What a Day

This is another long blog post about the craziness of parenting littles. If you don't want to read it, I'd understand, but if you do read it, I hope I can at least make you laugh! Sometimes things can get pretty crazy around here, and though there I days I want to forget, I know that I will want to remember them later!

Last weekend I left my car keys in my jacket at the Acreage so when I woke up this morning I was sure to grab the other set of keys from Mike's coat pocket and put them in the basket. I made everyone some breakfast and then we all hugged and kissed Daddy good-bye. After breakfast we went upstairs, tidied the rooms and got dressed. Camilla put her swim suit on under her clothes to make things easier for swimming lessons. We packed a towel and headed out to the car. I belted everyone in and then ran back inside for the keys. Turns out Daddy grabbed the keys and put them in his pocket out of habit. I quickly mapped out a bus route and grabbed some change. We had to move quick to make it on time. I threw Joseph in the hiking backpack and strapped the other two in the stroller and went on our way. I had no watch or phone to tell the time. We just missed the bus I wanted to catch, but waited around for what seemed like forever for the next one while I handed baby cookies back to Joseph and popped wheelies with the stroller to keep the older two occupied. Finally a second bus came along and when we finally pulled into the transit center the clock read 9:31am. Camilla's lessons had already started. I felt a little discouraged and wondered if we should keep pace. I asked Camilla what she would like to do and she still wanted to go. I still had at least another ten minutes of walking/jogging to do with Joe on my back just to make it to the Rec Centre at a decent time. My legs pretty much felt like Jello half way there after a block and my face was red and hot. As we rolled up to the door I had Camilla whip off her boots and unzip her jacket. We probably looked hilarious coming through the doors with me hurrying, "Take off your shoes Camilla....!!!" I'm sure I looked like a crazy lady. Camilla was giggling. One of her shoes flew out the side of the stroller and we had to reverse to pick it up. She had her shirt off just as we got into the change room (which was switched to the men's for today only). I quickly slid off her pants and socks and sent her on her way! We were lost for a few seconds since the change room was a maze! Camilla joined her class and I took the boys to the dryland area to let them stretch their legs. I was pretty much sweating and feeling exhausted. Camilla got in 12 whole minutes of her 30 minute class. Worth it? I still haven't decided. 

After her lesson we made our way to the change rooms to get Cj dried off and let everyone have a potty break. We then walked back to the mall so that I could run some errands while we were out. The puddles on the path were still icy, but melted enough that they cracked as we walked over them. Camilla and Hyrum would freak out every time thinking we were going to fall through the ice into a pond or something! I went to the bank to grab a bank draft for our new vehicle (more on that later), but apparently only Mike is able to do that. We then went and got my watch battery changed so that I could watch the time on the way home. I also had to pick up bus tickets for Mike, but apparently they only take debit for those now and my debit card is broken (should have gotten that fixed at the bank). I didn't have enough change to make it home on the bus, so I crossed my fingers that my transfer would still be good, or it was going to be a heck of a walk. The driver forgave the five minutes extra and let me on (but honestly, I had three kids with me, how could he not?). 

We made it home safe and sound just before lunch. It felt good to get some exercise and enjoy the fresh Spring air. The weather was great for walking and I just wore my hoodie. When we got home we discovered that Uncle Arland had picked up the keys from Daddy and tried to catch us at the pool to drive us home. I felt bad that he had driven all that way and missed us! He said he heard Hyrum in the changeroom, but somehow we didn't connect. 

We all enjoyed lunch (even though Hyrum screamed through most of it) and then Uncle Arland offered to babysit while I ran to get the registration for the new vehicle. Since I was still waiting on some documents, I wasn't able to go. I put Hyrum for a snooze. All that fresh air tuckered him out. When I came back down I saw Camilla cuddling Joe to sleep on the couch. I decided to let them be until he fell asleep. It was the cutest thing ever to just watch them from the stairs. Camilla is such a gentle big sister and probably one of the best four year olds I know! She loves watching Joseph for me and does such a good job! He slept on her for close to an hour, and she wouldn't let me move him!Moments like that are so so precious! I can't believe how big  this little girl of mine is getting! She is so responsible for her age and I'm so glad to call her mine!

 While everyone was quiet, I made a few phone calls and put some dinner on. I tidied my disaster of a kitchen and managed to wipe down Joe's highchair.  My watch died again just before dinner. I think it's time to invest in a new one. Arland and Naomi offered to watch the littles while we went and picked up our new van! By the time Mike was finished work it was getting pretty late. We quickly signed the documents, got our keys and got home just in time to tuck in the kids for the night. All I could think was Whew, what a day!

The Perfect Handlebar Moustache

If you're ever wondering how to get the perfect handlebar moustache, just ask this guy!

Above Zero

 Mr. Stannix and I spontaneously decided to spend a weekend out at the Acreage. The littles have been begging us to go for a few weeks now, so it was time. I was so looking forward to it! I can't describe the good it does my soul to get out to the country for a few days. It took us a while to get everyone to sleep. My parents weren't quite home from work yet and when I tucked Hyrum in he said,
I just miss my Gwampa..." 

Mornings were early and spent eating Gramma's pancakes and coloring.

Since the temperature was well above zero we spent the majority of the day outside! Joseph loved being able to walk around and explore. I let him take the lead and quietly followed. We walked to the end of the lane and enjoyed the sound of the snow under our boots. 

 

It made me laugh when he would stop to see if I was still there. Then he would point and carry on down the lane. I sure can't wait for Spring now!

 

Grampa took the littles on a sled ride. Hyrum preferred to ride on the quad with his Grampa while Camilla and Joe sat in the sled.  Camilla took such great care of Joe and they both loved being pulled around the subdivision.

In the afternoon we left Joe at home and took the older two out skating at the oval! It was a bit wet, but they didn't mind so much. Camilla loved learning to skate!

 

Hyrum just walked around the ice feeling special in his hockey helmet. I think it might be time to invest in a pair of skates for the little man. No matter how much I tried to hold his hand, he always refused it! He's such a goofy boy.

Daddy was a pretty awesome teacher! He's been skating practically his whole life! Camilla enjoyed the one on one time with him. 

It was nice to spend time with the older two. We realized how simple and easy things could be with just two, but wouldn't change what we have! We are looking forward to enjoying the outdoors more this Summer and taking the littles on some hikes!

In My Kitchen

In my kitchen today I have two tough bakers! We made up some big soft gingersnap cookies (they're Daddy's favorite) and enjoyed them with some milk!

Camilla has been cracking me up all day today. Her favorite phrase is, "I rather think..." So I will hear things like, "I rather think I like these cookies" or "I rather think these would taste better with milk!"

 

My house smells amazing! But now I have a big mess to clean up.

Life's Lessons

It was just a few minutes after five when I rolled over and looked at the clock. Joe was awake crying in his crib. I went into the dark room and patted his back with the fingers crossed on my other hand hoping he would go back to sleep. No luck. We snuggled downstairs until I heard the older two whispering, Camilla getting out the cereal and milk and Hyrum protesting something with that high pitched scream of his. Morning had come. I groggily made my way upstairs and handed the kids a brownie since we didn't have time for a real breakfast. They played and ran around the house while I asked them (not all that politely after the tenth time) to get their shoes and jackets on. We had to drive Daddy to the clients today to save him from a six O'clock bus ride. I was glad to do it since it meant we got to see him for just a little while longer before work. I popped some bread in the toaster for Mr. Stannix and then took the kids out to the car. We were all still in our Jammies except for Daddy of course. We made it home with enough time to get everyone dressed, rooms tidied and morning prayers said. The children quickly ate breakfast before we were out the door again and on our way to CJ's first swimming lesson. As we left I realized that Hyrum's pants were on backwards. I shrugged and off we went. Camilla loved her lesson, and did good! I kept Joe in our hiking backpack and Hyrum played in the "dryland" play center on the side of the pool where we could easily keep an eye on Camilla.

We got home, played with our favorite friend while her Mamma ran some errands and then made lunch. I tried putting Hyrum for his nap, but he wasn't feeling tired enough so we opted for a movie instead. By the time we finished, the littles were feeling hungry, so we went up for snacks. On my way up the stairs, Hyrum  turned and said, "You're my bestest Mudder ever". He also had some great squeezes and hugs for me today. Moments I will cherish always. I got the older two some yogurt and then I slipped upstairs hoping for a few minutes of peace. I came back down to all three children quietly eating a yogurt. Camilla had gotten Joe his very own and he was enjoying it thoroughly. After he had finished, I stripped him down to his white onesie. There's something about a baby in a white onsie. I could have hugged and squeezed him for the rest of the day... He toddled around the kitchen while I cleaned up, scrambling up on the kitchen chairs and finishing up everyone's left overs.

After a late dinner, Joseph went right up to bed while the other two had a quick bath. Hyrum went to bed earlier than usual since he didn't nap. By eight our house was silent. I kissed Mr. Stannix good-bye and took off to take advantage of 10% day at the grocery store. We had run out of some staples like salt for baking, butter, ice cream, soda crackers and fruit smoothie ingredients. My list was a mile long, but I was excited to tackle it sans kiddos and take my time at the grocery store. I grabbed my cart, took off my gloves, and reached into my pocket to find my list was no where to be found! I spent a good chunk of time browsing the aisles and trying to trigger my memory. I think I only missed two things. The guy who bagged my groceries said something like,"I bet you don't have to come back for a while!" I explained that I have three little kids and only like to go out once a week. He replied, "Wow, I'm never having kids, they're expensive!" I smiled and went on my way. I got home way too late, but enjoyed some time to myself.

And now here I am, going over the moments of my day. The stress from this morning has almost been forgotten, but not without lessons learned. I've learned I need to slow down a little, relish in the moments that I have with the children while they are still at home.  Even though it's tough when Joseph wakes so early, I have vowed that from now on, no matter how early in the morning, my children will always be greeted with a simple "good morning" and a big hug.

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." 

~Leonardo Da Vinci

I've also learned to laugh more. The other day we were all at the mall. Camilla was sitting in the bottom seat of the stroller. We were walking fairly close to the wall and suddenly I heard a "clunk". I looked down to see Camilla rubbing her head. She had been looking out the side of the stroller to see where we were going and I hadn't noticed. I bent down beside the stroller to see if she was okay. As I spoke to her I started to giggle. I couldn't control it. Thankfully she joined right in and we had a good laugh together. I may have laughed quietly to myself all the way to the doors. It felt good to laugh like that again. Sometimes I'm just plain too serious. Today Hyrum decided to sit in the block bucket and got stuck. I also may have laughed a lot as I pulled and pulled on that bucket to get it off. My goodness, these kids are a riot.

I'm finally starting to feel like my "old self" again. It feels good to be back...

An Early Bird

After a 5:00am wake up and some breakfast, I figured I would pour Joe a warm bath to help pass the time and ease us into our morning. While he splashed I tidied my room and took the sheets off our bed to be washed. When he was done I rubbed lotion on his dry skin and diapered his bottom. He enjoyed playing with my puzzle box while I straightened up the bathroom. We finished everything up before 8:00am rolled around.

Now, what to do with the rest of our day?

Battle of Alberta

Tonight Mr. Stannix and I enjoyed a fun filled date night! We had the sweetest babysitter ever and I wasn't worried one bit. Just after dinner we took off to my Cousins 30th birthday bash. It was an 80s costume party and for the short time we were there, I felt like I had literally stepped back in time. The costumes were so great!

We had to sneak off a bit early since Mr. Stannix was given tickets to the Oilers vs. Flames game. It was a bitterly cold evening and we half jogged from where we parked to the stadium. By the time we got in I couldn't feel my face. It felt like summer in the cold rink compared to the weather outside. A pretty epic fight broke out moments after we found our seats. Even though our team won the fight, I still didn't feel awesome about it. It's a part of hockey I will probably never get. 

I sure loved having the night out with my handsome man though! Our seats were pretty great too!

 

 I slipped to the bathroom quick in the third period since nothing was happening. The Flames were up by one, but when I heard the explosion of cheering I knew that we had tied it up. When I got back Mr. Stannix said, "You just don't leave in the third period when you're down by one!!!" We had a good laugh. The one and only goal they got, I missed. The game went into OT for a very short time before the Flames slipped the puck into the net. 

We snuck out just after the last goal and jogged back to the car which was parked on the other side of Northlands. The air was so cold that I was walking with every muscle tensed and my teeth clenched to keep them from chattering. We saw a few people just wearing their jerseys out and some wearing shorts! Only in Canada... We came home to a quiet house full of sleeping children.

Squeezing In

Before we say farewell to February, here's a few tidbits from the final week. It was warm for two whole days, and by warm I mean -11. We all bundled up and escaped the house to burn some energy and get some fresh air. The first day we just ventured to the mail box and around the block, and the second day the kids wanted to go further. We walked a couple of blocks to the trail system, but as soon as we broke away from the houses, the wind became bitterly cold. It nipped at our cheeks turning them a nice rosy color. By the end of our walk everyone squeezed into the stroller to warm up. It was quite the funny sight. I love that these three are best friends.

Joseph has recently adopted a "play 'till you drop" attitude. He wakes up so early these days that he will usually nap in the morning instead of the afternoon. Since his naps don't last long he can usually be found snoring in his chair part way through his afternoon snack. He has the most adorable squinty-eyed-scrunchy-nosed smile. He has also started being more vocal and pointing at things that he wants to eat or drink. He's so fun lately!

Hyrum is completely potty trained and we've been accident free all week. It's such a relief to only have one bum to change now! He quite enjoys being a big boy. On our walks I will try to hold his hand and he always says, "Don't hold my hand Mommy, I'm a big boy..." He pretty much refuses to sit in the fun shopping carts or stroller at the store and had a nice little scream fest in the produce section almost resulting in an abandoned cart. He's got a good set of lungs! At the checkout he was screaming, "I want a treat!" over and over. The cashier (a young girl) told me, "well why don't you just get him a treat then? They're right over there." I didn't have time to explain that it would be giving in and cause him to scream and get his way in the future... Ah the joys of parenting. Mostly he's a pretty easy going kid who loves playing super heroes.

Camilla has changed so much this week. It's hard to describe how grown up she suddenly seems. She is learning so much. My favorite line from her this week was during night prayers when she said, "Please bless Daddy that he won't have to work anymore so that he can take me to the theaters again..." I love that she calls it "the theaters". It sounds so classy. Her prayers are extra thoughtful lately and include every family member all the way from grandparents down to baby Joe. She's a pretty special girl!

Onward to March!

The Plan

This month for Family Home Evening we have been focusing on The Plan of Salvation with the littles. Daddy did a lesson one Monday where he drew out the whole plan on his iPad while explaining it. Camilla and Hyrum had fun guessing what he was drawing and learning about why we are here, where we came from, and what happens after we leave this life. 

After getting the boys to sleep on a cold Winter's afternoon, Camilla and I spent some special time together snuggled on the couch. We were drawing the alphabet and spelling out words on the iPad when she asked if she could teach me something. She got a fresh page and drew a circle near the middle. As she colored it she asked, "What's this?" I replied, "The earth?" She replied with her funny voice, "Riiiiiiight.... and why did we come to earth?" She then asked me to draw her a star, but made sure I let her draw the sun and the moon. "Where do we go when we make good choices?" she asked me. We talked a little longer about it, and then she drew her and Hyrum at the bottom, being happy because they were choosing the right.

I've always known the importance of Family Home Evening and teaching our children the Gospel at home, but it sure makes me proud to see them soak up so much of what we teach them each week! I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us. I know that we came to earth to receive a body and to be tried and tested, and most importantly, to find joy. I believe in life after death and the beauty of eternal families. I hope that I can instill a testimony of these things into the hearts and minds of each of my children so that they can feel their Saviors love and know that they are not alone.

So Happy Together

 If you will excuse my well-lived-in house, I'll show you a few snippets from today.

For some reason the first step became a good seat for snack time.

Seeing the three of them getting along so well warmed my heart!

Camilla's so excited to start swimming lessons next week

 that she's worn her suit two days in a row!

Joe has been keeping me on my toes all day long getting into this or that.

I can always tell where he's been.

He's such a curious little guy lately!

 

 I slipped down stairs to help Camilla with something and came up a few seconds later to find Joe enjoying some ranch dressing from the comfort of the kitchen chair.

EEK! 

This boy can now climb on couches and chairs, and it scares me a bit!

 I'm so grateful that our home is warm and filled with laughter and love today!