The Best Cell Phone

A friend at work told me about this poem comparing the Book of Mormon with a cell phone. I just wanted to share it with you:

Have you ever wondered what would happen if we treated our Book of Mormon like we do our cell phones?
What if we - -

Carried our Book of Mormon around in our purses or pockets?
Turned back to get our Book of Mormon if we forgot it?
Flipped through our Book of Mormon several times a day?
Spent an hour or more using our Book of Mormon each day?
Used our Book of Mormon to receive messages from its text?
Treated our Book of Mormon like we couldn't live without it?
Gave the Book of Mormon to kids as gifts?
Used our Book of Mormon as we traveled?
Used our Book of Mormon in case of an emergency?

Unlike our cell phones - -

One plan fits all.
Unlimited usage.
No roaming charges.
You always have reception.
You don't have to buy batteries.
No weak signals
AND you never have to worry about being disconnected--our SAVIOR already paid the bill.

This really gives me pause to think.

At Last . . .

Life has been busy in the Asay household. As I try to reflect on exactly why we've been busy, it's hard to pinpoint one specific reason. The weather has been beautiful lately. Hence we've been outside quite a bit. In fact, Jacob learned how to ride his bike sans training wheels. He is so excited and such a big boy at the ripe old age of four.

Ben still refuses to talk. He understands what we say to him; in fact, he'll do his "chores" of pushing his laundry basket to the laundry room and clean up his toys. When I tell him it's time to go night-night, he runs to his room and stands at his crib. He runs to the bathroom when it's time to get in the tubby. I just don't remember Jacob taking such a long time to talk. Oh well, he'll talk when he has something important to say. Marty keeps reminding me that he didn't talk until he was three; Ben is only 17 months.

I am back to being a blond. Marty hated my nine-month stint as a brunette. I must admit that I like being blond better than a brunette. It's just fun to switch up the ol' hairdo and keep people guessing.

My little baby brother is now officially a daddy. He and Linsey had Lyla on Easter Sunday. She is very cute. The Larson family is expanding. Of course I'm curious if Andy and Linsey are going to have all girls and then a boy at the very end like my parents did. I must admit it is fun having four sisters close in age; we have the best time when we get togeter. And Linsey fits in perfectly with us.

Back to my favorite subject -- my kids. Jacob continues to amaze me with how smart he is. I'm not saying he is future president of the Mensa society. It is just touching to me how strong his little testimony is. He loves church; he loves to learn about Jesus and the prophets. He loves prayer and faith. According to him, he can't wait to get the priesthood when he turns twelve. I just love talking with him.

Jacob also loves all things volcano. His favorite shows are Mega Disasters and Modern Marvels. It's cute to hear his pronounce them "Dega Denasters" and "Modern Marbles." He loves Krakatoa, Mauna Loa, Kiluea, Mt. St. Helens. He loves magma, lava, tectonic plates, hot spots. vents, calderas, etc. He is so fun to watch.

Here are some random pictures for all. Enjoy!

More to Come

I wanted to write that I haven't had a spare moment to blog. However, I am sure in the last several weeks there have been plenty of spare time to brag about my kids. Since I'm at work right now, I really don't have a lot of time. But I want to tell you that I will post more pictures and fun stories about the boys SOON! Hang in there!

The Basket

I have this little basket on the main level for Jake and Ben's toys. They know (at least Jacob knows) that when they aren't playing, the toys are to be in the basket. The other day, I found Ben sitting in his toy basket. The toys had been evacuated. If the basket liner wasn't on Ben's head, then it was on the floor. I just thought it was too funny. Here are some pics of my cute boys at play:

Christmas Through New Years Round-Up

I should really stay on top of blogging. So much has happened since the middle of December that I have dreaded updating the blog. Shall we start with the Christmas festivities?

The Asays and the Parrs decorated gingerbread houses from a Costco kit. It was fun to watch the kids eat the candy and royal icing faster than the adults could assemble the houses. It was actually fun. I HATE being creative (hence NO to scrapbooking, vinyl lettering, baby books, etc). My ONLY creative outlets are quilting and occasional crocheting, and this I admit with a huge grimace. Anyway, I digress. Here are some pictures of the kiddies playing and eating during house-making time:






Santa came to our house the night of December 23rd since we were flying to Charlotte, NC on Christmas day. It was actually nice. We didn't feel rushed, and were able to enjoy being with the kids and just having fun together. The Christmas tree and other Christmas decorations were taken down, put away, and the entire house cleaned from top to bottom by 9am December 24th . That was probably my FAVORITE part. I love a clean, clutter-free house. Here are some early morning "Christmas morning" photos of the Jacob and Ben:







We made it to NC without a delay or worry. Jacob and Ben did awesome! I couldn't have asked for smoother travel. We enjoyed being with the Larsons (Kim and Russell, Jenny and Marty, Kathie and Colby, Kellie, Ginger and Matt, Andy and Linsey, and Mom and Dad). A lot of fun was had by all. The favorite thing for the kids was playing in the front yard. They especially loved a game I made up called "jump the stick." I put a broom on the ground and they had to run and jump over it. Who would have thought that with all the fancy toys that the kids would love playing with an old broom? This was the first time all seven grandkids were together; of course we cannot leave out the other two kids who aren't finished cooking yet. Oh, I almost forgot to mention our favorite "adult" entertainment. I fell in love with Guitar Hero (the one that comes with two guitars). I told Marty I want it for my birthday. Can I just say that I love Bon Jovi. Kim and I were jamming to Bon Jovi, Lenny Kravitz, Lynard Skynard, etc. I only wish it had old-school Guns-N-Roses (Sweet Child of Mine, Welcome to the Jungle, Cold November Rain, etc). We don't know how soon we'll be able to get together again. Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later. Here are some pictures of the Christmas fun in North Carolina:







I hope all of you reading this had a wonderful holiday season. What a great time of year to slow down, relax, and enjoy family. I so love Marty and our two beautiful children. Life can be crazy busy at times; the kids do have their moments, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend

Actually, Marty won! He entered a drawing on one of our favorite blogs Seriously So Blessed. If you haven't read this blog, you need to. It is hilarious. Me telling you about it would not do it justice.

Anyway, Marty entered this drawing; there were multiple prizes to win. And guess who won the diamond necklace from Morgan Jewelers -- Marty!!!! Yea for Jenny (because I get to wear it)! I'll post a picture of it later. If you want to see it in the interim, click onto Seriously So Blessed to the right of my blog, and look at the December 12 post!

FaRaRaRaRa Ra Ra Ra Ra ("Shut up Ralphy!")

We had Jake's preschool Christmas program at the Library on Tuesday. It was wonderful! I am so proud of him! He is quite the performer. They sang one of their value songs called "Courage," followed by their favorite "Totty Ta." I absolutely loved that song; the kids we adorable performing it. They sang several Christmas songs, including "Rudolph," hence the antlers in some of the pictures. Marty and I sure do love our big boy. He is growing up too fast. He is such a great helper to his parents, and Ben loves to play with Jacob.

A special thank you to Miss Cindi, the most wonderful preschool teacher! She is so good with Jacob and his massive amounts of energy! Here are some fun pictures to enjoy!