Now That I Have Your Attention...

I've already said my peace about how Kate is "a little on the bossy side." I had to throw in one more tidbit:

The other day Dave, Kate, and I were over visiting Grandma Sherrie. We were all having some sort of conversation, not noticing that Kate was trying to get Grandma's attention. I like to think that Kate must have started out with a polite, "Grandma?" until realizing that she was being unintentionally (yet entirely) ignored.

The next thing we hear is a little munchkin voice belting, "SHERRIE!" (loud)

"SHERRIE!" (louder) "SHERR-IE!" (louder than any child should be able to yell). We all stopped and turned to see this little girl just standing there looking at us.

We're not sure where she learned Grandma's first name, and how she knew saying THAT would get our attention, but once again, are not too shocked that she has learned how to take control of a situation. Hopefully she doesn't lose this skill as she gets older; although, refining this skill might be a nice thing.

Botanist by Day...

Aside from arguing about a which word is a swear word, and who kissed who out at recess, hanging out with 7 and 8 year olds can be fun believe it or not! My second graders are studying plants right now. Below is a picture of our grow lab. Each kid in my class has their own 4-pack of Brassica Rapa plants sitting under flourescent lights for 24 hours/day. We water every other day.

Yesterday we used dried bees (yes, they were real, although dead) and rubbed them into the pollen of alstromeria flowers. The kids then rubbed the pollened-up bees all over their plants in hopes of cross-pollinating the plants. At first, the kids were a little creeped out handling dead bees (me too), but it didn't take long for the kids inside of us to break out and love it. We all felt so tricky to be doing such scientific experiments, not to mention recreating what really happens when bees pass pollen from one plant to another.

We'll see next week if anyone was successful in their pollinating efforts. I kind of wonder because it seems like there wasn't enough pollen to go around. At least it was a good attempt if nothing else.

All Grown Up!

Meet Kate...
























At birth, she DETESTED being swaddled in a blanket, would not fall asleep in your arms, and spoke at an extremely young age. Nowadays, you'll see her refusing to sit in high chairs and booster seats, absolutely NOT riding in a grocery cart, demanding to "Walk!" instead of being carried, and as of yesterday morning...putting on makeup all by herself. Do you think this child hates being a baby?

History Really Does Matter!

Upon reading my blog, one might ask, "Where does the nickname 'Aish' come from?" Today, my friends, you find the answer to your question.

It all started during the dark years of junior high...I call it dark because weren't we all a little awkward, ugly, stinky, and confused at that point in our life? I had just sat down in U.S. History when my delightful teacher, Mr. Smith, called role call. "Aishley Nelson?" he called out. I giggled to myself, but managed to say, "Here!" The sweet man (I truly did love the guy--so much, in fact, that I aided for him the following year) could not say Ashley, instead it was always "Aishley."

A good pal, Lindsey Miller South, became friends with me shortly after the "Dark Ages." She just ate this story up (I'm not sure why). Anywho...she began calling me Aishley, and soon the shortened version "Aish" became even more popular. Now much of my fam and many of my closest friends call me Aish without even knowing how the name evolved.

I don't tell you this story to bore you to tears, or even to be self-absorbed in posting a blog entirely about myself. But...imagine the thrill I had today when Mr. Smith and I reunited! I was at school walking my second graders to recess. Then, like a beam of light blazing into my eyes, I see him! Mr. Smith was sitting in the front office of my school waiting to give a history presentation to the fifth graders. Of course, I ran up to him (I had to be sure this was real), shook the man's hand, and reintroduced myself. Did he recognize me? Of course not. Did I look like a crazed fool? Absolutely. But the experience took me back and I couldn't wait to write this down. They say teachers never know the impact they have on their students. In Mr. Smith's case, this is certainly true!

Getting the Itch!

Anyone who knows me really well...knows that I have a complicated relationship with the aforementioned vacation spot. I love the feeling of walking through the gates of Happiest Place on Earth, eating the frozen Mickey ears, and racing from one ride to the next. But, at the same time, I always hate that I let myself go back and do the very same vacation as the previous year.

During dental school we got to visit Mickey and the gang nearly every weekend. Ashley (after dental school): "I don't need to go back for a really long time." Ashley (a few months later): "Yea! I'm at Disneyland....shoot, what have I done?!"

On Sunday, as we were visiting with my fam, the topic of a Disney vacation came up. One part of me yearned to go back, but the other part of me, meanwhile, is screaming and yelling to go to some new, adventurous, exotic place. I feel like Jan Brady trying to sort out her inner, conflicting voices. The problem is...what other vacation is as affordable and fun (I'll admit it) as Disneyland? Any suggestions? While you're thinking...here is a picture of Baby Kate showing how much, she too, loves the place!

Woo Hoo 7 years!

I thought I had a great idea to post to the blog, then found out you beat me to it! I love you so much!!! Seven years has been incredible, I can't wait for the next seventy.

Happy Annivalentines!

To my sweetie of 7 years and an eternity more...I love you! Happy Anniversary and Valentine's Day!

Skiers Are We

It's official...Dave and I are skiiers! We went to Sundance on Saturday with Dave's work. Neither of us had been in a combined 24 years (as you can see by our super cool circa 1990's ski coats) so we were a little nervous.
Dave proved to be an expert; not ever falling! Me, on the other hand, took spills left and right. Good thing I don't have an ego, or I might have shattered it. I'm still amazed that I was able to get back up after every fall, knowing that I was only minutes away from another neck-wrenching fall! I think one might call that bravery, or maybe stupidity.
The experience, however, proved to be both thrilling and enchanting! I can't wait for my next ski date with Dave on top of the snowy Sundance mountains...it was truly romantical!

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait...and Wait, and Wait!

It only took 58,000 Disney movie purchases and a half a decade, but we finally saved enough "Disney Rewards Points" to actually earn something! Sure, we could have cashed out earlier on stinky pins, stickers, and other lame-o Disney memorabilia. But we held strong for the Cinderella sleeping bag, pillow, and carrying case. Kate was certainly thrilled.

We had a great Saturday night! We got to kick it with our California peop's, Laney and Matt. We went to Cowboy Grub in SLC, which was truly unique (so was the waiter that served us, come to think of it). Lucky for us, they live in Utard now so we can actually continue hanging out with them.

Tonight's the night! My first den meeting is only hours away. Dave keeps telling me that I'm making too big of a deal out of this whole scouts thing, but I'm not so sure. These 9 and 10 years olds could eat me alive if it's not a totally awesome event! I think it's best to "be prepared" (no pun intended...well, maybe a little).

Biggest Loser Shout Out!

What can I say about the show that truly motivates me? Inspirational? Life-changing? Words cannot express my feelings! This is the show that changes lives, especially mine! Every Tuesday night, you will NOT find me wasting time! Oh, no! You will find me in one place, and in one place only: faithfully sitting on the couch watching and cheering on others as they work out! Thank you Biggest Loser for truly motivating me!