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