End of an era

JD's last home game was Wednesday. It's hard to believe he's a senior about to graduate. He's the last of the Ashman kiddies and the last boy. For the last ten years, our family has spent hours every week watching Sam and JD play sports. Now what are we supposed to do? Deanna has already started scouting out a few potential teams she'd like to start following, but as for us we'll probably focus on supporting our nephew, Tanner.

But back to JD, we've really enjoyed him play and excel in football and baseball. We're so proud of him and his accomplishments. Check out this article from Wednesday in the Salt Lake Tribune here.

Hey, Mom and Dad, maybe now we can start going on summer family vacations! Huh? No excuses now!

I seem to purchase one of these EVERY time I go to the grocery store. And I don't use them that often. But for some reason I always think I need one. Does anybody else do this? Or am I just crazy? I now have 5 yellow onions. Well, only 3, 2 were moldy. Sick, don't judge me.

New Blog

I started a new blog last night, The Vanchiere Information Publication (VIP). But let me go back a couple of years...
I was newly married and in a married student ward. I was called to be the ward newsletter editor. I thought they were having to make up callings because I had never heard of such a thing. Basically I would compile messages from the Bishopric, Elder's Quorum and Relief Society. Cut and paste, it was an easy gig. I did all of this in Microsoft Publisher, which I fell in love with. Weird, I know. I like writing and wanted to do something in Publisher because they had a lot of templates I wanted to try out. Thus the VIP came about. Even though Jeff and I lived 5 minutes down the road from family, we never knew about family events, games, recitals etc. So I thought this would be the best way to keep the family informed. I came out with a couple monthly editions, but soon it fizzled. I couldn't keep coming up with articles, birthday spotlights, recipes, crafts by myself!
So this blog will be the online publication. I've asked various family members to help keep the info flowing. It is open to everyone now, but may be going private. If you have a couple of minutes, skip Facebook and come on over to the VIP!

We finally got a taste of good weather here which made for some nice baseball spectating.


I love how chubby Alli looks here. The camera really does add 10lbs.


Macie and Sam in his tank


What would a T-Wolf game be without a heavy dose of the Peterson boys?


This picture has nothing to do with good weather. I just thought Alli was cute when she dresses herself to go out.


Alli and the reason we go, JD

From the late night blogging mind of Chelsey

I'm a night owl, but lately it's forced. I decided I would rather spend my afternoons with my girls instead of working all day. I still get calls and do work, but I could work 24 hours a day. I know I complain a lot about work to anyone that will listen. Most times people don't know what I am talking about, but I appreciate them listening.
I have never really had a "real" job. My domination at Ashman Candles was nothing short of extraordinary, but it was still my father's company and I had a lot of freedom. This job I have now is different. I'm finding out a lot about myself. Mostly negative things really. Things get to me, that in the cut-throat world of real estate/mortgages, etc shouldn't. I can't help but make things personal. I am either their best friend or Debbie Downer. Lately, it's Deb. Thus, the breakdown featured below. I should probably delete that from my blog and we can all pretend it didn't happen. It's kinda embarrassing. I don't mind sharing things with family and friends, but I'm sure I have a few blog stalkers that I wouldn't really like sharing that with.
I really wish you could all see how sweet Alli is. Don't get me wrong, if she doesn't have a nap, she's mean. She can even be mean with a nap, but when she's at home in her own element, she's the best. I hate that she likes watching TV so much, but I love listening to her sing the Dora the Explorer song. It's hilarious, especially because she has several speech impediments (that will have to be addressed in Elementary I'm guessing). She is acting so much older lately. Her favorite word is "because." She tries to explain everything to me and she'll throw in a "because" every now and then. Most times it doesn't make sense.
And poor Macie. Poor little Macie. She now resides in the girl's bathroom. Seriously. She used to share a room with the office, but I can't risk her waking up when I am working. She's always been a team player.

PS Did anyone else think Modern Family was weak sauce this week? I did.

Alli: Mom, I want a prize.

Me: Okay, but you need to go potty in the big girl potty.

Alli: No, I'm too little to go potty.

Here's a few pics from the last few weeks...


Macie is starting to army crawl all over the place.

Alli loves to hold Macie even though Macie is about the same size as her.

Dusted off the trusty scooter

She loves food


Easter Baskets



Jessie, JD & Alli