Ashley & Andre' Dilworth

Hip Hip Horray, 2012 is 1/12th underway!

2012-02-05T17:10:00.006-07:00

We spent Christmas in Montana- 23 weeks pregnant (above); Wow, how much changes in 6 weeks- 29 weeks (below) and the double chin to prove it!We think we found a good deal. We bought 2 recliners for the price of one. I found the perfect furniture model-so willing to pose!
Baby shower in Frenchtown, Montana-very generous family and friends. Thank you!
Impossibly difficult puzzle that took weeks to put together-thank you Andre' for letting this monopolize our kitchen table for so long.
January 16th we celebrated 3 years of marriage. To celebrate we ate...meat at Rodizio Grill. Meat and love, what could go better together!?!
To get the 2 recliners, we rented this truck from Home Depot. What a bumpy adventure.

Christmas ornament fun!

2011-12-19T21:37:00.005-07:00

Andre's cousin Lexi taught us how to make these at school the other day. I experimented a little more at home this week. These ornaments made a fun addition to our tree. They are made using pipe cleaners, dipped in a solution of boiling water and borax soap (found it at WalMart next to the fabric softener).

http://www.pallensmith.com/articles/borax-crystal-ornaments has a good description of how to make them. I found it fun to expirament with colored pipe cleaners too!

Housework...and baby Dilworth's gender announced!

2011-12-13T19:19:00.003-07:00

Andre called it----it's a girl! Yeah!

The basement project continues...did I mention before how amazed I am with the handiness of these guys! Next up-insulation and eventually sheetrock....

Thanksgiving Break...too short!

2011-11-26T08:24:00.008-07:00

Home improvements are keeping us busy-the basements walls are coming along

Andre promised that once Thanksgiving was over, we could put out Christmas decorations-I held him to that promise!

We're not into black Friday, but found a deal on this rocking chair-can't wait to use it with the baby!

About 17 weeks-Thanksgiving snacking has helped the stomach to grow quite a bit more over the last week! 1 1/2 more weeks until the gender ultrasound!

Pumpkin cheesecake for Thanksgiving

Where have we been?....in American Fork!

2011-10-30T19:53:00.006-06:00

We closed on the house September 14th and moved in 2 weeks later. We've been here 1 month and feel like we've done a lot in this last month. We're realizing the "to-do" list will get done, just not as quickly as our brains want it to...our bodies can't move that fast! Here are a few pictures of the projects-they're not great, the camera lens doesn't zoom out far enough.

Basement- the majority of the things in this picture are gone except the 3 walls

Basement before- Now all that is there is the lonely stove

Front of the house back in September, some of the grass has come back since then

Living room after we painted & replaced the window treatments

Living room before

Installing a gutter in the backyard

Cleaning out the window wells- new basement windows will hopefully be here in the next week

Work is going well, the weather is getting colder, the house is coming along and the pregnancy is going slower than our excitement can handle. We're grateful for how blessed we are!

Oh Baby!

2011-10-30T16:06:00.007-06:00

We're very excited about the big changes that will be taking place next spring as we become parents. Right now, it still doesn't feel completely real. We tried to get pregnant for what, at the time, seemed like a long time. We now realize this couldn't be happening at a better time!

Officially about 15 weeks, due around April 21st. From the ultrasound experience, we're pretty sure the baby is a dancer or is very effected by the sugar I've been eating lately-she/he was all over the place!

The babies head is the oval on the left and it's body is pointing right (at the very top of picture)

Summer rolling by

2011-07-23T11:05:00.002-06:00

Roberts craft had a sale for the 4th of July...some how I only left the store with a wreath frame for a couple dollars. I can't say I finished many projects this summer, but this is one of the few. The bay leaves are from my mom's tree in California.

Amy celebrated her 18th birthday! It's hard to imagine she was born 18 years ago. She has grown up a lot!

Summer-best 2 1/2 months of the year

2011-06-13T09:30:00.004-06:00

We started our first summer break together last week. We've been relieved now that Andre's job for next year is official. Our first adventure of the summer was Bryce Canyon National Park. Hoodoos, red rock, sunburns, 35 degrees at night, 8000+ feet in elevation-it was great.

Graduation....hallelujah!

2011-04-25T14:16:00.002-06:00

Celebrating graduation with family

On Friday Andre' officially graduated! I'm so very proud of him! Mid-May marks when we first met each other- 3 years ago! It's flown. Job searching is Andre's new daily job. I won't complain about his new job as the house maid too! Congratulations Andre'!

Happy 2 years....and 2 months!

2011-03-16T15:27:00.003-06:00

I never published electronically on our blog how happy I am to be married to Andre'. Back in January, we celebrated 2 years being married. Today is the 2 year 2 month mark! Hold the applause, I know. I really am grateful for Andre'. In case I don't show it or say it enough over the next hectic month of graduation, family visiting, spring break, traveling and of course, work, Andre', I love you.

Christmas in CA

2011-01-22T10:15:00.003-07:00

This year (2010) for Christmas we went to California. We had the chance to have a history lesson in old town Columbia and a lot of Wii time and some new projects and time with family. Minus the long drive to and from, it was a nice break.

We got back to Utah just before the year ended. Whitney moved in with us. Andre' started student teaching a few days later. We celebrated 2 years of marriage on the 16th. And here we are, almost another month down in 2011!

5k down....10k next?

2010-11-02T18:27:00.003-06:00

Well, we finally did it! We ran a 5k together. It was put on by the Hale Center Theater. They call the run "Highway to Hale," which was very fitting. There was a hill that just about made me want to move to flat Kansas! Good exercise, good bonding, good shirt, good food and we won a Heber train ticket!

National Park pass....paid off!

2010-09-05T11:17:00.005-06:00

National park pass: $80
Gas to the parks: a lot!
Physical aches and pains: an arm and a leg $$$$
Saving money with the NP pass & seeing the beautiful landscapes of America: priceless

Total savings using the park pass, to date: $115! I know we won't always be able to travel around and camp as much in future summers as we have this summer, but it has been fun while it has lasted this summer. Here are a few pictures from our summer adventures!

Zion NP: Angel's Landing - the chains

Glacier NP- Logan Pass

Zion NP: Angel's Landing-on the top!

Arches NP- Double O arch

Arches NP: Partition arch

Mesa Verde NP: Cliff Palace

Summer is zooming by.....

2010-07-06T08:52:00.003-06:00

Summer really is the best time of the year-inevitably, it goes the fastest! Here are some of the latest fun-doings..

Big Cottonwood Canyon-Lake Mary, Martha and Katherine hike...I never thought I would see snow in July without being on top of Mt. Timp!

Spruce tree arch

Our mini-hike at our campground. The name of the campground was "wind whistle." We later found out why-I'm surprised we weren't blown off the side of the rock in this picture!

Arches National Park: Partition arch

Mesa Verde National Park: Cliff Palace-lots of great history here!

Dilworth family reunion in Fairview, UT

Summer is here at last!

2010-06-15T08:58:00.006-06:00

After 9 months of a crazy school year, summer is here!

The old classroom. The new classroom is leaps and bounds more amazing-
we won't have to paint the walls to jazz it up!

First stop of summer: California!
At the Temple, we were able to use one of my birthday presents from Andre'- our new tripod!

While visiting my family, Andre' and helped lay wood flooring for my mom. Random learning experience-we had no clue what we were doing, but I looks half decent.

Andre' and I decided that if we can make it through 3 days of learning to lay a wood floor, sore knees & CA heat, we can tackle any home improvement task...time will tell!

The plants survived the weird winter weather of May & June!

In CA, I watched my mom use her food processor and was amazed! I didn't think we'd ever get one, but sure dreamed about it at night. We were able to get this at BB&B with their coupon and sale and rebate for $70. It makes me smile a guilty smile every time I see it-not necessary, but oh so fun!

We stopped by the Habitat for Humanity store down the street for the first time-what an eclectic mix of used home wear....we thought this plate was fun!

Logan Canyon

2010-05-15T17:19:00.006-06:00

Last weekend we went to Logan. Here are a few pictures from the weekend.

Happy Spring!

2010-03-22T14:13:00.002-06:00

I was thoroughly enjoying the weather yesterday and the fact that it was the first day of spring and I compiled a mental list of the ways I know spring is here and summers not far behind it.....

1. Easter candy has been out on the shelves for at least 3 weeks
2. It seems like hormones are starting to fly at work...my students are starting to notice the cute BYU volunteers and peer tutors coming into my classroom
3. Andre's nose is starting to get dry skin again - a common summer staple
4. I heard birds chirping this morning, in the dark, at 7 a.m.
5. I wore flip flops the other day, even though it was only 45 degrees
6. We went running outside twice last week
7. the neighbors kids are out riding their bikes again
8. We've had traveling maps out a lot more often, planning summer trips
9. We put our winter coats away!
10. Andre' started talking about what it's going to be like again to not need a blanket when we go to bed
11. The sun set at 7:15 last night!
12. We've had the window open every evening when we get home, even though it's only 65 in our apartment and about 50 degrees outside
13. Our daisies are really popping up like daisies now! I think we have 4 blooms
14. More and more produce has been on sale lately!
15. Only had to warm up the car for a couple minutes this morning!

Dentist Appointments

2010-03-03T14:30:00.002-07:00

Andre' and I were finally able to get into the dentist recently and found out we had cavities.
We went back last week to get them filled and decided to take a picture.
This is what we felt like. Fat lip, tired jaw, messy hair!

I really wanted to write because of something I found humorous during our visit. We had the same dentist and assistant help both of us, me first, then Andre'. I don't think they realized we were married, since we came in at different times. During my visit, the dentist and assistant kept talking about all the natural disasters that have been happening and the assistant kept making funny inquiry comments. I thought, "wow, how boring must it be to work with the same person, all day and have nothing to talk about, except the news!" Well, later I talked to Andre' and it sounded like they had the same exact conversation while they were working on his mouth! Hmmm....do you think they practice their conversations first thing in the morning and perfect them by the end of the day! They were great actors!

One year down, eternity to go!

2010-01-11T18:03:00.004-07:00

Andre' and I are celebrating our 1 year anniversary on Saturday and I have been so anxious to post this! I just couldn't wait until Saturday. It's funny how fast this last year has gone. I remember this time last year, 4 days before we were getting married. It was a stressful week at school and work and with last minute wedding plans. This last year has been wonderful, no matter what has come-happy, sad or hard-it has been worth it because I have been with Andre'. Enough with the cheesy-ness! I love you Andre' and I am thankful we have been blessed to have each other.

I was looking through our wedding pictures the other day and was laughing. Was this really only a year ago? That I was worrying about my dress being too big and my hair too thin and my skin too pale and my bra not filling enough and the weather too cold and looking too awkward in front of everyone and not saying thank you enough and......It is so amusing now! HA!

This is still one of my favorite pictures from our wedding because I think it was one

of the most natural. I find myself making this face so often.

Dry, brown, happy Christmas!

2010-01-07T10:27:00.002-07:00

This Christmas we spent the break in Montana. Andre's family just built a new house. It was fun to see it and spend time with them. While there, we were able to do a few things: organize the garage, watch lots of movies, get eggs from the chickens, go to Missoula a lot, run on the treadmill, go shooting...but we didn't go sledding. It didn't snow until the day that we left for Utah! It was a good break.

Something old, something new, something red....

2009-11-21T15:27:00.002-07:00

We were able to buy a piano a couple weeks ago! It is really old and needs to be tuned and dusted, but it is definitely a new-old thing that was worth buying. We found it on Craigslist, used a friend's moving truck, grabbed a couple guys from the ward and a cousin and wa-la! It's been fun to keep up our piano skills.

And these are our red daisies, still blooming These are our red daisies that have been blooming like crazy! I mostly wanted to put this picture up to show the snow we got a week or so ago!

Tilamook Cheddar Cheese...on sale!

2009-11-07T12:13:00.002-07:00

Andre' and I found a 5 lb bag of Tilamook cheese on sale at Smiths last night. The bag is usually $12, but they have it on sale for $8 right now. That makes $1.60 a pound....not too shabby for delicious, freezable cheese!

Looks like we'll be having mom's cheddar vegetable soup soon!

More Temples

2009-10-17T10:48:00.000-06:00

Temples

2009-10-17T10:43:00.002-06:00

2009-10-09T12:29:00.001-06:00

A couple more fun colors from Aspen Grove!

FALL!!!!!

2009-10-08T07:22:00.003-06:00

Provo Canyon is glowing! So was I, but I think it was just the
reflection of the rain! Andre' was a trooper!

Pictures and places I'm fond of

2009-10-03T09:38:00.002-06:00

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

Logan Canyon

Quick trip: Montana

2009-09-22T12:33:00.003-06:00

Our future home in the middle of Idaho, we have a lot to fix up!

Billings Montana Temple, very pretty

We had the chance to go to Billings to see Jonny play football. It was a quick trip, but nice to get away for the weekend. We enjoyed staying in a hotel too. It was weird to have a bed raised off the floor! And, Billings had a record high temperature that day, we melted!

A couple pictures for fun

2009-09-17T14:56:00.006-06:00

A couple random pictures, in no particular order.....

Provo Temple
(I don't know why I am posting it, I just saw it the other day and it made me happy!)

Timpanogos Temple a couple months ago...wish it had been this green at our wedding!

Andre's birthday - self portraits never work very well!

Andre's ice cream birthday cake...cake mix $1.00, ice cream $2.00, candy $0.60....
eating the cake in a few days? Priceless & fattening!

Happy Happy Birthday, Andre' dear!

2009-09-11T08:09:00.002-06:00

Just a quick Birthday wish to my wonderful husband. I sure love Andre' and am thankful we have each other forever. Just this time last year, Andre' and I were attending a play at Orem High, we had been dating a little over a month and I gave him a school picture of me, a ruler from London, and a carton of mint chip ice cream. Oh, I'm so happy we're married and not awkward this year!

I love you Andre'...."and I don't care who knows it!"

Back to school....debt free...so far!

2009-08-31T13:24:00.002-06:00

School is back in session. Andre' had his first class today. He endured his 4 hour block class! He was able to eke by and not have to pay as much for his books. Today was my 8th day back to school. The classroom is chaos, but things are back to normal again and are starting to slow down a little.

The exciting news is.....we have been able to pay off both our cars. A couple months ago Andre' finished paying of the silver car and this week we are sending in the final check to pay off the black car. We are so lucky to be able to do this right now. I am very thankful for both our jobs and the chance Andre' has to go to school right now.

During home teaching last night, Andre' made a joke saying that we were debt free, but our marriage is still young. And the HT message was on prayer, I thought that was fitting when talking about knowing how to spend our money!

HELP!!! School is coming!!!!

2009-08-04T10:49:00.002-06:00

School is starting in 2 weeks! NOOOOOOO!!! Where has summer gone? So I've been working in the classroom over the last couple days and I am trying to come up with a theme for this school year. My teacher's aide/aunt Lynette had a really good idea, she suggested studying decades with the students. So I'm going with a Back to the Future kind of idea, but that's about as far as I've gotten! Here are a couple more ideas.....

There are 9 months in the school year, so I'm thinking, each month we study a different decade in my reading class. I think we'll study music in the 70's, clothing in the 60's, inventions in the 40's....I am lost. Any ideas for different topics to study from the 10's-90's?

Also, I need a name for my class rules. Last year we had an olympic theme and we callled the rules "Rules of a Champion." Rules for the future...rules for the present.....class rules....any ideas?

I'm trying to think of some get to know you games also, for the first week. Any suggestions?

My brain is just swimming right now, from excited to nervous to dreed!

Wedding Weekend Wazaam!

2009-07-27T10:48:00.004-06:00

On Saturday, my good friend married her love James. It was a wonderful event, that made for a very long day....I can't imagine how Suzanne and James felt! It was fun to reminisce about our wedding day, 6 months and 9 days before. Andre' was a trooper. Here are a few pictures.

The girls and the beautiful Suzanne!
A random yellow flower on the Temple grounds. I don't know its name,
but it grows off a dark plant. What a cool contrast

Liz, Melissa, Grandpa and me. At the reception

Pretty Melissa, what a babe!

Waiting...waiting...waiting...

2009-07-13T10:39:00.011-06:00

My amazingly talented photographer sister, Anne Pearson, was so kind to take some pictures of Andre' and I back in May. I believe the technical name for a photoshoot after the couple is married is "Groomals." SJo I thought I'd order some prints of our groomals...so what's the problem? The website is taking forever to upload! Wo while I'm waiting, I thought I'd post some of the pictures. Thank you Anne! Thank you Andre' for being a trooper!

This one makes me want to say, "No tresspassing!" "Stay off our property!"

"We're married!"

On the road again...Merced

2009-07-08T15:25:00.005-06:00

Last week, we drove back to my home town, Merced. It was a short, but good trip. We were able to do a lot of random things. Among my favorites? Putting in a new door for mom, eating a lot of beef and going to the tide pools in monterey and.....

Swimming with Amy!

She is so funny
Spotting a sea otter in the bay

Going to Lover's Point in Monterey

People watching at Lover's Point

Eating under this shady tree

watching Andre' wander through the tide pools for the first time!

enjoying scenery!

Seeing a lot of random looking seahorses at the aquirium

Jelly fish at the aquirium

Reliving our 2nd date!

2009-06-29T10:46:00.003-06:00

Last Saturday we were able to go to the Thanksgiving Point Gardens. Andre' took me there on our 2nd date, back in May of 2008. He knew I liked taking pictures, so he thought it would be fun to go to a garden. It was fun to be back there again, but to be married this time and to be able to laugh about how awkward we were a year ago! Here are a few of my favorites!

Two new hair cuts!

Since being married...

2009-06-26T11:04:00.002-06:00

When we were married for a couple weeks, I made a picture folder on my computer called "Dilworth 2009." I think I made it mostly because I was really excited to finally be married and have a new last name! Slowly I've been adding pictures to it over the last 5 1/2 months. I looked in this folder the other day and found some random pictures we've taken together. I'm proud to be Mrs. Andre' Dilworth!

Switching pants!

Orem High Prom 2009

Cascade Springs

Campfire at Nun's Park

Running up Hobble Creek Canyon

Leaf at Cascade Springs...this pictures not of us, but we were both there!

Another round of vacation pictures

2009-06-15T11:56:00.002-06:00

Jarom and Jonathan at the beach

Amy chasing birds in Union Square

The Sacramento TempleGolden Gate Bridge

Amy's attitude...I'm so proud!

The lady bug near the Sequoias

Lower calf creek falls

Box Creek

Dilworth Family Summer Vacation 2009

2009-06-12T11:40:00.004-06:00

For the last 2 weeks we have been on vacation with Andre's family. We went

through southern Utah, we visited Box Creek, Calf Creek, St. George, Merced, Sequoia National Park, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, and Livermore.

Here are a few pictures!

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, the animal shows were fun!

Andre's family, along with Grandpa D and Lyn
Pier 39

The self cleaning toilet in St. Mary's square in San Francisco.

Sea Cliff Beach in California

Sequoia National Park....really beautiful trees....really long, windy, climbing road

St. George Temple

Lower Calf Creek (pronounced crik by Andre's family), 3 miles in, 3 miles out. Very beautiful!

Calf Creek is in the Escalante area of Southern Utah

What a man...after a couple days of camping, he is still so handsome!

Trying out the settings of the new camera

Water droplets were everywhere on the plants along Box Creek (also pronounced crik)

Andre' caught a few fish that he put back...my first time fishing? I didn't catch any! I don't usually have beginners luck!

I'm hooked on Andre'....

2009-05-28T12:39:00.003-06:00

Last weekend Andre' got out his new fly fishing pole and took it outside for some practice. Even though he doesn't know very much about fly fishing, he sure looked like he did. I guess he just has that "I know all about the outdoors" look to him! I realized I'm sure "hooked" on him!

The kids in Heber

Our lilies, beans, radishes and cilantro we are trying to grow...the weeds in the left

corner of the picture are growing better than our plants!

2009-05-16T16:32:00.003-06:00

This is going to seem like the lamest post, but I wanted to give a quick update, if for anything, just to help me remember what is going on. Andre' and I have been married for 4 months today. School ends inn 2 weeks for me and we are very much looking forward to summer! My wonderfully talented sister Anne helped us to find an SLR camera online and we're going to pick it up tomorrow.

Last weekend we attempted to go camping. After one campground being full and another one being a private campground, we settled for a drive up Hobble creek canyon and a nice nature run at one of the canyon parks. Then we slept in our sleeping bags in the family room. This last week one of Andre's co-workers told him that where we stopped and turned around in Hobble creek canyon was a mile or two away from a bunch of campgrounds. If we had driven a little further, we would have found somewhere to camp! Oh well!

Snow in the middle of April?!?!

2009-04-16T13:30:00.002-06:00

We woke up to snow this morning! Yeah...wait, isn't April 16th????? Well, I guess the snow came to wish Andre' and I a happy 3 month anniversary!
Also, yesterday I got a hair cut....not very cute, hence the not very cute face I am making in the picture below, but it was $8. I went to the $5 haircut place by BYU, sat in line with 7-8 guys, listened to Nacho Libre in the background and then got a hair cut, it took maybe 15 minutes altogher, maybe! Adding layers cost an extra $3, they're a little choppy, but $3. Can't complain!

Spring has sprung

2009-04-13T13:25:00.002-06:00

We finally finished it! Karen Spence gave us this very pretty, very intense, 1500 piece puzzle for our wedding. We conquered it after Church yesterday, then quickly took it apart so we could have our table back again!

We moved an old rocking chair from my classroom to our apartment. All the boys in my class fight over sitting on it, it got a little old after a while! The janitors put the new name plate above my classroom door a couple weeks ago!

Well, what a funny time it is, Andre' is on the brink of finishing his classes and starting his finals this week....and I am on Spring break! What a joke! Why can't BYU and Alpine School District coordinate schedules a little bit better! Well, as Andre' is finishing papers and projects and studying for his tests, I am trying to find things to keep me busy....so I am going to try to keep a daily journal of all my activities, mostly for the purpose of finding something else to take up a little time everyday!

The latest update....

2009-03-28T13:32:00.000-06:00

Life is great for us, here in Orem. We are enjoying being married so very very much! We just celebrated our 10 week anniversary yesterday! I sounds so short,

but doesn't feel so! Work, school, Church are all going well.

We are finally starting to make some friends in the ward.

We were recently called as co-Webelos leaders. We have 7 very

high-energy boys we work with every Tuesday night.

Andre' is done with Winter classes in one month! And Orem High is already

one week into our last term! We are very excited for summer!

This last Thursday my class had a National Monument Museum....the Statue of Liberty, the White House, Empire State Building, Golden Gate Bridge, the Space Needle, Mount Rushmore, Washington Monument...we had it all! I wish I could post pictures of the kids, but confidentiality won't allow it! Here is the fake donation box we made!My Students have a club called Best Buddies. A few weeks ago we went mini-golfing, I believe mini-golf is officially the sport I am the worst at!

Breaking things is Andre's best sport...or weightlifting

I've really enjoyed making cookies lately and we've both enjoyed eating them

This is our very small kitchen and Andre's floury bottom. Opps, sugar cookie-making is messy

Wedding group shots...we are so loved!

2009-02-28T11:35:00.001-07:00

My incredibly talented and kind sister Anne Pearson (check out her stuff on the blog link Anne Pearson Photography, on the left side of our blog), took our pictures! We love them, we love the memories that we made on our special day, January 16th. Thank you to our family members for supporting and loving us! We're excited to be official!!!!

Andre's family-both sides

The whole group

Ashley's family

The girls, my best friends through college and forever!

Dilworths and Grandparents

The Dilworths....and the newest Dilworth! We are sad Collin and Whitney couldn't be there

The Dilworth boys, minus Collin

Ash and mom

Ash and Amy

We love Amy, she is so sweet

The girls

The reception! Aunt Vonda and cousin ChiKay made beautiful flower arrangements!

The food table, I don't think Andre' or I ever saw it at the reception, but I hear the pies were delicious!

Wedding photos by the famous Anne Pearson!

2009-02-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

Going 50-50

One of my favorites

Our rings

We were watching another couple taking their wedding pictures, the bride was being very friendly w/ the grooms bum and we were shocked and semi-amused, thank you Anne for capturing the moment!

One of my top 3!

Also in the top 3

I really like the texture in this one, especially on the foreground, it makes it look like ice

Despite the beautiful sunshine, it was pretty cold outside, thank you Valisa for the cape!

Another favorite!

I remember taking our engagement pictures and being embarrassed by the kissing picture! Ha!

I love the old look of this picture...I also love that this picture shows

off the wideness of both of our backs!

Another silly shot, cross-eyed pictures go way back to our early stages of dating

Wedding Photos....there are a lot!

2009-02-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

This is a personal favorite...it shows our silliness

This is the way I let him hold my hand the first time we held hands, I was really awkward!

When I was telling Anne about the shots I wanted, I asked for one of his eyes,

they're beautiful, even in black and white!

Some more jokes from my famous classroom Joke Teller!

2009-02-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

Why did the elf sleep in the fireplace? So he could sleep like a log

Where do Frosty the Snowman and his wife go to dance? Snow balls

What goes uuooooooo? A cow with no lips (like moooooooo, but ooooooooooo)

Why is it hard to get married in Alaska? Because they get cold feet

Why can’t turkeys go to church? Because they use foul language

"Went to the Temple and we got married....."

2009-01-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

We did it! We're married!!! Mr. and Mrs. Dilworth are official!

What a ride, what a cool journey.

One of my favorite moments in my class....

one student told the following joke:

"Why did Ms. Walsh change her name?

Because she got married to her husband Andreeeeee'!"

I love being Mrs. Dilworth!

Visiting Montana

2008-12-06T23:14:00.000-07:00

For Thanksgiving, Andre' and I went to Montana to visit his family. Andre' has 3 younger brothers at home and 2 siblings on missions. It was so nice to see Andre' in this setting, I feel like this helped me know him even more. His family is very kind. They are very welcoming of this new member of their family. I really enjoyed French Town, what a quiet, beautiful part of the country. I couldn't get over the oranges and yellows mixed into the landscape, and the very full pine trees. Oh, and it was fun to see how popular Andre' is back home, he is definitely a great man that many people admire...so do I!

Very retro glasses that we found in Whitney's old car

Which one do we choose????

2008-11-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

We need some input...which one do you like best? Anne did an awesome work on these photos, I hardly recognize myself in them! Thank you Anne for the new memories you've helped us build and, family, for all your love and support!

#1 Just for fun

#2 Just chillin' by the barn, stepping in deer poo
#3 Fall colors make us giddy

#4 Love this one, we can't say more

#5 It is great to be alive

#6 This perfect sunset made for some great pics

#7 This barn door was perfect, a doorway to heaven

Thing are just good

2008-11-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

Wedding dress shopping with the girls...is this the right dress??

I don't know why taking cross-eyed pictures is so fun!

I was so grateful the girls were there with me, I needed the support!

I've always thought Peggy's Bridal shop looked a little hocky,
but it was the right place! I love Peggy

Provo Temple colors

Bridal Veil falls

Who needs roses!?!

Ashley & Andre'

2008-10-20T21:33:00.000-06:00

Aspen Grove

Threatening glances at the Homecoming dance.
Cross eyed pictures....our specialty
We played a game, we both lost... he made me do push-ups, I made him do scissor-kicks
Andre' has tired to understand my spaceyness and my ability to get confused easily
Going to the Temple, we didn't plan the coordinating outfits

So, I figured I should probably update the newest happening in my life....Andre' Dilworth. No he is not French or foreign, he just has a ridiculously cool name! Actually, Andre' is from a town called Frenchtown, Montana. A lot of people have asked about him and I guess it is time I come clean - I am going to marry this man! Wow, I said it! So, here we are, silly, goofy, and happy.

What a weekend!

2008-10-12T14:51:00.000-06:00

Here are some shots I was able to snap over the last 4 days...4 really good days!

Yesterday Liz and I helped sell stadium chairs at the BYU football game.
I hadn't been to one of these in 2 years.

This is how excited we were to sell the chairs!
I also played with some more pictures...these are the diapers we used at the Clinic in Romania
Provo Temple, pink sunrise!
4 of my beautiful Romanian toddlers

Andre' helped me chaperone my students at the Homecoming dance last night...it was nice to have a guy there to help us!

Friday Andre' and I got to go to the Temple together...well, I went to the Baptistry and he did a session. While I was waiting for him, in the car because the wind was insane!, I saw these pretty horses out braving the cold and they made me think of Amy!
Super cool sun rays! The sky has been really pretty over the last week!
A few of my students, teacher's aides and peer tutors that came to the Homecoming dance! What a good looking group!
My student, on the right, was a little nervous to go to the dance. This was perfect because Andre' doesn't like dances either, so they spent a good chunk of the evening hanging out together....Andre' got to meet the famous joke teller in my classroom!

Fun with Photoshop....I wish I knew how to use it!

2008-10-08T19:01:00.001-06:00

So I have been playing around with Photoshop, trying to make a few of the pictures I've taken recently, look a little different...different might be a good word to describe them.

The Coloseum...Rome was cool!
Sunflowers by my apartment..watercolor setting!
Timpanogos Temple

Dead sunflowers by my apartment
Provo Temple, Fresco setting
Timp Temple, Fresco setting
Gondolas in Venice, I don't think I actually did anything with Photoshop on this one
Timp again, I don't think I did anything to this one either

Utah Lake

2008-09-27T17:35:00.001-06:00

Amy swings!

2008-09-20T12:41:00.000-06:00

I took this video of Amy back at Christmast time and just ran across it again. She was trying to bark with the dogs and she made me laugh so hard! What a funny little lady!

Sunflowers and Fall

2008-09-20T12:18:00.000-06:00

I love summer, but I recently realized how excited I am for fall to come! The street outside our new apartment is quite random! It is a busy street, leading out to the freeway, but most of it is lined with fields and a few random businesses and apartment complexes. I have been unsuccessful in finding good running routes around our apartment. The only long stretch of sidewalk I have been able to find is this road I mentioned above. My favorite part? The random sunflowers along the way! The sunflowers I saw everywhere in Romania brought me a lot of comfort, I felt like they were one of the only familiar things I saw.

The outside of our aparment complex!

I woke up the other morning and looked at the mountains and overnight the trees changed colors. Red and Orange is all over the mountains! I can't quite yet get an adequate picture of the colors though.

On Top of Timp

2008-09-06T17:11:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday Andre' and I hiked Timp from the Aspen Grove trail. We started about 4:00 am, although I think it was more like 4:23 am. We hiked all morning and reached the saddle....what a cool sight. We finished the final ascent to the windy, rocky top. What a climb. I felt so bad for Andre'. I definitely am not a morning person and when I am focused on finishing a task, I don't talk much....I was in the zone, I wanted to reach that little white shack on the top! We did reach it and admired the view. I am really am thankful to live in such a unique place! The hike was long and tiring, but very enjoyable and fulfilling. After the hike, Andre' had to run to the BYU football game for a full evening of work....I got to go home and take a shower and nap! I was happy to finish this hike, I tried it many years ago with a group of friends and we had to end the hike about an hour and a half from the top, due to bad weather! Here are some pictures to enjoy, they don't show the beauty or the height of Timp, sorry.

Sunrise...so beautiful!
Sitting at the saddle...I look so cute, gross!
Utah Lake

What's up Ash?

2008-08-26T22:10:00.000-06:00

Some random pictures.........

outside Anne and Ben's house, I really like fallish colors, the view from their backyard makes me happy!
There was a rainbow the other day!
I was able to meet up with two of my good friends from my early college years (seems like so long ago!), Karen and Becky
Cool Boy with the shades....what a stud!

Wow, what is up? It's bedtime, so this will be a short run down!

School started last week. I have 3 new students this year...all are very difficult in their own ways. I had 3 students leave at the end of last school year and I miss them so much...they were much easier than my 3 new students! This week we are continuing to celebrate the Olympics in our classroom, today we set goals and chose our own country to represent. Tomorrow were going to talk about teamwork and start to invent our own Olympic events. Oh, my job is really hard sometimes, but I sure love my kids! I also totally love my teacher's aides! They are wonderful, my job would be so much harder without them!

Suzanne, Liz and I have moved out of Applewood and into our new apartment in Pleasant Grove! I love this apartment, there is a lot of extra space, dang! I am in the market for a cheap bed, so I am currently sleeping on a small air matress in the corner of my huge bedroom! I am loving living away from the single student scene in Provo. This has also helped with the dating life!

I got to talk to Kelli the other day and hear about her new plans for school. Heather and I chatted for a while last night, what a blessing! She always knows what to say! Suz and I have loved being here together and unpacking together and comforting with different worries. Liz is safe somewhere out there and will be joining us here in Utah in a week. Melis visited us last night, I am so glad she is back in town! Oh, and last Sunday, Suz and her boyfriend, Karen and her boyfriend, and me and Andre had dinner together. We watched Dennis the Menace! What a treat, this is such a childhood movie for me!

The kids!

2008-08-09T11:59:00.000-06:00

Two kids at the feet, one smushing my head...and I thought wearing a skirt was smart!

Merced summer 2008

2008-07-28T22:23:00.000-06:00

I have been home for the last week...it has been nice to be here in Merced again. Sage drove home with me and Mom, Amy, Sage and I have hung out the last week. Here are a few pictures!

Sage and I drove in Wednesday night and Mom had cake and presents waiting for Sage, who just turned 8. Amy was excited to see Sage!
Mac, the beautiful cougar at the Merced Zoo

We played at Applegate Park while waiting for the zoo to reopen. Amy loved the swings. I was happy to see so many palm trees.

The monkeys are characters!

Tonight, the 3 of us played dress up while mom was visit taught. We dressed up and danced around with the High School Musical music in the background!

We're pretty unique.....

2008-07-21T15:27:00.000-06:00

I am so lucky! I returned home, with Kelli, from an amazing experience in Romania, Sunday night. We arrived at our apartment just before midnight and found both our roommates, Suzanne and Liz, home! What a happy reunion! We were also surprised by our beautiful friend Melissa, who just returned home from a mission. We didn't think she would be here in Provo until the next day. Monday morning...we picked up 7 month pregnant Heather! What a wonderful reunion! Together, the 6 of us make a pretty unique group of friends! I count myself extremely blessed to know these girls and to have their friendships! We had the chance to spend the whole week together, doing random little things. Life is crazy, Heather, Kelli, and Melis are all gone from Provo now. I am so sad, but I am so grateful for this last week I was able to learn from and experience life with 5 of the coolest and most beautiful and talent women I know. I am grateful for them and for the friendships that will continue to grow between us. And a huge thanks to my wonderful sister Anne....the pictures below were her creations!

Pa Barlad, Tutova, and the babies!

2008-07-11T11:42:00.000-06:00

It is Friday night, I am sitting at the Olympic Net internet shop, a place I have both loved and hated over the last 3 weeks, and I am pondering the amazing experiences I have had over these last 3 weeks....this time literally has been a dream come true! I met many people at BYU who went to another Romanian Clinic with the BYU program, and I was always so jealous! For years I have dreamt of leaving the US and volunteering with children in another country and I just lived that dream!

Leaving the Clinic was difficult. The process was quite though. We changed diapers, grabbed our bags, put on our outside shoes, hugged the aides good bye and ran out to our awaiting bus. It was a relief to have the bus waiting for us outside. I held the tears in until I was outside. The 5 of us volunteers (Kelli was really sick today and couldn't come! We missed her) sat in silence for the ride home. I miss my kids. It's hard to be 20 minutes from them and drive by the Clinic tomorrow and not be able to see them. I am forever grateful for this experience and for the very kind people I have met here. I am equally as grateful for the many people back in the States who have thought of me while I've been here and who have thought of the wonderful children here...thank you!

I have so many pictures to post and stories to tell....I can't wait to do this when I am home again and the internet is free! I love you all!

Day 12 at the Clinic

2008-07-08T08:11:00.000-06:00

I love my time spent at the Tutova Clinic. I miss home in so many ways, but when I enter the Clinic and see how much the babies need my attention, I forget home much I miss the comforts of home. What I wish is that I could bring these kids back to the States and introduce them to all of my family and friends! I love the aides that work at the Clinic, they are wonderful women who have a very difficult job! I thought working in a classroom was hard! Below are a few pictures of my everyday!

We pass a huge field of these sunflowers every morning, or so I have been told. On our old bus, I always sat in the back, so I could never see the side of the road where these sunflowers grow. I got to see them yesterday on the way to work. What a beautiful sight!

This is one of the buses that we take every morning to the Clinic. This bus is actually nicer than the one we normally take...I guess they are spoiling the last 6 of us who are left!
This is the driveway into the Hospital grounds, our Clinic is in the back of the Hospital property. The grounds are not tended as we see them most often in the US. There is overgrowth everywhere and it is all natural. What a lovely location for the patients at the hospital to be in while recovering. It is a humble site for a hospital.
Oh Plus! I have grown to love this store. Plus is the grocery store across the street from our hotel.
This is the play area outside the Clinic. I don't spend much time in there, but the toddlers love it!

Oh, Barlad #2!

2008-07-05T06:48:00.000-06:00

I accidently posted the last post before I wrote anything! So, it's our last weekend in Barlad...and we have free time! Back home, I revel in my free time...not here! I like having activities organized and planned so I don't feel so out of place. Oh well, Saturday has been a great experience so far...here are some of the highlights:

-I woke up at 7:45 and Kelli and I went downstairs to the restuarant for breakfast
-I read another chapter of the very mysterious, soap opera-ish book I borrowed from someone in our group...it is nice to have a book that makes me want to keep reading
-Kelli, Bree and I wandered the open market and bought a few new things...I got a skirt and some shoes, I will wear them with pride when I am back home
-We also stopped by the train ticket office and tried to figure out how to get to Bacau to attend a Church service tomorrow...we looked so confused that a young man stopped to help us. Luckily he spoke very good English and told us that a bus would be a better idea
-we walked down to the bus station (through a very humble residential area...I felt a little out of place) and tried to communicate with the man at the information office. Luckily, kelli was brilliant and looked up important words in Romanian and wrote them down. The men told us the bus times, but we found out we wouldn't have enough time to explore the city and find the Church meeting place to make the trip worth it. Kelli is currently at the train station trying to figure out the train times.
-There is another wedding reception at the hotel restaurant tonight...it will likely last til the early hours of the morning....happy Romanias= loud music!

Oh, Barlad!

2008-07-05T06:47:00.001-06:00

More of Europe!

2008-07-03T07:48:00.001-06:00

I thought I would put up a few more pictures from the 2 weeks I spent in Europe!

This was a little Church at the top of the hill next to Lake Lucerne. We stayed in a little family-run hotel next to the Lake. The view was amazing, I won't even try to describe it!
This is a random picture, one of many, I took out the window of our bus. There were so many beautiful scenes out the window and the bus just went too fast! I am glad I captured a few. This is along the countryside of Switzerland, in the Alps. There were little homes and stables placed randomly between big bunches of pines.
This is the city of Lausanne, on the border of France, in Switzerland. We didn't see much of the city, only stayed the night there. The sunset was very pretty over all the historic-looking buildings.
Notre Dame! I feel so guilty, I know nothing about Notre Dame...I only know the Disney movie! Well, I saw no hunchback or gypsies or talking gargoyles...but I did see a very gothic, beautiful cathedral! There was a service going on inside, and they still let us walk around and take pictures (without the flash). The inside was so mysterious yet beautiful...tall columns and interlocking brickwork.
This is the Louvre, and yes mom,the pyramid outside does feel as awkwardly placed as it looks! You actually enter the Louvre through the pyramid and go underground. The entrance and information desks are all under the pyramid, it is a big open skylight above it. Once inside, the pyramid looks really cool...outside, a little out of place! The Louvre was huge! We saw a tiny piece of it!

Oh Floren!

2008-07-02T08:19:00.000-06:00

I only have a minute to describe a child that I could talk for hours about! I love this kid even though he has been the most difficult to work with. He has so many sides and so many wants and needs and so few ways to express them! I will have to write later about him, but Elaine, my new wonderful friend, has helped me learn to work with him. Together, we have discovered what a joy Floren is! I love this kid! Floren shows signs of Autism, to me. He will stare out the window for a long period of time and then when he is brought back to reality, he can't decide what he wants next. He cries until you find the next simple solution that will occupy his attention, momentarily. What a handfull! But when he smiles...dang, I can't stand it, I get all excited inside! Today, Floren did so well. He crawled around the mobile run all afternoon and bounced in the bouncer and didn't make a sound! He was so content...and so was I!

We discovered that Floren loves to sit in the bouncer....after a few minutes of frustration! He also loves windows, he loves to stand at an open window and watch the trees and feel the breeze and push the screen open. Of course, someone always stands behind him, it doesn't appear that way in the picture!

Day 8 at the Clinic!

2008-07-02T08:02:00.000-06:00

This little wonder is Andre, one of our new babies in the Clinic. He is 3 months and is tiny! He is the quietest baby I have ever been around!
This little guy is Adrian and is adorable. I just realized yesterday how bright he is. He figures things out so quickly and quietly. I blew him a kiss yesterday and waved as I was leaving and he copied me! I was lucky to snag a video of him doing it!
This is little Cristina, the beautiful baby in the isolation room. She spits up multiple times during the day and cries a lot, but is so happy to be held and bounced. She is practicing sitting up.
Alex, Beatrice, and Floren! These simple swings are wonderful! They can calm most of the kids down...every little Floren! I will have to post later about him, he has been a wonderful learning experience for me and I love him! We use these swings a lot in the morning, while it is still not too hot and while the swings are mostly out of the sun.
Oh Alex! Alex is a whiner if I ever met one....but his laugh is so contagious. He throws a lot of fits and I haven't yet figured out how to help him find what he wants. He is practicing walking with no assistance and took 2 steps alone today! I am so excited to see him grow in these 3 weeks I am here!

Wow, I have worked at the Clinic 8 days now! I can't believe it! I will walk into the Tutova Clinic only 7 more days....I love these kids! I have been trying to move around the clinic the last couple days and work with all the kids, from all the age and ability groups. Each kids has something special about them and something that makes me smile. These children are my friends! When I think of all the people that are my friends and that I really admire, I realize, there is at least one thing that really sets them apart from everyone I know. All my friends and loved ones teach me and help me in a way that is unique to them. That is exactly how I feel about these children....and exactly how I feel about my special students at Orem High. I am so grateful that I can be with these chilren!

Today, I had the chance to visit the isolation room again and hold little Cristina (picture above). She missed her afternoon bottle and was so hungry by about 2:00, when I was holding her. The other 3 babies in the isolation room were completely content and she was so unhappy. I wanted to help her so badly. When her bottle finally arrived, she chugged it down...and then, unfortunately, she spit quite a bit of it up right after eating. I thought about the hours she spends in her crib, alone, with no one to hold her while she is hungry or sad or scared. These children are so brave, so much braver than I am.

My 2 weeks in Europe

2008-07-01T08:15:00.000-06:00

There is way too much to say about the 2 weeks I spent in Central Europe...and way too many pictures to show. Here are a few, sorry they are sideways! I don't have a lot of time, but I loved Europe....I have to admit, my favorite part of the last 3 weeks that I have been here has been in the Clinic in Tutova, working with the kids. I saw a lot of amazing historical sites and I am so grateful for this opportunity. I have a greater appreciation for my ancestors and the amazing works of Heavenly Father!

The leaning Tower....it looks even sillier sideways!
The famous bridge in Lucerne, Switzerland...it is supposedly the oldest bridge in Europe...I walked across it!
Mona Lisa...the best part about getting to see her? Kelli and I got into the Louvre for free because there we arrived a few hours before it closed and because we're under 26!
The Eiffle...we didn't actually make it all the way over to see it up close..not enough time! But it looked really nice from afar!
Lake Lucerne...what a gorgeous place! I wish it was in Utah and wasn't so expensive to visit and that I spoke the language of the locals....nonetheless, I loved being there. The water? Clear, green, blue and beautiful!

Pictures!

2008-06-30T08:11:00.000-06:00

This is my beautiful little friend named Sammy! He is 2 and is the nicest, quietest, most content little boy! He will sit for hours and not say anything to anyone. His smiles and laughs make me remember life is great!

This is Alex, he is a tiny little toddler who cries a lot, but his hugs and laughs are the best!
My superman again! Sammy is in his crib, going down for his 4 pm nap!
"Meha" is the favorite of Tutova clinic, I believe! She laughs and smiles and runs more than any 14 month old I have met. Her curls and dark eyes are gorgeous....today Kelli said she has curls like Richard Simmons...but she is so much cuter!

Day 6 in Romania!

2008-06-30T07:56:00.000-06:00

Oh, so much I want to tell....no way to share everything, so here are a few brief tib-bits!

This weekend our group took a guided tour to Brasov and Sinaia, cities about 5 hours west of us. We visited the Black Church, Bran Castle, Peles Castle, and took a tram ride up to the top of a ski resort. We had a really funny tour guide names Danny. He is an 18 year old "senior" in high school who was a little overwhelmed by taking 14 women around. He was constantly worrying about someone getting lost and reminded us constantly to stay in groups of 4. He drove us all a little crazy, but was a very kind 18 year old who spoke exceptionally good English. The trip was great, but I think we are all happy to be back in Barlad with the babies!

Today, Sammy let me hold him in my arms for about 10 minutes! I was so excited. I also had the chance to go into the "isolation" room with our 3 new babies. The isolation room is where we keep the new babies for 2 weeks to make sure they are healthy and to gather medical history. I had the chance to hold Cristina, a 3 month old who is always very fussy and spits up a lot. She was so tender. She cried for a long time, but I could tell she wanted to be held, she needed it. What a blessing to be able to hold her!

I was able to go running today! I think it has been about 4 weeks since I have gone. I ran down a little country road outside our Clinic. I didn't go far at all, mostly because I felt so awkward, but it felt great to move like that again! My legs felt weak, but so good at the same time. I am excited to try to get back into it again when I am home. I guess I will stick to chasing babies for the next 2 weeks.

Spain won the Euro Cup last night. We watched part of the game in the lounge downstairs, with the 2 employees who serve us breakfast and dinner. It was a pretty slow game, but so fun to watch the natives get excited about Futbol! I wish I could play with them....I don't think we have warmed up to any of the residents enough here yet. I don't feel very welcomed, but I am trying to "kill them" with my smiles and buna's (hello)! I am grateful to be here, I am grateful for the few "missionary" experiences I have had, and I am grateful to be part of the Gospel! What a blessing!

More to come soon....

Day 4....the babies!

2008-06-26T11:08:00.001-06:00

I tried to upload pictures today, but the computer is not uploading the pictures for some reason...hopefully soon! The kids are wonderful! Today I had the chance to kind of roam around the clinic and play with all the kids. I even got to hold our newest arrival, a baby boy named Andre who is 3 months but looks like a 1 month old. My Sammy is amazing, he makes everyone happy, I wish I could introduce him to everyone. These kids live such sad, yet hopeful lives. One child had her grandparents visit her today and I can't tell you the hope that spread around the clinic. The grandparents were so happy to see her and the little girl was so happy to see them. The grandma told us that the little girl's aunt and uncle are in the process of adopting her since they don't know where the girl's real mother is. We are so excited to see one of the babies leave the clinic, we just hope she will find the same love and care in her new setting.

Romania and babies!

2008-06-25T08:05:00.000-06:00

I have been wanting to update my blog for the last 2 1/2 weeks! So here is the skinny on the last couple weeks....Kelli and I toured London, The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and Paris for approximately 13 days with a tour group. We drove everywhere, so the visits in these countries were short, but we were able to see some amazing sights while there. My pictures don't do justice to the sights my eyes have beheld! I want to post pictures, but don't have time today...so pictures to come!

Now, down to the good stuff! We are in a city called Barlad in Romania. We work every day at a clinic at the Tutova hospital where we play with babies all day! I love the children at the clinic. I have been with them for 3 days. Each child I hold is so precious. I can't imagine how any parent can leave these beautiful children....that is probably the reality that has been the hardest for me to grasp. Most of the parents who have abandoned their children at this clinic had to because they could not care for them, they are too impoverished! My hope is that there are volunteers behind me who will fill my spot when I am gone. the circumstances of the clinic are humble, but the workers there have kind hearts and work hard for us and the children. I am grateful for my time here, I wish I could bring this place home with me, so I could still live in Utah, but visit my babies in Tutova often. My comfort right now is that I will see them tomorrow morning...in 2 weeks, when I leave them for the last time, this comfort will need to come from another source. Heavenly Father loves these children, that I am sure of and grateful for.

There are currently about 25 children at the clinic. I am getting to know them all, but of course I have my favorites. My baby is Sammy, a little 2 year old Down Syndrome baby. He is tender. He is the most content baby at this clinic. Today he giggled for about 10 minutes straight. My laughs made him laugh which made me laugh more which made him laugh. Oh Sammy! I love sitting in our warm play room watching him figure out his surroundings. What a cutie! I can't wait to write more about the babies! Pictures soon!

Leaving Town

2008-06-04T08:41:00.001-06:00

So, there is this song called "Leaving Town" by a band named Dexter Freebish....the only part about the song that applies to me is the title...the song is about a girl leaving town and leaving this boy behind, she wants to make it big somewhere else and he says he'll still be around living a "real" life when she comes back to the town unsuccessful! Kind of sad, but it's a catchy song!

Anyway, Kelli and I leave early Friday morning and this trip to Europe is actually a reality to me now. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to visit so many wonderful places and mostly, I am beyond excited to hold the babies at the orphanage in Romania. I have been reading a book called "Each One a Miracle" about families in the early 90's who flew to Romania to try to adopt children. I guess 20/20 had a big special back in 1989 about the horrible conditions of the orphanages in Romania, and their power-hungry dictator who did all kinds of horrible things. He was executed in 1989, and in 1991, adoptions from Romanian orphanages who restricted and have been since then. WOW, sorry, that was a long rambling sentence. I am so happy that I have the chance for 3 weeks to give love and care to children who have been abandoned and who have little hope of finding a family that will love them similarly....my hope is, that while Romania is trying to recover from their horrible past, there will always be someone in these orphanages who can show these children the love they need.

Thank you to everyone for supporting me and praying for me. I love you!

Costa Mesa & San Diego

2008-05-29T18:14:00.000-06:00

Newport Beach Temple

Liz, Suz, Karen, Kelli, Ash
This last weekend I was able to go to Costa Mesa with my roommates (Kelli, Suz, Liz) and our good friend Karen. We stayed with a fantastically wonderful woman named Lyn and enjoyed the overcast weather. The beach was beautiful.....holy cow, I swear I could listen to the sound of waves all day! Saturday we were able to go to Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego and also the San Diego Temple to do Baptisms (really cool experience!). Sunday morning, before church, we were able to walk around the grounds of the Newport Beach Temple.....dang! What a cool design. And, the flowers there? I couldn't get over the lushness and color. Sunday night we stayed in Las Vegas with Kelli's family. It was a nice trip, but I was so glad Monday night when we were home and all the driving was over!

Oh, and I had the best birthday ever on Tuesday. I was shown love by so many people and it meant so much. I felt really lucky!

I don't know this kid, but I thought he looked cute....I tried to pretend I was

aiming the camera at the ocean only

The Weekend Update

2008-05-17T22:17:00.000-06:00

Well, here's the great news.....9 days of school left! And, 19 days from tomorrow, Kelli and I fly out for Europe!!!! The countdowns have begun! Last Thursday, I had a talent show with my students...they are so cute! We had so many people come to support us, there weren't enough chairs for everyone. One student "played" the guitar to the Beatles, another student danced to the Thriller music video, another told his ridiculous, Well, here's the great news.....9 days of school left! And, 19 days from tomorrow, Kelli and I fly out for Europe!!!! The countdowns have begun! Last Thursday, I had a talent show with my students...they are so cute! We had so many people come to support us, there weren't enough chairs for everyone. One student "played" the guitar to the Beatles, another student danced to the Thriller music video, a few showed the ceramics creations, another told his ridiculous, hilarious laffy-taffy quality jokes...oh, it was such a great experience.

This morning I was able to go to the Timpanogos Temple to do Baptisms with my good friend Suzanne. While there, I had an interesting experience....I was sitting next to two girls who I thought were quite young, maybe 18-19. They were talking about high school and college classes and finally one girl started talking about going through the Temple. I thought, wow, she's really young, she must be getting married....oh, wait she's 21, she's going on a mission, oh wait, I'm almost 24, she is young and it's okay for her to be going through the Temple. Okay, that was a really long, confusing explanation...the point! I am going to be 24 in 10 days....what?! 24 just seems so old to me....I don't feel like I am ready to be 24....there were so many things I thought I would have experienced by now, so many things I thought I would know. Today I felt like a failure, like I'm not doing the things I should be....then I realized, wait! So often I remember people in Church talking about life changing direction and realizing that the Lord directed their life in a way they never would have thought, but in exactly the way the needed.......Anyway, I am grateful for the changes that are happening in my life. I don't understand a lot of things, but I am thankful to have clarity and understanding sometimes!

You live, you learn, you get Luvs!

2008-05-07T19:16:00.000-06:00

Totally random I know, "You live, you learn, you get Luvs!" Here's the story....I was picking up my room of accumulated stuff and found one of Gray's diapers....I forgot to send it home last time I played with the kids. Anyway, this Luv's quote popped into my head. I used to quote it a lot because I thought it was so funny.

Well, here's a run down of work....chaos! We have 16 days of school left! I'm finishing up state testing (due tomorrow), 2 more IEPs, 1 eligibility meeting, student schedules, time studies, blah, blah, blah in the next 16 school days! Sometimes I don't feel like a teacher! We had a field trip to the Zoo yesterday that was stressful and so fun! The sun was bright, the animals were alive (we went to the Bean museum on a field trip a couple weeks ago...the Bean Museum houses once alive, now dead/stuffed/preserved animals). Kind of funny! We are having our 2nd annual talent show in a week! I am so excited! I am having a hard time focusing on school though...Europe is 30 days away!

A new girl in my ward asked me to play on her intramural soccer team...we'll see if I've still got it! Oh, and I'll be 24 soon...weird. I'm trying to decide where to live after August...I'll be at Orem High one more year....I really like making new dishes, good recipes are totally welcome...I am still the music coordinator for my ward...Kelli cut bangs into my hair and I love them...I earned extra money cleaning apartments in Logan last weekend....I might buy a pair of Chaco's, if I can find some on sale....I'm sick of spending my money on myself....I am really excited to hold little Romanian babies....I really want to buy a new camera someday (in the very far future)...my students are studying National Parks this week and I am intruiged by The Everglades, Carlsbad Caverns, and The Sequoias...when I visit Merced in July, I want to hike Half Dome and I'm looking for someone to go with me.....there's the brief run-down!

Well, I've taken a few pictures lately, nothing National Geographic-worthy, or even Merced Sun-Star/SLC Daily Herald-worthy...but me and some of my time! Check out the one of the flowers up close....there's a bee on the left side.

Friday 4/18 and Saturday 4/19

2008-04-19T14:58:00.000-06:00

So, this week has been really weird for me. I've enjoyed having time off, but I haven't felt very fulfilled. When I look back at the random things I've done this week, I've been able to do a lot of good things that I normally don't get to do. I never thought I would miss my school schedule so much. No matter what time I've gotten to be this week, I've had a hard time making myself sleep in....I've found I am very hard to motivate sometimes. Anyway, I think part of the reason this week has been hard to enjoy is because I've been alone through most of it. With my roommates at work and school and studying for finals, I've felt really lonely at moments....this has helped me to gain a little more compassion for people who are alone. Alas, it has been a good week, full of good things, and I am excited to get back to my regular schedule and see my kids. I know half-way through next week, I am going to be wishing I had the freedom of this week back! Anyway, thank you to those of you who played and spent time with me this week!

Friday I had the chance to work on a gift for my good friend Annah. She is graduating next week, moving to Switzerland for the summer, and then going to North Carolina in the fall to receive her PhD. So, I spend a good few hours printing pictures and putting them together in a little book for her. I also had the chance to donate blood, which I haven't been able to do in over a year. I realized the other day, I won't be able to donate for a while after I get back from Europe, so I took advantage of the opportunity.

Today, Saturday, I drove up to Salt Lake to see my friend Annah finish the Salt Lake Half Marathon. A couple months ago I had planned on running this with her, but then I realized I wouldn't be here for Spring break....haha! I'm glad I was here in Utah to see her finish. I really want to run one now! She's inspired me! I love the energy you feel in the race setting, I was so tired this morning, but once I got to the finish line and saw all the runners coming in, I wanted to go run up the canyon. We'll see if I can do one in the fall.

I just got these picture from my friend Nicki, from the Y.

Hiking the "Y"

2008-04-17T20:18:00.001-06:00

Thursday 4/17

2008-04-17T19:41:00.001-06:00

Wow, what a day! Here we go....this morning I did another load of laundry (I either wear a lot of clothes, make my clothes smell bad really fast, or wait a really long time to wash my clothes!) I think all are true! I made an apple pie after that....that was a great experience! I pulled it out of the oven at 10:00 and then ran out the door.

I went to the Timpanogos Temple to help on the grounds with some of the volunteers. Suzanne works on the grounds and invited me to come volunteer. I ate lunch with the crew and then went to the park across the street and attempted to take more pictures with Anne's camera. I left the park quickly, for three reasons....the pictures weren't looking very good, the memory card was full, and I had to go to the bathroom really a lot!

I found relief at Big Lots, took a quick nap in the car, and then went for a run around the Utah Developmental Center grounds. After that, Suz and I went to the Temple to do Baptisms and Confirmations. It was nice to go to the Temple with someone. After the Temple, Suz bought me a coconut cream pie shake from Sonic. What a cool day! Oh, and the pie is pretty good!

Wednesday 4/16

2008-04-17T09:52:00.000-06:00

Today I curled my hair and did another load of laundry. The washing machine stopped working before my load finished spinning, so I spend 10 minutes ringing out my laundry. I put almost all my pictures onto DVD's so I can clear up some space on my harddrive. I went to Smiths to buy food to make an apple pie (which I'll make tomorrow). I hiked the Y with Kelli and Nicki. When we got to the top, it was snowing, so we hurried back down (I'll post pictures later). Anne was so nice to let me take her nice camera home, so I tried taking some pictures out by Utah Lake....the camera has a ton of settings! And, it was freezing out by the lake, so I didn't get very many pictures. I finished the night be going visiting teaching with Kelli! It was great!

Tuesday 4/15

2008-04-15T23:09:00.000-06:00

Today has been a really good day. First, I got out of bed! Then I did some laundry. Then I went to the Provo Temple for baptisms and took some pictures.

After that I was able to go to Heber and hang out with Anne and the kids. Their house is looking so good, I'm glad they've let me take a little part in the renovation process.

Tonight I went to the BYU baseball game. We lost (10 to 14), but during the 6th inning we were down 1-14, so I thought 9 runs in 3 innings was pretty awesome. Then, lastly, to top off the night, Kelli and I went to party for the ASAP (Alliance of Student Against Poverty). This group is working to abolish the most extreme poverty. Our friend Ross is part of the chapter of ASAP at BYU. Here's a link to their website: http://www.asap2025.org/

Now, I am off to bed...in the morning I will wake up to the same realization I did yesterday and today: I don't have a set schedule and am totally free to accomplish whatever I want!!!

Oh, and the weather was bizarre today! It was in the mid-low 60's when I left for Heber this afternoon, and was 32 degrees when I got back at 6:30! Spring!!!!

Beautiful Story

2008-04-15T08:14:00.000-06:00

My friend Jewel sent me this link. This is a beautiful story of a little boy who touched lives.

http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/570/99-Balloons

Monday 4/14

2008-04-14T14:07:00.000-06:00

So, I have this whole week off for Spring break. BYU classes are ending tomorrow and finals and got to get ready at my leisure, I realized how dependent I am sometimes on a schedule. Hours have flown by today....right now it is 2:10. I am usually walking my students out to the bus at this exact time....weird! My days usually seem so long at work, but today has flown by. I know this whole week is going to feel the same way and I am not sure if I will actually sit down and write it all in my journal, so I am going to put up a new post everyday with what I am doing with my time (I am secretly hoping this will help me be more productive!)

Monday!

This morning I uploaded pictures to Facebook. I probably spent more time doing this than I should have. Gray came over and played for a few hours. We walked to the library and picked/pressed flowers and took a lot of pictures. Now I am going to go to the store and enjoy the 70 degree weather! Tonight I am going running and trying to be artistic.

Goblin Valley & Little Wildhorse Canyon

2008-04-14T13:47:00.000-06:00

Little Wild Horse Canyon

2008-04-14T10:05:00.000-06:00

On Saturday, I had the chance to go to Southern Utah to visit two really cool places. First, we went to Goblin Valley. I don't completely understand this random valley of clay random formations...but it is so cool! The landscape down there is amazing...red rock, orange clay, sage brush, yellow fields of dried grass, random purple flower patches, white rock, years of erosion on the mountain sides...amazing!

The second place we went was Little Wild Horse Canyon. This is a slot canyon a few miles from Goblin Valley. We ended up hiking about 8 miles, the whole hike through Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon. I am always amazed at how far my body will push itself, even when it is dehydrated and hungry. I am growing to love the random beauties of Southern Utah as I have grown to love the random beauties in the Provo area.

More jokes

2008-04-13T23:51:00.000-06:00

What did one library book say to the other?

-Can I check you out?

What did the cat say to the elephant?

-Meow

Why did the computer squeak?

-someone stepped on his mouse

Why was the computer tired when he got home from work?

-he had a hard drive

What's New?

2008-03-28T22:46:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday I took my students to Prom. We ended up having a group of about 37 people (chaperones, my students, and peer tutors). What a night! I had to plan a lot and I was so grateful I did. It was so exciting to see my students enjoying an activity that all their "cool" peers get to attend. It was fun to see them in a new setting, trying to act "grown up." We got Applebee's to cater our dinner and the dance was at Thanksgiving Point in the barn.

Today we went to Special Olympics in Salt Lake to play volleyball. We had 3 teams play and a lot of chaos and flexibility...but all was well! By the end of the day, I wanted to sing the ending of "Come, Come Ye Saints!" What a fun experience! I am so thankful for so many aspects of my job, my students are so fun, I love being with them!

Moab Weekend

2008-03-12T19:04:00.000-06:00

Last weekend I went to Moab to run in the 5 mile race. We camped Friday night at a camp ground called William's Bottom and then I ran the race with my friend Missy the next morning. We went to Arches National Park Saturday afternoon and hiked to the Delicate Arch and then drove hom Saturday night. It was so pretty in Moab and I was blown away by Arches. The race was great, I ran it in 42:29, but I have had little motivation since then to go running. I am going to run the 5k in the Rex Lee Run this weekend, here in Provo.
When I go home (California) in April, I hope to go see Yosemite again. After going to Arches, I realized there is so many amazing sights to see that I just never see because I have been lazy. I have lived in Utah for 5.5 years and never been to any of the National parks here. I was so grateful for the opportunity to go last weekend!

What a Week

2008-02-29T22:43:00.000-07:00

So, this week has been crazy and soooooo good!

First, Monday I was able to go running and breath!
Tuesday we had an innertube waterpolo game...we lost, but we played so much better than ever before. After our game was over, the referees let us play in the pool for a few minutes. It was so fun. I am a horrible swimmer!
Wednesday I got to go to a business internship competition to support our friend Brad. Then Kelli and I went visiting teaching. Wednesday at school my class had a "National Treasure Wax Museum." Each on of my students dressed up and acted like a historical figure from US History (Ben Franklin, Lincoln, Pocahontas, Helen Keller, Jackie Robinson, the Wright brothers....) I sent an email out to the whole faculty inviting them to our hour long walk through presentation. I couldn't count how many people we had because people were coming in and out the whole hour! At least 5-6 different teachers brought their whole classes over and so many faculty members stopped by. It was incredible, and the feedback I got from those who attended made me cry!
Thursday my class played volleyball at the Special Olympics. We had to ride the UTA there and back (about an hour and a half ride on way). It was total chaos, but so fun. Thursday night I went running and ran 5.6 miles. I was so tired, but felt amazing!
Friday, work was a little stressful, but so many happy things happened in class, I couldn't help but be grateful for the challenges that I experience in my job. I got to go to the Temple after work and when I got home, my roommates were tossing a frisbee around out front. It was 55 degrees! It felt amazing! It was so fun to run around without shoes, and to see grass again!

President's Weekend roadtrip

2008-02-21T17:57:00.000-07:00

So, last weekend I decided I needed a break away from Provo! And it was wonderful. We went to Disneyland, Santa Monica, the L.A. Temple, the beach, and St. George. Although I was really tired and hungry and felt a little out of my element, I really came away grateful for the weekend and its experiences. I went into a cave and climbed around and braved through the narrows in St. George. I thought I was going to have a panic attack when I first started! It was so good to feel the sun and see palm trees and ride Disneyland rides like I was 12 again. I decided I really need to take advantage of such adventures more often! This weekend made me a little more grateful for life and the importance of taking the positive from every experience.

Miss Applewood America

2008-01-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

So a couple weeks ago Suzanne and I came up with the brillant idea to hold our own Miss America contest, while we watched the real contest. We figured the world could use a few good role models or at least a few more funny stereotypes. So, the 6 of us below drew a stereotype out of a hat and became that for the night. It was one of the silliest and most fun things I have done in a while! What better way to spend a Saturday night when you don't have a date!

Miss Granola (Haley), Miss Ghetto (Ashley), Miss Emo (Missy), Miss Hollywood (Kelli), Miss Warrior Princess (Suz), and Mrs. True Blue (Annah).

President Hinckley

2008-01-28T19:12:00.001-07:00

So I've had a couple cool experiences over the last 2 days. There is way too much I would love to say, but I will keep it brief. Last year the Vice Principal asked my class to put the flag up every morning. During the winter this is really hard. I was so grateful to put it up this morning at half staff, to honor President Hinckley. As I drove home, I noticed all the flags lowered along the way. This made me realize just how amazing this man is! And this also helped me remember how grateful I am to be living here in Utah currently.

Last night I was writing in my journal and reading a little bit and I decided to read out of President Hinckley's book "Stand A Little Taller." I was reading a few of my favorite quotes and then I decided to read the quote and scripture on June 23, his birthday. The words he said on the page is the main reason I wanted to write about this experience. These words made me grateful to be alive at this time on the earth. He said:

"The ancient premortal struggle continues, the unnrelenting battle that comes of free agency. Some, unfortunately, choose the wrong. But many, so many, chose the right, including so very many of our choice young men and young women. They deserve and need our gratitude. They need our encouragement. They need the kind of examples that we can become before them."

This touched me for 2 reasons. First, I am so grateful that President Hinckley feels this way about the youth, and that he was the Prophet during my adolesence and young adulthood. Second, I have the chance to take this knowledge and this gratitude and use it to bless the lives of my students and the youth I will interact with in the future. Basically, I am grateful to have a loving Heavenly Father that has a plan for the eternal success of all His children. I am grateful to be alive right now, at this moment in time.

2008-01-24T13:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some more jokes!

Why did the man tip-toe past the medicine cabinet?
-He didn't want to wake up the sleeping pills
what did one knife say to the other knife?
-boy youre looking sharp today
Why did the cow go to the gym?
-To beef up!
What did one hamburger say to the other?
-you go ahead, I'll catch up
Why was the baby strawberry crying?
-His mom and dad were in the jam
Why did the computer squeak?
-someone stepped on it's mouse
Why was the computer tired when it got home?
-it had a hard drive
What did one fish say to the other fish?
-Let's cut school and go for a swim

Laughing storms at Orem High

2008-01-23T19:58:00.001-07:00

So, today was a busy day at school and it all started with a random movie quote. So I asked the kids what they did over the long weekend and we were all sharing. One of my students, who never wants to participate in my "babyish" lessons, wanted to get up and tell a joke. He sat at the front of the class and said something about an old hag and green hair and black on her face and made a silly witchy kind of face. We all laughed and I tried to go on with my lesson. We got through the lesson and I told the above mentioned student that he could tell us more jokes after we finished all our work. At the end of the period, we met up front again and this student proceeded to mimic a few students/teachers in the class and also called me a "crazy hag" (I don't think he knows what a hag is!). Then, my joke teller came into class and started another laughing storm (this is what we call the laughing attacks he gets). So, I thought I would share some of the new jokes he shared with us today......Anne, I hope these help!
-Why did the ham go to the doctor?
He wanted to be cured!
-What kind of car does the sun drive?
A hot rod
-What did the green grape say to the purple grape?
Breathe
-What did the washer say to the dryer?
Boy, you're sure full of hot air

I can't think of anymore right now.....don't worry, they're engrained in my mind somewhere!

Martin Luther King Day Sledding

2008-01-23T18:29:00.000-07:00

So my roommate Suzanne has a wonderful, big family and they let Liz and me come to their sledding party in Logan. There were kids everywhere and I loved it! I was so grateful for the day off and for warm clothes and for Suz and her Subaru

Some funny work experiences

2008-01-18T19:07:00.001-07:00

So, I have the coolest students in the world. They make me laugh everyday....any stresses or frustrations are thrown out the non-existent window in my classroom when I get to hang out for one minute with my students. So, my goal is to share as many of these funny experiences with you as possible, with respecting confidentiality of course.

So one of my students is an encyclopedia of LaffyTaffy jokes.....and has most of the hymn book memorized. These jokes are ridiculous, his reaction is the best part...mouth wide open, face bright red, eyes scrunched up, body bent in half from the strain of laughing so hard, and the fakest yet most sincere laugh. Here are some of the classics!

What do you call a cow with a twitch?
Beef Jerky
What do you call a cow with no legs?
Ground Beef
What do you call a cow with 2 legs?
Lean Beef
Why did the hamburger go to the gym?
Because he wanted better buns
Why did the house go to the doctor?
He had a window pain
Where does a one legged lady work?
I HOP
What is her name?
Ilene (I lean)

2008-01-18T18:15:00.000-07:00

So, someday I hope I can develop the amazing ability to capture beauty in pictures....if not, I will still love running/driving around looking for the senses the seasons offer. I am so excited to take pictures of a few of the wonders of Europe. One of my favorite things is when I am driving around and I see a cool scene I have never noticed before.