52 QUESTIONS IN 52 WEEKS: QUESTION # 3

1. Tell me about your father (his name, birth date, birthplace, parents, and so on). Share some memories you have of your father.

My father is Kenneth Harold Berg, son of Harold and DeEtte Berg.  He was born on March 4th, 1953 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  

My dad as a toddler

Dad in his baseball outfit

Dad's parents: Harold and DeEtte Berg

He currently is a civil engineer and works for UDOT in the Maintenance Dept.  I have many great memories with my dad.  Some of my earliest:  I used to love sitting on his lap at church.  Facing him, I would roll his tie up all the way to his chin and then watch delightedly as I let it go and it fell down to his lap.  This must have kept me entertained for a long time!  Dad taught me how to throw a football correctly, and he was usually always up for a game of catch outside with me.  I take pride in the fact that I can throw a football and play with my brothers! Dad is especially known for taking his kids and grand-kids to the gas station to get drinks and/or treats.  This is definitely a favorite memory for me!  In fact,  the day Spencer wanted to ask my dad for permission to marry me, dad took him to get drinks at Holiday Oil.  I figured the outcome must me good if he's taking Spencer to get drinks with him.  It seemed like a sign of approval!  When I got a little older, dad started taking me with him to Utah Utes football games.  It was a little hard for me to sit through an entire football game, especially in the cold, but I always enjoyed doing that with dad.  The University of Utah is dad's alma mater and he would show me where his classes were.  I really think those memories helped me want to have the college experience.  

Dad graduates from the University of Utah.  He always encouraged us to get an education. 

While I was in college, but home for the summers, I had the opportunity to intern at UDOT.  This was a great experience for me, even though it had nothing to do with the major I was pursuing.  Dad and I drove to work and home together.  These are fun memories to me, not many people can say they got to work with their dad.  We had some great conversations on the way to and from work.  We'd go to lunch together sometimes or go on walks when we needed a break from the office.  I will treasure these times we were able to spend together.    

After dad came home from work, you could always find him puttering around in the yard.  He is always seeking to improve his home for his family.  He's the best handy man around!

Dad eating a burger in Kingman, AZ

Holli, me and Dad at BYU education week

Parents Night in Kindergarten

My wedding day, July 25, 2013.  Our reception was held in the backyard.

52 QUESTIONS IN 52 WEEKS: QUESTION # 2

2. When and where were you born? Describe your home, your neighborhood, and the town you grew up in.

I was born on October 14, 1991 at Jordan Valley Hospital.  Our family lived in Riverton, UT at the time (and my parents still live there).  Our grey brick house on 13146 S 2050 W is the only home I've ever known. 
  

I loved where I was raised.  I had many friends and loved the neighborhood.  Our house was the only one in the neighborhood with a wishing well.  I thought that was so neat!  It was an easy thing to spot for anyone trying to find our house.  Our backyard was very big compared to others'.  It was the perfect yard for playing and running around.  Recently, my dad converted his shed into a backyard movie screen.  We have hosted many neighborhood movie nights, and many family events.  I always appreciated my dad and his dedication to making sure the yard was nice and trimmed. 

I always dreamed of having my wedding reception in my backyard, and that dream actually came true!  

Our wedding - July 25, 2013.  Sitting in the back of dad's (given to him by Grandpa Peterson) '66 Chevrolet in the backyard.  We used the truck to hold wedding gifts.

A nice view of the yard during our wedding reception. 

Our send-off!  Here we are coming out of the south gate into the front yard. 

We lived near the Riverton Elementary School (where I attended).  I could walk across the street, jump over our neighbor's backyard fence and then be in the school playground.

Our house was just west of Riverton Elementary

52 QUESTIONS IN 52 WEEKS: QUESTION # 1

1. What is your full name? Why did your parents give you that name?

My full name is Ashley Catherine Berg Flitton.  I think my parents just liked the name Ashley, no real significance.  It makes sense because I read once that Ashley was the most popular name in 1991, same year I was born.  I can't remember what grade I was in, but at one time there were three Ashley B's in my class.  I like my name but grew to hate how popular it was (and still is).  Other names they considered were: Stephanie and Natalie. 

Many people think that Cathy is short for Catherine, and that I am named after my mom.  The name Catherine actually comes from my great great grandmother, Amelia Catherine Jorgensen.  My cousin Amelia ('Millie') is also named after her.

'TRY A LITTLE HARDER'

I often forget that the atonement is not just for times when we sin and need to repent. The enabling power of the atonement makes it possible for us to turn "good" into "better," and "better" into "best." I have a long, looong way to go until I reach my "best,", but I find comfort in President Hinckley's words: 'Try a little harder to be a little better.' The Lord knows that change doesn't happen overnight, he does not expect that. So, today (and every day) I'm just grateful that I have the opportunity to 'try a little harder.' smile emoticon

AM I READY?

The other day my grandma asked me if I was ready to be a mom.  It made me think.......

No!  Part of me is absolutely scared to be responsible to raise this child. I will struggle to know how to handle the bad days, or when does something he knows he's not supposed to, or when he'll ask me questions about life that I haven't even figured out yet.  His choices and attitude may be a direct reflection of my job as a mother.  If I dwell on these thoughts for too long, it's true, I start to fear.

Yes!! I know I'm ready simply because I already love my baby, more than anything else in the whole wide world!  Not a day goes by where I'm not amazed by the wonderful miracle that is growing inside of me.  It's like my body just knows exactly what to do to bring this little one into the world. Already, I feel so very privileged that I get to be his mother.

So, to answer grandma's question....no, part of me does not feel "ready,"  but the love I have for my baby always, always overpowers any fears that come.  I am so excited to be a mom and to watch him grow into his own little self!

I saw this video today and wanted to share.....

BABY FLITTON!!!

A lot has happened since I last wrote here!  I wish I was better at this blogging thing.  Our most recent news - we are SO excited to announce that we are expecting a baby boy due this September!!!  I found out I was pregnant on January 8th, just a week or so before we moved back to Riverton for Spencer's internship at Ebay.  How I found out - In December we got a cheap pregnancy test as a white elephant gift (after finding out I actually was pregnant, I was glad I didn't have to go to the store and buy one.....although since then I have taken 4 more, just to be sure) ;) I had a little suspicion when my time of the month came and went.  So one day, on a whim, I decided what the heck! Let's just see what happens when I take this test. Lo and behold, it was positive!!  I was in shock, so I didn't want to tell Spencer right away.  By the end of the next day I mustered up the courage to share the news. Then, we both were able to absorb it together...very exciting!! (Spencer was and still is in shock sometimes)!

^^^Spencer's fortune from a few weeks ago. We thought it was perfect, except that he won't just be visiting!^^^

Obviously I couldn't wait to tell family, but made them promise they would keep it a secret for a while.  After finding out, I did feel sick and nauseous for a couple weeks.  Even just turning over in bed made my stomach churn.  We also had scented garbage bags which never bothered me until then. Talk about PO-TENT!  Forget about cleaning the toilet too!

Since the early stages of pregnancy, honestly I've been feeling great.  Sometimes I feel like a ravenous eating machine, but quickly realize that if I actually eat for two adults, I feel preeetty sick.  Eating healthy, smaller snacks more often throughout the day makes the difference.  I have been to the doctor 3 times now, and just yesterday found out that our little one is a boy.  People always asked if I had any intuition as to what the gender would be.  Can't say I never knew for sure, but I always imagined having a boy first.  We are beyond thrilled and can't wait for our precious Emmett!! Yes, that's the name I picked out and I can't imagine why I might change my mind about it. :)

I am 16 weeks along, and I find myself constantly day dreaming about being a mother....I am so excited!!!