Everyday Ashlie

Hello all! Apparently I decided to take a 2 1/2 month blog break. I know, you wish I would've warned you. But, the thing is, it just sorta happened on the fly. I got busy, was too lazy to post, and my sister moved away (that's a whole other post). And to top it all off, my computer decided to succumb to one or several of the viruses floating around WebLand. So, when I was ready to post two weeks ago...ha! no internet connection! So there. Those pesky little 1's and 0's showed me! I just thought I was gonna get back into the swing of blogging. Anyway, my computer has been revived (thank you, Lord) and I am anxious to show you what I've been up to this summer. Yes, I have a few PICTURES! Yay! Actually, this post is going to be rife with pics since I'm so behind. They may or may not be in chronological order, though. It depends on how cooperative Blogger is today. *wink* Many of you know that my sister and I like to make stuff and since she now lives thousands of...

Hey, y'all. I have a serious request to ask of you. A brother in Christ needs our prayers desperately. Daniel Smith , a long-time friend of my aunt's, is battling cancer of the tongue. The technical term is squamous cell oral cancer, for you medical folks out there. Daniel has a blog in which he chronicles his thoughts, feelings, and nitty-gritty details of having cancer. Don't expect to be depressed after you read his words, though. His is the most uplifting outlook I've ever encountered! Nonetheless, his struggle is real and he is suffering from intense pain that makes it difficult for him to eat and sleep. He's having to puree all his foods (apparently steak from Outback is pretty good when run through the blender). And, he's had to quit talking because of the pain. Not only can he not talk, but he can't sing right now...this man has an AMAZING voice. One of my favorite memories is of going to my aunt's tiny little church in Tennessee and listening to...

It's been a year, y'all. A year since I married the love of my life, the funniest man on earth, the sweetest husband around, and the only leader I will follow unconditionally. Nathan and I have said several times over the course of this first year together that it has been so easy and FUN!! Everyone said there would be an adjustment period where we would be getting used to each other's habits, but, we're still waiting for that to happen! Maybe we are super easy-going because it seems as though we've blended our lives seamlessly. Of course, there's been a few little "I do it this way..." moments, but no big blow-ups and such. When I look at my husband, I am constantly reminded of how HUGELY God blessed me with this man. I am absolutely, 100% positive that there is no other man more perfect for me than Nathan. Our love story is too full of God's hand and we are just so much alike. Even our differences complement one another. For instance, I abhor doi...

Hey Y'all! It's good to be back online! Nathan and I were out of town this past weekend for our 1st Anniversary and our internet connection has been on the fritz. So, I haven't gotten to check blogs as much as I like. The repair-man was supposed to come this morning, in fact, but the dispatcher called and asked if we were online. I told her yes, and she said they'd been working in our area recently. That means I didn't have to wait around for a strange man to show up and come in my house! Yay! I'm not crazy about being alone in the house with repair people, can you tell? Anyway, I have pictures to show from our trip and the tale to tell. But, you'll have to wait a little longer. I have to work tonight and I need to go take a nap. Have a great day everyone!

26 years ago today You were born in the month of May. Your folks got a double blessing, Elated and anxious to be holding twins, I'm guessing. Your childhood had its rough patches, And yet you've grown into a man with no matches. I'm thankful for all you are, and all you do. Honey, I love every side of you. Our days together are just beginning And when I think about that, I can't stop grinning! No telling what the future will hold Though I know it will be as precious as gold! Baby, you make me so proud I could shout it out loud!! Whatever we may weather together, I'll love you always and forever. Happy Birthday!

Is anybody else out there fascinated by Michelle Duggar and her extremely LARGE family? I am. I love any news of their amazing family. And, I just read on Yahoo! News that she is pregnant with child #18 !!! Wow, now that's an accomplishment! They are, of course, thrilled to be having another baby. And, I stand in awe of their family dynamics. I've been to their website and read all about life as a Duggar, I played the name-guessing game for the new baby on Discovery Health's website, and I've seen the TV specials. But, you know what I'm most curious about? And, forgive me for my candidness... How the HECK is her Virginia still north of the Mason Dixon Line?! Good grief, the woman's insides have to be the consistency of one of those 2-week-old birthday balloons found floating around every kid's floor at some point or another. But, hey, God gives to those that can handle it, right? She must be one strong lady! Sorry for my brazenness, but I had to voice my cur...

We had a GREAT time camping, y'all! It was beautiful weather the whole time we were there and we can't wait to go back! Thank goodness we decided to drive down on Saturday morning. The park officials told us that we missed out on a big storm Friday night that knocked the power out and had major winds! Our little tent would've been blown all over the place! We drove down to North Toledo Bend State Park Saturday morning and after checking in, we ventured off to find our water-front campsite. Which turned out to be more like a water- view campsite. So, we weren't exactly able to dock the boat on the shore right next to our camp. No big deal! We didn't let that minor disappointment spoil our fun! The boat launch was only a short ride away and it's really not all that hard to put in and take out the boat. Nathan might say differently, though. After all, the only thing I do is back the truck & trailer down into the water and then park it once the boat floats off! ...