Surprise, Grandma!

So let's see if I can finish this post within the next hour so I can start dinner (I'm going to make sausage and vegetable stir fry) and have it ready before my loving husband gets home...we'll see how it turns out.

To start...I had to kinda stretch the truth with my mom a few times so she'd fall for the big surprise. I told her to prepare a list of things for her birthday on which she could make no plans other than to spend the weekend with me. On Thursday night I would drop off part of her gift that she could choose to wear on her birthday the next day if she so chose...so Thursday night, I did not call before I went over. Instead, I used my key and announced my presence. Fortunately, Mom was on the phone AND cooking so she acknowledged me but did not turn around. I walked in the kitchen with Ashton on my hip and Jess just behind us...Ashton did a VERY good job keeping silent. Then, mom turned around and jumped with a frightened/surprised voice when she saw Ashton and he jumped too, scared by her sudden movement. He thought it was funny though. Mom was pleasantly surprised and we let Ashton tell her what the plan was for her birthday....Legoland! She's actually been wanting to check it out for years, so we made it happen! 

 
Legoland was pretty perfect. We made it around the whole park in one day and even caught a fun little performance! I like that a handful of rides require some effort on behalf of the rider. For example, if you want the roller coaster to go faster, you have to pedal! Ashton was tall enough for all except two or three rides. The four of us had a great time and us old folk were exhausted! 

Saturday, Grandma and Uncle Adam had to work, so Grandpa, Mommy, and Aunt Ashleigh took Ashton to the beach! I asked Ashton if he wanted to invite my friend Caleb who is his age as well as Caleb's sisters. After telling Ashton about Caleb and his sisters, I asked Ashton if he wanted to play with Aunt Ashleigh and Grandpa of if he wanted me to invite Caleb too. Ashton replied, "I want to play with the sisters." Haha, watch out Joe & Lu! :-) Unfortunately, my little friends were out of town, so we left with just the family. Grandpa insisted on going to Salt Creek which worked out PERFECTLY because we ran into Uncle Scotty whom we haven't seen in YEARS! I was seriously probably in elementary school still. We've missed him sooooooooooooooo much and he taught Ashton how to surf. Well, kind of.

Saturday afternoon, we played with Ashton all day and come evening, Jess, Adam, & I went to have dinner with Winston for his birthday!! What a great weekend for friends and family!

 

Sunday morning, Jess asked Ashton if he wanted to stay at Grandma and Grandpa's or if he wanted to go to church with Uncle Adam and Aunt Ashleigh to learn about God. He chose to learn about God and Jesus! Adam and I were very impressed with his behavior since we go to church for three hours, but fortunately I happen to spend the second two hours with the three year olds anyway, so he was with me the whole time. He learned about why bugs are important and who made bugs. Then he colored(-ish) a box with butterflies and grasshoppers and other bugs which he showed to all of the adults at church and then to Grandma, Grandpa, and Mommy. He also like the butterfly game we played in Sunday School. When we were leaving the classroom, I told Ashton that we needed to find Uncle Adam first. He said, "You mean your prince?" Cutest!! 

Later that afternoon, the Fawleys came over for Mom's birthday cake...made by Dad and Jess. The cake was great and Mom loved her present that ALL of us there pitched in to get for her - a stand mixer! Finally! And Ashton provided the entertainment! :-) We told Ashton that Erin was Tinkerbell. He LOVES Tinkerbell. Ben really wanted to teach Ashton that this fruit Ashton had was a lemon and not an orange, so I went out a picked an orange. Ben held the lemon behind his back and Erin sprinkled pixie dust and Ben turned it into an orange! Ashton thought that was funny. Then, back behind Ben's back, Erin sprinkled MORE pixie dust and WOW, a lemon AND an orange! This time Ashton's expression was much more perplexed and intrigued. "Make applesauce!" I rush into the kitchen to find applesauce and we do it all again. "Make a fish!" I find a plastic fish and we do the routine again - Ashton is loving every minute! "Make a dog!" "Make a horse!" And we ran out of pixie dust... ;-). That night I cuddled with Ashton 'til he was ready to go to bed and he told Adam and I to have a boy cousin for him.

Monday morning, I heard Ashton had a hard time sleeping. He was crying all night that he couldn't find his Tinkerbell. Awww....he didn't like that Aunt Ashleigh didn't have magic powers like Erin the night before. I drove over so Jess could pack their things and I took Ashton to the park for an hour. We played Prince and Princess as well as Superheroes until Grandma showed up and brought snacks! When it was time for Jess and Ashton to leave, we ate a quick lunch and sent them on their way. I was so sad to see them go. I wish they could move out here...I'd love to have them around. And I know Jessica would love the help! Anyway, Mom's birthday really couldn't have gotten any better in my opinion.

30 and 1

The days have gone by fast. I've been unemployed now for twenty days and I've been loving it! That doesn't mean I haven't been looking for a job though. I already have a follow up interview scheduled for Tuesday. This job is only part time, but it's something that will give me experience working with children in a classroom environment while I'm finishing my classes toward a Child Development certificate. 

I've really been enjoying my time off though. Adam took two days off last week to watch the opening round of March Madness. We spent the whole weekend lazing around together and I LOVED IT! I've been baking too many sweets though. I've kept my weight down, but that is simply because I'm eating less than I did when I was working (stress), not healthier. I really felt that at the gym today. I've been working out more than when I was commuting four hours a day, but I feel somewhat weak. I just need to better my eating habits and keep putting in effort at the gym.

Adam celebrated his 30th this year and we celebrated our 1st Anniversary! It's hard to believe that the year went by so fast, but I love this marriage!

Below is a short picture calendar of things I've done since my last post...

I threw random stuff together for a little pizza dinner

My nephew Ashton made me a house for my birthday!

We had a big BBQ get together for Adam at his brother's the day after his birthday, so ON his birthday, I  made him a simple meal and dessert.

Carne Asada on a bed of Spinach with Cilantro dressing

Layered strawberry shortcake topped with ice cream. It's just yellow cake, strawberries, and cool whip

Blow out that candle!

Irritations & Excitations

Excitation: Thrilled to go to Big Bear!

Irritation: Have to buy snow chains + long drive because the 330 is closed. Adam spends over an hour out in the windy freezing rain trying to put the snow chains on halfway up the mountain. He is tired and soaked through and through.

Excitation: It's snowing! We make it safely to the top!

Irritation: Our hosts never made it and didn't get a hold of us to tell us. We are stranded at the top of the snowy mountain after midnight on a holiday weekend with hotels that have no vacancy.

Excitation: Motel 6 left the light on for us! They moved rooms around to make a place for us!

Irritation: Our long weekend turned into a one night $350+ sleepover. Should've cost half that since the cabin was supposed to be free.

Excitation: Monday was still a holiday. Thought I would have to work but I didn't! Mom made an AWESOME Oreo Cookie Cake for my birthday and the Fawley's came over to celebrate!

Irritation: I have to go back to work - the hardest show of the year for me - knowing that I'm getting laid off.

Excitation: This is my last Academy Awards!

Irritation: People saying, "I'm so sorry, I heard the news..." 

Excitation: My preschool observations are going great! I love the kids! I love the teacher! The kids love me!

Irritation: I have to work this weekend...on my birthday...

Excitation: Uncle Carlos is allowing us to celebrate my birthday at his house and spend the night so my drive to the Oscars is shorter! Nancy, Brett, Karen, and little Natalie will be there to celebrate too!

Irritation: I still don't know what my severance package is going to be.

Excitation: I can finally focus on finishing my certifications and be a preschool teacher!

A Breath of Fresh Air and A Sigh of Relief

Though there's been much in motion that has been stressing me out as of late, two things are occurring that have made me really excited for this weekend. One is a little breather from the award show madness with a three day weekend which I will be enjoying away from Los Angeles in the clean air and maybe an exciting storm. Do I see snow? The other is something that I've been praying for for a really long time now. I can't share details because I haven't received official word yet, but I've got a positive nervous energy of hope about me.

This weekend is going to be a literal breath of fresh air and, if things go as I hope they do today, a sigh of relief.

Here is a hint of "fresh air"...

Shorty, You a "10"

This red carpet season has been particularly trying on me. I have come to accept the fact that I am really good at my job. The problem lies within the functions and management that are beyond my control. To my great delight, the Lord has blessed me with a loving and inspiring husband that puts things in just the right perspective for me. Here is a tiny tribute to my eternal companion:

Aligning MY Path with THE Path

SAG Awards Truck 2011

It's the last day of the month so I figured I should get a post up before I look like I've gone completely MIA. I just don't like making posts without pictures to support it. My camera flash has been dead for over a year - still haven't gotten it fixed. Also, I'm not impressed by the red carpet anymore which means I do not effort to get out there and take pictures by "The Actor" statue, etc. But I know my girl Megan took a few pics, so maybe I'll post a couple of those up here later.

That should give you a clue about what I've been up to and why I've been so busy...yes, Award Season 2011 is under way and I'm just starting to crazy from it. We've already completed four shows between the Golden Globes and SAG Awards and I've realized just how specialized my job is in the way I've accumulated functions and responsibilities that no one else really knows anything about. They couldn't just bring someone in and expect them to pick up where I left off if something happens to me...I'm trying to help them realize that. 

Meanwhile, classes started for me again today and I'm nervous about balancing my extensive lab requirement hours with the heavy end of Award Season still in motion. The Grammy Awards is the hardest show (Feb 13) and the Oscars is expected to be the best because it's last and there are more sponsors tied to it which means more money at stake which means it's more stressful for me because I have to make sure certain sponsors are paid off appropriately with our programming. The Oscars takes place my birthday weekend. Happy 26th, Ashleigh. Go ahead and work another 12 days straight for us. You got it.

But really, I just miss church so much on show weekends. I miss how church feels, taking the sacrament, the spiritual uplift, the love & community there, and especially the kids. Though they are sometimes difficult, they have a special something that adults cannot match. Matthew 18:3 says, "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Even Jesus tells us they're special. 

A few new things going on...we made an offer on a little condo but it's a short sale, so there is no follow up with that tidbit. Sister Hughes taught me how to crochet when Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Twelve Apostles came to our Stake early in the year. I've made two half pot holders...the yarn didn't match, that's why there are two. Now I'm working on a scarf which everyone is teasing me calling it a baby blanket. I teased Adam too that by the time I finish the "baby blanket" I want to be pregnant. It seems that the timing has not arrived for that yet though. It was really awesome to have Elder Cook visit us. Some of my favorite nuggets of gold from him include: 

Elder Quentin L. Cook

*"Have Faith and Teach It"

*"Peace is the Reward of Righteousness"

*He promised us we will see a path

*He blessed us that we'll be able to provide for our children

*He let us know that not all will be successful, but that we will not have "empty chairs"

At this time, I'm desiring to see a path. Well, the thing is that I see one...so the promise is fulfilled, but of course I want to see what's ON the path...but I'm working on walking that path, keeping it fully in sight as the Lord reveals what's on the path when the time comes. I feel calm in this moment...something I haven't felt for the last two weeks. I love my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I know They love me and they want what is best for me. They send Their angels to bear me up in their hands.

Read Psalms 91:9-15

PS - On a side note, we shook hands with Elder Cook and when I looked in his eyes I felt like he was looking right through my eyes deep down into my soul with loving kindness. He asked Adam if he was a football player. Adam revealed he plays basketball. Elder Cook responded, "Well, you have to be built like a football player to play basketball these days."

Away In A Manger

Baby Jesus didn't even have a bed for his sweet head. We, on the other hand, in remembrance of the birth of Baby Jesus, got spoiled with gifts, presents, and the company of loved ones. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the generosity of others.

Adam's Christmas celebrations started with a department white elephant gift exchange at his work. Part of his gift was a Nerf gun...it was the first gift to be stolen so many times that it could not be stolen any more. At his whole company party, Adam won a spa gift certificate (Ashleigh assumes the win) and movie tickets (Ashleigh shares the win). Not bad, right? Then his CFO blasts Adam's department using his own giant Nerf gun against which everyone was defenseless. Next day, Adam's department all get Nerf guns and have a fight in the office for half of the day, practicing for when the CFO returns. Adam got a Nerf dart to the forehead, haha. This spiraled into Adam's gift idea for his whole family - Nerf guns for a Moore War.

At my office, I made "yummy yummy cucumber sandwiches" for a baby shower we had for a co-worker. Then at my work party, we got free food and bowling at Lucky Strike in Hollywood. The raffle prizes were a FlipCam (I know my mom could use), an iPad (don't know what we'd do with that), and a big screen TV (we'd definitely love). Luck was not in my favor, but Erin Wyche won the big screen and I felt like I won it too. Way to go, Erin!

Crouching Bengal, Hidden Peyton

Then after babysitting kitties for a few days and having lots of fun with them, we had a wonderful meal and delicious sweet treats and games at the Rix's home. I still want to steal Scarlett. Maybe one of the best parts of the night was while we were playing Christmas Charades and little Boston came into the room "disturbing the adults" and wanting to play. His dad told him to go in the middle and say, "Ho, Ho, Ho!" In his little voice, he did it and we all loudly cheered and clapped, prompting Boston to giggle hilariously, jump up and down, and charge into his daddy's arms. Sooooooo cute! So each of the kids got their turn doing the same. Hahaha.

Christmas Eve, we had a wonderful dining experience yet again at the Fawley home. More political conversation ensued, so I found myself preferring to do the dishes and chat with the women in the kitchen. Finally we were able to catch the men's attention and get them out the door to the Powalski residence for delicious coconut cake and Christmas carols 'til late in the evening.

Christmas morning, I got in the shower while Adam went out to the car to get my gift which I opened from the shower...he wanted me to open it then because I'm always cold when I get out of the shower. He bought me a comfy, soft, and cozy spa bathrobe which I really enjoyed upon shower exit. We then put PJ's on and returned to my parent's house. They made yummy breakfast which we ate before dad switched on the good ole video camera...a tradition while opening gifts. Unfortunately the battery or tape ran out, so not all of it made it on DV, but at least Adam made his first appearance there. The gifts were abundant and very generous. After some more time and chatting, we headed out to change and grab the gifts still at our place that we needed to take to Adam's family. So over the freeway and through the golf course to Grandmother's house we drove. There, I got to play a new card game called Sleeping Queens with the girls (Brooke, Gina, Lisa, and Andrea) which was really fun! We had more delicious and wonderful food to fill our bellies before opening even more presents. I was not expecting to be spoiled again - twice in one day. But there, I was showered again with the generosity and love of others. Adam's family got a kick out of the Nerf gun idea and the next day they had a nice big Moore War like we had hoped they would!

Sunday, we enjoyed a relaxing day at Church and then organized our presents and living room...feels good to do that! Funny side note - when I was teaching the 4 year olds a week ago, I was telling them about Mary & Joseph and the Star and the Innkeeper, etc. Their response - "What about Santa Clause?!?!" "Well," I continued, "Santa brings us presents to remind us of the greatest gift our Heavenly Father gave us - Jesus!" I'm not sure it stuck. But anyway, we also enjoyed a nice little visit from a very special friend (SDR) whom we hope to see again tonight!

Monday, we had a busy, busy day. I went to the gym in the morning while Adam went to the shooting range with his brother Mike. We all met at Adam's work for some fun ice skating with Adam's family, our Bishop and his boys, and Erin F. So much fun! Greg played goalie with all of his gear and let us try to score on him. Adam has some great video of Brooke which I'll try to get on here later. After an excellent time of freezing fun, we headed up the freeway to Oggi's for a nice big lunch before Adam had to jet off to referee in Huntington. The Moore Family visited with us at our place until it was time for Adam to leave. I jumped in the car with him and we were off again. Adam did an excellent job reffing, if I may say so, and even got to give out two technical fouls! That makes it exciting for me! He finds it humorous that I get mad when I hear the coaches or fans criticize the refs when he's out there. But they are wrong! Haha. The fans were actually great, it was just the coaches that irritated me this time. How do you think the athletes are going to improve their game if the coach tells them EVERY TIME that the ref was wrong and they didn't really foul? Lame. But what wasn't lame was that we got to visit the Bell & Parks Families afterward! Yay!! Mari & Matt, thanks for the meal! We had fun conversation, a little teasing, and played a game that Matt didn't win (apparently he always wins) and that I DID win (which is pretty crazy because I never beat Adam)! Yay!!! And Mari gave me a really cute ring that she made! Oh, and I can't fail to mention that their dog Denali is BEAUTIFUL! If I can't have Scarlett, I'll take Denali.

Now, the season is slowly passing, I've really missed my sister, Adam is back at work, I've been going to the gym every day (nice), we're still looking to buy a place, I'm looking forward to my new class and not looking forward to going back to my job. At least I'll be getting some help in the next few weeks. Megan, thank you!

Not sure what we're doing for New Year's Eve, but maybe New Year's Day Adam and I can paint pictures for each other like we did two years ago on New Year's Day before we shared our first kiss. I love him so much and of all the things I am grateful for, he and Jesus top the list.