How could we have been so wrong????

You remember the virtual Emma at left? This morning I had an ultrasound and we got some great pictures of our baby. Upon comparing the two pictures you will see that we couldn't have been more wrong in creating a virtual baby.

For example:

Virutal:

Lots of thick hair.

Actual:

Appears to be bald

Virtual:

cute purple shirt

Actual:

In the buff

Virtual:

Adorable freckled cheeks

Actual:

No distinguishing markings

Virtual:

It's a girl

Actual:

IT'S A GIRL!!

At least we got that right :)

Boys, boys, boys!!!

We've got a new spelling for the work FICKLE at our house....

B*R*I*T*T*O*N
He likes things just so. For instance, this day he insisted on taking a nap under the table.

His goldfish cracker has to be sticking out of his applesauce just like this....
...and he likes to eat outside. One day last weekend we had family over for dinner and I put his high chair outside with the other boys. The next day he decided that was his preferred place for dinner. No, we didn't join him, we were already set up at the kitchen table. We left the door open and he ate on the back porch. FICKLE for sure. Look at that look on his face. Not two minutes before he had a meltdown.
I have been so tempted to pull out my fall decorations, but I patiently waited until the official first of autumn. Funny how the weather decided to cooperate with the changing of the seasons. Yesterday Britton and I put up a little decor to match the season. I can't wait to add the Chrysanthemums and pumpkins!!

Cameron has officially decided that he can make it to school without me. Dallin now takes him by the hand and off they go. The first day I felt the heart string pulling as they are walking down the street, off to meet the rest of their walking buddies.

I'm enjoying the cool mornings,

the beautiful sunshine

and my family!

Cook It Babe!!

I've always dreamed of being married to a

"CHILI CHAMP."

Saturday afternoon my dream came true.

Two hours of barbecuing beef before adding to the pot.

The perfect blend of sweet and spice, even a little cinnamon. (?)

Not too brothy, slightly chunky.

a made up recipe as he went along.

My help politely refused,

and 6 hours of bubbling,

Did the job!

Brent is already planning his next event!

Before and After

Dallin has worked hard since last summer to earn his Cub Scout Wolf Badge.
BEFORE the awards ceremony we had to practice the customary hug and kiss, just to make sure it wasn't TOO LONG:)
DURING the awards ceremony he awarded me the Mother's pin as a thanks for assisting him.

AFTER, he informed me that the kiss was just right and he recreated walking across the bridge.

BEFORE I started my peach canning project I called Amy J. and she gave me a Canning 101 lesson.

DURING the canning I kept peeking at the cans, just hoping it would work.

AFTER, I was rewarded with perfectly sealed jars and a sight I was proud of.

Thanks Amy for the instruction, mom for helping and dad for entertaining Britton.

BEFORE Cameron went to bed he was a little restless.

AFTER I checked on him, I noticed that he had found something to help him feel relaxed.

BEFORE Elizabeth went to school yesterday, her face wasn't like this.

DURING the school day I got a call that started like this, "I don't mean to alarm you Mrs. Spurgeon, but your daughter took a spill in P.E."

AFTER, her friends were quick to remind her that Friday is picture day, but for a $6 retouching fee, they could probably take care of that for you. Funny girls!!

DURING the Parade of Homes I fell in love with lots of beautiful things, like this...

And this......

AFTER I came home I thought of what I could do to spruce this place up a bit.

Meet EMMA

Anyone ever heard of the Drano test to predict the gender of your baby?

I am a little embarrassed to say that I tried it while pregnant with Britton. I blame it all on my S-in-Law, Heather. But believe me, I was totally for it. While sitting in the chair at her salon she told me that several of the ladies working there are convinced that if you take a "little sample" and pour it over the Drano crystals it can determine the sex of your baby, depending on the color it turns. So I humored them all and took the test. The test determined I was having a boy! HaHa, that was fun, but whatever.

I am NOT doing anything drastic like that this time, because I already know what I'm having. Nope, I haven't had an ultrasound yet, that's not until the end of this month. But I may as well tell you now that our baby is a girl, and her name is Emma. No name secrets here. If you hang around us long enough you'll hear her name come up like she's in the room hanging out with us, not an almost 16 week gestation fetus.

My kids have even gone as far as creating a Mii for Emma. For those who aren't familiar with the Wii video game system, you create a character that closely resembles you, choosing everything from face shape to colors of hair and skin, freckles, endless choices.... So, here she is:

Meet Emma

This little computer generated girl brings a smile to my face like you wouldn't believe.

It's a smile of hope and gratitude.