Mr. & Mrs. Ropp

New blog

2010-02-28T20:25:00.001-08:00

I switched to a new blog.... I'm hoping to do some posting tonight!

http://theroppfamily.blogspot.com/

It's in my blood!

2010-01-12T18:44:00.000-08:00

For as long as I remember, Mom and Dad have been garage and estate sale fools! Now I don't know that any of kids actually enjoyed this found hobby, but nonetheless; I think we all tagged along to our fair share.

I also remember ALWAYS watching Antique Road Show with mom and dad, most nights it was a good excuse to sit in front of the tv while "doing" my homework, mainly I interpreted dad's listening with random questions. I also made sure to scope out the room, wondering how much any of the "junk" they own is worth anything =D.

All of us kids are well aware of the importance of Roseville pottery in the Stephens' household. Even the new comer (Chris) is aware of this. He called me Friday and let me know that there is an estate sale with Roseville pieces! I let dad know, and I was on a mission the next day to find it!

The ad for the estate sale listed no start time, so I decided we'd go at 9. As we were walking up, people were already leaving with boxes =(. Knowing that Roseville is a hot item, my balloon was deflated.

We looked around, nothing by the vases, I looked to see if any of the platters were sterling silver; no dice. We found some salt and pepper shakers we liked, and a picture that would serve as the, "sorry dad, no Roseville" back up gift. As I turned around there it was on the dinner table. Three beautiful pieces! Blood was pumping and I grabbed it toward me just in case anyone else was looking at it and I sent Chris to the ATM to get cash out for our goods!

All three pieces were in fabulous condition and well used. I felt so proud! What a rush.

I guess you can say shopping for good deals at garage and estate sales is in my blood! I can't wait until the next chance to go!

And for the record, I think this put me up a notch in the favorite child list, still not as good as a grandchild, but the next best thing, yeah?

Kitchen is DONE!

2009-12-10T23:45:00.000-08:00

Well like 98.5%. The floor molding needs to be added, we may add some red trim around the cabinets and the blinds for the window need to go up. All small things. Otherwise, my beautiful kitchen is DONE! Thank you so much to Chris' family! I AM SO BLESSED AND SOOOOO HAPPY!!!! I love love love it.

Everything has a place, we even have some empty drawers and cupboards..imgaine that! I'm sure they'll be filled soon!!

My two favorite things? My cookie sheet cupboard and the fact I have room for all my Tupperware! And the counters and floors and the cabinets and it's all wonderful=) Here are the pictures!

In case you forgot from my last blog, here's the before!

Here is the after!

Byron and Chris did a fabulous job on the floors!

Everything has a place! My life feels so much more in order. Now to clean up the dinning room where everything has been stored and the bedroom!

Next project? Bathrooms. It'll be awhile. I need a break =)

Not just new cabinets

2009-12-07T22:29:00.000-08:00

Chris and I received a WONDERFUL gift-A BRAND SPANKING NEW KITCHEN! Yes folks that's right say good bye to the fishing lures, life is feeling complete!

Our home that we live in, has had several owners prior to us, which means several layers of wall paper. If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing our home, here it is before, and during the tear down, and the kitchen now, still in progress, final pics to be posted later this week!

Before:
(don't judge the mess!)

Let the demolition begin!
(There was FIVE layers of wallpaper, so we took down what we could and papered over instead of painting, it was the best option)

Grandma and Grandpa, are hard workers. The also don't take many breaks =/

Today the cabinets were being installed, we got them mostly primed and will be painted soon, the flooring will be put in and then my life can get organized THANK GOD!

They put the doors on the top cabinets tomorrow and finish then it's all us. I can't believe what a difference this makes. I told Chris I almost cried I was so happy, he said, "they're just cabinets." No, sweetie, they're a lot more than that. It completly improves my quality of life and I feel SO blessed that God has granted me with wonderful family and this AMAZING gift. I can't wait to see the end result!!!

Wock and Woll!

2009-12-07T22:27:00.000-08:00

We have one hardcore puppy!!

She also wanted to play lobster...not so fun for her!

I have the best pets ever, currently they're both snuggling in a chair together!!!

Congrats to Jessica!

2009-12-07T22:26:00.000-08:00

Sad news again, bad picture taking. Good news-Jessica has graduated! I didn't get any pictures, but we were able to all get together and enjoy company and dinner and celebrate this amazing task! We're super proud of you Jess, college is tough, especially after time away, you should be VERY proud of yourself!

Brianna's Shower!

2009-12-07T22:22:00.000-08:00

Here comes a new bride!!!

Brianna, my beautiful cousin is getting married April 17th! The 17th is a good number on multiple sides of the family woot woot! Sad news is I am not good at taking pictures when I get to talking. Boo so here's what I got!

Sara often to be our fashion bride =)

Blushing Bride!

Cousins!

The beautiful cake!!!!

Congrats to you Brianna, you will make the most beautiful bride and I couldn't be happier for you. Ken is such a lucky guy, and you're such a lucky gal! I can't wait for this shin-dig!!!!

Viva Las Vegas Fools!

2009-12-05T20:46:00.000-08:00

My life has been pretty amazing lately. Here's a list of all that's going on (no particular order of importance!)

1. The wedding came, it saw, and it conquered.
2. I am married to my very bestest friend on this planet, and I have inherited the best family a gal could ask for!
3. Our little niece Avery was born! (Although we're yet to see her, we were sick, then got busy =( Soon though!)
4. Chris back got really crappy- bad. Chris's back is getting better-good!
5. Chris's parents sent us to VEGAS for our honeymoon!

I'm pretty sure that Chris and I will last forever. Now I know EVERYONE says that, but I have a good justification other than we really love each other-we drove over 2,000 miles (36 car hours) together and I didn't kill him. That has got to stand for something, right? Just agree please!

That's right folks, Chris and I like car rides, so I guess we decided we'd enjoy the drive to Vegas? It really wasn't that bad, we left at 5:30 on Wednesday night after I got off work, we drove through the Willamette pass, got kind lost looking for gas in Klamath Falls, and ended up in Reno about 2 am and stopped at a La Quinta for some sleep.

We got up at 6 AM, but I convinced Chris that sleeping for 2 more hours was a good idea. I won.

This is us tired, and ready for Vegas!

Our view for about 500 miles

We finally arrived though! Here's our room

The thing I had to see as soon as we got there, although none of the pics turned out-the lions in the MGM!

Big paws!

MnM world!

I don't support Nascar...ever

One of the things we were looking forward to most was Hoover Dam. Here is Chris in his saftey hat...he doesn't believe in hard hats (or plastic ones that don't fit his big head!)

Did I mention I am a little afraid of heights?

It was so bright, my squinty eyes couldn't handle it!

These power the whole dam, it's amazing...How can this even be real?!

The inside walls of the dam

This is my fave

The inspectors used to come every now and again and keep track of cracks and whether they were expanding or not, here's some old writing from 1943!

From inside walls of the dam looking out

A really, really long ways down

And then there was Cher....

We couldn't take pictures while inside the show, but she was AMAZING! So amazing! I love her and would pay to see her again. No one has made 60 look so good and rhinestones look so good, or lack there of I should say!!

Some Pete Rose baseball guy...Apparently he's important, I dk why. All I know is we spent a lot of money to get his autograph

I make the picture better =)

We took tons more of hotels, but I'll spare you now! It was an amazing honeymoon, and pretty relaxing, we came home a few days early and were able to rest up! Thanks to Debbie and Byron, best vacation ever!!!

Reliving the day!

2009-11-04T21:34:00.000-08:00

YAY! We got our wedding pictures!! Stephanie did an AMAZING job! I love them and her! And her family! Looking through these totally made me feel like it was happening all over again! Below are a few, and also the link to my picasa to see all the rest. Some of them are booby-beware. That's what happens with a big chest!

My new family!

OK I'm done posting...I'd end up putting them all up...go to the link!

http://picasaweb.google.com/AshleyMarieStephens/Wedding1#

Boobies?

2009-11-01T20:07:00.001-08:00

Chris and I both know people who have fought, survived, and lost a battle with breast cancer. It's a sensitive subject to me and when ever I have a chance I make sure to donate to the breast cancer foundation. In honor of breast cancer and all of it's fighters Chris and I bought some shirts (Kristi picked them up at OSU for us) and I proudly support it! Probably not to work though...I don't think the state would like that. Chris says he'll sport his at work. Atta boy.

Chris' mom, Debbie, pointed out how great he looks in pink!!

Quack Quack!

2009-11-01T19:57:00.001-08:00

For Christopher's birthday present we got tickets to go see the UofO-USC game! It was a BLAST! I have never been to game before, and I was blown away! It was so loud and so crazy and it was fabulous! I'm seriously considering getting us season tickets next year! Best Halloween ever!! AND, we were able to beat most of the trafffic!

We sat about 40 rows up and on the 40 yard line, so we got to some of the best views!

Here I am exhausted from partying with Patty the night before (so much fun!)

It poured right before we got into the stadium so we bought some $8 pieces of plastic....who would have thought they could charge so much for a PONCHO!

PACKED! Almost 60,000 ppl there!

Go Ducks!!

Happy birthday husband!!

Halloween!

2009-11-01T19:50:00.000-08:00

On The 30th, I went with Patty, Chris Middlebrooks, David, and Melissa to Vancouver to see a band play. They played a bunch of covers and Patty and I danced our heats out!!! Here's some pics! We got back to Jenny-Patty's mom at 2 am after I made a quick stop to Taco Bell for the two drunkies I was driving around! I've always like being the DD-always a hoot to be the observer! It was a blast and I would go see them again in a heart beat!

Patty was a magician and I was a "new-age" house wife! Ha! So silly =)

I danced with my whisk all night, also had measuring spoons on hand...=)

We saw Willy Wonka!

Avery Madison Loveless is here!

2009-11-01T19:38:00.001-08:00

I know, I'm a little late, but Christopher's sister, Alicia and her husband Derek have been expecting a sweet little baby girl! Well on October 8, 2009! (I'm late I know!) She was 7lbs and 9oz! Alicia says she's been feeding like a champ and packing on the weight! We haven't gotten a chance to go see her, I've been sick and Chris was sick the week she was born, so for the sake of life (literally) we've stayed away until we're are 100% free of any sniffle!

Here's a picture, isn't she BEAUTIFUL?????

No, they can't take that away from me...

2009-10-19T16:32:00.000-07:00

In reality, I'm speechless about my wedding. It's all kind of blurry...if that makes sense. I remember the intense shock I had when my dad went in to see if we were ready to begin and I was alone sitting in the car. I talked with God, and I thanked him for everything I could think of at that point. I was overwhelmed when my dad came out and told me everything is ready to begin when I was. It was beautiful inside, there was a room full of people who loved Christopher and me, and a room full of people who were there to celebrate our life together. I didn't think I'd cry, but of course I did. I looked and saw a tear running down dad's face and I lost it again. I don't know if there is a person who can understand that connection I have with my dad, I've never known a more selfless man and I'm so blessed to have had him walk me down the isle.

I cried, a ton. Tears of happiness, and joy. Christopher looked SO handsome and proud standing up there. I apparently was trying to sprint down to him, dad had to keep reminding me to walk slowly!

I felt so loved when Chris was saying his vows, I knew he meant them, and I knew he cared. I feel like the luckiest gal in the world, I even saw a few tears welling up in his eyes when I said my vows. For a guy who doesn't express his feelings often, he opened his gates to me on our wedding day and I'm so thankful, more than anything I needed to see that.

Dancing with my dad was an amazing moment, he assured me that I will be a great wife, he assured me that I am an amazing person. My daddy is the best, nothing can compare to him! I also know I can have him beat Chris up...hahah.

The whole show was done by 5 pm, whoo hoo for dry weddings! It all went smoothly, minus the rain, but even that let up for a little bit!

Our wedding night was fabulous! We went to the beach, ordered a pizza and got some diet pepsi and were in bed by 9! We're pretty wild, I know. I woke up sick as a dog the next day, could hardly breath and totally congested. We ended up coming home early b/c I was so under the weather =(. But I have no doubt in my mind that our wedding night was amazing, I've never received so many compliments from Christopher, it felt like the day we first met, crazy in love.

I am so so so thankful to everyone who made this day happen. I can't even begin to say thank you enough. And Thank God it's over =) Here are a couple of pictures, the first two are some tidbits Stephanie sent me and the rest I think are from family cameras! I'll post a link to my picasa when I get Stephanie's-SHE WAS AMAZING!!!

That one is my fave. I love it to pieces! I am so blessed that all of us kids love each other so much!!

18 days.

2009-09-29T23:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's true. I've been the worst blogger on the face of the earth! I have been so tired from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed, that blogging seems to be the last thing I want to do. Although there are some things I'd like to say (wedding related).

Patty (or apparently as my t9 says 'Savvy')
Thank you. I don't know that I can say it enough. You've been such a rock for me in throughout this whole processes. You're a phenomenal woman and I have no doubt that this wedding wouldn't happen without you. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart. You keep me sane when I freak out, and you're ALWAYS willing to talk wedding with me. You're an amazing wife to my brother and I think that alone speaks enough=). Love you sister sue.

Michelle
You amaze me. You work, you coupon, you help me with the wedding, and oh yeah, you're a full time mom! You've been such an amazing sounding board when things go astray. I am so blessed to have you as part of this! You're an amazing wife and a WONDERFUL mother, love you so much sissy.

Mom
Things have gone SO much better than any of us expected. You've given me the room to express myself, and I think in that I've learned to appreciate you more. It's stressful for everyone, but you're the one who gets 598 phone calls a day, and almost always have solutions to my urgent problems.

Debbie and Byron
You guys are so gracious. I am SO blessed I will be marrying into such an amazing family. I love you and your whole family dearly. I feel so accepted and so honored to be taking this last name. I am SO looking forward to Vegas!

Christopher
You never seize to amaze me. You help keep me cool and calm. There is nothing better than being able to snuggle up with you and watch movies. I am so excited to see where our future takes us. I know God has big plans for us, and I know that he created me to walk next to you in this life. You are my support and my strength. I don't work half as hard as you do, but I hope you know I value the fact that you wake up everyday and go to work to provide for me. You will be an amazing husband and you'll be an amazing father one day (Lilly and Freddy already think you are.)

and to everyone else THANK YOU. I know it's still 18 days away, and I know A LOT can happen in 18 days, but that doesn't change the fact I am so grateful for every single person in my life. You can't tell me that I could find a better family, I just wouldn't believe it ever.

Can't help myself...

2009-09-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

YEAH KATY PERRY!

2009-09-06T15:52:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I gave Patty her birthday gift, tickets to see Katy Perry at the Oregon State Fair (the gift was about a month early, whoops =).) We made shirts and rocked out with some 12 year olds!

These ppl were way to old to be at this concert

None of my pictures from the concert turned out. But we did go on one ride afterward...it was REAL fast!

Our new baby,

2009-09-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

Meet Freddy! He is our new baby! We went to Safe Haven Humane Society and picked him up. Here's the story.

Chris and I have had a mouse coming in our house on a regular basis. Every night. He licks the peanut butter off the traps and doesn't set them off. Chris and I are fed up with our visitor.

So, Friday morning I was at work and got a text from Chris saying "looks like we're going to have to get a cat, it has to be orange striped or yellow." Shocked, I called Christopher and got the verbal version of this. He wants a mouse hunter...I've been asking since I met him if we could get a cat!

So we went a found him Friday afternoon! They said he was 8 weeksm but he's a bit bigger, so we'll see what the vet says when we go next weekend. The local vets do a free wellness check and we're going to get a couple extra vaccinations so that he's extra healthy!

This is a little backwards...isn't Lilly supposed to be in her crate?

When we took Freddy out of the carrier, Lilly wanted to play, Freddy hissed. It took a couple hours they were liking each other, they're getting along much better! I can't even think of the last purchase we made that I was this happy with =). I like to think that Chris and I give both Lilly and Freddy the best lives possible!!

You've been warned...there will be lots of kitty/puppy pictures!

Hello Africa!

2009-09-06T15:10:00.000-07:00

We had Kimmie's going away party a while back....

I went as a lion. To prepare for my day, I looked up some lion images on google...I was trying to channel my inner cat. My saying was that I had more hair than a black girls weave and more make up than the girls working 82nd.

Three cheers for reduced fat cheez-its!

Note: for this picture Michelle was holding the cracker to my mouth, after the shot she ate both and gave me none. Tease.

Pictures from way back, Crabby dinner-YUCK

2009-09-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, Chris' parents went to the coast to pick the kids up from camp and brought some crabs home. I was taking a nap, and Chris woke me up saying we were going to Grandma's for crab...whoopie! Here's some pictures!

Velma prepping the Crabs for consumption

Too messy for my liking!

They didn't even wait for everyone else!

Alayna really likes crab

At the end of the night, Chris wiped his crab covered hands ALL over my face. That was NO BUENO!

ALERT* This blog is: Cheesy, Sappy, Mushy, and Full of Love!

2009-08-18T22:17:00.000-07:00

I can't explain why, but for some reason I've been on this really mushy trip of "I love Christopher!" Yeah, yeah, I know-I'm getting married in a couple months and I'm supposed to be filled with tons of love for this guy. He might think I'm crazy by now, he's been receiving texts every morning about how much I love him or something mushy...

So here's my thought from a couple of days ago. My family often says, "I can't imagine him saying something like that." Usually mushy or corny. So while I'm open about my life, he's very secretive about it. I thought I'd share a few reasons of why I love the guy so much! (no particular order.)

1. He's tough.

Although this picture doesn't scream "tough" it's the best I have right now. When Chris and I first met, I have to admit part of the attraction was that he was a "blue-collar" worker. He goes to work every day and gets dirty, he lifts heavy things, drives big machinery, and yes folks-I do think his tractor is sexy =). I value the fact he plays sports and hunts and fishes. He's rough around the edges, and I love it. He's not always spic and span clean, most of the time his hands are pretty dirty, and he usually stinks by the end of the day, but I'm completely in love with it. He works his tail off, and has for the most part, given up his 4 hour lunches! He burned his hands with a HOT piece of metal while making me a sign of my name, and managed to burn his eyes with a welder-he's too tough for safety gear apparently! All jokes aside, I like that he's tough, he'll protect me until he's no longer able too and I have never felt safer in someone's arms.

2. He's a nerd.

The very first time I came down to Christopher's house, he came up to Wilsonville to get me while his best friend and roommate stayed home and cleaned the house. I had NO clue. I remember walking in and shocked that two guys could possibly live in a house that clean, and the fact that his computer was turned off was shocking, because he always was online and ready to chat when we first met.

I WAS WRONG WRONG WRONG.

This guy is: Messy, Nerdy, and More Messy and More Nerdy!

Christopher LOVES all things computer and video game related. He hid it well for months, I had no clue he was an online gamer and loved his xbox so much. But above all else, I had no clue about his love for Star Trek. Some how he kept hidden this little secret of Star Trek. What exactly do I mean by that? Well over 20,000 Star Trek game cards and trading cards is what I mean. It was one deep dark secret that was creatively hidden from me for a long time.

He also games online ALL the time. His game of choice? World of Warcraft. AKA WOW. Google it. It's too much to explain =)

But as much as I hate all things nerdy, (I once said no to a date with a guy b/c he played wow...how ironic now I am marrying a WOWer!) I really love all the nerdy qualities Chris possesses. There is something so silly about receiving a text message in the middle of the day about the Star Trek episode he's seen for the 20th time (literally) or the cool new level he just reached in WOW. Now I admit, I have my nerdy qualities, all which have been pulled out of my nerdy hidden closet since meeting him.

I value that he doesn't hide it from me, and truth be told, I'd much rather he be sitting at home watching Star Trek than hanging out at a bar!

3. He knows A LOT about A LOT.

(This is the "comb over" smart look)

Something I love when talking to my dad-he's knows a majority of the answers to my questions. If he doesn't he is a good liar =). Christopher is the same way! I love that we can be driving and I'll ask him what something on the side of the road is and he'll talk about it for the next hour. Like my dad, if he doesn't know the answer, he's a good liar!

He LOVES history and astronomy. It's something that baffles us all. RANDOM. He teaches me a lot about both. He also knows a lot about farming, mainly regurgitated information from his dad or grandpa, be he still knows it! I love when he calls me up and tells me about a part of a tractor that broke, I don't know what in the world he's talking about, but he lets me pretend that I do.

Let it be said now though, I will never admit he's usually right, b/c he's not =)

4. He's PATIENT.

I like to have fun. Most of my crazy ideas stem from a Patty idea. But lucky for me Chris puts up with it. He lets me have fun, and he plays a long. There isn't anything better than going to a themed party and having him agree to wear a snow-man sweater with bells on it. Really?

I love him for the fact he is patient with me. He lets me act goofy and silly, and usually doesn't complain much. He always plays along, and usually not with much begging! I think he secretly likes his snow man sweater!

He hasn't always been patient, but in the last year it's been amazing what he's willing to show me. I like to learn, and he's now learning to like to teach. I love learning about things around the farm and his patience is settling and he's showing me things around here. I wouldn't trade him for anything!

5. He loves ME for ME.

He's seen the bad, the worse, and the frightening side of me. He's seen me at 210lbs, and he's seen me at 150lbs. He's seen me sobbing so hard I'm snorting and can't breath and he's seen me laugh so hard I've almost peed my pants. He's seen me praise the blessing God's given me and he's seen me curse the hiccups in life. He's been with me through marriages and break-ups, he's been with me through marriages and deaths. He knows what I have to offer, and it's more than enough for him. He knows that I'm going to love him passionately, even if it involves me and my drama fits. I've put everything I have on a platter for him, and he's decided to take it for the rest of his life. He chose me. He picked me. He loves me.

He's NEVER said anything out of anger to me to make me feel less than worthy. He's NEVER let me walk out of his life. He's NEVER regretted what he's said to me. He's a man of his word and follows through with his promises. He's seen me at my worst and best moments and he still hasn't headed for the hills.

He's patient, loving, caring, nerdy, serious, passive, aggressive, competitive, God-loving, Bulldog obsessive, happy with what he has, family oriented, and he's mine.

I've had God showing up in creative ways in my life lately. Maybe this unannounced spur of crazy love is God showing me how blessed I truly am. I am going to marry my best friend and I can't wait. The odds are against us, but he's my other half, we'll be like a couple old geese, someone will have to shoot us to seperate us (okay, that was super HICK). I know for sure when I say my vows to him, come hell or high water...I'm going to stick by his side and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Meow!

If you missed the memo...

2009-08-05T23:07:00.000-07:00

I'm getting married in 72 DAYS! Big Kuddos to Patty and Mitch, they're such amazing sisters and I'm so blessed to have them. They both take pride in their lives and their own marriages and I am so lucky I have such great role models (and about a million others! I'm so blessed!)

I've updated the wedding website and it's got more to it now! Take a look!

http://www.mywedding.com/chrisroppandashleystephens/index.html

Polishin' the terd.

2009-07-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

Christopher's house needed some TLC before I move in officially in October. Last Saturday, since I was putting off going to the gym, I decided it was time to decorate. (For the record, I would have been WAY better off going to the gym!)

I went and got Chris' mom and we were off to the paint store. She was such a huge help tearing down wallpaper, and so was Chris' grandma! I finished Saturday at about 7, we were having friends at 8. I'm good with deadlines. Here's some before, during and after pictures!

And by the way...I advise folks to NEVER use wallpaper, ever.

That bird...it haunts me.

This is the second pile of wallpaper, we had already gone around and cleaned up one round, then scrapped more and got this. UGH

Well worth all the trouble...

Bird's gone.

Huge thanks to all of Chris' family for all the help!!

Engagement Pucs!

2009-07-26T12:25:00.001-07:00

Stephanie Klein, who did Michelle's baby and maternity pics did out engagement pics and will be our photographer for our wedding! I can't wait. Here's the link to her website, and below are a few of my faves! It was the day it down poured...absolutely soaking wet through most of these, we're going to do some more on a "dry day"

http://www.stephaniekleinphotography.com/

I guess that's more than a few =)

Dutchers!

2009-07-21T00:20:00.000-07:00

I've been such a bad blogger, so much has happened, no time to blog! Ack.

Jack came down with Dutch Sunday morning to try and introduce him to the water a little, Dutch did great! It took a little convincing the water wasn't bad, but when dad goes all in, so does your pup!

Super pup

Speaks for itself...

Afterwards Lilly (who is not a swimmer) came out to play

Doesn't matter if you're black or white..

This next picture explains Jack and I perfectly. I am Lilly, Jack is Dutch. Lilly is just sitting there and here comes Dutch to provoke her and cause her to get rilled up. Enough said folks.

Lilly wins

She was tuckered out!

$300 C-A-S-H

2009-06-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

In the left corner it's Buddy "the gamer" Ropp

In the right corner we have Ashley "the man-eater" Stephens

Judging the competition is Lilly "the softy" Stephens-Ropp

The Bet:
The first person to loose 10% of their body weight wins $300 cash. No questions asked.

The Rules:
No starving
No puking
No crash dieting

Ashley's advantage:
I cook dinner and can give him extra butter =).

In case you didn't know. I'm going to win.

Father's Day!

2009-06-21T18:38:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's day Dad, and to Byron too! Chris and I are lucky to have such amazing men in our lives! (Chris is showing his sensitive side...hehe.)

Apparently today I did a poor job of taking photos except on the way to and from mom and dad's. We told Lilly on the way up to Wilsonville about how much fun she was going to have playing with Dutch and Rucker. Here is how she felt:

"I like to be a little bossy, sometimes a little grumpy. I take after you mom. I want to control the other dogs and have them listen. All Rucker wants to do is play with his stinkin' tennis ball, and Dutch is fun and cute, I have a little crush, but he likes to paw and bark at me, and mom, I'm too mature for that. I'm a seasoned pup now" =)

She did pretty good with Dutch today! She growled some but she seems pretty tolerant of having a puppy pull and tug on her, those puppy teeth are sharp! Maybe after the wedding we'll have to make an addition to the family!

From 62109

The dogs played HARD. Lots of running and playing and such. Lilly passed out on the way home.

From 62109

She immediately jumped up into her chair and was annoyed when I tried to steal some kisses.

We have the same nose =)

Chris immediately sat down at his computer. He went like 5 hours with out it! Good job hunny. He was a little mean, so he let me take a picture!

Team Davey Jakey!

2009-06-21T18:30:00.000-07:00

Kellie's oldest brother, Dave, is a cyclist and on the weekend of Kellie's birthday he came up to to ride a crit race and celebrate some birthday fun!

Kellie being the mini Martha Stewart she is, made us team shirts. We rock!

Beth, Kell, and me before the race

Crystal (Dave's girlfriend who is so stinking adorable) and Laura, their mom!

Here is Dave, it only took Kellie about 30 shots to get this one. Apparently trying to take a picture of people riding super fast is more difficult than one would think. Geez Kell, way to suck it up =)

Here's Dave's whole cheer leading team....and I said I hated cheerleaders heheheh.

This is a picture I drew of Beau fishing a few days after we found out he died. Now...I don't claim to be an artist, but Laura thought this was actually something Beau made. He was a TERRIBLE artist. I was offended...but then again, look at it! Ha! It's been hanging on the Jacobson fridge ever since!

My little Honney Bee

2009-06-11T19:55:00.000-07:00

My beautiful little niece is SO special to me. I fall more in love with her everytime I see her. Grandpa is trying to take over the shining favorite spot, but clearly, she loves me.

She is working on her modeling faces, this is her, "I'm serious" face.

She also loves her daddy a whole lot!

This is her hiding a double chin =)

She wasn't ready for this one

This is her "whatever" look

Outfit change

"Mom I am gassy and you're putting pressure on my belly!"

I've dubbed her my little Honney Bee. Not Honey, Honney Like Johonna =). She might be the thing I love most about life right now!

RAWR!!

2009-05-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

Chris and I had some friends from Seattle come down and stay with us, we took them to Wildlife Safari and it ROCKED!!!!

We first walked around the little "town" and saw all the smaller animals, we saw Tamira, she is a cheetah, and I'm not sure why she isn't with the other cheetahs...It was about 90 out, so most of the big cats relaxed in the shade.

This is Chelsea and I, super excited

Me and some FLAMINGOS

This guy looked like a Gremlin...BOO

A South American Porcupine..

Tortoise!

Hawaiian Geese of somesort!

Baaaa...

LLAMA!

This is Vincent. He's a 5 month old paint camel...it's rare. I RODE A CAMEL, but I have to scan that picture....

Honk honk

RAWR Lion

Ostrich

Sexy Lion

I'll give you one guess...

Yeah America! Eagle!

Lady bug in Chris' field

The Bears.

Bison

Lazy

Meow

You could do an elephant car wash for $20...we just looked

Camel with 2 humps, Frank, the one I rode was a one humper

The boys let us sit in front so we could see better, nicest boys ever!

Emu coming toward us

I thought he was going to eat us

They were feeding the Cheetahs and they were pacing, so pretty

RAWR

I am going to marry the most amazing guy ever and I couldn't be happier about it. Just a FYI =)

Karen Ann Stephens

2009-05-10T21:44:00.000-07:00

Well, since it's Mother's Day, it really is only appropriate to talk about my mom! I feel like sometimes I become angry that I don't communicate well with her all the time, probably because I am a lot like her so there is often conflict(created on my end of course =)).

My mom is an AMAZING mother, daughter, wife, sister, and friend. I really have never met a more kind-hearted, considerate person. She has without a doubt always supported each of her kids and her husband and has never asked anything in return.

I know growing up I often judged her because she didn't "work"....BAD IDEA, she and my father too would be the first to tell you that being a stay at home mom is by far the most difficult and exhausting job you could apply for, but even after all the hell us kids put her through, she was still roaring and ready to go at the end of the day.

I find that I often look at her and all of her accomplishments and compare it to my life. I would be proud if by the time I am her age if I could accomplish as much as she has. It truly would be a miracle.

She's a phenomenal wife. Everything I do when serving Chris as my soon to be husband, is just a mimic of how she is to my father. In any given day she could get us kids off and ready for school, clean the house, run her errands, take care of her BEAUTIFUL yard, and still have dinner ready by the end of the night! (I now looking back wish I would have ate more of those meals!!)

She's an outstanding mom. I think of her and what she went through with us kids and I think dedication. She always, ALWAYS listened to my crazy ideas about what I was going to save up for and buy in 7 months, and why I got a bad grade in math, or what happened between me and my best friend, and why the boys at school were so mean. She has a plethora of knowledge that I still learn from daily. She always knew how to handle the fight Jack and I would have, or how to take care of a scrape on a knee.

One of my favorite memories where she was there for me, was after my first heart break. I dated the guy for a whole 9 months and I was sure I was in love. After being dumped on the phone I zombie walked into the kitchen absolutely bawling. She hugged me. There is something amazing about a mom's hug, just makes the world seem at peace. She talked to me about it, and of course told me how much she hated the guy =). And for the next few weeks was really there for me. I know this is by law, what a mom is supposed to do, but it really made me appreciate her.

She recently has become a new Grandma, and it's amazing to see her interact with this baby. Obviously I can't remember how good of a mom she was when I was a newborn, but being able to see her with that baby just proves what an amazing person she is. She might even love that baby more than she loves us kids ;).

She admits when she's wrong, although it is not often. That is something I could manage to learn a little more of! I truly would feel blessed if I could become half the woman she is. I regretfully am not very patient around her, yet again because I am a lot like her and we tend to butt heads. But I also realize that she's truly a gift from God for our family and I shouldn't let her forget that. I wouldn't be who I am today without her and my dad both there for me for anything I ever needed.

I love you mom, happy Mother's day.

P.S. I know it's sappy, you don't have to tell me, just be jealous that my mom kicks butt!!

Air Museum!!!

2009-04-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

Chris and I started exploring a few different places around. This past weekend we went to the Air Museum in Tillamook and went to the Tillamook Cheese Factory!!

Here is me in a practice thing!

Me modeling the plane...

Chris making a move on the mannequin

Me telling the manniquin what's up.

Yeah Marines!

Hardcore.

This was under a plane, they hid bombs in here.

Helicopter!

Good Shark.

Moo-moo.

The largest wooden structure in the world!!

This was the Guppy, it was HUGE!

Inside the Guppy

Inside the Air Museum

You're not a man, you're a mannequin!!!

Is that the Tooth Fairy?

2009-04-13T22:07:00.000-07:00

No, it's the PUPPY FAIRY!!!

Kristi bought me some fairy wings, and I saw them best suited for the dog. Actually, it was Christopher's idea.

We put them on her and she was so grumpy. I think for halloween she'll get a tu-tu (sp?) and make her a full blown fairy dog.

Sea Lions!!!

2009-04-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

I'm guilty. I've been a bad blogger. But I am here to regain my title, whatever it may be.

Last weekend Chris and I went to see the Sea lions! I love all animals and we recently watched "Growing up Walrus" on animal planet and I couldn't stop thinking about the Sea Lions!!! At a spendy $11 per person, it was well worth it!!!

There was this statue of a life size male, female, and baby walrus. I like to think that there is a lot of sea lion not shown hehe.

There was about 250 sealions here

This was down in the cave-STINKY.

I like to make him take pictures!

We had a blast, it was a long day and I wanted to nap on the way home, which is not allowed when he's driving BOO!

Chevy Aveo

2009-03-26T18:37:00.000-07:00

Michelle was wondering if Rucker could fit in my car.....I say yes.

We're not getting married on 11/14/09!

2009-03-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

But don't worry, we're still getting hitched, and no we didn't change the date b/c I'm pregnant.

The new date is: 10/17/2009-so about a month early. We changed it for : weather-it'll be warmer and prettier, less chance of rain, plus Dick can still marry us and we won't feel bad about his prior engagements, AND...I get to be married a month earlier.

I originally wanted October, but Chris does squash in the fall, it was his idea to change it when I said I wasn't happy about the current arrangements and started looking something more cityish. So way to go Chris!

Luckily we only had to make 3 phone calls...still waiting back on the photographer, but I have a great back up plan for that. I will have to redo the top page of the invites...but I have a long time!

Copper Tree update!

2009-03-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

Because of Michelle's more recent "sensitvie" state. Dad, Mom, and I thought it would be funny to tease her. The copper tree is her's. Although, let me tell you, the claws come out when the poor preggo kid doesn't get her way.

I think she knows I'm loved more. HA!

Plumber turned Artist!

2009-03-16T21:11:00.000-07:00

I love my dad. He has to be one of the most well-rounded guys around! Not only does he work hard to provide for his family, but he has hobbies too! In the past couple of years he's been turned onto making trees out of copper. I came home tonight, and saw what he was making, I begged for it and he said he was making it for me!!! Just like my hope chest! See the pictures below!

It's not quite finished, but he said when I am home this weekend I can pick it up!! I am so excited

Here fishy, fishy, fishy.

2009-03-15T20:22:00.000-07:00

Friday Chris and I went fishing for the first time this year since it was so nice. Some family members of his caught half a dozen or so, but we got none =(...lame.

I also caught a glimpse of some butt crack...but have been told it's not appropriate to post...apparently Christopher is sensitive about his bum.

I tried to teach the fish how to bite....still didn't work

Then...

Since I wore flip flops and Chris was to lazy to take the boat around the lake, we decided to go through some very shallow water. I was elected to pull the boat b/c somebody *Chris* was wearing his work boots....boo hoo. Please enjoy the picture story Chris took while I tried to pull the boat across land.

I was COLD and WET. I was grumpy

But we still love each other, which means we are growing more patient during our fishing trips!

Neckalce and earrings!

2009-03-01T11:03:00.000-08:00

So I'm not real big into rhinestones, so my thoughts for wedding jewelery would be pearls. They always look nice, especially if my dress has lace on it.

BUT

Yesterday Kristi and I went to a hippie store in Corvallis and they had lots of cool jewelery. I found something that I really like, and I think it'd be sassy on the wedding day, especially if I wear red shoes.

Honest thoughts are appreciated.

O.M.G.

2009-02-26T17:40:00.000-08:00

Chris and I had been tossing back and forth the idea of eloping, it'd be quick, cheap, and who needs a party, it's already like we practically married.

-Don't worry this idea was shot down quickly.

So yesterday I called mom at about 9 a.m. I told her I wasn't feeling good and my boss said it'd be fine if I went home after lunch. Mom asked what didn't feel good and I told her-I'm light headed and dizzy, as well as being sick to my stomach. There was a long pause on the phone-

"Ash, come on that sounds like something you'd tell a school teacher to go home early."
"You're joking, right mom?"

I was VERY annoyed that she'd accuse me of doing something so stupid-I'm not five, I'm a big girl, I go to work, and I know when I'm sick enough to go home. I told her I'd talk to her later and hung up quickly and went back to work.

Next thing I know I have 2 missed calls and a very threatening voice mail from mom telling me I better call her back right now or else! **ohh I'm shaking in my boots mom!**

I call her back and this is how the convo goes.

Mom: I am going to ask you something, and I need you to be honest.

Ashley: (annoyed) What?

Mom: Are you pregnant?

Ashley: (yelling-at work) WHAT!?!?!?!?

Mom: (worried) just tell me, it's ok if you are, I won't be mad, I promise.

Ashley: ARE YOU INSANE?!?!?!?!?!

Mom: Well

Ashley: No do you understand what you're asking me? No! I'm not pregnant, if I am it'd be more of a surprise to me than to you!!!!!

Mom: Are you sure, you guys talked about eloping and today you don't feel good I thought maybe you were pregnant....

Ashley: NO NO NO NO NO I'm not pregnant!!!(still yelling I mind you).

Mom: Well...if you're not pregnant, maybe you should call your dad and let him know that.

Ashley: What? You called DAD AND TOLD HIM I WAS PREGNANT?!

Mom: Well I was really sure you were, and you were ignoring my calls and I wanted him to call and talk to you about it.

Ashley: How in the world did all of this happen in 5 minutes....UGH.

So then, after this insane-no I'm sorry, UNBELIEVABLE conversationg, I then had to call my dad and explain to him that I am in fact, NOT pregnant, mom has just lost her mind. That was probably one of the most awkward things I have ever had to tell my dad. Which is good, b/c unlike mom, dad explained he'd be livid if I was pregnant-and rightfully so.

So after this all happens I have to explain the story to the whole office since they heard only one half of it. I also reassured them that I was not pregnant. Then I e-mailed Michelle and Patty to tell them this. Patty-the good sister, keep her mouth shut and just laughed. Michelle on the other hand preceded to e-mail the whole Middlebrooks clan and explain them the story.

I almost feel like I should right Obama a letter and let him know too, I'm not pregnant, just in case mom happened to call him.

and in case you're wondering. When I don't feel good and ppl automatically ask me if I'm pregnant, it does not make me happy.

Boo.

WARNING: GRAPHIC PHOTOS OF SURGERY

2009-02-22T11:52:00.000-08:00

*****WARNING BELOW ARE PICTURES OF LILLY POST SURGERY AND HER WOUNDS. DO NOT LOOK IF YOU HAVE SENSITIVE EYES******

There, now no one can say I didn't warn you.

So here is the story:

Thursday morning at about 7:30 am Chris took Lilly to the vet for her two surgeries. She was having a vertebra in her tail removed, b/c it was curled under and poking into her bum. This will make her life MUCH more comfortable and our life easier. We also made the decision to get her fixed. We were originally going to breed her, then decided not to, and since anesthesia is very tough for bullies we decided to do it all at once.

So by noon on Thursday I received a phone call from the vet saying Lilly did beautifully and was in recovery and that her blood work was fantastic! This made me a very very very happy mom.

Sad news: Lilly had to stay the night at the vet so she could be monitored =(. It was only like the 2nd or 3rd time Lilly would have been away from both of us! I know I sounds crazy and obsessive, I admit it, I am.

So Friday morning Chris went to pick Lilly up she was very excited to see him!!! The vet said there would be some bleeding from her incision and to keep her CALM. Well, Lilly is not a calm bully. She's excited by everything, and since we allow her to snuggle on the couches and bed, it would be tough to keep her off. Oh yeah, did I mention she is NOT crate trained well either? Fun.

So she had some bleeding and we let her sleep in the bed that night, which was a bad idea b/c she was jumping up and down which made her inscion from being fixed bleed. I called the vet Saturday morning for advice and was scoulded. I understand we need to keep her calm, but how? The vet told me if we do not the inscions will rip out and then will have to be redone. Yikes.

So we decided we would crate her for most of the day. It's a big crate and I put her dog bed in there. So she'll be okay.

Well Saturday night we realized b/c she lays down and lays right on her belly, she was irratating it and causing swelling from laying on it and bleeding when getting up b/c it would adhere to the ground/blankt/dog bed, whatever she was laying on.

So we called the emergency vet b/c it was about 6 pm. They work closely with out regular vet and we had taken Jeffrey there when he was dying so we trusted them. They said they did a complimentry check for post surgery patients so Chris and I rushed there.

Take note during all of this, Lilly wants to run, jump, and play. She is active and b/c she's on pain pills isn't really aware that anything is wrong.

So we went into the vet and she was just so excited to see people. The vet came in (she also owns bullies =)). And said that Dr. Peterson did a great job on Lilly's surgeries and she looks great! She took her in the back and drained fluid from the belly incscion and cleaned up the scabbing.

She gave us some at home care instructions of heat packing it about 4 times a day with a warm wash cloth, and that some benedryl should make her drowsy and less active.

AND

The vet didn't even charge us for draining and cleaning. She said when a pet gets fixed there are 3 layers that get suchers, the abdomin, the fat layer, and then the skin layer gets a skin glue. That's what keeps coming undone and bleeding, her actual stiches are fine, THANK GOD.

The vet reglued the skin for us, some which has already peeled off and the swelling is back. She's doing good though today being very inactive thanks to the benedryl. She can take up to 2 (she's 40lbs and they can have one pill for every 25 lbs of weight so she's okay with 2) every 12 hours. We let her snuggle on the couch and is showing no intrest in moving =)

So that's that. She slept in her crate for the very first time ever in 2 1/2 years last night, she did okay, had to go potty about 8 times, and only cried for the first few minutes everytime she went back into her crate. She snored a lot though =)

She goes back in 14 days to have the stiches in her tail removed, which has been doing great! Below are some graphic pictures!

Here is Lilly's tum, this was Friday when I got home, it got MUCH worse by Saturday, but is doing better today.

Here is her bum. I blacked out her hoo haa and her bum hole. I don't feel doggy porn is appropriate, plus she's probably a little embarassed.

She was def. feeling good enough for pizza and snuggles

We put her crate in the living room during the day and in the bedroom at night. She is okay in it as long as she can see us.

Poor Lilly. Thanks for all the support. I hope I never have a child need surgery this is too stressful!!!

Lilly =(

2009-02-21T18:58:00.001-08:00

Just a quick update, she's safe and okay now. We took a trip to the emergency vet tonight but all is okay. I'll post the whole saga later with pictures.

Comb on over...comb on over baby!

2009-02-19T20:03:00.000-08:00

AH HA! I am able to load my pictures finally! Woot.

Since Christopher's hair is growing out, he discovered that it's at a great length for a comb over. I personally think he looks either like a nerdy 5 year old, or a creepy old man.

Thoughts?

Wow! What a hottie!!

Also to be mentioned.....

Chris for Valentine's Day got a snuggie....like on the commercial. He modeled it for me.

Lilly approved...

In other news:

Today Lilly had her surgeries =(. She had a vertebra in her tail removed b/c it's been pressing into her bum since she was born =( so now it won't be irrated. Also she was fixed. She has to spend the night at the vet =(!!!!! =(!!!!! But Chris picks her up at 10 am tomorrow. I'll have pictures!

Weight Loss?

2009-02-16T17:53:00.001-08:00

Yeah...about that. I'm still plugging away at it. I decided I should do some time of blogging about it, just to keep me accountable. But I do not want to clutter my normal blog with it so here it is

http://ashleyswl.blogspot.com/

doubt it'll be too interesting, just food obsessed stories. Bwahaha.

Oh BTW...

Pictures of Chris in his snuggie soon to come!

The day of Looooooove!

2009-02-14T17:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Chris and I have had a lazy day-the best kind to have! He went and got breakfast (a fruit bowl, my fave!) I also got a cute card and some chocolate, Lilly got a new toy, which she loves loves loves!

I got Chris a card and am making him dinner. I also a while back purchased him and Zach those snuggies you see on TV. Pictures to come when I get the program up on my comp.

Anyway, I have discovered that the channel WEtv does all the bridezilla shows and fairy tale weddings, blah blah blah. Chris likes to watch them-especially bridezilla. He says it makes me look like an angel! =). Who could say differently anyway!

So b/c all of this wedding show excitement I have started back up on the wedding planning stuff after taking a few weeks off not to think about it. I have most of our wedding website info up. Take a gander!

http://www.mywedding.com/chrisroppandashleystephens

Starting to sink in?

2009-01-22T21:40:00.000-08:00

Trust me, I realized a long time ago that I'm actually getting married to the love of my life, but after a wedding filled weekend of bridal shows and venue viewing followed by intensive planning, it's all really starting to sing in! I've started to do a few dry runs of our invites, and started to paint hundreds of tea lights (the cases they're in) black for the center pieces. I'm trying to get done as much as possible now. Kudos to Patty and Michelle, they are totally keeping me on track with this all. It's 10 months away, but they keep telling me that it's sooner than I realize..eep.

Chris is very....annoyed with the wedding planning. Don't let him tell you that he had no input, EVERY time I get an idea I run it by him and I'm lucky to get a grunt out of him! Ha! But I suppose that's the norm for men =). He can't complain about things he doesn't like if he doesn't help =).

My camera cord is at home, so no uploading pictures until next week, oh well=).

Work is going really well, I am so happy to finally feel secure in something, and to be fully appreciated for the work I do is a priceless feeling. It proves that the four months of rejection letters and tons and tons of job applications really did well. I think now that I am happier in where I work my over all quality of life is improved a ton, therefore, so has Christopher's =)!

All for now!!!

New Car!

2009-01-03T15:30:00.000-08:00

Well the time came. I could have probably put a few hundred more into my old car, but I was advised to listen to my husband (husband to be really) and he said that it was proably a better idea to get a newer car. After searching through Albany dealerships (and there is quite a few) we ended up at Hertz and I got a 2006 Chevy Aveo.

I'm excited, a little nervous, it's a big bill to pay, but I can do it. I hope lol.

Cheers!

New Year's Eve

2009-01-03T15:26:00.000-08:00

For New Year's we went to Robbie's and said hi to everyone, then we went off to Zach's where we watched Baby's Mama and played are you smarter than a 5th grader! It was pretty mellow, much more mellow than Patty's evening =)! The highlight of my night was when I saw Guss, Zach's boxer!!!

At first they were asleep but I didn't catch the pic in time!

What a stud =)

Happy birthday dad!

2009-01-03T15:19:00.000-08:00

Dad had his birthday on the 31st! He turned the big 52! All of us were there and dad got to open some gifts!

I got him a couple of books on Warren Buffet. Jack + Patty + Michelle + Luke got him shotgun shells and he got a gift card from mom! What a day!!

Cheers to another year dad!

It's kind of like the first day of school...

2008-12-23T19:33:00.000-08:00

So Sunday night my boss called, and apparently Monday the state said no way jose, we're closing due to bad weather. That left me with my first day being today, Tuesday.

Last night, just like it was my first day of school, I packed my work bag, made a lunch, and most importantly set out my clothes for work.

I wore: Gray slacks, a black v-neck, and ballet flats. All was well except for the flats. They were great in Albany where there was no snow, but when I got to the park and ride and stepped out of my car, then realizing snow almost went up to my knee. The flats were not acceptable. I did soon dry out b/c of the heat on the bus, just to soak it up again walking from the bus stop to the building.

I bought rain boots with pink polka dots to wear until the weather clears up. I'm a little late on this.

I was really overwhelmed today, lots of new things to learn, didn't feel like I was there for a full day, I got bits and pieces of what I'll be doing, tomorrow, I'll be doing the work and have someone tell me how to do it so I'll get a little more hands on experience. Should be pretty quiet tomorrow, I may even get to go home early! Woot!!

I love my cube, I need to decorate it. I got really giddy today when I thought how great one of my wedding pictures will look framed next to my monitor=) Assuming I don't screw something up =). So far, I love it.

Tonight we're supposed to go pick Amy and Josiah up from the airport, hopefully their flight doesn't get delayed anymore, they've had a heck of a time trying to get here.

Christmas is soon! Meow!

Crazy weather = no work!?!?

2008-12-21T21:31:00.000-08:00

I was supposed to start my new job tomorrow, Monday. The boss just called and I guess they're closing all the offices downtown, so I'm planning to start Tuesday instead!! I guess the weather in Salem is terrible, freezing rain. In Albany-rain. Only rain, not even snow or ice, nothing!!!

Chris said I should take a picture. I say I'm too lazy.

The only bummer is that it's another day unpaid, but the good news is, it's like a mini vacation, I've never had a break when changing jobs, so I'm liking this!

Silly Lilly!

2008-12-21T20:23:00.001-08:00

Sometimes, I look at Lilly and I am overwhelmed with how much I love this stinkin' dog! She is always willing to cuddle, and she thinks naps are the best. She's pretty lazy. See exhibit 1.1

Exhibit 1.1-Lilly and Chris snugglin' on the couch!

But other times she just wants to play (not often.) She really enjoys a good tennis ball, Chris brought some home for her and she went hog wild!

(don't mind the stains, they were there before me =).)

A movie is to come soon, I just can't get it to upload yet!

Happy Birthday Gran!

2008-12-21T20:17:00.000-08:00

Today would have been Granny's birthday! I felt her around today, I thought about her a lot. We did out first Christmas go-round at Christopher's Mothers' house, we made things and it was cute, I couldn't help but think Granny was laughing at me as I was secretly growling at my artwork.

I miss her a lot, but as today is her birthday, I can't help but to think what a wonderful life she had! So cheers to Gran, I know she's happy.

Michelle/Jack Ugly Sweater Party 2008

2008-12-14T19:13:00.000-08:00

For Jack and Michelle's bday we did a little ugly sweater party! I made Chris, Lilly's and mine. They rocked

This is practically the last time Chris wore his =( Party pooper.

We went to dinner at Red Robin, I'll never go back. The discussion at the table was so inappropriate, 2 tables by us got up and moved. Then the manager started to take our plates away as to try and rush us out. Wow.

He never smiles with me...

But he does with Jack....

Not much different than the year before...

Well sometimes if Lily is there

Sisters!

Wii'in it up!

I think Kimberly wins...

I was going for serious!

Who knows=)

A little of this and that.

2008-12-14T19:08:00.000-08:00

Chris and I set up Christmas, rearranged the house, had a photo shoot with Lilly and some games with Travis and Kristi. It's been a while since I've blogged.

Mom bought me these snowmen, I love snowmen!

Stockings, with a pipe in the middle! We're so cool

Our special little tree..

Travis and Kristi brought us Woodstock's pizza for dinner and we were going to go to the zoo lights for our Christmas gift! We have to wait though, b/c weather has been bad! We got Kristi a real pretty ring and Travis a Warren Buffet book!

=)

I got it!

2008-12-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

After months of trying, the state decided they wanted me! Ha! I just got a call a little bit ago with a job offer as an accounting assistant! I can't even believe it! I start no later than the 22nd, and there is a possibility the owner here may not keep me that long.

I got in on wed. to see the office and get info and take my official acceptance letter. Yikes! Only if I pass the background check...dun dun dun!

I feel so blessed and so lucky! What an amazing gift! I'll be changing to a monthly salary, that will be interesting, making it all stretch ha!

What a year this had been:

Jack and Patty got married
I went from the bank>to abiqua>to the state eep!
Michelle is Prego!
Chris proposed!

God is good. So many blessings this year!!!

Thanks for all the support everyone!

A change...would do you good...

2008-12-07T16:36:00.000-08:00

A change,
[A Change Would Do You Good]
would do you good,
[A Change Would Do You Good]
I think a change,
[A Change Would Do You Good]
would do you good.
[A Change Would Do You Good]

If I gave Chris two options like cleaning the whole house, and changing the oil in my car, I think he'd take the house cleaning. Normally when I ask him to change my oil there is quite the argument involved. I think it's his manly duty to save me money and change my oil and not let the jerks at jiffy lube take advantage of my girlyness. He believes this is not a manly duty.

So, I win, Buddy and I went and got the stuff, and changed my oil! It took all of 10 minutes. Woot!

Here is my happy that I don't have to complain anymore

Ladies and Gents, meet the inside of my car

You expect me to go down there?

The bottom of my car.

My car Peeing

Now I'm not a car expert. Clearly. But I my car was only a little past due for an oil change, so not bad at all...but I know my oil is NOT supposed to look like this. Yuck

All in all I'm very happy my car is healthy again.

She's gone country folks.

2008-12-07T16:25:00.000-08:00

She's gone country, look at them boots
She's gone country, back to her roots
She's gone country, a new kind of suit
She's gone country, here she comes

You know how in frats and sororities they have initiations? Well, I think I had that with the Ropp farm today. Ugh. I've been asking Buddy to change my oil for a few weeks, and today was they day. I put on some sweats so I wouldn't get my jeans dirty, Buddy said I'd be too cold, so I put on a pair of his carhartt's. Apparently they're slightly to big and even Chris would be embarrassed if I wore them to town. So Chris decided I needed my own pair of Carhartt's.....

We went to Coastal, and I tried some on. I told Chris I wasn't paying $45 for a pair of ugly pants....so he did. Ugh.

I feel like I've been initiated into being a farmer or something. My next plan is I really really want a pair of pink cowgirl boots. Desperately want a pair.

I feel like I caved in. Hm. If you would have told me 4 years ago that I'd be buying Carhartt's today, I'd laugh in your face. Guess the jokes on me.

I will get a pair of wranglers when I'm skinny, b/c really, only skinny girls look good in them. For now, I'll sport my Carhartt's!

The key to his heart.

2008-12-04T10:34:00.000-08:00

Every year when mom puts up the stockings I remember when I first met Christopher:

(I'm not as bad of a person as this makes me seem)

He had come up to see me, and I was on the phone with my boyfriend at the time-breaking up with (we dated 2 weeks, not as bad as it seems!), Chris was snooping around my house looking in all the stockings.

After he left, he called and said he put something in my stocking and I should go look.

What I pulled out was a key, and I asked him what it was. He very gently replied,

"It's the key to my heart." I snorted with laughter-most terrible line EVER.

He then said the real reason why he left it was so that I would have to see him again so I could return his key-now that is sneaky.

So for the past two years when mom puts up the stockings I can't help but giggle. Not to mention, I never returned the key, still on my key ring!

As Chris calls it this was his "A game" he had to bring so I would date him. He's seemed to lost it, if anyone finds it please return it. TIA.

This could be on Jerry Springer...

2008-12-04T10:27:00.000-08:00

So let me take you back to December 25, 2007. Christopher and I were on our way to Zach's house, where I believe he flat out told me "your sister is a hottie." Now, it's a good thing Michelle is married, and not into nerdy gamers, or else I might have something to worry about.

Clearly this was to funny to let go, so I made sure I called the whole family to let them know that Michelle was a hottie!

So fast forward a year to now, and trust me, at every oppertunity Christopher was teased about thinking a Michelle is a hottie, we draw names to see what kid will buy who a gift.

What do you know-Chris picked Michelle's name. What a lucky dog.

Here is the conversation we had recently:

Me: I'm really excited how we decided to do Christmas this year.
Chris: Me too, are we going to do it the same way every year?
Me: Probably, unless it doesn't work out or something.
Chris: Really?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??! (excited)
Me: Uh-yeah, why?
Chris: I get to buy your sister Christmas gifts every year-amazing.
Me: No you idoit, we'll draw different names, get over it she's preggo.
Chris: ohhh baby mama.

Now, I for a while figured maybe Chris was teasing about Michelle being a hottie-but I now fully believe it. Michelle and I may have to brawl for Christopher's love. Look for us on the next episode of Jerry Springer.

New Hair!

2008-11-28T21:57:00.000-08:00

I said I wasn't going to dye or cut my hair until the wedding. Problem being, the ends of my hair were so fried. I cut it, it's shorter than I wanted, but it's REALLY healthy now so that's good!

Ha, my eyes look so much bigger..going for that surprised look hehe.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T21:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Chris and I got up at 4 AM headed to Jack and Patty's, the boys left for hunting and Patty and I snuggled.

Patty got up and made cupcakes then we went to mom and dad's.

By about noon Patty wanted Taco Bell and Chris and I agreed. Mom somehow caught on, but we sneaked away anyway. Taco Bell was closed, boo. So we hit up the Thriftway deli. We felt like bad kids doing drugs before a dinner, had to do it (eat) quick before we got home so mom wouldn't know!

We got jo-jo's, a corn dog, and 2 big huge doughnuts!

Jack was a little "sick"

^Dad and Jack were a little tired

There is a baby in that belly!

^Casey, Michele Gordon, and Patty

Mom made another amazing dinner, then we went to Zach's and the boys played xbox for hours, it's tradition!

Man, I love Salem

2008-11-26T10:45:00.000-08:00

So yesterday evening, about 4:00 a guy pulls in to the yard. I stand up and expect him to come into the office, but he didn't, so I went and sat back down in my office.

While looking out my winodow, I have a clear view of our bubbler rocks. Bubbles are big tall rocks with holes drilled in them fountains. Anyway, this guy is squatted down, with his arms wrapped around a rock that weighs about 1,000 lbs, he also had a dog loose, which is not allowed on our property, b/c insurance won't cover it. Afraid he was trying to lift the rock and would hurt himself, I called Dave (my manager) up to deal with this guy and his dog.

Dave goes out there and is keeping a pretty big distance between this guy (who is still wrapped around this rock) and himself. Dave comes in the office and asks me how much it is, then heads back out.

Dave: It's 275.

Guy: Two dollars and seventy-five cents?

Dave: No, Two hundred and seventy-frive dollars.

Guy: Well that's not what you're going to give it to me for, right?

Dave: No, I'll give it to you if you pay me $275

Guy: How did you get this rock?

Dave: On a truck

Guy: No, I mean how did you get it here?

Dave: Well, a truck brought it here from the quarry, I took a tractor, picked it up off the
truck and put it on the ground

Guy (very frustrated): No how? I've been with this rock before, in the Columbia River Gorge

Dave: No you haven't, this didn't come from the Gorge.

Guy: No, I have, I've been with this rock before. You must not know what's going on in
America , all you care about is money. I have the money to come get this rock and the
equipment too!

Dave (backing to the door): Okay sir, have a good day.

Guy: Oh is that how it's going to end?

Dave (walks in the door and locks it): fruit cake.

Come to find out when the guy was trying to pick up the rock, he was actually hugging it.

Only in Salem Folks. Only in Salem.

Days like this...

2008-11-25T15:07:00.000-08:00

Days like this, where it's rainy and windy, it makes me wish I could run longer distances than I can. I love, love, love, love running in the rain. I guess Oregon is the right place for me.

I have been stuck on Week 3 of my running schedule for about three weeks now. The first week I ran the three days just fine, I was going to repeat it, because I didn't feel quite ready for week 4. Well, then Granny's death came and I should have taken the time to use the workouts as my outlet...instead I ate. A lot. Like 4 lbs almost a lot =). So this week I am back to running. I ran (and by running I mean doing a granny shuffle. It'd be like a 12 minute mile if I was running). Anyway, I ran Monday, and today I am going to run again. I'd like to "run" everyday this week.

We'll see.

Anyway, just a little update!

In Loving Memory of Gran!

2008-11-24T09:10:00.000-08:00

First off, let me say how incredible my whole family is. Granny's funeral was on Saturday, of course my mom's whole side was there, completely supporting each other. For some reason death seems to unite people, it's a strange thought to think of, but so very true.

But not only was the whole Ellis side there, nearly all of my dad's side showed up to give their support, as well as Michelle's in-laws. How amazing is that. It is such a reminder of how important family is there, and the fact they are always there when you call out to them. I'm so blessed to have the family I do. I have no doubt in my mind Granny was watching and completely overwhelmed with the compassion that was being shown.

Since Granny was such a sassy cat, we decided to honor her. All of the women wore one of her MANY, and I do mean MANY dress hats! I think it was such a neat idea to do that and I know she would have been so happy to see us all wearing them!

Pictures will be posted later tonight!

Granted I am not Catholic, but the service was probably one of the best services I have been too. I realized maybe I need to be in a church that is a little bit more formal in style. The priest made an interesting point. He said something along the lines of, when we're presented with death, it's one of the best opportunities to evaluate where we are in our own faith. That was so true-I've been thinking non-stop about Granny and how she was so committed to her faith, and how I could try and be more like that.

Granny

2008-11-19T22:33:00.000-08:00

On Monday my Granny passed away from a severe stroke. She was one of my most favorite people and I resent the fact I didn't share that with her more. I don't think there is a person in this world who could say a negative thing about. I have never met a more poised, strong woman. I love her dearly and know she'll be with us from Heaven. She'll rest with her husband who she had been separated from for nearly 30 years and of course God. Please say some prayers for the family, it's a tough time, but we're strong.

My inner runner, and the trainer,

2008-11-15T19:26:00.000-08:00

In my attempts to loose weight, I have tried running again. I would call it running, but I don't want to be negative.

This website http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml has a training program that should get you running a 5k in about 9 weeks. I haven't ran since the beginning of my senior year, so about 3 years or so and I am way out of shape! I'm on week 4, I did week 1 and week 3 twice because I wasn't quite ready to move on. I'm loving it! My knees aren't hurting and I can really tell in my legs that they're starting to tone up. I'm going to run a road race in January if I can find a local one.

Anyway, every time I get home from running and begin to stretch inside Lilly just happens to think it's time to play. Tonight I was stretching on the ground and she jumped into my chest and started biting my ponytail trying to play.

You can't tell here, but she is sitting right on top of my legs.

She's the best trainer ever, she tells me I did good on my run (she for sure does NOT come with haha) and she totally understands if I'd rather eat pizza than go running, I love my pup!

Then she inspects my shoes for me!

Good-bye Beau!

2008-11-15T19:21:00.000-08:00

My best friend, Kellie, has a brother who is a pearl farmer in Fiji. Well he was back fighting forest fires for the summer and now he's headed back to Fiji to farm some pearls...I think.

Well anyway, their mom is WELL known for her amazing tacos, so as Beau's going away party it was a taco feed! Most importantly, there was a HUGE bowl of olives!

I was impressed.

Randoms!

2008-11-08T16:16:00.000-08:00

I tend to take a lot of pictures of Chris and I when we're not doing anything of importance. On this particualar day he was glued to his computer and not paying any attention to Lilly or me =(

Lilly was VERY concerned that Dad wasn't paying any attention to her.

Still ignored

I was about to give up

He gave in...you can tell it's forced. Important thing is, I won =)

Best Halloween EVER.

2008-11-08T16:12:00.000-08:00

So I went and saw Zac Brown Band with Michelle on Halloween. It was tons of fun. It was at Dukes and there were so many people everywhere. I could have made it through the night w/o a creepy old guy walking around and many intoxicated folks, but regardless I had a blast!

The highlight of my night was when I saw two people dressed up like Star Trek folk...I made them take a picture with me just for Chris!

=)

Happy Early Veterans Day!

2008-10-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

When Chris and I went to the Aviation Center we met a pretty amazing man. In WWII the B-17 planes that were flown in missions over Germany gave the crews on the B-17 a one in three chance of living. We met a guy name Dondger-didn't get his first name, but he made it through-as the pilot on 30 missions! For a man who had a 1/3 chance of living each time sure as heck was a lucky duck! We talked to him for about 30 minutes and he told us all sorts of stories. He sure was cute, and a VERY proud man, and rightfully so. I got a picture with him and gave him a big hug and said thank you, he gave me a kiss on the check! He really made my day =)

The Spruce Goose!

2008-10-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

Chris surprised me with a date today! We're both kind of museum nerds so he took me out to the Evergreen Aviation Center where they have the Spruce Goose! Since it's so big I couldn't get a decent picture but here are some.

This picture us of Chris and a jet, but you can see part of the wing behind him

This picture was the first story of the the Goose, it seemed like it went on forever, they actually used beach balls to help keep it afloat since it's so heavy!

There was SO many planes and helicopters it was way awesome

Tough day to be a pup!

2008-10-19T19:10:00.000-07:00

Well, Miss Lilly is in heat for the last time, we're getting her fixed, but she pretty much hates life in her diaper and pouts around rubbing on anything trying to get it off. This is the only time she likes to be in her crate, because we don't make her wear her diaper in there!

We wake up to this every morning, someone who's very cranky and pretty much hates life. It'll be over soon, luckily!

A true love story!

2008-10-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

I'm still learning about myself and I am not really sure who I am yet, or what God has planned. What I do know for sure is that I have wonderful examples of true love surrounding me in life. I can say that my faith in God, and the fact that true love is real and possible, may be the two things I really and truly believe in life.

I found this article online and it just reminded me how lucky I am to have found the love of my life already, and how lucky I am that we'll be together forever- I know corny =)

By MATT SEDENSKY, Associated Press Writer
Sun Oct 12, 3:11 PM ET

NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - In the beginning, there was a boy, a girl and an apple.

He was a teenager in a concentration camp in Nazi-controlled Germany. She was a bit younger, living free in the village, her family posing as Christians. Their eyes met through a barbed-wire fence and she wondered what she could do for this handsome young man.

She was carrying apples, and decided to throw one over the fence. He caught it and ran away toward the barracks. And so it began.

As they tell it, they returned the following day and she tossed an apple again. And each day after that, for months, the routine continued. She threw, he caught, and both scurried away.

They never knew one another's name, never uttered a single word, so fearful they'd be spotted by a guard. Until one day he came to the fence and told her he wouldn't be back.

"I won't see you anymore," she said. "Right, right. Don't come around anymore," he answered.

And so their brief and innocent tryst came to an end. Or so they thought.

___

Before he was shipped off to a death camp, before the girl with the apples appeared, Herman Rosenblat's life had already changed forever.

His family had been forced from their home into a ghetto. His father fell ill with typhus. They smuggled in a doctor, but there was little he could do to help. The man knew what was coming. He summoned his youngest son. "If you ever get out of this war," Rosenblat remembers him saying, "don't carry a grudge in your heart and tolerate everybody."

Two days later, the father was dead. Herman was just 12.

The family was moved again, this time to a ghetto where he shared a single room with his mother, three brothers, uncle, aunt and four cousins. He and his brothers got working papers and he got a factory job painting stretchers for the Germans.

Eventually, the ghetto was dissolved. As the Poles were ushered out, two lines formed. In one, those with working papers, including Rosenblat and his brothers. In the other, everyone else, including the boys' mother.

Rosenblat went over to his mother. "I want to be with you," he cried. She spoke harshly to him and one of his brothers pulled him away. His heart was broken.

"I was destroyed," Rosenblat remembers. It was the last time he would ever see her.

___

It was in Schlieben, Germany, that Rosenblat and the girl he later called his angel would meet. Roma Radziki worked on a nearby farm and the boy caught her eye. And bringing him food — apples, mostly, but bread, too — became part of her routine.

"Every day," she says, "every day I went."

Rosenblat says he would secretly eat the apples and never mentioned a word of it to anyone else for fear word would spread and he'd be punished or even killed. When Rosenblat learned he would be moved again — this time to Theresienstadt, in what is now the Czech Republic — he told the girl he would not return.

Not long after, the Russians rolled in on a tank and liberated Rosenblat's camp. The war was over. She went to nursing school in Israel. He went to London and learned to be an electrician.

Their daily ritual faded from their minds.

"I forgot," she says.

"I forgot about her, too," he recalls.

Rosenblat eventually moved to New York. He was running a television repair shop when a friend phoned him one Sunday afternoon and said he wanted to fix him up with a girl. Rosenblat was unenthusiastic: He didn't like blind dates, he told his friend. He didn't know what she would look like. But finally, he relented.

It went well enough. She was Polish and easygoing. Conversation flowed, and eventually talk turned to their wartime experiences. Rosenblat recited the litany of camps he had been in, and Radziki's ears perked up. She had been in Schlieben, too, hiding from the Nazis.

She spoke of a boy she would visit, of the apples she would bring, how he was sent away.

And then, the words that would change their lives forever: "That was me," he said.

Rosenblat knew he could never leave this woman again. He proposed marriage that very night. She thought he was crazy. Two months later she said yes.

In 1958, they were married at a synagogue in the Bronx — a world away from their sorrows, more than a decade after they had thought they were separated forever.

___

It all seems too remarkable to be believed. Rosenblat insists it is all true.

Even after their engagement, the couple kept the story mostly to themselves, telling only those closest to them. Herman says it's because they met at a point in his life he'd rather forget. But eventually, he said, he felt the need to share it with others.

Now, the Rosenblats' story has inspired a children's book, "Angel Girl." And eventually, there are plans to turn it into a film, "The Flower of the Fence." Herman expects to publish his memoirs next year.

Michael Berenbaum, a distinguished Holocaust scholar who has authored a dozen books, has read Rosenblatt's memoir and sees no reason to question it.

"I wasn't born then so I can't say I was an eyewitness. But it's credible," Berenbaum said. "Crazier things have happened."

Herman is now 79, and Roma is three years his junior; they celebrated their 50th anniversary this summer. He often tells their story to Jewish and other groups.

He believes the lesson is the very one his father imparted.

"Not to hate and to love — that's what I am lecturing about," he said. "Not to hold a grudge and to tolerate everybody, to love people, to be tolerant of people, no matter who they are or what they are."

The anger of the concentration camps, Herman says, has gone away. He forgave. And his life has been filled with love.

Invites and colors =)

2008-10-06T20:49:00.001-07:00

Well. I know it's early, but why not make progress while I have the time. The more stuff I get done now the less stress I'll be later right? I went with mom to Michael's tonight to get paper for the invites and announcements! Now I won't let myself change my mind on the colors! The colors are: Burgundy and cream. The Burgundy is like a dark maroonish color, kind of like my backdrop. Michelle asked for pictures of the paper, the camera doesn't do it justice.

The invite will be a burgundy back paper
Cream Velum (see through paper)
Black Eyelets to hold them together
Cream envelopes.

Thoughts? Ideas? Critiques? Open for any and all suggestions. I didn't buy ALL of the supplies, just some to get started so I suppose it's not set in stone he he.

Change of plans!!

2008-10-01T07:56:00.000-07:00

I received a text from my sister saying uh oh, there is another wedding in the family (Middlebrooks side is my family too.) and it's on the same day. *GASP* whatever shall we do, it's only 13 months away!!!!! =) I'm extra sarcastic in the mornings =)

So as of now it's 11/14/2009...and I'm sure by the time it comes it'll only change about 37.5 times more.

I'm excited for my day, I get to go pick up a CD from a girl in my class so I can start the class and not spend $100, then it's to work to pay some bills I forgot, then to Chris', then to Squash farming...oh I've been corrected...apparently I called it a skid-stir and it's a skid-steer? I'm well known for saying things wrong so whoops =) Thanks for catchin' me Deb ;).

TTFN!

Engaged!

2008-09-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

As of September 27th, I am officailly engaged to Christopher Ropp! Finally ;)! We went and got pumpkin seed from the cannery (see previous blog,) then we went home at like 8 and he sat me on his bed and whispered it in my ear, I started laughing b/c I have sensitve neck and it tickled so I didn't hear him =(. He pulled away and with a very sour face said, "did you hear me?" I said no, and then he asked me if I'd marry him. I said yes of course, I've been saying yes for the past 3 years!!

We have the date set for November 7, 2009. 13 months away! I can't wait =). Lilly is very happy that her mommy and daddy are going to be married and she'll be a real-2 parent child!

Kristi and Travis made us an awesome engagement cake!

It's a ring get it?

80's party!

2008-09-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

Well since my sister and brother in-law like to c-e-l-e-b-r-a-t-e we extended their birthdays and went bowling-80's style!

I don't think I have even collectively in my life worn this much make-up. My lips are still pink!

Patty and Jack. Patty's eyes were SO bright

Kimberly, Me, Michelle, and Patty

Jack-Miami Vice Yo!

Luke and Michelle, cigarette and bottle for white trash effect!

She's my hero

What a couple!

I was the best bowler of the night! It's a miracle! I'm the middle player, Jack made my initials AMR (Ashley Marie Ropp, Duh!) He's good in the support area like that!

Snack Thief!

2008-09-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

Somewhere on the Ropp Farm, there is a snack thief! Let it be known that poor little Buddy works so hard he gets lots of good snacks to eat, but much to his dismay, someone ALWAYS eats his danish pastries.

Notice the opened package? Who could have done this?

Could it be Buddy himself?

Verdict is still out. Although our sources may have said that it could be Byron, Buddy's dad. I think it would be okay for him to eat pastries he helped pay for, but apparently Buddy is possessive.

Farm farm farm!

2008-09-22T18:59:00.000-07:00

I love farming. I love grass seed farming as we can all tell from the photos from the tractors. BUT, I have a secret. More than I love grass seed farming, I love punkin farming.

Translation: Punkin=Pumpkin, Pumpkin=Squash (It's true, it's really squash seed, in fact it's called Golden Delicious!)

Step 1:
Wake up early anywhere betweeen 5-7am and go to the cannary! This is where I usually stay in the truck.

Step 2: Take bins full of seed and dump them into the truck.

Step 3: Come home and dump into big cement hole and wash down. CAREFUL not to clog becuase in the words of Chris, "Grandpa gets REALLY mad if you clog it, so don't!"

(This is the trailer it dumps out of)

Step 4:
Break for a photo op

Step 5:
Chris does some starting of water and other stuff upstairs that I'm not quite sure on yet. Basically, I make funny faces and try to wash it down without clogging it >.<

Now it's not really in order so here is the rest of it =)

This is where the "bad seed" gets washed out to.

Chris then jumps in the skidstir? Maybe that's what it's called and dumps washed seed into the bucket

Then it goes on the dryers to dry

In my attempts to be artistic here you go:
Punkin/Squash before

Punkin/Squash before drying!

Then about this time I've been up for a few hours and start to get cranky =)

A test of love?

2008-09-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

Christopher isn't exactly what I would call...patient. So much to my surprise he agreed when I told him I wanted to learn how to drive a stick. I texted most of my family warning them and saying it might end in tears.

Michelle's response: Hm. I predict tears! Let me know how it goes!
Patty's Response: Oh God. Good luck.
You can tell they have faith right?

Well Chris and I made it down the runway, then had a bit of a rough start out of his parents house, then on the real road to the dryer!

Always a free moment for a photo op!

Note: It's a little more difficult when your short leg can't reach the klutch!

Who is this hot mama?

2008-09-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

In honor of Patty and Luke's combined b-day party, we're dressin' 80's and hittin' the bowlin' alley! Well I wanna plan ahead. Earrings and braclets are not shown here, and the painted sweatshirt is being redone, it was a trial. Go with the solid sweatshirt or painted? Comments and advice welcome!

From 80's outfit

Who is that stud?

2008-09-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

From 9-7-08

I guess after you've worked hard all your life you're allowed to mow the lawn in your flannel pj's and boots unlaced. =)

Secret day!

2008-09-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes Chris will inform me that he has secret plans for us. This was the case on Sunday. I assumed we were going to Mary's Peak because I had been complaining about wanting to go since my birthday. I guess right. We got to Corvallis and got Subway (I am trying to win the scrabble game, I need and N for $10,000 worth of diamonds, or a Y for a hybrid or a U and W for $100,000-any and all donations are well appreciated. TIA.) We were headed towards Mary's Peak and both decided it'd be more fun to go to the beach! So we did! Aren't we just wild?

I can't remember the name of the first beach we went to. Oops.

He loves when I make him pose =)

Ah Ha! I think it was Sea Lion Cove, or something like that b/c this sign was the only sea lion I saw!

The beach is one of my favorite places!

This was by far one of the major highlights of the trips. Who does this?

In Depoe bay we went to all the little shops, saw the memorial, and I kissed a whale and I liked it, hope my boyfriend don't mind it. Hehe. I didn't really kiss him

I love that we got to spend the whole day together just enjoying each others company. It was PERFECT!

BBQ!

2008-09-08T19:03:00.000-07:00

I love BBQ's as well. In fact most events with food I love. Chris had some of his friends over to shoot skeet and eat some burgers and hot dogs.

Left to right:
Buddy, Travis, Robbie, Jeff

I am tough. Thanks for the gun Jack and Patty!

Robbie and Travis in awe of my sweet gun shooting skills!

I have learned. Gun DOES NOT go toward your face. See Below

Not good:

From 9-7-08

He's adorable

From 9-7-08

Robbie, Travis, Jeff, Chris

From 9-7-08

I thought you weren't supposed to point your gun at your neighbor either?

From 9-7-08

Quick Kristi, act scared

From 9-7-08

We ate lots and then Travis and Buddy played Madden, Robbie put the Sims on his computer and Kristi and I played Sims all night. Until like 2.

Oregon State Fair! Woot Woot!

2008-09-08T18:48:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that I LOVE elephant ears, greasy deep-fried food, trashy people and cows. Lucky for me, for about one week out of the year all of those come together at the Oregen State Fair! =)

I was very excited to find the cows!

From Fair daywork pics

Another thing I love is when my lovely boyfriend smiles in photos, it's a rare occassion that this happens

From Fair daywork pics

We went to the fair with Alex and Erica they're fun =)

From Fair daywork pics

At the OSU exoctic animal tent I got to meet Justin, and the Aligator...interesting enough I don't remember it's name. Oh well.

From Fair daywork pics

We took the trolly thing over to the rides (yeah for being lazy!) I will NEVER again ride that. I thought I was going to loose my life. Here is the excitement from that ride!

From Fair daywork pics

Alex and Erica were in front

From Fair daywork pics

The farris wheel!

From Fair daywork pics

A & E on the farris wheel!

From Fair daywork pics

I think it's really neat that I brought it upon myself to make a tradition of Chris and I to have a picture from every year on the farris wheel. See below.

2008

From Fair daywork pics

2007

From Fair daywork pics

We also went on the tea-cups...or something similar. One of the seats had puke in it so we all had to exit the ride and wait. I didn't want to get back on, but we already paid-and I'm cheap.

From Fair daywork pics

By the time we got home I was pooped and ready to not to much the next day. It took us a while to find the car. Chris thought we parked in one lot, luckily Alex noticed we parked in the other lot!

I am now a woman!

2008-08-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

I have always imagined that I would reach my maturity after I accomplished a few things in my life.

1. Having my car break down and being able to call dad without tears and snot bubbles. I have successfully done this several times, I have even learned how to deal with it myself (but dad always gets a call no matter what.)

2. Doing things that you REALLY don't want to do, but you do them because it's kind of a do or die type of thing. I can now check this off of my list. Today I cleaned Christopher's porch.

Now you may be asking yourself why this is such a big deal, it's just a porch and everyone will have to clean one at some point. NOT THE CASE. Lets just say I lost count of how many spiders I saw and attempted to kill after 150. NOT EVEN JOKING, 150!! That was only in the first hour or so.

Now if you recall a couple of posts earlier you will see the skill that was put forth to the spare bedroom. I did this porch BY MYSELF. Yes, this is me wanting compliments because this is possibly one of the worst things I will have to do in my life!! Below some pictures are posted for your viewing pleasure.

These are two are of the top of the freezer which apparently I broke by unplugging it for a whole minute. Ugh. Anyway, these is coated in nastyness.

Once again, if you go back several posts you may find a trip to the punkin patch with Jack and Patty. While there Jack found this "claw finger." Not really sure what it's used for, but it was given to Chris who hide it from me so I couldn't throw it away. He hid it on top of the freezer, sph, he thought I'd never look there...only a year later!!!

I like to think I am a spider hunter. Hunters run in the family you know!

Just one of the MANY different kinds of spideys

Here is a small list of things I found OTHER than spiders.
-3 bar-b-quers, yes 3!
-A fishing pole
-A dead bird
-HALF of a dead cat. I dk about the other half.
-3 bags of garbage that never made it to the garbage can
-3 bags of soda cans that never got recycled
-A closet full of hunting clothes
-Discs for disc golfing
-A bottle for of one of Chris' friends' urine...I was VERY angry about thing

I feel I have grown a lot from this experience and feel so grateful I could share it with you. I officially feel like I am over qualified to be his wife. If this doesn't show my dedication I don't know what will.

Here is one after shot. I still plan on sanding and painting the floor, that'll happen after we're actually married though

I think I better check this out for you mom...

2008-08-24T18:10:00.000-07:00

I must say that I have the best dog in the world. She is ALWAYS willing to taste test my food to make sure it's not poisoned, she ALWAYS will warm my spot on the couch for me (no one likes cold buns right?), and last but not least, she is ALWAYS willing to get rid of anything in my life that may be interfering with her numero uno position in my heart.

Today was a lazy day, I got up early, made home-made pizza for lunch, went and hung out with Chris' family, went for a run, then cleaned a little. I don't have to change my gerbils cage often because unlike hamsters they don't stink (I made a good choice), but it was indeed time to change.

Whenever we change Petunia's cage Lilly always has to get up in her business and is worried that this little gerbil may be my new best friend. Have no fears, Lilly inspectaged for us =)

I spent many dollars buying my gerbil little homes to find she would chew them all to nothing. Lucky for me my boyfriend has a fetish with cardboard so I am always able to find cheap houses for her. Hence the shotgun shell boxes.

Gerbil is too good for Lilly. There is a whole lot of estrogen going on in this house =)

A stinky update!

2008-08-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

Well word on the street has it that the anonymous skunk hunter has gotten more! That's a total of 7...how many more could possibly still be alive? I guess we'll have to wait and see.

I spy with my little eye....

2008-08-17T17:14:00.000-07:00

SOMETHING MESSY!

This is Chris' spare bedroom. The past year it has become his room where he puts everything that has no other place. Note: The only thing I had in there was christmas decorations, and some hamster cages minus the hamsters.

Another view: the pics don't even do the justice.

Let it be said that Chris looses motivation very easily so I took it upon myself to dictate what needed to be done. Chris thinks he should be in charge.

Apparently my commentary on how things should be done is not welcome...

Lilly is really good at helping...don't forget to notice everything that got moved into the living room

Chris got to take the lead... boo.

Since Lilly is a lazy bully she lots interest quickly

This is the point where Chris wanted to stop for lunch. I said no way!

And Finally it's finished!

Now all I have to do is move my stuff in!....Just kidding. Sort of.

New Job?

2008-08-17T17:10:00.000-07:00

No not another one=). I did realize that I that for the past couple of years I have oh so badly wanted my own office, now that I have it-I haven't shown it off! More importantly I will share that when it gets above 90 degrees out people don't really want play with rocks, so instead I took a picture of myself. Note: I don't wear make-up to work and it rocks! (no pun intended hehe)

Duck, Duck, GOOSE!

2008-08-17T17:08:00.000-07:00

Kristi and I have found ourseleves going on many dates that our boyfriends are yet to think of taking us on: Hawaii, and now feeding ducks. Extreme, I know. Anywho, the ducks and geese were our friends until we ran out of food. Hm, that's kind of the terms Chris likes me on =).

Americans-3, Frenchies-0.

2008-08-17T17:04:00.000-07:00

As word has spred I must inform you that there has been a great skunk hunt in the town on Wilsonville. Since the hunter is staying anonymous, I will speak for him. Pepe Le Pew must die. When asking my father how he feels about skunks, this is the response I received.

The hunter has killed three skunks, that's three less frenchies/pepe's to be found. Mission accomplished.

Drop yo pants!

2008-07-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

I have had the worst of experiences at Roth's here in Salem. NOT the customer service and NOT the food, but random experiences like weird Mexicans, or guys yelling and making a scene at the poor cashier. Today was a day like none other! I went to pick up lunch and food for the guys at work. Armed with a HUGE Mt. Dew fountain drink and two bags of groceries I headed to my car which was only 10 spaces away. As I exit the building I notice my pants are starting to slip a little. I was wearing a hoodie and three shirts so I figured I was safe. As I hit parking spot 1 I realize this is going to be a problem...I shuffled quickly to my car sticking my butt out a little(not that it needs any help!) to try and keep the pants up, by the time I reach my car I realize my pants are under my butt, and my sweatshirt is not covering all my cheeks. Mortified I quickly put the food in the car and pull them up and speed off....hopefully there were no views. I blame this on the strip areobics, had I not learned how to dance like one, I wouldn't try to get naked like one Geez!

Boo Fat Kids!

2008-07-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

Well it's been quite some time since I have posted of the great journey of weight loss, possibly because it's been a very slow process since then I am down 17 lbs. Not bad right? Still can't tell at all, other than the fact that my pants are only a little looser. My new "mini" goal is to be down 13 more lbs by September 4th. It'll mean I'll have to lose some 2.6 lbs per week, which is a stretch....but we shall see, now that I've posted I must accomplish or I won't be able to bare all the shameful laughs from all of you! Wish me luck!!

Win big or go home!

2008-07-23T18:25:00.000-07:00

Well, we went home. This past weekend the sisters and I went to the beach to do some gamblin' now that I am 21!! We made good time, and although Patty and I had to reassure Michelle that there are more than one way to get to the Marion Street Bridge..=) The best part of the trip was the gamblin, I did better than I thought, Patty lost the least, and Michelle....well she didn't do so hot.

In the lovely room that we stayed in there was a little surprise for us! It was someone's used bandaid....GROSS!!

Sister Trip!

2008-07-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

Well, tonight will set off the 1st annual sister casino/beach trip! woot! Going to kick it with my sissies tonight!!! Last night I saw batman...it was good, violent, but good. RIP Heath Ledger!

Mom's yard.

2008-07-16T23:07:00.000-07:00

My mom has the most beautiful yard that I have ever seen. I am beginning to worry that I have received no skills from her when it comes to yard work (or dad's which is recently quite a bit). Below are just a few pics from the back yard. It's amazing.

The bottom part of their pond

The falls and upper portion of their pond

Dad's tree he made!

This is the front

And this is my first attempt at taking a panaramic (sp) shot.

Presenting of the presents!

2008-07-16T22:58:00.000-07:00

Well, after some popular request-mainly from Michelle, I present to you...Pooh Bear

As well as my very popular gift, Kristi bought me a beautiful necklace and ring, the ring is being sized currently for my right hand...Buddy said I can't wear it on my left..lol.

Parentals sent me to Hawaii:) Brother and sister bought me my first shotgun! AND a pink Beretta (sp) hat! Woot! The hat is in my car or else there would be a picture too:)

Granny sent me a beautiful card, she always has the nicest things to say, maybe that's where I get my kind soul:) along with 21 dollars...very clever she is!

I got a fabulous serving dish from Chris' family! I can't wait to have a game night!

Craig and Lacy spoiled me with lots of things:)

sorry if I forgot anyone

I love birthdays, if anyone wants we can continue to celebrate my birthday every week:)

Mr. & Mrs. Ropp

New blog

It's in my blood!

Kitchen is DONE!

Not just new cabinets

Wock and Woll!

Congrats to Jessica!

Brianna's Shower!

Viva Las Vegas Fools!

Reliving the day!

Boobies?

Quack Quack!

Halloween!

Avery Madison Loveless is here!

No, they can't take that away from me...

18 days.

Can't help myself...

YEAH KATY PERRY!

Our new baby,

Hello Africa!

Pictures from way back, Crabby dinner-YUCK

**ALERT*** This blog is: Cheesy, Sappy, Mushy, and Full of Love!

If you missed the memo...

Polishin' the terd.

Engagement Pucs!

Dutchers!

$300 C-A-S-H

Father's Day!

Team Davey Jakey!

My little Honney Bee

RAWR!!

Karen Ann Stephens

Air Museum!!!

Is that the Tooth Fairy?

Sea Lions!!!

Chevy Aveo

We're not getting married on 11/14/09!

Copper Tree update!

Plumber turned Artist!

Here fishy, fishy, fishy.

Neckalce and earrings!

O.M.G.

WARNING: GRAPHIC PHOTOS OF SURGERY

Lilly =(

Comb on over...comb on over baby!

Weight Loss?

The day of Looooooove!

Starting to sink in?

New Car!

New Year's Eve

Happy birthday dad!

It's kind of like the first day of school...

Crazy weather = no work!?!?

Silly Lilly!

Happy Birthday Gran!

Michelle/Jack Ugly Sweater Party 2008

A little of this and that.

I got it!

A change...would do you good...

She's gone country folks.

The key to his heart.

This could be on Jerry Springer...

New Hair!

Thanksgiving

Man, I love Salem

Days like this...

In Loving Memory of Gran!

Granny

My inner runner, and the trainer,

Good-bye Beau!

Randoms!

Best Halloween EVER.

Happy Early Veterans Day!

The Spruce Goose!

Tough day to be a pup!

A true love story!

Invites and colors =)

Change of plans!!

Engaged!

80's party!

ALERT* This blog is: Cheesy, Sappy, Mushy, and Full of Love!