Memorial Day

Best Friends

(how cute are they!)

Let me preface this post by saying that last April, Jade, Jerai, Phil and I all went camping up Hobble Creek Canyon. It was a really fun trip, up until about 5 in the morning, when we all woke up soaked. Literally soaked. When we went to sleep, the sky was clear, so neither of us put our rain shields on our tents, and when the rain started, it was just a sprinkle, but by the time we got the rain covers up, we were soaked through. Even our sleeping bags were dripping. This year, to celebrate Memorial Day, Jade and I decided we wanted to go camping again with our favorite couple, Jerai and Phil (and Remy!). Jerai and I are both pregnant, but neither one of us is having a rough pregnancy or super-uncomfortable, so we decided it would be really fun, and we left for the same campsite up Hobble Creek Canyon. This time, the road was closed, so we unpacked Phil's truck and 4-wheeled in. We set up camp and the girls played and played and we ate dinner and dessert and had such a great time. This time we were extra cautious and put on our rain covers, even though the skies were mostly clear. Lo and behold, 3 am(ish) hits, and what do our little ears hear? The plink, plink, plink of raindrops. We waited in our tents for the next couple hours, hoping the rain would stop, but it didn't. Fortunately we stayed completely dry this time. Around 8 we realized the campout was officially over, and we packed up and headed back. We got soaked on the 4-wheel ride, but warmed right up in the truck. So we all went home, a little sad our fun was ruined. We ended up unpacking and taking a long nap, then going to dinner at Tucanos and to see Indiana Jones instead. That was almost as fun as camping! Now we're back to work. Jade went to Portland until Saturday or Sunday. He's working all week, then Saturday he and his dad and brothers are going to climb Mt. Hood (weather permitting)! As much as I want him to come home early, I really hope they're able to climb Mt. Hood this year, since last year they couldn't because of weather. I hope he's able to go spend quality time with his best friends, even though I selfishly miss him (I'd blame it on the pregnancy-hormones, but I'm like this all the time). Also, I have to write about my favorite baby gift that I received this week... My girlfriend/co-worker Kelsey went to Vegas and came back with a ruffle-y yellow Juicy Couture baby bikini!! It's so darling. The picture doesn't do it justice. I can't wait to see my little princess in her designer swim-suit!! Thanks Kels!

I've been tagged

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JOYS
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1-My family. That one was easy. I couldn't ask for a better husband. Sometimes I don't know how I got so lucky. Sometimes I wonder why he picked me, out of all the girls he could have picked. I don't know why, but I'm sure glad he did. My family is the best, and I can't imagine better parents or siblings. Even my extended family is amazing and I feel so lucky to be born into such a great family. Also, I don't think I could have created better in-laws if I made them myself. Usually people don't really like their in-laws, but somehow I ended up with the coolest in-laws ever!
2-Being pregnant. (Sorry Jerai, but I have to copy this one too). I know some women hate being pregnant, but I can't begin to explain how much I love it. Sure, I feel like a house, but it's so worth it to think that in less than a month I'll have a baby. So I'm scared to death and don't feel ready, but does anyone ever really feel ready? I bet if they say yes, they're lying. Anyway, these have been THE BEST 8 months of my life. I love being pregnant.
3-Tink. I know it's a little ridiculous, but she's my baby!! Everyone says it's going to change when I have my "real" baby, but I don't really think so. I think I'll just have 2 babies.
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FEARS
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1-Jade going out of town. I'm so scared he's going to leave and not come back (for obvious reasons). This fear is sometimes almost debilitating.
2-Something happening to my mom or the kids.
3-Complications with the baby.
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GOALS
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1-Get my pre-baby body back before summer is over.
2-Learn Portuguese.
3-Not lose "Ashton" when I become "mom" (and of course not lose "mom", just to be both).
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CURRENT OBSESSIONS/COLLECTIONS
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I have obsessive-compulsive disorder- how can I pick just 3?!
1-Organizing.
2-Cleaning.
3-Scheduling.
I know these are very general, but they rule my life...
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RANDOM FACTS
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1-I check my friend's/family's blogs almost every single day.
2-I want to get my MS in mental health counseling and become an LPC and council children with Asperger's and their families.
3-I'm pretty fearless when it comes to "scary" things: I've been sky-diving, I went to boot camp, etc. The thing I want to do most is go diving with sharks.
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5 PEOPLE I TAGGED
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1- Megan and Ryan Ray
2- Suzanne and Jeff Johnson
3- Chad and Randi Spears
4- Twink and Noah Garfield
5- Jesse and Kimmi Clark

Vegas!

We're back! This weekend was WAY too short. We drove down to Vegas on Thursday and had the busiest and most fun weekend imaginable. Friday morning we took maternity pictures! I'll post them as soon as I get them, but I think they're probably super cute. Jade was really patient and didn't complain at all, and as his reward, he was allowed to leave after the shots with him were finished. He was so happy to get out of that studio. Photo shoots just aren't his thing. Then I had my last baby shower, at Mimi's cafe, with all my friends and family. It was SO nice and so much fun and I was surrounded by my favorite people in the world. I had such a great time. Thanks so much to everyone who came and participated in my special day! Then I went shopping (of course). Then the boys went rock climbing and the girls went to see a play that Cheyanne directed for her school. Then we got home and went through all my goodies that I was given at my shower. Jami and I totally organized everything, and my mom thought we were absolutely nuts, but we had such a good time organizing! I think I started nesting before I was even pregnant. All I have to say is this girl is going to be SO spoiled. She already has a closet full of clothes (literally), and every single thing you could imagine she's going to need. I only have about 10 little things left to buy off my baby registry because all our friends and family spoiled this little girl rotten. Saturday morning we woke up bright and early for Chaz's Eagle Project. We went to 3 neighborhoods in Green Valley and painted curbs by fire hydrants for the city. After 3 long hours in the 105 degree heat, I'm proud to announce that Chaz completed his Eagle project!! (Unfortunately I wasn't a big help. The 2 pregnant women were banished to the car and ended up being runners in between the groups of people, handing out supplies and refreshments. So, sorry I didn't do manual labor Chaz, but it's a lot of work making a person inside of me- I was doing my own kind of manual labor!) Anyway, I'm just so glad I was able to be a part of it. Both my brothers are Eagle Scouts! Congratulations Chaz. Everyone else, stay off the road- he's going to be driving now! Saturday afternoon we relaxed at the pool at the Spa at Southern Highlands. I can't believe how gorgeous it is in Las Vegas right now. Some people might not enjoy the heat, but temperatures in the hundreds beat temperatures in the twenties and teens any day as far as I'm concerned. Then Saturday night Jade and I ran a few baby-related errands and came home for "family night", which turned into a nine o'clock dinner with a neighbor, two of my friends, and two of Chaz's friends. Cheyanne was no where to be found. Sunday we went to church and came home (early) and had lunch and played and napped. I tried to postpone leaving as long as possible, but eventually we did drive back to Utah. Back to reality. Thanks for a great weekend in Veags!

The sexiest baby shower cake ever

Me Cheyanne Momma

Bianca me Momma

Proof that we were actually at the project and at least one of us worked!

Arithmetic

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More May Showers

It's been a busy weekend for us! My family came up on Friday, and we had so much going on! Friday night, my best friend Megan threw me a baby shower for all my Utah girlfriends. It was so much fun. I love games, and we played 3 of the cutest, funniest shower games I've ever heard of. First we guessed the size of my belly. Some of my friends were too nice, the others were really mean! I couldn't believe how big some of you thought I was! It's okay, no hard feelings. I definitely look pregnant now! Then we played the most gross but fun game I've ever heard of. Megan melted candy bars in diapers to look like #2, and we had to guess which #2 belonged to which candy. Congratulations to Julie and Jessica who guessed every one right! The last game was so funny. Megan blindfolded me and Jerai, and we had to eat baby food and guess which was which. Megan was really nice and didn't give us any really gross flavors like meat or pasta, but we did get carrots and peas, along with different fruits, which surprisingly weren't too bad. Jerai and I both kinda sucked at that game. I only got one right, and she only got 2 1/2 right. Anyway, the shower was so fun, and I had such a great time with my girlfriends. Saturday morning my mom, Cheyanne, and I went to Salt Lake for the shower that my mom's mom threw me, for all of my Great Aunts and second cousins and their kids. It was really nice! We just had a little luncheon and visited and it was great catchung up with everyone. Then we headed right back down to Orem for my final baby shower, thrown with love by Cathy, Kristy, and Myrtes, 3 ladies in my ward. It was an open house, so for a couple of hours, different ladies from the ward came by and we visited and had such a nice time. Saturday night we had a couple of neighbors over for a s'mores party in our backyard with our fire pit. It was such a fun (and busy) day. Today was Mother's Day, so we went to church, then to Mother's Day brunch at Mimi's with my mom and the kids. I really hate that they live so far away. Well, I know "far" is a relative term, but I wish more than anything that they lived closer, like maybe in the same town, or on the same street. It was so nice having them here, and so much fun. I hate saying goodbye when they leave. It was hard to say goodbye today when they left, even though I'll be seeing them on Thursday, when we go to Las Vegas. I love you guys!

Baby food. It must've been hilarious to watch.

Me and my hostess.

Megan Ash and Steph

ELLEN!

WOW! All I have to say is Ellen does not disappoint. Wednesday afternoon my mom and I flew to Brubank, California to go to the Thursday taping of the Ellen DeGereres Mother's Day Show (airing on Friday, May 9th). We spent Thursday morning getting ready, then waited for 3 hours until we were let into Ellen's studio. While we waited for Ellen, there was an audience warm-up guy who had us dance and do fun games and dance-offs and such. Then the show started, and it was SO neat! She was really funny and Jessica Alba was her guest and she was beautiful! It was such a cool experience. Ellen even let us use the bathrooms whenever we needed to since we were all pregnant, and she had an ice cream bar set up and a bar of goodies (including pickles, peanut butter, and sardines). She also gave us a bunch of great baby gear, which was so nice of her. And my mom and I were on TV a couple of times! Luckily I wasn't doing anything embarassing. I had such a blast with my mom and I am so grateful I got to have this fun experience! What a treat!

a case of the "pregnants"

Well, it finally happened... The hormones hit me. Big time. I'm telling this story almost a week after it happened because I'm completely mortified by my behavior. I really don't think pregnancy is an excuse to turn into a train wreck. So, please don't judge me, it was the baby talking. That said, here's the scoop. It was about 8 o'clock on Tuesday night when I first discovered I "needed" to have some Cold Stone ice cream. Within minutes, Cold Stone was the only thing I could focus on. I absolutely had to get some! My ever-patient husband acquiesced to my request and within a half hour we drove to Cold Stone. Now I'm not exactly sure why at 9 o'clock on a Tuesday night Cold Stone was such a happening place, but when we got there, the line was to the door, literally. In fact, the couple that got there before us turned around and walked out because the line was so long. We waited for about ten minutes and the line hadn't moved at all, seriously, not even an inch. So Jade proposed the idea of leaving. He asked if I wanted to stay and wait, or if I would rather just leave. He said he honestly didn't mind either way, and he left it up to me. Trying to be level headed, I decided that the line was ridiculous and waiting would be a waste of time, so we left. Then Jade did something so nice- he drove down the hill to the other Cold Stone. Well, sure enough that line was equally long. So, sadly, I said we should just go home. About 3 minutes into the drive home, I was overcome with a feeling of despair. To this day I don't know why, but I was in anguish over not being able to have Cold Stone. I started crying, little tears at first, but by the time we got home I ran to bed, curled into the fetal position, and was sobbing. I told Jade that nothing ever goes my way, and I think I even told him that I had an unbelievably hard life (I know this is totally pathetic, but at the time it seemed like such an unbearable situation). Do you know what my wonderful husband did? He kissed my tear-stained face, left the house, and came back about 25 minutes later with a bowl of the best Cold Stone ice cream I've ever had. After I ate my weight in Cold Stone (or at least that's how it felt) I was totally happy. It was as if the situation never happened. I sort of wish it never would have happened. All I can say is I'm so grateful for a kind, loving, PATIENT husband who would go all the way back to Cold Stone and wait in line just so his pregnant wife could have Cold Stone ice cream. How did I get so lucky? (In case anyone is wondering, I haven't had another case of the "pregnants" yet, but I'll keep you posted)

Softball and Showers

We have lots going on lately, with summer rapidly approaching. It's Jade's busiest time of the year, so he's been working super hard to prepare for the summer. To relieve some stress, the men of Stampede formed a softball team, and they're playing in a city league this summer. So far they've been taking it pretty seriously, and they have night-time practices and even bought real baseball uniforms. Unfortunately, or rather fortunately, they're better businessmen than softball players, hence they're 0 for 2. I don't mean to brag, but Jade's definitely one of the team all-stars, and I'm so proud when I watch him. And he looks super hot in his baseball uniform. There's something about a man in uniform! Last week I hosted my best friend Megan's bridal shower at my house! It was a bigger undertaking than I thought it would be, what with my "condition" and a full-time job and everything, but all the hard work paid off and it was super fun. I can't wait for her to get married and experience the ups and downs, but mostly ups, of marriage. Also, last night was my first baby shower! The wives of Stampede (that kind of sounds like a soap opera, but I can't think of a better way to phrase it) got together to celebrate the pregnancies of myself and Brenda Mortensen, another wife, who is due around the same time as me. We had a big dinner party at PF Changs. It was delicious and so fun to get together with everyone. We had a really nice time, and I got so much darling baby stuff! That little girl is going to be the best dressed baby in Utah! Thanks to everyone who came and celebrated with us! I had a wonderful time!

Me and Meg at her shower

Jade's favorite shower gift

Mommies-to-be

Jade up to bat

BIG NEWS!

So anyone who knows me well knows I'm not really a lucky person. I'm really fortunate in life, and I've been so blessed in every way imaginable, but as far as basic dumb luck goes, I really don't have any. I can't think of a time I've ever won anything, not even a free tee shirt at a baseball game. Imagine my surprise when I get a phone call Sunday afternoon from the audience coordinator of the Ellen DeGeneres show, telling me I won two tickets to be on her Mother's Day show!! I know, I couldn't believe it either. It's airing May 9th, the Friday before Mother's Day, and my momma and I are going to the taping in Burbank on May 8th. I'm SO excited!! She invited only first time pregnant moms-to-be and a guest of their choice who must be a mother. Last year the Mother's Day show was so cute and I'm so excited to go be a part of it this year! By Sunday night we had already booked our flights, hotel, rental car, and sent back our information packet to the show. We're obviously really excited. Then on Monday, another amazing thing happened! The head of the Spirit Department at UVU (that's still a little weird to say, but I guess it's official now) called and offered me the position as head cheerleading coach! So that little 2 month stint helping out as "assistant" turned into the real deal for me! I can hardly believe it, but I'm so excited and so grateful for the opportunity. Lately I had begun to worry that I was going to go crazy being alone at home with a newborn all day, every day, and I was wondering what I was going to do for a few hours every week for "me time". Well, now I know- I'll be coaching cheer! I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing. It's the perfect job for me; I'll have a newborn, so it's not like I'd be able to have a "real" job outside of the home, yet I'll need a little outside interaction so I don't go nuts, and also, I love cheerleading! Wish me luck!

27 weeks now! When I'm laying down you can totally see my "baby bump"

Still not warmer...

Well, at least I won't have to worry about getting skin cancer any time soon, considering it's April 10th and I have yet to see the sun (trips to Vegas excluded, of course). I guess everyone at least can acknowledge that global warming is an absolute joke. On the brighter (but not warmer) side, our baby is getting closer and closer to making an appearance! Just over 2 months to go now. I can't believe it. Other than that, nothing too exciting is going on with us. Jade has been working non-stop, which I appreciate and hate. He's currently on his seventh business trip this year. Yes, seven, no, that's not an exaggeration. I have documentation. I'm still working full-time as well. And I really like it! The job isn't necessarily satisfying or fulfilling, but I love my work friends. I can't think of a better way to spend my free time pre-baby (except maybe on a fabulous vacation or something). Overall, things are really great with us. I'm beginning to worry about having this baby so far from home. I don't know what I'm going to do without my mom in the same town (let alone state). I wish more than anything we lived around our family (we do have Jerai and Phil, but nothing can compare to grandmas). What am I going to do when I have a newborn and Jade leaves town? Anyway, hopefully the weather starts to get better so I can actually leave my house again. Until then, you know where to find me.