2011 enough said.

So I figure that if I actually write down my New Years Resolutions then maybe I will remember them and be able to look back at them. But wait I lose everything so I know I will lose a piece of paper with that junk on it. The paper will get stashed somewhere in my room,stuck in one of my textbooks or my daughter will have the luxury of drawing turkeys and houses on it. So I will type it up! Yep thats it...I will type of my Resolutions and hopefully this will be a better reminder.. So here it goes...

1.  Start Reading my Bible on a Daily basis(bc I am just awful at actually doing it which is really pathetic)
2. Lose 33 lbs by May 1st (Swim Suit Season and I will look FABULOUS!!!!)
3. Get Addison Potty Trained by April 1st, Please God Help Me!!!!
4. Really dig deep and conquer this Couponing stuff and become the Crazy Coupon Lady who will save us some Money
5. Keep my house clean more and organized which is something I should have as number 2 haha
6. Stop Worrying about things that I cannot Control
7. Learn how to do more amazing crafty things 
8. Take my Crafts to sell at a show place : )
9. Read 10 books before 2012
10. Trust in God more instead of myself

So here is to 2011, I know that some of these may seem silly but they are truly very important to me : )!!! I hope everyones New Year is Fabulous and that 2011 is a year full of  joy and wonderful things come your way!!! Happy New Year!!

Crafts by Ashley

Well Hello Everyone I have started my own little thing where I am making crafts here and there and are selling them here and there. I am very excited about doing this!! Here is just a few samples of my work in which I will post.  I am making tutus,hairbows, ribbon wreaths, ribbon topiarys, fairy wands, hairbow holders, wipes case covers, and many more to come after the first of the year.

I also have my own page Crafts By-Ashley!! So please feel free to add it!! I do pay pal and will ship to you!!!

This Christmas

** I tend to babble alot in here lol*

This Christmas is not like any other for me.

This Christmas is much more then any other before.

Addison actually knows what is going on with Santa and is soooo excited. I catch her singing Christmas songs and always saying "its Christmas time momma" smiling with that million dollar smile. Now who can't smile to that : ). I love Christmas more then anyone, well maybe not my momma haha. She has always went crazy over Christmas in which has instilled upon me to do the same considering I just love every single decoration possible. I mean my house right now looks like Santa threw up. : ) I love it that way!! I can't wait for Christmas morning when Addison sees Santa has left her presents under the tree and taken bites out of the cookies she has made for him lol. Its going to be amazing and I love every bit of it, however I dont want her to think its only about Santa and presents. I dont want her to think its only about the Christmas tree and the lights. I want her to know the real meaning of Christmas in which I am just now really understanding myself.

Its not just the giving presents part in which is a huge part, but its something so much more. Its about the night that the world was given the greatest gift of all. I really always just heard the story of Jesus being born on Christmas but didnt really understand the greatness of it. I mean to me it was always just the day Jesus was born, and that was it. However in the recent months of becoming closer to God my heart has shown me its sooo much more. I catch myself crying to songs about Jesus being born. It wasn't just that it was the GREATEST gift that was ever given to humanity. It was God's gift to us who doesn't deserve anything more then hell itself. However God sent his son to be born to save us. God gave his only son, I couldn't imagine giving my addison up for all these sinners. However thats another way of God showing his love for us once again.  He knew that night when that little boy was born who he was going to be and what his life would hold. I look at that little baby in the manger so differently now. It's so different this year because I am starting to understand his real love and his grace and how amazing they are. I am really starting to fall in love with him. Like to be able to think of what it would have been like to be the drummer boy that night playing his drum for him, or how about being the wise men in which brought him beautiful gifts because they knew this baby boy was something special.

But what about being Mary who was unmarried and now carrying the Holy Son of God. What an unbelievable thing God would give to someone. I mean could you imagine looking on that childs face, not thinking oh you are gonna be a great man of God, but you are the Son of God. I mean that would be HUGE to face and deal with. I just could not imagine the way it felt for the angel to come and tell her she was going to be carrying the greatest gift of all. What a great guy Joseph was to believe that this was real and she wasn't just pregnant by someone else. These two had real faith and are pretty amazing.I wish I could have witnessed somethings in the bible first hand bc I bet they were so amazing.

However, Its so much more exciting this year to be something so much more.

When me and my sisters were little my mom and dad would always read us the first Christmas story every Christmas eve in the cutest pop-up book ever. I still remember that book and now understanding everything  and how great it really is, I want to do the same for Addison. I want her to understand how wonderful this Holiday is and how much more it is then just getting a pink dollhouse or about the man in the red suit!!

Soo This Christmas is so much more then any other before.

Merry Christmas Everyone and sorry if I bored you to death..lol.

A Broken Playground

Yesterday I was sitting at the playground in our neighborhood with Addison just letting her slide and have fun. Well there were this group of kids who were brothers and sisters that started talking to me and was playing with Addison. I am always open to talk with any kids so I had no problem. Well they were just too funny and so sweet!! So something pricked my heart which I know was the Holy Spirit and led me to ask the 6 year old Alexa if she went to church anywhere. She said "No, Whats that?" I was shocked blown away and terrified because I knew God wanted me to speak to this little girl. I said its where you learn about God and thank him for everything he has done for us. Alexa responded with "Who?"!! Once again I was in shock, because I was saved at 3 years old and my daughter talks about Jesus all the time and tells everyone how much she loves church and loves talking about her bible!! So I said "Wait you don't know who God is?". Alexa responded " Uhh I think he makes stuff, didn't he make that new kind of car or something?" -----Once again totally blown away!!!! WHHHAAATTT!!! She doesn't know who God is, I mean thinking he was the maker of some new Volvo or BMW just hurt my heart. So I asked her if she had ever heard of Freedom Church (which is where I attend) and she said No. So I started to try and tell her about everything that we do at our church. She said "Wow, that sounds fun" I told her maybe she could come sometime or maybe I could give her and her sister a ride sometime. By this time the sister was listening who was such a sweet heart, her name was Nicole and she was 14, she was hanging out with this other guy who was about 13 or 14. I started asking them if they went to church anywhere, you know what there response was?? Nicole-"Too Busy" ,Boy-"I wanna sleep in"!! Hmm..I said "well yeah I use to be that way to until I realized how awesome Jesus and going to church was."  I kept telling them about Freedom and trying to slip in anything about Jesus to them I could. I even texted my Childrens Pastor Ben Fowlkes and asked him "What do I say?, How do I talk to them?" pretty much was freaking out and begging for help. He started texting me and telling me to talk about Jesus and he loved us and how he died for us. I tried so hard to say little things without the kids running off scared, but then all of sudden their aunt called and they had to go home. I was so sad and scared because I felt I didn't do enough, I could of been their only light.

It was obvious that their parents didn't take them to church or really even mention God to them. I mean I would say that's selfish and so wrong to do that to these beautiful children who deserve to have a chance to love Jesus and live for him. However yes it may be selfish, but what if someone like me has never spoke to their parents. I mean I have always grown up in it but what about those who generation to generation God just isn't mentioned or even really understood. I thought wow this is just one little family whose children has no clue of such an amazing Love and wonderful God. They may have heard about God here and there like "oh he makes stuff, or some guy died on some cross thingy" I mean if they think he is the owner of BMW and Ford then obviously they really don't know about him taking on our sin so that we who are so unworthy could be Righteous!!!  I was so hurt, not by them but by this world.

So I posted something on fb as a status for people to pray for these kids, well my friend Jessica who goes to Oakleaf Church in Cartersville works with Oakleaf kids just like I work with Freedom Kidz. Well she saw this and said she asked her Oakleaf friends to pray for these kids which was so amazing. So I started thinking do we really pray for other kids out there who are just walking down the street and so "Lord Let them come to know you" or when some stranger cuts us off or is just plain rude to us, do we ever think they may not even know his precious name? They may be very well be going down a path that is so lonely and sad and ultimately may be without Jesus forever. It really hurt me because I love kids and they are my passion to show them God's love. However, Adults have been through things  and are older and set in their ways, but what if their children started speaking to them. Asking them questions, showing them God's love, asking them about Jesus...what would happen? Maybe the parents would tell them to just hush...or...maybe they would start listening and wonder who is this Jesus? Maybe the parents would say I guess if my kids wanna go to church I should take them, and what if something sparked in that parent while they were at church just for their kids. Well if that happened in Alexa and Nicoles family (in which there 6 siblings all together) then their might be 8 new people who give their life to God.

So my whole point in this is even though its scary and yeah they may come cuss you out cause your talking to their kids about Jesus, but who cares?? What if some sweet child or a whole family get saved because of it? Don't go out there slapping people with Bibles or start handing out cards to kids that say "Repent or Burn" by no means, but show them God's love. Just ask them, whats its gonna hurt, your ego?Well I am sure your ego can be repaired but a lost soul cant unless someone shows them his light!!

So Please Pray with me that our generation will have the guts to get out their and ask questions and that our generation will PRAY for others who may be lost. Because if you start asking questions, then they are bound to start asking questions!!

Thanks for reading and hopefully a few prayers will be said for this family and every other child or parent out their who may be lost.

Sun Stand Still

I feel like I have been seeking God so much in the past few months. I really feel like I am at the right church and that God has a calling on my life through that church. God has put amazing people in my life to not only be mentors but also great friends who really care about me. The people from Freedom have changed my life, and God has changed MY life through Freedom Church. I am kinda surprised at myself because I am now seeking out God and wanting to read his word, listening to preaching, and reading Christian books. It surprises me but also scares me. I mean I am scared in such a way that I am going to let God down. I feel like every time I get up temptation knocks me down. 

I have decided from this day forward to begin to pray Sun Stand Still prayers. I have recently watched Pastor Steven Furtick who preached for 24 hours straight explaining a lot about his new book called Sun Stand Still. I am so excited to read the book because I feel like I was born to do something great that is called of God. As Pastor Steven said "I gotta watch out for the swaggerjackers." I know that there are gonna be temptations and trials however God never said it was gonna be easy but he did say he would be there for me through the storm.

My Sun Stand Still prayer is to become everything the Lord wants me to be for him. I pray that God will equip me with the people I need in my life and protect me from temptations that arise. I pray that I live in audacious faith, and remember that God likes to light the unlikely on fire.

I think potty training is of the Devil....

So I wake up this morning and decided that this is it I am gonna get Addison potty trained. Its probably gonna be easy right? Yeah right!! Ha thats a joke!! I have tried before but now I am gonna get concentrated and really do this!! So we have a pack of Dora panties and she has went through every single one of them today. Its like she puts them on and she is all excited but she won't tell me until after she has peed or when she is peeing that she has to go.   Its kinda frustrating, but it has to be done. I mean its gonna be hard really hard. I have decided she is only gonna wear pull ups when we go outside of the house and during night time and nap time. This is it I am Potty Training my two year old. ugh. Yeah I think potty training is of the Devil for sure. However I shall prevail, haha. Lord help me!!

It's not about me..It's about him

Every single day I live I think am I doing something wrong? Is God disappointed in me? Have I done enough to be an amazing Christian? Yes. I think these things every day and it doesn't matter how hard I try to not care I still feel that way. I always felt like I was going to hell for everything I did growing up and always thought that I have to do enough and win God's love so I can go to Heaven. Hey but you know what I found out, it's not like that at all. As a matter of fact I don't have to win his love, because he loves me soo much. I mean really honestly he loves me, love imaginable and so forgiving. Its amazing because for once in my life I have seen that I can't work my way into Heaven, that its not anything I do. It's not about me, Its because of what he did. I am starting to realize that Christianity is not about dodging hell. Its about his love and grace, and what he did on the cross that day for Me!!

This song really just says it all.

David Crowder Band- How He loves Us

Its really amazing and I just need to yield to the Spirit like Pastor JR said and realize that Grace happens. I really just want to be so in love with Jesus. So I guess this what I need to realize that Its not about me...Its about him.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

Why I am blogging??

"Mommy, Momma!!" That's usually what I hear from the moment I wake up in the morning till I go to bed at night. However I love to hear those names everyday but sometimes its like wow I need some mommy time, some me time. Yeah just some time to breath without thinking every ten seconds about cleaning this, doing this, making sure she isn't spilling Goldfish on the floor or walking around with 8 outfits on in the middle of the Summer. I love her, she is my little sunshine!!! I wouldn't trade her for the world!! But Sometimes you just go and go non stop every day being Mommy & Wife and every other time consuming thing and you realize heck I don't give myself anytime. So that's why I have decided to start blogging much more, I love writing and I have decided that will be my me time. I am a mommy, a wife, a sister, an aunt, a daughter, a granddaughter, a niece, and a friend; but you know what I am also Just Me. So yeah I think I will call my blog Just Me Mommy. Well that's all for now because I am wanting a snack and I need to get up for Freedom Church in the morning. I will return tomorrow : )

Operation Organized/Non Slacking Ashley!!

Well its been awhile since I last blogged, however I am determined to start blogging much much more!! Addison is now 2 years old and just talks all the time!! I mean its amazing the stuff she has learned and how much she is learning everyday.

I have her play room set up and it is soo cute!! Its amazing how many toys she has that she never touches. It makes me kinda sad because there are so many children that would go crazy over just one new toy. I am determined to go through her toys and not just give them to Good Will but find a program for less fortunate kids.

I am determined to be a better wife and mom!! I am cleaning like everyday and I really like having a clean house, lol. I am trying to figure how to be more organized and get Addison on a real schedule!! Its just so hard but I think we are getting into one a little bit more : )!!I really have to start working on Potty Training like ASAP because I feel like I am being such a slacker. I know she just turned 2 but I really would love it if she was potty trained before Christmas!!

I haven't been going to church as much because of vacation, I was sick and then of course Addison was sick!! Its really bothering me and I can't wait till Sunday!! I just need some closeness with God and I really just want to be in Praise and Worship. I feel like since I started going to Freedom that God has really opened my heart and allowed me to feel him for the first time in a very long time!! Its amazing!!

Well there is so much more I could just write and write but Addison is wanting to go read a book and go night night..so I guess I will say night night also !!

Summer 2010 - May

Well...Addison is about to turn 2 which is just crazy because I feel as if these past 2 years have went by so fast and I could barely even blink to see her grow. She is so funny and so smart, I love her so much. She is having a Dora Birthday Party which I am making purple backpack goodie bags with little googly eyes and a map that has googly eyes. It should be interesting because I am not whatsoever creative with things like that at all. Now with graphics I could make her 10,000 backpacks but we aren't doing graphics haha. It should be interesting, last year was a lot of fun so I think this should be a hit.

Justin and I are planning on going to Myrtle Beach this summer all by ourselves, in which will be amazing because we never had the chance to go on a honeymoon. We are talking about going Scuba Diving which should be interesting because I have to take classes and freshen up on swimming underwater before we even attempt this amazing feat!! We are also discussing going parasailing which should be very interesting. I have never done any of these things so I am interested in how this will turn out. There should be a lot of great pictures and great times so I can't wait!!

Relay is also coming up which I am very excited for!! I loved Relay for Life last year and It really gave me a different perspective on a lot of things. This year the themes are reflecting Relay across USA so we decided to pick Kansas-Somewhere over the Rainbow/Wizard of OZ which will be so much fun!! I really need to get myself together after Addison's birthday party and get a place to do a Car Wash Fundraiser at. I am looking so forward to Relay with all of my wonderful friends and getting to help raise awareness and make impact in the Fight Against Cancer.

God Knows What's Up

Well hello everyone, Yes this would def. be my first blogging experience. I have seen other people do it and thought hey why not. I love writing and miss writing blogs on Myspace. Even though I can say that Facebook is much better and I would never go back. I love being able to let everyone have a little glimpse of Addison's life on more of a personal point so this is perfect! I probably wont be very good at this but eh that's okay, just bare with me.

Addison is right now standing beside me wanting me to open a cup that I definitely cannot get open. She is screaming at me and just pitching the worst fit. She just doesn't understand that she has another cup already and that one is better. Its amazing when children want something right then and there the fits they will pitch. I love my Addison more then life itself however she is definitely an impatient one. It kind of reminds me of when we as children of God whine and complain because we cant have something right then. God is always there and he knows exactly what we need and when we need it. My husband Justin and I tried buying a house a couple of years back but God knew that it wasn't the right time for us. However I was very disappointed and just could not understand why we couldn't have such an awesome house. I was so upset with God however he knew exactly what he was doing because just a few months later I ended up with about 13 kidney stones and was out of work for a while. God knew that we couldn't do it and he knew my future and what would happen. It may be hard to understand in the beginning what God is doing and hard to wait on him and be patient but if you just pray and seek God, he will in return hear your cry. God always knows even if we as his children want something so bad and are so impatient.


I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry Psalm 40: 1

Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. James 1: 3





God always knows. I was with someone for 3 years and used to pray ask God why I couldnt get pregnant even though I was so young and silly for praying such a prayer. God knew that he was waiting to give me the most beautiful gift of all. He knew that the person I was with just wasn't the right person. He knew that I would be with Justin one day and we would create the most beautiful creature of all. I went through so much while I was pregnant thinking that I may give birth at 22 weeks is not fun at all. I prayed and asked God why he would get my hopes up by letting me be pregnant but give me the possibility of losing her. I already loved her so much and prayed for her everyday. However God knew what was up, as Pastor Pete Smith says God always knows whats up!! Then one amazing morning he gave me my most prized possession ever on June 2nd 2008. She was born 38 weeks and 4 days and was not born early at all. He gave my beautiful daughter Addison Grace. She is the most amazing sweetest person I have ever met. I hope that I can raise her to grow up to be a woman of God and a woman of Strength. She is an amazement every day and teaches me to be more patient and love God more every day. She shows me how amazing things are when you first discover them and how beautiful outdoors can be and just a simple laugh or smile from her makes my day. I love her and cant thank My Lord enough for her!!

Its amazing what happens when we just put everything in God's hands and trust in him.