A few pictures

These are for posterity. . . I just had to report and catch up since I've been getting behind. Caleb asked for a pumpkin pie for his birthday plus a potato bar for dinner. He was so excited to eat his pie but the next day asked if he could actually have a cake because he forgot how much he likes cake. He knows how to work it:)

The night of Caleb's birthday we didn't even get to see Soph because she had a play at her school. They've been practicing one day a week for three months and were ready for the big performance of "The Emperor's New Clothes". I think she's found her new hobby. She loved dancing and singing on the stage. We all had those cheesy songs stuck in our heads--oh wait, they are coming to mind again.

We got some special visitors before we left for Thanksgiving. The Rogers were/are still here and it's been so fun to see them on a few occasions. The kids played and played. When Caleb and Isabelle saw each other they embraced then ran off to play. It was so fun to see you guys!
We got the kids to stop playing long enough to pose for a couple pictures. Some kids really know how to pose and not just smile:).
Soph's teacher from school got married a couple days before Thanksgiving. Some of the class went to the reception. It's pretty fun to be invited to a party for your teacher outside of school. It brought back flashbacks of my time teaching just five days after I had gotten married. . . I think it's still a little tricky for the kids to remember that her name has changed.
These are a couple shots from the drive back home from Idaho at Thanksgiving--Ryan hard at work. Never a dull moment thanks to a lap top and a long road. As you can see the kids played hard all break so there wasn't much noise from the back--except maybe a few snorts here and there.


And last but not least, once home we got busy for the next holiday! We love Christmas and all the fun that it entails. Caleb did let me know today that he does love me even more than the Christmas Tree. . .That makes a mom's day:) We hope you are all as ready and excited for the holidays and enjoy a cup of hot cider for us! With love, The Williams Crew

Thanksgiving

I didn't get to post any of these pictures from over the summer and this was a definite highlight. While Ryan was away at training, I got to fly to CA and see some of the people that I love like family! It was so great to be there with so many of you and I missed those who weren't there. What a crazy, great group of people:). Sister Beck came and spoke for an Enrichment Night and she made a comment that made me think of our time in CA. She talked about listening to a CD her daughter made when she was a little girl and just how "dreamy" she thought that time of her life was. Looking back, I feel like that time in CA was so "dreamy". So many of us in similar situations of transition in our lives. Moving, having babies, kids starting school, different callings. I really love and miss it all and feel nostalgia when I think of that time. Especially right now with impending snow on the forecast:). I'm thinking of all of my blessings and am so thankful for such an amazing family and good friends. I'm sure I won't post before Thanksgiving so "Happy Thanksgiving" and lots of love to you all.


Outside the Oakland Temple for Chad and Heidi's sealing. So cool!


Getting picked up at the airport--I'll get picked up by you anytime:)

Halloween and fall fun

We've had a fun Halloween and a very successful gathering of goodies. The kids got to dress up a number of times--next year I'm going to simplify Caleb's costume. I don't know how any cowboy could quickly get dressed to go out after the horse that ran off in the night!:) But there are some fun pictures of our adventures. . . I took the preschool group to the library for story time and parade, the kids before begging our neighbors for candy, the whole crew before our Halloween party with the Chaplain candidates and families, and finally Elsie getting thrown in the air by her dad. . .Happy eatings everyone!

Milestones

Let's pause just a moment. . . Ryan is working on his fourth degree. . . I can't believe he's been in school this long. He's now almost 32 and started school when he was 5. With a short break to serve a mission and then 7 months off after graduating with his Doctoral Degree--he's been in school. It's midterms, he's studying for tests, writing papers, doing reading assignments, and really looking forward to Thanksgiving break in just a few weeks. And we are all cheering him on--hoping we all survive to see the end of this degree!
On another note. . . My baby turned three! I can't believe this little munchkin grew up. She's the boss around these parts these days and we all try to do as Miss Elsie wishes:). She was so excited to turn three but then realized that she still has to wait a whole year before she can have two vitamins. The little milestones! She's so cute and, for the most part, keeps us all happy and in line. I love the way she speaks like she's from Boston, cradles Zues' head like he's her baby, dances to any tune, and loves to be pulled around on a blanket. She's learning her letters at her "computa" class, riding her bike like a mad woman, and still takes a nap every day. I love this little girl and am so glad she joined our family three years ago!
















These are our cousins visiting from Phoenix--actually Ryan's Dad's sister and her family. aka Elsie's partner in crime for coloring the couch, cutting up papers of importance, drawing on Grandpa's door, and whatever else these two could do. . .We love the Jones family and are glad to try to keep up with them:)

Future. . .

Well we went to the annual Chaplain's Conference held in Salt Lake in conjunction with the General Conference Sessions for our church. It was sooo cool. It made me want to get these two years out of the way so Ryan can really serve as a Chaplain for the Air Force. I'm all fired up and now have no where to go but to hang out for two years here at home. . . We had a dinner on Friday night, got tickets to all sessions of Conference, then had training Monday and Tuesday all day. I had the worst headache from all that I learned. It was really cool. As part of it, on Monday they had a special luncheon for the spouses with Sister Julie Beck, the General Relief Society President. She had an open question and answer session for all of us. As soon as I heard that she was taking questions, I had a question I knew I wanted to ask her. Well, what I wanted to ask and what I ended up asking were two different things. I got so nervous and cried the whole way through so she couldn't even understand me. It was pretty embarrasing but good for me. It seems like I eat a big slice of humble pie often in my life:). I wanted to ask how she has unified women from all over the world with such different backgrounds and how as Chaplain spouses we could apply that to unifying women of different religious, family, and economic backgrounds. Well, it turned into a debate about rank in the military. . . Any suggestions from any of you because I didn't get much from my pathetically emotional question?

Fall

Well, Fall is in the air! The mornings are cool and crisp, the trees are changing color, and the gardens are bearing their fruit. I love the Autumn season. I think it's my favorite time of year. I look forward to snuggling under blankets, pulling out my sweaters, and eating lots of holiday desserts. Provo is a beautiful place to be right now. The mountains and canyons are so great to visit with the kids. We went on a hike by Vivian park that was so beautiful--It would've been ideal if we didn't have to drag our kids complaining the whole way up the mountain. Something about going uphill that just doesn't do it for them. Since the hike it has warmed back up and we are having an exceptionally warm September. But I still get out my sweaters for the morning snuggles then shed them by the after-snack play outside.

We also had our Fall Festival at Sophie's school. We waited in line for almost an hour for them to get their faces painted. We came home and put them right in the shower to get ready for bed. They kept saying what a mean mom I was for not letting them sleep in it. . . I am so mean!


Here is the famous Erbe Salsa--one of a kind! This used up about 1/25th of the tomatoes that the garden is putting forth. And this was my second batch. Ryan is in heaven since he just opens a bottle and drinks the stuff.

Farm

Being raised in Idaho, you might think I'm a cowgirl. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I hate to admit this because I'm pretty proud of my roots but I'm terrified of horses. We went to Ryan's grandpa's farm and the kids were so excited to ride. I was so nervous watching them on this huge horse. I had flash backs of my sister, Jamie, riding when we were kids, she got bucked off and it took my mom all night with promises of buying her everything to get her back on that horse. I think I watched "Man From Snowy River" 200 too many times with Jessica almost falling to her death trying to find Jim. . . Anyway, I just had to get that off my chest. I was raised in town with the grocery store just down the street. Mine was a life full of the second picture of Elsie, Caleb and Arleigh. We played dress up and doctor not branding and milking.
I also wanted to say hello. It's been far too long--Once I start reading a good book there goes my computer time.

Celebrations

And now, I must have redemption. I made Soph dress up for a "first day of school" picture on the second week, first day of school. I swear, I really don't know sometimes. . . Caleb also started preschool this week with a group of moms and kids from the ward. He wouldn't pose on his real first day so this'll have to do. Everyone is happy and glad to be back into a somewhat normal life.



Secondly, we celebrated 8 years of marriage on the 16th! It was great to have a husband home to celebrate it with. He surprised me and took me to "The Roof" restaurant in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. I made the mistake of wearing a girdle to help slim me down for our special date then I was surprised by a wonderful buffet dinner. I was so sad! After only one plate I was bursting at the seams. I've got to convince him to take me another time when I'm only wearing sweats so I can get my money's worth! It was such a nice evening and full of surprises.

Then, the next day my good friend Young, stopped by to visit over night. It was so fun to play games--she is almost as competitive as me when it comes to winning card games. It was great to have you and miss you!

Catch Up

I thought I'd just periodically post some of my photos from this summer--just because I'm sure you are all just dying to see them:) Here's one of my greater accomplishments of the summer besides sitting on my mom's couch and letting her do all of my laundry all summer. Some habits are oh, so easy to settle back into:) First picture is before our 13.1 mile run and here's after

Noone has ever told me that I just glisten--it's a full on sweat! Way to rock the house Ash girl. Coming from LA and running up to 7,000 feet. We were awesome!

So, Sophie has started 2nd grade and in all of our getting settled I didn't take one picture of my school girl. On Monday, I'm going to make her dress exactly the same and try one more time. I swear I'm losing my mind.

HE'S BACK

We got him back! It was a much anticipated event and we are so happy to have Ryan home. He had a great tour and with his coming home we had to leave Idaho. It was a bitter-sweet reunion for sure. We stayed for a few days to enjoy that perfect weather and our family there. We went swimming, hiking, played in the river, went to Jackson, etc. We had a great week just being together. Now, it's back to the grindstone. We pulled in late last night to our second home--Ryan's parents. We attended Soph's back to school night tonight, got Caleb enrolled in preschool, and took over the house, again. Ready or not, here we go. I am so thankful that I could be with my family over the summer--if there was any way for us to stay in ID--oh, I wish. It was so fun to read the memories from those of you who posted--I've been pretty teary-eyed the last few weeks.

Memories

I thought this is such a cute picture of Caleb from the summer of '05. He looks like a little park ranger telling my mom the rules of the campground. I love looking back and seeing where we've been so I've got a little assignment, if you will.

I got this off a friends blog so I thought I would try it because it could be super fun.

1. Leave a comment with a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and read friends' memories of you. If you leave a memory for me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll do the same for you. If you don't have a blog (shame on you!!), I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.This should be fun.

What a time!

Well, for those of you who still may check this thing that I've terribly neglected over the last few months, I apologize. . . What can I say, I can't post any pictures, and I always love to see pictures. But just a quick update. Ryan is on the countdown, it's less than two weeks until Ryan comes home. He's in Key Largo right now on an alligator/snorkeling tour. Not sure what kind of training this is but I'm sure they could relate it to learning about all of God's creatures, right!? The Chaplain Candidates have been touring some of the different bases and next week they go to North Carolina so Ryan gets to spend some time with the Nunnelley's--totally jealous.
The kids and I have had lots to do to entertain us. I went to CA two weekends ago for the Murray's Marvelous Sealing! That was SO GOOD to see so many people that I love and then to get to be in the temple with some of them. Thanks again to everyone who housed, fed, and hugged me. I miss you so much! Then I met up with the kids in Ogden, UT at a reunion with Ryan's family. We've missed them this summer and it was nice to see them. Then I picked up my sister Ashlee and we headed back up to Driggs for our run. We did the Tin Cup Challenge Half Marathon on the 19th. It was so hard but we totally rocked it! We did it in 2 hrs 20min, which added 6 minutes to my time but I have to say, we ran at over 6,000 feet and went up to almost 7,000. It was a good run! Well, hope you are all well and having a good July!

No Pictures

Well, I forgot my cord to download pictures onto my posts so I've been delaying putting anything up--I love to see pictures myself on other peoples posts. . . But I feel so unconnected so I just will do it without. Yes, last weekend I got to go down to Alabama and see my hubby for a few SHORT days. I was supposed to get there on Thursday so I could see him at a big dinner then the parade was Friday morning. Well, my plane broke down in Waco, TX and I was forced to spend the night in Dallas. I ended up not even getting in until Friday, at noon. So, I missed all of the festivities but still got to see my man which makes it really hard to complain. WE had a great time seeing lots of historical sites, like the Civil Rights Memorial, a block away from the Dexter King Church, where Dr. King was a preacher. We saw the first Confederate White House and lots of Confederate flags flying everywhere. It kind of makes you wonder. . .
So he's down to five weeks now left in his training while the kids and I are enjoying our time here in Idaho. I leave on Friday to go back to Travis and hopefully see some of you there. I CAN'T WAIT!! THen I've got my run on the 19th--not looking forward to that so much as just having it over. So these next few weeks will hopefully fly and there's a lot to look forward too. I hope you all had a fabulous Fourth of July and can't wait to see some of you, wish it was all of you, soon!

Fathers Day

We like to call this one--High and Tight. Here's my big, bad, Air Force Dad up above a few years ago in Idaho. I just have to say, he's not with us right now which makes me appreciate him even more. He's such a good dad! We love you, Ryan.

Then here is my own sweet father--you can tell how great he is just by the butterflies all around his head:). I've been blessed with such good men in my life and I'm so grateful for them. I wish I had a picture here of my father-in-law, grandpas, etc. What strong, stalwart men--in every sense of the word.

We are plugging away here in Idaho and I even got to go on a Fathers Day Date via my sister and her husband. I'm sure they were thrilled to have me along. My sister, Steph, has been taking good care of us and has helped me to keep training for the up and coming Tin Cup Challenge--HALF marathon that is coming up. This Idaho air is killing me but hopefully, the thinness of it won't affect me too much:) Love you all, and hope you have a great Fathers Day even if the men in your life are no where to be found.

Idaho

Here's a shot of me 3 years ago when we came to stay with my parents for the first time while Ryan went to basic training--De Ja Vu! Except I'm not 7 months pregnant this time:-)

We pulled up to my parents empty house yesterday. They are still down in Texas for few more weeks so we've got the run of the house. The kids are happy to be here and have been out in the cold Idaho air riding their bikes and looking the place over. Elsie is a bit confused by it all and has started things out with a few accidents to get us over the excitement. We'll be here for 11 weeks and look forward to hiking, riding horses, cleaning out the skunk smell in my parents house, and being with cousins. The summer is going to be very fun! We are just sad that we'll be missing so many friends coming through Utah while we are here. Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine wherever you are. Somehow we all got so spread out. . .I hate that!

Support!

It is so great to get on here and read posts from so many good people who give support and know what it's like to be carrying on even when it's hard to carry on! Thanks to all of you for such nice words. Well, I forgot to mention that Ryan will be gone for 11 weeks--I know that to some that is a very small number, but to others it looks like a long time. And my hat goes off to all of you. We are plugging away. This time it's so much different from basic training. He gets to call everyday--(Sorry Margarite--I hope Ian is still closet texting) and he's only sweating half the day, with the other half being in comfy chairs in an air conditioned room. He's down at Maxwell in Montgumery, Alabama. So anyway, he's fine and we are fine, you just might hear some complaining every now and again:).
WE had a big week with Sophie turning seven, finishing first grade, and performing in her first every Wasatch Dance Program. That is kind of a rite of passage from first to second grade that they do every year at our school. It was so fun to go and watch her. For her birthday, she got to celebrate on Sunday before Ryan left then again on her actual day. It was so fun and she got some fun new toys. I can't believe I have a seven year old, second grader. . .Where has the time gone?!

The Inevitable!

We sent Ryan to the deep blue yesterday. He was all loaded up with new uniforms, socks, and running shoes and ready for the warm weather of down south. I don't know how he gets so lucky to attend all of these trainings in the middle of the hottest time of year. It was a hard goodbye but in a lot of ways it's so great to be starting this. We've been on this path for over 1 1/2 years but have just been treading water it seems. So now, we've officially begun the process to becoming a Chaplain. I sound like I'm the one in the training. . .I do like to think that it's as hard for me as it is for him:)
After the airport, and all of our crying, we headed over to the discovery museum to forget about our troubles. The kids had a really good time and luckily we all made it through the day. Elsie was especially worried about me when I was crying at the goodbye. She kept giving me kisses and asking if I was happy now. She's got such a tender heart so I felt like I needed to dry my tears fast--that was a blessing.
Well, we are all plugging away and have one day under our belts. Ryan left a jar of kisses for the kids to eat when they needed a kiss from daddy. Caleb has single-handedly eaten most of them. He knows that he's got mom right where he wants her for now. How do you tell a little boy he can't have any more kisses from his dad?!

Peer Pressure!

After viewing so many of your blogs, I felt the pressure that it was time to get started on the inevitable. We did it! We set up camp in the bathroom for a morning and Elsie ate popcorn and pretzels til her eyes were brown:)--Then we drank juice and water until she asked to stop. Then, she sat on the potty and PRESTO! She went in the potty. My other two, once they went that first time they couldn't wait to do it again but as for Elsie. . . She still is asking if she can go outside without pants. She learned from her brother to love the outdoors for relief. It's an ongoing process and I'm still wondering if I should leave the house. But, I am happy to say, I won't be buying anymore diapers for this kid! HOORAY.

Caleb

I just got the tag for my sweet little four year old! I'm so happy to do this--just sorry that it always seems to take me a while to get to it. . . He was tagged by one of his fearless Sunbeam friends from CA. Loved reading yours and can't believe these boys are growing up so fast. Here are seven great facts about my little guy:

1. He's really into being a gentleman these days. When he forgets and starts to get into the car before his sisters, he says, "Oh, wait, I've got to be a gentleman" then he'll step back and let the girls in the car.

2. He's always got to have a car or truck in hand. He loves to get down on his stomach when he's playing and just watch the wheels spin. He's missing all of those big trucks that are jacked up in CA--It's all minivan and suburban out here.

3. He's REALLY into cheese these days. He's just started asking for bowls of cheese. He doesn't want anything to go with it.

4. Yes, he's a "gentleman" but mostly he's a tease. He loves to get his sisters worked up.

5. All of his friends will be starting kindergarten this year but he has to wait for one more year since his birthday is after the deadline. He keeps asking me why he doesn't get to go but then he also says he's so glad that he gets to stay home and play in the sandbox--because "school is bowing".

6. This kid loves to wrestle! He'll jump on anything and everything that's down on his level. I was changing Elsie's diaper tonight and he snuck up behind me, jumped on me, caused me to fall on Elsie, then jumped on us both again to make sure we were both pinned.

7. He's an outdoorsman! I've already mentioned the sandbox but he really lives in that thing. He's also recently discovered the pleasure of relieving himself outside. I'll look out the window and see him "watering" the plants and vegetation in the garden--a lesson that I can't quite get through his head that he really needs to use the restroom that is a few feet inside.

He's quite a boy and I'm so glad that he's mine! Caleb tags Caleb T., Eli T., Cannon, Oliver, Simon C., and William--(since all other friends have been tagged.)

A little update

Ryan finally got his official commission from the Air Force. We went to his Uncle Brad's house on Tuesday, the 29th for the deed. It was pretty quick--I can't believe we've been waiting around for that. I thought for sure it would be some grand ceremony with a huge dinner afterwards. Instead it was rush up to Draper, visit for 5 minutes, raise his hand for a few seconds, load up in the car, we did hit Hogi Yogi for an ice cream celebration, then home to throw the kids in bed late at 9pm. It was a whirlwind but we are so glad to be over this little road block.
Then, on Wednesday, my mom, dad, and sisters all came here for Women's Conference. It was such a great weekend. We visited, ate, listened to great speakers, visited, and ate some more. I love the time that I get to spend with my family. We also spent great time with extended family which made it even more special. I come from some amazing people! One of the highlights was going to see the new Emma Movie that was an eye opener. We'd just been learning about how to be a better mother and then watched all that she went through. It was a good kick in the backside. I'd love to hear some suggestions from all of you on how you set your goals and then make sure you get to them. It seems like I do really well at setting goals but by a year later, have yet to accomplish it. . . One of my many weaknesses for all of you to read about.

Spring Break and Recovering

When we got back, Ryan had a gig in Wendover, NV with the Wayne Newton Band. It was nice and relaxing, all-expense paid weekend to recover from our Spring Break. Included was the Seafood Buffett at the Hotel. Unfortunately, we went on full stomachs--I'm not sure what we were thinking, but we still enjoyed. And it was all topped off with a chocolate fountain for fruit. I was in HEAVEN!!! The kids stayed with Ryan's parents and we almost didn't come back:).




Well, we had our wonderful trip to Canada--a week and a half ago. . . Where does the time go?! We had a great trip. The drive up was wonderful, the kids did so well for being in the car for 12 hours. We stopped twice for gas/potty break and that was it. We made it up in record time. We played hard with the cousins, like they'd never been parted. We played 5-pin bowling, went swimming, climbed dirt mounds, played games well into the evening hours, and even ate a nice dinner, only for adults, in a converted water tower. That was totally cool! We had such a wonderful time and are grateful to Rach and James for such a nice time. Here are a few picture . .
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