Kanakuk Ashley

New Blog Header...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Well, the blog header has been updated for a more parent focused blog for summer 2012. The 'tagline' of my parents' blog focus is "A Window to their World." Meaning a little window to the world of K2 since they aren't here with them. So it's our chance to open up and show them the daily runnings of K2, teach lingo, and just be a window of what all they are learning, doing and becoming.

So hence the windows...the picture is from the City of Savannah. Thank you.

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

How is it May 2nd...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:59:00 +0000

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Well between now and day 1 of Kanakuk K2 Term 1 2012 I am pretty sure there won't be tons of blogging! The hubs and I are busy getting last minute details, staff, etc ready for summer 2012 while also packing up life and getting ready to move out to K2. So please forgive...

BUT then on June 2nd will be all for PARENTS! I blog everyday when I am at K2 about exactly what the day looks like for the girls side of K2. I share the devo of the day, who is on the ropes course, morning and afternoon activities and night time event. So if you are a kamper this summer make sure your mom and dad check in each day of your term. I put 5 pictures up of each day that capture the day's events. It's so fun for parents b/c it's in real time as opposed to 5 days later when they finally get your snail mail!

So here's to here and there blogging...June 2nd will relaunch...

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

Target Clearance How I Love Thee...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Well I find this little diddy today with the 2 littles at Target! Woohoo! Clearance Section! I love it! My friend Jane (check out her Etsy store HERE) says my look is hair up with a headband...every day! Pretty true. Trust me if a lion knew what a headband and ponytail were they would use them. I have lion hair but a human brain so my hair is ponytailed and headband on. I think I will call my look..."hey have you seen my hair, at least I'm trying." HAHA!!

Oh to have a hair stylist one day that lives in my bathroom cabinet.

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

Projects...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Well, project month so far is going great. Here is my completed list:

1. dresser: this was quite the adventure. LOTS AND LOTS of sanding. And then more sanding. And then yet some more. Just keep sanding! So we did that. Then we stained with 2 coats letting is sit and penetrate for days. Then we added the polyacrylic stuff. Then we put it all together to notice the drawers didn't pull in and out easily. So more sanding, staining and now we are done. It's now hanging out and getting all un-stinky with all the stain fumes and we will bring it in soon to somewhere in our house.

2. spray painted tiny bird house from $1 section at target pink that was yellow. little #2 loves it.

3. spray painted wood "robbins" sign for my desk that sis-in-law made me years ago. it's all glossy and grey and I want to hold hands with it I love it so much.

4. painted file cabinet to go under desk that is next on project list. It's also grey (we had grey spray paint so budget friendly said to use it and it goes with our colors). I will be "modge podging) the front part of drawers with fabric that matches a bench in our house.

Okay, that's it for now but after garage sale weekend the desk and some chairs are next. Bring it on April...

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

K2 is so Close...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Today (as I finish the garage sale) and now look towards May...it feels like kamp is starting tomorrow! For most of you that brings giggles and smiles...for me AT THIS POINT it brings anxiety of packing up 2 littles and 2 bigs (me and the hubs) and leaving our "comfort" for what is not comfortable (like staying up till 11 pm every night, running around like my body is still 22 and it's NOT, acting cool with teenage girls who think I'm a dweeb...yep, just typed dweeb).

But the great thing about Jesus...he doesn't care about my state of comfortability. I am so thankful. I hate leaving friends, our church 2 year olds we "teach," and So You Think You Can Dance...but it's the GOSPEL. It's living out exactly what God has called me to do. To run around (or try to run while pushing a double jogger up cardiac) and show, preach, speak, live, talk, walk like Jesus in every way. I mess up A TON...but I love it! So anxiety...go away. I have a God given purpose coming my way in less than a month. Rise up!

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

Garage Sale...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Well, all this week I have been working hard to basically make my house empty...seriously. Okay, not totally empty but we are having a garage sale this weekend and it turns me into...if I/we haven't used it/worn it in the last year, it's gone! The annual (this is just our 2nd one) garage sale has turned into something I am very motivated to do as hubby let's me keep all the money for home improvement items, new shoes from Target or just a Sonic run for me and friends. So...there is much motivation. So much so that the husband has to not let me put everything in the garage sale. He reminds me that the littles might want something to look at from our past...pictures, etc. It's hysterical! All my sentimental bones disappear when the garage sale comes!

So that's what this weekend looks like for us...please pray for no rain on Friday...as of now it's supposed too...boo! I asked the hubs if we should move it and he said...forge ahead! Done! I love that in him!

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

Strawberry Limeade At Home...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

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Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Well, I always miss Sonic happy hour b/c the littles are snoozing but I found this little recipe online and although I haven't tried it, it sounds perfect! So go grab your momma or your pappa or your little dog and make these deee-lish treats!

Strawberry Limeade

ingredients:

1-1/2 cups quartered fresh strawberries
1 cup fresh lime juice
5 cups cold water
3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar (depending on how sweet the strawberries are)
Ice cubes
Lime slices-for serving, if desired

directions:

1. Blend strawberries and lime juice in blender or food processor until smooth.

2. Pour strawberry and lime mixture into a large pitcher. Add cold water and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.

3. Add in ice cubes and pour into individual glasses. Garnish with lime, if desired.

4. Pour over ice cubes in tall glasses; garnish each with strawberry or lime wedge, if desired.

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

The Hunger Games...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Well, the hubs and I went on a date night and saw The Hunger Games. We both LOVED it. I was sad that Shay hadn't read the books as the entire movie I loved knowing exactly what Katniss was thinking in that moment. I had to bite my tongue not to lean over every 30 seconds to tell him. All in all I thought it depicted the book very well, outside of just not being able to do every page of the book. Here are my thoughts:

1. The movie (and book more so) are "brutal." I have read some reviews by christian folks and agree to this point. I do however think the movie didn't glorify this by showing the bodies or the details...I thought they showed it without being grotesque.

2. I would not allow a 13 year old to this movie without the parent seeing it first and deciding for their child. I think 16 is the age that I would go to the movies with my littles to see this one. I have said this before but when something like this book series and now movies is this big I would much rather ME be the one talking to my daughter about it and reading it/seeing movie with her than the hallways and locker rooms and gossip circles of junior highs and high schools. I want to the voice that walks through the topics of these nationwide crazes.

3. I think these books and movies have great conversation to them. I loved reading that the author wrote them after channel surfing and finding so many reality shows where we (representing the capitol) watch these shows and find entertainment from these people's hurts, tragedies and mistakes. Perfect example is Toddlers and Tiaras. I have never watched this show (I hate reality shows like this...I can handle the Voice and that's it...oh and the hubs loves Discovery shows) but I think about the fact we find entertainment from 4-5 year old girls that their lives are being so distorted from reality. We laugh...just like the capitol laughs. I like that Suzanne Collins went deep into this even with the "killing" b/c big picture that is what we are doing by allowing reality shows to be a huge market...rehab shows, jersey shores of just chaos, backstabbing shows of alliances, small children made to look stupid...all for entertainment. I also think poverty and politics could also be a great discussion. I will never discuss politics but for my household there were some major takeaways with the capitol versus it's districts. wow! Then there is an underlying spiritual conversation I believe you could have from this book. The sacrifice...the courage, character's roles...it's there. Slight, but there. HOPE is a huge component of this book.

Okay, so there are my thoughts. Again, I am by no means condoning killing children...but the movie (again, it's a movie) had such messages in this. The books give so much more details and the second movie isn't coming out till November 2013 I heard so you have plenty of time to read the 3 books. Go!

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

Remember this Today...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:28:00 +0000

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Remember this quote today...and well, everyday!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

April: The Month of Projects...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Well, April is our Month of Projects and boy do we have a list. I wasn't sure what to blog about so here ya go...

1. dresser redo
2. file cabinet redo (2 of them)
3. crates into bookshelf on wheels
4. dining room chairs repaint
5. make desk
6. clean ENTIRE house (and clear out for our garage sale)

That's just the start. 1st project...the dresser. Wish me luck!

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

Hunger Games...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

This post deserves no picture and no "hey" b/c I still have not seen the Hunger Games. What is wrong with me? I know I'll survive and actually want to wait till it comes on Red Box anyways...1. cheaper 2. cheaper 3. sitting on my couch in my pjs with popcorn that didn't take 1/2 my salary to pay for it.

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

Value...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

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Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
The husband and I spoke this past weekend at Young Christian's Weekend. I am always extremely awkward and probably mostly inappropriate and just more awkward but thankfully girls and moms show up and they laugh and cry as we get to hang out for a bit. I spoke on Psalm 139 and the importance of this generation (a generation that is broken and dying) to grasp their true, God given VALUE and if they do then you girls can change the world...truly!

I wanted to blog about one thing that I came across in preparing for the talk. The verse that we so well know about being fearfully and wonderfully made at which point most teenage girls roll their eyes b/c they have heard it too many times to count and really don't believe it...but I came across the Bible time meaning of the "wonderfully made" part. This word was not just to paint flowers and pretty birds but to be wonderfully made by the Creator is to TESTIFY TO HIS CREATION. To testify of WHO HE IS. Your life, how you are made, your giftings and even your short comings...those are all wonderfully made b/c they TESTIFY of Jesus.

Remember your value in Jesus and you can change the world!

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

The Hunger Games...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Well, where is the bandwagon cuz I'm jumping on...I just finished reading the Hunger Games and LOVED IT! I was so thankful for the purity of the story and then loved it more when my friend Jane told me the source of the author's reason for writing (the obsession we have with reality tv...very interesting).

I haven't seen the movie yet but even after the 3rd book (which is when people told me this would change) I was still for Team Gale. I am used to being the odd ball as (even though I never read the books and only saw like 30 minutes of the movies) I think I am team Jacob. Anyways, Hunger Games...hope the movie stays clean like the book was.

Did everyone see it already? Good or book is way better?

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

Chief & Princess Weekend...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Well, we are smack in the middle of Chief and Princess Weekend. It's when the chiefs and princesses you voted on from summer come to Branson for a weekend of fun, fellowship and brainstorming. It's so fun to see kamp faces and to watch the friendships that begin!

It also means kamp is coming soon...

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

I'm Back...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 20:07:00 +0000

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Well, goodness, it has been a bit...sorry about that! I was on vacation with the hubs and littles and then I we had leadership weekend, which was a blast and now this weekend is Chief & Princess Weekend. So blogging, well, it never dominates my life but it was like non-dominating by not even being involved. Sorry!

So I'm back and more random than ever, I'm sure....

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

KONY 2012...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
This was good...really good. This generation can change the world.

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

Adley Stump...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 14:00:00 +0000

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Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Well, I am kind of jumping ship on the American Idol show and totally loving The Voice. I love the concept...just the voice. I love that! Well, I was quite surprised to be watching when I saw a long time Kanakuk Kamper appear on the screen. She was a great K2 kamper. She loved kamp and loved life!! I was so impressed with her on the show (she made it on to Team Blake...but was let go last night after her battle...side note: I believe she was way better than her battle person but I'm not Blake I guess).

Adley, so proud of you and the way you were so respectful on stage to the judges...you were priceless. Proud of you and can't wait to see what doors open to you!

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

Spring Break's Coming...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:00:00 +0000

{source: google search}

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Well, to me the weather is warming and my sandals are all chatting it up about how they will not be put on my feet till I get a nice little pedi...but they are chatting which means it's spring time! Which in turn means Spring Break is almost here for most of you...

So, tell me what the plans are? In high school, I honestly can't remember what I did on spring break. I think we went skiing a few times. Then in college, I usually just stayed in Fayetteville and kicked it old school. One year we did Panama City...ewww, would not recommend. I just honestly can't remember what I did?? Hmm...the roots of blonde and mommy brain are taking over slowly...or not so slowly.

Anyways, fun plans anyone?

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

October Baby Movie Review...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:24:00 +0000

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Well, I had shared with you about Hollywood calling and wanting me to screen a movie for the Oscars. Okay, kidding...but seriously I did get to screen a movie (October Baby) in my humble little living room with my hubs. He was in and out of the movie but I was in fully. I must do a disclaimer that there are several scenes, although realistic of the college world, are not something that I support (ex: sort of sleeping innocently over night with a guy and a next morning after partying scene). I DO NOT think these 2 small scenes compromised the amazing integrity of this movie and the amazing message that I think it is hoping to spread.

To me this movie comes down to this point. YOU HAVE VALUE. No matter how life started for you, no matter if you have the best parents, worst parents or no parents...YOU HAVE VALUE. I love the tag line for the movie, "Every life is beautiful." Oh, sweet girls, only if you truly knew that think of how differently the young woman generation would look. The movie by the end had me crying and remembering an interview of a gal (she shared I could share her story) I had 2 years ago who was the baby of a rape situation. Her mom, who was raped, had her and she was this light of Jesus. What if her mom had chosen differently!? I'm so thankful she chose life as I was moved and humbled by her story. This story does the same thing...it moves you and especially as a mom made me realize the tremendous role of the hubs and I in our littles life. To tell them and show them daily that THEIR LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL.

Side point to the movie that also stuck out...forgiveness. It's a big message in the lead character's journey that is really amazing too. We sometimes hold on to so much anger, bitterness and resentment...especially when it comes to our parents or whoever raised us or didn't raise us...you must let go and her character shows that process. It's powerful, for sure!

So March...put it on your calendar and go HERE to see more about this movie. They have all these celebs doing promos for the movie and it's awesome messages!

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

Spring...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:00:00 +0000

{source: flickr group. Her store HERE}

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Well, I might come in from a 45 minute walk with my neighbor and have to scratch my eye balls out and sneeze 45 times in a row but I say to that...who needs their eyeballs? who doesn't look a good kerchoo?

I love this weather that has fallen upon the mountains of the Ozark in Branson, MO. It is warm-ish but I can wear my beloved Nike shorts and that makes this woman happy. It is just perfect.

So put down your iPhone7,342S and you iPad 42XM and go get a friend, your mom, your dog or just you and go to the park, on a walk around your neighborhood, or just go lay in the grass and get some Vitamin D. Research says we don't get enough...but don't get all oompa loompa on me?

Listen to the birds...chirp chirp, peep peep.

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

Tanya Beardsley is Home...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Well, some might say this is a personal blog post...well, you would be correct. Congrats!

Tanya Beardsley, K2 leadership gal/friend/Robbins' main little ones sitter/organizing extraordinaire/dear friend, works for the Kanakuk Link Year and before that she was doing Kanakuk Institute. So she has been in our life for 2 years now on a consistent basis...till the month of February. She went to Ireland...for a MONTH. Who does that?

But she is home. (start Hallelujah chorus). She is home to start brainstorming the party menus for kamp 2012, to play tea party with our littles, and to come just hang out with me. Praise the Lord.

K2 is lucky to have her...yes, yes. She will be back this summer running parties and K-Lifes and basically being awesome.

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

The Oscars...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:00:00 +0000

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Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Well, I watched the Oscars (okay, I didn't make it past 10 pm...this girl is old!) and it's so funny to watch that life. To think when I was 16, I wanted to be "famous." It looks so appealing in every way...

I watched the nominees get read aloud and honestly realized I have seen ZERO movies recently and had no idea what any of them were...literally, none. So I was out of the loop there and then I was even more out of the loops with all the words. Hang with me. The jokes by the host and the lines from presenters I was always left tilting my head and wondering, "what are they talking about?" So maybe I'm not artsy enough or I don't know the "business." But let's be honest, I'm 100% okay with that.

I thought some dresses were pretty and the speeches were interesting. The hubs made one comment that stuck with me...no one this year thanked God. Now don't get me wrong, even when they do I sometimes cringe b/c I'm not sure the God they thank is the actual God of the Bible, The True Savior and King. BUT, this year there was not even a mention...

Just something to ponder...as this world gets more crazy I really need someone to give this family a 1,000 acres of land in Australia where we can move and not have cell phones, facebook, or tweets...please. I'm not above begging...

(told you sickness and lack of blogging would produce random posts. I say, enjoy.)

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

What a Month...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 21:04:00 +0000

{pinterest...uploaded by user}

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Oh my friends I apologize for me absence...I'm sure you are all just devastated and waiting in anticipation of my reasons or just my next post. Well, here is both.

We had our week of draft which was so fun to hire but I missed the littles so very much as we were separate for 4 days straight. Seriously, I'm that mom that really misses them. My idea of needing time away as a mom is a walk in my neighborhood with my neighbor/dear friend (who also has an incredible Etsy store of the cutest stuff!) and the girls are quietly kickin' it in their stroller. So 4 days was hard...

Then we were hit with every disease known to man. Okay, not really but for 2.5 weeks of being cooped up in our nest it felt like every disease. This has been a very sick winter season for the littles and for the mommy. So blogging was literally the last thing on my mind. Sorry. Just bein' real!

But the germs are finally lifting and Psalm 91 is being prayed over our house a lot. I have the best community of friends that all were willing to help/cook/groceries/etc. Seriously...best friends ever!

So...now to get my mind back to blogging...I feel a bit empty but sometimes that is when the most random (otherwise referred to as most awesome epic) posts usually come from...be warned.

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

Happy Valentine's Day...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:14:00 +0000

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Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Well, it's LOVE day! For some of ya'll, you LOVE this LOVE day. For some of ya'll, you dread this love day. I think in high school I went back in forth. Some years I loved it and other years I just felt like I would never find my Troy (really bad High School Musical reference...I apologize).

Well, I am here to remind you of truths on this day, whether you love it or hate it)...
1. You are you for such a purpose.
2. You are created by a Creator.
3. You are beautifully beautiful.
4. You are not alone.
5. You truly are priceless.

Just remember this today. You, whether you have flowers or not, are precious to the Lord. Too sound super cheesy He is the Ultimate Valentine. Promise!

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com

Facebook Timeline...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Robbins) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Hey K2 Kanakuk Friends,
Today I stand sit amazed at something called Facebook Timeline. The friends that have switched to this new dealyo (yep, a word!) I go to their home page and am completely baffled. I don't understand you Timeline and it might be the straw that breaks the camel's back or is that a pin?

I am hearing murmurs that next weeks everyone will be on this "timeline" version of facebook. Change is good, hard, but good. In this case I do not believe it to be true. The absolute only reason I am on facebook is for Kanakuk kamps...otherwise, I would say peace out to this world wide social media change the world site. But for kamp, I'll keep it.

So all this to say, today I don't want facebook. I don't want to learn timeline...but i will. yep, no sense in that statement but a girl has to embrace change, even in the social media world.

Be awesome & Love Jesus,

kanakuk ashley robbins
ashley@kanakuk.com