:Scott&Ashley:

Tennley: The Musical

2011-04-04T17:59:00.000-05:00

In Ashley's previous blog she told you how a great friend of ours, Jenn Petersen, wrote a song for Tennley.
      Here it is...but first two things:
            First...Check out all of Jenn's music here
            Second...I had to put some of Tennley's picture's behind it so it would upload to blogspot. They won't allow just music...so the slideshow is just 4 of her pictures to fit the length of the song.
Just 18 days until her due date...and might I add, my birthday.

Incredibly excited!
Enjoy!

A song for TENNLEY...

2011-03-02T17:36:00.000-06:00

Jenn Petersen, singer, song writer and friend blessed us with a "gift" while we were in Florida this past January. Scott and I were expecting a cute onesie or fun little baby gift! As she sat us down in a the corner of the big conference hall and pulled out her guitar, she began to serenade us with a song written about our daughter...
Speechless.
Honored.
Touched.
Story has it, that while she was in Cambodia on a mission trip to stop sex trafficking, she started writing about Tennley after reading Scott's Post (<----click to read).

We wanted to share the lyrics of this special song about our girl.

TENNLEY

for Scott and Ashley...

2010 smalltown citygirl music

Ribbons, bow and pretty things

Are making my heart sing this song to you

Dreaming of the days to come

Of laughing, playing in the sun with you

And I begin to smile...

Chorus:

Tennley, you are a whisper in the silence

The flicker of a candle's flame that warms the cold winter's night

The colors of the rainbow breaking through the summer clouds

And I can't wait to see you now

You're the piece of heaven to me

Oh, Tennley

I see the glimmer in your eyes

As you go chasing butterflies with me

The pitter-patter of your steps

The sweetness of your breath

Upon my cheek

And oh, that charming smile

Chorus 2:

Tennley, you are the song that breaks the silence

The flicker of a candle's flame that warms a cold winter's night

The colors of the rainbow breaking through the summer clouds

And I can't wait to hold you now

You're a little piece of heaven to me

You're a little gift from heaven God has sent down to me

You're a little piece of heaven to me

Oh, Tennley

The lyrics are beautiful, but the song isn't complete without the voice behind it!
We can't wait for Tennley to hear it...we already know she'll love it.

You can check out more of Jenn's music here.
Thank you Jenn, for honoring our family with this song...for your friendship...your encouragement...and your love for our baby girl.

33 Weeks

2011-03-02T17:05:00.001-06:00

7'ish weeks to go...
As we walked through the hallways of Durham Regional Hospital last night, a new sense of reality hit the core of me. Our little girl will be in our arms in 2 months...her soft skin on our skin...a reality that seemed so far away is just around the corner.
My heart grows more and more curious about this little girl that has captured my heart...and often times my ribs :)
Who will she look like?
Will she be outgoing or shy?
What dreams will she chase?
I laid awake last night at 3am wondering...
Who she will marry?
What would break her heart, an what would I do to protect her from that?
Will Scott and I parent in a way that she may not always like but will grow to respect?
Most importantly, will Tennley see our love for Christ lived out on a daily basis?
Something that continues to be at the TOP of my prayer list.
Will I be nurturing enough for her?
Gentle enough?
Patient enough?
Encouraging enough?
Will she feel comfortable talking to me about her deepest secrets?
Love-life?
Heartaches?
Life struggles?
...and my list goes on.

All questions I take very seriously.
But nothing that frightens me.
My deepest desire is to be the mother (not friend) that God would have me be for her.
Perfection is something I know will fall short of.
I will continually seek the lord for my role in her life.
I have a peace that God will guide us as we go, I find so much comfort in that!
Tennley and I have a one-of-a-kind Dad and Husband...
Forever grateful for my best-friend and husband. I cannot wait to see Scott as a daddy. She is blessed to have this man as her father...what an important role he will play in her life.

Enough of my rambling thoughts... 51 days until her due date...counting down!
Ashley

Catch up...

2011-02-16T14:37:00.000-06:00

9 weeks later...I suppose it's time for another post!

We had a FABULOUS time at Disney world with my side of the family. Memories that I/we will cherish forever. It was a special treat to see the magic of Disney through a child's eyes again...watching Eli take it all in was such a treat. I will say that experiencing all 4 Disney parks at 24 weeks pregnant was a different type of treat, but I survived! It truly was a wonderful time...I am ready to do it again.

Watching and waving at the parade!

The whole gang!

After Disney we met up with our church staff in Jacksonville to attend the Wesleyan Gathering conference. That was a blast! We were able to see friends from school, friends from our previous church Collin Creek, and friends from home (Tucson, AZ & Sacramento, Ca) ...not to mention my parents were there, Scott's dad was there and Ryan, Des and Eli were there! Lots of loved ones in one place at one time makes for a fun-filled-whirlwind couple of days! While at the conference, Scott and I received one of the most touching gifts EVER...a song written for Tennley by our friend Jenn Petersen from Dallas...another blog post about that is soon to come!

Friday will mark our 31 weeks pregnancy and reality is STARTING to set in. I understand that I am pregnant. I feel the nudges and rolls of Tennley from inside. HOWEVER, completely grasping the reality of having human life in my arms at the end of this 40'ish week journey is so hard to comprehend. It's easier to grasp when you are looking in on someone else's life, but my own? I will say, knowing that we are just a little over 2 months away from meeting her is something that doesn't escape my mind...I cannot wait!

Our families have started booking their flights to come out and meet our Tennley. Again, so surreal! But SOOO exciting. The countdown begins!

We were able to get one last sonogram two weeks ago. Again, Tennley put on a show and was quite active on her own accord...meaning I had zero caffeine this time around. She measured in 46th percentile and is right on target for her due date. At the time, she was just shy of 3 pounds. Here is a 3D picture we got from our visit. Any thought on who she looks like?

Tennley at 28 weeks

I am feeling pretty good! I slept on the couch for about 2 weeks thinking I'd get better sleep out there, but once I returned to my bed WITHOUT all the pillows I seemed to sleep MUCH better. I think Scott slept better too once I ditch the pillows :) I still have quite a bit of energy, although I get winded pretty quickly when doing such minimal things...something I am not used too. I know the wave of "miserable" is about to hit me from what others say, but I will hold on to feeling great for as long as possible!

Things I love to eat...CHOCOLATE! If you have an opinion about it...that's nice :) I cannot get enough of it and I honestly eat much more than I need to, tisk tisk. I am pretty sure Tennley is immune to it now, it runs in the family. Some (not all) people continue to drink caffeine during their pregnancies... instead, I ~~enjoy~~ indulge in chocolate! CHEETOS PUFFS. L.O.V.E them too. I know, both of these things are in no way conducive to the ever increasing numbers on the scale, but fear not, I plan on running it all off once I am able. I dream of completing a half marathon sometime next year. Wish me luck!

26 weeks

My wonderful husband and Tennley's loving daddy painted her room! Her nursery is coming along. It is not finished which is why I will not show pictures QUITE yet. A few finishing touches and we'll be good to go!

We've been overwhelmed by our friends and families generosity. We've had numerous people ship us gifts from out of town, and send us gently used items. All of which is so unexpected but so very sweet. Tennley is already loved by so many...THAT has been made evident. Its fun to see her little clothes hanging in her closet and blankets folded away. Can't wait to see her use them. Thank you all so very much!

I have two baby showers in March to look forward to! My friends here in NC are so sweet to throw us not one, but two. Again, the love is overwhelming at times. God has blessed us with great friends, near and far.

latest picture- 30 weeks

Aside from getting ready for Tennley's arrival, Scott had the honor to speak on main stage at church. Even though he speaks every week to students, it is a different ball game speaking to adults not to mention 2,000 plus! The topic...tithing! Lets just say the weeks leading up to this he was in the ZONE and focused. I stayed and listened to all 3 (yes, 3) services, and he did a great job. I was proud but more importantly gained so much from his teaching. I tell you what, it is such a blessing to be under a leader that invests, stretches and enables Scott to speak outside of his comfort. Pastor Benji has been that to Scott. We talk about it often, we are so blessed to be under his and Amy Lynn's leadership! Both of them are the most encouraging people...we sure do love them.

If you are interested in listening to Scott's message follow the link below.

Scott's Sermon: Blessed Life

Some of our best friends, Annie & Terry are coming into town Feb. 19th all the way from Montana. I cannot tell you how excited we are about their visit. Terry is the BIGGEST Duke fan. Unfortunately, Duke basketball tickets are EXTREMELY hard to come by unless you have limitless money. But, we will have a great time none the less!

I suppose that will do for now.

Since Scott is out of town, I might have more to posts to come!

Stay tuned.

Love from North Carolina,

Ashley

Christmas TwentyTen

2010-12-26T10:20:00.000-06:00

"Come now, let's settle this," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool." Isaiah 1:18

It's only fitting that the day after celebrating the birth of our lord and savior, JESUS, we are reminded of the reason for his coming. To die for our sins on the cross. Yours and mine. To clean our slate and forgive us of our sins. A beautiful reminder.
Thankful for the ultimate sacrifice.
Forever thankful my sins are white as snow.

All in one nights sleep we went from zero snow to 6 inches or so. Talk about white Christmas!
Our dogs love the snow. Well, let me rephrase that...Leo has SO MUCH hair/fur that he loves anything that doesn't make him feel he's in the oven. Which is freezing conditions. And Mia thinks that a snowball is ice...which is one of her FAVORITE treats. Easy to please! Scott and I woke up and joined them outside, which added to their excitement.
I cannot say it enough, it is stunning.
Here are a few pictures taken from our backyard.

he is sooooo good looking

leo's heaven

oh mia

snow covered trees are stunning

eating the snow. they don't understand that its the same thing right under their feet....dogs!

the back of our house...headed inside

last year with our fake christmas tree. next year comes the tradition of getting a real one...can't wait!

christmas eve pajamas!

opening my pj's

ugly sweater party with our small group

senior staff xmas party at the theater

cheering for the UofA at NC State...AZ WON!

We had a great Christmas season. Blessed beyond measure to be surround by WONDERFUL friends and our new North Carolina "family" :). Our hearts are warmed at the thought of our "real" California families being together, laughing and enjoying each others company, hopefully talking about us (wink). Excited to see what next Christmas will bring with our sweet Tennley, something we are still having a hard time grasping the reality of, but so ready for her to be here with us :) ...More than ALL of this we are thankful for the true meaning of this season. God sending his ONLY son to the world. As a humble baby. BUT, THE KING OF KINGS! The baby who was sent to die on a cross, to bridge the great divide. WOW. Thankful. What a gift.

Merry Christmas Friends and Family. With each day that comes, I am more and more grateful for the people that surround us, support us, love us and encourage us.

God has blessed us with the people that fill our lives.

Thank you for being those people.

-Ashley

Pregnancy as I know it - 22 weeks

2010-12-17T14:07:00.000-06:00

Alright, I know! I've been awful about blogging, especially about pregnancy.

But let me catch you up...

My first trimester was typical for most, but totally unexpected for me! My mom always said how she had NO CLUE that she was pregnant. She never had symptoms and definitely didn't have sickness. My mom and I are a lot alike when it comes to being sick or lack-thereof. I just assumed I'd be the same way... :) Oh good lordy, I was WRONG! I got sick as a dog. Luckily I didn't throw up as much as some of my dear friends, but I was sick all. day. long! I had aversions to almost all foods. I literally ate PB&J, Cereal, Mac and cheese and the occasional chicken noodle soup. Oh and chocolate...unfortunately. It was a rough few months, especially since I never get sick and am not used to being down like that.

THANK THE LORD for Scott. He was a saint. Often times I wondered how long he was going to stick around, lol. HE DID EVERYTHING! He cleaned, he worked, he made me food at the drop of a dime, he held my hair and rubbed my back while at the toilet (something he SWORE he could NEVER do), he encouraged me when I'd break down (not my norm). He was/is wonderful. I experienced his ability to serve at a whole NEW LEVEL. I've always known that he has a servants heart, but this was hard and he STILL did it. ALL. I love him more today because of those few months...not sure he can say the same about me :)

October 15th I entered into my 2nd Trimester...and heavens light shown upon me!...or at least it felt that way. I started to feel a MILLION times better. Praise the LORD! The past two months have been a breeze. Makes me look back at the 1st Trimester and realize how miserable I really was..YUCKO!

I have grown quite a bit. I AM growing. Tennley is growing. All wonderful things...a bit scary at times if one watches the scale. YIKES! At 17.5 weeks we were able to see Tennley for the second time. The first time she looked like a peanut. This time, she looked like a baby. It was awe-inspiring. Amazing. God is a master artist. She is perfect. Before this appointment, Scott was convinced she was a HE. However, when he saw her on the screen (unable to see ANY part male or female) he says he knew deep down we were having a girl. I like that story. I digress. As stated in Scott's blog, she was active! At the time we attributed it to the caffeine I had beforehand (tisk, tisk). She danced across that screen. She was a sight!

Since then she has continued to develop and has not given up her dance MOVES Although she isn't very strong, I feel her kicks quite often. It's like magic. The neatest feeling ever! I cannot wait till she is strong enough for Scott to feel her from the outside.

I don't crave crazy things at all. I still have aversions to rich foods, some of which were my favorite things to eat pre-pregnancy. I prefer to eat at home...apparently my cooking is safe and bland enough for my liking :) I LOVE oranges. I eat about one a day sometimes two. That's it. Oh....wait....and sweets. Which are and will forever be a weakness for me. Pregnant or not pregnant. Those are my pregnancy eating weirdnesses thus far.

Sleeping is becoming less fulfilling. I toss. I turn. I use pillows. I don't use pillows. I have pee :) It could be and WILL get worse. I am aware of this. My back has begun to ache. And I have about two outfits that currently fit, both of which are preggo clothes. By no means am I complaining, just say'n! All part of the process, each stage very exciting.

Grandma and Grandpa Higley bought Tennley her crib. It is beautiful. It should be delivered within the week...talk about reality check! So excited to get it in.

We had our monthly appointment this past Wednesday. We don't get to see her via ultrasound until 28 weeks or so, so this appointment was just listening to her heartbeat. Still very cool. Once the doctor was able to catch her (again, she was moving ALL over the place) she confirmed that she is healthy and her heartbeat is right on! God is good.

Today Tennley is 22 weeks. She is compared to a spaghetti squash this week...I am pretty sure that is JUST for length comparisons.

I get emails each week updating me on Tennley's growth. Below is the email for this week...

Your Baby in Week 22 of Pregnancy
This week, your baby weighs in at a whopping pound and measures nearly eight inches, about the size of a small doll. But your little doll (who now has eyebrows, eyelashes, and maybe even some hair on that little head) is a living one who can now perceive light and dark. She can also hear your voice, your heartbeat, your gurgling stomach, and the whoosh-whoosh of blood circulating through your body. And as her brain and nerve endings develop, she may reach for her face (or whatever she can reach) just to experiment with her newfound sense of touch.

I am continually thankful and humbled by this little life that has been entrusted to us. I am constantly reminded of her whereabouts in my tummy, and for that, I am blessed. She becomes more and more of a reality with each passing day. Ready or not here she comes :)

Thanks for reading...and stay tuned!

5 weeks

12 Weeks

20 weeks

a WONDERFUL surprise!

2010-12-17T10:24:00.000-06:00

Often times I think the older sister gets gypped! Yea, I typed correctly. My sister has this ability to throw thoughtful bridal showers, bachelorette parties and a FABULOUS surprise baby shower. I can't say that I've lived up to the example set forth (sorry des!) Someday, I hope to return the favor. I blame my lack-thereof on my adolescents ;)

During our visit to Sacramento there was an evening set aside to have dinner with both sides of our family. Out -to-eat sort of thing. The plan was to meet at Arcade church which was the "half-way point" for all family members. We arrived around 6pm-ish and Phil suggested we go wait inside where is was warm (geez, Sac was cold that week!) As we walked into the room we were greeted by about 50+ of our closest family and friends in the NOR-CAL area. WHAT. A. BLESSING.

My Sister, My Mom and Marie planned a surprise baby shower for Tennley, Scott and I. It was Beautiful. Fun. Overwhelming. Heart Warming. Generous. And PERFECT in every way! Tennley got 6 pairs of shoes(!), some ADORABLE outfits, beautiful blankets, her first baby doll and a diaper bag! ...not to mention gift cards that will go a LONG way. Showered with love and gifts.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, DES, Mom and Marie. It truly meant the world to all three of us. So special to have been able to share this time with YOU and all wonderful people in Sacramento. What an incredible blessing!

Stunning

The cupcakes were FABULOUS

Beautifully done Des, You have a gift!

Thanks for all the YUMMY treats Mom & Dad!

So Blessed!

Scott's best friends growing up...minus Brooke.

Put me down auntie...

Brody doing his thing...eating!

Eli helping dad clean...

Eli changing the trash...without being asked OR prompted to.

He's a HOOT!

Wonderful wonderful friends and family who are always supporting us!

Thank you to all who came and were apart of our shower!

We LOVE YOU!

Rewind...Thanksgiving

2010-12-17T09:35:00.000-06:00

Scott and I realized we aren't quite sure when the last time we spent Thanksgiving with family was...possibly the beginning of our college careers? 6-7 years ago. Not sure! Nonetheless, it's been a while.

The time spent in Sacramento was precious. HIGHLIGHTS: OUR NEPHEWS! Eli and Brody are both at ages where they do ALL the entertaining. And entertaining it is! Both such different personalities, but there personalities play off of each other SO well. Dynamic Duo.

Thanksgiving day consisted of waking up to the scrumptious smell of Joni's homemade cinnamon rolls. Megan, Drew and Brody coming over to watch the Macy's Day Parade (this is a MUST on thanksgiving day, such a fun tradition I grew up with that I still LOVE <3) After the parade, or close to the end, Scott and I drove to my parents house to help cook the Thanksgiving meal that both sides of our family would be apart of. I made the sweet potato souffle...and ate LOTS of crab lorenz (a Grandma Joanie tradition, i sure do miss her). A few games of cards, munching here and there and before we knew the whole gang was there ready to chow down!

Having all the people, that help make our worlds turn, in one place at one time...is always magical. I cherish these moments captured. Thankful for our families. Blessed by the time we were able to come out (Thanks Phil!) LOVE YOU ALL. Until next time

the verdict is in

2010-11-17T16:57:00.004-06:00

(FIRST DAY I FOUND OUT)

Pregnancy is hard...and I'm not even the one who's carrying a baby.

Ashley and I just realized that we (she) hasn't even blogged about being pregnant yet. Oh well. Read a book about someone elses pregnancy.

Last night, I drove with Ashley to go to one of her pitching lessons. I don't usually go, but we had business to cover. We HAD to nail down the names of this baby. So that's what we did. We talked, we dreamed and reminisced about important people in our lives who we would name our child after.

The names were set. We arrived at her lesson which was at an indoor pitching facility...and by that, I mean old warehouse. There was a dirty mattress in the corner of this warehouse...and self-storage spaces. I tried to imagine how many people could have been held hostage and tortured as Ashley critiqued her pitcher. I imagine at least 9...hopefully, less are actually there, though.

Anyways--

This morning was our big day! Our morning started at 8am as we drove over to grab some McDonald's. I take any chance I get to go to McDonald's...I love that place. It was Ashley's suggestion. She was craving it...she never wants McDonald's. I love pregnancy cravings.

So we grabbed our food and sat down in the booth. We had heard that drinking a little bit of caffeine before the ultrasound would help with baby movement. Ashley has steered clear of caffeine during the pregnancy, so her medium Dr. Pepper hit the spot.

We drove over to the ObGyn and waited. The lady behind the desk was both the oldest and slowest woman ever. Nothing wrong about that. Good for her, a working independent woman, but we were in a rush...so I was irritated.

Finally--the nurse called us back and walked us to a room...Her name was Amy. Amy turned the machines on and we were in business. I sat down next to Ashley and watched our child flash onto the flat screen television in front of us. Incredible.

It looked like a human.

It looked like a baby.

It looked like our baby.

And holy cow...this kid was bouncing all over the place! (The caffeine might have been a little much. Possible caffeine overdose.)

But serious somersaults, flips and turns were happening in front of our eyes...everything. Literally, all over the place. With legs closed.

We saw the face.

We saw the hands.

We saw both feet...5 toes each!

We saw a healthy beating heart.

We saw everything that made up our child. Well, almost everything.

Legs. still. closed.

Amy said that she would have to take a few measurements, and then she would go back to trying to determine the gender.

So she started measuring...everything.

We watched as different parts of our child flashed on the screen. It was amazing. Surreal. Powerful.

With the baby bouncing around so much it was tough to take the measurements. But Amy decided to try to sneak another peak at the "goods".

And again...Legs closed and tucked up underneath.

Amy had a hunch. But didn't want to say just yet.

We started to get a little concerned that maybe today we wouldn't be able to find out if we would be having a boy or a girl. Both of us, praying in our heads. Hoping for the best.

She sent Ashley to use the restroom in order to take the final measurement. Ashley returned and Amy started the machines up again.

Finally. A clear shot.

A perfect look at our perfect baby.

The verdict was in. 100% confirmation.

The weight is right on track.

The length is right on track.

Everything about the development is right on track.

Our baby GIRL is right on track.

Tennley Joan Stevenson is right on track.

Healthy, beautiful and growing.

(Joan is Ashley's grandma's name who passed away in NOV 2003)

I'm going to be a dad.

I'm going to have a baby girl.

A Daughter.

We're ecstatic. In awe. Blessed.

And cannot wait to meet her.

I'm not scared of girls. But I might be scared of daughters.

I have my work cut out for me.

Fathers and daughters have a special relationship.

I pray that I can be the father to her that she needs. Show her how she should be treated. Show her how she needs to be loved. I pray I can show her who Jesus is and who He can be to her in her own life. And I pray that she will never ever doubt the love that I have for her and her mom.

I am ready though. I really am. My wife is incredible. She's sweet. She's godly. She's amazing. And I can only bet that this other girl in my life will be just as incredible and sweet.

I cannot express how much I already love this little girl. It's amazing to say the least. I don't know how we could ever be the same.

Tennley Joan--already changing lives.

(TENNLEY AT 7 WEEKS)

(TENNLEY TODAY, AT 18 WEEKS)

2am thoughts and musings

2010-08-19T01:29:00.003-05:00

i have never known whether i am a "night person" or "morning person". To put it simply, i like my sleep. i don't want to wake up early, and to be honest, i have no problem going to bed early either.

But tonight i am a night-owl. or insomniac...i'm still trying to decipher the two.

it's been a while since our last blog. new things are happening. not even sure of where to begin.

but it's 2:33am EST. and i am wired. i know i'll be an angry grouch tomorrow...but i'm prepared for that. not sure if others are, but that's how the cookie crumbles.

lots of questions rolling around in my head tonight. "does anyone still read this?" is one.

don't know. don't care. it's too late for that.

but how about an update on our lives on the East Coast. I wish i could use a "middle-east" joke on here like on Anchorman, but i openly know very little about the geography over here.

ashley accidentally locked me out of the house for 2 hours while she had coffee with a friend. i was angry at first...angry at her, but then, realizing it was an accident, i became angry at the situation. it was about 90 degrees outside and humid. i was in jeans and a tshirt. bored. i took a nap on the deck. watched the muted tv through the window. and tried to spit on a lizard.

ashley finally came home and let me in.

we then went out to chick-fil-a for dinner. i'm only a fan of chick-fil-a when i haven't had it for a while...i get "over" that place quickly. but tonight it was refreshing.

as we shuffled into our booth in the almost empty restaurant, ashley smiled and said, "it's been a long time since we've done this". we used to visit chick-fil-a quite often in our early dallas days...but the chicken-novelty rubbed off. and they raised their prices.

we sat across from each other, separated by diet coke and sprite cups, two sandwiches, some fries and sixty-four used ketchup wrappers scattered on the table. just talking about random things. random life-change.

we talked about this move. this lifestage. this step of faith. this move to a new state, even further away from anyone we know or anything we've ever known.

to say the least, we are content. i never know if 'content' is a good 'Christian' term to use. i guess it's a mindset, and not an action plan. does that make sense?

we love our lives here.

yes, it's hard being away from 'blood-family'. but we've acquired new family here. a family away from family. and we feel blessed.

God has shown us over and over again that we are in the right spot. we're scared at times. sometimes we're even sad that we're so far away from "home"...but we're in our new home now. assured that we're called to be here. meant to be here. for a reason. for a purpose.

...and we're content in this. ecstatic at what God is doing. and humbled that we get to be a part. and incredibly in love with this place. these people.

sometimes i ramble. blame the 2 gallons of strawberry-lemonade crystal light that i've consumed in the past 36 hours. i'm addicted.

sometimes when i write i remember my appreciation for things...for people.

as ashley sleeps, i can't help but be in awe of this woman i get to live life with.

i love that woman. i love my best friend. i love my wife. i love ashley ann.

i don't say that near enough. to her, or anyone.

i have no desire to proof read this. so i rely on my spell check.

and i'm not going to apologize for the lower case i's.

this is what you get for 2:33-2:58am.

random, yes. genuine, absolutely.

it's our life.

and we're in it together. forever.

3am brings music videos on mtv.

they're starting it off with jennifer lopez "waiting for tonight"...it's such an old video, she's not JLo yet.

week of firsts

2010-06-15T17:27:00.005-05:00

My apologies to our dedicated blog readers for the 6-month gap between posts...not that i know of any hopelessly devoted blog readers, but sometimes things surprise me.

My hope is that whoever is reading this, already knows the backstory that takes us to where we are today, but i know there is the occasional creeper, and i get that...to each his own. But if you don't know the backstory and you're dying to know--i'd be happy to fill you in.

So today is June 15, 2010. Ashley and I have been on the "East Coast" for a total 80 hours. I sit on our couch, in our new home, while Ashley and the dogs sleep...thinking about this pilgrimage.

I just sat down from rummaging through cabinets for something to eat to watch the 1 channel we get on our digital converter box...catching up on the latest happenings in the gulf and thought i would chronicle the latest news in our own lives.

So...we are here...the culmination of 4 months of conversation and preparation.

Moved.

Unpacked.

Unsettled...still living amongst the clutter, but slowly making this house our new home.

I find it hard to believe that less than 5 months ago, we were living in Dallas.

Settled.

Content.

Home...completely oblivious to what was about to take place.

But here we are. In, what seems like, a new world.

I still can't comprehend what's really going on.

So many different emotions running through my body.

I am excited for this new beginning...but terrified because it's just that: a new beginning.

Just 3-years-ago, Ashley and I were starting our ministry together in Plano, Texas. Doing new things, experiencing a new world and meeting new people. And this week, we begin that all over again.

This week is a week of firsts:

Tomorrow is my first day in the office.

Friday is our first youth event.

Sunday is our first official Sunday.

This is the beginning of this journey.

I'm ready. We are ready.

We have a ball of fear sitting in the pit of our stomachs, but the peace that we have surrounding this entire event makes everything alright.

3 years ago it was so easy to fall in love with the students that came into our lives.

And that love is still there.

And now we get that opportunity again...to fall in love all over with another group of students. A chance to be impacted by a group of jr. high and high school students and to be allowed into their lives. How we were blessed with an opportunity like this, i have no idea.

I'm thankful for this opportunity.

I'm thankful for this journey.

and honestly, I'm terrified...but incredibly ready to dive in.

We want our lives be used for something that matters.

Fear is part of that process.

Nervousness is part of that process.

...but this is our calling.

And we're in this together...with God preparing the way, we are ready to make it happen.

3 MORE DAYS UNTIL I GET TO SEE THESE GUYS!!!!!!

2009-12-23T14:07:00.006-06:00

3 DAYS

'TIL I GET TO SEE MY NEPHEWS!

PROUD AUNTIE:

(of my nephews, not Santa!)

ELI STEVENSON - going on 8 months

BRODY SIMPSON- going on 11 months

These two bring me so much JOY!
Even though I'm not with them much, the pictures and the stories that their mommies send me TRULY make my day every time!
I can't help but smile when I think or hear of them.
I cannot wait to spend 5 WHOLE days with them.
LOVE YOU TWO SO MUCH <3
See you guys in Denver
-Auntie Ashley

Christmas time is here!

2009-12-23T11:13:00.020-06:00

This year Scott has had the opportunity to help plan the Wesleyan Youth Convention for our region which will take place in Denver on the 28th of December, THIS has been a HUGE BLESSING as this stuff is RIGHT up Scott's alley... he LOVES it. BUT because of this and the time off of work I need to take off to be apart, we are unable to go home (Sacramento) for Christmas. This will officially be the FIRST year I've been away from my parents over Christmas...makes me FEEL a little more grown up, but not ready to accept it :). It is REALLY hard to not be around family during this time. Especially when they all get together,

and the BABY NEPHEWS are doing all their new tricks!

There truly is no place like home for the holidays!
SOoOoOo, to make me feel more at home, I attempted (with Scott's help) to make my mom's "family" cookies. Even though they didn't turn out as good as mom's, or grandma's, or even great grandma's... they did, however, give me a little piece of home :) not to mention I had a blast making them. I'm not sure I can say the same for Scott, but he was a good sport.

I love you honey!

please note: that is hair dye on my left shoulder. classy.

puzzle work!

my cookie decorating ELF

Peanut butter balls- Scott made these and did a wonderful job :)

Christmas tree time! I am a HUGE fan of REAL trees...

but for the past few years (because of traveling) we've settled for a fake one.

It does the job.

This year we started a new tradition in the Stevenson home... We've made it a point, when we travel, to always get an ornament as our "souvenir". Over the 2.5 years that we have been married we've acquired quite the collection, so we decided that this year we wouldn't just put them on our tree, instead we would share our favorite memory from that trip or place and then we'd hang it on the tree. IT WAS A SUCCESS! We revisited some wonderful memories and it was a great refresher of each trip, in hopes that we never forget. We are so blessed!

This is a tradition that we will continue to do for many years to come!

The finished product!

So thankful as I am reminded of the TRUE meaning of the season...

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.”

ISAIAH 9:6

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Happy Thanksgiving: Montana style...

2009-12-23T09:57:00.030-06:00

Scott and I FINALLY made it happen! We finally made it to Montana to visit our DEAR friends, the Bybee's, over Thanksgiving. Scott and I met Annie and Terry at College in Oklahoma. To sum up our friendship, us girls are constantly trying to keep the boys out of trouble, they tend to bring the best out of each other when they are togther. But as crazy as they are they always make us laugh. Aside from goofing off, we've been there for each others engagements, apart of each others weddings and continue to cherish their friendship even though it is a "long distance" relationship. In all honesty, the challenge of staying in touch is always present, but the wonderful thing about them is that no matter how long it has been since the last time we've all been together, we pick up right where we left off!

It was such a blessing to visit with them, watch them PARENT their two beautiful kids,

LAUGH hysterically, play games, and just catch up on life.

Here are just a few of the fun memories we made....

Annie and I getting ready to head out the doorTerry and Hadley
(Not sure why, but I didn't get any pictures of their kids. SAD. They also have an 8 month old Jude...BOTH OF WHICH ARE ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE)
While we were in town Annie and Terry insisted they take us to their favorite restaurant's in Billings...Fancy Shmancy Restaurant #1....it was great!

Yes, this is what they do!

Pictionary...

SEE ABOVE: THIS IS NEVER A GOOD SIGN FOLKS!

Good ol' pictionary was not good enough...on to their "new" made up game

..."BELLY ART" PICTIONARY.
VERY CREATATIVE.

I love this picture.

It's not often he laughs THIS hard...had to document it :)

Annie and Terry love weekend get-a-ways....

so they took us to one of their favorite places.

A cabin in BIG SKY!

The landscape was BREATH taking...and the cabin was so nice!

This was our room

Hanging out by the fire

On to playing more games....a good 50% of our time in Montana was spent playing

Hide-and-go-seek (NO, not a type-o)

Scott and Terry could play this game ALL. DAY. LONG. ALL. YEAR. LONG.

We also played NERDS while drinking coffee and listening to Pandora

...even thought I am awful at this game I throughouly enjoy these times we shared!

BIG SKY TOWN...this is were I got my ornament

(I collect ornaments from every place we visit)

Enjoying our view from our balcony

Oh Brother!

And he is down!

This is what happens when City Folk try to walk on ice...lol!

Sledding...with a babies sled. not ours. Fantastic.

Hmm...we were the only people in this restaurant.

i wonder why...

Calamari...Reason # 1

Terry's face tells all!

....reason # 2 waitress would not stop talking about Alaska (lol)
reason # 3 the boys ate none of their food. Picky Picky!

Playing the number game

Snowy day at the cabin...our last day in Big Sky.

It was a wonderful trip, one we will always remember.

Loved being in Montana and loved being with our friends.

October Festivities!

2009-12-23T09:20:00.010-06:00

While October has come and gone (quite a while ago)...here are some of the happenings that took place in our world...in our October.

The first week in October Mrs. Georgia Renee Russell moved in with us (short term stay) and also celebrated her 22nd birthday! Above is a picture of the BEAUtiful cake Scott and I made for her. I can assure you that it tasted MUCH better than it looks!

Our friend Jenn (also performing arts director at our church) has been "gigging" it up at some of the neatest coffee shops in the DFW area...this was one of those nights.

We also indulged on one of THE BEST Vanilla Chai's EVER!
GEORGIA!

Enjoying the atmosphere, music and the COMPANY...lots of good friends!

Jenn doing her thang! She doesn't normally dress up like Dorothy :)

Scott and I are BLESSED to be godparents to this lil' bumble bee, Emmy. It was so much fun to experience her first holloween with her (even though she had NO CLUE of what was going on).

Isn't she cute?

Not only was it Emmy's first Halloween,

but it was Marquita's (her mom) first time trick-or-treating!

One of the houses in our neighborhood turned their garage into a haunted house, so me Marquita, Georgia and Scott decided we'd go in... Georgia was stuck in the front becuase she is the bravest, then the rest of us followed. Scott, of course, on the tail end.

**Side note: It never fails, if somthing jumps out at him, he ALWAYS throws me infront of him (lol) i guess for protection. Isn't that sweet?**

Well, this haunted house was no different! The girls in front and Scott hiding behind us. We SCREAMED and LAUGHED and SCREAMED somemore...it was FUN!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN (...2 months late)

Fields of Faith Event

2009-10-22T12:09:00.003-05:00

Scott had the opportunity to be the main speaker at the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) event, Fields of Faith for the Plano school district last week. One of our youth students is the president of FCA for her school and was part of the planning committee for the Plano event, she asked him 2 weeks in advance and Scott JUMPED all over it! THE
Senior highs (11-12), the high schools (9-10)

and the middle schools (6-8) for the entire Plano school district... lots of students!

As nervous as he was (trust me, he was nervous) he did a great job! The moment he got on that stage he was in his element making people laugh, and most importantly speaking the truth of Christ into the lives of students...and adults!

My Handsome Hubby!

Always proud to do ministry alongside him.

The family is one of God's masterpieces.

2009-10-07T15:52:00.030-05:00

SURPRISE! ...we screamed as each of our family members walked into to mom and dad stevenson's house last tuesday night. yep, we pulled off a surprise visit back to Sacramento (THANKS to the help of mom and dad stevenson) Scott and I were able to spend 4 days with our parents, siblings and WONDERFULLY AWESOME, ADORABLE, FUNNY, PRECIOUS NEPHEWS. I cannot even begin to tell you how treasured this time was for us and how many cherished memories we made.

We didn't do much of anything besides truly enjoyed each others company.

Here are just a few of the moments we caught on camera...enjoy!

Eli and Brody

Pappy and Eli play with the water rock

lol...hungry!

Sweet Kisses...I'm sure he was getting tired of them ;)

Sister Des, ME, Mom Joni (in-law), and Sister Megan (in-law)

My Mom (Yes, she's my mom not my sister!)

The loves of my life...minus my bro Mikey.

It was so wonderful to have BOTH of our families together...we are so blessed!

:) It's and Art

funny.

Eli and Uncle Scott

Grandparents with their grandbabies :)

:) awwww

huh?!

my sisters

giggles

Scott trying to be like E-FLY

Uncle Scott introduces WARHEADS to his BABY nephews...lol

Brody goes first

does he like?

maybe...not so much!

Eli's turn...

bubbles = ick!

Happy Eli...Happy Auntie

Baby Einstein...Bahaha... their eyes were GLUED!

Playing Kings and Peasants...or Pheasants (Says Phil)

THERE IS NOTHING BETTER THAN THE LOVE OF OUR FAMILY!

WE LOVE YOU GUYS <3

Stevenson's are introduced to the CIRCUS!

2009-08-13T10:27:00.017-05:00

Scott and I FINALLY experienced the CIRCUS! He and I had never been so we made it happen last Thursday...here are some pics!

Pre Show...lots a neat tricks going on in the ring.

Ringling Bros & Barnum & Bailey

Clearly enjoying the ring master hat that we got with our $12 cotton candy...YIKES!

When we walked into the arena there was NOBODY else seated at the time. Come to find out we are seated RIGHT next to these guys...the only two other people sitting at the time. FUNNY!

They were nice...NO, I did not share my cotton candy with them.

So much to look at...so much fun!!!!

Enjoying his BITE. I think he was still angry at the price he had to pay...lol

We had a blast together...lots of Laughs! Our favorite laugh being the time the CRAZY miniature horse ran out of line with the rest and all the stage help trying to coax him back into line with the rest of the horses...oh my! Not part of the act.

Kinda felt bad for the Tigers...they seemed scared :(

Elephants #1 trick..POOPING! Ick.

We truly had a wonderful time....such a fun happy place! We will be back in the years to come.

THANKS SCOTT FOR TAKING ME :)

- YOUR FOREVER YOUNG WIFEY

TEEN GIRLS = SO MUCH FUN!

2009-08-13T09:15:00.008-05:00

I can't even begin I tell you how much I've grown to love these young ladies and thoroughly enjoy investing in their moldable lives and spending time with each of them ...

it has become a DEEP passion of mine!

I am so blessed to have these young ladies in my life.

Here is a glimps of our "girls night at my house last Wednesday night.

Majority of our time consisted of us watching SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE...and me painting countless toenails...yes, laying on the floor I paint as many as I can.

I ordered EIGHT pizzas. 1/2 of a pizza was left at the end of the night...love girls thtat can EAT!

AREN'T THEY BEAUTIFUL?!?!?!?

Lots of Laughs

Lindsey, enjoying Shari's YUMMY brownies.

We also had PINK cupcakes, OREO TRUFFLES (WOW) ...and yummy pound cake. PERFECT!!!

Thanks to all who brought the goodies.

Scott Stevenson became a Reverend!?!?!?

2009-07-24T16:07:00.002-05:00

That’s right folks, my hubby got ordained. June 12, 2009. We were so blessed to have some of our family come out and support our commissioning into ministry. It turned out that Scott was the only ordainee/ordinan (?) in the Texas/ Louisiana district this year...which made for a very special, intimate service directed just to us. Joann Lyon's was the speaker and left us with heartfelt insight. I admire her authenticity. Ryan (Scott's brother) read scripture, Dad Stevenson prayed over us and then Dad Higley (my dad) closed in prayer...having both of our fathers pray over our ministry was such an honor, we are so blessed. Mom Stevenson, my brother Mikey and Lindquist's greeted us with big hugs after the service.

Another fun lil’ ditty…In addition to Scott getting ordained, he was also nominated and voted in as District Youth President. Yep, Scott the DYP. A new role, new responsibility, new adventure and a new challenge…Here we go!

I cannot tell you how proud I am of my husband and what an honor it is to serve alongside him. In the 2 years of ministry I've seen God use him, mold him, teach him and grow him... my heart is changed and humbled because of it. We are young, we have LOTS to learn, but being in the center of God's will for our lives...there is no greater peace!

Two years and MORE...

2009-06-01T17:21:00.011-05:00

Summer of 2001 – JUST finished our sophomore year of high school. Our families were getting together; the very first time we met was at his Grandma Simpsons house during district conference. After spending the weekend and some time at Coronado Beach… I had a crush, Scott made his “that’s wifey declaration” to his close friend and God had his plan.
December 2001- Saw each other at a youth conference. I accepted God’s calling into ministry, not fully knowing what that entailed… as my future husband sat rows behind me and witnessed and God had his plan.
Summer of 2002 – Scott and I started dating. Scott came a visited me in Tucson for a week. However, we decided to break up shortly after his visit due to the complications in “long distant” relationships. God had his plan.
December of 2002 – Distant friends…God had his plan
Summer of 2003- Scott made an unexpected stop in Tucson with his brother. He had the PLEASURE of meeting my boyfriend of the time, little did Scott know this relationship would leave me broken and having lost a piece of my heart. Hard, but I got a glimpse of Scott’s quite strength & sincere honesty. God had his plan.
Summer of 2004- Both Sophomores in college, Scott transferred to Oklahoma Wesleyan (the school I had been attending since freshman year) to get his Ministry degree. Our friendship grew, along with Scott’s persistence! Even though I enjoyed his friendship more than any other, my heart was not ready, and my shoulders were heavy. He took each rejection with class and reminded me of his commitment to pray for me daily that started back in the summer of 2002…God had his plan.
Fall 2004- Starting to open up my heart to Scott I began to realize that I had to break my heart to heal my heart. Unsure of how my past would affect the way Scott cared for me, I had to do it, and God was calling me to be transparent with him and my family. After I shared my hidden scars, half way expecting Scott to walk away and throw in the towel, he simply said “I love you.”…really? God had his plan.
Christmas 2004- We are officially dating…as half way / young adults! Many times feeling very unworthy to be dating such great guy, Scott was always quick to tell of his love for me...I got a glimpse of his encouragement as God continually healed my heart. God had his plan.
March 2006- For spring break Scott and I met up with our close friends in San Diego. Our first day out on the beach, as he hugged me tight (I could feel his heart beating!), He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him… “YES!” …I was MORE than surprised. SHOCKED! He gave me the proposal of my dreams, something we hadn’t talked much about. God had his plan.

June 2007- My prince. My strength. My encourager. My pursuer. My friend....became my husband. With all our friends and family present…we made our commitment to God and to each other. A day I will never forget. God had his plan.

June 2009- two year anniversary…I am so blessed. God has made beauty from my mess and has given me a man who loves me and respects me more than I could have ever imagined. Last night as Scott was preaching at youth group…I couldn’t help but look back at our journey and think God had a perfect plan in our love story and I am so honored to continue to live out God’s plan alongside my friend, my Scott.

I wish I could do my husband justice with my words...but hopefully my little timeline will give you a glimpse of the man he has been to me and continues to be on a daily basis...yes...I am blessed beyond words!

I love you Scott- Happy 2 year Anniversary!!!!

My heart has expanded and experienced a different kind of love... love for my nephews!

2009-05-29T16:41:00.011-05:00

Meeting Eli for the first time...and my heart melt. Scott and Brody...meeting for the first time...and my heart MELT!

Eli and Scott time...

The whole family...minus Phil.

Having nephews is so much fun...

Crawfish Boil w/ Our Church Family

2009-04-20T08:34:00.017-05:00

This is how you get the meat out Mikey...didn't even try one!

Friends

Scott chose to eat other things

The living crawfish

Marquita :)

This is what you do...

The Hostess...Shari

Not your average meal, but a TON of fun! Our lips were burning, our hands and arms dirty but really we couldn't ask for a better time!

Scott's Birthday Gift...

2009-04-20T08:27:00.010-05:00

Easter Fun!

2009-04-15T16:07:00.015-05:00

My egg turned out looking like a rock...

Taking his egg dying VERY seriously

Greek tradition, whomevers egg doesn't crack has good luck for the rest of the year

Mikey looses

Casserole

This Easter, since Marie was in town visiting, I decided I'd venture out and make my very first HOLIDAY MEAL! It went well, I THINK. I love love love to cook, so I had a blast.

Can I tell you about someone?

2009-03-26T13:52:00.007-05:00

Please note... I’ve never been one to write or journal much, I'm not a person who make a simple sentence sound like a song or even take a story and create imagery with my words...so bare with me!
I am, however, a person who has been deeply touched by friend. And I'd like to share with you why i am so blessed to have such a person in my life...

Throughout my 24 years of life, I’ve had many friends. As a little girl I had friends who would come over and play barbies. I had my church friends and I had softball friends. Then, of course, I had some good friends and some not so good friends. Lots of different interactions with lots of different friends some have stayed and some have gone, but none as true as this friendship I share with you today. None that has been so transparent or so voluntary, none like the friendship I have lived out with my sister.

Here are a few reasons why:
(…If only this list did her justice)

-She has always been a spiritual leader to me. Priority
- She is the person I have looked up to my entire life, and has never let me down. Mentor
-As a young girl, when I forgot my lunch money, she gave me hers and ate nothing. Selflessness
-She has always stood up for me. Courage
-Strength isn't something that seeps out of her when you come in contact, but it's built into her core in the gentlest way. Balance
-She told me to not waste my time on the wrong things, she got her prince. Patience
-She told me life would go on, after I shared my deepest and darkest secrets, she was the first person I told. Support
-She has loved me at the times when I have been unlovable, which was OFTEN. Unconditional
-She listens to my joys and sorrows. Counselor
-She was never too cool for me, even in high school, she let me eat lunch with her and her friends as an annoying freshman. Welcoming
-Many times, she has been and still is my voice of reason. Advisor
-She's yelled at me and put me in my place. Concern
-She has always been true to herself and what she believes in. Christ-Like
-She would always let me have a bite of her ice cream; I always wanted what she would order instead of my own. Kind
-She tried to teach me how to dance, even though I was NOT catching on. Amusing
-Without fail, she will always put others first, even if the person is unworthy. Humility
-She is a teacher, in every facet of her life. Even as kids. Wisdom
-She always let me win. Meek
-She answers her phone, even though I call her everyday. Giving
-She sends me cards, letters & gifts, especially while in college. Encouraging
-She is a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a teacher and a friend. Beauty

Desyrae has been or has taught me all of these things and so much MORE. I am so blessed. As I prepare to meet my nephew Eli (he's coming so soon!), I am overwhelmed with grateful thoughts about his precious mommy, my sister. How will I ever tell him how wonderful she is, how will I ever have enough time to share with him how much she means to me and how much she has taught me? How will I put all of this into words? Can I? After writing this blog, I've concluded that I cannot! :) BUT, I am confident that he will learn quickly for himself, he truly has a one of a kind mother, he will be blessed by her love and friendship as much, if not MUCH more, then I have.

Thanks Des, for your unconditional love, friendship and support.

I am eternally grateful! I love you.

My mentor, my friend, my sister...isn't she beautiful?

Ashley's 24th Birthday - February 23rd 2009

2009-03-20T12:30:00.015-05:00

For my birthday Scott got all of our friends together for dinner at BJ's...
it was such a good time!

loved my presents!

My WONDERFUL Friends

the whole gang

Company Ski Trip - Jan. 2009

2009-03-20T09:40:00.010-05:00

CRESTED BUTTE, CO - Company Ski Trip

January 2009

The Condos we stayed in

My Room...it was amazing!

Freezing on the slopes, but having a great time!

It was a beautiful trip...until next year!

...and none of it was Vanilla...

2008-12-18T10:30:00.005-06:00

This week we took a little trip to Grapevine, Texas to a beautiful hotel and convention center called the Gaylord Texan.
Every year they open up this huge exhibit filled with ice sculptures that weigh over 2 million pounds! They keep the room at 9 degrees in order to not melt the ice...so the complimentary parka's were a huge help.
This place had so much crazy stuff...including an ice bridge, ice slide and an ice santa. All larger than life...we had a great time with great friends! Hope you enjoy!

Tis the Season

2008-12-17T16:40:00.006-06:00

This past Sunday marked our last Radius of 2008!
What a great night to end such a great semester of blessing...and celebrate the love of our God.
It was an awesome night...and it just keeps getting better!

Apparently, the only pictures we got on our camera were of our fruitcake eating contest...that, and Jeremiah with a Rudolph nose...not sure where that fits in. But nonetheless, enjoy!
Thanks for keeping up!
You may now return to the edge of your seats...
-Scott & Ashley

Christmas Build-up

2008-12-17T16:13:00.004-06:00

::Once again...it's been all too long since the last update. So you can all rest your fingers from clicking back and forth daily to our site...because--Hark! There she blows!

Our Christmas season started about the same time that most of yours did...and that was the Friday after Thanksgiving.
We started the day by waking up at 4:30am...and heading out into the wilderness of Black Friday.
This was my first experience with Black Friday Shoppers...and man...i loved it! Well, with the exception of all the lame folks that i wanted to knock out--which was everyone, minus Ashley...sometimes :).
But it was a greatly productive day for us. And i stress the "for us" part...because i don't think we bought for anyone but ourselves. Tis the season, right?

We then headed home...busted out the decorations, and went for it! Decorations everywhere...apparently, everyone was so excited, just not much help.
For the first time, we were able to decorate the outside of our house for Christmas! After an almost life threatening incident with a ladder, a broken bulb, a three trips to Wal-Mart (still Black Friday..stay with me.) for a better staple gun...we were ready to go!
We decked it out this year! Well...decked it out in my sense of the word this time of year...but it was a great day to welcome in our second Christmas together in Dallas.

Thanks for keeping up!
-Scott & Ashley

update...not upchuck

2008-11-12T10:27:00.003-06:00

By my calculations, it has been approximately 3 months since our last post. Whoa, my bad!
To be honest, i haven't had anything overly exciting to blog about...and don't think that today is any different.

I just thought i would update you on our lives...

Let's see...September, i don't even know what happened in September, let alone to September.
Youth kickoff had to be the highlight of the ministry side of our lives. September 14 we kicked off our school year. We had 60 students show up--I was blown away! Since then, we haven't hit 60 again, but we're getting closer and closer. God is truly blessing our ministry here at Collin Creek, and bringing more and more students into our lives for us to minister to.
I keep pulling up my calendar to see what else went on in September. Ryan's birthday was in September. Ashley & I bought him Pee Wee's Big Adventure on DVD. I specify DVD because that movie is so old, i wondered if it was even on DVD...in case any of you were wondering if it is or not, it is! Can you say, Adobe?
Now, for those of you still reading this, you can agree that with the subject matter i am covering, really...nothing noteworthy really went on in September...well, except Fall rolling into town, and even that isn't anything to party about!

Let's move along...October was an insane month! Ashley is climbing the corporate ladder at her job. She filled in for a girl for 3 weeks and became the Assistant to the Head Hancho, himself. She had a great time, and really got a chance to prove herself...even more so by working 55 hour weeks for those three!
She has now, almost officially, moved up to be the assistant to 3 of the other partners! We're stoked on this! Like I said, Ashley has proven herself over and over again, and is even designing, starting and heading up a mentoring program within the firm! Yes, she's that good!

We took a weekend trip up to Bartlesville to see Terry and Annie who were in town from Montana. It was such a good time to catch up, hang out and make fun of people. We miss those days!

October held Halloween in its bowel's. (doesn't make sense to me either...)
The day started with Ashley going to work, and me going to the golf course! A few buddies and I went to golf. Now, i haven't even picked up a club for over a year by this point, so i was a little hesitant. But all in all it was a great day! I hit my first PAR. It was a par 3. Pretty impressive, huh?
That night was a good time! Ashley made chili, carmel apples, rice crispy treats...and i grated the cheese!
We had about 12 couples from church over...hung out, laughed, played Scattergories & Mario Bro's, passed out candy and ate a whole bunch of food. It was a fun night!

November...see, we're already here! November has been interesting...and when i say interesting, i say that in conjunction with the rest of this blog.
November--we voted! Now, in Texas, they have this little ditty called "Early Voting". It is when you can vote anywhere in your county (not just your polling place like you do on Election Day!). I, for one, really wasn't sure what this was all about. So i neglected to "Early Vote".
Ashley, along with about 99% of the people we know, decided to take advantage of early voting. It literally took Ashley about 43.9 seconds to vote! She was in, she was out and on with her day.
I waited for voting day. All i heard was, "Bring a book, you'll be standing in line for hours!" Well folks, i walked into my polling location...i was in, i was out and on with my day. I even went to Starbucks and used my "I voted" sticker to get me a free coffee. (Which everyone that had an "I voted" sticker could do.) So, this "early voting" business just might not be your golden ticket!

November is also the end of the regular season of High School Football! We have literally spent every Friday (and sometimes, Thursday) night at football games. It's been a great season! But not so sad that it's over...

Speaking of over...so is this blog. Because there you have it folks! An update on the Stevenson's lives in Texas.

Hope you enjoyed the read. It's been an exciting three months as you can tell! So whipe that sweat off your brow and return to the edge of your seats!

Love and miss you all!
-Scott & Ashley

Climb, Climb up Media Mountain

2008-08-25T17:17:00.002-05:00

Luckily, our world can now return back to normal…the Olympics are over! Now, to be honest, I was kind of over the Olympics on day 3. Ashley on the other hand loves the Olympics…and I mean: L.O.V.E.-spelled-out-in-sign-language-because-you-cannot-speak-during
-the-olympics, love’s the Olympics. Now I must admit, I don’t miss the games. I think what really threw me off were the horrible ribbon-dancer competition…and the even more horrible news anchor that interviewed all the winners throughout the games. Now, my beef with this lady isn’t anything huge, except for the fact that she was the worst interviewer I have ever seen. How awkward could you make these two weeks? Now, I do have some evidence to back that statement up. After Michael Phelps won one of his eight gold medals, he walked over to this lady and she asked, “How do you think you did out there?” Sure, a valid question, but really lady! He just won the gold medal…how do YOU think he did?
I am also going to be giving Michael Phelps a run for his money. Ashley and I just got a two-week pass to a health club down the road. They have an Olympic size swimming pool. I will be posting my 50-meter swim time as soon as we get that figured out. Regardless…Peace out, Beijing!
So, this morning the contenders of “Dancing with the Stars” were announced. I have never been a huge fan of this show, and this year’s line-up will in no way change my opinion! First of all, it’s not the fact that I don’t really care about the folks on the show, but the fact that this is the largest group of contenders ever on “Dancing with the Stars”…as if they don’t draw the show out long enough, they added more dancers, and even made the season premiere a 3-hour show. What the heck can possibly go on in those three hours? Can’t they skip the commentary, background stories and lame interviews and just dance for 45 minutes and call it a night. I mean, that would totally open up a slot for episodes of Cavemen…if that was the case I would be locked in on ABC all night. But who am I?
Anyways, I am really excited for this new season on Television. I am almost caught up on the Office…I have watched 3 of the 4 seasons! Love it. I might be giving up on Grey’s Anatomy. I think this past season was a bit of a stretch…we’ll see how long it goes!
Wipeout! Does it get any better than this? I mean, the first 35 minutes of this show make me LOL, every time! I am still trying to figure out a way to get on this show, I think I could do pretty well! But until I get to jump across the “Big Balls” I will be content with living vicariously through these folks.
Those are really the only shows on my lineup. I do have a life, you know? But hey…sometimes it’s nice to just veg-out. I am also learning guitar…first lesson is Wednesday night! I’m sure we’ll have plenty of updates on that one.
Until then, once again, you may now return to the edge of your seats because that’s all I got for now!
-Scott

NO TIME

2008-08-18T15:32:00.003-05:00

So, i am assuming that with the latest update being over a month ago...that the visits to this blogspot are pretty few and far between. But nonetheless, i am here...shoving an update right up your right nostril.
Today is Monday, August 18th. And it is raining. Ashley and I love the rain. Mainly because we don't have to pay money to water our back lawn. But also because it means a night inside. Not that we don't ever have a night in, but regardless, a default to a night in is always refreshing.
Anyways..let me catch you all up to speed on what's been going on in our world since the last update.
We went to Alaska with my family. I don't want to write a blog about our trip, mainly because half of the people who read this were on the cruise, but also because i don't want to wear one of those stinky tan velcro braces that the carpel-tunnel folk wear. Needless to say, the trip was amazing! It was a great time being away and with the people you love. Good food...good times...good laughs...and even more good food. It will definitely be a trip to remember!
After the Alaskan cruise, it was really back to reality here in Plano, Texas! Back to work for us!
These few weeks have seemed to fly by. From our arrival home to this past weekend, i gotta admit...nothing exceptionally exciting. At least nothing exciting enough to write in a blog.
Except for the huge tarantula that Ashley and Georgia found in our garage and fought to the death on. RIP Ashley. Just Kidding, but seriously...it was big..and i just saw the picture!
Now, the question might be asked: "Scott, where were you during this time of this feat?" Well, God ordained this time for me to be out of town, mainly because i know that He knew my reaction would be to go inside and double lock all entry ways into the house...leaving the girls out to fend for themselves. I don't do spiders. Well, spiders like that spider. However, for those of you who know me and my past, i am getting better at dealing with these animals. I'm growing up.

This past weekend, Ashley was out of town on a company lake trip. She had a blast! She came home sore after waterskiing in her "land" clothes! She's super crazy! I was so proud of her!
Our dogs have been a royal pain in the anus. For real! Mia, our punk-beagle, has managed to get out of our backyard 5 times in the past week! Luckily, she stuck close to the house. So, we'll obviously be fixing some holes this week.
Leo...well, you really can't go wrong with Leo. Except when he is licking lotion of your legs...but these past few weeks have been exceptionally difficult with Leo. You see, we bought a box fan for our room (we don't have ceiling fans yet...that's next month!). Leo loves the box fan, and wants to be where the box fan is blowing. So we tend to kick him off our bed about 6-8 times a night.
As you can see, the excitement of our lives is looming overhead! But there's fireworks on the horizon! Youth Group started back up last night...and you can bet that we'll have plenty of stories about that! We are also heading to Disneyland for Christmas with the Higley family! We're stoked on that! Can't wait to see you guys!
Until then, i hope you enjoyed this taste of our July-August months from Texas. We love and miss you all so much! More to come...keep checking back!
You may now return to the edge of your seats!
-Scott & Ashley

a serving full of purpose (part 1)

2008-07-13T09:59:00.005-05:00

Camp 2008 is over...but man, what a great week!
Camp started on Tuesday and ended yesterday (Saturday) morning. The week was intense.
I gathered my group of 28 to make the two hour drive to Hawkins, Texas on Tuesday morning. We stopped at Sonic which really was a bad start considering the bathroom facilities at the campground.
We pulled onto the campground at 1pm and the 10 months of planning officially kicked off.
Being a camper, i always hated the first and last day of camp. The first day usually consisted of administration, rules and getting yourself acclimated...and the last day was always packing up, cleaning up, eating breakfast and then of course, the dreaded all-camp picture.
Being on other side of the spectrum, the camp leadership side, the first and last day of camp weren't so bad. Our check-in and check-out process' went smooth. The rules weren't so bad (in my opinion). There wasn't much trash to pick up and we had our stuff packed up quick! It was great. We had a great team of leadership in order, so it made it all go so smooth.

Being on the directing team for camp made it so much more intense. We were literally up from 6am until 1am. Everyday!
The days started off with a counselor/leadership prayer time. And what a way to begin each day! Waking up at 5:40am to get to a 6am prayer time after 4 hours of sleep does something to you. And plus, you have to fully rely on the grace of God to not rip out every campers right-lung when you are that tired.
This year, my arena was games and teams. I sit on a team of 5 that really don't have much creativity on the game aspect, so it fell into my hands. Not that i have any problem with this. I like games. Plus, i have an excuse to not play the nasty games because i was in charge of points and that would make it unfair.
Regardless, the games were a success. How do i know, you ask? Well, we had at least 3 visits to the nurse (some we're just the hypochondriacs, of course) during every game! They were tired, beat up and on the last night cheered because we didn't have a night game. Most might be offended at this. Not me. One, i don't get offended too easily, and two...i didn't want to play a game either. Everyone was exhausted. It was the last night of camp!
I used some of the time during the night rallies and morning seminars to prepare the game for the day. This put me in the back of the room during most of the sessions. And i have to say that this is the place i wouldn't have given up for anything.
I was able to watch each and every one of my students engaging in worship. Engaging with the words of the speaker. Engaging with the Creator.
I sat back and watched. Watched them raise their hands. Sing. Smile. Hug. Cry. Laugh. Talk. Sleep :). I sat in the back with tears in my eyes as i saw students experience God for the first time in months! I had conversations that i thought would never happen. I watched as 7 of my students from Collin Creek walked out of the back of the room to accept a call into some kind of full time ministry. I watched students give their life to Christ for the first time. I saw them fall to their knee's and say "i am no where close to where i need to be, but i want to be there. And i will work with everything in me and with the help of God i will get there." I felt a change in me to better myself for this amazing group that God has blessed me with.
How many of those are real and not just emotion? I don't know. How many of those will actually follow through with that? i don't know. But if one out of the hundreds of commitments made changes someone's world...than the months of planning, the lack of sleep, the time away from family...was all worth it. A purpose will have been served.

Camp is a mountaintop experience. It's so easy to raise your hands when everyone else is. It's so easy to say i believe, when you know you're being backed up. It's so easy to say this is going to be changed when they have access to nothing but trees, water and 150 other Christian teenagers. But when these students drop themselves back into the grind of friends, family, school, work...LIFE. When it comes down to actually following through with these camp commitments in their personal world...i pray they stand firm in the truth they know in their hearts.

This camp took so much out of me. I have never felt this kind of exhaustion. I have never felt this kind of physical ache. I am 300% beat. But i can say that beyond a shadow of a doubt that if it came down to it...i would do it again tomorrow for any of those students.
The Spirit was there. Barriers were broken. Lives were changed. And God was glorified. The planning process for Camp 2009 has already started. And i can't wait. But until then, i have my work cut out for me.
I don't want Camp 2008 to stay at Brookhaven Retreat Center. I want it to be fleshed out in everything we do.

This is all i have for now...i'll be back for more later.

Not sure...

2008-07-07T09:21:00.000-05:00

July is here...but also, pretty much done with.
I figured out that i will be home a total of 9 nights in the entire month of July. Not that the things that i will be gone for are a bummer by any means, i just know how fast August is going to come.
Let's see...This past weekend we hit the road and went down to Galveston, Texas. It was an easy 5 hour drive! We met up with some good friends from college and really had a good time. We brought both dogs and they had a good time barking and being annoying along with the two dogs already in Galveston. But it was a good time watching them play and have fun.
Leo is a water dog. He swims every chance he gets. Mia is on the complete opposite side of the spectrum.
For those of you who don't know much about Galveston, let me fill you in. It's an island in the Gulf of Mexico. Not sure how many people live there, or how big the island itself is. The only thing i do know is that the humidity is about 437% everyday of the year. So it's hot...and it was a holiday weekend so i think it is safe to say that about 90% of Texas was also in Galveston during that time.
We tried to hit McDonald's, but they actually stopped taking orders (all-together) in order to catch up with all the other orders taken before. There was a family that literally had 30 hashbrowns to go along with their 25 pancake breakfast's. Surely, once that order was filled they were bound to take orders. Nope....not a one. We left. That was strike two in my McDonald's book. The first one was getting rid of Wednesday night "Buy a Big Mac Meal and get another Big Mac for a penny." People are dumb sometimes.
Needless to say, we had a great time in Galveston. We surfed, we swam, we ate, we talked, we played games and we got to catch up with good friends. It was an awesome weekend.

Today is Monday. Tomorrow, i head to youth camp. I seriously have been counting down the days for this to finally be here, and it almost is. I have a list of about 35 things that i need to get done in the next 3 hours before i pick up the camp speaker, but i felt that if i wrote a bit, that would help clear my mind and get it organized a bit. Hasn't happened yet. Non-stop phone calls, reminders, emails, text messages and people make that hard, but hey...so is life.
I am excited about camp! I really am. We have been planning these next 5 days since November 1. And finally, the test of our preparation. Are we really as prepared as we think we are? Probably not. But hey, we won't know until we're in the middle of it. That's all part of the excitement, isn't it?

So i get back from camp for 4 days, and then jump on a plane to head to Seattle for the Stevenson Family Cruise. This, i cannot wait for! Family, fun and food. What else can there be? The big soda cup! More to come on this one....

Well...i need to jump back into reality and get some things done.

That's all i got for now...until next time--
You may now return to the edge of your seats.
-Scott

Diet Coke, Oil & WiFi

2008-07-01T09:32:00.000-05:00

I am sitting in the lobby of the McKinney Toyota Dealership waiting on my oil change. Although i don't feel great about spending $60 on an oil change and tire rotation...i do get to enjoy unlimited Diet Coke and free internet. So i guess i will be okay.

We're starting a blog. We're not the first, and i know we're not the last...but we both thought it would be a good idea to be able to keep in touch this way too.

So...welcome to our blog...a glimpse into the lives of the Scott and Ashley Stevenson...enjoy the ride.

You may now return to the edge of your seat.
-Scott