Gratitude and Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving Day approaches I have been thinking about everything that I am thankful for and all the blessings I have been given in my life. I contemplate all that I am blessed enough to have, while so many others around the world have to go without. If you indulge me I am going to list some of the many things that have been on my mind over the last few weeks. I am thankful for my life. As I have worked in the ER over the last few months, I have witnessed many peoples last few moments. I am grateful that I still have the privilege to share my life with those I love. I have also witnessed the losses the families had to face as these individuals have breathed their last breathe. I am s grateful for my family member who I am blessed enough to share my life with. I am also grateful for the friends who are just like family to me. I am grateful for the associations and examples that I have had that have gotten me as far in life as I am. I also am thankful for the future times I will get to spend with all of these individuals. I am grateful for the knowledge that God and Jesus Christ live. I am grateful for the opportunity that I have to draw closer to them as days go by. I am so happy that I have the Spirit of the Lord to be my constant companion, as long as I am worthy of His companionship. I am grateful for the testimony of the restored Gospel. I am so grateful for the lives that have been given in the cause of faith. I just hope that I will have the faith required to make such a sacrifice if I am ever called to seal my testimony with my blood. I am grateful for my acceptance into the nursing program at Brigham Young University. While I am rejoicing and celebrating, my heart also go out to those who were not so fortunate. I just hope that with a little persistence and will to continue to try, whether it is as BYU or some other school. I know what it is like to hope and pray that I would be deemed 'good enough' to be a BYU nursing student but to fall short some where, while lacking the knowledge of where. I feel their pain and their disappointment and I am truly sorry. However, I am grateful that my childhood dream and goal is slowly become more and more of a reality. I know that I did not do it myself and I am grateful for all the support and help that I have received from everyone. I am grateful in this time of economic troubles that my husband and I have jobs. I am grateful that we are able to make ends meet each month. I am grateful that I am able to support myself and not wonder how we are going to do this. I am grateful that, unlike so many otter Americans and others around the world, that I do not have to worry and fret about how I am going to feed my children. Or to have to go to bed hungry because you made sure your kids were fed before you at yourself. I am grateful that I do not have to depend on the government for my food, insurance or lively hood. Many are probably wondering why I have not yet mentioned my husband. But I am extremely grateful for him in my life. He has done so much for me throughout the time we have known each other. I am amazed that he chose me, I am not sure I will ever completely understand why, but I am grateful nonetheless. I am grateful for his example, support and love hat he gives me. I am grateful for his desire to do good and to be a righteous husband and future father. I can not fully explain my feelings and experiences in words, but he truly is my help-meet in this life. He helps me in so many ways at home, in school and in encouragement. I love him with all of my heart and am grateful he is in my life. I am grateful that he chose me to be his life-long partner. I will forever be thankful to him for that. Thank you for indulging me in my efforts to tell you about the things I am most grateful for this holiday season. I am grateful for you and your support. I could not have become all that I am or attempt to be with out it. Thank you! Happy holidays and know that I am thinking about you and grateful for our association.

Pictures

I have had many people request to see pictures from my wedding. I have not even seen them yet. I currently have only seem my engagement pictures. But i can promise they will be here not later than New Years week. I am hoping that when my family come up this year for the Holidays that my mother will bring that CD of pictures so i can see them myself. I love you all and know that you are anxious to see them, for so am i. I hope you have a great day and I will post them as soon as I get them!

Only time will tell...

So I may upset a ton of people by saying this but I can not believe that Obama won. It makes me sick to think about all the is going to happen as a result. I got out of class last night and ran over to a TV to see the results of the election. It broke my heart to see that it was 200-90 Obama. It is not that I think he is a bad person. Or even a bad politician. I just dont think that he will be a very good president. I am scared to see what he will do to this country, especially with a democratic senate and house. I am worried that he will take this free country and make it more of a socialized communism. But i guess only time will tell. Possibly (hopefully) this worrying will all be for naught. But only time will tell... PS Let me know what you think...

Updates and New Goals

Ok so for anyone who does not know. I got married about 3 months ago to the most wonderful person for me. It seems, at least to me that we were tailor-made for each other. I am so grateful. I will get wedding pictures posted as soon as I get them back from my mom. My husbands name is Chase Thomas Manwaring. He is 22 years old and the third of four children. He is about 6'3" and the most handsome man, to me. He is majoring in Chemical Engineering. He currently attends UVU (used to be UVSC) until he finishes his generals and prereqs and then he wants to transfer to UofU.

But other news, I found out not even a week ago that I was accepted to BYU nursing. I start in January and it is a three year program. I am so excited to have this opportunity. I am thrilled to finally see a light at the end of my tunnel. I work at the hospital in Provo as a housekeeper, for now, but have my eyes on other jobs. It is only a matter of time before  I will have a more glorious and not-so-messy job. 

Those are the up-dates, but as far as my new goals, I have set a goal to update this blog at least once every-other week. I hope to keep up on this so my family and friends may have a way of keeping in touch in our busy and hectic lives. I love you all and hope to have some pictures up soon for you all to enjoy. Thank you for your faith and support. I am grateful for all of you in my life. Hope you have a wonderful day and hope to hear from you soon -- Ashlee

PS. If there are any questions, or ideas for themes for a post, just let me know via comments, calls, text, or emails. Love you all! 

Summer Plans

To update everyone on the life of their favorite Ashlee in the whole world (just kidding). But really to update everyone on my life over the last about 4 or 5 months. Near the end of January, I cut and dyed my hair again. This time is was very dark brown with red highlights. It was very cute and I loved it. But about a month and a half ago, I decided that it was time to go back blonde. So for the first time in almost three years, I am blonde again. It love it and feel like I am myself again. I am still working at Brick Oven Pizza in Provo Utah. I am applying for some other jobs but I am not sure yet if I will get any of them. Only time will tell and I will keep you updated. I also am working as a research assistant on campus in the Chemistry department. I am working on finding a selective inhibitor for each of the members of the JNK enzyme family. This project is my thesis research that I am fortuante to be getting paid for. I am currently applying for my second time to get into nursing school here at BYU. I am hoping to be starting in fall. But I will not know until June 30th whether or not I was accepted. I am hoping and praying and know that the Lord will provide the way if that is what He wants me to do. In about 6 1/2 or 7 more weeks I will be blessed enough to see my bestest friend in the whole world again. She will be returning from serving an honorable full-time mission in Nebraska Omaha. After returning from her mission, my family will be taking a two or three week vacation to her mission and other surrounding areas. In the fall, Heather will also be attending BYU-Idaho. We are all so excited and proud of her for that accomplishment. I am so grateful for each of you in my life and for your continued support in all I do. I am so grateful for the lessons you each have taught me and I love you so much. I hope you all have a wonderful day and know that I love you and you are in my prayers. Thank you for reading my blog. With all my heart and love -- Ashlee Annie PS. I will get picture posted as soon as I can get some taken. Love ya!