We welcomed 2009!

I'm alive and back.... at least I think.... I've been procrastinating this post, but I've savored the time I've been away. With the close of 2008 we welcomed 2009. You see there are a lot of new things in our journey together and we welcomed it all, with open arms. We are ready for another start, and hope that it is one that lasts for some time. With a new year came a new home, a new neighborhood, a new ward, new friends, a new drive to work, a new grocery store, and what I love most,  a new view out our front windows. It is absolutely beautiful. With the new year we also experienced the January weather and a feverish cold. The boys were very sick and we made many comforting trips to the doctor to make them well. While enjoying mommy-hood and taking advantage of every cry and cuddle I've been doing what I do best. Decorating! I will say I feel a bit rusty.

 

I haven't done anything of the sort for about 9 months. Already I'm moving things around after I've hung  or placed them. Which makes for a lot of holes and patches. We welcomed my mom and dad with a quick visit to our new home and new life. We always enjoy them and they're company. We've taken advantage of the beauty and on the days the boys were well and the weather warm we went for rides on the bike. We are excited to announce we made some awesome friends. They would fit right in with all of you. We love our beautiful home and are enjoying this adventure we're on. I must say things are good. We are extremely happy and very blessed. Of all these wonderful things I would like to share that what has truly brought me the most joy and happiness. My sweet husband who loves me unconditionally and works so hard for our little family, my two boys that I can't get enough of, and my growing testimony of the gospel. My love and knowledge grows stronger each day. This is a beautiful life with many opportunities and experiences. I wouldn't change any of it, and I'm grateful to my Heavenly Father for it all. It's a Wonderful Life!

 

(What happens when mom leaves that house? Nesquick!! At least we both have a sense of humor and Johnny got some pictures)

Good bye 2008

1. Birthdays (Johnny~26, Ashley~22, JJ~2)

2. Moving to Oregon

3. Moving 4 times! 

4. Welcoming our sweet baby Jack

5. Surgery

6. Experiencing Thanksgiving away

7. Visiting Utah for the Holidays

8. Making many new friends

9. Moving to our new home

10. Growing as a family and as individuals

(more than most years)

 

The Best Christmas Ever an Ashley post!!!

 

This had to be the best Christmas ever and 90% of you already know why. Well we really enjoyed our long trip to Utah . I wish I could have seen a few more of you but with the holidays it is so hard to find time. It was a relaxing trip but crammed with lots of fun. I was able to see a lot of family, create memories, and remember past times. Johnny returned to us on the 19th which was a relief. We attended the Eyre Christmas party with yummy food and music on the 21st. Every year Santa visits this party, and it was hilarious 

(No pictures of Jack he slept the whole time, He was sick the entire time we were in Utah)

to watch JJ see Santa. He was in awe, but couldn't get enough and kept asking Santa for his turn. (He wanted to sit on his lap and get a present.) It was so cute. Initially when Santa came in JJ was unsure but once I told him Santa brings you toys he acted like Santa was his best friend and kept yelling for him. We enjoyed getting him ready for the big night. We were also able to get a little sledding in with Papa Mike. JJ loved it and as we already new, the kid has no fear. He loved going by himself every way possible.

 

What a kid!! Christmas Eve was spent at Johnny's parents where we enjoyed his mom's famous chicken noodle soup, opened p.j.'s, read a Christmas story and took it easy. I was a Mrs. Claus this year and stayed up till 2:00 am and enjoyed every second of it. We woke up at a normal time and headed down the stairs. JJ loved opening all his presents from Santa. It was so fun to watch his beaming face. Then Johnny's parents came over and brought more gifts. Lets just say we hit the jackpot. We went to the traditional Christmas movie with both our families. Which we've done since before Johnny and I were married. We saw The Tale of Despereaux. And now we call Jack our little Despereaux, he's got the ears. The day after Christmas is the Hicken family Christmas get together. We do this every year. We exchange gifts, eat food, and take a chocolate Santa off the tree with money on the back. It is a tradition that's been going on forever. My dad pulled out the snowmobiles and we all had a blast in the snow on my Grandpa's farm. It reminded me of being a kid and was very sentimental to me. I took in every moment enjoying all the time we had with family and friends, bottling it up to take for my home away from home. We left that Sunday after. It was hard but easy I was ready to get home and get settled. You see the whole time we were down there I was anticipating coming home and closing on our new house. But after we flew in we found out we needed to come sign off on some things or we wouldn't be able to close when we wanted to. We did this with our last house so I knew the procedure. Well we got to the house and what do you know there's a Christmas tree with lights in the front room. I thought what the heck..... then I saw all my flower pots and I about lost it. My incredible and amazingly dreamy husband bought and moved us into a new house while I was in Utah. I was shocked and my eyes filled with water. There was roses in the front porch and a big present for the boys. Can you believe my husband got me a house for Christmas. Neither could I!!! He did his best to unpack and place things so that it was presentable. There were even presents for us under the tree. I was truly taken back. In Utah he kept telling me he had gotten me a big present. And for a second I thought what if he got me the house. But I put that in the back of my mind not wanting to be disappointed. He even threw me off by saying he got me a grill. Haha!! So we were supposed to close today but instead I have been unpacking and decorating. I love it and it feels so good to be in a house that is mine. It is so nice, beautiful, and clean!!! I am very grateful and feel undeserving. We have been extremely blessed and I recognize all that the Lord has done for us. Thank you honey for this beautiful house and for providing so well for our little family. I know that you are such a hard worker and I love you more than you know. I can't believe I picked such an amazing man!!!!

 

I'll get pictures up a.s.a.p.!!!