Announcing the arrival of our 9lb JET

                                            "Is this who you wanted to see?"

SAND ANGELS AND MARRIAGE

I thought I had visited Arches National Park, but I didn't recognize any of it so I guess not! We spent two nights there and had a blast with our friends the Shurtliffs! Ivy refused to wear shoes the whole time. Priya announced that she and Eli were married and Eli questioned back with: "How did that happen?"
It was perfect weather for sand angels and sleeping under the stars!

EASTER WEEKEND!

The Right Woman!

Ann was given a hard trial, the care of cute cystic fibrosis ridden MD. The thing is I couldn't think of a better qualified woman for the job. She has a memory like no one I know and can remember the 20+ medications she needs give MD each day. She has determination and gumption to fight for the needs of MD. She is smart and knows how to do her research and figure things out, she is resourceful. Most importantly she knows how to rely on her Heavenly Father and to seek and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost as she cares for her family. I believe Ann agreed to this difficult responsibility before she came to earth and was thus prepared for it. I love and admire you Ann, Happy Birthday.

*I will be doing January birthday tributes in reverse, Mom your next.

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!