Garbage Picker

Hyrum likes to throw things in the garbage.
Ya know, sippy cups, blocks, plastic food, cutlery...

I think I've washed 1928737 toys today.

Other fascinations as of late include the bathroom whenever the door gets left open.

 

Still Here

This sweet girl is still here!

Just in case you were wondering...

Precious Moments

Last night as Hyrum and I snuggled in the green chair before bed, I realized how precious these moments really are. As he drank his bottle he ran his fingers through my hair ever so gently, pausing every few minutes to rub his sleepy eyes with his chubby fist. My fingers touched the bottom of his little feet and I memorized every wrinkle and crease as they rubbed. I tickled his chubby baby toes, which made him let out a little giggle, causing milk to dribble from the side of his mouth. His blue eyes looked up at me and he continued to play with my hair in delight. I placed the palm of my hand against the bottom of his foot. His little feet had grown so much, and just barely fit in the palm of my hand. I curled my fingers around his toes and gently squeezed his soft, freshly bathed feet. He finished his bottle and exclaimed, "Dah!" which means done in Hyrum lingo. I then smooched his chubby little cheeks all over which made his eyes really tired. I stood up and walked the few steps to the crib. He put his sleepy head on my shoulder and wrapped his arms around my neck. With one last hug and a bunch more kisses, I tucked him in with his favorite blanket. He rubbed his eyes, and turned his head to the side and began to fall asleep. As I left his room last night I got the impression that these moments won't last forever. He's growing up and soon won't need these night time bottles. When that time comes I will definitely miss our time spent in the big green chair.

Happy 13 months little boy!

Cordless Phone

Ever since I've known Mr. Stannix he has never been able to sit still while he's talking on the phone. I'm pretty sure cordless phones were invented just for him. In our old basement suite there wasn't much room to pace and I would have to kindly remind him about our sleeping baby girl in the room just off the kitchen. Mr. Stannix and I had a good laugh this weekend when we discovered that Hyrum, like his Daddy, just can't sit still while talking on the phone.

The Snack that Smiles Back

This morning we are enjoying the warm sunshine pouring in through the balcony window. Oh how we've missed mornings like this! Camilla is building block towers while Hyrum enjoys some goldfish snacks. I just love watching his chubby fingers grasp the fish, and his chubby toes curl in delight. I've definitely had my fair share of goldfish snacks this morning, they are helping me keep my breakfast down and staving off the nausea.  And just before bed, we'll pick up toys and I'll vacuum the fish crumbs in my living room and the stray fish under the couch (and every where else).

Gentle and Kind

Tonight after dinner we all went upstairs for jammie time. Both the kiddos looked like they were going to fall asleep at the table, so an early bed time was in order. Camilla picked out her own jammies and started dressing herself. I changed Hyrum's diaper and then put him on Camilla's bed so I could get him into his jammies. As he lay on the bed he wiggled and squirmed and tried to get away with a big grin on his face. He loves playing and bouncing on the big bed. After some tickling and giggling, I finally got his zipper done up and he was free! He started picking up Camilla's dolls and hugging and kissing them. Then he moved to Julius, his favorite orange bear, and gave him a big squeeze. I smiled as I watched him and thought about what kind of a father he might be one day. It's important to me that my little boys learn to be gentle and kind. As I watched him with Camilla's babies I was glad to see the gentleness and love in his eyes.  I became excited for the father he will one day grow up to be. I am very grateful for the example that he has to follow in his own father.

Happiness Is

Happiness is...

Waffles for breakfast

Making play dough first thing in the morning to keep away the rainy day blues

Dancing in the rain with the big red umbrella

Hyrum eating cheese (and who knows what else) off the kitchen floor mid morning

Listening to Camilla giggle as I chase her up the stairs for nap time

Tickle wars with Camilla in the big green chair upstairs

Long afternoon naps

Slobbery, open mouthed kisses, willingly given

Hyrum toddling around the house on his chubby little legs
with his tongue stuck out for extra balance

Hot bread smothered in butter and honey on a chilly afternoon

Because I do the Packing

Since I got to pack the clothes for the weekend, I couldn't resist doing a little matching for Sunday.

It's so hard to believe how big our kids are getting!

Camilla got to wear her special dress that Gramma and Grampa brought back from their cruise last year. 

It finally fits and I think it's darling on her. 

We managed to get through the day without any spills or stains.

It was a miracle.

 

 And I couldn't resist a picture of my tiny bump. 

I read somewhere that now baby can grasp, squint, frown, and grimace.

I'm super excited to start feeling a little movement in the next few weeks!

(14 weeks)

We spent our Sunday evening at the farm of some family friends that I grew up with.

They put on an awesome BBQ and we all enjoyed the warm weather outside.

Camilla had fun on the trampoline and swing set.

Hyrum enjoyed giggling at the puppies and petting them.

We decided to take the gravel road on the way home and stopped to watch three deer jump the fence.

As we slowed to make a turn later on in our drive we stopped to watch a pair of geese and their sweet yellow goslings make their way to a near by pond. 

It was such a peaceful, relaxing night.

The Apple Orchard

Being that it's the May Long Weekend, and we had no plans, we made a last minute desicion to come hang out at the Acreage for the weekend. Mr. Stannix did up all of the dishes Thursday night, I cleaned, did laundry and packed up on Friday and we arrived Friday night. Grampa was out tilling the garden and I sent Camilla up to say hi. So many memories from my childhood on the farm were brought back. When I was little I would always go out with my dad when he tilled the garden. As the fresh, smooth dirt was brought to the surface I would follow behind him, being sure to stay in his footsteps. The cool dirt that was brought to the surface always felt good between my bare toes. I'm sure my feet were just black by the end of the night. Anyways, soon Grampa and Camilla made there way back to the house from the orchard. After we put the children to bed downstairs we played some great games of Rook and enjoyed visiting.

Saturday was a beautiful day! Camilla helped Grampa drain and refill the front pond. While she was out with Grampa, Hyrum enjoyed digging in Gramma's cupboards and drawers. The pots and pans became his favorite. He spent the morning with his tongue sticking out concentrating. Such a Hyrum thing to do.

When afternoon rolled around and Mr. Stannix had finished studying we decided to take a walk around the acreage as a family. The sun was out and there was a little bit of a breeze. We walked around the garden and up to the apple orchard. Hyrum of course wanted Daddy to hoist him up to touch all of the trees and check out the new leaves.

Eventually we found a nice spot of ground and just relaxed. There was no noise except for a few vehicals on the highway and the frogs in the neighbours pond. Our minds totally relaxed and it was nice not to think of anything. We just sat and enjoyed watching the children. Camilla kicked off her boots and ran around bare foot (she's definitely my daughter). She would stick out her arms as she ran and pretend to fly. She loved the openness of the orchard.

Daddy and I sat on the grass and tried to convince Hyrum that touching the grass isn't really all that bad. Camilla got tired and came in for a cuddle on my lap. As we sat there with the breeze blowing through our hair, we noticed a lady bug crawling up a blade of grass. Camilla let it crawl up and down her arm and all over her little fingers. All the while Hyrum was reaching over her shoulder trying to grab it and eat it. Finally we let it go back home to the grass. Then Camilla ran around a bit more. As she would jump on her Daddy his strong arms would lift her high into the air and she could pretend she was flying. Both of them would break out in giggles and laughter. It was music to my ears. I love hearing my family happy.

After some delicious barbequed hamburgers, we took off to spend the evening at the Lake. The sun was low and cast a nice glow over the dock. The children enjoyed throwing rocks and splashing.  Even the big kids enjoyed skipping rocks and seeing who could get the most skips at a time. I just loved sitting back and watching it all.

Camilla found a stick and her and Grampa sat on the edge of the dock and went "fishing". Just as we were on our way back to the car, Camilla decided to take one last walk to the lake edge and returned with her pantlegs soaking wet. She just couldn't resist. It reminded me of family vacation last year in BC. That girl really does love splashing and playing in water.

We ended the night with Dilly Bars from DQ. I had just finished bathing the children when Daddy and Grampa got home with them, so Camilla ate hers wrapped in just a towel, on the rocking chair cushion. It doesn't get much better than that. After night prayers our two little sleepy heads closed their eyes before I even finished tucking them in. All the fun and fresh air is so good for them!

Then the adults engaged in another game of Rook. We did couples vs. couples this time. It was a lot of fun! After game two we realized how late it was and said our good-nights.

A Spare

This morning after I finished the dishes and cleaning up in the kitchen I checked out the program times at our local library. Turns out they had one on at 10:30. I got everyone ready in time to walk there. Camilla held the door open while I closed the inside door. It's kind of finicky so when I locked and closed it, it didn't close tight and I had to pull it closed again.

We went to the car to quickly grab shoes and then when I went to open the door to the garage to get the stroller I realized that my house key wasn't on my key ring. I immediately wished I hadn't noticed the door when it didn't lock the first time. This has happened to me all too often, and this time I knew what to do. I buckled Hyrum into his car seat so he would be contained for a few minutes and then Camilla and I went to a window. Because I've done this a few times it took me less than 60 seconds to take off the screen and bust in (I should probably be worried that my house is so easy for me to break into).

I lifted Camilla through the window and instructed her to push down the baby gate and unlock the front door. I waited at the front door, heard the crash when the gate fell down and Camilla's "I'm okay". Before I knew it I felt her tiny hand turning the door knob on the other side and I was in! She was so proud of herself. I was just glad I didn't have to go through the window this time! We really need to get a spare key...

The good news is we still had time to walk, the bad news is that the program listing on the internet was wrong. We still had fun getting new movies and books as well as driving the boat. When it was time to leave I got an "Aiy Aiy, Captain!" from my enthusiastic two year old and we proceeded to the check out and then home.

Tonight I had asked Mr. Stannix to BBQ up some steaks for dinner. It started getting windy and cloudy and I almost changed my mind. I called him before he left work to double check if he was still up for it. Every time my poor husband tries to cook steak it rains. Last time it poured and he needed an umbrella...

After we ate our delicious steaks it was time for the kiddos to bath. I stood outside the door for a few minutes grinning from ear to ear as I listened to them splash and giggle. Hyrum's belly laugh is the best sound ever. After prayers I took the little man up to bed. When I brought Camilla up later to tuck her in I found him sleeping with his legs crossed. It was soo Hyrum that I had to snap a picture.

Now I hear a movie playing on the TV and I'm pretty sure there's a spot saved for me on the couch right next to Mr. Stannix. If he's feeling generous he might even play with my hair a little.

Blessings

This morning the children didn't wake up until 7:30. It was heavenly to sleep in that long. Mr. Stannix and I took in all the sleep we could get and then he quickly got ready for work.

(Fruit for breakfast)

And might I just add that I am super grateful for honest people and answers to prayers!
Phew!

Sleepy Heads

 I think the kids had a very fun filled weekend. They were both fast asleep before we even left the subdivision. Hyrum was too tired to even finish his bottle. Today we've been recuperating from the late nights visiting and early mornings. I put the baby gate up across the living room entrance and let the kids watch movies all morning while I rested my eyes. Sometimes ya just need a morning like that! I think I'm now ready to take on the rest of my week.

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!