tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56138956094550533342024-03-13T17:34:17.907-06:00Jake and AshleeLike sands through the hour glass, so are the days of our lives.Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-24785839053195806132010-11-13T14:04:00.003-07:002010-11-13T14:34:20.457-07:00Operation Smile<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I started Tweeting awhile back...I now have 6 or so followers--GO ME! lol. I am @thedietcokegirl if you would like to follow me. Its kind of like my blogging... not often. If you are on Twitter, let me know and I can start stalking you...I mean follow you. :)<br /><br />I follow <a href="http://www.operationsmile.org/">Operation Smile</a> on Twitter. They are a charity organization who travels around the world and provide free surgeries on children with cleft lips and cleft palates for the families who are less fortunate. They always have such sweet pictures and stories of children and their families coming to screenings for <a href="http://www.operationsmile.org/">Operation Smile</a>. It's heart melting.<br /><br />The other day I clicked on the pic of the day of a dad snuggling his son during the screening in Managua, Nicaragua. So precious, I love it!<br /><br /><a href="http://ow.ly/i/5qOc" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.ow.ly/photos/normal/5qOc.jpg" alt="Owly Images" /></a><br /><br />I have such a soft spot in my heart for little kids and babies with clefts. As many of you know, Max was born with a cute little cleft and I couldn't imagine him any other way!<br /></span></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-56189421096032476562010-08-17T19:15:00.020-06:002010-08-17T20:31:21.430-06:00A long time ago...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs7ql3KI0I/AAAAAAAAB7Y/PwCWjsm-lg0/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs7ql3KI0I/AAAAAAAAB7Y/PwCWjsm-lg0/s400/DSC_0047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506560572294570818" border="0" /></a>Did you know that I got married? Sure did...'bout 7 1/2 months ago, February 5, 2010. You wouldn't know it if you know me only from my blog. I have slightly slacked a little since the marital bliss has entered my life. I decided I needed to start blogging again and wanted to share my bridals/groomals. My talented sister Emily and her husband JP took our photos and did a fabulous job! We had to choose from over 1,000 pictures...and I am very indecisive for those of you who know me---It's taken me over an hour to choose which photos to post on this blog! Enjoy them.. I will save our wedding date photos for another post ;)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs5GB20FVI/AAAAAAAAB6s/8l_K3887qcE/s1600/DSC_0092.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs5GB20FVI/AAAAAAAAB6s/8l_K3887qcE/s400/DSC_0092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506557745130902866" border="0" /></a>The bat mobile in the background was a must.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs5FmBAj2I/AAAAAAAAB6k/c4RZiWkmkaY/s1600/DSC_5587.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs5FmBAj2I/AAAAAAAAB6k/c4RZiWkmkaY/s400/DSC_5587.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506557737657470818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs5FHzVuTI/AAAAAAAAB6c/C6wmTYuil0c/s1600/DSC_5541.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs5FHzVuTI/AAAAAAAAB6c/C6wmTYuil0c/s400/DSC_5541.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506557729547073842" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs4XuhTExI/AAAAAAAAB6U/OsnbVhQHzCw/s1600/DSC_5534.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs4XuhTExI/AAAAAAAAB6U/OsnbVhQHzCw/s400/DSC_5534.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506556949666403090" border="0" /></a>I love this picture.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs4XFCxh4I/AAAAAAAAB6M/6CHWRh4lQNA/s1600/DSC_5529.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs4XFCxh4I/AAAAAAAAB6M/6CHWRh4lQNA/s400/DSC_5529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506556938532521858" border="0" /></a>He's so handsome.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs4Wk9xPrI/AAAAAAAAB6E/H0kz2ioOuY4/s1600/DSC_5470tr.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs4Wk9xPrI/AAAAAAAAB6E/H0kz2ioOuY4/s400/DSC_5470tr.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506556929921597106" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs3oXIpaGI/AAAAAAAAB58/6u_eMHth0oc/s1600/DSC_5449.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs3oXIpaGI/AAAAAAAAB58/6u_eMHth0oc/s400/DSC_5449.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506556135935141986" border="0" /></a>I like my dress. A lot.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs3nWXc46I/AAAAAAAAB50/UFif3UuscFY/s1600/DSC_5411.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs3nWXc46I/AAAAAAAAB50/UFif3UuscFY/s400/DSC_5411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506556118548931490" border="0" /></a>Dreamy.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs3mqYqE-I/AAAAAAAAB5o/7NcdluFVSZI/s1600/DSC_5340.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs3mqYqE-I/AAAAAAAAB5o/7NcdluFVSZI/s400/DSC_5340.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506556106742830050" border="0" /></a>I was freezing. It felt good to be wrapped up in his arms. Even if it wasn't freezing.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs23EMJVgI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/4xeLS1sMxac/s1600/DSC_5327.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs23EMJVgI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/4xeLS1sMxac/s400/DSC_5327.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506555289035953666" border="0" /></a>I made my own bouquet for my bridals! I was pretty proud. lol<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs2kqINDWI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/niLiOQXzw8g/s1600/DSC_5306.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs2kqINDWI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/niLiOQXzw8g/s400/DSC_5306.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506554972802452834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs11fblAZI/AAAAAAAAB44/VytuaRu9RGo/s1600/DSC_5292.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs11fblAZI/AAAAAAAAB44/VytuaRu9RGo/s400/DSC_5292.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506554162477072786" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs1cbRnjmI/AAAAAAAAB4w/Af_7JKyY4iA/s1600/DSC_5262.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs1cbRnjmI/AAAAAAAAB4w/Af_7JKyY4iA/s400/DSC_5262.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506553731864825442" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs0-JnCaMI/AAAAAAAAB4g/671VX74ctNY/s1600/DSC_5161.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs0-JnCaMI/AAAAAAAAB4g/671VX74ctNY/s400/DSC_5161.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506553211726751938" border="0" /></a>Yes, I do have a middle finger. I just love this picture :)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs0vaZcKGI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/XpAsaP5ly4Q/s1600/DSC_5151.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs0vaZcKGI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/XpAsaP5ly4Q/s400/DSC_5151.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506552958535084130" border="0" /></a>I love these shoes.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs0eypKRoI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/RxFXyDzpQYQ/s1600/DSC_5131.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/TGs0eypKRoI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/RxFXyDzpQYQ/s400/DSC_5131.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506552672985695874" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:130%;">Stay tuned for more from the wedding day!!</span><br /><br /></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-42971939369216957002010-08-03T06:29:00.004-06:002010-08-03T06:35:18.117-06:00ooooh nice.<div style="text-align: center;">I know I probably should have changed my blog name after I announced what the name was going to be... I didn't want anyone to steal it, after all, it is pretty great. We are THEE Peterson's. I apologize if I didn't know some of your emails to share my wonderful new name, however, I am sure it will get to you sooner or later after you realize avirchow.blogspot.com is no longer there.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">http://theepetersons.blogspot.com</span><br /><br />It has a nice ring to it.<br /></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-31073720947124867192010-07-29T09:56:00.002-06:002010-07-29T09:58:29.294-06:00Coming Soon...<div style="text-align: center;">A new blog name and new posts coming soon..<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span>Can you handle it?</span></span><br /></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-67589711128921258702010-01-18T07:34:00.004-07:002010-01-18T07:59:05.816-07:00...the happiest time...<div style="text-align: center;">Wowee, it's been a long time, which I must apologize for... I do have some good news though!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You know that handsome guy I was telling you about earlier? Well, I kinda like him and he kinda likes me and we're kinda getting married!! I know, right? I'm excited to!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/S1R3DbuAV_I/AAAAAAAAB3o/AOrwy_f7is8/s1600-h/DSC_0122t.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/S1R3DbuAV_I/AAAAAAAAB3o/AOrwy_f7is8/s400/DSC_0122t.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428094351752321010" border="0" /></a>He asked me to marry him way back on November 8, 2009--- I know I'm a slacker in my blogging... I should have come to you first.<br />But it was so sweet....<br /><br />It was Sunday morning, November 8, 2009.<br />He came and picked me up on his way home from work so we could go to church.. he was really in a hurry, which i thought was unusual, but didn't think anything of it..<br />We got to his house so he could get changed and get ready for church. I was in his family room talking to his brother that was in the kitchen eating lunch while Jake was downstairs getting ready.. he all of a sudden came up with <span style="font-size:180%;">3</span> presents (mind you it was our 3 month anniversary ;) )<br />He handed me a paper that said "<span style="font-size:100%;">No Scrooge of Gifts Here</span>" and told me how much he loved me and how these last <span style="font-size:180%;">3</span> months have been the best<span style="font-size:180%;"> 3</span> months of his life and what the <span style="font-size:180%;">3</span> presents represented.. <span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Past, Present and Future</span>.</span><br />I opened them in order<br />The past was a blanket<br />He had a little paper that said what it represented. It was the blanket like when I was little, my silky when I was a baby that comforted me.<br />As he is my comfort now.<br />The present was a pair of diamond earings<br />The paper said they represented the shining star that I am to him they were more wordy.. but I won't bore you with the gush ;)<br />and the future was my empty ring box in it with a note that said how much he loved me and wanted to be with me forever through every holiday and Thanksgiving and Christmas. After I get done reading it to look at him and close my eyes. I looked at him, closed my eyes and he told me how much he loved me and how he wanted to spend forever with me. He grabbed my hand and put the ring on my finger and asked me to marry him.<br /><br />Oh, I love that boy.<br />The <span style="font-size:180%;">big</span> day is coming up on <span style="font-size:180%;">February 5, 2010!</span><br /><br /><br /></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-69889160765445352052009-09-09T15:42:00.006-06:002009-09-09T17:34:13.334-06:00The Lord works in mysterious ways...<div style="text-align: center;">It all started in <span style="font-size:180%;">2003</span> when I was working at Wal Mart as a cashier. I always minded my <span style="font-size:180%;">own</span> business and didn't know a lot of peoples names, just <span style="font-size:180%;">faces</span>. I quit Wal Mart in February <span style="font-size:180%;">2005</span>. I have had a few jobs since then (yes, I said FEW), not being able to <span style="font-size:180%;">find</span> what fit me right. I <span style="font-size:180%;">finally</span> found a job that is, well alright for when I start school (if I ever start school, geesh) in <span style="font-size:180%;">March</span> of this year... Thanks to a <span style="font-size:180%;">nurse</span> my mom works with, who's <span style="font-size:180%;">son</span> works at <span style="font-size:180%;">BlueHost</span> and gave them my resume or I honestly would <span style="font-size:180%;">not</span> have gotten the job.<br /><br />I started at <span style="font-size:180%;">BlueHost</span> on March 20, <span style="font-size:180%;">2009</span>. A couple days into training, a guy comes in to ask the training coordinator a question, he looks <span style="font-size:180%;">familiar</span> to me... I realized, I <span style="font-size:180%;">worked</span> with him at Wal Mart. So I asked him, "Did you work at Wal Mart?". We had our little Wal Mart <span style="font-size:180%;">reunion</span>, and I found out his name Jake. I didn't think anymore of it, just that, <span style="font-size:180%;">wow</span> what a small world.<br /><br />A <span style="font-size:180%;">few</span> times here and there I would see him going to <span style="font-size:180%;">lunch</span> with Jamie Borget (the nurses son who got me the job) and I would say "<span style="font-size:180%;">Hi</span>" to them as I was walking into the building. I got to work one day, getting to my <span style="font-size:180%;">desk</span> seeing that the person before me had not logged off the phone and the <span style="font-size:180%;">only</span> person who can log someone off the phone is a Technical Support Manager or (<span style="font-size:180%;">duh</span>) the person who is logged in. I looked all over our Instant Message internal chat system for a <span style="font-size:180%;">Manager</span> and found out that Jake was a Manager and could help me. We <span style="font-size:180%;">talked</span> about our days at Wal Mart for a bit and then got back to work, and did not think <span style="font-size:180%;">anything</span> of it.<br /><br />The <span style="font-size:180%;">months</span> go by and it is now about the 2nd week in <span style="font-size:180%;">July</span>. I get to work finding out that the person before me had <span style="font-size:180%;">not</span> logged out of the phone again. <span style="font-size:180%;">Remembering</span> that Jake can log them out, I Instant Message him. After doing this <span style="font-size:180%;">favor</span> for me, our conversation goes something like this:</div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Jake:</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>Have you ever been to <a href="http://www.bombayhouse.com/">The Bombay House</a>?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Ashlee:</span> Isn't that the Indian restaurant? I prefer to sit on a chair and eat with utinsils. :)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Jake:</span> lol You do you eat with utinsils and sit on chairs. Would you like to go with me sometime?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Ashlee:</span> I don't know if my boyfriend would like that...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Jake:</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>Well you should have him take you sometime! It's way good!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Well, you get the <span style="font-size:180%;">jist</span> of our conversation.. I <span style="font-size:180%;">felt</span> so bad I couldn't go and I had to say no, as I was in a <span style="font-size:180%;">stupid</span> relationship with a <span style="font-size:180%;">stupid</span> boy.<br /><br />That <span style="font-size:180%;">next</span> week, my <span style="font-size:180%;">stupid</span> relationship ended with that <span style="font-size:180%;">stupid</span> boy... It didn't take me long to get over that <span style="font-size:180%;">stupid</span> boy because well, he was <span style="font-size:180%;">stupid</span>! A couple days later I added Jake to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/"><span style="font-size:180%;">facebook</span></a>. He posted a comment on my <span style="font-size:180%;">wall</span> saying that he <span style="font-size:180%;">thought</span> of me the other night while he was at <a href="http://www.bombayhouse.com/">The Bombay House</a>. From there, we started <span style="font-size:180%;">talking</span> back and forth. At <span style="font-size:180%;">work</span>, we were Instant Messaging <span style="font-size:180%;">all</span> day long...my stats were going <span style="font-size:180%;">down</span> LOL I told him I <span style="font-size:180%;">needed</span> to take him up on his offer at <a href="http://www.bombayhouse.com/">The Bombay House</a>. He had a <span style="font-size:180%;">trip</span> planned to <a href="http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/home/home?name=HomePage&bhcp=1">Disneyland</a> and said he <span style="font-size:180%;">wanted</span> to take me out when he got <span style="font-size:180%;">back</span>. We had been <span style="font-size:180%;">talking</span> at work for about a week and a half and were starting to <span style="font-size:180%;">really</span> like each other and felt like we could talk to each other about <span style="font-size:180%;">anything</span>. So when he got back, he had made <span style="font-size:180%;">plans</span> for Thursday <span style="font-size:180%;">and</span> Friday night. Everyone around us was like... "You have made plans for <span style="font-size:180%;">two</span> dates already and you haven't even gone out on <span style="font-size:180%;">one</span>?" But we <span style="font-size:180%;">knew</span> we liked each other.<br /><br />The first date was <span style="font-size:180%;">awesome</span>. I felt like I had already <span style="font-size:180%;">known</span> him and conversation came so <span style="font-size:180%;">easy</span>. And yes, we did go to <a href="http://www.bombayhouse.com/">The Bombay House</a>, which is <span style="font-size:180%;">excellent</span>... he has a personal relationship with the owners he has gone there <span style="font-size:180%;">so</span> many times!! LOL If you ever go there, make <span style="font-size:180%;">sure</span> to get the <a href="http://www.bombayhouse.com/menu.html">Chicken Tikka Masala</a> and <a href="http://www.bombayhouse.com/menu.html">Garlic Naan</a>. D.lish.<br /><br />I had to make <span style="font-size:180%;">sure</span> he wanted to go out with me on a <span style="font-size:180%;">second</span> date, so I acted <span style="font-size:180%;">nonchalant</span> and waited until he asked if 6:00 worked for Friday, and said "Oh, so tomorrow <span style="font-size:180%;">too</span>?" and he said, "Well, yeah, didn't you want to?" so I had to come back and say "<span style="font-size:180%;">Yeah! </span>I just didn't know if you had <span style="font-size:180%;">forgotten</span>." LOL<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/Sqg6zVwG5uI/AAAAAAAABzg/_YZPitN-kZ0/s1600-h/DSC01860.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 377px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/Sqg6zVwG5uI/AAAAAAAABzg/_YZPitN-kZ0/s400/DSC01860.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379614408580720354" border="0" /></a>After our dates <span style="font-size:180%;">everything</span> felt so right and he <span style="font-size:180%;">asked</span> me to be "<span style="font-size:180%;">his girl</span>" that Saturday. People think it was <span style="font-size:180%;">really</span> quick, but we felt like we knew each other <span style="font-size:180%;">already</span> so well!<br /><br />Things have been going so <span style="font-size:100%;">great</span>. <span style="font-size:180%;">Jake means the world to me</span>. He takes me for who I am and loves me for me. He is the best and is so special and <span style="font-size:180%;">I love him with </span><span style="font-size:180%;">every fiber of my being</span>. He has a wonderful family. I love his sisters and his mom so much! They are so inviting and <span style="font-size:180%;">welcoming</span> when I come to his house. All of my family <span style="font-size:180%;">loves</span> Jake and he fits right in so well. He makes me so <span style="font-size:180%;">extremely</span> happy and I love spending my time with this boy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/Sqg60ldHeHI/AAAAAAAABzw/uqEkJPdTiaA/s1600-h/DSC01870.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 364px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/Sqg60ldHeHI/AAAAAAAABzw/uqEkJPdTiaA/s400/DSC01870.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379614429975902322" border="0" /></a><br />I have to say, the Lord works in mysterious ways. It was not meant to be at the time when we worked at Wal Mart, but I was truly bless to receive this job at BlueHost and meet my Jakey boy!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">I love you Jake.</span><br /><br /><br /></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-6725435418130591482009-09-09T14:45:00.007-06:002009-09-09T15:24:00.891-06:00Family BBQ<div style="text-align: center;">I have mentioned that I love my Maxers?? When opportunities arise, Jared, Amanda and Max and I try to see each other as often as we can. It was our family dinner out in Lehi at Aly and Nick's and it had been awhile since my family had seen Jared, Amanda and Max so we decided it was time to get together! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgWw0xQs7I/AAAAAAAAByQ/-skiQS7rh84/s1600-h/DSC01873.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 393px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgWw0xQs7I/AAAAAAAAByQ/-skiQS7rh84/s400/DSC01873.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379574782948848562" border="0" /></a>Max Loved his corn and his unique way of eating it! LOL<br />I couldn't believe how much this kid loved fruit! I would put the raspberries on his fingers, he thought that was pretty cool.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgXHZuo8ZI/AAAAAAAAByY/PJ2FkbuLIEs/s1600-h/DSC01875.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 385px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgXHZuo8ZI/AAAAAAAAByY/PJ2FkbuLIEs/s400/DSC01875.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379575170827088274" border="0" /></a>His dad has taught him well, he loves balls and he sure can throw one!! He carried a ball around all night long.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgXH5WwajI/AAAAAAAAByg/cOolgeMh0hQ/s1600-h/DSC01881.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 351px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgXH5WwajI/AAAAAAAAByg/cOolgeMh0hQ/s400/DSC01881.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379575179316849202" border="0" /></a>Max and Talan (he got a little soaked from the neighbors hose, hence the no shirt LOL)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgXIMtWfEI/AAAAAAAAByo/Wc7COAFEB7M/s1600-h/DSC01884.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 369px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgXIMtWfEI/AAAAAAAAByo/Wc7COAFEB7M/s400/DSC01884.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379575184511892546" border="0" /></a>Max's Grandma Virchow, she loves him so much!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgXIputLpI/AAAAAAAAByw/bzSeWmEl194/s1600-h/DSC01894.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 350px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgXIputLpI/AAAAAAAAByw/bzSeWmEl194/s400/DSC01894.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379575192302202514" border="0" /></a>You're not official if you don't try on Grandma Virchow's glasses on... which Max loved, they just wouldn't stay on, dang it! It was hilarious how he was letting us though, most kids hate it. LOL<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgXJLpuXzI/AAAAAAAABy4/obdAEv3dIoo/s1600-h/DSC01899.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 364px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgXJLpuXzI/AAAAAAAABy4/obdAEv3dIoo/s400/DSC01899.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379575201408114482" border="0" /></a>He did not like the trampoline at first.. He would hold onto me for dear life and had this look of concern on his face.. I got snuggles in though!! heehee<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgYDJoS6oI/AAAAAAAABzA/d7T3LVzADnU/s1600-h/DSC01912.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 346px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgYDJoS6oI/AAAAAAAABzA/d7T3LVzADnU/s400/DSC01912.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379576197297662594" border="0" /></a>Batter up! Max's first time batting, he thought it was pretty cool...moreso the bat than "eye on the ball"... I think Jared is on that though LOL<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgYDuzJCeI/AAAAAAAABzI/wk_22bm_OXs/s1600-h/DSC01918.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 381px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgYDuzJCeI/AAAAAAAABzI/wk_22bm_OXs/s400/DSC01918.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379576207275264482" border="0" /></a>He warmed up to the trampoline and loved it after awhile!! He was all over it and loved being bounced :)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgYEEFGa2I/AAAAAAAABzQ/M6UlQ1YYzwk/s1600-h/DSC01923.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgYEEFGa2I/AAAAAAAABzQ/M6UlQ1YYzwk/s400/DSC01923.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379576212987734882" border="0" /></a> My little Peanut looks like a little Monkey heehee I love that kiddo.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgYEn1qAvI/AAAAAAAABzY/O9XGIetsmdY/s1600-h/DSC01929.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgYEn1qAvI/AAAAAAAABzY/O9XGIetsmdY/s400/DSC01929.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379576222586634994" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh how I love Jared and Amanda so much!! They have given Max the life he deserves and I am so eternally greatful for them!! Thanks for coming down guys and letting me see the little guy!!<br /><br /><br /></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-4838587675431730712009-09-09T14:35:00.003-06:002009-09-09T14:44:46.340-06:00Max The Model<div style="text-align: center;">Max was chosen to model a tie for <a href="http://www.ragdollclothing.com/">ragdollclothing</a>...Amanda found out about the opportunity through a photography blog (<a href="http://www.auburnsoul.blogspot.com/">Auburn Soul</a>) The photographer was doing a casting call, and Amanda entered Max and he was chosen! Who wouldn't??<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgTPcgyxNI/AAAAAAAAByI/AJkL0Bvk27I/s1600-h/Untitled-21.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 195px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SqgTPcgyxNI/AAAAAAAAByI/AJkL0Bvk27I/s400/Untitled-21.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379570910966760658" border="0" /></a>What a handsome boy my Peanut is!!<br /><br /></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-6876862801082349552009-08-29T20:08:00.006-06:002009-08-29T20:49:48.205-06:00the lack thereof<div style="text-align: center;">I know, I have been lacking in the blogging area part of my life. It's funny though, I will go throughout my day and think "oh, that would be good/awesome to blog about"....and never blog about it. Ugh...I'm in front of a computer all day long at work, that is the last thing I want to come home and type...plus there is a wonderful boy in my life as of late.<br /><br />Something I thought I would share is the different types of, well...animals? insects? we have at our house.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/Spnk1WckoJI/AAAAAAAABuc/9AfJDNUbjDg/s1600-h/5930_110944474509_533454509_2133804_5737381_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/Spnk1WckoJI/AAAAAAAABuc/9AfJDNUbjDg/s400/5930_110944474509_533454509_2133804_5737381_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375579235453018258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I stole this one from Alyssa, she came home one night to this sitting by the garage door opener...YIKES!!</span><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/Spnk0o8KbUI/AAAAAAAABuM/JDV8pMpUs3U/s1600-h/IMG00051.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/Spnk0o8KbUI/AAAAAAAABuM/JDV8pMpUs3U/s400/IMG00051.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375579223237487938" border="0" /></a>These aren't "unusual" around our house, but it's just fun when you do see them because they're HUGE...and ugly. My mom was watering her flowers one night and he was just hanging out by our swing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SpnmBBLr1rI/AAAAAAAABuk/tnKh_NcKkDI/s1600-h/5930_114537374509_533454509_2180988_3532858_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SpnmBBLr1rI/AAAAAAAABuk/tnKh_NcKkDI/s400/5930_114537374509_533454509_2180988_3532858_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375580535415101106" border="0" /></a>Jake and I were walking up to the front door and I saw this little creature...the bat. *shiver*<br />He was just hangin out. We took pictures with flashes and watched him for awhile--it didn't even seem to phase him. Yuck, yuck, yuck!!<br /><br />We get the rattle snakes, black widows, and those nasty huge wolf spiders, but I guess that is what you get for living so close to the mountain. You may remember my story about the <a href="http://avirchow.blogspot.com/2008/07/attack-of-snails.html">snail</a> on my window...now I am use the noises they make and it happens a few times a WEEK. I still truly hate snails...actually, all bugs and insects.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-15928984109303635702009-08-29T19:39:00.006-06:002009-08-29T20:06:35.620-06:002009 FSA Conference 8/1/09<div style="text-align: center;">This years conference (Families Supporting Adoption) was great! Interacting with adoption advocates is always fun, but the best thing is being with Jared, Amanda and Max! Max has grown up so much, it's insane! He is the smiliest, happiest boy and this kid doesn't walk... he RUNS. Making him giggle is the best...he has thee cutest giggle! I love it. I could just eat him up!! It was the best time ever.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/Spnec5YT6CI/AAAAAAAABuE/D9Q6RzBVF3A/s1600-h/DSC01833.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/Spnec5YT6CI/AAAAAAAABuE/D9Q6RzBVF3A/s400/DSC01833.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375572218263889954" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SpnbQujeC5I/AAAAAAAABt8/cD2FComjVt0/s1600-h/DSC01845.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SpnbQujeC5I/AAAAAAAABt8/cD2FComjVt0/s400/DSC01845.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375568710664588178" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/Spna80hFkuI/AAAAAAAABts/5fdDKeRoVGE/s1600-h/DSC01846.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/Spna80hFkuI/AAAAAAAABts/5fdDKeRoVGE/s400/DSC01846.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375568368667824866" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/Spna9D25dgI/AAAAAAAABt0/iCYJp1hUhOc/s1600-h/DSC01857.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/Spna9D25dgI/AAAAAAAABt0/iCYJp1hUhOc/s400/DSC01857.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375568372785837570" border="0" /></a><br />I cannot wait to see my Peanut again! I'm sure he will have changed again in that short amount of time. I treasure each moment I get to spend with him and love him so dearly. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of Max and see his cute smile and bright eyes in pictures or mind. Oh I love that boy.<br /><br /></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-26305868156443612782009-07-04T09:13:00.004-06:002009-07-04T09:24:52.278-06:00Happy 4th of July<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/Sk90I36d4iI/AAAAAAAABmk/E3Z3qFweGFg/s1600-h/Fourth_of_July_fireworks_behind_the_Washington_Monument,_1986.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/Sk90I36d4iI/AAAAAAAABmk/E3Z3qFweGFg/s400/Fourth_of_July_fireworks_behind_the_Washington_Monument,_1986.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354626177763762722" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">I am proud to be an American</span>.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-48020263787422555152009-06-10T12:44:00.009-06:002009-06-10T14:00:51.997-06:001 year old?<div style="text-align: center;">Time flies. One year ago today this <span style="font-size:180%;">cute</span> little guy was born.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SjAA9JEBMZI/AAAAAAAABg0/uIh4Cr0VGDE/s1600-h/My+little+Peanut.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SjAA9JEBMZI/AAAAAAAABg0/uIh4Cr0VGDE/s400/My+little+Peanut.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345773808093573522" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SjAA9JEBMZI/AAAAAAAABg0/uIh4Cr0VGDE/s1600-h/My+little+Peanut.JPG"> </a>Max Milton. I love this boy more than <span style="font-size:180%;">anything</span> in this world. I am so grateful he was able to come down to this mortal existence to bless not only my life, but Jared and Amanda's. I think about Max <span style="font-size:180%;">several</span> times throughout my days as I see pictures or things that remind me of him and think what a wonderful life he is going to have, what a wonderful year it has been--yet a trialing year as well. Not a lot of babies go through what Max has, and he has been such a <span style="font-size:180%;">trooper</span> throughout the NAM and his surgery.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SjAHdZAf8qI/AAAAAAAABg8/tQhBTk9Wosg/s1600-h/DSC_0108.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SjAHdZAf8qI/AAAAAAAABg8/tQhBTk9Wosg/s400/DSC_0108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345780959199359650" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SjAHuJuCXPI/AAAAAAAABhE/ysMP7WEZYYY/s1600-h/DSC_0237.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SjAHuJuCXPI/AAAAAAAABhE/ysMP7WEZYYY/s400/DSC_0237.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345781247153167602" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SjAHuJuCXPI/AAAAAAAABhE/ysMP7WEZYYY/s1600-h/DSC_0237.JPG"> </a>I am so<span style="font-size:180%;"> grateful</span> for adoption. For the opportunities to see pictures of Max, to see him and interact with him, to give him loves, hugs and kisses! It is <span style="font-size:180%;">amazing</span> how the Lord has helped me is so many ways. A lot of people have asked me if adoption has been hard. From the time I chose Jared and Amanda to be Max's parents, there was a <span style="font-size:180%;">connection</span> I felt, they were to be his mom and dad. The Lord <span style="font-size:180%;">knew</span> Max was suppose to be their child, my job was to find them. I don't feel sad when I have to leave after seeing Max, I feel so <span style="font-size:180%;">unbelievably</span> happy that I was able to see him.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SjAIUc0S4PI/AAAAAAAABhM/2Xa73fxMpvI/s1600-h/DSC_0358.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SjAIUc0S4PI/AAAAAAAABhM/2Xa73fxMpvI/s400/DSC_0358.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345781905114718450" border="0" /></a>Throughout this past year, I have had several opportunities to interact with Max in person and a couple times via web cam! He is an <span style="font-size:180%;">amazingly smart</span> boy and very <span style="font-size:180%;">active!</span> I love <span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://punkinsinlove.blogspot.com/2009/05/all-things-max.html">Amanda's post</a></span> of what he is up to lately.. definitely a <span style="font-size:180%;">good</span> read about my baber babers :D<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SjAKMer3nwI/AAAAAAAABhU/bWeQ1IRQfGM/s1600-h/DSC_0325.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SjAKMer3nwI/AAAAAAAABhU/bWeQ1IRQfGM/s400/DSC_0325.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345783967200550658" border="0" /></a>When Max started smiling it was <span style="font-size:180%;">infectious.</span> You couldn't look at him or his pictures and not smile. Amanda taught him well to be a poser for the camera :) I loved how you would put the camera up or even your phone and he would get the biggest grin, like "I'm ready, take my picture!"<br />He <span style="font-size:180%;">definitely</span> warms my heart.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SjAANM93DNI/AAAAAAAABgs/BseFqf4yh6M/s1600-h/DSC_0085.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SjAANM93DNI/AAAAAAAABgs/BseFqf4yh6M/s400/DSC_0085.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345772984507763922" border="0" /></a>I <span style="font-size:180%;">never</span> knew I could possibly love somebody as much as <span style="font-size:180%;">I love Max</span>. Although I don't get to see him grow up every single day, he is in my heart every single day. I cannot believe how fast this year has gone, and how quickly he has grown up into the little boy he is. My mother and I had the opportunity to attend his <span style="font-size:180%;">1st birthday party </span>on Sunday, June 7, 2009 at Amanda's parents house. I will tell you one thing, that boy is<span style="font-size:180%;"> ALL BOY!</span> He is one super crawler--going from here to there, back to here then to there. HAHA <span style="font-size:180%;">I love it</span>.<br />(I will post those pictures in a separate post, <span style="font-size:180%;">I promise </span>;) )<br /><br />My Peanut is<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >1 year</span> old today.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SjAPcnLa15I/AAAAAAAABhc/cm1O4g-jmQI/s1600-h/DSC01719.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SjAPcnLa15I/AAAAAAAABhc/cm1O4g-jmQI/s400/DSC01719.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345789741916411794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAX!</span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">I love you!</span><br /><br /></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-77930962694813111052009-02-10T08:56:00.005-07:002009-02-10T09:09:52.580-07:00Happy 8 Months<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SZGmje6IdmI/AAAAAAAABR8/jleizPxW8EA/s1600-h/max26.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SZGmje6IdmI/AAAAAAAABR8/jleizPxW8EA/s400/max26.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301201364914304610" border="0" /></a>He's grown up so fast...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SZGk_uDyz7I/AAAAAAAABRs/a_ebV5rnFrg/s1600-h/maxandjared.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 319px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SZGk_uDyz7I/AAAAAAAABRs/a_ebV5rnFrg/s400/maxandjared.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301199650994442162" border="0" /></a>Happy 8 months to my Peanut!!<br /></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-79680333381594042272009-02-08T10:22:00.008-07:002009-02-08T23:18:40.526-07:00Are.You.Ready?<div style="text-align: center;">There's a lot that has happened in the life of Ashlee since...oh, <span style="font-size:180%;">December</span>.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was last telling you how I had read Twilight..<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Which by the way</span>,<br />I am now on Breaking Dawn.<br />I can tell you, they are very good books, and you can't just read the first one... but I do have to say, this last one, is a little on the weird side...<br />Sorry Stephanie Meyers.<br />__________<br /><br />Aside from Twilight, way back in December,<br />our family had our yearly family Christmas party!<br />Not only did we get a visit from Santa...<br />but Jared, Amanda and Max were able to come down!!<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Best Christmas party EV-ER.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SY--2AOWXBI/AAAAAAAABP8/GRKa0D9-v7w/s1600-h/DSC_0369.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SY--2AOWXBI/AAAAAAAABP8/GRKa0D9-v7w/s400/DSC_0369.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300665121420762130" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">Max was fascinated <span style="font-size:100%;">with Santa's</span></span> beard and glasses...<br />So much that he just wanted to pull them right off!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SY--2HS7-LI/AAAAAAAABQE/wWsHjGCKJ-A/s1600-h/DSC_0383.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 321px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SY--2HS7-LI/AAAAAAAABQE/wWsHjGCKJ-A/s400/DSC_0383.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300665123319052466" border="0" /></a>He is a cheeser for the camera!! <span style="font-size:180%;">It was like a magnet...</span><br />He could be crying and you could hold the camera up and he'd smile for it :D<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Such a cutie.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SY--2qkoI4I/AAAAAAAABQM/EeX1HGXsQEs/s1600-h/DSC_0433.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 364px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SY--2qkoI4I/AAAAAAAABQM/EeX1HGXsQEs/s400/DSC_0433.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300665132788491138" border="0" /></a>My nieces and nephews loved to hold Max...<br />The boys would throw a ball up in the air and Max thought<br />that was just the most hilarious thing he ever did see,<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">he was giggling so hard</span>...too cute!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SY--23rZ0TI/AAAAAAAABQc/eNohFadMHro/s1600-h/DSC_0321.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SY--23rZ0TI/AAAAAAAABQc/eNohFadMHro/s400/DSC_0321.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300665136306573618" border="0" /></a>We couldn't get enough of the smiles on camera...<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">I think he has thee cutest smile EV-ER!<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SY--2kWXN0I/AAAAAAAABQU/2VzHG_TCCVI/s1600-h/DSC_0456.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SY--2kWXN0I/AAAAAAAABQU/2VzHG_TCCVI/s400/DSC_0456.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300665131118049090" border="0" /></a>I don't think you can kiss him enough!!<br />And by the look on his face... <span style="font-size:180%;">I don't think he minds</span> ;)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">That had to be the best Christmas present ever.<span style="font-size:100%;"><br />__________<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Christmas</span> came and went fairly quick!<br />I had a great Christmas...<br />It was very low key...<br />Just me and my mom, then the whole fam later that evening,<br />with the most snow I think I've ever seen on Christmas Day.<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">It truly was a White Christmas! </span><br />We are very grateful Aly and Nick made it home safely in the blizzard they hit in Lehi, in which they were blessed with a good samariten snow plower to guide them home.<br />__________<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">January.</span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">The New Year.. New job.. New President..</span><br />I do not work at<a href="http://www.siselinternational.com/"> SISEL International</a> anymore..<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">My last day</span> was December 29 and I started a new job at <a href="http://www.circlepix.com/">Circle Pix</a> on December 30!<br />I'm happy for this new year and what it has in store...<br />I have set goals this year that I <span style="font-size:180%;">plan to accomplish!</span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br />If you didn't notice...</span><br />There is a new president in office.<br />Hopefully he can bring some <span style="font-size:180%;">CHANGE </span>to what is coming of this economy!<br />__________<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">On another note...</span><br />January 10, 2009<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SY_FrFAyUaI/AAAAAAAABQk/5vigHvRzqWM/s1600-h/Sealing"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SY_FrFAyUaI/AAAAAAAABQk/5vigHvRzqWM/s400/Sealing" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300672630308884898" border="0" /></a>My sweet, adorable, handsome little Max<br />was blessed and sealed for time and all eternity to the amazing Jared and Amanda.<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">This picture is priceless.</span><br />They are the cutest family EV-ER!!!<br />I had the opportunity of a life time to go to Max's blessing with my mom.<br />The Spirit was amazing.<br />Max looked like a little angel in all his white.<br />I was able to meet Jared's wonderful parents who <span style="font-size:180%;"><br />drove all the way from Ohio.</span><br />I was able to meet both Jared and Amanda's extended family, <span style="font-size:180%;"><br />who are all amazing!</span><br />I am so grateful for this opportunity and for having<br />Jared, Amanda and Max in my life.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SY_Jg8StpKI/AAAAAAAABRE/L5mRrfqYWPc/s1600-h/maxnmomnme"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 335px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SY_Jg8StpKI/AAAAAAAABRE/L5mRrfqYWPc/s400/maxnmomnme" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300676854215976098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">I love my Peanut.</span><br />__________<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-63132970607734542892009-01-22T21:51:00.002-07:002009-01-22T22:11:22.227-07:00de Funk<div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">n., </i><span style="font-weight: bold;">funk</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /> 1. a. A state of cowardly fright; a panic.<br /> b. A state of severe depression.<br /> 2. A cowardly, fearful person.<!-- __ADSHERE --><br /><br /><i style="font-weight: bold;">v.</i><span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="kw">funked</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="kw">funk·ing</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="kw">funks</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">. </span><i style="font-weight: bold;">v.tr.</i></div><ol style="text-align: center;"><li> To shrink from in fright or dread.</li><li> To be afraid of.</li></ol><div style="text-align: center;">_________<br /><br />It will end.<br />It's just that every time I come to blog, I sit here...<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">b l a n k...</span><br />When in reality, I have a lot to blog about.<br />My head is so mumbo jumbo right now, I don't know<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">WHAT<br />TO<br />SPIT<br />OUT.</span><br />The funk will end soon.<br />I even use to stalk my regular blogs daily...<br />that's even in a funk.<br />I need to catch up on everyone's blogs!<br />You'd think my life was crazy.<br />I love you all.<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">DO stay tuned...</span><br /></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-25308567429538283542008-12-19T08:22:00.002-07:002008-12-19T08:26:13.090-07:00Oh, Edward.<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Now that I have read Twilight, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">I have unrealistic expectations of men.</span> </div><div align="center"><br />I finally finished it. I didn’t read it in two days like everyone else did. I simply kept it at work so I had something to do and read it when I had time. There were parts I wanted to vomit, but I will admit it was pretty good. I will read the rest of the books so I know what happens…well our waiter at IHOP told us what happens after we went and saw the movie,<span style="font-size:180%;"> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">he was a huge fan. </span></div><div align="center"><br />So, in the end, I didn’t hate it, but I’m not obsessing about it. </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">It’s a book. </span></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-77892381379949900312008-12-16T12:06:00.006-07:002008-12-16T15:33:47.243-07:00A Day In History.<div align="center">Today is a very important day...<br />Today my Peanut's adoption was finalized.</div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280517989581647906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SUgrIlcS8CI/AAAAAAAABPA/pVnWiljtPfw/s400/IMG02242.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Aren't they the cutest family ev-er?</span></p><p align="center"> </p>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-18427064254224311082008-12-10T09:34:00.002-07:002008-12-10T09:48:59.813-07:00HAPPY 6 MONTHS!!!<div align="center">No, I'm not mistaken. That is a 6 that I typed.</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Max REALLY IS 6 months old today!</span></div><div align="center">Can you believe it??</div><div align="center">I can't.</div><div align="center">Where did time go? </div><div align="center">The adoption is going to be legalized in a few days...</div><div align="center">You know what that means??</div><div align="center">Max is getting to be <span style="font-size:180%;">blessed and sealed</span> </div><div align="center">to Jared and Amanda</div><div align="center">for <span style="font-size:180%;">time and all eternity!</span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/ST_vvgutJBI/AAAAAAAABOw/z0jomNz-E2M/s1600-h/New+Image.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278200887820231698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/ST_vvgutJBI/AAAAAAAABOw/z0jomNz-E2M/s400/New+Image.JPG" border="0" /></a> Look at those happy eyes and that happy smile...</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">It sure is a contagious smile.</span><br />You can't help but grin ear to ear when you look this handsome boy!<br /><br /><br /></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-28223218790522522942008-12-07T10:21:00.003-07:002008-12-07T10:34:57.146-07:00Those Cheekies!!!<div align="center">I just want to kiss and squeeze those cheekies!!</div><div align="center">Just 3 more days and this cutie patootie is going to be</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">6 MONTHS!!!</span></div><div align="center">I love my Max.</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/STwG0vf8mtI/AAAAAAAABOo/0jTyQKrEBG0/s1600-h/thankgiving2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277100366544804562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/STwG0vf8mtI/AAAAAAAABOo/0jTyQKrEBG0/s400/thankgiving2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(I stole this picture off of Amanda, Lori and Erin's, <a href="http://tresamigasrunning.blogspot.com/">Look Pretty. Run Nasty. </a>Blog</span><span style="font-size:78%;"> ...Thanks!!)</span></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-72561728125753664392008-12-04T22:45:00.003-07:002008-12-04T22:53:48.881-07:00I'm in love...<div align="center">....with my new shampoo and conditioner that is! hee hee Aly</div><div align="center"> introduced me to this brand called Pureology. </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Friends...</span></div><div align="center">It's a must have! My hair has never been silkier!!!</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/STjAmSSFp2I/AAAAAAAABOg/fKx_6a4pcck/s1600-h/11F0XB9Q28L__SL500_AA200_.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276178727439804258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/STjAmSSFp2I/AAAAAAAABOg/fKx_6a4pcck/s400/11F0XB9Q28L__SL500_AA200_.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="left"> </div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-9801101734156739392008-11-30T21:20:00.005-07:002008-11-30T21:56:34.285-07:00Blogging Funk<div align="center">Have you ever been in a funk?<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Lately, I've been in a blogging funk. </span></div><div align="center">I'm either working(--which they took personal internet priviledges away), </div><div align="center">at school, </div><div align="center">doing homework, </div><div align="center">or just plain out being lazy. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I will get back to posting. I will post my Hee Haw pictures, my opinions on Twilight and the pictures of all the cereal we bought at Smiths Market--It was on SALE, but I will post it sooner or later. Just not tonight. I like blogging. I do. I want this funk to go away.<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Tomorrow is December 1, 2008. </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Where did the year go? </span></div><div align="center">Thanksgiving came and went. </div><div align="center">Do you remember when it was 1999 and 2000 was around the corner?</div><div align="center">We thought (I did) the world was coming to an end? </div><div align="center">We thought (I did) caos was going to happen? </div><div align="center">Well, look where we are in 2008...almost 2009.<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">I never posted anything on Thanksgiving </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">of things I was thankful for!</span></div><ul><li><div align="center">Jesus Christ - I am grateful to be blessed with him in my life.</div></li><li><div align="center">My family - They are the glue that keeps me together.</div></li><li><div align="center">Max - He is the bright spot in my life! I love him so much!</div></li><li><div align="center">Jared and Amanda - For giving Max the life he deserves.</div></li><li><div align="center">Ryan - You're thinking, "What the?" He is the #1 person I dislike the most but without him, Max would not be here. </div></li><li><div align="center">Pictures - They're priceless!</div></li></ul><p align="center">Well, That was my short little blog for tonight.<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Stay tuned to a blog near you!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></p>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-79856673768277621752008-11-10T09:02:00.006-07:002008-11-10T09:13:50.998-07:00Happy 5 Months Max!!!<div align="center">*SIGH* I love him.</div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267060374603241826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SRhbgS7DGWI/AAAAAAAABNY/uy8tjepIE-w/s320/babybabers.jpg" border="0" />What a 5 months it has been! Max has been such a champ </div><div align="center">through everything! ...the NAM...his surgery...recovery....</div><div align="center">Jared and Amanda have been truly amazing. I am sooo </div><div align="center">very grateful for them!</div><div align="center"></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-89274188260667682022008-11-09T20:47:00.004-07:002008-11-09T20:58:52.095-07:00They make us strongerWe all have trials. They shape us into who we are. They help build our testimony of Christ. As I sat there Sunday afternoon listening to conference, this talk really stood out to me.<br /><br />(the one below ;) )Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-63927084415410738132008-11-09T20:35:00.005-07:002008-11-09T20:42:17.944-07:00i heart this talk<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266868759396855762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 112px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yPhSTNAuuc0/SRetO0pzr9I/AAAAAAAABNQ/aFUBhjBBkRA/s200/o2008pulpit_5_6_cook.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:180%;">"Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time"<br /></span><br /><div>Elder Quentin L. Cook </div><div><em>Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles</em> </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div>We know from the scriptures that some trials are for our good and are suited for our own personal development.<br />Last winter my daughter had a white-knuckle experience driving in a severe snowstorm. She reminded me of a similar situation I had with my two sons many years ago. My youngest son, Joe, was three years old, and my son Larry was six. We were traveling by car from San Francisco to Utah in June. The weather had been very good.<br />As we started our ascent to the Donner Pass summit in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, suddenly and without warning an enormous snowstorm hit us. None of the drivers was prepared. A semitruck in front of us had jackknifed and was spread across two lanes. Other trucks and cars had slid off the freeway. One lane was open, and many vehicles, including ours, were desperately trying to gain traction to avoid the other vehicles. All traffic then came to a halt.<br />We were not prepared for this blizzard in June. We had no warm clothing, and our fuel was relatively low. I huddled with the two boys in an effort to keep us warm. After many hours, safety vehicles, snowplows, and tow trucks began to clear up the massive logjam of vehicles.<br />Eventually, a tow truck hauled us to a service station on the other side of the pass. I called my wife, knowing she would be worried because she had expected a call the prior evening. She asked if she could speak to the two boys. When it was the three-year-old’s turn, with a quivering voice, he said, “Hope ya know, we had a hard time!”<br />I could tell, as our three-year-old talked to his mother and told her of the hard time, he gained comfort and then reassurance. Our prayers are that way when we go to our Father in Heaven. We know He cares for us in our time of need.<br />Each of Us Will Face Trials and Hardships in This Life<br />The incident I just recounted, while a difficult travel situation, was brief, and there were no lasting consequences. However, many of the trials and hardships we encounter in life are severe and appear to have lasting consequences. Each of us will experience some of these during the vicissitudes of life. Many listening to this conference are experiencing situations of a most serious nature at this very moment.<br />We resonate with the Prophet Joseph’s petition after he had been falsely accused and imprisoned in Liberty Jail for months: “O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?”<br />The Lord’s answer is reassuring:<br />“My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;<br />“And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high.”<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#1">1</a><br />One of the essential doctrines illuminated by the Restoration is that there must be opposition in all things for righteousness to be brought to pass.<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#2">2</a> This life is not always easy, nor was it meant to be; it is a time of testing and proving. As we read in Abraham, “And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.”<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#3">3</a> Elder Harold B. Lee taught, “Sometimes the things that are best for us and the things that bring eternal rewards seem at the moment to be the most bitter, and the things forbidden are ofttimes the things which seem to be the more desirable.”<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#4">4</a><br />The novel A Tale of Two Cities opens with the oft-quoted line “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#5">5</a> The scriptures make it clear that each generation has its own version of best and worst of times. We are all subject to the conflict between good and evil<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#6">6</a> and the contrast between light and dark, hope and despair. As Elder Neal A. Maxwell explained, “The sharp, side-by-side contrast of the sweet and the bitter is essential until the very end of this brief, mortal experience.”<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#7">7</a> We know from our doctrine that good will overcome evil,<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#8">8</a> and those who repent and are sanctified shall be given eternal life.<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#9">9</a><br />Near the time Dickens was writing his novel, the heroic efforts of the early Saints who settled the Intermountain West were occurring.<br />Even with their common faith, the Saints had experienced much hardship and approached the evacuation of Nauvoo with very different expectations. Some looked forward with optimism, others with concern. Two excellent examples are presented by Helen Mar Whitney and Bathsheba Smith. Both have left compelling records of their feelings.<br />Sister Whitney recorded her expectations upon leaving Nauvoo: “I will pack away all my little ribbons, collars and laces, etc., for we are going where we cannot purchase them. We are going out from the world to live beyond the Rocky Mountains where none others will wish to go. There will be neither rich nor poor among us, and we will have none but the honest and virtuous.”<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#10">10</a> Sister Whitney’s words resonate with an idealistic optimism.<br />Sister Bathsheba Smith’s recorded feelings are also full of faith but evidence some trepidation. She had seen the mobs arrayed against the Saints in Missouri and was present at the death of the Apostle David W. Patten.<br />Recalling the evacuation of Nauvoo, she wrote: “My last act in that precious spot was to tidy the rooms, sweep up the floor and set the broom in its accustomed place behind the door. Then with emotions in my heart I gently closed the door and faced an unknown future, faced it with faith in God and with no less assurance of the ultimate establishment of the Gospel in the West and of its true enduring principles, than I had felt in those trying scenes in Missouri.”<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#11">11</a><br />Both of these LDS pioneer women remained strong in the gospel throughout their lives and provided wonderful service in building Zion, but they faced many additional trials and hardships, which they both faithfully endured.<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#12">12</a> Despite Sister Whitney’s optimism, her first three children died at or near birth—two of them during her extended exodus from Nauvoo to Salt Lake.<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#13">13</a> Sister Whitney has blessed us with her writings in defense of our faith and was the mother of the Apostle Orson F. Whitney.<br />Sister Smith recorded the poverty, sickness, and privation that the Saints suffered as they made their way west.<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#14">14</a> In March of 1847 her mother passed away, and the next month her second son, John, was born. Her record of that is brief: “He was my last child, and [he] lived only four hours.”<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#15">15</a> Later in her life she was the matron of the Salt Lake Temple and the fourth general president of the Relief Society.<br />We are deeply touched by the hardships that the early Saints endured. Brigham Young captured this somewhat humorously in February 1856 when he stated: “I might say something with regard to the hard times. You know that I have told you that if any one was afraid of starving to death, let him leave, and go where there is plenty. I do not apprehend the least danger of starving, for until we eat up the last mule, from the tip of the ear to the end of the fly whipper, I am not afraid of starving to death.”<br />He went on to say, “There are many people who cannot now get employment, but the spring is going to open upon us soon, and we are not going to suffer any more than what is for our good.”<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#16">16</a><br />The challenges we face today are in their own way comparable to challenges of the past. The recent economic crisis has caused significant concern throughout the world. Employment and financial problems are not unusual. Many people have physical and mental health challenges. Others deal with marital problems or wayward children. Some have lost loved ones. Addictions and inappropriate or harmful propensities cause heartache. Whatever the source of the trials, they cause significant pain and suffering for individuals and those who love them.<br />We know from the scriptures that some trials are for our good and are suited for our own personal development.<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#17">17</a> We also know that the rain falls on the just and the unjust.<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#18">18</a> It is also true that every cloud we see doesn’t result in rain. Regardless of the challenges, trials, and hardships we endure, the reassuring doctrine of the Atonement wrought by Jesus Christ includes Alma’s teaching that the Savior would take upon Him our infirmities and “succor his people according to their infirmities.”<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#19">19</a><br />The scriptures and modern prophets have made it clear that there will be lean years and plentiful years.<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#20">20</a> The Lord expects us to be prepared for many of the challenges that come. He proclaims, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.”<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#21">21</a> Part of the trauma I experienced crossing the Sierras in that blizzard many years ago occurred because I was not prepared for this sudden, unexpected event. One of the great blessings of the scriptures is that they warn us of challenges that are unexpected but often occur. We would do well to be prepared for them. One form of preparation is to keep the commandments.<br />In numerous places in the Book of Mormon, the people were promised that they would prosper in the land if they would keep the commandments.<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#22">22</a> This promise is often accompanied by the warning that if they do not keep the commandments of God, they shall be cut off from His presence.<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#23">23</a> Clearly, having the blessings of the Spirit—the ministration of the Holy Ghost—is an essential element to truly prosper in the land and to be prepared.<br />Regardless of our trials, with the abundance we have today, we would be ungrateful if we did not appreciate our blessings. Despite the obvious nature of the hardships the pioneers were experiencing, President Brigham Young talked about the significance of gratitude. He stated, “I do not know of any, excepting the unpardonable sin, that is greater than the sin of ingratitude.”<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#24">24</a><br />Gratitude for the Savior and His Atonement<br />Our foremost gratitude should be for the Savior and His Atonement. We are aware that many who are listening to this conference are experiencing trials and hardships of such intensity that the underlying feeling in their hearts as they approach our Father in Heaven in prayer is “Hope ya know, I’m having a hard time.”<br />Let me share with you the true account of one sister, Ellen Yates from Grantsville, Utah. Early in October, 10 years ago, she kissed her husband, Leon, good-bye as he left to go to work in Salt Lake City. This would be the last time she would see Leon alive. He had a collision with a young man 20 years of age who was late for his first job and had tried to pass a slower vehicle, resulting in a head-on collision that killed them both instantly. Sister Yates said that after two compassionate highway patrolmen told her the news, she plunged into shock and grief.<br />She records, “As I tried to look ahead in life, all I could see was darkness and pain.” It turned out that her husband’s best friend was the bishop of the young man’s ward. The bishop called Sister Yates and told her that the young man’s mother, Jolayne Willmore, wanted to talk with her. She remembers “being shocked because I was so centered on my grief and pain that I had not even thought about the young man and his family. I suddenly realized that here was a mother who was in as much or more pain than I was. I quickly gave my permission . . . for a visit.”<br />When Brother and Sister Willmore arrived, they expressed their great sorrow that their son was responsible for Leon’s death and presented her with a picture of the Savior holding a little girl in His arms. Sister Yates says, “When times become too hard to bear, I look at this picture and remember that Christ knows me personally. He knows my loneliness and my trials.” One scripture that comforts Sister Yates is “Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you.”<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#25">25</a><br />Each October Sister Yates and Sister Willmore (both of whom are here together in the Conference Center today) go to the temple together and offer thanks for the Atonement of Jesus Christ, for the plan of salvation, for eternal families, and for the covenants that bind together husbands and wives and families on both sides of the veil. Sister Yates concludes, “Through this trial, I have felt the love of my Father in Heaven and my Savior in greater abundance than I had ever felt before.” She testifies that “there is no grief, no pain, no sickness so great that the Atonement of Christ and the love of Christ cannot heal.”<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#26">26</a> What a wonderful example of love and forgiveness these two sisters have demonstrated. It has allowed the Atonement of Jesus Christ to be efficacious in their lives.<br />Think of the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane during the Atonement process, suffering agony so great that He bled from every pore.<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#27">27</a> His cry to His Father included the word Abba.<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#28">28</a> This might be interpreted as the cry of a son who is in distress to his father: “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#29">29</a> I testify that the Atonement of Jesus Christ covers all of the trials and hardships that any of us will encounter in this life. At times when we may feel to say, “Hope you know, I had a hard time,” we can be assured that He is there and we are safe in His loving arms.<br />When our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, was asked on his birthday this past August what would be the ideal gift that members worldwide could give him, he said without a moment’s hesitation, “Find someone who is having a hard time, . . . and do something for them.”<a class="featureslink" href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-32,00.html#30">30</a><br />I, with you, am eternally grateful to Jesus Christ, the rescuer of mankind. I bear witness that He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. </div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613895609455053334.post-6444015962344544782008-11-07T10:41:00.011-07:002008-11-07T11:33:54.582-07:00Just blame it on the truth.<div align="center">I have a cousin that is gay, a friend that is a lesbian and placed a baby for adoption. What does all this have in common? Prop 8... I'll get to my point in just a moment. I've hesitated for sometime about posting on Prop 8. Since having Max and learning all the facts about adoption, I'm really stuck between a rock and a hard spot. I love my cousin and friend dearly and know for a fact that the homosexual tendencies started from the time they were in preschool, it is not something they woke up one morning and decided to go against the grain. I do believe that it is a choice they make and do or do not choose to act upon. </div><div align="center">Since adoption has entered my life, I have learned so much. Am I grateful Proposition 8 passed? YES. If it did not pass, LDS Family Services would have to adopt to homosexual couples, which they would not do and they would have to close their services in California and people in California would not be able to adopt through LDS Family Services. (I hope I got that right...Mrs. R explains it soo well <a href="http://therhouse.blogspot.com/2008/10/prop-8-and-adoption.html"><strong>here</strong></a>) On the news last night, surrounding the LA LDS Temple, there were protestors. I don't understand where they think throwing tantrums, stopping traffic, upsetting people trying to get to work is going to get them?</div><div align="center">I was reading a thread on facebook. It broke my heart. I had to just shut my computer and stop reading the profanities against the church. This person, a former strong member of the church, now slamming it with all their friends because Prop 8 didn't pass. They have to blame it on something, why not the truth.</div><div align="center">Being that it is November and November is National Adoption Month, it makes me squeel with great joy that Prop 8 passed. It does have a lot to do with adoption. Children need an eternal family that they can return to their Heavenly Father with. They need a mother and a father to do that. Marriage between a man and woman is sacred. Thank you California voters who said YES to Prop 8!</div><div align="center">I will end there, Obama is another post. Oh.boy. History? Yep. The Second Coming kind of history. </div><div align="center">No, I'm just kidding... I think he'll do OK. Let us just live each day at a time!</div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741611624426283224noreply@blogger.com3