Communion Catastrophe

Middle school was a hard time for me growing up. The whole going through puberty, trying to discover my independence, and the craziness of realizing that boys weren’t icky but rather cute, just didn’t sit well with me.

Anyway, if all those changing, confusing times weren’t enough, my parents thought it would be best to confuse me a little more and send my Baptist raised-self to a Catholic School! Yep, why not add to the already perplexing time in a pre-teen's life.

So, my dazed-and-confused-self entered into Mass on the first day of school with absolutely no clue if I should sit, kneel, stand-up or lay down. I sat dumbfounded when every other kid was reciting prayers and doing multiple hand motions. I was so not prepared for this event.

After what seemed like years, it was time for communion. Alright…now I know what communion is…I can participate in this part of the mass! So I wait in line for my cracker and juice, once returning to my seat, I reverently place the cracker in my mouth. My dear and precious friend sitting next to me, who was a life long Catholic, quietly whispered to me that since I wasn’t Catholic, I wasn’t allowed to take the communion. So I do what any normal non-Catholic chick would do… I promptly spit out my communion and hold it, half-chewed, in my hand until the end of the mass.

After exiting the church, I casually throw my half chewed communion on the ground…I figure no one would see me and it would be no big deal. Boy was I wrong. Next thing I know, I am being called into Sister Esther’s office. She then proceeds to reprimand me for being disrespectful to the body of Christ. We then head out to the parking lot, where I disposed of my cracker, and together we pray and ask for forgiveness. Let’s just say that wasn’t the special start I was hoping for at a new school. I don’t think those precious Sisters will ever forget my name.

Just when I think my first day of school couldn’t get any worse, my dad decides it would be appropriate to drive by the common area at recess and holler out to me, “ASHLEE…OVER HERE, IT'S DADDY…HOW IS YOUR FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, SWEETIE?”

Yes…I have come to the conclusion that my parents hated me.

Not too tall...Not too short...Just right!

Compact. Short. Munchkin. Smurf. I’ve been called it all. I am short. No doubt about it, my growth gene has apparently been dormant since I was like 12. Five feet, and a half inche to be exact. Not 5 feet… not 5’1…but 5 ½’. Get it right. I hugged my doctor the first time he told me I made it over 5 feet. What a glorious day that was!!

I hate to admit this, but I even purchased these inserts that had tiny rubber pegs that were supposed to stimulate your feet and help you grow. (yes, that was $50.00 that I will never get back). For many years, I only wore shoes that had at least 3 inch heels. Kinda like these…


Not really, but you get the idea…I was obsessed with trying to alter my height. I hated being short, and I was always on the look out for ways to appear taller or actually grow. Not a day would go by where I wouldn’t say, “I wish I was taller”.

Well, here I am at the ripe old age of 24 and I am finally content with my height. I have realized that my short stature is how God wanted me to be. I am petite and nothing I do will change that fact. No amount of growth hormone, cheap rubber insoles, or 5 inch heels will change the fact that I am vertically challenged! I have just accepted that fact and quite frankly, I have grown to like and appreciate my smallness. I am finally able to say that I am comfortable being short.

What the heck is my point? Well, I guess I just wanted to remind myself and others that being content is a precious thing. Whether waiting for a spouse, looking for a job, or hoping someone will be healed, remember to be content in the moment. Don’t become consumed with trying to change or alter God’s plans for your life. Ultimately, I had absolutely no control over my height, yet I spent countless years unhappy and unsatisfied and searching for ways to make it different. If you are in a situation you don’t necessarily want to be in, just remember that finding peace in the moment is essential. Don’t try and force things to happen the way you think they should happen, instead just sit back and realize that God knows what He is doing. His plan and timing are just right. Not too tall...not too short...but just right.

Honey Do ~ Tiger Fun!

Despite the rain, we had a wonderful time at our Honey Do Shower! The food was delicious (and no, it wasn't turkey sandwiches!), awesome friends and family, and incredibly generous gifts! Soon-to-be-Hubby will be very busy around the house these days!

This is my precious neice, she informed me that this was her "best pose". I agree!

Adlee Shay is rocking her Tiger outfit. This chick will change outfits up to 10 times in like 5 minutes. She has a real appreciation for all things fashion! Notice the beautiful, plastic, pink pearls she is accessorizing with. Just amazing.

Me, My fiance', and the weed wacker. What a beautiful family the three of us make. Dontcha think?

My precious soon-to-be-sister in laws. Not only am I getting a dynamite hubby, but an amazing family too!
And last but not least...the guest who enjoyed the party the most. "What...is there something on my face?" Myla Grace loves her food, she is saving some for later, perhaps a snack after the party!

Friday Funnies!

Devestating Drink Dilemma

There is major news that I must share with you. Please hold onto your seats because this is huge.

For our honeymoon, Soon-to-be-Hubby and I are traveling to Jamaica! We are staying at a couples resort called Couples Swept Away. We will enjoy seven days on the white, sandy beaches, taking in the warm sun, splashing in the crystal clear waters, and just relaxing and having fun being newlyweds.

We are so excited!

Here is the kicker…

Let me just say that I am somewhat of a picky eater…okay, fine…I am a terribly, stubborn eat- the-same-thing-everyday eater. I just know what I like and I eat those few things… again and again. But let’s not focus on my flaws. Anyway, for lunch I usually always eat a sandwich, (sometimes turkey, sometimes peanut butter and jelly), cheesy Doritos and a large diet coke. So I got to thinking, will they have diet coke in Jamaica? More importantly will they have it at our resort? I decide to take it upon myself to find out the answer to this mystery. So I do what any normal, inquisitive person would do…I call Jamaica!

Man: “It is a beautiful day at Couples Swept Away, mon!” How may I assist you?”

Me: “um hi this is (should I use a fake name cause this is an off the wall question? I decide to be real and not ashamed) Ashlee and I am wondering if there is diet coke at your resort?

Man: silence

Me: “You know the drink? Diet Coke, Diet Cola?”

Man: “No mon, no diet coke here. Lots of good drinks with fresh fruit. We also offer a wide variety of wines, beers and coolers.”

Me: “so no sodas? Particularly diet coke?”

Man: “no mon”

Me: about to cry… “can I make a special request to get diet coke in my room?” (soon to be hubby would kill me if he knew I asked this question…come to think of it…he would probably kill me if he knew I was making this call!)

Man: “I don’t think so, mon. It is okay, the island life will not disappoint ya! Ya have a good time, I promise mon!”

I hang up and immediately panic…I have a huge crisis on my hands. There is no diet coke at the resort where we are staying. It pains me just to type that phrase. I guess I’ll just have to call the airlines and see if I can pack a few liters of diet coke! I wish they made packets of diet coke that you could just add water to it and make your own! Wish me luck! Off to call the airport!

Peanut Butter & Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

Peanut Butter and Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
(say that 10 times fast)

Ingredients
3 large eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla
½ cup milk
Pinch of salt
8-12 slices of bread
Peanut Butter
Cream Cheese
3 tablespoons butter

Directions
On one side of a piece of toast carefully spread 1-2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese. On another piece of toast, spread 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter. Repeat with the remaining slices of bread.

In a small bowl, mix eggs, vanilla, milk and salt.

Put the two slices of bread together (one with cream cheese, one with peanut butter). Dip the sandwiches in the egg milk mixture and allow to soak for about 1 minute. (be sure to flip over if necessary)

While soaking bread, melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat.

Heat each stuffed sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.

Serve with syrup or powdered sugar!

A light in their path

I know it is Friday, WOOHOO, and I usually like to do fun, lighthearted things on Friday, but this has been on my heart lately and I wanted to share it with you!

My soon-to-be-hubby (43 days if anyone is counting!) works at a hospital and he told me about this guy that came into the ER and was doubled over in pain. He was complaining of severe pain in his stomach/abdomen area. He was screaming and hollering for someone to give him some pain medicine. Apparently, it is somewhat a normal occurrence for someone to come into the emergency room and complain of pain in order to get drugs or pain medication in order to feed a drug addiction. I imagine that nurses and doctors are constantly dealing with those issues of having to determine if they really are in pain, or just want a quick fix. Anyway, soon-to-be-hubby said that they were very skeptical as to whether that was the case or if indeed this man was really in a tremendous amount of pain and suffering. They kind of assumed he was just putting on a good show in order to get what he wanted. However, regardless of their thoughts or intuition, they must administer proper treatment… so Soon-to-be-hubby was instructed to take him to get a CAT scan done to determine what was going on. After arriving in the room to perform the test, the man began to throw up. He continued vomiting (I hate even typing that word) for a few minutes and then gained his composure. They went on to perform the test. After arriving back in his room in the ER, soon-to-be-hubby went in to give him some very strong pain medicine. The patient immediately told soon-to-be-hubby that he didn’t want the medication, that he was feeling fine. He said after vomiting, his stomach felt much better and he felt that he didn’t need the medication. Come to find out, according to the test results, this man had severe kidney stones and was indeed in a ton of pain. Apparently after his bouts of sickness, his kidney stones readjusted and he was able to pass them.

It really got me to thinking…about how I am guilty of doing that very same thing…I will look at someone and judge them based on their actions, demeanor or even looks. I tend to immediately jump to conclusions and determine in my mind what I think of feel or think about that person. I fail to give people the benefit of the doubt and take them at their word. I think our society has made us very skeptical people. We tend to think the worst before even getting to know someone. We fail to learn the situation and in turn treat them poorly or unjustly. I have tried this week to listen more and not judge so quickly. There are so many hurting people out there and people dealing with extremely difficult situations. So my challenge to myself and to you…is instead of thinking judgmental thoughts or being quick to label someone, give that person an extra big smile, or ask if there is something you can do to help. My hope is to quit thinking so negatively about others and realize that I am not better than anyone. I am not in a position to judge others, but to be a light in their paths.

Why?

Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up every two hours?

Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?

Why on earth would they put a "S" in the word "lisp"?

Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money inbinoculars to look at things on the ground?

Why do people point to their wrist when asking for the time, but don't point to their bottom when they ask where the bathroom is?

Why do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

Why do they put Braille dots on the keypad of the drive-up ATM?

Why do toasters always have a setting so high that could burn the toast to a horrible crisp, which no one in their right mind would eat?

Why do we say "heads up" when we actually duck?

Why does the sun lightens our hair, but darken our skin?

Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?

Not Me Monday!

Is it really Monday again? Well, then I guess it is time for Not Me Monday! A time to share the wonderful things I certainly don’t do in life. Monday, has given me something fun to look forward to on the first day of each week...sharing my imperfections while pretending I actually am perfect.

This weekend, you could most certainly NOT find me watching a UFC fight for THREE hours. No sir…I would never watch something so barbaric and disgusting. I beg you not to believe that it was me who was whooping and hollering, getting all into the fight. I was certainly not cheering and encouraging my favorite fighters. Nope, I covered my eyes and refused to watch something so horrific. I am much too dignified and lady-like to participate in something like that. Please don’t think that it was me who gave a high five to my hubby after the big fight…no indeed, I do not encourage these things.

Please don’t believe that this weekend, while at a party, my niece asked me for something to drink and I replied, “abso-toot-a-lutely”. I did not come to a dead stop and realize that I am so becoming my mother. I would not be caught saying something so corny in public.

Oh and if anyone tells you that it was me who pumped gas this weekend and then drove off without my cap on the tank…please realize that they are lying. I would never have to perform a u-turn and halt traffic in order to pick up my gas cap from the middle of the road…that would just be madness and soooo not me.

Whew…I feel much better. Now jump on over to MckMama’s and read some other Not Me’s…it will make you feel better too!

Love is in the air!

Hostess with the Mostess!

If anyone is counting…there are 50 more days until I walk down the isle and become Mrs. Moots. 50 more days until I say “I do”. 50 more days until I begin the rest of my life with the love of my life.

So…soon to be hubby and I started marriage counseling last night and let me just say…it was deep. I was exhausted after the class. I think just the excitement and realization that marriage is in my VERY NEAR FUTURE was overwhelming. In a good way.

Well, I got to thinking (which is something I do entirely too much and should totally take a break from doing) about something that happened at the last wedding that I was a part of.

I was a bridesmaid for one of my dearest friend’s wedding. At the rehearsal dinner, I was seated at the same table as the flower girl and her family. The flower girl was about 5 years old and she was just Little Ms. Spunk…so precious and full of life. She had us cracking up all throughout the evening. So during dessert, she leans over to me and whispers, “I have a snail in my nose!” I giggle quietly with her and pretend she just told me the funniest thing ever. I continue eating my delicious dessert and enjoy the rest of my evening. The wedding goes on without a hitch and is just a joyous occasion. Well…a few days later I learn from the bride, that the flower girl was not joking about having that snail up her nose. No sir, she had allowed her brother to shove a LIVE snail into her nose…shell and all. That snail was with us for the rehearsal dinner and the wedding and by golly the following day as well. Yep, she had a LIVE snail chilling in her nose for 3 days!!! After her mother was forced to operate with tweezers and Vaseline, the snail was removed and disposed of via the toilet. Her mother later asked her why she had kept a snail in her nose for 3 days, she calmly replied, “it needed a home.”

Ah…yes…I believe that precious girl will one day be a wonderful, welcoming hostess. She will allow guests to visit with open nostrils arms.

So…what exactly does this wedding story have to do with the current events in my life?

Nothing…absolutely nothing...just thought it was funny and for the moment it made me forget how much I have to do in order to prepare for this VERY NEAR wedding.

Not Me Monday!

Oh my, another week has come and gone and by golly it is time for Not Me Monday! A time to share the wonderful things you certainly didn't do in life. Monday, has given me something fun to look forward to on the first day of each week...sharing my imperfections while pretending I actually am perfect.

I most certainly did not make a fool of myself during a trivia game and blurt out "I didn't know New Mexico was a state." No sir, I know all my 50 states and it really isn't me who is ignorant when it comes to geography.

Don't let anyone tell you that I am related to someone (my mom) who couldn't remember if she took her own medication or the medication set out for the dog. Nope…it wasn't my precious mother who asked me, "Did I just take a dog pill?" And I most certainly did not reply "I wouldn't put it past you!" No way, my family is only full of smart, sophisticated people!

And please, do not think for one minute that it was me who got bit by ONE ant this weekend and about died from that one ant bite. Nope, I am way tougher than that and would never have to take a Benadryl to help that tiny itch go away. Negative…I am extremely resilient and always tough when it comes to pain.

Oh and Soon-to-be Hubby and I did not have a blast taking engagment pictures this weekend! I did not try on about 25 different outfits before putting the very 1st outfit I tried on... back on. Nope, it wasn't me who made us late and left my room looking like a tornado went through it. Please don't think it was us who took engagment photos on a vintage bike!!! I am not dying to show everyone these adorable pictures! (stay tuned...they will make their appearance soon!)

Well now that you know what I most certainly did not do this weekend…won't you join in with me and share what you didn't do this weekend??

Friday Funnies!

Not everyone is cut out for Disney. Bless her heart. Bless her mama too!

Humm...could this be a sign?

Cause you know everyone likes to wear their Sunday best to Wal-Mart! Yes, she must be from Louisiana...perhaps Walker. I know... that was just wrong.

Happy 4th of July to Everyone!

Blissfully Ignorant

the ring.
a solid piece of art.
simple yet stunning.
a symbol of unending love.
a message to the world.
declaration of affection.
solid and strong.
the beginning of a lifetime together.
memories and future dreams combined.

How I have grown to love this ring. It captures all my feelings in one small piece of art.

Did I mention that I wore my engagement ring on the wrong hand for the first whole night after Soon to be Hubby proposed? Yeah, that was me, showing off my new bling to the world on the wrong hand. I am blissfully ignorant to all things etiquette!

Fear: a powerful tool

I’ll admit, I have lots of fears. Some rational. Some totally unrational. Growing up, I was always very intuitive. My parents had to tell me at age 4 that Santa and the Easter Bunny didn’t exists, because I was convinced that if Santa and the Easter Bunny could get through the chimney and into my bedroom, then so could a burglar. Not to mention that waking up to a huge, hairy rabbit staring at you is pretty freaky for a four year old...or a twenty four year old. Anyway, back to my point…fear is very powerful. Fear causes us to move into action, but amazingly, fear also makes us inactive. For example, if I see a bug or spider, I can promise you I will be on top of a table or chair…see that fear literally and physically moved me into action. But on the other end of the spectrum, if I were to see someone hurt or in trouble, I tend to freeze up and panic. I become completely inactive.

What the heck am I talking about? Stay with me here. I do have a point.

Lately, I seem to be reading nothing but disappointing news and headlines regarding the moral decay of our nation. For instance, just these past few weeks, I have seen the following articles.

PHILADELPHIA- A kindergartner's mother cannot read Scripture during show and tell, even if the Bible is the boy's favorite book, a U.S. appeals court said Monday in the latest challenge over religion in public schools.

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon said Monday it no longer includes a Bible quote on the cover page of daily intelligence briefings it sends to the White House as was practice during the Bush administration.

SEATTLE-The court refused to hear an appeal from the high school students who wanted to form the Truth Bible Club at Kentridge High School. The Associated Student Body council refused to let the group be chartered as a school club. It cited the group's name and the fact that students would have to pledge to Jesus Christ to vote in the club, and it argued that allowing the club would bring religion into the school.


Our nation is fast eradicating every ounce of religious content from our schools, government, and entertainment. Our country is drifting further and further away from moral values.

Where are the Godly people? Where are the people who stand up for what is right and moral? I believe we are scared. I believe fear has made us inactive. We are afraid to offend people, afraid to be different, afraid to take a stand. We have become inactive and ineffective. Instead of voicing our concerns or demanding change, we allow fear to immobilize us.

So what can we do? I know I am not ready to storm Washington or start a revival, but I can pray. The least I can do is take my fear and become active. I can begin to pray for our nation. For our Leaders. For our families. For our neighbors. For our friends. We need to be actively praying for our country. We so desperately need the touch of God in our lives.

I love the Casting Crowns’ song titled “What if His People Prayed?” The chorus says

What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face
And turn from their own way

He said that He would hear
His promise has been made
He'll answer loud and clear,
If only we would pray

Fear is a powerful thing. Let’s use it to make us active and effective. So I challenge you, along with myself, to pray for our nation. Not just passively, but passionately.

Now excuse me while I get down off of the table, my soon to be hubby has just killed the spider that was in my kitchen, so it is safe to get down now!