Birthday Celebrations

Today we celebrated Mike's birthday! It was a super chill day filled with lots of relaxing. Camilla spoiled her Daddy with cards and homemade gifts all day long. My personal favorite was the "I lobe you" card that she wrote for him with the whole alphabet inside and a picture of him as a stick man. She is such a sweetheart.

 Daddy even got some awesome snuggles and a head rub.

After Dinner of Daddy's choice we dove into a triple layer chocolate cake. The little swere pretty excited to help him blow out his candles. We all feel pretty lucky to have this guy as a part of our lives! Happy birthday darling!!



Results

Mike has been eagerly awaiting 8:00am this morning to find out if he passed his big UFE exam that he wrote in September. After waking up at 5:00am and eating some pancakes and a fruit smoothie, the time finally came to fire up the computer and check for his number on the list. It was such a relief to scroll down and FIND IT! I am so so proud of him for all of his hard work and dedication. As we drove to the office this morning for all of the hoopla that goes on there, he turned to me and said, "Well Hun, we're set for life!" I am so grateful for his dedication to both family and career. 

I honestly never doubted him, he worked so hard!

Joe's Favorite Pal

It's not often I get pictures of Mr. Stannix these days. Tonight I captured this little gem before bed and had to blog about these two. Joe loves when Daddy comes home and will often wait at the door and peek out the window calling "Daaa-Daaa" or "Daaa-Deeee" over and over again with excitement. Today when Daddy came home someone yelled, "Daddy's home!" and Joe came toddling through the kitchen as fast as he could yelling screeching "Daaa!" It's safe to say this boy loves his Daddy very much! Daddy has tucked the kiddos in quite frequently lately with me being away at Young Women's and Volleyball a few nights a week. He and Joe have a cute little bed time routine that works like a charm. I am so grateful for such a loving husband and father for my children. I love seeing him play with the children and make them laugh and giggle!

Crazy, Lazy Days

Winter can be so much fun and on the warmer days the kids love playing in the backyard! Mr. Stannix has been hard at work and has also had the vehicle for quite a while since he's out of the office. Sometimes being couped up at home can make ya a little crazy! That's definitely our day today! Since we've been home a lot I took out the big boy undies again and took the plunge into potty training. It always goes good for the first few days and then suddenly he wants his diapers again and can't even be bribed with chocolate chips. I'm not about to push things though, he will be ready soon enough.

I also adored Joseph's little giggles today. He has become so much fun! I love the way he interacts with everyone and I love watching him toddle around the house with one sock on and one sock off. 

 

I can't believe how big he is getting!

Best Friends

So, it's late and I should probably be in bed. Mr. Stannix is sitting beside me on the couch reading his favorite book and after showing him some pictures from this morning, I just had to blog them. Sunday's are always crazy days. A few weeks ago we sat in Sacrament meeting with quiet children and listened to the talks and sang all of the songs. Today wasn't one of those days. I ended up out in the lobby with a baby on my hip, a two year old crying and tears running down my cheeks. Sometimes life is hard with three little people. But then tonight I looked back at some pictures I snapped of Hyrum and Camilla and all of the bad things from today seemed to slip away and be forgotten. Somedays, amidst all of the fighting and arguing those two do, I find myself constantly reminding them that they are "best friends". And then days like today, it just melts my heart to see them enjoying one anothers company and telling me that they are "best friends" while they hold hands and pose willingly for pictures.

When I look at this picture of the two of them, all I can think is How in the world did they get SO BIG! I miss that little girl who used to show me where her eyes, nose, ears and whiskers were, but I love the beautiful little girl she has grown into. I miss my snuggly baby boy, but I love the handsome little man he's becoming.

These two have been loads of fun lately and there are a few moments from this week that need to be documented. I have recently discovered the joy that little boys get out of wrestling. Luckily Mr. H has an older sister who doesn't mind being a little rough and tumble. The other day I watched them giggle and wrestle for quite a while in the basement, falling over, rolling over each other, and laughing hysterically. It brough back memories of when my siblings and I used to wrestle or tickle each other until we were laughing so hard we couldn't breath. We also made Daddy's favorite Gingersnap cookies the other day. Both of the children pulled a chair up to the back side of the island to help me roll and dip the cookies in sugar. Camilla is great at rolling and she explained to Hyrum that it was his job to take them after they'd been covered in sugar and put them onto the plate. She's such a great little explainer. This afternoon in particular, they were getting along great. Every few cookies Camilla would lean over to her brother and wrap her arms around him, or kiss him on the cheek and tell him how much she loved him. It was a total heart melter. Then Hyrum would say "Ganx Camilla! I wuv you too!" And though it took us way longer than it should have to roll those cookies, it was worth every minute to see them working together and increasing their love for one another. Today after church they enjoyed some crackers and cheese on the kitchen floor while I prepared a late lunch. Hyrum sweetly broke his already tiny piece of cheese in half and shared it with his sister.

I am glad they understand the act of sharing and showing love. It is so great to see them getting along so well with each other. By the end of the day my heart was just bursting with love for both of them! I'm so grateful for the privelege it is to be their mother and watch them grow. Although, sometimes I think they should slow down just a little so that I can enjoy them for just a bit longer!

Start to Finish

I started out my day giving my blondie a hair cut...

He was pretty excited about the clippers!

And he looked pretty handsome and grown-up when I finished!

I finished my day by sharing a banana milkshake with Joe.

The Night From...

Last night was no fun at all. I got home from volleyball and grocery shopping at just after 10:30pm. I crawled into bed as soon as I could, but shortly after I fell asleep a little boy came to our bedside. I pulled him in and gave him a quick cuddle. He was coughing pretty good, so I decided to keep him in our bed so that Joe would hopefully stay asleep. After giving him a glass of water, I went across the hall and crawled in with Camilla. My cough was the worst it's been this week. I muffled the sounds in a blanket. A little while later, just as my cough was subsiding and my eyes closing, Joe woke up screaming. We walked the floor downstairs for a bit, had some snuggles and then back to bed he went. He woke up again after not too long, and then again and again. Camilla came downstairs thinking it was morning time at around 3:00 am. I sent her back to bed with a hug. At 4:00 am I just couldn't handle Joe anymore. Poor Mike even got out of bed to help. I usually try to let him sleep so he's well rested for work.  After a lot of adjusting positions and tears I just let Joe work things out in his crib. It didn't take long before all was quiet again...until I heard someone walking around outside Camilla's door. I just didn't get out of bed soon enough. Hyrum had already barged into his room and Joseph was awake once again. I went back downstairs for the millionth time until Joseph calmed down again. I was finally able to grab a bit of sleep before everyone woke up at 6:00 am. Luckily they have all been fairly well behaved this morning. But naps will be had by one and all this afternoon! We also may be having ichiban noodles for dinner.

Snapshots

 The littles have been so good at entertaining themselves today! 

 I have been busy creating, cleaning and trying to keep up with the house work.

Sometimes I like to neglect my house work and just hang out with the kiddos.

Hyrum spent the morning clunking around the house in my giant winter boots.

It kept him busy for quite a while!

While I made lunch Camilla whizzed in and out of the kitchen with Joseph giggling away on the blanket. 

The only pictures I could get of them were a blurry, but still adorable.

I love Joseph's little nose wrinkled grins!

He has a pretty awesome big sister.

And I am pretty much in love with these baby toes!

Let's Eat Cake

Cowboy Land

This morning Camilla asked me where our water comes from. I explained to her all about the water pipes and where we get our water. She thought for a moments and then asked, "Mom, in cowboy land do they get their water from those pokey things? You know..." She had me puzzled for a second and then I helped her out, "A cactus?" She excitedly replied, "Yeah! Cactus! Do they get their water from those?" Love this girls imagination.

Joseph Turns One

Today is sweet baby Joe's first birthday. I keep wondering to myself where that whole year went! I still remember the sweet moment when we welcomed him into our little family. He came out with chunky little cheeks and a furrow in his brow. He is by far the most serious Stannix baby to date. His little looks would always make us laugh, full of such concern and soberness. We named him after both his Great-Grandpa's, Joseph Stannix and Allen Hudkins. Both very strong names and quite fitting for such a serious little boy. The first night in the hospital is one I will never forget because he cried the whole time. I cherished the quiet moments where I could just snuggle him and watch his sweet little face while he slept. 

The first couple of months proved difficult. He was constantly hungry and hard to console, but we still adored him! His older siblings couldn't get enough of kissing his soft little cheeks and holding him with help from Mom and Dad. We all looked forward to celebrating Christmas with a new baby around. There is something about having a newborn at Christmas time that turned my thoughts toward Mary and baby Jesus and really helped bring the Christmas Spirit into the home. 

As Joseph grew he became easier to deal with at nights. Because he didn't learn to sleep through the night until he was ten months old, those became our special times together. It seems that things became easier for me when I decided to change my attitude about the circumstance. With two other siblings competing for Mom time, it's sometimes tricky to give the one on one that I'd like. I cherished our night time feedings and having him sleep on my chest to squeeze in a few extra winks of sleep.

Over this last year I have watched his little smiles go from toothless to full of little baby teeth. He has become an absolute joy to mother and I adore squeezing his rolls and smooching his cheeks. His personality is different than each of his older siblings and I love his unique way of discovering and doing things. His newest favorite thing to do is to walk while carrying something heavy like a pillow or bucket of blocks. He loves a challenge and exploring his surroundings. It has been such a privilege to be his mamma and watch him grow into the cutesy little boy that he has become.

Happy first birthday Mr. Joe!

Love,

-Mom

They Couldn't Resist

We got a huge dump of snow over night! 

The children begged me to let them go outside and play in it. 

They quickly went to work making paths around the yard and enjoying the fresh powder.

It was fun to watch the joy and excitement they got out of something so simple.

 

 

I also witnessed a tender sibling moment. 

I peaked out the back door to see Hyrum pouting on his knees.

Camilla soon noticed and went to his side to give him a hug and comfort him.

Her eyes then met mine through the window and I gave her a thumbs up.

She grinned so big I could see almost all of her teeth!

I love that tender little girl.

One Thousand

It's one of those slow, cozy up in a sweater kind of days. The snow is gently falling outside, covering the grass that was just starting to make it's appearance again. The littles are still in their jammies, finishing up a quick show before lunch. I just finished kneading some bread dough which is now rising on the counter upstairs. Hyrum was so excited when he learned I was making bread, "Yay! I WUV bread!". It's been a while, almost a week to be exact, that we've gone without that staple. They will be glad to eat some good old PB&J again. Joseph is literally walking in circles around the playroom, with a TV remote in hand, shaking his head and talking to himself while he steps. Both of his big toes are poking out the bottom of his jammies. 

Joseph's new trick!

And now on a totally unrelated note. The blog has just hit 1000 posts! I've been thinking about doing a giveaway to celebrate. Something homemade and fun of course! Leave us a comment below to be entered and we will do a random draw tomorrow night!

**Thanks for all of the comments! I can't get my screen shot to work, but the winner is Brooklyn! We will be in touch!**

Our First Snowman

This morning the weather was so warm that it rained! Luckily the roads are just wet, but when the temperature drops it won't be fun to drive. We took advantage of the sticky snow and made a mini little snowman with the tiny bit of unpacked snow in our backyard. The kids were super excited! Since they had their afternoon naps in the car this morning, we burned a whole lotta energy out here this afternoon.

 Joe was especially glad not to have to bundle up! He also loves his new Winter hat.

 Mr. Snowman isn't the prettiest, but the kids sure like him!

Joe even had to wander over to check him out! Love those kids!

Noteable

Camilla has officially started learning piano.

She has been so excited about it!

I am teaching her from the same book I used when I first learned.

She's able to put her fingers on the right keys and name each of the notes.

Today we finally moved passed the warm up songs with the note names.

She began learning the first two songs in the book.

I had her write all the note names under the notes to start and she did great.

Eventually we will erase the letters as she learns to recognize each note.

It's been a great confidence booster for her and she loves practising.

It's fun for me to sit beside her on the bench and help her along.

She was pretty excited to show Daddy her new songs when he came home.

I love her enthusiasm and hope it keeps up!

One in a Week

My parents were in town today, so we took advantage of it and had a little get together for Joe's first birthday! I was super creative this year and made him an angel food cake with my mamma's traditional icing. The kids licked the beaters while they played outside and Joe licked the spatula in his booster seat. They were all very sticky afterwards. We enjoyed being with family and will be enjoying the "fresh farm eggs" (as Camilla and Hyrum like to call them) and the homemade chocolates they shared from their days work at Gramma's. Big thanks to everyone who came by and spoiled our little man (who isn't a whole year old until next Sunday). More pictures to come once I get them from my sister who always becomes the designated photographer at these kind of things. Thanks sis!

Grampa and Joe showing off their new trick

Thursday Things

Today started out just like almost every other. Joseph woke up first, ready for his morning bottle and some breakfast, shortly followed by Hyrum's footsteps after he hopped out of our bed to join me downstairs.  The brothers always share morning snuggles on the couch in the dim glow of the streetlights, giggling and playing with each other. Joseph gets so excited when Hyrum enters the room in the morning.

After Daddy left for work we went upstairs to get everyone dressed and changed. I love hugging and snuggling my kids right after I put some fresh clothes on them! They always smell so wonderful thanks to the laundry detergent!

 

 After we finished our morning routine, we spent the rest of the morning making snowflakes to replace the leaves under our plastic table cloth. I also let the littles glue some cotton balls onto construction paper and make their own snowmen. Busy kids are happy kids.

I sent the older two outdoors just before lunch to burn some energy and get some fresh air. I love the smell of a crisp Winters day. If it wasn't so chilly, I would almost open my windows! Joe had fun banging on the window and trying to escape out the door while I made lunch. Man that boy is getting tall! Whenever I would try to talk to him he would mumble to himself and shake his head side to side almost as if he was saying, "I dunno 'bout this, Mom..."

 

While Joe napped I whipped up some bread dough. I love the big recipes that make four loaves because I get to freeze some for later. I made a couple loaves of cinnamon bread for breakfasts, over a dozen cinnamon buns and a regular white loaf for lunches. It was nice to get it out of the way when the baby was asleep because when he's awake, he's trouble!

 Camilla has been learning some piano and has Middle C, D and E down! She keeps begging me to let her move on to F, but I'd like her to try and recognize the first three notes on paper before we go on. She loves to practice and constantly wants me by her side teaching her something new. I love her enthusiasm!

When the bread came out of the oven we all had a warm piece with butter. Best thing ever on a chilly afternoon! Joe was in the booster seat and kept protesting until I let him have a piece to nibble too.

Just before Dinner Camilla became a huge helper! She set the table, volunteered to sweep the floor and even got in her Jammies without being asked. I love when she gets in those moods, but it also makes me laugh. After dinner she cleared her plate and cup and even waited politely at the table until we were all finished eating. Later on she says to me, "Do you like when I put Joe's Jammies on the bed so you don't have to walk over to the dresser when Joe's SCREAMIN' and Hyrums CU-Plainin'.....?" At least she understands how hard my job really is. It made me smile.

Cafe Rio

I attempted to make Cafe Rio for the first time today. It turned out super good, but nothing can top the real deal. Mike served his mission in Salt Lake City and Cafe Rio became his favorite place to eat. I will never be able to make the real thing, but at least we can pretend! Sweet Pork, all the fixin's, and the famous creamy ranch tomatillo sauce!

Yum!

Morning Light

This morning the littles and I ventured out into the cold to get groceries. We managed to get our shopping done and arrive home with plenty of time before Joe's morning nap. I finished unpacking the food and zipped the children's coats up on request so that they could play outside. While I helped them slip their little hands into their mittens and placed a hat on each of their heads, Joe quietly drank his bottle. Just as I got the older two out the door Joseph stuck his arms up ready to be picked up. As I held him close, he snuggled into my shoulder and fell asleep almost instantly! The house was quiet except for the distant echos of Camilla giggling out the backdoor. I carried him slowly up the stairs, rubbing his back and touching his soft little face. Before placing him in his crib, I cuddled him tight for some time, soaking in the moment. In just a short time he will be a whole year old and with his new found ability to walk and move these moments happen less and less. His face is growing and changing, his personality is exploding with spunk and goofiness and his little legs are losing the rolls that I once squeezed affectionately whenever I changed his bottom. 

I closed my eyes for a few minutes as flashbacks from his first few months came to mind. How did that teeny tiny baby turn into this big strong boy? A part of me wanted to freeze time and keep him this way for a while. I love the things he is learning each day and the excitement he has for life. He sure loves those older siblings and always reaches out to Daddy when he gets home from work. Though the first few months were the hardest, they have brought us closer than we could have ever been. He has become such a special little boy with such a wonderful personality! And every time I get the chance to snuggle him as he sleeps, you can bet I'll be taking it.

Snow Day

This morning came early! We were all up and at 'em at 6:00am. By 8:00am I had already studied my scriptures, fed everyone breakfast, seen Daddy off to work, dressed and smooched all of the children, cleaned rooms, made beds and said morning prayers. I have a feeling this time change will work in our favor as far as productivity goes. Before the sun was even up, Hyrum was asking to go out and play in the snow. I convinced him to wait until Mr. sun woke up for the day and warmed things up a tad. I also had to find all of our snow gear in the garage and figure out something for Joe. 

As soon as they were out the door they were rolling around in the snow and having a blast together. It's always nice to get out of the house! I pulled out the sled and we walked down the alley to get the mail. I think that may have been Joseph's favorite part of the whole morning.

 

The snow totally seemed interesting and fun, as long as he was on his feet. The poor little guy was so bundled up that he somewhat resembled a marshmallow and had a hard time moving around. 

 

Though it is snow covered, he still made his way over to the garden, his favorite spot in the whole yard. He practised climbing up and down with his limited mobility, and was quite serious about it too!

 

Once he got up he would hang out for a while. It looks like I need to make him a new hat. That hand-me-down of Hyrum's just isn't going to cut it for the winter!

 

He and I went in before the other two because his little cheeks were cold. I think his second favorite part of the morning was eating the snow. He sure is sweet all bundled up!

 

Joe has been a super funny kid lately. I just love his little personality! He will often give me cute looks like this one all throughout the day. That look means trouble I tell ya!

 

I was cleaning out the coat closet this afternoon and came across Hyrum's Halloween costume from last year. He was quite excited to put it on. He became "SUPER HYMUM" and ran around tidying up the main floor. Then Joe woke up from his nap and things weren't so super anymore. Joseph enjoyed being pulled around for the first  few minutes, but it got old fast.

 

This is a good snapshot of how the rest of our afternoon went. When everyone woke up from naps I scrambled to find something to put together for dinner. I've been saving up grocery shopping for 10% day tomorrow, because the sales are awesome and we always end up saving a lot of money when I plan it right! Now I get to prep myself for early morning shopping with these crazies tomorrow! So much work, but seriously, these kids are such a JOY!

Feeling Blessed

It's been a long Saturday indeed. Daddy is away at the University until late tonight, so it's just me and the littles. We had smoothies and banana muffins for dinner (yeah, it's been that kind of a day). Then I decided it was bath time. They love bath time and it's a good time killer. After baths I dried them each with a towel, diapered the boys' bottoms and cozied them up in some warm jammies. As they laughed together, I just felt so blessed. I love their little laughs and comments. I love their glowing faces and rosy little cheeks. I adore their toothy little grins and I am so glad I get to call them mine!

Seriously, feeling so blessed!