are ju married? jethk!

It’s been WAY too long! I have decided I am the worst blogger ever. I have such great intentions…and then life hits. I am going to be better. I resolve to be better this year. I have an entire year to catch up on – but instead of recapping it, I will just hit the highlights and dream of the future…God’s up to something new…Isaiah 43:19 has been my life verse for the past year…

You may remember a post from 2010…"Are ju married?"…I have to say it was one of favs to write. It was very personal and seemed to strike a chord with many of you as well. In fact, it was the most popular to date – not that there’s that many to choose from…haha!

And believe it or not…almost exactly a year later from writing that…I got engaged to my very best friend…and married 5 months later (September 16).

Other than if you attended our wedding…I haven’t shared very many personal details about this special someone. I kept it a very dear secret. Not from my God, my family or my very dearest friends…but to the world…especially the FB and blog world.

If you’ve ever publically fallen in and out of love, you know what I mean. When something special like this comes along, after years of turmoil and hurt, you want to keep the good thing good and not have it tainted by “the others.” You know, the ones who love to give their opinion, think they owe it to you to be honest or maybe even have a “word from the Lord” on your behalf. Some being friends, and some even being family. When what’s good becomes public, many times what starts as sacred becomes, well, stained.

But this time, this time was different. I had heard over my 31 years of life that once it happened, it would be different. And it was. I had also been told when it happened, it would happen fast. And it did. Two weeks from the first date, he said he loved me. It took me an additional week to say it back. I told him I had to think about it…and he was man enough to handle those words. I had known that the next time I said those words I wanted them to be the last. Then 5 weeks from our first date we were engaged and 5 months later we were married. In fact, we haven’t even been dating a year yet. Crazy I know?! : ) But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

He is my best friend, my love, my other half, my equal, the one I can be an absolute dork with (I’m told on a regular basis), the one I laugh the hardest with, the one I can be vulnerable with and the one who doesn’t try to change me and lets me be me. He is well on his way to knowing me the best. He’s learning…as am I. And more importantly, he loves Jesus with all his heart and desires to lead us well. He is my answer to prayer. The one I prayed for, the one I cried over and the one that made all the lonely nights absolutely worth it.

And wouldn’t you know, Maria even ADORES him?! The very first time I brought him into McAlister’s they all oohed and awed over him and told him how very happy they were for both of us. It may be sad or endearing, we haven’t decided which, but we invited McAlister’s and Starbucks employees to our wedding, and they came! : )

Anyways…I’m sure I’ll share more over the next year, but in the mean time, please meet Brent and enjoy some shots from our wedding. My sweet grandfather (90 years old in March!) and my amazing father did the wedding, my sweet friend Kari sang and my talented cousins played all the music and I had lifelong friends stand with me on this special day and dream come true…

Happy New Year!

Great-grandmothers and gingerbread cookies

I never had the chance to meet my great-grandmother but word on the street is I might be just like her. Growing up, no one could really place who I looked like – yes I’m a mixture of my mom and my dad of course (no adoption story here) – but I have some unique characteristics that no one could really place – mainly the shape of my eyes and most definitely my big lips (LIPS not HIPS…thank you very much :) - Lord knows where those came from?!).

At some point in college, while I was visiting my grandparents, my grandfather pulled out a large picture of his mother and we were all floored – “SHE HAS YOUR EYES…AND YOUR LIPS!!!” Maybe that means nothing to you, but it finally made me feel like I had a connection to someone in the past that I never knew, yet looked just like. I find genes very interesting. On my dad’s side of the family, we have cousins that look more like our siblings than our own siblings – very, very interesting yet so weird.

Anyways (I promise I will make this come together) – I purchased my very first cookbook about two months ago (GF/SF of course), and one of the recipes was Gingersnap Cookies. My mom LOVES gingersnaps, so I thought I’d attempt it. In the process of changing out some of the ingredients – they turned out more like Gingerbread – meaning they didn’t have the snap to them (which I personally think is better) – they rather melted in your mouth. I brought the new creations over to my parents, who also get a bit nervous when I say, “Here, try this!” – but, as all good parents do, they always try. My dad is the barometer, because if I can make him believe it’s the real deal (tastes like it has sugar and real flour) – that means anyone will love it. (Side note: when I told my dad I had bought a cookbook – his exact words were, Who are you and what have you done with my daughter – see? Told you, freak of nature.) So when he tried the cookie, and his eyes rolled back in his head (in a good way) – I knew it was a success! Then he said, “Oh my gosh, this reminds me of the care packages my grandmother used to send me in college!” So it seems, not only do I look like her, but I have channeled her baking skillz! : ) So far, any party I bring them to, I always go home empty-handed, so I thought I’d share them with you…you be the judge.

Here’s the fancy – shmancy recipe – hope you enjoy!

• 1 Cup Canola Oil
• ½ tspn Salt
• 3 T Black Strap Molasses
• 2 T Vanilla
• 1 ½ Cups Agave Nectar (dark)
• 3 T Stevia and/or Palm Sugar (add more to taste)
• 3 Cups Nameste Perfect Flour Blend
• 3 tspn Cinnamon (add more to taste)
• 2 T Ginger (add more to taste)
• 1 tspn Baking Soda
• 1 tspn Baking Powder
• 1 Egg
• 1 T Cold Water (helps the oil and ingredients hold together)

Preheat oven to 325

Line pan with parchment paper or use Canola Oil cooking spray - I have done it both ways and I personally LOVE parchment paper - not messy at all!

In a medium bowl combine the oil, salt, black strap molasses, vanilla, stevia and agave nectar. In another medium bowl, whisk together the Nameste flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda and baking powder. Then carefully add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until grainy dough is formed (note that it will be a bit sticky, so recommend using a rubber spatula to stir) – then add the cold water.

Before you add the water you might want to add more cinnamon, stevia/agave/palm sugar and ginger – depending on taste. I have a bit of a sweet tooth, so I like things sweeter, which is why I use a mixture of agave nectar (wet ingredient), stevia (powdered ingredient) and palm sugar (granule ingredient - works just like brown sugar). Also, if you’ve never baked with Stevia before, take note that it can turn sweeter after cooking.

Using a spoon and /or rubber spatula, scoop the dough onto prepared baking sheets and bake for about 20-30 minutes (depending on your oven).

Take out and set on rack or wax paper and let cool…but not too long because they are quite tasty warm.

Be sure to put in air tight container – and note that they won’t last longer than about 3-5 days because it’s all fresh ingredients (no preservatives).

Here are some pictures from my cousin’s recent wedding photobooth with some of my fam – including a picture of my grandparents – wish I had a picture of my great-grandmother (his mom), but unfortunately I don’t.

Hope you have a fabulous week – I’m headed to take down my Christmas tree…I figure January15 is a good day to do that.

.

holly homemaker and half-marathons

So it appears that a freak of nature has occurred in my household. The former Chick-fil-a, Chicken Express, Eagle Brand Milk eating girl has been replaced by Holly Homemaker. And that would be me. I truly have no idea who I am. If you had told me 5 years ago that I would have given up sweet tea and Chicken Express, and started baking – I would have laughed out loud and then seriously told you to hold your tongue! Who knew the ole’ broad was down in there…I sure didn’t!!!

As you can see, my last post was August 20 – since that time, I have covered quite a bit of ground:

• I was strenuously training for a half-marathon (which I completed my goal during my 30^th year – granted it was a day before I turned 31 – but who’s counting?) – with my dad, sister and cousins.

• Was diagnosed with food allergies for the first time in my life (explains the crankiness, sickness and lack of energy for about 4 months) – my roomies say I am a MUCH nicer person with good food in and bad food out!

• Turned into THAT girl at a restaurant (meaning I pretty much have the chef hand-make all my food) – high maintenance, party of one!

• Learned the ups and downs with gluten-free and sugar-free baking (let’s just say it’s truly possible to overdo it on Stevia and in turn cook the enamel right off a pan)…the roommates have both benefited and been traumatized from this baking stint. Any time I say, “Here, try this!” – they get a bit nervous.

• Was overly excited to not only receive baking utensils for my birthday, but an Anthropologie apron to boot! When I received my first crock pot at 25 – I moped for days – apparently times have changed.

• Took a vacation to California where I shopped till I dropped, enjoyed the beach with friends and family and found Babycakes - a sugar-free/gluten-free bakery.
  
  

• Celebrated my 31st birthday with some of my amazing friends and family - I am blessed!

• Took a road-trip to Orlando to sing at my amazing cousin’s wedding and sang with one of the most refreshing group of people I’ve been around in a LONG time! (Follow Bellarive on facebook!)

• Celebrated and cooked with my mom a first-time-ever gluten-free, sugar-free Thanksgiving and Christmas and made my very first gluten-free/sugar-free apple pies.

• Pulled a muscle from running my half-marathon, which in turn made me take a break from running…boo hiss! Who knew the Psoas was such an important muscle?!

• Dated a bit – a girl’s gotta eat, right?!? ; )

• And finally, have settled back into work and training for another half-marathon in March.

Shew…I’m exhausted…how about you?!?

I’m hoping to continue my blog – but make it more interactive and a little broader. There will always be stories about me – because who’s kidding who – there’s always a story when I’m involved – but some days might be about a new recipe I tried (I’m working on a cookbook with my mom), some days might be about an amazing fashion find (did I mention I started picking out my own clothes at 18 months old?) and then some days might just be about the funny incident that occurred in regular everyday life.

Hope you enjoy and follow along – would love for you to spread the word and help me on this new journey…and as always...love your feedback!

Happy New Year friends – here’s to an incredibly exciting and GOOD life-changing 2011!!!

almost perfect night

Have you ever had one of those days where something was almost perfect...but not quite? It almost made sense...but not quite. You almost had a perfect day at work...but not quite. You almost paid all your bills on time...but not quite. You almost didn't get in an argument with anyone today...but not quite.

Or....maybe you're one of those where everything seems to go wrong. You have a perfect driving record but it's the guy behind you that rams you, pushing you into the car in front and beside you, then drives off. You had time to pick up Stabucks for you and your coworkers but because of the jerk behind you is now covered all over your new pants, in the floorboard of your newly washed car and of course you have a presentation that morning at work...but you left your cell phone at home. And all you can do is throw your hands up in the air and scream (maybe with a few expletives) "MAN...story of my life?!?!?!?!"

Anyone? Sorry if I have brought up any hidden memories...

Well...I do have days like both of these...sometimes months long...the other night was one such night...but it fell in the almost perfect night...

Last saturday the girls and I went out to celebrate Allyson's birthday in Dallas (Happy Brithday Joe!!!! - sorry that's my nickname for her, don't ask me why, just is). Ally likes to celebrate month long fiestas so we were kicking b-day weekend off right by doing some shopping at the lovely Northpark Mall and then grabbing dinner.

After a most enjoyable day at the mall and hitting one of my all time fav stores...MAC...(where you get to play in makeup for hours and of course play guess the sex of the makeup artist. Not gonna lie...always a blast. And after several years in the makeup industry I usually win...) we headed over to The Cheesecake Factory.

While waiting for a table we hung out in the bar area where you not only get to watch the baseball game but do some entertaining people-watching. We like to play 1st date or last date...anyone else enjoy that?! So much fun!!!!

Finally a table opens up and we make a run for it. We throw our purses down and start climbing in our chairs when the guy at the table next to ours leans over and says, "Ummm...you know this table is taken right?!" I'm like, "What?!?!" (not a patient person in general but lack of food makes it worse) He says back..."Just kidding!" and we all laughed. A few minutes later he leans over and asks for contact solution. Random...or pick up line??? Wait and see...

Throughout the entire night we totally hit it off with this table of guys. There were three of us and three of them...perfect right?! Wait and see...

They kept chatting with us all night...they drank their fruity froo-froo drinks dressed in all white (not even exaggerating) while we enjoyed our sweet tea and red velvet cheesecake lookin mighty hott in our cute dresses (again...not even exaggerating). We cheered for the Rangers while they took pictures of themselves and giggled...

They busted a move when Last Dance came on while we...who am I kidding...while we busted a move too!

Anyone seeing a pattern here????

Yep...all three played for the other team...and I don't mean the Boston Red Sox!!!! Apparently girls night out was a common theme that night...

I'm tellin ya...it was soooo close...would have been perfect...right?!?! But nope...story of our lives. However it didn't stop us from having a good time with them. We had an impromptu dance and picture party and somewhere floating around out there are pictures of us...altho we're pretty sure they took our picture only to pick our outfits a part when they got in the car. :)

Someday it won't be an almost...it just will be...

got milk?

Oh my goodness…where did summer go?!?! I feel horrible that the last time I actually blogged was almost 2 months ago. I don’t know about you, but July just about did me in. August hasn’t been so grand either, but I feel that my head is at least staying above water regularly. And I have officially decided that I am over 100 degree heat. I’m ready for fall. I thought I would at least like to be in a swimsuit this summer, but nope, no way. I’m ready for cooler weather (in Texas that means I’ll be quite happy to see 80), pumpkin spice lattes, running outside without feeling the need to pass out in my neighbor’s yard, seeing the leaves change colors for a day…green to brown—you know Texas Fall. :)

To give you a recap, back at the beginning of July, I did something some might say is a little out of character for me…when in all actuality, if you know me at all, it’s most definitely me. Let me go ahead and forewarn you the pictures below aren’t very pretty…but very much a “she’s a pretty girl” moment.

So back at the beginning of July, I went to my church’s Jr. High camp with my roomies. Britt, being in charge, was already down there, so my sis and I headed down Friday night after work. I guess I should say up since it’s Oklahoma—never do get that right! Unfortunately, on the ride up, I wasn’t feeling the best, so I was kind of on the blah side most of camp. By around Sunday night I started feeling back to myself, but was bummed because I hadn’t really had a chance to bond with the kids, or experience any of the game time with them. What to do…what to do…

Monday afternoon I’m sitting in the lodge with the other staff members enjoying some chips and salsa, when our Jr. High pastor and his intern start talking about the “Gallon Challenge.” For those that aren’t aware, this is where you chug a gallon of milk in an hour. It’s virtually impossible to do without it making a magical reappearance…if you know what I mean.

Anyways, Marshall (intern) has already nominated himself and they are trying to figure out who would do it against him. Keith (Jr. High pastor) nonchalantly asks me, “Hey Ash…wanna do it?” (insert laughter as a “yeah right” from all the other parties). As I’m stuffing my face, “Sure.” “WHAT?!?! Are you serious?!?!” “Why not?” “You do know you’ll throw up, right?” “Yep…kinda regretting the chips and salsa right now, but hey…why not…just let me change clothes.” After getting over his shock and verifying over and over again that I was serious, we move forward with the challenge.

My sister, who has learned not to be surprised over these kind of things says, “First of all, you have never been more like your father in this moment (my dad was a youth minister and has been known to do quite a few things for shock factor) and second of all, I have never been more proud of you in my life.” I told you my family was a bit sick and twisted.

After changing clothes, I go outside for the challenge, and there are like 10 kids. I tell Keith, “You had better get a bigger crowd than that because yes, I’ll do it, but there ain’t no way I’m doing it without a crowd…because throwing up for the sake of throwing up…nope…ain’t happenin’.”

They gather a crowd and on the count of three the challenge begins. I should probably tell you at this point, I’m lactose intolerant. Yep, not my smartest move…but there’s something in me that just can’t turn down a good challenge…especially against a boy. Underneath all this class and style is still the tomboy that played soccer with the boys, caught salamanders in the gutter, climbed trees and went fishing. At one point, when I was about 10, covered in mud with band aids all over my legs my dad just rolled his eyes and said in exasperation, “You’re never going to be able to wear a skirt again, your legs are going to be scarred for life!” Naw…I turned out quite fine, and can still rock a mini :)

Oh, and yes, I did beat the boy.

The responses I received after it was all said and done included:

• “OMG…that’s disgusting!”
• “I have never had more respect for you in my life!”
• “I am so proud of you!”
• “You do know people on Facebook will see this, right?”
• “And you’re single, why?”
• “I am so in love with you right now.”
• “I have never seen someone throw up with so much class.”

Why you ask would I do something like that? Well…shock factor mostly, nobody expects a classy, 30 year old, 5 foot 3, 100 and something pound woman to do something like that (little did they know I’ve won my fair share of burping contests). Second of all, makes a great experience for the kids…teaches them to not take life so seriously, to get out there and take risks…and more importantly…LAUGH AT YOURSELF!!! And wouldn’t we all like to go back and repeat Jr. High with this knowledge? Ok, maybe not. I just broke out in hives thinking about going back.

Go take some risks this week…and more importantly, when you trip and fall, dribble a little water down your chin, shoot coffee out your nose or enter yourself in a Gallon Challenge…be sure and laugh at yourself! : )

WARNING…pictures and video might cause nausea...

and so it begins... not the prettiest... comparing...

tuning out the sounds...
didn't work... YES!!! slightly proud of the conquest :)


http://www.ampedjrhigh.com/run_blog

are ju married?

I don’t know if my single friends can relate to this, but in a week, how many times are you asked the question in some form or fashion, “Why aren’t you married yet?” I mean seriously, how are you supposed to really answer that?

• “Ummm…not feelin’ it right now.”
  
• “Ask God, see what He says.”
  
• “Loser isn’t really my style.”

And to quote my cousin, which literally made me laugh out loud, and you may not understand, because our family is a little weird, some might even say sick and twisted:

• "I love that question (said with much sarcasm). As if you're supposed to have a reason. Ridiculous. Actually, you should come up with some entirely off the wall response like, 'Because I eat rocks.’ or ‘Because there hasn’t been a full moon on my birthday yet!’ If they ask for an explanation, just shake your head, sigh, and say, ‘You wouldn’t understand.’"
  

I mean, it’s not a, “I want your pity” thing, I’m quite fine where I’m at in life. But I think society thinks if you’re not married by a certain age there must be something wrong with you. Believe me, I’ve had my doubts about myself too…but at the end of the day…you have to believe God has a bigger plan in all this and there’s a reason. And thank God I didn’t get married when I thought I was ready and to who I wanted to marry…Geeze Louise…I’d be in the loony bin by now.

I know I’m not the only that must get annoyed, even MSN put out an article, 19 Things You Should Never Say To A Single Person. And if it’s on the internet, it’s legit! This list included several lovely one-liners that I know we all have heard over the years:

• “There are more fish out in the sea”—really, am I just frequenting the Dead Sea???
  
• “It happens when you’re not looking”—yeah, I call BS on that one…because I’ve met some real winners when I wasn’t looking. And by winners…I mean losers.
  
• “Have you tried online dating?”—oh yes, because online is where people are really honest about themselves.
  
• “But you’re so pretty, why don’t you have a boyfriend?”—is that code for, “it must be her personality.”
  

I mentioned in my previous post that I had a little chat with Maria at McAlister’s last week. She is seriously one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. Although I’m kicking myself for not taking Spanish in high school—I chose French. Really, Ashley?!? So I walked in on Friday, keep in mind I had just come in town from a business trip late Thursday night, so on Friday, I chose super casual day. We always have jeans-day on Friday, but this time around I went for the jeans and flip-flops route. I know…I know…don’t judge me too much. I walk in and she comes and gives me a big hug and seemed surprised to see me dressed liked that.

Ash-a-ley, you look so jung! I harley recnize ju! I mean, so jung! Ju look, I don’t know…so jung! How old are ju?
(laughter) I’m 30
(gasp) Oh my guudness…ju don’t look 30…ju look so jung! Are ju married?
(laughter with cringing) Thank you, but no, I’m not married yet.
(bigger gasp) Ash-a-ley, ju hab to get married and hab chilren, NOW!
(hesitated laughter) I will, I will…
(puts arm around me) No, I’m serrus, ju hab to start habbing chilren…ju are on…well…men day can hab chilren till day are like 80…but ju…no…ju hab to soon. (now has gone off into fully speaking Spanish)
(not making eye contact, uncomfortable with long-lasting side hug) Yes, I know, I know…it will happen.
Ju cannot find a good man?
(now feeling the need to fully embrace her and wimper) No, no I can’t Maria…
It will happen…jes…dis I know…in my hart ub harts…jes…it will happen for ju.
(now fully embracing) Thank you Maria! Thank you! Yes, yes it will!!!!

Hang tight my friends…and I pray you find a Maria to encourage you today! Even if you’re married or single. We all need a little encouragement sometimes! : )

dog-sitting and chick-fil-a

I’ve lost the funny…well…kinda. I don’t think you ever lose it…I just think it gets suppressed sometimes. Anybody feel me?!?!

Unfortunately, no “pretty girl” moments…however, my uncle did text me last week to inform me my previous post was made even funnier by a misspelled word. Instead of saying “spatially-challenged”, I said “specially-challenged” in the first paragraph. Wow...what the power of a couple of letters has to change a word…gotta love it! I didn’t change it…gives the story even more character…right?!?!

And I’ve also had some pretty insightful revelations these past two weeks. Between visits to Chick-fil-a (free Spicy Chicken Sandwich…holla!) and dog-sitting, I have however learned the hard way I am not ready for a family quite yet. Dog-sitting has revealed I don’t like checking in with someone and I don’t like sharing my bed with somebody larger than me…I’m on the right track…ehhh??? And Chick-fil-a…wow…I have anxiety just thinking about it right now. From the moment you walk in the door it’s a Germfest Convention for barefoot two year olds with sticky fingers in there…yikes!

Don’t get me wrong…I can’t wait to meet the man of my dreams, in fact, Britt (roomie) and I were talking about the new song, Airplanes (B.o.B and Paramour chick), that has a line in it that says: "Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars because I could really use a wish right now." So in that moment, we saw an airplane and she said, “What’s your wish?” Without even thinking about it, I popped off with, “I wish to be romantically swept off my feet.” She just sat there for a moment and said… “Wow, I really like how you worded that.” So you see, I want what every girl wants, but I know it all happens in the right timing…and well…with other factors…

Dealing with…well I don’t have a lady-like word right now and Mom will STILL wash my mouth out with soap...let’s just say dealing with less than gentle-manly men has made me even more firey and ferociously passionate about praying in godly men. Between run-ins with Gym Boy (BTW I deleted that post for reasons I may share at some point) and some very real and honest conversations with others has made me realize there are way too many godly girls out there…WAY TOO MANY…who are single and have their junk together but have yet to meet an equally-yoked match, and unfortunately, they are not here yet. I do not mean that as a slam to my guy friends, but it’s just strictly a numbers thing, the good girls out-number the good guys. So what that means is it’s my/our duty to pull out some James 5:16 and deal with the issue by praying the good ones in or the bad ones good...more on that at a later date...and no, I am not endorsing "missionary dating" so go ahead and put the tomahawk down. :)

Right now God has me in a completely different season, and as much as it cringes me to say, I’m sure somewhere down the road I will be a part of the Germfest Convention at Chick-fil-a. In the mean time…I shall enjoy the drive-thru and preparing myself for that day…it’s gonna take a lot of prayer, mental preparation and anti-bacterial for this OCD girl…

PS: Post coming soon from my run-in with Maria at McAlisters’s (yes, I know them by name just as much as they know me by name): “Ash-a-ley…why aren’t jew married?!?! Jew hab to hurry and hab chillren…are jew taking jour bitamins?!?!”