then there's this one

This one is actually $70 (still pricey for my budget) and its bigger, but is it too big? I like the "vintage" feel it has about it and that is nice solid leather, but I don't want something too bulky.

worth the price?

This is the closest purse I've found to what I want. Not sure if I want to spend $60 though. I'm still looking.

soccer season

Olivia and Grace are both playing soccer this year and last week they had their first games. Both girls' teams won! This morning I missed their games because I had choir practice.... but it also meant I had time to post this. The girls are having a lot of fun and its really nice to get out on Saturday mornings and enjoy the ever cooling crisp almost Autumn air.

I've also learned that I am definitely NOT a sports photographer and have no aspirations to become one. I'll stick to portraits and flowers for now.

Liv's Game


The victory tunnel...




Grace's Game


I forgot to take a picture up close of Grace. :-( I'll have to take one next week.

And here a couple of cute Asher in his little sweater. He looked so cute.



Asher and Mommy

more friends!

We capped off this friends-filled week with a visit from Eleanor and Calvin. Eleanor and I served together in the Relief Society Presidency of our BYU singles ward about 4 years ago. She is hands down one of the coolest, most talented, and stylish girls I know. (Check out her Etsy Shop!)We hadn't seen each other since we both got married and had baby boys a week apart, so it was WONDERFUL to catch up. She and her darling boy, Calvin, came over for a late lunch and a walk to the nearby park.

Unfortunately, I'm lame and didn't get a picture of all of us or a good one of Eleanor. Next time. But here are the cute baby boys getting ready to walk and playing on the playground.



Asher's latest thing is climbing. He was really trying to climb into Calvin's stroller.


How cute can one boy be?

lightbulb moment!

I just started reading The 7 o'clock Bedtime by Inda Schaenen. In chapter one she talks about sleep research and how much sleep kids need, what role nature or nurture play in kids being night owls or early risers, etc. Then she says this:

If your prepubescent child is getting enough sleep, you should not have to routinely wake him up in the morning. Bedtime has to inch backward in the evening until your child wakes up on his own at the time he needs to.

So simple! We are working on getting bedtime schedules smoother and earlier both for Asher and for the older kids. We've managed to get them ready and in their rooms reading by 8 and lights off by 9. But believe me when I say that (with the exception of Olivia who wakes up to an alarm clock) they do NOT wake up easily in the morning at 7 am to get ready for school. I think we are going to have to implement an earlier bedtime. It seems they probably aren't getting enough sleep. 7 o'clock is pretty much out of the question since they each have activities once a week that don't get over until 6:30, but I'm thinking we can be ready for bed by 7:30 and work on getting lights out by 8 or 8:30. Maybe a little later for Olivia.

This might be tricky since they only sleep here 50% of the time so the routine changes at their mom's house. We'll see how this goes.

wanted: new purse

I've been on the lookout for a new purse and cannot find what I want. Here are my qualifications:

• Cross body strap. I want to be able to throw it on and be hands free.
• Big enough for a diaper, wallet, keys, phone, but not huge. I need something that is manageable even when I don't have Asher with me.
• A color that can go with everything.
• $50 or under. I usually spend under $20 for a purse, but I'd be willing to spend a bit more if I really like it and it will last. But I don't want to break the bank either.
  
• Cute. I don't want to look like a grandma.
  

Anyone have any leads on where to find my perfect purse?

liberty park again

Asher and I had a fun morning at Liberty Park again... this time with Amy and Sam. The boys had fun playing, while the mamas had fun chatting. It's SO great to talk with another mom who makes similar parenting and lifestyle choices. Amy is such an inspiration! If you haven't read her blog, her should.

And here are a few quick pics of the boys playing. Sam was loving on this little stone bunny. So of course Asher had to check it out too.



And the trip wouldn't be complete without playing in the water. Asher got soaked. And Sam tried to drink the water. I just love little boys!

ash and daddy under the crab apple tree

liberty park

This morning Asher and I met up with Trina and friends at Liberty Park. We really need to start going there more often and exploring more of the park. It's very large and has all sorts of fun stuff. We already have plans to go back on Wednesday to meet up with Amy and Sam.

Back to today.... the weather this morning was PERFECT. Cooler and sunny-ish and beautiful. The clouds rolled in as we left and it rained most of the afternoon which was wonderful too. There was even thunder! It was very nice of the rain to hold out while we played though. The kids had a lot of fun in the fountain of course.





Of course Asher had to get in the water too. It was funny though because he crawled over to these arches and then the water came on in them... he high-tailed it out of there back to Mama.

This is my favorite pic of the day. Asher has the coolest eye color.

I'm excited to head back to Liberty Park on Wednesday!