Our Ashton Moments: 2008

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Thank You!

This amazing picture was taken by my friend Jackie in Puerto Rico after they released their balloons in the rain. I think it's incredible---one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing this with me!

Celebrating Zachary

Zach's 1st Birthday---December 13, 2007

A year ago, our family celebrated Zachary's 1st birthday. For some reason, it was a hard day for me. I love just about everything about the first year of my children's lives. I absolutely LOVE babies.....especially my babies. Although my patience tends to wain a little when my kids get a little older (and naughtier).... for my babies I seem to have an unlimited supply. So I guess when Zach turned one I mourned the loss of that precious first year. He blew out his candle (with the help of Claire) and I left the room for a few minutes to shed a few tears. Dave came and found me and gave me a little pep talk. "Enjoy this day", he said. "Don't waste it with your tears."

His words came back to me on Saturday as we arrived at the cemetary to celebrate Zach's 2nd birthday. I was at a place I love surrounded by people I love. And I did my very best to "enjoy this day".

Thanks Josh and Courtney, and Larry and Kelly for the beautiful flowers. What a nice surprise.

Ben and Rachel had these balloons printed for us. For those who don't know---I've had some special experiences involving mourning doves after Zach died. Doves have become my little symbol of peace and a reminder that my Heavenly Father loves me and is aware of my sorrow.

Thanks Ben and Rachel for doing this for us.

It was cold and very windy---exactly what I would expect in Midland. Still, it was a beautiful day.

We were overwhelmed with how many people showed up to help us honor Zachary. It meant so much to us----and helped us to feel loved.
Our Midland friends are so dear to us and will always hold a special place in our hearts. It is so important for me to know that there are others who knew Zachary, held him, played with him, took care of him, and loved him. Thank you for remembering him---and for joining us this day.

In addition to our family and friends at the cemetary with us, I know we had family and friends around the country releasing their balloons. Over the phone, each of my sisters and my parents joined us with their balloons. It meant a lot to me to know they were "there" with us.

We attached our spiritual gifts to the balloons. It meant so much to me to see the little notes of "changes" attached to the balloons. For me and my family, it is another step towards becoming a forever family.

Since Zach would be turning 2 years old, we counted down from two, and sent our balloons to Zachary.

I felt the need to have a cake to commemorate the day. When I went to order it, the bakery just happened to have some extra white doves left over from a wedding cake---just sitting there waiting for me. :)

As I was standing in line to purchase my cake the cashier asked me: "What's the occasion?" I told her, "It's my son's birthday today".

It made me feel good to be able to say that----that I have a little boy and we are celebrating his birthday. She didn't have to know that Zachary wouldn't be joining us. For a few moments, I was just a mother buying a cake for her son on his birthday. For some reason, that was important to me.

My weekend was filled with many tender mercies---family, friends, memories of Zachary, lots of doves, a little rainbow, and a beautiful sunset.

Happy Birthday Zachary. I love and miss you every day.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Saturday

For those of you who will be joining us at Zach’s grave on Saturday…
We’ll plan on meeting at noon at the Serenity Memorial cemetery. My awesome brother-in-law Ben had some special balloons printed up so we should have plenty. Bring your notes with your spiritual gifts----or Michelle is making some little tags to attach to the balloons so you can write it there if you want.
We appreciate your support in this and hope to see you this weekend! We are so grateful for our wonderful friends and family!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Loved every New York minute

What good is a blog if I can't brag about my fabulous vacation to New York City???

So I got to tag along with Dave on his annual NYC business trip---and invited my super awesome friend Stef. It was just like old times at BYU---roommates again! (Except this time I was sleeping in the bed next to her with Dave. Not awkward at all!!!! :)) Another major difference is that we got to eat at delicious restaurants and got to spend a little cash---that NEVER happened in college! Also, in college we didn't have our children calling us all the time. But I digress......

We had fun, fun, fun! Here a little teaser.....

(Warning: by "little teaser" I mean every single second of my trip)

Also joining us on our New York adventure was my friend Tami Allen's flat son---Flat Tate. He was the only child I could fit in my purse. Also, he needed to be able to share some good stories with his 3rd grade class.

Flat Tate promised to be good. But just as a warning we introduced him to a New York City police officer and explained the consequences for bad behavior.

But if he was a good little flat boy---a trip to FAO Schwartz!

This was the view from the top of the Empire State Building---the real Empire State building, and not the look-a-like Chrysler building. Amy, you would be so ashamed of me.

Enjoying a little Roxy's cheesecake---no judging!

First thing Friday morning---we headed to the Today show to catch a glimpse of Al. (By "first thing", I mean after I hit the snooze button fity two times)

Right about now, I'm wondering why I didn't just create a slideshow and spare you this eternal blog entry. I'll bet you are wondering the same. Too late.

We then set off on a double-decker bus tour of the city.

And a boat tour of the harbour.

We stopped off in Little Italy for some lunch----just so I could say we stopped off in Little Italy for some lunch.

That night---we went to see Wicked on Broadway. Absolutely fabulous!!!!

And what good is a New York trip without a subway trip to Canal Street for knock-off purses?

So maybe this picture was taken in the back of a mini-van with blacked-out windows and locked doors. And just maybe after we made our "transaction"--we were asked to remain in vehicle until some officers left the area. I'm not telling.

Flat Tate got a little claustrophobic on the subway.

We worked up an appetite after all that shopping. No judging!

Stupid economy! Why did I even go in these places?

I'm ready to burn this coat---I never want to see it again!

That night we went out with Dave to a swanky "hot spot"--Mr. Chow's. This was about the only time I saw Dave. He enjoyed hearing about all our adventures while he was in his meetings (which I'm sure were just as exciting). He may have been a little jealous of our "back of the van" experience.

The next morning, I said goodbye to Stef (sniff, sniff), and Dave and I headed for home. We were anxious to see our kids and give them a few momentos.

Huge, enormous, gigantic thank you to my sister-in-law Rachel who stayed home with our kids. She survived 6 kids for 4 days---with all their schedules, homework, and spit-up (Samuel). I owe you big time! Thanks so much!!!

Thanks for the great memories, Stef! You are the best!

And just in case you are left wanting more.... check out her blog www.allmyriches.blogspot.com. (Because who DOESN'T want more details of someone else's trip???)

And since no one is tired of pictures----let's take a little stroll down New York trip memory lane---here are a few from New York trip 2005.....with Dave, Amy, and Rachel