My First Car Crash

I had a perfectly clean driving record. No tickets and no car accidents. That is until the snow decided to melt in the sun yesterday and then freeze again last night leaving the roads completely covered by one large sheet of ice. It was an awful drive to church and back. But luckily, I can take comfort in the fact that the accident was not my fault...

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I had just successfully avoided an accident (I had started to slide toward an Astro Van) with my excellent snow driving maneuvers and was able to successfully stop in a left turn lane. My prayer of gratitude that I didn't hit the van had hardly left my lips before I felt my car get hit from behind. Apparently, a student in our ward couldn't stop his truck on the ice and hit an SUV...which in turn hit me. Everyone was fine and Lexus (my car's name...and no, it is not a Lexus) received only minimal damage. I'm sOooO happy it wasn't my fault! Sorry about the car, Lane. The kid's insurance should cover any repairs.

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After church, I was really scared to drive home...and for good reason. Driving down that steep hill past the temple, I was pumping the breaks constantly so that I was only going at a crawl and wouldn't slip. Unfortunately, when the three cars in front of me breaked in order to turn, I still couldn't stop and tried to move to adjust to the next lane to avoid another accident. Instead of changing lanes, however, Lexus went into a complete 360 degree turn, and there was nothing in the world I could do about it. After getting stuck in the shoulder, a guy helped me out and I s-l-o-w-l-y slipped and slid my way home. There was a meeting that I was supposed to be to at the church in an hour. Needless to say...I sat that one out.

And wouldn't you know it...these are the shoes I chose to wear to church today. The cop even commented, "Those are the wrong shoes to be wearing in the snow, girl." My toes were already well aware, thanks. I never dreamt I'd spend so long tromping through the elements.

My Best Friend

So I've been thinking about Andrew since we celebrated our two years together last week. I love him a lot. Let me share just a few reasons why...

1. He's so smart and hardworking. I am so proud of his ability to build big, beautiful homes. He's good at what he does.

2. He likes to cuddle.

3. He helps me out and supports me in everything I do. He takes care of what I can't.

4. Andrew loves to eat air-popped popcorn for dinner as much as I do.

5. I honestly can't think of a soul who doesn't like Andrew. He is just a cool, friendly, funny guy who carries himself well. I have always been proud to introduce him as my husband. I am constantly at awe at his ability to instantly become best friends with anyone (regardless if they're age 2 or 102) within a few minutes.

6. He constantly serenades me with random, silly songs...about how much he loves me, how happy he is to see me, how a hawk is flying in the sky, or how he sees beef cooking on the stove...

7. Andrew is unable to calmly enter or exit a room in the house that I am in. His entrances always seem to be accompanied by a karate kick, a little leprechaun dance, a ballerina leap, or a dramatized seductive stare in my direction. His exits tend to consist of a booty shake, a bunny hop, or a sudden operatic outburst. Why? Who knows. That is just Andrew...but I love him for it!

8. Andrew never complains about or criticizes me.

9. I was a fairly independent, self sufficient chick at one time. However, in the last two years, I have all but lost any ability to open my own doors, squish bugs, or lift anything over ten pounds. That's his department now.

10. He has dimples, smiley eyes, and a really cute bum.

Arizona Christmas Vacation

We left our several feet of fresh white snow to fly to a land of sixty degree Christmas weather, but we were happy for the chance to visit family and relax for almost two weeks.

Christmas Eve Tradition: Andrew's parents, Andrew's brother Ryan, and our niece Riley about ready to unwrap their new Christmas pajamas.

My favorite shot of the trip! Andrew captured perfectly the feeling of the morning: everyone in their colorful, new pj's and general happy chaos. The mountain of present under the tree have been significantly diminshed by this point, believe it or not. (Look at Riley trying on her new bike helmet!)

Gabe (Andrew's sis) and John (our brother-in-law) open gifts Christmas morning.

Next, we drove from Maricopa to Gilbert to spend share some Christmas Day with my Mom and Becca, and then to Mesa to see Dad and the girls. Here is Becca's cute self on Christmas Day. (I wonder where she got that cool black vest?)

Here Andrew plays with my little sisters (Aria and Aurora) at Dad's place.

While we were in Arizona, Andrew and I celebrated our 2-year anniversary with the Ashmores at our favorite restaurant in the entire world...Texas Roadhouse! I LOVE the unlimited rolls and cinnamon butter. I know I ate way more then can be good for my health.

As you can see, our niece Riley agrees with me about the rolls and butter...

After dinner, we escaped to a nice hotel in Scottsdale. It was fun to stay somewhere new!

Presenting...our Christmas Card

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Love,

The Ashmores

I had big plans for our Christmas card. I was going to send them snail mail to all our family and friends a few weeks before Christmas...a picture enclosed in the cute cards I bought on sale last year. Andrew was even good enough to pose for some pictures. But between the Christmas Program at school, my fever of 103F, and needing to bake 60+ sugar cookies for my third graders to decorate, these plans went down the tube. I even had the cards and envelopes addressed! All I needed was to get the pictures printed and buy stamps at the post office. However, I finally settled on this much simplified version of a card. One that goes out to everyone at once with the push of a button...directly from the laptop on my Kleenex ridden bed. I'll just send these pre-addressed cards out next year. Just nobody better move before next Christmas! Happy Holidays! We love you all.

A Day Trip to Jackson, Wyoming

Last week, Andrew and I helped some good friends of ours move a trailer full of furniture to be stored in Jackson. The day was stormy and snowy and windy, and the roads were awful! There were points where snow was blowing so thickly across the road from the fields that we couldn't see more than a few feet in front of the truck. As a result, the drive there and back took more than twice as long, but I was not complaining. It was just about the most beautiful drive I have ever been on.

(ABOVE: Andrew was really tense most of the drive, but he did a great job of getting us and the trailer safely through the elements!)

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The clouds cleared for a little while leaving an incredible display of skies. I wish you see it in person! The camera just doesn't do it justice.

A snow covered field meets with a dark and icy lake. Take a look at that sky!

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We climbed some mountain passes where the snow fall and fog were heavy, and visibility was poor...but check out the view from the top!

Once arriving in Jackson, we were treated to a yummy dinner and had fun exploring the touristy shops on Main Street. What a happy day trip!

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Christmas Program

So...in order to be politically correct when speaking to parents it is to be called a "Holiday Program." This does not refer to any specific religion or have any connotation to a God...like anyone would even care. I have a 100% LDS class. Stupid public schools. But anyway, this performance is the culmination of many hours of practice. The entire school put together this program and this was my class's contribution. I picked the cutest dang song. I wish the picture was clearer, but my favorite part is when the kid's "rock out " with their imaginary guitars. I know they're not really my kids, but I sure love 'em like they are. I'm so proud!

Building Houses!

We've made a fun group of friends over the last year and half. We have spent many Sunday afternoons at one another's homes eating dinner and playing board games (Yay Cranium!). The Blevins are getting ready to move to CHINA! and so we thought we'd get together for a last hoorah...and make ginger bread houses! Saturday afternoon, everyone gathered at our home: The Hayashis, The Grimmers, The Blevins, and us.

This is the Ashmore creation. I was glad to have Andrew's home building experience on our side!

Another view of the front. I was covered in frosting by the time we finished. If you look closely, you can even see frosting in my hair.

The back view. We were pretty pleased with ourselves.

The Grimmer creation! (In the background you can see the Hayashis and little Ashlyn.)

Here's Amanda Grimmer hyper on sugar. =) I just love the twirly licorice designs.

Hayashi Creation: The Candyland Temple.

And the Blevin's creation...or what's left of it. It actually looked pretty cool before it fell over. =(
Here is Katrina Blevins, brand-new baby Chloe, and Andrew...stuffing his face. =)