Tennessee Christmas Begins....

We made it in to Tennessee at about 3 pm last monday! I hope it doesn't seem longer on the drive back next Tuesday! It actually didn't seem like it took 12 hours :). We have been running here and there trying to spend time with everyone but, isn't that what Christmas is always like in our family! It is so hard to try to split up the time evenly...so we have kinda given up...

I spent a few days with mom at the beginning of the week. We went one day and I had my hair cut off and dyed.
Friday night we had a girls night with Josh's family. We spent the afternoon and evening shopping and playing in Jackson.
We have been to my dads dad for Christmas in Olive Branch. That was on Saturday.

The last couple of days we have tried to rest up a litle for the end of the week...CHAOS!
I pray all of you are enjoying the season too!

3 years ago...

Wednesday was our 3rd anniversary and we spent the whole day looking at the clock and telling each other what we were doing at that moment. For example, our wedding was at 2pm, at 1:15 we happened to look at the clock and Josh said "I was starting to get really nervous" Me however..."I was trying not to get sick" If you don't know this stiry...it is a sad but funny one. I was so sick on our wedding day...I had brionchitis the week before and had so many antibiotics that I couldn't keep anything in me. So, it was a splendid day. There were many of these moments throughout the day. I can't believe it has already been that long.
Thursday...We left about lunch and headed to Lubbock to see TSO! Josh had surprised me with a stay at a Bed and Breakfast. Everything was so wonderful, I couldn't thank him enough for it all! The concert was AMAZING! It lasted 3 hours, but you would have never known it!
Friday...This morning when we got up one of the inn keepers came to the door with breakfast! It was so yummy! This was an anniversary I hope I never forget. THey have gotten better every year! I am so thankful for my christian husband!

P.S. videos of the concert are posted in Facebook! :)

These Ladies Have My Heart!

The longer we work with the people here at The 9th and Main congregation the more I fall in love! I feel we definately made the right decision in moving to Texas. I was very hesitant in the beginning...it is so far from our families and friends. But, I can honestly say that this is the most loving, working, caring and thoughtful congregation we have ever worked with...maybe even attended. People are always checking on one another and visiting. There are these two ladies in the congregation (a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law) that go out every Thursday to the nursing homes and always take some kind of snack for the shut-ins. If you are wondering how someone may be doing after surgery or illness...you can call one of about 50 people in the congregation and they will know because they have checked on them. There are no cliques or special groups...it is wonderful!
Yesterday as I was fixing to begin Ladies Bible Class, Josh walked in the door with 3 HUGE bags. He said "Ashley, on behalf of the Ladies Class I would like to present you with this gift" I opened 6 packages of Fiesta ware! There was only 1 lady I had talked with about this. I had told her, as we looked over her beautiful china, that I had always loved the fiesta ware but would never start my own collection becuase it would cost so much to get started. They had picked out 6 differnet place setting each of a different color and a salt and pepper shaker that was a different color also. If I hadn't had about 15 ladies staring at me I would have cried like a baby.
These ladies are Proverbs 31 Ladies who are always working, thinking of each other and what they can do to help someone and brighten their day! These women have taught me so much over the course of the class. They all hold a very special place in my heart. They inspire me to do so much more and work so much harder. God bless the women in the Ladies Bible Class at 9th and Main!

On another note (as I wipe my tears) today is our 3rd Anniversary! I cannot believe it has flown by so fast! Most days I still can't believe we are finally married...much less believe that it has been for 3 years! Josh woke me up with a card and a gift card to Hobby Lobby this morning and then tomorrow we are headed to Lubbock to see TSO. He also surprised me with a stay at a Bed and Breakfast since the concert would last so long and it is a 3 hour drive home! I am so excited! I know we will love it!
Well, we leave for home on Monday! We are so excited to be going to TN! We will be able to spend much needed quality time with family! This is my favorite time of the year! Please keep us in your prayers as we travel!

Let it snow!

So, I got 2 txt messages this morning at 7:15. One asking if it was snowing and one telling me it was snowing! It is so beautiful outside! We have been waiting for this all week!
Enjoy!

New Book!

So, I am in the process of reading quite a few book...and today I added another to the list! I am not a pleasure reader who can sit and read for hours about a fantasy world or anything like that. I want a book with practical points that will benefit me.
So, I am currently reading Love and Respect, The power of a praying wife, Women of troubled times, Showing Thyself a Pattern and now I have a new one..yay! I have been looking for this book for some time and nobody had it...so I took Amber's advice and got an Amazon account and bought it. It is titled "Created to be his Help Meet" I am in chapter five and am very encouraged by this book. There were a few ladies at ICYC this year who said that they had read it and loved it and that it really helped their marriage blossom. It is writeen by Debi Pearl (she isn't a Christian writer) so use descretion when reading. I like to underline error and write truth beside it just in case I happen to let someone borrow the book. (thanks Erika) So, I thought I would let you all know as I go along if the book was worth the purchase...so far...yes!

Oh...the fun of being a young wife!

So, funny story!
Yesterday we were having some friends over for burgers. I was in a hurry in Wal Mart and grabbed buns, a head of lettuce and a few extra things before I rushed home to cook. Right before they get there I pulled out the lettuce to wash it and get it ready. I pulled it out of the bag and peeled back a leaf...this seems a little different...hhhmmm.... after sniffing, poking and even a minor lick..."Josh I think we have cabbage!" HA! So, I call mom..."What can I make with a head of cabbage that was soposed to be lettuce?!
So, today I went back to wal mart. I then proceeded to stare at a head of cabbage and a head of lettuce side by side...this way I would know the difference next time. An elderly woman walked by and realized what was happening inside the mind of this young wife...so she gave me some tips! Thank you for teaching the younger wives and not making them feel dumb. See, in my house we hardly ever use vegetable that are green because my husband thinks they are for rabbits! So, I learned the hard and embarassing way!
Thought you could enjoy a nice laugh...

I am thankful for you!

We have a pretty busy week ahead. I have been tackling tons of projects this morning! Christmas cards, check, labels. check, Thanksgiving for the students, check, Italian cream cake ingredietns, check, and so on...now working on a few other things.
So, we thought we would do a small supper for the students b/f they left for thanksgiving...I should probably tell you that I have noever done a dinner this large by myself before! Interesting!
We are also planning a Senior Banquet for the senior citizens at the congregation. We have only come upon a few bumps in the road there.
So, We have atleast one activity at for the congregation for the next 3 weeks! I love it! I love the fellowship!
Then...our anniversary is coming up on the 9th and we are going on the 10th to see TSO in Lubbock. I knew about that but Josh surprised me with a night at t bed and breakfast so we wouldn't have to drive 3 hours home after a 3 hour show that begins at like 7! Then we head home the next week! Already have plans on the books for then too! I am so ready to see everyone...I get warm fuzzies thinking about it!
Well, break time is over...time to get back to work!
If the Lord wills these are our plans for the upcoming month!
We are so blessed in America!

Yanking hair out!

So, we went out to lunch today with an elderly man from the congregation, then we had a LONG list of errands to run...for us and the congregation. Well, one of the other men from church calls and wants Josh to go to the rifle range with him...all plans out the window! So, I then have an hour and a half with Josh to choose which projects are most important that we can get done in the time we have left.
So, we are at the craft store looking for the materials we need to make ornaments for the Senior brunch...well the paper clay is about $7 for 8 ounces and I need 10lbs!!!! NO WAY!!! So I am considering other options while Josh taps his foot. So, then I am frustrated... He says...maybe Michaels will have something different...ok we have 20 minutes....run in michaels pick up foam sheets...maybe we can just paint these...then the lady has an idea...use paper mache disks..ok...wait $0.99 each...thats $30...still a little much. Then she tells me about salt dough that I can make at home for cheap! So, she is explaining while Josh is checking his watch but not saying a word. I feel so rushed! I had so much on my to-do list for today and only got 1 of the items accomplished. Looks like tomorrow will be busy...
Needless to say it is one of those days that almost feels like it was wasted away and I didn't get hardly anything done! So tomorrow we go to Wal Mart, go to the printer, go to the post office, go to the mall and go back to hobby lobby then make cookies and get ready to go to a high school football game that a friend got us tickets to!
Funny how on Sunday I told myself..."Self, this is going to be a slow week...you can get some projects done at home that you have been putting off...like scrapbooking" BAM! says reality!
So, enough rambling!
We are very blessed to be at a congregation that loves to be involved with one another. They do more visiting with each other and visitors that attend services than I have ever seen! They are always having each other over and calling to check in. I love that Josh has a lot in common with quite a few of the men...that helps get a foot in the door with some people. I am working on the part of myself that wants to have everything planned. I think I just feel like a procrastinator when I have to put things off until another day because plans suddenly changed. Thats life right?!
Off to cook dinner!

Inspired!

So, I have been teaching a Ladies Bible Class here in San Angelo and we are using one of Cindy Colleys books in her Crown of Creation series and we are loving it. We are trying to decided which one to use next. They decided to start with tthe last in the series. We have learned so much! I am learning a lot of history...which I am usually not that in to!
I am also now working at the church building as the secretary and loving it. I didn't think there would be so much to do! I set up my office in the work room so I would be out of Josh's hair...he is thankful :).
We are also in the middle of planning a Senior Christmas brunch and a Young Adults Ornament swap! I am tossing around the idea of a sweet swap...but I don't want to pile on too much at once, so I think we may do that in Feb. around v-day along with the Valentines Banquet for the older couples.
Also, if you aren't crazy about dehydrated fruit...you should try the freeze dried fruit! I LOVE it! I first had it at Disney world...and then couldn't find it anywhere else! Well, Monday I found it on the top shelf at walmart over the dehydrated fruit- It is made by Brothers-all-natural. They are called fruit crisps and they have mickey on them...they were $0.50 a pouch! Just as I remembered...yummy!
Anyway...we are looking forward to heading home on Dec. the 14th! We will bein TN until the 29th! We are excited! We haven't seen most of the family since the summer! Ready or not...here we come!

Mass Chaos!

I am trying to change my background....aaaggghhhh It will change the sides...but not the middle! I am copying and pasting just as directed!

Here we are!

Well, things have been going great in Texas. Josh's mom's parents and my mom's parents have both come to visit us. We showed them the sights of San Angelo.

When his grandparents came we hardly went out to eat at all...lots of home cooking! However when mine came, I don't think we cooked one meal at the house. So, here are a few things that have been going on.

This is a field that is in the city limits on San Angelo. While Josh's grandparents were here we took them out there and between the 4 of us we counted, on average, 89 deer!

This is from the retreat at Leakey we went on with our college students! Yes, they all (including Josh) jumped off of this cliff into the Frio (means cold) River. It was clear as glass and as cold as snow. But, you couldn't stop them!

This is what happens when a Texas size buzzard flies into your windshield at 65 mph. So, there we were driving my grandparents to Fredricksburg...I am driving along and there were aout 5 buzzards on the side of the road enjoying a feast...gag. Anyway one of them didn't fly away in time and I couldn't swerve into the oncoming traffic...so BAM! We drove the rest of the way into Fredricksburg and back to San Angelo with the windshield like this. They had to get it fixed Friday morning before driving back to TN.

These are a few things that have been going on with us.

whew!

I am glad to see that I am not the only one a little behind on blogging!
So, we are settled in! Our things got here on the 12th and Josh was able to take that Thursday off and we got everything in its place except 1 or 2 boxes and they were in their place within a few days! We are waiting to hear news back from the realtor to see if she has shown the house lately...oh, I hope so! It is pretty warm here...Monday it was 103! It is a lot dryer out here though. My allergies are so much better than what they were the first 2 weeks we were here....but they still act up daily. I have an appointment on the 31st...hopefully we will get it all smoothed out! I have been itching for company. Mom and Nathan are soposed to be coming in October on Nates fall break and I think NeeNaw and Bpa are thinking about coming in Sept. unless they go to Minnesota. It doesn't really feel like it is that far, I think that is because we haven't driven it yet....oh, well...it doesn't have to be forever!
Well, thats all the news for now!

Arrived!

We have made it to Texas. We are at a hotel tonight until we can move into our apartment tomorrow. The catch is, the moving company didn't tell us until the day that they moved us that we get a two week delivery window. So we will move in tomorrow but may not have any of our things until Aug. 13! Crazy huh?! Not to mention they broke the pane of glass out of one of my end table and didn't bother to tell us! gggrrr...
So, we left yesterday morning at 6 am and got in last night at 9...we were soposed to get in at 8 but it rained almost the whole way here! They say that it is good luck that it rained...it has rained EVERY time we came! We pulled out our suitcases last night and mine, only mine, was soaked. My unmentionalbles are hanging all over the hotel room to dry out. Anyway...We were greeted by one of the elders and his wife last night with a fruit basket and a snack basket. (Go, immediately to Wal Mart and but puffed Corn made by Cheeto I think...AMAZING!!) Also, today they had a potluck and a cake there for us. Everyone is so sweet and welcoming. A few of the members have said they like to hear us talk...they can tell we are from the other side of the Mississippi! haha.
I am dealing with it better now that we are here....ironically I get more homesick when I am home. I am ok now...maybe once we begin moving in things I won't be..but for now ok.
Also, one of Josh's 2nd (I think) cousins committed suicide last Friday. So, if you will remember the Carter family in your prayers.
Well, after today we won't have internet for a few days so I will write when they get it hooked back up at the house.
Love you all!
The Texans....haha

Ready...no

Well, here is the newest news. Josh and I are moving next Saturday. The moving truck will be here on Thursday and Friday...we drive down Saturday and stay in a hotel Saturday and Sunday. Then the truck will be there on Monday so we can move into the apartment. Molly, Josh's sister, is riding with us to help keep us company and help me get some of the apt. situated. I am really hoping the house sells soon! I am trying not to think about the whole situation too much....:( I am kinda ready to already be there and settled in and past all of the emotional ups and downs. I know the Lord will take care of us and get us through the transition. The hard part is that I am human and I feel the need to be in control.
On a different note...Josh and I spent last week at ICYC (Indian Creek Youth Camp). The weather was wonderful last week! It was cool in the mornings and evenings and didn't get too hot during the days. So, all was going well until Monday (day 1) I felt the beginnings of a UTI! WONDERFUL! So, after a long, painful night.....I went to Urgent Care on Tuesday morning and was lucky enough to get a shot, antibiotic and those nifty pills that turn your urine blue. So, on drugs the rest of camp. I am finally feeling almost normal again....but I am so tired of water!!! Anyway, we had 2 baptisms and one restoration last week!
I will be out of pocket for a few weeks. I will try to keep everyone posted!

horrible

I think about blogging every time I get on the internet...but I feel like the ones reading this, I already talk to and keep up with....but just in case.
Josh and I have taken a job in San Angelo, TX. We will be moving August 1. We are excited about the new adventure...but I have a few reservations (to be expected). We have our house in AL up for sale (so if you know anyone looking) so we will be staying in an apartment until it sells. Then when the house sells...hopefully I will be able to get a new car.
We have been spending time with family in TN for the past two weeks...went swimming today and roasted myself....yes I know they make sunscreen.
So we have another church camp next week then we will make one more quick trip to TN....then on July 30 and 31 we will begin loading up the trailer to move.
Sorry I have been slacking.
I will update soon with a new address and phone numbers.

Hey guys!

We are getting ready for another busy two weeks. Week before last Josh and I and the college group from Jacksonville headed to Darien, GA to do a little mission work. We went door knocking and knocked 791 doors and spoke with 291 people. We had a few visitors from the community come to the gospel meeting. I saw the beach for the first time at Jekkyl Island. On the way to the beach on Sunday night we saw the space shuttle launch! We had a long, productive, fun filled week.
We stayed home last week. We left Friday headed to my moms in TN. Josh is hunting with his dad and brother at Duck River. Then Sunday evening we head to Memphis for the MSOP Lectures until Thursday. Then we get up on Friday and begin the drive to Disney World! We will pribably split the drive into 2 days so we will actually arrive on Saturday and stay until the next Saturday! It will be the first time for Josh and I to go to Disney. Hopefully we will be able to spend Wednesday at the Gulf.
We hope everyone is doing well. Lord willing these are our plans for the next 2 weeks. Keep us in your prayers as we travel. We love and miss you all!

plans for the future

We haven't been on in about a month I think. We are really getting into the busiest time of the year for us! I think we will only be home a week and a half in march! Usually Feb. is my month to spend with Josh because there aren't many sports or hunting activities....that hasn't been true this feb.!
I am so excited about Disney World in April! I think I mention it to Josh at least once a day. Just about an hour ago actually! He responded sarcastically "Are you excited, baby?" Nope....not at all....YES!!! This is one of the biggest trips ever for me! This was also going to be the first time I would have seen the beach. But, we are taking the college students on a mission trip to GA and we will be having some devotionals on the coast. So, that will actually be the first time. We have a lot of fun activities coming up, Lord willing. Keep us in your prayers as we travel.
We love you all!
Josh and ash

It's been so long!

Wow, time flies! Things are going well. I remember at this time last year things were so busy and they are no different this year. I am planning about 5 different church activities at once. I think March was the busiest month...bring it on...I will be ready!
Mom and Nathan came to visit last weekend! We had a lot of fun! Mom and I painted the kitchen on Saturday while Nathan and Josh went hunting...all they got was one squirrel. Nathan did see a 6 point buck...but not in enough time to shoot it. Mom made us homemade chicken and dumplins!
We are heading to Gatlinburg in a few weeks for the Marriage Retreat the Jacksonville puts on every year. It is so awesome! I wish everyone that is married could be there! I think we are heading back on Friday instead of Saturday because Hank and Angie are coming to visit! Then the very next weekend we are heading back up there to take the College group to a retreat called Family Matters. Josh and I have never been so it will be new for us!
We are getting very excited about the trip to Disney World in April! It will be so nice to be able to spend a week with Matt, Stacy and the kids, and Mom, David and Nathan!
Well, I am fixing to get started on planning the Sweetheart Banquet for the elderly. I only have 2 weeks...eeek!
Love and Miss you all!
josh and ashley