Life in Terre Haute

21 days ago we packed a moving van (thanks to Scott C. Ronda L. and Claudia P.) and prepared to head to Indiana early the next day. We arrived in Terre Haute by the middle of the afternoon and were met by my sister and brother-in-law, who thankfully, helped us unload the moving van. The next day they left and my mom and stepdad joined us to help unpack the apartment. The following day (New Years Day) Andy, Spike and I headed home to Bedford to have Christmas with my dad and stepmom. Those were, to say the least, a busy few days.

Andy and I both started our new jobs on January 3 and are happy to report that, so far, we love them! I am really enjoying my time as an academic advisor and am enjoying the opportunity for hands-on learning (e.g. I learn as I work through stuff with students). I also really like the people that I work with and appreciate the relaxed atmosphere. Andy is enjoying his new job, too and is adjusting nicely. Spike has yet to start looking for a job, but we're hopeful he will find his motivation any day now.

Although we haven't had much time to explore Terre Haute, we like the city so far. Our apartment is in a nice location, giving us quick access to both ends of town. We're just down the road from an interstate and shopping area and I am about 15 minutes from campus (20 minutes, if I get stopped by one of the traffic lights that seem to occur every 10 ft. or so...)

By far, the best perk of moving has been our proximity to family. While it was fun and exciting to move to Iowa, we didn't understand then how important it was to be close to family. Now we have a new appreciation :-). It's so lovely to be able to take a day to see our parents, friends, siblings, etc. without having to worry about trying to plan a full-fledged vacation. What a blessing!

Once we get unpacked all the way and get some decorating done, we'll post a few shots of our new place.

With love,
Ashleigh and Andy

We're moving to Indiana!

Well, the Crowes are preparing to move yet again! But hopefully this time it will be more permanent! I've taken a job with Indiana State University as an academic advisor with the exploratory studies program. I'll be working in the Student Academic Services Center.

Andy is currently working on a transfer to the Terre Haute Sofa Mart and we're praying that works out! What a joy and testament it would be to both be able to move to Terre Haute with jobs lined up.

Our biggest burden at the moment is finding someone to lease our Cedar Rapids apartment. If you happen to know of anyone in the area, please pass their name along to me! Or have them email me at ashleighweddle@gmail.com. You can also guide them to our June 23rd post, which has pictures of the apartment!

In the meantime, we're busy! The semester ends in 12 days and we move in less than 20 days!

The Crowes have a financial revolution

So, we've been taking the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University class now for about 4 weeks and we just love it. Not only is DR hilarious, but the class is giving us hope in what was formerly a hopeLESS situation, regarding money. Last week, we did our first budget, and we didn't even yell at each other (DR says it takes around 90 days to get a budget going that works smoothly...he also warns that budgets stir up emotions, so you and your partner have to be on the same page). Since it's still the first of October, we haven't had too much time to damage the first budget, but it has given us something to consider every time we make plans. Last night, we even turned down plans because we didn't want to spend all or even half our entertainment money for the month on October 2. That, my friends, is a sure sign of our financial revolution! Now we just have to continue sticking to the plan, commit to some discipline, and, God willing, we'll be debt free sooner than we could have ever imagined! The toughest lesson by far is going to be learning to live within our means; we aren't extravagant spenders, but we haven't been disciplined spenders, either.

In the spirit of saving money, here are two things I just absolutely L-O-V-E (at the moment, anyway).

1. Aldi - if you have an Aldi in your town, shop there. This week, I saved 30% of my grocery budget. And having cash left over after leaving the store, now THAT's a good feeling! And, though I haven't actually done the math, the savings will be more than 30%...since I got outta there with MORE than a week's worth of food, yet we have a grocery budget for every week. Yippy!

2. Homemade laundry detergent. I found a recipe on The Duggar's Website and just made my second batch this morning. After realizing that the first batch I made should have yielded 10 gallons (I thought it was only supposed to yield 5 gallons...whoops), I'm excited to report that this time, I'll do approximately 100 loads of laundry for about $1.33. Yes, total. The five gallon bucket of detergent did just about 50 loads of laundry and the cost was around $2.66. And, it takes less than 15 minutes to make the detergent. Talk about another huge way to save money!

Back to UNI for Ashleigh!

Okay, so here's the scoop:

At the end of July, I ended my position as the Bender RLC at UNI and moved to CR, where Andy was already working as the new assistant manager for SM. I got a part-time job with with LB, and continued looking for another part-time job. Then, because a former colleague received a new position, an RLC position opened up late back at UNI. So, beginning August 30, I'm taking over as the new RLC for Campbell Hall! I'm excited to return to UNI and can't wait to get to know everyone in Campbell.

Now, lot's of people have been asking..."so how are you and Andy working this out?" Well, since we already have an apartment (and a nearly impossible-to-break lease) and Andy works 12 hour shifts, he'll will stay in CR while he's working. He'll come to CF on his "weekends", Monday and Tuesdays. I'll be in CR on my weekends, so we'll really only be apart around two days a week. Considering our crazy work schedules, the sacrifice isn't going to be that awful. As for Spike, he'll be with me ;-).

Overall, it's an undeniable gift from God and we are so excited!!

Thank you, Lord, for being awesome and faithful.

Our newest additions

The day I left for Indiana, Andy bought our new scooter, which he affectionately calls "The Red Baron". He takes it to work, and says that he gets some pretty interesting looks :-). We've also taken around the neighborhood a couple of times and get lots of smiles every time we pass anyone. It's a fun little thing to have, and definitely great on gas. The last time Andy filled it up, it was under $2!

As Spike and I were coming home from a run this afternoon, we ran into one of the tenants from another building, and she gave us this beautiful flower! I didn't catch the name, so sent a picture to my mom for identification. The woman told me it was a great inside plant, and didn't need much watering. I hope I can keep it alive...

I'm in CR full time now, and it's lovely to see Andy every day! I'm also working at LB, in the mall just up the road from Andy's work. It's really great so far...I'm excited to see what happens! I'm working tomorrow and Saturday, during Iowa's tax free weekend, so I'm being trained by jumping right in. Just the way I like it! At least the shifts will go quickly!

Working part-time is a huge culture shock for me. I didn't realize how easily I get bored until I stopped working full+ time. With the extra time, I've been organizing, cleaning, clearing out...It's nice to have some time to get things done around the house, but I also miss the work. I pray that God has something waiting up his sleeve for me.

Dear Lord, thank you for your provisions. Help us to recognize our blessings as blessings, and not boredom/lack of income/idle time/TV time/nap time. Let your light shine through us, in all that we do. Amen.

Week 1 - CHECK

Monday - REST - check

Tuesday - walk (2 minutes)/run (2 minutes). Continue for 15-20 minutes - check

Wednesday - REST or cross-train - check

Thursday - Walk (1 minute)/run (10 minutes). Continue for 15-20 minutes - check

Friday - REST - check

Saturday - Cross-train - check

Sunday - Long run. Walk (2 minutes)/run (5 minutes). Continue for 30-40 minutes - check

It feels great to have week 1 accomplished! I don't know if I've ever made it this far in a training program ;-). I was looking forward to the long run on Sunday. Once I was in it, I wanted to quit a few times (min. 16, 23, 28) but stuck it out for the full 40 minutes.

Week 2 is exactly the same as week one:
Monday - REST - uh, check!
Tuesday - walk (2 min.)/run (2 min.) Continue for 15-20 min.
Wednesday - REST or cross-train
Thursday Walk (1 min.)/run (10 min.) Continue for 15-20 min.
Friday - REST
Saturday - Cross-train
Sunday - Long run. Walk (2 min)/run (5 min). Continue for 30-40 min

Here's to week 2!

Lord, give me the strength to continue on; give me endurance, patience, acceptance of my abilities, and the willingness to challenge myself. Let everything I do be a reflection of your glory. Amen.

Spring 2010

For some pictures of Spring/Beginning of Summer 2010, check out the link below!

Spring/Summer 2010 with the Crowes!

Pictures of our new place

Don't have much time to type, as we're getting ready to head back up to CR, but wanted to give family and friends an idea of our new digs. It's a pretty nice place. Older, but with some character and charm. My favorite feature is turning out to be the basement, because there's a ton of extra storage down there. I was so happy when I kept clearing the apartment by sending Andy downstairs with boxes. How two people have so much stuff is beyond me. But, mark my words; we won't have this much stuff in a year, when we move again!

After an interesting apartment search in the CR area yesterday, we both decided on the apartment above. It's a "4-plex" and has two bedrooms, 1 and 3/4 bath, washer and dryer in the basement, with private storage, a 1 stall garage, a dishwasher, and even a wood-burning fireplace! It's definitely not as new and updated as the apartment we found in GB, but it will serve us well. There's currently a yellow stove (hehe) that's in fine working order, but the landlords are willing to replace it, for aesthetics. The apartment is also at the end of a col-de-sac, so it's nice and private and doesn't have the big apartment complex feel.

I'm still on the job-hunt but am faithful that something will come up. I'm so happy to be able to stay in CF through July and am excited for the possibilities in CR.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strength you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. " - Isaiah 41:10

Nevermind, Green Bay; Hello, Cedar Rapids!

So, on Sunday, Andy's regional manager mentioned the possibility of Andy going to the Cedar Rapids store, instead of the GB store, because of some things that came up last minute. Since Sunday, we've been on pins and needles waiting to hear where we'd be going (b/c we were originally scheduled to move to GB tomorrow!). Last night, the RM called and told us, we're going to CR!!! We're VERY excited!! This store is a higher volume store, which makes the earning potential more; the manager has a reputation for loving to teach, which will prepare Andy well and hopefully quickly to move into the store manager position and get his own store, AND, we get to stay close to the wonderful friends we've made in CF. The best of all worlds! Thank you, Lord, for providing! And thank you, Lord, for reminding us not to worry...

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6 and 7

Another new home...

Well, it's official. Andy, Spike, and I are moving to Wisconsin! Andy recently received a promotion with Sofa Mart and starts at the Green Bay store later this month. Earlier this week, we went up to WI to search for a place to live. After seeing lots of apartments, we went with the first one we saw. It reminded me of shopping for my wedding dress. I went to the store with a picture of the dress I had chosen from online...after trying on five dresses total, I went with the one from my original picture. Same with this apartment. We had this one in mind when we headed north and, as we were heading back to Iowa, we got the news that the apartment was ours! It was a nice ending to a quick but fun trip. While we were in Green Bay, we got to see Lambeau Field, downtown Green Bay, Bay Beach Amusement Park, and of course, Andy's work.

If anyone ever said moving was easy, they're off their rocker. It is REALLY difficult to coordinate a state-to-state move! Especially when the final dates change, you have one day to find a place to live, you don't know anything about the area, etc. It gave me a new appreciation for those folks that move all over the country (or world, for that matter!) every few years. I pray that, eventually, we have the opportunity to "settle down". Where that will be, I don't know. Home is where you make it, so we'll just have to wait and see, right?

A new home and a new degree!

Andy graduated last Saturday! We had both sides of the family up for the occasion and it was a fabulous weekend! I was so proud of Andy and he even enjoyed himself a bit too! On Saturday evening we had a graduation party and got to celebrate with lots of friends and family.

Monday officially started summer and I couldn't be happier. Though this year in residence life has been satisfying, the pace is so intense that summer vacation really is needed for a recharge. As of right now, Andy and I don't have any plans to travel, but we'll see what develops :-).

Andy is still enjoying his job at Sofa Mart, and continues to do really well. It's so rewarding to see him in a position that he loves.

This week we also moved into our new apartment, which we lovingly refer to as our "summer cottage". Our building is under construction this summer, so we've moved across campus into a cozy apartment across from our friends. Given that last night we played hours of Super Mario Brothers together, I think the new home is going to work just fine ;-:

Here's to enjoying summer and being patient about the future!

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." Romans 5:3

It's a Dog Eats Cone World, People

I know that Spike loves living on campus. Sure, he loves the attention he gets from residents walking by our apartment as we're heading outside. He loves the big yard right outside our apartment. He loves his walks on campus. But, I'm starting to think that, the thing Spike loves the MOST is...ice cream cones. I cannot tell you how many ice cream cones that dog has consumed in the last 3 years. This week alone I think he's had at least three. Because our dining center is so fantastic, a large selection of ice cream flavors exist, and can easily be carried out of the center on top of an ice cream cone. However, what I've discovered is, the student changes his mind quickly; first he wanted the cone, now, he's done with it. He's so done with it, in fact, that he can't walk it to a trash can. Instead, he tosses it in the yard, to be consumed by Spike at his earliest convenience (e.g. when mom or dad takes him outside).

Dear Lord, thank you for the little things in life. Amen.

Easter 2010

Easter 2010 was great! We began the weekend with our friend, Amanda, who hosted a Seder Dinner. We learned all kinds of wonderful things and had a fantastic time sharing a passover meal. For anyone who cares, Amanda makes the best pot roast in town! On Sunday, we went to a beautiful Easter Service and then came home for a feast! I cooked enough for a small army and we invited the RAs who stayed for the weekend down for dinner. It was a great time with friends and food.

Last week, Andy and I went to pick up his graduation cap and gown and we also ordered his graduation cake! It's so amazing that graduation is coming this quickly. For those interested, Andy will graduate on May 8 at 2:30 p.m. I hope to be able to record the graduation, and then figure out how to upload the video to our blog, for those who couldn't travel up! I can tell that Andy is getting REALLY excited, so I am of course getting excited too!

Work continues to be busy for the both of us! The semester is quickly winding down for me, with only four more weeks left before closing. Andy is working quite a bit at Sofa Mart but is really enjoying his work. It's so wonderful to have him come home anxious to tell me stories about his day. Thank you Lord, for our blessings!

If I can figure out how to get videos uploaded, I'll post our Easter Egg hunt!

"It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His tender compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

I think Netflix may have accidentally changed my life this weekend...

After months of being Netflix-free, we reinstated our subscription. Since I've discovered that a movie theatre will allow you to walk in just for the concessions' popcorn, we're watching more movies at home. Plus, we can watch movies "instantly" on Andy's PS3, instead of waiting for discs to come in the mail. Anyhow, yesterday, on my day off for Spring Break, I watched The Business of Being Born and Food, Inc. As if that weren't enough, this morning I couldn't help watching No Impact Man, which chronicles Colin Beavan and his family as they embark on a year long journey to reduce their environmental impact to zero. Once it was finished, I ran to the computer and checked out Colin Beavan's blog. While Andy wasn't able to watch The Business of Being Born with me, he did catch most of Food, Inc. For the rest of the evening we were chatting, debating, planning, thinking. It was a lovely way to spend a Friday evening!

Spring 2010

What we've been up to so far in 2010...
Spike loves our friends' baby, Noah!
Andy's new tattoo.
The helmet I painted on Andy's head for the Super Bowl.
Homemade corn dogs.

A new job for Andy!

Praise the Lord, Andy has a new job! After three interviews in three days, Andy starts work at Sofa Mart on March 1! It's a true blessing; he's getting out of the fast food industry, away from unethical co-workers, and out of 5p-1a shifts! I'm really proud of him and think this could be the start to a career path! There are stores all over the country and he will be training as a manager...plus, most of the Sofa Mart stores are in college towns, or close, anyway, so there is a lot of potential for us! I know this work environment will be less stressful and more rewarding. And, to top it off, it's a Christian Company! Thank God for His faithfulness!!

January and February have been busy. In the last several weeks, RA Conference happened, then RA interviews and Selection, along with UMR-ACUHO winter meetings...and this week I'll be traveling to Oshkosh, WI to recruit full time professionals at OPE. Needless to say, I'm ready for the pace at work to SLOW DOWN.

Other than that, things are going well! I'm currently planning Andy's graduation party, as he will have his big day on May 8. Family will be coming up for the celebration, so I want to make it extra special for him. We'll also be moving that weekend, as my building is getting a sprinkler system this summer, so we aren't able to live in the apartment. Plans for now are to be in another apartment on the other side of campus.

The snow continues to fall in C.F. The winters seem longer each year. I'm definitely ready for green grass and warmer temperatures.

All for now,

Ashleigh and Andy

2009 Leaves and 2010 Begins!

Well, I can't believe it's literally been months since we updated our blog. The semesters continue to get quicker and quicker! As for a quick update on the end of the fall semester, my mom and stepdad visited us for Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful time, ate a ton of delicious food, and got to show family around town. Their visit was short, but very appreciated. Then, for winter break we headed to Andy's family first and had a wonderful trip spending time with family and friends. It was so good to have a full week there! After that we headed to my family's for a week for yet more visiting and relaxing before heading back to up here. We were proud to finally get the "vacation" part down for this trip and really did spend a lot of time relaxing, catching up, taking it easy, etc. We couldn't have asked for a better winter break! And, to top off the vacation, as soon as we got home, we received our new living room furniture!

We're both looking forward to the promises of 2010! Our only resolution together is to eat out only for celebrations (graduation; birthdays). As we continue learning self-discipline and good stewardship, we want to make sure we're intentional about how we use the provisions God has provided! My own resolution is to just take the pressure off and enjoy the moments more. I'm so thankful for all that God has given me; this year, I want to spend more time appreciating all my blessings and less time worrying about things I cannot control; things I don't have...I want to be more gracious and thankful.

Andy is set to graduate this May, having only 6 credit hours to complete this semester. That reality finally set in as we were driving back up here, when he would occasionally announce to me and Spike that he "only had six hours to graduate". Fortunately, we never got tired of sharing in Andy's excitement! I'm so proud of him and can't want to see him walk across the stage in May!

As we look back at 2009 we can't forget some of the struggles we faced, both individually and with our families. However, despite the hard times, one thing is certain; our faith in God has grown exponentially this year. We're so thankful for His grace and mercy; that He would draw us near we need it the most.

Dear Lord, thank you for our innumerable blessings. Enable us to keep you at the forefront of our thoughts, decisions, discussions, and actions. Let everything we say and everything we do bring glory to You.

Pictures from fall 2009

The Amana Colonies

Homecoming 2009
"Pie Your RA" program
Painted windows for Homecoming
Our first go at organic
"Duck Tape Your RA" program
Our dear friends' daughter, Madelyn
Busch Stadium
Andy at a baseball game
Andy and Spike ready for Panthers football
Our first 5K together!

Thanksgiving Break is here!

It's the Saturday that begins Thanksgiving Break and I cannot be happier! The weather is beautiful outside, Andy and I are spending the day together, and all I have is time for the next several days. Having a job that keeps me so busy day and night really makes me cherish our vacations. It's always a chance to relax, unwind, and re-energize. The other beautiful thing about Thanksgiving break is it's a preview to Winter Break, which is always even more extraordinary.

Andy continues to keep busy with school and work. The people he works with really like him, so he's blessed in that way. I've had a rough couple of weeks but things are looking up and I know that I can hang on until Christmas! Spike is doing well too. :-).

We got some amazing news this week regarding Andy's schooling. After working with his amazing academic advisor, he's switching to a BLS degree (bachelor of liberal studies) which is like general studies but you have areas of focus instead of colleges of focus. Anyhow, he found out on Friday that he only needs 6 more credit hours to graduate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He'll only need to take two classes next semester and it is goodbye (and thank you) undergrad degree! I couldn't be more proud and happy for him. He's worked very hard for a long time and deserves for his final semester to be simple and rewarding.

We're planning to host my mom and stepdad for the Thanksgiving holiday. I currently have a 15 lbs (free range/no antibiotics/hormones) turkey awaiting his debut on Thursday. I can't wait to have some family up for a visit.

Fall has been an exciting season! I'll add pictures soon to share all of the cool stuff that's been going on.



I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I know live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20