Thursday, September 23, 2010

Home Alone

This week, Steven went to Seattle, Washington, on a business trip. He left very early Monday morning and will not be home until Friday morning. It's been weird without him here. I can't lie, it was nice to have some time to get a few things done that I would have otherwise put off, but I miss him a lot. Being away from home has made me really appreciate my husband more. He is not only my soul mate but my best friend. I tell him everything as we share our lives together. He is the most loyal and dependabe person I know, and would do just about anything for those he cares about. I am lucky to have him in my life.

Hurry home, Babe!

xoxo,
Ashley

Friday, September 17, 2010

Game Day in Auburn

I am so excited about Game Day in AU tomorrow! Even though I won't be there physically, I will be able to see our beautiful campus and all the excited students throughout the day. I know that everyone down there is so so pumped for the big day. I even told my students in NC about it. They are going to watch, and hopefully, learn more about the most beautiful village on the plains. I have all sorts of AU memorabilia posted around my classroom (provided so kindly by Betsy and Michael). A lot of my students have been asking me what's so special about Auburn. I am quick to answer, "What's not special about Auburn? It's beautiful, the weather is awesome (I ususally leave out the part about the pollen), the people are courteous and friendly (family, if you will), and the atmosphere is second to none!" I think I may have a few converts in the making. War Eagle from North Carolina!

xoxo,
Ashley

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Inspection

The inspector comes today to check out "our" house. Steven and I are praying that everything goes well, and that there is no major problems. We hope you all will say a prayer as well. I have had requests to see pictures, but I really want to wait until we for sure have the house before I post pics.

Steven made a mistake the other day by telling me to make a list of projects that I would ever want to do for the house. So, I made a list. Steven claimed it was overwhelming, and maybe it was a little. But he told me to do it. After looking it over and doing some prioritzing, we have narrowed down our top five projects that must be done on the house. They are as follows:

1. Pull up the 70's shag carpeting in the foyer and up the stairs and replace it with wood.

2. Paint all the cabinets in the kitchen and replace the countertops. (We have tons of ideas :)

3. Install a dishwasher. (That's right. You heard me...there is no dishwasher!)

4. Completely seal the basement.

5. Plant bushes in front and do some work on the landscaping.

This list is much less overwhelming than the list I handed Steven, I assure you. Say a little prayer for "our" house today!

xoxo,
Ashley

Friday, September 10, 2010

Waiting

I am not good at waiting. I never have been. However, I am married to the most patient person in the world, so I am trying to learn as much as I can about this "hardest of all virtues".

Steven and I are currently in the process of buying a home. However, we have made it out of the "exciting" part (looking at all the different homes in the community) to the "hard" part (waiting on financing and contracts). Although I love living with Bryan and Bridget, I have to admit that we are ready to get a place of our own to call home. There will be a million things that I will miss about our current situation (i.e. being surrounded by two Godly Christian examples, eating good food prepared by a great cook, always having somthing to do or someone to talk to, etc.). However, Steven and I need to "grow up" and get a home to start our life in.

We have our eyes set on one home that is just a little ways from where we are currently living. It is an older home, but in great condition. Of course, there are a few cosmetic changes we would like to make, but overall, the home is completely livable. Right now, we are playing the waiting game and praying that everything works out. The Lord has been so faithful to meet all of our needs so far. We are trusting that He will lead us to the right people, banks, and funds. Keep us both in your prayers.

xoxo,
Ashley

Saturday, September 4, 2010

AU Opening Day

Today, I am full of mixed emotions. I don't think it hit me until this morning that Steven and I are permanent residents of North Carolina. Up until now, I have felt like a visitor. Now that Auburn is starting their season, I realize that we aren't going to be there for any of it. For the past eight years, I have lived in Auburn and proudly cheered for the tigers. I will still proudly cheer for them here, but football here is like basketball back home. People go to the games and support their team, but they aren't heartbroken after a loss of full of pride when their teams pulls off a win.


Let's just say that they don't define fall with football. I do. When I think about fall, I think about Jordan-Hare Stadium,. I think about tailgating with all of my friends. I think about all the great food (Betsy's chicken/bacon wraps, Jonathan's buffalo chicken dip, Michaels perfect hamburgers, etc.) and fun we have waiting on each game to start. I think about my Auburn family because that's what we are at Auburn--a family. We love each other, celebrate with one another, are there for each other. I loved my time at Auburn and miss it terribly, but I know that there is another little crew there that will fill in the spots of those who have come and gone. War Eagle family!

Below are just a few pictures that I had to post.

xoxo,
Ashley

Friday, September 3, 2010

All is Well

To all of you who called, emailed, facebook messaged me, or offered us a place to evacuate, Steven and I are fine. I honestly had no idea there was a hurricane. I can tell you this, there have been much worse thunder and lightning storms here than what we experienced last night. Steven and I went to bed at 11:00, and it wasn't even raining outside. I thought I might wake up during the night, but I slept soundly. Thank you all so much for your concern, prayers, and well wishes! I hope you have a marvelous Labor Day weekend!!!

xoxo,
Ashley

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Early Release

Our school releases at 1:00 this afternoon, which means it still counts as a full day (we don't have to make it up).

I am so pumped.

Steven is so jealous.

I love being a teacher :)

xoxo,
Ashley

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Big Earl

So, they tell me there's a hurricane a brewin' in the Atlantic...

I, Ashley McCulloch Meadows, am a total storm person. Since I have never been through anything majorly damaging or terrifying, I have had no reason thus far to be scared of storms. In all actuality, I have a lot of fond weather related memories...

When I was a little girl, I remember Mom and Dad packing us up in the van and taking us over to the MacPhees to ride out tornado warnings. I was always so excited to go because the MacPhees had a full basement in their house, which was full of toys, rollerblades, and games. We would spend hours down there, waiting until all the adults felt like the tornado had passed.

There were other times when there would be thunder and lightning so bad that it would knock the power out. All four of us kids would sleep in a huge pallet in the living room floor. We would gather up all the blankets in the house and throw them together for the ultimate "air mattress." I remember sitting up talking and laughing with Betsy, Whitney, and Taylor for hours, or until Dad yelled for us to go to sleep.

In college, I vividly remember Hurricane Ivan because me, Taylor, Steven, Austin, and Patrick hunkered down at their duplex and had a great hurricane party. When the power was on, we played Mario Cart and cooked dinner. Later when the power went out, we put together puzzles, played cards, and told stories. We laughed so much that weekend! Thankfully, all Auburn got out of Ivan was a lot of wind and rain.

Also, I have been in a couple of snow storms, which are my absolute favorite! We have had snow the past three years in Auburn, and each one has made for a lot of fun (and mandatory days out of school :). One year, all of our friends met over at Halal Court to wait out the storm. Michael brought over his Nintendo 64, and needless to say, we had a great time. One year, we woke up on a Sunday morning to a blanket of snow covering everything. Steven and I drove his Jeep to First Baptist and worshipped the Lord while the snow continued to fall. After the service, we went over to his parents' house and made snow men with Conner and Katie. So much fun!

So, here's hoping that this hurricane goes on by and leaves no damage in its path. Maybe it will just be another fun weather experience to add to the list!

xoxo,
Ashley