Merry Christmas!!

Things I've Learned

Since having Briggs, my life has changed. Well, of course, there's a new PERSON at our house. But more than anything, my attitude has changed. Since having 3 kids, some of the things that have changed around our house... (in no particular order)

1. It's ok to say "No." I have 3 perfectly good ways to spend my time, so the unnecessary stuff can go. And I no longer feel guilty about it.
2. Basics first. Oh, I love to make lists and cross things off. But it is feed, bathe, change, love my kids. Dishes, laundry. Repeat. The other stuff is just icing.
3. "Me" time is important. Not me time like I used to have. I'm talking taking a some time to exercise, read my scriptures, eat and shower. If I don't feel good about myself, I'm not a very good mom.
4. Jared is still my #1. When Emma was a baby, I think I had that a little backwards. I don't neglect my kids, but Jared deserves as much love and attention as they do.
5. Naptime/bedtime is sacred. Seriously, when anyone is off their routine, the whole family suffers. Sorry if there is story time at the library that I can't make it to.
6. Home is better. There are so many great and fun opportunities, even free ones. And I love getting out of the house. But they are just as happy at home if I'm giving them my undivided attention.
7. They are SMART. And capable of understanding and doing nearly anything, if I allow them the opportunity.
8. Children are very spiritual. When we are reading scriptures or teaching them stories, they always teach us something more important. I have to allow them to teach ME.
9. I am a mother. It's not just what I do, it's who I am. I won't apologize for making it my priority or for "just" staying at home. It is SO important!
10. Happiness is a choice. Every day, every hour, every minute.

Yes, We're From Idaho

And yes, those are potatoes... we teach them young! ; ) When I got out of the shower this morning, I found the girls having a blast with potatoes and their ball popper. Too cute!

Thankful

I'm thankful for so many things, and I love that at Thanksgiving I think about those things even more. Interesting how every year my list changes so much.

We were drawing pictures of things we are thankful for on the magnadoodle the other day. One of my favorites that Emma drew that she was grateful for "jumping".

When Maddie says a prayer by herself, she always says, "Heavenly Father, thank you Emma, Amen." So sweet.

My list(in no particular order):

Jared
Emma
Madelyn
Briggs
Living close to our families
Health
Jared's job
A warm home
Great friends
Playing games with the girls
A full night's sleep
The neighborhood we live in
Crockpot
Stars
Baby smiles
Dishwasher
Mint.com
Scriptures
Sunshine
Emma's singing
Hot water
Mary Kay business
Washer/Dryer
Sunrises/Sunsets
Laughter
Emma being potty-trained
How much the kids love each other
All things Christmas! Nativity, trees, lights, buying presents...
Phone calls from friends
Being caught up on laundry
A big yard
Maddie's grin
Our primary class
Listening to Emma and Maddie pray
Hugs/kisses from the kids

Wow, I could go on and on! Let's just say I am BLESSED. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
(And how could I not be thankful for these cute little faces?)

Blessing Day

Jared blessed Briggs today, and it was beautiful. His blessing was perfectly suited to him, confirming so many thoughts and feelings that I have felt about him in just the short time that he has been in our lives. What I also enjoyed were some of the additional words about Briggs that I didn't know about him yet. Amazing how well Heavenly Father knows and loves each one of His children individually, and finds ways to give us the blessings specific to us.

I also love watching the men in our family walk up and take such a tiny infant in their arms. There were 13 men in the circle today! I think my children are so lucky to have so much love and support from their family. And we feel lucky to have so much support in raising them. I can't imagine what we'd do without them.

And feeding 37 people this afternoon? Actually a lot of fun! :) Thanks, everyone for such a great day!!

Pumpkin Carving

Loves Lately

All things fall. The girls' Halloween costumes, the leaves, the colors, the temperature, carving pumpkins. Emma, Maddie and I all got our hair done on Saturday. I will have to take and post of picture of mine later, but we CHOPPED Emma's. And I love it! Oh, I know you can't see much more than his arm, but I kinda love that guy in this picture, too. ;)



I signed up to run a 10K on November 12th. It might not be my best time and I might not be in perfect shape but it still feels GOOD to get out there and be moving.



I have Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown, and LOVE it! It isn't like other yoga workouts I have done. She is all about elevating the heartrate and keeping it up with constant, upbeat movements. Only 30 minutes long and perfect for cross-training and building strength on the days that I can't get out and go running. The kids can be playing around me as I do it, too.



I've been using my crockpot several times a week. There are days when there is no way we would get a good, homemade dinner on time if I hadn't put dinner in the crockpot hours before. Life and stress saver!



I wore pre-pregnancy jeans yesterday! It might not have been pretty, but they were on and I felt good wearing them! I've been working my booty off to get in shape this time.



Went to storytime at the library in Chubbuck yesterday. It is a small library, and very laid back, perfect for moms with small children. The girls were in heaven picking out their stack of books after storytime. As we left, Emma called over her shoulder to the librarian who scanned our books, "Thank you so so much for my book!"



I have used this to track my calories, but the thing I like most is the weigh-in function. I like being able to look back and see what I weighed and what my waist/hip measurements were a month ago and realize that I'm making progress, even if I can't always see immediate results like I want to.



The kids. Emma and Maddie don't seem to remember life without Briggs, and they are so sweet with him. They usually beat me to the crib when he starts fussing. This morning I walked into the living room and found Emma reading a story to him. Melted my heart.

Pumpkin Patch 2011

A family friend raises pumpkins in a nearby neighborhood, and they are nice enough to open up their pumpkin patch to friends for free. It was fun and the weather was beautiful. They also served us delicious cinnamon rolls!
Emma knew EXACTLY which pumpkin she wanted.



His 600 lb. pumpkin! It almost doesn't look real because it is SO massive. Emma was amazed by "The bigga one!!" :)


With cousins! Paige, Logan, Brendan, Maddi, Emma & Drake.

Paige, Logan, Maddie, Emma & Drake

Haircuts

Maddie's first haircut, Emma's bob! Thanks for making us beautiful, Megan!

2 Weeks Later

Can't believe how much Briggs has already changed!

The girls still love him and wanted him to "cuddle" with them the other day.

One of the most noticeable differences between Briggs and the girls at this age are those HANDS. They are so big for such a small little body.

Simplified

"Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you." (John De Paola)

I've realized that one of my favorite things about having a new baby is how much they simplify my life. They help you slow down and focus on the important things. Out of necessity I tidy up the house more effectively, plan meals more efficiently, spend more quality time with each child and enjoy my quiet moments alone or with Jared more than ever.

Before Briggs was born, I had lists and lists of good goals and things I wanted to get done. Now my priorities have shifted and I have all but thrown the list away. I spend most of my mornings sitting on the living room floor with my kids coloring, playing or reading. It's the easiest way for me to give all of them attention and I'm loving it. This morning flew by and it was nap time before I knew it!

Oh, and speaking of naptime, I have to say that all 3 kids are napping right now and consistently do that nearly every afternoon. And yes, I am VERY grateful!

Heavenly Father sent us 3 special spirits that fit into our family so perfectly and are so patient with me as I get all of this figured out. And Jared is amazing and takes on so much of the load for me. I don't know what I would do without him!

I feel so blessed.

Forget-Me-Nots

Loved this! “Whoever you are, whatever the circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you, with an infinite love. Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time.”
-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Home Alone & The Name

Briggs, Madelyn & Emma

Took this in my first moments home alone with all 3 kids... I wasn't sure how that would go, but Emma and Madelyn just wanted to hold him so we figured out a way for them to hold him at the same time. They are so sweet with him and he doesn't even seem to notice, just sleeps through it.

Emma named Briggs. She made it pretty easy for us. I guess we should have just asked her a while ago! And she likes to call him "Bigs"- I think that is a nickname that will stick. :)

Our sweet baby boy

This morning at 4 a.m., we had our little boy! He was 8 lbs. 1 oz. and 21 inches long. He is such a sweetheart! And as of yet, he still doesn't have a name. We'll keep you posted. :)

Scheduled

Went to the Dr. today... I am dilated 1 cm, 30% effaced and cervix is completely soft. However, my Dr. gave me the option of scheduling an induction anytime after Sunday(39 weeks), so I went ahead and scheduled it for Monday night. My sister leaves on her mission on Wednesday and I want her to be able to meet him before she leaves so much!

Since I have progressed so much already, I have really good odds of going into labor on my own, which I prefer to do. But I'm sure it couldn't hurt to try some natural induction ideas, so if you have any suggestions or things that worked for you, let me know! :)

Bowling for Briggs

We like to go bowling to try and induce labor. We chose a good night and basically had the place to ourselves. Very fun!

Bubble Baths

I love them! I got some new bubble bath the other night at the baby shower, I shared some with the girls today. They love bubble baths, too. :)


(I love this face!)