Hello World

2007-09-16T15:34:00.000-05:00

Well I am now going to try and keep blogging on my own blog even though I thoroughly enjoy posting pictures and updates about Josiah on his blog. For now I just wanted to recommend a great site for all you other moms shopping for Mommy and Baby products. The site is http://mom4life.com/
It has great products like the Lily Padz nonabsorbent breast pads that I just bought, at the best prices plus they have FREE shipping and amazing customer service. So check out their site and have a great day!

2007-08-26T22:02:00.000-05:00

Josiah Blaze Garcia is here!

We have uploaded pictures and video at his brand new birth blog.

2007-08-21T00:31:00.001-05:00

Amazing

This is a wonderful video that demonstrates a newborn infant's ability to find and latch on to the breast for his first feeding unassisted. I am sorry if this is too graphic as it does show a breast, but I think it is absolutely beautiful and I couldn't help but share it!

2007-08-18T01:47:00.000-05:00

This Week's Project

As many of you know, I am patiently awaiting Josiah's birth-day anytime. Meanwhile I have been working on this project for our youth ministry. It is a postcard with a general calender for the year on it. The above is for the Jr. High Ministry and below is the one for Senior High. Brian of course helped me out a bit with them both and we are very pleased to have them completed and sent off to the printer! So even though I can't wait for our little one to make an appearance, I have still been able to be productive in the meantime. Also, we got to see our good friend Derek today for the first time since June when he left for a summer mission trip to Indonesia. He told us all about his trip, and even brought use some fun gifts! We're so glad you are home Derek!

Derek and a huge bat in Indonesia....

2007-08-16T19:47:00.000-05:00

A Post to My Mom

This post is dedicated to my lovely mother. The picture above is of her and the love her life (he's a postal worker, can't you tell?) Mike. My mom and I have not always had it easy and sometimes we've wanted to disown one another (and always for good reasons might I add), but my mom has always stuck with me and I am so thankful. Sorry it took so long for things to be smooth between us, but I wouldn't change anything if I had to do it over again because it has made us who we are and given us a bond that will never be broken nor fully understood by anyone else in the world. One thing is for sure, I know more than anything else that my mom loves me and would do absolutely anything for me if she thought it was in best interest. I am so glad that she is happy now with her sweet husband, and I couldn't be happier to have them less then a block away.
I think I really realized recently how attached I am to my mom when Brian applied for a very high paying job in Dallas. Neither one of us want to move away from Ruston but Brian asked me what it would take to convince me to move or what it was that I could absolutely not leave behind, and without even thinking, it was my mom.
So mom, thanks for being under appreciated my whole life. You have been a great mom and a great friend. I love you.

2007-08-16T16:43:00.000-05:00

He Will Come When He Is Ready

In case you are wondering, and are one of only a select few of you who haven't called me to ask when I am being induced, I am still pregnant! And to make things absolutely clear, I am having natural birth and do not plan to be induced unless medically necessary; meaning other than being past my due date. And quite frankly, I am really fine with it, I have been enjoying some down time since nothing was scheduled for this week since I was due Tuesday. I believe that when your body and your baby are ready, labor will come and that it when you can expect the best outcomes. Everyone else seems to be way more impatient about the whole process than I am, which is weird but I am beginning to be used to it now. Brian and I are just asking God for a healthy baby, and a smooth delivery and we believe that God will make that happen in his time. Thanks to all of you who have called to check on me, and even those of your who have called the hospital and been confused way I wasn't there. I will be sure to text or call you all when there is any news. As it stands I have had a few minor contractions everyday, I am pretty much fully effaced have done a little dilating as well. Josiah just has not dropped down into my pelvic bone yet and so I am still high. Hopefully my next post will be telling about Josiah and his birth, that came just at the right time.

2007-08-04T14:02:00.000-05:00

The Chandlers

Our good friends, Jennifer and Wil Chandler are moving to Dallas and we are sad to loose them! We are however excited that about Wil's new job and the prospect of getting to visit them in Dallas. Yesterday we got together to snap a few pictures and then we headed over to the Kilpatrick's house for Britton's awesome jambalaya!

2007-08-03T11:23:00.001-05:00

Friends, Henna, Bellies, Babies, and Pictures......Life is Good!

This past week has been fun and interesting. To start with, I went to Jackson, MS last weekend to spend what will probably be my last "Girls Weekend" away from home for a while. I stayed with my good friend Allyson and she did Henna art on my belly, it was so much fun and Josiah liked it so much he kicked through it all!

Yesterday Allyson came to Ruston and surprised me with an awesome painting to hang in Josiah's room! It is a really cute picture of a rocket ship, she did so great and all in one night!

Also, Jenn came over this week to photograph my decorated belly this are just two of my favorites, Jenn is just amazing.

Photograph By BrennPhotography.com

Photograph By: BrennPhotography.com

Yesterday I had a doctor's appointment, only 1 centimeter dilated and I am still having mild contractions at night mostly. This is actually great news because typically people have shorter labors when they have had lots of Braxton Hicks ahead of time to prepare their bodies! After my appointment I went to over to babysit the O'Leary's while John and Ashley caught a movie. I was a little sad that the kids slept pretty much the whole time, but McKenzie did wake up a few minutes before her mom and dad came home so I could snap some pics!

Then last night Brian and I went to a Crazies meeting, which are always so much fun. All the photographers shot each other since many times when you are always taking pictures you are never IN them. It was hot outside but I had a ton of fun. I actually didn't shoot too much, I really enjoyed watching and learning from everyone there though.

Well, thats all for today. Come back soon!

2007-07-28T18:08:00.001-05:00

Little Brian

Today I ran across this picture when I was shopping for baby clothes online. This is exactly what I picture Josiah looking like, and exactly what I hope to dress him in! I just had to share this with you all.

2007-07-27T22:25:00.001-05:00

CC Learning Center Cooking School

Today was the final day of the three day 2007 Learning Center Cooking. I was so glad to be a part of this event that Mrs. Gwen planned and put on. The school featured three different classes on nutrition and cooking, a daily lesson on manners and a daily lesson on fitness. Since I have been completing my summer Practica hours with Mrs. Gwen for school credit, she let me help in the production of this fun three day session. There were over 50 children enrolled in the school ranging from going into the first grade to going into the sixth grade. Here are some pictures from the school and thanks again to all my youth volunteers that helped out, y'all are awesome!

2007-07-23T21:54:00.001-05:00

Jr. High Pool Party

This past Saturday Skylar's family had the junior high kids over for a pool party in their backyard. As you can see, we have a very acrobtic bunch of middle schoolers.

2007-07-23T08:28:00.000-05:00

My Sunday Afternoon

I don't have much to write about so I think I will just report about my Sunday. Brian and I had a fabulous lunch at the O'Leary's house with some of our friends in our small group. We all had a great time watching Maddox and McKenzie eating chicken nuggets and playing together ( or rather, side by side). After lunch I met Allyson McAbee and he mom at the Binns house for swimming and lounging in the pool. This was followed by us all eating Fried Green Tomatoes and other yummies, complements of our favorite, Grammy. By this time our very own Zach Binns joined us and then Al, Zach and I headed out for TCBY and to my house to meet up with Brian and make Allyson join this century and get a Facebook. Fun times were had by all and we eventually end up back at Grammy's house to watch several episodes of our favorite show, The Office and freshly baked smore's cookies. After way more laughter than what I am typically used to Brian and I headed home at 3:15 AM. Now I am attempting to stay away during my eight o'clock class just 5 hours later........ Oh the excitement of my life! Thanks for a fun night guys, food, fun and friends, a great combination!

2007-07-20T19:24:00.001-05:00

Hanging Out with Maddox

Today was Brian Voletine's birthday and to celebrate, he and Jamie went to go see the new Harry Potter movie, so Jamie asked if I could stay with Maddox while they went out. Maddox is such a fun kid, we read lots of books together and even the Wilton Cake Decorating Catalog! Here are some picture from of the cute little guy from our fun day.

Well that's all for today I am about to make a Wal Mart run!

2007-07-19T16:03:00.000-05:00

Just an Update on Today

Today I had a prenatal appointment and exam and I am effaced already! No dilating yet but the doctor said it looked like it was just about to start. only 3 and a half weeks to go and I cannot wait! After my appointment I enjoyed a nice lunch with my mom and two brothers. The older one, Joshua, needed a head shot for a church bulletin board that will highlight his upcoming mission trip to Guatemala. Please pray for him, as he is leaving Monday and this will be his first trip out of the country, at only 13 years old. Well, that's it for today!

2007-07-17T21:25:00.001-05:00

Happy Two Year Anniversary Tony & Jade!

Tonight our small group hosted a luau-style shower for Tony and Jade Heggins. This very special couple got married 2 years ago just before Tony was sent to Iraq for 18 months. They never got to experience all the pre-wedding goodies such as wedding showers so tonight their family and freinds gathered to give them that belated experience and fun was has by all!

Jamie made this AWESOME cake! Isn't it so cute!

The "Tiki Bar"
(The Lite-up sign looks like its on fire, but I assure you that it is not.)

2007-07-16T20:50:00.000-05:00

Congratulations!

Today at 10:34 AM Taylor and Leigh Ann welcomed Alayna Claire into the world! She weighed 7lbs 6oz and was 19in long. Brian and I got to see her this afternoon and she is BEAUTIFUL, just like her big sister! I enjoyed getting to visit with Leigh Ann but forgot to get pictures because I got so wrapped up in hold Lainey and talking. Maybe there will be pictures tomorrow....for now here is one that Jamie took while she was there, hopefully she won't mind me borrowing it!

2007-07-16T02:45:00.000-05:00

To My Husband

This post is dedicated to my sweet husband. Brian, you are my best friend, my greatest encourager, my biggest challenge, and I love and appreciate you so much. This is for all that you do for me and everything you mean to me. You are so talented, thoughtful, and loving, and I could not be any prouder to be your wife. I am so excited to start this next phase of our lives together.

Love,

Crystal

2007-07-14T01:15:00.000-05:00

The amount of O'Leary posts lately has become a little extreme, but here are some pictures to prove that Jeremiah was a happy little boy after his nap on Thursday. These kids are so fun!

Oh if this is not the child of JohnO.....

Joy had by all during Raffi's "Brush Your Teeth" Song

Jeremiah plots his next move...

2007-07-12T01:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Ashley!

This post is dedicated to my sweet friend Ashley, who since I've known her has always been supportive of me and had a listening ear open. Thanks for being a great friend that I didn't expect to have. I love you!

April 2003

June 11, 2005
(At my wedding, Ashley was two weeks from having Jeremiah and she was dancing and looking awesome!)

McKenzie

Jeremiah

2007-07-12T01:15:00.000-05:00

My sweet friends, youth girls and youth parents threw me a fun shower yesterday! I had so much fun and Josiah got lots of cool stuff! Thanks guys!

2007-07-08T00:28:00.000-05:00

As some of you may know Brian and I are planning a natural (yes unmedicated) birth in August. Last week was the final class in a series that teaches the Bradley Method of natural childbirth. We loved it so much that I am planning to get certified to teach the courses in our area this fall. They offered lots of knowledge, tips and rehearsals for labor. Brian and I feel as though the classes and our awesome teacher Tracey have done a great job preparing us.
Why would you not want drugs? So many have asked us this question. The reason started out that I had learned a lot about childbirth in one of my child development classes and received encouragement from professors that it was the healthiest way to give birth for the mother and the baby. After a lot of reading and research new reasons have been added. Natural childbirth has prepared Brian and I for being parents better than the mentality of most soon to be moms. I hear often that "Well I don't need to know because my doctor has it under control." But, what if your doctor does not have your baby's best interests in mind, what if money, time and scheduling all play a role in your birth as well?
A girl in one of my college classes who had planned on having an unmedicated birth was talked into having an epidural when the doctor told her she was "too small" and was going to have a "hard time." The girl ended up having her baby pulled out with forceps because she could not felt ANY contractions or her muscles to push. This and other birth stories brought me to the realization that doctors would like to plan your birth, set a date and have it over with on their schedule using epidurals to drug you up and pitocin to speed your labor. Because of all of these medical interventions many women end up having C-sections to give birth to their babies. So in a short answer: we believe that a woman's body was designed to give birth naturally and medications should only be used in instances where there are unusual complications with the mother or birth. Here is some information about a book called Pushed, by Jennifer Block concerning childbirth in the US. (I'm currently reading it!)

Fact: The United States has the highest Cesarean rate of any country and the worst infant mortality rate in the industrialized world.

2007-07-07T23:53:00.000-05:00

Today Brian took a couple pictures of my belly. I have been feeling HUGE so it wasn't as much fun as I thought it would be. Oh well, here's me and baby Josiah!

2007-07-07T23:46:00.000-05:00

Here is a cool little information on the modern cloth diaper scene.

2007-07-04T13:49:00.000-05:00

Some of you out there have asked what "Baby Items" we are still in need of. The answer the One-size cloth diapers from Bum Genius. These super cute cloth diapers do not require plastic pants or diaper pins, are easy to use, and best of all easy to clean. The problem is that they require a large initial investment but with the cost of disposables, they will be cheaper in the long run. So if you are looking for the perfect gift for our little Josiah, look no further than cottonbabies.com!

2007-07-03T00:02:00.001-05:00

Today I had the privilege of photographing my friends, and their adorable son Maddox and we just barley beat the rain! Here's a sneak peak. I hope you like them Jamie!

2007-06-27T16:58:00.000-05:00

A solution for all of you out there who are trying to figure out how to fit all your babies into your starter family home. Enjoy!

2007-06-20T11:56:00.000-05:00

OKay this is sad, it's been MONTHS since my last post. I guess pregnancy, school, work and being a wife got the best of me! So here are some updates from our lives:

We are having a baby BOY!
His name is Josiah (insert middle name here) Garcia
I am now 8 months pregnant and feeling pretty good considering...
We are taking Bradley Natural Childbirthing classes and we LOVE them!
Yes, that's right we are planning a natural, non-medicated birth.
In November I am praying that I can go get certified to teach Bradley classes because I love them so much and want to share them with everyone I know.
Brian in now officially self employed and God is providing, as He always does.
We went to Milwakee for our 2 year anniversary!
Brian bought me a new car for our anniversary!
Our cat Cali had three precious kittens last month and a week later we took in one abandoned kitten.
We are looking for homes for all of them.

And here's my favorite part, the pictures!

My new car!

These are from our anniversary trip to Milwakee

We went to the Midwest Gaming Classic (this was Brian's anniversary gift).

We left the day after the Jr. High trip to Arlington where I acquired the worst sunburn of my life, followed by sevier blistering and peeling. (Ouch!)

City people are so weird.

Port Washington, where one of Brian's favorite independent films was filmed.

Jeremiah (Turning Two in a couple weeks!)

This the BEAUTIFUL Ms. McKenzie.

My favorite, he's got a little orange in spots.

Solid white with blue eyes.
(We call this one chubs because he's always eating or sleeping.)

This one looks like her Mommy, she's got her calico spots.

This is our adopted (and extreamely playful) one.

2007-03-12T00:11:00.000-05:00

Sorry it's been so long! Here are some pics from life lately!My new bunny, who is yet remaining nameless.

Caleb on our New Mexico trip!

Me being pregnant and showing it!

And Ashley, being BEAUTIFUL!

2007-01-22T21:44:00.000-06:00

Here are the pictures from todays ultrasound. I will be 11 weeks tomorrow!

2006-12-15T14:11:00.000-06:00

2006-11-12T20:50:00.000-06:00

Girls Day Out

This weekend Kristi and I got to get out and shoot all day . It was the funnest day I have had in a while. Log Cabin for lunch, parks, pictures and Sonic drink later on, plus more laughter than we could handle at some points. Thanks for a great birthday Kristi!

Sometimes we have too much fun together.....

Childhood memories...if we had only known then!

2006-11-10T20:03:00.000-06:00

Who is she?

My name- Crystal A. Garcia
My hometown- I moved around a lot, San Diego, Seattle...But I call Ruston, Louisiana "home."
My style- Fun and revealing.

If not a photographer I would have been a... Well since photography is not a business for me its a hobby, this question doesn't apply. However for your info I want to be a MOM!

My strength in my profession is... I laugh a lot!

My weakness in my profession is... wanting to give everyone everything they want.

A vendor you should know about... WWW.Brennphotography.com And CinematicBride.com

Something that is overrated in my industry... Digital editing-Do it right first, and stop covering up the uniqueness that makes people who they are!

3 things I bring with me on every shoot... My camera, a random fun object or jewelry, and a rag or Kleenex, you never know what I might need this for!

Where I get my inspiration from...Everywhere, especially Jenn Kilpatrick of Brennphotography.com. Ever since she shot my wedding and I saw this pictures I have fallen in love with photography!

At 2 P.M everyday you can usually find me... checking my email and doing homework.

Something I'm still learning... Photoshop

One thing I can't part with... My camera, duh.

3 things you'll find in my purse... Arbonne Foundation, my Razor phone that makes me feel way more trendy that I actually am, and pictures that I either need to give people or ones that I want to show my friends.

Something that bores me... people that complain too much.

Something on my Christmas list... a gift card to B and H, an underwater camera, a pivoting flash, a flush mount album of my wedding, and a diamond ring!

Something you'll always find in my refrigerator...Sweet team and soy milk.

The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning...hit snooze and kiss Brian before telling him to get up.

One thing I am going to do this winter... decorate every square inch of my home for Christmas and go on a trip to play in the snow.

My snack at the movies...Sour Patch Kids

My best feature...My ability to make you feel like your butt is small.

2006-11-10T18:46:00.000-06:00

What a Day

Last night and today were not great days for me. I had tons to do but I was extremely sick! And to top that off my kitten Cali got stuck in a tree. She was about 30 feet up in a pine tree with no branches between the one she was on and the ground. Our neighbors were nice enough to call one of their friends that had a ladder and climb up the tree and get her because apparently the fire department will no longer save kittens. As far as everything else, well I manage to just barely get my homework assignments in and that was about it! Hopefully tomorrow will be much more productive.

This is Cali after being rescue and then getting a bath since she wasn't smelling that great after spending all night outdoors.

2006-11-08T23:31:00.000-06:00

Some Old Stuff

At the end of this past summer my Junior High small group got together for a swim party. They girls keep asking me about these pictures and I keep forgeting to get them printed for the youth room. Here are a few of them. We had tons of fun, as you can tell!

2006-11-06T14:37:00.000-06:00

I Heart These Kids

Last week I was privileged enough to get to watch some of my favorite children while their mom went out to a meeting. We went to the park and got to play for a little while before it started raining. Once the rain hit we went under a shelter for a picnic lunch. Here's a glimpse into our day.

2006-10-30T21:36:00.000-06:00

Meet Al

This is one of my best friends, Allyson or Al for short since she is (hehe). We hung out in Jackson, Mississippi a while back and here are some of the pics I happened across on my computer today.

2006-10-30T21:21:00.000-06:00

Today is a day that I am so thankful for friends, for without them I think I would become a recluse because of family. Families, it seems are the worst communicators. They beat around the bush, accuse, judge, and scowl with at every occasion. I wonder why I prefer my friends.... I wish that they would just be honest but kind in their speech.
I am contemplating how I can leave everything behind and take Brian and travel the world photographing pregnant women with their Big Bellies (haha) and babies coming into the world. And on that note, why do some people seem to live on this earth to suck passion out of everyone else's life? If you are passionate about something then do it and do it in the way that fulfills the desires of your heart. What one should not do is see a man's passion and try to have that same passion or do what that man does but without passion. For the passionate man may become drained when he sees what others have done with his dreams. Live your life because there is plenty for everyone and do not seek to be known in the world or to know about what everyone is doing it is pitiful and makes you look foolish.
Well I do believe that is my venting for today, I hope that you read this and become offended if you feel as if this was directed at you, since because of your vanity it is.

2006-09-05T09:37:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in forever! So sorry, not like anyone has been missing them I'm sure since all of five people know that this exists. Anyways, I had a great weekend, got to see lots of friends and I got some more painting done around the house. I also got a WONDERFUL present from one of my best friends Kristi Cherry! It is a whole book of maternity photography, and it is AWESOME! Jenn and I had so much fun looking through it! Speaking of, Jenn's house is so beautiful I got to go help her clean a little yesterday. This past week Jenn was nice enough to help me with my camera (she's so sweet!) and I have made a commitment both to my camera and to Jenn that I will only shoot completely manual with my camera. I did it Sunday and I loved it was hard at first but it felt so good. Here are some pics from the weekend!

2006-08-25T09:31:00.000-05:00

So long since my last post, summer is now almost over now and the pace of life is picking up. This summer has been one of new friendships, and new beginnings for old friendships. I feel like God has grown me in new ways and shown me a lot of things about myself that have helped me serve Him and do His will for my life. I feel like God is showing me more about Himself and that His desire is for us to share Christ with people. I knew that already but I feel like I haven't really taken it seriously. I thought that by living a moral life and being nice to people "my light" would reach them and that's not true. You have to tell people about Jesus and how to accept salvation if they are going to know Him. My commitment this year is to share Christ with people and teach others to do the same.

2006-08-02T13:08:00.000-05:00

Brian and I had a nice trip to Seattle to visit my family. Here are some pictures from our trip. Now I'm just trying to catch up and everything now that I am back home.

2006-07-21T09:16:00.000-05:00

CALEB SUMMER 2006

My little man is growing up so fast. I want to remeber every one of his little boy smiles! Here's some I'd like to share with you.

2006-07-14T08:13:00.000-05:00

Back In Junior High Again

Can I just tell you that I had my first serious boyfriend in the sixth grade? Little did I know that one relationship that lasted into my eighth grade year would define my life as an adult. Today I am the junior high ministry coordinator and just to clear things up I never thought I'd work with Jr. High students. First of all I am and Early Childhood Education major, so I specialize in the learning and development of infant through five year olds. Second of all I was not a Christian when I was in junior high so many times I find it hard to think about what I would do if I were them because I was not being taught truth in the way that many of my students are. Funny the places God brings you along life's road.....

Anyways, you'd think this post would be to complain about my position in life and try to hurry on out of it. On the contrary, I have been so stretched in the last month-being pulled out of my comfort zone and into the Lord's comfort and I am loving every minute of it! All the kids have just been so awesome! I am so thankful God has let me be used to have an influence in their lives and that the kids welcome me in and make me feel at home. They are in a rather awkward in between stage in life and yet they have fun, love God and build relationships with people in a way that the rest of us should do. At first I thought they would be dealing with issues in their lives that were rather petty and unimportant in the big scheme of the adult work of marriage, bills, and careers, but rather they are making choices (just like I did at that age) that are defining themselves now! How scary to think that so many people do not want to work with junior high students but in fact it's these students that we could help find a saving knowledge of Christ and help them grow in the Lord before they become bitter adults with their own busy schedules and harsh perceptions of the Gospel.

2006-07-14T08:10:00.000-05:00

http://www.ninjapirate.com/battle.html
Okay here they are finally! The pirate and ninja picsc from the midnight premire of Pirates of the Carribean!

2006-07-12T08:14:00.000-05:00

Well I keep forgetting to bring those pirate and ninja pictures to work so that I can post them! Oh well....Brian has great news, he got a job recently with a reality company to do three t.v. commercials. We are really excited about this opportunity for Brian and also for the added income this month.
Last night our small group met at our house and we ate pizza, share a great lesson on hurriedness and joy and then enjoyed fellowship during girls and guys prayer time. I thank God for the awesome church family that he's given us! We are so blessed.
Yesterday, I finished my closet remodeling project by cleaning up the mess I made when I took everything out of the closet to take down the wall paper, paint, and install shelving and also by cleaning the rest of the house from neglecting it while I was working on the closet. The closet and the house are in great shape now.
In other news all my friends are far away doing amazing things here are some of them I am missing:

Claire Adams-Liberia, Africa with Samaritan's Purse until October.
Brittany McGehee-Pine Cove in Texas working until sometime in August.
Ashley Binns-Leaving TODAY for Malawi Africa until mid August.
Allyson McAbee-wherever the wind seems to blow her-currently in Jackson, Mississippi but soon to be in Seattle, Washington.
Derek Davenport-Los Angeles, Cali with the Traveling Team training to reach the nations.

I miss you all and prat that God is working in your lives and using you to do great things!

2006-07-07T08:54:00.000-05:00

Last night I went to go see Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Man's Chest at 12:01am. Autumn, Julie, Carlie, and I dressed up as pirates (Rrrrr) and Brian dressed up like a ninja. (http://www.ninjapirate.com/battle.html)
The movie was great but really left you hanging. Pictures of the Pirate/Ninja duo to follow.

2006-07-06T09:09:00.000-05:00

Seems like a hard time for friendships. All my best friends are either gone or leaving soon, Brittany to Pine Cove to work, Claire to Liberia to serve, Allyson to wherever the wind seems to blow her, and Ashley to Malawi for the rest of the summer. New friendships seem hard and tainted by fabrications and selfish ambitions. Lord today hear my heart cry out for those whom I love that are far away from me. Bless their hands to do Your work, bless their hearts to know you and keep them safe Lord. And Lord, while they are gone make me affective right here where I am, help me to honor you by leading junior high students into a life that is souly seeking after you. Help me come more and more out of my comfort zone and into your presence. And Lord, forgive me for all my selfish way, for you are Holy and I am not. Amen.
P.S. And Lord, move me.........

2006-07-06T08:37:00.000-05:00

Yesterday my little sister Nicole let me take her on a photo shoot so that I could practice using my new camera! Here are some of the pictures. Thank you Nicole- You are a beautiful model!

2006-06-30T16:04:00.000-05:00

Today I got a 14 day free trial to Ancestry.com. I am building a family tree for Brian and I and it's fun. I love the feeling I get when I find a family member! I think it's the only reason I use MySpace-because I like to feel connected with people that I'm too far away from to see or people that I'm related to that I never got to meet. My side of the family tree is not very big, since my mom is adopted and there was an unregistered name change on my dad's side. But Brian's side has been in America way longer than I would have expected and I have been able to find several of them. So no deep, complex discussions for today just enjoying family history and love'n life!

2006-06-29T07:53:00.000-05:00

So here I was yesterday, bragging about my new camera and it broke last night. So what lasts anyways, only in our salvation and the Creator God. Certainly not this blog, why I 've had three so far and I've take them all off line after a short time, plus my xangas. It's as if I start writing because I think I might have something good to say and then later, looking back it wasn't as great as I might have hoped. Oh well, on to better things. Had Jr. High Youth last night, played an awesome game called "Cold Feet" where the kids sit in a chair and stick one foot inside a bucket of ice water and try to get as many Swedish fish out from the bottom as possible in 45 seconds- I know you're now wishing you could have been there to play as well, and you are right it was great fun. Our lesson talked about families and conflicts with parents. We had good conversations about the way families are different and parents are humans and they aren't perfect yet God asks us to honor them anyways. The girls seemed attentive and interested. I can't wait for small groups to start so we can really did deeper. Although I have found my new youth role somewhat stretching I find myself wishing I could keep all the kids this age until they are old enough to be adults. I know that right now and very soon they are going to be face with so many life decisions, many them are not ready to make some of these decisions, but they all seem so open to love and faith in Christ, I pray that God will help me as I do my best to lead them towards him and that the Holy Spirit will consume them in this time of growth.

2006-06-28T14:57:00.000-05:00

I got a camera yesterday, even though it was Brian's birthday and not mine! My husband is so sweet, he postponed buying a new computer so that he could buy me the camera of my dreams. On another note my honey turned twenty-one yesterday! We ate out and had a romantic evening at home. Tonight we will go out with his parents to eat and see Superman.
So today's hot topic will be business. If Jesus said that His way is easier and lighter (Matthew 11:30) then why is it that Christians seemed to be some of the busiest, stressed out people around? I believe it is because we cannot seem to get it through our heads that what is important to us is not always important to the Savior of the World. Meaning that, many of the things that we feel are important, things that we spend our lives doing, are like leaves and will blow away with the wind. In the end there is heaven or hell and what matters is not only getting to heaven, but taking as many people who will accept Christ with us and living our lives here on earth abundantly (John 10:10). So my mission: that everything I do be to bring people into the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2006-06-27T11:49:00.000-05:00

The Lord knows the number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30) and yet we cannot know how many days He has given us on this earth(James 4:14). That is spectacular! A God who knows every little thing about us and yet shields us from the future so that we might live for today. We are always saying that we will do this or that when we graduate, when the kids are out of the house, or whatever, but God gave us today and tomorrow has not been promised to us, so live for today. I now feel immune to people commenting about my age, being married, or whatever it is that I'm doing that doesn't set well with the world because I won't turn twenty until November. I will live for my Savior, love my husband, and serve others. I will follow His voice and not yours, I will walk in His ways even though they are not my own and I will love every moment because He has created me for His purposes and I will thank Him that they are not ours.