The End of My Blog

Yes, that is right, after nearly two years of blogging, my blog is coming to an end. I wanted to finish out 2009 as I plan to publish each year into a book (a journal of events). That is the GOOD news. The BAD news is that I will still have a blog. Ashley and I started a new blog. If you would like the address to the new blog, please e-mail me at [email protected]. We ask that everyone keep from linking our blog on their own blog (unless your blog is already private) for now to maintain some privacy. We don't care too much who reads our blog and would love for all of our friends to have it, we just want to maintain SOME privacy. So, thanks for reading all the dribble I have written the last couple of years. If you want to read a good blog, remember that Ashley writing great stuff, will probably offset my bad posts. Happy 2010!

Saturday with Friends

The day after Christmas we spent some time with our really good friends. They were really nice to take some pictures for us. Afterwards, we went with them to dinner at Chili's. We had a great time being with them. After dinner we went to:

The Princess and the Frog. The kids had already seen it, but we had not. They told us they would love to watch it again and we had heard great things about it. We went with our friends and had a great time. I thought this for sure was one of the best Disney movies of all time. It was a classic Disney Princess tale. It had all of the greatness of a Snow White or Cinderella movie, but with a new direction all its own. It was a great story, with great animation, and great music. It seemed to be loved by all of kids and adults alike. We especially had a great time with our friends.

• This family of friends includes a little girl who is almost three years old. She loved the movie and would not necessarily get scared by scary parts, but by the loud noises (such as the THX thing at the beginning of almost every movie). She would hide in her Mom or Dad's arms. McQueen insisted on sitting by her. Every time she would get scared he would say, "don't worry, it is just fiction." By the time the movie was over, he had to have said it at least 4 times. It was so cute and so funny.
  

Christmas

We had a great Christmas and Christmastime this year. We especially loved having Ashley involved in our lives this Christmas. Ashley and I spent some time with her family on Christmas morning. We then rushed back here to greet the kids coming back from their Mom's house. We focused a lot on the real meaning of Christmas this year. We also talked about families who have to do without a lot of things, and how blessed we are. It seemed to really set in with the kids this Christmas. They seemed to be very excited about giving to others and especially helping those less fortunate. This kind of focus always makes Christmas better. We loved just spending time together and relaxing with each other as well. It was really nice to have Christmas on a Friday this year.

First we went to see what Santa had left the kids. Santa left McQueen a huge electric race track. It came with two Ferrari's and two Formula 1 type race cars. We all enjoyed competing against each other as the cars would zing around the track. Santa also left him a Lego Star Wars spaceship, and some Star Wars and Spider-man underwear.

Tinkerbell got a whole bunch of the Littlest Pet Shop toy figurines and villages. She played with them relentlessly and loves them so much. She was so excited for them. She also got a huge carrying case for all of them. One of the things that seemed to most excite her was her new Princess and the Frog panties. She liked the Hello Kitty ones as well, but not as much as The Princess and the Frog panties.

We then opened stockings to each find toothbrushes (Wolverine and Hello Kitty), little toys, candy bars, an orange, and an apple. Ashley and I gave each of the kids pajamas (Hello Kitty and Star Wars), a DVD (UP and Monsters vs. Aliens) a game (Guess Who? and The Lady Bug Game), some books, and some clothes.

We had a great Christmas playing and visiting with family. Most importantly we sought to remember our Savior and those less fortunate who we can help each day. We are grateful for the gift from both The Father and The Son who make it possible for us to be redeemed and forgiven. We are grateful for the season and the time we can spend as a family.

Will Ashley Say Yes?????

Ashley and I went on our first date in January of this year. I was very cautious in moving the relationship along because I was scared I was not good enough, and I was scared that either I or the kids could get hurt. I now KNOW I am not good enough for her and I am willing to chance my being hurt for the happiness of being with her. After going out at least once a week for four months, I finally introduced her to the kids. A week later I kissed her for the very first time, although we shared many conversations about when our first kiss would occur. About the time this post hits my blog, I will be kneeling on one knee to propose to my sweetheart, and the girl I hope will accept my proposal, to be my eternal companion. I won't go into the details of how I will ask/have asked her. I will leave that up to people asking her. What I instead want to address is why I so badly want to ask her. I love Ashley with all my heart. Typing that even now brings tears to my eyes. I have been truly blessed by a loving Heavenly Father with one of his most amazing daughters. I know that, I am so thankful for that, and I treasure that. In times of sadness, some question, "what have I done to deserve this?" The blessing of Ashley in my life instead makes me deeply ponder in a completely different way "what I have done to deserve this."

Ashley is beautiful in every sense of the word. There is no question of her physical beauty. From her looks, to way she carries herself, to her modest dress. She is gorgeous. She has the sweetest face and the most loving eyes. Her outer beauty is only enhanced by the inner beauty she possesses. She radiates such a bright light from deep within her soul. It seems to pierce me to the heart and brightens all around her. She is truly gorgeous.

Ashley is so sweet in so many amazing ways. She could make anyone's heart melt with her sweet gentle nature. Children, not just McQueen and Tinkerbell flock to her and follow her in droves. She is especially sweet to Tinkerbell and McQueen. She cares for them and truly loves them as her own. She is so gentle and kind, that everyone can see her love for them and their deep love for her. My love for her grows so deeply as she loves my children. She is as sweet to me as anyone, which I am sure requires much more patience. Even when she sees the many imperfections in me, she does not use harsh tones, words, or deeds to make me better. She uses gentleness and sweetness to make me want to be better. She inspires those around her through kindness and people therefore gravitate towards her. She builds others up through sweetness rather then tearing them down in bitterness. Anyone can be harsh and tear things down. Ashley has mastered a sweetness that builds and creates. If kind words and deeds were hammers and nails, it would be breathtaking to see the beautiful city she has created around her.

Ashley is amazingly thoughtful. She constantly worries herself sick in the behalf of others. Her worry leads to action, and that action leads to others receiving help, nurturing, love, or healing. It has been said there are a couple different kinds of people. Those who sit on the sidelines, those who help when asked, and those who recognize a need and act. Ashley is very much the one who recognizes needs and takes care of others. She truly astounds me by the way she serves and knows those around her. She is always a friend, even when a friend might be hard to find. The kind of love Ashley gives does not come from a responsibility, guilt, or persuasion. The kind of love that she gives comes from a Christ-like heart.

Ashley is funny. To see Ashley smile and laugh melts my heart. There is rarely a time we are together when we do not make it a point to laugh together. We spend so much of our time doing that, and I love every minute of it. We laugh at ourselves, the world around us, or just about anything. All that is required to have a good time with Ashley is to have a sense of humor. Some of my favorite dates are the ones where we sat in the car and talked and laughed. I know that Ashley's favorite date was seeing the movie "Race to Witch Mountain," but mine were definitely our talking and laughing dates. Just kidding about the movie babe. :)

Ashley is my best friend. It has been said that a true friend is one who makes doing the right thing easier. Ashley is unquestionably a very true friend to me. I love all the time I get to spend with friends and family. I feel that I do not get to see far too many often enough. However, my number one choice of where to spend my free time is still with Ashley. I don't feel I have to hide who I am, and I can completely and totally be myself. She doesn't judge me, yet she makes it easier for me to be better. I can tell her anything and I think she can tell me anything. We support and help each other and we are happy to be there for each other.

Ashley is a Mother in every sense of the word. She may not have the official title, but she is a Mother. Only a Mother can nurture as she nurtures. Only a Mother can loves as she loves. Only a Mother can worry as she worries. Only a Mother can care as she cares. And only a Mother can feel the feelings in her heart that she feels. I am lucky to have her as a Mother to ALL of the the children we have now and that we may be blessed with in the future. They are so blessed to have her in their lives to love them, care for them. and raise them up. There is no question in my mind of her divine nature as a sweet, nurturing, caring Mother. I am so grateful that all my children are lucky enough to call her their Mom.

Ashley is my love. A couple of years ago as events unfolded, I was not sure I ever wanted to be married again. I thought perhaps it was just not to be in this life. I would go on raising my two sweet kids and go on dates occasionally, but I may never remarry. I had a certain ideal of what I would like in a wife, but I was sure those kind of women would not be interested in me. Even if they were, I was not sure I could give them what I felt they deserved. Some barriers broke down over time, and some feelings fell dim, but much of those feelings remained. In this area, I had created a gray wall, blocking my view. Ashley continued to date me and show me her sweet, gentle kindness. One day when I looked at my gray wall, I saw something beautiful standing much taller and brigther on the other side. You see, instead of attacking my feelings, Ashley had just simply built a big beautiful palace on the other side of my wall. It was so inviting and amazing, that I had to tear down my own wall, so that I could see what was waiting for me on the other side. I am forever grateful for the palace she built. We now work together side by side to build it ever more beautiful and inviting for our family now and forever more.

Thank you Ashley for everything you are. I can't wait to spend eternity with you. I love you!

Abscession

My body has had a recent abscession. No, I did not spell obsession incorrectly, I know what I write.......most of the time. Anyway, it seems that I developed an abscess. I was not super thrilled with it, as it has been the most immense pain I have ever felt in my life. Way worse then my recent surgery to get the tonsils and adenoids yanked. Worse then the broken collar bone, and even worse then the discs I have crushed in my back. Yes, this is what real pain feels like. The doctor told me that there was a woman who had given birth without any medicine and she thought this pain was worse. The pain just started on Saturday afternoon and got worse from there. I could barely walk, and sitting and laying has not been that much more comfortable. I had to stay home from church on Sunday because I knew I wouldn't be able to hack it. I went to my doctor (they thankfully have half day urgent care on Sundays) and he gave me some medicine and referred me to a specialist. They got me in on Monday and immediately sent me to the hospital for surgery. Here I make it 30 years without ever even needing more then local anesthesia. I hit thirty and wham, two surgeries in one year. So, by 9PM, I left the hospital and I was already feeling a million times better. The last couple of days have been down right wonderful compared with the two prior. Apparently these abscesses are usually caused by staff infection and develop over months before presenting themselves. I wondered why I needed so much more sleep lately and why I have just been dragging for a couple of months. Now, I think I know why. They gave me two amazingly strong anti-biotics to kill it off while all of it continues to drain out. I am feeling great and I will head back to work tomorrow. The last couple of days at home has at least given me a chance to catch up on my blogging. I totally gave up on NaBloPoMo, but I just couldn't do it this year without a decent computer and and no extra time to speak of. But hey, there is always next year.......as long as some weird abscess doesn't set up permanent residence in my body!!!

The Blind Side/Theater Dog

The other night Ashley and I went to see the movie, The Blind Side. All I can say is WOW!! What an amazing movie. This was again just an amazing TRUE story. There was not a bunch of garbage thrown in or anything else. Sandra Bullock's character was a good Christian woman and they portrayed that well. Sometimes when I go to the movies I feel like they constantly bash on religion and God. It was refreshing to see a movie that revered it. All I could think when we left was how much difference one person (or family) can make. I would love to be able to help a person as much as they were able to. It truly changes both persons lives. What an amazing movie and story.

When the movie had barely begun, there was a 20s something girl and her boyfriend/husband that sat right next to me. They were getting their treats all out and everything. She was opening her purse and out of the corner of my eye, I saw something moving. I looked and she pulled a dog out of her freakin' purse. What the heck! I sort of laughed it off and whispered to Ashley that we were very privileged that we get to sit next to Paris Hilton and her dog tonight. Next thing I knew the manager was coming to ask the people about the dog. Apparently the people behind us had a huge problem with it. They retorted that it was a service dog (small enough to fit in a purse mind you). I mean what does it do, protect this girl's mascara? She would step on it before it led her anywhere, were it a seeing eye dog. So the fight went back and forth between the people behind us and them. They complained the people behind kept hitting their seats and all kinds of stuff. The people behind complained that they "MIGHT" be allergic to dogs, etc. In the end, I think this: I cannot imagine that dog was a service dog of any kind, especially because if it were, you would not have to sneak it in your purse. On the other hand, the people behind were a little bit over the top and making WAY too big of a deal about it. Either way, I got another sweet weirdo story for the blog.

Zoo Lights

Tonight we went to the Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo. It was a lot of fun and actually quite a bit better then I imagined it was going to be. Most of the animals were asleep and/or away for the night, but the tigers (including all three babies) were still out. The lights were really pretty spectacular all over the zoo. We all had a great time. They even sold hot chocolate there (at, of course, outrageous prices). I bought one of their "souvenir cups" complete with free refills all night. We shared and I knew the kids would down more then a couple of cups. I feel very confident that we got our money's worth out of the deal. It was a lot of fun. Seeing the lights is kind of expensive, but we would still recommend it. I will have to post pictures when I get them all downloaded from the camera.

Fat Cats

My Brother's family came into town for Thanksgiving weekend, and so they could be here for the BYU v. Utah game. We had a lot of fun with them while they were here. All the kids could not seem to let the Wii ever turn off. They kept challenging each other to game after game. I thought the console was for sure going to start smoking. On Friday night, my parents took everyone to Fat Cats for pizza and bowling. It was a lot of fun with all of the kids. They also gave all of the kids some tokens to play the games. McQueen definitely loves this Speed Boat game, he can't get enough of it no matter where it is. He is actually quite good. Tinkerbell just loves any game that she thinks is going to give her lots and lots of tickets. Despite our bowling scores, we all had a lot of fun as a family.

Black Friday

I have never before participated in the whole Black Friday thing. A little while ago my laptop seriously melted down (I will never buy a computer with an AMD processor as long as I live). I have been borrowing an old laptop from my parents to get by, but since it is going on seven years, it is having issues as well. I went to all the websites for the sneak peaks at their leaked Black Friday advertisements. I went between three stores in the last week, down to two in the last day, and then finally found what I think was the very best deal. The doors were to open at Office Depot at 6AM, but tickets for items (so as to avoid people being trampled, etc.) could be handed out as early as 5AM. Ashley wanted to come with me to participate in the big event. I was more then happy to have her come along. We left the house at 3:50 and got to Office Depot just before 4AM. We were the 13th people in line. There were only 10 of the particular laptop guaranteed per store. I started asking what everyone was getting. People were really hesitant to tell me, as if I was going to start shooting people who wanted the same thing. Finally people started sharing and I knew I was safe. So we braved the VERY cold morning. Office Depot employees arrived at work, handed out the tickets in an orderly way, and took care of every customer need (not want). By the time the doors actually opened, there were easily 100 people gathered outside. I am now the proud owner of an amazing laptop found at an amazing deal. My only hope is that it lasts for many many years to come. We also made trips to Gymboree and Old Navy afterwards and found some pretty good deals there as well.

Even at 4 in the morning with no sleep to speak of, she is as beautiful as ever.

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving with Ashley's family this year. Her Mom made such amazing food, and it was a great meal. The food and the company was great, and we all ate plenty.

Here is my best buddy all cuddled up next to me on the couch with a nice full stomach

Ashley's sister and brother-in-law were so cute with the kids. They totally let them help with what is clearly an adult puzzle. I am sure they did most of the work, and the kids LOVED being a part of it. In the evening we decided to go to a Thanksgiving movie. We checked out the new "Planet 51" movie. It was a cute movie and entertaining. It also did not have a lot of weirdness to it. Many of the kids movies coming out lately are too in-depth, have political agendas one way or another, are more geared for adults, etc. This for the most part just seemed like a normal entertaining movie.

Tinkerbell learned a new song at school and wanted to sing it for everyone.