Relationship Status Update

I don't know how people feel about posting personal stuff, and I'm not sure how I feel about it yet either, but when I think about posting this it only feels like it would be uplifting and maybe a little inspiring.
Ash and I got married over three years ago and we had no idea of the immediate problems or trials that we were about to encounter. To keep from getting too deep into it I'll just call it a sickness. We very quickly realized that something was wrong and we didn't know what it was or how to fix it. We tried everything we knew to try. We tried working on each others needs, we tried changing ourselves. We tried changing the scenario by moving to new places, closer to friends, away from friends, closer to family, or away from everyone. We sought professional help, spiritual help and help from family and friends. We even tried to ignore it, and in spite of all the efforts we made, with time, things seemed to get worse and worse for us. Eventually we felt the only thing we had left to try was a separation.
I am confused about how I feel about divorce. I know it's somewhat taboo in the Mormon Realm. And by that I just mean hard for people to accept that it might be the answer, or they don't know what to say about it all together. I personally have been humbled on the subject. I can no longer hear of a divorce and just believe they didn't work hard enough, or they were just too selfish, or that anyone is immune to it.
Ash and I got all the way to the point of hopelessness, which is a rough place to be. But even in that state we tried to keep doing what we believed to be right. We were separated for over nine months and had accepted that despite our honest and hardest efforts, it wasn't going to work. Luckily we were able to remain friends and keep a good opinion of each other. We just had a couple more things to do before we felt we could say we had done everything within our power to save our marriage.
Then all at once, everything started to come together. Ideas came to us that actually started to make differences. Within a short time we not only felt like we should try living together again but that it was going to work out. We are back together now and it's amazing to me.
Happiness in marriage feels like a gift to me now. I've always believed you have to work at it, but I don't know why our efforts are working so well now when we had worked so hard to no avail before. The main thing I know is that I'm extremely happy and hopeful, and I know Ashley is too. We both feel so blessed and like we are being given answers to our prayers. I hope everyone can find this happiness in their marriage. And when trials come our way, I hope we can all find a way to persevere over them in one way or another.

Weekly Movie Night

We are starting up our weekly movie night. Once a week we are going to watch a movie and anyone that feels like joining us is welcome to come to our place. Just check our side bar to find out what movie we are watching and to see the day and time. This image will change every Wednesday because that is when we get movies at blockbuster before they hit the shelves. Like this week we'll be watching "He's Just Not That Into You" on Saturday at 7pm. Just follow the Black Arrow.

Also if you want to watch a trailer of the movie just click on the picture on our sidebar. Hope some of you join us. Ashley is going to try and make different snacks every week.

Sobe Bombs!

We went to RV at the end of Memorial weekend. In the short time we were there we got to hang out with a lot of family and friends. And for probably the hundredth time we got to make some Sobe Bombs.

I can't remember when it became incredibly fascinating as a kid to see stuff blow up and I can't even say why it still is, but it still is.

This time we did it at the Stroud's house with Adam. Here he is putting the bomb in the fire.

This is the part where it get's really intense and it seems like it's going to blow any second.

And Then...

Boom!

Here's a video for your enjoyment, but I really recommend seeing it in person.

Our New Place

Ashley keeps wanting to make everthing look nice and decorate before posting pictures of our new place, but I think this will just give her a chance to show her before and after shots. So here it is, our little one bedroom condo.
We just wanted a little place while we're looking to buy something of our own, and this condo offered month to month with a good price. Plus it came with a good sized kitchen which is a big selling point for the Ash.
I didn't think I'd like it so much, but I'm loving it. Plus it comes with these cool swinging doors into the laundry room and our walk in closet.
Anyway I'm sure we'll post more pictures of the place later. And in case you're wondering it's located on the southwest corner of Longmore and Baseline.

Happy Birthday Ash

This was the most recent pic I could find
We need to take more pictures

Happy Birthday Ash! The birthday was rushed but we tried to do what we could. Ash got to have a breakfast with me, lunch with Heidi, time with Nat and Sal, and then an evening with Matt and Katherine who made her a birthday cheesecake. Also Brian and Mel treated her to a restaurant a few days ago.
I feel bad about both of us having to work on her birthday. If any of you didn't really get to see her, and wanted to, we will be having a small get together soon. We'll post about that later. Here's a picture of the Armoire she got along with some balloons and a purse she got from Amanda. Thanks to everyone that helped out. And Ash you're the best.

Happy Birthday Mike!

I just wanted to tell Mike happy birthday and I love him! He's making me happier than I've been in a really long time lately and I'm excited for so many things in life with him!

Yesterday we watched a movie, played frisbee and went swimming with friends and family. We're so blessed to have such good people around us! Thanks so much to everyone who came and participated! We had so much fun and it was good to see everyone!

I love you Mike! I hope you have a wonderful day! You deserve everything good!