White Christmas

I'm sitting in our living room right now, and there is so much snow coming down it doesn't even seem real. Yesterday, our backyard was green. Now, there is probably 4-5 inches just from last night. Its the perfect day to drink some tea and update a blog that Zach has apparently forgotten about.

Sometimes living in Great Falls feels like being on a island. Everything is so far away, its just too much of a hassle to get out of the city. We found ourselves with a long weekend off, the arrival of some belated wedding money, and a new Montana guidebook so we hit the road to Bozeman! (Side note: there was ONE town big enough to have a gas station between us and Bozeman. One.)

Bozeman is about half the size of Great Falls with twice the culture. It has renovated its historical buildings to create a really cute downtown area. We spent most of our time just window shopping and getting our fix of food and stores for another few months!

Our first stop: the Montana Aleworks Brewhouse. Montanans love their beer and every big town has a brewery. I tried some hometown Bozeman brew. Zach was lured into trying the Montana Meatloaf-pork, bison, beef, wrapped in bacon. Not Kosher, but SO GOOD.




Next stop was the Bozeman Hot Springs. No pictures from there, but it was great so be swimming indoors and look out at the snow! We finished off our weekend walking through downtown Bozeman. Super fun specialty stores (as well as the nearest Cost Plus World Market and Baja Fresh).

In case anyone is thinking I'm a Montana hater, this is what I get to wake up to sometimes:

It's the Big Sky for a reason! :)

Five more days of work for me. 11 more trainer rides for Zach and two tests. Not that we're counting or anything. Even though we are winding things up around here, we are still keeping busy. Check out what we've been up to:

1) Hosting. In the past two week's we've had three CouchSurfers stay with us. Adam and Corrie from Kansas City brought their one year old daughter, Acadia, and a stack of cards to keep us entertained that evening. So nice open our homes to believers for a change as well! I don't know what will bring us to KC, but we have great people to stay with if end up that way. Two German students followed them, but we didn't hit it off as much. Oh well. Last night we rounded it off with a couple from Barcelona. We had a lively conversation and made us bump up Spain on our "Places to Visit" list. Right after Costa Rica. Or Ireland. Depending on if you ask Zach or me ;) My mom visited for a few days as well, and it was great to have some laid back Girl Time. We baked cookies, took Bella to the dog park, and spent a day driving up the coast. Here we are at Hearst Castle!


2) Kitchen experiments. It started with my bread machine cookbook and an Apple Challah recipe. Then it was the Chocolate Challah recipe a few pages later. "Ooh! A recipe for English muffins!" (Half were burnt, but that's why we experiment, right?). What goes with breads? Jams! So last week I spent every day going to the grocery store for "Just one more thing" and ended up with Peach Chutney, Pear Ginger preserves, Peach Ginger preserves, Pumpkin Apple Butter, and Strawberry Jam. Canning is addicting. These are your Christmas presents, people, so just wait a few more months to taste!


3. Dogs. We thought about getting another poodle. Adopted a second poodle. Lost the second poodle. Found the second poodle. Nearly strangled the second poodle because he was so crazy. Realized I was too allergic to him. Returned second poodle. I guess we're a one-dog family, but that's ok.

Au Revoir, Braxton.

It looks like we're having a lot of fun, but we could also use your prayers. Zach's sister was riding her bike to church last Sunday and was hit by a car. Amazingly, she is doing ok, but has a concussion, some bruising of the brain, and is pretty shaken up by the whole thing. She's going to need a lot of rest, a lot of recovery, and is not allowed to exercise to do sports for six months. Keep her in your prayers as she goes through this whole process of recuperation. Thanks everyone!

We love you Danica!!

The God Who Provides

This morning I was eating my oatmeal and reading about the names of God. So many names to describe different facets of who God is and how He displays those qualities when we need them the most. El Roi, the Lord our Shepherd. Alpha and Omega, beginning and end. Jehovah Shalom, the Lord our Peace. The name that is resonating with me this morning is Jehovah Jireh, the God Who Provides.

The God Who Provides. How blessed I am at the provision of God, especially over this past year. He has provides shelter at each location we have moved. He has provides me with a job in each place, earning enough money to make a dent in our loans. He has provided friends, a church family, even a dog at just the right time. We have never had to worry about food, or clothing, or medical bills.

We've been thinking about our impending move in October. With that comes a lot of stress. Saying goodbyes, setting up our move, deciding what comes with us and what needs to go with movers, cleaning, quitting jobs, looking for more jobs, not forgetting to cancel utilities. Do we have refills of medications? Should we live on base? Our the cars ready for snow? All at once it seems so daunting. But we follow a God Who Provides. He will continue to do so.

Our second honeymoon

A couple of weekends ago we went on a great second honeymoon to Cayucos/Cambria/Paso Robles, CA. Here are a few of the pictures.

Life goes by so quickly

well, here I am again. I don't know when last I posted, but it has been a while. Life flies by so fast these days. This past weekend my beautiful Ashley and I celebrated our one year anniversary with a second honeymoon up to Cayucos and Paso Robles. We had wine and cheese in a pretty garden by the sea in Cayucos and had the best coconut shrimp in the world at Linn's in Cambria (everyone should go get some). But I digress. We spent several hours of our time this weekend reminiscing of all the adventures we have had this past year. We remembered the good, the bad and the ugly. So much, in so little time. We spoke of our move to TX, our decision to drop out of flight school, seeing a bear while camping at Big Bend National Park in TX, going wine tasting with Stefan Kats in Fredericksburg, TX. We remembered our unfortunate travel "issues" on Christmas Eve (that was the ugly), and our night away at South Coast Winery. Oh, and lets not forget the Hyatt wedding, waiting anxiously to find out where we would be moving next and what job I would have. Then there was the move itself to CA, finding a new home, Ashley finding a job, and me waiting again. We reflected on the blessings God has given us in the friends we have made at Grace Baptist Church through a small group we just happened to go to, and the friendships the Air Force has forced us into. And then there were the trips to LA to see Sarah and Dan, Carsten and Becky, Ashley's family, Danica, and other friends. Oh, and our trip to Solvang/wine tasting for Ashley's bday, and San Francisco to visit Aunt Mary and Aunt Sue/family. Needles to say we also spoke of our unforgettable trips to FL for our wedding reception (back in Sept) and Thanksgiving, and our incredible trip to Europe. Can't forget those. Finally, lets not forget one of the more impactful occurrences of our year, the adoption of our poodle, Bella. Wow, that's a lot in a year...and...lets be honest...that was just scratching the surface. And yet, it has passed in the blink of an eye. This year might have been a day for all I know. It has flown by and I have held on, smiled, and prayed. Not much else to do I suppose.

Training here at Vandenberg is no exception to this rule. One minute I was waiting anxiously to start training for this new career. The next minute I was learning how to launch nuclear missiles. Before I know it Ashley and I will be packing up our home once more, driving away from Santa Maria and heading for a new adventure in the great white north. The reality of our impending move has hit me hard during the last week or so. Ashley and I have been blessed here, and it's hard to think about leaving. We've made friends here. We have a church here. We are close to family here. I'll miss it. I find myself facing the same challenges everyone faces when preparing to move. I ask the same questions: how do I spend my time, who do I invest my time and energy in, where do I go with the limited time I have? Of course, I've come to understand that these questions don't really matter all that much. The answer is really quite simple. Don't think about it. Just live. Be as intentional as you should always be. Invest in the relationships you want to and feel led to invest in...the ones that you would invest in whether leaving or not. So what if its harder to leave those friends. Better that then to miss out on what God has for you. Don't get caught up in your departure. Don't begin living for the next place. Live for the one your at now. Simple. If only it where eh? I guess well find out soon...

Back and Ready for Action

Well we're back! We maneuvered the ash cloud, conquered the jet lag and at our way through Belgian waffles, chocolate, beer, cheese and crepes to make it back home. Zach is getting ready to (finally) start missile training on Wednesday. He still doesn't know much about the actual training aspect, but he's ready to start working towards something again. I got off to a rocky start at work, having some issues with my tax forms and not really getting clear communication from my boss. Blech. I love the two kids I work with though--both have very different manifestations of autism and will be interesting to work with.

We forgot we had planned to have our friends, Carsten and Rebecca, over this weekend and it was a wonderful surprise to have them visit us in Santa Maria. We had a full day of wine tasting at the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, taking Bella to Pismo Beach, and testing out our fondue again. It was a grateful reminder of the quality of friendships we have made over the years, and made us long for the same quality of friendships (the history, depth, etc) in our new surroundings.

The most EXCITING part of coming back has been picking up my vegetable basket from Babe farms. We will be getting a weekly basket for a few months and already we've had to figure out what to do with these vegetables that we've never bought or eaten before. Beets? Who eats beets? I guess now we do (and that guy down there)!

Update

It's been awhile since we posted and there is much updating to be done!

First, we found out that Zach has been bumped from the July training class to the May class, meaning our stay in the Golden State will be shortened. Our "Report no later than" date for Malmstrom AFB, Montana is October 27. Zach will graduate on October 12 and it will be a rush of out-processing, canceling utilities, getting movers, etc. We even hope to turn our move into a slightly fun road trip and stop in San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle. Here's hoping.

Second, we have a long awaited trip to France and Belgium planned for next week. We had everything set to go but really didn't take in to account freak Icelandic volcanos spewing ash. If this whole thing doesn't clear up fast, we will not be able to go. We are preparing ourselves for the worst and are actually thinking of getting our plane tix re-routed to Orlando, Fl and going on a cruise. It's also very exciting, but not when you've been planning for Europe.

I have a job!! I am working one on one with children with autism. Breaking into new territory here and it's a little scary. Normally they hire psychology students working on their BA for this position, but they saw I had half of a Master's done and are giving me some harder cases. Please pray for me because I feel super inadequate for this role.

Lastly, we both ran the Run Thru Redlands Half Marathon this past Sunday. We ran it together two years ago when we had just started dating, so it was fun to do it again and see what has happened since then. It inspired Zach to start a commitment to train for the San Francisco Marathon in July (and I have started the commitment of THINKING about running the 1/2 Marathon) We'll see.

Oh, and here's the best birthday present I got this year. Happy 24th to me.

FONDUE NIGHT!!!

The Spread: Cheese Fondue from the Pezzotta's recipe, apples, carrots, and bread!

Ashley's first attempt at homemade French Baguettes. It was yummy delicious and didn't last the day.

Zach's fondue! You rock!

Last night Ashley and I had our first Fondue extravaganza...and it was delicious! We can't wait till next time! (and now that we know how to make it, we can serve it to people)

The next bend

Good morning all. It has been quite some time since last I posted on Ashley and my blog. It is not that I have not wanted to, simply that I have not known what to write. As I sit here this morning sipping my coffee next to my new, and already faithful, dog, I struggle with the fact that in an hourish I am off to work again. Since arriving at Vandenberg, I have been assigned to work yet another job where my days mostly consist of sitting and attempting to look busy so as to stay out of trouble. I feel like this is not the way hings are supposed to be. I have now been in the Air Force for a year and three months, and most of that time has been spent twiddling my thumbs waiting for something to happen. 6 months waiting to come on active duty. 9 months waiting for flight school. 2.5 months waiting to move to CA. And now 4 monthsish waiting to start missile training. Some days I really struggle with this. I wonder why I've even bothered. Why does God have me here, and why did he guide me down this road just to have me sit and wait? Why not direct me to be a teacher, or a missionary, or a pastor instead? Why a military man who spends his time trying to look busy.

Well let's be honest...I don't have the answers to these questions. Whether I like it or not, God has me sitting here again. He has had me sit for months, and despite what I may think is best for me, this is assuredly what is best for me. When I stop and think about the last few months...and the waiting...I think I do understand some of the reasons I have been made to wait. 6 months waiting...time to build a stronger relationship with the woman I was bound to marry. 9 months waiting...time to plan a wedding, get married, and have a honeymoon. 2.5 months...allowed me to arrive in CA late enough that I would not get bumped up in classes and be able to go to Europe like we so very much want to. 4 months waiting....we'll see. In the scheme of the next 40 years...or however much I work...these few months are really nothing. I am simply still young and impatient. Maybe that's what I'm supposed to learn.

Whatever the reasons...in the end I still have to go to work. Ciao.

Welcome Bella!

After 7 months of drooling over dogs on Petfinder, Craigslist and whatever humane society that is nearest, Zach finally convinced me that it's the right time to get a dog. He found her on Craigslist from a woman who is spending too much time traveling for work and wanted to find a home where her dog wasn't in a crate all day.

Bella is 4 years old and comes from a long line of show poodles and her birth name (I kid you not) is Madame Pampadour's Chateau Marqaux. To us, she's just Bella.

Say hello!

Epic Mustache Fail

With the final words "Say goodbye to the mustache" and a zip zip zip of the razor, the Big M was gone this morning. Zach could only handle 7 glorious days of the itchiness and patchiness. We will never get to know what a full blown mustache looks like on him...

Lets all take a moment of silence.

The final moments.

RIP

Mustache March

The month of March marks a grand tradition in the Air Force in which males of all ranks, age, and ability to produce facial hair will grow a mustache. Zach, being compelled by social pressure and the fascination of his wife to see what her husband looks like "mustachioed" will join his fellow airmen in this endeavor. You can follow us on this adventure as we chronicle Zach's progress.

Day 5

Watch as all-American military boy Zach slowly melts into a used car salesman...

Just kidding.

Getting to know the neighborhood

Zach went on a hike in nearby Los Padres National Forest

I think this speaks for itself

As does this.

The city of Lompoc has a ton of murals all over town. This is just one of them.

Ashley takes a stroll at a Lompoc park.

Our new home!!!

Ashley likes to hang out at the top of our stair case

Our beautiful bedroom with a view...of other parking garages. But seriously, we love it.

Arguably the most important part of the house next to the bathroom...the kitchen. Small, but useful.

The kitchen is separated from the living room and dining room by an awesome island. We love it.
Our little living room. Ya, red chair!

1020 Henry Ave, Apt B, Santa Maria. Our new home.

We love our gnome...and yes, he's riding a pig.

Movin on out

Zach and Ashley look contemplative in their empty house in Del Rio. Isn't it sad?

We spent one night in our very empty house after the movers packed up everything. Nothing like camping out in an empty house. Kind of creepy actually.

Unpacking

We're HEEEEEERRRRRE. Yippee! 14 days after our original departure date we made it to Vandenberg. Three glorious days of driving in which my loving husband drove all but three hours of the trip so that I could take naps and rock the ipod. Not many husbands would let their wife play 6 hours of Broadway music on a road trip....but mine did :)

Since no one reads this blog anyway, I'm going to do I little bragging here. The Kushners are uber amazing unpackers. I would even venture to say that I am an Unpacking Diva. The movers left last night at 4:00ish and we have all of the boxes done except for Zach's books (and there's no way I'm touching those...) Now all we have to do is have it feel like home. Bets on how long that will take?

Vandy

Is it okay if I call our new home Vandy? Vandenberg AFB sounds too stuffy.

Vandy it is.

Happy Trails

The process of Zach quitting flight school in November is now culminating in a great big move back to California for him to receive Missile training at Vandenberg Air Force Base. It seemed far away when we had Christmas break wedged between the move and us, but now we have movers coming to pack up our house on January 29 and we are driving away from Del Rio on February 2. Its been exciting figuring out what Zach's new career field will be like and knowing that we get to go back to California where we are only a few hours drive from family and friends. For me there has also been some nervousness about the Great Unknown. When I moved out to Texas, Zach had already found a church, made connections, and figured out how to get us a house on base. Things were already figured out. Now it seems, a lot of things are unknown. We have our names on the housing list at Vandenberg, but nothing has opened up yet for us to move in to. We have prepared for the worst by reserving 30 days at the base lodgings...not the Hyatt Regency, but it will do. :) I've applied to a few jobs, but it's hard not to get discouraged and think "Who will hire someone who is going to leave again in a few months?" Even the process of finding a good church seems...well, daunting.

God has been so very faithful to us. Already, Zach's been able to contact some friends who have done the same training and find out more specifically what he will be doing for the next three years. We've met a few couples who are going to Vandenberg and even one who will be going with us to Malmstrom in Montana later. God is Sovereign and has our futures in His hands, but today has been a day of not really feeling that truth in my heart. Keep us in your prayers as we wrap up our lives in Texas in the next two weeks.