Big Brother Advice

Damon has been doing his best to be a good big brother. Yet, it seems as though we are constantly having to remind him to use gentle hands and to give Ashton space. Last night, Damon climbed up onto the couch beside me and said, "Mommy, Ashton is so cute I want to hurt him." This isn't the first time he's said something similar to this. Under normal circumstances this would make a mother panick. However, Damon and I understand each other. I don't know if anyone else has experienced this berfore, but have you ever held a little kitten or puppy? They are so small and sweet and supper cute that you just want to squeeze them close to you, but you stop at the last second because you know it would hurt them? I'm pretty sure this is similar to what Damon feels. He loves Ashton so much that he can't hardly stand to keep his distance and not hold him tight.

So, I tried to calmly discuss with Damon that although we may feel that way (that we just want to squeeze something so cute), we must never do anything that could possibly hurt another person (I should put animals into that catagory too). To which he responded, "I know mom." That made me feel a little better, but I must say that my ears are a little more perked when Ashton's in the other room and I'm a little quicker to remind Damon to be soft now.

This morning while Damon was playing with Ashton I heard him saying, "Stinky, stinky, you are stinky...You are not supposed to call people stinky. But if they are your friends and you don't like them, you can call them stinky." I should have corrected his thinking immediately, but I was too busy smiling and the moment was lost. I just hope that Ashton's first word doesn't end up being "stinky."

Eating

We've been introducing Ashton to a lot of new foods lately. So far, he loves the orange and yellow foods and hates the greens. The other night, I introduced him to the wonderful world of chocolate for the first time. I'd break small pieces of chocolate chips and slip them between his gums. He just couldn't get enough, and he was a very happy baby. I told Adam, "Melanie would be proud of me." I remember her slipping Damon a little chocolate when he was a baby and saying, "Just giving him some real food (or something like that)."

Ashton has hit the stage where everything in reach goes immediately to his mouth. He even tries to get his mouth on things that are way out of his reach.                                                                           

Here he's trying to eat the camera from his bath.

Just seeing these pictures still makes me laugh.

Ashton's New Favorite Past-time

Besides smiling, Ashton loves chewing on his toes. Any time we free his feet, they automatically go straight to his mouth. Mmm, yum-yum.

Ah, to be that flexible again...

Christmas 2009

Damon really got the whole idea of Santa Claus this year; and, as a result, went a little overboard on his Christmas list. This is him trying to remember everything he wanted to ask from Santa.

Even when it was Ashton turn, Damon hadn't finished his list.

Finally, Santa just set Damon down, and Damon kept listing his items as we left the room. Man, that boy is sure determined.

Christmas went well. The kids were spoiled as usual. Adam couldn't decide which toy to give Ashton, so he just piled all of them on his tray. Talk about overload.

This was our first Christmas dinner at home--Prime Rib, scalloped potaoes, freshly baked rolls---yum, yum!

Halloween 2009

We had a couple Halloween parties. The boys were very cute in their costumes. Damon got an Iron Man costume for his birthday (he'd been asking for it for months) and Ashton was adorable in his lion's mane.

Here Damon is having a donut eating contest with Adam. Adam has knocked his donut to the ground and all this picture shows of him is his rear sticking up in the air. I was too busy laughing to pay attention to who actually won.

The day before Halloween we had a party at a friends house. Here are all the kids in their costumes.

My little Lion

Lilly was born the day after Ashton

Fun things from 2009

Here we are at Beaver's Easter Egg hunt. Damon made an Easter hat for a contest. He didn't win anything, but he was very creative and sure looked cute.

Adam and I were in charge of the Don and Ada Hinton Family reunion. It went well and we're glad that we won't have to plan it again for a few years.

Ashton loves taking showers. I was able to catch some pretty cute pictures of him and Adam.

In August, we went the Selley Family Reunion in Logan. As usual, it was short and sweet.

Damon Being Silly

Adam's Idea of Babysitting

Another video game freak in the making.

Ashton's Blessing

On September 6th, our family joined us as in our ward sacrament meeting as Adam gave Ashton his baby blessing. It was neat to have so many people there, of course not all our siblings were able to make it, but we were grateful to all those who could. It was one of the most powerful blessings I've witnessed and it really affected Adam. I'm not sure I've ever seen him so emotional in public before. It was just special and comfirmed our feelings that Ashton has a very special spirit and purpose on this Earth. As a mother, I hoped for Ashton to receive so many wonderful blessings for his future. I longed for him to received all those things that would ensure him strength and happiness in this life. While the blessing was different than I would have written, it was better. I felt and knew that it was just for him and that our Heavenly Father was infinately more aware of his needs than I, a mere mortal mother, ever could hope to be. What a blessing it is to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life--for the knowledge that we have a loving father in heaven who really does care for us and longs for all our happiness. I am especially grateful to his tender care stretching over my dear children, for I long for the happiness and safety of my children more than I long for my own.

Ashton wore the same Blessing outfit as Damon. I made it out of one of Adam's missionary shirts and material from my wedding dress. Que Guapo!

Ashton Lavar Hinton Baby Blessing

September 6, 2009 - Given by Adam Lavar Hinton

Our Heavenly Father, by the power and authority of the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood which we hold, we take this infant into our arms to give him a name and a blessing. The name which he shall be known throughout his life and upon the records of the church is Ashton Lavar Hinton.

Now, Ashton, you are very special to Heavenly Father and to us. You truly are a special boy. Know that we love you. We bless you that as you grow, you will develop a testimony of the power of prayer through which you can relate with your Heavenly Father. Know that he loves you; and through this, you will develop your own testimony and stand on your own two feet. We bless you that you will go to Him whenever you need anything—whether for comfort or knowledge, or just to talk.

You will be a blessing to your family, to your siblings and those who know you. We bless you that you will be quick to smile, that you will be a comfort to others. We bless you with health and strength throughout your life. And, in relationships, learn that nothing is too trivial for the Lord. Use Him to enrich your relationships.

We bless you that you will find a young lady that you can take to the temple. Your family will be a great blessing to you in your life.

We bless you with a continuing desire to serve the Lord, to go where He wants you to go, whether it be on mission or in callings. We bless you with compassion, that you will be a great strength to those around you.

We bless you with these and all other things the Lord has fit to bless you with…Amen