What we did for FHE

We learned about scriptures. But then we had a special activity inspired by cousin Sophie.

Not pictured: Ryan and Amy also jumping off the couch.

Atticus's 2nd Birthday

I can't believe Atticus is TWO. He's getting so big. I love my Atticus. He is the greatest little snuggler. Most mornings he comes in and wakes me up by climbing into my bed and wrapping his arms tightly around my neck. Then we both fall back asleep for a little while. He also is so sweet with his new baby sister. Tic is asking me all day long to hold and kiss Maggie. We have to be careful with babies as Atticus doesn't know his own strength. But he only has good intentions! And every day when Ryan gets home Atticus drops whatever it is he is doing, yells "DADDY" and runs as fast as he can around the kitchen table to get to the front door. Everyone knows how strong and and athletic he is- we're not sure if he'll lean towards marshal arts, football, or sumo wrestling. We just know he'll always be dangerous for small animals and people. Tic's also very smart. He's learning to count. He loves to sing ABC's, Child O God, Round and Round (wheels on the bus), and tinkle tinkle little TAR. His favorite movie is CARS and his favorite toys are cars and rhars (dinosaurs, tigers, monsters, etc.). We're working with the Tic to not be a RHAR himself as he makes a lot of people cry- including me:)! Happy birthday Atticus!

Trying to get a good picture on his birthday:

Bingo!

We had a little party with cousins in the backyard.

Ryan and I made this cake. Ry was very creative making these little cars! And Tic loved them.

Thanks everyone for remembering this little guy! He loves you. Even if he RHARS right in your face and/or bites you.

Frugal Shopping

Yesterday I went to Smith's case lot sale and had a wonderful time! It's been my experience that when people are shopping for food in bulk they are very kind to others. Why is this? The other folks looking for cases were just so friendly and helpful. It's like a group effort to get each other a little food storage. "Have you seen the corn anywhere?" "I couldn't see the price for tuna. Do you know what it is?" "Is that your cart? I'm sorry! I just took your beans. Let me return them!" ETC. It's awesome. Sometimes when you hit the sales you get looks from other people. Like when I stock up on cereal. I've had several people tell me why that wasn't such a good idea. It would make me fat, I'd never go through it in time, who eats that much cereal? Ryan does:). He does. So not everyone feels it's a good idea to buy extra food. But the shoppers who do, have always been so nice to me. It makes the shopping trip pretty fun.

After getting home I was thinking about this. You don't always get that reaction from others when shopping frugally. Black Friday. I have only gone once or twice. But each time I saw people being terribly rude. It's like there's this totally selfish attitude to get the good deals before anyone else. One year I was holding a baby and was pushed like crazy as I walked through the entrance. No one cared if the infant got hurt. And every year we hear about people being trampled to death during those sales. Unbelievable.

So what's the difference? You'd think around Christmas time people would be more giving and helpful and kind. Maybe it's just the limited amounts of product. Case lot sale quantities don't seem as limited as Tickle Me Elmos in November. Or is it the materialism? Buying food versus buying toys? I don't know.

Who looks like who?

A common question when you have a new baby is, "Who does s/he look like?" I don't know why but I have such a hard time answering this usually. It's difficult to compartmentalize my babies' features and remember what the others looked like as newborns. And, although for short moments I will, finding me or Ryan in their faces can also be difficult. I go back and forth with Margaret. I think she has Jo's (Ryan's) mouth and Atticus's nose and Jo's (my) eyes. But she changes so much every day who knows! Here are pictures of the kids all about 1 or 2 weeks old.

One thing I do know is that all three have been FREAKING CUTE. Freaking.

Back at home

These first two weeks I've had a lot of ups and downs. The day we got home from the hospital I started crying in Walmart. This crying continued for a few days and then went away. I figured it was my turn for the baby blues. Then last night I went to fill a prescription at Walmart. And I started crying in the store. So I think it's just Walmart. I don't really like that store. But it's 3 blocks away. Anyhow, I really love these three kiddos.

And they REALLY love each other. Jo and Tic cannot hold and kiss Maggie enough.

Maggie's first bath. I was careful to keep her modest:).

I have to say that I don't think our Camera does Maggie justice. She is beautiful.

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Margaret Marie

I apologize for taking so long to get pictures posted for those who haven't met Maggie in person yet. We just found our camera cord to transfer pictures to the computer late last night! Here are a few pictures from the hospital. I was induced on Thursday, August 19th (the day before my due date). I went in dilated to a 4 and we started pitocin around 2:30 P.M. and Mags was born at 5:46 weighing 7 lbs 2 oz. Things went really well. When I arrived at the hospital my nurse told me she wanted to make sure I was in charge of the birth plan. She wanted to know exactly what I expected and wanted to have happen. I said, "I want a healthy baby with as little pain as possible." Ha ha. Anyway, I had to wait a little while for the epidural but once numbed I was a very happy camper! It just took a couple of pushes at the end. Zero problems.

Me at full term just a couple days before delivery.

Atticus - almost 2

Jo- 3 1/2

It is absolutely AMAZING to me how things have worked out. We have truly experienced an overwhelming amount of blessings the last month and a half. Every worry has been taken care of, every detail addressed perfectly for my needs and wants. Between Ryan graduating and finding a job, moving, and having Maggie I feel so much gratitude to our Father in Heaven. He truly has a specific plan for us and is taking care of us. Thank you to all of you who have helped me so much: meals, taking the kids, gifts, visits, etc, etc, etc. I don't know how to take care of three on my own yet! So thank you for making this transition easier!