Making Motherhood a Joy

I am crazy in love with my blue eyed little girl. She brings so much joy to this family! It's so hard to believe that she is going to be three next month. I still remember bringing her home from the hospital and being so excited that she was mine. She's been a pretty easy girl to mother. I feel so blessed to call her mine. I love the things she says. I love how she says, "thanks Mamma, that was delicious!" after almost every meal. I love when she puckers up her cute pink lips for a smooch. I love the games we play before bed. I love when she crawls up on my lap in a quiet moment and rests her blonde little head on my shoulder for a snuggle. I love her every little grin, and her cute button nose. I love her gentle hands and petite little body. I love her excitement for life and her desire to try everything. I love when she reminds me to read my scriptures so that I can be "a good Mamma". She is like a little adult trapped in a two year old body, so wise and mature at times. Just typing this post brought tears to my eyes. It's so hard to describe the overwhelming love one can have for a child. I read a talk the other day that suggested four things to do for our children which were to love them, teach them, respect them, pray with them and for them. It just simplified everything about motherhood. As I've remembered these four things our days have been so bright and full of joy. I am grateful for the power of sincere prayer, and the help Heavenly Father sends each day when we ask for it, even if it's silly things relating to Motherhood. He's always there. I love Camilla and the way she makes Motherhood such a joy each day.

Melting in the Sun

Yesterday was a beautiful summer day. I gave Camilla the choice of going to the spray park, or walking to the corner store for a popsicle and she picked the popsicle. Hyrum heard the words "let's go" and excitedly ran and got his shoes. He LOVES to be outside and is constantly bringing me his shoes to put on. 

I basically opened the wrappers and handed them over to the kiddos. I could share with Hyrum as long as it stayed in his hand. I smiled as I watched them slowly follow me home, savoring their cold, juicy popsicles. Hyrum would stop every few steps to examine random bugs or touch the grass and flowers as he passed by. Camilla took on the role of protector and walked beside her little brother the whole way home, making sure he held her hand as we all crossed the street together.

I was glad he could walk on his own, because the sun quickly melted his popsicle and he was pretty sticky. He thought it was the best thing in the world. I loved seeing him slowly make his way down the sidewalk with his ball cap and big blue eyes. He is all boy, and I love it!

 

When we got home we hung out on the front step until all popsicles were finished. I ended up eating most of Hyrum's because his little hand was so cold from holding it. The closer Camilla gets to three the more and more grown up she is getting. She is so independent and helpful and tries really hard to be a good example and friend for her little brother. I was filled with joy as I watched them hang out on the front step together. They are such great little friends. What a blessing it is to have siblings to share these things with! It's so fun to build memories on these warm summer days!

Four Years and Counting

Four years ago today I married my best friend. We've accomplished so much together already. Two kids (and one on the way), a University degree, a career on the go and a home filled with love and laughter (to name a few). He surprised me today with beautiful flowers delivered to our doorstep while he was at work. Am I lucky or what?! I can't believe another year has already gone by! Time flies when you're having fun!

Happy anniversary Mr. Stannix.

Baby to Be

I have been looking forward to this day since I booked baby's ultrasound appointment last month. Lucky for me June has gone by super quick! I filled my morning up with lots of things to make it go by quick. In the afternoon I dropped the kids off at a good friend's place and picked up Mike on my way to the ultrasound. We got there just on time. The cool part was that Mike got to come in for the entire time and watch the tech take all the pictures. After that was all done she showed us the baby. It was fun to watch it's hand brush against it's cute little round face and to see the heart beating. She showed us the arms, legs and hands. Even in a third pregnancy it's just as exciting as the first. 

We then went to pick up the kids and enjoy dinner with our friends. Camilla and Hyrum hung out in the rain. I loved seeing their wet footprints on the back mat before they came in. Camilla soaked her hair in a puddle that had formed on one of the chairs outside and told me she washed her hair and that it smelled like rain. I get a kick outta that kid! Then it was time to come home for baths and bed. After I had gotten the kids in the bath I couldn't wait any longer to see the ultrasound pictures. When I looked at the one picture that we got, it didn't at all resemble the cute, round faced baby that we saw dancing around on the screen earlier. We'll call it a bad angle. I was a little disappointed and may have cried. It's hard when you anticipate something for so long and then find the outcome wasn't quite what you were expecting. Mike gave me lots of hugs and reminded me that we have a healthy baby and the picture doesn't matter. Anyways, here's the one shot we got of sweet baby number three with it's hand by it's face.

As I snuggled Hyrum in the big green chair and mulled over how I was feeling the song "Count Your Many Blessings" popped into my head and I got all weepy again. I thought about how blessed I've been to have a strong body and three healthy pregnancies. Then baby started kicking and I was reminded of how much I already love this little one and can't wait to meet him or her! I love feeling every kick and turn as baby grows. This is definitely one of my favorite stages of pregnancy. As I peeked in the upstairs room at my two little monkey's sleeping I just felt so grateful for everything I've been given. Two healthy children who are growing and changing daily and another on the way. I couldn't ask for anything more!

As I type baby is kicking and turning. It's so exciting to feel those movements. Now I think I'm going to take the night off and crochet another baby hat! Having a November baby is so exciting! 

Old School Sunday

While I was at home last week I made up a few bow ties for the little mister.
I must say he looked very debonair today.

Go Team

Tonight we watched Uncle Andrew play some football here in the city! It was fun for the kids to go check out the stadium and see what the game was all about. They were pretty pumped to get a stick of bubbles and a football at the entrance.

 Uncle Andrew got to quarter back, he's crouched behind the line of guys waiting for the ball.

The kids had a lot of fun climbing the stairs and walking around in the stands. Camilla even made some friends with a few girls at the top. But by the time the third quarter rolled around, this was Hyrum's take on the game...

 I giggled as I watched him fall asleep like this. His chubby fingers were so cute pushed against his little cheeks. By the end of the game, it was getting pretty late and the lights were on in the field. The kids did well to hang out that long! We found Uncle Andy and grabbed some more pictures.

 I can't believe how much Camilla looks like her daddy in this one! I think it's her nose and cheeks that does it! We checked out the field for a few minutes and the kiddos posed with their favorite football player.

 I think my favorite part was when we finished taking pictures, Camilla kicked the grass a few times and looked around the field and then asked, "Can I run?" What a cutie. Her and Uncle Andrew ran to the goal post and back and she giggled the whole time. Something about kids and wide open spaces.

We got home and discovered we had left the balcony door open, screen and all for three hours! I made Mike check for bums downstairs and imagined all the spiders and other things that could have crawled in. Hopefully there won't be too many surprises this week!

In His Arms

My main man is back after almost a week away.

I am so happy.

After the children went to bed last night we went out and snuggled in the hammock.

It was nice to talk, make plans, set goals and especially laugh together.

Eventually we put our hoodies up to keep the mosquitoes away.

When it was time to go inside Mr. Stannix quickly jumped out which left me

lying flat on my back in the grass laughing really hard.

Man, I missed him!

Still Hanging Around

We are still hanging around at the Acreage. One more sleep until Mr. Stannix comes home. I can't wait! Until then we've been filling our days with long walks, outdoor adventures, afternoon naps, throwing rocks in the pond, and enjoying my Mum's homemade rhubarb slush.

Both of the kids were pretty exhausted this evening, so we set up the hammock where the volleyball net usually is and relaxed in the evening sun. The kids enjoyed swinging back and forth with the cool breeze. They looked pretty tuckered out. They've had so much fun here the last couple of days.

Hyrum just about fell asleep after his turn so we made our way to the house to get ready for bed. Hyrum went right to sleep as soon as I put him in the crib! Camilla had some apples and cinnamon and watched Cinderella for some down time.

 I'm looking forward to the possibility of an afternoon nap in the hammock tomorrow with the kiddos. And I am super excited to see Mr. Stannix at dinner! 

Happy Helper

Hyrum was an only child today. Camilla went with Grampa for the day to play while he helped sand a friends cabin. Hyrum quite enjoyed the extra space and was a great little helper. He played a lot with the vacuum and especially loved the on/off switch. Now if only our vacuum at home wasn't so big, he'd be all over that chore for me!

Homefront

Dear Mr. Stannix,

I know you only left last night but I miss you like crazy! I had a lump in my throat after I came in from kissing you good-bye in the rain. I hate when you leave. While you're gone for the week I thought I would keep you posted on our happenings at the Acreage. Waking up to my Mum's homemade pancakes was the highlight of my morning. I smothered four with peanut butter before stacking them and topping them with Mum's homemade syrup. Delish!

We filled up the rest of our day by spending time outside when it wasn't raining.  We walked up to the orchard and Grampa showed us the baby black birds in their cozy little nest in the garden. Hyrum enjoyed walking around and checking out all the trees. Camilla spent most of her time picking dandilions and blowing the fluff off of them.

 When we got back to the house we said hi to the neighbors horses. Camilla fed them some grass and Hyrum stood on the sidelines. The children sure do love being outdoors!

Before afternoon naps we hung out in the garden with Grampa. Camilla has a super good memory and remembered planting beans with Gramma last time we visited. It was neat for her to see how they've grown up! She was so excited. Hyrum had a blast helping Grampa weed and checking out the veggies. He learned to step over the potatoes, but he almost squashed Gramma's carrots.

Everytime I would try to bring him inside he would protest. If he could have it his way he would stay outside all day. The fresh air has been so good for him! He was super tired when I put him to bed tonight!

 Thanks for bringing me home! You're the best.