This year for Christmas I decided to surprise Joe and Candace with a trip to the happiest place on earth. I invited Candace's boyfriend Corey and really enjoyed getting to know him much better. Candace and Joe had now idea it was so much fun seeing the surprise on there faces on Christmas morning. We had a wonderful time the weather was amazing the only thing that could have made it better would have been to have Tyler there with us. I love being with family and the memories that are being made. It's going to be an amazing year and I can't wait to see what the new year will bring. Thanks Candace, Corey and Joe for a great trip.

Mission Fun

I've been waiting for the memory card from Tyler. I really look forward to seeing his companions and the area's he's serving in. Videos are the best I never though he would come up with this. It's a good thing he has taken piano from his grandma he put a smile on everyones face. Sit back get the popcorn and enjoy.Tyler bought a GPS when he arrived in Hershey. From the looks of the video he needs to get his money back. It's so nice to hear his laugh. I love being a missionary mom. Counting down the days until I can talk to him at Christmas.

Missionary Update

The colors of fall are so amazing. Tyler always has such a positive attitude his smile is infectious.
What can I say he likes to dance whether is be in the middle of the street or on the dance floor yes he did get his dancing moves from his dad
Tyler is serving in Towanda Pennsylvania you may ask where is Towanda upstate PA right next to New York. Its a very small town it reminds Tyler of Telluride Colorado. He feels like he has now tracted the entire town. The pictures that he sends home are so beautiful the leaves are starting to change the colors are amazing. He wanted us to feel bad for him by telling us this was the house they were having to live in.

Elder Ashby's first baptism if you can't tell by the big grin on his face a picture says a thousand words. They both look so radiant I can't help but be so proud of him. He has grown so much in the short 9 weeks he has been gone. He said in his email today it's not about the numbers its about changing someones life.
Elder Munn from Springville is his new companion. Tyler said they get along and have similar interests he said in his last email he is so lucky to have such great companions to serve with. Elder Munn will be coming home in 6 weeks so Tyler will be his last companion. This is Elder Ashby's first baptism his name is Ray I will have more to tell after I speak with him on mothers day. One hour a week is not long enough to get the entire story from him so excited to hear his voice in a few short days and to hear Ray's conversion story.
2 weeks ago Elder Ashby said good bye to his first companion Elder Worthen. Elder Ashby has loved serving with him and will always have a great friendship with him he is from Las Vegas Elder Ashby was worried that he wouldn't get another companion like Elder Worthen he has really enjoyed the training that he has received from him and as a mom I'm so grateful his first companion was so amazing.

Elder Tom Ballard and Elder Tyler Ashby at the MTC ready for the big day

Elder Tyler Ashby this is it the MTC yes the day has finally come!Ashby family February 3 2010
Brian and Karen Parker with the kids just wanting one last hug from Tyler the night before he left. Mack told Tyler he can't wait to be a missionary.
Tyler with Eric Franson YM president and friend
Tyler with the Orchard Hills ward Bishopric, Bishop Rich Brother Brian Blackhurst and Brother Alec Clark a very great group of men that Tyler really looks up to.
Tyler and Nick Greer. Nick was Tyler's YM leader for 3 years before he moved away Tyler says if it wasn't for Nick not giving up on him he may not be where he is today. He's a great friend.
Grandpa and Grandma Parker with Grandma Davis
The Trospers we consider them family not neighbors Tyler is really going to miss Leah she would always put a smile on his face,
Nate Hiatt a great friend and YM leader Tyler has always had a special spot in his heart for Nate.
Tyler and Kyle Parker. In the Parker family we get together once a month to celebrate birthdays Tyler was the only February birthday until Kyle was born. Tyler was hoping to share a birthday with him, but no Kyle decided to come a day earlier Feb 2. Tyler loves to tease and wrestle with him I think Kyle kind of likes Tyler to.
Jake Barney Adam Derfler Shannon Summerhays and Mitch Nicholes great friends of Tylers Shannons uncle is going to be Tylers mission President she is so excited for him to be serving with him. It was fun to talk to her about her uncle and get to know him a little better.

What a wonderful week we have had. I can't say thanks enough to my family, friends , coworkers and neighbors we could not have made it through this week with out you.

Family

The month of February holds a lot of change for the Ashby family. First Tyler will be leaving to serve his 2 year mission on February 3 2010. Then on February 22 2010 Joe's parents Dave and Bonnie will be leaving to serve an 18 month mission in Iceland. We are so happy for both Tyler and mom and dad Ashby to be serving they will be missed, but we know that they will be so blessed by serving missions. I am a world of emotions right now I don't know whether to laugh or cry. I find if I keep myself constantly busy I don't have time to cry. This next week will be very hard for myself and my family I remember putting my brothers in the MTC and the emotions that came along with having them leave. The last few days Tyler and I have been looking at the mission presidents blog and its been so fun seeing the other elders and sisters and the smiles on there faces in all of the pictures. I've joined LDS missionary moms a website based out of Lehi. Its been fun hearing from other moms that have missionaries either entering the MTC the same day as Tyler or have missionaries serving already in Pennsylvania. Its been a very positive experience so far. Thanks to all the family and friends that have helped in any way this past couple of months. Wish us luck ready or not here we go.

Elder Tyler Joe Ashby has been called to serve for the next 2 years in Pittsburg Pennsylvania he will enter the MTC on February 3 2010 which is also his 19th birthday. He is so excited so teach and meet the people of Pittsburg. We are so proud of him and his decision to serve a mission. It will be hard to see him go, but I know this is the best thing he could be doing right now in his life. I look at his friends and what a great influence they have been in his life they are great young men. Best of luck to a great missionary.

Missionary Life

What an exciting time of life getting a missionary ready to receive his call. Several of Tyler's friends are serving or leaving very soon. It just seems like yesterday he was out riding his razor scooter and causing all kinds of trouble in the neighborhood. We are so proud of the great young man he has become. The next month will be very exciting as he receives his call.

Tyler graduated from American Fork High School we are so proud of him and what he has accomplished. We look forward to whats in store for the next year. He is so excited to be done with school and relax for a month or so. We are so grateful for friends and family and what they have done for our family. Congrats Tyler Graduate of 2009.
Tom Ballard and Tyler graduated over and done so proud on you both!

Happy Birthday Tyler

I was feeling pretty good when I got up yesterday worked out at the gym came home when to have our taxes done and on the way home from Provo I had a melt down.  Tyler turned 18 which is not a bad thing, but I let my mind wander and we only have 9 months until he can send in his mission papers.  WOW I teared up in the car and thought my time is flying by.  Don't get me wrong I am so excited that he wants to serve a mission I am just not ready for it to be happening so fast. So after a good cry I pulled myself together and went on with the rest of the day.  I hope he had a great birthday.  Now for the next big event graduation if he can make it through the rest of his senior year.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TYLER WE LOVE YOU

Great Friends

Meadowbrook ROCKS!  Joe and I are so lucky to live in such a great neighborhood.  This year for the Christmas party we went to play laser tag then had dinner at Los Hermanos.  I consider this neighborhood my second family.  The friendships that we have are priceless.  Thanks for the great times that we have had and many more to come.
This year for Christmas Tyler just had to have this jacket he is the one in white.  It's creepy to see him zip it all the way up although he says its great for removing snow it keeps your face really warm.  Tom is sporting the multi color jacket.

I am so grateful for such great young men that Tyler is associated with.  He has had the opportunity this year t0 meet Sam he is a foreign exchange from Brazil here for the school year. Adam (little derf) and Tom.   They know how to have a great time and have such great standards.  They were preparing to attend a school dance and all had a great time.

Family

Wow Alan is now about 7 feet tall I guess eating your veggies even as adult you can still get taller.
On Christmas Eve the Ashby family will get together to have a wonderful dinner and then exchange gifts.  Joe's mom has a wall at her house where everyone marks how tall they are every time we get together like the brothers are still growing.  They hate the fact that Tyler is now taller than all of them by 1/4 inch.  Notice in the first family picture to the 2nd Joe's brother Alan suddenly grew about 8 inches he just about cut his head out of the picture.  We are so lucky to have such a great family and to celebrate the holidays with them.

Christmas Traditions

The day after Thanksgiving my mother has all 21 grandkids come to her house to decorate the Christmas tree.  After they are done they all head upstairs to decorate gingerbread cookies.  This is a highlight for all the kids even the big kids think this is great.  Sugar overload is an understatement by the end of the decorating.  That evening around 10pm  the sisters the girls 12 and older head out to shop and will usually stay out until wee hours of the morning.  Even if you don't buy anything you still have a great time.  This year at the Parker Christmas party we decided to put items together for the House of Hope located in Provo instead of buying Christmas gifts for each other.  What a rewarding experience it was for all the family to help with such an awesome project.  Thanks to all my family members for making it a success.  

On Friday night we headed up to Zoo lights it was very cold, but we had so much fun.  My parents went and we met my sister and her family there.   I think this could become a tradition to try and do every year.
We had the Scott family Christmas party today.  I love going because there are some family members that I only see once a year.  Tyler was so excited to sit on Santa's lap he told him all he wanted for Christmas was more hugs from his Grandma.  The little kids thought he was so funny.  You can never be to old to sit on Santa's lap.

On Halloween we were so lucky to have a visit from Hannah Montana and her biggest fan.  Can you guess which Doctor is that I work with ?I am so lucky to work with such a great group of people at Utah Valley Pediatrics.  Shaylee, Polly and I decided to go all out and dress as M&M's the kids loved it.  I am still silently laughing about the lunch visitor.

Jimmy Buffett or BUST

yThis is the extent of our dressing up 2 beautiful lays.  We missed you Marq and Sarah, but Jimmy will be back next year and I am looking forward to a fun weekend again with you then.

Very friendly he/she they were the hit of the pre-party and I am sure the post party also
Three grown men in there 50 dressed as blonde beach babes funniest thing I have ever seen I asked one of them for a picture and got the biggest hug of my life from him

Party held at Margaritaville  starts at 11 am the day of the concert and people will hang out the entire day then attend the concert that night 

Joe in the lobby of the MGM  
On Friday we drove out to Hoover Dam its amazing to see.

This past weekend Joe and I were able to attend the Jimmy Buffett concert in Las Vegas.  Originally Mark and Sarah were on board to go with us, but certain events took place in there lives and they were unable to go.  We missed them terribly, but Jimmy puts on an amazing and fun show and its always fun to attend.  They host a pre-party where all the "parott heads" dress up come enjoy food and fun and drinking.  By the concert everybody is very happy and it turns into a giant sing along with Jimmy.  Here are a few photos from the weekend.