Rain, rain don't go away!

I mentioned in a previous post that Kiara had gotten these rain boots and slicker from Ben's mom when she was really little. She hasn't really had an opportunity to wear them yet but today, that changed. They are from a store that I love in New Hampshire, called "Puddlejumpers" so we figured it was only appropriate to go jump in some puddles!
As soon as we got outside, Kiara stuck her tounge out to catch some raindrops and told me,"I'm eating the rain!"

I love this girl!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kiara-isms

#1-Kiara asked me if I had just taken a bath. I told her yes and she said, "Oh, did you get baptized?"

#2-Kiara was "making dinner" for us tonight with her play dishes. All of a sudden she said, "I made some cake for Jesus. Here Jesus." and she proceeded to "feed" our statue of Christ.

Some days she just pours on the cuteness more than we can handle!

Happy Birthday, Ben!

I saved the best for last for my November birthday posts. Ben turned 28 today! I can't believe I'm married to a man who's almost 30! How old!

Ben was 22 when we met and had only been off of his mission for 3 months. I was immediately struck by how genuine and kind he was. Granted he still had that weird post-mission phobia of girls and wasn't quite sure how to act around me but he was so kind!

I've come to love that quality of his and have seen it benefit so many people's lives. Ben is so easy to talk to and has a way of putting everyone at ease. He is sincerely interested in everything people say to him and can have in depth conversations with complete strangers. When we were on our honeymoon we went to the grocery store at about 11:00 one night. The store was totally dead and the checker obviously wanted to be anywhere but there. As she was ringing us up Ben asked her how late they were open. I thought that was a strange question considering we weren't planning on making any more trips back to the store that night and it didn't matter to us what time they closed. I later found out that Ben was just "trying to be nice and make conversation." A phrase I have heard him say probably 100 times since that night, and it worked. The checker perked up and started making small talk with us. She seemed touched that anybody cared enough to take that time with her and she was a lot happier when we left than when we arrived. This is just a small example of how Ben brightens people's days and leaves every situation better than he found it.

Ben is very reserved when he first meets people. In fact many people think he's shy; then they watch a sporting event with him. Shy is no longer the word they use to describe him! To say he is an avid sports fan is really an understatement. He follows and is interested in everything from college basketball to major league baseball and everything in between. Ben's passion for sports, specifically baseball and the Red Sox, is one of my favorite things about him. He is so patient with me, teaching me the rules and things to watch for in the games. We get the MLB Extra Innings package every year so he can get all of the Sox games and he has watched at least one inning from every game for the past 3 seasons, even after he has home games himself! I love that he is so dedicated to something and gets so much joy out of it.

I don't know how he does it but he can keep track of virtually every player, coach, manager, and now because of his job, he keeps up on various teams' front offices. He knows scores from current and past seasons, which team has the best record and all sorts of standings. And yet even with this "Rainman-esque" memory, he still forgets his wallet and glasses on a regular basis! Amazing how the brain works!

Ben is extremely intelligent and teaches me things all the time. He is fluent in French and since we recently got a piano, has started singing French hymns while I play. He has made me realize the importance of being politically informed and not being apathetic when it comes to our government. He is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in, even if it's not the popular opinion. Ben grew up in a very small town in New Hampshire. He was the only member of the LDS church in his high school, until his brother came along and doubled the membership! His friends respected his beliefs because he respected theirs. Ben is the most unpretentious, humble, down to earth person I know. He treats people with dignity and believes everyone has something to offer.

I love watching him work with the young men in our ward and seeing the way they respond to him. I have had more than one parent tell me how grateful they are that their son has a role model such as Ben in their lives, showing them what a true man is like. He teaches them to respect women and children. To be patriotic and stalwart. To be a hard worker and find opportunities to serve. These are all attributes which Ben embodies and strives to perfect. He is very close to perfection in many ways.

This is already a long post but I can't describe my husband without saying what a good father he is. He takes his role as husband and father very seriously and knows its importance is above all else. He wants so badly to provide all that he can for Kiara and me and is so good at it. He never once complains when he comes home and our house is a mess or I don't feel like cooking dinner. He never acts annoyed or too busy to play with Kiara, even after a long day at work or meetings. He's not afraid to get on the ground and engage in 2 year old games but rather savors the moments that he gets to do so. Kiara loves her daddy so much and gets so excited to see him walk in the door. Her favorite activity is to play basketball with Daddy and she will do it for hours on end. I think Ben would too :)

I am so grateful for Ben in my life. I cannot say enough good about him. I understand that this may come across fake or insincere to some or you may think I'm exaggerating because it's his birthday but if you know my husband you know everything I have said here is true. He really is that awesome and I really am that lucky! Happy Birthday, Ben! I love you so much and am so proud to be your wife.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Where do I begin on my dad's post? I have so much to say about this man it's hard to know where to start.

I guess to understand our relationship you have to know that I am the only girl and the youngest in my family. I have heard many times in my life that that must make me the spoiled one, and although in general I disagree with that (Tommy was always the spoiled one, not me!) it probably is true in regards to my dad.

I always felt so secure and safe with him and was always excited to spend any time with him. When Ben & I have talked about parenting styles and looked at what our parents did right, I have always said that my parents were masters at making their kids feel loved. No matter what else happened in life or how much it felt like my world was caving in, I knew my parents loved me and I always had that foundation on which to fall. I realize now I was, and am, extremely blessed to have that knowledge. I believe it has a large effect on the person I am today.

Of course I have a lot of memories of my dad but one of my favorites is when I would go with him up to the local amusement park, Lagoon, for our stake day every year. After he got off work just the two of us would drive up because he was always in charge of the raffle during dinner. I got to be his assistant and help turn the big ticket machine and hand the prizes to the winner. After the raffle was over we would take the coupons we had for free sno-cones and go on all of the rides for which he had free passes. I couldn't have been happier if we had spent a whole week there because my dad made those few hours really count. I treasure the feeling I had on those days and the way my dad made me feel.

My dad is an incredibly gifted artist and many people only see him as that but I know there is more; a more sensitive, loving and emotional man that many don't get the honor to know. I know that man and it brings me great joy to know that now my daughter is getting to know that man as well. Kiara loves her Papa so much and he is so good with her, and all the grandkids.

My dad has spent countless hours on projects designed for his grandkids and never disappoints. From creating super hero costumes for the boys to building a puppet studio for the girls, he is totally dedicated to his role as Grandpa and sacrifices a lot for all of his family.

My dad has always been such a hard worker, doing whatever it took to provide for a family of 7. He has worked through the night too many times to count and given up a lot of the things he would have enjoyed doing to give his kids new opportunities. He has beat the odds and overcome hardship in ways many people can't imagine and although he likes to cut himself short, he has accomplished more than anyone else in a similar situation could ever do.

He is very dedicated to making his life count and becoming a better person and I admire him so much for this. He is a far better man than he'll ever admit and I am so grateful to have him for my father. Happy Birthday, Dad! I love you and am so proud of you. See you in a week!

Kiara-isms

#1: Kiara got a special package from Papa & Grandma the other day. She ripped it open and had Ben read the included note. He then explained that the other thing in the envelope was a book of coupons for free ice cream at Wendy's. She grabbed the coupon book from his hands, hugged it tight to her chest and exclaimed, "Oh I l-l-love it! Thank you!"

#2: We were listening to the Josh Groban Christmas CD tonight (it's a must-have by the way, we love it!) when "I'll be home for Christmas" came on. Kiara asked, "What's that?" a question I hear about 76 times a day--she's at a very curious stage right now. I told her it was called "I'll be home for Christmas." She looked at me and said, "Yeah, you're right. Good job, Mom!"

Happy Birthday, Audrey

Today is my best friend, Audrey's 25th birthday! I don't have biological sisters so Audrey, our other BFF (I love that this phrase has come back! I just can't wait until I can start writing J/K again!), Tiff and Tiff's sister, Allison are as close to my sisters as you can get. That is why Audrey gets the high honor of a birthday post on my blog!

I met Audrey through Tiff when I was in 5th grade and they were in 4th. The 3 of us have pretty much been inseparable ever since. I had to include this picture of us from Jr. High. I think I was in 8th grade and they were all in 7th. Audrey is on the far left with the glasses. Gotta love all those bangs!

Almost all of my memories growing up involve these 2 girls somehow. We have our own way of communicating and used to drive people crazy with how we could tell each other something without speaking a word. You should see us play Taboo! Nobody else stands a chance!

Audj is incredibly smart and is so knowledgeable about so many different areas. She also has an uncanny ability to remember song lyrics and tell you who's singing the song. Someday I think she'll make us (hint hint, Audj) all some good money on one of those singing game shows!

I was very lucky to have a friend like Audrey growing up. She always wanted to do the right thing and was always a good example to those around her. As an adult she has that same righteous determination and her faith is mind boggling. She continues to inspire me to be a better person. Audrey has been through heartache I can't even begin to imagine and she has handled it with grace and maturity far beyond her years. Through it all she has stood firm in her convictions and kept her Heavenly Father close. She is amazing!

Audrey is a very kind and compassionate (not to mention beautiful) person and cares deeply for those she loves. She has a strong desire for people to be happy and does everything in her power to make that happen, including sacrificing things she wants.

I will be eternally grateful to Audrey & Tiff because they are the ones who set Ben & me up on our blind date and allowed us to meet. How many people can say that about their best friends?

Happy Birthday, Audj and thanks so much for all the memories. I am a better person for having known you and pray your blessings will start pouring in any day!

Happy Birthday, JD

November is a big birthday month in my family so if you don't like these posts, I apologize.

Today is my 3rd oldest brother, JD's 33rd birthday. I already explained that all my brothers have strange nicknames and his is Raime. It is only recently that he started going by JD (his initials) and I'm still getting used to it.

Raime is extremely funny and quick. He can come up with a comeback before the person has even finished speaking. He also has the ability to tell a joke right at the right time to ease tension or make people relax. Raime can make me laugh without even saying a word, like when he put my dad's glasses on and cocked his head to the side.

I know this picture won't be funny to anybody else but I laugh every time I see it and am immediately transported back to that East Canyon swimming pool when he was impersonating my dad.

For as funny as my brother is, he is equally as smart. He is a very talented attorney and has a memory like a steel trap. Whether it's the law, scripture or Jazz stats, he knows about it and can remember it at the right moment. He's impossible to beat in a debate because of this gift!

Because of my mom's persistence, correct spelling and grammar were always stressed in my house growing up. As a result, most of us enjoy English and writing and feel it comes easily to us, but Raime puts us all to shame. I really hope he publishes something one day because his writing is so enjoyable.

My favorite thing about Raime is the way he is as a father. He and Laura have had more than their fair share of trials when it comes to the parenting department but he has obviously taken all of that heartache and disappointment and put it into loving his little princess, Macy.

He adores her and she obviously reciprocates the feeling. I love watching them together and hope that she will always know the love her father has for her.

I stole this video from Laura's blog awhile ago and am so excited to finally have an excuse to post it. If this doesn't sum up the power a father has over his daughter's happiness, I don't know what does. I love it!

Happy Birthday, Raime and thanks for always putting up with my annoyances. I look up to you more than you know and am so proud to be your sister.

My little girl is growing up!

Can you believe it?

We started potty training on Monday and today we made it through the entire day without any accidents! YAY!

I am so proud of my little big girl and what's even better is she's so proud of herself. We are by no means done with this process but I am pleasantly surprised to have reached this milestone so early.

Kiara's reward for going in the big girl potty is a gumball from this adorable little machine I found in the Target dollar section. It's the best $2.50 I've ever spent and I highly recommend it to any parent looking for some good bribery! I am lucky because Kiara doesn't swallow gum but if your child does, you could always substitute gum for skittles or M&M's or something. I can't tell you how much fun she has turning the little knob and retrieving her new treasure!

And yes, she does hug it and tell it she loves it! She is so cute!

Veteran's Day theft

I am blatantly stealing this post from Laura but I love this picture and didn't even know it existed until this morning. Here is the story behind it:

My grandma was married to JD Holzheauser, a Captain in the US Army, and they had one son, my uncle Johnny. When Johnny was around a year old JD was sent to England to serve in World War II. While there he served with his best friend, Ed Kitch. JD is on the left and Ed on the right in this picture.

Sadly, JD was in a jeep accident and killed while overseas, making my grandma a widow in her early 20's and a single mom to her young son. Knowing this situation would be very difficult for her, JD's loyal friend Ed went to check in on my grandma when he returned to the states. They developed a strong bond and eventually fell in love and married.

My grandpa adopted & raised Johnny and together Grandma & Grandpa had my other uncle, Joel and my mom. They had been married just shy of 51 years when my grandpa passed away.

I am so grateful they all sacrificed what they did to serve our country and preserve our freedoms. My grandpa was always an example of integrity and strength of character. He wouldn't commit to anything unless he knew he could do it 100%. He was an extremely hard worker and hated having anyone else do anything for him. He adored my grandma and would have moved heaven and earth to make her happy. He also loved little children and at over 6 feet tall, was a gentle giant. He had these massive hands but they had such a comforting touch. I often think of how much he would love Kiara and imagine they would have a special bond like I had with him.

I have so many warm, happy memories of my grandpa and I am so grateful the Lord guided him to my grandma to create the family that they did. He left quite a legacy and there are many who miss him.

Happy Birthday, Dar!

Today is my oldest brother's 36th birthday! All 4 of my brothers have strange nicknames that they picked up earlier in life. Aaron's nickname is Dar. At one point it was Darwin and eventually got shortened to Dar. This is what all of our family and close friends call him. It always sounds so strange to use his real name because even before "Dar" came to be, when I was really young I called him Bobby. To this day I don't know where I got that or what the story is behind that name but he was Bobby to me for a long time.

I've always had a close relationship with Dar and could always count on him to be my "nice brother." He never teased or picked on me and he always let me tag along with him and his friends. I remember going over to play with his girlfriends' (sorry, Heather) little sisters all the time and always feeling so accepted by Dar. I always felt like he protected me.

I was so devastated when Dar left on his mission when I was 9. I felt like he was my only ally in a house full of boys and I was sure I wouldn't survive two years without him. I did survive though and when he got back he was as great to me as ever. I specifically remember going on a "date" with him soon after he got home from Argentina. We went to Taco Bell and then to hear his friend play the piano at a Christmas party. I was in heaven following my big brother around!

When Dar moved to Provo to go to BYU I was devastated again but he was always so great at still including me in things. Quite often I would go down there for the weekend and stay at one of his female friend's apartments. I thought I was something else hanging out with college kids! When he & Heather started dating I would stay with her and have so much fun. I was there over her birthday one time and Dar & I went to the store to get stuff for a cake. He knew she would want Cherry Chip and I remember thinking that one day I wanted a husband who would know what kind of cake I like. What a silly quality to want in a husband but I could tell that Dar really cared for Heather and wanted to make her happy.

When I first moved to Provo I lived in Dar's old apartment complex which was across the street from where they were living at the time. I had many dinners over there with Dar, Heather & baby Whitney and they made my transition of living on my own much easier.

I will never forget the morning of September 11, 2001 when I got a call from Dar telling me about the terrorist attacks. He told me his classes were cancelled and that I should get over to their apartment right away. I spent all day there watching the endless news coverage and feeling reassured that I was safe because I was there with my big brother.

The next summer they moved to Michigan for an internship and used their frequent flier miles to fly me out for a week. The condition was that if they did that I had to stop procrastinating and get in school. It was a great motivation and that fall I finally started classes at SLCC. While I was on the trip to Michigan though we went to Niagara Falls and the Hill Cumorah Pageant in Palmyra. That was a huge turning point in my testimony of Jesus Christ and in His gospel. I think they were inspired to sacrifice what they did to get me there because that experience got me through some very tough times in the months that followed. I still look back at that whole trip as one of the best of my life.

Dar & Heather have 4 kids now and I love watching what an incredible dad he is, especially to his girls. I know what it's like to be on the receiving end of Dar's love and support and his daughters will be able to accomplish so much in life because of him. He is an extremely hard worker and puts his family above all else.

One of my favorite things about Dar is his contagious laugh. It makes whatever is happening seem more funny because it is so extreme.

Happy Birthday, Dar and thank you for being the perfect older brother to us all. You have always set such a good example for the rest of us and I am extremely lucky to know you. Sorry if this is embarrassing to you! I love you.

Kiara-ism

Kiara & I were driving the other day and I had a Counting Crows CD in. I was in a good mood and was singing along.

From the backseat Kiara starts yelling, "No I don't like it."

This is what she says when she's done eating or holding something and wants me to take it. I looked in the rear-view mirror and she wasn't holding anything.

I said, "You don't like what?"

She then replied with true Ashby honesty, "I don't like that Mommy's singing!"

I can't say that I blame her, I don't like that Mommy's singing either.

I can take a hint...

Alright, I've heard enough whining from the old people in my family (you know who you are) about my "hippy" music "blasting" them every time they come to my blog so I have changed my playlist to a manual start. Happy now? And while we're on the subject...please take a minute to answer my survey question about whether the autostart bugs you or not. Don't worry, I won't be offended either way!

Too cute for words...

When we were in Utah last month my SIL, Laura took some pictures of Kiara for us since we never got her 2 year shots done. I accidentally left the disk in UT to show all of them but here are a couple of the best ones. I am totally in love with both of them. The second shot is of JD & Laura's daughter, Macy & Kiara. They are 6 months apart and so cute together. We aren't sure if they were sharing a secret or if Kiara was giving Macy a kiss but either way the picture is priceless. Hope you enjoy and thanks again, Laur! You are incredible!

Cheerleader Kiara

We had a very fun, low-key Halloween this year. Thursday night we went to our ward party and had a lot of fun. Kiara was a Red Sox cheerleader and Ben and I were Red Sox fans. I forgot to get a picture of the 3 of us together but Kiara's who people want to see anyway.

Each organization was in charge of decorating a room for the trick or treating. Here is the end result of our Relief Society room.

Friday we decided we would just stay home and hand out candy since Kiara didn't really get the whole concept of trick or treating anyway and we saw everyone we wanted to see Thursday night. She still wanted to wear her costume though and I have to say she just keeps getting cuter!

Now on to my favorite holidays...I love this time of year!