A little about Ashley

So here's the rules
A. Post the Rules
B. Answer all the questions about yourself
C. After you are done posting, tag 5 people.

1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
Let's see... I just had to read a bit from my journal. I was in 8th grade at KJH! I was boy crazy of course, but it was really just one boy- Brinton Passey. Took me back for a minute to read how funny I sounded about my "boyfriend" and all the drama I had. I loved being in junior high. One thing I miss about back then is all the horseback riding I was able to do. I think I went once or twice a week.
2. 5 things on your To Do list today
a. clean up patio
b. pack a bit because we are getting ready to move
c. clean up house
d. go out to new home in Brigham City for final walk thru on house
e. watch "I am Legend" with Brody tonight- our little date night
3. Snacks I enjoy
popcorn, Popsicles, crackers, juice, chocolate
4. What would I do if I were suddenly a billionaire?
Brody and I have thought about this before. We would buy a huge ranch in Montana with lots of horses and others farm animals. Shop, shop, shop! Travel all over the world. Take care of family members debt. Invest most of the rest and live off of the interest.
5. 3 bad habits
procrastination, watching tv more than reading, saying I am going to train for some kind of a race (triathlon, Bear Gutsmen, etc.) and not following through.
6. 5 places I've lived
Layton, Utah
Fruit Heights, Utah
Ogden, Utah
(soon to be) B City, Utah

7. 5 Jobs I've had
lifeguard-Farmington Pool
Swim instructor- Farmington Pool
Blimpie
Big 5
Wadman Corporation
8. 5 things people don't know about me
I have walked across 15 feet of red hot coals (bare footed)
I broke my arm when I fell off a horse at age 11
I love the Disney channel
I am a cowgirl at heart- I used to want to be a professional barrel racer!
I guess I am pretty open- I can't think of anything else.

I tag Aimee, Brittany, Kristina, Steph, Melanie

What is the Secret?

Brody and I have been wanting to watch "The Secret" together and finally did last night. I was privileged to participate in some amazing training while I worked for Wadman Corporation and had heard of this book and movie "The Secret". The Leadership I undertook from Rapport Leadership International was so life changing. It is still with me and I think about my experiences often, although, I have failed to fully use the tools I gained to better myself each and every day. In the past I have committed to some major goals to improve my thoughts and actions. Watching The Secret with Brody was a little bit of a slap in the face because I knew The Secret already, I just have not been truly living it and teaching it by example to those I love.
A few once again realizations:
*What is going on in my mind is what I am attracting
*If I keep thinking of what I don't want, I will attract more of it
*Thoughts CAUSE feelings, and I AM what I am feeling
*Find a different approach to what is through a different vantage point
*I am the only one that can create my reality and that can control how I am feeling
*If I want something I WILL visualize it!
*I think people, and me, think too much- we need to just go after what we want and not worry about the bad that could happen- because of course that will just attract those worries

All my life I feel I have been passionate about keeping a positive attitude- it's just harder to do than it is to think about. Even when it comes to worry. Worry serves NO PURPOSE. I believe it encourages insecurity. Everything about The Secret makes sense. If you have not read or seen The Secret- you must! Very inspiring!

So this got Brody and I really thinking about our future and that it can be whatever we want. Brody says "If you can dream it, you can do it". We are so thankful for what we have been blessed with. We have a beautiful baby girl who is perfectly healthy and strong, we are thankful for our home, our family, friends, and neighbors, we are thankful for our marriage and eternal family, for food on our shelves and clothes on our backs, to live in this free land and to be able to attain anything we desire. There is so much to be thankful for. We are also so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who gave His son to atone for our sins and die for each of us-individually- in order for us to have eternal life and happiness with Him again. The tears are flowing, but I feel so happy and enthused about my life right now and where we are going!!!
I will leave you with this quote by Christian D. Larsen- I read this often for inspiration- since I am so visual and I need reminders!

Conference Weekend

Saturday Brody and I took my little brother to the sand dunes. Our friend Dustin came with us also. I know, we missed the first two sessions of conference on Satuday but at least Brody and Wade made it back for the Priesthood Session at 6 o'clock.

We had a lot of fun ridin'. No injuries- yeah! We want to hang out with Wade as much as we can before he goes on a mission. We always love to hang out with Turbo (Dustin) too! He always makes us laugh so much!

Little Taylor had to stay with Grandma though. I missed her all day.

We really enjoyed the sessions on Sunday. Elder Bednar spoke about prayer and how we as members have a responsibility to FIND investigators for full-time missionaries. I realized I need to be praying for missionary experiences and praying to SEE opportunities to invite people to church or to talk with missionaries. We had the missionaries over for dinner on Friday night. We love to have them in our home- they bring a special spirit. Of course so do babies!

President Monson is a very sweet man. We are excited to see where he will take the church. I was crying and laughing during his closing remarks in the afternoon session Sunday. I am thankful for a dear prophet like him.

All of my family had dinner at my parents house and celebrated Ethan's birthday as well. That evening we took a little walk with the kids. Taylor was so good all evening- she has been so pleasant lately! Ewe, I could just eat her up. Everyone wanted to cuddle with her. This is Uncle Blake and Tay. It was a little chilly. Where is the warm weather???

The other day we got the pictures back from our neighbor that he has taken the last couple of months. I was so excited. We love these pictures!




Photography by Ronald D. Hales