Professor Ashlee

Ok, I'm not a Professor, but I did give a lecture at BYU yesterday. I was asked by the teacher of a BYU Women's Entreprenurial (did I spell that right?) Class to come give a lecture on running my photography business. She found me through one of my recent advertisments. I was asked to discuss how I got started, how I run a business and continue to be a stay-at-home mom, and what advice I would give to someone who wanted to own their own business.

I was surprised that I was asked to do this...I personally think of my business as a hobby and was excited that someone outside of my house would find this venture successful enough to talk about. Anyways, my lecture lasted 50 minutes and I think it went well...I base that judgement purely on the fact that nobody was asleep during it! I was also excited to find out that previous speakers in this class included the owners of the Shade Shirt company...wow, I don't even WANT to be that successful!

Anyways, just one more interesting thing I did this week...I am looking forward to a totally mundane and predictable time with my kids next week. If you haven't been to my website, the address is

www.ashleeelizabethphoto.com

Jury Duty

The past 2 days have been some of the most interesting I have had in a long time. I arrived at the courthouse at 8:00 a.m. Monday morning (VERY early for me!) and went through a long process of jury selection. I thought for sure I would not be chosen because I admitted that I generally think people are guilty before I know the details of a case. I guess that wasn't controversial enough information, because by 1:00 that afternoon I was chosen to be on the jury for a domestic sexual assualt case.

The case lasted until 4:00 Tuesday afternoon...then the jury deliberations began. I was really nervous once the case was done and I realized the heavy duty I was about to embark on. It's such an interesting thing to be with 8 strangers and have to make a unanimous decision beyond a reasonable doubt. I was the youngest of the group and felt that each of us in the jury room had such unique and different backgrounds and perspectives. After we started our deliberations with a prayer (only in Utah County!) and got going it became clear that this wouldn't be an open/shut case. I have to admit that when I entered the deliberation room I really didn't know what I would do, I wasn't sure who to believe.

So, we all discussed the evidence and our feelings about the victim and the defendent and the witnesses. At about 5:30 we realized we weren't close to a decsision...we ordered dinner (the court covers the cost because you can't leave the room until you have reached a verdict). By 6:00 we had 7 of the 8 people convinced one way and we spent the next 2 1/2 hours talking and discussing until everyone in the room was totally on board with the verdict. By 8:30 we called the Judge and said we had finished our deliberations. By 9:00 the lawyers and everyone were back in the courtroom and our verdict was read..."The Jury has found the Defendent guilty of both charges". It was a difficult thing to be a part of. Certainly the victim wasn't an angel and the defendent was not a nice guy...it was a story that was difficult to believe...it made me realize the incredible blessings I have in my life. I am more grateful for a loving husband, happy children, great friends and a concerned family than I have ever been.

Go Jazz!!

On Saturday night Jake and I had a rare date night that lasted more than 2 hours!! We went to dinner with Jake's parents and then to a Jazz game with 14 of Jake's brother's and sisters (including spouses/friends). Even though the Jazz lost to the Cavs we had a GREAT time!

It really is so fun when we all get together...the more, the merrier! Thanks Jim and Judy for getting the tickets and thanks Brooke for watching the kids! I told Jake that since the Jazz lost this one...we will have to go to another one soon.

MLK Day!

Today was our 5th annual Martin Luther King Day party with our friends Travis and Lanell Ward. The kids love to get together with their friends and we always love the great food and fabulous company! This year the girls put on a great show to High School Musical 3 music and Jake helped Adam put his Transformer together. Any excuse to get together with friends is a good one! Thanks guys for another fun party...next year, you get the chicken!!

Draper Temple Open House

Today was the first day that the Draper Utah Temple was open for visitors. We lucked out and got tickets to take the kids through and show them what a temple looks like inside. I still remember going through the San Diego Temple when I was young, the impression it made on me convinced me that I wanted to be married there. So, I was really excited to take the kids for this opportunity. It really is gorgeous inside and the artwork was great too. We thought it was so cute how they tried to be so reverent inside...even Spencer folded his arms. The kids had a great time...of course, after it was done, all they could talk about was the bus ride from a nearby church to the temple and the cookies they got afterward. Hopefully, they will remember more than that in the future.

What a Show Off!!!

Here is Spencer in the bath tonight! I tried to keep the photos appropriate for public viewing. He was feeling really tough tonight and wanted to show off his big muscles! He is so skinny, but he thinks he is very strong...especially when he does moves like this one...

At one point he was trying to do this move with one leg...he was somewhat successful, but his favorite part was the big splash he created! I absolutely adore his masculine attitude and something about having a boy around the house is just priceless! I am not sure that this was a safe move for the bathtub...but honestly, most of his boyish moves are not safety approved.

Our Sunbeam!

Sunday was Audree's first Sunday in Primary! She thinks being a Sunbeam is pretty cool! It is so great to have all 4 kids happily going to their classes during church! I remember a time, NOT long ago, when I thought that would never happen. Being a mom just keeps getting better and better...and these kids are just the greatest thing I ever did! I love you, Audree!