Asolasfamblog

Jake and His Broadcasting Career

2011-03-26T23:31:00.000-07:00

THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE AND LESSONS LEARNED

2011-03-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

This past friday, March 18th, my Aunt Beverly Sue passed away at 53 years old. I had arrived in TN on Wednesday for my annual trip home and went to visit her on friday morning. Shortly after my visit with her I received the phone call that she had passed away. It is pretty insane how it all happened. What were the odds that I would be in TN when she passed away and that I would have had the amazing blessing to see her, talk to her, and tell her I love her moments before she took her last breath? Nick was flying in on Friday and his plane landed just as I received the news of her death, therefore being able to be there as I grieved. For the last couple of years as my aunt's health was deteriorating I worried so much that I wouldn't be able to afford a last minute plane trip home for her funeral or that she would pass away without me getting the chance to tell her how much I love her or how much she meant to me. However, I was there. I was there to tell her I love her and to honor her life.

It's crazy how participating in and attending a funeral and burial of a loved one brings so much perspective on life here on earth and how short it is. My aunt was one of the most amazing people I have ever known, she was selfless, giving, and just flat out real! She is one of the few women that took me under their wing and helped fill the empty place that I had in my heart for a mother. However, despite the unbelievable woman that she was and the influence she had on many people's lives, her earthly experience ended being lowered into the ground and dirt being dumped onto the top of a metal vault. Her magazines were left open, her water bottle was at her bedside, and all of her STUFF was just sitting there.

God taught me two things this weekend that hopefully will forever change the way I live my life: God is in control down to every last detail and the only thing you leave behind is what you give to others.

Beverly I love you with all my heart and will miss you everyday! Thank you for what you gave to me!!

ELI'S SIXTH BIRTHDAY PARTY

2011-03-08T15:03:00.000-08:00

Eli's birthday party was so much fun! Eli has been going through a western phase, cowboy boots and all so we decided to have a cowboy party to celebrate his big day! We had pony rides and smores pops with some of his closest friends, what a blast! I think the adults had their share of fun as well. Here are some pictures of our celebration.

Fear Not!

2009-12-30T10:09:00.000-08:00

Someone who has inspired me several times in my life once asked me the question, " Can you imagine what life would be like if our fears didn't exist." If you think about it, most of the time fear is the motivation for a lot of things we do. Then there is the ultimate fear, the one thing that we are sure will just destroy us...." God if this happens well I just won't be able to make it. " Everyone has them. Maybe it is fear of loosing someone you love, financial ruin...... I don't know ,only you know. Well, I know one of my top ones and that is Fear of abandonment, being alone. It cost me a lot of money and a lot of inner soul searching to learn this truth. With any fear, once it is identified the next goal should be how to conquer it. I have been trying to conquer this one for a while now and there are certain times in my life that they creep a little bit closer to the forefront. However, I have to say through, I think I have figured out how to destroy fear and that is only with rock solid truth. When those fears creep up, which I believe is Satan's greatest tool, we have to latch on to what we know to be truth and not let go until one day the fear is gone.

Example:

FEAR

I am unworthy of love, disposable and not valuable

TRUTH

I am a Child of God created by the Creator of the Universe for the purpose of worshiping him and no one can snatch me from his hand.

Thank you for that truth Father! I hope that all of you find some truth to silence your fears today.:)

Mandy

Venting session #1

2009-12-29T22:25:00.000-08:00

I think for a while I am going to be using my blog for an outlet or a journal you could say. I am going to apologize in a advance if it is a little depressing for a season. That is kind of my problem...... Usually I have been able to scream or what ever I needed to do with my emotions and in a short amount of time my emotions would be gone. However, these days I am just sad. (Oh no, gees Mandy you sure are a debbie downer.) I know! I am really having a hard time shaking my emotions here lately and I am thinking maybe that if I can have an outlet, a place to pour my heart out everyday without worrying about how someone views the strength of my relationship with God due to my lack of glee maybe the sadness will eventually leave my body.( Maybe I am figuring out why Nick likes to blog so much). I know that right now is a huge turning point in who I am as a person as well as who I am as a friend and a follower of Christ.I can feel it, and unfortunately I may not be heading in the right direction:(. I am just going to tell the truth. I really am trying to be that person that smiles and says Nothing will steal my joy but nevertheless, I am failing. I know that not many people that I know read my blog but if you do, Please pray for me that I would embrace the Joy and peace that can only come from Christ and that I will gain some light into where God is leading me during this season of my life and that I will embrace my sorrow if that's what it takes to draw me closer to him. I want to be honest with my struggles which are bitterness, anger, sorrow, and lonliness. I totally understand if any of you feel the need to tune out of my blog for a while but I can't continue to pretend or I feel it will be to the detriment of me and who I am. I am thankful for all my precious Savior has blessed me with...my family, my friends, my beautifully created children , my life,....... for whatever reason( I am sure it is a good one) however, God has brought me to a place of sorrow and I need somewhere to vent. I do not want to burden my loved ones or the people around me that do not handle grief in the same manner. Therefore, me and the internet are going to have some talks and vent away. I already feel better. Also, if you do read my blog please don't feel as though you have to comment and tell me how sorry you are. I know that all of you love me and that I can count on you guys at anytime. I just truly need a place to get it all out.

Mandy

Bring it on!!!

2009-11-04T01:14:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in literally eternit , but having the swine flu, being churchless, and my husband being jobless has prompted some new thoughts. Last Tuesday my husband lost his job, my family lost their church, and I was diagnosed with the swine flu , in a matter of 15 minutes. I know what you are thinking.... WOW! Yeah that is exactly what I was thinking. Praise the Lord that I am feeling physically better. Today, 7 days later, I am finally feeling somewhat healthy. However, my heart is still broken. Sorry I have no details that I feel like sharing but I just need somewhere to say that I HURT! It is amazing though how God allows you to feel hurt and hope at the same time. I know that my God is way bigger than this stupid stupid week and when the end of the story is revealed , I will be beaming from ear to ear at what my gracious Saviour had in store for me and my family. The middle of the story just sucks so bad!!! It is quite funny actually..... a true "Mandy" happening. The week before all this happened. I prayed God if you have to destroy me to draw me closer to you then do it. Well I got some of what I asked for and I am going to embrace it. I am DETERMINED and REFUSE to miss this opportunity to draw closer to him, the one who shed His blood for me, during this trial. Satan, seriously, is that all you've got.... bring it on.

Psalm 30:11-12

You turned my wailing into dancing;

You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness

that my heart may sing to You and not to be silent.

Oh Lord my God, I will give you praise forever.

I've Been Tagged!

2008-11-19T19:39:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged by my sweet friend Liz. Thanks to her maybe my blog will stay alive. The boys shattered our camera so I haven't blogged very much. Here it goes:

7 things I plan to do before I die

1. Devote my life to my family and my God

2. A triathlon

3. Travel a lot

4. Be an international missionary

5. Climb Half Dome

6. Hopefully have another baby?

7. Read more

7 things that I do now

1. cook

2. clean

3.play with two cute boys

4. take care of patients

5. Did I say clean!

6. Homework

7. grocery shop

7 things I can't do

1. Stop worrying

2. work in a office

3. read a map

4. loose weight

5. keep up on my blog

6. wear flats

7. play board games with my husband

7 things I find attractive about the opposite sex

1. Dark hair

2. blue eyes

3.5'11

4. scruffy beard

5. loves football

6. loves God

7. loves people

7 things that I say most often

1. Is that a good choice?

2. Ask me nicely

3. Yes you may

4. Push

5. I am so tired!

6. Love ya

7. Stop it now

7 Celebrities that I admire the most:

1. Bono

2. Beth Moore

3. Ann Curry

4.Lisa Ling

5. Kurt Warner

All I could think of...

7 favorite foods

1. Salad with cranberries and glazed pecans

2. Crab legs

3. Any type of pastry

4. frozen yogurt

5. pasta ala vodka from Brio

6. Avacado

7. sushi

I now Tag my friends Melissa , Sunny, and Robin

My Two Spider Men

2008-10-31T19:44:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun tonight being spider people! Just wanted to share some of our pictures. Jake was spiderman and Eli kept saying "Yeah, and I am baby spiderman".....so cute. They kept calling me their spider princess. Oh, how I love these years when they are little and they still like their parents! I am going to treasure every moment.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!

2008-09-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was so amazing! Any of you that know us well, know that our family is crazy about sports. Yesterday Jake had his first football game and Eli had his first soccer game. It was so fun to watch them play and have so much fun. I tend to be a little bit too competitive and I am even worse when it comes to watching my kids play. Nick has to take me down a notch and remind me that they are just 3 and 5 year olds. Here is some of the action shots of the day.

Eat Your Heart Out Tony Hawk!

2008-08-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

Today I bought Eli a skateboard. He saw a huge one at the vans store this weekend and just gazed at it forever as if it were a pot of gold, so today we headed out in search for a wittle one just like him. He is my little dare devil, always wanting to push the limits and dive into the dangerous. The age range on the skateboard was 5-8 but he fluttered those beautiful blues and I caved in. I have to say he looked pretty cute riding it and did a great job despite being under qualified to own the toy. Jake was such a good big brother and showed him how it was done. Please begin praying with me now for Eli's safety:)

What Makes Me Smile....

2008-08-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

GETTING MY HAIR DONE! My days are mostly spent stepping over hotwheels, mopping sticky floors, wiping cute little booties, and taking requests from pregnant women. Don't get me wrong, I love EVERY single moment of my life. God has blessed me more than words can say, but every now and then I love a little TLC. There is nothing like sitting down in that cushy chair and having someone, brush your hair, wash your hair, and style your hair. Today was that special day for me, I just love it. And that's not all, after your appointment is over you get 3o minutes of complete silence while you're driving with your new fresh, put together self. Come on ladies, you know what I am talking about. Hair day rocks for us hard working moms out there! I would just like to say I am thankful for today, what a great one it was. I would love to know what makes you guys smile. Please share.

Boys in "Da" Hood!

2008-08-07T20:53:00.000-07:00

Tonight we were watching So you think you can dance and the boys came out in their hoodies and danced a little "hip hop" . They are pretty gangsta I must say!

How Fun It Must Be to Be Three!

2008-08-06T08:35:00.000-07:00

How fun it must be to be three, you get to........

Jump on a trampoline in your underwear

Climb on everything!

Play with your hotwheels in mom's dishwasher

Dump out mom's $25 shampoo to use as bubbles

Stick out your tongue while mom is trying to take a serious picture

And still be adorable all at the same time.

I survived the first day of Kindergarten!

2008-08-05T16:54:00.000-07:00

Well, Jake's first day of kindergarten has come and gone and Jake and I both survived. Jake loved his teacher, Mrs loggins, and he actually knew a couple of kids in his class. I love his teacher which makes me feel more comfortable. We did his first homework tonight, tracing his name. I can't believe that my little boy actually has homework. I shed a few tears but I actually cried more the days leading up to the big day. Thank you guys for praying for me. Here are a few pictures of my handsome man on his big day.

Kindergarten Blues!

2008-08-03T21:09:00.000-07:00

My sweet, precious little boy is starting kindergarten tomorrow and I am a wreck!I keep trying to figure out what the core issue of my despair is.Is it that someone is going to be spending more time with him everyday than me, is it that someone might be mean to him,or is it simply that my little man is growing up. Those are the things that most parents are sad about, but I realized last night that what I was sad about was my baby is a boy now and I am not sure that I cherished every moment the way I should have up until this point. Tonight, I looked across the table at him as we were making his school bag and he just looked older. Although I am so sad, there is that part of me that is excited for him. I have to say it is fun to see him so happy. In his kindergarten class he can't take a backpack but he can take a tote bag so tonight we made him a really cool bag for school and then prayed as a family for Jake' s big day. If you guys don't mind pray that I will be able to hold it together so that he can't tell that I am sad.:)

The Chicken Bone Crisis!

2008-07-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't been writing, but posts aren't very fun without pictures and our camera is broken. However, I thought this story could be entertaining without any pictures. Last night we did a little swimming and mommy was tired so we decided to pick up the 8 piece fried chicken meal from our local Albertson's. Shortly after we began eating Eli started screaming his head off, obviously in immense pain. Our first reaction was to leap out of our chairs and comfort him. We thought he had bit his tongue, which he does quite often. Unfortunately, our first assumption was wrong. He continued to scream and then began projectile vomiting. What had happened? We could not figure it out, until he opened his mouth wide enough that we could see a chicken bone wedged in his tonsil! I know what you are thinking.... only at the asolas house. Well then we just all went crazy! Eli was still screaming of course, Nick was yelling..." you're a medical professional do something, and Jake proceeds to say, while worried about his brother, " don't you know you can't give fried chicken to a 3 year old". It was insane! We attempted to get it out a couple of times but Eli was clamping down on my fingers. Then I, the only calm one ,was screaming. We decided it would be best of we took him to an urgent care. Eli was then wrapped like a mummy and they were able to get the bone out.The doctor asked me if I wanted to keep the bone for his baby book, and I have to tell you I thought about it for a minute. His throat is a little sore today but he is a trooper. There is never a dull moment with our boys! :)

2008-06-17T14:11:00.000-07:00

I am a little late posting this. However, I just wanted to say Nick you are an amazing father and I am so thankful for you. Also, Daddy I don't know if you ever read this thing or not but I miss you terribly and I can't wait to see you!

Vacation Recap !

2008-06-08T16:45:00.000-07:00

This was our day at the bay. Jake and Eli were practicing their surfing for the real waves.

We went to the USS Midway which was so cool. The boys got to sit in a real Jet.

The wonderful day we spent at pacific beach!

Smores...YMMMM!

Legoland

2008-06-04T06:52:00.000-07:00

Well , in the words of Jake, "California here we are"! We haven't even been here 24 hours and I am already relaxed. Last night we went to the beach and ate at Joe's crab shack, my favorite restaurant in the whole world! Crab Legs and an ocean view... you can't beat that. Here are a few pics of the boys that I thought you guys might enjoy.

Funny Things They Say!

2008-05-31T10:26:00.001-07:00

Last night before we went to dinner Eli asked if he could have a suzy back ride. We laughed so hard!!! He was trying to say piggy back ride. Then we got to the restaurant and Jake asked the waitress for some Papa John cheese. Of course he meant Parmesan cheese. They kept us rolling all night.

Fun stuff!

2008-05-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

Well, we have been trying to have fun without leaving the house since the gas prices are so high. Yesterday, we decided that we were going to make our favorite cookies in the whole world! I turned around to put some of the dishes in the sink and my little cookie monster was trying to put the whole spoon of dough in his mouth. Eli just wasn' t interested at all He just kept giving us a fashion show while we were cooking! We had a great day and at after dinner we had some amazing cookies!

2008-05-24T15:47:00.001-07:00

It is official! Eli is potty trained. It has been a long hard road getting to this point! I guess you could say that this was my first experience as a potty trainer, being that Jake just walked up to me when he was 2 and said "Mom, I want to go in the potty". Eli has been his cute little adorable self, just like his mom...... Stubborn. He has fought it the whole way. I knew he had really gotten it when we went to the park the other day. If any of you have little boys you will understand that we when you go to the park your boys will not do anything to jeopardize getting to stay longer. So I thought okay, this is the test. We had been at the park for a while, the boys were on the playground and I was flying a kite when I turned around to see Eli squatting down absolutely naked going to the bathroom on the rocks. Usually, a mother would be disturbed by this, but this was the happiest moment in my adult parenting life. He had gotten it, at all cost.... do not go in your underwear. The only thing that saddens me a little, is I know I will never talk Nick into having a third child now that there are no more diapers. I just want to say CONGRATULATIONS ELI! YOU ARE A POOPING IN THE POTTY MACHINE! THAT' S WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!

Back on the Blog, Back from Africa

2008-05-23T16:04:00.000-07:00

I know don't even say it! I have been awful about updating my blog. The last six months have just been a little crazy. However, there are no excuses and today the 23rd of May I am making a new commitment to my family blog. It has a new look and I am motivated.

I recently returned from a medical mission trip to Africa, which was amazing. Actually, I struggle with the words to describe it. I have to say.... it is awkward when someone says, "How was your trip?". The truth is there are no words. How do you describe seeing millions of children without food or shelter, without someone to love them, or trying to understand that the only reason that they have that life and not me is God's grace. I experienced so much I could literally tell you story after story that would break your heart. I know that there is no description of these people and what they go through on a day to day basis that I could give that would be an accurate account of their life. I will tell you what I learned however, and how I was forever changed! It's funny, at the beginning of the trip I was an emotional wreck. You can imagine what it did to my soul seeing 5 year old children taking care of babies because they had no parents due to AIDS, and children that only get portage served to them three times a week as their only food supply. After a while though, I found myself jealous of them. These people had such an amazing love for life and for their Savior! I remember being in tears at one point thinking I will never know God the way these people do! They depend on him for everything and they trust that he will provide. Sometimes I think that I am so blessed and I have so much abundance and resource around me that I wonder if I even know how to trust God like that. I began to yearn for the love they have and the heart they have in the midst of having nothing. Okay, sorry about the deep thoughts I could go on forever, but there is a little glimpse of my trip and what God did in my heart. I love all you guys and thank you for your prayers and thoughts while I was there.

Update On The Family!

2008-02-11T14:16:00.000-08:00

Well I haven't blogged in a while so I thought I would give an update. We have actually had a lot going on here lately. I accepted a job at banner gateway, Jake is about to start another soccer season, and we got a dog. Let me tell you it is fun potty training a puppy and a 3 year old at the same time. However, they are both doing great.We were extremely hesitant to get a dog but what an injustice to not let two little boys have a dog. As you can see in the pictures, Eli asked me for a magazine while he was on the potty it was hilarious! We have had a great month of family visiting. My parents came for Christmas which was great and then my aunt Nena came down last month.

Winter Wonderland!

2008-01-05T20:38:00.002-08:00

We had such an amazing day today. We drove to Flagstaff in a crazy snowstorm but it was totally worth it. We went sledding, made snow angels and built a snowman. What a great day!

2007-12-14T15:14:00.001-08:00

Oh No! Mom is going to do this picture thing again.

Well Nick had a flat tire and Eli decided to make the best out of the situation!

We took some pics before jake's Christmas program. Doesn't he look handsome.

Eli with the cheese!

2007-10-31T20:41:00.001-07:00

Well this week has been so fun for the asolas family. Yesterday we carved the coolest pumpkin you have ever seen and spent the rest of the night at the pumpkin patch. Tonight the excitement continued with dressing up as race car drivers, getting a lot of really good candy, and playing our hearts out at the fall festival. Jake was Tony Stewart and Eli was Jeff Gordon. They definitely were the cutest little race car drivers I've ever seen! Love you all and Happy Halloween.

FAMILY DAY IN PAYSON

2007-08-24T17:36:00.000-07:00

We had an amazing family day today! We started off at the Flight Dec cafe inside of Williams Gateway Airport where we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast and watched jets take off. You can just imagine how much the boys loved that. Then we drove to Payson where my husband led us on a hike around Woods Canyon Lake. We had so much fun !!!!! What a GREAT day. I love days like today, days that you know you will remember with your children forever. We thought the fact that Eli found a walking stick his height was hilarious. He looks like a little old man don't you think?

2007-08-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

Well, after a couple of weeks of school Jake is adjusting beautifully. He came home this week excited about all the friends that he had met. I also heard him in his room saying "2+2=4, 5+2=7". I told him jake that is great most people aren't able to do that in preschool and with a serious face and his hand on his hip he promptly replied, Mom I am not in preschool I am in pre-K. :) I thought that was so cute! Eli is starting gymnastics next week and has been practicing. I walked into the kitchen the other day and he had pulled the bar stools into the kitchen and was doing flips off of them. He has no fear. It scared me to death! Jake signed up for soccer this week. We tried to get him to try baseball or football but he quickly informed us that David Beckham doesn't play those sports. So Soccer it is. I will post some pictures once the season starts.
Oh, for those of you that remember Angela, one of my dearest friends that was in my wedding, she has moved to Az. I have prayed for so long that one of my friends would move closer to me and it has happened. This is such a huge blessing. Nick is busy relaunching student ministries and planning trips for vision Africa, but continues to absolutely love his job.
On another note, we have a few prayer requests being that you guys are the closest and dearest to our hearts. Nick learned this week that he has $5,000 in dental work he has to have done, one of the members of our family backed into our garage (I am not going to ever tell who but it wasn't me), and my job situation has changed again where I will be making a larger decrease in pay than I originally thought. As I have said before , we know that God is faithful. He has never let us down and we know that in the big picture these are minor things. We would however be so grateful if you would pray that we would focus on the blessings in our life and not be bogged down with the stresses of life. We love all you guys, and for those of you that we don't get to see on a regular basis we miss you!!!

A Little Of This And That

2007-08-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

Well this week has been interesting. Let's start out with a positive note. Jake had his first day of preschool on Tuesday and he LOVED it. His teachers name is Mrs. Oldencamp and he can pronounce it perfectly. It is so cute the he says her name. Nick and I were so happy that he enjoyed his first day. The other family news is that the unit that I work on is being restructured and anybody that works pool, registry, or is a travel nurse is out of a job unless the desire to become full time staff. Well I am a pool nurse which means some tough decisions have to be made by our family. On the other hand, I know that GOD IS FOREVER FAITHFUL and I know that he is in control. If you could please pray that with God's guidance we make the right decision for our family. By the way for you guys who know about Nick's high triglycerides he was retested after doing some life changes and his triglycerides are down. Nick if your reading this I am so proud of you for all your hard work.

2007-08-05T18:28:00.001-07:00

We finally have a family blog!

2007-08-05T18:17:00.000-07:00

So we are creating this blog in order to keep up with our dear friends and family. We hope that we don't bore you to death . However, we hopefully, if time allows will update this blog regularly to inform you of what is going on with our fam.
This is actually a big month for us. We just returned from a vacation in Mexico which was amazing, I had a gold canyon convention, and Jake had his pre-k orientation at his new school. Please pray that Jake will adapt well to his new school setting . Here are a few pictures from our vacation.