What A Summer!!

Boy do I love air conditioning! I'm sitting in our hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on our honeymoon blogging.....yup blogging haha. Kev and I needed a nap and shopping at the flea markets and the heat/humidity has taken it out of us. I could only sleep for about 30 minutes so I started catching up on reading blogs and decided I'll write a post while my sweet hubby snoozes :)

I'll save our post on Puerto Vallarta when I get back home so that I can post pictures and what not. This post is basically for summing up our Summer! (Was that cheesy enough to say or what??) First off, be bought our first home (condo)! I might of already mentioned that before but just in case.....we bought it :) It's all ours and it's absolutely adorable. I'm absolutely in love with our home. It's small and sweet :) 2 bedroom 1 bath and everything has been remodeled so it's basically brand new on the inside. The best part is that I have some amazing friends that live right across from me and down the street, sweet!! I really wasn't thrilled about the idea of having to live in an apartment but knew that if we had to start off in one it wouldn't be a big deal. Not the fact because it's an apartment, it's the fact the your money goes into nothing. For weeks I had been praying that something would come along for us that would be a good deal and I knew that God would provide. One day I was on Facebook and noticed a post that Jamie, a gal from the Bible study I go to, had put up asking if anyone was interested in her condo. I instantly wrote her and started talking to our friend Nan who is a realtor (and also our Bible study leader) and they showed us the condo and we kept praying and talking to our parents for advice. It was basically laid out before us and there was really no question. Everyone kept saying," GET THE HOUSE." So....we did it! A huge thanks to Joy and Scott Griffin for helping us!!!!! They were really a huge help and the main reason for us to have a down payment on the home. It was their wedding gift to us. They are amazing people and I am truly blessed to have amazing in-laws! They are both such giving people and always jump to help where they can. True servants of God and they are absolutely amazing parents.

So our "home story" in a nutshell for ya! Next, our honeymoon. Not the story...but how we were able to have the chance to go to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Not too long after getting our home another amazing lady in my life came to me and wanted to give Kevin and I our honeymoon! Chris Finder, my other mother, spoiled us rotten. This name is well known around and I know a lot of people out there who would agree that this woman is truly a servant of the Lord. She is so giving and loving. She has changed my life in more ways than I could even know and probably wont know until I'm older and, hopefully, wiser ha ha. This woman truly thinks of me as her own and I think of her and all the Finder's as my family. I love them all so much. Chris really helped me and guided me through hard moments in my life growing up. Without her who knows how I could have ended up, but God knew I needed her and she tells me He knew she needed me ha ha. That's always been our little joke, but truly she is a huge blessing in my life. Her and her oldest daughter, Fawn, gave us our honeymoon for our wedding gift. Fawn is another amazing woman in my life and is basically my older sister. I lived with her and her boys for almost 2 years and it was awesome. She's another great example and role model I look up to for many things. I have learned a lot living with her and I still miss it! Fawn in a nutshell?? Hmmm..God loving, gorgeous, sassy, great cook, amazing mother! Yep she's got it all (Turd.) but she just got married last year so back off boys.
A huge thanks to Chris and Fawn for providing us with an AMAZING vacation!!! This place is absolutely beautiful and it's so great to see more of God's creation =)

Our wedding day was so fun! I'll make a post for that also, but just so you know.......it was FABULOUS!

So:
1. We bought a house
2. We got married
3. We got a honeymoon

Next up on the Summer List er...errr...year of the weddings:
1. Amanda and Austin's wedding in 2 weeks ( Have I mentioned that after Amanda's wedding I will have been in 4 weddings this year! Oh I didn't? Guess what?)
2. My cousin Brittany's wedding :)

Hey....maybe that's my calling!! Be a wedding planner!!!! I think all my friends and myself are pro's after this year. Hell...I could plan a wedding in a day, no biggie.

So it's been one eventful Summer so far and it's also been one of the funnest. I've enjoyed being a part of my friend's special day's and I was so happy that they were a part of mine as well. It's basically been one big party..so what more could you ask for?? It's been really fun to watch how God just works in our lives. He truly has provided so much and JUST enough for everyone. I couldn't be more thankful for what He has given me in the past months, I don't deserve any of it. I know there will be ups and downs, easy and hard times, but He is who I put my faith in and at the end of the day that's what matters.

Found this interesting....

I was recently asked if I have ever researched birth control and what it does step by step in your body. "Nope." was my answer and I think in the moment I really honestly didn't care. Sorry to the individual who asked me, just my honest answer ha ha. My day was already bumming me out and the last thing on my mind was birth control. All I knew is that it would prevent pregnancy and, fingers crossed, clear up my flipping acne. Oh and of course the fact that I can have a stroke, blood clot, migraines, nausea (yep!), and blurred vision (shockingly yes I do have blurry vision lately!!), and every possible horrible thing that can go wrong in your body. But heeeeey, I wont get pregnant!! GEEEEZ, pregnancy doesn't sound so bad now does it? I mean at least a child isn't trying kill you (supposedly ). ;)

Moving on. Later the next day I got thinking about the question and started doing some research. I actually did wonder about what the pill does and how it works. I am getting married soon and about a month ago I went to the doctor and was put on the pill so that my body would get used to it over time. Honestly, I was so rushed about it that I really didn't take the time to check into it, I figured the doc would explain its function, and that it wasn't a big deal to me. That did not happen. She didn't explain it at all or go into depth about it. I wanted to know about it because I have never been a big medicine person. I don't like taking antibiotics or medicine. I hate even taking allergy pills because even the "non-drowsy" ones make me sleepy, and now I am supposed to take something that is going to completely change my hormones and body? Yeaaa...I was a little nervous. But I just took it anyways because, like I said, I was rushed and I figured millions of women do it soooo whatever I'll get over it.

Well, my thoughts...I HATE THE PILL. It's the devil. I'm crazy one day, sad the next day, in pain another day, grumpy the next, and then as happy as a clam after that day. I'm always tired and dizzy. Blek! I think there are women out there who can agree! (not that anyone is probably reading this blog ha ha)

Ok now I'll get to my point of this post. I read this book and encourage others to read it also. It explains the functions of the pill and all types of birth control methods. I was a bit shocked and surprised at what I read. I also did other research into articles of what it does as well, and what each type of method of birth control does. There is a reason why birth control is only 99.whatever% effective. Did you know that there is possible conception that takes place and that it isn't until a certain amount of days later that implantation takes place. Birth control thins the lining of your uterus so that implantation wont take place and causing the lining to not hold enough nutrients supply for a conceived baby. Normally the lining thickens as you reach that fabulous time of the month that we all just jump up and down for. This is to provide nutrients, oxygen, and blood supply to the new possible baby that was just conceived days before. Not seconds or minutes, but days! That means there is a little guy/gal floating around for a few days until he/she finally implants on the lining.The only problem is that it's alive but wont implant because eventually it is flushed out. I hope you are putting the pieces together here.

No one knows how many times you will actually ovulate on birth control and how many times conception takes place throughout the time period that a woman is on birth control. The point is that it happens though, otherwise there would be a birth control that is 100% effective not 99%. Yea 100%-99%..same thing right? Except what about those who DO get pregnant on BC and were NOT partaking in anything that would cause the BC to become ineffective? This is why it is not fully 100% effective. There are possible chances where a baby is conceived  and is ALIVE but can't implant because of the thinning of the lining and it dies when it is flushed out. Take what you will from this book, I found it pretty interesting to read. I am just posting this also because like myself, I don't think a lot of us really researched in depth about what BC does to your body to cause it to do things like I've just explained.

And for my other big speech that everyone does on posts: I obviously did not write this post to judge, instigate an argument, or belittle anyone. I am not that kind of person. I know that this is a huge controversial subject and everyone has their own opinions on it. And you know what, that's ok! In fact it's great really because each person should do their own research on the subject and find out what you will settle on at the end of the search. The point is to research and study what you are putting in your body. I felt like sharing because it really settled on my heart, it might help someone who randomly strolls onto this blog that has a similar question. Again, no judging! I have friends and family that are for/against birth control and pro-life and pro-abortion and we have disagreements but at the end of the day we love each other and no one thinks they are better than the next.

Enjoy the read! It's very interesting and it's great for both views on BC!
http://www.epm.org/static/uploads/downloads/bcpill.pdf


"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you, I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

Morgan and Steffen's Wedding!

I'm a little late on catching up on here! June was awesome and I'm really not sure what other word could describe it! It was basically one big party. June 9 we threw Morgan a bridal shower and she got spoiled with all kinds of cool things :) Then the bachelorette party was on June 16. It was so much fun! We started off at Heather's house with some good food and drinks. Morgan opened up all her presents and I just have to say that all of us there have some dirty minds hahaha. We headed down to Keys on Main where we drank and sang the night away and danced our booty's off!

Then June 23 rolled up! It had kinda snuck up on me that my best friend was getting married and on the drive up to her house I may oooor may not have started bawling. Like a baby! The 22nd we had gone over to Kelly Creek Farm to set tables up and decorations. After we finished, we were able to get cleaned up real quick and book it to the rehearsal dinner.

All us bridesmaids decided to spend the night at Morgan's house and by the time we had ate and finished up rehearsing the ceremony we were all wiped out. Like old times, me and Morgan shared her bed and I made comment saying that it was our last sleep over. We decided we have a love-hate relationship with growing up ha ha. I think everyone can agree that at times we wish we were still kids with no worries or responsibilities! However, that's impossible. Sucks huh?

I don't think I slept at all that night, mostly because it was so flipping hot! Morning came to soon like it always does and I finally gave up trying to sleep. I made some coffee and put on How I Met Your Mother and then one by one people started creepin out of their rooms and we all started getting ready. I had a minor panic attack doing Morgan's hair because the top would do what I wanted it to, but I finally was able to get it right. At least I hope so!!! She said she loved it...Morgan I hope you didn't lie to me.

Boom we are all ready and it was showtime! We all piled into the car and I kept trying not to cry on my way over. Damn freaking emotions. Why can't I have a cold heart??? Just kidding that would be creepy. So pull up and we all pile into the bathroom at the farm and get Morgan in her dress. Which was STUNNING! Then we all piled into the car again and drove up the little hill and started getting out and lined up to head down the aisle. I was walking from the car and Morgan yells, "Ashley! Where do I go? Do I just stay here??" I laughed and pointed at her and said, "YOU STAY." And then I told her that she needs to wait for her Dad and he'll come get her....and then I lost it! I cried...and cried.....and bawled....and sobbed. She yelled, "Stop it! Don't make me cry!!" My bestie was getting married and it hit me right then. So I somehow kept it semi-together walking down the aisle and then when Taylor was walking her down I think everyone lost it. Morgan is the baby in her family and right then I think her getting married and not the "baby" anymore really set in.

The ceremony was beautiful and Taylor had written a song for Morgan and Steffen that he sang during the ceremony/unity candle. That sooooong! Two words: water works. And just like that they were married! The reception was awesome and gorgeous, I really really wish I would have had my camera with me. I'm so bummed that I didn't. We danced and ate great food. We did the toasts and cake cutting and then the time came for them to take off. I do have to say one thing....groomsmen.....where were you for the car decorating??????? FAIL.

Other than that it was perfect ;)
I love Morgan and Steffen and I'm so glad that they are happily married! I'm also really happy that they got a sicky sweet bbq because now I can go eat their food...muahahahaha! Weddings are so weird. I was so happy and sad at the same time. I know I wasn't losing my friend, and I know we will still see each other tons and all, but it's definitely closing one chapter of our lives and starting a fresh new one. Both awesome but kinda sad too. Growing from kids playing in the dirt to now getting married...it's just a weird thing and that's really all I can say to explain it. Time really does go so fast. God is so good and has blessed these two so much and I can't wait to see what their future holds!

How cute is my fiance?! :)

This story will give you a good laugh!

Sooo yesterday after work me and Kev decided we would paint games and his headboard for our wedding and to start fixing up some furniture to make it..cuter I guess?? It was really fun and he did such a great job on our wedding games... I don't really want to give them away :) Well painting took quite awhile and I was super tired after and decided to head home.

I got home and went to text him to let him know I made it home safely but realized I had left my phone at his house. So I just thought,"Hmmm. Whatev. He'll see it and I'll get it in the morning." Then I went and swan dived into my bed. It looked something like this...

Minus the cool sky and elegance and add in a messy bed, about 6 pillows, and TONS of laundry everywhere and you now you've got the picture!

So there I am, all comfy in bed and just as I am falling asleep I hear this tapping on my window. I thought...

Then it happened again. and again.

My bedroom is on the 2nd floor of our house too. So things were getting weird!

So I get up and look out my window and I see headlights in my driveway turn on and then I leap off my bed and run down the stairs to look through the peephole in the door.

I see this person running back and forth from what looked like the street to the tree in our front yard.

Instead of opening the door and looking out there or yelling, I go all 5 year old on my dad and wake him up saying," Daaaaaaaadddddd someone is throwing shit at our house and it's hitting my window." (Sorry for language.)

My parents fly out of bed, it's like 1am, and Karen whips open the door and who I'm thinking is gonna be there....

Was actually....

:)

Whew!

Karen smiles and says,"YOU SCARED US!!!" Hahaha his face was priceless! He felt so bad because I had woke everyone up.

Here's the cute part :)

He tells me he brought me my phone and that he had to come and check to make sure I made it home safely. He was trying to throw little dirt clods at my window to wake me up because he didn't want to wake my family up..... good job me ha ha.

It was so cute and, naturally, I ruined it a little haha. I just like that I watched him through my door for like 5 minutes and couldn't tell it was him.

Of course I would take the whole romantic idea of a guy throwing little pebbles at a girl's window

...and instead go with the idea of this happening...

I think I just realized why my dating life in high school was non-existant.



Anyways. It was pretty humorous and I had to blog the story because it was so cute too :)

Kevin is such a sweetheart, and I can't understand the amount of "caring" he has in his heart. This has happened before too.

You didn't think I was done telling my story did you?

Good.

This story was him driving from his house in Ogden to my Dad's house in Roy. One time when I still lived in Liberty with Fawn, I walked outside to get something out of my car and saw a note that said:

I had to make sure you were home ok, I love you

I thought for some reason somebody was joking around with me and automatically assumed Morgan. Probably because either she lived just down the street or because she's my best friend and naturally I would think she is up to something ha ha. Turned out it was Kevin! I can't remember if it's because my text didn't go through to him, but he drove from Ogden up to Liberty (a good 40 min. drive both ways) just to make sure I made it home.

Yep. I love him!

I'm very blessed to be with such a caring handsome fellow :)

Thanks for all you do Kev, are you sure you know who you're marrying????? haha

Hope you all enjoyed reading!





My new hobby :)

Well I think I finally found it! Something I can enjoy doing and call my hobby, new lifestyle, stress reliever, whatever it may be.. it's something I really love. Growing up everyone I knew had something they really enjoyed. It could be anywhere from basketball, gymnastics, and volleyball to art, music, or a collection of some sort. Well I didn't really have that "thing" that I was into. I enjoyed a few different things like being a part of a dance team for a couple years and I was a cheerleader in Jr. High. I really do love playing volleyball and can somewhat play the sport haha AND actually know the rules too bahaha. Anyways, this post isn't for a pity party at all. It's just about something I have found a passion in and really love and can call my..well..."thing!" hahaha that sounds funny, but you know what I mean. :)

Oh you want to know what it is??

Fitness!

Yup.

Fitness.

I know..suuuuper exciting right!? (note the sarcasm haha) But that's what it is to me, exciting! I used to not really love going to the gym. I think because I looked at it as something I HAD to do instead of WANTED to do. I viewed it as something taking up my ohsoprecioustime.

Ever since I met Kevin I have had an interest in the gym. I think it first started my interest mostly because he is super fit and a very healthy eater and I was.......the "give me my popcorn/chocolate/fried chicken/COLA/ ..oh brooowniiiiesssss!" kinda person. And I still am at heart haha. I first thought maybe if I wanted him to stick around I better start working out. Then it turned out he wasn't one of "those" guys and actually loved me for me and didn't need this teeny tiny trophy girlfriend.

His healthy lifestyle has rubbed off on me! HELP!!!

Just kidding..but really it's weird of me. Anyways, I started off this year with the resolution to not drink anymore soda, especially coke-a-cola. I'm a former addict of that stuff and boy was it hard to quit. Sometimes I think of relapsing. Sshhhhh don't tell Kevin.

On a good note though, I haven't relapsed and I am officially just under 4 months clean!! Go me! haha

Anyways, it has been hard this last month getting into the gym because of wedding things that took place. But now that Lyndy and Dan are officially hitched I have some time to really dedicate myself before the next event in June for Mo and Muffin :) (Can't wait! It's going to be awesome!)

Well I just realized how side tracked I got there...back to fitness!

I'm addicted to Bodybuilding.com. They have great articles and advice forums on there that help you to learn which foods and excercises are good for you. I probably read about 6 a day lately and I am currently onto Phase two of Livefit 12 week program. It's great!

My hardest thing is the clean diet. Man oh man is it hard! I've learned the best way to make sure I eat healthy through the week is to make Sundays my "meals day" and cook up my meals for the week. It helps A LOT!

Anywho so there's my post for the day haha. It might be boring for you but I'm pretty excited about my goals I'm setting for myself. I am noticing a difference in my thighs and my arms a little bit. Getting more definition! I really want a toned back too :) I am trying to get into pretty good shape for my wedding in August and then after that possibly train for a bikini figure competition. But we will see, that's all future stuff and it's kind of expensive! One day and one workout at a time :) We'll see what happens from there!

I suck.

Ok sooooooo the 30 day blog challenge.....yea I'm gonna just stop that now. I can't do it ha ha. There's way too much going on this month and honestly this blog is the last thing on my mind during the days. I'll just give some updates on some events that just recently happened :)

My Lyndy Mae got hitched!! I can't even believe it! I've known Lyndy since I was 17 and she is one of my closest friends. We can talk about anything and always have fun even if we are doing nothing. She is so laid back and such a sweetheart. Her and Dan met about a month before Kevin and I met. So maybe july/august-ish of 2010. They are so cute together and makes me happy to see them so happy in love together :) (yea i'm bringing the cheezy on...i know!) They really are so sweet together. They got engaged the day before Kevin and I did ha ha. It was pretty hilarious. She called me up on September 24th yelling "I'M ENGAGGGEEDDDDDDD!" and she told me how he proposed and everything. Then the next day after hiking my booty off I called her and said the same thing back and we just laughed! 

Their wedding was GORGEOUS! Us girls stayed in a hotel room the night before the wedding so that in the morning we could all get ready and then head to the church. I did Lyndy's hair..which I was kinda nervous because it was only her big day! But I have had some wedding hair experience for Fawn that turned out well, and it turned out well for Lyndy. What a relief!!! Anyways, I thought she would maybe be nervous on the big day but she was so relaxed and finally relieved that her wedding was finally here. The dancing was my favorite part. I think me and Morgan may have owned that dance floor hahaha! I gave my maid of honor speech...that I as TERRIFIED to do. I absolutely HATE speaking in front of people. Even if it's people I know, it makes me so nervous. I don't know why, but I think it's just everyone's eyes on me and the quietness that's awkward???? I guess really I like that I get to tell the person, like Lyndy and Dan, how special they are and that I'm happy for them....but it's all the eyes watching hahah.

Anyways, enough about me and my paranoid mind about talking haha. Congrats to Lyndy and Dan!! I love you both and I'm so happy for you guys!

Next in line to get hitched

Steffen and Morgan!! 

Can't wait!

:)

Day 13!

#13. Your thoughts or opinions about Mean Girls.

Hahaha probably one of my favorite movies! 

What's NOT great about this movie?

It's a good thing Lindsey Lohan starred in this movie....because it's all she had goin. Sorry sista, but get it together already.

Anyways. Mean Girls= Genius 

woooooooooops!

Sooooo I missed a few days. It's been a busy week for sure! But I'll catch up on my days and then catch up with what's been going on :)

#12. Your thoughts or opinions about Harry Potter.

Harry Potter is the man.

I only read up to the fourth book, seen every movie, and I have to say...... 

good stuff!

My favorite though are reading Harry Potter jokes.

Like this one

And this one

Bahaha!

Numbbba 11

#11. Talk about my top three favorite bands.

Well, let's make this fun and start from the beginning!

First it started out with

Then as I went through my awkward years it was a mixture of this

 

Plus rap.

Now I would say it's

 And DEFINITELY these guys! They are amazing, check them out :) If you don't like them..then you're an idiot. 

Juuuuust kidding! (but seriously)

Alright, so I broke the rule on this question and posted more than 3. How do you choose ONLY three??

 

10, however, is much cooler.

#10. Talk about your pets, or the pets you would like to have?

Growing up I have always had dogs and cats. My dad used to breed German Shorthaired Pointers. They are such a cute puppies and great dogs. But VERY hyper. When I first started dating Kevin, I was feeling one of those "aaaaawkaaard" moments so me being real original asked, "So..uh...what's your favorite animal?" (dumb.) Then he told me he had always wanted a German Shorthaired Pointer and I just laughed and then told him all about how my dad used to breed/sell them and hunt with them. So, thankfully, a dumb question turned into fun conversation ha ha. 

My cat, Simon, is awesome. I pretty much don't like cats except for him. Why do I love him? Because he loves me, follows me around, doesn't need a litter box (those are gross), and he's super fat and cuddly.Well, that was 3 years ago maybe. I don't live with my mom anymore and had to leave him there. Now he has lost weight and the poor baby is getting old :( 

Teka we had when I was probably 5..ish? She was malamute, wolf, and german shepherd. And she was a shit head. She drug me around my yard by my pants once while I screamed and my mom laughed. She always knocked me over by either swatting me with her massive paws or brushing up against me. She was a turd, but I loved her :)

TJ was a cocker spaniel mix, and he LOVED my mom. He also loved playing fetch, except for the part where he is supposed to return the ball back to you. Turd! I think the 10 years we had them we never wore socks that didn't have holes in them! The dog loved stealing your socks and carrying them around and he even would sleep with them in his mouth!

Then we had Nikki. My mom brought her home from work one day. She belonged to a girl that she worked with that couldn't take care of her anymore. Nikki was 11 when we first got her, and she was a small black dog mixed with everything. Her mom got around, because I honestly don't know what she was. She was the sweetest little thing and eventually her kidneys gave out :( I hate more than anything when you lose your pets :(

Next in line, is Emmi. She is a freak, spaz, strange little dog. She is a rat terrier and let's just say at first...I was not a fan. She's grown on me and now I absolutely love her. Still a turd, but a lot of fun. 

So as you can see, I really love my animals because I have so many pictures to show of them. I also have just realized how many pets I have had and it's a lot. I sound like one of those crazy pet owners!!

Next pet in line:

Yes. A Saint Bernard :) I have fallen in love with these dogs. According to Kevin, I'm obsessed ha ha. It's more like I just want a very large dog. I always have, and for some reason these droopy faced furry guys are tugging at my heart strings! Of course out of all dogs I would want some massive 200+ dog that probably eats a tank a day, sheds a TON, and let's just say we would need the biggest pooper scooper out there. 

Oh well :)

My fiance is so cute by the way! A couple weeks ago he called PetSmart and asked if they had any Saint Bernards in their store ha ha. They didn't, but he talked with a lady that knew all this information about them and told us who to contact when we decide to get one ha ha. It's probably a good thing that they didn't have one in, or I would have one big puppy taking up lots of my time right now :) 

Thanks for reading my strange pet story hahaha. 

Have a great day, all!

Number 9 is stupid.

It's stupid because I feel slightly stupid that I don't know what a meme is.

I also don't want to look up what it is.....so sorry. This post is lame.

8.

#8. Are you a fitness guru or a couch potato? Talk about your exercise health habits.

I would not call myself a guru that's for sure, baha.

Since I have met Kevin I have definitely taken an interest in health and fitness now. Before, I would workout here and there but it would really only last a couple months and then I would take like a three month break, wooooops. Kevin is a health junky. He may not admit or label himself "health junky" exactly, but he definitely loves health and fitness. Now I have joined in on this hobby and lifestyle!

I love working out. Yes I have days where I am not jumping up and down to get into the gym, but really half my battle is just getting me there. This month has been non-stop with things going on, but normally I am pretty consistant in going to the gym. Kevin has helped me with training a TON and I finally feel like I actually am doing the right workouts, correct form, and good eating to get me to where I wanna be. I'm still on that road there, but will get there :) My gym buddies as of now are Shalece and Lauren. They are hilarious and I love them both. It's always nice to have someone to go with because sometimes being by myself can be, not boring, but not as fun :)

So my routine is set up in specific days. I focus on one area each day and I am currently following a strict diet of basically chicken or fish, veggies, and a serving of some sort of starch ( like sweet potatoes or brown rice for example). Yea it's great, I just LOVE eating only those things. Not. It sucks. The hardest thing for me though is drinking lots of water. And I mean LOTS OF WATER. Not to mention it's annoying how many times you flipping have to use the bathroom!!!

Kevin had me set up to focus on a specific area on certain days. For example, Mondays are biceps and back, Tuesdays are legs day(ouch!), Wednesdays are shoulders, triceps, and Thursdays are chest and abs. I think when people hear of this routine they get nervous that they are not getting a good workout in or that they are't going to see results because they feel like they need to work every muscle out every day. Not true and PLEASE don't do that. Your body will scream at you and will actually take longer to show results...and will scream at you. You should give each muscle area at least 5 days to a week before you work that area again because that's about how long it will take those muscles to build up and repair from your last workout.

Another thing I have researched and learned from my routines is that cardio really isn't something to obsess about. Lifting weights actually burns more fat and helps increase your cardio. Last year when I started really excersing, I only focused on weights. After about 1-1.5 months I started to include running in my routine. I HATE running and was never good at it. When I started including it in my routine, I felt like I could run forever!! It was easy and I could run at a consistant speed.

Ladies, pleaaaaaaaaaaaase don't be afraid of weights. You are not going to turn into this

Unless you are:

1. Using steroids

2. Using steriods

3. A man. I'm kidding, that was rude, but seriously unless you are using some type of steriod, testosterone, or what not...you will NEVER look like this.

What you will have is this

A beautiful body that you have worked HARD for!

If you mess up or miss a day, month, or year, just get back into the routine and make is a part of your schedule. There are plenty of routines you can do at home too, like P90X or Insanity, etc. You can do it! Last semester till about a couple months ago, probably 5 months total, I was unable to get into the gym becasue I had 19 school credits to keep up with. I have decided to start this program

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-eason-livefit-trainer.html

It's great and breaks everything down for you. You learn what excercises you do on what days, the amount of reps, and your diet. :)

This was a long post, but I have really found a love in fitness and healthy diet recently. I'm still learning a lot and have been reading a lot of articles and advice online. Right now it would be impossible, but one day I would love to be able to push myself and maybe compete in a figure competition or become a trainer. It's sparked my interest, but I have a long ways to go! We'll see what God has planned for me :)

Hope you enjoyed reading and maybe found some help or inspiration here :)



seveeeeeen.

#7. How you came across tumblr, and how your life has changed since joining?

Uh. 

Woops.

This is not tumblr soooooo.....my bad.

I guess since joining blogger I have realized how much free time I can have and how that makes me look like I need to get a life.

But, on a more positive note, I realized how much I actually like to write!

So that's neat... yep! 

Numero sixo

Hi Kevin, I know you are reading this because you asked me to blog because I make you laugh. 

Make fiance laugh today: CHECK!

Alright well before I start off question 6, I wanted to write down what I read this morning. It stood out to me and was a great refresher as to why we are here.

"But nothing but God ever completely satisfies, because the soul was made for God, and without God it is restless and in secret torment."-Billy Graham ( Oh Billy, you've done it again!)

Our soul is a such a mysterious and special thing. I know that sounds weird to say, but it's always how I have thought about it. I've always wondered when talking with, or hearing about other conversations, an unbeliever or atheist, what about the soul? Ok, so our bodies are here, our organs function, we are physically seen  and heard. Our brains function so that it tells us how to survive and how are bodies should function. 

But about the soul?

This short passage by Billy Graham said it perfectly. You can't explain why the soul exists and why our emotions and feelings are there. It's because God made us this way. Our soul was made for Him.

We were made for God and our soul longs for Him. Believers and unbelievers are always looking for the answer to this question

What will make me happy?

Jesus is truly the answer. We were made for love and to be loved. Anyone who crosses this blog and is searching or you are an unbeliever. Challenge yourself to research into the Bible and listen to some sermons. You can't proclaim to not believe in something if you haven't done your research ;) Plus, it won't hurt you to read the Bible and research just like it doesn't hurt when you are researching for a school paper. Try praying for at least 5-10 minutes every morning before you start your day for a couple weeks. See if you feel anything different or tuggin at the heart strings :) 

God is good!

 

 If you wanna check out the book I read this in, its called Enduring Classics of Billy Graham!

 

 

 

Ok, question #6. Your favorite season, and why?

 

SUMMER BABY!!!

Why??

 

 So I can enjoy the hot day and drink a cold one with my family and friends!

So I can lay out and get tan!

 

 And so I can do this!

Oh man you guys, summer is just the best. You winter folks are frrrrreeaks. And yea, Spring is nice and Fall is pretty.

Psh, whatever. Those in between seasons don't count. They just make you say things like,"Oh man I like totally wish Summer was here so I can liiiike get tan and have a bikini body, riiiight?" Or "Yea brahhhh, I just wish it would dump like 20 inches so I can go shred and like hit up the back country, maaan." 

No.

Say it with me. Suuu-mmm-errrrrr.

There ya go

:)

Cinco!

#5. Tell us your three favorite colors.

Psh! Easy.

Green 

Any shade of Green

& 

Green

....and sometimes Orange.

:)

....and Day #4

This one will be fun :)

#4. Write about your closest friend.

There is a lot I could write about this face below:

1. She's awesome

2. She's my bestie

This here people, is Morgan. We met when we were in 5th grade when we were like 8, 9,10??? However old 5th graders are? Maybe it was 4th? You know what....I'm gonna stop trying. We've been friends for a loooong time. We've grown up together through days where we would pretend to be Indians and hide weird things in the corral, ROLLERBLADE hahahaha, through our awkward teenage years, into our college days, and now we are getting married. 

No. Not to each other, but we know a lot of people used to think we were lesbians. I think sometimes family even thought we were, but noooooo we aren't. Let's clear that up now!

Anyways, Morgan and her family have been there for me while I was going through a whole lot of stuff growing up. I'm so close to her family that I know her entire family, both sides, and love them all! They are all so much fun and such sweet people. They all have made me feel like a part of the family as well.

Probably one of the biggest reasons that Morgan and I are close friends is because she knows me better than myself, she can read my mind, and she is honest. I can turn to her and tell her anything and she is always there to listen to me and help me out. We can be major dorks together and own it proudly ha ha. Who am I kidding. We CAN be dorks? We ARE dorks and own it proudly. Basically we do everything together and everyone knows that when they see one of us alone they ask,"Where is Morgan?" or "Where is Ashley?" That's how much we hang out and although I'm happy for her getting married to Muffin man, I'm a little sad about growing up and life being busy. So...couples game night! Like every night!!! And we're back on track! Ha ha just kidding, just every other night.
The best times is when we go on vacations and can spread our awesomeness around. (I think people view it more as "specialness" but they are mistaken)

Hope you enjoyed those pictures up above ha ha. That's us in a nutshell. I really wish we had some pictures from when we were kids but I'm not sure we have many?? So yep! This girl is pretty special to me and I love her to death! She's my "breast" friend, long story, and always will be :) Love you Morg!
Can't wait for your wedding!
(Note to future children: Your probably looking at these pictures saying,"Is that Mom and Aunt Morgan! Dang they look great!!!" At least, I hope you say that. And yes. That's Aunt Morgan! She is hilarious and also has full rights to discipline you. Look, it takes a village to raise a kid, ok? Anyways, she rocks and you will have to sit through all of our stories that we talk about. She also will fully enjoy embarrassing you, and I can't wait for it muahaha. She will love you dearly, until you hit 5, then she is gonna need a break ;) Haha! She will always be there for you!)

Day #3 ..... and #4

Yea I already failed at this thing. Whatever. Alright Question #3

#3. Your favorite television program?

Oh. Yes!!

How I met your Mother!

(Note to Morgan: You definitely need to start watching this now. It's on Netflix, go! I know you've been wanting to.)

Right now I'm addicted to this show. It's hilarious and I love it and it's Legen......waaaait foooooor iiiiit......dary!!

If you watch it..you would know who said it. So go watch it and be a dork with me and qoute it with me. *cough*Morgan*cough**cough*

Every character is hilarious, I don't know who is my favorite yet but I can tell you that Kevin definitely loves Marshall. I blame Kevin for this current obsession of watching this show. He's been watching it for awhile now and just finished season 6 while I'm still on season 3. ...like you care about that part ha ha.

The point. I love this show. 

 

Day #2

Alright. Day 2. Here. We. Go.

#2. Talk about your piercings or tattoos, if you have any?

When I was 19 I had stripes put on my back so that I looked like some kind of tiger. I honestly have no idea why I did it and I really regret it. I mean seriously? WTF. I really thought at the time that it would look cool. It's not even finished either because it hurt and tattoos are expensive. So before you decide to get a tattoo, you should really think about what you get and make sure it actually HAS meaning. 

 I think I was 18 when I was at the Newgate mall with Morgan and decided to get my nose pierced. That was quite the experience! So anyways I spontaneously just wanted to get my nose pierced and Morgan said, "DOOO IT!!" So I called her mom to ask if I could. The reason I called her? Because she was my boss also. Chris was a bit hesitant but didn't mind. So I go in and they laid me on my side and stab this needle through my nose. That actually didn't hurt, but when he was putting the jewelry in it hurt bad. It took him 3 times to try and get that sucker in my nose. Bleh. Then I paid my $40 and left. 3 months later it fell out while washing my face and went bye-bye down the sink. That's when I decided it was overrated and I think I just did it to do it.....and also to see my dad's reaction haha. He hated it. Wasn't I such an angel? :) 

So that's my story. I hope you learned some lessons and will think a few times before getting any piercings and tattoos. Oh by the way, I don't have stripes on my back. That would be super creepy and weird. I don't even have a tattoo. Thanks for reading!..sucker.. ;)

30 Day Blog Challenge

Yep I'm gonna challenge myself because I think this 30 day challenge will help me get into the habit of blogging and I won't just stop and forget about it. I like challenges so I think this will help :) Fingers crossed! The questions get kind of random on this list...which is exactly why I chose it ha ha. Alright so....

#1. Your middle name and how you feel about it?

My middle name is Marilyn. How do I feel about it? Honored and special :) Ok so the story in a nutshell, which is sad but will end on a good note. I promise! So my mom was only 8 years old when her mother, Marilyn, passed away from a heart attack. She loved her mother and as she grew up she only had photographs to look at and the stories from her and her siblings to remember all the memories she had with her. Sad part over, fast forward years later and there my mom is laying in the hospital having a C-section and TA-DA the cutest baby in the world arrives...in the room nearby. I was born at a whopping 8lb and 4oz and bald as could be. Not the cutest baby in the world. But hey, who doesn't like chubby babies!? My dad named me Ashley and my mom named me after my grandmother Marilyn :) No one else in our huge family carries on her name and I feel very honored to be able to. I like that my middle name has meaning and is after someone very special. 

Engagement Day :)

Ok, so today I'm really bored because I'm all caught up at work so I will be posting stuff for awhile probably. I haven't been able to do it lately because I have literally been busy planning, helping others plan, and trying to keep up on other things all at once. It's really hard, I'm not gonna lie. However, it's all fun at the same time :)

So, now to the fun part. OUR ENGAGEMENT DAY! This may be boring to whoever reads this, but I am doing this mostly for me and Kevin and our family to be able to read when I get the book printed one day. I had NO IDEA that he was going to propose. Seriously, if I did I would not have worn this:

Let me break this down: Red sunglasses, my awesome .5k t-shirt. Yes you read that right .5k. That was from a different awesome day ha ha. Lastly, hot pink shorts. Do I know fashion or what??

So, the day was September 25, 2011 and we were all going up to hike Ben Lomond Peak. It was Kevin, me, Sam, Tay, Rachel, and Thomas. The drive up was beautiful and pretty fun because we all got to ride in Tay's new truck. After a couple hours though we were over it and ready to hike!

There's Sam, I was pretty jealous he was up on this massive boulder because I wanted to get up there so bad ha ha. But I'm vertically challenged and had crappy shoes on so it was probably a good choice I didn't go for it.

 

 I have a LOT more pictures and of course I can't find them to post here. We saw some mountain goats which was pretty sweet! Then a moment later we passed some hunters hiking out and one had the head of a mountain goat tied to his pack.....not so sweet....moving on! Let's just say the whole time, everyone knew Kevin was going to propose to me, except me. I seriously thought he was going to propose on my birthday and didn't think twice that he would maybe propose at the top. So there we are hiking away, and I'm bringing up the back. Surprise surprise! I was sweating, my hip was killing me, and any thought that I was in shape immediately left my mind because I was out of breath. It was a perfect day for a hike though and so much fun. We were goofing around and I really wish I had more pictures to post. 

Yea, I'm 5'2" and he's 6'5"...there is a sliiiiight height difference! I love it :) (Note to our future children: We rule.)

 These guuuuuys! My new brothers, and I have to say they are pretty awesome. I can finely keep up with Sam's sarcasm now and Tay cracks me up. No, they are not a couple ha ha, but we always make them take a picture together when we all hang out just to tease them. (Note to our future children: These two have the WORST farts ever. They own it proudly! They are also big teddy bears and  a whole lot of fun. Plan on some sweet trips with these guys!)

These two! Well here they are in a nutshell. I actually met Rachel a few years ago at a Bible study through Intervarsity. From the day I met her I loved her because we share the same humor and she is so much fun! Who knew I would marry her brother?? Well apparently her because before me and Kev had ever even met she told him that he could marry me ha ha. Her and Thomas started dating last summer and I'm pretty sure are the next in line to get hitched ;) (Note to our future children: You will probably learn a lot of, if not most, of your sarcasm from these two. They are super fun and Rachel has full rights as your aunt to discipline you. Yea...you read it here. So I don't want to hear any complaints. She is amazing with kids! They are both fun and adventurous people so plan on many adventure filled days!)

Hannah wasn't there this day, but we got to see her at dinner. She is a sweetheart and I'm happy to have two new sisters!! :) (Note to future children: Your aunt Hannah is a sweetie and she has a heart for trying new things. Since I have met her she has been involved in dance, swimming, and I don't think it will end there. Maybe she will teach you her skills!) 

Ok moving forward, so we are almost to the top and Sam and Tay totally ditched us and got there way before we did. Turns out, it was all part of the plan and you will know why in a minute. So just wait. We finally get up there and sit down and have a beer and eat some lunch.We are all enjoying the moment, in my head I'm secretly thinking, "Thank God I made it up here alive, I'm about to kill over." 

Right?!!! cute... I know ;)

So we take pictures and we are all just hanging out and then I'm thinking we are about to head back to the truck and I march up to the tin case stand where you are suppose to sign your name if you made it to the top. I'm like, "Let's sign this thing!!" and I flip up the lid and stare at this:

For a split second I thought, "Oh shit. I just ruined someone's proposal." Yea...I'm really smart I went to college. Then I yell out, " FOR REAAAAAL!?" Just a note: Kevin was actually holding the ring, this picture was taken after he proposed. Anyways so I turn and Kev is on his knee, which makes him like the same height as me, and he says," I love you Ash, will you marry me?" He said he had more planned to say but when I started crying he was trying not to and spaced what he wanted to say ha ha. So then I circle yes and do my "happy dance" about 500 times squared. Everyone has their cameras out and then I look over and Rachel is pulling out champagne and little cups. That's when I realized everyone knew and was in on it. Sam and Tay had hurried ahead to the top to write on the notepad for Kevin. Rachel got to the top and was leaning against the tin stand so that I couldn't sign it yet till we left. It was so awesome and the happiest day and coolest engagement ever :)

Might I add that we had some awesome photographers doing work, I love all our pictures :)

I think after the proposal everyone was so relieved ha ha. They were trying to not give it away or completely blow it by accidentally saying something. At one point, and I can't remember who, was singing some love song and Tay said, "That's a perfect song for today!" I remember Rachel saying something along the lines of not really or something basically telling him to shut it ha ha. The one person who almost completely blew it though was me! Before we had even left the house we were all in the kitchen waiting for some others. I was sitting down across from Rachel and Kevin was leaning on the fridge right next to me. I looked over and was talking to Kev when I just thought I would bug him, it's my favorite thing to do :), and I just reached across and unzipped his side pocket zipper on his shorts. He reached down and said, "Hey girl! Don't be unzippin my zippers," and zipped it shut. I just laughed and then went on talking because I never shut up and didn't think twice about it. Well, that pocket is where he was holding my ring and while I was sitting there blabbing away, everyone else in the room had just pooped their pants ha ha. 

So that's the story! When we got home Scott and Joy had an amazing dinner all cooked up for all of us and an engagement cake to celebrate. I love Kevin so much and I can't imagine being with anyone else. Yep...I'm bringing on the cheese so be ready! He seriously hasn't changed since the day I have met him. He is always so sweet and extremely caring. Our story just amazes me. I love that Rachel had said he could marry me before he had ever even met me. Steffen and Morgan were trying to set us up as well but the times that they tried never worked out with all our schedules really. I'm pretty flipping glad I told Lyndy I would go to beerfest that summer in 2010 because that's where it all began. Kevin's parents also met over enjoying a beer together. See people, beer brings people together! ;)  I can't wait to be his wife and I absolutely love his family!! I'm so blessed and happy that this is part of the plan that God has for me. August can get here now :)