, he's only wearing a diaper. His baby skin is oh so soft and I can't help but smother him in kisses and tickle him under the arms. He goes off to play with his cars while I top the bagels with cheese. The smell of them baking in the oven fills our home. I am excited to eat a hot one smothered in butter. Toasted, they are super easy on my tummy first thing in the morning, and all morning, and sometimes the only thing I can eat. Hyrum practices his walking in the living room. He's still in just a diaper and his face is covered with mac n' cheese. I watch him and wish he could stay this way forever... 

Sunday Snuggles

This afternoon after church we all hung out on the back deck while Daddy made burgers on the BBQ. I am in love with these beautiful Spring afternoons. It's so fun seeing the leaves pop on the trees and the grass getting greener every day! It is such a blessing to be able to experience all of these wonderful things.  While we were waiting the kids snuggled up on the swing for a few minutes. Camilla has gotten so big and taken on her roll of big sister and protector very well. I love these sweet little moments.

Next, Hyrum and I shared a little snuggle. As we swayed back and forth in the swing we watched Daddy BBQ and listened to the birds. It wasn't long before my little girl climbed up on my lap to join in on the cuddles. Mr. Stannix snapped an adorable picture. I love my kiddo's! Being a Mum is simply the greatest.

Sunday afternoon's like this are my very favorite! I am so blessed.

Announcement

A few months ago I started having vivid dreams, and itchy feet when I would go to bed. I would wake up feeling extra tired and wondering where the night went. I suddenly had a clingy little boy who wouldn't let me out of his sights and wanted extra cuddles during the night. Then there was a few mornings where I felt nauseous after eating breakfast, and I knew something was up...

We are thrilled to finally announce that the third Stannix baby is on it's way!

Mr. Stannix knew before I even told him. He's very intuitive and I thought that was special. That story, however, is recorded in my journal because it is very special to me.

I was so excited when I found out and can't wait to meet this new little babe! The last couple of months I have spent day dreaming of different ways to make the upstairs bedroom quaint and perfect for all three children. As I snuggle Hyrum in the green chair I try to come up with the coziest way to arrange the beds and dressers to accommodate the new addition.

I have been feeling relatively good considering I would throw up multiple times a day with Camilla and I was constantly nauseous with Hyrum. I still have rough mornings but as long as I eat breakfast right away when I wake up and then have a second breakfast mid-morning, I seem to do okay. Mr. Stannix is good about making sure the toilets are always flushed in the morning and that I get something to eat.

This early phase of pregnancy always makes me crazy because my mind never rests. Am I eating healthy enough? Is the baby growing? Is everything okay? One day near the beginning of my pregnancy, my Dad asked me how I was feeling. I told him I was feeling pretty good, and didn't mind so much when I threw up because it was a little reminder that I am growing a healthy little baby inside. And that is what I tell myself each time I am staring into the toilet bowl. It's all worth it in the end!

Early morning church and organ playing have been kicking my butt though and I'm glad to be reaching the end of the morning sickness phase.  The Lord always blesses me though and I've always been able to fulfill my calling. I have been lucky to have two awesome kids who nap at the same time in the afternoon which lets me get in a good nap when I need it. I also have an awesome husband who gets up early and makes Hyrum's morning bottle so that I can take my time waking up.

This morning I had another reminder that I am growing a healthy baby inside. The children and I went to the doctor's office for another check up. As the doctor leaned over the counter looking at my charts, Camilla sat in the chair behind her. When I made eye contact with her she stuck out her finger and pretended like she was going to poke the doctor's bee-hind. I sternly shook my head no and she held back a smirk as her eyes twinkled with mischief. Funniest thing ever. Finally, with Hyrum snuggled in beside me drinking a bottle and Camilla quietly sitting on the chair, we got to hear baby's heart beat! Such a great sound!

The third Stannix babe will be coming mid November and we are excited to celebrate Christmas with three this year!

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?