Happy New Year!
Today would be my mother's 65th birthday. It's hard to believe she's been gone 15 years. In her memory I wanted to remind you to eat your blackeye peas. I can't think of one New Year's day that we haven't eaten them. Everytime I prepare them I think of her. It's funny that I feel closest to her when I'm in the kitchen. It was one of her most favorite places in the house, and our kitchen is the heart of our home.
So make sure you eat your peas. Praying God's blessings for you and your families!
Blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Friday, December 30, 2011
Happy Birthday to Honey Daddy
Today is big Hopson's birthday. He's 41, even though he claims he's not having any more birthdays. I asked my mother-in-law if she could believe the baby of the family was 41. She didn't want to talk about it, and then laughed. For his birthday he is heading into the woods. He is taking 1/2 the clan with him, so hopefully if they see a big buck today, Elizabeth will let her daddy shoot it.
He's been in the woods most of the week & looks like it. He has that rugged look about him, and I have to admit that I like it. He doesn't look like a CPA, he looks like a cowboy. I hope he has a wonderful time on his birthday in the woods. There will be no birthday cake, and there will be no presents. The CPA wants less spending on his birthday, so that's what he gets, and since he's not getting any older he doesn't need a cake. I think I'll make him some German Potato Salad instead.
Happy Birthday Honey Daddy!!! We love you!
~ashley
He's been in the woods most of the week & looks like it. He has that rugged look about him, and I have to admit that I like it. He doesn't look like a CPA, he looks like a cowboy. I hope he has a wonderful time on his birthday in the woods. There will be no birthday cake, and there will be no presents. The CPA wants less spending on his birthday, so that's what he gets, and since he's not getting any older he doesn't need a cake. I think I'll make him some German Potato Salad instead.
Happy Birthday Honey Daddy!!! We love you!
~ashley
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas Y'all
I just wanted to wish y'all a very Merry Christmas! Ours has been wonderful. We went to Tampa the week before Christmas to spend time with my brother and his wife. We will be adding a new baby to our family in January!!! (Not by me, thank goodness.) I can't wait. It's been 9 1/2 years since we've had a baby in the fam & we for sure need a new one.
While in Tampa we did some wonderfully fun things. We went to a fun place called AirHeads; a massively big place that's full of trampolines that are all connected. It's too much fun. Of course my children love it. They were flipping & twisting all over the place. I was mistaken for a 28 year old!!! Can I tell you how good that made me feel since I'll be 40 tomorrow. :)
We swam with manatees. Too cool for words. There was a male that followed us around wanting to be scratched. He would swim around us giving everyone a chance to love on him. They are so beautiful & getting to pet them in their environment was amazing. The water was a little cold, 72 degrees to be exact, but besides that, A OK.
Thursday night we went to see the Huseman Family Light Spectacular. When they say it's a light spectacular, they mean a light spectacular! 68,000 lights set to 23 different songs. It's incredible! I had a great time watching & videoing some of the songs. The Huseman's personally welcome every person who stops to watch their lights, and they give them a candy cane. They also delivered almost 1000 pounds of food to a local Tampa charity. What a great ministry they have.
Church was amazing...I cried as usual, but I did something I've always wanted to do...take pictures during the service. I took a picture of our pastor after he lit his candle, and then after all the candles in the sanctuary were lit.
Merry Christmas & y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
While in Tampa we did some wonderfully fun things. We went to a fun place called AirHeads; a massively big place that's full of trampolines that are all connected. It's too much fun. Of course my children love it. They were flipping & twisting all over the place. I was mistaken for a 28 year old!!! Can I tell you how good that made me feel since I'll be 40 tomorrow. :)
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| the fam in our gorgeous wetsuits |
We swam with manatees. Too cool for words. There was a male that followed us around wanting to be scratched. He would swim around us giving everyone a chance to love on him. They are so beautiful & getting to pet them in their environment was amazing. The water was a little cold, 72 degrees to be exact, but besides that, A OK.
Thursday night we went to see the Huseman Family Light Spectacular. When they say it's a light spectacular, they mean a light spectacular! 68,000 lights set to 23 different songs. It's incredible! I had a great time watching & videoing some of the songs. The Huseman's personally welcome every person who stops to watch their lights, and they give them a candy cane. They also delivered almost 1000 pounds of food to a local Tampa charity. What a great ministry they have.  |
| one candle shared |
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| one candle |
Church was amazing...I cried as usual, but I did something I've always wanted to do...take pictures during the service. I took a picture of our pastor after he lit his candle, and then after all the candles in the sanctuary were lit.
The difference between the two is amazing. The sharing the Love of Jesus takes on a whole new meaning when you see 2400 candles lit, just from the one. How blessed I have been this year. I pray you feel God's blessings everyday!!!
Merry Christmas & y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Ahh, Brotherly Love
When ever the older boys want something from Hopson or me you can always tell because they start with: "Oh great and wonderful mother, who is wise and kind..." I just start giggling, what do you expect me to do? I usually know what they're going to ask, depending on the time in the year, but I love it when they agree on something and they both (or all 4) will come to ask me something.
Last night I received such a request. Since they were not doing anything in school, they humbly asked to be checked-out from school today. I promise Harry needs to be an attorney. I start thinking about if it's a good idea to check them out & he has 5000 reasons why I should. 8 times out of 10 I will initially refuse their request, but I hesitate millisecond & you can see the hopefulness on their faces.
I gave in & checked them out, I mean, they really weren't doing anything. We went to get Henry from school since Elizabeth was coming home from a granddaughters trip to NYC. I ended up taking all the boys out to lunch. As you can imagine, when I'm driving, riding shotgun is a premium. Harry didn't necessarily call it, but he ran and jumped in the front seat to lay claim to it. Now, I'm not one to stir, but I asked Hop if he was going to allow his younger brother to sit in the front. The result was hilarious. They were scuffling and laughing, I was laughing & trying to get a picture that wasn't blurry. I love it when my boys get to rough-house and laugh.
Yes, I said I like it when my boys rough-house. I let them throw balls in the house (but please be careful of my lamps), run, wrestle, and whatever else boys like to do. (bodily functions are not excluded, but time and place please) When they're out in public or at a friend's house I expect gentlemanly behavior, but a man's home is his castle, so I have 1 king & 3 princes who have marked ever inch of this house. Elizabeth & I just shake our heads; laugh at their antics; and remember to check the toilet seat before we go to the bathroom.
I hope you all have a wonderfully blessed Thanksgiving! We're going to Tupelo to have dinner with Hopson's oldest brother, his family, and my in-laws. I know I will have TONS of stories. When we all get together, craziness ensues, but there's lots of laughter.
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
Last night I received such a request. Since they were not doing anything in school, they humbly asked to be checked-out from school today. I promise Harry needs to be an attorney. I start thinking about if it's a good idea to check them out & he has 5000 reasons why I should. 8 times out of 10 I will initially refuse their request, but I hesitate millisecond & you can see the hopefulness on their faces.
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| calling shotgun |
Yes, I said I like it when my boys rough-house. I let them throw balls in the house (but please be careful of my lamps), run, wrestle, and whatever else boys like to do. (bodily functions are not excluded, but time and place please) When they're out in public or at a friend's house I expect gentlemanly behavior, but a man's home is his castle, so I have 1 king & 3 princes who have marked ever inch of this house. Elizabeth & I just shake our heads; laugh at their antics; and remember to check the toilet seat before we go to the bathroom.
I hope you all have a wonderfully blessed Thanksgiving! We're going to Tupelo to have dinner with Hopson's oldest brother, his family, and my in-laws. I know I will have TONS of stories. When we all get together, craziness ensues, but there's lots of laughter.
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
Friday, November 18, 2011
Where I Spend My Time
I think I need to paint my car. No, it's not that the paint is chipping or faded, it's that I'm always in my car driving little people hither and yon. Yellow, that's the color my car should be, and it needs a 'Children's Taxi' sign gracing the top. Don't laugh, you know it can or will apply to you in the future. We even have one child who can drive himself and it is still crazy around here.
We're in the car so much Henry knows how to get most of his homework completed in the car. The life of being the baby of the family. Bless that sweet child, he can roll with the punches better than anyone, and doesn't wig out when things suddenly change. (he did not get that from his mommy) He could also nap in the car like a champion when he was a baby. People would see him asleep in his car seat & whisper and say 'oh look, the baby is asleep, y'all be quiet and don't wake him up.' I would laugh and say, don't worry, you can't wake him up, because you couldn't. We are not the quietest family...
Last night was one of the coldest nights of the year for us so far. I really wanted to eat chili, but knew the fam would balk. Chili is a go to for me in a tight. And then, it was like I heard a chior singing as I remembered I have a recipe for White Chicken Chili. I needed somthing I could leave cooking on low on the stove as I hauled my little chicks around. You know I don't follow directions very well. If I don't have or like something in a recipe, I'll change it, no biggie. The original recipe calls for ground chicken. What, ground chicken, who keeps ground chicken in their freezer? So, I decided to poach some and dice it up. I did want some heavy cream to add to it, but didn't have any so it was a healthy chili.
We're coming up on the busiest time of the year. Every mom I talk to has said that December is crazier than May, and I totally agree. Hopefully this chicken chili will help make your Christmas season a little easier.
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
We're in the car so much Henry knows how to get most of his homework completed in the car. The life of being the baby of the family. Bless that sweet child, he can roll with the punches better than anyone, and doesn't wig out when things suddenly change. (he did not get that from his mommy) He could also nap in the car like a champion when he was a baby. People would see him asleep in his car seat & whisper and say 'oh look, the baby is asleep, y'all be quiet and don't wake him up.' I would laugh and say, don't worry, you can't wake him up, because you couldn't. We are not the quietest family...
Last night was one of the coldest nights of the year for us so far. I really wanted to eat chili, but knew the fam would balk. Chili is a go to for me in a tight. And then, it was like I heard a chior singing as I remembered I have a recipe for White Chicken Chili. I needed somthing I could leave cooking on low on the stove as I hauled my little chicks around. You know I don't follow directions very well. If I don't have or like something in a recipe, I'll change it, no biggie. The original recipe calls for ground chicken. What, ground chicken, who keeps ground chicken in their freezer? So, I decided to poach some and dice it up. I did want some heavy cream to add to it, but didn't have any so it was a healthy chili.
We're coming up on the busiest time of the year. Every mom I talk to has said that December is crazier than May, and I totally agree. Hopefully this chicken chili will help make your Christmas season a little easier.
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Someone May Get Slapped
My family has a horrible habit. They are the messiest people God ever created. Why are they so messy? It makes me so sad, and for some reason, they are under the false assumption that my favorite thing to do is to clean-up after them. The picky one had the audacity to tell me that I needed to do the cleaning-up since I don't do anything else all day, and it's not that big of a deal if the house is messy. Excuse Me! Did you really just say that? Oh, yeah, I forgot, I'm just a mom, so that means I have no life, or feelings, or aspirations. Someone may get slapped.
I can't wait until my children have that Aha moment when they finally understand what goes on around here. I don't like cleaning up the same things (or different things) all the time...I'm trying to teach them how to do it, but for some reason it's not clicking yet, even with the teenagers. They are just as messy as they were as toddlers, and 5 verses 1 is not a fair fight. I've even taped their chores on their mirrors & it still doesn't help. These chores are just for their rooms, I really want them to pick-up their stuff they leave around the house, and unload their clean clothes baskets without me asking 1000 times.
This weekend I may see a glimmer of hope...Elizabeth leaves to go to NYC with my mother-in-law and all the granddaughters for 4 days, and all the boys are going hunting for the weekend. Only 2 more days, 2 more days, 2 more days. This will be my mantra until they leave. I hope I can hang on until then.
I wonder what makes some of us neat freaks and others not. For those of you who are not...I just don't understand. I want to put up the rules I thought up for my kitchen in different rooms of our home. When things are at their cleanest, I'm at my happiest. Cleanliness is next to Godliness. :) Well, I'm going to get some cleaning done so I can hopefully get a workout, and do some actual money making work today. May the Lord make my hands swift and efficient as I work to clean this messy house today.
I would love to know if your families are the same as mine. Neat Freaks Unite! Please let me know I'm not the only one surrounded by messy people out here.
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley, the neat freak
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| The chore list. |
This weekend I may see a glimmer of hope...Elizabeth leaves to go to NYC with my mother-in-law and all the granddaughters for 4 days, and all the boys are going hunting for the weekend. Only 2 more days, 2 more days, 2 more days. This will be my mantra until they leave. I hope I can hang on until then.
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| Someone didn't read the chore list... |
I would love to know if your families are the same as mine. Neat Freaks Unite! Please let me know I'm not the only one surrounded by messy people out here.
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley, the neat freak
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Dreaming of a White Christmas
Christmas will change in my home in a few years. Hoppy will be going off to college & he will realize that where ever he is will be his home, and we will be a place he only visits. It makes me want to cry, but I'm going to hold on to the next few years and love every second of them!
I remember the Christmas after my dad died, it was the most heartbreaking Christmas ever. Christmas was my dad's favorite holiday, and we all knew it. It changed again 5 years later when my mom was dying. She was so sick she couldn't join us for most of it. We did little things to bring laughter in the house, but it was a lot of work. She died December 30th. It was a sad Christmas too, but for some reason the music of Christmas always helps me remember happy times.
As far as I'm concerned, only a few people should be allowed to sing Christmas songs. They are so beautiful and there are so many who butcher them. :/ Bing Crosby is on the approved list. Daddy would play the White Christmas album ad nauseam, but to this day when I hear it, I think of Daddy.
I've always wanted a white Christmas. Living in the south, the chances of having one are about slim & none..that is until last year. We had a dusting of snow, the first one ever on Christmas morning in my state, and to make it even better...it snowed the day after Christmas too, which is my birthday. :) What can I say, I don't want much, but snow on my b'day was #1.
Well, this year I'm dreaming of another white Christmas. It would be too wonderful for words.
What are the things that are a must have or must hear for you & your family every Christmas? I look forward to reading what you love about Christmas!
Be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
Some of my Favorite things
Christmas decorations are up in the stores; Magic 96 has started playing Christmas music; and I have to admit...it makes me happy. (all except for the new Christmas Tree tax the president wants to impose on all of us who love fresh Christmas trees; hey Mr. President, you're killing me.)
I love Christmas. I love the lights, decorations, music, food, smells, and it's a time for Hopson & me to show our children the true meaning of Christmas. In the past I have felt pressure, all that I put on myself, to have a perfect Christmas. What I have learned is that my family just wants to be together; have a little food; and spend some time praising the Lord for when the Word became flesh. Once I realized this fact, Christmas became easier for me.
Now don't get me wrong, there are certain foods that must be present...it just wouldn't be Christmas at our house without them.
Something that I learned to make in college from my mom who learned to make it from my MeMaw is homemade mayonnaise. Most people turn their noses up at it, but once you taste it, oh it's a little bit of sunshine on your plate. It makes everything taste better. I eat it plain. It is so yummy. It takes some practice to learn how to make it, and you can't make it when it is raining outside, because it will fall. That's what my MeMaw & mom told me anyway.
Another thing we love to eat are homemade cheese straws. My MeMaw made the best tasting, most beautiful cheese straws you have ever seen. I've tried to make mine pretty, but because I'm a lazy cook and not as patient as she was, mine can be quite ugly. They still taste yummy, but they're not pretty. I'll also let the kiddos help make them & they don't make them pretty either, but we have fun making them!
I'm going to be posting other recipes that we have for Christmas. I'm looking forward to the season, as a matter of fact, I think I'll start decorating this weekend. Merry Christmas to me!
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
I love Christmas. I love the lights, decorations, music, food, smells, and it's a time for Hopson & me to show our children the true meaning of Christmas. In the past I have felt pressure, all that I put on myself, to have a perfect Christmas. What I have learned is that my family just wants to be together; have a little food; and spend some time praising the Lord for when the Word became flesh. Once I realized this fact, Christmas became easier for me.
Now don't get me wrong, there are certain foods that must be present...it just wouldn't be Christmas at our house without them.
Something that I learned to make in college from my mom who learned to make it from my MeMaw is homemade mayonnaise. Most people turn their noses up at it, but once you taste it, oh it's a little bit of sunshine on your plate. It makes everything taste better. I eat it plain. It is so yummy. It takes some practice to learn how to make it, and you can't make it when it is raining outside, because it will fall. That's what my MeMaw & mom told me anyway.
Another thing we love to eat are homemade cheese straws. My MeMaw made the best tasting, most beautiful cheese straws you have ever seen. I've tried to make mine pretty, but because I'm a lazy cook and not as patient as she was, mine can be quite ugly. They still taste yummy, but they're not pretty. I'll also let the kiddos help make them & they don't make them pretty either, but we have fun making them!
I'm going to be posting other recipes that we have for Christmas. I'm looking forward to the season, as a matter of fact, I think I'll start decorating this weekend. Merry Christmas to me!
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
What's the meaning of this?
Can I tell you that I am so glad that some dreams don't come true. I went this morning, as part of my normal morning routine, to make sure my youngest child, Henry, was awake, and to have a wonderful morning chat before he plopped himself in the shower. Today is also clean sheet day so I needed to help him strip his bed and start putting clean sheets back on it. Now, when the fam tells me a dream I like to ask questions to try to understand it. (both for themselves and me) I have always liked to try to figure out what dreams mean. Henry's dream from last night has totally stumped me.
That child has some crazy dreams. I may need to watch his diet. He starts to giggle as he tells me he had a weird dream last night. As any good mom would, I asked him about it. He said he dreamed he had a baby sister (shut his mouth, four children in our family is plenty) who fell in the toilet, and when he tried to get her out; she bit his finger. Of course now we're both at a full blown laugh, and I'm asking him how old his baby sister was. He said she was a young toddler, but she slipped off the toilet lid & into the toilet. Henry has always wanted a baby brother or sister; that's part of why we bought the Chihuahua, Bella.
What in the world that dream meant I have NO idea, but it has made my day. I love that crazy kid. He is so precious.
On a side note, I was listening to Rick and Bubba, my favorite radio show, yesterday, and someone brought them some Chocolate Chip Cookie Oreo Brownies. It sounded so yummy I had to share the link. If you don't think I'm going to surprise the fam with these one day you're crazy. It looks like heaven on a plate.
Have y'all or any of your kids had crazy dreams that just left you in a fit of giggles? I would love to hear about them!
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
That child has some crazy dreams. I may need to watch his diet. He starts to giggle as he tells me he had a weird dream last night. As any good mom would, I asked him about it. He said he dreamed he had a baby sister (shut his mouth, four children in our family is plenty) who fell in the toilet, and when he tried to get her out; she bit his finger. Of course now we're both at a full blown laugh, and I'm asking him how old his baby sister was. He said she was a young toddler, but she slipped off the toilet lid & into the toilet. Henry has always wanted a baby brother or sister; that's part of why we bought the Chihuahua, Bella.
What in the world that dream meant I have NO idea, but it has made my day. I love that crazy kid. He is so precious.
On a side note, I was listening to Rick and Bubba, my favorite radio show, yesterday, and someone brought them some Chocolate Chip Cookie Oreo Brownies. It sounded so yummy I had to share the link. If you don't think I'm going to surprise the fam with these one day you're crazy. It looks like heaven on a plate.
Have y'all or any of your kids had crazy dreams that just left you in a fit of giggles? I would love to hear about them!
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Because I'm the Mom
Ok, this is going to be somewhat of a rant. I have started wondering who is taking the time to actually raise their children. Do parents not realize what their children are doing? I amazes me! It's a lot of work being a parent, but when did setting boundaries, and prying in your child's life become something that was bad. Why is saying no so hard for some parents. Why do we want to give our kids everything when they're too young to understand the meaning or worth behind it? See, I told you I was ranting.
I am not my childrens' friend, I am their parent. My kids have friends & they happen to be the same age as they are, and I have friends that are the same age as me. If I sound like I don't love my children, nothing could be farther from the truth. They are most precious to me, and I thank God everyday for Him allowing me the honor of being their mommy. Because I place value on them, I want to equip them for anything the world may throw at them. I want to raise them to love the Lord and follow His ways first. Now I have noticed, that as they are getting older our relationship is changing, and there is a mutual friendship growing. I am far from being a perfect mom, but I hope my 4 realize that Hopson & I are relying on God to help us raise them to be the best people they can be.
One example is Facebook. I will scroll through from time to time & and am amazed at what some of the teenagers are posting. It's crazy and shocking. When my children became old enough, in our household, to have a Facebook account, guess who was their first friend? You got it...me. I will check everything they post if I feel like it, whenever I feel like it. If there is something questionable, we will talk about it & what do they think the right choice is. (after all, we want them to learn how to make the correct decisions by themselves.)
If you're not checking your child's FB account, cell phone, iPod, laptop or iPad if they have one, their car if they're old enough to drive, wallets, purses, rooms, closets, drawers, cabinets, and anything else I'm leaving off the list, you are not doing your child justice. Children want boundaries. They want to be secure that you are going to keep them safe. I want my children to trust me that everything I do for them is for their best.
Moms & Dads, please take the time to be the parent your child needs. Your child doesn't need you as a friend until they are older, they need your loving guidance and wisdom that God has given you. Don't be afraid, you can do it! All you need is a lot of love, a little discipline, and wisdom that only the Lord can give.
Thanks for letting me rant!!!
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
I am not my childrens' friend, I am their parent. My kids have friends & they happen to be the same age as they are, and I have friends that are the same age as me. If I sound like I don't love my children, nothing could be farther from the truth. They are most precious to me, and I thank God everyday for Him allowing me the honor of being their mommy. Because I place value on them, I want to equip them for anything the world may throw at them. I want to raise them to love the Lord and follow His ways first. Now I have noticed, that as they are getting older our relationship is changing, and there is a mutual friendship growing. I am far from being a perfect mom, but I hope my 4 realize that Hopson & I are relying on God to help us raise them to be the best people they can be.
One example is Facebook. I will scroll through from time to time & and am amazed at what some of the teenagers are posting. It's crazy and shocking. When my children became old enough, in our household, to have a Facebook account, guess who was their first friend? You got it...me. I will check everything they post if I feel like it, whenever I feel like it. If there is something questionable, we will talk about it & what do they think the right choice is. (after all, we want them to learn how to make the correct decisions by themselves.)
If you're not checking your child's FB account, cell phone, iPod, laptop or iPad if they have one, their car if they're old enough to drive, wallets, purses, rooms, closets, drawers, cabinets, and anything else I'm leaving off the list, you are not doing your child justice. Children want boundaries. They want to be secure that you are going to keep them safe. I want my children to trust me that everything I do for them is for their best.
Moms & Dads, please take the time to be the parent your child needs. Your child doesn't need you as a friend until they are older, they need your loving guidance and wisdom that God has given you. Don't be afraid, you can do it! All you need is a lot of love, a little discipline, and wisdom that only the Lord can give.
Thanks for letting me rant!!!
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Just don't get it in my Hair...
It's another Homecoming in the bag. I don't know about the kids, but I had a blast. Last year's homecoming posting was called Joy Bubbles Up, and I have to say, this year's did not disappoint. Fun is always afoot when you have teenagers around. Funny things are going to be said & done! My boys don't like for me to take pictures of them, because I take a lot of pictures. (how did we ever survive before digital pictures?) So, we were starting the picture taking process and surprise, Harry started complaining. Of course he didn't want me taking a lot of pictures, but as big Hopson said: "Do what your mother says...she can't live vicariously though you when you don't cooperate." Yeah, it's not about them anyway. Just kidding, it's all about them, but I do want to make sure I have as much recorded for them to go back at look at when they are my age. I hope to create an atmosphere where wonderful memories can be made.
The girls looked beautiful!
Oh to be young again...to have my pre-baby body again...nah, I'm at a great place right now. I have noticed that I'm slowly becoming more of a night owl. Don't like being a night owl, because no matter what, the early bird in me always wakes up before the sun (or the alarm clock). I went to bed at 3am uh-huh, love that time. Been a little loopy today, but I did get a nice nap though & feel much better.
We had freshmen at our house for the after party, which started at midnight. Hop & his date went to a friend's house. We had breakfast, yummy. I made a Sausage & Grits Casserole and a Hash Brown Casserole. We also had Monkey bread, coffee cake, sausage biscuits, and fresh fruit.
The real fun came after breakfast. Let the games begin! The girls were so funny, they did not want shaving cream in their hair, but once they started playing...all bets were off. Several ended up with shaving cream splatted on their faces, in their mouths, a little in their eyes, and all in their hair. We also had an egg toss, food relay race, and a silly string fight. They were too funny.
How blessed I am to be able to hang out with a bunch of great kids! They keep me young and give me so much joy. I love doing stuff like that for my kids. I hope they can look back and smile and say they had a good time too.
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
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| Anthony & Harry about to get their dates |
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| Hop, Anthony & Harry pondering the meaning of life. |
The girls looked beautiful!
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| Hop & his date Hedy |
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| Anthony, Harper, Taylor & Harry |
Oh to be young again...to have my pre-baby body again...nah, I'm at a great place right now. I have noticed that I'm slowly becoming more of a night owl. Don't like being a night owl, because no matter what, the early bird in me always wakes up before the sun (or the alarm clock). I went to bed at 3am uh-huh, love that time. Been a little loopy today, but I did get a nice nap though & feel much better.
We had freshmen at our house for the after party, which started at midnight. Hop & his date went to a friend's house. We had breakfast, yummy. I made a Sausage & Grits Casserole and a Hash Brown Casserole. We also had Monkey bread, coffee cake, sausage biscuits, and fresh fruit. |
| After the shaving cream fight. |
The real fun came after breakfast. Let the games begin! The girls were so funny, they did not want shaving cream in their hair, but once they started playing...all bets were off. Several ended up with shaving cream splatted on their faces, in their mouths, a little in their eyes, and all in their hair. We also had an egg toss, food relay race, and a silly string fight. They were too funny.
How blessed I am to be able to hang out with a bunch of great kids! They keep me young and give me so much joy. I love doing stuff like that for my kids. I hope they can look back and smile and say they had a good time too.
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
Friday, October 28, 2011
Confessions & Lists
I need some of my productivity back from Wednesday. Today is Homecoming.
Have I cooked for tonight? No.
Have I set-up the tables & all the stuff for the after party games for tonight? That's a nope.
Checked to see if rooms are clean? Nuh-uh.
Wrapped the last few cheerleader gifts. No on that one too.
So why am I sitting here, typing at my computer when I have so much to do? The answer, no idea. I think it's because it's therapeutic for me to confess this. I really just want to sit at my computer, listen to Pandora Radio & eat peanut butter M&Ms. But, I'm not. When I'm done confessing here, I will: unload the dishwasher; do a sweep of the house to make sure it's in some semblance of order; help Elizabeth get packed for her Jr. High retreat this weekend at church; move chairs & set-up tables for the after party tonight; cook; get corsages, balloons, money from the bank; drop off all the stuff for Hopper's after homecoming party at his friend Joe's house; cook for Harry's after party; take a shower...ok wow, I had more to do than was on my original list. Where is that list because you know I'm going to add all this stuff on there. :)
Harry has requested breakfast for the after party & shaving cream. It should prove to be a super fun night! (we plan on throwing the shaving cream, not eating it.) I'll post pictures and the recipes I use. Harry wants me to make Sausage & Grits casserole, Hash brown casserole,chocolate milk, Sunny Delight, and anything else with tons of sugar. They'll be wound-up for sure! The good thing is that hopefully we'll have extra to eat tomorrow morning.
Well, gotta go & get busy...have lots to do & times a'wastin.
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
Have I cooked for tonight? No.
Have I set-up the tables & all the stuff for the after party games for tonight? That's a nope.
Checked to see if rooms are clean? Nuh-uh.
Wrapped the last few cheerleader gifts. No on that one too.
So why am I sitting here, typing at my computer when I have so much to do? The answer, no idea. I think it's because it's therapeutic for me to confess this. I really just want to sit at my computer, listen to Pandora Radio & eat peanut butter M&Ms. But, I'm not. When I'm done confessing here, I will: unload the dishwasher; do a sweep of the house to make sure it's in some semblance of order; help Elizabeth get packed for her Jr. High retreat this weekend at church; move chairs & set-up tables for the after party tonight; cook; get corsages, balloons, money from the bank; drop off all the stuff for Hopper's after homecoming party at his friend Joe's house; cook for Harry's after party; take a shower...ok wow, I had more to do than was on my original list. Where is that list because you know I'm going to add all this stuff on there. :)
Harry has requested breakfast for the after party & shaving cream. It should prove to be a super fun night! (we plan on throwing the shaving cream, not eating it.) I'll post pictures and the recipes I use. Harry wants me to make Sausage & Grits casserole, Hash brown casserole,chocolate milk, Sunny Delight, and anything else with tons of sugar. They'll be wound-up for sure! The good thing is that hopefully we'll have extra to eat tomorrow morning.
Well, gotta go & get busy...have lots to do & times a'wastin.
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Days like today...
I'm taking a little break right now, but know I LOVE days like today! I have been super ultra productive & it's not even 9am yet. Yea for mom!!! I know others don't get excited about: laundry getting washed & dried; dishwashers getting unloaded & reloaded; stripping beds; hanging up clothes; cleaning out closets; wrapping presents; getting dinner prepared; and working out (well others in my house may care about this one...) but this is just some of what I've accomplished this morning. See the smile on my face!
If you've never taken a personality test you need to! I'm an I/D. Which means a few things: 1. I know who I am. (get it? ID...cue the groans) 2. I'm task oriented, sometimes to a fault. I've been known to add things to my to do list after I've completed them just so I can cross them back off the list. Yes, it's sick and somewhat sad, but oh so true. But my family thinks that most days I sit around my house watching tv & eating cookies. so I have to have something for them to see that I've actually done something.
This Friday is homecoming, and I'm getting everything ready to host a group of sweet freshmen for their first after homecoming party. We're going to eat which is always a must, play games & just have some good clean fun. I'll post some pictures Saturday, it should be a hoot.
Hop played in his last JV game ever last night & the team went undefeated this year. His class has only lost a handful of games since they started playing football. It's really incredible. I hope we can continue the undefeated streak next year when they are seniors. Where has the time gone?
Well, have to get busy on the second part of my list...my goal is to be done by 12, so I can get some errands outside the house done. I'll let you know how it goes...
y'all be blessed beyond measure!
~ashley
If you've never taken a personality test you need to! I'm an I/D. Which means a few things: 1. I know who I am. (get it? ID...cue the groans) 2. I'm task oriented, sometimes to a fault. I've been known to add things to my to do list after I've completed them just so I can cross them back off the list. Yes, it's sick and somewhat sad, but oh so true. But my family thinks that most days I sit around my house watching tv & eating cookies. so I have to have something for them to see that I've actually done something.
This Friday is homecoming, and I'm getting everything ready to host a group of sweet freshmen for their first after homecoming party. We're going to eat which is always a must, play games & just have some good clean fun. I'll post some pictures Saturday, it should be a hoot.
Hop played in his last JV game ever last night & the team went undefeated this year. His class has only lost a handful of games since they started playing football. It's really incredible. I hope we can continue the undefeated streak next year when they are seniors. Where has the time gone?
Well, have to get busy on the second part of my list...my goal is to be done by 12, so I can get some errands outside the house done. I'll let you know how it goes...
y'all be blessed beyond measure!
~ashley
Monday, October 24, 2011
What to do?
I'm asking myself the same question I ask almost 3 times a week. What in the world are we going to have for dinner? Monday's are crazy; everyone has something going on, so I decided to make Chicken Pie. The fam loves chicken pie, I love chicken pie, it's a win win for everyone. I like wins, they make me feel good.
As I was putting the casserole together I noticed I was out of a lot of staples in my pantry and freezer. A few weeks ago was a canned food drive at the high school, and Harry needed said cans and wiped me out. (with permission of course) I've been dedicated to having dinner prepared at least 4-5 nights a week, and at one point I had enough food in my pantry and freezer to tie us over, but now the stores are depleted.
I guess that means I need to start a MAJOR grocery list and get my happy self to the grocery store. Maybe I'll take the fam so we can have speed grocery! My favorite, no really, it is. When my children were all little I needed one of those mack-daddy buggies to pack them all in safely and still have room for groceries. I would usually arrive to find none available. Do you know why? It was because a mom with 1, let me repeat 1 child would have it. Hey thanks for that, I was looking forward to my preschoolers jumping on and off my buggy since I couldn't strap them in. Once they started getting older though it was a whole new ball game! They pair up & I give them a list of things to get; find me to put what you have in the buggy & then get their next items on the list. Oh, it's great fun!!! (I can also send Hop to the grocery by himself with my list since he can drive. Ask me the happiness that brings me!)
8 times out of 10 they will get exactly what I told them to get. You have to be VERY specific, or you might end up with the most expensive of what you're looking for (and something special they decided to pick-up for themselves). Brand, size, weight, color of the box/carton, where it might be located on the isle, and how many of each you need are always important. With the children I have noticed they ask questions about why I get this brand over that one, why do we need the bigger box of rice, etc; and because of those questions I can share with them how to save money; how a special ingredient in a recipe can make that recipe great; the difference between oils, vinegars, and cooking wines. The list is endless, and they learn how to follow specific directions. Who knew so much could be learned in Publix?
They always ask for something that I wasn't going to get: Cookies, Pop Tarts, Ice Cream, anything with tons of sugar; they're kids, what can I say? As long as they don't try to sneak anything into my buggy, sure I'll give in on the one thing they vote on they really want. It's usually decided by a few games of paper, rock, scissors, and that is for sure another story for another day!
Chicken Pie's ready & I need to go get Harry...
Y'all have a wonderful Monday & be blessed beyond measure!
~ashley
As I was putting the casserole together I noticed I was out of a lot of staples in my pantry and freezer. A few weeks ago was a canned food drive at the high school, and Harry needed said cans and wiped me out. (with permission of course) I've been dedicated to having dinner prepared at least 4-5 nights a week, and at one point I had enough food in my pantry and freezer to tie us over, but now the stores are depleted.
I guess that means I need to start a MAJOR grocery list and get my happy self to the grocery store. Maybe I'll take the fam so we can have speed grocery! My favorite, no really, it is. When my children were all little I needed one of those mack-daddy buggies to pack them all in safely and still have room for groceries. I would usually arrive to find none available. Do you know why? It was because a mom with 1, let me repeat 1 child would have it. Hey thanks for that, I was looking forward to my preschoolers jumping on and off my buggy since I couldn't strap them in. Once they started getting older though it was a whole new ball game! They pair up & I give them a list of things to get; find me to put what you have in the buggy & then get their next items on the list. Oh, it's great fun!!! (I can also send Hop to the grocery by himself with my list since he can drive. Ask me the happiness that brings me!)
8 times out of 10 they will get exactly what I told them to get. You have to be VERY specific, or you might end up with the most expensive of what you're looking for (and something special they decided to pick-up for themselves). Brand, size, weight, color of the box/carton, where it might be located on the isle, and how many of each you need are always important. With the children I have noticed they ask questions about why I get this brand over that one, why do we need the bigger box of rice, etc; and because of those questions I can share with them how to save money; how a special ingredient in a recipe can make that recipe great; the difference between oils, vinegars, and cooking wines. The list is endless, and they learn how to follow specific directions. Who knew so much could be learned in Publix?
They always ask for something that I wasn't going to get: Cookies, Pop Tarts, Ice Cream, anything with tons of sugar; they're kids, what can I say? As long as they don't try to sneak anything into my buggy, sure I'll give in on the one thing they vote on they really want. It's usually decided by a few games of paper, rock, scissors, and that is for sure another story for another day!
Chicken Pie's ready & I need to go get Harry...
Y'all have a wonderful Monday & be blessed beyond measure!
~ashley
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Salt Water Taffy & Cold Pizza
Having a houseful of kids is a true blessing. I have four, so right now there is always something going on in our house. When the children are home from school there are sounds and actions surrounding them: homework; music playing; laughter; sometimes arguing; Lego forts and planes being built and played with; sting pong and shooting pool; lacrosse balls being thrown against the house and caught again; the ping of the bat as it hits a baseball; dancing; but I think my favorite is when their friends come over.
My children are blessed with wonderful friends, all four of them have great friends. Last night I was allowed to 'sit-in' with Hop's friends. They let me hang around in the kitchen; listen; and join in on their conversations... yes I understand it's my kitchen, but some teenagers don't like being around adults & won't talk to them. It was so fun because some of them came over before last night's game & the others came over after.
We talked about everything: being a leader, girls, t-shirts, football, homecoming, salt water taffy, school, teachers, Jesus, picking on freshmen, accepting responsibility for your actions, and more topics that I can't even remember. It was ordinary conversation, but it's those times I cherish the most. For the guys who came over before the game we had salt water taffy and cookies they could snack on & after the game we pulled out the cold pizza we had from dinner & all of it was inhaled.
I remember my mom doing the same thing. I now know why she did it. Not to live vicariously through me, but for me and my friends to reveal our hearts to her, and also to help her remember her time as a teenager. (and to be glad to have the wisdom that comes with age! Oh to go back to high school and college with the wisdom I have now...)
Ordinary moments aren't really ordinary when you think about it; they are actually quite extraordinary. I cherish them in my heart, always. Thanks guys for a wonderful night of revealing your hearts and making this momma laugh. May the Lord walk with you all the days of your lives and bless your socks off.
What ordinary moments have you had with your kids? I would love to hear them!
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
My children are blessed with wonderful friends, all four of them have great friends. Last night I was allowed to 'sit-in' with Hop's friends. They let me hang around in the kitchen; listen; and join in on their conversations... yes I understand it's my kitchen, but some teenagers don't like being around adults & won't talk to them. It was so fun because some of them came over before last night's game & the others came over after.
We talked about everything: being a leader, girls, t-shirts, football, homecoming, salt water taffy, school, teachers, Jesus, picking on freshmen, accepting responsibility for your actions, and more topics that I can't even remember. It was ordinary conversation, but it's those times I cherish the most. For the guys who came over before the game we had salt water taffy and cookies they could snack on & after the game we pulled out the cold pizza we had from dinner & all of it was inhaled.
I remember my mom doing the same thing. I now know why she did it. Not to live vicariously through me, but for me and my friends to reveal our hearts to her, and also to help her remember her time as a teenager. (and to be glad to have the wisdom that comes with age! Oh to go back to high school and college with the wisdom I have now...)
Ordinary moments aren't really ordinary when you think about it; they are actually quite extraordinary. I cherish them in my heart, always. Thanks guys for a wonderful night of revealing your hearts and making this momma laugh. May the Lord walk with you all the days of your lives and bless your socks off.
What ordinary moments have you had with your kids? I would love to hear them!
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
Thursday, August 11, 2011
...First Day of School...First Day of School...First Day of School...
Well, there is silence in my house except for the Rick & Bubba Show playing in the background. And you all know why...it's the first day of school. And everyone breath in through the nose & out through your mouth.
Did I take any pictures of my children this morning? Nope...because I'm a total slacker. My camera has had one too many drops and the battery latch will not stay closed. I'm very sad about this, I love my camera. It's been with me a long time. I'm going to borrow Elizabeth's camera this afternoon & take pictures of all my kiddos. So we'll have 'after the first day of school' pictures. Better late than never right...?
All 4 of the little chicks reacted differently to school starting. It was so funny to watch. I have 2 of the 4 starting new schools, so there is a lot of excitement with beginning something new.
Hop is a junior & finally getting to shed the underclassman status & for him it is refreshing. He was up late last night & this morning getting his summer work completed. I love it when he waits until the last minute to finish all his work, it's great. NOT! I keep thinking my little 4 year old buddy is going to come through the door, but instead a man comes through it. Yes, I'm crying, my babies are growing too fast.
Harry, the picky one, is a freshman. He doesn't realize that there is nothing lower than a freshman boy...unless you have a sibling that is an upperclassman. Harry has no trepidation (aren't you proud of me for using a good vocab word?). He really excited but too cool to show it. He's going to love being in high school, and I'm excited for this next phase in his life.
Elizabeth is a hoot. I'm dropping her off this morning for her first day of middle school. She takes a big deep breath, giggles a bit (which she does whenever she's nervous), throws me a huge smile, tells me she loves me & hops out of the car. Her classes have started right now so I hope she's having fun!
Henry was cool as a cucumber. It's our family's last year in elementary school, so no big deal for him this morning. He's like a senior in high school. He knows his way around, the complete drill & what's expected. It's nice when that can happen. He has some of his best buds in his class, and we have heard wonderful things about his teacher, so it's going to be a great year.
In honor of school starting today, I'm including one of my favorite all time commercials! I try not to laugh every time I see it & fail miserably. But it's ok, laughter is good for the spirit. Since silence is reigning in my house after a summer & house full of children & noise, I need something. Below I put part of the prayer I prayed for my children this morning & I'm praying it for your children as well.
Have a wonderful first day school & be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
My prayer for my children and yours:
Dear Lord, I praise you for a wonderful refreshing summer for our children. As they return to school help them to remember You. Help them to know who they belong to & that You love them more than we do. Help them to be a blessing to their teachers and friends. Let them reflect Your love to everyone and to speak truth in love to all they come in contact with. Lord we ask your protection over our children's hearts, their classrooms, and schools. I pray against any attack of the enemy. I stand against the enemy & command that he is not allowed in our schools because I pray the Blood of Jesus who covers us over our children. Bless our teachers and administrators with Your wisdom. Let Your peace fill our schools. I humble myself to you Lord Jesus for our children. If there are any who don't know you let our children show them Your love & tell them of Your great Name. You are the I AM. I praise You Lord! In Jesus most precious Name, ~Amen.
Did I take any pictures of my children this morning? Nope...because I'm a total slacker. My camera has had one too many drops and the battery latch will not stay closed. I'm very sad about this, I love my camera. It's been with me a long time. I'm going to borrow Elizabeth's camera this afternoon & take pictures of all my kiddos. So we'll have 'after the first day of school' pictures. Better late than never right...?
All 4 of the little chicks reacted differently to school starting. It was so funny to watch. I have 2 of the 4 starting new schools, so there is a lot of excitement with beginning something new.
Hop is a junior & finally getting to shed the underclassman status & for him it is refreshing. He was up late last night & this morning getting his summer work completed. I love it when he waits until the last minute to finish all his work, it's great. NOT! I keep thinking my little 4 year old buddy is going to come through the door, but instead a man comes through it. Yes, I'm crying, my babies are growing too fast.
Harry, the picky one, is a freshman. He doesn't realize that there is nothing lower than a freshman boy...unless you have a sibling that is an upperclassman. Harry has no trepidation (aren't you proud of me for using a good vocab word?). He really excited but too cool to show it. He's going to love being in high school, and I'm excited for this next phase in his life.
Elizabeth is a hoot. I'm dropping her off this morning for her first day of middle school. She takes a big deep breath, giggles a bit (which she does whenever she's nervous), throws me a huge smile, tells me she loves me & hops out of the car. Her classes have started right now so I hope she's having fun!
Henry was cool as a cucumber. It's our family's last year in elementary school, so no big deal for him this morning. He's like a senior in high school. He knows his way around, the complete drill & what's expected. It's nice when that can happen. He has some of his best buds in his class, and we have heard wonderful things about his teacher, so it's going to be a great year.
In honor of school starting today, I'm including one of my favorite all time commercials! I try not to laugh every time I see it & fail miserably. But it's ok, laughter is good for the spirit. Since silence is reigning in my house after a summer & house full of children & noise, I need something. Below I put part of the prayer I prayed for my children this morning & I'm praying it for your children as well.
Have a wonderful first day school & be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
My prayer for my children and yours:
Dear Lord, I praise you for a wonderful refreshing summer for our children. As they return to school help them to remember You. Help them to know who they belong to & that You love them more than we do. Help them to be a blessing to their teachers and friends. Let them reflect Your love to everyone and to speak truth in love to all they come in contact with. Lord we ask your protection over our children's hearts, their classrooms, and schools. I pray against any attack of the enemy. I stand against the enemy & command that he is not allowed in our schools because I pray the Blood of Jesus who covers us over our children. Bless our teachers and administrators with Your wisdom. Let Your peace fill our schools. I humble myself to you Lord Jesus for our children. If there are any who don't know you let our children show them Your love & tell them of Your great Name. You are the I AM. I praise You Lord! In Jesus most precious Name, ~Amen.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
So Proud of my Girl
This summer has been fun, fast, and is now coming to a close. For me it's been especially fun because I have watched my sweet Elizabeth begin her journey in cooking.
This has been the summer of homemade pizzas, and Elizabeth is the best at making one. Her brothers, with their mouths full, will mumble that her pizzas are good. From a boy that's a pretty high compliment.
Last night she made a full cake by herself. I didn't even supervise...a little scary now that I think about it, but she did it beautifully! (I can't bake so I'm pretty proud! and a little jealous.)
Tonight I'm letting her make dinner. She learned how to poach chicken & why it's better to poach it than boil it. I'm letting her choose the menu & she decided to make PoppySeed Chicken. Hoppy will be excited, it's one of his favorite meals. She is shredding, mixing, spreading & crumbling. She has decided that broccoli will go great with our chicken. I agree, so the picky one will be most upset that he will have green trees on his plate to eat. (If he wants cake...he'll eat broccoli.) The only part of cooking I don't think she's going to like very much is the clean-up. Then again, I don't like the clean-up either. (I think I'll be nice & help her with this part. Misery loves company.)
I'm so proud of her. I wish my mom & MeMaw were here so I could share this memory with them. I know they would praise her accomplishments. For those of us who cook a lot, PS Chicken and broccoli is a simple meal to prepare, but for someone who doesn't know how to cook, it's huge. We've shared E's cooking ability with GiGi & Pop because they spent the night last night & were able to let Elizabeth know how much they loved her cake. It's nice when people notice your hard work and let you know they appreciate you.
So today's post is for my girl...I'm so proud of her! She makes my job as a mom easy. :)
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~Elizabeth's very proud mommy ~ ashley
This has been the summer of homemade pizzas, and Elizabeth is the best at making one. Her brothers, with their mouths full, will mumble that her pizzas are good. From a boy that's a pretty high compliment.
Last night she made a full cake by herself. I didn't even supervise...a little scary now that I think about it, but she did it beautifully! (I can't bake so I'm pretty proud! and a little jealous.)
Tonight I'm letting her make dinner. She learned how to poach chicken & why it's better to poach it than boil it. I'm letting her choose the menu & she decided to make PoppySeed Chicken. Hoppy will be excited, it's one of his favorite meals. She is shredding, mixing, spreading & crumbling. She has decided that broccoli will go great with our chicken. I agree, so the picky one will be most upset that he will have green trees on his plate to eat. (If he wants cake...he'll eat broccoli.) The only part of cooking I don't think she's going to like very much is the clean-up. Then again, I don't like the clean-up either. (I think I'll be nice & help her with this part. Misery loves company.)
I'm so proud of her. I wish my mom & MeMaw were here so I could share this memory with them. I know they would praise her accomplishments. For those of us who cook a lot, PS Chicken and broccoli is a simple meal to prepare, but for someone who doesn't know how to cook, it's huge. We've shared E's cooking ability with GiGi & Pop because they spent the night last night & were able to let Elizabeth know how much they loved her cake. It's nice when people notice your hard work and let you know they appreciate you.
So today's post is for my girl...I'm so proud of her! She makes my job as a mom easy. :)
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~Elizabeth's very proud mommy ~ ashley
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
WOW...They did it!
160,000
That's kind of a big number.
That number represents how much money Hopson's high school raised for the American Cancer in their Relay for Life. Our community's Relay is interesting because it's not really for the community, it is done only by the high school. Their goal was 152K...so wow they beat it by $8000 dollars.
Well done Rebels! You have made this momma proud. May your 160,000 be multiplied 10 fold to help to find a cure for this disease that robs so many of so much.
As a child of 2 parents who lost their fight, I thank you.
I have a bunch of recipes to post...but it's a crazy time of the year. I'm off to drop off Henry for baseball & then drive dance carpool. :) I promise I'll post a plethora of recipes soon!
Enjoy this beautiful weather & y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
That's kind of a big number.
That number represents how much money Hopson's high school raised for the American Cancer in their Relay for Life. Our community's Relay is interesting because it's not really for the community, it is done only by the high school. Their goal was 152K...so wow they beat it by $8000 dollars.
Well done Rebels! You have made this momma proud. May your 160,000 be multiplied 10 fold to help to find a cure for this disease that robs so many of so much.
As a child of 2 parents who lost their fight, I thank you.
I have a bunch of recipes to post...but it's a crazy time of the year. I'm off to drop off Henry for baseball & then drive dance carpool. :) I promise I'll post a plethora of recipes soon!
Enjoy this beautiful weather & y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Relaying It
Today is a friend of mine's mother's birthday. Ok, so what's the big deal you may ask? She's a survivor; a 14 year cancer survivor. She and my mom went through chemo at the same time. I remember when they were giving Mrs. Hagler 'the big red devil'; I watched as the nurse pressed down the plunger of that HUGE syringe full of what looked like red cherry kool aid into her system to kill the cancer cells in her body. I've only heard of a few people who didn't have at least one adverse reaction to chemo. It's so horrible, but for so many it does so much good.
I remember talking to Mrs. Hagler a few years ago. She said at times she feels guilty that she is still alive while others have gone onto heaven. I think that's a horrible thing to say. Survivors should NEVER feel guilty. I don't begrudge any survivor the time God has granted them. I celebrate with them and their families. Am I a little jealous? Yes, but that's just my own selfishness coming out. I am thankful for the memories I have of my parents.
All around the country there are different groups hosting The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. If you've never participated in one, I highly recommend it. The luminary ceremony is very touching and for me always a little sad. This year my oldest, Hopson, is co-captain of a Relay team. I'm so proud of these young people. Not just the ones on his team, but all the kids at the high school. They are thinking outside the box to raise money for a cause that is trying to help patients all over the world be able to celebrate one more birthday.
If you know of someone who is trying to raise money for Relay, anything you can do helps! (and no, this is not me trying to get you to support Hop's team, but if you're interested...) I found a letter a friend of my parents wrote about them and their relationship; I also found their obituaries in the same drawer. As I have been thinking about Mrs. Hagler, I have also been thinking about my parents. They would have just turned 63 this year (mom January 1st & dad March 22nd) & in August would be celebrating their 43rd wedding anniversary. I wonder how my life would be different some days if they were alive, but I know this is my life I have and I'm going to be thankful for what I do have instead of focusing on what I don't.
Happy Birthday Memory Hagler!!! May you be blessed with many more!
Tonight in Birmingham at MugShots, 10% of your entire dinner will go to support Relay for Life. If you've never eaten there, you should. They have some of the best burgers around! My new favorite is Trevor's 1000 Island Burger. My stomach is growling and my mouth watering just thinking about it & it's only 10:30 in the morning. If you get a chance, support Relay, help someone have 1 more birthday!
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
I remember talking to Mrs. Hagler a few years ago. She said at times she feels guilty that she is still alive while others have gone onto heaven. I think that's a horrible thing to say. Survivors should NEVER feel guilty. I don't begrudge any survivor the time God has granted them. I celebrate with them and their families. Am I a little jealous? Yes, but that's just my own selfishness coming out. I am thankful for the memories I have of my parents.
All around the country there are different groups hosting The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. If you've never participated in one, I highly recommend it. The luminary ceremony is very touching and for me always a little sad. This year my oldest, Hopson, is co-captain of a Relay team. I'm so proud of these young people. Not just the ones on his team, but all the kids at the high school. They are thinking outside the box to raise money for a cause that is trying to help patients all over the world be able to celebrate one more birthday.
If you know of someone who is trying to raise money for Relay, anything you can do helps! (and no, this is not me trying to get you to support Hop's team, but if you're interested...) I found a letter a friend of my parents wrote about them and their relationship; I also found their obituaries in the same drawer. As I have been thinking about Mrs. Hagler, I have also been thinking about my parents. They would have just turned 63 this year (mom January 1st & dad March 22nd) & in August would be celebrating their 43rd wedding anniversary. I wonder how my life would be different some days if they were alive, but I know this is my life I have and I'm going to be thankful for what I do have instead of focusing on what I don't.
Happy Birthday Memory Hagler!!! May you be blessed with many more!
Tonight in Birmingham at MugShots, 10% of your entire dinner will go to support Relay for Life. If you've never eaten there, you should. They have some of the best burgers around! My new favorite is Trevor's 1000 Island Burger. My stomach is growling and my mouth watering just thinking about it & it's only 10:30 in the morning. If you get a chance, support Relay, help someone have 1 more birthday!
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
It's not easy, being green
Growing up, my brother, Cotton, would not eat green beans. I mean he flat out refused. My mom being ever so clever decided to try changing the name, and mommy beans were invented. Cotton told her that, no, these were definately green beans. She assured him that they were mommy beans which were completely different from green beans. He bought into it, and would eat mommy beans all the time.
When I had friends over to eat, which was a lot, we had mommy beans. My friends never had to eat all their mommy beans, but they had to eat at least one bite. I can't complain. My mom never made us eat liver, brussel sprouts, or beets. Eating green beans was a no brainer.
There is are a few tricks to having killer mommy beans: Del Monte (and only Del Monte) cut green beans, bacon grease, and a pot dedicated only to green beans. This pot does not get washed. Let me reiterate this, do not wash the green bean pot. By not washing the pot you are seasoning it. Very similar to cast iorn skillets or if you have a pampered chef baking stone. The bacon grease seasons the pot and makes the beans take yummy. When you're done using the pot, put the lid on it & store your leftover green beans in it in the fridge. The next time you need beans, you pull out the pot, bring it to a quick boil and voila, you have green beans. When ever you add a new can of green beans they need to cook for at least one hour. Yes, this does boil out most of the nutrients, but it gives them a great dark green color & fills them with flavor. If you want to add a little lemon juice you can.
We've been eating mommy beans as long as I can remember. Once I had my own children, mommy beans became a staple in their diets.We have added a lot of different veggies as the children have gotten older, but this one is a hand-me-down, and extremely easy. Cotton also eats a bigger variety of veggies, it's good to see he's not still hung-up on green beans. :)
Eat your mommy beans & y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
When I had friends over to eat, which was a lot, we had mommy beans. My friends never had to eat all their mommy beans, but they had to eat at least one bite. I can't complain. My mom never made us eat liver, brussel sprouts, or beets. Eating green beans was a no brainer.
There is are a few tricks to having killer mommy beans: Del Monte (and only Del Monte) cut green beans, bacon grease, and a pot dedicated only to green beans. This pot does not get washed. Let me reiterate this, do not wash the green bean pot. By not washing the pot you are seasoning it. Very similar to cast iorn skillets or if you have a pampered chef baking stone. The bacon grease seasons the pot and makes the beans take yummy. When you're done using the pot, put the lid on it & store your leftover green beans in it in the fridge. The next time you need beans, you pull out the pot, bring it to a quick boil and voila, you have green beans. When ever you add a new can of green beans they need to cook for at least one hour. Yes, this does boil out most of the nutrients, but it gives them a great dark green color & fills them with flavor. If you want to add a little lemon juice you can.
We've been eating mommy beans as long as I can remember. Once I had my own children, mommy beans became a staple in their diets.We have added a lot of different veggies as the children have gotten older, but this one is a hand-me-down, and extremely easy. Cotton also eats a bigger variety of veggies, it's good to see he's not still hung-up on green beans. :)
Eat your mommy beans & y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley
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