Merry Christmas!!

I think this has been the longest time I've gone without posting, but I'll make up for it this next month :). We came to Show Low for Christmas on Sat. 22nd, & got to spend some quality time with Anthon's family & mine. Christmas day was GREAT! I've just felt a great deal of love for our families lately & am so thankful I got to spend time with them at home!!! They're all such wonderful people & I just love them dearly!!

So tonight we embark on our adventure to New York (Our Christmas present to each other)- I'm SO excited, but a little stressed at all we need to do before we leave. Hopefully, my computer will be fixed by the time we get back (New years day) & I can post some pictures/videos of all we get to do :)!!! Wish us luck!

I hope all of your Christmas's were as special as ours!!

What's New??

So, It's been a while since I posted so I figured I'd give a little update on what's new with us...

1) Thanksgiving was fun! We spent it with Anthon's side this year... We spent most of the day at Jason's house just visiting & eating ourselves SICK!! Then, that night we picked up my nephew Colton (who LOVES Anthon). He stayed the night at our house & I stayed the night at my sister Trudy's house; for 2 reasons: 1. So I didn't have to be around Anthon & Colton being obnoxious & 2. So I could get up at 3AM & hit all the Black Friday sales!! It was great fun & I am completely done Christmas shopping, which feels even better!!

2)School is almost out :)!!! I have my lab final next week & my lecture final the following Monday... Which means I get to do all the fun stuff this week; dissecting a brain, an eye ball, & observing a cadaver!! Wish me luck :).

3) Unfortunately, not all our news is good news... Anthon got a letter last week telling him that he's been disqualified from the DPS hiring process (We think it's because of his sugars/not passing the medical test, but they haven't gotten back to us to let us know for sure). So, that means he's unable to re-apply for 2 years... Yeah he's bummed!! So, please pray for him, that he'll figure out what he's suppose to do & feel better about himself!

4)Last, but not least, our computer was taken over by an evil virus, so we've been without for about 2 weeks now- which explains my lapsing in posting (& lack of pictures)! However, my brother-in-laws brother (if that makes any sense) is our HERO & is fixing it for us (& saving all the pictures I had stored on that thing- basically every picture we've taken since we've been married)!! So, we're really grateful that he's taking the time to help us out!!!

Well, that's about all that is new with us... check back for future updates :)

I've been tagged (prepare yourself, it's long!)

50 random things about ME!!




50. My full name is:
Ashleigh Anne Perkins (use to be Gills)
49.I was born:
March 13, 1984
48.My eye color is:
Green
47.My height is:
5'5
46. My shoe size is:
9-10 depending on the shoe
45. My ring size is:
7&3/4...in case any of you were thinking of buying me jewelery ;)
44. My best feature is:
My eyes :D
43. My worst feature:
My teeth- They're all jacked up!
42. My favorite hobbies are:
Decorating my house, making cards/scrap booking, taking pictures, & traveling!!
41.I am allergic to:
Stupid people
40. I am annoyed by:
People smoking around me!!!
39. Last book I read:
My anatomy text book... yay
38. My bed is:
GAY!! I need a KING & a harder mattress!!!
37: One thing I hate about myself:
My toes- I have monkey feet
36. My favorite holidays are:
Halloween & Christmas
35. Do you have any siblings?:
Do I ever! 7 brothers & 6 sisters
34. Curly or Straight hair:
Depends on the day- if I have time to do it- straight, if not curly
33. The last movie I saw was:
Transformers
32. Something I always miss when I leave home is:
seeing the stars & smelling the mountain air :)
31. Today:
Work and School- story of my life
30. Next Summer:
Hopefully will be on a cruise!
29. Next Weekend:
Shannon's baby shower & Lily's birthday party!
28. People call me:
Ashleigh, that's my name :)...
well, Anthon calls me Ash-hole (not very nice, I know)
27. The most difficult thing to do is:
Smile at rude customers!
26. Ever gotten a speeding ticket:
A couple, but not within the past 3 years
25. Zodiac sign:
Pisces
24. The one person who I can't hide things from:
Anthon! He reads me like a book :)
23. What is your dream job?
A stay at home mom!!!
22. First real job?
Lifeguard
21. I have these pets:
Gunnar (great dane), Fiona (fluffy kitty), Zoey & Tarzie (lizards)
20. The worst sound in the world:
Chewing a banana- They're yummy but the sound is gross
19. Best sound in the world:
Sydney's laugh & beautiful music
18. Do you like video games?
Not a fan, no.
17. Florida or Hawaii:
Hawaii!! Duh
16. My favorite piece of clothing:
My 7 Jeans that make my butt look smaller
15. Last time I cried:
Sunday
14. My friends are:
Freaking awesome! They're my family :)
13. My computer is:
A PIECE OF CRAP!!! Full of viruses!!
12. Last person I got mad at was:
Anthon (actually, Gunnar but he doesn't count)
11. The best movie ever:
Hitch/ Can't Hardly Wait
10. The all-time best feeling in the world is:
JOY!! That's why we have the expression "sheer joy!"
9. I lose all respect for people who:
Lie, cheat, steal, or are abusive
8. The last movie I cried at was:
Titanic??? (Not a big crier)
7. TV channels I watch:
I LOVE Bravo, E!, & HGTV
6. Favorite web sites:
Yahoo, Blogspot, & Chase
5. My favorite word is:
"Fantastic!!" although I never use it - I like hearing it though :)
4. My room is:
Usually messy, but I & clean it every Thursday :D
3. My favorite celebrity is:
Rich Franklin (UFC fighter) YUM!
2. My weakness is:
Chocolate with almonds ANYTHING!
1. One thing that makes me feel great is..
Accomplishing a goal!

WHEW!!! It's over! Now I tag Gwen, Alishia, & Bailey!! Feel free to pick & choose which ones you answer to shorten it up, if you want to :)

Waiting, waiting, & more waiting!

Well, Anthon took his polygraph test last week, but we still haven't hear back whether or not he passed it... I guess they don't get back to him until he completes all three steps in the 2nd phase. He's taking the psych evaluation today (he started @ 8am & it'll probably go till 3 or 4pm), & he's having the Dr. evaluation tomorrow. Hopefully, all is well- I'm not particularly nervous about any of the steps (like worried that he won't pass), but I think I've just trained myself after all this time to stress out anytime he does a test for DPS :D! I'll keep you posted if I hear anything...

peek~a~BOO!!

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, & I LOVE to dress up for it!!So, I just thought I'd post some fun shots of the fun we had!!

Anthon Update

Several people have asked me for an update on Anthon, so I figured I'd just do a general post...

1) His head is doing fine... For those who don't know, he had a sinus infection that landed him in the ER two weeks ago. He's been on an antibiotic & decongestant & is feeling in tip-top shape.

2)His DPS process is moving right along. He is scheduled to take the polygraph test at the end of this month & the psychiatric evaluation the first week in Nov. If he does well with both of those then they will assign him a background investigator, which is the last step before the academy... YAY!

3) Last, but not least: He did survive getting thrown out of the City of Gilbert softball game last week! He lives to go to those games, so when he does NOT punch a guy on the opposing team (who pushed him & REALLY deserved to be hit, might I add) & STILL gets thrown out... HE'S UPSET! But I was proud of him for thinking before raging!

So, there's the update on Anthon... Thank you all for caring enough to ask!

Wedding Tag

1) Where did you meet your husband? Show Low High School

2) What was the first thing you said to your husband? We were at the Round Valley wrestling tournament & he was trying to figure out a line from the movie "Dude Where's My Car"- I was sitting in front of him & got irritated after listening to him for a while, so I turned around & said, "It's: 'Dude where's my car? I don't know dude, where's your car!' GOSH!"

3) Where was your fist date? I took him to MORP (November 17, 2001)

4) Where was your fist kiss? In the parking lot of Show Low high after wrestling practice

5) Did you have a long or short courtship/engagement? We dated on & off from Dec. 2001- May 06, 2005 & we were engaged from May 2005- June 2005

6) Where did you get engaged? At my sister Gwen's house (where I was living at the time). Then he took me to The Hyatt for dinner & to go on the gondola ride.

7) Where were you married? The Mesa Arizona Temple

8) How did your reception go? Seemed like FOREVER! We stood in line most of the time & got NOTHING to eat! But it was perfect! The decorations were exactly what I had imagined.

9) Where was your honeymoon? Our Honeymoon got pushed back because my father died right after our wedding, but we went to Hawaii for our one year anniversary to make up for the lack of a honeymoon & it was wonderful:)!

10) If you could change anything about your day what would it have been? I would have worn taller shoes so I don't look so dang short in all our pictures!

Playing House

Gwen & Pace got to go back east to Washington DC, so I've got to spend lots of time with Sydney. She's A LOT of fun & I've really enjoyed being with her everyday!! Her are some pictures of the fun we've had so far:

We played outsideWe played with Lily

We did hair!!

We went to the state fair!

We hung out together!!

The Results Are In...

• We got a letter from DPS today that had Anthon's actual test scores in it & they are:
  Written test:83% (He got 73% last time he took it!)
• Oral Board: 94% (First time!)

Now, we're just waiting on them to let us know when his first step in "Phase 2" is (polygraph, drug screening/background check, & psych evaluation). Hopefully, he can go in within the next week or two & get the ball rolling! So, the next time you see him congratulate him on a job well done!! I'm SO proud of him!

1 Down... 4 more to go!!!

Hip-hip-hurray!! Anthon took his DPS test this morning & he passed! Thank you SO very much to those who kept him in your thoughts & prayers! Now, all he has to do is:
1- Pass the oral evaluation (on Thursday)
2- Pass a criminal back round check/ drug test
3- Pass a psychiatric evaluation
4- pass a polygraph test.
So, as you can see, he's not completely out in the clear, but he FINALLY passed a major hurdle for him! I'll keep you posted on how everything turns out.

In need of some faith...

Anthon's taking the DPS test on Tuesday & he could really use some support. This will be his 4th time taking the test, so he's not very confident in himself, but hey, at least he's not a quitter :)! He's been studying really hard, but he's still really nervous. I was just wondering if you would be willing to keep him in your prayers Monday & Tuesday as he continues to prepare & then takes the test. I know he can use all the help he can get... Thanks everybody :)!

Little Sweden...

Road Trip!

New Best Friends...

Signing "Dad"

Squishing the kitty

Two posts about Sydney in the same night?? I know, but this is so dang cute I had to share! She was over today & discovered our little kitten, Fiona! I was pleasantly surprised that Sydney didn't poke the poor kitties eyes out (her favorite thing to do) & the kitty didn't scratch her!Here are some fun shots of the two of them "playing".

Say Cheese

This picture cracked me up! We took Sydney swimming a while ago & I forgot her swim diaper... OOPS :)! So she swam without one, like the rest of us, & had a wedgie the whole time! I love her little butt cheeks... cottage cheese & all!!

Talkin' bout My guy!!

Basics

1. Who is your man? Anthon Ray Perkins

2. How long have you been together? Since December 17, 2001

3. Dating/Engaged/Married? Dated 3 yrs, 5 months/ Engaged 6 weeks/ Married 2 yrs, 2 months
4. How old is your man? 23

You or Your Man?

1. Who eats more? ANTHON!
2. Who said "I love you" first? I did & I think it freaked him out...
3. Who weighs more? 210 lbs... He does!
4. Who sings better? I do (I'm biased)
5. Who's Older? Me: by 3 months & 1 day
6. Who's smarter? Depends on the subject :)
7. Who's temper is worse? That would be me
8. Who does the laundry? Whoever needs the clothes that are dirty the most!
9. Who does the dishes? Whoever doesn't cook, so usually Anthon.
10. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? He sleeps closest to the door, so it changes every time we rearrange our room.
11. Who's feet are bigger? His (by like an inch)!
12. Who's hair is longer? Mine... I like it that way!
13. Who's better with the computer? I think I am :)
14. Who mows the lawn? We don't have one, but when we do hopefully landscapers will!
15. Who pays the bills? Most of the time, I do.
16. Who cooks dinner? Again, usually me... but he can do it :)
17. Who drives when you are together? Anthon thinks I'm a crazy driver... & I like to be chauffeured!
18. Who pays when you go out to dinner? Whoever is behind on flight miles
19. Who's the most stubborn? Depends on the situation- but usually me.
20. Who is the first one to admit when they're wrong? Hmm... tough one. We both HATE to, so we kinda don't talk & then admit @ the same time :)
21. Who's parents do you see more? It seems like he's seen his parents more than I have & I've seen my mom more than he has this summer, so I'm not quite sure how to answer this one.
22. Who named your dog? I picked it out, but he approved it

23. Who kissed who first? I kissed him,
24. Who asked who out? & I asked him to MORP!
25. What did you do? Went & watched some dirt bike races, movie, dinner, & went to the dance.
26. Who's more sensitive? I'm the chick... & I'm a wuss!
27. Who's taller? Anthon
28. Who has more friends? We have the same friends!
29. Who has more siblings? I do... Brady bunch!
30. Who wears the pants in the relationship? I pretend like I do, but in the end it's Anthon who has the say-so!

'Cause I'm a Blonde- ya, ya, ya!

It's been a good week & it's only Wednesday! I finally got my NASTY roots fixed (since swimming lessons are pretty much done)!! YAY! I love what she did for me! I finally got my bangs the way I wanted them- I was always nervous about cutting them too short, but that's what I wanted... I just didn't know it!! And I was lucky enough to get into my anatomy & physiology class for this semester; Somebody dropped out or didn't pay their tuition, either way I thank them kindly (even though I had to wait 3 HOURS in line to get a spot)!! So yeah, school starts Monday & I'm really excited to go back! That's progress for me because I felt like I'd rather slit my wrists than take another class this summer, so the break must have done me good :)! That's all for now... new hair, school's starting, & life is just GOOD!

«« I Spoke Too Soon »»

So, I was all excited that Anthon was home, thinking that was how it would be from here on out... NOPE! He left for Show Low today to work with Gerald for 2 weeks :(! Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful that his family is always willing to help him when he needs work, I just wish he could find a job HERE so we could actually, oh I don't know,... LIVE TOGETHER! He had a few leads down here for work, but either the people never called him back or they decided they couldn't use him after all. Hopefully once he gets going with DPS we'll have more consistent time together (which is still, at least, a month away), but until then... I'm just going CRAZY!!! Sorry, for my whining post... I just needed to vent a little to someone other than Anthon (poor guy has enough stress) :).

ÜG£¥, ÜG£¥, ÜG£¥...

WOW! Who woulda' thought...

Teaching swimming 4 days a week + good 'ole Arizona sun =

REALLY ÜG£¥ sun spots & tan lines all over my back !!

& I use sun block every day!!

Just thought I'd share my pain with you all :)

Thank Heaven It's Over!!!!

"Did you do this??"

Celebrating his return!

Anthon made it home (for good) early Thursday morning, around 4AM. It has been fabulous having him home & I'm so thankful that our lives are getting back to "normal". We have about a month before everything turns chaotic, but at least we have some time to veg together before then (between my last 3 weeks of swim lessons, that is)!

What a Day!!

I thought work would be somewhat nice today (rain usually = slow day), but... NO! First of all, my manager is on vacation & it seems like everyone I work with turns RETARDED when he's gone- like they forget how to do their jobs. Second of all, 2 people didn't show up, so we had 1 teller in the drive up, 1 in the merchant room, & lucky me... solo on the front line. Then, at around 2pm our computer system completely shut down, so we had to run all the transactions by hand- Aleia, please tell me you feel my pain!! So yeah, work sucked!

But, once I got home my niece Bonnie made me an ice cream sundae & made it all better :)! She's been staying with me for a few weeks now & it's been a lot of fun... she's a big help around the house & helps me not be so lonely! Speaking of no being so lonely... I found out tonight that Anthon's coming home this weekend!!! YEAH!!!!

Tag! I'm it... Thanks Gwen

I was tagged & here's how it works...
Do you have a story? One that makes you say "Wow," and it makes you feel good to reflect on it, to remember it, and to possibly share it? I do! I thought we might like sharing them, so here is one of mine:


I started to like Anthon as more than a friend during the summer of 2001, when he held my hand on our stake's pioneer treck. I was hoping it would blossom into a summer romance... I couldn't have been more wrong! Not only did I not get to see him for the rest of the summer, I didn't even talk to him until school started & even then it was like we were back to square one (just friends- even though I had a major crush on him)! I decided to ask him to MORP (girls ask guys dance) in November 2001 & we had a great time, but at the end of the night, he hugged me goodbye & RAN into his house! It was exactly one month later when I was driving back to school for practice & it started to snow... It was inspirational! Looking around at the "winter wonderland" I became even more twitter-pated & said to myself, "I'm going to kiss Anthon! Tonight, in the snow, it'll be perfect... NO BUTS ABOUT IT!" After practice, I sat in the hallway waiting for him to come out of the locker room, then I walked casually with him out to the parking lot. I chickened out at first- We said goodbye, I walked to my car & he started walking to his. Then I just stopped, turned around, ran toward him, spun him around, & kissed him... The BEST THING I'VE EVER DONE!!!! Six years later, here we are! This behavior is completely opposite of my normal personality, I promise... But I thank heaven it happened!!

Ok, Now I tag: Aleia, Heather, & Katie!! Let's hear some stories that define you!

Wedding Weekend

The closest thing we have to a family picture!

2 Hotties- Evan & Anthon!

I know about 90% of the people who read my blog where there this weekend, but I figured I'd post some cute shots anyway! For the other 10% who may not know, Sherry is my sister-in-law & she got married this weekend to McKay Mills in the Snow Flake Temple. All the guys pretending to punch the groom are her brothers... They're playful like that :)!

C.A.L.I.F.O.R.N.I.A!

'Ore The Land of The Free...

Happy 4th of July everybody! I'm in good 'ole California (got here lasat night) & Anthon is getting suited up for a FUN day in Santa Monica! We're going to hang out on the pier, ride some rides, eat LOTS of food, & of course lay out on the beach! I'll post lots of pictures once I get home (if I can get my stud of a hubby to take some with me)!! Anyway, I hope everyone has a great day! Remember how lucky we are to live in this country, even if you don't agree with how it's run, we still enjoy the freedoms of being a citizen & that alone is amazing to me! I am SO thankful for the men who have fought (& died) to keep this country free & safe.... AND The Home of The Brave!!

New Hªí®!!

Ok, I'm a nerd... I'll be the first to admit it :). But I had some hair from back in the day when I was a Guinea pig for my roommate who needed to learn how to put in extensions. Well, I heard about these new clips that you can sew onto the hair & just clip them in whenever you want long hair, & not have to deal with having them in 24/7 like regular extensions. (which is fabulous for me, cause I can never grow my hair out long enough to make me happy)!! So I did- I got the clips, sewed them onto the hair, & TAH-DUH... I have long hair. Like I said- I'm a nerd, but I'm loving it :)!

Weekend Trips ROCK!

This was a busy weekend for us! Anthon turned 23 on Thursday the 14th so I went out to California to celebrate his b-day with him, but it was also our 2 year wedding anniversary on Sunday the 17th. So yeah, lots of partying & FUN!! My mom came out this weekend too & it was just great to get to go to the beach together & just hang out! (It had been over 40 years since she had seen the ocean, so she was thrilled to get to go)! We went out to dinner on Saturday night to celebrate our anniversary & then Sunday I cooked dinner for all the poor starving boys & we had cake & ice cream to celebrate Anthon's birthday (since Sundays are the only night he FOR SURE won't be at work until 11 o'clock or midnight)! I had a great time & now the count down begins until my next trip out there... 14 days to go!

Father's Day...

I was in California for Father's Day this year & since neither one of our Dad's were there, we didn't really celebrate. But, I am especially grateful for the plan of Salvation, which I am consistently reminded of on Father's Day! And, I want to express my love & gratitude for my Fathers! They are both irreplaceable to me & I love them dearly!!!

¡Puerto Peñasco!

View from our balcony!

We just got back from our annual family trip to Rocky Point & it was fabulous!! The weather was perfect, the resort was heaven, & it was nice just to get to see everyone!!

The Greatest Things in Life ARE Free

This week has been a really special one!! Mainly because I was able to go to the temple twice to support my niece & her family!.... Tuesday I got to see her & her husband take out their own endowments. Thursday I got to see them sealed together and have their sweet baby sealed to them! What an amazing experience!! Their sealing was really special, but everyone was just overcome with emotion when they brought Lily into the room!! She was so reverent & quite and just had the sweetest expression on her face (like she understood the importance of the ordinance). I am SO proud of them & the progress they have made; They are such good people & I love them dearly!!

Swimming Lessons...

Ok, I decided I do want to teach swimming lessons again this summer, but I really would like to do it on my own... I hate going through the whole hiring process & then dealing with crappy scheduling & shady companies!! So I 'm going to try & do a session on my own, which means I could really use some referrals :)!! I've been teaching swimming for 7 years now & am comfortable with any age (6 months-60 years... I've taught 'em all). I did some research on what local swim schools charge for private lessons & made up a flyer comparing my prices to theirs (& mine's about 1/2 the cost of theirs). So, if anyone is interested, or knows anyone who might be interested, let me know & I'll email you the flyer. I'll appreciate any help I can get :)... Thanks!!

ƒüñ, ƒüñ, ƒüñ !

This weekend was really nice! I got to do a lot of neat things with Anthon & just enjoy spending time with him (even though the little nerd shaved his head & KEPT that nasty facial hair)! Keep scrolling down to see what we got to do on Friday :)!

Hollywood Wax Museum,

Too many fun shots to choose from!

Ripley's Believe it or Not,

Anthon liked "the fattest man"(1069 lbs.), while I enjoyed the medieval chastity belt!

& met a celebrity!

We were in Santa Monica walking around the pier & we ran into DJ Qualls (the actor from "The New Guy" & "Road Trip")! He was really cool & let us take a picture with him :).

Hi-ho, Hi-ho, off to L.A. I go!!

I'm leaving bright & early tomorrow morning to go to California!! It's been two weeks since Anthon left & I'm SO excited to see him! I get to stay there until Monday night, so it'll be nice to spend some time with him (& maybe shop a little if I get lucky)!

Keepin' ßܧ¥...

Please excuse the messy couch cover :)



¡The finished product!



Inspiration can come from the simplest things.


So, I found a project to keep me preoccupied for the first week of Anthon being gone... Redecorating my living room!! I had a blast & it really did help keep my mind off him being gone. I just rearranged my furniture (which was surprisingly refreshing) & added Lots of pictures & wall decor! On the wall with the couch, I just added the little pictures on each side of the mirror (after making the mats, of course) & made the flower arrangement. The wall with the red mirror was my real project- I refinished the shelf, painted the mirror, and MADE all the picture mats & "quote" pictures. The vase & plate were my inspiration for the whole thing (I found my flowers @ Michael's)& I couldn't be more pleased at the outcome!!