Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Daisy Girl.


I have to tell the story of how we decided to add this little sweetie to our family. About 6 weeks after Jason and I had been married, and tired of being home alone during the evenings, i wanted a puppy. I had done a little research and found a breeder in Snowflake, Arizona {where Jason's grandparents live} who was going to have Yorkie/Maltese mix puppies ready for a new home in a couple of weeks. I had contacted her and asked for pictures, and once I saw the little girl, my heart melted. So I had to tell Jason{who was not a dog person}. 
Jason, being the logical person he is, pointed out the obvious- we could barely feed ourselves, we didn't need to worry about feeding a little puppy too. So that was that. 
A few weeks later we went to Snowflake to visit his Grandparents and then on Sunday we were going to Joseph City for his other Grandparents farewell talk before their 5th mission. They're amazing. Anyway... Jason was showing me around Snowflake {since I had never been there before}. He took me downtown, we got a malt, just a good ol'fashion kind of time. Then we came across a pet store. I immediately knew it was the breeder with the adorable puppy. I hesitated, but agreed to go in with him. We looked and played with just about all the puppies in the place. The owner of the store was quick to point out that the female Yorkie/Maltese, with the bandana around her neck, was sold. Great, Jason took me to see the puppy I had wanted, but was going home with another family. I was ready to leave. As I was moving to the door, Jason asked me, "well, Ash. Aren't you going to take your puppy with you?" I looked in amazement, then broke out in tears. My husband. He got me good. Best surprise I have ever had. And I think best surprise he has had too. He did not know just how attached he would get to our little Daisy dog, but she melted his heart too. 

First picture with Daisy. You can't tell I was excited at all, can you?

The first time her little paws touched the grass, she loved it. In fact so much she let us know- she howled!

First bath, pretty pitiful, but still cute.

She loves treats!

Couldn't resist a little photo op.

Dogs can smile right? Can you see hers?

Begging. Dad taught her that "trick".

So she looks pretty sissy right. Well, wrong. Daisy LOVES the outdoors and everything that goes with it. This was after a day at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek, Arizona. She found the pond.


Our little sweet heart. A constant reminder that there is simple joy to be found in daily life. 

Just us.

Here's your warning... this might get a little emotional.
From about the third date and definitely after about the third week of dating, I knew with out a doubt Jason was my best friend and to be my eternal companion. Then I met his family... I mean, every single person in my husband's family is amazing {and that doesn't even begin to describe}. I am such a lucky girl. Since starting this blog, I realized just how truly blessed I am. I have a wonderful loving best friend and husband. My family is so supportive and loving, no matter how many states lay between us.

After having the change to spend the past few years getting to know Jason's family, I understand what makes him...well, him. : )
A few engagement shots. {July 2011}
Cutest smile think I have ever seen.
True Love.

After our wedding in Oklahoma, Jason and I had to make it back to Arizona for school and work the next week. Jason surprised me for our honeymoon. We went to Durango, Colorado. Let me tell you, if you are tired of the heat in August... head to Durango. It was beautiful, but most of all it was less than 90°F. 
We pulled into the condos where we stayed after dark and in the rain, but that didn't hold back Jason's smile. 
Love that about him. 

{What a cutie}
I have never seen or heard of an Alpine Slide, but can I just say FUN! 




Friday, September 9, 2011

The Dating Days.

In light of starting a blog, sharing photo is a must! Especially if you want to get to know us a little better!
After only our second official date, Jason wanted me to meet his family. {I was so nervous!} What made it even more nerve racking, he has 4 brother and 4 sisters. If you good at math, that's 8 siblings! Big family, but I love it! I only have 2 big brothers, so marrying Jason I finally got the big and little sisters I always wanted. 

Jason and I had a TON of fun dating. From Jason teaching me how to snowboard, me showing Jason the good 'ole southern ways in Arkansas and Oklahoma, Mexico trips, cabin trips, camping, and well that's all I can think of right now, but you get the picture. :)

So here are a few pictures from our dating days...

If I can remember correctly, this was one of the first times Jason and I spent time together as an official couple!
He's such a sweetie!
Superstition Mountains, Mesa, Arizona. Hobo dinner night with Chris, Melissa, Tate, Tanner & the Adamsons'.
Arizona sunsets are the MOST beautiful of any I have ever seen, which is what provided such beautiful lighting for this pic.. oh and the photographer is pretty good to. Thanks Mel!
Snowboarding in Greer, Arizona at Sunrise Ski Resort.
Snowboarding + Hubby = Simply the Best
Rosarito, Mexico fish market. What a fun trip with awesome friends! 
Jordan & Julie Baldwin's wedding. Couldn't tell I had my wisdom teeth out the day before! 
The Baldwin orchard, spring 2010.





Thursday, September 8, 2011

If you can't beat 'em.... join 'em!

Here we are. Jason and I have been married for more than a year now, so I guess it's time I started a blog! It doesn't seem like we have that interesting of a life, but a lot sure does go on! If I were good, I would give a complete breakdown of our history since last August 7, 2010. Instead, I'll give you the "short-but-sweet" version. 

We got married in Oklahoma last August 7, 2010; Jason closed on our first "home" {a condo} 9 days before we were married; Went on out honeymoon to BEAUTIFUL Dorango, Colorado; Finally made it back to Mesa, Arizona and school started; I was accepted to a dietetic internship with the University of Oklahoma {had to report to oklahoma city June 6, 2011}; I graduated this past May 2011 with a degree in nutrition {dietetics} from ASU; Jason and I just made a trip back home to be sealed in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on august 13, 2011... most beautiful day of my life. There you go. Now I can keep up with "the now"!

I always thought blogging was a waste of time, but now that jason and I are living about 1,200 miles from his family, I feel a little disconnected. I miss them!!! So this is my attempt to feeling a little more connected to family. So far so good.