7 Years

March 21, 2003. San Diego Temple.  Life Changing.  In love forever.  Thank you Ryan.  7 Wonderful Years. 2 Beautiful Girls later.  I Love You Always.

Happy 29th Handsome

When Ryan told me he wanted to go to Fuddruckers, a hamburger-type only place, for his birthday dinner with his family I have to admit I was thinking "ahh man". It's not that I don't enjoy a good burger now and then. It's just (as my dad now knows -sorry Tommy's Burgers) I kind of am one to get over eating burgers rather quickly.

But don't worry the food was more than just a burger. The atmosphere was fun and we had a good time.

Then for Sunday dinner my family came down to celebrate and enjoy some time together. My mom is lucky lady and has a "tamale lady" that makes frequent stops to sell yummy food at her

house! So she brought yummy Mexican food plus a home made peanut-chocolate ice cream cake! Mmmmm. We laughed, told silly stories and had a really nice evening. We were so glad to have as many family members there as we did!

Then afterward just before Ashby went to bed, we decided we needed a family picture of the day daddy got wiser :). Yep, London is in it too.

Hope it was a fun weekend Ryan

Daddy-Daughter Non-Date

So while Michelle and I went dress shopping (see post below) Ryan was kind enough to watch Ashby. He actually was really cute and told her how excited he was to go on a "Daddy-Daughter-Date" with her. And our silly, sweet little Ashby completely objected. She wanted to go with Daddy to the Mall, but definitely not on a date! I guess maybe she just wants to wait until she is 16 for one of those date thingys.

When we caught up with them Ashby and Daddy shared that they had lots of fun! Daddy even let Asbhy choose her very own nail polish! She chose purple!

Later at home, Daddy completely wowed and amazed up all by painting her nails as soon as we all got home!

Daddy and his girl

Two of my Favorite people. Too cute to pass up. I sure love them. One day we won't be able to have her sleep on us. But for now...we'll take it!

Good Day, Bad Day?

Today began in a pretty normal fashion. And normal for me is that I assume we will enjoy a pretty good day. Also normal for me are little surprises or speed bumps if you will that sometimes threaten my "good day attitude" But here is a synopsis of today so far:

Ashby wakes up approx. 20 minutes earlier than usual, but this is nice because she wants to snuggle in bed with me. Due to being up earlier than normal, Ryan was able to cuddle with us for a brief time. Cute. Hugs and we will see him at lunch time.

We Breakfast and cleanup, we practice our numbers,read "Little Quack" (thanks Andrew and Megan!" and get dressed in our snow clothes to go out to play and shovel the drive. (

note to neighbors and other Orem residents: Yes, I know there really wasn't enough snow on the ground to "need" to shovel, but I have discovered it to be an excellent cardio exercise for me that keeps Ashby outside, safe and happy) So we are both excited.

Outside we go to find an immediate "speed bump". Grandpa Ken has seriously like 5 different kinds of snow shovels. (the Bishops are serious shovelers!) 2 of which I really like to use as they are light weight and efficient at moving snow. However, there was only one option that really wasn't even a real "snow" shovel. It's just a big, metal, not wide enough for snow shoveling shovel.

But as mentioned before this activity is good for both Ashby and I. So the old yucky shovel it is.

After the shoveling is finished I ask Ashby if she would like to make her own Snowman! She excitedly responds with a big, "Yes!" Speed bump completely forgotten.

Snowman is given a beanie, Grape eyes, carrot nose, red-licorice smiley, stick arms and scarf! Snowman is named "Frosty the Snowman" (because he is her very first snowman and she really liked reading that book throughout the Christmas season).

Ashby loves Grapes, so seeing Frosty's eyes makes her want some. Excellent. Snack time for her, exercise time for me! Ashby has excellent snack and short video (My Little Ponies) time and I have excellent exercise time.

Shower and get ready for day. Check. That always helps with the makings of a good day.

Sticker Book time!! Let me tell you Usborne knows how to do sticker books! We have the Princess version. I'm not a big advocate of Ashby thinking the she's THE Princess, but princess play time can be fun. This was one of those times! Ashby loves putting all of the clothes on the girls so they match. Then she knows that each girl probably needs a hat, a bracelet, purse, scarf, or something cute to go with her outfit. -okay, so maybe she'll like to shop when she's older- Anyway, another Good day moment.

Lunch. Ryan came home. Yummy food. 'Bishop pizza' wass decided on for dinner yesterday. (another good, I enjoy cooking most when it's planned) I ask Ryan if he would make the dough. He's better at it than I am, really. He agrees. Does all that hard mixing and kneeding and places it on the stove to rise.

He mentions that I should turn the oven on the help it rise. Done. Timer set for 1 1/2 hours. When that time is up I'll place in fridge to cool until needed this evening.

I'm feeling so happy and blessed that my sweet husband would do this for me.

It's time for Ashby's "Quiet Time". My do whatever time. Prepare for next weeks pre school. Blog. Email a friend. All good.

Timer goes off for checking dough.

Seems bigger. Good. Remove towel and dough....BAD. Hot oven melted through plastic bowl. BAD.

I call Ryan. Good. He minds me all the reasons why it's no big deal. I smile. He's right. I decide I wanna remember times like this.

Times that are good. Thanks Ryan. You make lots of days good.

My Muscle Man

When we were down on the shore of Lewis Lake, I saw this awesome, huge, old log

I asked Ryan if he could pick it up for a picture

He did it! It was deinitely taller than him. Like a walking stick for a giant!

My Muscle Man! Look at how thick the end is! What a fun way to experience his first visit to the Grand Tetons!

Three of the things I love best

Taking Pictures

Being a mom

My Handsome, Her Daddy, Ryan