Busy Christmas!

Beef noodle soup!! Daniel found a recipe that is super close to one of our favorite recipes from China. We made lots of broth so it will be easy to make next time. 

Gingerbread part 1. 

We did the prebaking for this weekend. We are going to decorate them this weekend.

 

And last but not least, we went to a concert last night with friends and had a blast such fantastic music. The Lower Lights have such a wonderful  contagious spirit, it makes you want to sing and dance along. In fact, for part of it we did! It was at the Masonic Temple in Salt Pake City. Such a neat venue. Thanks Matt & Caroline for going with us! 

The ceiling was cool. 

We had a swinging good time! 

(Wow, my hair is getting long!)

We can't wait to add new traditions and experiences when we have kids. Christmas is such a wonderful time of year for friends and to remember our Savior. 

What are your favorite parts of Christmas? Want to know more? Email us at danielashleyadopt@gmail.com

Doctor Who!!!

I forgot to post this last week. Last Monday we went and saw the Doctor Who special in theaters. We've been fans for quite sometime. Daniel longer than me. He got me hooked on it while we were dating. It was fun. Such a good show. I'm so glad we took the opportunity to see it in the theater. 

Do you like Doctor Who? Do you know who that is? My favorite Doctor is the tenth, David Tennant. 

Want to know more about us? Email us at danielashleyadopt@gmail.com

Thanksgiving!

We had Thanksgiving dinner with Daniel's family. After dinner (which was so yummy!!!) we went down to the park and played capture the flag with nerf dart guns. It was a hoot. Daniel's dad had over 20 guns and 100 darts. The missionaries joined us and they were so fun to add to the mix. Right after this photo (which Daniel took) we all shot him with our darts. 

Each adult had to partner with a child and Daniel claimed the baby. Ella is 6 months. And was fascinated with the gun. He pushed that stroller around shooting people. We even hid the flag in her stroller for one round!  

Then later we went to Ashley's grandma's house and played games with her family. We played apples to apples and had some pretty good laughs! Grandma even played. And won! What a sport. 

It was a fun filled day with good food and even better company! 

What are your favorite parts of Thanksgiving? Want to know more? Email us at danielashleyadopt@gmail.com

Fun weekend!!

We had a fun and busy weekend. Friday night we played with my fimo sculpting clay. I worked on some star ornaments and Daniel made a Lacy dog. It turned out really good. Unfortunately I haven't taken pictures of those yet. 

Friday Daniel made breakfast. We've taken to having pretty substantial breakfasts on Saturdays and it keeps us full most of the day. 

We are definitely foodies that way. 

Then, Saturday evening we went and saw Brigadoon, a musical, in West Valley and then to dinner with Daniel's mom and dad. 

The stage before it started. 

The obligatory selfie. Maybe we shouldn't do that? 

Then Sunday we spent the afternoon at Ashley's mom's house having Sunday dinner, chatting, and games. Our favorite right now is Bananagrams! 

After we ate, while some if us were cleaning up, the guys went and sat in the living room. 

Daniel is on the floor on the left side. You can't see Cam on the couch. My sister and I got a laugh out of it. 

Busy busy! And we're in for another one this weekend. I'm looking forward to it! Are you excited for Thanksgiving? What's your favorite part of that Holiday? 

Want to know more? Email us at danielashleyadopt@gmail.com

Sushi!!

On Saturday we went to an adoption conference and learned so much. It was really good for us. We listened to a birth mother panel, talked with others about feelings associated with infertility and the adoption world in general. We're both glad we attended. 

Afterwards we went and got sushi with my sister and her husband. I'm such good friends with my sister and we enjoy spending time together. The four of us have good times! They both tried nagiri (raw fish on rice bundles) for the first time. Let's just say we like it more than they do! I'm so glad we had such a good day and got to enjoy spending time with them. I'm grateful for them and our friendship. 

Down the hatch! 

A favorites was the deep fried roll with crab and cream cheese. Yumm-mmy. 

Do you like foreign foods? What's your favorite? 

Want to know more? Email us at danielashleyadopt@gmail.com

A few things we like to do... and have done.

Daniel and I decided to use our habit of Friday posting to share things we have been up to recently and answer questions about us. What do you think? I hope this is helpful in helping you get to know us.

A few things from earlier this fall. I'm afraid this is going to be a bit of a picture dump. I hope you enjoy it.

In early September, We headed up to Bear Lake to enjoy some 4 wheeling. I decided that is so much fun. I'd never been before. We had a good time with the fresh air and mountain views. A little mountain time is always good for the soul. 

In late September we went to the Ogden Greek festival. The local Greek community sells some fantastic homemade food. My favorite is the Tiropitakia. It's filo dough layered with feta cheese. I love it. Daniel's favorite Greek food is the dolmathes - the  grape leaves wrapped around lamb and rice.

In October we had our regular monthly meal with Daniel's family to celebrate the birthdays for the month of October. While there Daniel helped his dad, brother and brothers-in-law move a shed into his parents back yard.

Later in October we went up to my mom's house and picked apples with my sister. My dad built a cider press a number of years ago and then planted apples trees to make fresh apple juice. It was a blessing to be able to participate in something that my dad had established before he died. The fresh pressed cider was so delicious. We didn't get a lot, but oh, it tasted delicious. I look forward to sharing this with my family in the coming years. What a fun tradition!

 Daniel helped cut all the apples in half in preparation for pressing.

 My sister and her husband did the pressing.

The sweet nectar and finished product.

For Halloween we did a few fun things. I saw mummy dogs on Pinterest - so we made those. Then we carved pumpkins with friends.

 These are Daniel's. He did a better job at wrapping them.

 Daniel with Grace, our friend's little girl. She guided him with decisions like square eyes, etc.

We are Doctor Who fans so Ashley carved the TARDIS, the Doctor's time machine.

Fall is such a fun time of year. We are looking forward to the coming holiday season and all the fun things that come along with it!

Friday comes so quickly!

Today I'm just going to focus on one thing. My hands.

In the last couple of weeks I've had terrible carpal tunnel problems. There is a reason I am grateful for this. A couple in fact.

First of all, I have had to stop, slow down and be more careful. I'm  pretty sure that dual-tasking, like playing with the ipad while I watch TV, has been an exacerbater of this problem. I have had to stop doing that. Put my wrists in braces and pay attention to only one thing at a time. I am enjoying that one thing I am doing much more.

It's also making me more careful about what I am expending energy for. After any prolonged activity my hands start to burn. And the braces go back on. So I am careful about what I'm doing. I have made sure to include the important things. Like work (I type a lot at work), and piano and organ. (I am now the ward organist! I'm such an old lady!) I have spent less time "plugged in to the mother ship" as Daniel and I call it. I've been reading instead of playing with technology. It's nice. My brain is grateful.

I am also glad I can sleep without the braces bothering me because that is helping tremendously.

Is there any trial that you have that is making you more grateful? Tell us about it. danielashleyadopt@gmail.com

Family Pictures

A couple of weeks ago we had family pictures done with Daniel's family. We had a nice spot and it was so cute to see the kids. There were even a few of us that I liked!

Daniel's family does this thing where the kids (& their families) each have a letter of their last name 5 kids, 5 letters. Daniel is the fourth child, so we get the fourth letter. Then they get photo-shopped together into a panoramic or mural with the name spelled out. This is the second time we've done it this way. I think it's pretty cute. His younger unmarried brother gets the last letter with mom and dad.

We just love our puppies! Wouldn't a baby look nice there on Daniel's lap? I think so!

Want to know more about us or talk to us? Email us at danielashleyadopt@gmail.com!

10 Things...

So I was supposed to update this on Friday, its now Monday with Five things that I'm grateful for. And while thinking about it I decided that maybe we could use a change up. Instead of Five things I'm grateful for below is two lists. The first is Five things that I'm excited about when we, Ashley and I, have kids. The second is Five things that scare me a little. Cause lets be honest big life changes are both exciting and scary.

Excited:
1. Watching the baby sleep. I think baby's are pretty cute when they are sleeping.
2. Being able to participate on Father and Sons outings or Daddy Daughter dates.
3. Getting a puppy. One of the things that always makes me happy is my dogs and the concept of sharing that with a kid is exciting.
4. Family road trips in the summer. I don't have a lot a memories from being a child, less than twelve, for some reason. But, a lot of the memories I have are about road trips. Whether it was going to Zion's and Bryce Canyon's or the Redwood Forest the road trips are what I remember.
5. The first day when bring a new baby home.

Scared:
1. The first time I'm woken up by a crying sick child and not quite knowing what to do.
2. Wanting to make sure my children are better of than I am, both as people and in life options.
3. Having a crying/upset/hurt child and not being able to make it better; regardless of age.
4. The first date. Yes this is a little ways off, hopefully at least 16 years, but I remember being a teenage boy and I'm not sure I would trust my daughter with one or my son with someone else's daughter
5. The first day when bring a new baby home.

Friday.. already?

I can't believe how quickly the weeks are rolling by. I saw somewhere (twitter maybe?) that Christmas is only 12 Fridays away. Wow.

This week:

1. Fall. I love the crispness in the air and the smells of the earth getting ready to hibernate. And the excuse to sip hot cocoa and apple cider on the couch while reading a book. "it's too cold out, I'll just stay warm inside, thank you very much."

2. Friends. Specifically this week, it's friends who like food. Last night we had friends over for dinner and we enjoyed some Chinese hot pots and some white chocolate fondue. So yummy. We had good conversation and a good time.

3. Greek food. Tonight Daniel and I are going on date night to the Ogden Greek festival. We missed it the last two years because we lived in China. We have been looking forward to this for months. Greek food is so good. The cheese and the spinach and the meat and the desserts. My word, the desserts. My favorite is the one that is deep fried donut balls with cinnamon and honey all over them. I can't remember what it's called, but it's good. My other favorite is the feta cheese and filo dough pie. Very rich flavors, but super yummy. I think this year we are going to buy the cook book so we don't have to wait a year for this delicious food.

4. Golf. Funny that I appreciate this, because I don't golf. But Daniel does. It's good for him. I like how it helps him and the benefits I see from his golfing. Sometimes I ride along and enjoy the quietness of the golf course and being outside.

5. Rain. I love the smell of moisture on the ground and in the air. Sometimes you can smell it before it comes. It makes the earth feel richer and more fertile. It restores me in a way and makes my soul feel clean. I love it.

What's making you smile this week?

Want to know more? Email us at danielashleyadopt@gmail.com!

The weeks are rolling by..

Fridays seem to pass before I know what's hit me!

This week:

1. I'm grateful for my husband's employers. He has put a lot of hard work in over the last few years and they are doing well by him and he has been recognized for that hard work.

2. I'm grateful for the crispness in the air that means fall is here. I love fall. I love Halloween. I'm working on gearing up for some Halloween fun.

3. I'm grateful for support systems. People in my life who lift me up when I'm down and encourage me when things feel hard.

4. I'm grateful for challenges. I have to remember that the devil works hardest when things are going well. We are blessed and I have to remember that, especially when I can see things are going well. I have to remember to feel they are going well too, and not get disheartened. 

5. My new couches. Yup. We got new couches in July and they are commm-fyyy.

What's making you smile this week?

Want to know more? email us at danielashleyadopt@gmail.com

It is still Friday I promise

It is time yet again for another episode of Daniel's take on Friday Favorites.

1. Good books. I was able to read a fun book this week it was the last in a trilogy. It is great to be able to take sometime and a book and be somewhere else.

2. Twitter. I use twitter to follow a bunch of people I don't know but their conversations are funny and make my day better.

3. Apple Soda. I found some awesome apple soda at Ikea. It is one of my favorite drinks some how tart, bitter and sweet at the same time.

4. Rain. Or most specifically the smell after a rain storm. That slightly ozoney smell that means things are fresh and new.

5.Recycling. The city we live in just started doing recycling. It is amazing how much less trash we have now we can recycle some of the stuff.

This week

I'm sorry it's been so long. Summer has just flown by.

1. Tomatoes! We have so many. I'm so grateful for the ability to grow produce from one tiny little seed. Then I can have tomatoes all year long! I already have 14 pints with many more to come!

2. Comfy couches. Finally after 6 years of marriage, we broke down and bought couches. We've been using hand me downs and then the ones that I liked at RC Willey came on a really good sale. So we bought them! They are so comfy. I just love them!

3. Vacations. This afternoon Daniel and I are headed to Bear Lake for a couple days with my family. I am looking forward to relaxing with my family for the whole weekend.

4. Sharing. I shave o many blessings and I'm grateful for all the people that work so hard around me for those blessings and that they are willing to share. (General, I know, but still!)

5. Ikea. I know, silly. But it has some good stuff that can make my life easier. I'm glad there is somewhere to get useful stuff!

A few days late...

I certainly enjoyed the holiday. You? I mostly spent it at home sewing and catching up on all sort of cathartic quilting - just the kind I needed. I spent lunch on the 4th with my grandparents - our weekly Thursday lunch.

1 - Thursday lunch! Every Thursday since I got home from China and once a week for the 3 years proceeding, I have spent one lunch at week at my mom's parents. They live close to my work and I sure enjoy it. I have gotten to know them so much better and our relationship has grown wonderfully. I'm grateful for them in my life and for all that they are and that they do.

2  - America. I have always known this is a great country and living outside of it for 19 months certainly added my appreciation. There were some trips that when we reached American soil it felt blessed. There certainly is something special about America.

3 - History. I got my Bachelor's degree in History. The things we can learn and understand about now can be immeasurably increased by our knowledge of what came before. History has always inspired me and it continues to do so.

4 - 56 men who pledged their life, their liberty and their property to securing the birth of this country. Each one of them suffered greatly in one way or another before they died, loosing either their life, their liberty, or the property as a result of signing the Declaration of Independence. I've had the privilege of seeing the original a couple of times and it truly is inspiring.

5 - My DVD player. I have watched lots of my favorites while sitting at my sewing machine. It has done my soul good!

What's making you smile this week?

Want to know more? email us at danielashleyadopt@gmail.com

Today's list

Holy Hannah it's hot. My car said 105 degrees on my way home tonight. I hope my garden doesn't die!

1. Air conditioning! Whether it's central air at the office, the AC in my car or a functioning swamp cooler at home, I'm so glad there is a way to cool air for our comfort!

2. International communication. Daniel is in China for a little while and because of modern technology, he can call me from his cell phone in Xiamen, China to my cell phone in Utah. It's great. It makes his being gone much easier to deal with.

3. My sewing machine. I love to sew quilt tops. I have a harder time saving the money to get them quilted and bound, but I sure do love seeing a finished product. While Daniel is gone I have pulled out my sewing machine not to put it away til just before he comes home. I have all sort of projects ready for the doing!

4. Good TV shows. There is so much on TV that can't be trusted to be uplifting or kind. So it makes me all the more grateful when I find a show I can enjoy without worrying about language, or immodesty, or violent or gruesome topics.

5. Shorts. How much more comfortable is life when we can wear shorts!

What's making you smile this week?

Want to know more? email us at danielashleyadopt@gmail.com

Today's smiling moments

I try my hardest to post weekly, I promise I do! It's crazy how one week can get away from you.

This week:

1. Daniel's job. It has its hard points, everything does, but he is able to enjoy his work and provide for our needs. That's a big deal. I will be able to stay home once we are placed with and that feels good and safe. I'm so grateful for that.

2. My kindle. I read. A lot. I always have multiple books at my fingertips for my waiting time - whether down time at work, waiting at the Dr's office, or simply as I wind down for the evening. It's great. Technology is amazing.

3. At the same time, I'm grateful for books. I actually split between e-reader and paper. There is something satisfying about turning pages and watching your progress. Besides what a book can offer otherwise. I always enjoy a good read. I've been indulging in a few lately.

4. Fresh tomatoes. Oh my goodness. I got my first garden tomatoes Sunday. I got home from our Father's day celebration with my family and there were 2 little bright red sun ripened cherry tomatoes. I washed them in cold water and they were delicious. The warmth from the sun, the vine fresh taste. I'm drooling again thinking about them. I can't wait for more!

5. Cookies. I always enjoy a yummy cookie. And oftener, I enjoy cookie dough. But shhhh, don't tell. I don't think you're supposed to eat raw dough.

What's making you smile today?

Want to know more? danielashleyadopt@gmail.com

Friday Favorites

This has been a long but a quick week. Funny how that happens.

1. Modern Medicine - I'm grateful for all the advancements of western medicine and how there is so much we can to do help when we feel ill. I'm glad for the knowledge.

2. Hugs. Isn't it amazing what a hug from a friend or family member can do for you? Hugs convey so much.

3. Pansies. I have a bunch of periwinkle pansies along the front of my house. They are happy smiling flowers in one of my favorite colors.

4. Cookie dough. I love raw cookie dough. They say it's not healthy, but I've been doing it for over 25 years - and I'm fine. So...bring on the dough! Especially when it's cold from the night before. Yummmm.

5. Sunglasses. By simply putting a dark lens in front of your eye, you can see in what would otherwise be a blindingly bright day. And it's better for your eyes.

Just  few things that are making me smile this week. What's making you smile this week?

Want to talk more? danielashleyadopt@gmail.com

Friday Favorites

I apologize for not posting the last couple weeks. We've had super busy Fridays.

Things I'm grateful for this weeL

1. Good laughs. My morning started out with me being kind of ornery. Unfortunately. But right after I got to work, my cousin sent me this picture:

That's me looking ridiculous in the back. I look terrible, but it's pretty funny. I've been laughing to myself ever since. Yay for good laughs.

2. Broccoli. I love broccoli. I had some for lunch today and it tasted oh so yummy.

3. My China experience. I am grateful for that in so many ways, but today it's about the friends we made there. Tonight we are going to get sushi with the couple that spent 6 months with us there. I'm excited.

4. My friend Eryn. She's kinda super woman. She is due with her baby in two week. Her house is in the process of being sold. She has 3 kids at home. She is a full-time homemaker and mother. We got the chance to grab a bite last night while the husbands were kickin' it together and I'm just impressed with her. She sets a great example of loving her children and handling pressure with a grace and smile. Even when she's frustrated and very tired.

5. The color blue. I guess I should say, that I'm not color blind. But blue especially. It's one of my favorite colors. (Let's be honest, I just like color!). Have you heard of color aromatherapy and the idea that colors convey moods? Blue is my happy color. I bought 3 blue shirts last night. I'm happier and calmer in blue.

What's making you smile today?

Want to know more? danielashleyadopt@gmail.com

I am so behind!

This last week has been super busy! My cute little sister got married and Thursday was recuperation day and Friday was busy at work. Saturday I planted the garden and Sunday I took a nap!!

Five things:

1. The Temple. It was so wonderful to be in the temple with my mom and three siblings for my sister's wedding. I'm so grateful for the sealing power that makes families eternal. My sister and her husband (!) started a new little eternal family on Wednesday. It was wonderul.

2. Family. We have our family as well as my new brother-in-law's family help so much to get everything set up on Wednesday before the reception. I'm grateful for them all.

3. My husband. He was dragged along so many places and introduced to people he will probably never meet again. But he was kind and gracious. Even with a headache. Then he let me have my time to recoup.

4. In-laws. I have great in-laws. Daniel's parent and siblings are great. I've been able to spend time with them recently and I have enjoyed it. They are helpful, kind, and accepting.

5. Music. Music speaks to my soul. I've been listening to a lot of Mozart's music lately. The man was a genius. I'm grateful that talented composers have shared that talent and given the world such great music.

What's making you smile this week?

Want to know more? email us danielashleyadopt@gmail.com

Friday Favorites

Daniel asked me why, if we are listing things we are grateful for, is it called "Friday Favorites?" I would have to say it's because I'm often very grateful for my favorite things!

And, oh my, Friday's come quickly. Time seems to be racing away from me.

1. Bulbs. I am grateful for flowers in bulb form. They just come up with the time is right! A few years ago I planted bulbs to come up every month for 6 months. And I love it. My late spring and early summer bulbs are coming up now!

2. Cars. In China we had to bus, walk, or taxi. It was nice because I didn't have deal with the scary driving or the horrendous parking issues, but it's nice to have the freedom of your own vehicle. And listen to your own music.

3. Fridays. Some weeks just seem to last forever and Fridays are wonderful because I know that I get a whole weekend to be home, with my husband and my dogs. Outside in the sunshine or sleeping in till I feel like getting up.  Fridays are a precursor to adventure!

4. Short sleeve shirts. I have recently been avoiding long sleeves like the devil. And not just because of the sunshine. Sometimes having constrictive fabric on my arms make me crazy. Short sleeve shirts are wonderful. And the current styles/trends that allow and propagate the comfort of short sleeves.

5. My nieces and nephews. Last night I went to the Symphony with my 7 year old niece. We had a good time. On the way home we talked about family and she said "I wonder what your babies will look like." So we talked about how adoption means my baby could look like anything. Dark hair, light hair, fair skin or tan. It's a mystery until that baby arrives. I'm glad I got some one on one time with Hazel. She's been my buddy for a long time.

What is making you smile today?

Daniel Chimes in for Friday Favorites

So it is my turn for doing a Friday Favorite. The way it was explained to me is I need to give a list of five things I'm thankful for this week

1. Ethinic food. This week I ate Chinese, Mexican, and Indian food. The differences in the foods make them all better. It also helps me to appericate traditional American food.

2. My dogs. Even though they are a 7:20 am alarm every morning. They are happy to see me all the time and help me to be happy each day.

3. Doctor Who. One of the most entertain TV shows of all time. The new season just started in the UK and it is great.

4. Sunshine. It has been a bit of a long winter with moving back from China and still going back multiple times.

5. Mowing the lawn. Yeah I know this is weird. This is a Zen thing for me. It is a simple tasks that allows me to clear my mind and accomplish a task. There is a lot of satisfaction in completely a task.

That is my Friday Favorite.

Friday Favorites

Forgive me for posting late this week. Friday was a special day. My dad taught at the University of Utah and about the time he passed away there was a scholarship endowment anonymously set up in his name. On Friday they gave the scholarship out for this coming school and they invited us to be there. It was nice to see my dad's coworkers and catch up with them. The young man who got the scholarship is finishing up his Doctorate.

So on this week's things that make me smile.

1.  My dad. I miss him terribly, but he left behind a legacy that continues to bless us. I'm grateful to have had a good father to teach me all that he did and to influence those around him as much as he did. Being in higher education, he had impact on so many. He was a good  man.

2. My husband. This week I turned 30! (Ack!) He took me to do iFly and then to a nice dinner. He treats me well and I'm grateful for his love and support.

3. Tulips. The tulips are up everywhere. Tulips are the reason we got married in April. They just make me so happy.

4. The mountains. Our mountains here on the Wasatch Front are inspiring. The are majestic. I love them in the evening sun, especially when they get the pink hue in the winter.

5. Friends. We've been able to spend some good quality time with friends through this last week and it has been good. We support each other and we know we can count on each other. Good friends can make a world of difference in you life. I'm glad I have such good ones.

What's making you smile this week?

Ashley

Friday favorites

Hmm. Today I am in a great mood! Aren't those kind of days just wonderful? The sun is shining. I'm hanging out with friends tonight. My flowers are in bloom. It's a great day.

Today's list:


1. Dirt. Yup. I love dirt. Because in America, you can own it. In China the government owns all the land. You can lease it. Like you can own your apartment, but the building owner has leased the land from the government for 99 years. Then I don't know what happens. Crazy. In America you can buy your land. I love it. A yard, a garden, your grass, your house. We put together a garden space and last week we filled it with dirt. This weekend the goal is to get some seeds in the ground. In our ground.

2.  Puppies! I love my puppies. Sometimes they try my patience, as everything in life does from time to time, but they are always glad to see us. They love to cuddle. They love attention and are grateful for every moment the get. They say having dogs can improve your health.

3. Family. Both our families. Daniel and I come from great families. Siblings who get along, set good examples and help each out when needed. With conference last weekend we got to spend more time with Daniel's siblings. Next weekend is our monthly dinner with my family. I'm glad they live close, that we live close to them and that we have time to spend with each other. Being around people is good for you. Especially good people.

4. My maternal grandma. Yesterday she gave me a card for my upcoming birthday that was just what I needed to hear. She is great. She spends a long time carefully considering everything a card conveys and has boxes of them saved for specific times for specific people. So when I read that card, I knew that she meant it. Sincerity is wonderful and I'm grateful for grandparents that sincerely love me.

5. A comfy chair. I spend a lot of time sitting at work. It's not a great chair, but it's comfortable. Makes it easier on me when I spend 6 hours sitting to have somewhere nice to sit.

What is making you smile today?

Ashley

Friday Favorites

Before we moved to China I did a weekly post of "Attitude of Gratitude." This is the resumption and that with a little change to include things that just make me happy.

Today, April 5, 2013 -

1. Vegetables. I am grateful for vegetables and they just make me happy. I had a handful of sugar snap peas at lunch and enjoyed every bite.

2. Employment. I am grateful I get to work. And I'm especially grateful that I like my job. I work for good people doing honest work and I get to participate. It's wonderful.

3. I am grateful for Daniel's job. They appreciate him. Things are hard right now with a big project hitting a critical moment. But he works with good people, for a good company and his hard work has recently been kind noted and appreciated.

4. Sunshine. I love sunshine and what it does for me. My dogs are happier, I am happier and it makes vegetables (see #1!) grow. Yay.

5. My sister. My baby sister is getting married in 4 1/2 weeks. I am so excited for her. She is marrying a wonderful guy that we all just love. They are getting married in the Salt Lake Temple in May. I have been privileged to be her older sister. What a great gal she is. I even get to help with wedding stuff. I wish her the best.

Those are things to smile about today. What do you have that you can smile about?

Ashley

Almost there!

After a little over two years with a dormant profile, we are just finishing up the paperwork to reopen our profile. I can't wait to begin the search for my babies in the coming weeks and months. Welcome to the blog.  I hope you find something of benefit while searching it's pages.

Thank you,

Ashley