Ashley and Zach

Happy Valentines Day! :)

2012-02-14T08:07:00.001-06:00

What an amazing "Hallmark Holiday" this has been!! Zach spoiled me rotten with my amazing ring, two dozen roses delivered to me at work, and an iPad2... Also while at work I had 21 more little valentines waiting to celebrate with me! How did I ever get this lucky?! I seriously wonder if I really deserve all the good I have in my life - I'm oh so blessed and couldn't be more thankful :)

Upgraded!!

2012-02-11T14:00:00.005-06:00

Cupid came early to the Sechrist household this year!! Zach had quite the scheme to get me to give up my old ring for five whole days so he could buy me a new one and get it sized and soldered without me knowing... The story starts on Tuesday afternoon while I was busy teaching Reading to my crazy 5th graders! I was wrapping up guided reading and realized my phone was lit up, meaning a text or call had occurred in the past 60 seconds. I go to check and see that I had quite a few text from Z asking what time exactly my lunch break started, what I was doing, etc. Right before I was about to respond my class telephone rang and the office secretary told me my husband was in the office. Wondering what was up, I lined up my students, dropped them off in the cafeteria, and went to the office to see Z sitting in a chair waiting patiently. He took me outside and showed me a letter from Kay jewelers saying that if we didn't have our rings checked out by the end of the day we'd lose the lifetime warranty. *Sidenote: I hadn't had my ring checked in almost 5 years Z said - oops!*. Anyway, I hesitantly give him my ring and head back to the lounge to eat my lunch. A little later in the day Z texts and says something on my ring was cracked, and because it wasn't a diamond issue, they would fix it for free, but because it was so close to Valentine's Day it wouldn't be fixed until Friday. Well, at least it was getting fixed ... I'd just have to suck up having a naked finger! Fast forward to Friday! I was anxiously awaiting getting my ring back... it was really annoying freaking out every time I realized it wasn't on my finger. lol. It was a teacher work day so I went in around 9:30 and got a lot done during the day. I texted Z asking if he had heard anything about the ring, and he said no, but he'd go to the store and see what was up. Eventually he called and tld me he had good news and bad news ... I told him bad news first. Bad news he said was the guy who was fixing it had a family emergency so it wouldn't be ready until Monday. Good news? He argued so much he got a 50$ gift card to the store. lol. Nice job, babe. I was sad, but nothing he or they could do so I whined for a few minutes, then moved on. Saturday (yesterday) I woke up and had to run some errands. I thought Z had to work on Tuesday so we had decided earlier in the week we would do VDay on Saturday. I knew what I wanted to get him, I just hadn't bought it yet, and I had to go to Target to pick up a gift for my friend's baby who was turning one so I went out on my own. While I was out Z texted that he had had some errands of his own to run, but he'd be back soon., but after me. I bought his gift and the baby's and got home quickly showered for the bday party and when I got out Zach was home. He told me he needed help getting something out of the trunk. I walked out with him and didn't see anything in the trunk, but as I got closer I noticed a little silver box. Had my ring really been picked up already or did he get me a new one? Or was it not really a ring in there at all? I gave him an are you serious look and proceeded to open the box... a shiny, white gold ring with a beautiful princess diamond stared back at me, soldered do a white gold band lined with small diamonds! ARE YOU SERIOUS!? I looked at him in shock... it's seriously so beautiful and in the sun in was blinging like crazy! :) What a wonderful surprise! He took the ring from me and placed it on my finger -a perfect fit!

He really never ceases to amaze me... He swore I wouldn't get a new one until at least 20 years of marriage! He bought the one I had previously when he was 20 and I was 19. At the time it was what I wanted, but since then my preference had changed greatly. I always said our 5 year anniversary was when I wanted it/deserved it (lol), but I guess the extra 6 months wait was worth it since that day passed back in August! :) He did such a great job with the surprise and went to great lengths to keep me and my "Sherlock Holmes" ways surprised with fake "official" letters and gift cards - what a keeeeeeper!

My bling bling from the front!

A little zoomed in look from the side! Gorgeous, right??

Happy Valentine's Day (a little early!)

-Ashley

Gasparilla 2012!

2012-02-04T13:21:00.003-06:00

Last Saturday Zach and I headed down to Bayshore Blvd. near downtown Tampa to celebrate a day dedicated to pirates, Gasparilla!!.A friend of mine from work hooked us up with tickets to the Captain Morgan tent which meant we had free food and drinks all day, and had amazing seats and were supplied with tons of goodies - it was amazing! (thanks Teresa!) Before we went to the tent we stopped at my friend Cristina's boyfriends house. He has an amazing home just a few blocks away from the parade route so we started super early with mimosas and some snacks there. The weather was absolutely perfect. There we also ran into a few people from work and some I knew from high school. We had a blast, to say the least! After the parade we went back to Brian's house and hung out with some of my friends I had not seen all day until it was time to go home (8:30!?) lol. Can't wait for next year...

Some of our loot!!

Work ladies (Ashley, Denice, Ashley!)!!

Zach having a blast...

After... Getting stabbed - no biggie!

Before Zach found the wig/sword!

More girls from work... (Teresa, Ashley, Cristina, Annmarie)

Waiting for the parade...

Love him :)

-Ashley

Week 5, Day 3!!

2012-02-04T13:18:00.002-06:00

I'm so happy to post that as of today both Allie and I are finished with Week 5 of the Couch to 5k program!!! Today we both ran a whopping 20 minutes without stopping! That means not a second of walking for those of you a little slower... Hehe. Anyway! The most we had ran without stopping previous to today was 8 minutes, so I'm super proud of both of us for doubling our time and then some! Exactly 4 weeks until my 5k I signed up for... And 3 weeks until I finish the program! So excited and look forward to kicking last years time by at least 5 minutes! Congrats to us!!!!!

-Ashley

Reason 424!

2012-01-31T07:54:00.003-06:00

That I love my husband... I forgot my lunch yesterday and had a training after work, then had to go back to school to do some paperwork for an observation I have on Wednesday... So when I strolled through the door at 5:40 I was pretty darn hungry! Well, my needs were met as soon as I walked in and saw:

Thanks Zach you sure know how to make a girl smile!

-Ashley

Happy Birthday Mom!

2012-01-29T11:31:00.002-06:00

Happy late birthday mom!! I was going to post on Friday, her actual birthday, but I decided to wait until she had opened her gifts! Mom turned "29" this year and had a wonderful day... Complete with dinner out with friends and family!! We love you and hope this last year before thirty is a great one!! Xo :) below are pics of two of her gifts. Justin and Melissa bought her flowers and Zach and I got her a hand painted Lolita wine glass, a bottle of white zin, and a corksickle (a cork that keeps your wine at perfect temp). She seemed to like all of it!!

-Ashley

Run, Ashley and Allie, Run!!

2012-01-24T17:41:00.001-06:00

Just wanted to check in and tell all of our fans that we are still trucking along! Lol. Today I finished Week 4, Day 1 and Allie just finished Day 2! Almost half way done and we've already come a long way! This week our runs consist of a 5 minute warm up.. 3 minute jog, 1.5 minute walk, 5 minute jog, 2.5 minute walk, repeat cycle, 5 minute cool down! Keep it up Running Buddy!! Go us!! :)

Happy Birthday Grandma!!

2012-01-23T15:27:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to give a birthday shout out to my grandma H!! Today she turns 85!!! We celebrated on Saturday night at dinner (where Zach and I gave her a tiara that she wore all might) and we will get together again tonight for cake and ice cream. :) She is such a wonderful woman - beautiful inside and out! Happy birthday grandma - we love you!

Vacation... Booked!!

2012-01-22T21:37:00.001-06:00

In seven weeks Zachary and I will officially be on the Carnival Dream cruising to Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten for seven days! :) So looking forward to the vacation with him! :)

New additions!

2012-01-22T13:06:00.002-06:00

For Christmas my parents got Zach a set of tools. Since then he has been super busy around the house adding new things and coming up with projects that allow him to use them! I really appreciate his hard work and creative ideas! I really never know what I'm going to come home to!! :) Below are a few of his latest projects...

Shelf for our spices...

Less space in the cabinets... hanging pots!

In the laundry room...

P.S. I'm so happy I finally downloaded the app for my iPhone... This post was so much easier than doing it from my laptop! :)

-Ashley!

The Giraffe Ranch!

2012-01-21T21:40:00.002-06:00

Zach and I had such a fun day date today from a Living Social deal I had purchased almost a year ago. The Giraffe Ranch is not a zoo, but a family's "farm" of exotic animals including, but not limited to, giraffes (obviously), zebras, lemurs, antelopes, warthogs, hippos, deer, camels, donkeys, guinea pigs, and porcupines! The walking tour and Jeep safari were included, but we also paid extra to feed the lemurs which was such an amazing experience!! They are the cutest, most gentle and friendly animals ever! It was a blast and I'm so happy that after eleven months of trying to get Zach to go he finally agreed! I hope we can go again another time in the future!!

Hair blowing in the wind ... enjoying the safari!

I was a little scared here... haha!

A lot of zebras on the ranch!

Hand feeding a lemur...

They really love grapes... and their tongues are soft! lol.

Running Buddies!

2012-01-17T17:04:00.003-06:00

It's that time of the year again... time to train for the Gasparilla 5k race that is the first week of March this year! This year I decided to download the app C25k (Couch to 5k) and in 8 weeks I should be able to run without stopping by running different lengths of time just 3 times a week! It works out perfectly and I love the app because it tells me when to walk, when to run, and beeps at appropriate times. I also use iMapMyRun to keep up with my stats for the week. This time I have someone to motivate me to keep with it and it's oh so exciting! Allie, my brother-in-law John's fiancee, decided to do it with me! Each day that we run we text each other some sort of picture when we finish and give props on completing another day to the finisher! I love my running buddy! I of course have to give a shout-out to my bff/role model Kara Goucher... I mean HEATHER! :) She is the inspiration for signing up!

Anyway, today I completed Week 3, Day 1 so I'm caught back up with Allie! :) It's gets harder each week, but I'm looking forward to the challenge!
This is a picture Allie sent me... KEEP IT UP AL!

This is right after I finished the C25k today... I usually end up going further on the trail then the minutes asked... hence the green dot! This is from some other day, but I love how it saves your stats. I have definitely improved already... especially when it comes to my pace! :)
-Ashley!

Blue Man Group!

2012-01-16T08:31:00.007-06:00

Zach and I headed over to Orlando on Saturday afternoon to see Blue Man Group at the Sharp Aquos Center in Citywalk. After checking into the hotel and getting ready super fast - we drove over and parked with a little time to spare so we walked around and then headed over. I had lost the receipt for the tickets (big woops!), but luckily they were easily able to find our order number at the ticket booth and everything was smooth sailing. Z decided to upgrade us to "VIP" which meant we got 2 drinks each, 2 programs, a special area to hang out before and after the show, and we got to meet a "Blue Man" at the end of the show.

After having our drinks we made our way to our seats and watched the show. It was absolutely amazing! I loved it and so did Zach! There was music, comedy skits, and things I can't even really describe. lol. We laughed pretty much the whole time - I can't wait to go again sometime! :) We weren't able to take any pictures during the show, but I snapped a few before/after!

Front of the theatre...

My handsome hubby!! I hate that a few of these are sideways.. oh well!

Hanging out at Citywalk!

Well, we are both off today for MLK so I'm looking forward to relaxing/cleaning up a bit and tomorrow is a teacher work day so I only have students 3 days this week! Woo!

- Ashley

I'm baaaaack!

2012-01-12T18:39:00.003-06:00

Who knows for how long though... I kept telling Z right before the new year that my resolution would be to blog more, but that has not been happening (obviously)! lol. I feel like since 2+ months have gone by... I'm not going to be able to catch up with everything we did, so I think the goal will be to blog a little about the holidays now.. and then just start fresh this weekend! Zach bought us tickets to the Blue Man Group show in Orlando so we are headed there for a mini getaway for the night! I'm so excited!!!

Anyway, the holidays flewwww by and now we are both back to the work/school grind. We spent Christmas in Atlanta with his mom, 2 brothers, and the rest of his fun fam! We had a great time getting to see everyone! The first night we spent at his grandmas and enjoyed baking/decorating cookies on her back porch... We then went and stayed at his mom's house and even got to celebrate the engagement of his younger brother John to his now fiance Allie! :) Blogger is so not user friendly as far as posting pictures/typing so I picked a few random shots from the past 2 months from my phone and posted them...

The start of baking cookies! :)My 5th grade team.. we did "Pies in the Face" to raise money at a Fall Festival!

Two of my 4th grade team members at the work Christmas party!
Our tree! :)

I have a 3 1/2 day weekend so I WILL be blogging again soon... if anyone out there still reads this thing! lol.

-Ashley

October!

2011-10-08T17:55:00.005-05:00

I truly can't believe that it is already October... 8 days into the month, actually! Seems like just yesterday I was laying on the beach enjoying my summer vacation! At this rate the holidays will be here oh so soon! :)

This week was filled with exciting times, and not so exciting times! It started out on Monday night at Raymond James Stadium. It was Zach and I's first time at a MNF game! The Bucs ended up beating the Colts (woot, woot), but we stayed for the whole game and didn't get home until after 1am! That made the rest of the week for me pretty rough. No time for naps to catch up on my 3 hours of sleep night!

View from our seats!

Enjoying ourselves! :)

After school on Tuesday we had a faculty meeting at work, which ended at 4, and then I went and met up with Brittany and Kyle at D'lites. D'lites is a super yummy and healthy "ice cream" shop. They finally came out with a pumpkin flavor so we just HAD to go that day since they change out the flavors daily.

Wednesday after work I came home to check on the dogs, and then went to Zach's JV football game. I stayed until half time and then stopped by Target because it was on the way and I just can't say no when I'm close by. I'm SO thankful I did because I FINALLY found Pumpkin Spice creamer. I had been checking out local grocery store Publix frequently, but that hadn't got it yet... It is seriously soooo delish! :)

On Thursday after school I came home, showered, and my sis-in-law Melissa picked me up and then we went and picked up my mom. We headed to the mall and got manis/pedis (and waxing!) and then after my mom and dad took us out for dinner at a restaurant called BJ's! :) We had a lot of fun and hopefully can do it again sooner than later!

On Friday Z texted to let me know he had preordered my iPhone 4s. I'm switching over from a Droid and I can't wait! Zach absolutely loves his so I'm hoping I feel the same! :)

After I got home from school on Friday... I came home to Kahlua running around crying and Lacey howling in the bedroom. She decided to somehow lock herself in there. For how long?! No one knows. Since Z left Thursday for a little vacation in NC they were by themselves for 11 hours that day. Poor things. Anyway, her freak out lead to this mess... that was fun picking up! The towels hanging on the back of the door fell off... and she shredded our poor trashcan. Siigh!
Anyway, Friday I went to bed early because I had to get up for a 5 hour training this morning. I did end up taking a 45min nap when I got home, but now I think I'm going to rent Something Borrowed onDemand because Z is still gone, it's raining out, and I think I will snuggle with the pups in bed and just enjoy my last peaceful evening. I hope I can sleep in tomorrow.. that would be FANTASTIC!
I have to pick Z up from the airport tomorrow afternoon, and I also have a TON of grading to do! Hopefully next week won't be as CRAZY!!!

-Ashley

Busy, Busy Bees!

2011-09-29T17:02:00.009-05:00

Where, or where, have I ... or should I say we! been?! We've been BUSY! With school in full swing for both of us - the weeks are just flying on by and the camera has been MIA at the bottom of my messy purse somewhere. We've done a lot to keep us moving, but I have been horrible at capturing the moments. Oops! Anyway, I have had my phone around the past month or so - so lets catch up, shall we!?

Being silly with the girls one Friday night!

Every Friday afternoon you can catch me at Happy Hour with my "teacher friends"! :)
We are really good at HH, btw...

Britt finally reached the "50 Club" at World of Beer! (That's 50 DIFFERENT beers bought) Justin and Melissa came over and cooked/grilled for me not too long ago! It was DELISH! :) Zach and I hit up a Bucs game (or 2!) .. and we WON!
It has been pretty exciting and Science-full in my classroom!
One week we did marble rollercoasters *kinetic vs. mechanical energy*
for the Science Olympics - two students from my class won and get to go compete at MOSI! :)
Meet Max... our class fish! :) He sits on my desk and is my bff as I work!
It has been quite rainy around these parts... but many rainbows have been present!!
Another fun Science project... Can you light a bulb with just a D batt and a paperclip!?

After lots of exploration *and burnt fingers* - my kids can! :)

My days go by so fast, but so do my nights and weekends! I love my class and I really enjoy teaching fifth grade a lot more than I thought I would! All they really are ... are older fourth graders. lol. :)

-Ashley

Birthday Celebrations

2011-08-30T18:06:00.002-05:00

Not last Saturday, but the one before - man, I'm behind my parents took Justin, Melissa, Zach, and I out to dinner at Macoroni Grill. It was a lot of fun getting to catch up with everyone and getting a chance to celebrate M AND J's bday! Melissa's bday iss on Aug. 14th and Justin's bday is Aug 19th - one year and 5 days apart *I won't say that Melissa is older though* lol! Thanks for the dinner, Mom and Dad! :)

On the way to dinner! After dinner...

With their bday gelato! Making a wish! :)

-Ashley

Back to School!

2011-08-30T17:48:00.003-05:00

Last Tuesday the students made their way back into the classroom! After spending over a week in the classroom before they got there - I was ready to welcome all 20 of them with open arms! :) This year the school has a under water theme, specifically: Reeling in Success, Fishing for an "A"! Fifth grade has a dolphin mascot... I tried my hardest to get as underwater looking as I could, but unfortunately I didn't take updated pictures of my classroom so you get the 79% finished product! Ooops?! I am enjoying my class - I knew all of them the first day since I worked with/saw all of them last year when I taught fourth. A great group of kids... but I'm still not used to the 5:45am alarm! Ick!! Anyway.. a sneak peek into my classroom!

Door is to on the wall the right of the black intercom box...

Continuing my board...

Above the wall with all 3 of my computers...

This is on the wall with the door into the room...

At this point my library was missing labels... and not all books were put up yet!

The kids LOVE the carpet!

I think I will take some new pics tomorrow and post soon!

-Ashley

Baby, Baby, Baby! (ohhhh) !

2011-08-28T16:23:00.006-05:00

At some point in December three out of my 6 bridesmaids called and let me know that they were all expecting a baby and due within a week of each other! Crazy?! Very! Anyway, all three of them have delivered now so I thought I'd post a congrats to all of them at one time!! My bff's Kelly and Ashley ended up delivering a few weeks early.. and my sister-in-law delivered today.

Kelly's baby - We welcomed Emily Dawn on July 31st!

I'm hoping to meet her next weekend... and see her amazing BIG brother Aiden too! :)

Ashley's bundle of joy - Jacob Ryan!

Absolutely precious little guy! I got to hold all 5lbs of him! :)Visiting Jake with Britt!

Leigh Anne's baby - Ansley Elizabeth!

Hoping to meet my niece at Christmas! :)

Congrats ladies!!! I am excited for you all and can't wait to watch these little ones grow up and be apart of their lives! :)

-Ashley

Painting With a Twist!!

2011-08-13T14:37:00.004-05:00

A few weels ago I spent my evening at a a place called "Painting with a Twist"! It's in South Tampa and was so fun! I went with three other girls on a night when they were painting "Blue Floral". They have a calendar online that shows each painting of the night, and you can sign up online, pay, and show up with a bottle of wine! The instructor takes you step by step and it was a great experience - can't wait to do it again soon! :)

On the wall...

Part of the studio
My blank canvas - about to start!

Cristina and Stephanie ready to go...

Jenn and I - we taught 4th grade together last year.

Starting...

Continuing...

Mixing colors!

My final product!!

-Ashley

Beach Days!

2011-08-13T09:59:00.004-05:00

We've been back from our mini beach getaway for almost a week. Zach isn't a HUGE beach person, but we had a great time! We had clear skies for 95% of the time - lucky us!

On the night of our anniversary I talked my dad into taking some shots of Z and I...

some of them turned out really cute!

Mom and Z talking about something...

Jet skiing on our anni!

Watching the sunset!

Close up shot!

Another shot of the sand..

Take 2!

Nothing like a piggy back ride!

My brother and sis-in-law came on Saturday and we hung out on the beach and went to St. Armands Circle to have some ice cream - the best ever, actually! Can't wait for LBK 2012! I go back to work on Monday - where, oh where, did the summer go!?!

-Ashley

A + Z = 5YR

2011-08-05T15:14:00.002-05:00

Today Z and I celebrate FIVE years of marriage. I can't even believe it... where did the time go?! We are spending our weekend at the beach, with my parents, and are having a blast enjoying the sun and the beautiful views! Today started with Z giving me a full body massage... after breakfast we headed to Siesta Key to go jet skiing.. and then we came back for lunch and another round of the sun! Tonight, instead of going out to dinner, my dad is cooking my fav. - filets! and Z's - lobster! Hopefully we will have a nice sunset so we can get some cute pictures in!

Happy Anniversary my sweet, loving husband!!! I LOVE YOU!

-Ashley

Big Event!!

2011-07-29T08:34:00.002-05:00

Just incase Z or I forgot... this showed up on my Facebook page today! :) Thanks, FB, for keeping my in the loop!! :)You know how they say your "golden birthday" is the age you turn on the date you were born.. ie - April 24th was my golden bday last year because I turned 24. We "turn" 5 on the 5th so I'm thinking it's our golden anniversary! Or do I have to wait until our 50th!? This is confusing. I think I will go google it.

-Ashley

Just Another Random Post!

2011-07-28T19:53:00.002-05:00

I can't believe I only have TWO full weeks left of my summer... then it's back to work on August 15th. Where oh where did the past 2 months go!? I definitely feel like the summer was much needed, and I'm ready to go back to work... but only after our annual family trip to Longboat Key!! I am so excited to spend a few days with my hubby, parents, and siblings at the beach! It's guranteed to be a great time filled with tan lines, drinks, laughs, sandy flip-flops, sunsets, and yummy food! :) My parents have the condo for two weeks, but we won't be staying the whole time. Zach and I will be heading down on Wednesday and staying until Saturday night. During that time we will be spending our FIVE year WEDDING anniversary together (on Friday). I can't believe it! I am getting so old...

Anyway, can't wait to post pictures from our trip! LBK, here we come!!

-Ashley

Happy Birthday Hubby!

2011-07-23T15:37:00.003-05:00

Happy TWENTY-SEVENTH Birthday to my favorite husband ever! ;)

Zach, I love you very much and hope you have a fantastic day/week/month/year!!

Keep working hard and I know you'll achieve everything you wish to! XO

-Ash

Our New Home - The Living Room

2011-07-12T16:24:00.000-05:00

After being in the house for a week and a half we're pretty much all set up! Some things here and there still need to find a spot, but for the most part we're all settled in! Some of Z's family has asked for pics of our new place so I decided it would be easier to do a post for each room in the house for sorting pictures and posting purposes. I'm going to start with the living room... Enjoy (LA and Deb!) lol!

This is a picture of our newest piece of furniture!

My parents bought it and we put it together last night!Another housewarming gift from my bro/sis-in-law:

a lucky bamboo plant! :)

A view of the living room from the dining room...
Another view from dining room...

View from the kitchen... front door/window.

-Ashley

Our New Home - The Bedrooms

2011-07-12T15:24:00.000-05:00

There are two bedrooms in the home... I took pictures of both and put our room pictures on top, and the guest room on the bottom. I still want to do a little shopping for paintings/frames for both rooms since we have a lot of empty wall space - that is next on my agenda!

View from the door.

Door/dog crate area...

My bedside table and our closet...

TV/Dresser!

The guest room... and Kahlua! :)

View from the door..

Zach's hockey corner!

This room still needs a little help... definitely a work in progress!

-Ashley

Our New Home - The Dining Room/Kitchen

2011-07-12T14:24:00.000-05:00

As you walk through the front door, to the left is the dining room, to the right is the living room, and straight ahead is the kitchen. Since the living room has been blogged about - now it's time for the "food" rooms! :) Pardon the mess in the dining room - another room that still has a few pieces of "stuff" thrown about... but we'll find a place for it soon!

Looking into the dining room from the living room...

Front door is to the left!

Zach's one wall he got to decorate on his own! :)

Zach's computer desk/study area... a mess much!?

Kitchen view from front door...

bathroom door is to the right and further down the hall are the bedrooms!

Not my favorite view.. Not a huge fan of the randomly placed stove!
Lace/Lu probably heading outside! :) They LOVE the backyard!

Door to laundry room to the left...

-Ashley

Our New Home - The Bathroom/Laundry Room

2011-07-12T13:24:00.000-05:00

We lost a bathroom in the move... being down to one is okay with just the two of us, but we had to decide which curtain/rugs/towels to decorate with and what to do with the other stuff. After deciding to keep the original stuff we had bought, we put the other stuff in our shed to use at a later date! lol.

A peep from outside the door.
Not too much space.. shelves behind the white curtain for towels.
Another angle...The laundry room is pretty spacious.. we are constantly in/out let the pups out...

Wrong place for this pic.. lol. Laundry room door to the right though!

The door back into the kitchen..

Washer/dryer and stuff needing to go into the shed...

The dogs favorite couch..

The tour is ALMOST over! We have the backyard/shed to get to.. coming soon!

-Ashley!

Our New Home - The Backyard/Shed!

2011-07-12T12:24:00.000-05:00

After the rain decided to finally stop, I ventured out to the backyard with the camera and dogs.. It was still pretty wet, but the sun was out and I finished the pictures of our home! :)

This is the door that leads out from the laundry room...

Leftover rain on the leaves...

View out from the shed.
One side of the shed...with our "junk"!

Lotsa paint on the other side of the shed...

The shed's fan...

Lu stopping to smell the flower...

Z bought tiki candle thingy-ma-bobs to help with mosquitos!

They look nice too!

View from the shed from the deck...

The shed/part of the house...

Other part of the house...

Hope you enjoyed the tour of our home! :)

-Ashley

Independence Day!

2011-07-08T18:45:00.000-05:00

Zach and I spent last weekend working diligently (some worked a little more than others aka ZACH!) on making sure the apartment was cleared, and our new house was set up! With the help of his football players, my mom, and Britt/Kyle we were able to do so in time for the 4th! After a little thought I decided to have over Britt/Kyle and Heather/Todd to celebrate our country.. and our new place! :) We ended up grilling out and having a great time!

Heather brought over marinated veggies that we put on kabobs and threw on the grill.. I marinated chicken breasts in bbq sauce that we threw on the grill - mmm! and Britt brought the cupcakes! After sitting through a nice meal at our table, we hung out and chatted until it was time to depart for the fireworks on a golf course near by. Of course blogger screwed up the order of my pictures, but here they are!

Watching fireworks!Waiting for the show to start... bored much!? (I left the sparklers at home!) :(
Car ride!
Showing off our flag rings from the cupcakes! Puppies at the door!Lu trying to catch a lizard that ran under the deck! Z checking on the food...Z and our "electrcian" Kyle
The kabobs!
American Flag shooter!
Heather and Todd working in the kitchen!Britt and Kyle!
Girls on the deck enjoying the nice night!

Hope everyone had a happy 4th!

-Ashley

Puppy Chow!

2011-06-28T10:04:00.005-05:00

I will never forget the first time I was introduced to the AMAZING-ness of puppy chow. It was 1991(ish) and I was in Mrs. D's first grade class. We had just finished reading a book about Clifford the Big Red Dog and then Mrs. D did it. She brought out bags of the stuff, and gave us each just a handful on a paper napkin and it just melted my heart! lol. If you know me, you know my soft, soft, soft spot for chocolate (and peanut butter is always a plus)! Anyway, I didn't know if I'd ever experience it again, until my mom's friend Shirley made it for me... again and again and again as I grew up. Well, one day Shirley decided she was going to move to Seattle, which meant I'd no longer have my own personal chef to make it for me when I needed/wanted it! So... before she left she wrote down the recipe for me and it sits on the side of my fridge. It literally is the only hand-written recipe that I have. It has been with me to Kentucky, Oklahoma, and back to Florida (through a move or 2 - another one is coming at the end of this week actually - Z and I are like nomads). Anyway, I thought I'd document it! Z helped me make three batches of it for my bff Ashley's baby shower on Sunday! It was a hit, of course... and I even let the mom-to-be take home a huge sack of it - because she and baby Jacob deserve it! :)

It's not in the best shape, but it's still the best!

(If I killed someone they could find my fingerprints on it .. in peanutbutter!)

The ingredients ... times THREE!
Starting to warm up the chocolatey goodness!

Mellllllting...
Covering the chex in the melted mixture... this is half of one batch.

Putting it in a load of powdered sugar!

Letting it "cool". You know Z and I were taking some to try it though...

from each batch!

The final product!

Go make some. Right now! You won't regret it...

-Ashley

JUMP!!!!

2011-06-28T09:44:00.004-05:00

I had gone under the railroad tracks at least 100 times in the boat before, but I had never really thought about being one of the crazy people who actually goes up and jumps! Well, put two crazies in the boat with me and heck yes I'm jumping!! John helped Allie and I up and I WALKED across the top and waited for Allie to go up... and CRAWL across. And then waited for John to make it to me... and THEN Allie decides to just JUMP! and then John! and THEN ME! It was like waiting 100 years to get to the water, but it was so fun!

Wondering what the plan is to get up there...

Still wondering!
John helping me up.

I made it!

Allie starting to crawl over while I'm blowing in the wind...

Are you here yet?!

... Allie!

....John!

... Ashley!!

HOLY MOLY! It doesn't look very high, but standing up there was quite the rush!!! I may or may not ever do this again... I guess it all depends if anyone else is doing it! Because if my friends/family are jumping off a bridge/railroad track - I totally am too! Until next lake weekend...

-Ashley

Boating on Lake Sinclair

2011-06-28T09:34:00.003-05:00

We spent a lot of Friday and most of Saturday out on the boat... Thanks Captain Zach and Captain Deb for driving us around! Although, I did drive once and I scared people on my boat and people not on my boat! I prefer riding and not paying attention - Z prefers paying attention and driving. Works out perrrrrfectly! The weather was a bit cloudy, but as we all know, the sun still got to us and we all were nice sunkissed! :)

Deb!

Allie!

John!
Clouds!

Cheeeeeers!

Captain Z and Shipmate Ashley!

John and Allison

... and my favorite sign ever!!!!

-Ashley

Weekend @ Lake Sinclair!

2011-06-28T09:09:00.008-05:00

Two weekends ago Z and I made the trip up to Georgia to spend the weekend with some of his family at his grandma's house... which just happens to be on beautiful Lake Sinclair! When Z and I started dating we realized after a few months that we both had family that lived 6 hours away, and only about 15 minutes from each other! My family had planned a trip up during the summer, and it just happened to be the same time that Zach and his family were going to be there for their annual "Camp Meeting". We ended up spending time together that summer (2003) and have been back together almost every summer since! The next summer I drove up from FSU and spent my first weekend on the lake... and there have been many more times since then, and each time it seems to get better! :) We play cards together, eat/plan many delicious meals, we go tubing, boating, and just relax on the deck/in the water on a raft! PERFECTION! Thanks, grandma, for letting us crash and take over your house once a year! Hehe. :)

Zach with his brother John and cousin Alex (and grandma's head)!

John and his amazing girlfriend Allie! On one of the sunset "cruises"!

Love this view! I was excited to have caught my first lightning bug! Having fun with sparklers on the dock! Allie made us some amazing banana pudding.. and Alex couldn't let any go to waste!
Deb needed some triangular moments... here is one! ;)
I have more pictures on my other camera... so this weekend will be a two parter! ;)

-Ashley

The Reception!

2011-06-15T17:54:00.002-05:00

On May 28th my brother and new sister-in-law had their wedding reception here in Tampa! It was at a country club close by and was absolutely perfect! They had tables set up inside and out and the weather was wonderful! A lot of family came in from out of town so we were able to spend time with them over the weekend as well! They showed the video from their ceremony in St. Lucia to everyone and it was so sweet! :)

One of the few pics I got with the bride AND groom!

Set up outside...
The hubby and I!

Mom and I!

My aunt and grandma!

Congrats again to them!! I'm so happy for my big bro! :)

-Ashley

The Ybor Experience

2011-05-30T18:26:00.002-05:00

Last weekend I headed downtown for a bar crawl to raise money for cystic fibrosis. It was an absolutle blast! About 10 of us bought tickets and started with eating lunch together, then hopping around town from bar to bar. It started at 2 and ended at 11, with different drink specials at each place. A free drink here, or a free shot there... and for a good cause! We all wore lanyards that were hole punched once you made it to the next place and ordered your drink or two. There was a certain amount of time we could stay at each spot, and everyone would move on together, for the most part. We started at Green Iguana, went to Gametime, then Centro Cantina, Blue Dog Cafe, Gaspar's Grotto, Coyote Ugly, JJs Cafe, and Double Decker's something or other. Most of my friends had done it before, but it was my first time. I'd definitely do it again though -what a fun day!!

Cab ride there.

The Green Iguana for lunch!
First stop: Gametime... with a picture of our lanyard.

Gaspar's Grotto!

Me, Annmarie, and Cristina *who teaches at my school*

Can't wait for next year!

-Ashley

April Showers Bring Cute Duckies to the Pond!

2011-05-30T18:18:00.004-05:00

A few days ago Z and I headed to the pond around our apartment complex with a few pieces of bread in hand. Not too long after we arrived it seemed like every animal around was waiting on us to throw something their way. There were two sets of 4 baby ducks, 3 turtles, 2 dogs, and a partridge in a pear tree! We had a lot of fun.. and so did the pups... They kept scaring them away, but they always came back! Too cute...

Watching, waiting, wanting!

Lua wishing she wasn't attached to a leash...

Mama and babies... and one of the resident turtles! :)

Now every time we go out and walk the pups the ducks follow us around hoping for a little something, something. I love spring!!

-Ashley

A word to the wise!

2011-05-18T18:40:00.002-05:00

Just a little word of caution to all of Ashley's followers...I (Zach) was recently cutting a lemon in the kitchen to put on my salmon that I was preparing for dinner when I carelessly cut my finger bad. It wasnt horribly bad but deep enough that I had to seek medical attention. So I have learned my lesson about taking my time and using caution with a large knife. It cost me $199. I am writing this to remind you that an extra few moments in the kitchen to ensure you are practicing safe habits is well worth it. Here is a photo I found online, this is not my finger but it is similar to what mine looked like:

Consider yourselves warned! That is all!

~Zach

Things the make me SMILE!

2011-05-09T16:24:00.006-05:00

Every once in awhile I just sort of stop and think of things that are going on or happening in my life and I realize I have a lot to smile about! In no particular order below are things that make me happy.. some pics come from my cell phone, others the web! :) (they are in no particular order)

Drinks with friends...

Sally Hansen Salon Essential Nails in "Girl Flower"

Super easy... super cute.... (the toes - not my ugly feet!) lol.
My puppies. They always melt my heart!
This was at the grandparents.. eating ice cream!

23 days left of school... which means BEACH season soon! Tresemme Dry Shampoo on days where a shampooing isn't 100% needed...

... and I'm just so proud of my hubby and all of his accomplishments! Way to go babe!

-Ashley

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T08:20:00.002-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to ALL the moms out there!

I have been so lucky to have a mom who has always been there, through the good and the bad, and has believed in me through every decision and choice I've EVER made! I can only hope that one day I am half the mom she is! I love you MOM and can't thank you enough today.. and EVERY day for all that you have done for me! xo. :)

A little girl, asked where her home was, replied, "where mother is." ~Keith L. Brooks

-Ashley

My Graduate!

2011-05-08T08:02:00.003-05:00

I was going to wait until Zach came back with the camera from Georgia, BUT! I just couldn't wait that long so you get a fun preview up there! ;) My wonderful husband is halfway done with his college career and officially has his AA degree! He walked across the stage on Friday afternoon and his wonderful mom was right next to me cheering him on as he shook the hands of those all important ones! :) He is on his way to USF to be a Bull and study secondary education and I couldn't be more proud of him! He had a rough start in school before he joined the Army, but he has figured out his priorities and is on track to graduate with honors if he keeps it up! I love you so much my sweet husband and I'm so proud of ALL! of you accomplishments.

-Ashley

Pretzels... With the screw on top!

2011-05-01T20:20:00.005-05:00

This morning I heard Z wake up to take the dogs out and I eventually fell back asleep for a few minutes and when I woke up he was gone... I texted him and asked where he had snuck off to and he told me Publix, the local grocery, and told me to let him know what I wanted... I gave him the list that literally read: "I need coffee creamer, bread, lean cuisines, and a big thing of pretzels with the screw on top...." Well, a few minutes later he calls me asking what pretzels had a picture of the screw on top?! I had to explain that I meant the big barrel of pretzles that you can open and close with the screw. on. top! He's responded with "ohhh the pretzels with a LID!" ... DUH that's what I meant. He said he'd been looking for quite some time for the label that had a screw... hehe! It made me chuckle. Texts are sometimes hard to read, I guess! :)

What I wanted:

At work I like to keep a huge thing of pretzels around for me, my students, and fellow teachers so no one goes hungry! Having the screw on top... aka lid! keeps them fresh so much longer than a bag. Although Publix didn't have the barrel, Z came home with 2 bags I can put into my running low barrel I have on my desk! :) Thanks Z!

-Ashley

The Royal / Trent Wedding

2011-04-29T20:49:00.003-05:00

I bet 99% of the people reading this are thinking another post about Will and Kate, but if you're thinking that - you're wrong! :) My brother Justin got MARRIED today in St. Lucia to Melissa ROYAL (hence the Royal wedding!) lol. Anyway, I am so excited for them and can't wait to celebrate this marriage at the end of May when they have their big reception! I grew up always wanting a sister and gained one when I married Zach... Leigh Anne... and now I have ANOTHER one! The more the merrier, right?! :)

I can't wait to get a peek of their wedding photos, but since I don't have those I will just upload some from their engagement session! :)

Congrats and welcome to the family, Melissa! We love you!

-Ashley

Birthday Celebration #2!

2011-04-25T21:49:00.004-05:00

Yesterday morning Zach got up and walked the dogs for me (yippee!) and it was taking him awhile so I thought he decided on a long walk, but he walked back in with an Easter basket and a present.... In the bag was Photoshop to edit our pictures with and in the basket was a showerhead, a CD, a Cosmo mag, CANDY!, and Rays gear that I can't wait to wear when the team comes back home! :) After I opened my gifts he left and went to get busy cooking breakfast in the kitchen. Of course he made my favorite - french toast! Mmm. Seriously it's like better than restaurant quality. AMAZING!

After breakfast I showered and got ready to head over to my parent's house for lunch. I was still full, but it was a holiday so eating 3 huge meals by the end of the day was okay! We had ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, potato salad, caesar salad... and TWO yummy desserts. My grandma made a banana pudding for me and my parents bought me a Carvel ice cream cake. It really doesn't get any better than that! Then it was present time! My mom had taken me shopping a few days before, but I got "The Soup Bible" from my grandma which is a huge recipe book with all sorts of soups (yum!) and the Kuerig one cup coffee maker with coffee and cups from my parents! It is a pretty nift gadget that makes coffee, tea, hot cocoa, etc. in under 2 mins with little clean up! I LOVE it and can't wait to use it every morning before work...

Until next year, birthday! :)

-Ashley

Birthday BBQ

2011-04-25T21:36:00.002-05:00

On Saturday a group of my friends got together and had a fun pool day! The weather was AMAZING! and the pool water was perfect! We spent the whole afternoon eating, drinking, swimming, and laughing! It was such a fun way to spend my birthday-eve! The boys grilled hotdogs, hamburgers, and even boiled shrimp (which I didn't eat) on the grill! We had tons of chips and cookies too and everyone had a really nice time. I'm finally not a glowing white anymore.. woo hoo! My spring break goal has already been accomplished and it's only day 3/10 off! :) The Lightning played at noon that day, but were winning so much that Z was able to hang-out up until he had to drive home to change for work!

I love my friends and everything they do for me! :) Thanksssss!!!

Some of the spread...

Some of the gang! :)
Love these girls!

Z's burgers are AMAZING!!!

-Ashley

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T19:06:00.003-05:00

Today is the first time in my whole life that Easter landed ON my birthday. It was close a few times and we'd do Easter egg hunts at my birthday parties when I was little, but I today was a first! I hope everyone got a chance to spend time with family and have a nice, relaxing weekend! Happy Easter everyone!

-Ashley

Quarter of a Century!

2011-04-24T09:46:00.003-05:00

If you ask Wikipedia what 25 is they will tell you "25 (twenty-five) is the natural number following 24 and preceding 26". It is also the age I turn today. Holy moly! I'm officially in my "mid-20s". Siiigh. Halfway to fifty!? I think I'll go get my walker now because I'm 1/3 of 75! Haha. Only kidding. I always make my birthday a more than one day celebration. Friday my mom took me shopping... yesterday my friends threw me a birthday barbeque out by the pool. Let me just say the weather was AMAZING and the water temp. was PERFECT! After we went to the arena football game Z was working and got "hooked up" with free food and drinks. Today is Easter and my parents are having the family over for a late lunch to celebrate both holidays! :) I will post fun pics of the barbecue/party soon!

-Ashley

New Title in 2011-2012

2011-04-19T19:37:00.003-05:00

Today my principal called in teachers to her office to let them know they'd be moving grades due to student numbers. 4th grade was losing a unit due to 3rd grade being so small this year, which meant she decided I'd be one of the 2 that would have to go to another grade. I had no idea what she was going to say.. and I was shocked when she said it.. but starting in August I will no longer be a 4th grade teacher but a ....

I'm pretty nervous. Their main focus is Science, which is my least favorite subject, but she promised me I'd have help, a great team to work with, and that I'd be just fine! I'm just thankful I have a job at the same school! Here's to "passing" 4th grade and going on to try to be smarter than a 5th grader!

-Ashley

Saturday Night Date Night!

2011-04-18T18:04:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday night Zach and I decided... well, I decided, that we'd go out and have a date night - just the two of us! We thought about a movie, or the beach, or dinner, but we decided to go play putt putt golf! It had been years since we had gone and I'm pretty sure the last time we went he beat me by one. This time, however, I WON by one! :) It was a great feeling... lol. We had a good time together and before we left he stopped by the batting cages and took a few swings in the slow pitch and fast pitch cage.

-Ashley

Go Rays!

2011-04-10T15:50:00.004-05:00

Even though my beloved TB Rays are 1-7, I still plan on going to games! Their offense stinks, their defense isn't the greatest, but we still have fun going and enjoying the atmosphere! We went to their second home game last week... and the lost, of course, but I'm so happy baseball season is back! Yayyy!

My baseball game partner and myself!

Just a random shot...

Another self portrait. Something to keep us entertained between innings!

-Ashley

Bridal Shower for my new Sis!

2011-04-10T15:37:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday my soon to be sis-in-law (April 29th!) had a bridal shower thrown for her at Bahama Breeze! It was such a nice time - I sat next to my mom and gradnma and really enjoyed myself :). I am so excited for Melissa to join our family and MARRY my brother! I really never thought there would be anyone in this world who could get him to settle down, but she did, and I couldn't be happier! Yay! 19 days and they say "I do" in St. Lucia!

Melissa!

Sooo delish.. the bahamarita!

This was the favor given out.. so cute, and a perfect fit!

-Ashley

Ashley and Daniel's Wedding Day!

2011-04-09T12:58:00.000-05:00

The real reason we drove across the state was to celebrate the marriage of my "randomly chosen" roommate in my dorm at FSU.. who I ended up living with in an apartment the next year as well and her bf she started dating our first year in college! The wedding was beautiful! The ceremony was held in a church in downtown Fernandina Beach and her reception was at a resort/golf course area known as The Plantation. They had a live band... a nacho bar... and unlimited amounts of "Pirate Punch"... Dancing... a great sunset... and many happy memories! Congrats to them both - they are truly perfect for each other!

Z and I outside of the reception hall (covered in gnats!).

The porch area of the hall... Daniel, Ash, and Ash!

The hubby and I again! :) The girls!

I love Z in blue!!

We had a wonderful weekend together with our bffs! Many fun memories!

-Ashley

A+D Wedding Day

2011-04-09T12:48:00.003-05:00

So on the day of Ashley and Daniel's wedding a lot of fun things happened before the wedding...

1. Z got his first (and def not last) pedicure!

2. We went to lunch at a beach side restaurant on their deck... perfect!

3. Jess and Kyle joined while Britt was doing "bridesmaid stuff"

4. Zach and I left the restaurant and went straight to Target to pick up a wedding gift. (Don't judge, we are ALWAYS last minute). We made it back to the hotel in time to change/shower, BUT something happened to where I had literally 15ish minutes to get completely ready. We walked into the hotel room and Jess is in her towel, hair wet, etc and starts off by saying "Don't get mad.. I've already called the front desk". Z and I looked at eachother and had no idea what she meant. Well, apparently while she was showering she needed to shave so she moved the showerhead over so it wouldn't wash away her cream and the WHOLE SHOWERHEAD CAME OUT OF THE WALL! She said she had shampoo in her hair and it was spewing out of the hole everrrry where!! A guy eventually came up to fix it, but said it would take awhile. I was freaking out because I was in no way going to a wedding as gross as I looked. Thankfully after 15 minutes of talking to the front desk they allowed us to use a booked room's shower (but the people hadn't checked in yet)... it was insane! I didn't feel I looked very nice, but whatever it was still a fun wedding... and that will be the next post!

-Ashley

Amelia Island Boat Day!

2011-04-09T12:27:00.002-05:00

Friday morning Z and I got up early to get to the marina to take out a boat we were going to rent for the day! It was chilly when we first went out, but the weather ended up being perrrrfect! We stopped at a dockside restaurant to have lunch and picked up Kyle so he could spend a few hours out with us on the water. We heard about Cumberland Island, GA being a small island with wild horses so we docked there and through the woods we found them! It was so cool getting to see them eating and running around where ever! It was a great day out and about...

Kyle trying to be artistic!

Kyle searching for horses... sand spurs much?! OUCH! Trying to get the boat unstuck from the mud... Horses... crappy point and shoot! Captain Z and his firstmate Kyle!

I swear I was the one taking the pics... even though I didn't make it into any of them! :)

-Ashley

St. Patty's Day!

2011-04-09T12:17:00.003-05:00

Yes, this post is titled St. Patrick's Day. Yes, it was almost a month ago... BUT it's here now so whatever! Anyway... we spent the 4 day weekend in Jacksonville/Amelia Island/Fernandina beach mainly for a wedding, but also celebrating my bffs 25th bday *which happens to be March 17*. We got to the hotel at about 6, got ready, and headed downtown for dinner and drinks. It was low key, but a lot of fun! We did Mexican and then visited the "oldest saloon" in Florida, the Palace! Pics below to start the weekend!

The bday girl and her bf Kyle!

She's easily embarrassed. Haha.

Z and I in our green!

Z and his bff! :)

Me, Britt, Jess! So much fun!

-Ashley!

The City Scramble!

2011-03-15T17:57:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posting (to my 2 loyal readers - hehe) ... each day seems to go by quicker than the one before!! Work is crazy busy getting ready for testing in April and my weekends have surprisingly been jam packed with fun activities! Last Saturday I participated in an "Adventure Race" around downtown Tampa called The City Scramble! It was so much FUN! We (Britt and I) were given a piece of paper with 12 clues - 9 being places you had to take a picture at, and 3 involving different puzzles/challenges. You could start at anyone and check off the activities in any order, but the clues were actually pretty hard and it was necessary to have a phone-a-friend (or 10!) helping out! You couldn't use any other form of transportation than your feet and we up ended running around for about 5 miles and completed it in 2 hours and 08 mins! We placed 8/25 ... which we considered not too bad since we were mapless! Oops! :)

Afterwards Justin and Melissa picked us up and we went out for lunch... and one too many drinks! What a fun day! :) Pictures below are in a crazy order - I thank blogspot for that for making it so annoying to change the location of each!

I will definitely participate again next year... with a map! Go Team BASH! (Britt/Ash put together.. clever, I know!)

-Ashley

Couch Potato... to 5k!

2011-02-27T07:15:00.003-06:00

Well, I FINISHED all 3.1 miles without dying so I would say that it was a success! It ended up being SUPER hot when the clouds went away... 84 or so! :) My goal was 45mins.. I finished in 43. I never said I was a running super star, but I did increase my time of almost 3 miles in 47 minutes when I first started... and that's all I really wanted to do! My 5X (or more!?) marathon running bff idol Heather was there for support and met me at the finish line all smiles! Zach chose to sleep in and not go to the "community jog", but I guess he is forgiven! ;) hehe. I actually had a lot of fun and would do one again in the future! I ended up running a lot more than walking which was another one of my goals... I hadn't "trained" in over a week due to our trip to Louisiana and such, but I'm happy with the way the morning went! Anyway.. here are so race day pics!

Heather and I before...

I was too fast to catch... haha!

Thirsty much!?

My first medal!

Shoutyyyyy: Congrats to Heather for finishing the half marathon in the Top 25 Females... and to my other bff Brittany for finishing her first 1/2 Marathon ever - and not stopping! WOW! Love you guys!

-Ashley

The Big Easy: Our Night OUT!

2011-02-24T18:23:00.003-06:00

Last Thursday my brother Justin, his fiance Melissa, and myself made the long drive from Tampa to New Orleans to hit the town before my grandmother's funeral on Saturday. We missed Mardi Gras by one day, but I'm totally okay with that now! It was crazy enough on a non -holiday occasion! lol. Anyway, we stayed the night in a pretty fancy hotel and hit the bars by 6pm! It was quite the night filled with a lot of laughs and drinks! I love my brother and my soon to be sister (April 29!).

Our hotel one block from BOURBON street!

My favorite older brother and I with the famous Tropical Isle hand granades! :)A hurricane from Pat O'briens! A grenade from Tropical Isle! Wooo! lol.
After a couple of hand granades! ;)
Two hurricanes, Missy?! hehe.
We ended up being back at the hotel just after midnight and slept until about 10. We had hit the road at 6am on Thursday and after 9 hours in the car.. we were exhausted! Next blog will show pics from our day out in The Big Easy!

-Ashley

Wiggin' Out!

2011-02-24T18:03:00.003-06:00

In early February two good friends of mine had a joint 25th birthday party! If you know my friends you know "themed" means FUN"ner"! We went out for dinner at a nice restaurant dressed up in.. WIGS! Yes, we got stares, but it was worth it! I decided to go blue while the bday girls went pink and green! It was so colorful and different and everyone loved it when we went out for drinks and told them why we were walking around with crazy hair! Zach chose to work through the event so he was unable to join us, but I had a blast out and about in Tampa!

The birthday girls and I!

Should I go blonde!? Hehe..

I went brunette too!

Days of Love!

2011-02-14T16:49:00.007-06:00

Zach and I have celebrated VDay this year over a couple of days! It started Friday night at a lovely dinner at The Melting Pot! He surprised me with reservations after I got home from work and it did NOT disappoint! Mmm! :)

Take One!

Take 2!

Last night he came home with a bouquet of tulips! They are pink and so pretty! I decided to give him part of his gift as well so he got his card and his Skittles *since I forgot to get those for his stocking he can now forget that I did that....*

Thennnn today around 1pm my door opened and in walked an ESE teacher with another bouquet for me... but this time they were gorgeous roses!! 12 red, 6 white! I felt so special and all of my kids did the famous "ooooooh aaaaaah" and asked if they were from Mr. S. I told them I hope so, and they were right! :)

I got home from work and gave Z his other gift. We had been talking about blu-rays and I finally bit the bullet and bought him a player, 2 movies, buuuut no cord! Siiigh! Way to read the "sold separately" Ash! lol.. He seemed to enjoy it and was surprised anyway!Thursday of this week I leave early in the morning with my brother and his fiancee to go to my grandma's funeral in Louisiana. We are going to drive to New Orleans first and stop there for dinner/a day of shopping and touring until we pick up Z from the airport around 4... Then we are going to go to Baton Rouge for dinner with the family Fri night and the service on Saturday. I'm looking forward to family time, but not so much the reason for the time!

Hope everyone has a happy, love filled day!!

-Ashley

Re: Why Bother???

2011-01-31T16:07:00.003-06:00

So.. it has been awhile since I have posted and I thought now would be a better time than ever! I didn't know what I was going to write about until I saw the last post!! Well, there are ALWAYS two sides to EVERY story! :)

Okay.. so! Last Thursday we had Math/Science night at my school scheduled from 6-7:30. I reminded Z that this was the case every night before *Mon, Tues, Wed... and I tried to remind him Thursday, but he never answered his phone* I eat lunch at 11:53-12:23 so after school we had a couple of hours to go grab a bite to eat so we wouldn't have to wait until after 8 to have dinner. My work-wife Melissa decided we'd (M, C, and I) go to Sonny's. She ended up buying our meals and I ended up getting a meal and calling it a day...

Fast forward to 6:45pm. Right in the middle of the activities going on... One missed call. Two missed calls. Three missed calls. Four missed calls. I finally excuse myself (thinking someone must've been hurt or dead!) and call Z to hear him complaining about me not being home from work yet and he just couldn't figure out what to do about dinner. I nicely replied that, being the fantastic wife that I am, that I'd call him when I was done and I'd pick HIM up something for dinner.

I apologized 10 times for not telling him I ate, but I did take the food he made to work the next day and that made me super happy not having to make a lunch at 6am!

So... here's my side and I'm sticking to it!!

-Ashley

Why Bother???

2011-01-27T20:02:00.002-06:00

This is Zach...

I left football practice today around 615pm and was wondering why Ashley hadnt called or anything, when I finally remembered that I thought she said something about having to stay late at school. So after calling her several times and her finally answering she confirmed this.

She was saying how she wouldnt leave there until like 730 and would stop and get food for dinner on her way home if I wanted. So that thought ended with her saying she would call me when she left.

TRYING TO BE NICE... I got home and starting cooking up some dinner. I wanted to suprise Ashley and cook dinner. I thought since I dont do this very often she would be happy, but since she had such a long day she would be SUPER happy. Boy was I wrong.

Turns out a co-worker of hers bought her some Sunny's BBQ earlier. She wasnt even hungry. Why couldnt she have told me this on the phone earlier, I will never know.

This is my rant and rave about Ashley, but truthfully, she is the greatest and I love her~

North.. or South?

2011-01-25T15:43:00.002-06:00

Zach and I have decided that we are going to use our tax return to treat ourselves to a fun getaway! I'm thinking we should do it for his birthday / our 5 year anniversary in July/August... He thinks my Spring Break / my birthday would work (that's only 3 months away!)... We are debating on two completely, totally different options... 5-7 days in Jamaica doing the all-inclusive resort thing OR! go on a week long Alaskan cruise (which don't start sailing until May so my date options work better!) lol! I've done the Caribbean thing 100 times on a cruise, but never a resort thing. Living in Florida we have plenty of beaches and SUPER hot weather in August so we're thinking maybe a nice, chilly vacay would be great... But lounging next to the pool/crystal blue water sounds so amazingly relaxing! I just dont know...

This

That!?

What a tough decision..

-Ashley

SeaWorld 2011

2011-01-16T12:43:00.006-06:00

Every year Anhueser-Busch *spelling is probably wayyyy off* amusement parks do a salute to military members/family. They allow one free visit to one of their parks once a year for the person in the service and up to 4 direct family members! We have taken advantage of this deal for the past few years and did so yesterday at SeaWorld Orlando (I actually just learned as a teacher in FL I get a free annual pass for "research".. crazy)! We left yesterday morning, hit up the park until it closed, went to dinner, and then stayed the night in a 4 star hotel (thanks to Hotwire!). Also, thanks to MLK, we had a long weekend and decided to get away for a good 24 hours! It was so much fun riding the rides, watching shows, seeing the animals, and just spending time together - just the two of us! My loving parents watched the pups on very short notice so we definitely appreciated that (another thanks!). We took the camera and got some great shots! Dolphins have always been my favorite animal and I had so much fun feeding/petting them at Dolphin Cove and then I got to "pet" super slimy stingrays, but didn't pay to feed them.

Zach and I hadn't been to the park together in awhile... so since the last time he had gone they had built a new roller coaster called Manta. It's INSANE! I had been once before so I was super excited to see/hear his reaction while on the ride. As you walk onto the coaster it seems like any other one with dangling feet... but as you pull the harness down over you it locks your feet in too. Once everyone has buckled in the dude in charge pushes a button and you start to feel yourself move in the seat. You end up laying down, but with your face looking at the ground. If something breaks and your harness opens... you would fly face first to the ground! Scary thought, huh? lol. The purpose is that you get to experience what it feels like for the manta ray stingray to flow through the water. Zach was impressed, but said he'd never ride again *ya right!*. Our picture was hilarious!!! His mouth was wide open and my hair was blowing in my face, but you could tell I was screaming. If you ever get a chance to ride it... DO IT! At least in the line they have aquariums with really neat fish to look at so it's not too boring. Lucky for us there wasn't a lot of people at the park so we got on pretty quick! Such a great time!

The penguins!

Some bird...

Manta... getting splashed while laying on your stomach and flying, twisting, turning through the air! eeek.

Shamu!

Another orca.

About to watch the seal/sea lion show!

Touching a super slimy stingray! Yucky! haha

Dippin Dots?! Mmm

Love of my Life!

Waiting to feed the dolphins..

Dolphins are my FAV animal EVER!

Anyway, I can't wait until our next "mini getaway!".. hopefully it will be sooner than later! :)

-Ashley

The Circus!

2011-01-09T19:15:00.005-06:00

Thursday I ended up staying at work until 5:30... then I had to make a pit stop at Staples... and I finally made it home a little after 6. I was exhausted from my almost 12 hour day, but told Z I was jealous my bff Britt was going to the circus with her bf and we weren't going (he had asked earlier in the week if I was interested and I said yes... although he swears I said no)! He quickly told me to get ready and lets go. I had zero time for a shower, but I did brush my hair and change my outfit. When we got there we realized tickets in the lower area were sold out, so we had to get "best available". Sounds nice, right? NOT! We were literally sitting in the LAST row in the WHOLE arena. I actually was feeling kind of sick walking up there and looking down at what was going on way, way, WAY below! I decided I'd call Britt and see where her and K were sitting. She had gotten free tickets from a doctor at the hospital she is a nurse at. She was all peppy saying they had great seats, and also told me that the dr. had given her friend 3 tickets, but she was not going to come so the seats next to her were empty. I immediately told Z we were moving on up... but I guess we were really moving on down! ;) We lucked out big time and ended up being in the bottom section of seats in row V! They were 100 times better and I was so thankful we were able to crash their date! :)

It was my first time at a "big time" circus and I enjoyed it for the most part. My heart always breaks a little for the animals and I can only hope they treat them nicely when training them... We brought the camera and played around with it... here are some random shots!

Tomorrow, Monday, I have my first official observation of the year done by my principal. Every week I have someone observing or watching me during a lesson or two, but it's usually just my mentor. For some reason the principal makes me more nervous than anyone that has been in... whether it be someone high up from the county or whatever. I hope it goes well.... we have Art at 9:30 so that is the latest she can stay! lol. I'm thankful it will be over early in the morning.. Wish me luck! Eek!

-Ashley

Couch Potato... to 5k!?

2011-01-08T10:09:00.006-06:00

Last night I went out for a yogurt date with 3 amazing girls! Two of them were runners. Two of us were NOT! H is my bff marathon runner and B is my bff training to be a 1/2 marathon runner. I'm just a bump on a log! lol. Somehow the topic of me and running and a 5k came up and two excited girls were grinning and asking me for my debit card so they could sign me up. Needless to say, I will be "running/WALKING" in a local race in SEVEN weeks!

Anyway, I don't do New Years Resolutions, but I am going to say my goal is to finish the 5k by running and walking... with definitely more running! It would be pretty cool to run the whole way, but as I told H - I just don't feel like my body is fit to run. Running long distances is torture to me, but she wasn't having it! She told me she could barely run a mile when she started and now she's running 26.2. Then B told me something similar... At least I have some inspiration and motivation. I told them they'd have to be harsh with me, or I'd probably not get anything done due to me being overly lazy/tired most week days! Siigh.

I started this post Saturday and I'm proud to say it's Sunday and I got through my first run! I ran/walked for a total of 3 miles. Although it wasn't easy and at times I thought I was going to pop a lung.. it felt good to know I can finish the task and it's only week 1/7! It took me over 47 minutes though, which is pretty crappy, but I can only get better so it's a good starting point! Here's hoping I keep this up and do my best on Feb 26!

-Ashley

Doggy Photo Shoot!

2011-01-02T11:03:00.005-06:00

We went and REpurchased our camera and extra goodies a few days ago and I've already tortured the dogs once, okay twice.. maybe even 50 times with it! I thought they enjoyed being followed around by their favorite owner with an object that flashes in their face every few seconds... that was until I got these last 2 shots! I think they say it all! hehe. I won't bore you with any others than the ones that made literally LOL.

My puggle is ROLLING her eyes at me...

And my beagle is YAWNING in boredom..

I definitely need new subjects, or maybe just a new environment... lol. :)

-Ashley

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T11:16:00.001-06:00

Hope everyone has a wonderful 2011!! Zach and I rang in the new year surrounded by good friends and good drinks and even shared a kiss at midnight! Not a first for us, but after being together for the last 8... It was only the 2nd time he stayed up with me! What a trooper - thanks baby! Below are 3 of my first pictures taken in the new year! I'm still in bed and Z is at the mall shopping ... Something is definitely wrong with that! :)

White Trash

2010-12-30T22:49:00.002-06:00

This stuff is going to be the death of me! I can't stop eating it... My neighbor makes it every year and I finally got my own bag of it when we got back to Tampa yesterday! What is better than M&Ms, pretzels, and peanuts covered in white chocolate?! ... Nothing!!! Mmmm. *This is my first post completely from my phone so I hope it shows up! I finally got it set up after talking about doing it for the past almost year. Woop Woop!*

Ask and you shall receive!

2010-12-29T19:29:00.002-06:00

I had a blog dedicated to things I "wished" for. They were purely wants... and I didn't think I'd really get any of them, but I did! I actually got more than half and I'd say I made out like a bandit! I got my spice rack, my monogrammed sticker letters for my car, money, and a camera/bag/lens/etc (ya, so it was stolen, but I still had it at one time!). I feel very blessed to have had such a fun, loved filled Christmas with both of my families! I also got other goodies to include: a BETTY WHITE calendar *hehe*, a steamer to unwrinkle my clothes with, my first pair of Crocs, a set of knives (wow! they actually cut - we used them tonight with our steak dinner!), a cast iron skillet (that we used to cook our steak tonight - score!), a set of new baking pans!, gift cards to Chili's and Olive Garden, stackable tupperware (hello organized cabinet!), a bacon genie, and a cute bag with S on it I can take to/from school! Thanks everyone!!

These are items I got from my "Christmas List"... minus the $$!

We also had been having issues with our dish washer. We'd take out cups/plates/anything really and they'd be covered with nasty bits of something and we'd wash them again, but it didn't help. We bought hard water remover and glass shine stuff, but nothing was cutting it! We complained to the leasing office and voila! While we were gone a nice, shiny WORKING dishwasher was installed! I'd say that's another great gift! :)

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas with family/friends! I plan on relaxing for the rest of my time off - Monday is going to come way too fast!

-Ashley

Christmas Additions

2010-12-24T21:04:00.002-06:00

I went around and took pictures of Christmas decor that has slowly gotten better this month...

Our wall of cards...

One of my favorite blog readers (LA!) cards is missing. Zach spilled syrup on it and no matter how hard we tried to get it off... there was a line of ants up our wall to the card so it had to be removed. Tragic, I know, but LA and fam is there in spirit!!

And yes, our own is up there because I like it that way!

We finally got our stockings embroidered!
Love my font!

Not sure why Z ordered a different font then everyone else!

I guess he's just special like that!

A few of the presents... I was just impressed with my wrapping abilities this year! :)

Christmas Eve went really well! Z and I went to a 5:30 service at a friend of his church. He actually spoke and did a nice job! I loved the fact that instead of having lit candles... they gave out glow sticks! Ohhh times are changing! Straight from church we headed to grandma/granddaddy's house for lasagna! It was delish, as usual... and then we headed over to my aunts for drinks/desserts! I just can't say no to sweets... SIGH! Here's to a wonderful Christmas tomorrow filled with great family and friends... and to a 6 hour drive after dinner!

-Ashley

Cookie Monsters!

2010-12-23T18:03:00.002-06:00

I spent all day over at my parents house baking, cutting, and decorating cookies with my mom and my husband (for as much as he could stand... he left after awhile and went shopping!). We made peanut butter cookies with hershey kisses, white cholocolate chip and macadamia nut cookies, sugar cookies, peanut butter cup cookies, brownies, and rice krispy treats! It was a lot of fun spending time with the fam and snacking my whole way through the day! hehe.

Starting to decorate!

These are Zach's favorite!
Z made these ... and even added the festive red/green sprinkles!

Z did the legless gingerbread man... mom helped with a tree and star..

I did all of these on my own... I think they are pretty good, actually!

I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas! We are having our annual lasagna Christmas Eve dinner with the family tomorrow night at my grandparents and then will be up early for Christmas breakfast at my parents. My dad always makes a huuuuge breakfast for us and then later makes a huuuuge Christmas dinner with lobster, super yummy steaks, and other goodies! Mmmm. My mouth is already watering! After dinner we will be leaving for Atlanta to spend almost a week with Z's mom, brothers, and extended fam!! I love the holidaysssss.

-Ashley

"Once you go King...

2010-12-23T17:40:00.003-06:00

you never go queen!" is what I heard from a friend a few days ago when I told them Z and I were upgrading our bed. After 4 years with 2 adults and 2 pups in a queen bed - more space was much needed! Zach's mom bought a new mattress for herself and was left with what to do with her old one. Thankfully.. she called us and we had it *finally* delivered on Monday! - Thanks John and Scott and thanks Mom#2! We went out and bought a new sheet set and comforter and had been sleeping on the mattress set on the floor. Today Z went out and bought us a headboard/footboard/rails and I LOVE it! It is quite high though and our puggle is having a hard time making it up there without some help! lol. Anyway.. here is the debut of the new bed! Looking foward to sleeping in it tonight...

-Ashley

Gifts Galore!

2010-12-19T11:02:00.003-06:00

Friday at school was crazy, but also fun! We played (slightly) educational games, went outside for PE AND teacher PE (a first!), and had quite a hopping par-tay! :) I had Britt come with the pizza right at 1 and then I had two other ladies in helping pass out things/run the food lines! The kids seemed to have really enjoyed themselves and we had SO much food! Everyone brought in what they said they'd bring in.. and more! I was so spoiled by my students! Cards and gifts and notes and hugs! I needed Britt to help me take things home because I was out of hands! I received 3 gifts with smelly stuff in it: lotion, soap, body splash, etc! A couple of candles, a picture frame, a purse, and a scarf! It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! They like me.. they REALLY like me! haha. Parents stopped by in the morning to wish me a Merry Christmas and, for the most part!, it was a great day! We did have a few meltdowns, but we got through it! Who needs kids of their own when I have 17 and can send them home every day!? lol.

This was my desk by 11am!

One more was added after lunch!

Wearing some of my gifts! The ears were mine... and I took off my fun holiday Mickey Mouse sweatshirt! LOL.

Yay for 2 weeks off!!

-Ashley

Goodie Bags!

2010-12-16T16:34:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow is FINALLY Friday!!! That means we will spend the last hour of the day in school having a holiday party! :) I'm going to get pizzas and bring in a bottle of soda or 2 and (hopefully) my students will bring in the rest of the snacks/goodies! :) I spent a little bit of time making them goodie bags and they will also take home their ornaments I bought them! Ashley and Britt are going to be joining us for the party to help pass out things and what not so that is pretty exciting! Right after school ends and the kids are gone we'll be leaving for DISNEY and Z gets home sometime on Saturday (but unfortunately decided to work that night - booo)! Woot, woot on not being alone anymore though!

Some of the mess around me! They will get candy, a pencil, an eraser, a fun straw...

I'm cheap! :)

The goodie bag and myself...

Happy ALMOST Friday to everyone!

-Ashley

Checked Baggage

2010-12-15T15:28:00.002-06:00

Sunday night Z and I stayed at the Marriott in the airport in order for him to be able to sleep in as long as possible... and for me to not have to wake up at the crack of dawn and drive him to his 7am flight! Well, things were going quite smoothly at 6am when our alarms went off, but by 2pm it seemed like our whole world had turned upside down! ...

It seems as though it isn't a good idea to check valuables into your unlocked luggage on a trip. Who knew the scum that was hired as "security" at airports?! Zach had packed our new camera (and bag, extra lens, charger, ETC) and after only 8 days our days with our "bad boy", were over. Someone actually opened the bag and and took out the camera bag filled with everything! Ughhh!!! Karma is a bitch (pardon my French, but whatever!) and I hope that whoever decided to give themselves an early Christmas present gets what is coming to them. The airlines are no help, but it looks like insurance will be of help...

No one was hurt, we all have our health, and it can be replaced.. for a monetary price! We learned a lesson the hard way, but it still sucks! I hope someone who reads this will also learn something valuable and will change the way they travel! I know we will... I may never check a bag again!

On a happier note... 2 more days until a 2 week vacation! and I'm going to "Ladies Night" tonight at the Melting Pot with my friends! and DISNEY WORLD on Friday night for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas *with 3 other couples*! Ha! 7th wheel much?!

-Ashley

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad... Santa!?

2010-12-11T10:23:00.002-06:00

Well, to be honest... I was afraid of Santa growing up, but not all Santas - just one in particular. The one who my mom put on top of the fireplace mantel every.single.year. and had crazy eyes. and awkwardly stared. I would be afraid to wake up before anyone else did during the Christmas season because he always seemed to be watching me and I just didn't like that he was so high up and kind of just ruled the house, I guess. Literally I'd run by the fireplace to make it to the kitchen to get breakfast if my parents weren't awake yet. I didn't tell anyone about this fear until a few years ago and my mom told me she would've taken it down if she had known that, but too late for that now!!

A few days ago Zach brought in a large bag and said he had gone Christmas shopping at a yard sale and found somethingt hat he thought I'd LOVE! ........ Yes, you guessed it, my mom has handed down that Santa and he's now living in my home. Thanks, mom! I haven't had any nightmares yet but it's still early! :)

Kahlua was a little uneasy at first...

Getting acquainted...

Lacey makes friends with everyone!

Kahlua prefers to eat them!

Is this not the scariest thing?!

Those dang eyes!

-Ashley

Oh Christmas Tree... Number 2

2010-12-11T08:39:00.003-06:00

Since Zach and I have been married... we've never celebrated Christmas in the city we'd been living in at that time *thanks Army!*. BUT this year is Christmas with my family and since we're in Tampa and they're in Tampa we finally decided to get ourselves a tree! :) We only had a few strands of lights and a few ornaments, but I know it's one of those things that the collection will grow each year as you pick up random items you like!

Anyway, we headed to a local HS on a semi-chilly day to find the perfect tree! After walking around for just a few minutes we picked one and brought it home with us! It smells so yummy in here and although it likes to lean daily, I love having a tree! Now if only we had ANY presents under the tree we'd be in good shape. lol! Z and I won't have any under our tree... and we did a "Secret Santa" with his family so the presents aspect will surely be bare.. oh well!

Anyway... here's a bunch of tree pictures in a crazy order! (One thing I wish blogger made easier - just takes too long to upload and move around - I don't really have the patience!)

Slowly cutting the string...

Almost there...

Our first pic with our first treeee!

Zach helping out!

Bye, bye bottom!

The star!

Booze enjoys laying under! :)
Zach's ornament...

Another one of his *I let him get this ... in return I got the "JOY" one seen in another post.

After a longggg day at work... wish it was lit!

-Ashley

Oh Christmas Tree... Number 1

2010-12-11T06:59:00.001-06:00

While Z and I were at Walmart a little over a week ago buying lights for our own tree.. we ran into the fake trees section and my mind started racing! How cool would it be to have a tree in the classroom!? Especially one pre-lit and ready to go after just placing the 3 sections together... I really wanted to multi-colored one, but inside all they had were white lights. The hubby came to the rescue and went outside to see their stock and voila! My classroom tree was in my buggy! We strolled outside again to continue our journey to find lights and I spotted ornaments. How can I have a classroom tree without some fun ornaments?! So... I thought about it again and saw a package of multi-colored ball ornaments that came qith 18 (I have 17 students and 1 me = 18!) PERFECT! I knew I'd write their name with a silver sharpie on it, decorate it after school, and watch them come in with wide eyes and looking for their very own ornament... and it's exactly what they did!

I loved watching them get excited and they loved knowing that they were apart of the tree! Zach also bought an ornament with a chalkboard on it that says "ABC" so I stuck that on the top and it really is just perfect! I haven't lit it yet because technically we're not allowed, but I think I might just have to during our holiday party on Friday! :)

The ornament Z found at Target...

I will have to blog about our first Christmas tree ever as a married couple shortly (ours is real!)! :) Two firsts for me this year!

-Ashley

The Bucs Game!

2010-12-07T18:04:00.003-06:00

Zach and I went to the "Throw Back" Bucs game on Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons. This is the 2nd year that they have done this game! Players wear the old (super ugly) cream sickle uniforms and the stadium is decorated with old school logos all around it! It was actually a lot of fun, even though we did lose! Seeing players in orange, and not red/pewter, was so strange! This was the first time we had charged up the camera to take some shots and Z got a few great action photos during the game! I love how clear the moving ball is in all the shots... Which reminds me! I took a few shots of running water yesterday just to see the clarity - and Z made fun of me and called me a loser! Oh well, I thought it was neat to play with the camera's shutter speeds and actually see the droplets of water and what not! So I'm a total dork.. give me a break! :)

These are a few *backwards, of course* of the shots he took! (The rest are on facebook LA if you want to see them!)

No idea if 15 caught the ball... or 25! I hope 15 though.. LOL

Some sort of pass... 1st Down!
Everyone in the stands got throw back hats... I HATE this pic, but love the hat!
Fire the canons!!

Every game jets fly over right after the national anthem.. if it's timed right!

Until next time!!

-Ashley

Merry Christmas to us... Early!

2010-12-06T16:18:00.004-06:00

Yesterday Zach and I went Christmas shopping for ourselves and bought the "bad boy" mentioned below in the last post! The Nikon D3100 is officially ours! We bought a bundle at Best Buy and got a pretty good deal on the camera, an extra (much nicer) lens, a bag, and a fast SD memory card! We took it to the Bucs game last night and Z got some GREAT shots!! I can't wait to figure out how to use it... He actually wants to take classes with a friend of ours and learn some things!

I walked around the house earlier and got a few shots of some random things, on auto, of course! lol. The dogs will probably be blind by the end of the year with all of the flashes they are going to have to witness! hehe.

Anyway, I'm proud and excited of our purchase because I know it will last us a really long time and we will get a lot of use at it whether we are traveling, at a sporting event, or just hanging with family!

I love when the object is in focus, but the background it blurry...

Here was my attempt!

Creative? I don't think so... LOL

Finally got to hang this up!

She's smiling!!

Z got this beauty of Lace!

-Ashley

Christmas List

2010-12-03T16:24:00.004-06:00

People have been starting to ask that famous December question: What do you want for Christmas?? ... Usually that is super hard for me because if I want something I really just go out and buy it, unless it's expensive, then I wouldn't ask for it because it is a lot of money! So. I started thinking about what I really want and I've narrowed it down to 7 different things...

This bad beauty right here. The Nikon D3100. Not pictured is the bag I will need for it, but I do want/need the lens too. Zach and I are thinking this will be a gift we get for eachother. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Okay, let me explain. In order to afford gift number 1 on my list we'd need a little bit of this, gift number 2. MONEY! Lol. For as long as I can remember my parents have been giving me money for Christmas so I can buy myself what I want. Impersonal? Yes. But does it make me happy? Very much so!
Uggs.
I've never owned a pair and I now live in Florida, but I love the brown ones. Size 7. No knock offs.
:)$$$$ to spend at Old Navy! I love their clothes... they fit great and it's not too expensive! I know, I know.. how impersonal! But my sizes are different everywhere so if I can shop for myself nothing has to get returned!
ANOTHER giftcard?! Mmmmmhmmmm! I can do some damage at Target.

Monogrammed letters for my car. I would like it in pink or blue. Font: Curlz.

This next item is something I've never had before, but I think it'd be fun to have one and experiment with different tastes on chicken and what not... A spice rack!! lol.

I thought about posting this last night, but didn't. I told myself I'd do it after work on Friday. Well, work is over and I posted it, but something happened to me today that really put things in perspective. I have a student whose mom was diagnosed with cancer last year. She has been through chemo and has had her ups and downs, but within the next day she will probably no longer be with us according to the doctor. The student is such a sweetheart.. he's one of my only boys that gives me a hug every day and always has a good attitude and smile on his face. He has a younger brother at the school and they were both picked up early by their dad today and were taken to the guidance counselor so she could talk to them. I didn't learn this until after school ended, but my heart breaks for him and his family. I can't imagine losing my mom - not now... and especially not at 9 years old! It literally brought me to tears knowing that he has to go through that and to make it even worse - around the holidays. It will be something he will have to go through every single year.

I really am sometimes selfish and greedy - I'll admit it, but this really opened my eyes to how blessed I am. I am surrounded by family and friends every year and sometimes we take the most important things in our lives forgranted. Like they will always be there... If I don't get one gift this year - as long as I'm with the ones I love the most - I'd really be okay. I have everything (and more) that I need...

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I have two Christmas parties tomorrow... looking forward to them both! :)

-Ashley

GOO NOLESSS!!!

2010-11-28T11:18:00.003-06:00

The last time the FSU Seminoles beat the Florida Gators was in 2003! I started going to FSU in 2004 - so this means that they had not won since I was in HS! The Noles had been breaking my heart every Thanksgiving weekend for the past 6 years, but it all changed last night when we CREAMED them!!!! Thank goodness! I'm done hearing my UF friends talk so much crap every day. We left SmallTown, FL, USA yesterday morning so I could shower and head to the bar to meet up with friends before kickoff. It was perfect timing and the night was amazing! Thank you Noles for making me excited beyond belief!!! F-L-O-R-I-D-A ... S-T-A-T-E! FLORIDA STATE, FLORIDA STATE, FLORIDA STATE... WOOOOO!

Hard to see, but it says 31-7.. final score!

We were SOO excited!Fruity Pebbles shot?! The prego waitress gave us the idea. Not too bad! (Rebeca is a Gator alum.)
NOLES!

We also clinched a spot in the ACC championship game last night!! I couldn't believe it! We needed NCState to lose to Maryland... and they did!!!! Yay!

-Ashley

Go Bolts!

2010-11-28T11:00:00.007-06:00

Zach has a season ticket to the NHL team the TB Lightning and usually tries to go to every home game with his friend who bought the ticket next to his seat. I hadn't been to one yet, but decided since I'm on vacation - why not finally go!? We ended up having a good time together and bought seats that were in the last row and not connected to anything - so we had more space than usual. This was nice because I like to sprawl out and take up as much space as possible with all of my stuff! lol. Before the game we stopped by a bar and had a few drinks, but made it into the arena pretty early. I even got my picture taken with a local sports announcer named Todd Kalas who does the Rays game, but that's on a phone camera! Oh well! :)

Before the game.

During the game we had a photo shoot!

Not too bad...
Really bad!

We won!

Z being silly! Hot player!

-Ashley

Zachary: Egg Collector

2010-11-28T10:37:00.004-06:00

Zach and I spent 3 days in SmallTown, FL, USA visiting my family that I had not seen since my wedding for the Thanksgiving holiday. Zach had only met this particular group of aunts/uncles/cousins/etc. at the wedding, which meant he only really remembered a few! I think he was a little nervous as to what to expect, but it ended up being such a great time for both of us! :) The house we stayed at is on 2 acres, surrounded by woods, and even had a chicken coop. Once Zach heard this he was excited about the next morning....

The first morning he was dying to "go collect the eggs". They have one rooster and about 23 hens and 2/3 mornings we were there he was able to go and get them. What a fun time for him. lol.

Walking to the coop!

Opening the door..

Being the "Egg Collector

We spotted the rooster

This particular morning there was a hen on one of the nests so he only got 3. The next morning he got 9!Walking back.. proud of his collection!

Hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving!! I know we sure did and I'm so thankful for such a great holiday surrounded by loved ones! :) Zach is already making plans to go back sometime during Christmas break! :) One set of my cousins up there actually own a mountain home in Pigeon Forge so we're trying to plan a trip up there over a long weekend too! Nothing like a free vaca!

-Ashley

"Thanksgiving" Dinner #1

2010-11-21T11:28:00.003-06:00

On Friday night Z and I met up with my parents and 2 brothers along with their significant others for dinner. Since my grandmother who lives in LA had a heart attack on Wednesday and is having surgery tomorrow my parents left Saturday morning to be there for her and Z and I are going to visit family I have in the Tallahassee area Wed-Sat so we all won't be around for Thanksgiving. Instead of not getting together at all my parents decided they'd take us all out for a super yummy dinner before they left! It is always so much fun getting everyone together... even though we live so close it doesn't happen as much as it should because our schedules are all pretty different, but we try!

My parents!

My older brother, Justin, and his fiance Melissa.

They are getting married in St. Lucia on April 29.

I have my fingers crossed we get to go....!!
Zach and I

My younger brother, Doug, and his gf Brittany
The whole family... definitely Christmas card worthy!

Love you guys!!!

-Ashley

The Great American Teach-In

2010-11-20T16:49:00.004-06:00

Last Thursday was The Great American Teach-In at school. My class was lucky enough to have a Specialist from the Army come and visit us first thing in the morning ... and yes, it was yours truly - ZACHARY! :) They absolutely loved him! He brought in a lot of his equipment, told some stories, and even showed them some moves ... on them and on ME! We counted my students doing push-ups/pull-ups.. and he even did 2 for them. lol. He let them try on his helmet, his pistol belt (without the pistol - of course) and 2 different types of vests. They asked a lot of good questions and stayed interested throughout the presentation! Thanks Mr. S for coming to visit our class - you rock! :) I had them all write him thank you notes at the end of day and he enjoyed reading them all that night!

Letting one of my students try on a vest...

This is a different teacher's student trying on the bullet-proof vest!

We were also lucky enough to see a martial arts trainer, an ex-cop, a financial adviser, AND we skyped in a movie trailer music composer from LA! He did the music for Megamind and the kids went nuts! It was such a fun day, but busy, day! ... and I'm now on a NINE day vacay! WOOT WOOT!!!!! :)

-Ashley

My Best Friend's Wedding!!

2010-11-15T08:40:00.004-06:00

November 14, 2010! My best friend Heather got MARRIED to the love of her life Todd! :) The wedding was beautiful!! Her sister was her Maid of Honor and Todd's childhood friend was the Best Man. We got there about an hour early to keep her company and take a few pics pre-wedding! She looked absolutely GORGEOUS and I couldn't be happier for her and her husband! :) They are spending the next 3 days at the beach then coming home for a couple weeks until they leave for their honeymoon in California! They will be running a marathon and touring Napa Valley area! So fun!! Anyway, congrats again to the beautiful bride and the wonderful groom! Love you both!

Since it was on a Sunday night I took my first (paid) personal day ever! It feels kinda nice to just be relaxing right now andddd getting paid for it! WootWoot! Now on for the pics and we all know they are going to be random because that's how I always roll! hehe.

Britt, the Bride, and the MOH!

I gave Z his own little personal photo shoot! :)

I tied my favor ribbon around my drink.. I'm festive!
The hubby and I!! Loveeee you!

Her table numbers had their dog Riley doing in poses/action shots!

Too funny.

Lobe and Lobe!

Telling him he better be nice with the garter!

Of course he dove in head first! :)

The gals!

HUSBAND AND WIFE!

Saying their vows!

I hope you both live a happy and blessed forever together!! LOVE YOU!

-Ashley & Zach!

Happy Veteran's Day!

2010-11-11T17:15:00.004-06:00

Just wanted to say thanks to all the soldiers who have served, or who are still serving, and let them know that they are appreciated!!! Thanks for your service and for protecting our great nation!!

... but of course my own personal vet deserves some special recognition too! :) My love, my hubby, my ZACHARY! lol. So proud of you and what you have done - you're amazing babe!!

Reenlisting last year...

I love my soldier!

"If you don't stand behind our troops... then feel free to stand in front of them!" - love me that quote! :)

Zach and I spent our day off together... started with a little wake-up back/hand massage for the soldier and then we went to lunch and saw Due Date! :) It will be weird going back to work for just a day, but I'm definitely not complaining!

-Ashley

Game Plan: Party Like a Freshman!

2010-11-11T15:55:00.006-06:00

Last Friday my bff Britt and I left right after work to head to Tallahassee: home of the Florida State University! It took us almost 4 hours to get there, but it ended up being one heck of a time... On the way up there we decided we were going to try to party like freshmen and we defintely succeeded! Hehe. :) I hadn't been there since 2007 and she hadn't been back since she graduated in 2008!

Friday night we checked into the hotel 9:30ish, and we were quite exhausted from a long week at work and a long drive, but we got ourselves ready and headed out at 11 in the freezing cold (literally in the low 40s!) to a bar called Bullwinkle's. We had a few drinks then went to Wal-Mart to make sure we had everything we needed for the game... including a blanket that would come in handy like you wouldn't even believe!

We woke up at 8:30, grabbed some breakfast, showered, and got ready to hit the town. We ended up calling a taxi that drove us to the liquor store then our tailgate area at 11! Our friend has a friend that has an area set up next to the baseball field (he works for the team) with access to their cable and their bathrooms (so nice!). We had tons to drink, great food, couches, flatscreens, lawn golf, and corn hole! What more could you want?! Slowly, but surely, people started arriving and it was starting to look like a garnet and gold game day! :)

Around 3:30 we headed into the stadium to watch the game for a bit, but then we decided we were hungry and left on a long journey to a restaurant/bar called Momo's. Their slogan is "slices as big as your head"... no lie!! We ate our pizza and salad while watching the game and then started our trek back to the tailgate area. We ended up sitting on the grass watching the game on one of the TVs and the wide right loss occurred. No bueno! Soon after everyone that didn't go home to change met back at the tailgate and then we weaved in and out of traffic on foot to head to a bar called Potbellies. We stuck around there drinking and dancing and singing Disney songs until 10 and left to go to a bar called Yianni's. It was 80's for the ladies so we had a fantastic time singing/screaming every lyric to every song! :) Thanks to daylight savings we gained an extra hour to party and made it to last call...

The group walked out and headed to the area where there were taxis and ordered one to take us to Steak n Shake by our hotel... we ate and thennnnn finally made it back into our room where the clock was still reading "4:30"! It was such a long, super fun day with many laughs and smiles!!

Can't wait to do it again soon! GO NOLES!!

Some of our game day goodies! :)

Britt and I!
Playing cornhole! (and losing!)

Travis... our hook-up!

In front of our beautiful stadium!

Ash, Lauren, Britt! HS reunion! :)

At the game... 3 rows up!

Walking to Momo's!

Tomahawk Chop!?

My old dorm I lived in Freshman year!

Momo's.... mmmm!

At Potbellies!

Yes, this is me.. freezing outside with my super soft blanket!

Chicken Caesar Pita and Greek Fries

from a place called Pitaria! :) Mmmm.

-Ashley

The Conclusion: HBP The Morning After!

2010-11-01T16:21:00.003-05:00

Well... before we get to the morning after lets go back to the end of the night... Ash had drove and was driving herself home and once we got to the PUBLIX parking lot she parked at... we realized her car had been TOWED! On the phone I told her to park in publiC parking.. she misheard me and parked in the publiX parking next to the restaurant that was surrounded with "Tow Away Zone" signs. Siiiigh. Britt, Ash, and I went on a 20$ cab ride and once we got there she had to pay 120$ to get her car out and then we were back in business. What an expensive night! We picked up the gals and headed back to the hotel and somehow ended up ordering 2 large pizzas from Domino's! Woooops! lol.

We woke up and Z had managed to get us EIGHT free breakfast buffets. By 10am there were 4 of us left so we ended up using that deal (Retail value of 16$ a piece... Thanks Z!!) He also got us a nice military discount on the hotel (thanks Z!). He's sure good for something ;) I realized on the way home I had lost my debit card and had to order a new one.. but the night was so worth it! The wedding is just 13 days away now... CAN'T wait!!

My plate of random goodness!

Britt wasn't thrilled I was taking this photo! lol
-Ashley

Part 5: Out on the town!

2010-11-01T16:09:00.005-05:00

In no particular order here are some pictures that describe our night out of: dancing, drinks, and more dancing! We had so much fun and this "club" was actually right upstairs from the restaurant we ate at so we didn't have to do much traveling to get there! There were two floors and the top was open and had a great view of the city! Even though we were just 45mins away from home it was nice to get out and explore our neighborly city of St. Pete!! I love Florida! :)

Kalei, Alyysa, Ashley!

Our fav. bartender Josh... He was so funny!
VIP!? Yes, please!

Kanye West!? ... Nope!

Josh took this shot...

She was having way too much fun!

Yes.. the bride brought a huge bag of candy corn!

(and she shared with most of the people at the bar!) lol

Dance, dance!

Ring power!!

Anyone watch Modern Family!?

We called the guy on the right Phil allll night long! hahah

-Ashley

Part 4: H'sBP - Dinner

2010-11-01T16:00:00.002-05:00

After H unwrapped gifts and and we popped the champagne we went downstairs to take the hotel van to a little upscale Mexican restaurant. It wasn't too far away and when we got there the other Ashley joined in on the festivities! We started with some yummy chips and salsa... and 3 other delish dips, a drink or 3, and then ate some yummy food. I got some chicken/cheese quesadillas! Very good, but pretty small portions... and usually I'd have an issue with that, but it was not to not feel overly full at the end!

Anyway, dinner went well and it was nice to go out somewhere pretty unique and different for once!

Posing with some weird statue in the background!

The restaurant in downtown St.Pete..

My side of the table!

The bride's side...minus Britt!

Isn't she lovely?! :)

-Ashley

Heather's Bachelorette PARTY! Part 3: Presents/Games/Hotel Fun!

2010-10-25T19:57:00.003-05:00

After decorating Britt and I hopped in the shower... not together, of course, but one in each of the rooms we had (lol). Soon after Heather and her sis arrived and we ended up all doing hair/make-up in different parts of the room together. She loved all the decorations and the room itself. We had a nice view of the water from the THIRTEENTH! floor. We also got a lot of good laughs out of the fact that a Sci-Fi/Horror Film Convention was going on so there were HUNDREDS of people dressed up in weird outfits with swords/guns/etc. walking around - pretty freaky actually.

Anyway, we popped the champagne, played a few games, H opened her presents, and then we headed downstairs to have the hotel van take us to dinner... and that's where I will start for Part 4!

Britt and I... and I woke up that morning with a NASTY sore stye in my eye. EW!

The bride and Britt!

We bought her a big light up ring! :)

Pinning my kiss on the "stud"! :)

In the lobby... All the girls (minus 1)!

-Ashley

Heather's Bachelorette PARTY! Part 2: The set up!

2010-10-24T19:32:00.003-05:00

Zach checked us in around 3 and helped us carry our things up and headed home. We had adjoining rooms so we decided to set up in the room that Heather would be sleeping in! It was a lot of fun shopping together and getting to put it up for her. She loved it!

Caution!!

Her main color is purple.

Popping bottles all night! :) lol.

Kiss the Stud... just like Pin the Tail! lol

We baked some yummy goodies!

-Ashley

Pre-Heather's Bachelorette PARTY!

2010-10-24T19:23:00.005-05:00

Last night I celebrated my BFF bride-to-be Heather with 7 other amazing woman! Z, Britt, and I left Tampa Saturday afternoon and headed to St. Pete (only a 30minute drive!) to check in to our hotel and to get some sun before the bachelorette got there. Z drove us around and we checked out restaurants/bars and ate lunch ... since our room wasn't ready we got a pool key and headed to it. The weather was absolutely amazing! Zach even took a nap...

Sleeeeepy hubby!

Britt in the sun!

Our view!
Trying to be artistic! LOL
I decided that I'm going to do this in parts... so this was part 1! lol. The time before the party! :)

Smoke and a Pancake?

2010-10-10T09:30:00.004-05:00

This morning I woke up, walked the dogs, and came back inside and realized Z was still sleeping. It was breakfast time and I remembered we bought pancake mix at Publix yesterday... so I was going to be the good wife who surprises her hubby with breakfast in bed. It went a little something like this:

Step 1: Get out the pancake mix and read the directions carefully.
Step 2: Google "bisquick shake n' pour pancake directions" to see if anyone gave a more detailed explanation.
Step 3: Google "greasing a pan" to see if Pam would work.
Step 4: Grease the pan with Pam.
Step 5: Add water and shake the container like a Polaroid picture.
Step 6: Pour... and set timer for 3o seconds.
Step 7: Have a really hard time flipping the pancakes and start to get discouraged.
Step 8: Reset timer and take off first batch.
Step 9: Regrease pan with Pam.
Step 10: Pour... and reset timer again.
Step 11: Beeeeep, Beeeeep, Beeeep... oh DANG the smoke detector.
Step 12: Grab closest book and wave the air in front of detector while watching Z move around in bed... skip a few steps.
Step 18: Tell Z to get back in bed and pretend to be asleep/surprised.

I failed miserably, but at least they actually turned out decent. Nothing a little syrup can't fix! Man.. I need a lesson on cooking breakfast (or 40!)

My mess!

My masterpiece!

-Ashley

The Night of Knights

2010-10-09T17:28:00.003-05:00

I'm going to preface this by saying I was at a training this wonderful Saturday from 8:00-3:00. I didn't shower that morning because I figured I'd go home and shower and finally relax. Well, during the training is when Z decided he'd surprise me and take me to dinner in Orlando RIGHT when I got home...

So I get home and he has packed most of my things... clothes/makeup/shower stuff and was rushing me telling me he wanted to leave now and get into O-town at a decent time. I told him we'd have to shower before dinner and he agreed, but he lied! lol. As he got off the exit NOT toward the Disney hotels I started to complain that now we would have to pay for parking and that in itself is crazy and why didn't he get us a reservation there ... etc. Well, he had made us reservations at Midieval Times for a 7pm show! I had never been, but I was so surprised when we pulled up and he gets all excited and tells me "we're here!" Although I was upset I looked reallly gross - I was looking forward to the experience!

We walked up and paid and ended up getting the green night hat, but then he decided to upgrade us and we were switched to the yellow knight's table. We walked around the property, had a few drinks, and eventually went and took our seats. Dinner consisted of soup, bread, chicken, a spare rib, a potato, and some sort of apple filled pastry... with ZERO utensils. I found it quite hilarious. Our knight ended up winning the whole thing and we had such a fun time!

After we left dinner he took me to a Disney hotel and all was well! :)

Gathered around.. GO YELLOW!

My chicken I ate ... with my hands!

My lover and I! :)

I can barely look at this picture... lol

When we were still going for green.. he placed 2nd!

Thanks for always thinking of new and exciting things to do Z! We always have so much fun together! :)

-Ashley

Oh, Lacey!

2010-10-08T19:53:00.004-05:00

The past year our beloved beagle has suffered from sudden violent shaking, super dialated pupils, the inability to control her bladder, and clenched teeth for a little over a minute or so. During this time when her parents are around her mom is freaking out and trying to comfort her while usually crying a tear or 30,000. The vet told us if it wasn't frequent she'd be okay, but if it got worse to let him know... Well, we've been having issues with her more frequently and took her back into the vet today. With the symptoms she has the vet had decided our dog has EPILEPSY! He then told Z that she isn't in pain when it's happening.. she pretty much checks out mentally... but still! :( They drew blood and sent it to the lab and we should know for sure by Monday. My poor baby! She has pins in her leg from when (I think) she was hit by a car before we bought her (for $15) in Kentucky... she is highly allergic to fleas... has crazy allergies... and now EPILEPSY! Luckily there is a way to stop the seizures through medication that we will have to give her daily for the rest of her life!

Lacey Anne... you are a mess, but I love you my sweet pup!!

My first dogter! (The good one!)
She is so pretty!
I mean really..who wouldn't love that face!

-Ashley

Ashley and Zach

Happy Valentines Day! :)

Upgraded!!

Gasparilla 2012!

Week 5, Day 3!!

Reason 424!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Run, Ashley and Allie, Run!!

Happy Birthday Grandma!!

Vacation... Booked!!

New additions!

The Giraffe Ranch!

Running Buddies!

Blue Man Group!

I'm baaaaack!

October!

Busy, Busy Bees!

Birthday Celebrations

Back to School!

Baby, Baby, Baby! (ohhhh) !

Painting With a Twist!!

Beach Days!

A + Z = 5YR

Big Event!!

Just Another Random Post!

Happy Birthday Hubby!

Our New Home - The Living Room

Our New Home - The Bedrooms

Our New Home - The Dining Room/Kitchen

Our New Home - The Bathroom/Laundry Room

Our New Home - The Backyard/Shed!

Independence Day!

Puppy Chow!

JUMP!!!!

Boating on Lake Sinclair

Weekend @ Lake Sinclair!

The Reception!

The Ybor Experience

April Showers Bring Cute Duckies to the Pond!

A word to the wise!

Things the make me SMILE!

Happy Mother's Day!

My Graduate!

Pretzels... With the screw on top!

The Royal / Trent Wedding

Birthday Celebration #2!

Birthday BBQ

Happy Easter!

Quarter of a Century!

New Title in 2011-2012

Saturday Night Date Night!

Go Rays!

Bridal Shower for my new Sis!

Ashley and Daniel's Wedding Day!

A+D Wedding Day

Amelia Island Boat Day!

St. Patty's Day!

The City Scramble!

Couch Potato... to 5k!

The Big Easy: Our Night OUT!

Wiggin' Out!

Days of Love!

Re: Why Bother???

Why Bother???

North.. or South?

SeaWorld 2011

The Circus!

Couch Potato... to 5k!?

Doggy Photo Shoot!

Happy New Year!

White Trash

Ask and you shall receive!

Christmas Additions

Cookie Monsters!

"Once you go King...

Gifts Galore!

Goodie Bags!

Checked Baggage

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad... Santa!?

Oh Christmas Tree... *Number 2*

Oh Christmas Tree... Number 2

Oh Christmas Tree... Number 1