Quarter

On Thursday I celebrated my 25th birthday. That's right...a quarter of a century.  So i'm old.  I am coming to grips with it.

To ease my aging mind, Justin treated me with my favorite cake, Jere Cake.  This isn't just a cake in a box, it's quite the process--but well worth it!  He went to the store and bought round cake pans and all.  When I walked in from school there it was on a cake stand and looked fabulous!  Friends and neighbors came over to help us eat it.

On my actual birthday, I flew to Lubbock, Texas to spend the weekend with Randi and Tyson.  {Post to come}

My birthday was great and a day that I will never forget!  I so am excited to see what this next year has in store...  Thank you friends, family, and students for making my quarter turn not seem so bad.

Independence Day

This year we celebrated America's birthday by hitting the slopes at Snowbird Resort in the morning.  {You read that right, I skiied...on my favorite holiday}  

I learned one thing this day: 

Skiiers are crazy!

Justin said that he has never seen the parking lot so full...and he has skiied powder days.  There were two lifts open and plenty of snow.  I was of course in Independence Day attire--it was 60 degrees at the top.  Justin opted for the shorts and sweatshirt look, he pulled it off.  

After skiing we went home, had some lunch/dinner and headed to Sugarhouse Park for the firework show where we met up with Em, Jackson, Chelsea and Jameson.  I LOVE the fireworks!  Luckily, in Utah, we get to see them twenty days apart.

Happy Birthday, America!

Moms

We feel very lucky to have such great women in our life, but are especially grateful for our moms.  Call us crazy, but we believe we have some of the best moms around.

Growing up I was always told that I looked my dad, however, over the past few years I've heard from lots of people that I look like my mom.  We have stood in the mirror next to each other (several times) trying to see Donna's mini-me...still haven't seen it yet.  True, we are the same height, have similar voices, and I'll give you mannerisms, but the mini-me mystery still remains.  I am grateful for my mom and everything she has done for me.  I was a little brat at times, but she still managed to keep me around.  I feel so blessed to have a great mom in place of the sister that I never had.  I love you, mom and hope to be like you to my future children.

--Pearl

I have yet to see the Donna look-a-like either, but I do see the kind, loving, and understanding Donna come out in Ashley every day.  I'm so thankful for a mother-in-law who has loved and accepted me into her family so well, and for all she has done to help Ashley to become who she is today.  I'm truly one of the lucky ones.  Donna, thanks for all you do.  I love you.

--Justin

I am so grateful to have such an amazing mother-in-law.  I have always felt so welcomed in the Casperson family and have loved every second.  Tara's efforts to raise such an amazing son, have truly changed my life.  I am eternally grateful for the guidance, love, and fun that she portrayed to Justin growing up.  Thank you for being an example and for showing me a new level of fun!  I love you.

--Ashley

I can safely say that I have the coolest mom around, and I confident no one would argue with that.  Mom, I'm so thankful for all you have done for me.  Even when I was a complete pain in the butt you always loved, helped, and supported me and did everything you could to get me on the right track.  I love you so much for it. You always taught me to be happy and love whatever you're doing, and you still show me up and teach me to have more fun, but most of all thank you for the great example you have always been in everything.  Thanks for being awesome! I love you.

--Justin

...What We Love About Our Moms...

- They are friends
- They love to dance
- They're fun
- They love to travel...and have taken us on some pretty great trips!
- They karaoke
- They read us good-night stories
- They've made us better people
- They support us

Happy Mother's Day, Donna and Tara!  We hope you have a wonderful day.  We love you and are proud to call you, "mom."

April Fools Day

I was a little nervous this year for April Fool's Day seeing as I have a very emotional bunch of kiddos.  But surprisingly, everything went pretty well!  I got many "there's a spider on your head" or "Mrs. C there is a chicken in the hallway!"  It's amazing how much funnier we get as we're older.

One of the best jokes I've heard came from the third grade classroom.  Too bad I can't use it next year...so to anyone looking for a funny joke here you go:

Mrs. Buttars walked in on Friday morning and told her class that she just got out of meeting with the the principal about what to do in the event of a flood.  She taught them everything they needed to do in case of a flood.  

She started with having them roll their pants to their knees and get to higher ground.

Then there were lots of hands and panicked faces about what to do when the water got higher than their desks that they were on.

Answer: swim.

They practiced how long they could hold their breath and their strokes for several minutes. 

One girl was very confident in her strokes and informed others to correct theirs.

{Note: they are all still playing along!}

Another question was asked: "How do we open the door?"

By then everyone was taking this very seriously.  Mrs. Buttars did all she could to not crack up and answered that someone would have to swim down and open it.

SOO funny!  I can't wait to have this bunch of kids next year.  Kids are so gullible.  As for my class this year I made them all spaghetti and meatball cupcakes.  A few of them wouldn't eat the "meatball" {aka no bake cookie dipped in strawberry jam}.  

All in all, it was a fun day with the most BEAUTIFUL weather of the year!  Here is a picture of the final product.

Super Bowl Sunday

Every man's favorite Sunday of the year!  This year we are hosting the party.

What the guys are interested in

                          

                           VS.






Prediction/Want:  Green Bay

What's on the girls mind

On the Menu:
- Chili dip
- Chip dip
- Endless supply of chips (ruffles, tortilla, fritos, pita)
- Little smokies
- Sodas (the Mormon "booz"--Mt. Dew, Dr. Pepper...)
- Bacon Burgers
- Hot Dogs
- BBQ ribs
- Salads
- Brownies
- Cake
...who knows what else will end up on the counter!

Asian Christmas

This year we spent Christmas in Asia. I hadn't been back for 5 years so I was excited to go...plus this was Justin's first time there, which made me very excited to go. My family moved to Shenzhen, China...a 30 minute ferry ride from Hong Kong International Airport. They live right on the water and have a beautiful views. During our 15 hour plane ride...that's right 15 hours...I kept reminding Justin that China is nothing like Japan. Sure they are on the same continent...but so is America and Mexico. Our plane ride was VERY long, but I slept and we had tons of movies at our fingertips. Here is the breakdown of our Christmas vacation.

Day 1: Landed in Hong Kong International Airport--took a ferry ride over to Shekou--was greeted by the entire family--ate some dinner--hit the sack.


Day 2: Took the ferry to Hong Kong--walked up and down the streets--LOVED IT!--Hong Kong reminds me of Japan...clean, expensive stores, follows the laws (of the roads), new skyscrapers--after a long day of walking we got foot massages--watched the light show...the entire skyline of HK is BEAUTIFUL and every night the skyscrapers have a synchronized light show...it was cool!--returned to our hotel.

Day 3: Flew to Phuket, Thailand--checked in to the Kamala Bay Beach Resort--hit the beach...but it was so crowded with 3 rows of Euros in speedos and grandmas in string bikinis...opted for the pool.

Day 4: Pool day--lunch on the beach--shopping on the beach--water aerobics.

Day 5: Pool day--$10 massage on the beach...for an hour!--dinner on the beach.

 









Day 6: Christmas Eve--toured the island--rode an elephant--dinner on the beach.

Day 7: Christmas Day--breakfast in Phuket--lunch in Hong Kong--dinner in China.

Day 8: Went to church, their branch meets in a living room of a house--Christmas dinner with some of my dad's colleagues...their first Christmas. They decorated their own Christmas tree, learned the true meaning of Christmas, ate a traditional Christmas dinner...ham, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls, salad...many of them had never had any of this before and it was kind of funny seeing them pick up one green bean and put it in their mouth. They opened their own stockings and decorated sugar cookies to end the night. I think they all loved it, I mean who wouldn't?!

Day 9: My mom, Dave, Justin and I went to visit my dad at work and on our way there stopped at an art village outside of Shenzhen called Buji. This is RIGHT up Justin's alley. He LOVED it! I did too. Buji has over 1 million paintings ranging from all sizes. We saw a 40 ft. painting and it was beautiful! We actually went back another day to get more paintings...we left that place with not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 paintings! All for a couple of dollars--now the pricey part, frames. Come on Michaels...give us your 60 % off sale!

This is all of us at Huaewi, where my dad works. The place is gorgeous and huge! This is outside of his building.









Day 10: Shopping in Luohu...amazingly HUGE market where everyone calls you "Missy." We were succored into many great deals--for cheap quality. No regrets except the FUggs (fake Uggs) that lasted a whole taxi ride. We also rode bikes to Brian's school---and were nearly killed by cars and fellow bike riders. My bike cost a whopping $10 and it sure rode like it. Walmart is next to his school so we decided to check that out too...5 minutes and we wanted out! We'll never take our new, beautiful Walmart here for granted again. After 10 days of eating rice...my un-Asian-ified husband was in need of some comfort food. There was nothing more heavenly than seeing those golden arches.

Day 11: Justin and I took the train to Guangzhou, China. Home of the largest fabric market in the world. Can't even begin to explain the size of this place. 8 x 8 streets across and 7 stories high. We were overwhelmed, but had fun looking for fabrics to start up Novembr. Men's clothing is online! Check it out.

Day 12: Pamper day! My mom and I went to a beautiful spa for 2-hour long facials ($25), then walked down the street to get our hair washed--1 hour scalp massage--lying on our backs on a massage table with the sink below our heads ($3)--ate some lunch--off to get pedicures ($5). LOVE those China prices!

Day 13: New Years Day--after a tearful good-bye, we flew home to America--where everyone, well most, speak English!

Kissing 2010 good-bye!

Another Decade Down

Good-bye 2010, you've been good to us!

**Here's what we were up to in 2010**

1. Skiing in Sun Valley

I am not the world's best skier, in fact, I hardly skied at all...if you don't consider being in the 5th and 6th grade ski club. Justin, on the other hand, is quite the skier and has been hitting the slopes since he was little. So skiing is slowly being adopted into my winter lifestyle. For President's Day weekend, in February, I was able to check out Sun Valley. I LOVE that town! As for my skiing experience, it was a good one...but one that needs a little more practicing before I post any pictures of me in the act.

2. Bear Lake Lookout

On February 26 I went up to Logan for the weekend. It had snowed the night before and I got to Justin's house he wanted to go take pictures up the canyon...nothing unusual. I threw on a coat (not my nice one) and almost forgot to bring shoes (because it was so cold and we've taken pictures from the sun roof before) and tagged along to Bear River Lookout. When we got there it was beautiful! I was so excited that we were going to get great pictures so wanting to contribute I asked to take a few. After taking a couple, Justin said, "Hey Ash.." I turned around with the lens still to my face and snapped one last quick shot.

This is what I took...

3. Jobs

We feel very blessed to both have jobs, we enjoy, in this economy.

I left my job at American Preparatory and the School for New Americans. I LOVED every second teaching at that school and being mentored by the best teachers. It was such a hard day saying good-bye to those precious refugee children who walked in the doors in September knowing maybe 50 English words and leaving at grade level. There was such amazing improvement in these kids who touched my heart and love for teaching forever.

I am now teaching fourth grade at Bear River Charter School! This is the first year of Bear River Charter school and I feel blessed to be apart of it. This is also my first year on my own and it's been fun...and difficult at times...having my own class, but I am enjoying it and am very grateful for a teaching job in "teacher county" Utah.

Justin works for Charmac Trailers and it's so convenient for him to work from home after his classes. He is planning to graduate in May 2012. If Justin isn't studying or working for Charmac, he is thinking of other companies he wants to start up. Seriously...as of today, he has 5 other business ideas he wants to start up! I woke up one morning and on his computer was a post-it note that said, "I can't do everything." Oh the mind of an Entrepreneur...

4. Trips

2010 has been the year of living out of suitcases. This year we've been able to take a couple trips together and made many memories from each one.

I have found my favorite travel partner!

Justin's role--holds the tickets, passports, itinerary...rolls the heavier suitcases and loads the car...lets me lean on him during the flight.

My role--holds the treats in my purse...takes the middle seat on flights...DJ's fairly...and fills Justin in on the latest celebrity gossip.

I think we travel well together!

5. Wedding

On June 23, 2010 single--Ashley Hall turned to married--Ashley Casperson. I LOVE my new last name and all the people I can now call "family." Our wedding day was perfect! We were married and sealed in the Bountiful Temple and had a gorgeous reception at the Eldridge Manor shortly after. A few days later we had another beautiful reception in Twin Falls at the Blue Lakes Country Club where we able to book the Hot Flash Girls and danced the night away.

6. Hawaii

Our first trip with just each other. We loved it! We did whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted all day long. It was great! We honeymoon'ed in paradise on the North Shore of Oahu. Hawaii is one of the most amazing places I've ever seen. I love it there and want to move there! We couldn't stuff ourselves more with pineapple pancakes!

7. Wakeboarding

If you haven't seen Justin wakeboard before, you need to get on the boat! He is so talented and so fun to watch! We were able to spend our summer on the Snake River wakeboarding at least four times a week. There is nothing better than waking up early to glass and spending the morning on the river, followed by the afternoon at Grandma Coats' pool.

8...LOTOJA

Justin, Lloyd, and Tara all participated in LOTOJA; a bike race from Logan, Utah to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 206 miles...3 states...1 day...they are my heros. Justin was on a relay with Kristy (Tara's HS friend) and Greg (Kristy's husband) and represented team Novembr. Justin did one of the hardest legs--biking from Preston to Montpielier, Idaho where he climbed almost 3,000 feet for 40 miles. Lloyd and Tara did the whole 206 miles. I still can not comprehend sitting on a bike seat for 12 hours. I can't even stay in an airplane seat for 10 hours!

9. Moab

We had a Casperson Thanksgiving in Moab, Utah this year.

This was the first time I had:
been to Moab
been Jeeping--thought I would die.
mountain biked...for a period of 8 miles
seen Arches National Park
watched the entire season of Modern Family in 3 days
ate a buffalo and elk steak...the list goes on and on.

We had an amazing time with the Casperson clan and I feel so lucky to have married into one of the best families!!

10. Asian Christmas

We were able to spend Christmas (day) in...Thailand, Hong Kong and China this year with the Halls. Santa was a day late this year because he forgot that we moved to Asia. We had a great time in Asia and were pampered from the second we got off the plane to when we went back to the states.  Detailed post to come...

We had a wonderful year and hope you did as well!

Holidays

Aren't holidays just great?  I just went into Walmart today and there was a Halloween sale with Christmas decor behind it.  There is nothing I L.O.V.E. more than holiday traditions.  It seems every month is dedicated to a holiday, but no season tops the cake like fall.

.October.

Halloween...check

 The "true" start of fall ...(for most places other than Logan)

Pumpkin Treats...check

Witches...check

Costumes...check

Candy Corn...check

Caramel Apples...check

Pumpkin Patches...check

Trick-or-Treat...check

Haunted Villages...check

.November. 

Thanksgiving

Turkey

Overeating

Pilgrims

Indians

School Plays

Football

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Birthdays/Anniversaries...4 Casperson birthdays + 1 anniverary 

Black Friday

.December. 

Christmas

Nativity

Garland

Lights

Snow

Santa

Peppermint

Music

Bows

Mistletoe

Salvation Army

The holiday season goes by WAY too fast!  I wish it would slow down so that I can get my full year's worth of Christmas songs.  We were watching a really funny comedian, Jim Gaffigan who addresses common holiday traditions.  Enjoy!  I'm off to packing up the witch shoes salt and pepper shakers for another year.