This Crazy Life

A day in the life of our little family may not be that unusual. I hope it's not: I hope instead that it is just as typical and humdrum as the majority of people's lives. It doesn't feel like it sometimes, though. Life is bewildering, blessing, overwhelming, amazing, and, in the middle of it all, downright hilarious. On those days when everything is going crazy, including myself, I think of you. Consider this "my letter to the world" dear reader. (Anybody catch the Emily Dickens reference? She's my inspiration.)



The title of this blog demands some qualification. I use the word "free" in reference to being free in Christ. Freed from the chains of sin that overtake and control the mind. Justified through faith, knowing that the past is forgiven and I can live today joyfully-- freely. 

And now for a little background information. I'm Ashley, an English teacher at a private Christian school. I also enjoy cooking, baking, remodeling our fix-er-upper, and playing the piano, among other things. Soon I will have to learn to enjoy decorating, since I can't put it off any longer...there's going to be nothing left to remodel soon! 

My husband of two years, Michael, works on his family farm. He also volunteers locally as a firefighter and EMT, so he keeps my life exciting. He is a wonderful, supportive husband, and he spoils me royally. I'm not complaining though. 

You can check out his farm blog at  

morris-farms.blogspot.com

Our love story is a miracle in and of itself, riddled with crazy "coincidences," many tears, and many amazing moments. I firmly believe the Lord led the two of us to one another, and He has a great plan for our life together. Every day I'm struck again with how perfect for me my husband is. No one but God could have arranged that. 

Here's a wedding picture of the two of us. 

I'll confess that I've been toying with writing a blog since Michael and I got married. The idea, until now, has simply bounced around in my head until it has escaped out an ear and troubled me no further for a while. 

The member of my family who talked me into it might be considered the least likely to do so-- our dog, Doug. It was his giggle-worthy antics and human-like expressions that I felt the need to catalog. I HEREBY PROMISE, however, not to make this a dog-lover's rant. I used to be an anti-dog-lover, and, while I have come over to the dark side a little way, I still have a life outside my doggie-poo (just kidding). Since he's named Doug, not twinkles or ginger-bug, I think you anti-dog-lovers are safe. 


Here is a picture of  him.

Behind him you may see his favorite water and food bowl. They're actually a plastic Christmas container I converted into a makeshift water and food bowl when we brought him home. He likes them so well; however, that he is offended when I feed or water him in anything else. In fact, when I finally upgraded his eatery, he fasted for days. :)

When Doug and we met, he had wondered--half starved, in bad shape, and totally exhausted--up to my parent's house. He just lay there and refused to leave. They had recently bought a Border Collie, so their home had no room for any new canine members; therefore, Michael and I decided to take him in. He has been a joy and a continual surprise. You just never know what that dog is going to do. I'll give you some flashbacks on life with Doug later...perhaps I'll just write a whole montage of memories to get you all up to speed. I have no doubt he will supply me with plenty of smiles in the future, so I'm not worried about running out. 

By the way, he's named after Dug from the movie Up. It fits him. "I slept under your porch because I love you." He has even had to wear the cone of shame twice! But I digress...oh well. Here's a picture of him after I came home from a long day at work...and likewise a picture of his personality.

That's all there is to our little family, for now. As you get a little glimpse into our world, I hope you can enjoy laughing at life's little foibles right along with us.