A Tale of Many Apartments..

It was supposed to be easy. Pick a date two months in advance, look for an apartment, sign for said apartment, move in.

It would seem that God had other plans.  We looked on Kijiji.  We looked on Padmapper. We talked to friends. We need a two bedroom apartment.  We looked on Gotta Rent.  We even looked in the newspaper.

*Tick Tock* - T MINUS ONE MONTH

We went to see this disastered dump.  We went to see that tiny, cramped basement dwelling.  We didn't want to be too picky, and we wanted to leave some time to pray about our decision, think things through. We looked at about 10 places, some were alright, most weren't.  We wanted to apply to a couple of locations, but "sorry, someone paid the deposit last night". 

*Tick Tock*- T MINUS TWO WEEKS

We drove 30 minutes out of our comfort zone.  We liked that place.  Oh yes, storage under the stairs, three unit building, linen closet, HUGE bathroom.  Clean neighbourhood.  I cried, it's so beautiful!  Apply. Wait...

Not approved, a single person is better for us,--"YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME, LORD!"

*Tick Tock*- T MINUS ONE WEEK

We found another place, perfect location for us, close to church, close to Jake's work, bonus third bedroom, backyard, deck, washer/dryer, sauna light in bathroom, little gas fireplace, in our price range.  {Lord, this is it! We know this is 'our' place.  Thank YOU for providing at such short notice!} Apply. Wait. Dream about where the table will go. Pack in earnest.  Dream about where the desk willgo. Pick up the phone.

Not approved, Someone was approved the morning you saw it, mix-up in the office,--"WE ARE SO PISSED OFF, LORD!" {Tears, disappointment, rage, frustration, hopelessness}

*Tick Tock*- T MINUS TWO DAYS

Listless packing ensued as we prepared to live with Jake's parents until we could find something.  We had booked three more apartment viewings that day, knowing that this was very last minute and there wasn't much more we could do before the moving date.

apartment 1- 10 AM
We arrived to find two guys building some additions on to the front porch, to make it more aesthetically pleasing.  They took us around to the back deck, up the stairs to the second storey, and we walked in to a sunroom, through a tiny kitchen that contained a fridge and full-sized stove, a tiny room with a closet, bathroom with a claw foot tub, bigger bedroom with no closet, and a living room.  Interesting.  Lots of light, nice wall colour, no laundry hook-ups, not much storage, one year lease.  Apply. {We don't have much options at this point.  It's liveable, not a dump, the landlords are nice, hard-working.}

apartment 2- 4 PM
We arrived to find a complex made up of about six apartment building, and a rather harried-looking superintendent, who took us on a tour of two apartments, same price, different layouts.  Spacious bedrooms, closets, supply closets, large enough kitchen, pantry, balcony, LOTS OF LIGHT, in our price range. {Could this be the one? It's not an ideal location, but we get our first month's rent free, sweet promo!} 'Oh, you can apply today, but the girl might not be in the office tomorrow, so it may not get processed until Monday' {What choice do we have? We can pray that it will get processed sooner!} Appl--  

J-Hey, your phone is ringing.
A- [looks at number] I think it's Mark, from apartment 1! {nerves tingling} Hello?
M-Hi, the apartment is yours if you want it!
A- Wow, great! Thanks so much! When should we come over?
M- Could you come sign the lease tonight? 
A- {third apartment viewing is at 6:30} Is seven pm too late?

apartment 3- 6:30 PM
We arrived to find a multi-unit building and a distracted super.  Not to mention the unkempt tenant and 'You can come in, but you can't look at the bedrooms.  Well, alright, just peek inside.' The super took us to the laundry room in the basement.  'It's month-by-month. I just look at ya and I say whether or not you can move here. You guys can have the apartment if you want it.  I can't be certain the tenant will be moved out at noon on Saturday. He's given me a lot of trouble.'

Decision Time-T MINUS 5 MINUTES TO LEASE SIGNING
We weighed the pros and cons.  We were frustrated. {Two months, Lord, and we're two days out and you give us TWO to choose from?!!} We called Mark to tell him we were going to be a bit late.  Thinking, praying furiously, pacing.

J: Which apartment would you feel safer in?
A: Apartment 1.  
J: Me too.  That's more important to me than month-by-month OR cheaper rent.

We phoned the super to tell him what we decided, and drove over to Apartment 1, deposit in hand, ready to sign the one year lease. {We've never signed a lease before!! We're terrified!} We got the keys, took one more look around, and still felt unsettled.  After months of looking, this wasn't how we anticipated the search to end.  

However, the move went well, thanks to some very hard-working friends and family.  I even found a little apartment sized portable washing machine on Kijiji, which will save us countless trips to the laundromat.

We've been living in our new digs for about a week and a half now, and both Jake and I can say we feel happy and content here.  The apartment is cozy, even reminding us of 'the cottage' at times. And guess what? We got a call on Sunday from one of the places that originally had declined us asking if we were still interested, The approved applicant changed his mind.  I was able to say we are all settled into our new place, silently thanking the Lord for his provision even after the fact, knowing he is abundantly providing for our every need.

Love,
Ashleigh

It's That Time Again...

There are more than a few updates to share with you today, so I'll just highlight them and get into today's edition of What I'm Into.

• I am now a certified ESL teacher! I completed my practicum in April, and received my certificate shortly thereafter.  
• Jake is back to work after taking a 10-week parental leave of absence.  The house feels empty without him home today.
• We went on a Rivers' family trip to Florida, which included day trips to Gatorland and Disney World.  Adrian even got to go on a couple of rides at Disney!
• We've moved :) We're now closer to our church, and Jake's work.  If you'd like the address, please mention so in the comment section!
• I joined a local concert band about 6 weeks ago, and for the first time in 9 years I'm playing the French horn again.  The weekly practices are a nice treat for me.

And now....

In the Kitchen

Everything has been in upheaval since the move, but I made a couple of soups last week: Split pea, and a Brazilian caldo-inspired corn and spinach chowder.

Also, this one minute microwave brownie in a cup: 

Image Source: Chocolate Covered Katie

Now tell me you don't want to make that for yourself...

On my Night table 

Currently Reading: As always, I've got a few on the go.
Pomegranate Soup, Marsha Mehran: A story about three Iranian sisters who open up a Persian restaurant in Ireland

As Sure as the Dawn, Francine Rivers: The third book in the Mark of the Lion series, this is a favourite of mine, and I'm re-reading it for possibly the fifth or sixth time, maybe more.  It's about a gladiator who is returning to his home country of Germania after earning his freedom from 10 years of fighting in the arena.   It's set in the Roman empire shortly after the death of Christ.  I would recommend reading the first two books of the series first, to get his back story.

Hybrasil, Margaret Elphisone: I'm not too far into this one yet, but the journal entry-like story tells of a travel-book writer who explores a near-mythical country of Hybrasil, and her adventures therein.

Read:
East of Eden, John Steinbeck: I don't really know what made me read this.  I guess I had heard that it was a classic and I wanted to try it out. Well, it was a heavy read, and explored the depths of humanity.  I was reminded just how depraved we are while exploring the complexities of the characters.  The story follows a man who has two sons, modeling something similar to the story of Cain and Abel from the Bible.

The Beach Trees, Karen White: This drama takes place in Louisiana, and includes a little bit of historical mystery and some romance.  If you like delving into secrets of the past, hurricanes, and lots of good character development, then this is a story for you.

The Divergent trilogy, Veronica Roth: A little like The Hunger Games, but, in my opinion, more enjoyable (OK, I'll be honest, it had more romance! C'mon, give a girl a break.) This post-apocalyptic thriller will have you on the edge of your seat and rooting for characters as they come of age in a world of uncertainty and chaos.

Through my headphones

Latch-Disclosure (ft Sam Smith)
Magic-Coldplay
Pompeii- Bastille

Readings in my Bible
I've been reading 1 Samuel to Adrian, and have been studying 1 Thessalonians on my own (and with a ladies Bible study group at church)

Other than unpacking and dreaming of sleep, this is me right now. Leave some comments below!

Love,
Ashleigh

I Shall Not Want...

I've recently been really into Audrey Assad, particularly her newest album called Fortunate Fall. The song, I shall not want, is particularly challenging.

From the love of my own comfortFrom the fear of having nothingFrom a life of worldly passionsDeliver me o God

From the need to be understoodFrom the need to be acceptedFrom the fear of being lonelyDeliver me o GodDeliver me o God

And I shall not want, I shall not wantWhen I taste your goodness I shall not wantWhen I taste your goodness I shall not want

From the fear of serving othersFrom the fear of death or trialFrom the fear of humilityDeliver me o GodDeliver me o God

And I shall not want, I shall not wantWhen I taste your goodness I shall not wantWhen I taste your goodness I shall not wantLyrics source
I find myself fearing so much. It's hard not to when there is so much uncertainty in life. But when I was reading psalm 59 to Adrian last night, I was reminded that God is our protector, our refuge, and we're right back at this song.
Love,Ashleigh

When A Toothy Grin Brightens Your Day (or The February That Lasted Forever)...

What happened to February? It succumbed to a snap of cold and got buried beneath a blanket of deep, deep snow.  

Let me catch you up on what has been going on around here.  We celebrated along with friends of ours whose twins turned one, and we saw one of our nephews dedicated.  We went to a cake auction at Heritage College, where the proceeds from every cake bought and eaten (and boy! did we eat cake!) went towards student missions.  A Canadian comedian (who is actually a member at our church!) performed at our church for the first time. The evening was a fundraiser for Gideon Bibles, and included knife juggling on a unicycle and pretty sweet laser show.

Adrian celebrated month four of his tiny existence, and we're so pleased that he now weighs 12lbs and is 25.5 cm, just a long, skinny little guy!  He also cut two little teeth on the bottom, so that has been a new discovery for all of us.   He's been laughing, smiling, grabbing at his toes, and letting his little personality shine through. We love being his parents!

Jake is enjoying his preaching course at Heritage Seminary. I'm so proud of him for sticking with it even though he's working full time and being a husband and father.  His marks have been reflecting every bit of hard work that he puts into his assignments.

I've been under a bit of a cloud, my moods generally reflective of the weather.  I've also been feeling negative effects due to lack of exercise.  My motivation is in a general state of depletion.  Thankfully this is just a season.  I've been cooking lots and baking little, because taking care of Adrian has been top priority. Jake has been so patient with me, again! this is just a season of life, and we have enjoyed a few dates out by ourselves. During those moments I feel a conflict of emotion. Adrian is safe, with whomever is looking after him, but motherhood has changed me in a big way. I have to fight to let go of lingering bouts of "mommy mode" and focus on my husband, that is after his focus shifts from the 2lbs of wings and vanilla milkshake he just devoured.

Completing a 20 hour teaching practicum(the final phase on my road to being TESL Canada approved*), along with a Rivers' family week long trip to Florida are on the agenda for April (as is an order for warmer weather!)

Getting ready for Florida!

He loves playing with Jake

Date night!

Afternoon snuggles

Now that spring is around the corner, I'm looking forward to taking my little guy out for walks, to enjoy the shining sun and the chorus of birds.  He seems to enjoy the sun just as much as I do, at least from what I've gathered when we bake together in the kitchen with sunshine streaming through the windows.

More of an update post from me, but feel free to comment and leave some thoughts on what gets you through long winters.

Love,
Ashleigh

*This means that there will be no limitations as to where I can teach ESL in Canada.

Addicted to Muffins and Other Such Nonsense...

When you're at home all day and your baby is in a good and happy enough mood to sit in his little infant chair, what do you do?

You bake!

I've been baking muffins for Jake to take to work, and today's addition was raisin bran muffins.  It's been a while since I've made them, and I forgot how delicious healthy goodness tastes.  There's nothing wrong with freshly baked muffins in the morning, but I'm learning that if I don't put them away in the freezer as soon as they've cooled, I'm going to eat more than my self-allotted "two-per-day".



image source

It's dangerous to be at home with all these baked goods around, but I've been using healthy ingredients and trying to stay within my limits.  Additionally, my 30-day exercise challenge-today is day eight!-has been kicking my butt and helping me to be mindful about what I eat again.

That mindfulness has caused me to save the best for last.  At the end of the day I have one indulgence: Chocolate peanut butter "fondue".  I use the word fondue loosely because it's not your typical romantic, slowly-savoured fruit-starring chocolate-y magical goodness.  It's melting a tablespoon of peanut butter and a handful of chocolate chips in the microwave and dipping a banana in the ensuing gooey mess.  Don't even think for a second that I gobble up the banana as quickly as possible and then savour the rest of the melted peanut butter/chocolate mixture by itself.  With a spoon. Slowly.

Because that never happens.

Ever.

Love,
Ashleigh

Tag teaming...

Knowing when you're spent, when you've absolutely hit the end of your rope, admitting when you need help...

This can be hard to do.

Adrian has been awake pretty non-stop for the past couple of days. He has been  napping on and off, but they have been so unpredictable. For example, as I type this he's napping on me, but who is to say he won't wake up the moment I move him to his bed?

I'm so grateful to be doing this parent thing with Jake. He's always telling me,"I'm on your side" when my frustration mounts to the point of seeing him as the enemy. When I get frustrated and worn out with Adrian, Jake is always there to give me a break, and vice versa. We're partners, and I like it that way.

However, I have to work really hard to remember that he isn't just the father of our child, but that he's my husband who also deserves much needed love and attention when he gets worn out and tired from day to day life as a parent, student, and sole provider for our family.

Babe, I love you, and you work so hard to keep this family happy and healthy. Thanks for being my partner and for having godly patience and wisdom when times get tough.

Love,
Ashleigh

Reading bingo...

In addition to your reading goal for 2014, wouldn't it be cool to do this reading bingo? It's a cool way to give your list more focus, plus you get to play bingo! Let's see who wins first?

Love,
Ashleigh

A Shameless Little Plug ...

I've learned that sometimes being a mother means quickly finding food  to shove in your face when your screaming baby is vying for attention.

It means a 5 minute shower is a luxury.

It means it can take you an hour to finish a bowl of pasta for dinner.

It means your tea can go cold while you're making silly faces at your baby in hopes to be rewarded with a smile. 

Now hold on a minute...

I can handle some of those other minor setbacks, but... cold tea?  Unacceptable.  There is nothing comforting about returning to a mug of cold tea, especially if it's black.  So I've started putting my tea in a travel mug, and, Voila! Problem solved.  I can leave that tea for a good six hours, and it will at least be room temperature upon my return.  

Now, I must admit that I've been quite the advocate for coffee over the years, especially my beloved French press.  Pregnancy and post-pregnancy have changed my java consumption, since the caffeine in coffee can be unkind to my baby's little digestive system.  Not only have I started drinking more tea, but I've also started drinking what I call gourmet, or luxury, tea.  It's not boxed, stale, bagged tea.  It's loose-leaf "Hawa-ya-Doin' Green", "Leapin' Lizards Chai", or "After Eight Black".  It's delicious, it's re-brewable, it's Steeped Tea!

How did I get hooked up with such amazing beverages at my fingertips?  My sister, Melissa Wright, is an independent consultant in Orillia, ON, and she kept enticing me with me little samples until I could no longer resist the pull.  I finally bought some delicious Amaretto Rooibos and Ginger Peach black tea, and was not disappointed. Not only does she sell hot teas, but also cold/iced teas, hot chocolate, and various tea drinking paraphernalia, such as travel mugs, beautiful tea pots, and decorative infusers.  

So, for all you busy people out there who enjoy a nice, warm, perfect cuppa tea, don't waste another minute drinking cold, boring, store-bought bagged tea.  Check out Steeped Tea with Melissa Wright (or your nearest independent consultant) for all your travel mug and loose-leaf needs.

**Melissa did not endorse me to write this, but I'm hoping that when I visit her next she'll have my favourite pot of "Coco Sweet Sencha" green tea a-brewin' !

Image Source: http://www.mommylicious.ca/exhibitor/steeped-tea-tracee

Character in the Making...

You know that thing that God tests you on? That "thing" that you keep thinking you've got under wraps then all of a sudden shows up again at the most inappropriate moment?  Well, mine is patience.  All my life God keeps bringing me back to this one thing, and, at surface level, it doesn't feel like I'm becoming any more patient.  If I take a deeper look, however, I can see those places where God has used His tests to hone my character to be more Christlike, where patience has prevailed despite my sinful human nature.

Recently Jake and I acquired some news that will challenge our spiritual character for years to come.  I keep asking the Lord to please give me more patience, and I think He's just given me the lifetime training plan for it.

Character building is ongoing in the life of a believer, and our Teacher has high expectations.

And yet...

He doesn't challenge us without giving us the necessary tools to navigate through, and He's always patient with us!

There is also hope in knowing that these struggles only last for this lifetime, and that when we worship God in eternity, he will have made our  character training complete.

Love,
Ashleigh

Meal Plans Revised...

Since giving birth to Adrian, meals have been pretty much the last thing on our minds (even though food is still the number one thing on my mind!).  We are thankful for many people from our church who made meals for us that first week home, but after that was all gone, we were left to our own devices (and kitchen!) again.

As I caught myself stuffing my face with marshmallows for the millionth time in a desperate attempt for some quick sustenance, I realized something had to change.  I love change and variety, I really do, but right now what I need is stability.  Jake and I decided to come up with a weekly meal plan that we can count on, so we're not scratching our heads wondering what to make, or, worse, giving up on a meal because it's too complicated for our busy schedules.  Better yet, Jake can make at least three of these meals!  Here is our very user-friendly, easily adaptable meal plan for this season of our lives:

monday: spaghetti

tuesday:chicken stir fry

wednesday: sweet potato chili

thusday: fish

friday:chicken fajitas

saturday: train wreck

sunday: quiche

I like that it's healthy and predictable, and if we want to try something new, we can always change it up.  I'm looking forward to eating better in the next coming weeks (but I can't promise that s'mores won't happen ever again...)

Love,

Ashleigh