Callie squished in the back seat

21 hour drive home to California

This is us right before we left to go home. On our way to Texas, Callie threw up in the car. While we were there Taylor, Preston, and I all got sick. Preston and I still weren't feeling good on the way home to Texas. We found out when we got home Taylor's other family members got sick too. What a Christmas! It was really fun to see everyone. WE had fun.

Silly Callie!

Callie found these glasses at Taylor's parents.

Hannah Montana Guitar!!

Callie got Hannah Montana guitar for Christmas. I don't know what we were thinking. I already wanted to take the batteries out. She looked cute playing it.

Daddy and Preston

Visiting Grandma Margie in Texas!

Taylor's sister, brother, and parents all went and suprised Grandma Margie while visiting in Texas. She was excited to see us.

Callie wanted to make a snow angel!

She wasn't quite dressed to make a snow angel. But there was no stopping her.

More Snow!

Oak Glen

This is Oak Glen only 10 minutes from our house. It is also 1,000 feet higher than Yucaipa. We figured they would have a lot more snow so we went to check it out this morning. Some parts had about a foot of snow. We let the kids out and play around.

Snow on the mountains

This is at a park a mile from our house. I love the snow on the mountains. We heard Big Bear got more snow in a 24 hour period ever. Taylor was out yesterday traveling for work with a customer and the freeway they were on got shut down. They wouldn't allow you down unless you had chains. He was supposed to make a flight at 5:40 pm and missed it and didn't get back home until 11:00 pm that last night.

Our first snow in California!

The past 2 days it has been raining not stop and it finally got cold enough and had a little bit of snow. Here is a picture from our back yard. There was a lot more snow earlier this morning but Taylor went to take a picture and the batteries were dead.

so cute!

This picture was taken in Oak glen, when my mom was visiting. I thought it was such a cute picture of her. I just had to post it.

Preston's favorite new place

Preston's favorite new place to go is the first step of the stairs. He comes and gets Taylor, Callie or I and holds us by the hand and takes us over to the stairs to sit. He likes to eat his snacks on the stairs and play toys. I had to take a picture to capture the moment.

Our Christmas Letter!

Dear Family and Friends,

At this Christmas season we extend our greetings to all our family and friends. How we love you and hope to hear from each of you soon.

Taylor is still working for BNSF railway. Earlier this year there were a couple of job opportunities outside of Texas; however, none of them felt right until we heard of a sales position in southern California. In August, we sold our house in Texas and moved to California. It was very sad to leave Texas with so many wonderful friends and family members. We live small town of 50,000 named, Yucaipa. We have felt very welcomed here from our neighbors and the members of our ward. Taylor is still traveling some but not near as much with his last position. He really likes his job here in California and the challenges it brings. Taylor is serving in our ward as the Varsity Scout Coach. He goes camping once a month and has activities every week. He is beginning to like it, I think- despite not being much of a camper.

Our children are growing up so fast. Callie is 3 ½ and has quite the personality. The day after we moved to California she said, “Mom, I am frustrated.” I said “why?” She replied “because I don’t have any friends here.” I thought it was pretty clever as she never ceases to amaze us with her off the cuff comments. Callie enjoys her weekly ballet class and socializing with her friends.

Preston is 18 months and can finally go into nursery…Hooray! He has started to say a few words, like uhoh, mom, and dad. Preston is such a sweet boy and loves his Daddy. He can’t wait for Taylor to come home from work. I am able to stay home with Callie and Preston and enjoy doing so.

I am serving on the Enrichment Board and look forward to the challenges of this new calling. In my spare time I enjoy scrap booking and blogging-(visit our blog at www.texasharrington.blogspot.com). My Grandpa Finn passed away in February and we made a trip back to Rigby, ID for his funeral and to spend time with family. Every member of my extended family was able to be there. It was great to talk about my grandpa’s life and what a great example he was to all of us. In July, we had a Hammer family reunion in Washington, D. C. It was wonderful all being together.

As we ponder these tumultuous and uncertain times we have found comfort in the Prince of Peace. May this Christmas season remind us that Prince, who stilled the tempest on the Sea of Galilee, has the power to calm the storms in our personal lives. May His peace fill our hearts and homes throughout the coming year as we strive to walk in His ways.

We are excited to see what this New Year in California will bring. All the best to you and your family this Christmas Season and in 2009.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Taylor, Ashley, Callie, and Preston Harrington

All the girls!

During Twilight, people were screaming whenever Edward or Jacob were on the screen. There was a girl a couple seats down from me and she was crying at how Edward was so sweet to Bella. Most people in the theatre had on Twilight t-shirts. One girl had a sign that she was holding up. It was fun to watch everyone. Some were reading their books while waiting for it to start. I don't think the movie was long enough. I would have loved to see more of Edward. Here is a few of us who were at Edwards theatre. It was so fun.

Twilight movie!

Twilight was so good. Edward was unbelievably gorgeous. I am almost sad that it is over; I have to wait another year for the other one to come out. I thought Summit entertainment did a very good job. I want to go and see it again. We got home at 3:00 and I couldn't fall asleep because I was thinking to much about the movie. Preston got up at 6:45. It should be an interesting day. I hope I have a lot of patience today with the kids.

Twilight Movie at Midnight!

A couple of friends from my ward are going to see Twilight tonight at Midnight in Ontario. We are so excited! I will post tomorrow and tell you all how it was. I think it looks really good. I am going to be so exhausted tomorrow. We probably won't get home until 3:00 and my children usually wake up at 6:30 a.m. I took a 2 hours nap tonight so I can stay awake. I am usually in bed by 10:00. I don't think I have been up this late since I was dating Taylor.

Calendar

We also made cute calendar's at Taster's table. They are so cute! You write the dates and then erase it every month with a dry erase marker. You put it on a cute easle or hang it on your wall. You can also change out your ribbon for the different holidays and seasons.

Taffy Apple Pizza!

I took this dessert to a Relief Society activity called Tasters Table. The theme for Tasters Table was apples. This dessert is so easy.

Taffy Apple Pizza
1 package (18 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 medium Granny smith apples peeled, and sliced very thin
1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Preheat oven to 350. Shape cookie dough into a ball and place in center of large round stone or pizza pann; flatten lightly. Roll into a 14 inch circle, about 1/4 inch thick. Bake 14-16 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes and loosen cookie from stone using serrated bread knife. Cool completely.

Combine cream cheese, brown sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla in bowl. mix well. Spread mixture onto cookie evenly. Arrange apples into a cute pattern. Microwave caramel ice cream topping for 30 seconds. Drizzle over apples. Sprinkle chopped peanuts over apples. Cut into wedges. So yummy!

Crazy, Forgetful me!!

Yesterday, I went upstairs to get Preston up from his nap. As I did I was cradling him and kissing him. I went down the stairs that way and when I looked down their was poop all the way down the stairs and all over me. So I washed my clothes and gave me and the kids a bath. Then I was thinking what did I do with my cell phone. Oh no, they were in the back of my jean pockets! I went and opened the washer and sure enough there it was. I started screaming. I was so mad at myself. If I had slowed down enough and not freaked out so much about the poop I probably would have remembered it was in my pocket. So I checked my cell phone account and I am due for a free upgrade. Sweet. I went to the Verizon store today and waited in line for an hour and the kids were so well behaved. Right!! They were all over the store. So then I get up to the counter and they can't access my account. I didn't have the right numbers with my cell phone number. Then he told me after all that waiting, he couldn't do anything and I would have to go to another store and they can help me. Ahh!! I wanted to scream. In fact, I think I did. So now I am stuck without a cell phone or a home phone. I feel very stranded without a phone. Just wanted to share my fun phone story with you. I hope I see some better days.