Chris and Ashley Huntsman

In the Christmas Spirit!

2011-12-05T16:57:00.000-08:00

The Christmas season is such a good reminder to love without limits, forgive yourself and forgive others, and to be kind to everyone because you could make their day better without even knowing it.

I know I have made alot of mistakes in life, but I learn from every single one. No one is perfect. The one thing I have learned is to forgive myself and forgive others. We all try our best everyday and some days our best may not be your best the next day.

Christmas is the perfect time to move forward and start fresh. I am going to make it a point everyday to make someone smile and to make someones day better. Sharing love is the greatest gift you can give yourself and others. Days go by so fast and its easy to forget to take the time to do the little things.

"The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear!" Elf.

Running Update

2011-12-05T15:10:00.001-08:00

So far the training is going well! I have had a cold for what seems forever, and I have been trying to run when I can! Today I did 3 miles in 30 min, so I am right on my pace. My goal is to stick to as close to a 10 min mile as I can and I did the 3 miles really easily today and that was while I could barely breathe through my nose. This weekend is a 12 mile run, and I am a little intimitated by it. I am going to update my play list this week with really upbeat songs. My playlist is about 5 years old, so I think some fresh new tunes will help my brain forget that I am running 12 miles.

Trip to Utah

2011-11-10T06:02:00.000-08:00

In mid-October, I went to Utah! Chris was not able to come because of work, and he was very missed! My cousin Taylor got married October 20th, and I was her Maid of Honor! I got there the morning of the 19th and finished the final touches of the ladies brunch that My Aunt Julie and I threw for her the morning of her wedding day. The brunch was really fun! It was a small group of the ladies in her family. Her mom, aunts from both sides, both grandmas, and girl cousins. I decided to keep it simple since it was on her wedding day and didnt want it to be full of chaos. I made an egg caserole, and served it with fruit and coffee cake. My Aunt Julie gave a really nice toast to Taylor and then we ate. After eating brunch, we gave Taylor a book of loving thoughts that each of us contributed too. Everyone wrote down advice, quotes or scriptures on a blank page, and I compiled it into a book. It turned out really cute and its something that she can have and keep forever. I also had a charm cake made. The charm cake is a cute tradition where charms are either baked into the cake or placed under the cake with ribbon attached and each person at the shower pulls out a charm. Each charm has a different meaning or fortune and you keep the charm and it binds the group together as sort of a "sisterhood" thing. It was crazy how each charm was spot on with the person who pulled it out of the cake!! The wedding was later on that evening. My cousin Emily was also a bridesmaid, the picture is of us two before the wedding! It was so beautiful, and Taylor looked stunning! Bryan is a good guy, and I am really happy for them!

I stayed through the next week to work from the office, and I was able to spend some time with my family. That weekend My dad, brother, and I went on a walk/hike through the mountains by my parents house. It was so much fun and the scenery was beautiful! There is nothing like fall in Utah, with the leaves changing colors and the feeling of the air... Its amazing!! It was nice to just spend that time with my dad and bro. Growing up we were always active in sports so it was nice to be able to go on a hike together. It felt like old times! My mom tore her MCL while her and my dad were on their Ireland "walk about" They walked through the back country in Ireland and would stay at a different bed and breakfast each night. That part sounds amazing, but hurting her knee does not. She ended up having surgery while I was there, so I was able to take care of her which was important to me. I am glad I was able to be there for her. also that weekend, we had a halloween movie marathon and watched Hocus Pocus, and BeetleJuice. Ally was with us for most of the weekend as well. I just love that girl! She and my brother are perfect for each other. She just graduated from massage therapy school, got a job in Park City, and a new apartment up there! My brother will live there with her when he is in Utah. Paul had to leave on that Monday to get back to Vegas where is band is currently recording their debut album. He has met alot of important and awesome people in the music business including Carlos Santana and Eddie Kramer!! I cant wait for their album to be done. Its going to be great!

I spent a total of 8 days in Utah, and it felt so good to be home. Chris picked me up from the airport really late on a Thursday night. I walked into a clean home, and the dining room table was full of my favorite things and treats. Chris is really good to me and always lets me know how much he cares. No matter what, he always takes that time to do the little things. The little things are what matter the most especially after being together for a while. I cant wait until Christmas when we both get to go home to Utah and be together with my family again!

Marathon... Here I come!

2011-11-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

I started training to run a marathon. So far its going great! It is something that is on my bucket list, and now is a better time then ever to accomplish it and check it off! The race is March 4th in New Orleans.. I have never been to that city, and I feel that running through it is a perfect way to get to know it. I am doing a beginers training schedule, even though I have done 3 half marathons. It breaks it down to where the goal of 26.2 miles seems approachable and managable. During the week you have a few rest days and shorter runs or cross training. Every Sunday you do a longer run, and this Sunday is an 8 miler.

A dear friend, Steph, gave me a book to read during my training called, "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall. She said that it helped her mentally while she was training for her marathon. I am only a chapter in but I can see how this book will keep me going. The book starts off with a quote...

"The best runner leaves no tracks" - Tao Te Ching

Very intriguing and exciting!

My Little Buddy David

2011-09-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

I have the cutest little friend. His name is David. I am so glad to have met this awesome kid as he really brightens my day when I get to see him. Chris met David's Dad (also named David) by doing business with him. Dad David got Chris' number from another customer who got business cards printed and designed by Chris. Chris did a few different printings for Dad David and they became chatty and were friendly over the phone and talked about their personal lives and what they did for a living, ect. Chris found out that David's wife was killed in a car accident while he was serving in the military, and had to leave with an honorable discharge to take care of their son David, who has Downs Syndrome. When David opened up to Chris like that, Chris felt that he had found a real friend in him and he would invite him and Little David over to our place to go swimming or to BBQ, or we would go out to Denny's for breakfast on certain Saturday mornings. Little David and I became close buddies and he calls me his girl friend. Its really cute and I love hanging out with him. His favorite show is Sponge Bob, which, at 25 is still a show I watch (Cause I am awesome ;)) The other day Chris asked if I would hang out with Little David while him and Dad David went out and had a guys night. Big David doesnt get out much (ever) and Chris could sense that he needed a break. Chris knows that Big David doesnt really have alot of friends because he is extremely busy working and taking care of his son, and doesnt have time to "go out" . I love hanging out with this little guy when we can. He is so smart and has such a big heart. He is my little buddy and I cherish the times that we do get to hang out with him. The picture is from our recent "date night" watching Sponge Bob while Chris and Big David spent some time hanging out.

"Spring Cleaning" in September

2011-09-10T13:58:00.001-07:00

So I may just be a tad busy and just a wee bit behind on normal human activites. Normally at this time of the year people have had their spring cleaning done for a few months now and are able well on their way to thinking about the fall season and getting their homes prepped that way. My inspiration to get organzied and declutter came on Monday when I revamped my office from the ceiling to the floor. Wednesday I took on the task of organzing our closet. There are actually clothes folded on the shelfs, clothes are hung in the order for the seasons, and the shoes are right next to their other fellow shoe. Belts now have a home hanging from the wall, and my purses are hung up as well. Today it was the kitchens turn. I literally took everything out, and scrubbed my little heart out to make it completely spotless, reorganzined and redecorated. It looks so good and feels so "new". Im really good at keeping the bathroom and our bedroom organized so our little home just feels so warm! I did put up the fall wreath that says "Autumn Welcome" and put up my fall decorations in the apartment. I feel that by putting these things up will act of a calling card of sorts to the Heavens and will bring Houston some fall COOLER weather ASAP so we can enjoy my favorite time of the year!

Loving My Job!

2011-09-08T06:48:00.000-07:00

I love working at Western Governors University. I love being a part of something that is so innovative and new. I am the Team Lead over Admissions and I love it! I am involved in making our team better in everything that we do, and I manage the new student start process which is something that happens monthly, as we enroll monthly. I work very closely with my boss, who I adore! I also was able to keep my job and work from home when I made the move to Houston to be with my honey!! Its so neat that I can be at home, and talk with people all over the country by phone and web conferencing. As a University we are growing extremely fast we currently have 29,357 enrolled at WGU. The University of Utah, has 30,084 enrolled as of the Spring 2011 term... pretty cool!! When I started at the University 5 years ago, we were so small and it just blows my mind to see how far we have come. If anyone is interested in reading about WGU and what the press and people are saying about it just visit www.wgu.edu :) I know that I will be with WGU forever, because I love it so much! I am also getting my MBA through WGU, so I pretty much have WGU on my brain 24/7. At our annual all staff event in Salt Lake City this July, I was recongnized by Bob Mendenhall, the University President with the award, Excellence in University Service which is a HUGE honor and I feel so blessed!!! It was so cool that I was recognized for what I do, because I feel like I truely give my all. It came with a really heavy glass trophy and an iPad 2!!! I also was recognized by the enrollment department with the award, Excellence in Admissions, which also was so awesome! It definately motivates me to work that much harder every day.

Its always funny when I tell people what I do and that I work from home because there reactions are mostly hillarious, because they think its easy or that I have "less" of a job, which is certainly not the case. It's a carreer that I am lucky to have and honestly its really difficult to leave work to go "home" because your office is right there and you always want to be checking email and getting things resolved right away.

If you are interested in reading more about WGU here are some links below!

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/25/education/25future.html?ref=education

Were baaaackkk!

2011-05-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

Its been a really long time since I have blogged! I think its safe to say we have been extremely busy, and I think that is a very good reason to have been MIA for so long from the blogging world!! Here are some quick bullet points of what has been going on with us. I will try to make it a bi-weekly event to blog, but I cant make any promises!

For the past 6-8 months we have been up too...

Lyla and Kilo had puppies!! Most of you if not all know that either from my endless pics by text or facebook updates. We kept two of them. Yes two. So we have a family of 4 dogs :) Its been awesome, they are really good pups and I have the perfect set up from working from home where I can be with them and raise them! By the way we got Lyla fixed last week, its been fun, but NO more!!

I started working on a Masters Degree! I am going to Western Governors University, where I work, and I am working on a Masters in Business Administration Degree, with an emphasis on Management and Strategy. I am learning so much and I am able to apply my newly attained skills to my everyday duties! I love it, but it is a ton of work, and I spend most of my "free" time studying and writing really long reports!

Chris has finished up his Bachelors Degree at University of Houston! Its been a long road, but I am so proud of him for enduring the tireless hours and finishing his what he started!!!

I got my wisdom teeth out... FINALLY! I spent the better part of two months in complete pain due to my teeth growing sideways into my cheek!! It was the worst pain ever, and I am so glad and thankful that experience is behind me. Chris was a great "Murse" and took awesome care of me and watched a Harry Potter marathon with me! HAHA

We made the big decision to stay in Texas. I really wanted to move back home to Utah, I was really homesick for about a year, and just wanted to get back there and was not thinking of our future family or the oportunities that we had. I was just focused on getting back home! My mom was actually the one to talk some sense into me and make me realize that Chris has a job here and has the possibility of getting a really great job in the near future (I work from home so could work from anywhere in the US) and if we moved to Utah, he would have nothing and we would struggle. The cost of Utah living is alot more then here, so there were just alot of reasons that it wasnt going to be the best decision. I am happy with us deciding to stay here in the lone star state, and I know that we can always go and visit family. Also, my mom will be in Houston every 6 weeks for her new job so that will help with my homesickness when it strikes! :)

I have been busier then ever with work! I love my job and all the opportunities that I have!! I was able to take over while my boss was on maternity leave, and learned alot and really feel happy and always challenged in my job. I am extremely lucky to work for such a great institution, and one that is growing in an economy that is very uncertain. I love the mission of WGU and feel so greatful to have this job!

Chris and I are happier and stronger then ever, and I love the bond that we share that helps us get through our crazy lives. Its nice to have someone to talk to and be with at the end of a really busy day. We are always laughing and having a good time, which is very important to do with your loved ones. :)

I hope that we still have readers out there... I know that we have failed the blogging world, but I promise to do better in the future.

Peace and Love,
Ashley

Dr. Suess once said...

2010-09-17T05:59:00.001-07:00

Be who you are, and say what you feel. Those who mind, dont matter..and those who matter, dont mind

Have a great day everyone!

hopin, prayin, wishin

2010-08-31T11:18:00.000-07:00

I miss my family so much.

Greatest News Ever!

2010-08-19T12:17:00.001-07:00

Today was a great day. I found out that my awesome cousin Blake, kicked cancers ass!!!! He is cancer free, and Im sure feeling great. The thing about cancer is that it affects your loved ones all in different ways. When I found out Blake had cancer, everything changed. I have been very fourtunate and lucky to have such great health and a happy loving family that it was such a huge shock. Since spending time with him and my whole family this summer, I have realized what my priorites are and what life is about. I have always lived life for myself, but I am always trying to make others happy or please others, even at the cost of how it would make me feel. Realizing that anything could happen at anytime, I decided that I need to start living for life, if that makes sense. I realized that you cant please everyone, no one will see things the same way you see them, and even if you try your hardest you cant please everyone. So his situation effected me personally in that I want to live with no regrets, do my best, and always love no matter what. Life is not always going to be rainbows and sunshine. If you please yourself and love your self it will reflect on others, and life, love, and happiness will come naturally and easy. I really have Blake to thank for this new way I look at life. Im so happy for you Blake and that you got past this bump in your journey!!!!

Nana and Pop's 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration!

2010-07-23T10:15:00.000-07:00

Chris playing cribbage with Pop
Nana and Pop
Chris, Cori, Me
My graduation sign that Emily made me
The Cousins including the newest cousin addition, Chris!
Me and Brother
The whole family!!!
What a month it has been already! We have been all over the country! At the first of the month, we were in San Antonio celebrating Chris' Dads 50th birthday, then drove back to Houston to sleep, then the next day we were off in my little car to North Carolina. When we got back from North Carolina, I was on my way to Utah (by plane which I was grateful for even though I hate flying) for work! I just got home and will be here for a few more days before we take off to Canyon lake for the yearly Huntsman/Winton get together!
My grandparents are celebrating 50 years of marriage this coming December, but we celebrated early in North Carolina! My Aunt Julie and Uncle Brice have a beautiful home on Lake Norman, and invited the whole Rampton clan out for the big celebration! It was a fantastic week filled with love, laughter, and plenty of food! Since finding out that my cousin Blake has cancer, I was itching to get out there to be with everyone. I just wanted to see my family and know that everything was going to be okay, and I definately got that validation! Blake was in great spirits the whole time and even got out on the golf course with Chris and my cousin Kyle and Uncle Brice! He started to loose his hair while we were there but it didnt seem to phase him as he was always laughing or smiling!
On our last night there, we had the big celebration! My Grandpa sang my grandma a song and we all bawled cause it was so cute. Emily and Julie had shirts made that had their pictures on the front with their most said quotes. Well actually my grandpas was a quote from a ZZ top song "Everybodys looking for a sharp dressed man" cause its the truth, and he sings that song so well;) and my grandma always says "Ya think!!?" the shirts turned out to be really cute, and we all looked really cute in them.
This summary does not do this trip justice because we seriously had the best time. I feel really lucky to have grandparents that are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and they are still so in love. It is something that I look forward too in my own marriage!

One Year Anniversary

2010-07-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

Chris and I went to Kinder, Louisiana for our first anniversary! It was so much fun! We stayed in a cute little cabin which allowed pets, and a shuttle that came to pick us up to take us to the casino! I learned how to play Paigow, a table game that is so much fun. You really stretch your dollar and its super fun to play! I recommend it to anyone who wants to gamble on a budget. We popped our champagne that we saved from our wedding day, but did not have any cake saved to eat. I would much rather drink Champagne anyways ;) We stayed for two nights and headed back home. I cant believe that is has been a year since we got married. I love us and cant wait for whats to come in our marriage :)

This is why I have the best husband in the world...

2010-06-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

Chris is seriously the greatest. He works so hard, goes to school full time, and comes home and cooks for me. HAHA one must wonder why I dont cook since I work from home, well in my defense, I make about 4 good dinners but they get old fast. Chris just enjoys to cook. He says it relaxes him after a long day, and really makes him happy. He makes the yummiest dishes and is so creative with the ingredients that we already have on hand. This particular dinner was exeptionally awesome. He grilled chicken breast and sauteed rotel in at the end and put it on the top of the chicken with a little Chalula drizzle(mmm my fav condiment ever). He also made asparagus for the side with parmesean and garlic to season it. I am really a lucky girl to have him as a husband :D

Lyla and Chris's trip to PetCo

2010-06-16T08:44:00.001-07:00

On sunday morning, Chris took Lyla on a "daddy daughter" date to PetCo to pick out a new baby. She attaches herself to certain toys or stuffed animals but then she rips them up by playing with them or just trying to keep them away from Kilo. Her most recent baby was a small orange monkey that was on its last days so Chris wanted to take her to pick out a new baby. She is so funny because she hates car rides, yet when we ask her if she wants to go on a car ride she gets sooo excited and runs around all crazy like. This was the first car ride without Kilo or I, and Chris said she acted the same, just hated it and shook in the passenger side the whole time. When they got to PetCo she was afraid of the automatic glass doors so he had to carry her in the store. After they got in, she seemed to have calmed down a little bit and was ready to pick out her baby. Everyone in the store thought she was so pretty and loved on her so that helped to calm her down. Chris says that she went right for the toys and picked out the one she wanted. Its funny because the one that she picked was a yellow monkey, but it was a little bit bigger then her last. She seriously carries her baby around with her everywhere, she has really strong motherly instincts. When she cant find it or is without one she really acts sad, its so hillarious! Chris said she acted so proud and happy with her new baby. The second she got home she ran around with it and has taken it around with her everywhere. I know its so silly that we talk about them all the time, but we love them lots! :)

Blake

2010-06-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

June 9 was a rough day for me. I found out that my awesome cousin, Blake, has hogkins lymphoma a form of cancer. Our family has been blessed with great health and happiness so its been a really hard couple of days. Our family is really close. I dont know many families who keep in touch with their cousins and other extended family members like ours do. Our family shares a close bond even though we are all spread out across the country. When we get together its like we never skipped a beat. He has a very positive attitude and will still be attending our summer get together at the lake house in a month. I love my family so much, they mean everything to me, so please keep happy positive thoughts and vibes coming our way! Here is Blakes website: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/blakeadamson

Official Graduation Date!

2010-05-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

Even though I am done with classes, I had to appeal taking another class that was added to my major last Fall, but had to wait until after my grades posted this semester to do so. Because of this my graduation had to be delayed which was a bummer but at the same time its all good! I will officially graduate in August and will be sending out announcements soon!

The daily struggle ;)

2010-05-14T09:17:00.001-07:00

These two try to make it as hard as possible for me to focus on work! Everytime I get up to get water or for whatever reason, I come back to my office chair and they both are in it and get upset when I move them! It is hillarious! Oh kids sometimes... ;)

Summer is almost here!

2010-05-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I am done with school! Yay! It feels so good to be done, you have no idea. I will get my diploma mailed to me in August so it will be really official then! Chris has a few more days of school for the semester, then he jumps right into summer semester! He will have fall semester right after that, then he will be all done too! Its defineately a big and exciting year for us! We have quite the summer planned as well! We are going to do something big for our 1 year anniversary. Not exactly sure what yet but anything that we do come up with will be awesome. I will keep you all posted on what we decide to do. In July we have a jam packed month! July 6-11 we will be in North Carolina at Aunt Julie and Uncle Brice's lake house celebrating Grandma and Grandpa Ramptons 50th wedding anniversary!! It isnt technically until December 31, but this will be a good time to get everyone together to celebrate! The week following, I will be going to Utah for my works (WGU) graduation ceremony/faculty training! It will be nice to see all the faces of those I work with on a day to day basis! When I return from that trip, we are headed to Canyon Lake for the Huntsman/Winton annual summer get together! Im so excited and looking forward to that month! Its going to be a fun one!!!

I need a camera!

2010-05-07T06:31:00.001-07:00

just throwing that out there, so if anyone wants to get me one for a graduation present that would be great!! ;)!!!!

wooo hooo!

2010-04-27T13:53:00.001-07:00

I finished my last paper as a college student today! I have a few more quizes and two finals and I am done! Its starting to finally feel like the end is near!

Island

2010-04-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

I just really love this song... this song was popular when Chris and I lived apart and were really finding out what we wanted ... and it makes me happy. Its by the Starting Line and my brother and his band played it at our wedding. perfect song.

Let's sail away
Find our own country
We'll build a house and beds out of palm trees
Let's get away
Let's push our lives aside

I'll sport a smile
Take in some color
Under the stars
I'll be your lover
With no distractions I'm gonna treat you right

Well it seems like things are only getting better
Well it seems like we can never catch a break

Just a keep a hold on me don't let go
If you float away, if you float away
Waiting too long for a ship to come
Don't you float away, don't you float away

Let's go to bed
Let's stop debating
Look at the time
We're always waiting
But we're in love
And that should be just fine

Well it seems like things are only getting better
Well it seems like we can never catch a break

Just keep a hold on me don't let go
If you float away, if you float away
Waiting too long for a ship to come
Don't you float away, don't you float away

And if you like (and if you like)
and if you like some other time
I would like to introduce you to the finer things
If we survive (if we survive)
If we survive, get out alive
I'd like to say how beautiful I think you...are

Just a keep a hold on me don't let go
If you float away, if you float away
Waiting too long for a ship to come
Don't you float away, don't you float away

Rejuvenation!

2010-04-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Chris and I went to Lake Somerville with his Dads boat. This was the first time that he let Chris take it out by himself, so it was a pretty big deal, not to mention very nerve racking! We had invited a few couples to come with us early, but to no suprise, it was just us two headed up to the lake. I was biting my nails the whole hour and fifteen minute drive just thinking about how I had to reverse the massive Supra into the water and go park the truck and trailer. UMMM hello?!?! Can you just imagine how scared I was! It was a moment of truth for me and I was successful! I backed the trailer out far enough where Chris could get the boat in water and I pulled off the ramp and parked the trailer! PHEWWW! what a relief it was to get that honker parked and away from it as far as possible! Chris picked me up at the dock and we were off! At first we cruised around, but not at very high speeds because the lake was choppy and white capping like the ocean. We found a smooth part of the lake and just laid in the sun and listened to music for a while. It was much needed for both of us as we are at the end of our semesters, and we both are workin our little hearts out. A few hours later 2 couples met us out at the lake, they all had jet skis but with it being so choppy and windy it wasnt very fun for them. We wake boarded and watched and just had a great time!! When it was time to leave, Chris' friend helped him load the boat and I was so happy and thankful for that! It was a great day and like I said much needed. We are both ready to take on these next two weeks of papers and finals and work !

Chillin

2010-04-20T09:06:00.000-07:00

Kilo just relaxing on the couch :)

The mile high city

2010-04-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

So chris and I are thinking DENVER to be our home in the nearish future... it has a cafe rio, is only 7 hours away from Utah family, and has the climate/culture that we want to be in. So far it is just a thought in our minds but when we both commit to doing something, we both make it happen. I can see us in Denver in the next year or so...;)

Stressssssssssed

2010-04-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

With one month left of the semester (and entire bachelors degree for me) the stress level is at an all time high. I have so much to do within the next month it really overwhelms me to think about! I shall report back once things have calmed down and the semester is over!

Forgiveness

2010-03-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking alot about forgiveness lately. What does it really mean? I came across this quote the other day: “To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness.” There have been times in my life where I feel some things are truly unforgivable. but why do I feel that way? People will do bad things and make mistakes, nobody is perfect. We are all trying to be the best that we can be with what we have. For some, it might take making many mistakes, losing many friends to find who you really are and it might be really dificult to forgive yourself for all the hurt and pain that you have caused someone. In my life personally, I have decided that to forgive everyone including yourself NO MATTER WHAT, is really the only way to be truely happy in life. If you expect perfection in people, you will be highly disapointed. That is a fact. I think that I am a happy person, and its due in large part to the trials I have had and learning the true meaning of forgiveness. There are some people I wish that would read this and probably wont, but if they learn to forgive they might truely feel happiness. This is a ramble post, but something that has been on my mind and I felt I needed to write it down to get it off my brain. ;)

the four agreements

2010-03-09T12:55:00.001-08:00

The Four Agreements was a book that I saw on the nik nak shelf at Jamba Juice while waiting for my Banannaberry smootie. I had read about it on Kat Von D's website ( she is a tattoo artist with a show on TLC that I am obsessed with) So I bought it, actually to give to Chris as a gift but ended up reading it and keeping it for myself. When I first read it I felt inspired and it really made me think about life and love in general. Lately I have been feeling the stressors of school, work, and life so I picked it up again and read it. It really made me feel better and brings clarity to me if even for just that day. I wont go into to much detail about it, but if you are curious about it, its not a "religious" book or a "this is the ONLY way to live" book, but it does make sense and can help you if you are having a hard time in your life, or if your like me, take on too much and get so overwhelmed all at once and need something to bring you back to center!

love.

2010-03-09T05:08:00.000-08:00

These I Can Promise

Author Unknown

I cannot promise you a life of sunshine;
I cannot promise riches, wealth, or gold;
I cannot promise you an easy pathway
That leads away from change or growing old.

But I can promise all my heart's devotion;
A smile to chase away your tears of sorrow;
A love that's ever true and ever growing;
A hand to hold in yours through each tomorrow.

Winter

2010-01-12T12:24:00.000-08:00

It has been the craziest month ever... SO much to talk about, so little time to blog about it! Here are a few bulletpoints of the past month:

*Drove to Utah
*Had Christmas in Utah
*Celebrated nana and pops 49th wedding anny
*Drove to back to Texas (Lyla was sedated this time)
*Had a football national championship party
*Started School again
*Got Glasses

I hope everyone has a happy new year and more post to come shortly!

Fall Semester is O-V-E-R!

2009-12-17T05:41:00.000-08:00

We made it! Fall semester is now behind us.

SNOW IN HOUSTON!

2009-12-04T11:42:00.000-08:00

I guess we dont have to wait until Dec 21 to see snow... we got some today in Houston! It was a very rare storm that produced big snowflakes! It wont stick very long, but still, it is amazing! I took the pups down to take pics and they were not sure what was going on. It snowed last year too, I must have brought the snow with me from Utah!

These are a few of my favorite things...

2009-12-01T12:38:00.000-08:00

Christmas time is that one time of year that just makes me constantly happy! I love everything about it. Everyone is so giving, and loving... it just makes me smile! My mom and I have been going to see the nutcracker at the capitol theater in SLC since I was 3. Its so much fun to go with my mom and enjoy such a great production, and this year Ally (Pauls girlfriend) is coming with us! She is already such a huge part of our family so I am excited that she is coming this year! Another thing I love is watching all the christmas movies like, christmas story, love actually, the holiday, santa clause 1, 2, and 3, all the tv specials but most of all home alone! Such a great movie!! I also love eating those yummy pilsbury ready to bake cookies! They are soooo good, and the best part is you take them out of the fridge and bake! I also love all the decorations. Chris and I decorated our apartment patio to the max! 450 feet of bright multi colored lights! If you know how small our patio is, you know that is a heck of alot of lights!! Pretty sure our neighbors across the walkway appreciate that! Chris' mom donated a little tree to us, so we could have one in the house! Since we are going to be in Utah this year, we didnt want to get a real one just yet. We also have little trinkits all around the apartment! I also love listening to christmas music. If it were not totally weird, I would listen to it all year around. Christmas is not just about all the material things, its about being around the ones you love, and doing good to make others happy. I wish it was all year around!!

20 more days...

2009-11-30T05:39:00.000-08:00

and we will be seeing snow!! I cant wait! Seriously so excited for christmas this year! Not only is it my favorite time of year, but Chris will be joining my side of the fam for the first time Christmas eve and day! Its going to be epic!

Half Marathon

2009-11-23T09:59:00.001-08:00

"I run because it's so symbolic of life. You have to drive yourself to overcome the obstacles. You might feel that you can't. But then you find your inner strength, and realize you're capable of so much more than you thought." --Arthur Blank

The San Antonio Rock and Roll half marathon was a success!!! This was my third half marathon and definetly my hardest one. I had been training really consistantly over a 6 month period, but my knee was giving me hell for about half of that time. It wasnt enough pain to go see a doc, but enough to make me "RICE" it often (rest ice compress elevate, see I DID learn something in my health and fitness class) There was even a morning where I woke up and my quad was in a semi permanent charlie horse (owwww). Anyhow, I managed to show up to the start line on November 15th!! It was perfect weather, not like last years cold front of 32 degrees! A perfect 65 to start the race off. It was kind of humid, but not enough to bother me. I made it to about mile 8, and then my knee started to annoy me. This was the annoyance that I was used to for the past 6 months so I kept on going. But at mile 10, I was in alot of pain. So I stopped running, but that hurt even worse!! I mangaged to slowly jog across the finish line and hit a time of 2:52:10!! I really really wanted to beat my time by 15 min from last year (2:15:00) but given that I was in so much pain, I was very happy with my time. I was still in the lower half of all women so I was still better then half, but if you know me, it was disapointing that I didnt meet my goal. I would have to say that the race was a success though! For all of you who think running in a half, even full marathon is impossible just know that its not and given that you work hard and train for it you will be successful!

Scentsy!

2009-11-12T05:10:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!! Just to let those of you know, who might not, I am a scentsy consultant! An amazing, delish, and attractive alternative to candles! Please take a minute to check out my website, and if you are interested in purchasing a warmer and some fragrances but are not sure what smell you want, just let me know and ill bring the samples to you! If you are out of the Houston area, I can describe them as best as I can to you before making your purchase. There are great Christmas warmers out now, so you will want to hurry and get them before they sell out!! Let me know if you have any questions!

https://ashleyhuntsman.scentsy.us/Home

Utah

2009-11-03T05:28:00.001-08:00

The things I miss about Utah:
My family
Fall leaves
Utah football games
Cafe rio
Bajio
The way people drive
The mountains
Stormy and Gweedo
New City Skyline concerts
Einsteins
Paces dairy ann
The gateway
Driving on south temple
Going on runs in my parents neighborhood
Running into everyone at albertsons
Happy Sumo
Sugarhouse
The Smell
Basketball leagues with the ol' teamates
Getting my hair done by someone I trust (shout out to Auntie!)

Okay, maybe I am just a little homesick, but I do believe it has to do with thinking about the holidays. When I moved away from Utah I thought that I would never miss it, but I do. I would like to end up there someday, but we will see where our journey takes us. I do have to say that I still have a dislike list about Utah but I will not share that with you as I want to remember all the positives about The Beehive State. Chris and I decided that we are driving up there for Christmas so we could spend more time there, and not have a timeline of when to leave. We are also excited for our puppies to have a white christmas. Kilo has seen the snow before, but Lyla never has so I am excited for her to run around with Stormy(my parents dog) in the snow!
I cant wait! Let the countdown begin!!!

Blog Slacker

2009-10-13T07:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am slackin in the blog world! Haha! I dont have a camera so that could be the main excuse, but also the lack of exciting things in our lives is contributing! School, work, rinse and repeat. That is our lives right now! Hopefully Chris can find his cord to charge the camera and I can post pics of our cute apartment post wedding. Love you all and hope you have a merry tuesday!!

Love,
Ash

Wedding pictures have arrived!

2009-08-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

Hello! My photographer has posted the wedding pictures on her website! woohoo! I love them all, well there are some bad angles of me but whatevs... I love them! Take a look, but know you have been warned... there are 500 + so make sure you have time! There is a preview pane on the right hand side that allows you to take a peek at about 10 pictures so you dont have to go through them one by one. I hope you enjoy! Thanks again to all of those who celebrated this very special day for Chris and I, and those that couldnt make it and came to the Houston reception it means as much to us as if you were there on June 20!

Happy Viewing!

www.timelessbypa.com

Under proofing, put ashley in as the password... and there you go!

wedding pics

2009-08-18T05:17:00.000-07:00

they should be ready this week... I am dying to see them!!!!

Galveston!

2009-08-05T20:38:00.000-07:00

I finally made it to Galveston Island! Chris had the day off yesterday, so I took a half day and we made a random trip to the Island. Its about an hour away from where we live, and I have to say, I cant believe this is my first time going since moving here! I have always loved the ocean and used to go all the time with my family growing up. People around here kept telling me to not expect much, that it wasnt that great, so I think that is why I really wasnt pushing to go. I am sad cause I feel like I have been missing out! Yeah its not the pacific ocean, and yeah the beaches are not like those of hunington or laguna but still! Its the ocean! The beaches were clean and the waves were decent. It was so beautiful and so fun to play in the waves! The best part, was it was just Chris and I with no plans but to enjoy ourselves the entire day. We drove around at first to look at the damage from Huricane Ike, and there are still houses and establishments that are basically piles of wood, it is pretty sad. But on the other hand, there are places that have been refurbished and rebuilt and looks amazing! There were cute little houses that reminded me of the ones along the beach at huntington, and I wanted to move into that day! We ended up at the cutest restaurant along the seawall and just relaxed the rest of the afternoon. It was such a great day for Chris and I and I cant wait to go back!

For those who wonder what I do all day..

2009-07-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I work for Western Governors University. I work from home and love everything about my job. MSNBC recently ran a story about WGU which was great publicity for us since we are non-profit and dont advertise very much. So watch the clip and see for your self!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619#31971183

More bridal and groomal pics :)

2009-07-12T16:11:00.000-07:00

Wedding pics to come soon!

We are married!

2009-07-12T15:52:00.000-07:00

We are officially hubby and wifey! Its been way too long since I have posted, but our schedules have been so crazy. After we got married, we went to park city for our honeymoon. It was so amazing and we had the greatest time. (that is why there will be no photos:) to busy havin fun!) We drove the 24 hours back to Houston and tried to get everything unpacked and unwrapped as soon as we could so we could be ready for round two of the wedding maddness. I also just spend half the week in back in Utah for Western Governors University's graduation ceremonies. It was great that I was able to see the students graduate that I help on a daily basis, but its even more great to be back home. :) We just got my pictures from the bride and groom shoot we did. We wont get all the wedding ones until they are done editing which will be around the first of August. So above are a few pictures that I really love!

Wedding spot and address!!

2009-06-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

The wedding will be at the Episcopal Church of the Resurection: 1131 South Main Street Centerville Utah 84014. Wedding will start at 4:30 with a reception to follow from 5:30-9:00. Here is a link to a map of the place if you need it! http://ecor.org/contact.html Cant wait to see yall there!

Showers, Bachelorette/Bachelor Parties and More!!

2009-06-02T06:16:00.000-07:00

These past few weeks have been filled with parties and people! Memorial weekend I flew to Vegas to celebrate with Amber, Missy and Kayla! They did alot for me and I appreciate it all!! Chris went to San Marcos/ Austin with his buddies that same weekend. Its safe to say he had a good time as well! On Saturday, Susans cute friends threw me a bridal shower! It was amazing! The food was delish, the company was great, and the gifts were appreciated. Its so nice to know that we have so many people who care about us! We are off to Utah this friday. So unreal. I still cant believe that the wedding day is FINALLY here! Its been a long time coming, and now its here. Chris and I still cant believe it. We are so excited to see everyone, especially my family!!

one

2009-05-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

...month from TODAY I will be Mrs. Ashley Huntsman. Soooooooo Crazy. And I absoultely cant wait! I love Chris so much and I cant wait for this journey we are about to start. I love him more than anything in the world and I am excited to celebrate our love with friends and family there!!!

Vegas!

2009-05-20T09:02:00.000-07:00

I will be off to Vegas this weekend for my bachelorette party!!! I am so excited to see my Utah ladies!!! I especially cant thank Kayla enough, she is such a great friend! I told her that I did not want to go since it was so close to going to Utah and that I simply couldnt afford it. So what did she do? She bought my ticket, hotel room and everything in between so I could go and have a good time with my friends! She is the greatest and I am so so glad that I have her in my life! I love you Kayla! Its going to be so much fun!!!

blogging... such the task sometimes!

2009-05-14T06:51:00.001-07:00

I feel now that I have a blog, I must post things to keep up with everyone else blogging! It feels like a school assignment rather then something fun. Not really but its hard to write consistantly! So here are a few updates: First off, Chris and I had birthdays!!!! We are 1 year and 4 days apart so its fun that we can celebrate our bdays together. This year, our friends threw us a Crawfish Boil party which was awesome. We dont have crawfish in Utah so its still so interesting and fun. The whole process is soooo country, I love it! Pretty much crawfish (little creatures that resemble a lobster, but is closely related to a cockroach) are boiled in a huge pot filled with onions potatoes corn and lots, I mean lots of spices. Cajun spice, tony's, cayanne pepper. After they boil for a little amount of time, you take them out let them sit in more spice for a while longer, then its all dumped out on a huge table and you eat it out of cardboard box lookin things. Please take notice in the pictures of what I am talking about. Dont knock it till you try it, Utah people, its fun. As for Utah food, I have introduced my friends to funeral potatoes which they all love but think its so weird we call them that. hahaha. Crawfish boils; its just one more reason to love it here in Texas! Then on my actual birthday, Chris family took us to Shoguns, which is a hibachi grill restaurant. We both got the filet minon, and it was seriously the best steak ever. It was a great weekend minus the fact we both had finals lerking inbetween our fun. Thanks to everyone for the cards and bday wishes!!!!! Update two: Chris and I got our announcements, finally. There has been a dark cloud looming over me. Once we found out that his cousin's announcements havent been sent yet either (she is getting married a few days before us) we felt so much better about the fact ours havent gone out yet. SO expect to get them Mondayish next week!!! The last update is that I am going to run the 1/2 marathon in San Antonio again this year. With it being my third one, I am actually going to try to beat my time by 20-30 minutes. The previous two times I really was just trying to finish, but I managed to complete the race in about 2.5 hours. So my goal is 2 hours this time. Seriously, running in bigger races is really amazing and it brings such a good feeling once you complete it. Since high school got over, I have really missed doing athletics, so running in these races brings that back for me, which I really love. Anyways, sorry she's a short one but I will post more in the time to come! <3>

2 months....

2009-04-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

....from TODAY until the big day!!!!!!!

Our Children

2009-04-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

Yes yes, maybe not real children but pretty close. Lyla and Kilo!!!!!! They are just the best ever and I love them soooo much. They have the best personalities and I cant wait for everyone to meet Lyla. Kilo has been growing up to be an onry old man. I would compare him to my fam's old cat Sam. He is so nice and sweet to Chris and I, but will select the remaining people who he will be nice too. He can be down right mean to some. For example, Whitneys boyfriend AJ (Whitney is Chris' sister). He will growl and size up AJ until AJ leaves the room, or is just far enough away from him where he feels okay about things. Silly silly dog. I dont know why he is like that, but I can guess that maybe Lyla's entrance had something to do with it. Kind of like when I was born, and Sam became a serious hater. Regardless, I love my kids and plan on including them in family photos.

Engagements!

2009-04-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Hola! Yay!!! We have round one of engagment photos done! We asked Chris' dad to take them, since our photographer for the wedding is in SL and we didnt want to waste a trip. So we are so happy that he did say yes! They turned out really good, and our next shoot will be this weekend at a different location and in different outfits. It was a cloudy day when we took them, and I think they turned out nice!! Here are just a few that we took....I will post more next week! Loves and kisses!!!

A month has passed...whaaaa?

2009-04-06T06:27:00.001-07:00

Seriously. I cant believe an entire month has gone by without a post! I guess that happens when you are working full time, going to school full time, planning a wedding, and trying toallow time for a social relationship with your Fiance! Things have been really good though! I am always one who is really busy, which I dont understand, cause I would so rather lay around all day and watch movies!! In the past month, we have done alot!! We went to visit The Aquarium in downtown Houston, it was fun and I was on my "lunch break" at work, but it ended up being a day event with his entire fam, which I was totally okay with! Chris' school has been really stressful these past few weeks. He is applying to get accepted in the Graphic Arts program at University of Houston, where they only accept 12 people each semester. Talk about crazy! He has been arranging his art work that he would like to show the judging pannel and let me tell you how proud I am of him!! He is the most creative and talented person I know! The stuff he comes up with is just amazing. I wish him all the luck in the world!!! Even if it doesnt work out, he has a a back up plan, but we are still hoping for the best! On top of school, He also has been helping his good friend Jon out with work, which is cleaning pools! He says its fun and he gets too work on his tan. Also, he is a time keeper for little league 7 on 7 a few nights a week. Its safe to say that he is very busy but at least he is having fun doing it! As for me, School is as busy as ever... so much reading. It seems that I have done as much reading this semester as I have in my entire school carrer! ugg. I guess that is what happens when you are a Senior! They are trying to prepare me for the "real world" which I have been apart of for quite sometime, and I never have had to read that much in that world. Anyways... enough about school. Work on the other hand, has been great!!! Just as I get settled in to my new job, another oppourtunity arises and I take it! I have been asked to take my BFF's position on the Admissions team, because she is going to be a Mentor! (If you dont know I work at Western Govenors University, an online school, that takes enough explaining that can be done in its own blog, but we wont go there...) So yeah! I am super excited and I start training today! It will be fun because Kayla gets to train me so it might take twice as long since we get easily side tracked when we talk. :) The position itself will be alot more work, but it will prepare me to handle alot more and have more resposibility on the Admissions team! So that is a real brief cover of what has been the past month, and I promise to do more posting and include some pics!! Love you all!!!!

Happy Thursday!

2009-03-05T08:32:00.001-08:00

Today is a great day! I woke up at 7:15 without an alarm, was wide awake... birds chirping, sun shining. Ya that kind of fabulous day. Usually I have been working out during my lunch break, but I decided to go early today since I was feelin good. My playlist was New City Skylines new cd, which is full of great tunes to work out too. I ran, lifted, and did the stair master. Successful workout. On the drive home, I thought it would be a good time to bring out the old 'mixes' from highschool. You know, the ones with In da Club by 50 cent, and Jenny from the block. Windows down... jammin like its 2001. Haha. Seriously. Tonight will be great too. Ladies night with Jamie! Sushi, Greys Anatomy... does it get anybetter??! Yes. Coming home to my honey and hanging out with him.... Possibly getting to play a round of tennis on the Wii. Where he will kick my trash, but I wont care because we will be together and laughing about how mad I get because I am so competitive. Today is the best day ever!!!

The Chef

2009-03-04T08:14:00.000-08:00

Lately Chris has been obsessed with everything cooking. He takes a liking to the food network channel and all its crazy shows. I really love that he loves to cook! Just last night we were wondering what to eat concidering our kitchen has nothing in it. He took a look around, grabbed some frozen tilapia, canned green beans, mashed potatoes from a box, onion, a bag of baked lays chips, and cheese. I just had to take a step back and let him create his masterpiece. It turned out sooo good! He breaded the fish with broken up pieces of the chips, did a light fry on it and whala!~ He chopped up the onion and carmelized them and tossed them in with the green beans. Then he finished the dinner with cheddar mashed potatoes!! Oh I love this guy! It was so tasty and the fact that he made it was that much better! Thanks babe for dinner! I cant wait until you cook again tonight!

Utah Trip aka The 26.2 of Wedding Planning.

2009-02-26T15:05:00.000-08:00

So last week I got on the airplane(uggg) to go visit my family and make plans for the wedding! It all went really well and my mom and I were able to get 90% of everything done! By Saturday afternoon, I was done, and didnt even want to talk about wedding plans but of course that didnt happen. I just am the type of person who isnt picky with details, so I was planning on having it all done that weekend. I would say that 90% is close enough. The easiest thing we did was get the cake! My mom and I went to Carries Cakes in Sandy, and had a sampling sesh of the different flavors of cakes. I had already had the cake that I wanted picked out, so the hard part was deciding on what flavor to choose. All the flavors were so tasty, but I picked out my fav, the raspberry swirl, and for the little cakes ( you just have to wait until the wedding day to know what I am talking about) we chose Almond. Yummmm! The funnest and happiest day of the trip was getting my DRESS! I am so in love with it its unreal. My mom and I went to Bride Beautiful, where my future SIL or sister in law, got her dress! It is a cute little cottage like place in Salt Lake with the most beautiful dresses, and nicest staff. It was a really special moment and very intimate with just us. The first dress I tried on I fell in love with, but my mom wasnt as in love with it cause it was Ivory... but the next dress... oh boy... was the winner! It was the same designer as the first, but with better beading and made me look skinner and was white, which had more contrast then the Ivory with my pale pale skin. I was sold. The lady there made me try on like 10 more dresses just to see, but none of them where even close. I was so super happy when we left the shop I just couldnt stop smiling!!! After that we met my Dad and Paul at Desert Edge for some french onion soup and Nachos. I mentioned to my dad that he needed to think of the perfect song for us to dance too and he got a little tearie eyed. So just a warning to all... June 20, will be an emotional day for the emotional Rampton clan!!!!
The most exciting part of the reception, I think will be when the wedding band plays! Nobody has a band anymore... I always pictured my wedding to have a band, like The Wedding Singer with Adam Sandler minus that weird guy that always sings "DO you really wanna hurt me.... Do you really wanna make me cry" anyways... so we are having a band! Its not a huge shocker who it will be, but they are choosing to not be New City Skyline for that one night. They were deciding on different names like, " Morrison and the Meat Pies" or "Pauly and the Crackers" . Not really sure what they will go with but they all sounded fabulous. One night while discussing it, my dear friend Jenna thought it would be great if they wore top hats with their tuxes, and that just opened a whole other door.
My mom and I then did alot more, meeting with Jill Graham who will be doing our flowers, going to get the bridesmaid dresses, and doing other little details. :)
It was a great trip and so good to see the fam! I am going up again March 10 for work training so ill be getting more done then!!!

Museum of Fine Arts Houston

2009-02-07T06:32:00.000-08:00

For one of Chris' classes, he has to go see a 4 part lecture series at the MFA Houston. It is a series that features famous graphic design artist that all branched out and contribute to the graphic arts in their own quirky way. So I decide to go along with him because I think its so interesting and I love to see what he is studying!! Anyways, the most recent lecture featured Ellen Lupton, a professor from New York. She was absolutely hillarious and like most artsy people did not edit herself one bit. She talked about the books she has written and did so in a very entertaining way. She is one of those professors that you wish she could just clone herself and teach all your classes, so you would never have to have a boring teacher again. She is coming out with a book about being a "Mad Housewife" in June, and I will be the first to get it. It is a book about things that drive a housewife nuts. Chris and I were laughing so hard at the way she would describe simple objects in everyday life that make her bannanas and some of the stuff is so true. She talked about toasters to toiletpaper, to pillows and how the idea of these objects are great, but the way they are used or disributed is nuts. Freakin hilliarious. I highly recommend you to google her name and get that book in June! It will be very entertaining and will also give you an insight to the graphic arts!

Hello!

2009-02-04T08:36:00.000-08:00

I decided that it was time to start blogging about us and the engagement process since family and friends are scattered pretty much everywhere in the U.S. and we want to let everyone know whats goin on! Stay tuned for future post from us!! In the mean time, I hope you enjoy the pics of our fabulous selves! haha Love ya'll