Christmas Shopping

Today I attempted some Christmas shopping. I say attempted because I had Drew with me. I miss those days when you can shop with little ones right there and they don't even realize the things are for them. I know I should just get a babysitter, but with all of the running these days I hated to leave the poor guy again. So back to my shopping. We were at my least favorite place WALMART, I got everything I needed and thought maybe I could distract Drewy with a new dino and get a few Christmas gifts purchased. Well my plan worked awesome until I mistakenly walked down own of the boys' aisles. Of course it had to be the one with all of the star wars stuff and swords, what was I thinking? So the "I wants" began, I tried the old lets ask santa for it, it's too much money, my final attempt was, it's on the top shelf . Drew looks up at me and says rather loudly "Mommy you are big enough you just get it". I realized then that my kids listen to me. We have been trying to learn to do some things, put on shoes, get dressed, random skills and I keep telling him you're a big boy you can do it. Evidently he thinks that works for me also. We left the store without the toy, score 1 for mom, and just a few tears.

Mommy's Away Weekend

Two weeks ago I took off with my parents and sisters. We flew down to S. California and spent two days at Disneyland and had a great time!! Dave thought I would be bored after day one but no way. I love going there I can be a kid all over again.

The Skinners on splash mountain plus one unfortunate soul in front. Me at the top, my neice kirtlyn (so scared she was completley hidden), my dad, my mom (I am not sure what she is doing with her hand....protecting her hair!?!) The poor guy in front had to listen to a bunch of screamers, I don't think he will make that mistake again.

Jenn and Me, if you squint and use your imagination you can see the castle lit

up so beautiful behind us. We were killing time while looking for our parents, yes grownups lost at Disneyland.

I think that this was the scariest ride I have ever been on, The Tower of Terror. Notice that the Skinner sisters, front row, are arm and arm we didn't let go of each other the whole ride. We screamed like little girls too. It was a blast!!


We had such a great week spent a day at the beach, drove up to Hollywood and saw Wicked (it was fantastic) had lots of late nights and way too early mornings, and of course did some shopping. I had a great time with my family and was recharged to return to my life!! Dave was so great to keep the kids, I think he got a tiny glimpse into my world.

Thanks so much I couldn't do this without you!!!

The Ashton Family-- We finally did it!! I don't know how well this Blog will turn out (Dave is definitely the cumputer savvy one) But I'll give it a try. We had these pictures taken a few weeks ago, they turned out fabulous! My kids are soo cute, Dave's pretty hot too.

Katie was so comfortable this time in front of the camera.

She is turning into such a nice young lady. It is so nice to have such a helpful daughter, don't get me wrong she has her moments just like me.

Emma is such a burst of energy, I wish I could bottle it up and sell it. Her teachers at school say she is so quiet there, I think she saves it up for Dave and me.

Alex is really into sports. He loves football right now and talks about it all the time. He is a very sweet and tender brother to the girls, and rough and tumbly with Drew.


Drew, our wild boy, makes me laugh daily with his silly humor. He loves to wear Superman jammies morning, noon and night, and the next morning, noon.....you get the idea. His preschool friends probably think that's all he owns.