Time Flies When You're Having Fun

Has anyone else noticed that it's the end of October almost, Halloween is 2 weeks away, my birthday is in 3...wow I didn't even realize that until just now.  How fast time has gone.  Especially since my last post.  I didn't even write about our anniversary really, but this past month (well, the past 5 and a half really) has gone so fast I don't even remember all that I've done.  But I know that it's been fun.

While I don't really like to do, I think bullet points might be best for this post.  So here are some of the fun things we've been up to since I last wrote.

-We didn't do anything really for our 3rd anniversary since the week before we bought a new TV and an Xbox. Steve made lasagna and garlic bread for dinner and grape dessert too.  I was very impressed, and so thankful to have married a guy who loves to cook! (Since I started working evenings he has cooked about 90% of our meals.  I love that man!)

-The first weekend in October we were going to go camping with some friends from Steve's work.  Unfortunately the weather was awful so we didn't end up going, but camped out in our living room instead.  I was bummed that we couldn't go because I had wanted to ALL summer, but Steve had an idea to cheer me up. I got home from work and we went straight to get Taco Bell for dinner.  I wasn't allowed in the house and wondered what in the world he had done that I couldn't go in.  We got home and he had pulled the mattress into the living room and put our sleeping bags on top of it.  We also had our camping lantern to eat by.  It was a lot of fun, and we found out the next day that they had closed all the state parks in our county because so many trees were falling from the high winds. 

-We went to a dairy farm and corn maze that same weekend with our friend Grant.  The maze wasn't a ton of fun, but the weather was beautiful so we had fun anyways.  We also got really good homemade fudge and ice cream from the dairy farm's little shop.

-Steve and I, along with another couple from church have been leading the middle school youth ministry on Wednesday nights.  We've been rotating every other week because of Steve's schedule, but it's been a blast!  The group isn't very big, but they've been asking some good questions and it's been fun getting to know them.

-I had to work last Saturday, and instead of just doing our normal stuff, I decided to get some craft supplies to make fun Halloween decorations.  We had a ton of making goofy pumpkins, skulls, and Frankenstein out of empty toilet paper tubes, foam stickers, glitter glue, and googly eyes.  I love my job most days, but that day I was really excited the kids took to what I brought because sometimes it's hit or miss with what they'll like.  And speaking of my job, my hours have changed and I'm still trying to get used to this schedule.  But that is for another time...

-We enjoyed an extended Indian Summer and Sherman and I took full advantage of it.  We went to the dog park and took a nice long walk with my friend Jessica too.  I wish it would've lasted a bit longer, but I am I learning to be content with the blessings I've been given.  (I joined the women's Bible study at church, and our book is Lord, Change My Attitude by James MacDonald...very good and I am definitely challenged to change my attitude!)

-This past weekend we went bowling with some of the guys from Steve's station.  Then went our with Jessica and her husband, whom Steve also works with.  It was fun to get out of the house and visit with them.

-Yesterday one of Steve's close friends at the station went to church with us.  He's not a Christian, but said that was the first time he ever enjoyed a church service.  He also said he wants us to pick him up every Sunday for church.  So if you think of it this week could you pray for him, that he sees how awesome it is to have Christ in your life.  That he sees it in Steve's and my life as well as through those he interacts with at church.  And that God would work on his heart, and that he would open it up to answer God's call.

-Our pastor also invited us over to his house to watch the New Orleans Saints' game.  He's a huge fan and always mentions it on Sunday as we live in Packer country up here.  Gets a chuckle every time.  Anyways, another family from church was there too and Steve also works with him as well.  So we had fun, even though the Saints lost, talking and hanging out.  Shannon (our pastor) also made dinner, which was delicious!  I even ate the brussels sprouts cause they were so good.

So there's a look at what we've been up to.  It's definitely starting to feel like home here.  We're getting to know people, hanging out and making some hopefully long lasting friendships.  Oh and another note of importance: Steve got Sailor of the Quarter for this past quarter.  Which I think is awesome!  He's only been there for 5 months and received the honor the first full quarter he was part of the Canal Station.  He is working so hard and I am so proud of him.  His name is on the list for Health Services Technician A-school, but won't be going for another 2 and a half years or so.  More that later too...  We're doing well, I also was informed I'd be moved up to an Advanced line therapist, with a little raise after being with my company for about 4 months.  God has blessed us so much.  Even though sometimes things suck such as our conflicting schedules and not getting to see each other much; He is teaching us to rely on Him and Him alone for our joy and peace.

Verses I'm standing on this week (and should be always):
"Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth [gain].  After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing  let us be content."  1 Timothy 6:6-8

Autism and a Career Path

It's been awhile.  I've been working a whole lot more than when I started, and when I'm not working I'm doing household chores or just relaxing with my hubby and puppy dog.  Life is great right now, we are blessed beyond words here in Wisconsin.  Friends to hang out with, a church family to be involved with, and jobs we both love.

I realized just the other day I wouldn't want to be doing anything other than what I'm doing right now.  I'm a therapist...sounds strange, so "professional," but it's me.  Working one on one, teaching kids even if they learn differently than other kids.  I am blessed with the gift of teaching and patience (I still need to rely on the Lord for that sometimes though).  And I absolutely love seeing the progress each of the kids make.  Working with kids on the Autism spectrum is not easy, but when a kid masters a task I am overjoyed for him/her and his/her family.

I also find myself getting upset when others are ignorant or just plain disrespectful of an autistic child.  I don't even like to use that label.  Because Autism shouldn't define who the child is.  It is my hope that the kids I'm working with are seen as who they really are...B with her love for animals and make believe, D with his desire to learn how things work and build, and R with her sweet smile.  Each child is unique and I love seeing them learn and play and giggle and have fun just being a kid.  I've found a new passion in working with kids I think, mainly because of the negative comments/reactions I've seen from others who just don't understand.

Over the summer I've been going to a special needs camp with one of the kids I work with.  We went to our county fair last week.  It's always an adventure taking a group of 10-15 kids with various special needs out in public, but it's even worse when you hear comments from teenagers none the less about how the kids are "retarded" or that "all of them have mental problems."  Yes, those were some of the comments I heard as we were walking to the van after the visit to the fair.  Kids who had nothing better to do than to sit in the parking lot and make fun of the group.  It irritated me, and I really wanted to say something to them, but I kept my cool.  I realized then, that this is not just a job for me, but that it is a cause I am willing to speak up about.  To work towards bringing awareness about Autism spectrum disorders.

Let's face it, Autism is definitely on the rise.  I'm sure most of you have seen that commercial of the boy with a friend who has Autism and he grows into a man with an Autistic son.  While the reason behind the growing numbers may only be more diagnoses, the amount of children with Autism is increasing.  And while I don't know if there will ever be a cure, I want to do as much as I can to help these kids lead normal lives.  Like I said earlier, Autism shouldn't define them.  They have many more talents behind the diagnosis, and who knows what a little therapy can do for them.  

In my experience, the kids I work with have responded well to the things we throw at them.  It takes the right person with patience and love to see what lies behind and beneath the Autism.  I finally see what others have been trying to tell me all along; I do have this skill and I am ready to continuing serving these kids and to see them through the struggles they face.  But it is not by my power alone, but through the Lord that he has given me these gifts, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity he's given me to work with children with Autism.  I really don't think I want to be doing anything else as far as a career.  I've found something that fits, something that I'm proud to be a part of, and something that I want to continue to have an influence in.  

Working with kids with Autism has been at the back of my mind for a few years now.  I never thought I'd actually be doing it, but God had other plans.  I couldn't be happier with where he's brought me on this career path, and I'm excited to see where I he leads me as well. 

Family Visit Photos

Last weekend, some of Steve's grandma, aunt, cousin, sister and niece came to visit us.  We had a blast with them seeing the many sights of our new hometown.  Sorry there are so many...I took a lot of pictures that day just because I can, and I'm still trying to figure out my new camera.

Random Thoughts About Our New "Home"

We've lived in WI now for a month and a half.  I've never felt further from home than I do now.  It's tough being away from family and close friends.  Our apartment feels like home, but being out and about in the town...not so much.  Surreal I think is the best way to describe it.  I don't see familiar faces anymore.  Even in Michigan I recognized a few of the Target checkout people whenever I went in.  Here, they're all different.  Each store seems to have a different person every time I go.

I've made friends here.  I hang out with said friends too, and not just occasionally.  I think I've actually done more things with other women my own age in the past 47 days than I have since we've been married. This is very strange for me.  I'm an introvert, but as long as someone asks me to do things with them I'm all for it.  Like garage sale-ing, beach going, walking, softball games. (Is this my shell breaking away?)

Driving home from work yesterday, I got this odd feeling looking out over the horizon while waiting on the drawbridge to go down.  The boats, the bridge, the marinas...these things do not exist in my hometown.  But they're here.  They're all over, almost in our backyard even.  

I asked Steve if he felt like this was our home yet when we went on a walk down to the marina last night.  He said no.  I'm glad we agree on that.  Don't know when it will start to feel like home though...or if it ever will.

My in-laws are going camping this weekend with Steve's brother and his fiance.  I feel a bit jealous...and sad we're not there to be able to join them.  I hope they can get a chance to come up here sometime this summer to visit us in our new "home."  I hope my parents can come up soon too...they've said the 4th...we'll see what happens. 

Another thing I was thinking about that's so different here (which relates to a severe lack of family in the area) is not being able to go over to someone else's house for dinner.  We can't just say "Hey let's go visit your grandma."  We can't make plans with our friends to go out to eat or to a movie.  I miss our families so much...yes both Steve's and mine.

The weather here...I don't even want to start.  BIPOLAR it is...severely.  Just last week we had a 30 degree temperature difference in 24 hours 85 down to 55 the next morning.  Yesterday to today...55 w/rain to 70 w/sun.  The weather is the worst part.

The mail lady...doesn't come until 3:00 or after.  I'm used to mail by 12 or 1 at the very latest.

Cereal is super expensive...even at Walmart, which isn't even a Super Walmart (though they're adding on).

Now I'm just complaining, but these are the things I've thought of and discovered about our time here in WI so far.  I sure hope things get a better.  They're not horrible, they're not even bad.  We have been blessed abundantly; I just never thought I'd miss family and friends as much as I do (and it could just be the day, Steve's on this weekend so that leaves me home alone with Sherman).  Though I know I will look back in a year and see just how great this town is when I give it a chance.

Starting to Feel Like Home...

Our boxes are all unpacked.  There's a stack of them in the dining area to be broken down and taken to the recycling bin.  Our kitchen cupboards are organized, there's food in the fridge (but it still looks empty), there are things in the pantry, our clothes are somewhat organized in the massive closet we now have.  The bathroom is pretty set, and I've already done a few loads of laundry.  The tv and dvd player are set up and I'm loving our new couch from Steve's step-brother.  The dining room table now has it's legs on, and we were able to eat dinner at the table last night!  Only a little organizing is left to do (i.e. scrapbook things and taking un-needed items out to the garage).  Yes, our nice new apartment is finally starting to feel a little bit more like home. 

Steve says the guys at the station are all really cool, and his XO stresses the importance of family.  That's why I liked the idea of the Coast Guard better than any other branch, not that the others don't take care of each other like family (I'm sure they do), it's more of a priority for those in the Coast Guard.  But it's a smaller branch so they have more time to devote to manners pertaining to family.  I'm nervous and excited for all that the near and distant future holds.  

It's such a strange feeling though, living in a brand new state.  A smaller town than we've lived in the past 2 years, but bigger than when we lived at camp, and bigger than my hometown.  We have several larger stores like Walmart, Walgreens and Target, and a very large grocery store.  There's a huge Y that Steve gets a free membership too, and hopefully I can get a discounted one.  But there's also an AnyTime Fitness that we're already members of.  There's your typical fast food restaurants, and some nicer restaurants downtown.  There's an ice cream and candy shop too that I might have to frequent (though it's kind of expensive...).  We've seen several coffee shops, one of which is right down the road from our apartments.  There's also a small shop that sells all kinds of outdoorsy things, and I want to check it out for some Keens for Steve and I before summer hits.

I can't really describe how I feel about this place.  I don't want to say I don't like, but I don't know that I'm extremely crazy about it either.  The only thing I know is that God has us here for a reason.  Maybe I have mixed feelings because it's still new, and I don't really know anyone yet.  Maybe it's because I'm not working yet.  Maybe it's because it's May and still only 50 degrees...yeah, that's probably the biggest one (that and officially being on our own away from family and close friends).  But these things shall pass, before I know it Sturgeon Bay will be home like any other place I've lived, and our parents and friends will have visited and the weather will be warmer and I will be working (probably more than I planned originally).  For now, I will continue to seek the Lord, to see him in the beauty of the Bay, the provision in our housing, and the marriage that Steve and I are building.

And His Blessings Continue

WE GOT AN APARTMENT! And a very nice one: brand new, 1st occupants, lots of storage space, huge kitchen, lower level, outdoor entry, and did I mention storage space?  Free hi-speed wireless, a garage, large master bedroom, and some more storage space.  God is so good!  

We weren't even going to look at this complex because the website said they were still under construction, and with the description on the website I figured they're be out of our budget.  But we looked up the address and went over there anyway.  I am glad we went, especially after the first complex only had 1 bedroom apartments available and that wasn't gonna cut it for us.  The manager is fantastic, he has seen the construction from day one, and is very personable.  He said it's mostly older people that live there, but there are a handful of families and younger couples as well.  It's right off the marina and the rent even includes a boat slip free for the first year.  When we got there the manager told us there were only 2 left, an upper and a lower.  We got to look at both and were immediately impressed.  And the best part?  I get to pick up the keys Monday (which is the day our HHG get dropped off by the moving company) morning once I sign the lease.  The owner of the complex was there when Steve dropped off the application, so there was our credit check.  He signed the lease right then and there.  God is so good!

I am in complete awe at his provisions and blessings.  This is just another in a long line of confirmations this is the path we are to follow.  Only a few more to go with an interview at WI ABA and maybe a few more job inquiries/apps for me.  I am no longer going to worry about tomorrow.  Each day I am going to start praying my life verse, for His help to only focus on the present worries and not about the future.  I am giving up complete control because the Lord is the only one who knows for certain what tomorrow holds.  And He has plans to prosper and not harm us, He cares even for the grass and flowers so how much more will He care for HIS CHILDREN?  SO MUCH MORE! 

Chris Tomlin's song just came to mind because I have no words of my own to share my praise:

Indescribable, uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky
And You know them by name
You are amazing, God

All powerful, untameable
Awestruck we fall to our knees
As we humbly proclaim
You are amazing, God

We're Here!

What a crazy few weeks it has been, from deciding to leave KinderCare earlier than expected, to graduation, to moving, my life has been a whirlwind.  A whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, but through it all God was there.  God is good all the time.  We left a little later than we would've liked this morning, but we did make it safely to WI.  Chicago traffic was not bad, and I actually liked driving through Milwaukee.  It's wet and cold here, colder than MI, and Steve says the landscape is a mix between Ohio farmland and Michigan trees.  I completely agree.  I just hope that when spring comes and things start to green up, we will see some beautiful sights.  But like I said, God is good all the time.

We called last night to check on hotels because we wanted to bring Sherman with us, so we needed to find a pet friendly one, but everything online seemed to say "no pets."  So Steve got in touch with his sponsor and we ended up booking a room at our good old standby Choice Hotel.  The Comfort Inn.  Free internet is nice, and so is a big king size bed.  Hopefully we won't have to call this room home for very long though.  Tomorrow we'll go look at apartments and rental his sponsor mentioned last night too.  I'm praying this rental works out because it sounds fantastic.  3 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood floors, downtown.  God is good right?  I'm learning to trust his provisions and the verses about providing for the birds of the air and flowers of the field keep coming to mind.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:25-34

This goes along well with the advice my husband gave me upon returning from boot camp.  He said that I will notice a change in the way he handles things, that he won't be so uptight about the little things.  That he has learned to live life and not worry about something until a problem occurs.  There's no use worrying about what might happen.  I do that all too often, so now I am trying really hard (cause it's definitely not easy) to only worry about what problems come my way.  There is definitely no sense in worry about the what-if's. I did it today before we left about Chicago traffic, and things were FINE!

So as we embark on this new phase of life, this new adventure, my new life verse shall be "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." Matthew 6:34 I'm excited we're here in our new hometown.  I'm ready for this...it's been a long time coming, really.  We are now Steven and Ashley, our families are still supporting us with encouraging words and prayers, but we're cleaving and leaving.  They are no longer a short drive away (though I'm sure there will still be several visits in the near future from parents).  We're becoming independent in our career choices and building our marriage for a future family.  Many changes will come our way in the next few days, weeks, and months, but I'm ready.  Steve's ready.  And really that's all that matters.  God's got everything else under control, all we have to do is keep putting our trust in him.

The Time Has Come

THE TIME IS NOW! (Well, in about 15 hours anyway.) Steven graduates tomorrow morning at 11 a.m.  I am so excited.  His family and my parents are here in Cape May, all staying at the Blue Fish Inn.  It didn't even seem like it took all that long to get here (total about 11 hours and 15 min from Ohio).  I'm so excited! Did I mention that already?  Sorry, this post is not very coherent on my part.  Just trying to get some words down.  I wrote a post a few days ago that I accidentally deleted on my phone.  Major bummer, but I promise I will give a complete update soon.  God has worked in amazing ways over the past 8 weeks, and I can't wait to see what he does with the next 4 years.  Ah...I am so blessed, and really can't believe the time has come to be reunited with my husband.  Really, wow...I'm here in Cape May and don't actually believe it myself.  But I will get to wrap my arms around the most amazing man, a selfless, kind, giving man whom I have the privilege to call my husband...TOMORROW!  I might honestly jump into his arms, and I will for sure never let go of his hand all day tomorrow.  (Well, he may get to hug his mom, gram, aunt, sister, niece and mother-in-law...though I'm sure he can figure out a way to do that while still holding my hand.)

Resolutions... No Just Realizing the Importance of Faithfulness

Well, 2010 is drawing to a close.  There has been a lot that's happened in the last year, and the common theme throughout is faithfulness.  With Steve's ship out date drawing near, I am not getting nervous or scared of the new changes coming, but I'm excited for the adventure.  I know we serve a God who is faithful and if I am faithful in following him I will experience blessings far greater than I could ever know.  And that is why I'm ready to move.  To finally see his plan come to fruition and start this adventure.

I've been reading a book called Love & War by John and Staci Eldredge (it's been off and on for about a year now oops!).  I picked it up again the other day, and what is the chapter about, but the need for a husband and wife to share in adventures together.  I realized in that moment that this is exactly what God has planned for us.  While I've been a little apprehensive about moving our future children from town to town or across the country perhaps, I have to remember this is God's exact plan.  He wants Steve and I to share adventures.  John & Staci talk about how couples need to make time to share experiences like hiking, horseback riding, or sailing.  Adventures don't have to take the form of outdoor experiences though, just something that the couple likes doing together...disc golf is an adventure for Steve and I (especially if those disc accidentally end up in the woods!).  The Eldredge's say that too often couples put all their time and energy into rearing children and when the children grow up and move out then they have nothing left in common anymore and more than likely end up divorced.  So our Coast Guard adventure is more than just a career, it is a way to strengthen our marriage.  And that is how I am going to look at it from now on. 

As we are planning to move into a new house, in a new city and more than likely a new state, verses that I've come to stand on are Joshua 24:14-15:

"Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

We will serve the Lord...through involvement in a new church, to making new friends, to our new jobs and future children...we will serve the Lord...through our shared adventure moving around the country, and our shared activities and hobbies.  I am excited to continue following this plan and walking by faith. For me there really is no other way to live.  I've had struggles before in trying to manage all the details, but He is a God who takes care of those details.  That too has been evident in our lives the past 12 months and why should I think that he won't take care of the details in this upcoming move? Matthew 6:25-31 comes to mind regarding this:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

So, my new year's resolutions are to rely more fully on the God of details and not on my own way of planning things.  It is just too stressful; He really does take the stress out of life when you just let him plan and you follow.  Why should I make myself sick by worrying about what will happen 2 weeks, 6 months, or 5 years from now...each day really does have enough trouble of its own. I will continue to focus on the day at hand, life is really a lot easier that way, and this way I won't miss out on those little moments that I might otherwise when trying to plan out my life far into the future.  I will continue to walk by faith, live by faith and share my faith with others as we head into 2011.  I'm excited for what God has in store for us!