It's that time of year...

"MOM!" (Ben breathlessly running into the room with the Halloween candy that I bought this morning and he apparently just discovered.)

"What is this candy for? Is it for Halloween?"

Me: "Yes, what did you think it was for?"

Benjamin: "For days......that aren't Halloween."

Our Missionaries

I just read the first "missionary" emails from my mom and dad. I'm so proud of them. They reported to the MTC this past Monday and are heading to serve for 18 months in the Cebu, Philippines Temple. They are just so excited and it just made me smile so big to hear the enthusiasm in their emails.
David's parents have already been serving as mission president and mom in the Lima, Peru North mission for almost a year and a half. They will get back from their mission shortly after my parents. I'll be honest, we miss them. : ) We know how important their work is and we know how greatly they are blessing the missionaries and the people of Peru.
SOOO, as our boys have grandparents around the globe serving the Lord I only have this to say: Their example will have a much greater influence on our boys than any amount of cookies they can bake. : ) Thank you, parents, for EVERY good gift that you are giving to your families through your faithful service. We love you!!!!!!

While we were out...

For the next few days I think I'll just be posting pictures of Benjamin and Hunter's adventures with Aunt Shara while we were in New Mexico. They had a wonderful time with her and we are incredibly grateful that she was able and willing to take such amazing care of them for us.
These are some pictures of their hike to Charleston Falls...

Fishing!

We are back home in Ohio and were SOOOOOO excited to see our boys. We wanted to have some good time together today, so we took them fishing. Of course, there is no way any fish will bite when we're throwing things in the water, tangling lines, being loud, etc. It's not about the fish, though--right? We had a great time being together. Nothing makes us happier than to see Benjamin and Hunter being together. They spent forever collecting green things on the ground that had fallen from the trees (they're called monkey brains?) and throwing them into the water. They really had fun together and we're grateful beyond belief for these precious boys.

Because I feel like it's important to be honest when we're hurting--it gives permission to other people to be honest when they hurt--I'll tell you how I really feel about what has transpired with baby Preston. Right now I hate infertility--that my husband hurts and that my four year old ran out to our van looking for a baby that wasn't there. This is something I haven't felt before, and I can honestly say that. I know it's important to feel that right now, though, because it's giving me empathy. As far as adoption goes, I hate knowing that my becoming a mother means hurt for someone else. That I can quickly counter, though, because I know that Heavenly Father will bless a woman that makes that excruciating choice to place for adoption in infinite and eternal ways--and with peace. What else am I feeling? Intense gratitude for my two boys. There is not the tiniest bit of doubt that these precious spirits were meant to come to our home--they just needed to come through a little different route. : ) And that makes ALL of this worth it. I wouldn't change anything.
I recognize that these are focused on my little family, and the real issue at hand is that precious baby Preston. I can't say much more than this: I know that Heavenly Fathers loves him and loves Marisol. He will pour out every blessing that he can upon them. That is how our Heavenly Father is.

So Everyone Knows...

We are heading back to our boys in Ohio without baby Preston. Marisol has decided to parent, and we ask everyone to be respectful of her decision. We are at peace, knowing that we have tried to follow the impressions that we've received and we have no regrets. Our hearts ache, but we recognize the tremendous blessings that we have received in our lives. We can't wait to get back to our boys!!! We thank all of our family and friends for your love and support--and also your prayers. We know they have been heard.

Preston's Arrival

Handsome baby boy Preston was born on Saturday night at 11:30 p.m. He is healthy and so handsome with dark hair and Marisol's pretty almond-shaped eyes. Marisol was strong and had a good delivery--I was blessed to be able to be in the delivery room. We have grown to love and appreciate many of her family members and are grateful for their kindess. Preston weighed
7 lbs. 8 oz. and measured 20 inches long. We love you Marisol and we love you, Preston!!! Enjoy a few pictures...

Toothy boy

Hunter got his teeth quite early and has always had a wonderful toothy grin. : ) Good thing he has also always loved a toothbrush, and even to have his teeth brushed. He loves to carry a toothbrush and tube of toothpaste around.

We love Fall

This is a beautiful time of year! We went to Lost Creek Preserve yesterday and the boys got to pick out pumpkins and go on a hayride. There were a lot of other things for kids to do and we had a great time. : ) Some girls get showered with flowers, Aunt Shara got showered with pumpkins. : )

Aunt Shara is here!

Aunt Shara is here for a visit, and here is a video clip of the boys having fun with her playing with bubbles.

Bright Idea...

So I took a picture of Benjamin and when I looked at it I laughed so hard because it looked like there was a light bulb over his head. : ) Pretty neat, right?

Sunday Morning Walk...

We had a wonderful morning as we went on a walk together as a family. I have REALLY appreciated this weekend together. We needed the time with our sweet boys, and we needed the peace that listening to general conference brings!
Our walk was at a park close to our house. There was a log with turtles trying to warm themselves in the sun, hopefully you can see them in the second picture.

General Conference Weekend!

Here are a few pictures of fun things we did today. We had cinnamon rolls, which is a tradition that we got from Debbie, and I made butternut squash soup. Then while we watched general conference we listened for three different words. We had a dish of candy for each word, so when somebody said that word we each got one of those candies.
We love general conference!!!