Not Bragging, Just Saying

Just Saying.....

I love talking with my friends and family about the gifts they received for Christmas. I think it always interesting to see the things they have wanted, hoped for or are annoyed that they got.You learn many things. Here is a little ditty to prove my point. My sister-in-law, Crissie, told me that she wanted this eye cream that really expensive. WHAT? I didn't know that she liked expensive girl treats. Me TOO!!! Dave complained about the price, so she went and bought it herself. YES!
I like giving gifts so much that I think it is also great to talk about the gifts that you got. Give praise to the giver. I received MANY wonderful gifts (so no emails if your gift isn't listed. I LOVED it). Here is small sampling of my booty. Praise you giver!!!Beijo Bags. My new bag is technically purple. Purple/brown. I LOVE it. I am taking it out for a spin this afternoon.
Panini press. A Cuisinart delight. Let's be honest. They are fancy grilled cheese sandwiches but my family thinks I am an amazing cook.

I loved Gone With The Wind as a teenager. My bedroom at home still has my plate collection on the wall. I am looking forward this new book.
All gift certificates. I love them. My brother-in-law bought me a big one to Cheesecake Factory. Yeah. My in-laws got a ton of small ones to my favorite girls night out restaurants. I-tunes card in my stocking and a Outback gift card (technically, that one is Rich's but who is counting.....)
Movie tickets. Movies are butt expensive here but you can buy passes at Costco for a discounted price. It saves me almost $4 a ticket. I received 8 movie tickets.

This is how are party started......

It's Over

We are flying back to California today. Already have had a few delays so wish us luck. We had a wonderful Christmas. It was so much fun to be here in Montana with everyone. Crewe fell in love with his cousins, AGAIN (why don't we live closer?). Dayne discovered how to go up stairs, very fast. Rich got to go out to breakfast at the Muzzle Loader with the boys. Good to him- gross to me. I learned how to play Guitar Hero. Such an amazing trip!!!

Cold Cold Cold

We have been very lucky to start our Christmas vacation last Sunday. We are enjoying our time in Montana even though it is cold. COLD. COLD. Today while I was outside working with my dad, I put my ice cream sandwich in my coat pocket. IT DIDN'T EVEN MELT!!! We are looking forward to Rich coming to town tomorrow as well as Ethan's family. Lots of food, games, laughing, talking, bowling and birthday celebrations are coming up.

I hope everyone is enjoying their Holiday Season. And if you are not here, you are missed.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Three

Three Wise Men? 

Lights Baby

Christmas lights at a whole new level. A whole new crazy level......Check it here.

POP

YES. Dayne likes Dr. Pepper too! Although, she still pants when she sees a Diet Coke Can.

Saturday

We went into the City on Saturday and had the best day. It was so nice to be together as a family and enjoy our time. We ate a great upscale food court. I had the best pumpkin curry. We then walked to the big Christmas tree in Union Square and then got some serious shopping done.

The kids were both so tired and fell asleep in the car as soon we put got back to it. (Actually, we had borrowed our friends baby backpack and Dayne had fallen asleep on Rich's back.) So we drove to the other side of town to look for a cupcake bakery we had read about. I also got to go to a Paper Source while the kids slept. After everyone woke up, we went to a That Takes the Cake. SO GOOD.

We finished the day off my heading down to the Marina and feeding the birds. Yes, Crewe was feeding the birds a $2.75 cupcake.

Best. The. BEST. day. I love my family and I loved spending the day with them. Thanks guys.

A little getting to know me, Holiday style.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? wrapping paper. I usually do purple & silver but this year I am doing black and silver

2. Fake or real tree?- Fake tree.

3. When do you put up the tree? this year we are not having a tree. However, my inlaws got their tree up already and my parents will have a tree when we get to MT.

4. When do you take the tree down? Last year I was so pregnant and sick (of course) that I didn't get the tree down until the 15th'ish of January. By then, I HATED the tree!!!

5. Do you like eggnog? Absolutely!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My stuffed dog, Ralph Jr.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? No. I think it is time to have a family one so my kids can experience it.

8. Hardest person to buy for? my brother Aaron...

9. Easiest person to buy for? My mom. Lots of things remind me of her.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? The least exciting one, I received last year. It is too close to talk about so lets say......I hate receiving money.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Email cards??? I would hate that. We send out cards. Remember we have a new address- email me if you don't have it.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I like any movie that takes place during Christmas. it doesn't have to be a "Christmas" movie.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? November

14. Have you ever regifted a Christmas present? yes

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? the soup we have on Christmas Eve. So good. This year I was Cream of mushroom and my dad's chili.

16. White lights or colored on the tree? White

17. Favorite Christmas song? Angels We Have Heard on High

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We always travel.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blizten But do you recall....Rudolph (wouldn't it suck to have the name Blizten?)

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning. I would be so sad to have of all Christmas gift giving over before it even began

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Everyone always saying how busy they are!

23. What I love most about Christmas? I love it all. Family, Christmas lights, shopping for gifts and the chance to talk so much about the Savior.

Wednesday Night TV

I would NEVER waste time watching TV. I don't even know whats on because I am so busy doing, you know, important things. Besides, I only watch the Discovery Channel.......

Who are we kidding? My favorite night of TV is Wednesday. All of these shows are on Wednesday so my DVR does have to work. (Let's just say a little prayer to the DVR ).Plus I have been up since 4:30am--dang those kids. So chances are I won't actually WATCH any of these shows tonight but they will be waiting for me, as soon as I am done reading War and Peace, feeding the homeless and knitting masks for ugly people........Project Runway. Need I say more. FAB-U-LOUS!!!!! I love this show.

Americas Next Top Model. I didn't mean to watch this show but once upon a time I was sick and I caught a marathon. Ah, the marathon tricks you into LOVING the show every time. I love this show.

Gossip Girl. My new favorite show. With Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars gone, I needed a little teenage angst to fill my soul. Plus somebody still needs to watch the WB or the CW.

Pushing Daises. I must admit that I have not watch last weeks episode but when I do get to watch it, I enjoy it. I LOVE Kristen Chenowith and I think she is really charming in this show.

Dirty Sexy Money. Rich and I watch this show together. One of few. Very smart, entertaining and kind of dark. But so good.

Private Practice. I don't love this show but I have not given up on it. It's like Grey's Anatomy is my friend and PP is the little brother. You have to be nice even though you are not sure they have ever taken a shower.

Ok, this show is NOT on Wed but I LOVE LOVE LOVE this show. Run's House. This may be my favorite show and truthfully I am glad that it is not on Wed. so the enjoyment can be spread out. I keep wanting to do a whole blog about this show, (and I will) but not today. Just watch it.* Beef- you must give Run a second try.

Outside

This was what my nephews did the other day. Burrrrrr......although very cute in their cold glory.

However, this was my kids on Monday..........

Parades

Hello, My Name is Ashley. And I love parades.

It is a special club that meets around the holidays and homecomings. Unless you live in Billings....then the special club meets once a month. What haven't you ever heard of a May Day Parade and The-Dog-Licked-Himself Parade?

I LOVE PARADES. I love scoping out a spot (although, I never slept on the street to save my spot, I have had MANY friends that have done this for the 4th of July Parade in Provo). I like kicking back in my chair or the the curb and listening the the pre-parade noise. THEN it starts.....I like the bands, the floats and all the candy throwing (does anyone remember the time Natalie took out a small child while diving for a couple of tootsie rolls?). MOSTLY, I love to shout things at a parade.

"Way to GO!"

"Happy Holidays"

"You're Queen of WHAT ?!*&%"

"Does that count as a FLOAT?"

"I could have made that."

"Nice hat."

Why do people always wear dumb hats in parades? Another post.......



*no pictures of Baby Dayne. She stayed home with John and AJ. She had her shots on Saturday. And since I suck, she had to get 5 shots. (We missed her 6 month check up). It was better to leave the cry-dog at home.

The Start

I have been having a hard time lately. I have been trying to think of a way to feel better. It hit me this morning. My kids. They will help. So this week I am going to post everyday, (I Hope), about my kids. All good things. All fun things. Maybe that will help.....