On Overcoming Trials

I can't believe it's November already! Time has been flying by in the Stannix home. I have become a little lazy in our documenting lately and am hoping to have a post of "little things" for later this week. Last month was a toughy with Mr. Stannix training in Calgary during the week and coming home for weekends, which were also packed full of family things and church callings. Even though we have had a month and a half to practise our good-bye's I still cry every Sunday night as the littles and I gather in the front window to wave Daddy off for another week. And even though I've had a lot of practise with this whole "single mom" thing, I still dread every Monday. Days are long, my belly just keeps growing (for which I am grateful), and my body is oh so sore each morning when I wake and each night before I go to sleep. I am so grateful for such a responsible oldest child who sneakily tidies the toy room to surprise me, or creatively helps her brothers do things that I need them to do. She sure is a special girl!

We adored the time we could spend with Daddy this weekend. We did one final rake up of the leaves in the yard and cleaned up the garden. Mr. Stannix kept my kitchen cleaner than it's been all week and we really enjoyed some downtime as a family. There were a few moments when we were all playing in the backyard Saturday afternoon where I wished we had a personal photographer to capture the children's faces or record their laughter. Mr. Stannix lovingly told me to take a mental picture and hold those moments in my heart. There was just something so special about the way the kids giggled as they chased their Daddy around the backyard trying to steal the soccer ball. Their faces were so bright, and they were so full of love and life. I loved watching Joe chase everyone, thinking he was part of the game even though he didn't really know what they were doing. I loved the way Hyrum ran around the yard with his elbows bent, his nose crunched and a huge grin across his face. I loved hearing Camilla's belly laugh and she shrieked with pure joy. I stood in the midst of it all a little misty eyed and couldn't help but think how blessed I am. 

This year our family has experienced many trials and heartaches and I am amazed at how much closer we are because of them. I recently had someone close to me lose a baby and in trying to think of words of comfort and ways to serve them, memories of our own loss came back to me. My heart filled with gratitude as I remembered all of the wonderful friends and family who served us during that time. There are still hard days even ten months later. There are still nights where fear and doubt creep in and tears fall on my pillow. But I am so grateful for the knowledge and peace that the Gospel brings to my life each and every day. I have become so much closer with my Savior as I have used to atonement to overcome not only the little shortfalls each day, but also the things that seem unfair in this life. 

Often the words from a familiar hymn "Carry on! Carry on! Carry on!" fly through my head during the day. On those rough days I am grateful for my children's optimism and endless supply of hugs, as well as the power of prayer. Even though we miss Daddy horribly during the week, we are "carrying on" and making the best of this awesome opportunity Mr. Stannix has been given.

Trick or Treat

 Halloween was super low-key for us this year. We were super glad that Daddy came home early on Friday to enjoy the evening with us. He asked if I had started dinner yet and when I replied, "No..." he said, "Good!".

 We took the kiddos to Wendy's to kill some time and then headed back and did a couple of the blocks in our neighborhood with our cow, horse and pirate.

 Just as we were heading out, it started spitting rain. It was definitely a bit warmer than previous years where we fought with giant snowflakes and crazy wind. The rain still chilled me to the bone by the time we made it home. Joseph enjoyed all of the decorations. Mike and I chuckled at all of his words and excitement. All night he shouted things like, "Ghost!" "Wooowwww!" and would make funny fake scared faces. He's such a character.

The older two were absolute pros this year going door to door and remembering to say thank-you each time. After only one block, they thought their bags were full enough and wanted to head home. We didn't stay out long, but they sure had a lot of fun, and came home with a lot of loot. A couple of houses passed out giant chocolate bars and juice boxes to everyone. I was totally surprised! Back in my day, that only happened when you went trick or treating in the country.

Happy Halloween!

In the Middle

 I have been thinking a lot lately about our dear sweet middle man. There are moments where he is on the sidelines a bit while I teach Camilla Kindergarten and Joseph demands my attention. But I never hear him complain. This morning, both boys snuggled into bed with me quite early. Eventually Joseph made his way down stairs wanting breakfast, but Hyrum stayed behind for a few minutes of extra cuddles. Sensing my frustration with the early start to the day, he wrapped his arms tight around me and gave me the biggest hug! He has such a loving way about him. After breakfast he was playing with his little brother, and I just couldn't believe how grown up he looked! I made sure to snap a picture so that I could smile at it later. I sure do love this kid and his gentle spirit.

Ward Halloween Party

Tonight was our Ward Halloween Party. I wasn't entirely sure what the kiddos were going to dress up as, but a quick trip to the dollar store solved all of our problems. Camilla picked out some fairy wings and Mr. H fell in love with a pirate hat. Joseph's afternoon smoothie face gave me the idea for his lumberjack costume, and then we were off!

 Before we joined our friends I snapped a quick shot of them outside the coatroom. 

 The primary and youth group provided a ton of great activities! Hyrum had fun making a spider cupcake and then eating it. 

 Joseph really wanted a "wowy pop" and was quite pleased when he went fishing for a candy bag and retrieved one. Nothing else in that bag mattered except his "wowy". 

 Before this little lady found her friends, we hung out on the sidelines eating some of the delicious treats brought by everyone. 

I absolutely love this face that Hyrum gives me!

Annual Pumpkin Carving

I have been a little lazy in my Halloween preparations this year. I'm going to be THAT mom who throws together costumes last minute. I'm still not entirely sure what we are going to be for the ward Halloween party Wednesday night...

I was glad when our friends called us up last week to see if we wanted to do pumpkins with them tonight. It's become kind of a tradition to get together with this awesome family each year to carve pumpkins and eat treats. We sure love the time we get to spend with them!

 For some reason our kiddos weren't thrilled about getting messy...

 With a lot of coaxing, Mr. H got his hands dirty!

 We also were super lucky to have Daddy with us for a few more days this week while he does some work up here.

 I love these people! And I extra LOVE having Mr. Stannix home for a few extra nights.

 Joseph got pretty into it at the end, just when we were ready to carve.

 I let him "scrape" away at the inside of the pumpkin with his little spoon for a few extra minutes.

 I love seeing my kiddos work together on things.

 When we were finished I made the littles pose in front of the pumpkins. They weren't too thrilled about that...

We enjoyed some apple pie and yummy bread for snack before the Daddy's took off to the Oilers game. Lucky ducks. By the end of the night it was evident that the children had a little too much sugar! The energy in the room was ca-razy and Mr. H was starting to put on a grump. We said good-bye to our dear friends and I got everyone ready for bed. After prayers were said, teeth were brushed, and heat bags were distributed, all three of them fell asleep without too much fuss. I managed to tidy up a bit and organize myself for tomorrow. I think it's time for me to head up to bed now too!

Apple Pies

 Last week my Mum got a few cases of Mac's for some baking and invited me out to make pies with her. My Mum's pie crust is to die for, and I still can't duplicate it very well. We spent a few mornings putting together pies for the freezer.

 

 The first day we made a grand total of sixteen pies. We cooked up four of them, and ate three of those that day. 

 Pie for lunch anybody?

 Today we made eight and I was lucky enough to bring those home to my freezer. We hardly put a dent in the apple boxes, but it was a good start! I probably peeled over one hundred apples, and I have the stained fingers to prove it! I loved being able to work with my mamma in the kitchen and learn the art of her pie crust! 

The littles loved being at Gramma and Grampa's and played so nicely together while we rolled dough and peeled apples. It was so nice to visit with everyone and to be able to help my sister with some wedding stuff while we were there! And the miracle of miracles, my kids all slept until 8:00 this morning! I love when the Acreage works it's magic. All that fresh air and running around seemed to tucker everyone out nicely. Thanks again Gramma and Grampa!

Off to Work

We are chillin' at the Acreage for a few days!

Today after Grampa left for work, Joe thought he should

go to "wuk" too.

He pulled on Grampa's shoes,

put on a hat and headed out the door to explore.

Sure do love that kid!

Taking Time

It is pretty late, and I probably should be in bed instead of blogging. The last of my children finally fell asleep though, and my mind is full of little moments from my day that I don't want to forget. Our day started early this morning and went non-stop until just a few minutes ago with babysitting, fulfilling church callings, feeding the littles, and baking twelve loaves of bread tonight (for a RS activity). By 8:00am this morning, I had already cried my eyes out a few times because I missed Mr. Stannix, I was super tired, and we couldn't even manage to make it through family prayer without the boys fighting. I took a good ten minutes to feel sorry for myself, then said a prayer and got back to work fulfilling my mommy duties and loving my children. 

At some point this afternoon Camilla was looking for a favorite stuffed animal. I really wanted to help her look, but I had to finish a few things first in preparation for the evening. A couple of minutes later she came upstairs with a huge smile on her face and the lost stuffie in hand. "I said a prayer to find it, Mom! And it worked!" My heart melted. One of her favorite primary songs as of late is "I'll Seek the Lord Early". She can sing it word for word, and had been humming it all afternoon. She told me how she had been singing that song in her head and it made her think of praying. It was a proud Mommy moment for sure.

Auntie Naomi kindly watched the littles for me while I baked bread with the RS sisters upstairs. We had such a good time visiting and eating warm bread! By the time everyone left, it was pretty late. I thought for sure the kids would zonk out as soon as their little blonde heads hit their pillows, but it was not so, not for Joseph anyways. Every night when I put this guy to bed I wonder to myself how he makes me feel so grouchy, yet makes me laugh all at the same time. I love the way he has to flip his little pillow over each night before he can fall asleep. After the 20th time I put him in his bead, he told me he wanted his "warm" which is his heat bag. I warmed it up for him and tucked it by his toes where he likes it. Next, he needed "More Wa-wa Mommy!" I filled his sippy, and tucked him in again. This time he patted his pillow, asking me to lie with him. I ran my fingers through his hair and all around his face until he got sleepy. Then I watched him as he drifted off. Once his little body relaxed, he melted into me and began to breath deeply. I snuggled into him, my hand across his tummy and wished I could just stay there forever.

It's so easy to forget how fast they grow. I don't usually like to get my kids in the habit of me having to lie with them to get them to sleep, but I do cherish those moments, once in a while, when we get to snuggle to sleep together. My body was so tired and welcomed the stillness of the night.

Hide n' Seek

Thirty Weeks

Today is the thirty week mark! It's so hard to believe that I've only got a few months to go! Baby is pretty active now and I love feeling it kicking and wiggling, even in the middle of the night. It's such a reassuring thing. Sometimes my days are so busy that I forget to notice those tiny movements and end up in a panic until I sit still enough to feel those comforting movements inside me. I think that fear of loss is something I will never get over.

I have been getting lots of exercise with our visits to the City. After a long day of walking and exploring it is often hard for me to move much at night. Sometimes I feel huge and out of shape, but I wouldn't trade it for anything! I am so grateful for a healthy body that keeps moving along despite the challenges. 

 I love my midwife and the visits that we get to have. It's so great to talk to someone who really seems to care. I love that they call me after a blood test to let me know that my iron levels are low and then give me all of these ideas to help. It's so nice to talk nutrition and have someone keep me on track!

I fall asleep each night with a heart full of gratitude for the opportunity to welcome another baby into our family. I am so looking forward to those tiny feet, the quiet night time feedings, and the new baby smell. Mr. Stannix has shared with me a few times this week how excited he is to have another little one in our home. I am so grateful for him and the way he takes on his role as father. Hyrum always tells me he can't wait to have another baby. I can't wait to see these three when they meet new baby for the first time. I am sure they will love him or her as much as I do already!