Update on Chase

So I was talking to Chase last night and he told me some great news. Due to his high ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) score, his time in Alabama could possibly be shortened by about 8 weeks. We are unsure if this means that he will be done with training that much sooner or if he will just be in Florida for that much more time. Chase did not even think about it. So when I asked him, he told me he would have to ask today and he will let me know.
The only two things that would make it so this would not happen is: 1. If Chase does not pass his army physical training (PT) test, which he passed with flying colors on his last one, so I am not too worried about that, but if you all would be willing to pray with us that he will be able to do well, his PT test will be on Thursday. 2. He will be having a dental check in the next few days and if he does not need any work done. I am pretty confident he will not need any work done, but we will see.
So I will keep you updated as I learn more about this possibility and about any new developments in our lives. Love you all and thank you for your support. -- Chase 'n Ashlee

Good News

So great news...Chase gets to keep his phone with him during Advanced Individual Training (AIT). This is great because it basically means he can call me whenever he has free time, which I know will probably change a little once his training actually starts, but I am way excited to be able to talk to him. But once again, this is a privilege that can be taken away, and if it is taken away from one, it is taken away from all. So hopefully no one will mess it up for the group. I think that is the thing I dislike the most about military, is that I get punished for another persons mistakes. I said that to Chase and he smiled and reminded me that we volunteered for this lifestyle, but it still stinks. Anyway, thought I would share that good news.
And he has already talked to me today...these next few weeks are going to be way better than the last 7 weeks.
Love you all! -- Chase 'n Ashlee

Basic Training Graduation

So I am sitting in the Airport waiting to fly back to Utah from South Carolina. What an amazing trip. It was really neat watching the graduation ceremony. Watching as about 1500 soldiers marched together and recited the Soldier's Creed in unison.
As Chase marched past me, my heart skipped a beat and I knew that this is our life now. I am not sure if it will be 4 years, 10 years or career, but I know that he will enjoy every moment of it. This life style just fits him. It fits us!
It still seems so surreal in many ways that I actually got to see him. It was bitter-sweet. It was fun to see him but it almost seems like a huge tease because I could not see him for more than about 20 hours (10 hours each day).
Plus to make it worse, I found out this weekend, that anytime he is in uniform and in public, there is no Public Displays of Affection (PDA). PDA includes hugs longer than 3 seconds, holding hands, arms around waist or shoulder...basically no touching of any kind that could be construed as affectionate. It was hard, I kept forgetting and trying to hold his hand as we walked, and he would kindly remind me. But it was sad, because I had not seen him for just under 7 weeks and I could not hold his hand or anything until we returned to our car, since that is not considered a public area.
On a happy note, there are two fellow soldiers that were in Chases company, who also went to church with Chase every Sunday and these soldiers feel pretty close and I got to meet the wives this weekend and it was nice to spend time with them and get to know them. We switched numbers and so we can stay in contact and I really think that they will be life long friends. It was fun to feel like there are other people who are experiencing the same thing that I am and we can help each other get through these hard times. When we got back to the hotel, cause we shared a hotel for the weekend, we would laugh about all the funny stories that our husbands would talk about and we complained together about the fact that holding hands in considered PDA and other funny things. It was really fun to meet these women and know that not only can we support each other in these military experiences but we can support each other in the gospel. What a tender mercy of the Lord to have found such wonderful support and friends.
Thank you for you support in us and the love that you show us. I am so very grateful for all that we have and I know that we are so blessed by our friends and family prayers that are said in our behalf. Thank you so much!
Chase does not know his new address yet, but as soon as I find out what it is, I will let you all know. Thanks and hope you have a wonderful day! Keep a smile on your face...life is beautiful! -- Chase 'n Ashlee

Get to see him

I am waiting for my ride, and so I decided to get on really quick and let everyone know that I am about to see Chase. It still seems so surreal. I am way excited but it does not seem real yet.
It has been almost 7 weeks since I have last seem him and I can not wait to get a hug from him and hear him tell me, in person, that he loves me. I can not wait to have him hold me in is arm and he in mine. I can not wait to give him my Valentine's present and try express to him in words how much he means to me in my life.
Life is wonderful. The Lord is my friend and support during these times. I know I am only able to do all I do because of Him. Keep the faith! Smile for the world to see. Never let the world tell you that you are less that amazing and beautiful. Love you all and hope you have a wonderful weekend! -- Chase 'n Ashlee

Valentine's Day

Today is Valentine's Day and the Love of my life is thousands of miles away. I pondered many hours over what I could get him for Valentine's Day, since he has limited space to keep things and I did not want it to be a frivolous gift. I wanted it to mean something to both of us, but especially him.

As I pondered about this predicament, I decided I would write him a poem, expressing my love for him. I have decided to share this poem with you and I am sorry I am not the best writer and don't follow all the literary rules, but I think it is message and sentiment that is the most important. I hope you enjoy.

All I look for, All I seek

Upon reflection of my life

The laughs, the love, the tears, the strife

It's hard to see how I could find

Happiness, fulfillment, peace of mind

Independence that was me

But now my future I can see

Without it my life would be so bleak

All I look for, All I seek

Will forever and eternally be you

No one else could ever do

For my life I had a plan

From my life, all men I did ban

A mission for my Lord was in line

This dream had always been one of mine

Onto the scene a young man came

Instantly, I thought him quite lame

Self-absorbed, shollow -- rather low

My first impressions of this beau

First date -- breakfast -- a total blast

He then tried to push me too fast

I backed off, still saw him around

A new best friend in him I had found

Independence that was me

But now my future I can see

Without it my life would be so bleak

All I look for, All I seek

Will forever and eternally be you

No one else could ever do

Tried to win my love with all his might

My will, My power, his love did I fight

More than friends he wanted to be

Best friend is all he was to me

Learning about him and he about me

The deeper him I got to see

Breaking down the walls of hurt

Scared -- running -- I began to avert

As I ran the Lord stepped in

Telling me not to run -- It is him

From that point I knew what to do

All I wanted was to be with you

Independence that was me

But now my future I can see

Without it my life would be so bleak

All I look for, All I seek

Will forever and eternally be you

No one else could ever do

Now my husband, I'm his wife

I could not imagine more from life

I am so loved, I am so blessed

All from heeding the Lord's behest

Thank you for your patience in me

I came around once I could see

What more from life could there be

Together -- in love -- for eternity

My one and only, The love of my life

Together we will conquer all strife

With you by my side, I can do all things

I cannot wait to see what life brings

Independence that was me

But now my future I can see

Without it my life would be so bleak

All I look for, All I seek

Will forever and eternally be you

'Cause no one else could ever do

-- Ashlee Manwaring

Anyway, that is my poem. I hope you enjoyed it and wish you all a wonderful Valentine's Day. Cherish your loved ones and tell them you love them because you never know when they will no longer be there to tell. If you are single, be grateful. Enjoy life! Being single is great and if you make the most of it, you will be that much more ready for love when the Lord puts it in your lap. I love you all and hope life is treating you well. Happy Valentine's Day! -- Chase 'n Ashlee

Family Blog

So I know that there have been several people who have asked me to start keeping my blog updated. So I am going to try to start doing so, but I decided that if I were going to start blogging again, I would want to create one for the family and not just myself. Plus it is always nice to feel like you get a new start, a clean slate. I do want to let everyone know that I make no promises to how often I will be able to get on here to update everyone, but I will do my best.

I will eventually go back and update you on the past year or so, but right now I will let you know what is happening with us right now.

Chase -- he is just finishing up Basic Training. He will be graduating on Friday. So I am flying out to go see him. I leave Wednesday morning, Thursday is Family Day and Friday is graduation. After graduation, Chase gets to leave base and sight see the near by town. So I will essentially get to spend the two days with him and then I fly back Saturday afternoon.

Ashlee -- I have been good, just busy. I am currently in my Med/Surg semester of Nursing School at BYU. I am loving my classes and all the I am learning and doing. I am finally starting to feel like the end is in sight, after this semester I will be half way through nursing school. I am also working on campus as a TA. I am working with one of the most wonderful men in the world, Dr. Woolley. He is such a neat person, and I love getting to work with him and learn so much from him. I took is pathophysiology class last year and then was his TA after that. He teaches 3 classes and I work with all of them. It is such a fun job and it helps to fill the time with Chase gone.

That is pretty much what we are up to right now. Life is pretty much the same old, same old. Nothing really new or exciting for the most part. Our family goal is to live life the way that Heavenly Father would want us to and in such a way that he can be proud of us. And I can tell you that I am only able to do all I do because of his daily help. He is such a wonderful Father. I am so grateful for my testimony of Him and His love for me...and each of you! I hope you have a wonderful day and remember to keep the Lord close. Love you all! -- Chase 'n Ashlee