Wait and See ~ by Brandon Heath

I was born in Tennessee
Late July humidity
Doctor said I was lucky to be alive
I’ve been trouble since the day that I got here
Trouble till the day that I disappear
That’ll be the day that I finally get it right

Chorus
There is hope for me yet
Because God won’t forget
All the plans he’s made for me
I have to wait and see
He’s not finished with me yet

I never really was that good in school
I talked too much, broke the rules
Teacher thought I was hopeless fool alright
I don’t know how but I made it through
It’s one of those things that you’ve gotta do
But I always had a knack for telling the truth

Chorus
Still wondering why I’m here
Still wrestling with my fear
But oh, He’s up to something
And the farther on I go
I’ve seen enough to know
That I’m, not here for nothing
He’s up to something

So now’s my time to be a man
Follow my heart as far as I can
No telling where I’m ending up tonight
I never slow down or so it seems
But singing my heart it’s one of my dreams
All I gotta do is hold on tight
Chorus

Latest Doings

We got home last night very tired and very laden with shopping bags. :) Yesterday was our family trip to St. Louis for clothing shopping! It went quite well, and everyone found things they like.
The thing is, I'm going to the mall again on Friday! That time, however, will be with my lovely aunt and two best girl cousins!! We decided that it has been way too long since we three girls (Alyssa, Clara, and I) went on a big shopping trip together, and Aunt Livia graciously offered to come along and drive. :) We'll definitely take pictures, and they shall get posted.
I promise. If they don't then,... then, I guess I'll officially be a bad blogger. But they will ~ you'll see.
And... tonight's the big night! It's time for the annual cousin New Year's Eve sleepover at Jeannie and Papa's!! Only this time, it's not actually the night before the new year. But we're doing it that way so the older kids can go to parties with their friends on the real big night! Pretty smart of the grandparents to plan it that way, I think. :) Pictures will be taken, for sure, and a post done to detail the fun times!
Love to you all in our wonderful LORD,
ashley louise

Longing for...

... Camp! I can't wait!! Summer just won't come fast enough.
Yes, I'm happy with the present (and I'm loving the snow!), but the future is so fun to anticipate!
Camp David is where I want to spend a good part of my summer this coming year. I just have to figure out my work schedule and see if I can get time off to be out there.
Please, anyone, if you are interested in working at CDO this summer, don't hesitate to comment and let me know! I'd be glad to send you a volunteer form. :) It's a chance to experience lives changed...
God's work is awesome to see!

Merry Christmas!!!
Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Let it Snow!! :)

Farm Girl

This is what Jeannie looked like while her family was living in the farmhouse. She would walk to the one-room schoolhouse (which is also on our property) each day for lessons, and then come home to help with the chores. One of her jobs was to feed their chickens; the old coop still stands right where it always did, and Alyssa's flock lives in it now.

Sleepovers and Sore Throats

I just got home from my dear friend, Susanne's house. We had a sleepover last night with another dear friend, Rachel! It was nice to get out of the house for a while and just have girl time. :) We talked pretty much the whole time, except for watching The Nativity Story. (That's an excellent movie, by the way! It makes me cry.)
And I have a sore throat, and a nasty-sounding cough. Bummer! Three days before Christmas, and I'm still kind of sick. I will be better by Christmas morning.... I will. We'll see if positive thinking helps or not.
In the meantime, we're off to town for more shopping!

Wishing to go back...

... and experience all over again,
friends i don't see too often.


becky girl.

family gatherings.

pancake day.

sledriding.

church picnics.

the guys.

girls' Bible study group.

junior girls week, CDO.

staff training.

studying at hazell's.

volleyball at hall's.

branson with my sisters.

the hike 2.

being kidnapped on my birthday.

rollerblading with my best friend.

the landmark formal.

plays.

basketball games on hickle's driveway.

birthday parties.

fishing with my big brother.

youth group float trips.

Christmas programs.

dissection party at welshymer's.

The Lord has blessed me with so many friends, and an amazing family! The years have been full of good times, as well as struggles, and through it all He remains faithful. I can't believe that 2009 is almost at an end! Looking forward to what He will bring in the new year...