Why I shouldn't update my blog when Asher's awake!

This is what I get for trying to sneak a few posts in while my sweet baby boy is awake! Asher had been downstairs with me, but decided that upstairs must be more interesting. I heard him overhead in what sounded like the bathroom so I ran upstairs to find him playing in a pile of powder makeup, which he had sprinkled all over the outside of the tub and then tossed the powder container into the tub (he loves to throw things in my tub)! No major harm done, and at least he chose to make the mess in and around the tub.

This little experience brought to mind a debate I have with myself, my husband and many friends...if you could choose the sex of your next baby, what would you choose and why? Don't get me wrong, I absolutely ADORE my Asher, but my answer remains a girl. I think two girls and a boy is and would be a great pattern to continue (maybe when their teenagers, I'll think otherwise)! I'd love to hear you thoughts on the debate.

Is this normal?

So a couple days ago, my kids wanted to play with the basketball in the garage. I overheard Halle telling Haven they should put their helmets on just in case the ball hit them in the head. Haven thought this was a brilliant idea because, "basketballs have wood on the inside!" The next think I know all three kids are wearing their helmets and practicing their passing skills with their dad. It was a pretty funny sight, Asher especially. He looked like a bobble head. A helmet on Asher might actually be a good idea, maybe even save me a couple trips to the ER (I'm pretty sure one of those adventures isn't far off). So the real question is, does anyone else's kids prefer to wear a helmet when they play basketball?

Go Wildcats!

There was standing room only at the OHHS Homecoming football game last night. So we had a little hot dog and otis spunkmeyer cookie picnic on a blanket spread out on the asphalt next to the bleachers! Who needs a bench seat anyway? The Wildcats won by a couple points in the last few minutes of the game, woohoo!

The best seats in the house!

The men in my life!

Fun with Kara and Dallin

Thursday afternoon we had a play date with our friends Kara and Dallin. The kids always play great together which is so nice for us moms. They built a castle, decorated pumpkin sugar cookies and no play date with Kara and Dallin would be complete without dress-up and a dance party!

Grab your tissues and count your blessings!

So as most of you know, I recently finished working at Seattle Children's hospital on the hem/onc (cancer) unit. In my quest to stay updated on the progress of my cute little patients and their families, I referred to this great website, www.soulumination.org. Lynette Johnson is a photographer who takes pictures of children with life threatening health conditions and their families. She does this free of charge as a gift to the families who are dealing with the unimaginable. The pictures are heartwarming, and a great reminder of how blessed we all are. So take a minute and check out the photographs of these precious little people and their amazing parents.

(Claire's family was in our Issaquah ward. She is currently in the hospital undergoing a bone marrow transplant. If you have a spare second to offer a prayer for Claire and her family that would be greatly appreciated. You can checkout her Caring Bridge site, linked to the right.)

Treasured moments

This was probably our best conference weekend yet, thanks to DVR and the fact that I didn't have to run off to work. I loved the talks and of course have a long list of things to work on. Two of my favorite talks were Elder Oaks (on simplifying our lives and focusing on family) and Sister Beck (upholding, nourishing and nurturing family-very similar to her Gen. RS address). Saturday night while the boys were away at Priesthood session, the girls and children got together and made apple dumplings and homemade ice cream. When the men returned we ate our treats and discussed what they had learned. I'm so grateful for our living prophet, President Hinckley, and the other general authorities who prepare wonderful messages specifically for our time.

The following pictures are a montage of this weeks happenings. Enjoy!

Can you guess who this picture is of?

President Hinckley, by Halle Lemme.
(I especially love his bald head, tie and the pulpit!)

Haven, comfy during conference, snuggled up with me in my jammies.

October skies from our back porch!

Asher tries to feeds baby Hailey (no babies were harmed in the photographing of this moment)

Two of my cute Laurels during our planning/caramel apple making activity! Jenna, in the blue, and Sarah.

Kissing cousins! Rylin and Asher

"To the left, to the left..."

Tonight Danny and Sarah had us over for dinner. Sarah has been helping out at the office the last couple days and Danny has been holding down the fort at home. Anyway, Danny prepared delicious enchiladas with all the appropriate sides and we made gourmet caramel apples for dessert. After dinner, Aunt Sar and the kids had a little "dance party" to the song you are probably hearing now (if your computer volume is up.) It is pretty funny to watch all the kids sport their best dance moves, Asher and Brinlee included!

Haven and Beyonce have similar moves (and matching junk in their trunk)!

Sarah with one of my "craving creations," a caramel apple drizzled with peanut butter and milk chocolate.