Thursday, December 16, 2010

Feelin' Real

My dress came today!! It all feels so real and much more exciting now!! I love it so much, and I am so thrilled. The dress is beautiful, just like I remember it. I can't wait til July, and for Craig to see it.

One another good note. My brother and Kasara will be here soon! They are coming to spend Christmas in Utah. I am very excited to get to see them again in such a short time.

Caitlin will be here in about a month. I can't wait! I miss her so very much!

Christmas is right around the corner. I am excited for the next couple of weeks and all my three day weekends!

Monday, December 13, 2010

On and On

I haven't updated in awhile so I thought I would post something.

Thanksgiving in Arizona was great. Of course, as always the trip was not long enough. We will be back out again, maybe before the wedding; we shall see. I miss my family all the time. Luckily Mathew and Kasara are making a trip out for Christmas.

Christmas is right around the corner. I LOVE Christmas time. My house is decorated and ready to go. I am so busy this time of the year, but it's all worth the madness when I get to spend time with my friends and family.

Wedding planning is coming along. It doesn't feel completely real yet; and I keep putting things to the side thinking its so far away... but I know, it's going to creep up on me before I know it. The colors have been altered slightly, to navy blue and yellow. The color combo is beautiful, and I am very excited to see it all come together. At the moment we are trying to decide exactly where this thing is going to take place. We are considering doing this all in our backyard. We have a large yard, front and back, and we are thinking if we are going to spend money to have a wedding, that we should put it towards our home. Plus, what great memories everyday when I look outside. Craig and I have started putting together our wedding play list. We are both very passionate about music, so this is a HUGE part of the wedding. It has to be perfect, and it has to reflect who and what we are. Save the dates need to go out the end of January; I need my best friend here for that job though :) I have decided on silk flowers for the wedding. The look real and you'll never know they are silk until you touch them. I don't want the stress of making sure they look nice, and don't get left out in the sun if they are real. This way, my bouquet and everyone elses flowers are stunning all day, and all night, and can be saved as a keepsake for those who wish to do so. Craig and I went out and picked my wedding band. It is perfect, and looks amazing with my engagement ring. We haven't picked Craig's out yet, but I have started looking. Honeymoon is booked, and paid for! We just need passports, and we are ready to go!! We are so excited to be going to Jamaica. It is something we have talked about for years, and now its coming!!

The new year is just weeks away. I can't believe it's almost 2011. I can remember when I was little and I always thought 2006, my grad year was SO long away. And now we have blown past it. I am excited for the new year, and all the new adventures it will bring us. I am ready for whatever life has in store for me.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday. Merry Christmas!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Just Stuff

Just a quick blog for the day.

Its the holiday season... and for those of you that know me well, I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS!

Christmas cards are ordered and on their way.
Craig and I leave for Arizona in 9 days!
Thanksgiving is right around the corner!
My mom, Kasara and I are going to go look at wedding dresses while we in Arizona!
The Christmas tree at my house is up... yes, I know its early, but I always put it up the day after Thanksgiving, and since we wont be home, it went up today! :)
Company Christmas party!
Our annual Christmas party is on December 24th with all the friends. Its ALWAYS a great time. And I have hosted it the last few years, which I love doing!
Christmas shopping is underway... and getting close to done!

I just love the holidays!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Day 29- My Aspirations

Day Twenty Nine - My Aspirations

Be a successful business woman. I work hard every day to be great at my job. I like the field I work in, and I enjoy the kind of work I do.

Be a good wife, and a better partner. Do everything that is best for the both of us. Have selfless love.

Raise a beautiful family with strong shared morals, and values.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Day 28 - Something I Miss

Day Twenty Eight - Something I Miss

I miss my family that are living in Arizona everyday. I wish we could be closer... or at least find more time to visit one another. Family is a very important part of life, don't ever take yours for granted.

I miss my Grandma Fincher; she is in North Carolina. She is a great woman, and I miss her all the time. I pray she is in good health to make it to Craig and I's wedding. She has had a rough life, but is the strongest person I know.

I miss my best friend Caitlin. She is in Hawaii right now, on a little life adventure. I can't wait until she comes home. Life is much harder without your best friend by your side. I miss you friend.

Day 27 - Favorite Place

Day Twenty Seven - Favorite Place

Arizona
If you have never been to Arizona... go. It is beautiful. I love it there. Yes, it gets hot, but the majority of the year the weather is amazing. I love the views, the sky, and culture.

The Beach
Take me to the beach. Anywhere. I love it. It's so relaxing. Man.... I can't wait for our honeymoon!

Day 26 - My Fears

Day Twenty Six - My Fears

  • Clowns
  • Moths
  • Spiders
  • Mice
  • Snakes
  • Horror Movies
  • The Dark


Day 25 - A First

Day Twenty Five - A First

Lets go with Craig and I's first date.

October 17th, 2003.

Our first date was to a haunted house. We went with a group of friends. I still have the ticket stub to this day. It was the Haunted Forest in Ogden. I can still remember that night as if it were yesterday. It wasn't anything fancy, but it is a strong memory I will always hold. Halloween is always kinda special for us now because of this.

Day 24 - Something Tha Makes Me Angry

Day Twenty Four - Something That Makes Me Angry

Abuse. I get so upset when I witness, or know of anyone or anything being abused, in any way.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Day 23 - Something That Makes Me Cry

Day Twenty Three - Something That Makes Me Cry

I am horrible about saying good-bye. I get worked up about it all the time. Leaving my parents after a visit, seeing Mathew and Kasara go, even saying good bye to Craig for a weekend.

Life is short; and we aren't promised tomorrow. Enjoy today and all the moments you have.

Day 22 - Something That Makes Me Feel Better

Day Twenty Two - Makes Me Feel Better

  • Craig
  • Hugs
  • Smiles
  • Laughing
  • Johnny Cash
  • A hot bath
  • A favorite song
  • Memories
  • My friends
  • Unexpected text messages
  • Good phone calls
  • Talking to my parents
  • Looking at pictures
  • Hearing from Mathew and Kasara
  • A good book
  • Cooking
  • Scrap booking
  • Crafts
  • Long drives to no where

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Day 21 - Something That Upsets You

Day Twenty-One - Something that Upsets You

I am doing this blog entry today, since tomorrow is a busy day for me, and I don't know if I will get to this. And I really hate running behind.

I try not to get upset about many things. I try to stay positive, and be understanding with people and things. There is one thing that always upsets me.

Disrespect.

I don't like being disrespected, and I don;t like watching others be disrespected. Being disrespectful is the ugliest thing ever. You can be a super model, or Gerald Butler, and you start to be disrespectful, and you have lost it all. You will very very rarely find me being disrespectful to anyone. You have disrespected me beyond recovery to have me turn around a be disrespectful to you.

You should have respect for everyone. Do you have to agree with them? Absolutely not. Should you respect their thoughts and feelings regardless of race, sex, culture, and politic views? Absolutely. Have your own opinions... share them, preach them, live them... but when I am doing the same for me, or someone else is doing theirs; respect it. Have respect for other humans, things, and living beings.

Day 20 - This Month

Day Twenty - This Month

So October is almost over... so I will just go with what will happen over the next 30 days.

Halloween of course. It is always awesome. I love Halloween!
November 2nd - This is Craig and I's 7th year anniversary. Wow. A better part of a decade we have spent together, and its been great.
November 23-27th Craig and I will be in Arizona! We are so excited for our little holiday vacay!
November 25th - Thanksgiving! One of my favorite holidays! And I get to spend it with the family in Arizona!

Day 19 - Something I Regret

Day Nineteen - Something I Regret

Never regret anything that made you smile... or made you who you are today.

Day 18 - Favorite Birthday

Day Eighteen - Favorite Birthday

My favorite birthdays would be my 20th Birthday and 23rd Birthday.

20th - Pawl and Rosa threw me a pirate birthday! It was SO much fun! Everyone went all out and dresses up, and the whole house was decorated to match the day!

23rd - Craig took me to Vegas for my Birthday to see the Pixies, and to just hang out. It was lots of fun. Craig also proposed to me at the end of the weekend!

Day 17 - Favorite Memory

Day Seventeen - Favorite Memory

This one is hard, because I have so many great memories in my life. I also have some very bad memories. I will just make a small list of some of my tops!

The first time Craig said I love you.
Buying our house.
Craig proposing.
My dad taking me to my first concert.
Mathew and Kasara getting married!
Telling my mom and dad I was engaged!

Day 16 - First Kiss

Day Sixteen - First Kiss

Okay, thanks to the flu I am playing catch up today. Yes, I am feeling much better... not 100% but MUCH better!

My very first kiss was when I was about 4. It was harmless. He name was CJ, and he was my moms best friends son. We were just so little and were playing wedding, and of course needed to kiss for this occasion.

My first real kiss was in fifth grade, his name was Robert; it was during truth or dare. It was nothing spectacular (we were in 5th grade).

PS - Don't get the flu this year... it is awful.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Day 15 - My Dreams

Day Fifteen - My Dreams

My dreams... I am a big dreamer... but I also clearly understand reality. "I'll keep my feet on the ground, and my head in the clouds"

I have many dreams that will all fall together over the next several years. Nothing in any particular order.

Marrying my best friend; July 7th, 2011. I am very excited for this event. Yes, I know it's just a day, and just another wedding, but its my wedding; and I couldn't be more thrilled. Craig and I have been together so long, and own a house and cars together, share the same bank account and funds, and have our little Johnny Cash. No dramatic changes will happen, but there will be some that come with marriage. And I, will be his wife, and he my husband. I am so very happy!

Craig and I will, one by one visit each Major League Baseball park. All of them. This is a dream we share together. We are both huge baseball fans, and think this would be so amazing and exciting. This will be done... yes it will take time, but it is not impossible. It will be the best memories ever.

Having children. Nothing much needs to be explained here. We plan on raising children and having a family someday. Sometimes I could dream of this for hours. I think we would make good parents; and I can't wait to watch Craig be a father.

Finishing all the remodeling on our home. We love our house; and are having a great time making it exactly how we want; but when its all over I can not wait to look back at all the hard work we put into it, and how amazing it all has turned out!

Opening a brewery/pup diner with Craig. This is something that will come many years down the road, but it is something we will do. Craig making his homemade beers, and me cooking good meals to go with it. Both of our passions mixed into one thing.

Writing a book. This is something I have dreamed of since I was a little girl. I will at some point finish one of the many I have started... I will have it published, and I will be so proud. I am not looking to write a best seller; just writing something worthy enough of being published, even by the littlest publishing company in the world. :)

Travel to Australia. Craig and I both think this would be an amazing adventure!

Move to Arizona. When the time is right. Life will take us there when it is time!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Arizona

I just wanted to share with the world that I miss my family so much... and I CAN NOT wait for these 4 weeks and 6 days to pass until we have a little vacay in Arizona!!

Craig and I get the pleasure of spending the Thanksgiving holiday with my parents, and Mathew and Kasara! This will be the first holiday in 3 years we have got to spend together, so it is very exciting!

Also my mother can not wait to see my ring, and talk wedding in person!! :)

Day 14 - Embarrassing Moment

Day fourteen - Embarrassing Moment

Nice. I have many of these.

One day I was full of embarrassing moments. I wont ever forget this moment, and either will the people that were with me (in fact they brought it up just a few weeks ago.)

I was in high school, and I was in the car with my friends, Joey, Austin, Steve, and Laurie. Austin complained about the car in front of us not using his blinker, and Joey joked that they were probably out of blinker fluid. Me without skipping a beat replies " where do you put the blinker fluid? ". Everyone busted up laughing... I quickly learned there is no blinker fluid necessary!

Same day, a few hours later I am being made fun of for my comment earlier, they all tell me I am such a blond. At the time I was rocking the blond, black, and red look, so I reply, "Well, I am only 3/3 rds blond." Yep. That's what I said.

Good times. Embarrassing moments are always great to look back on.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Day 13 - This Week

Day Thirteen - This Week

So, this week is pretty uneventful for the majority. Let's see.
I work Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm.
Tuesday (today) is Jaki's Birthday. We may end up hanging out later, who knows. We had a party for her this past weekend.
Tuesday and Thursday night I have class.
Craig and I BOTH have Saturday AND Sunday off together. Yep, you heard that right. I always have these days off, Craig usually only gets one of them!
On Saturday, we are going to Frightmares at Lagoon with Neil and Jaki. I get free passes to use whenever from my work, so this is when we are using them.
Sunday, will be consumed by baseball and football, and cuddling. But your not hearing any complaining from me.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Day 12 - What in my bag

Day Twelve - What's in my bag.

Wow... here we go.

Cell Phone
Camera
Pens & Pencils
Checkbook
Wallet
Lip Gloss
Lip Stick
Mirror
Make-Up Compact
Gum
Mints
Hair Ties
A Mini Measuring Tape
Sunglasses
Eye Glass Cleaner
Receipts
A Granola Bar
A Jump Drive
Keys
Lotion
Sanitizer
Body Spray

Yep... I carry way too much stuff around. But hey a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Wedding Planning

So update for those of you who are wondering...

Date has been set, July 7th, 2011. Yes, it is a Thursday, but we didn't care it was the date itsself that matters.

Colors - Yellow and Blue, looking for like a turquoise blue, auga blue kinda thing.

Assisting theme - beachy, very casual, very summer lovin.

Honeymoon!! Montego Bay Jamaica at the Secrets Resort and Spa. : ) : ) : ) : )

Much more to come of course, but these are the details we have set on so far. Save the dates will go out the beginning of the year.

Day 11 - What I Ate Today

Day Eleven - What I Ate Today


Well today was Sunday, and we watched a lot a sports, so please excuse the not so healthy snacks I had today :)

I had a yogurt this morning for breakfast ( I didn't wake up til 10 today, its was nice)
Craig and I decided we wanted Taco Bell, and I had a burrito from there.
Chips and salsa, and fiesta dip for a snack.
Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo for dinner.

So thats that.
I packed my lunch for tomorrow. Turkey sandwich, sugar snap peas, carrots, and a yogurt. :)

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Day 10 - What I Wore Today

Day Ten - What I am Wearing Today

Lets see... today I am wearing.

Dark blue jeans, a white tank top, and a blue short sleeve cardigan, and silver flip flops. Nothing to fancy, just a relaxed Saturday look.

Yes, I know, very exciting. :)

Friday, October 15, 2010

Day 9 - Your Beliefs Day

Day Nine - Beliefs

This is a touchy subject for a lot of people. Its on the list of things not appropriate to talk about with everyone, like politics, etc. But the beauty of growing up in America is our freedom. Our freedom to have our own thoughts, beliefs, feelings.

What sets me apart from many people with this kind of stuff is respect. I will listen to what  you have to say; I don't have to agree with it, but I will respect it. Nothing gets to me more then when you share your opinion, or belief about something, and someone bashes you for it. Your no more right or right then I am. We DON'T know for sure what is out there. But each of us is allowed to believe, and have an opinion on anything we wish.

I, myself do believe in a higher power; or a God. I believe that we are here for a reason, and that life was created for a purpose. I don't go to Church, or read the bible daily (although, I have read it, and now and then I will pick it up). I don't feel I need to go to church to show faith. I do believe that my prayers have been answered several times. I don't believe that God can help us with all our problems; there are some things you just must face on your own... consequences to mistakes we have made, or harm we have put ourselves in.

I am a big believer that your attitude can change your life. If you are negative, and putting yourself and others down all the time; your quality of life is destined to be poor. If you look at life in a positive light, and just do good things, and live your life, your life will be filled with more happy times. We are all going to have burdens, struggles, heartache, and pay the consequences to our actions. That's a part of life. It builds who you are.

I like to live my life to the fullest. Enjoy it, we are never guaranteed another day, another moment, another chance.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Day 8 - A Moment

Day Eight - A Moment

I have so many memorable moments... thinking of just one is really quite hard. I will share two; two recent moments that I will never forget. My moments frozen in time!

First - The purchase of our first home.

Wow... for those of you who haven't bought a home, let me warn you now, your Patience will be tested, and your stress levels will find a new all time high. There is so much that goes into the process of buying a home. Money to be lent, contracts to be signed by TWO parties both wanting the best deal, working with your realtor, your Realtor working with theirs, inspections to be done, repairs to be made, appraisals to go through... I knew going into it it wasn't going to be a piece of cake, but man were we in for some surprises.

Its a big decision to make. You are buying a piece of property. There isn't a one of two year lease you can walk away from. The repairs are yours to deal with. The mortgage must be paid monthly, period. There is never ending upkeep.And when your sick of the house, or ready to upgrade; you now have to sale it, a whole new boat to be in.

I remember when we got to closing day, I was so excited all day, I could barely work. I talked to my lender and Realtor a 100 times that week getting final details, and paper work done. 4pm came around and Craig and I were sitting in the title companies office with a stack of papers and a brand new pen in our hands waiting to be explained each paper. I remember how it all felt all so surreal. Once these papers were signed that was it. No turning back. A 30 year commitment we were making. Sign here, initial here, sign here, initial here. We signed out ream of papers, and left the office to go wait for the 24 hour funding period... I just wanted the keys already!

So the day was here. Sandra our Realtor called and said we could have the keys. She took them to Craig at work, and I made him promise not to go there without me! It was so weird pulling up to the house for the first time. It was ours. Really truly, ours. We walked though all the rooms again, dreaming of all the things we would do in this house. I remember us sitting in our empty house, on our empty living room floor and just being so excited, and scared. We bought a home... our home. I can't wait for all the memories we will build there!

Two - My engagement

September 26, 2010. It wasn't a fancy event. In fact we had just been in the car for 6 hours... we both were not looking are greatest, we were tired, hungry, and a little hung over from our weekend in Vegas. I was laying on our bed, half asleep; and Craig came and laid next to me. He told me to open my hand and close my eyes; knowing Craig I was waiting for a candy wrapper or something stupid to end up there. He told me he loved me and when I opened my eyes it was defiantly not a wrapper. I was so surprised, and shocked. I didn't even know what to say to him. I of course started crying. It was beautiful. The feeling I had was so amazing, something I will never forget. I am so excited to marry my best friend.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Day 7 - Defining Love

Day Seven - Defining L-♥-V-E

I am not really 100% sure how anyone can define this. It means so many different things. Love is a feeling not a thing. In order to feel love I feel you must also experience so many other emotions at once. Love is like a cocktail of emotions mixed together making quite the intoxicating potion.

My listing of people and things I L ♥ V E.
  • Craig
  • My Johnny Cash dog
  • Mom and Dad
  • Mathew and Kasara
  • George and Jenny
  • Nate and Emily
  • Denz, Sherrie, and their girls. 
  • Phil and Katrina
  • My grandparents
  • My second family; aka the friends. 
  • All my family out there
  • My house. 
  • My beautiful engagement ring
  • Sunsets
  • Warm weather
  • Music 
  • Cooking
  • My freedom
  • My job
  • M&Ms
  • A good book
  • Crafting my heart out
  • Summer rain storms
  • A cozy fire
  • Thanksgiving and Christmas
  • The 4th of July
  • Halloween!! 
  • New clothes
  • Sleeping in
  • Laughing until it hurts
  • Having a shoulder to cry on
  • The simple things that always make me smile. 
  • An unexpected text message
  • Thinking about my future
  • Driving around talking for hours. 
  • Surprises
  • Cuddling
  • A good funny movie
  • and the occasional sappy love story
  • Baseball - Go Dodgers! 
  • LIFE! Everyday of it. I am not guaranteed tomorrow, so I will make the most of today. 

    Tuesday, October 12, 2010

    Day 6 - The Soon to be Hubby

    Day Six - Soon to be Hubby

    Today I get to talk about Craig... as if I haven't talked about him enough. : )

    William Craig Remington... or as you all know him, just Craig. He has always gone by Craig, it's actually quite the family tradition to go by your middle name. Craig's birthday is August 14th, 1986; he is a Leo, and shows every bit of it! Craig is very passionate about many things; especially life. He loves music, and feels that it can change your life. He is a fan of sports, mostly baseball; and I still love him even though his team is the Yankees.; ) He likes going out on adventures, and spending time with our friends and family. Craig takes friendship very seriously, and its something I defiantly respect and adore from him.

    Craig and I have known each other for about 9 years. We did not always get along; and were not always friends. My sophomore year of high school we ended up with the same Math class. The teacher sat us in alphabetical order, and we ended up right next to one another. We started talking, and then hanging out; and then one thing led to another. We started dating in October, and became "boyfriend and girlfriend" November 2, 2003. Seven years later, here we are.

    Craig and I have had our ups and our downs just like any other person. Yes, we have had arguments; and I am a firm believer that it is healthy to ague with your partner, best friend, parents, siblings. Its called being human. People always ask me how many times in seven years Craig and I have broken up and got back together... zero. No argument, or situation has even been severe enough that either one of us was whiling to give up on the other. Failing in our relationship was never an option.

    Craig and I share the same values and goals in life. We both understand fully what the other expects, and what we expect of our lives as a whole. I would have to say Craig is a lot more patient then I am; and I love him for it. Sometimes I worry more then I should, and he lets me for a minute, and then helps me gently back down to reality. Craig's outlook on life always makes me smile. He just wants to be happy, and do things that make him happy; and most important be around people that make him happy.

    Craig and I are getting married! Yes, that is right. Go ahead with the about times, and finally, and what took so long. The timing was perfect. We always get asked what took so long... but honestly is there a time limit on these kind of things? Did we break some rules, or cycles? No, we just lived life. We had goals we wanted to accomplish before this time came; and we accomplished. After seven  years together this is more or less a celebration of a piece of legal grade paper; but we are both very excited for it. We have chosen July 7th, 2011 as our wedding date. 7-7-11. I am thrilled to be marrying my Best friend; and I am so excited for our future.

    I love Craig. He treats me well, makes me happy, comforts me when I am sad, stands next to me through the good and the bad; and loves me for me. 


    Monday, October 11, 2010

    Day 5 - Best Friend

    Day Five - My Best Friend

    Today I get to talk about my best friend. Of course Craig is my best friend; but a different kind of best friend. I take friendship very seriously. I don't make friends easily, but the ones I do make are friends for life.

    Caitlin -
    Caitlin and I are hundreds and hundreds of miles apart... and have been for almost a year now; but our friendship has not faded. We talk pretty much daily. I miss her so much.

    Caitlin and I met about two years ago (picture above is acutally from the night we met). For some reason, we just clicked, instantly. She understood me, and visa versa. We quickly became great friends.

    I can tell Caitlin anything, and everything; and never getting a juding look, or word back. She accepts me for who I am, good and bad. She gives me advise, shares, laughs cries, and most of all listens. I can always count on Caitlin to be there when I am having a bad day.... or even on the most exciting days!

    Cait and I always have a good time... even if it is doing nothing. We lived toegther for about a year, and it was a blast. We had some great times, and share some memories I will never forget. We can totally be ourselves around each other.

    I can't wait for my Kit Cat (yes, I call my friend Caitlin Kit Cat) to come home. We have so much goofing off, and SHOPPING and crafting to do!

    Saturday, October 9, 2010

    Day 4 - Siblings

    Day Four - My Siblings

    Okay, so I know I already did one today, but I am doing this one now since I will be too busy tomorrow.

    Mathew Shayne Alan Reader; or as many of you call him Mat. You will very rarely hear me call him Mat; we will get into that later. Mathew was born June 9th, 1990 after almost 40 hours of labor from my mom... we knew forever after this at how stubborn he would be ;). My parents couldn't decide on Mathew or Shayne as his name; so Mathew ended up with two middle names, Shayne and Alan. Alan is my grandmothers twin brother, also our god-father. My mom spelled Mathew with only one "t" because she DID NOT want him being called Mat... it didn't work out as she had planned. :)

    Ashley & Mathew Reader

    Growing up it was just Mathew and I. We are about 3 years apart. For those of you that know me I am very protective of my brother... and the same goes for the other way around. Its the way its always been. My brother has a lot of the same traits as my dad. He is very hard working, and dedicated. Mathew and I had our sibling fights; but most of the time we were really close, and could talk about a lot of things. Mathew was an amazing football player. He started playing when he was 8 years old, and played through high school. He knew the game better than most people his age, and he was not afraid to take or give out a good hit. Mathew met his now wife Kasara in high school also. They married Septmber 5, 2009. I had the honor of being thei maid of honor for their wedding. I had a lot of fun putting it toegether and helping out, and it turned out beautiful. I am very happy and proud of the both of them. They made their home in Arizona, and are very happy together. Mathew is in the process of being accepted to be a Boarded Patrol Agent; again those that know him know that this is a perfect fit for Mathew. Although dangerous, Mathew will be a great agent.

    I love my brother very much, and miss him all the time!

    Day 3 - Parents

    Day Three - My Parents

    Family is very important to me. They mold who a person is. I am very close to my parents, and it makes it hard that they live in another state. Luckily I love where they live, and both myself, and my parents are in situations that make it easier for me to come visit.

    Mom

    My mom's name is Linda. She was born and rasied in North Carolina. My mom had a hard life growing up, so it taught her to be hard headed, strong, and financial smart. My mother never wanted my brother or I to have to struggle like she did. My mom had me at a young age; and my biological father did not stick around to take on his responsiblities. My mother moved to Idaho while she was pregnaunt to get away from her life; my gransmother went with her and together they raised me my first years of life. The struggled every day; one working a day shift the other working a night shift to be able to take care of themselves, but most importantly me. My mom worked my whole life, up until I was 12, and my family's situation became much better, and much more stable. She does taxes now, so she works full tiem for 4 months, and a few days a month for the rest of the year. I am grateful for both of them and they have both taught me a lot. My mom is a very artisic and creative; she is smart, and is a good listener. When I was a teenager my mother and I had a lot of hard times because we didn't see eye to eye. I see now, that mom often knew what she was talking about. One thing I love about my mom is she tells it how it is. My mom has never been one to sugar coat things; she wants you to realize that life isn't always fair, and that you are going to get hurt, but you can pick yourself back up and try again. Although I always said I would never become my mother; over the years I have noticed that is exactly who I am becoming.... and I wouldn't take it any other way.

    Dad -

    This is dad. His name is Joel. He grew up in Southern California. He moved to Idaho the end of high school with his mom when his parents divorced. My dad is the hardest working person I have ever met. This is my hero. He isn't my father by blood, but he is more of a dad then I could have ever asked for. Most of my life my add worked two, sometimes three jobs to support my family. My dad has everything he has in life because he worked HARD for it; everyday. My dad is the coodinator of tax collections for the Arizona state tax commison. Yes... I did follow in dad's footsteps. My dad is a very dedicated person, if he sets his mind to do something, he will do it. My dad is also a firm believer in "street smarts". He believes that the smartest people, and the people who do best in life don't know a book from cover to cover... they know life, and the reality of it. If I ever need advise, this is the person I go too. I love my dad, and am so glad that he found us.

    Friday, October 8, 2010

    Day Two - First Love

    Day Two - My First Love

    I think we go through many stages of love in our lives. I am a true believer that this is important in our growing, understanding, and crucial to the development and learning of ourselves. You have to get your heart broken at least once. You have to experience love of all kinds before you can experience the love of a lifetime.

    I, myself have had my share of love and heartbreaks. I am who I am today because of these. There are many names I could list on here of people I have loved in some way over my lifetime. So we will just go with the one that has had the biggest impact on my life…

    Craig. It is so cheesy, but he is my other half; my best friend. I am a better person when I am with him.

    Craig and I started dating when I was 16, November 2003. We had math class together, and were assigned to sit right next to each other. We became friends, and started hanging out and one thing led to another. Never did either of us think that we would fall in love, stay together though high school and after, buy a home together and get married. But things just worked out that way. Life wouldn’t be the same without him.

    Craigs family is great also. His parents are very accepting of both of us and I get along very well with his mother, and his siblings. They have all always welcomed me into the family, weather I was to be there for a few months, or stand the test of time.

    Craig and I share a lot of the same interests, and we also have many of our own interests; which I believe to be important in a strong relationship. We both love dogs, we have a dog named Johnny Cash; he is our child and we love him so much! We are both die-hard baseball fans… we are not always agreeable on the teams, but it adds a little competition to the mix. Craig and I share the same values, financial habits, goals, and many shared dreams.

    We have had our share of ups and downs; but failing was never apart of either one of our plans. Neither of us are quitters, and we both fight for the things we love.

    We have a close group of friends; their considered our family too. We both take friendship very seriously, and have the same understanding on what friendship is.

    Craig makes me happy; and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him.

    Thursday, October 7, 2010

    30 Days of Blogging


    So I am going to be trendy and try this out. I guess more or less it gives me a good excuse to remember to update my blog more then once a quarter! For the next 30 days I will blog about the list below!

    Day
    1 - Introduction
    Day
    2 - Your First Love
    Day
    3 - Your Parents
    Day
    4 - Your Siblings
    Day
    5 -Your Best Friend
    Day
    6 - Your Husband/Boyfriend
    Day
    7 -Your definition on Love
    Day
    8 - A moment
    Day
    9 - Your Beliefs
    Day
    10 - What you Wore Today
    Day
    11 -What you Ate Today
    Day
    12 - What's in Your Bag?
    Day
    13 - This Week
    Day
    14 -An Embarrassing Moment
    Day
    15 - Your Dreams
    Day
    16 - Your First Kiss
    Day
    17 - Your Favorite Memory
    Day
    18 - Your Favorite Birthday
    Day
    19 - Something you Regret
    Day
    20 - This Month
    Day
    21 - Something that upsets you
    Day
    22 - Something that makes you feel better
    Day
    23 - Something that makes you cry
    Day
    24- Something that makes you angry Day
    25 - A First
    Day
    26 - Your Fears
    Day
    27 - Your Favorite Place
    Day
    28 - Something that you Miss
    Day
    29 - Your Aspirations
    Day
    30 - One Last Moment


    Day 1 – Introduction

    Well, I am Ashley Nichole Reader. I am 23 years old; I was born September 24th, 1987 in McCall Idaho. I was my mothers first child, and she had me at a young age. For the first few years of my life it was just me, my mom, and grandmother. When I was 3 my mom met my dad, and shortly after they were married and I had a baby brother on the way. 


    I now own a home in Tooele, UT. This is where I have lived since 1999. I live with my fiancé, Craig, and our dog Johnny Cash. My life is good… not perfect, but I am happy and content, and wouldn’t have it any other way. My family moved a few years ago to Arizona. I miss them all the time. Someday Craig and I will move to Arizona; we both love it, we are just waiting for the right time in life to do this.


    Craig and I have been together for 7 years; since I was 16 years old. We are in the process of planning our wedding, which will be on July 7th, 2011. We are both very excited.

    I have a great job working for a local company called Wireless Beehive. I take care of their collections needs. I have worked here for almost 2 years, and am content with where I am.

    I am a very simple girl for those that know me. It doesn’t take much to keep me content. I love doing crafts, watching baseball, hanging out with friends, going to concerts, and playing with my dog. Craig and I are both HUGE dog lovers, and dedicated baseball fans. My friends are family are very important in my life; and we are all very close.

    This is me in a nut shell. I could do on for hours… but that wouldn’t be very exciting! See you tomorrow for Day 2.

    Saturday, July 17, 2010

    Summer Time

    Wanted to do a quick update of the summer so far. Summer finally came, although for awhile I was pretty sure Utah was going to skip out on it this year. But, it's here! I love summer, everything about it. Hot days, warm summer nights. Hanging out with friends, BBQ's, tank tops, flip flops, I could go on forever. Summer has been eventful, mostly just all the "life moment" that happen at this age, but it's been fantastic!

    A bunch of friends got toegther and went to Vegas in May. We went to a music festival called "Punk Rock Bowling". It was a blast, and we all had a great time. It was mine and Craig's first time in Vegas since I was 21, so it was a great time. We are acutally going back for my Birthday this year, to see a concert, so that should be great times also!

    Craig's sister, Emily, was married in May to Nate. It was a beautiful wedding, and as always the bride was as pretty as can be. It rained all day, which was kinda a bummer since she wanted the wedding to be outdoors.... but they say rain on your wedding day is good luck, so we will take it.

    My brothers birthday was June 9th. I didn't get to spend it with him, but of course he was in my thoughts. He has a great day with Kasara and my parents! Big 20 for him, can't wait until he is 21 and we can go have some fun!

    I enetered into a city contest called "Name That Theme" for the 4th of Juoly parade this year. And I WON! Yay. The theme was "Star Spangled Celebration". My theme was posted on everything, and all over floats and shirts, etc. It was awesome. I was also in the parade with my work. We had an awesome float, with a giant beehive we made out of styrofoam. It was a lot of fun, the little kids have a great time with it.

    My good friend Kansas had her baby yesterday. He is adorable! Boston Lee is his name, and he is just perfect. I am so very happy for her, and she is going to be a great momma. Her and baby Boston share a birthday also! So she was gifted quite well this year! Congrats Kansas and Brandon.

    As always our summer has been filled with several BBQ's, concerts galore, and good times. We have several Birthdays still coming up, including Craig's in August. Our good friend Matty will be getting married the end of August as well, and we are excited for him. Neil and Jaki, and Mathew and Kasara will all celebrate their 1st year wedding anniversary very soon!

    That's my mid summer update. Pictures to come soon of the house and all we have done to it!

    Wednesday, June 16, 2010

    Don't blink - My 10 things


    Okay so I have been seriously so bad about updating this thing. I will get better, I promise. Life gets the best o f us sometimes... hours turn into days, days turn into weeks, and before you know it months have passed. I'm trying no to blink afraid that if I do, I will miss summer completely! Summer is my favorite time of the year, as it is for most. Camping, cookouts, warm nights, tank tops, FLIP FLOPS! Always an adventure.

    So I decided to do this, along with everyone else.... List 10 things that make you happy, one of them needs to be something that has happened to you/for you today and then pick 5 fellow blogger that make you smile. And then they hopefully pass it along to keep the smiles going 'round.

    #1 Craig
    Of course. After 7 years he still gives me butterflies. I couldn't imagine life without him, the life we have built together. He has helped shaped me over the years, as I have him. We have grow up together, and been through hell and back, and still want to stand by one another side. I wouldn't change a minute of our lives together, and can not wait to spend the rest of our adventure together.



    #2 Johnny Cash - The Dog in Black and White
    I love my Johnny Cash. He is apart of the family as much as anyone else, and he makes me smile on a daily basis. He has so much personality, and is so loving. Yes, he is very protective, and his bark is much loader then his bite. You can't help but smiling when he greats you, and tries to "hug" you. Its just the greatest thing ever.




    #3 Family
    My family is so important to me, and I love them dearly. Family is spread out near and far.... but always very close to my heart. All my family, I love you and am so thankful to have you in my life.



    #4 Friends - My Second Family
    I take friendship very seriously. My friends are my world, and I would say I have a great group of them. There more then people I ask to help move a couch, there family members, people I am always there for, and they are there for me. I can tell these people anything, and they listen, they care, and they love me for me.










    #5 My Job
    I am very grateful for my job, and the company I work for. They are an amazing group of people, and I love it 98% of the time. I think this is important.

    #6 My Home
    Craig and I were fortunate enough to be able to buy a home... our very own piece of the world. I love it. We are making it our own more and more each day. It was a great investment, and I feel very proud to be a home owner, and have the ability to do this at a young age. Craig and I felt this was more important then anything else we could do in life.

    #7 A Good Book
    I love reading.... its the nerd in me.

    #8 Cooking
    I would love to open my own pub or diner someday... and I will. I love cooking, and feeding people. Its the southern in me :)

    #9 Music
    Music cures everything. If you hate music you have no soul.

    #10 Life
    Love life. Everyday of it. Period.

    Sunday, March 21, 2010

    Coming Along

    So we FINALLY finished the kitchen. I will post pictures very soon. It was a lot of work, but I am so proud that we did it all by ourselves. Craig and I are first time home buyers, and the government was so kind to give us $8000 for buying a home. We wanted to be as responsible as possible with this money, so we decided to invest it all back into the house. Since we did all the labor ourselves we only spent $2300 on the kitchen . Refinished cabinets, new hardwood floors, paint, new lighting, new trim, beautiful new counterops. It took 3 months, some laughs, some screw ups, and a few agruments :) but, it is DONE, and looks so amazing. I am so very proud of it, and I am very exciting to make many more memories in it.

    The day after we finished the kitchen, Craig started distruction on the downstairs bathroom. It had to be gutted completly. There had been some water damage in it, which we knew about when we bought the house. The old owners ignored a small leak for who knows how long, and it distroyed the floors all the way to the cement. So we have gutted this bathroom and are going to rebuild it from the bottom. I am definatly excited to see how it turns out. I am glad this is a much smaller room than the kitchen, so it wont be as much work!

    I will get pictures posted very soon!

    Thursday, March 11, 2010

    In the beginning...

    So I decided to start a blog to keep my distance family, and friends updated on everything that is going on in our lives. So we will post updates here on our life, love and our pursuit of happiness.

    As most of you know, Criag and I bought our first home in November of 2009. It is a great first house, and I am so in love with it. We are having a lot of fun... and sometimes not so much fun; updated the house, and making everything our own. We have taken on many remodeling tasks, but everything is coming together a little at at time. I will start posting pictures of projects soon.

    Spring/Summer is right around the corner and I CAN NOT wait. I am not a huge fan of the winter, so I am counting down the days! Craig and I plan on doing a little traveling this summer, and of course spending lots of time outdoors with the friends like usual.

    I will keep updates coming, and will post pictures soon of the house!