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.

YOU DO THE MATH!

MY SWEET TOOTH

+

MY KITCHEN AID MIXER

+

KIDS BACK IN SCHOOL

=

It started with Banana Cookies

which led to Zucchini bread

gotta use those fresh peaches and make some

Peach Jam

life wouldn't be complete without some

Frosted Banana Bars

after hours and hours in the kitchen and a last

Peach Dessert

pulled out of the oven,

IT WAS TIME TO QUIT!!

My secret to not devouring the entire stack of sugar?

Cut into individual serving sizes, wrap and freeze.

This is how I manage all the treats at home.

At Christmas time someone pulls into our driveway to deliver a goodie and before they're home it's cut, wrapped and in the freezer.
Pull one out when needed, (EVERYDAY after lunch is my time to grab a treat) and enjoy!

My enhanced taste buds are looking for a new favorite Mexican Restaurant.

Sonda told me today that my favorite on the corner of Court and 4th has closed.

I'm pretty sure my face dropped!

This, that and something else.

Breathe, just breathe in and out!

Driving to the Dr. office this morning I got teary. I had to take several deep breaths to keep it together. I consider myself extremely blessed and don't mean to dwell on one difficult experience in my life, but after having an experience a couple of years ago when there was no heart beat, I am cautious. But you know what makes me even tearier? The help, the concern, the show of love that we recieved from others. Many of who are reading this right now.

There are so many gorgeous woman in the waiting room at the Dr. office who are there for different reasons. I look at each of them (trying not to seem nosey) and wonder about their story. Some past child bearing years, just in for their annual check. Some of those women are baby Pro's. One particular couple caught my eye. They were early 40's expecting their first. I just knew it. I see Laura P., who is expecting twins, with her two other small gorgeous children. One women of Indian descent in late pregnancy. Beautiful.

I look nervous, I feel nervous. Once inside the very familiar room I thumb through several magazines, but don't really read them. I tell Dr. T that I'm nervous. He understands. Deep breaths. I stare at the ceiling panel that has been replaced by a plastic panel with three fighter jets on it. Is that supposed to relax me?

There is it. 160 beats a minute strong.

Dr. T squeezes my shoulder as I let out a long, appreciative sigh.

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Happy 1st Anniversary Sarah and David.

One year ago today this gorgeous couple were sealed in the Columbia River Temple. Months of planning produced a beautiful day.

Dallin says that he loves Sarah's house because

"...they have two bathrooms and two people, that's one each. They are just lucky."

Cameron says he loves David because he's got "....cool harmonicas that he lets me play."

Elizabeth and Kenley are currently in New York city with Sarah, David and Grandma and Grandpa. I'm pretty sure their words would be something like this, "We love Sarah and David because they are taken us all around Washington D.C, Philadelphia, and New York City and spoiled us with their attention and company."

Elizabeth said that on Saturday she had the best hamburger of her life, Sunday she had the best pizza ever and today she ate the best cupcake she has ever had. Pure fun.

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This is long overdue Kenley, but FANTASTIC JOB!! You were absolutely amazing.

Kenley was asked by the Stake Presidency to speak in Stake Conference. Ms. Cool, calm and collected did awesome.