Hobbies!

Since last year was wedding planning and this Winter didn't really offer up any hobbies that I really loved (unless you count shoveling snow...bring on the workout!) I have been itching to really get into something new. My recent hobbies are mostly fitness, smaller crafts, complaining about Winter, and cooking. But it's time for something new and bigger (and warm weather)!

 So I decided that since I have my own home now I am going to get into some gardening.

My sweet sis-in-law, Rachel, also wanted to give gardening a go so we decided to go for it! So far we have planted just about every veggie you can think of along with some herbs and flowers. It's only been a few days and the broccoli has sprouted :)

(I stole this picture from Rachel.)

We are so proud ha ha! A friend is giving us 3 raised garden beds because she no longer needs them. When it warms up more in the next couple of the months we will transfer them over. I love fresh veggies and herbs!

 At my house I am going to plant a perennial flower garden bed on the side of my house. I absolutely LOVE flowers so I am hoping that I actually have a green thumb! I also want to do some sort of cute flower bed or stone work on the sides of my front steps. Right now they are just dirt and it's very shaded so not much will grow there. I'm thinking of some sort of cool pebble designs and then having some potted flowers that I can put there and move to sunny spots when needed. 

That pretty much sums up what I have been dipping into lately. Kevin has been brewing away! He is ready to take his brewing to the next level. Once we get some things more established and do a bit more research our plan is to one day open up a brewery here in Ogden. SLC has plenty, and aside from Roosters and Ruby River, Ogden could use another one ;)

If you don't know by now, Griffins absolutely LOVE beer. No, not in the get-white-girl-wasted kind of way, or your typical Budweiser, Miller, Coors,etc. brews. Not that it's bad to like those, but they lack flavor to me. Although, I don't mind a Budweiser Lime or Corona w/lime on hot summer day! We enjoy good beer and love trying different styles when they come out. Kevin has really enjoyed brewing his own beer and is very good at it. Brewing is not easy and it takes research, patience, and a bit of chemistry to make a good batch.

Lately, he has been really trying to master making a stout that hasn't had this odd aftertaste. Just picture basically sucking on a tea bag. That too bitter taste! This has been happening because the minerals in the water throwing off the balance of the batch. I don't know all the proper terms, I'm learning still haha!

So this his kind of been his challenge to take on and solve. His other beer, a pale ale, he recently brewed is so good. It's probably my new favorite!!

Recently Kev built his own "Keezer"! We found a great deal for a chest freezer on ksl and he painted it and built the wood collar. He then put in taps and has his soda kegs (he uses them for the beer, much easier and convenient than bottling) hooked up the tap handles. Beer on tap! Now we just need to have a bbq with friends/family so people will come drink it. It's a lot of beer for just two people!

Here's a pic of the Keezer

This is the only pic I have so far available to put up. This is when he just barely got it finished. It looks so nice, and it also has some handles on the taps now.

I'm so proud of Kevin because when he gets ideas and plans, he does them! I lack motivation pretty much alllll the time. He motivates me to put my ideas into projects and goals. 

So there it is. Maybe one day you will be coming into our brewery to enjoy a nice cold beer :)

A little update...

I found my camera floating around in the abyss of my overly large purse. After looking through it I found that I actually took some pictures and have record that me and Kev actually do stuff ha ha. I'm still working on my goal of taking more pictures because I love looking at pictures and memories :) So although these pictures may be from over the past year (2012), I at least have them and the stories to go with them that will be going into our yearly book :)

 These pictures were from last February (2012). For fun one weekend, me and Lauren went to see the band Hot Chelle Rea in the Venue in SLC. It was pretty fun, and the band actually plays really well. I was impressed! Anytime I get to hang with this girl is always a blast! She is such an amazing cousin, friend, and so beautiful inside and out. Love her!

 

 Kev and I LOVE hikes. I always pretty much die most of the way through them, but I'm always willing to put myself through the torture to be able to 1. Spend time with my love. 2. See some sweet views! 3. Remind myself that it's these moments why I need to work on my cardio. 4. Remind myself why I hate cardio. 5. Forget cardio. F*** cardio. 6. Getting outside and soaking up the sun!

Small drive and hike at Causey

 Hike up on the bench above Harrison

 For Kevin's 25th Birthday I called up close friends and his siblings to meet up at Rooster's in Layton and have some dinner and beers. Thanks to everyone that was there, I know he loved it!

 

 

So. Not much, but now I have some events recorded down. Apparently I don't love any of my nieces and nephews and spaced taking any birthday pics. I also spaced all the bbq's, boating, camping, etc. Just know that we really do have lives.

 I decided to just go ahead and make/order a book that has our wedding and honeymoon vacation separate from this blog. It takes too much time to write a giant post of each of them. And yes, I'm that lazy.

I also am realizing that I'm not really sure why I am explaining myself right now, ha ha.

Encouragement

This morning I woke up at 6am and slowly and reluctantly crawled out of bed and went to the gym. Aside from it being -1314535 outside, it was so nice to be back in there lifting and sweating again :)

However, after 10 min on the stair master I could only think,"Am I back in shape yet????" 

Stair master:1 Me:0. Maybe next time.

One of the great things I love about the gym isn't just to relieve stress and "get away" for some me time, but to actually spend time in prayer. It's my time where I am by myself and think about how God is using me, where he wants me, and what I can do to be a greater servant for Him, my husband, family/friends, church, and others. Sometimes it's incredibly great and I feel so thankful for the blessings I have been given and that I know what He wants from me on certain days. Then other days I'm feeling overwhelmed and wondering what the heck He wants of me, 1 in 8 billion people, to do and if He really needs me?

So, this morning I decided to read in the book of Acts since that is where we are studying in church. Two verses stood out the most to me and I know God wanted me to register these. 

The first one is Acts 3:25-26

"You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.' God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness."

This verse is a great reminder. We are the generation from Abraham and his sons. What a gift and blessing to know that Jesus came and lived the perfect life and died for US. That God made this covenant so long ago, knowing we were in this promise and in His plan. There are times where I feel so small and maybe even forgotten at times, but to know that I, 1 out of billions of people, am loved unconditionally and that He has and never will forget me. Same goes for you who is reading this post. I know some of you Christians reading this can feel rested, reminded, and reassured knowing that we have the free gift of the Holy Spirit because we believe and follow this promise that was followed through. And I would encourage anyone who is searching or wondering about who God is to follow through on those questions you may have. Do some research and lots and lots of prayer. Prayer is so powerful. 

The next verse is Acts 4:29-31

"And now Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."

This was great for me because it shows the apostles asking God for boldness. So many times I think I should have it together by now and be able to witness to people confidently. When the time comes around where I have the opportunity to share the Gospel; I am confident in what I believe and am saying, but nervous about if I am explaining it correctly for them to understand. I also get so nervous about how they will react.  But what made this verse realistic to me was that the apostles were being real. I can only imagine witnessing back then. There was such harsh punishments that happened and also facing the authority and speaking for their actions. Boldness would definitely be the thing to ask for! Especially for the new believers. If I lived back then and had just got saved and had to go out and spread the Word I probably would be pretty flippin scared. So this verse encouraged me that I need to also ask for boldness. To help me be confident when witnessing. Simple as that. I love learning how God used the apostles to be an example for us and that we should learn from their actions that God called them to do. And as far as how people react, you just can't control that. All that is in God's hands.

Hope this encouraged anyone reading this and that you find it helpful like I did.

:)

Happy Flippin New Year!

I feel like it's been months since I have posted anything. 

Oh wait.

It has been.

Well my new year resolution is to blog more! Ha...no it's not. But! I do want to make an effort to update once a month because I really do want to be able to go back and read our whole fantabulous crazy odd life years down the road. And for our children to be able to see the proof that their parents are totally awesome.

;)

All the Holidays were great and fun and full of craziness and mayhem like they always are. Sometimes I felt like this:

Happy as a clam. Enjoying the holiday spirit and seeing family and friends, and putting up our first Christmas tree as a married couple. Aww tender...I know! I'm a super genius and didn't take pictures. Go me! I absolutely LOVE picking out Christmas trees, decorating, all the parties, and of course Christmas music :) I love all the treats, food, and beverages I can stuff my little face with and giving gifts to friends and family.....and receiving them. Haha! You know you do too...admit it.

Ok moving on. Then other times I felt like thiiis:

 

Like I was going to lose my shit. First off, Christmas shopping. I'm not talking about shopping for our loved ones. I'm talking about other shoppers. They are coo-coo for cocoa puffs. Also, people who drive like they skipped drivers ed and decided to take it up on Riverdale road everyday of December. Anyone else agree? 

All in all it was a great Christmas! We hung out with family on both Christmas Eve and Christmas and we were so spoiled. I absolutely love all my family and friends and there is something about Christmas that makes life so fun and yep...I'm about to say it... magical. Most of all I love Christmas because of the meaning of it. Jesus our Savior! That Jesus...He's such a great guy. I help watch kids on Sunday at church and was scheduled to serve the Sunday before Christmas. It was so fun to teach the kids about Jesus and do crafts with them. It's the best to see their little eyes light up and get so excited to tell you about Him. I have been absolutely blessed this past year with so many events and opportunities and people in my life. I thank God for everything He has put in my life, and especially of the TIMING of everything. His timing and plan is perfect. 

New Years Eve was pretty fun hanging out with friends and playing board games. Kev and I were sick with this stupid PLAGUE that is going around, so on New Year's Day he slept and I watched Netflix pretty muuuuuuuuch all day, and like the whole first week of this month. Now we are back to work and normal life again. Well....I'm not sure how normal we are. Who really is?

So after all the Holidays I guess I kinda felt like this after: 

Yep.

I hope you all had amazingly fun Holidays and that 2013 will treat you well! 

Oh.

My resolution(s) this year: 1. Take more pictures. Sheesh I am a slacker.

2. Clean eating/working out. Yea. Reeeeaaaal original! But I haven't been in 2 months and I miss it.

3. And maybe stop being a hermit.....the snow doesn't help though. 

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!