Here she is...

19 months...

and the cutest little girl I know!

On Saturday my mom and I took Jasmin up to see what we affectionately call "The Big Trees." It is pretty incredible to think that the world's largest trees are right in out back yard. It was a nice drive and time there. HOWEVER, I wasn't expecting there to be snow on the ground. Thank goodness I had tennis shoes in the car I could put on. As for a jacket or anything warm to put on I simply had to go without. I survived though! It was a balmy 38 degrees up there...lol Living on the EC helped me toughen up when it comes to cold weather, that's for sure!

Jasmin had a GREAT time in Mexico. She is not one to tell stories or express how much fun she had or what something means to her, but she could not stop talking about Mexico. She got "worker of the day" the very first day and was so proud of herself. She is totally glad she went and last night we went to a slide show where we got to see firsthand what they were able to experience. I do know that she still is questioning God and is taking in all this "new stuff" she is hearing about the cross and whatnot. I can tell that she is thinking about it off and on. While it has been very difficult to host her this year (for several reasons I can tell you through email) I do hope that it was worth it and that she will go home with eternal rewards.

Yesterday I cleaned my house. The last weekend of every month I make an effort to do some deep cleaning since I usually don't clean in between. I HATE CLEANING HOUSE! Now don't get me wrong, I definitely prefer and will enforce a "picked up" house. But dusting and vacuuming is the worst thing ever. Ugh. I got most everything done. Tonight I have to clean my office and Windex the mirrors in my house and then all will be good - at least for another month. I pretty much would rather do anything but this. What are chores that you hate?

Man I like this guy...too bad he won't be our president (this time around)...

A message from Mike Huckabee:

The story of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection has deep meaning to Christians for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it is the defining moment of the Christian faith. But for the resurrection, Christianity would be nothing more than a legend, not unlike the stories from Greek or Roman mythology. As the Apostle Paul notes in I Corinthians 15:17-18, "And if Christ be not raised, your faith is in vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished." Indeed, our very hope of eternal life depends upon the resurrection of Christ!

Beyond this, however, the resurrection is the supreme reminder that the biggest victories can come from the greatest defeats.

When Jesus walked the land of Palestine, the Jews held fast to God's promise of deliverance. Oppressed by the Romans, the children of Israel eagerly awaited the coming of the Messiah—the Savior who would overthrow their tormenters and restore the Throne of David. Many of the Jews who followed Jesus believed that He would do just that. However, when He died by the most humiliating way—death on a Roman cross—their hopes were dashed. Even as Jesus' blood poured down the tall, wooden cross into the parched ground below, their hope of salvation slipped away—or so it seemed.

We know the rest of the story. Jesus rose again. He overcame the grips of Death and Hades. Caesar did his worst, but it was not enough to keep Jesus down. As a result, salvation from sin and reconciliation with God became available to all who choose to come to Christ in faith. What was meant for evil, God turned to good. Jesus' humiliating defeat became the vehicle for the greatest victory in all of human history.

Today, our nation is going through a difficult time. The ever burgeoning number of home foreclosures have created an economic crisis not unlike the Great Depression itself. And with gas prices at record highs, the dollars in our pockets have been stretched to their limits. If this weren't bad enough, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan—although necessary to preserve our national security—have taxed the patience of our people to their limits. To borrow from Thomas Paine, "these are the times that try men's souls."

As difficult as these times may be, though, we may look to the story of Easter for hope. Just as God used the greatest evil (the death of Jesus on the cross) to birth the greatest good (salvation for mankind), so will God use the problems we now face as a springboard for our greatest victories.

You may be going through a difficult time right now. Maybe you have lost your home, or perhaps your loved one is serving our country proudly in a war zone. You may not be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. If so, just remember that God knows right where you are. If you will only trust Him, He will lead you through this time of testing and deliver you from evil. Like a woman in childbirth, the heartache and pain you experience today will precede the greatest happiness you will ever know. Just believe.

I am going out of state for Memorial Day Weekend and I need someone to stay at my house May 22-26. You don't have to do anything but sleep there so Jasmin won't be alone late at night. (She can take care of herself with meals and the kitten, etc.) I am even willing to pay! Please consider if this is something you might be interested in doing...thanks!!

Today is Maundy Thursday. When I was a kid I thought that that interpreted to Monday-Thursday. I had no clue what it meant. Be sure to take some time out today to remember the special events that happened this day – and everyday thought this Holy Week.

I have been on Christian Café and Match.com for a bit now. I have tried Eharmony in the past before but my experience with them was not a good one – I think they are all about making money and nothing about matching people. (Long story, which I can tell you in a separate post or email if you’d like.) Anyway, nothing really to note has happened. I am kinda OK with that though... I’m not sure if I can personally go from 0-100 with someone. What I mean is that I would much rather hang out with someone and be friends first, in person, and then have something develop out of that. It is hard for me to start/join in a conversation with someone based on liking their profile. It is just a lot of pressure. I’m not saying Internet sites can’t work. I know three people off the top of my head that met their future spouse that way. It is just hard for MY personality…I just want to fall in love the old fashioned way! But, I am committed to sticking out my membership at both of those sites though. Who knows how God will use them. A little side story though – the other day I got an email from someone on Match.com. In it he said, “No offense…I have heard of she-males but never her-males running around town. LOL!” I have no idea what that means. Is he telling me I look like a guy trying to be a girl? Is he telling me I am ugly? Is he just an idiot who is intent on making someone (me) feel bad about themselves? I don’t know. It did hurt me a bit – I don’t know why a complete stranger would do that. It just reminded me how vulnerable Internet sites can be!!

I can’t lie, it has been WONDERFUL having Jasmin away for the week. She gets home tomorrow. I do look forward to hearing about her week… Only 11 weeks until she returns to Germany.

Today is my Friday. I get tomorrow off which is really nice. Of course I wish I still had a weeklong Easter break like I did when I was a kid but I am still very grateful for the three-day weekend! Tomorrow I need to go get stuff for Jasmin’s Easter basket, mail Kristin’s bday present, and go grocery shopping. I will probably help my mom paint too. (We are finishing painting in my room and painting Jasmin’s room. My dad is also building the deck outside my bedroom and I look forward to that!) Saturday I don’t have any plans. I am hoping to maybe see some friends and/or family. Sunday is church and then I am hosting Easter dinner at my house. I wish I had patio furniture because it would be nice to enjoy the meal outside on my new deck…but we will still be able to sit out there and have just as nice of a time. I still don’t know what to make for dinner and dessert. Any suggestions?

Speaking of Easter, I hope that you have a wonderful holiday. HE IS RISEN!

Jasmin leaves for Mexico on Saturday. Tonight we need to pack her up as they load everything tomorrow night because they leave dark and early on Saturday morning. I think that I am more excited about her going then she is. She, by admission, enjoys "luxury" vacations so she will definitely have new experiences with baby-wipe showers and sleeping on a cot. It will be sooooo good for her though. She will learn what it is like to serve other people and she will be able to really have the opportunity to evaluate where her heart is in response and relationship to Jesus. She struggles with telling the truth and vanity and I think this trip will (hopefully) really help her to be thankful for what she has and more aware of loving those who are less fortunate. Several people have been very generous in making this trip possible for her (as her "sponsors") and I am deeply grateful. I will let you know how her trip goes!

Gas is really expensive here. I spend 3.68/gallon on it yesterday. I about fainted when I saw the final total for my Saturn Vue. When will it go down again??

I met a nice, single (to my knowledge anyway), Christian guy yesterday. We got to talking and he is from the East Coast! We talked about places we knew there. And, to my delight, he is from PA! My fave state! Then, to top it off, he told me he is moving back in May. Seriously...lol!! Ugh, the irony is just too much!! lol

Yesterday we had a staff retreat for work. We had to watch a DVD of Zig Zigler who was giving a motivational speech. He said something that really struck me. He said that most people struggle with self esteem (I began to feel convicted) and how we will marvel at beautiful places in this world such as landscapes and flowers, etc but when we get to his greatest and most beloved creation (us) we are disgusted at what we see in the mirror (feeling lots of conviction at this point). It was a good point. What am I saying about God when I look down on myself? This isn't about being prideful but rather about viewing myself as God does - a constant struggle. He also went on to talk about the importance of being physically fit and all the benefits such as leading a happier life, etc. and I knew he was right. I don't think yesterday helped me out career-wise at all - but I sure felt like I needed to work on myself a lot as a Christian when I left.

I read an excellent article on marriage and divorce which was published by The Well, a church here in Fresno. I have been meaning to talk about it here on my blog. It is lengthy - about 5 pages or so - but it is EXCELLENT!!! I cannot say enough about it. Every Christian should read it before marrying. Anyway, if you are interested in the link let me know and I will send it your way.

WHO
Who are your closest/best friends? Kristin, Hannah, Amy, Jerelyn, Holli
Who do you love? My family and friends, of course!
Who is your mom? Kathy. She is teaching kindergartners right now.
Who owns your house? My parents. I rent from them...the house. I don't live with them.
Who bought you the clothes your wearing? Some my mom as a gift. Some me. One ring is a gift from my grandma.
Who is at your house? Right now? My kitten, Jersey. He is probably sleeping on top of something that he shouldn't right now.
Who loves you? Jesus. My friends and family.
Who said hey to you today? The secretary at our office when I walked in.
Who are you talking to right now? No one.
Who was your first kiss? Rick C.
WHAT
What town do you live in? Kingsburg
What are your pet peeves? People who do not follow through.
What are you wearing? Work clothes.
What do your teeth look like? Straight, thanks to braces!
What are you doing in an hour? Lunch break. Eating (well) and hopefully finishing my book.:-)
What is your middle name? Marie
What is your deepest secret? I can't tell you that!
What are you doing tomorrow? Work - but yay, it's Friday!
What is your Dad's middle name? Steven.
What is in this for you? It gives me something to do and hopefully others will repost on their blogs so I can learn about then!
What is your favorite thing(s) to do? Travel, laugh, be with loved ones, help others, sleep, etc.
What are you sitting on? my desk chair
WHERE
Where are you at right now? Work.
Where were you at at 12 noon today? It's not that time yet!
Where is your toothbrush at? In the drawer to the left of my sink.
Where do you sleep? In my bed at home. In my newly painted room.:-)
Where do you live? In a house by the high school.
Where were you at at 7pm yesterday? Young Life.
Where is your car? In the parking lot in front of the office. It so needs to be washed.
Where are your brothers/sisters? My brother is at work, teaching. I don't have a sister. My sister-in-law is probably at home with my niece right now.
Where did you put your bookbag? I don't have a bookbag anymore - thank goodness! My briefcase thing is on my desk to my right.
Where do you keep your socks? In my second drawer of my dresser.
WHEN
When was your first kiss? Seventh grade.
When are you getting a job? Have two, thanks.
When will you grow up? I don't know!!:-)
When are you going to call your friend? After work I have a phone date with Hannah.
When did you get home last night? From Young Life? 9ish?
When did you graduate? 1996 from high school. 2001 from college. 2007 from grad school.
When are you going to stop taking surveys? Geez, someone is cranky!
When was the last time you had a fruit smoothie? I don't know? Def was at YL.
When are you getting married? Soon, I hope.:-)
WHY
Why are you taking this? Finished my report much quicker then expected and now I get the rest of the morning off.
Why are you weird? Again with the mean questions!!
Why are you wearing what your wearing right now? Work clothes for work. Get it?
Why dont you have friends? I DO have friends...I promise!!
Why don't you have a sweetheart? I live in Kingsburg. Enough said.
Why do you live where you're at? For now I think it is where God wants me. I have a hunch that will change soon.
HOW
How do you fix your hair? Depends on my mood and time!!
How are the kids? Ask me that in a few years when I have some.
How many hours do you spend on the computer? Depends on the day...
How many TV shows do you watch? I only TIVO two shows. If I had more time there is much more I'd like to see. That's OK though...I like being busy.
How often do you say I love you? Not enough...that's for sure! (I love you, btw!)

OK, when I search for "Ashley Phelan" my blog address does not come up. But when I search "Ashely Phelan" it does. That is not the correct way to spell my name!! Does anyone know how to change that?? I just tried editing my blogger but it looks like I have my name entered correctly...

I got my nose pierced, oh, I don't know...2 1/2 years ago? Anyway I always tried to wear a very small barely-noticeable stud in it because I liked the idea of having my nose pierced but I wanted it to be discreet and really only noticeable if the light hit it just right. In fact I am surprised with myself that I even went through with it at all. I went to a tatoo parlor in Bucks County to get it done...by myself. I was feeling brave and decided to just do it. I was totally horrifed when I saw the needle and realized they were not going to use a gun. It took him a couple of tries but he did it and once he was done (despite the blood and tears in my eyes from pain) I was glad I had did it. But, I didn't like the gem he put in it so that night I took it out and put another one in that I had bought which totally caused a bloody mess in the process. Anyone knows that you are not supposed to take it out but I was so vain and I was bound and determined to wear the stud I liked. Luckily I got it back in and kept it in for the next few weeks until I was allowed to change it. I am telling you this story because I took out my nose ring (stud, really) about a year ago. Every month or so I would wear it for a few hours to make sure the hole didn't close up. I went through so much blood and gore to get it done I always wanted to make sure I was able to keep the result. Yesterday I thought, "Oh no! I haven't put my nose ring in in a while!!" So I attempted to do it and made my nose bleed a little, OK a lot, in the process. I was only able to get it halfway in and now I am so mad at myself. I can't believe I was lazy and let it close up. It's not like I am planning on wearing it ever again, I think now that I am almost 30 my time is done having my nose pierced, but it just makes me sad that I don't even have the option. I am considering trying once more today but don't know if I can take the blood again. I know, I am weird.