Giving Thanks

Our First Thanksgiving

Ashley getting ready to cook.

Getting the table ready

Andy saved the day by getting the neck and giblets out for Ashley

Smells so good cooking!




The turkey came out perfect! We were shocked!

We are so thankful.

Look who is excited for the Black Friday sales...


Waiting in line at Target at 4:00 am. (Notice the free bag and Starbucks in hand)

We had an amazing Thanksgiving and really enjoyed making new memories together. We originally were going to spend Thanksgiving with Andy's family, but they weren't able to make it down to Florida, so we enjoyed the day together. Andy, Ashley and Riley (the dog) enjoyed a day of cooking together, eating together and watching football. We were shocked with how great our meal came out =) Ashley is a good cook, but preparing that much food and making sure it was already at the same time was what mattered. We enjoyed leftovers, football and Rockband with Andy's friend Scott who joined us later in the day.

The next morning we got up bright and early for the Black Friday shopping deals. Andy wasn't too sure about getting up that early, but when he saw that we saved tons of money he perked up...and the many cups of coffee helped too. He was a trooper and secretly enjoyed the shopping...eerr... quality time with Ashley.

We had a great First Thanksgiving together and are ready for the Christmas season to begin!

Riley & Me

The one and only time Riley was allowed to sit on the couch...to "help me blog"

First of all I never thought I would have a dog, much less cry over one, unless of course I was crying with fear. I have always been afraid of dogs and growing up we didn't have pets. Well, unless you count a turtle me and my brother found when we were lived in Kansas, we named it Michelangelo after one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. We also had our fair share of being fish owners, but never had a dog...aka....a real pet.

Marrying Andy ment becoming a pet owner and I have learned to accept the dog hair, poopy walks, dog park and all that comes with owning a dog. However, it wasnt' till Sunday night that I realized how much Riley means to me. Before now I didn't fully understand how people could be so attached to their pets, and not I have to admit I am one of those people.

Sunday night I went to bed as soon as our Small Group members left. I had just fallen asleep when I heard a crashing thud. I ran into the living room and saw Riley and Andy on the lanai. I sreamed "What happened? Are you okay?" thinking that Andy fell. He was semi laughing, but had a concerned look on his face and was checking Riley's face. Our poor Riley-dog ran smack into the glass sliding door. It was something straight out of a Windex commercial. Poor thing.

After we checked to see if she was okay I started crying hysterically. It freaked me out so much that something happened to her. I was afraid she had a concusion or something. Andy just looked at me and said, "are you really crying? you love her don't you?!" All I could do was hold her and cry. I can now say I finally understand what it is liked to be attached to a pet. The things I love most about Riley include: her excitement everytime I walk in the door, that she sleeps on the floor next to my side of the bed, when I'm at home alone she follows me around and sits in whatever room I'm in, and last but not least....she takes treats from me, but not Andy =)

I am thankful for...(in pictures)

Celebrating over two months of marriage to the most amazing man. Eating s steak dinner together and going to a movie of my choice.

The ministry God has placed me in. Being a youth pastor's wife is something I never thought would be my calling, but God is faithful to show us His ways.