ELI

We are thrilled to have Eli apart of our lives! My mom says he has my scowl. He's got the longest toes you've ever seen. I'll have to show you those later. We love him to death.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

I will always associate my dad with flowers and flowers with my dad. He is able to pay for dental work with flowers. He magically brings the fruit trees to bloom long before it's time. Each room in the house is brought to life by the addition of his flowers. Even the animals are lured (much to his dismay) into the yard because of his ability to grow the most scrumptious of flora and fauna. These things are all a reflection of his life as well. He is creative and innovative in solving problems. He doesn't allow life to become mundane and keeps you guessing. People enjoy being around him, lured in by his generosity and sincerity.

I love him! Happy Birthday DAD! Hope Eli gets to share this day with such a great man!

Let the birthdays begin!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESSICA

YIPPEE FOR JESSICA BEING BORN! LET ME JUST TELL YOU WHAT IMPRESSES ME ABOUT THIS WOMAN! SHE HAS A MEMORY LIKE NO OTHER. I NEED PEOPLE LIKE THAT IN MY LIFE BECAUSE MY BRAIN SEEMS TO BE LACKING IN STORAGE SPACE WHEN IT COMES TO MEMORIES. THE AMAZING THING IS, IS THAT HER MEMORIES INCLUDE THE USE OF ALL FIVE SENSES. JESSICA REMEMBERS THE SIGHTS, SOUNDS, AND SCENTS OF THE SCENE. THIS GIFT SHE HAS IS TELLING OF THE PERSON SHE IS, SOMEONE WHO DIVES DEEPLY INTO LIFE TO EXPERIENCE IT TO THE FULLEST AND IS ABLE TO EXPRESS THESE EXPERIENCES WITH HER GIFT OF WRITING! NOW SHE IS THE BEAUTIFUL MOTHER OF TWO CUTE LITTLE BOYS, HOW LUCKY THEY ARE TO HAVE SUCH A SENSITIVE MOM! LOVE YOU JESSICA! LOVE, ASHLEY

Passing Time

1. My long awaited due date has come and gone, but not without some celebration!

I celebrated birthdays of aunts and uncles at lunch time. Took a trip to IKEA in search of chairs. Stopped in at gourmet import store, Pirate O's and drank ginger beer that burned! Saw a great art exhibit at the Salt Lake Art Center of Gaylen Hansen, now in his 80's. Ate dinner at Settabello Pizzeria (yummy margarita pizza). Got a new black diaper bag for the baby! All thanks to my wonderful, FUN parents!

With all this spare time on my hands I've been wrapping up long ago started projects including this long board that I purchased the wood for about 2 years ago. My hand is sore from using the hole puncher to punch out these grip tape dots!

Fountain of gifts from Amanda!

Brian and I have been extremely blessed with gifts for our forthcoming baby! My friend Amanda (mother of beautiful twin girls) is a non-stop thoughtful gift giver! She even treated me to my first pedicure. What a treat! Thanks Amanda!

Brian the Birthday Boy!

               WHY I LOVE THIS BIRTHDAY BOY!

             He's the best looking guy I know!

          He's not afraid to be a goof and have a good time!

      He's the perfect permanent hiking partner!

          He's willing to eat anything! Even wilted lettuce and moldy bread!

             He's the light of my life! Happy Birthday Brian!

Homemade granola kick!

Two flavors of homemade granola
Solidified honey from Grandma Andrew's pantry

Brian is a fan of my homemade granola so I made him a double batch this time!

The green bowl was flavored with orange blossom water and dried apricots will be added.

The pink bowl was flavored with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg with raisins added.

Both are sweetened with grandma's honey! 

Preparations for BABY!

Brian and I are ready to have the baby tonight! But we can wait 2 more weeks. Thank you one and all for all the perfect gifts! As you can see Brian is ready for some bonding hikes with Eli (me too) I can't wait to be active again. Mom and Dad have got our baby off to a non-toxic start with this Bisphenol A-free glass bottle.

 According to mine and Brian's theory the baby is done cooking. My belly button is sticking out just like the red pop out button on the turkey does when it's done cooking! Hopefully I don't follow the trend of my sisters who seem to go a week over-due, we don't want a crispy baby!