2013

 

Two Thousand Thirteen

i'm ready for you



With the New Year upon us I felt it only fitting to begin the year out right...
with a blog post...
okay, okay so I'm 11 days late, but better late than never they always say.

Are you all ready for 2013?
Have you set any goals for yourself or perhaps any cliche resolutions?
 I don't really like calling them resolutions because lets be honest, by February most of us have already broken whatever resolution we had, right?

This year is going to be busy, but it's going to be an awesome busy.

You know that kind of challenge yourself, find yourself type of year?!
I've been doing a lot of thinking (because what else is there to do really while here in South Korea while my other half works 12-14 hour days) and I feel that it's time for some personal improvements on my part. I want to be the best me for myself and for him.
 So this year I'm going to begin that journey.

 

This is how it starts...

ONE: By setting some type(s) of GOALS

1. Stretching! Yes, I just said stretching...I am by far the most stiff person I know. So my goal is to stretch daily and be able to sit and touch my toes by the end of the year. Because well, its good for your body. And I don't want to be an old hunchback lady when I'm old.

 

2. Working on my fitness. I've started a routine here in Korea with all my extra time and I'm hoping to continue that when I get to Utah by working out 3-4 days a week and hopefully inspire Mr. Shaynold along the way.  Plus, working out releases endorphins and well endorphins make you happy.

 

3. Start going back to church at least two times a month...hopefully the Mr. will wanna tag along too.

 

4. Start school full time in the fall semester. Crossing my fingers that WSU accepts me and that I can give them gross amounts of money that will force me to apply for loans. HA! Or possibly apply for some lovely scholarships. I feel like I'm a senior in high school again.

 

TWO: Stop bad habits

Last year I had chosen a word I wanted to live out through 2012 and was hoping by the end of the year I would have become more like that word. Well, somehow I dropped the ball and confidence didn't really happen.

So this year I want to change that. I want to follow through on something.
Meaning...I WON'T QUIT!

I've decided I will try again and choose another word for the year

That being:

{CALM}

I've realized I'm always tense and stressing about ridiculous things and that I need to remember how to stay calm and relax and know that I am not in control of everything.

LET IT BE / LIVE AND LET LIVE / CHOOSE MY BATTLES / STOP BEING ANNOYED
(More on this in later posts)

 

THREE: Do more of what I love

By spending a couple hours in the evening with my handsome man chatting about our day, life and getting our cuddle on. And possibly some crafting of some sort mixed in ;)

 

FOUR: Try something new

I've always wanted to play the piano and this year I'm going to start taking piano lessons.

 I have also been talking about learning how to sew, which only means...I'm going to learn!

FIVE: Keep track of my blessings

I have been a journal person for a few years now and thought it would be a great idea to have a gratitude journal this year instead. So I will write 3 things I am grateful for each and every night.

SIX: Service

I want to give more to others! I was inspired by Ashley over at The Shine Project for this one and I couldn't agree with her more that when you give to others something magical happens in your life that you can't quite explain.
I will reach out to others and let love into my life by doing something nice for someone at least once a week.

SEVEN: Relationships with people

 This year is huge when it comes to meeting new people. We will be moving to our first assignment together in March to Utah and I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't nervous. I've always been that shy, quiet girl who doesn't really talk unless you talk to me. As I have gotten older I have become less and less shy making it easier to get to know someone, but at times it can still be difficult for me to open up.
So this year I'd like to really put myself out there and get to know the people around me, like really know them...ask them questions and be interested in whatever it is they have to say. Learn from them, and see how they view the world.
My hope is that I can also extend this kind of passion to my love, my family and my friends as well.
Because after all you can never know someone too well, we are always changing and growing.

I hope that you will all read along this year and watch as I learn, struggle, love, change and grow closer to the woman I hope to be one day.

Life's a process and I am only beginning.

XOXO
Tara Ashley

 

 

H-a-l-l-o-w-e-e-n

 

So it's that time of year again when I can make PUMPKIN cookies anytime I want

...

Well, not that one couldn't make them any other time, I'm just saying now is the acceptable time to have said pumpkin cookies or anything pumpkin for that matter

 

What better time to make them than on HALLOWEEN!

Such a fun time of year when all the holiday festivities begin and the creativeness in me gets to craft all the fun stuff I have saved on Pinterest. 

The cookies are yummo

...only bad thing is...

I've already eaten

NINE

 {I can feel a stomach ache coming on already}
 

Good thing there is a gym 3.5 minutes away by foot

I'll be needing it

Look at all the candy too

I'm in trouble  



 Shaynold and I even got to put together this fun puzzle the other day

I put in the very last piece....of course, because I rock

or maybe he LET me put it in, oh well.

Either way it was fun to find all the pieces TOGETHER

when he wasn't being a puzzle hog that is

 

I love that word: together

I'm so happy and lucky to have the chance to be here with him everyday

He seriously has the coolest job!

I seriously have the coolest man

...

I mean not everyone gets to fly jets everyday

and

not everyone gets to see and hear jets take off a dozen times a day

I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!

This is my home

He is my home

 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN ALL!

 

XOXO

 

Tara Ashley

 

 

 

 



Welcome Back to Korea!

 

 

Korea and I meet again

"Annyong haseyo"

{HELLO}

 

It's been almost a year since I was here before.

Let me say that again...It's been almost a YEAR since I was here before.

Can you believe that?!?

 And what a year it has been. I survived...WE survived and I am so proud of US!

 

Long Distance is:

hard

lonely

a time to grow

spending time with friends & family

trust

love

missing them

etc,etc,etc

 

Which ever adjective you choose to use

IT'S WORTH IT!

 

I didn't think I'd actually ever say that, but it's true.

 

Shayne and I have gone through a lot this year, but I honestly couldn't be more thankful for the lessons I've learned along the way.

 

I have him to thank really

...

He was always so patient with me and loved me even on the days I didn't deserve it.

I wish I could say I was a perfect girlfriend/finace that never got upset or mad at him, but HELLO this is not a perfect world and you better believe there were days when I was a monster.

And you know what I realized during those days?

Was how much we have grown together and truely love one another.

Crazy huh?!

 

So many AWESOME things have happened in the last 13 months too!

Seriously!

Many blog posts to come? I think YES!

 

In the mean time

Meet The Green Jap

 

 

Yep, that's right...it's a right drive vehicle...in Korea, Craz balls.

 

Meet my old school DAK phone

{I wish I could tell you what that means, but if any Koreans just happen to read this they might hunt me down}

 

 

It totally doesn't even have T-9 texting. I have to type out each letter!!!

Blasphemy, I tell you.

But at least I don't have auto correct fail, like I do with my iPhone.

HA!

 

Let's talk soon

 

PIU!

 

 

XOXO

 

Tara Ashley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Child

Confession: When my mom sent this to me this morning, I cried....no, I balled....like a baby.
Sensitive much?!?! I couldn't believe I was just sitting there crying my eyes out from just a few words. But I realized after I read it again....and again that it was exactly what I needed to hear (or read, rather).

How is it that My Heavenly Father sent me here to be with such an amazing mom?! How'd I get that lucky?
Both him and her always know exactly what I need and for that I am so thankful.

I think this quote really hits home...probably for a lot of us.

Why do we worry so much?
Because we fear failure? Because we don't want to disappoint our loved ones? Because we want things to go a certain way?

Whatever the reason, it's always going to be ok!!!

If we don't fail, we don't grow or learn. If the person or people whom we wish to not disappoint can become so mad or hurt by a situation or event and not find forgiveness then perhaps those people shouldn't be in our lives....do you agree? And when it comes to "things" going a certain way...we have to remember that free agency is a blessing, whether we always chose to believe that or not.

So, at the end of the day when all things are said and done, we have to remember that this world is craaaazzyyyy and sometimes it can effect us in ways we don't like, so that's when we have to remember God is there and he knows EVERYTHING, he is with us always and loves us regardless of our mistakes or choices that may not always seem wise. I know that he has the most beautiful plan for each of us and while it may not always be what we or others may want, it is going to be what's best for you!!!

Do not ever forget that!!

And remember, "he's got this"

So let him hear it!! And let him WORRY about it!


XOXO

Tara Ashley

Be Stong

Being strong is not something that comes easy to some. 

I know I personally have had to work exceptionally hard at it.

And even more so this past year as I am becoming accustomed to the Air Force life and it's unpredictable nature.

I'm not sure if I'd really call myself a STRONG person, but I am stronger then I used to be for sure. 

And I know that is something I can thank my Heavenly Father for. 

I'd say that maturity and time also help when it comes to having a sense of strength along with a decent amount of patience to hold yourself together. 

It's amazing how much a person can change in a lifetime, really.

My mom and I were talking about how people change this weekend in fact and how much we ourselves have changed. 

I'd like to say that I have changed for the better and become more of the person I want to be at 25.

Which is good news and I certainly wouldn't be who I am without having had the experiences I have.

I say this because this morning I completely surprised myself .

I received some very disappointing news but instead of becoming upset and mad, I simply accepted it for what it was. I immediately prayed for peace to come over me and that any bad feelings would simply stop.

 I knew that I was not in control and unfortunately I had to be ok with that, which I am.

It doesn't make it any less disappointing or upsetting, but having strength and keeping faith does make it a little bit easier.

It's OK Thursday

HELLO ALL!!

I know you ALL have probably been so worried I had fallen away from blog land for good

...

But no need to worry folks

I am in fact alive!

Sooooooo it's time to have a little fun with Amber & Neely 

on this beautiful Thursday

It's OK

...

That I am still only in chapter three of Hunger Games but decided to go see the movie because I just couldn't wait any longer and LOVED IT!

That sometimes I lose my patients when it comes to Korea.

To be SOOOO beyond excited I get to see the Pilot in 16 days...people you have no idea what a blessing this is. I'm pretty sure I prayed everyday for months that I would see him sooner than July and it's happening!!!

That I'm so sad that One Tree Hill is now in fact over for good.

That my Pandora is constantly on the Josh Groban station at work...hello he's amazing!

That I'm obsessed with my new Louis purse ;)

That I have more Easter candy than one person could possibly eat. Okay... maybe 'could' isn't the right word...'SHOULD' eat is more like it.

To be super flattered that a co-worker said I was full of Sunshine and smiles...that's what I hope to always be. 

Well, that's all for now.

I sure have missed blog land.

I'll write again soon

XOXO

Tara Ashley

Full {HEARTS}

A BABY IS BORN

There is something about a newborn baby that brings everyone together filling their hearts with joy and love!!!

"There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be “full-time moms,” at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part-or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else." Elder M. Russell Ballard   “Daughters of God,” Ensign, May 2008, 108–10 

Last night I fell in love...again

the newest arrival to our family

GRAYSON MICHAEL LAUER

He was 7lbs 15oz and 21 1/2 inches long

Born March 7th 2012

at 5:51PM

Waiting and waiting for the doctor to come


Mommy and Daddy

"...one of the greatest things a father can do for his children is to love their mother."

Grayson in the nursery
We all wanted to hold him soooo bad


Momma first seeing and holding her new love


Momma and her three boys

Big brothers

Ethan and Grayson

He may not be my baby, but I love him like he is.
Last night as I left the hospital I suddenly felt a sense of separation anxiety come over me and the thought of leaving Grayson made me want to stay all night.
It's amazing to me how with one look into those innocent eyes you fall in love and want to give them the whole world.
Many happy blessings to my aunt and uncle on their new bundle of joy!


XOXO


Tara Ashley

Sweet Notes

This morning this sweet note was on my car

...

What a great way to start your day, right?!

Thanks, Roomie!

Days like today make me so thankful to live in a house full of sweet, caring, CRAZY girls. 

Of course there are always going to be those days when the kitchen is a mess, the floors are gross and we run out of TP or the dog happens to pee in your room....but I know that these are the days we will look back on and laugh because no matter where life takes us, the year of Family Fairmont will always live on in our hearts.

Here's to Sunday Funday roof top hang outs, pool parties and game nights!

What are you thankful for today?

XOXO

Tara Ashley

Journey Forward {3}

Hello All!

It's time for another challenge in our Journey forward series with Chelsea at life is a sunset.

The challenge this week was to write a letter to yourself one year ago.

Dear Tara,

This will be the year you find true love, real I can't go a day without you love. It will happen unexpectedly but you will finally learn what it means to love someone unconditionally and put all that you learned from your past into action. You both will grow close to one another as the year progresses becoming each others best friend and lover. There will be worry and heartache on your part at times that may keep you awake at night, just know that not everything needs to be analyzed and by asking "what does it mean" isn't going to get you anywhere. Enjoy the time you have together because soon you both will have to make a difficult decision and commitment to one another when it comes to his job and living the life of a fighter pilot.

You'll learn that you can't always trust everyone you meet and although you love your job and have learned a great deal from it there will be some unfair faults placed on your shoulders bringing you to make a rash decision and lead to unemployment. This will bring you to some rough times financially, but not to worry you will have loved ones around who will help you through the struggle and support you no matter what.  

You will also meet some awesome new friends and family both in the Air Force and civilian world that will become near and dear to your heart. 

Most importantly, despite all life brings your way you will find what it means to live a life full of {happiness} and love. Remember those little moments, cherish them and tuck them away so that you will always have them especially when the hard times roll in and it comes time to say "I'll be seeing you" to the man who has become your whole world. You will be in search of a great deal of strength and if you remember that Heavenly Father is with you always, in every situation, you will already be ahead of the game.

With all my love,

Future you

Songs

...

for strength

The Lord can reassure that He is near and that He will lead us through the darkest days of our lives.

 BY ELDER L. LIONEL KENDRICK

Of the Seventy

Life is not always easy to live, but the opportunity to do so is a blessing beyond comprehension. In the process of living we will face struggles, many of which will cause us to suffer and to experience pain. Many people will suffer in personal struggles, while others will suffer as they watch their loved ones in pain.

To gain strength in our struggles, we must have a positive perspective of the principles in the plan of salvation. We must realize that we have a personal Savior whom we can trust and turn to in our times of need. We must also learn and live the principles that the Lord has given to receive the strength needed during our struggles.

Positive Perspective

In the Grand Council in Heaven, the decision was made to “make an earth whereon these may dwell” (Abr. 3:24). This earth is the place to prove ourselves worthy and to prepare to return to the presence of the Lord. He explained, “And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them” (Abr. 3:25).

The Lord explained the purpose for which we must be tested during this earthly experience: “My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them” (D&C 136:31).

Part of the plan is “that there is an opposition in all things” (2 Ne. 2:11). We are given the agency to choose between these opposites in the proving process (see 2 Ne. 2:27; D&C 29:35). In our pre-earth life, we understood and sustained the plan of salvation with the principles of opposition and agency. We knew we would have experiences in this life that would cause us to struggle and sometimes to suffer.

Some of our struggles involve making decisions, while others are a result of the decisions we have made. Some of our struggles result from choices others make that affect our lives. We cannot always control everything that happens to us in this life, but we can control how we respond. Many struggles come as problems and pressures that sometimes cause pain. Others come as temptations, trials, and tribulations.

Yet struggles are a part of the sacred sanctification process. There are no soft or slothful ways to become sanctified to the point that we are prepared to live in the presence of the Savior. And there can be blessings in the burdens we bear. As a result of these struggles, our souls are stretched and our spirits are strengthened. Our character becomes more Christlike as we are tried and tested.

Even though these experiences may cause pain, suffering, and sorrow, we have this absolute assurance: “No pain suffered by man or woman upon the earth will be without its compensating effects if it be suffered in resignation and if it be met with patience” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 168).

The Savior gave comfort and counsel to the Prophet Joseph Smith while he was suffering in Liberty Jail, explaining the beneficial effects and blessings that come if we bear our burdens well: “All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good” (D&C 122:7). He continued:

“My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

“And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes” (D&C 121:7–8).

People respond to struggles in different ways. Some feel defeated and beaten down by the burdens they are called to bear. Many begin to blame others for their difficulties and defeats, and they fail to follow the counsel of the Lord. It is a natural tendency to seek the easy road on life’s journey and to become discouraged, filled with doubt, and even depressed when facing life’s struggles.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, then an Assistant to the Twelve, distinguished the difference in responses to difficulties: “The winds of tribulation, which blow out some men’s candles of commitment, only fan the fires of faith of [others]” (“Why Not Now?” Ensign, Nov. 1974, 12).

If we follow the revealed eternal principles, we will gain strength during our struggles and will be blessed as we bear our burdens and deal with difficulties and overcome obstacles in our lives. If we are to gain thestrength that we need, we must come to know the Savior and follow His counsel.

A Personal Savior

The Savior knows each of us in a personal way. He has assured us of His personal acquaintance, His awareness of our needs, and His presence in our times of need. He counseled, “I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me” (D&C 38:7). Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained, “The Savior is in our midst, sometimes personally, frequently through his servants, and always by his Spirit” (The Lord’s Way [1991], 14).

The Savior knows all things past, present, and future. Jacob taught, “For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it” (2 Ne. 9:20). He knows the things that we stand in need of even before we ask (see 3 Ne. 13:8).

He also knows our thoughts and the intents of our hearts and sees into the innermost parts of our eternal spirits. He taught, “I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them” (Ezek. 11:5). Ammon stated, “He knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Alma 18:32).

He knows the temptations we face. The Savior was tempted beyond any temptation we could ever face. The scriptures say, “He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them” (D&C 20:22). He stands ready to deliver us in our times of temptation. Paul wrote, “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour [help] them that are tempted” (Heb. 2:18). Peter proclaimed, “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations” (2 Pet. 2:9).

The Savior “knoweth the weakness of man” (D&C 62:1). In spite of our weakness, He loves us in an incomprehensible manner and offers us great hope: “I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them” (Ether 12:27).

In addition to knowing our thoughts and intents, temptations and weaknesses, He knows all that we do in this life. He said, “Behold, mine eyes see and know all their works” (D&C 121:24; see also 2 Ne. 27:27). “I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works” (Rev. 2:19).

The Lord stands ready to help us through our struggles. We have His assurance and His promise that He will be there to assist us in the days of our difficulty:

“Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

“Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you” (D&C 88:63–64).

He stands ready to comfort and counsel us in our season of struggles and suffering. Jacob taught, “Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions” (Jacob 3:1).

The Lord gives us a spirit of hope and a feeling of comfort and confidence that we can overcome the obstacles we face. He has shown the way to gain strength during our struggles. With His assistance, we have the ability to succeed. Listen to His words of counsel and comfort: “Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world … ; and none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost” (D&C 50:41–42).

Again, with a feeling of love, He reassures us that He is near and that He will lead us through the darkest days of our lives. His strength will sustain us during our struggles even when we feel weak: “Wherefore, I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall” (D&C 50:44).

Because of His infinite love for us, He is our advocate with Heavenly Father. He pleads our cause with Him. He pleads to the Father forforgiveness of our sins and gives us this counsel of cheer: “Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 29:5; see also D&C 45:3; D&C 62:1; D&C 110:4).

XOXO

Tara Ashley