The Stockwells

Anniversary Weekend!

2009-06-21T14:56:00.000-07:00

Christopher and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary last weekend! We were able to dedicate the whole weekend and Monday to having fun! On Saturday, I took C to the Wiener Dog races! Yes...you read that right! The Wiener Dog races! If you know C's family, you know that as soon as I learned about this I just HAD to take him there! It was SO funny! Here are a few snap shots...

One of the little racers!

The big dogs!

Heehee! Too cute!

You know you love your dog when you shade him instead of yourself in 100+ degree weather! :)

Look at the little gates they made for them!

Those ears!

On Monday, C took Bailey and I to the beach for a cookout. Yes...that's the beach...not a big tub full of chocolate milk! :)

Bailey had SO much fun! This was her first trip to the beach!

Her little set up...

Our little set up...

Bailey got a little over-zealous at the sight of sand!

Our drip sand castle!

Big dogs = the perfect place to hide!! :)

2009-04-12T05:32:00.000-07:00

Another new addition to the Klausmeyer family...and to our ever-growing Sunday School! :) Should I be drinking that water?! ;) I was blessed to be able to visit Wyatt, Colton, Heather, and Kurtis the day after his birth. There was visiting; a little painting of Heather's toenails :); and loving on Colton and Wyatt!

My favorite picture of Wyatt...

So sweet!

Love that face! :)

I have no idea what was going on...but it made for a cute picture!

This ed me up! While we were attempting to get a family photo, all Colton wanted to do was touch his little brother! He never let his eyes off of me...and VERY carefully could sneak his little hand over. For some reason they always caught him! :)

Exciting News!

2009-03-14T18:16:00.001-07:00

Some of y'all already know...but I wanted to share it with everyone! Asher Gray Photography is officially a business! Were you thinking I was going to tell you we were pregnant?! No...not at the moment! :) Our new baby is our photography business! We have our blog up and running...it's working as our website for right now until we can get everything finalized. When we transfer everything over to the website our blog will be much more personal! Christopher designed our business cards (which I'll post a picture of)...they're beautiful! If you haven't checked our photographs out yet, please do! The address is www.ashergrayphoto.blogspot.com. You can also find us on facebook! This is amazing and we're SO excited!

These are a few pictures that Christopher and I took of each other. We were scouting a new location here in NW Houston...and had to test it out! :)

Here's the pictures of our first set of business cards that we ordered. My hubby did a stand-up job! :)

This is one of the pieces that Christopher created for our fabulous high school seniors!

I'll update y'all as this journey continues to unfold. I can't wait to give details as to how we're planning to blend our youth ministry with Asher Gray! God is SO good! :)

Ranger School

2009-02-16T17:46:00.000-08:00

Christopher's middle brother, Jonathan, is in the middle of Ranger School right now. Thank you for all who are praying for him, as well as my new sister, Katherine. Dalese sent me this video that gave me more insight into what Jonathan is going through. Part of my prayer for him is that the Lord would be his strength; nourishment; warmth...that God would give him endurance and energy...that Jonathan would find all of his rest in God alone.

There are about seven 4 minute clips in all. Please take a moment to watch them (the rest are on youtube)...and continue to pray for Jonathan and Katherine.

I love you Jon-Phinn and Katherine.

Family Fun

2009-02-07T12:27:00.000-08:00

I KNOW!! Don't fall out of your chair! I'm posting for the first time in a month! :)

I wanted to post some pictures of Jonathan and Katherine's wedding, but J & K have them in their possession! It was a beautiful ceremony and such a blessing to all be together (finally!) When I get those, I'll post them!

In the meantime, here are some photos from the 3 weeks that Dalese and Mick were here in Texas!

The entire family after J & K's rehearsal dinner.

After the wedding, we all went back to MeeMaw's house to hang out. Here's my youngest brother being...well...himself!

I love his eyes in this picture...had no idea he was doing this!

Ahhh...brotherly love!

Rebecca and Lizzy...our second cousins. They are the SWEETEST girls in the world!

Ummm...Glen? :)

Mick's birthday party at Bonny Methvin's!

Dalese with Jody's sweet baby girl, Dylan.

This was after Uncle David's 60th birthday party. One of my favorite pictures!

Most of the family!

The family playing with Legos! :)

Look what a great job Steven is doing! :)

Dalese taught me how to knit...I couldn't stop! :)

T's Senior Session & A Name

2009-01-02T18:16:00.001-08:00

Christopher and I were very blessed to be able to take senior portraits of one of the amazing s that I disciple, Taylor. It was a lot of fun and spontaneous. Her mother and boyfriend were troopers and tagged along with us for the adventure!

I am very excited to share with y'all that Christopher and I have named our photography company! Asher Gray Photography! Much thought and prayer went into the name. Asher is a beautiful name from the Bible that means "blessed" (it's actually the name that we will most likely give to our first son!) Gray is my middle name and is from my mother and father's side of the family (also a name that we will give to our first daughter!) :) Christopher has also started working on our logo and design. We will keep you updated and let you know what the next step is in this wonderful journey we are on!

Stand By Me

2008-12-09T05:34:00.001-08:00

My mom shared this with me, and I wanted to share it with all of you. It's pretty incredible.

Erin's Senior Session

2008-11-22T19:32:00.000-08:00

Erin and I headed out at 7:30am this morning for our fun shoot! We had SO much fun that we didn't get finished until 11:30am! We initially went to Main Street in Tomball...and found ourselves some treasures. We spotted a train that we thought would be fun and all of a sudden all of these beautiful, old, restored cars...and a horse drawn carriage...rolled into our vicinity! Apparently, Tomball was having their Christmas parade today! God is SO good...I am continually in awe of Him. After our run in with the parade, Erin and I headed down some allies, found a fun antique shop, and eventually my little car found a Starbucks to help refuel our tired bodies. The last part of the morning was spent on a beautiful trail near Christopher and my apartment. I had such a wonderful time with Erin. Not only did we have fun on the shoot, but we became closer sisters in Christ. Erin...you are such a beautiful young woman and I am blessed to know you!

A Second Look

2008-11-18T18:37:00.000-08:00

Here are some more edited photos of Zach. This is so much fun!

A Beautiful Day with Beautiful People - Zachary's Senior Session

2008-11-09T05:08:00.000-08:00

I was blessed to be able to take Zach's senior pictures yesterday! Christopher and his mom, Jean, came with us. We went into downtown Houston to City Green and the Dakota lofts. While we were taking pictures at the lofts, we met an amazing photographer, Jessica Grieves, of Ecor Rouge Photography. She graciously let us use her loft space (which had fabulous lighting and exposed brick walls). Jessica also gave me some lighting advice and let me know when some seminars and workshops were going to be. The Lord is SO good! Thank you Jessica! We could not have asked for a more beautiful day! It was a lot of fun! Here are some pictures that Christopher and I were able to work on last night...Enjoy!

Every moment...

2008-10-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

To praise God during all the valleys that life might bring our way...to celebrate every moment...to see joy in every gift that God blesses you with...to pray knowing that God hears every note...to trust Him with every part of your being...

Those were just a few of the thoughts that came to mind when I watched this video that my friend had shared with me. The family's faith in this video is unwavering and simply beautiful.

"Costume & Game Night"

2008-10-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, our fun-loving Sunday School friends got together for a "Costume & Game Night." Christopher and I are incredibly blessed to have such an amazing and strong circle of friends. Their faithfulness to the Lord is unwavering. I don't know what we would do without them. As you can see from the following pictures, fellowship together has no definition...and is always a joy!

Many of my friends are mothers...so I decided to embrace the beauty of pregnancy for my costume! Note the mascara running down my face!

Dana & I...what a pair!

Shawna & Brian...Arrrg!

Dana & Andy...Andy was someone from Halo (it's a guy thing!)

Kelly & Aaron

Michelle & Jonathan...the 70's!

Stacy & Brian

Heather & Kurtis

Lesly & Billy...Rock on!

What a sweet couple...Christopher & Billy

Yes...this is a mullet (business in the front...party in the back!)

Some of the ladies.

Lesly & I

So much fun! :)

The Journey

2008-09-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

So...Ike put a little hitch in my get-along...but power is back...and here is a new blog post! I wanted to update you all on my anxiety. While I still do not feel totally back to normal, I am much better. I cannot thank y'all enough for all of the prayers that you have lifted up in Christopher and my name. Through lots of prayer, petition, and counsel, Christopher and I decided that I needed to take this year and try to make it as stress free as possible. As a result, I am not teaching this year. I never...in a million years...would have guessed that I would be where I am right now...but, being here means that I am in the Lord's Will...and that is exactly where I need and want to be. It's a bit crazy...the journeys we take. We never can tell what He has in store for us...but it's always better than what we can imagine. Here is where He has me right now...I am working for an amazing, Christian couple who are holistic kinesiologists; the office is literally two minutes away from our apartment; I have Wednesday off (and for the first time I'm able to go to Wednesday morning Bible studies); and Christopher and I are able to spend more time together due to the hours that he is working at the moment. I'm really looking forward to getting into this new routine (and always staying flexible, of course.) :)

For those of you who are wondering how Christopher and I weathered during Ike, we were extremely blessed. While my hubby worked overnight on Friday, our friends, Lindsay and Ryan Miller, took me in. Uncle David and Amy welcomed us into their home while our's was out of power for two nights, and our dear friends, the Keplers, also hosted us in their home for three nights. We finally got that back last night. I have to tell you that it was quite amazing to see neighbors out talking to and helping one another and children playing outside. It seemed...for a moment...that I was back on Lawndale Drive in Richardson, Texas. Memories flooded into my mind of my own childhood, and how blessed I was to live in the "Leave It to Beaver" neighborhood that I did.

Anywho...I'll keep y'all updated on our happenings and how things are going here in Houston, Texas. There's more to come!

Patience...

2008-08-29T11:38:00.001-07:00

As many of you know, August 25th (this last Monday) was the first day back to school for the kiddos. The previous morning, I had experienced a terrible anxiety attack that landed me in the hospital. I've been to my anxiety doctor...and medications were adjusted, but nothing seemed to be helping. I had my first meeting with a Naturalistic/Holistic doctor here in Houston (I had been to one in Fort Worth while living there) and was absolutely amazed and excited that God had brought me to that particular office. I had heard many wonderful testimonies from friends, but had yet to experience it for myself. As soon as I walked into the office, I was given a peace (it's such a wonderful environment...it's a husband and a wife...and they even have a playroom so their two beautiful children (and one on the way) can be up there with them.) I saw them again today...which is simply an act of our sovereign Lord because it is SO hard to get in there! All of this to say...I have yet to go back to school and my anxiety is not enabling me to do a lot as of now. Dr. Hopkins (the naturalistic doctor) has pin-pointed some problems and has giving me supplements that he thinks will take action very soon. How wonderful that would be! Please be in prayer for Christopher and I as we pray about my teaching career, the anxiety, our finances (the Lord ALWAYS comes through with this!), and patience for both of us. Christopher came home yesterday with two movies and a BEAUTIFUL bunch of white flowers for me! (Many of you know how buying flowers can give Christopher an anxiety attack! ;) (...hey...I have to try and have SOME laughs about this!) So...it meant the world to me. I have an amazing, supportive, loving, and strong husband. :)

I wanted to include some pictures on this entry and realized that I hadn't posted any from when our Sunday School went on it's first excursion to God's Food Pantry! It was a lot of fun...enjoy! :)

Some of us girls (can you tell how early in the morning it was?! No make-up!!)

The boys being...well...the boys!

Sweet Jack!

Where are those Child Labor Laws when you need them?!

Keepin' busy!

You ARE looking at this picture right! Dana is actually on the floor playing with the children! ;)

Keagan...taking stock of the shelves! Cutie patootie!

Busy...busy boys! Don't know what we would have done without their help! :)

Healer

2008-08-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

So...I've realized that I'm not a great blogger! I'm going to try and be more timely in my posts...but the next couple weeks are going to be crazy! My school's inservice starts this coming Monday...and the kiddos come the following Monday! Yikes! Where did the summer go?? Christopher has started his new job as a dispatcher at the Humble Police Department. He's enjoying the change of pace and the constant learning that is going on. I get to hear the amazing stories about the people that he gets to talk to! Christopher is also working on his application for the Houston Police Department's Academy. I know...I know...we were suppose to be headed for Russia, but God has a different course for us to take right now. It looks like we'll be in the States...and Houston...for a while longer! God is so good and gracious!

I have a couple prayer requests to send out to our prayer warriors. Please pray that Christopher and I will continue to follow God's will...and be patient in waiting for it. My mother could also use your prayers. She is moving into her new house...and needs to be out of the one she's lived in for 29 years by the 30th of September. Obviously this is a BIG change for her. Please pray that she continues to lean and rely on God for her strength...and that she has peace about the new adventures that lay before her. Lastly for now...my anxiety has been quite the thorn for the past couple of weeks. Please be praying for healing and that I would continue to turn to our sovereign Lord for my comfort, protection, and peace.

I'm including a verse and an amazing story on here that I read from another friend's blog.

Philippians 3:10-11: "-That I may know HIM and the POWER of HIS resurrection, and may share HIS sufferings, becoming like HIM in HIS death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead."

Here are her humbling and inspiring words:
"WOW! I felt so convicted because the first part of that verse is easy to take---YES who does NOT want to KNOW the POWER of THE RESURRECTION of CHRIST, BUT...its that second part that stopped me in my tracks--AND SHARING in HIS SUFFERINGS? How MANY of us can say in what ever circumstance you give or take away ---"BLESSED BE YOUR NAME?""

Jonathan & Katherine's Visit

2008-07-30T17:14:00.003-07:00

Jonathan and Katherine were able to come down a couple weeks ago and bless us with their presence! We had a lot of fun!

Hanging out in the new apartment!

Katherine and I

The brothers and I at the Movie Tavern (thanks for taking the picture Herby!) :)

This would have been such a pretty picture! ;) My sweet ham!

Precious Time in Georgia

2008-07-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

Christopher and I were able to go to Georgia earlier in the summer to visit our dear friends, Kenny and Teri Pope, and to spend time with his family. Here are some of the pictures from our week there!

Christopher, Timmy, and sweet baby girl!

This is Timmy and Katie's new baby girl (their third child.)

Their other angels!

Daniel...well...being Daniel!

What more can I say?? :)

My sweet "MIL" and Glen

I can't find the rest of our pictures, but when I do...I'll post them ASAP! :)

may we be the least...and He be the most

2008-07-19T03:59:00.000-07:00

I cannot tell you how many friends of ours have a blog...and have told me how easy and wonderful they are. I also cannot remember the number of times I told them that we would probably never have one! Well...here I am today...typing my first post with many to come! I have been greatly touched by my friend's blogs...their willingness to share the details of what God is doing in their lives is encouraging. I hope that this will, in turn, encourage others and be a reflection of our sovereign Lord.

As many of you know, Christopher's mom and dad are missionaries in the Ukraine...and even though my family resides in the states....we are unable to see each other as often as we would like. This is a wonderful way to be even closer to those that we love!

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ..." -Ephesians 3:16-18