Merry Christmas!!!!!

Merry Christmas 2009!!!! I had an amazing Christmas with my wonderful family. We had a great time eating, visiting, and exchanging gifts. Eli, McKenna, and Tanner were especially excited to see what Santa brought them. The whole family got comfy robes and fun Christmas socks. This relaxing and fun day was exactly what I needed. I am so thankful for the birth of my Savior. I don't know what I would do without the knowledge and comfort that the Atonement brings into my life. I know that everything will work out because I have a Heavenly Father and a Savior who love me. Merry Christmas!!!

Who Moved my Cheese?

Have you ever noticed that oozing sympathy is sometimes worse than the event that triggers the sympathy? I just want to reassure everyone that I am ok! I know I have been a little crazy these last few months, and I really appreciate all of the support that all of my wonderful girls have given me. But I have been trying to let go and move on, and so this really is ok (if you don't know what I'm talking about, ask me in private because I can't post it!). I had to laugh about the way it happened because. . .well, once again you'll have to ask me about it! Remember when I said my life was like a tv show? Well, this was one interesting episode! And please laugh with me! I promise, it really is funny! Honestly, with some of the things that have been happening lately, I think I may have dodged a bullet. I am just going to trust in the Lord, know he has a plan for me and his promises are sure, and that somewhere out there is my perfect piece of cheese (we watched the movie "Who Moved my Cheese?" at grad school on Tuesday and it was a perfect metaphor for my life!!! It made me feel much better since that was the day it happened. I am going back into the maze to seek my perfect piece of cheese! So, if any of you know any single pieces of cheese, I am in the market!!!).

Yams and Sweet Potatoes

Happy Thanksgiving! I started my turkey day by running a 5K with Cam. He kicked my butt, but I ran (well, jogged) the whole way and made it in just over 29 minutes, so I was pleased with myself!
I then spent the afternoon cooking with my family. I made green bean casserole, pumpkin delight, and sweet potatoes. No one seems to know that there is a difference between yams and sweet potatoes, but there is and they are both delicious!
We then had a wonderful feast with most of my family and a lot of Liz's family at my parent's church. I ate way too much, but it was worth it!!!

Hiking Heaven!

For Fall Break, I went to Capitol Reef with Anna and Diantha ( a couple of friends from my ward). We had an amazing time camping and hiking for 3 days. We had some fun adventures and saw some spectacular views. This getaway was exactly what I needed!!!!!

Random Musings of a Crazy Lady Part 2

Random Musing #1
I love General Conference weekend! Every talk today (especially in the morning session) was meant just for me. I feel spiritually rejuvenated and ready to face whatever may come because I know the Lord is on my side and is leading me to blessings that I can't even imagine!

Random Musing #2
I love the mountains! After General Conference, I went on a drive with my mom, Ryan, Becky, McKenna, Tanner, Grandma, and Aunt Karen up to some family property above Mt. Pleasant and the mountains were beautiful! The air was crisp and clean and it was so peaceful. We had a leaf fight, saw at least 10 deer, and had a great time together.

Random Musing #3
I finally joined the ranks of Facebook. And I am so glad I did because it helped me reconnect with my wonderful friend Mindy. We were best friends from Elementary all the way through High School and for some reason lost touch. Well, the dynamic duo are together again and it was so fun to catch up with her!

Random Musing #4
I am so blessed to be loved by so many amazing people! Since my last post about living in a tv show and going crazy, so many people have showed an outpouring of love and support. Life is still crazy, I still have no idea how my tv show is going to play out, but I know I will be ok because I have all of you in my show's cast. I love you all!

Random Musing #5
I have loved being a blonde, but I'm tired of paying for hair color! Should I go back to my original color or should I stay a blonde?

Thanks for listening to my random thoughts!

Random Musings of a Crazy Lady

Random Musing #1
Do you ever feel like you live in a tv show? Like this can't possibly be your life? Because things like this don't happen in real life! My life just keeps getting crazier and crazier and I go from laughing one minute to screaming the next to trying to hold back the tears and then back to laughing! Don't worry, I am ok, I just am going a little more crazy with every new development in my crazy tv story of a life! When you see me, ask me what happened in the latest episode!

Random Musing #2
I am not excited about the cold weather, but I am excited for the beautiful fall leaves! If you haven't done it yet, take up drive up the beautiful canyon!

Random Musing #3
I don't know what I would do without the amazing support system of friends in my life. My mother, my sisters-in-law (Becky and Liz), my work friends (Heather, Kerry, Jessica, RaeAnn, Chelsea, Marci, Trudy, and Janna), my friends from my ward, etc. have gotten me through some interesting times in these last few months. If not for them, I really would be on my way to the loony bin. I love you girls!

Random Musing #4
I love being an aunt! I have the cutest niece and nephews in the world. McKenna, Tanner, and Eli are the best!

Random Musing #5
Have you ever wanted to live in a musical? I have always wanted to live in a musical! I kind of did this summer, but my musical has turned into a crazy drama. Anyway, I hope I can get back into the musical phase of life! I have always wanted to suddenly start a huge production number with all of the people around me. I've always wondered how they all know the dance steps, but one day, it will happen in my life!

Ok! I'm done musing for now. I just needed to let some random things out of my brain. I am sure I will have to do this again soon!

It's Official. . .I Have Gone Crazy!!!

Yep! It's official! I have gone crazy. . .and I can't stop laughing! I can't tell you why I've gone crazy, just know if you see me and I am laughing hysterically for no apparent reason, that everything is ok! I shouldn't be laughing, but I can't stop! So if you see them hauling me off to the loony bin, wave goodbye and wish me luck!

Run, Rabbit, Run!!!

Last Saturday, Cameron took me rabbit hunting. Yep, you read that right! Rabbit hunting! He said he needs to desensitize me because I freaked out over an incident involving two turkeys, a big black cat, a trap, a gun, and his garbage can. You'll have to ask him about it if you want the details! So anyway, he, Jacob, and I went out rabbit hunting in the hills on the West side of Utah Lake. Don't tell Cam, but I was praying the whole time that we wouldn't see any rabbits! Luckily, I have faith, so we didn't see any! Since we didn't shoot at any innocent bunnies, I had a blast! Cam taught me how to shoot his .22 and I even hit some bottles (after a few tries)! Jacob (who is only 9!) was a much better shot than me. He hit the bottles with no problem. He also shot some huge black spiders with his BB gun. I had no problem with him shooting those! So, we spent a couple of hours tromping around the hills, carrying our guns, eating beef jerky and Swedish fish (which are not meant to be stuck to windshields - another story you'll have to ask Cam about!), and having a great time. So, everyone say it with me, "Run, Rabbit, Run!"

Speaking of running, I ran 5 straight miles on Monday! It felt so great, but I was wasted later! Cam and I usually run 2.5 miles and then walk 1.25 miles in the mornings before we go to work, but on Saturday he ran over 6 miles (I was sleeping in before we went rabbit hunting because I had a late night). Well, you know how competitive I am, so it is my new goal to be able to run as far as him! (Remember when it was my goal just to make it one lap with him? That seems forever ago!) He said we should try and run a half-marathon sometime. I am not one to back away from a challenge, so half-marathon here I come! Wish me luck!!!!!!!!!

Excuse Me!

So here is the story I promised you. The reason why Mr. D's students all make fun of me every time they see me. A couple of weeks ago he and I were running as usual around the track at the Orem Community Hospital at 5:45 in the morning. We kept passing these two ladies who were walking the opposite way than us and they would never get out of our way. Cameron is always telling me that runners have the right of way and so the walkers should move. So, he dared me to wedge my way in between these two ladies. I am not one to back away from a dare, so I asked him what he would give me if I did it. He told me he would wash my car. Well, the next time we passed them, I was headed straight for them but panicked at the last second and moved. So I gathered up my courage the next time we passed them, and I DID IT! I wedged my way right between then and squeaked out an, "Excuse me!" They gave me the biggest crusty and Cam laughed and laughed. But he still hasn't washed my car! He says I didn't do it the first time we passed them so the deal was off. Whatever! He did not put that stipulation on the deal beforehand, so he owes me a car wash! Well, he told his students this story and told them to say, "Excuse me!" every time they see me. I have yet to go through a whole day of school without at least one kid coming up to me and saying, "Excuse me!" Every time they do, I just tell them to go tell Mr. D he still owes me a car wash! So anyone reading my blog, every time you see Cameron/Cam/Mr. D, tell him he still owes Ashley/Ash/ Miss Myntti a car wash!

I Made It Through a Whole Week of Kindergarten!

I made it through my first whole week of Kindergarten, and I am loving it! I have really cute classes this year, and I must say, 19 and 20 kids is heavenly! I keep looking around wondering where the rest of my students are and then I remember. . . oh yeah! This is it! My brain is still having some trouble focusing and getting back into work mode, but it is getting better. Starting grad school and trying to have a personal life seem to be making me slightly ADD, but I will make it! My kids are already learning the ropes and who the boss is, so I can tell this is going to be a great year. Mr. D came and visited our class yesterday and spent a little time getting to know the kids and they LOVED him! I find it slightly unfair that my kids love him and his students mock me every time they see me! That is a long story that will have to be the subject of my next post because right now I have a paper that I have to go write. Kindergarten Rocks!

Camping at Tinney Flats

Last weekend, my family went camping up above Santaquin at Tinney Flats Campground. We had a blast relaxing, watching the kids play, eating, playing in the river, and watching a deer in our camp site. Here are few random samples of the fun we had.

I Sure Hope I Can Do This!

I just wrote my first paper for graduate school and it was seriously painful to get back in the "student" mode! I had forgotten how much I hate to write papers! And this one was way easy! It only had to be between 350 and 700 words. I can write that many words in a blog-post with no problem. But when I am forced to write, my mind always goes completely blank! What am I going to do when I have to write my 30 page research paper?!?!? I sure hope I can do this!

What Happened to Summer?

This has been one roller coaster ride of a summer, but it has also been the best summer of my life. And now it is over! I officially start back to work on Monday, and I am having the hardest time getting back into the school mind-set. I have had a wonderful distraction by my side all summer that has boosted my self esteem and taught me a lot about myself. Believe it or not, this distraction has also made me into a very outspoken person! I know that is hard to believe! And now, instead of being free to go running, hiking, swimming, etc. whenever I want, I have to go back to working a set schedule every day. Plus I start graduate school on Tuesday! So I have to ask, what happened to summer? It flew by so quickly! Maybe getting back to real life will help even my roller coaster ride out. I am excited to see Heather, Kerry, RaeAnn, and Jessica (the newest member of our team) every day. They, Marci, and my dear mother and sisters-in-law have helped me keep my sanity this summer as I have been riding my roller coaster, and I cannot thank them enough, and I cannot tell them how much I love and appreciate them. So, real life, here I come! I am just waiting for my distraction to get back from a quest I sent him on, and I hope he kept his promise! I don't know what will happen next on my roller coaster ride - if I will be going up hill or down hill. But I do know that the Lord is the one laying the track and I trust in Him completely. So whatever happens, I will be ok!

Swimming Lessons #2 and #3

Lesson #2: July 30
Cam, the kids, and I went to Spanish Oaks Reservoir for Jacob's birthday and Cam gave me my second swimming lesson. I am hopeless! I do not trust the water nor myself so I cannot bring myself to lift my feet up and float! As long as Cam was holding me up, I was fine! We practiced holding our breath and going under water, and I am getting better at that - especially since Cam was holding me and I had no choice but to stay under as long as him! So, even though I still cannot swim, it was a ton of fun. We then played on the beach for awhile and the kids decided to build a sandcastle. Somehow, the sandcastle turned into, "Let's bury Ashley!" So Cam and the kids buried me up to my waist in sand and then Jacob and Jocelyn took turns dumping buckets of water on me to clean me off! It was pretty funny!

Lesson #3: August 3
Well, Cameron will not give up on me! He, the kids, and I went out to Spanish Oaks Reservoir again and I received my next lesson. This one didn't last very long though because the water was freezing! Cam did make me go out to the deeper water where I couldn't touch the bottom so I would have to trust myself. I didn't though! It was terrifying! I was holding onto one of those cool noodle things and onto Cam, so I knew I wasn't going to sink, but it was still scary! I did it though! I guess I won't give up quite yet! We then went and laid on the beach in the nice, warm sunshine while the kids played. It was a very fun day.

A 12 Mile Hike. . .In the Dark!

Cameron and I went on a 12 mile hike up past South Fork last Saturday - in the dark! We started at about 9:30 that night and didn't get back until 3 in the morning. It was so fun but so exhausting. We saw eyes in the dark watching us which was kind of creepy but really cool. The last part of the hike was so steep, I thought I was going to die! So we started going in short bursts, resting, and then going again, and I made it! Then we kind of got off the path again (we are good at that) and had quite the time getting back down. Cam and I had to hold onto eachother on the way down so we wouldn't fall. He caught me many times as I started to pitch down the mountain! It is always an adventure to go hiking with him! It also started to rain on our way down and we took a different fork and ran into the river going across the trail. He offered me a piggy-back-ride, but I just walked on through! It was a way fun night and a great story to add to our list of adventures!

5 Important Lessons

Here are 5 important lessons that Cam has taught me (or tried to teach me):

1. How to Lay Hardwood Flooring: His living room looks awesome, and I had a blast holding the giant stapler as he would whack it with the mallet!

2. How to Drive a Stick Shift: This is crazy! All I did was hold on to the stick while he put his hand on top of mine to shift, and I was still confused! I don't think I have the brain power to work the clutch and the stick at the same time!

3. How to Fish: This was so fun! We and the kids went up to Payson Lakes for a day of fishing in the canoe last Wednesday. I am not one to brag, but I caught more fish than Cam!!!!

4. How to Swim: I have always been afraid of swimming, so I think this may be a lost cause. Cam gave me a lesson last Thursday when we took the kids to the Lindon Aquatic Center (which is very cool). As long as he was holding me up, I was fine! As soon as he would let go, I would sink! Oh well! I had fun playing with the kids anyway!

5. How to Skip Rocks: I do not have this skill! We went up to Bridal Veil Falls and the surrounding areas yesterday, and Cam tried to teach me how skip rocks, but all of mine just went plop!

My Two Heroes For the Week!

I have to thank two wonderful people who helped me this week and are truly my heroes.

First, my sister-in-law, Becky. She is my hero because I now have the Internet because of her! Yea!!! I am finally connected to the world again and now I can blog all the time! Becky is a technology wizard and set up the Internet for me on Monday. She is always so willing to help, and I am so glad to call her my sister. She also let me try her Chi, and I fell in love with it, so I ordered my own. I am so excited! It is the first time my hair did what I told it to do! Anyway, I love you Becky!!! She is also my hero for being a wonderful stay-at-home mom to my amazing but exhausting niece and nephew, McKenna and Tanner. I greatly admire her for all of the sacrifices she makes for these two wonderful children.

Second, my good friend, Cameron. He is my hero because he broke into my house for me on Sunday! So, I accidentally locked myself out of my apartment. I got home from church and couldn't get in! I had my keys, but I had hung a sign on the door knob on the inside and it had jammed the door knob so it wouldn't pop. I felt pretty stupid! I worked at it for awhile, but soon gave up. So, I called Cam. He was home teaching, so he told me to go on over to his house and just hang out until he got home. So I went on over and sat in his family room reading my scriptures (remember I was trying to go home from church!) until he was finished. Then he grabbed some tools and we headed over to break into my house. I had already broken my library card trying to break in, so Cam decided to try a Sam's Club card. He worked and he worked for probably about half an hour. I just stood there and laughed! Well, as he was jiggling the door knob and pushing the door, he suddenly went flying into my house! You should have seen the look of surprise on his face when he realized he was in! It was priceless! I laughed and laughed for the rest of the night! Cameron is also my hero because he is pushing me to run farther and faster than I ever have in my life. Thanks, Cam!!!!

Busy! Busy! Busy!

It was my goal this week to keep myself busy. So, here is what I did:

Wednesday: I went into work and moved all of my furniture back where it should go in my classroom. I also covered two bulletin boards. I hate bulletin boards! Then I went to lunch with my amazing girls from work: RaeAnn, Heather, and Kerry (we missed you Marci!!!). We went to Bajios (YUM!) and ended up sitting there and talking for 2 1/2 hours! It felt so good! Then I went to my sister-in-law's birthday party. Happy Birthday Becky!

Thursday: My sister-in-law, Liz, and I (and my nephew, Eli) went to Tai Pan to spend the gift card that my wonderful work friends gave me. We ate a delicious lunch and then spent about three hours shopping. It was so fun and I got some really awesome stuff!

I then went and played BUNCO with Heather and her friends. It was so fun! I ended up winning a picture frame - from Tai Pan! He he he! I am going to paint it black so it will match the other stuff I bought.

Friday: I spent the whole day at Lagoon with my amazing and wonderful family. I have not been to Lagoon for years, and it was so much fun! I loved watching McKenna and Tanner (my niece and nephew). They were so excited over everything! My nephew Eli had no idea what was going on, but he was fun to watch anyway! I was dragged on "Wicked" and thought I was going to die! It was terrifying!!!! The day flew by as we rode fun rides, ate yummy food (including Dippin' Dots - just for you RaeAnn!), watched a monkey show, and enjoyed eachother's company.

Saturday: Now it is finally Saturday and I am trying to make this day pass by blogging, painting my picture frame, spending time with my family, etc. It has been a very fun week.

Happy 4th of July!!!

This was the most fun Fourth of July ever!!!! Cameron took me on quite the adventure. We went hiking at six o'clock in the morning up Dry Canyon. We hiked quite far up the mountain and into Provo Canyon. We met a rattle snake that Cam shooed away for me then we came to a fork in the trail and decided to "take the road less traveled by." It was an overgrown trail marked by pink marking tape in the trees. I would follow Cam anywhere, so off we went! It took us down a steep incline into this gulley. Well, pretty soon, the trail and tape disappeared. We didn't want to go back up that steep incline, so we decided to hike down the dry creek bed. What an adventure! We were slipping on rocks, falling through bushes, walking through stinging nettle, clinging onto a 6 inch wide trail that would drop off, and we were laughing our heads off! Cam kept apologizing and telling me I had every right to get mad at him. I just laughed and told him, "Come what may and love it!" When we finally found our way out of the creek bed, we had quite the surprise: the trail was right on the other side! We just laughed! I got quite the battle wound when my shin met up with a rock, but it was worth it! So we went home and showered then he and I went to my parent's house for lunch. It was fun to visit with family and friends and tell about our adventures. Then Cam went to the "Stadium of Fire" with his kids and I went and watched the fireworks with my family. They were spectacular! We got the hugest snowcones ever and had a great time eating, playing, visiting, and watching the fireworks. I am so thankful for my country, my freedoms, and my life. Happy Fourth of July!!!

I love waterfalls! I hate snakes!

So, yesterday (June 30) I went hiking with my friend Cameron and his dad. We decided to hike to the hot springs up Diamond Fork Canyon. Cameron and I had already ran/walked 8 miles that morning, so it is a good thing I am in pretty good shape! Hiking felt wonderful and it was a lot of fun talking and laughing with Cam and his dad. On our way to the hot springs, we met a friend in the path - a snake! EWWWWW! Cam of course gets excited and decides to get closer. Luckily, the snake doesn't like this and leaves. When we got to the hot springs and waterfall, it was so beautiful we decided to keep going to see what else we could find. Cam suddenly stops and asks if I smell something. He looks around and finds 4 (we think) of the hugest snakes ever in a clump maybe ten feet below us. EEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWW! I am not kidding - they were bigger around than my fist! Crazy Cam of course wants to get a closer look, so he climbs down there while I am yelling at him to stay away! Well, finally, he comes back up and we continue on our way. I am so glad we decided to keep going because we found the most beautiful waterfall just past the hot springs. It was amazing! Cam's dad decided to stop, but Cam and I kept going for maybe another mile. It was so much fun and felt so good to be out in the sunshine and mountains with friends. On the way back, we met another snake in the path and Cam decided to try and move this one with a stick. Unfortunatley, he ended up throwing the sucker down a cliff! It was really funny, but Cameron felt bad for the snake. I didn't! When we got back to Cameron's parent's house, his sweet dad insisted on making us lunch, so we ate hamburgers and fried zuchinni, fresh out of his dad's garden. It was a fun but exhausting day. Total, Cam and I figure we went about 18 miles - 8 this morning at the track and 10 on our hike. Crazy!!!!!!!! It felt so good though!