A Gift For Our Savior

Why the little pouch?

 

This is one of our favorite Christmas Eve traditions. We write down a promise/gift to our Savior and then place it in the pouch and into the year capsule box and put it under the tree. We then read our last years gift to see how we did. It is our first gift we give on Christmas Eve.  We also give each other pj's and each of our children a new ornament to place on the tree. This year its wooden hand carved snowmen. Bake up some good cookies , pour the milk and watch the Nativity as we snuggle with warm cocoa. Then its off to bed for another Eve night of wonderment, sweet dreams and Joy!

Santa's Babies

My precious babies. We had a visit with Santa in Vegas. 

CharLee's List: Camera, Ipod and Art kit

Beau's List: Anything that has to do with Animals

Luvs to All and to All a good night!

Have A Beautiful Holiday Friends

We wanted to wish all our dear friends here and abroad a beautiful holiday. 

We love you!

Luvs, The Lisonbees

Curious Beau Strikes Again

Once again the Curious Beau strikes again. Yesterday I had a photo shoot and the whole family came because there was a playground nearby. Matthew told CharLee to keep an eye on Beau while he lifted some furniture for me. Minutes later, Beau came over to us with little bloody hands, holding a broken glass bottle. . . . just happily playing. . . not crying. . . just happily cutting up her little hands. It wasn't serious but for sure a little startling.  She just looked up at Matthew and said," Oh, Owwwwwie" with a smile.

Today, CharLee wanted to go play in the snow since we had our first snowfall that hasn't melted. So I was helping him put on his gloves when it became quite and I said Where is Beau. I quickly ran around the house looking and she was no where. I ran downstairs to see if she went to see the puppies. Sure enough. I found her holding a cake dusted puppy and Elle licking up  the rest of the cake mix she opened and spread Everywhere! Never a dull moment with Beau. . . I feel its going to be a very entertaining ride with her.
Today I found myself making some Holiday errands , one of which was Roberts crafts to pick up some yarn to make some gift scarfletts. I did have little Beau with me. It is nice sometimes to be out and about with her because she is contained from mischief. . . either in a car seat or shopping cart, well usually. But this didn't work today and did not keep her from her little mischievous self. I was walking around Roberts looking at all kinds of gifts and things when I received a phone call from my brother Adam. Adam and I talked for a while as I looked at art supplies and paints. Adam also asked how the kids were and I went on to tell him how little Beau is so sweet but quite the destroyer of things. Then I glanced down at Beau and she had pulled a white acrylic paint off the shelf opened it and was pouring it all over her head and body. She also had my yarn torn apart and mangled. I just had to laugh, because just as I was describing this little one, she was in her act. I love you my little Beaustroyer.

Yesterday as I dressed Beau I noticed she was filling up her jeans and sporting the whole flood look. I knew it was time again to rake through her closet and sift out the small clothes. As I was doing this I found myself kind of excited to see she is growing and coming upon a new fun stage of babyness but also a little anxiety ridden because the monies are a little tight with Christmas and all. At night I opened my scriptures and fell upon the verse about the Lillies of the field. I know that I had not to worry and Heavenly Father is aware of ALL our needs. So today I had a friend come to me and say that she had a whole tub of size 18mos. girl clothes and asked if I would like to have them. I know Heavenly Father takes care of us and always has and always will. I am always in awe of how He answers my prayers.

My Gift

December 8th 2000. Eight years ago I made the most important divine choice in my life. My blessing had said I could choose from amongst His noble men. . . . and I found my complete. . . . my love Matthew. I remember driving down the road telling my Mom my choice was perfect and confirmed by the spirit, this is who I was to be with and he would be the one to get me through my life. Looking back so many times of his complete selfless devotion to my life. Moments of pure joy, dancing in the rain, composing music for me, our children; moments of him waiting on and holding me when I was weak, lethargic and unable to fulfill my calling as a mother; moments of his faith building me up as he would calm my fears and anxiety; moments of stillness and calm just being together at home. Always reassuring me , "Even when you feel like this, I promise," stroking my hair with his gentle hands. I love him with everything I am, he is my comfort, my power, my joy, my closest friend and the love I never thought was for real. . . existing only in fairy tales. . . it is real. He completes my soul. I love him. My Gift. Infinity On End. 12800

Puppy for Christmas

Here they are. SOOOOOOOOOOOOO adorable. They snuggled under our Christmas tree tonight. We have 4 going to good homes and need 2 more puppy loving families to take care of them.  Gods creations are so miraculous. . .they each already have their own unique personalities.

CharLee melts my heart

I went to pick up Charlee today from play practice and he asked me if we could go to Target. . . . He went on to explain we needeed to shop for the kids we picked off the giving tree.  It was so neat to hear him and see his excitment as he contemplated a plan for the gifts he thought would be best for each child.  At Target he was so sincere and worried about the gifts and then he started thinking about Daddy, Mom, Beau, grandparents and more gifts he wanted to give.  To see my own child at such a young age be excited to give to others was so tender.  Last year,when we were really struggling, I remember him being so creative and gave his friends homemade cookies and a peice of plastic "poppers" from some old packaging in the basement.  Sometimes you wonder if your children are "getting it", and somtimes you even view adults that still don't get it. I mean the pure meaning of Christmas and the feeling you recieve when you loose yourself and give. Our Savior was the perfect example of this.  After we shopped, we hopped in the car and as we were driving home at a nice 25 speed pace (since I received my first ticket last week) listening to FM100 holiday tunes, CharLee said, "Mom. . . . its fun to give." At this moment my heart melted.  I hope he always remembers, as I will this moment. CharLee you are a good. I love you.

Traditions Lit

Here we are again. . .another year has flown by and again we sit in front of our bare tree ready for the traditional decorating to begin.

We begin by having an oriental style meal. . .this year CharLee attempted to learn to use his chopsticks:)

Then we all get into our jammies and robes and stew up some good ol' hot chocolate. Actually to be honest this year I had herbal tea, CharLee had a eggnog cocoa concoction and Matthew and Beau preferred Eggnog as their beverage of choice.

Then we all gathered around our humble little tree . We go in order youngest to oldest and take a bear and place it on the tree. When we place a bear we have to say something we are grateful for or something we love about another in our family.

This was Beaus first year to really enjoy this and she did, being the little animal lover she is. . . . .she just kept saying Oh! BEEEEEAR.

CharLee was very tender first saying he was grateful for his loving family.

We ended the night with one bowl brownies and peppermint and eggnog ice cream and enjoyed the pine smell and tree glow. . . .let the holiday spirit begin, traditions lit!

A Thanksgiving Surprise

Thanksgiving this year was a good one. We had it at Grandma and Grandpa Horse's. It was an easy task for me because I was only required to bring green beans.


And I still don't know what is up but I have no desire to eat meat. . . ever since Beau was born. . . .nope. . . still no wanting. I did take a small bite of Matthew's turkey. I think my plate consisted of salad, green beans and a bit of potatoes. I am very grateful for the food however, yeah, I guess I really could go for a Vegan Thanksgiving. The sweet potatoes are always a hit.

Maybe next year we can have the whole family come from California and have it here. And for sure do the whole "mommy shrunk the turkey" trick Mom used to do.

So the morning after Thanksgiving we found this!


Yup. Six Australian puppies. And they came from our Elle.

One like Elle, one a chocolate brown (of which I have named Romeo and we plan to keep) and 4 black with white spots (cow puppies). So adorable!


We would really like to find Puppy loving homes for them so if you are interested please speak now. They are beautiful and intellegent and better yet for FREE. They will be good to go for a surprise Christmas gift! Call 885-9920 Matthew.


A Christmas puppy. . . . Anyone?

I am Blessed

A lovely email I received. . .. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving.

I AM THANKFUL
FOR THE WIFE
WHO SAYS IT'S VEGGIE BURGERS TONIGHT,
BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,
AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.

FOR THE HUSBAND
WHO IS ON THE SOFA
WATCHING T.V.
BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME
AND NOT OUT IN THE CRAZY WORLD.

FOR THE BOY
WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT CLEANING HIS ROOM
BECAUSE IT MEANS HE IS AT HOME,
NOT ON THE STREETS.

FOR THE TAXES I PAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED .

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING,
CARPETS THAT NEED CLEANING,
AND SHELVES THAT NEED ORGANIZING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING
I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT
BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

FOR THE PARKING SPOT
I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION .

FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.

FOR THE SOUND OF
MY CHILDREN WHINING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES
AT THE END OF THE DAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.

FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF
IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.

Gratitude for Life

This Thanksgiving I wanted to give a moment to reflect on my gratitude. It is hard to begin when my mind races to many particular things I am so indebted for and grateful for. . . . among the many things I would have to start with my Savior, my life and my family.
My Savior for my life and for allowing me to have and create and just be with my family. Through very difficult circumstances my Savior has shown me humility, submissiveness, hope, knowledge and most of all to be grateful for each tender mercy he gives. At times when I thought I would never become whole, when every moment of doubt was replaced with hope and now well enough to live to be and see and serve my family. I am forever in debt to my Savior for healing me this day. I am doing well and am able to be with, love and serve my family. Each moment I have is not mine but what the Lord has given from his heart knowing my desire. Ask and ye shall receive knock and it shall be opened. My Savior, My Redeemer, My Friend and my Healer. Gratitude for Life.

A New Beginning

Baby Joy for Jo and Lee


Jo's baby shower is today and I meant to make her disc of pics for it; however I loose because they are all on Matthews computer in D.C. So I posted a few for a sneak peak. Lee said he will put them on his laptop while they are there. . . Sorry Jo, I love you. Thank you for allowing me to capture such tender moments.
Luvs, Ash

A bit Anxious

J'aime mes enfants. Its going to be an interesting week. Daddy goes to D.C. and then Mom and Dad go to Arizona for work. This is my first time away from them. . . I hope it all goes well, I am a little anxious. Lee and Jo are going to take care. . .hope all goes well, whew. Maybe after this week life will slow down a little.
Luvs, Mom

J'aime ma Mere

J'aime ma Mere. Mom I love you, it was such a treat to have you here. The time you spent with me and the kids just lightened my load with the little things you did. I cherish the times we have together. Tell the family hello and send them luvs.

A Release: Train of Thought

Life can be so stressful and busy if we allow it to be. I continue to be blessed each day with opportunities to do wonderful things and with each I can choose how I will let it affect my life. Life has been crazy busy and somewhat stressful; however, I know and can find peace in knowing Heavenly Father will lead me and be pleased with what I can do for others and my family. One quote from a church article, a dear neighbor gave me, it says, If something you are doing takes your "heart out of the home", is it worth it. I am so thankful to know that my heart is in my home. This is my glory and my joy. This is my first love my first priority and all other things will fall into place as the Lord sees fit for me to take them on. Not my will but thine be done. I will only do my part to do what I can, I find peace in knowing the most important and irreplaceable gift I have been given is my role as a mother and wife. My Savior in his tender mercy has given me my life for this. I have got only these moments at this time when my family is in this precious season of life. I only have now with my young children and would never want to miss the moments that are not worth sacrificing. My mother has reminded me of this. There is a time and a season for all things. Nothing is worth fighting for but my life, my family,my service and my testimony of my Savior. And so the delicate balance of life rolls on. . . .

October to Remember

Halloween Bliss was quite extravagant this year, considering I usually don't do much. I have a friend in the ward who is a great example to me in making Holidays more memorable. As for costumes, CharLee was a cartoon character named Ben 10. Pretty much looks like a boy with a watch that makes him turn into monsters. Beau was a puppy of course. . . our little animal lover.This year we had a warmer holiday and so me and the kids carved our pumpkins outside. We also were so lucky and blessed to have Mom (Essa) with us for the entire month. There is nothing like Mom being around to help and love. It was so nice to have her presence for me and the kids. We love you and miss you and the family dearly. Halloween night the kids went Trick O Treating around the block and then we had the rest of the family over for a "ghoulish meal" at our spooky Lisonbee manor. It felt a lot like the feel of the Twilight Tower hotel lobby with the music and decor.We gave awards for the costumes and then bobbed for apples to caramel. We then ended the night with a good Halloween flick. It was so nice to have the family together to laugh and play. Maybe next year more family can come. Matthew and I also went to a friends spooky dinner party the night before. I cherish the times we have together and this was just extra fun to go out and get all dressed up.
We love you family. Thank you for making our October so memorable!

Real Life Holiday Greetings

So I promise the Halloween activities will be documented soon. But till then, I had this pic handy because I worked on it today. So we did it. The once a year single shot of the family. Sometimes I wish I had someone to take our pics so the fam would be little more cooperative; hence I go with the candid feel a lot. However, this shot is priceless to me. The tenderness in the eyes of my little fruits is so real. This year I decided to do the "all natural" reality look. When I started photography, my goal was to capture reality of life. . .how it IS at the moment. For this pic, it was at the end of a busy day and we are in typical lounge wear. . . as we are in everyday life. I want to remember what life is/was really like and not take an image that is all "dolled" up. Hence the natural colors, look and feel. I did have a little say of the color scheme and I did make Beaus hat to add just a little extra somethin. All in all I think it turned out good. I love my family. Life is a beautiful adventure. You may just see it again in our Holiday Greetings.
Luvs,Ash

So Busy in Life

So sorry for not posting of late. One of the reasons is my photos I want to post are not on the computer yet , and I struggle to post without some visual yumminess. Another reason is my life became a little less simple since being called to the Primary Presidency in our ward. I am very excited about it; however, it causes me to re balance and prioritize the things I can get to each day. I do this for my sanity. . . I tend to function better with less and a more simplified life. Hence, not a lot of time for new posts. I promise to be better next week. . .so I know all you friends will be standing by:) Luvs to you all. Happy Halloween!

CharLee News

So proud of CharLee Bear. He was cast as a shepherd in the play!

December 8-13, 2008

7:00 PM

Glen M Smith Family Theatre Lehi

Beautiful People

With the crazy work load I can feel overwhelmed; however, I am in awe of each person I get to capture. I really feel I know them almost in a more profound way after spending hours of shooting and editing. Here are a few pics of some beautiful people I felt honored to take and create.