ELI W BAKER!

Coronado beach bums!

THIS IS WHAT YOU DO WHEN IT'S HOT!

TWO WEEKS APART

This is Eli's twin, Dorothy. She lives across the street and every once in awhile comes knocking at the door asking to play with "E.I.".

She's got D.D.P.!

I'm still trying to figure out how you do it all! One thing I do know about you is that you are diligent and patient. I remember in high school when you used to get up at 5 in the morning to exercise before school! That takes dedication and diligence. You've also always had the patience for the details of life, no wonder why dad alway had you make the corsages and boutonnieres. But more importantly these traits you developed early in life prepared you for the significant role you have now of a mother and wife, which requires even more dedication, diligence and patience! These traits have only become magnified! You amaze me! I love you muchooo!

Summer Fun

Fourth of July Balloon Fest early in the morn!
This is the Place Monument! Feeding the goats.
Backyard kiddie pool!
Orem Summer Fest!

Dancing Kiddos

Children without a Mother

A recent study shows the consequences of not having a loving mother in the home. The consequences are reflected in the faces of some local children. The following images are a sample from that study.

No mother:

With mother:

No mother:

With mother:

The children and I conclude that we are better off with a loving mother in our home. We are glad that Ashley is ours.

IVY=ONE

IVY is a climber (she was appropriately named) and she never stops moving!

She took her first steps yesterday and will soon be off and running along side Eli. Although Eli likes to steal her thunder, she is gracious about it and adores his doting!

(sorry it's a sideways video)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

BEN is FUNNY! I love Ben's dry and witty sense of humor. I loved that he suggested Olivia resurrect an old dress instead of buying a new one for Easter! I think people who are witty are people who listen and are aware of what's going on around them. They have to be in order to respond to people so wittily, right? HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN! I MISS HAVING YOUR HUMOR NEAR! love, ashley

Little miss Ivy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLIVIA!

I WISH OLIVIA WERE MY NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR! SHE IS THE TYPE OF PERSON YOU WANT AROUND ALL THE TIME. SHE'S GOT AN ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT AND IS WILLING TO TRY NEW THINGS. SHE HAS BRILLIANT VISUAL CREATIONS. I ADMIRE HER ABILITY TO EXPRESS IN WORDS AND THE FACT THAT SHE TAKES TIME TO WRITE THINGS DOWN!

Happy Birthday DAD!

A good teacher. He teaches by example by going to the temple often with his wife, by serving a mission, by doing kinds little acts of service, by serving in the temple. He also is very direct in his teaching at times. I knew he would teach me how to be a better artist, even if it was a bit hard to hear his suggestions, at least I knew he was being honest. He doesn't beat around the bush. If there is something important that needs to be learned he will share it, through his testimony, through a talk in sacrament meeting, through a conference talk he suggests you listen to or by just telling you. He taught me what to look for in a husband because of the way I've observed him treat my mom! I love you! Love, Ashley

ELI!

Eli seems to need lots of lovin' right now and we're doing our best to oblige! He likes giving us melancholy faces but don't let that fool you, it's easy to get him to grin and laugh!

IT'S HARD TO BE A SICK MOM

But they're cute no matter what!

Mondays are good!

I actually enjoy Mondays. I get the laundry finished and I plan my meals for the week. This week we are having:

MONDAY : Sprouted lentil burgers (adapted from this recipe) yogurt dill sauce on top!

TUESDAY : Pistachio bow tie pasta (adapted from this recipe) I double the pistachios, use grapes instead of pomegranates and bow tie pasta to hold the sauce better.

WEDNESDAY: Brian won't be home for dinner so I'll keep it simple. Cabbage crunch salad with red bell peppers and toasted almonds.

THURSDAY : Lemon Chicken soup with Orzo (I'll let you know if it's any good-see recipe above from Ellie Krieger) because soup is always nice when there is snow expected.

FRIDAY: Confetti Chili (also from Ellie Krieger)

SATURDAY : Go out for some BiBimBop, maybe!

My Dear Ashley,

Our adventures may take us to Alaska, Antarctica, our barely beyond our own backyard. They may include a hiking pack, a day pack, or a Baby Bjorn. Old or young, just the two of us or with the whole family, we will have ‘our’ adventures. I am delighted that you and I go together.

I love you.

-Brian

Acknowledger

I admire Ann for her ability to take time to acknowledge the Lord's hand in her life. Ann has plenty to keep her busy yet she is able to step back for peaceful and contemplative moments and see life clearly. I know she does this because it is evident in the beautiful blogs she posts. I believe that it is because of her acknowledgment of the blessings she's received from the Lord that He is so willing to give her more! I wish you more as well! Happy Birthday! Love, Ash

SINCERITY

Sincerity. She manifests that attribute in all her endeavors and relationships. I believe that is why she is so successful and sought after. She sincerely seeks after truth and light and obtains it. She sincerely seeks to create meaningful art and images and achieves those. She sincerely wishes to nurture and provide for her family and continues to do so. She sincerely strives to do what is right and is an example to all around her. Because she is sincere and honest people are drawn to her. I am honored to claim her as my mom! Happy Birthday! Love, Ashley

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACOB!

Eli adores Jacob! If you couldn't tell by the way he is snuggling up to him in this picture. Jacob is great with our kids. He plays with, indulges, entertains (with the aid of his trusty phone) and even babysits our kids. He makes for an awesome uncle and a great brother. I'm glad you are near!

LOVE

ASH

Smart & Wise!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JORDAN! Jordan and I are only 14 months apart. When we were in high school we were able to take a couple of classes together. Physiology was one of those classes. I remember Jordan always aced the tests with such ease. I always seemed to study twice as long and hard but never did as well as she did! She's just smart! But more importantly she has wisdom. Jordan is a fountain of both philosophical and spiritual insight. She is one of those I seek after when I am in need of advice! I love you Jordan! Love, Ashley

Tongue clicking mimicking!

Ivy doesn't do a whole lot of mimicking so I found it

amusing that she was trying to copy my tongue clicking!