live, laugh, love.

because 22 is kind of a big deal...

2012-01-26T20:42:00.002-07:00

evidence as to why it was the best day ever:
[and lots of pictures because i decided i was documenting everything.]

i woke up to signs and balloons from my roommates.

a phone call from mom and dad.

derek brought me mcdonald's hashbrowns for breakfast.

more phone calls from nana, and bff kayla.

and texts of birthday wishes from more of my favorite people.

cupcakes and a sign for me at work.

whoopie brought me cupcakes too.

trying to write the date on your birthday is tough.

[you always want to put the year you were born.]

telling my group that i was leaving class early because it was my birthday.

derek picking me up.

eating at zuppa's for dinner.

[i've been craving that wisconsin cauliflower.]

a drive through the canyon.

talking is what we do best.

to village inn for pie.

back to derek's.

we opened some presents and i laughed so hard.

[all items i have previously mentioned wanting.]

[do i look tired? ha.]

his response, "i really do listen when you talk to me."

home to find chocolate milk from my girl amy.

a birthday card from grandma and granpa.

and facebook posts galore.

seriously. it was the best day.

to all of you who partcipated in any sort of way,

you made me feel like a million bucks.

thanks for all the love.

[especially derek.]

hawaii-day one.

2012-01-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

remember that one time i went to hawaii and it was amazing and i never even blogged about it?
well, they are coming now. deal with it.

on the way there i thought it was the longest flights of my whole life...
little did i know what awaited me on my flight home. but that story will come later.

oh, and my parents?

...they are ipad people.

we made it to hawaii late, but woke up ready for adventure.
so. we went to hike maunawili falls.
before we started we swung through the trees like tarzan.
[that guy had some muscles, cause i couldn't hold on that long.]

and the hike, let me tell you, it was muddy.
like, really muddy.
but pretty too.

but we made it to the falls, where people were jumping off rocks right and left.
i stood on the edge too cold to jump in.
bad idea.
i had infinity bug bites on my legs.
and when i get bug bites, they get BIG. and super itchy.
i finally got in and swam over to the falls.
it then took another 15 minutes to jump off.
fact: i'm the pansy in my family.
but hey, at least i did it.

[the family joke. because i'm in the water when everyone is just jumping.]

on the hike back down it was still really muddy.
and i have a tendency to fall in the mud.
[like seriously, all the time as a kid.]
and i guess some things just never change.
so i walked down a mountain in my spandex.
yes. true story.

a nice man let us use his hose to wash off.
we stopped at pali highway lookout on the way back.
its famous in my family as the place where mom's family's rental car caught on fire.
and mom chased down cars. we laughed so hard.

showers and dinner at hard rock cafe.
[with a waiter named thor. for reals.]

asleep by 9.

an inspiration.

2012-01-24T11:34:00.002-07:00

mark demoss came to campus.

this man is an inspiration for good in the world.

a reminder that we can start today to make changes.

[rebroadcast here later. a definite must-see.]

about a boy.

2012-01-24T08:33:00.002-07:00

you can't help but feel this way after a darling boy

grabs your hand as you begin to cry.
makes you laugh so hard.
asks if you had a good day.
talks with you about the important stuff.
texts you just to see how you are.
stays a little bit longer cause you hate saying good bye.
cuddles with you on the couch.
[after all, that's what sundays are for.]

life sometimes.

2012-01-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

sometimes life is a hard thing.
things that are hard for me are not necessarily hard for anyone else.
but everyone else has hard things too.
and seeing those hard things i often wonder why i even struggle with what i do.
things that really aren't a big deal, seem so large sometimes.
it's been one of those sometimes lately.
so i do everything i know how to do to find peace.
praying, fasting, asking for help, reading my scriptures.
and it works.
i know my life isn't that hard.
i truly have so many blessings.
sometimes i just have hard days.
[which means more tears than normal.]
as i'm sure you do too.
so when you do, let me know, and i'll give you a little extra love.
just how everyone i know has done for me lately.
this is a thank you, that isn't near worth all you deserve.

what do you do for fun on a saturday night after it snows?

2012-01-22T19:52:00.002-07:00

weekends are fun.
and we had an awesome 5-tuplet date.
but the thing that topped it all was after we said bye to everyone,
and grabbed our garbage bags,
and went sledding in the park.
because it was the first snow, of course.

just look how much fun we had.
[or listen to how obnoxiously hard we were laughing...
because you can't really even see anything.]

just know, we had a good time.

elder.

2012-01-18T22:29:00.001-07:00

all my time has been spent with my family, and brother these past few days.
it's an interesting thing knowing your brother will be gone for the next two years.
you see, my brother is my only sibling.
and it's the best, because we are the best of friends.
but it's also sad thinking about him being gone.
the honest truth is that this is one of the hardest things i've ever done.
i really didn't think it would be so hard.
i've had a major crying session every day for the past week.
but you know, at the same time, i'm so excited. so happy. so proud.
i know the blessings will far outweigh the sacrifice, and we'll grow even closer.
and i know without a doubt that he's doing the right thing, because i too having a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
although i cried giving him my final hug, as we drove away, all i felt was peace.
so, here is to an amazing two years, full of amazing experiences.
i love you elder walter. i'll miss you.
peace be the journey.
[of course i'm quoting "cool runnings". he wouldn't expect anything else.]

his mission scripture - moroni 10:32

and some final pics:

nickelcade date.

after being set apart. modeling, of course.

our last good byes.

visiting teachers.

2012-01-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

last night i sent a text to my visiting teachers.
they had written me a note telling me to let them know if i needed anything.
i decided to do just that.
"thanks for your sweet note. i really appreciated it. if you could just keep me in your prayers i would appreciate that. and i'm in need of some ziploc bags, but i'll let you know because i'm hopefully going to the store tomorrow. thanks for all you do."
i woke up this morning to a box of ziploc bags on my doorstep with a note that said,
"don't worry about going to the store, enjoy today with your family. remember, not only will the missionary be blessed, but his family as well."
if i've learned anything this semester, it's that the visiting teaching program is one of the best in the church.
i couldn't be more grateful.

as of late.

2012-01-12T10:25:00.000-07:00

a jazz game with my family.
saw brandon davies at walmart.
[i was tempted to tell him about the time me and marlee cried.]
cooked a roast for dinner.
finished my r.s. assignment.
had a minor melt down.
make every major life decision by the 18th.
[and say bye to addison.]
nice texts that make me cry.
finally wrote things in my planner.
love the preschool kids already.
still haven't bought a new notebook.
inspired by my major.
enjoying my new loufa from the shields.
a dream that my wedding ring looked like a shield.
[the old green ctr shape. with diamonds. cute.]
going to the auto show.
brother is having a farewell.
busy.
and happy.

what is your life like?

entries.

2012-01-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

august 7, 2011
"and when it was all over i could still feel my Father in Heaven
reminding me He loves me and that His plan for me is PERFECT!
perfect.
what more could i ask for?"

january 10, 2012
"today i asked my Heavenly Father why i feel so much.
some days it feels like an emotional roller coaster.
but at the end of the day, all i felt was
peace."

how lame is my blog?

2012-01-09T12:24:00.000-07:00

dear those of you who still actually read this,

i'm sorry that i've failed at blogging as of late.
life is just a little bit crazy.
you know how it is trying to get back in the swing of things after an awesome christmas break [that i still have a bazillion of pictures from hawaii to upload.]
school is awesome. i absolutely love my major.
sometimes i'm on campus all day. [every day.]
i cried when i realized i wouldn't see derek very much.
[yes, i realize how ridiculous that sounds. i was a little emotionally unstable. but yes, it's still sad.]
my brother leaves in a week. basically. not sure how to feel...
and my family decided to redo our entire main floor prior to his leaving.
this means i've been painting baseboards and cupboards, and spending a lot of time at home depot. and taking family pictures for the wall. it's been awesome.
[deciding to do the kitchen too a week before an open house is not always the best idea. just fyi. but we thrive on the pressure. ha.]
i'm also making major life decisions. like what to do after graduation. internship? student teach? try to find another job? [am i really this old?]
life is just a crazy thing. and i'm learning a lot every day.
i think i'm finally trying to just take it all in.
and i'm happy.
i'll do my best to keep you updated.
good things are ahead.

thank you for still reading,
ashley

and i'm adding another goal:

2012-01-05T11:42:00.001-07:00

don't have another cavity filled all year.

this whole me having cavities thing is getting ridiculous.
and i just really don't love having a numb face.

p.s. happy birthday hermana kelsy!
[a card is coming, i promise.]

starting new.

2012-01-04T15:45:00.000-07:00

this year is going to be one to remember.
as most are, i'm sure.
but big changes are in the air.
like how little brother leaving in two weeks, for two whole years, to serve a mission.
[i couldn't be more proud of him.]
and other things, such as, graduating college...
alas, my simple goals.

2012 top ten:
1.re-read harry potter.
2.be on time to work and class. always.
3.make it so staying up until midnight on new years is a big deal.
4.be a perfect visting teacher.
5.become a menu planner.
6.study the scriptures, not just read them.
7.start the conversation. don't wait to be spoken to.
8.show derek i love him every day.
9.memorize "the living christ."
10.sew [at least] 3 projects.

2011 in review.

2011-12-31T11:19:00.000-07:00

this is what i looked at every day in 2011.

pictures with some of my favorite people.

and reminders of my goals.

let's recap:

1- keep a budget every single month.

i wrote down my plan. and never really kept track.

this should probably be worked on still.

2- make a really good friend by being a better listener.
i was able to make some awesome friends.
like living with amy this summer.
so glad to have become friends with her.

and through my new calling i was able to make some good friends.
...to really talk about the needs of others.

what a great thing.

3- have a theme of the month and do something cool.

january: finish my blog book.
february: ultimate pen pal month.
march: you inspired me notes.
april: 21 days closer to Christ.
may: become great friends.
june: san diego.
july: "september third."
august: room make-overs.
september: find a balance.
/ bff kayla's wedding.
october: go to cornbelly's.
november: crafting. [cookbook and swimsuit.]
december: finals, hawaii, and christmas service.

4- read the entire conference ensign after both general conferences.

i completed the april conference ensign.

working on the november.

5- have a new adventure. [almost anything qualifies.]

how about dating derek?

or going to hawaii?

or having your best friends go on missions or get married?

or planning a ward camp out?

or living away from home all summer?

i think they all qualify.

6- double my amount of blogging friends [reach 64.]

i got to 69 by the years end.

you guys are the best. thank you.
and i even went to a blog party with kylee.
we definitely did some branching out.

7- be more brave when it comes to dating.

check and check.

this includes my first kiss ever. for reals.

thank you derek asay.

8- participate in 3 sporting events or races.

i thought i failed this one but...

i ran a 5k with kayla.

i took a tennis class with addison.

and i bought a gym membership.

9- learn a new skill [like cake decorating.]

i took a pattern making class.
and cooking classes.
and swimsuit sewing class.

10- get really good at making a "menu" to rock at grocery shopping.

i still don't rock at grocery shopping or meun making,

but i learned a TON in my family meal management class.

i've got a start...

i'll keep working and one day i'll rock.

11- work extra hard to improve my gpa.

yes. best grades yet.

simple goals, but they challenged me to try a little harder. to be a little better.
2011 was a good year. and i learned a lot. a lot, a lot.
i welcome 2012, and expect it to be even better.

roommate christmas.

2011-12-29T16:51:00.000-07:00

'Twas the Night Before Roommate Christmas and all through Mutton Haus
Something was happening that didn't include a mouse
'Cause mice are sick nasty and don't belong here
And they'd surely dampen our Roommate Christmas cheer.

-Ciera Black

before we left for break we had roommate christmas.
and roommate christmas was the best.

we attended a dance party
and walked to the creamery in our sweats.

we made christmas cookies and jello.

we sang along to christmas songs.

we opened presents.

so many glorious presents.

we watched "a white christmas."

and it was the best time of our lives.

[serious.]

this proves it:

ashley.

lindsey.

ashley.

ciera.

never a dull moment with my mutton haus ladies.

simply the best.

ashley on.

grateful.

2011-12-29T09:58:00.002-07:00

with sunsets like this you have to be grateful.

i left work knowing that i got to see derek soon.
and i walked outside to see this.
an extra blessing.

let me tell you, that was the best hug of my entire life.

you can still have sleepovers even after your bff is married...

2011-12-28T16:56:00.002-07:00

my best friend got married in september.
we don't see each other a whole lot.
it had exceeded the point of ridiculous.
a phone call to see when we could do something.
and then i heard, "steve, would you mind sleeping on the couch?"
the answer was "not a problem."
so me and kp had a sleepover.
and it rocked.

merry christmas.

2011-12-25T23:45:00.000-07:00

so many emotions around christmas time.
like a christmas eve dinner of turkey and cheese sandwiches with bbq chips and soda pop. all of us worn out so we ate around the island in the kitchen. simply the best.
and watching "mr. kruegar's christmas" because we do it every year, even though mom and add don't like it.
waking up and being happy to see a few presents around the tree after expecting none. [hawaii.]
laughing so hard with dad's "feely bag" gift wrapping job this year. reaching an arm in and pulling out the present he put in your hand.
the suprise of your uncle being home from the army for a few weeks to spend time with his family.
an aunt who asks about school. and i know she means it. and wants me to student teach with her.
your grandma getting exactly what you wanted, even though you never asked for it, but knowing because she stalked my blog.
hearing everyone talk about your brother going through the temple. holding back the tears, and reminding yourself that everything is okay and i'll get my turn.
attending church. the highlight of my day. hearing the testimonies of the Savior being shared through music and words. especially the humble testimony of my dad. he's incredible. and knowing just how much i truly love my Savior, my personal Savior. and that i get to celebrate His life. He lived and continues to live for us.
singing "the first noel" with tears streaming down my face. words can't really describe that feeling. but it was amazing.
visiting our next-door neighbors. they are just awesome people. and their grandparents even love us.
getting to talk to derek on the phone. man, i love him.
laughing so hard when the "thank you soooo much" picture ended up in the family calendar. maybe one day you guys will get to see that video. in like 50 years. if blogs are still even cool then.
grandpa's famous waffles for dinner. and a hilarious conversation to go along with it. like how dad refused to get his mission clothes from mr. mac. and so much more.
getting the skirt i've been eyeing for months.
listening to stories about grandpa at pearl harbor, and grandma's experience during world war two and how things have changed since then. listening to grandma talk about the temple and how she feels inadequate teaching relief society. learning just a little bit more about them, and teaching me a little bit more about life.
a text from bff kayla. sometimes i miss her a lot. but getting texts from her rocks. [plus i get to see her this week.]
seeing my dad reunite with his lifelong best friend that he hasn't seen in a while. and knowing that even when we don't see some people all too often, we're still considered family and always loved. talking, and joking, and reminiscing-mostly listening to stories- is my favorite.
being able to pray and thank my Heavenly Father for the gift of His Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ.

these are the wonderful feelings of christmas.

wow.

2011-12-24T18:07:00.001-07:00

well, i'm home.
it was an AWESOME week.
and ended with a doozy of a flight.

i have plenty of stories, once i get some sleep.
happy christmas eve.

holiday hiatus.

2011-12-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

off to hawaii.

have some happy holidays.
[here.]

finishing up.

2011-12-14T10:48:00.005-07:00

another semester done.

i can't believe it either.

it sure was a good one, and i can look back to how much i learned.

i could tell you all the characteristics of the clothes you're wearing.

or give you ideas on how to teach non-native english speakers.

i could go to the fabric store and potentially name 46 kinds of fabrics.

or have a discussion on the very basics of linguistics.

i could go on and on and on about what i learned in parenting.

especially about myself, about my life, and what i'm going to do, because of that class.

i have over 20 pages written about my life that will be a treasure to me.

i've been inspired to cook more at home, to become better at grocery shopping.

and been inspired with ideas that created new life dreams.

[to teach others how to cook. and be self-sufficient.]

and not only in school, but i've learned so much in many other areas of my life as well.

i can honestly say this semester has been the best. out of them all.

some semesters have been brutal, but this is one i can look back on with gratitude.

thank you fall 2011 for changing my life.

stockings.

2011-12-14T08:59:00.001-07:00

more christmas festivities.
hanging the stockings by the chimney with care.

or at our apartment, hanging our socks above the tv.
a "mutton haus" christmas.

christmas at derek's place.

[his roommate even bought me my own stocking.]

roommate christmas is tomorrow.

which mean, it's christmas eve...

[better believe we're excited!]

favorite christmas past.

2011-12-13T08:58:00.001-07:00

at church on sunday we discussed our favorite holiday memories.
i began to think.
well, there was the year we got that vaccum. that was pretty funny. [but not really at the time.]
or the years we would wait at the top of the stairs to come rushing down.
getting our nintendo 64 was a pretty big deal.
thinking, thinking. flashbacks to christmas past.
then i thought about that year that we helped provide christmas for one of our neighbors.
the year we secretly did the 12 days of christmas for another.
or the year that mom challenged us to do more service, and every time we did we could put a piece of straw in the "Jesus crib" to make sure it would be comfortable for Him on christmas day. i remember making my brother's bed so many times that year.
i remember the year that i had my extended family write out their testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and then i put them in a book for grandma and grandpa. i can remember how much i learned about my family that year. and about the Gospel. and i shared love. the gratitude of grandma and grandpa was priceless.
last year we were in the airport right before christmas. i remember dad coming back to where we were waiting with two giant cinnamon rolls. one for my family to share, and the other he handed to the army man sitting right next to us. he graciously accepted it. a simple act of service that forever changed my perspective on giving.
these are simple memories, really. but these memories of service and giving, loving and sharing are the ones that make the most meaningful christmas's.
sure, the nintendo might have been cool that year, but these other memories make me want to be better, to strive harder, to give. because i love Jesus Christ. and am grateful for the chance we have to celebrate His birth and life.
take time this year to think about what simple act of service you can give. what you can do to represent the Savior, because, it's Him we celebrate.

tis the season.

2011-12-10T17:14:00.001-07:00

we went and looked at the lights at temple square.

man, i love christmas time.

happy birthday.

2011-12-09T17:05:00.000-07:00

my little brother turned 19.
since he's mostly getting mission things he asked to go do the "flow rider" for his birthday.
so. that's what my family did.
he made it look so easy.

my neck and shoulders can testify otherwise.

we had a blast though!
happy birthday dude!
we all love you!

good night to all, and to all a good night.

2011-12-08T22:57:00.000-07:00

one day it was the last day of school.
and today was that day.
want to hear what i did to celebrate?
[or avoid studying for finals...]
i went to guru's for ~~dinner~~ sweeeeet potato fries with libby.
[my ex-roommate who is pregnant! i know, i couldn't believe it either! so happy.]
and then we went to the beehive bazaar.
so much craftiness. i love it.
when i got home ciera said,
"ashley, will you please play disney scene it with me?"
those words or something...that girl can get me to do anything.
[like that one time i clipped her fingernails? for reals.]
it was the ashley's and ciera in one of the most intense disney channel scene its of my life.
ciera won.
after which, ciera said, "i sure want to watch high school musical right now!"
so, off to amy's i ran because i knew exactly where she keeps it stashed.
[also ex-roommate. the funny one. read her. you won't regret it.]
and we sang along to every song.
it rocked.
then i got to see derek for my "10 minutes." [plus thirty.]
and i'll tell you all, he's the best.
honest to goodness.
then, to top it all off i watched this. my all-time favorite.
it might not be wall-kicking, but not studying for finals always seems to be a pleasure.
[fyi: wall-kicking is still a big deal in this apartment.]

in case you need the reminder:

2011-12-07T15:36:00.001-07:00

test scores aren't everything.

i have a perfectionist side.

and a funny loving side.

exactly half and half.

it becomes a problem when those two try to meet in the middle.

which usually refers to negotiating schoolwork.

it's like the people sitting on your shoulders telling you what to do.

except this time, they are both angels.

or both devils.

either side could easily win because both sides fit my personality.

it's quite the debate sometimes.

but anyways,

if you need the reminder,

your grades don't represent whether or not you are a good person.
just keep doing your best.

[maybe i'm just trying to make myself feel better. and it's working. okay?]

this, my friends, is perfect contentment.

2011-12-06T11:53:00.001-07:00

after a long day,

i plug in my lights,

lay on my bed,

and find myself feeling

peaceful.

sunday.

2011-12-04T23:57:00.000-07:00

today was beautiful for so many reasons.

i started to count all my blessings tonight as i wrote in my journal,

and saw a glimpse at just how good i have it.

i am so blessed.

my life is wonderful.

i am truly happy.

scripture of the day.

2011-12-03T11:52:00.001-07:00

"surely the Lord hath commanded us to do this thing,

and shall we not be diligent

in keeping the commandments of the Lord?"

-1 nephi 4:34

[diligent: constant in effort to accomplish something;
attentive and persistent in doing something.]

be more diligent.

a reminder that i'm not always this lame.

2011-12-02T10:41:00.001-07:00

i open up blogger enough times i should have posted something by now.
i think my brain is stuck in school mode.
i'm like a homework machine moving from one thing to the next to the next.
[except when i take lots of breaks.]
i'd hate to bore you with the details.
i'm half tempted to just delete this post..
one day my blog will be awesome again. i promise.
[unless you never thought my blog was awesome in the first place...]
okay.
well, happy weekend everyone.
and happy december.
[this year went by crazy fast.]

anyone else want a like button for blogger comments?

2011-11-30T12:31:00.001-07:00

anyone else agree?
or i am just too much of a facebook junkie...

in response: yes libby- gurus fries. [all day, every day.]

think i can.

2011-11-30T09:28:00.002-07:00

[via.]

one [plus a half] weeks.

two tests.

three papers.

four projects.

five finals.

can you believe it's that time again?

break. the thanksgiving kind.

2011-11-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

a pre-feast celebration for family home evening.
and the roommates went to h&m, and i only left with one thing.

the day before thanksiving, we were playing tennis. outside. in shorts.
dinner with derek's family at iggy's.

coming home.
a late night talk with mom and add.
watching HGTV.
finding an all-time favorite new commercial.

meeting up with derek and heading to elk ridge for dinner at his grandparents.
laughing hysterically. [honestly.]
a ride or two on derek's new four-wheeler.
pie.
a lovely conversation about what we're grateful for.
dropping me off in the walmart parking lot. [classy. ha.]
watching "tangled" with the family.
a prayer of simply gratitude.

pinterest breakfast.
working on the family calendar.
turning on the christmas music.
raking the leaves and putting up lights.
the only picture i took all break. [ridiculous walter hats.]

dinner at outback.
talking to derek on the phone.

attempting homework.
working on my talk for church.
making chicken parmesan for dinner.
derek coming up.
putting up the christmas tree.
[the clowns vs. angels battle continues.]
going to macey's.
a late night chat. the good kind.

getting my talk over with.
inventing the best smootie of all time with ciera.
cuddling on the couch.

it was just a great break.
so good i didn't even have time to blog all week.

we had a slumber party.

2011-11-21T15:00:00.001-07:00

i got home right before midnight.
"ashley! put your pajamas on, we're doing massages! and having a slumber party!"
that's always a great thing to hear.
we got all ready for bed, sprawled a quilt across the living room floor, and turned on "pride and prejudice" [the kiera knightly one, of course].
laughing so hard and trying to create an un-awkward massage circle.
...it's hard with just four of us, you know.
laying there on the quilt, all of us watching the movie, was a good moment.
my roommates are so amazing. honest to goodness. i couldn't be more grateful for them.
and i love how much happiness comes from those simple moments.
there's something about watching movies late and falling asleep on the floor that brings a smile to my face.
slumber parties every night.

[roommates- you're the best.]

this week has been busy.

2011-11-19T14:55:00.000-07:00

a basketball home opener. relief society meetings. a time management lesson. grocery store runs. squeezing in gym time. school. work. seeing derek, of course. too much time on the computer. going to bed too late, and not waking up early enough. talking in the car. letters from hilary. visits with libby. and stacy. and amanda. finally exchanging my gap purchases. cooking chicken parmesan. dancing the night away. deciding to practice our country dance skills. phone calls with mom. falling asleep on the couch. snow. getting a haircut. beginnings of a swimsuit. cleaning my room. not doing the dishes. reading. homework.
it's a pretty good busy life, if you know what i'm saying.

learning life lessons.

2011-11-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

learning life lessons is a beautiful thing. and i feel like my eyes have been opened in the past couple weeks. recent lessons that make me grateful for the goodness that surrounds me.
here are some thoughts:

one day i decided to stop by nana and papa's after the dentist. they live almost right next door, i couldn't pass it up. and i couldn't be more grateful that i did. a discussion about family. our family. and how each member has worked hard to get where they are today. stories about how life wasn't always easy, but how much was learned from those times. stories about our ancestors and the great genealogy nana has done. a testimony of it's importance. both of them expressing their love for me. and papa telling me things that he sees in my that i hadn't seen in myself. "you have ambition and creativity ashley. i've always known you were the one who would have ideas and start your own buisness one day. i'll give you five years after graduation. there aren't many kids who can go out and buy sewing machines on ebay to start their own business at 13." something i've always known i've wanted deep down, but it meant the world hearing my grandpa tell me that he sees that in me. that he believes in my hopes and dreams. and knowing that i get some of those traits from him. something that draws us closer together. i love that they let me know just how much they love me. and that they are proud of all i do. makes me want to just keep trying my best.

a "walter family group" was created on facebook announcing that we would be having a service project to clean grandma and grandpa's house. sometimes it seems a long drive to salt lake, but there wasn't a chance i'd miss out on this one. once we got there grandma asked if i was home for the weekend. i told her, "no, just this morning." and she said, "you didn't drive up here all the way for this, did you?" she gave me a hug and her gratitude was so heartfelt. i got the job of cleaning the chandelier. something that just didn't get around to as often as they liked. it was a simple task really, but grandma told me time and time again how glad she was to have that cleaned. and standing on top of that chair i had a beautiful time-stopping moment. cousins and aunts and uncles kept showing up. looking around at everyone cleaning. people vaccuming, some dusting, some outside in the yard. simple tasks. and my grandparents were in awe. that we all came just to clean their house. and i realized just how beautiful family is. that we work together, support each other, and just try to help each other out. we do it because we love each other. that's exactly why the family is the perfect set up.

sometimes i feel very overwhelmed. that i just don't quite measure up. and having that "blue" personality that i do i'm quite the perfectionist and require a lot of myself. it was a morning that every single one of my flaws was right on the surface, maybe not for everyone to see, but i sure noticed. holding back the tears we headed to stake conference. then the words of the stake president, "i prayed this morning that you would come here being humble and teachable." a lesson on how we need to accept correction because that is how we learn and grow. and a realization that i had all my overwhelming feelings of inadequacy so that i could be humble and teachable. to learn that we are working to become. become better and more like Jesus Christ. and the only way to do that is by accepting correction.

i'm a people pleaser. when i'm upset i usually try to hide it away. because i'd rather get over it myself than make someone else feel bad. but this time i couldn't hide it any longer. i said there was something i needed to bring up. but it was so hard. the tears began to flow. and he sat there patiently, waiting until i was ready to talk. i finally got it out and he just wiped away my tears, held me close and listened with understanding. although it wasn't the easiest thing to do, it was one of the best conversations we've had. and a lesson to me in so many things. like the importance of being open and honest, having patience and understanding, what it means to trust someone, and simply how to love more.

my brother spoke in church on sunday. i decided to stop by. there is nothing more tender than hearing a pre-missionary talk about their desire to serve. especially when you know how hard it's going to be saying good bye. he talked about service. he talked about his love for the Gospel. he talked about how he knows it won't be easy but that he'll work his hardest. and hearing those things makes it just a little bit easier to let him go for two years. because i know he will be sharing with others the thing that has brought me the most happiness in my life. and that makes me so grateful.
[you can learn more for yourself here.]

life is truly a beautiful thing.

it's time.

2011-11-14T14:12:00.001-07:00

basketball season baby!

we all know what that means...

this girl is moving to the marriott center.

[i love basketball season.]

let's go cougs!

this is what mine looked like...

2011-11-12T15:38:00.000-07:00

11:11 am on 11-11-11.

sitting in class.

texting a boy.

and when i noticed it was 11:11 i freaked out

and grabbed my camera and took a picture.

i'm just that cool.

[that's my cousin in the background.
so i "remember who's most important in my life."]

11-11-11

2011-11-11T10:02:00.001-07:00

make so many wishes.

and

have a lovely weekend.

happy birthday.

2011-11-10T15:23:00.000-07:00

to my amazing,

wonderful,

outgoing,

hilarious,

inspiring,
always know what i need,
teach me good lessons,

[the list could keep going]

mom.

i love you so much

and i'm grateful for all you do for me every day.
[including let me put up your bridal picture.]

[seriously, isn't it the greatest?]

happy birthday mom!

time pending.

2011-11-09T17:56:00.003-07:00

hoping to turn this...

into this

before this.

the most.

2011-11-09T16:29:00.001-07:00

[here.]

things like:

dinner with your brother.

phone calls and good conversations.

visiting your grandparents.

someone knowing the little things about you.

hearing the words "i love you."

surreal.

2011-11-07T15:03:00.000-07:00

if i told you about my life you probably wouldn't believe me.
cause i hardly even believe it myself.

things include:
a trip to hawaii in december.
an epiphany as to what i'm going to do when i grow up. [more coming soon.]
a totally awesome weekend in midway with the hilarious girls in my major.
[we slept 3 to a bed. and ate way too much food.]
and the most adorable boy i've ever met. with an out of this world conversation.

life is just a really, really good thing.

my canadians.

2011-11-03T10:34:00.000-06:00

two elder walter's.

both serving in canada.

both speaking chinese.

yesterday i asked my brother,
"what happens if i get married while you're gone?"
he said,
"it'll be okay ash."

and then i cried.
[in a very public, busy place.]
half tears of sadness,
half tears of relief.

he said,
"i'll be sure to send a video."
"and you'll have my cardboard cut out."

"so i'll be there."

[just to clarify.
i asked because two years is a long time.
and anything could happen, really.
and i only have one brother.]

why i write.

2011-11-02T09:38:00.000-06:00

when people asked if i liked writing growing up i would always telling them i didn't like it. because i wasn't very good. since coming to college i've learned that i do love writing and i always have. i just hate writing papers, and essays, and important things that make me sound like a total fake.
...
you see, i've filled journals and journals and more journals through out my life. ever since i was little. silly entries about boys, important spiritual experiences, things i've been upset about, or maybe just how i had a good day. in middle school i wrote every.single.day. you can imagine what those pages are like! in high school i wrote about some of my hardest life experiences and look back on those with gratitude. the college pages are filled with lessons i've learned and how i've grown up over the years.
last week i read back through some of these pages. and suddenly my mind was illuminated. i was amazed at how experiences in my life had fallen into place so perfectly. the reassurance that Heavenly Father has been aware of every single prayer, of every single struggle, and every single detail of my life. sometimes i did not like the answers i received or was confused as to why things were happening as they were. and now, looking back, it all just seems to make perfect sense.
...
last week i was reading in 3 nephi 23. and i was touched. Jesus Christ asks Nephi to show Him the record which they have kept. then he asks why they did not write about the miracles they had seen and the fulfillment of prophecies. then Christ tells them that these things are important to write, and Nephi wrote it down.
i realized that we have also been asked to write down the experiences we have in our own life. maybe they won't be scripture, but they can be reminders of the miracles we have seen in our own life.
...
writing letters is a hobby. simple as that. sending a quick note is a favorite. and having friends on missions has been fun cause who doesn't love getting mail? kelsy and i were even pen pals before she left. [and i guess we technically still are.] the days i miss her the most i look back through all those letters. and i'm amazed. most of them are so ridiculous. but some of them are so special. sharing some of our sweetest experiences and asking advice about the hard things. and even though at the time we still talked on the phone multiple times a week, the letters were still the best.
...
my mom and i started a "mom and me journal" last week. a simple book that we write letters back and forth to each other. most people talked about doing it with a young daughter. but i couldn't be more excited to share this with my mom. she can give me advice and share with me her own experiences. we can simply laugh about daily life events. and most importantly, continue to grow closer together.
...
this week is the one year mark of getting my response to "confidential". writing because i needed answers. or maybe to just get it off my chest. maybe one day i'll share that whole story. even though it was one of the scarier [scariest?] things i've ever done, i couldn't be more grateful that i went through with it.
...
i guess there are a lot of reasons i write. sometimes because i find it fun. sometimes to share. and sometimes because i just want to remember. days that i find myself stressed or confused i write. i write down my concerns and my questions. it's the way i'm able to express my feelings when i'm not able to put it into words. [meaning, words that come out of my mouth.] i write so that someday my children will know how i dealt with hard things and that i have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. i write so i can tell about the funniest parts of my day, to look back and laugh. i write to remember. my writing certainly isn't perfect, but i write because i love it.
...
"get a notebook...a journal that will last through all time
and maybe the angels may quote from it for eternity."
-president spencer w. kimball

visit from the prophet.

2011-11-01T13:14:00.001-06:00

"our opportunities to shine are
limitless."

-president thomas s. monson

halloween celebration. [monday]

2011-11-01T09:49:00.002-06:00

festive socks.

an email from hil about how they dressed up as nuns.

my cool costume.

ciera asked me what it was and i said,

"girl with glasses."

original, huh?

derek's sweet stache.

i talked to marlee girl on the phone!

my excitement was through the roof.

she was at the airport leaving for madagascar.

and it made my entire day hearing her voice.

halloween themed fhe dinner.

my roommates went backwards trick'or'treating.

and my favorite halloween movie.

hocus pocus.

[i even drove to springville to get it.]

hope everyone had an awesome halloween!

halloween celebration. [saturday]

2011-10-31T16:15:00.000-06:00

early morning four-wheeling with my parents.

it was a tiny bit freezing when we got there.

[yes, derek is wearing purple mittens.]

the afternoon included laundry. a walmart trip. and no homework.

and then a realization that i never actually got a costume ready,

with a ward party to attend in the near future.

lindsey was being an old man. and i had a dress already. so...old lady it was.

and the stuffing with pillows was the ingenious addition.

in response to my mass picture messaging:

text from addison -

"hahaahahhahahahahahaaha"

text from derek -

"please never look like that"

text from my dad [that was actually my mom]-

"it's not very nice to dress up as your mom for halloween!"

tears. so funny.

grandma, grandpa and our wayward grandchild.

[photo credit: amy. thanks girl.]

and that, my friends, is how you work it for halloween.

halloween celebration. [friday]

2011-10-29T15:22:00.000-06:00

there's nothing like transporting your apartment into "murder island" for a classy murder mystery party.
all props go to ciera for the idea and completion of this event.
a night full of mystery, deciet, and quite a few laughs.

welcome to new york city, circa 1940.

James Weatherly.

amateur boxer.

Charolette Donovan.

immigrant factory worker.

[found guilty.]

Warren Prescott.

rookie reporter.

Margo McBey.

notable female jockey.

Gordon "Gordie" Vincent.

professional golfer.

Anya Ivanova Kohklakov.

aspiring russian singer.

Ruby Ratcliff.

cafe waitress.

Silas Young.

private investigator.

i think in lists a lot. so, here is another.

2011-10-28T00:05:00.003-06:00

-crying in grocery store parking lots is occuring more often than i like to admit.
-i did in fact scrape my car windows this morning. [and hated it.]
-three compliments for that complaint. [even if marlee is gone.]
1.i have awesome hair.
2.marlee has awesome hair.
3.derek is the nicest. [it's even more fun doing homework with him.]
-blending a wooden spoon in class is cool, right?
-today i gave my first real haircut to cousin nick. it wasn't too shabby.
-walking home i saw ex-roomie/amazing girl amy. she offered me dinner. and it was delicious. plus she put up a darling new wreath. [both pinterest finds. thank you pinterest.]
-i decided today that one day i'm going to decorate my house for every holiday.
-it's halloween weekend. which will include my yamaha 125.

pumpkin carving.

2011-10-24T20:51:00.000-06:00

one of my favorite things to do is carve pumpkins.

and that we did...
[also note the delicious sugar cookies in the background.
and ignore the large knife in the middle.]

jason and emily made a cool bear.

and take nice pictures.

after much contemplation we decided on this awesome face.

and this is about as cute as we can get with our own faces... [ha]

let the halloween festivities continue!

[totally one of my favorite holidays.]

as a home ec major, you sometimes stuff your own sausages. and it's gross.

2011-10-24T20:45:00.000-06:00

[that smile is a fake out.]

jumping on a cornbelly.

2011-10-24T20:32:00.000-06:00

the best time of the year?
getting to jump on that cornbelly.
seriously, it's something i look most forward to.

we had an awesome time with paul and libby.
screamed in the giant dinosaur belly.

got lost in "space".
and derek experienced his first ever corn maze.
[you should have seen him, he loved it. and was making me laugh harder than ever.]

we did duck races, and giant bouncy horse races, and bike tractor races.
i failed at all of them, but had a blast nonetheless.

it simply was a wonderful event.
i'd highly recommend going to cornbelly's.
[even if it's just to jump on that silly pillow thing. you'll basically get a six pack from laughing. promise.]

confessions.

2011-10-23T16:56:00.000-06:00

-we've been dating for [almost] four months.
-i fall asleep in my elang class more often than i don't.
-my brother beat me in tennis.
-i flossed for 90 days. [yes, i missed a few days.]
-this is the first year i haven't had my halloween costume planned for months in advance.
[it's the week before and still need ideas...]
-and in my ward, i'm the relief society president.

let me tell you why i want all my clothes made of bamboo.

2011-10-20T22:20:00.001-06:00

1. it's naturally antibacterial and deoderizing.
2. it can absorb more than cotton [up to 3x it's own weight].
3. it wicks moisture.
4. it's easy to dye.
5. and it's more wrinkle resistant than cotton.

too bad it's one of china's greatest textile secrets.

[this is what happens when you study for textiles. it's cool, really.]

p.s. i got to feel stainless steel fabric this week. and it felt like fabric.
yes. they really make that.

life lately.

2011-10-19T10:36:00.001-06:00

-a bird pooped on my nose last week while playing tennis. i freaked out a little.
-my dermotologist asks about my dating situation. it's cool. really.
-on monday i had a nice long talk with my mom. we cried in the smith's parking lot. also cool.
-bff kayla always has the best advice.
-"all about us" by he is we is still on repeat on the itunes.
-i jumped on a cornbelly. and laughed so hard. [post coming soon.]
-funniest email from hilary. discussing what we would do the first arfday she's back.
["it will include: fast food, fun jams (maybe black eyed peas), and a dance party in a parking lot. and watching harry potter will come before arfday."]
and reminding me how i told her once i'd pick derek over chris brown. [still true.]
-derek and i study together every day. the coolest. [sometimes i just sit there and he does the studying.]
-my roommates and i dance in the woods.
-and we've been on familysearch all week. lindsey has some crazy royalty in her past. and made it clear back to adam and eve.
-my gap purchases were a success.
-driving up the canyon is the prettiest. i took a hundred mental snapshots. my pictures just don't do it justice.
-i made pulled pork.
[and by 'i', i mean 'the crockpot']

tender heart.

2011-10-16T23:19:00.000-06:00

some days i have the feelings of a very tender heart.

thinking of my family in the temple one day.

and my brother leaving for two years.

lessons on temple covenants.

knowing that one day i'll get my chance to go too.

patience in the Lord's timing.

the words of inspiried leaders.

sometimes we'll have questions, but we just keep working.

at baptism we promised to serve, to care, and to testify of Christ.

"don't just believe in Jesus Christ, develop faith in Jesus Christ."

trust in the blessings of Heavenly Father.

"the Lord put you down here to have an amazing life."

realizing just how visiting teaching changed my life.

[a story for another day.]

we are learning to love people.

take counsel from our faith, not our fears.

"invest your love in one another."

3 nephi 11.

my favorite chapter of them all.

i am truly blessed.

click find husband.

2011-10-14T12:52:00.005-06:00

look how easy!
all you have to do is go to new family search and click "find husband" and they do it for you!

happy weekend everybody!

hereby called to serve.

2011-10-12T23:00:00.000-06:00

elder addison walter.

vancouver, canada mission

mandarin chinese speaking

reports january 18th

it was a pretty exciting day in the walter household.

couldn't be more proud of my little brother

and the decision he has made to serve for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

what an amazing missionary he will be!

love you bud!

this is a good story.

2011-10-12T16:44:00.000-06:00

one time i was 16 years old.
it was prom.
i needed to take tampons and really didn't want to take a purse.
"everyone knows exactly why you have it with you!" i exclaimed.
my mom and i brainstormed all morning.
being the genius that she is, my mom said, "i've got it."
a roll of doctor's tape and three tampons later,
those little guys were securely taped to my legs,
not to be seen by anyone under that poofy dress.

[p.s. i've got some exciting news coming later!]

share with me your stories.

2011-10-11T18:02:00.000-06:00

we all have a story to tell.
and mine is influenced every day by other individuals.
i'm amazed at the strengths of others.
how they handle the curves with a smile on their face.
sometimes in my life i've wondered why people open up to me,
tell me their whole life story. especially when i hardly know them.
but today i realized i'm more than grateful, because it sure has taught me a lot.
about people, about life, about enduring, and about love.
no one can ever know our whole story, only ourself, who has experienced it fully.
but what a blessing it is to be able to share the bits and pieces, and to listen to the story of others.
stories that make us laugh, or cry, or make our jaw drop to the floor.
stories that give us courage, make us want to change the world, or simply sit there in awe.
one day my journal pages will open up and everything inside will be shared.
and until that day i can open my mouth and share my experiences with others.
stories about my past. about my current daily living. and about my future hopes and dreams.
sharing together to build each other up.
so let's have story time, every day.

social media friday.

2011-10-07T12:13:00.001-06:00

tagged on facebook.

[taking bridals with bff kayla.]

listening to:

"all about us" by he is we feat. owl city.

loving on this video.

and getting my craft [ideas] on here. [of course.]

have a good weekend everybody.

hilly's birthday.

2011-10-06T23:17:00.000-06:00

i got an email from my hermana last week.
she made a simple request.
"take a pic of you and derek eating ice cream! i'm going to be 22!"
that's what she wanted for her birthday.
so that's exactly what we did.
reppin the brittany sign for old times sake.
listened to some fergie and relient k in honor of her.
ate our frosties.
and sort of looked like ghosts.

happy birthday to my homie, lover, friend all the way in ar-hen-he-ha!

frills and chills.

2011-10-05T18:55:00.002-06:00

some days,

when it's raining,

and you forgot a jacket,

it's cool to walk around campus with

a frilly white umbrella

that you randomly find at work.

...and then make your brother take a picture of you.

i think fall has arrived, my friends.

simple blessings.

2011-10-04T11:48:00.001-06:00

the beauty of reading through old journal entries.
realizing just how far you've actually come.
good people.
talking for hours about the "remember when's".
driving over a mountain.
witnessing a beautiful wedding day.
getting mail.
hearing the life story of another who grew up so differently than you.
knowing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the same wherever you are.
laughing at yourself.
being outside.
the endless love of Heavenly Father.
family dinners.
inspiring words of others.
realizing just how good you have it.
prayer.
opportunities to help others.
spending weekends at home.
knowing that everything will work out.
happiness.

lovely.

2011-10-02T23:07:00.000-06:00

the perfect ending to an amazing weekend.

i am inspired.

uplifted.

and reminded that i truly am a daughter of God

who is ever mindful of me.

come listen to a Prophet's voice.

2011-10-01T09:31:00.000-06:00

[here]

happy conference weekend.

watch it here.

i hope it inspires you too.

well...

2011-09-27T12:50:00.002-06:00

-my brother's mission papers are in. holy smokes.
-kayla texted me on her honeymoon. i laughed so hard. mostly because i thought "this might be the longest we'll go without texting." she only lasted a day. [she wanted to let me know steve surprised her and they were going to costa rica instead.]
-byu won.
-serving people makes you super happy. do it.
-ikea and cafe rio and stopping by home. a good saturday afternoon.
-amazing relief society session. president uchtdorf rocked it.
-driving around on sunday evenings. favorite. windows down and great conversations with the boy.
-butt kicked by the one-time-trial personal trainer.
-watching the leaves change colors on the mountains is delightful.
-my roommates are hilarious. honest to goodness.
-laughing so hard every day is my passion in life.
-we are put in the exact places we are meant to be. so cool.
-be nice to others.
-watch this video. it's funny.
-annnnnd, have a good tuesday.

wedding day.

2011-09-23T14:34:00.004-06:00

my best friend is married.

kp and rapper boy sealed the deal.

[now known as kayla and steve shields.]

it was a perfectly beautiful day.

and i only cried once.

i couldn't be happier for these two lovelies!

love you guys!

[the "walter hands"]

[bffs.]

[melissa johnson, ashley blake, myself.]

what a lovely day it was.

the best of the best phone pics. [this week.]

2011-09-21T09:58:00.002-06:00

because best friends buy their best friends wedding shoes.

for reals. we're that tight.

wedding....tomorrow.

ohhhh my gosh.

because everybody's got a waterbuffalo.

[veggie tales reference.]

came home to this one night. and laughed uncontrollably.

and got my roommates out of bed to come see it.

our mustache door turned waterbuffalo.

dear funny people who did this,

i love you.

keep it up.

2011-09-21T09:46:00.002-06:00

[here.]

i had one of these moments this week.

the feeling of "what am i even doing with my life."

so much to do, and so little time.

what's the most important?

i went on a drive and ended up parked in front of the provo temple, like usual.

sometimes it's real easy to get overwhelmed. to feel inadequate.

and not know how you're going to even manage.

but then, there are feelings of love and peace.

people around you that show you how much they care.

and leaders who have the perfect answers.

i went to a church leadership training.

i went in with these feelings of inadequacy and being overwhelmed.

i left with peace and love and hope.

what a beautiful thing.

it started with our stake president asking us what our concerns were.

what were the thoughts of our hearts.

what were we struggling with.

here's some things that were said in response:

accept that you can't fit everything in.

Heavenly Father gives us more to choose from than we can do so we will turn to Him and rely on Him.

we continue to learn every day, trust that Christ's atonment covers our mistakes.

trust as a little child.

think about Christ, things seem to work out better.

learn to distribute the load, others need the opportunity to serve as well.

"desire" by elder oaks.

you've got to pace yourself.

it's not going to get easier, but you are going to get stronger.

be patient with yourself, the Lord isn't finished with you yet. keep doing good. don't beat yourself up.

these were answers to my prayers.

and brought peace to my heart.

i was reminded who i am. and who i want to become.

so i will work towards that every day of my life.

thanks to all the beautiful people that help me remember.

and just love me when i need it.

a girl with simple talents and her family by her side.

2011-09-19T23:48:00.001-06:00

sewing machine.

this may be a simple piece of machinery to some people. but to me it's a way of life.

it's a representation of family, of talents, of learning, and a way to express my creativity.

i began sewing in the third grade, when we would walk to my friend's house every friday afternoon and her mom taught us lessons in their basement.

those lessons lasted until my family moved and i began teaching my own lessons as a summer job.

this transformed into taking classes in high school and eventually becoming my major in college.

but this all started because my mom was there encouraging me. it was something she did and i wanted to learn because of her. sewing was also something i was able to do with my cousins and aunts. we were able to join a quilt club, work on new projects together, and most importantly, just spend time together.

and as i grow up i hope to teach others to have the same love for sewing that i do.

basketball.

this is kind of a big deal in the walter family. and when i say "kind of" i mean "really". my love for basketball again started when i was young. my parents took me to games. [i even told my mom i wanted to be a jazz dancer once.] and i began playing for the children’s youth leagues.

my younger brother became a basketball star. in my mind at least. he played competitively throughout his childhood. going to his games was always a big deal, and i was always required to go support.

“we support each other” is what mom always said.

basketball became a family thing. watching my brothers games, march madness bracket competitions, playing lightening in the front yard on summer nights. talking about the latest stats and players – for high school, college, professional, and even those the community.

basketball even led to family vacations throughout the state and even to florida.

basketball bonded us as a family.

dinner table.

as a child i loved waiting for my dad to get home from work. dinner would be all ready, i’d hear the door open and run to hide underneath the table. he knew where i was every time, but played along as if he had to find me.

eating dinner was something we always did together. it was important to be there. and our friends were always invited.

the dinner table was the place where we would talk about our days, especially on sunday when we discussed what we learned at church. it was the place where we laughed harder than ever because, well, we’re just funny i guess. whenever i think of family dinners at home i always think about laughing really hard.

like one time, well first of all you should know i don’t like spaghetti. and that’s exactly what we were eating. so i created a face on my plate out of the food prepared. mom wasn’t too happy at first, until my brother joined in. then, she did too. and dad, he actually just ate his.

but we took pictures and put them online for people to vote for a whole week.

it was silly things like this that made dinners my favorite part of the entire day.

why.

why are these so important you ask? because they make me who i am.

they show that my family is everything to me. they’ve taught me the important things in life. things like developing your talents and being creative. reminding me that it’s always most important to support one another. and that being together for dinner is hilarious, and always the best place to share and talk with each other.

through these simple events in my life i’ve grown to love my family and learned that families really are the most important thing we’ve got. we better treat them like they are.

i strive to always share love with my family. because that's who we are and that's what we do.

[cultural diorama. ashley walter.]

what i did this weekend:

2011-09-18T23:49:00.001-06:00

-laughed really hard that they put this on fiber bars.

-froze [and had fun] at a hockey game.

-ate pizza really late.

-studied hard. [and rocked my first test.]
-had my parents do my laundry.

-went to pita pit with the fam.

-had my long lost pair of underwear returned.

[my mom sent it down. didn't even know it was missing.]

-watched us get killed in that football game. embarrassing.

[please note that this picture was taken that short time we were still winning.]

-slept through my meeting. really embarrassing.

-read this and this.
-had a hilariously great phone call with my mom.
-and ate waffles with ice cream.

enough with it.

2011-09-17T15:27:00.000-06:00

and the award for the most frustrating thing to do in college goes to....

[drum roll please]

laundry.

such a simple thing that goes wrong every time.
i'm seriously asking for a washer and dryer for christmas. and that's it.

[thanks to my dear, sweet parents who happened to be in town at the time of this debacle and did my laundry for me. they really are the best.]

as of late.

2011-09-16T12:21:00.002-06:00

my best friend gets married in less than a week.
i'm wearing my purple jeans.
we took a field trip to macy's and macey's this week for class.
my roommates let me tuck them in to bed last night.
they made delicious tofu lasagna for dinner.
and ciera informed us beyonce is pregnant.
which led a rendition of "all the pregnant ladies, all the pregnant ladies."
i have my first test and i'm not stressed, but probably should be.
the biggest football game of the year is tomorrow and it sure snuck up on me.
we have third row seats. go cougs.
i see an adorable boy every day.
prideful moment: top 5 in tennis around-the-world.
craving to wear my long johns. the purple ones.

and the best story of my week:
i was at the grocery store, for a homework assignment.
[because my major rocks.]
there was this grandpa with his grandson about my age, i'd guess.
well, the grandpa kept looking at me, so i smiled.
then he turns to his grandson and says,
"there sure are a lot of pretty girls here tonight!"
i quickly took the next aisle and bust up.
so funny.
i love compliments from old men.

happy weekend everyone.
and let's hear it for some college football!

creating.

2011-09-14T08:48:00.000-06:00

life is about the people you meet,

and the things you create with them.

so go out and start creating.

[thanks emily.]

creating lots of good things lately.

sure makes for a good life.

[while we're on the topic of create - go watch this. it's still my favorite.]

this girl is growing up.

2011-09-13T16:33:00.000-06:00

[here.]

thinking today about how it's my last year of college.

and realized it's the first time in my life i haven't made plans.

becoming a teacher?

potentially.

but i can be anything really.
i feel like the sky is the limit.
for now, at least.
who knows what's in store for me these next months and years.
it's never felt so close to actually be done with school.
and now, i'm not really sure how to feel.
but today it feels good. exciting.
because there are new adventures on the horizon.

quotable.

2011-09-13T12:57:00.000-06:00

"let us be examples of honesty and integrity
wherever we go
and in whatever we do."

-president thomas s. monson

things that ciera and i do that are a big deal.

2011-09-12T16:31:00.000-06:00

ciera and i have done a few things lately.
and they are kind of a big deal.

exhibit a:
trying on clothes at target.
sometimes you have to get a little creative when the door doesn't lock.

exhibit b:
we're gym people now.
[but i still don't fully claim that title yet.]
and i watched avatar while i ran.

exhibit c:
we own a giant zucchini.
it came from the most precious couple.
we helped weed their yard.
and it was the neatest experience.
plus, we left with a giant zucchini.

a good school day.

2011-09-08T23:15:00.000-06:00

you know a good school day when:
-your group starts a fire in your 300 level cooking class.
-you beat your brother in tennis.
-and you watch part of "saturday's warrior" in your parenting class.

i love school. or today at school.

the good news is...

2011-09-07T12:40:00.000-06:00

the good news is you'll always feel better when you wake up. [except for in extreme cases.]
sometimes i am grumpy but service or sleeping are always the best option.
today i tripped up the stairs and i hope some people got a good laugh out of it.
there is a ferris wheel on campus. and humongous ballons.
people that are really happy to see you make you feel like a rockstar.
it's sometimes okay to be five minutes late to work if it means doing your hair in the morning.
in the end, somehow it all gets done.
and just for the record, homework isn't everything.

oh and bytheway, i fell asleep in class already. awesome.

my weekend was this good.

2011-09-06T09:34:00.000-06:00

-ciera's birthday.
-cannon center with add.
-free concerts on the rooftop [with lanterns].
-a mexican carnival [aka the mexican palooza].
-late night wendy's run.
-a birthday party.
-byu beating ole miss.
-freshman besties reunion.
-cosmic bowling [and dancing the night away].
-a whole 5 minutes of "little princess".
-learning neat things at church.
-sitting on the couch for hours.
-mona lake. a rope swing. a ruffle swimsuit incident. "i sailed mona." [on floaties]. and big burger.
-good bye to karissa.
-dinner with the parents.

here's the proof:

i always love having labor day off.
happy week back at school - or whatever else you may be doing.

class schedule.

2011-09-02T19:53:00.000-06:00

tennis: taking it with the brother. super great. like every morning it feels like the good old high school days of tennis practice. even if it's tough to get out of bed. one morning i even ate a quesidilla right after, before 10:30 am. let's just say i stopped at taco bell at least twice a week after tennis practice during the high school. glad to know that craving still exists. and our tennis instructor is the men's assistant coach. i'm being taught by a university tennis coach. whoa sir.

intro to linguistics: the first day was cool. my professor is cool. i just don't really get where he's going with all this language stuff. i try to follow along, but i'm just not positive how it all relates. at least we have an in-class test. i'm hoping that will be good for my test taking struggles.

textiles: the FOUNDATION of our major. because it's used in absolutely everything. i was unaware of how much actually is textiles. not only is it clothes and house hold items. it includes air bags, toothbrushes, awnings, etc. seriously-the list goes on and on and on. it was fascinating. hardest class of my major. coolest stuff to learn about it. putting my whole heart in to this one.

parenting and child guidance: this class is going to be my favorite this semester. i already know it. my teacher...incredible. you know a good teacher when they are able to make you cry on the first day of class by telling powerful stories. we discuss the importance of families. and makes me look forward to one day becoming a parent.

family meal management: another favorite. we cook yummy food. and remember how i set a goal to rock at grocery shopping? this class is my answer. for reals. i am stoked.

teaching english language learners: how to become a good teacher. and teach people from all over the world. i had an epiphany the first day of class. you know how so many people focus on foreign language students tests scores? and how they are so worried that they don't measure up? how in the world can we expect them too. does that sound awful? it shouldn't. because listen, we spend our whole lives up until high school - or whatever grade - learning the basics, the principles, the rules, the language. we get tested on it. and sometimes we don't even do well ourselves. how can we expect students who have only been here for a few years to know all the same knowledge we have that has taken us our whole lives so far to gain? just think about it. this will definitely be an interesting one this semester.

soeur redford.

2011-08-31T21:12:00.003-06:00

my girl marlee is on her way.
a delicious lunch at guru's.
some pictures and card sharing.
lots and lots and lots of hugs.
and the holding back tears as we said good bye.

you see, marlee is my sister.
not by blood, but by choice.
the relationship we share just feels so much like, well, sisters.
we even had to share a bed for a whole summer once.

marlee changed my life.
and i love her so much for that.
and simply because of the person she is. amazing.

see you in 18 lady!
you'll do great!

fall.

2011-08-31T09:59:00.002-06:00

this morning felt like fall.
and in a few hours it will probably be blazing.
but there was definitely something in the air.
maybe it's that tomorrow is september.
and school has started already.
this morning felt like fall.

in recent news.

2011-08-30T13:17:00.001-06:00

-derek got the job teaching at the mtc.
[woot, woot.]

-managing relief society - day one. success.
[mostly.]

-the new roomies are awesome.
[and they cook allll the time. so good.]

-so what if our "pam" expired in 2009?
[it now makes sense why it smells like play-doh.]

-take ciera to the temple for a good laugh.
[she accidentally does really funny things there.]

-i forget how many people actually go to college here.
[is it bad i like it when no one is around except the efy kiddies?]

-one specific goal for each class. written down.
[please let this feeling last.]

-amy is hilarious. that's all there is to it.
[dead serious.]

-i craved that donut for over a week.
[thank you derek.]

-got nailed with a volleyball at ward fhe.
[everyone starred but i just laughed it off.]

-my girl, marlee leaves tomorrow.
[remember, she's heading to madagascar!]

-sometimes i forget that school means homework.
[here's to reading every.day.]

and that, my friends, is recent news.
[more details on this week/classes to come.]

first day of school.

2011-08-29T23:00:00.002-06:00

the first day of school looked

like this.

[it's cool to still pose like a second grader.]

and this...

with a few things like classes and work in between.

[they rocked.]

it was really just a great day.

old/new.

2011-08-26T19:32:00.000-06:00

baby brother/kid on campus.

apartment/darling roommates.

friends/life adventures.

becoming.

2011-08-23T10:54:00.000-06:00

[here.]

work hard..

do my reading.

be a better friend, sister, daughter.

be more friendly.

do my best at my calling.

love more.

early to bed, early to rise.

have too much fun sometimes.

attend the temple.

keep flossing regularly.

stay happy.

#1 lil bro.

2011-08-22T13:25:00.000-06:00

this is my brother.

he is amazing.

we are best friends.

and i just love him a lot.

a lot, a lot.

perfect plans.

2011-08-19T12:04:00.001-06:00

funny how things work out perfectly, isn't it?

just been thinking about life as of late.
[inspiration.]
thinking about where this past year has brought me.
reading posts that began like this.
to this.
to this.
to this.
to this.
to this.
to this.
to this.

i've just been fascinated as pieces of my life begin to fall together perfectly.
i shouldn't be so in awe, because Heavenly Father knew it all along.
but i didn't.

i had the tiniest bit of faith in knowing that everything works about,
and that's about where it ended.
i had so many doubts. fears. questions. even anger.
but i had small answers. directions to head but not sure why.
so i kept at it. slowly making my way along the path.
with a lot of encouragement from others.
[and inspiration from all of you. thank you.]

recently i've been happy.
happier than ever before.
and suddenly, the light is shining down so bright. to see clearly, at least for a bit.
time and time again i'm reminded, this is why you are here.

and i'm finally embracing it.

babies. all over the world.

2011-08-18T12:05:00.001-06:00

somebody left a "national geographic" on the counter at work, so i decided to have a look.
at first, just for the pictures.
[because kylee is going to have her photography in them one day.]

as i kept skimming i found this article.
then a chart.
and it was one of the saddest things i've ever seen.

pretty much it showed the countries that made the most money had the fewest children.
all over the whole world.
kind of a sad thought, isn't it?
we have the ability, and finances to give children good lives.
but in this article women talked about how they were more interested in buying nice things.
waiting until they paid off their house.
saving enough for their children to go to school first.
and the countries that don't have as much are still willing to have children.

maybe it's because i'm a home ec major. and a latter-day saint [mormon].
but i think the family is a really big deal.
are we not willing to sacrifice our time and money to bring children into this world?
especially because that's what culture and society is telling us?

just something to think about.
your thoughts?

the toilet debacle has reached its pinnacle.

2011-08-17T10:59:00.005-06:00

sometimes i feel like a pioneer when i have to weather the great outdoors as i walk to the apartment next-door every. time. i have to use the bathroom.

dear plumber,
please fix our toilet today.
for reals,
ashley and future roommates.

best friend bets.

2011-08-16T19:28:00.001-06:00

today i got this text from bff kayla.
"i'm going to the dentist today. do you want to take bets on how many cavities i have? because it seems like i have a couple every time i go!!! haha"

i said,
"i bet a costa vida dinner you have only one."

her,
"i wouldn't make that bet if i were you..."

her, two hours later,
"i owe you... hahaha"

and that, my friends, is how you win yourself a costa vida dinner!

notes in church.

2011-08-16T19:21:00.006-06:00

Ash,
your toes are rather plain and look like halloween with your shirt

Add-
don't be ridiculous.

Ash,
This is "a big deal"
-Gru (Despicable Me)

Add-
what am i supposed to do about it?

Ash,
Fix it! People will judge you!

Add-
good thing it's temperature color changing so it'll fix itself.

Ash,
That is the dumbest thing I ever heard!
Two words...POLISH REMOVER. NOW.

[add asks for more paper.]

Ash,
Darwin told me I had a golden/brown tan! Jealous much?

Add-
people tell me i have the hair of an angel. you jealous?

Ash,
A simple 'yes' would suffice!
And no i'm not cuz have you looked at my hair lately! GORGEOUS!

Add-
you're right. we have mr. universe 2011 sitting next to me. how do you do it?

Ash,
I live a simple motto:
Just do it!
Even if it's hard to have everyone love you.

Ash,
Do you wanna see my model walk?
"i know you do"
quote from ________

Add-
i dare you to walk to the bathroom and do it. RIGHT NOW. everyone will love it (you) anyways.

Ash,
I expected better from you! We are at church...can you say "R.E.S.P.E.C.T."
-band

Add-
-aretha franklin
thanks for at least sitting on my toes. your "heart grew three sizes today."
-the grinch

Ash,
You should ask aubrey about the grinch and hear her quote it! so freakin funny

Add-
OOOOTTTAYYY!
-little rascals

"Not impressed by quotes"
-Addison Walter
CONVO OVER.

as you can see, sometimes me and my brother have really cool note passing at church.
really mature, we know.
don't even bring up how he kicked my shoe and it went flying up a row after this...

changing. [life and me.]

2011-08-15T12:09:00.001-06:00

i've just had a lot to think about lately.
and sometimes all that thinking comes out in tears.
like major tears.

but then those around me share their love.
and they just listen.
they give me their support and remind me how good life is.

i'm so grateful for learning opportunities.
for changes and major things.
because that's the only way we can grow into the people we are supposed to become.

i might lose it a few too many times in one week.
but i promise i'm excited for the things coming up ahead.
here's to life, and all the blessings [and challenges] it brings!

st. george and back in 12 hours.

2011-08-12T16:15:00.000-06:00

a wake up call at 7:00 from uncle jaron saying they were here.
quick breakfast at mcdonalds and we were on our way.
stop in beaver and the famous giant rocking chair picture.

we made it to st. george in time to stop at the outlets. [yeah new school clothes!]
and grab lunch at smash burger.
[i love signs that have my name on the wall real big.]

then it was time for the funeral.
funerals are beautiful things.

they remind you of eternity, the incredible plan of salvation.

great grandpa pettit was an amazing man who was the hardest worker and loved his family so much!

it really was lovely. and great to be with family.

four generations. great grandma pettit. nana johnson. mom. me.

just so you know, st. george is HOT.
so afterwards, it was back to the mall to change.
and a stop at the grocery store for cold drinks.
another stop in beaver.
then we were home.

basically a post about how i cleaned a bunch of stuff.

2011-08-10T16:01:00.000-06:00

taking off a week was the best idea i ever had. for reals.
thursday i headed home for a little stay-cation.
it involved a drive up the canyon with my little bro.

and then major cleaning out of the bedroom.
[which was more of like flash back mania and finding hidden treasure.]
i found all my favorite stuffed animals. and it felt like a toy story 3 moment. except i saved mine. for the future kids...you know.

yes, i could still name all my favorite ones.
and every other second was, "mom! do you remember this? i LOVVVVED this!"
we even played with some of the toys.

like i have this ridiculous flamingo pen so mom poked the head out of the closet and said,
"yo ash. show me how you groove!"
basically rolling on the floor by that point and said, "groove mom? really?"
"yeah...i was thinking more from my time."
and then found were the china town treasures.

i have enough random stuff to supply costumes for a roadshow i think.
oh, and i had alllllll my binders and class notes from high school?
it was about that point i was almost in tears and said "i'm going to be on hoarders some day!"
but - they were easy to throw away so i felt much better about myself.
plus, look at how much me and my brother are sending to the D.I.
boat.load.

weren't you glad you got to read all about me cleaning out my room?
HA. sorry about that.
friday was a delight.
except for when i freaked out about a mole. bruise. uhh...mole-bruise.
good stuff: ikea. fabric store. sewing a duvet cover.
[which turned out darling./room make-over post coming in the next few weeks.]
getting all my laundry done. even my sheets, and barbara, and towels, and comforter, and clothes.
soooooo good.
addison and i headed to subway for dinner.
then we decided to go hit a bucket of balls.
but... i was so bad and only hit like 7 total so we ended up giving half the bucket to the men next to us.

finished season 5 of design star.
saw some of the r.m. friends from high school.
story time with big d.
and saturday. the room becamse finished.

tuesday.

2011-08-09T16:23:00.003-06:00

after working in my parent's garden, we ate gelato and played bocce ball for family home evening.
derek beat us all. but everyone learned i know the real techniques to bocce.
[like "the hip throw" and slicing when necessary.]

and have i ever mentioned i think my parents are some of the funniest people i know?
because they are.

today i realized i don't have a planner.
maybe only kelsy will understand, but it's kind of a pressing matter.

i also saved $113 dollars by buying my books on amazon. [i felt kind of cool.]

jason reeves [my "blind love"], yeah, his cd comes out in like a week.
you could saying i'm pretttttttty stoked.
buy it here. "the lovesick".

oh, and i never eat the almonds.