• Home
  • about
  • Contact
    • motherhood
    • marriage
    • food
    • fashion
    • self-inspiration
    • the beloved woman
    • home + decor
  • Press
  • Photography
  • Instagram
Menu

Ashley Glass

Street Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number
motherhood, marriage + the beautiful mess of it all

Your Custom Text Here

Ashley Glass

  • Home
  • about
  • Contact
  • Topics
    • motherhood
    • marriage
    • food
    • fashion
    • self-inspiration
    • the beloved woman
    • home + decor
  • Press
  • Photography
  • Instagram

The Tortuous Twenties and a Big Cheers to 29

March 26, 2017 ashley glass

Tortuous: full of twists and turns; which is a REALLY great way to describe my twenties. Birthdays are always a super reflective time for me, and this one is no different. Turning twenty-nine, how did that happen? I remember turning twenty-SEVEN like it was yesterday; and feeling like I had all the time in the world to turn (heaven forbid) THIRTY. Well, time is flying by perhaps quicker than ever, and I have one year left in my twenties. So, how have have the 'twenties' been? 

I turned twenty-one just three months after saying "I do" to my sweet and loving husband. In my wildest dreams, I wouldn't have planned on marrying so young, but God writes the love story, amen? Some of my happiest memories are when we lived in our first apartment on Fourth Street in Old Louisville. We had the whole first floor and I remember thinking that two bedroom space was HUGE. With it's dark [and dingy] hardwoods, the bars over the windows [yes, for real], and the beautiful giant windows that overlooked the street. We had NO back yard, but the dogs adapted well and we went on walks almost daily around Central Park and St. James Court, which was also the first place my husband told me he loved me when we were dating. We were so poor. But every Thursday we managed to afford cheap Chinese takeout and watched Grey's Anatomy on the couch, surrounded by the comfort of lit candles and giant dogs; just happy. We remember a couple times needing to have our parents bail out us financially, but not once did they ever complain or give us a hard time for being so young and unprepared.

Around twenty-three I started to have a mild panic over the fact that I desperately wanted to be pregnant and have a baby, but for my whole life, had been in denial about that. I would cry when I had a period and when my friend's were getting pregnant and sweet Asa said, "You know you kinda have to come off the PILL for this to happen?" So I did. And five months later, Pierson was conceived. A baby at age twenty-four, and again at twenty-five (y'all know that was NOT planned), it felt kind of crazy to be done having kids in my mid twenties; still does actually. Sometimes I'm like, "Aw MAN! I could so have a third!" but at this point, that would a.) be a miracle and b.) I really believe God designed this plan just how it is. Unless He decides to surprise the heck out of us in the years to come with a dream of adopting or a miracle of conception, ha. (I wouldn't put it past Him!) 

We bought our first house before Pierson came, and we've been here for six years. That too feels surreal that we've been home owners for so long, and that we were SO blessed by the one we chose. (I think it chose us though, in all honesty.) The walks we did around this park as we prayed to God for guidance and direction, and the kneeling in the front entryway, with the house entirely empty, asking for His protection and will with what would happen here. And look! We've brought TWO babies home to this house! We've painted and added some nice touches to the backyard, we've had a garden for years, and the kids live for swimming in giant kiddy pools in the summertime. 

But it hasn't been all sunshine and roses, and there were some ROUGH awakenings in my twenties. Like when I started doubting my marriage and was turning to other people for validation in who I was. When I listened to the world telling me that if I wasn't happy, just quit, because it's all about me. When my body went through years of hormonal imbalances that then led to emotional, physical, and spiritual ones.  

But all of those then negative and heart wrenching experiences led to some really amazing awakenings. Like the sun beaming down after a terrible (and long) storm, I began to see the shift in who I was becoming. 

Marriage: It's not always smothered in butterflies and fireworks of romantic explosions. Every single day, you change as an individual. Your husband isn't who he was when he married you and you are not the same woman. The annoyances will change as time goes on; roles and expectations shift, and hey, let's just be real: what you once used to like in the bedroom, well maybe you won't anymore! A marriage takes work, a heck ton of communication, and choices, always, that should conclude with putting your spouses needs above yours. I've never heard anyone say that it's easy, because it's not. But marriage is the greatest blessing of my life and my husband will always come first.

Friendships: they come and go in seasons. I've realized (finally) that if a friendship isn't working; if it's not a mutual give and take, that's okay. Sometimes if it leaves, LET IT. My happiness doesn't depend on other people investing or not investing in me. Don't waste hours of life wondering what someone else is thinking (or not thinking) about you. There's an ebb and flow with friendships, and I'm holding tighter to the ones that matter. That being said, I believe in fighting for what and who you believe in. I learned wonders from the book Uninvited, and if you haven't yet read that, I really think you need to.

Self-Image: forever a give and take of giving myself grace. Our bodies are continuously changing. Our skin, muscle loss or gain, weight fluctuation, stretch marks, spider veins; LOTS of things, all the time. I've learned that my number one motivation is to be healthy so that hopefully, I can live a long and healthy life. I want to be able to watch my grandkids be born and play with them. Drinking lots of water is something I'm terrible at, but I'm trying. And working out is also something I've never consistently done until the last couple of years. Telling myself that I'm strong, because I am, is crucial. I never want my children to hear me verbally express dislike for myself and Asa and I refuse to say the words fat or big or ugly. I'm not thrilled with every inch of myself, but I leave those conversations for the privacy of Asa and I; not my son and daughter. I ran the furthest I've ran (7 miles) at twenty-eight. I don't know if I'll be able to continue running (I hope to) but regardless, I was completely shocked that I could do that and felt incredibly empowered. Twenty-eight was a GOOD year. [Update since I'm behind on posting this, I ran NINE miles at twenty-nine! Ha!! The day after my 29th birthday, I actually RAN nine miles without stopping. Isn't God awesome?!]

On love: I talked about marriage and friendships, but I learned a lot about love as a whole during my twenties. The biggest part, is that I AM LOVED. The word Beloved has become one of my very favorites and is near and dear to my heart [hence my Beloved Woman SERIES], but really and truly, I know that I am a very loved woman. As a daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend; God is so good. And I know that He whispers to me daily, "My dear, you are MY beloved, and I created you to be JUST who you are." I am so thankful for this lesson and while I am still learning and definitely growing in resting in this love--it was here in my twenties that I have found so much peace. 

Here's to a new year, y'all. Some of you reading may scoff (she's only 29??) and others of you are thinking, "oh goodness, I have SO much longer until I am that old!" Ha ha!! Life is weird. And funny. And good. And I love all of you. Thanks for celebrating another year of life with me. The night of my birthday, I plan on playing laser tag with my closest friends, and then ending the night w/ food and a campfire in our backyard. It's basically a 12-year old's birthday party, but hey, don't be jeally. 

DSC_0903.jpg
DSC_0925.jpg
DSC_0933.jpg

Thanks to my amazing photographer husband for taking these of the me and the kids. And thanks to one of my VERY best friends, Tim Burri, for my fabulous gold balloons! 

In self-inspiration, motherhood Tags birthdays, twenty-nine, cheers, celebration, life, happy birthday to me, motherhood, being a woman, beloved woman
← Turning 29, Planning for Spring Break, and Dealing with Disappointment. Feel Great While You Sleep: Featuring Boll and Branch →

WELCOME I'm Ashley! A blogger + photographer living in Kentucky with my husband of ten years and two littles. When I'm not writing, snapping photos or chasing the kids around, you can find me baking something sweet while chugging  re-heated coffee. 

FIND A POST

  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015

CURRENTLY BOOKING

12351069_964783451171_2085191921_n.jpg

Getting married in 2019, or just a fan of my work and want to shoot together? I'm based in Kentucky, available for travel, and currently booking weddings, lifestyle shoots, family sessions + more! Click the button above to get in touch! 

FEATURED HERE:

Click here to see my full press list

gma.png
huffparents2.png
scary-mommy.jpg
siteMasthead.png

ON INSTAGRAM

Follow along @ashley_glass

Thanks for holding me, hugging me, kissing me, and tolerating me. I have expensive taste in horses, cry lots of unpredictable tears, and ask you EVERY SINGLE NIGHT to be big spoon. Undeserving is one word I would use to describe me, but beyond blessed is the other. Who is your favorite 🥄, ladies? #lol ♥️ Tag your person below and tell me, are you a cuddler when you go to bed or do you prefer to be left alone? #gatherwiththeglasses
With @Thomasbreakfast, there are so many ways to make eating bread anything but ordinary. The kids love to help make homemade French toast with the cinnamon #thomasswirlbread and let’s face it, we as parents just like that they eat it so WELL. Today though, Reesie went straight to original, and wanted it as a side with her eggs + fruit! There are a couple of yummy flavors: Cinnamon Raisin & Cinnamon and they’re both oh so delish! You probably won’t ever go back to regular French toast once you try this! Tell me, are you a sweet or savory breakfast kinda person? #ad
To the one whose arms I will forever be running and jumping into... ✨❤️especially when our Valentine’s Day looks like being informed of very painful and heart wrenching news. I haven’t been able to hug you yet today since learning our sweet, brave pup Humphrey has cancer. While I have sat and wondered all day how in the world I’m going to make it through...I’m reminded that I have you. You are my strong, my calm, my safe, and my person. I love you, precious husband. Today and every day I will hold you. We’ve got this...somehow someway, we can do this together. (ps: some of you may have had similar experiences of being given a pets’ fatal diagnosis... please pray for us in this time and send all your positive thoughts.)
We have been LOVING the newest addition to our home, @portalfromfacebook! Whether it's video chatting with Dad while we're working on homework, or having mini dance parties using their built-in Spotify, YouTube or Pandora apps — Portal and Portal+ make it easier to share everyday moments with loved ones. And with Smart Camera, there's no need to sit still as more people enter a room, because it automatically widens to keep everyone in view. Have you tried the Portal yet? Learn more and get yours! (See my Brand Work highlights and stories for the swipe up link!) #portalpartner #portal #feelthere
Raise your hand if you get your brows waxed!!! 💁🏼‍♀️ I’ve been going to @dollfacebrowsofficial for over a year now and have not only fallen in love with the shop owner and aesthetician @jess_bartley , the staff is GOOD at what they do!! I had my brows tinted and waxed today, and I love how they look. But, hold up...ding ding ding.... 💃🏼 The shop now offers full body waxing, ladies. Yep. And Michaela, who I worked with today, was the bomb dot com. If you haven’t yet made an appointment here at this ADORABLE business in the heart of Nulu, sisters, you’re missing out. #dollfacebrowsandbeauty #sharelouisville
From baby to professional ball player 🏀 Seriously though, this kid has so much talent. His drive is insane and his passion for this sport is relentless. This is really just a post to brag on my six year old 😍 Our weekend consisted of basketball, Valentine card shopping and me being upset about the rain (over it...) Did any of your kids play basketball or have they shown interest at all?
Literally 70 degrees here in Kentucky today, but don’t let this adorable happy photo fool you.. it has been raining ALL week here and the low tonight is 20. CMON, SPRING, I’M READY! I get this way every year... Christmas ends, it never really snows, and I’m just ready for sunshine and sandals. These two though, they make me so happy, regardless of the season. I freaked out when I learned I was pregnant with Reese, and seriously I thank the Lord often that He surprised us with her! They’re 15 months apart, how close in age are your kiddos? Or if you don’t have kids, how close age wise are you to your sibling(s)? 😍
Asa and I aren't huge Valentine's Day people, especially now that we have kids and we like to get them sweet surprises; however, it still always means SO much to me when he does the simple things: flowers + chocolates, he knows the way to my heart! @krogerco is our one stop shop for all the things, and with Kroger’s app with digital coupons, we always end up saving more $ than we planned! What do you guys do for or on Valentine's Day? You should know that #krogerco is having a custom chocolate covered strawberry station happening February 13 and 14, I definitely want to take our kiddos to that!  #KrogerPartner #Kroger
Thanks for holding me, hugging me, kissing me, and tolerating me. I have expensive taste in horses, cry lots of unpredictable tears, and ask you EVERY SINGLE NIGHT to be big spoon. Undeserving is one word I would use to describe me, but beyond blessed is the other. Who is your favorite 🥄, ladies? #lol ♥️ Tag your person below and tell me, are you a cuddler when you go to bed or do you prefer to be left alone? #gatherwiththeglasses With @Thomasbreakfast, there are so many ways to make eating bread anything but ordinary. The kids love to help make homemade French toast with the cinnamon #thomasswirlbread and let’s face it, we as parents just like that they eat it so WELL. Today though, Reesie went straight to original, and wanted it as a side with her eggs + fruit! There are a couple of yummy flavors: Cinnamon Raisin & Cinnamon and they’re both oh so delish! You probably won’t ever go back to regular French toast once you try this! Tell me, are you a sweet or savory breakfast kinda person? #ad To the one whose arms I will forever be running and jumping into... ✨❤️especially when our Valentine’s Day looks like being informed of very painful and heart wrenching news. I haven’t been able to hug you yet today since learning our sweet, brave pup Humphrey has cancer. While I have sat and wondered all day how in the world I’m going to make it through...I’m reminded that I have you. You are my strong, my calm, my safe, and my person. I love you, precious husband. Today and every day I will hold you. We’ve got this...somehow someway, we can do this together. (ps: some of you may have had similar experiences of being given a pets’ fatal diagnosis... please pray for us in this time and send all your positive thoughts.) We have been LOVING the newest addition to our home, @portalfromfacebook! Whether it's video chatting with Dad while we're working on homework, or having mini dance parties using their built-in Spotify, YouTube or Pandora apps — Portal and Portal+ make it easier to share everyday moments with loved ones. And with Smart Camera, there's no need to sit still as more people enter a room, because it automatically widens to keep everyone in view. Have you tried the Portal yet? Learn more and get yours! (See my Brand Work highlights and stories for the swipe up link!) #portalpartner #portal #feelthere Raise your hand if you get your brows waxed!!! 💁🏼‍♀️ I’ve been going to @dollfacebrowsofficial for over a year now and have not only fallen in love with the shop owner and aesthetician @jess_bartley , the staff is GOOD at what they do!! I had my brows tinted and waxed today, and I love how they look. But, hold up...ding ding ding.... 💃🏼 The shop now offers full body waxing, ladies. Yep. And Michaela, who I worked with today, was the bomb dot com. If you haven’t yet made an appointment here at this ADORABLE business in the heart of Nulu, sisters, you’re missing out. #dollfacebrowsandbeauty #sharelouisville From baby to professional ball player 🏀 Seriously though, this kid has so much talent. His drive is insane and his passion for this sport is relentless. This is really just a post to brag on my six year old 😍 Our weekend consisted of basketball, Valentine card shopping and me being upset about the rain (over it...) Did any of your kids play basketball or have they shown interest at all? Literally 70 degrees here in Kentucky today, but don’t let this adorable happy photo fool you.. it has been raining ALL week here and the low tonight is 20. CMON, SPRING, I’M READY! I get this way every year... Christmas ends, it never really snows, and I’m just ready for sunshine and sandals. These two though, they make me so happy, regardless of the season. I freaked out when I learned I was pregnant with Reese, and seriously I thank the Lord often that He surprised us with her! They’re 15 months apart, how close in age are your kiddos? Or if you don’t have kids, how close age wise are you to your sibling(s)? 😍 Asa and I aren't huge Valentine's Day people, especially now that we have kids and we like to get them sweet surprises; however, it still always means SO much to me when he does the simple things: flowers + chocolates, he knows the way to my heart! @krogerco is our one stop shop for all the things, and with Kroger’s app with digital coupons, we always end up saving more $ than we planned! What do you guys do for or on Valentine's Day? You should know that #krogerco is having a custom chocolate covered strawberry station happening February 13 and 14, I definitely want to take our kiddos to that!  #KrogerPartner #Kroger

BADGES OF HONOR

COPYRIGHT

All content is copyright and owned by Ashley Glass unless otherwise mentioned. You may not take images or content from this site without written permission.

 
 
WORK WITH ME

©Ashley Glass 2016  •  design by greatoakcircle.com • privacy policy