Backyard Campout

Last night the littles camped out in the backyard with their Dad. It's something they've been wanting to do for a long time, and Mr. Stannix promised them that it would happen on Friday. They were super disappointed when it started raining and I suggested moving the backyard camp out to the basement. Thankfully, they have a Dad who makes good on his promises and despite the very light sprinkling of rain they excitedly set up the tent. 

Some of the funny things I heard as I sat on the couch and listened to it all go down:

"Dad, this is actually fun! Dad....dad...DAAAD! This is actually fun!" -Finley

"Does your butt REALLY have to be by my head?!" -Camilla

I'm pretty sure Daddy was the first to fall asleep. I had an evening pretty much to myself and whipped up another dish cloth while I watched a chick flick. Aside from a few quick trips into the bathroom for a couple of boys, I didn't hear from anyone until 7:00am this morning. I woke at 5:00am to the sound of rain falling fast and hard outside. It didn't let up all morning, and I figured they would be inside sleeping. They all made it the entire night and the only one to wake up wet was Daddy. They all thought it was pretty funny that the water pooled around him.

It's been a pretty quiet day though and a lot of my little campers (Daddy included) have been catching a few winks of sleep this afternoon. There's nothing quite like a warm, cozy bed to get caught up on some much needed sleep!

Baking Day

 Today was a baking day...

 I had a fabulous little helper.

 We made a dozen strawberry muffins...

 Five or six dozen cookies (which are already half gone)...

 And a dozen cheesy bagels.

I finished off my night watching "Call the Midwife" and making up this washcloth that is almost too beautiful to use.

Six

When I was growing up, being a mother was all I dreamed of doing. As a little girl I loved sneaking out of bed to rock my baby dolls in my tiny rocking chair. When I got a little bit older I would often be found at a church Christmas party or activity carrying a baby on my hip. From the age of eleven and throughout my teen years my primary income came from babysitting. I always knew that I wanted a large family and I am so grateful that Mr. Stannix was able to catch my vision and make my dreams come true. He works super hard each day so that I am able to stay home with our littles and instill in them values and manners. He is a fabulous father and teacher and there is nothing more attractive than a man who takes his role as father and provider so seriously. The days are long, but the rewards are great!

With so many littles so close in age, the decision to jump from five to six was not taken lightly. I've been told that my Great Gramma Hudkins used to say "if there's room in the heart, there's room in the home". Knowing that the heart only expands with each new addition, I had no doubt that my heart could love another baby. Physically, I'm still young, and knew I was up for the challenge. And even though there's a lot of days that I feel as though I am on the brink of insanity, I knew that if we could manage five, we could definitely do one more. The older kids are a huge help and with Joe heading off to grade 1 next year, I knew I'd only have three littles at home with me during the day. And if I'm being completely honest, there were a lot of times when I'd look at Ollie with heart eyes and joke aloud, "He's just so darn cute! How can we stop at five!" 

We were super thrilled in early march to discover that we'd have a new little babe joining our crazy family. Mr. Stannix had already noticed my growing belly, and I was fighting off extreme fatigue each day, so we both knew something was up. I spent the first three months sneaking in cat naps whenever I could and wishing the house would clean itself. A few times each week, feelings of doubt and worry would creep in as I wondered if all would be well. After losing a babe well after the 12 week mark, it's hard to feel like there's any "safe" time to spread the good news or let excitement take over. I looked forward to each midwife appointment with great anticipation and they were so great at letting me listen to that heartbeat for a few extra minutes. 

As our 20 week ultrasound approached, past fears began creeping in again. I hadn't felt babe move yet, even though everything I read said I should be. I would lie still on the couch a few times each day trying to feel those little taps that would reassure me that all was well. Mr. Stannix would wipe my tears and tell me everything was going to be okay quite frequently. 

Words can't express the peace I felt when we were able to see our baby yawn and wiggle and squirm on the ultrasound screen today! Our ultrasound tech was so wonderful and talked to us the entire time she scanned telling us what we were looking at and counting fingers and toes. Babe was super active and our tech had to work hard to grab all of the pictures she needed. It was so good to hear (and see) that baby was moving around so much! Camilla begged us to find out the gender, and although it was tempting we ultimately decided to keep it a surprise! As our tech scanned she would ask us to close our eyes at certain times just to keep everything a secret. Our little lady is desperately hoping for a sister!  

I keep joking with Joe that he's getting a baby for his birthday and he just laughs. I feel so blessed to be able to go through this experience again and I know that this babe will never be short on love. We are all so excited for this next little one to join our family mid November! 

Bubble Blowing

 We have been loving these slow June days filled with sunshine, bare feet, biking, and bubble blowing! The boys could play outside for hours and I am 100% okay with that! The toyroom stays a lot cleaner these days with all of the extra outside play. We are counting down the days until school is over and we have big brother and sissy home to play too!

Baby Whitney

 My sister had her baby and we are all smitten! Miss Whitney is the first girl cousin after a long line of boys! She is already super loved and adored (especially by Camilla who's been dreaming of having a little sister). She is so tiny and perfect. We were able to make a quick trip to Okotoks this afternoon to visit and meet her. Camilla literally shrieked with glee when I picked them up after school and told them where we were going. Auntie Emma was sweet enough to wrap her girly in the blanket Camilla made for her and Camilla was tickled to see it being used and loved. Each of the littles had a turn holding her and then I got to soak up some baby snuggles just before we had to leave. At just over 6lbs she is super tiny and sweet! Welcome to the family baby girl!

Summer Storms

I picked the kids up after school today. Camilla got in the van and the first thing she said was, "there's a storm rolling in!" Boy was she right. Not long after we got home the heavens opened and it started to pour. The littles devoured half of the no bake cookies that the little boys helped me make this afternoon and then gathered downstairs. The thunder shook the house as I kneaded the pizza dough for dinner. Music was quietly playing in the background and the children were building forts in the basement. Hyrum decided he needed to test out his new rain jacket so Ollie and I joined him, barefoot. We danced in the rain until we were soaked and lightening flashed in the sky. Ollie wasn't a fan of the thunder and kept covering his ears. The sky continued to rumble as the rain steadily drummed on our roof. There is something about summer storms that brings a cozy feeling to our home and fills my heart with gratitude. 

 The rain continued to fall as I worked in the kitchen. Camilla brought up the box of crayons and a stack of white paper and sat at the little round table. She drew a picture of a rainy day while Ollie stood on the chair beside her opening and closing the crayon box. We sang and hummed along to the music while we worked on our separate projects. One of my very favorites lately is THIS song. It was the perfect mellow song for a rainy Friday.

When they noticed me spreading the pizza dough on the pans they eagerly joined me at the counter. Fin happily sipped the pineapple juice that I had just finished draining into a cup. It always brings back memories to homemade pizza nights when I was a kid. Camilla expertly made the pepperoni pizza while Fin dumped handfuls of cheese onto his Hawaiian pizza (which I smoothed over just before placing it in the oven). Ollie sat in the middle of the counter eating cheese and stray pieces of pineapple while they worked on their master pieces and I smiled at his chubby toes. We finished the evening gathered around the dinner table with Daddy while the aroma of fresh baked pizza filled the air. Hyrum ate three whole slices! I wouldn't be surprised if he's growing again.

Daughter of Mine

A few months ago Camilla began begging me to teach her how to crochet. She really wanted to make a baby blanket for Auntie Emma's baby girl due in June. I was excited for her interest in crochet, but also knew it wouldn't be an easy thing to teach. I can remember the long hours spent sitting at my Gramma's kitchen table working on baby blankets and needing her help every few minutes. I decided to brace myself for the challenge and we finally got to it one Sunday afternoon. We looked up a few easy blanket patterns and she picked her colors. I showed her how to hold her hook and do a chain and double crochet. It didn't take her long to catch on at all and she worked and worked for about three months on this blanket. She would bring it when we'd go to soccer practice and crochet on the side lines while we watched her brother play. She would bring it on long drives and work away in the back seat. She would bring it into the back yard and work away in the lawn chair. She would even crochet while she watched her favorite TV shows with the boys. When she found out her Auntie's baby shower was just a few weeks away she worked even harder on it to finish it in time, even though I assured her she would still have a few weeks before babes arrival. She is one determined girl! She was so excited to wrap it and watch her auntie open it. I am super proud of her for choosing to do something and then sticking with it until the end! She's really excited to start another project!

Sunshine & Rainbows

Today we woke to a cloudy, dark sky. We spent part of the morning snuggling on the patio while the clouds spit rain. The temperature was perfect, and we enjoyed the fresh air. The day passed slow and we took advantage of the dreary day and snuggled in for afternoon naps. Chores were done, snacks were had, dinner was made, and excited children were welcomed home from school.

 

After dinner I took Hyrum to soccer practise while Daddy tucked the rest of the kiddos into bed for the night. Clouds rolled in half way through practice, rumbling and threatening rain. Without warning the sky opened up and big drops fell hard accompanied by whipping wind. Umbrella's were being turned inside out and kids were screeching with glee. I looked across the field to find the most gorgeous double rainbow. Pictures don't really do it justice. The children were freezing, but having too much fun to care. When the rain and wind let up a bit they finally got into a game, but it was filled with happy chaos.

 

 I spent the rest of my evening folding laundry and watching Call the Midwife. I didn't finish until after ten and practically crawled up the stairs to bed. As I pulled back the covers the wind picked up and lightning flashed out my window. Shortly after I had tucked into bed there was an absolute downpour. The drops beat against the roof and hit against the window and I listened contently as I drifted off to sleep.

Baking and Snoozing

 It was a drizzly day today...

 Which meant a big batch of Monster Cookies...

 And nice, long afternoon naps!

Cloudy Day

 After a nice warm day yesterday it was kind of refreshing to wake to cloud cover and cooler weather. We ventured out to the park in the morning, waiting for Mr. Sun to peek out from behind the clouds. 

 If Ollie could have his way, he would spend all day outside, rain or shine. He is happiest when he is outdoors wandering around. I am excited to get out to the mountains this Summer and get a few hikes in. He is going to love it!

My monthly order arrived on my doorstep this afternoon. It was the perfect way to brighten a cloudy day. I have been waiting to try the baby shampoo and lotion for quite a while! I love the smell of it, and I love that it's free of toxins and other harmful things. I will be using it on the youngest kiddos until baby arrives in the Fall!