Note to Self...

Yes, this is my Senior picture. I was 18 years old the summer this picture was taken. It's a little crazy to think that was just 6 years ago. Life has been such a CrAzY adventure since those days.

I think everyone at some point in their life thinks about what they'd tell the 18 year old version of themselves. Sorta the "If I knew then what I know now" deal.

That summer I just started working at Kohl’s Department Store and quit my 5 year job as a “Sandwich Artist” at Subway, HaHa. I was about to start my Senior year & I was graduating early due to my big ambitions on starting College early that January.

I guess at that age anything is possible. I could have gone down so many different paths and really at 18 your options are endless, yet pretty scary.

You don’t get those years back and what if you end up doing something you regret later or worse waste time going to school for something only to find out you really don’t want to do later.

It’s a lot of pressure to figure out who you are and what you want out of life.

If I could go back and talk to myself just give myself a little advise it would probably go a little something like this…

Ashley,

I know you think you have it all figured out right now but really deep down you don’t and ya know… that’s okay. However, don’t let disappointments in life make you feel any less about who you are. Take more pride in yourself, you deserve it.

Some people may not understand you or appreciate you but those aren’t the people that matter in the long run. Don’t be so hard on yourself, your only one person & can only do so much. Spend more time loving you and less time trying to fix things that just don’t want to be fixed.

Try hard at anything you do and do not underestimate your ability to accomplish things. The things that you stress over & keep yourself awake at night about, in 6 years wont mean anything.

Love but keep in mind it’s okay to stay somewhat guarded. People are not perfect, they will let you down. However, It’s up to you how far they drop you.

Don’t waste time holding grudges or being friends with people that are just not good friends. Trust your instincts, 9 times out of 10 your right about them.

Last, just enjoy where you are in life & don’t be in such a rush to get through it. You’ll be fine. Trust me, that’s why I am here today J

P.S. make sure you let the people you care about KNOW it. They might not always be around for you to tell them.

P.S.S.

Try not to get so many speeding tickets.. your not in NASCAR J

Love,

Yourself

Me Now

 My looks may have not totally changed but life has totally changed! In a Good way! J

What would say to the 18 year old you?

A Good Book

I have decided to do a good book post every now & then. Mostly when I come across one. So, I figured I'd start with a "help" book that L & I really have enjoyed not only together but as understanding yourself as an individual.

The book has been around for awhile but I figured it's still blog-worthy! It's called, The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman.

It's a New York Times Bestseller so I am sure most of you have heard about it.

I feel the book has powerful message and I like ther testimonies from real people. Like I said though, it has not only helped us as a couple but as individuals as well.

It's helped me understand a little of my past & even what I view Love as. I think understanding yourself is first and foremost before you try to understand anyone else, friends, family or your significant other. Once you have a grasp on who you are it makes understanding other people not as hard and even makes you more appreciative of who other people are.

It covers, of course, the five love languages;

Words of Affirmation

Quality Time

Receiving Gifts

Acts of Service

Physical Touch

The book goes over them in detail & helps you understand what each one really means to people. Then it helps you figure out which two are your primary love language. It's been helpful doing this with L because I had a better understanding of what makes him feel loved & what makes him feel loved is not the same as what makes me feel loved.

See, most people show love the way they feel loved. Which is usually not the same way the other person feels loved. Thus, creating a problem. But as Maya Angelo says, " When you know better, you do better."

L's primary love languages are Words of Affirmation & Physical Touch. Where mine are Quality Time & Acts of Service.

See, before understanding this about each other I would have done things for L or wanted to spend time with him to show him I love him. In the same token L would try to say positive things & hug or kiss me to show me he loves me. The problem is our primary love languages are not the same so our "love tanks" were not as full as they could be.

Now knowing what I do know, I try to remember L needs to hear me say what a great husband he is or give him that extra kiss before work instead of me just picking up the house for him. He also tries to cook dinner for me or go on a date with me instead of just giving me a kiss or hug before bed. That is what really makes him feel loved and what makes me feel loved.

The book was actually a tool our pastor used in our marriage counseling. He explained he and his wife try to read it once a year together and now that it has been exactly one year since L purposed to me, He & I will be re-reading it as well.

I am learning it is important to maintain your marriage just like you would a car. Making sure it's properly maintained and running great.

Are there any books you'd love to rave about or have helped you? Let me know! I am always looking for a great book to read!

Yummy Chicken & Dumplings!

It's officially Fall! That means all the best parts of the year are here! I am a Super Big Fan of chicken & dumpling, so I had to kick off fall with it! 

I found this chicken & dumpling recipe off another blog I read & tried it out. It was amazing & super easy.

Since L is not a fan of veggies I was happy to find something that made both of us happy! He loved it just as much as I did! Plus, My good friend Kris enjoyed it with us!

4-6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons butter
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 can chicken broth
1 onion diced (I used half of one)
1 tablespoon dried parsley
4 grands flaky refrigerator biscuits (I used five)

Put the chicken, butter, cream of chicken, chicken broth, parsley and onions in the crock pot and cook on high for four to six hours. Mine only needed five, and probably didn’t even need that much.

As the chicken cooks and gets tender, break it up with a spoon or fork, whatever.

Get your biscuits and cut them into nine pieces. I kind of rolled them into balls to ensure they stayed whole but it’s not necessary. Stir into chicken mixture and cook for another hour.

Try it out yourself! Let me know how it turns out for you! Or if you have an awesome recipe you'd like to share let me know, I am always down for trying new recipes!

P.S. Anyone happen to see the Packers & Bears game yesterday? :-) The Pack looks good this year! GO PACK GO!



ABC's of Me

Age: 24
Bed size: Queen
Chore you hate: Laundry. L likes to take clothes out of the dryer and throws them on our bed. Only later to fold them when they are completely wrinkled J Not cool... But I love him anyways.
Dogs: I used to have a mini-dachshund named Maddie. I love her to pieces but due to moving around & some of the apartments not being pet friendly, I had to give her up L L & I want a German Sheppard, as soon as we buy a house that is. I also want a mini dog too, probably a teacup Maltese, they are so stinkin’ cute!

Essential start of your day: It should be breakfast but I always skip that. I’d say my cup of Tea, which is usually Lady Grey.

Favorite color: Blues & Yellows, also my wedding colors J

Gold or silver: I use to always say silver, but gold has been growing on me.. Hmm.. Tie?

Height: 5'7"
Instruments I play (or have played): Well, I played the chimes in 4^th grade. Does that count? Haha!

Job title: I am a CSR for an insurance company.. Sorta boring title but the older I’ve gotten the more I think I really like insurance. I am good at it I suppose. I like assessing risk, Haha. I’m strange, I know.

Kids: Not sure what this means exactly... but yes, I want them? haha
Live:  IL but I am from what I call BloNO, IL. I lived in AZ & CA as a kid though. IL is where my family & friends are & that = Home

Mom's name: Bobbi Jo - doesn’t get more southern sounding than that does it? Haha.
Nickname: Ash.. Taylor.. L like’s to call me anything he can think of at the moment that sounds cute but mostly cuddle muffin. Haha! Yes, it’s a combination of the two things he really loves cuddling and eating muffins.

Overnight hospital stays: No, Thank God!
Pet peeve: hmm.. I think eye contact is important when your talking to someone & common sense.. Which is not very common anymore, sadly enough.
Quote from a movie: I have SO many.... But Shawshank Redemption is one of my top 2 favorite movies of all time, right next to Forrest Gump.

The part where Andy Dufresne is talking to the guys about Hope is one of my favorite parts..

“Here's where it makes the most sense. You need it so you don't forget. Forget that there are places in the world that aren't made out of stone. That there's a...there's a...there's something inside that's yours, that they can't touch. That's the beauty of music. They can't take that away from you.”

shawshank redemption: Hope

Right or left handed: Right.
Siblings: I have 2 sisters; Jenn & Sarah & 1 brother; Ricky "Rick-Roo". None of us really look a like, however, I've been told when we are all standing side by side you can tell we are related. I am the oldest, then Jenn, Sarah & Ricky is the baby... Poor Ricky. It's gotta be tough being the only boy & the baby. He handles it well though! & he is definitly my favorite brother! Haha!

Time you wake up: Depends on the day. Sometime between 6 and 7.
Underwear: hmm.. I wear it if that’s what you mean? haha. Not sure how to answer this?
Vegetables you dislike: I like veggies. If I had to choose though, it’d be squash. Not a big fan.
What makes you run late: When I can't find my keys. It happens way too much.
X-rays you've had done: Teeth, & Neck. I was in an accident this past March. No worries I am all good!
Yummy food you make: Haha! I can make a mean bowl of cereal! I am not the cook in our family! Seriously though, I can make Stromboli and noodles pretty well.

Zoo animal: I LOVE dolphins but I am not sure that’s a zoo animal. Dang it! Hmm.. Monkeys? Yeah.. Monkeys are cute. I’ll go with that.

Well, that was fun.

Hope you guys learned something new!  What are your ABC's??

Still waiting for L to get home so I can get the pictures of our new place up.  I know your just chompin' at the bit for em'!

The L Word

Coming from a broken home I struggled with what real LOVE really meant.

I had seen deep, deep hurt between people who said they "loved" each other and I had a high wall up for a long time.

However, deep inside me I wanted to be wrong. I wanted to find something different than what I had seen growing up.




I wanted the love that, in my heart, knew had to be real. Not just something I had seen in the movies or read about. I wanted the real deal.

I knew what I didn’t want in a man more than what I did want in a man.




I had what I referred to as "deal breakers".  If they did "this" it was not worth it, or if they did "that" it was over before it even started. It was really just my "wall" going up everytime.




However, for some reason, I would always end up with someone who would eventually would remind me of why I didn’t trust LOVE to begin with.

I actually had gotten to a point in my life that I was feeling like I would either have to settle for "this" or "that" or just be single forever.  I was becoming convinced LOVE was something that just plain hurt you.

I was done being hurt & done feeling what I thought Love was, so I got out of yet another failed relationship and had my mind set on being single...

...That was not God’s plan for me & I am SO grateful it wasn’t!

I still found myself praying to God about understanding what real love is & even praying for who he might have for me.




Then, he answered my prayers!

Although, it was a painful road, and to be honest, at times was self-induced. It was worth it.

The real Love "L" & I have is what I always wanted needed.

It's not perfect, in fact there are times it's just plain hard.  Everyone tells you that before you get married but you don't really understand it till you're in the thick of it yourself.


We have great days & not so great days but I love him either way. I will always be willing to improve myself & grow with him in our marriage, keeping it Christ Centered.

With God in the center of it we can overcome life’s challenges together. 


If he asked me to marry him again today, I'd still say Yes!

I do know what it’s like to think Love is just not in the cards for you, but with God, Love was already in the cards.






I just needed to play my hand, with a Christ understanding & not by my own.

Ketchup

Okay, so maybe I need to "Ketchup" on some things since I've been insanely busy the past week or so! It’s cute word play.. I try J

This past weekend we headed up to BloNo (slang term for my home town) for several occasions…

A friend of the family was getting married Saturday & L had the honors of doing their photography. I help him out with stuff but don’t really shoot b/c well.. I’m just not there yet but I’m learning J

It was a great wedding and we really enjoyed it! I have a new found view of wedding photography. I have a total & complete admiration for the amazing couple who did our wedding photos.

It’s a lot of work but so fulfilling! Knowing you are capturing memories that will play in their lives forever is a little intimidating but knowing your giving someone a reminder of possibly the happiest day of their life is awesome!

"Let us love one another, because love comes from God."

 1 John 4:7

We definitely felt the need to pay it forward! God has been so GOOD to us, even through the storms in our life! How could we ever repay him? We can not ever fully repay him for the grace he shows us but we can serve him by showing his never ending love through our actions.

Our sweet, oh-so-adorable Goddaughter, “M”, was baptized Sunday. We are so grateful to have such a precious little girl in our lives. It is awesome to know she is growing up with the word of God in her life & that her parents know how important that is. L loves her so much and it makes my heart warm just to see him holding her! L will be an amazing father someday! She has him wrapped around her finger and she’s not even 1 yet!

Then to top off the weekend, L had to leave for OK for flight school on his new aircraft. It’s been bitter-sweet because I miss him so much when he is gone & I really-REALLY-really do NOT like being at home alone at night.

However, my amazing Aunt stayed with me the past few nights so I have been able to sleep easy. It’s been GREAT spending time with her and it has forced me to face my fear of the dark alone situation.. Which I still don’t like but it’s not as bad as I thought it would be.

For the most part our new home is all put together! I’ll have to get some pictures up as soon as L gets home, I’ll use his camera!

Work has been great! It is a lot of new information everyday but I am picking it up! I still miss BloNo but I am starting to get more comfortable with living here the less & less I have to use my GPS, haha! Plus, making a few friends has helped! J

So, I am terribly sorry for being MIA but I’ll Ketchup “Catch Up” with a few more posts to come!

These Boots were made for walkin'...

It's that time of year..

My whole life I have had a passion for fashion. Just over the past few years it has turned into a shoe obsession. Just ask my Husband. I heart a great pair of Shoes. More specifically this time of year its Boots! These are the ones on my radar lately.

Wet Seal

Wet Seal

However, due to my height I don't really buy a lot of the heal boots, I just wish I could get away with them! So I honestly lean more towards flats...

Wet Seal

Wet Seal

Bearpaws have become one of my favorites, they look a lot like UGG's only not a expensive

Bearpaw

Bearpaw

So go ahead and get your Boot Fix on! It's okay this time of year! :0)

Healthy Sweet Potato Fries

I am definitely not the cook in our household, however, I do try from time to time. I came across this recipe for Sweet Potato Fries and thought it would be nice to share.

Anytime I get the option at a restaurant to have them I pick it and I think it’s a great alternate option to fries.

Feeds Five: peel two good sized sweet potatoes.

Using a really sharp knife, cut the potato lengthwise in just smaller than 1/2 inch slices. If you don’t have a sharp knife, it might be safer to cut your potatoes across the width. So the sweet potatoes cook consistently, try to cut even slices.

Next cut sticks… again trying to be even.

If your sticks are super long, cut them in half… so they are fry length pieces.

Toss them in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. For two potatoes, use between 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil, so they are coated evenly.

Sprinkle with a little sugar, use 1/2 teaspoon.

Sprinkle in a little kosher salt.  Use about a teaspoon.

Now for flavor.  You could use a little cinnamon, but then you’d have to add more sugar.  Use a bit of spice with some Cajun Seasoning.  Use about 2 teaspoons.  You can use what ever seasoning suites your fancy.  Toss them well.

Spread them out on a greased cookie sheet in a single layer and put them in a preheated 450 degree oven.

Bake them for about 15 minutes, then took them out of the oven and flipped them over.

Bake them for about 15 minutes more or until they are getting nice and browned and a little crispy.

Serve with BBQ sauce whisked with just a little mayonnaise.

They are worth turning the oven on for.
Totally addicting

'Cause you gotta have Faith!

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1  

L & I have took a leap of Faith when we decided to move.  When we decided we would need to move the first thing that came to mind was fear. 

Fear of not liking our new place, fear of not being at finger tips reach with my family & friends, fear of starting a new job. Oh and did I mention we are brand new newly weds.

I think this year alone, I have experianced more changes than I have in my entire life. Getting married, moving, starting a new job and having some health issues to add on top of that.

Personally, it's been a wave of emotions and at times I just have to stop, breath and pray. I think otherwise I'd lose my mind.

Truthfully, the move was something I knew would have to happen because I love my Husband and it was so stressful for him driving back and forth. Although, I really in my heart knew it would have to happen, doesn't mean I really wanted it.

See, the problem was I was very comfortable where I was. I never left for College nor did I really want to.  I watched all my friends leave and come right back. I felt like where I was had everything I needed, so if it's not broke then why fix it, right??

Well, I know that was my plan, but it is not God's plan. So really, what's the use in fighting it when you know;

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

See, it's this little thing called fear that I allow to take over from time to time. I struggle with not having control over situations in my life & this year alone I can tell God has been working on me with that very issue. I am trying harder & harder to Let Go & Let God, however, the harder I try it seems the harder it gets to do just that.

I have to remind myself I am still being molded and I am not complete.  I just need the faith of a mustard seed;

"You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." Matthew 17:20

So Lord, help me move this mountain of fear.

I know on my own I cannot do this, but with the Lord's help all things are possible.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Falling for Fall

It has been insanely hot these past few days! & trust me when you are moving in that heat you notice it!

I just keep reminding myself what is right around the corner though... FALL!

I adore any thing Autumn related. The weather is PERFECT, the fashion is awesome & the smells.. Oh My!

I have even convinced L we are naming our first daughter (middle name) Autumn ! .. yes, IT'S that serious for me! So it is safe to say it is my "Most Wonderful time of Year"

I just can not wait for this...
 

Now tell me...
does put you in the mood for FALL.

DIY Art

I am totally in Love with Art & I am grandmother's granddaughter, so I also love to do it myself.  I feel like when you do something on your own it adds a special little touch to it that maybe only you notice but really its the thought & work that goes into it that makes it something your usually proud of. 

Since the wedding is over (AKA when I went into creative overload) I have had a few little projects I've started to channel my creative addiction.

This one is a scrapbook picture frame that I put together.  I decided what a great way to remind L & I everyday of exactly what we signed up for :0) promised each other than to put our Vows into art!

I went to one of my favorite stores, Hobby Lobby, to gather up the materials.

  I first picked out the background paper I wanted to use.  I went with a classic/vintage type of paper that had some Blues that match our room decor. 

Something like this is nice to use too!

I then picked out some decor items for inside the frame & picked a little bit of "Bling" to make it eye catching.

I picked out the sticker letters, which later, I had to get even more creative with and make letters out of letters because I started to run out of lowercase E's, then T's & a few I's too - haha

Needless to say it was a great fix to my addiction! I really liked the finish product though.  I know we are newly weds but I really don't ever what to "forget" what we promised even through the tough times.  Which have tried to kill our joy from time to time but remembering this puts things in better perspective- that and a lot of prayer together. It keeps us on the same page!

Hope this little DIY inspires some of you guys!

It was pretty easy and besides doing every letter,
which I am sure there is a better way to do it, but I enjoyed it!