A Materialistic Christmas

Since when did Christmas become so materialistic? Seriously.

I deleted my Facebook on Christmas Day because I was so sick of it. I also have tried to steer clear of Twitter during the last few days. Everyone posting and bragging about everything they got. I'm sorry, but I didn't even want anything this year. I didn't expect anything. Christmas is about family. 

I was "Bah Humbug" all week and I couldn't figure out why. Materialistic people . . that's what it was.

It seems like the last few years, it's been getting worse and worse for me. This year, I didn't even get to enjoy Christmas because I let everyone else bother me. Deleting Facebook helped, but I should have done it much, much sooner.

However, I'm so thankful for everything. Santa was way too good to Jon and I this year. My grandparents (despite my grandma having a stroke earlier this year) are still in good health at 80-something years old. The rest of the family stayed healthy, too. Jon's side also stayed in good health this year.

I feel like such a Scrooge this year. I'm sure this materialism has been around for years, but this year it really bothered me. Is it New Years yet? I've been trying to keep my mind off of everything by working on our financial binder and meal planning binder (posts will follow once they're done).

Does anyone else feel the same way?

Christmas Photo Shoot

Here are a few of the Christmas pictures, as promised, from our photo shoot with Little Neighbor Studios!

And our Christmas card:

Hey Guys, What's Up?

So my first semester of Graduate school finals are officially over. I'm all like:

So, what's planned for the Spring semester? Since I'm taking the semester off of classes, I'm going to really focus on getting my portfolio site finished. It's still ashleighfinley.com and I feel like: new name, new site. I'm going to ditch the blue color scheme and go for something different. I already have ash-young.com bought, but that's about all I've done so far.

In other news, Christmas is about 10 days away. My shopping is almost finished, but my bank account is yelling at me. I get paid tomorrow, but it will be gone before the end of the day. -Sigh- I really want to go to Financial Peace University, but our church just ended a class. Hoping a new one starts up in the new year. If not, we'll find a class somewhere close. I'm so ready to be financially fit. I want to get bills paid and be debt free by the time I'm 30.

I'm excited about Christmas. I can't wait to spend time with family and wake up without an alarm for a few days. Ying is going over to my Aunt and Uncle's house for a few days after Christmas. I'm sure she'll love that. Her kitty passed away a few years ago, and I can tell she would really love Ying's company for a few days. Mia will stay at my parents house over the break....I'm sure Austin won't mind playing with her and keeping her occupied.

Also, our first round of Christmas cards went out yesterday. Once they're all sent (and received), I will post the pictures on here, as well as on Facebook. My friend Sharayah (Little Neighbor Studio) took family pictures of us for our Christmas cards. I wanted to keep them a surprise for everyone. Can't wait to show you all. I think I almost love them more than our wedding pictures - maybe because the fur babies made it in these?

Inspiration Board: Bedroom/Closet

What do you want your bedroom/closet to look like? Create your own inspiration board.

Community Involvement [2013 Edition]

How do you want to get involved in your community this year?

The first thing on my list is to get involved with the church. A few weeks ago, my husband and I attended an information session on spiritual gifts & how to use them. My spiritual gifts are: administration, faith, and mercy. I don't tithe on a regular basis (which is something I also need to change in 2013), so I figured it's time to start serving the church. I feel God has been pushing me to get involved at Genesis ever since I started going there back in September. While on the Facebook page, I noticed they were looking for someone to help in the office. I was uncertain I would be able to help because I work an 8-5 job. She assured me that it will be no issue and I can easily do the work at home or after 5pm! I will be meeting with her in January to discuss what all they need help with.

I also want to volunteer elsewhere, I'm just not sure where God is leading my heart this time. I thought about going to serve at the rescue mission, but it seems like God doesn't want me to go there. I've always wanted to go on a mission trip somewhere, but budget-wise, it isn't possible right now. Trying to be patient is always hard, but I'm learning it's what I need to do. Just be patient. Let go and let God.

My Hero

God's always there when I need Him most - and today, I really felt his presence with me.

Today, on the way to work, I heard this song come on the radio:

Before the first verse was over, I was already crying.

I truly felt God was speaking to me. I've had such a rough time loving myself lately. I feel like I'm failing as a student, mom, and wife. I haven't felt pretty at all lately either because I've been struggling with my weight since this summer.

I got myself together and went into the gas station to grab a fountain drink. I needed a little pick me up before heading into work. When I came back out to the car, this song was on the radio:

Really God? Two songs in a row? There's no way that's a coincidence. I can't even explain what it feels like to feel him speaking to you through songs. Usually I just listen to music for background noise. Today, I felt I was literally forced to listen to every single word. He was like "Alright, daughter, you obviously don't get my other signs, so listen to theses songs!!!!"

Even though I'm still struggling mentally, I was reminded today that God is walking with me every step of the way. I don't have to face the devil alone.

Don't give up.

My Wisest Decision

This month, I'm going to be following prompts from the Think Kit developed by Smallbox. I often have a hard time coming up with topics, and this seemed pretty interesting!

What was the wisest decision you made this year?

Wow, that's a tough one. This year was so eventful - I graduated, got a new apartment, new job, married my best friend, found a new church to call home, and added two new furbabies to the family.

I would have to say - going to graduate school. I'm happy I decided to apply in the Spring. I wasn't 100% sure it was a good decision at the time, but that's where God was leading me. This Summer was heavenly. No classes and a Bachelor's degree in my hand. I don't think I would have went back to school, to be honest.

Classes have been so stressful this semester, which is why I've decided to take next semester off. I'll start back up again in the Summer. I just need to breathe a little (and enjoy my new husband). Graduate school isn't the piece of cake I thought it would be, but I'm happy I decided to go. It may take me 4-5 years to finish my Masters, but that's alright. :)