Religion 101

Religion according to Rylee goes something like this...

• On Monday Rylee and Hannah were up to there usual princess dress-ups when I noticed instead of dancing around Rylee was laying flat on the floor and plugging her nose. Hannah was sitting on the coffee table and after a moment stood up and said, "Okay, it's my turn to be baptized!"

• Coming home from church a few weeks ago Rylee and Garrett were talking in the back of the car about what they were going to do when they got home. Rylee told me they would talk "real nice" to each other so they won't go to outer darkness.

• Sunday night we were leaving my parents when Rylee looked up at the cloudy sky and saw one star shining brightly. "Mommy, look at that pretty star," she says! "Wow, that is a pretty star, huh?" Still gazing up she replies, "Maybe it's God." Now, that was sweet!
  

Nature vs. Nurture

The great debate gets a point on each side.

Garrett is a sweet, tender hearted boy. The other day he came home from school very upset that a few of the boys were tackling him but more upset that they were tackling some girls and taking away their coats. Many tears were shed. That night during his prayer he asked Heavenly Father to help him protect those two girls the following day at recess. Now, I try to teach my kids to be kind and loving to others but this deep rooted care and concern he has definitely comes as a gift from God.

1 point Nature

vs.

Coming home from Wal-Mart on Monday we pulled into the garage and immediately Rylee hopped out of her seat and announced, "I NEED TO WASH THESE HANDS"! "Are they sticky" I asked. "NOOOOO, they've got Wal-Mart germs!!!!" That's my girl!

1 point Nurture

Both qualities are invaluable.

3 Months Old

Austin James, I can't believe you are already THREE MONTHS old!

You love taking showers with me, but I think I may like it a little more than you. You love laying on the ground and chillin' out. You like being held facing out or over my shoulder. This must mean that you are going to be an observant child.

For the last 2+ weeks you've been sleeping 6 or 7 hours at night! HALLELUJAH!!! You enjoy going on walks, having us talk to you and giving us the best smiles. Lately, you fall asleep for naps wrapped in your blankie while I rock you and sing Hush Little Baby (Sylvia Long's version it's sweeter).

You especially love your mobile! As soon as I lay you down in the crib and turn it on your face lights up and your arms and legs start moving. It's so cute to watch.

We love you baby Austin!

Wonderful Weekend

Our wonderful weekend started Friday around noon when McCall made it to my home from Houston to see her newest nephew and be here for his blessing. Not only was it going to be blessing day but it happened to be Rylee's birthday. So we got to party all weekend!

Rylee immediately fell in love with her aunt like I've never seen her love anyone before. Lucky for us McCall was staying at our house for most of the stay so Ry got to even have her sleep over in her trundle bed. Lucky McCall too!

My beautiful mommy and baby (they called each other to make sure they coordinated their outfits).

Aunt McCall and Austin

Rylee decided she wanted a "pirate princess" party including a trip to Pirate Island. Saturday we headed there with Grandma Sue, McCall, Nana, Kaisa and our family.

Rylee, Kaisa and Garrett

The roller coaster simulator - wahoo!

Of course Garrett and Jon spent most of their tokens on a hunting game. But look at the joy on BOTH of their faces.

Ry enjoying her birthday sundae.

Us adult girls had a skee-ball contest. Mom won. I lost.

One pooped out little girl.

Sunday morning we were able to bless Austin James and it was such so special. Jon gave him a beautiful blessing and Austin was even pleasant so I could hear! We love Austin and couldn't be more grateful to have this happy, healthy little guy in our family.





At least we're all looking at the camera!

My cute boys!

Of course we got to celebrate Tootsie's big 4th Birthday! I can't believe how fast she's grown. It doesn't seem that long ago that it was her blessing day. We were able to have our families over for lunch and combine blessing and birthday so it was a great day for all of us.


Rylee chose Raspberry Angel Food cake for her party and it was delicious. Thanks Mom and McCall for making them.

Isn't she cute! This is one of the few smile I got from her. Silly girl! I think she was so overwhelmed with all the attention she didn't know quite what to do.

Cousins!!!

My mom and sisters!

Daddy and his little dude having a moment.
My siblings and parents came over Sunday night and we just sat around eating popcorn and visiting and it was such a great time. I love them all soooo much. I truly am blessed.

Monday morning McCall took Garrett to school and said good-bye.

We had to plan one last outing so on our way to the airport we met my aunt and cousin at Little America for lunch which was so fun. We used up every last minute we could. Fortunately we'll see McCall this summer...thank goodness or Rylee and Garrett would be crying indefinitely.

TWO MONTHS

My little buggaboo "celebrated" his two month birthday on Feb. 21 with a visit to the pediatrician for his check-up and shots. He only weighed in at 13 pounds 14 ounces and was 23.5 inches!!!! I sure hope this boy doesn't starve.