Christmas Update

Let me start off my post by saying I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas. I think Christmas is one of my most favorite holidays even though it sometimes drives me crazy. The kids have been on Christmas break, and I made it so that I am off work more this week and next. We even made it to see a movie the other day with my sister and mom. I really don't have much to update on because we have been home bodies. The most we have done is visit family and done a little shopping. Oh, I did finish the last Twilight book called Breaking Dawn. Christy, you can make fun of me for being a book worm :). Well maybe I will think of something later that I can write about. Bye for now.

Our Christmas Pictures

Snow

Today I took a second to see what everyone has been up to. Mostly I saw post about this past Thursdays snow. It was really cute to see everyones snowmen. My favorite by far is my sisters slide show. Please don't anyone get jealous.The only reason they can come up with things like that is because Jeff stop taking his Ritalin a long time ago:). My kids did go outside and play in it several times, but we did not make any snow men. I do not like the cold weather and I do not like snow. I know what everyone is thinking right now, but cut me some slack some people are just not made for the cold. I like to watch it come down and that is it. So if you are one one those people out there wishing for more snow just remember if you get your wish I will be dropping my kids off at your house to make snow men :).

Update

I have been lagging behind lately on my post so I thought I would give a little update to what is going on with me lately. If you checked my post you saw Alec's little show at the airport well the weeks prior to that show kept us pretty busy with practices. I am glad the show was a success and now we can relax. Meia continues to have gymnastics practice every Wednesday night. She never wants to miss a class. She really enjoys her class. Her favorite is the bars.
I have been busy with work here and there. This past Friday I finished the third book in the Twilight series. I know I am a nerd, but the books are sooo good. They make for good Christmas presents too.Yesterday me and Phoun celebrated our eleventh anniversary. We kept it very low key by Christmas shopping with the kids. Then we got take out for dinner, and finished our evening by everyone piling up in our bed to watch the movie Hancock. It a great date :).
Today's agenda has been cleaning and laundry. Sometimes I think the cleaning and laundry thing gets so repetitive. Maybe that's why I like to read so much. It is my only escape from the repetitive things. Its a way to be a different person or in a different place without even going anywhere. I know that last bit is corny!Well that all I have for now.

Happy Anniversary

On Saturday me and Phoun will celebrate our eleventh anniversary. I am so lucky to have him in my life. He is my best friend and love of my life. If I ever have a problem I know that he is always there for me. Happy Anniversary Baby!

Alec

Meet My Rockstar

Alec has been playing guitar for a little over 2 years now. I am so proud of him. I do not know where this talent comes from because it sure does not come from me or Phoun. Last summer he even got to play at the Ryman Auditorium for the All Star Guitar Night. The cost of that was one guitar. While back stage Alec got his guitar signed by Larry Carlton so it is better not to play with it anymore. Yesterday Alec gt to play at the Nashville Airport with the rest of the Little Kids rock group. This group consist of about 10 kids that play the guitar, sing, and one drummer.He was the lead guitarist in the song Sweet Home Alabama. I am going to post this as soon as Phoun is able to help me. He was so nervous about this, but he did great.I am such a sappy mom it took everything out of me not to start crying, but I did cause I did not want to embarrass him.So please stay tuned for my rockstar performance that will be posted as soon as I can figure out how to get it up :).

Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving right around the corner I thought I would take a second and reflect about what I am thankful for. I must admit Thanksgiving has always been my least favorite holiday. I always looked as it as great I am going to have to cook and any one that knows me knows that me and cooking do not mix.This past weekend however has changed my mind. My sixteen year old niece was in a car accident on Sunday while on her way to my mother's house for Thanksgiving dinner. Luckily she is okay. She does have two black eyes and a swollen forehead, but the most important thing she is going to be fine. This past weekend has really taught me to be thankful again. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family. I know we fight, and I know we have are ups and downs, but that is what people do. Also I wanted to say I thankful for all my sister's friends and my nieces friends as soon as they found out what had happened they were all their there for support and prayers. Last but not least I am thankful for my wonderful husband and kids. My husband never stops amazing me.Alec and Meia you are little sunshines that always brighten my day.

I am feeling a little better since this weekend. I still do not feel up to my old self yet, but I will get there. I am sorry if my last post offended or hurt anyone's feelings. I felt like I was drowning inside myself and I did not want to even scream for help. The only release I felt like I had was to write about it. Well for what it is worth I am sorry anyone was hurt by it.

Feeling Low

For the last couple of days I felt every emotion I think possible. I go from one extreme to the other, even crying a little on Saturday. I am just emotionally drained at this point and I need a break for myself.I feel like everyone wants something from me right now and they forget that I am just one person.I even tried to lean on someone over the weekend about a letter I received and the conversation was abruptly ended.People forget that when they voice problems on me there is at least three other people waiting to do the same thing to me when they hang up with me.I am not saying I mind, but sometimes I need a break. Also when there is something wrong in the family and it is kept from me intentionally or unintentionally it hurts my feelings.Oh there is also my birthday that is bothering me. Several people did not show had absolutely no reason to not come. I did a lot for these people and it really hurt my feelings that they would not show up. This does not include one person whose family member was ill... she had a very good reason for not showing up. The point of this post is because I am hurt. I know everyone cares a lot for me, but right now I just feel taken advantage of. I need a break and some time for myself. I would greatly appreciate it if people would give me some time for myself.

Sweet 16

Happy Sweet 16 Britt. I can't believe your going to be sixteen on Wednesday. It seem like yesterday you were just a little girl. I wish there was a stop button somewhere so that we could stop you from getting any older. I know sometimes we may treat you like a little kid, but it is only because we love you and we don't want to believe that you are growing up. I am so proud of the person you are. You are such a special person to me. I sometimes feel like you are my daughter as well. I would do anything for you. Have a great 16th birthday .
Love Your Aunt Ashley

Lazy Day

Today I am being lazy and it is so great! It is 2:20 and I am still in my pajamas and my hair is a mess. I would take a picture and post it, but it may scare you too much. The only productive thing I have done today is make breakfast and finish reading my book. The book was called The Secret Wife of King George IV. It was such a good book I could not put it down. Luckily for the kids, Phoun saw this and stepped in to make the kids lunch. Once I finished the book me, Meia, and Alec played Disney bingo. Next on the list movie time and whatever else we can think of that does not involve me getting out of my pajamas:).

Halloween Time (Highlights from last year)

I thought I would take a second and post some of the Halloween pictures from last year. We all had a lot of fun, especially Jeff and Christy! It has always been a tradition in our family since the girls were little to always go to my sister's house for Halloween. This year I think it will be the biggest ever. Stay tuned for pictures of this year's Halloween bash.

Birthday Party slide show

I've Been Tagged

I have been tagged so I guess I have to make up seven interesting fact about myself...thanks to my sister.
1.I can breath fire and not get burned.
2. I once rode a 7 ton elephant.
3.I am a real life lion tamer.
4.I chain smoke a carton a day.
5. I am a going to be a female escort when I grow up.
6.I can stick my whole fist in my mouth.
7.I have a secret identity.
Ok, I will cut the crap no of this is true or is it!
Seven Fact about me.
1.I have always wanted to worked at sea world with the killer whales and be a marine biologist even though I am terrified of the ocean.
2.I did ride a elephant when I was little, but I don't know how much it weighed.
3Like my sister I also altered my birth certificate when I was fifteen so I could work at McDonalds, but my reason was different. I had Alec and Phoun was doing his Basic training.
4.I have 7 brothers and sisters. Let me break down the math for everyone. One "full" sister, one step sister, three half brothers, and two half sisters.The youngest of my sisters is a month younger than my son Alec...what a family.I no it sounds like a crazy family, but we're not. I love all my sisters and brothers and even though I put on here my full, step or half I love them all the same.
5.I am very shy at times. Sometimes when I get around a group of people I find myself shying away or closing off, even with my closest friends from childhood. I think this is because I had Alec at such a young age that I sometime forget how to interact with people and I get nervous. You can even tell on me when this happens. If you look at my neck I get real red and splotchy.
6. My favorite color is green.
7. I love historical fiction books. Philippa Gregory is my favorite author.

Best Husband Ever

I wanted to take a second today and gush about how wonderful my husband is. My birthday is coming up on October 27 and my husband has went way beyond himself this year. He has planned a birthday party this Saturday with all my friends and family. On Sunday he is going to take me to see The Bell Witch + the Four Temperaments and afterwards dinner at The Melting Pot.Finally on Monday, which is my actual birthday he is taking the day off to spend with me...he is sooo great!This past Saturday he even bought me the book The Wise Women written by Philippa Gregory my favorite author. I feel so blessed to have found him. He is a wonderful husband and father.I don't always give him the credit he deserves so I wanted to let everyone know how great he his.Baby I love you!

P.s. The picture was taken in Gatlinburg.When had been married for at least 4 year at this point. I thought it would be a funny picture to post.

Awake when I should be sleeping

I just got off work at 7:40 and here I am posting notes on the computer when I should be sleeping. I am seriously thinking about just not going to sleep today...maybe I can do it. So far today I have taken a bath, which was very relaxing. After the bath I ate waffles.Then I made two phone calls to my sister, but she did not answer. Currently I am posting this on my blog... oh wait my phone is ringing and it is my sister!Next I am going to clean the garage and get stuff ready to take to good will, maybe since my mom is off today she can drive me there to drop the stuff off. Oh my gosh the kitty just jumped on my back. OK I am awake again. The T.V repair man will be here at 10:00 and Christy is going to check in on me then. I think by 12:00 I can clean the house and at 2:00 I will go get Meia. This all sounds good...I wonder if any of it happens besides the T.V repair man coming:)

P.S Ignore any grammar mistakes and words spelled wrong I worked all night.And if your one of those anal people that grammar bothers you tough it has never been a strong point for me so get over it its' my blog so get your own so how do you like them apples. This is me on no sleep.

New addition to our family (Orange Kitty)

Last night we got a new addition to our family and quite by accident. To tell the story of how this came about I have to go back to this past Saturday. It all started when I was taking the trash out Saturday morning when the neighbors daughter came running over to me saying that these three little kids that had came over to her garage sale had lost their kitten into my back yard. At the time I was thinking great, now I have to go look for someones kitten what a way to start the day. I never found their kitten, and when I told them they just kept staring at me like why not. I tried to explain that cats are fast and once they are gone well they sometimes never come back. Well the joke was on me cause this one did come back. Tuesday night while I was at work Phoun said he kept hearing this meowing at the window. He went to check it out because he thought that one of our cats had got out, but nope it was the little orange kitten from Saturday. Since the people were just passing by I have no way to get in touch with them, and I do not know were they live. Also they said they had just gotten the kitten from another garage sale that they had just went to so they probably went and got a new one somewhere to make up for losing this one. So I guess welcome home little orange kitty. Oh and Phoun said the kitten ran in and made itself at home anyways when he open the door. Our total number of cats is now 3. I think I am turning into those little old ladies that has 30 cats at least that is what Phoun says.

Camping Slide Show

First Ever Camping Trip

This past weekend I went on my first ever camping trip, and for those of you who do not know me that well this is a bid deal.I don't do dirty! I have been the butt of many jokes for about two weeks...you see I can be a little bit of a priss. I am very rarely seen without makeup and my hair fixed, so this was a big step for me. Come Saturday, the day of the big camping trip, I was so excited that it was finally time to show everyone that I could be a camper because hey it was my idea not Phoun's idea to go camping in the first place. My sister was first to arrive at the camp site that we intended to camp at, but they were booked up. She tried calling several places, visited a scary place that looked like the place were they filmed the movie The Hills Have Eyes, and when we finally thought we were going to have to camp in someone's backyard she found Manchester KOA. It may not be seem like deep in the woods camping, but it was perfect for the kids. There was even a pond in the back area of are tents, and the best part the was running water with bathrooms.:)
Now for those of you reading this thinking that I am not a real camper yet, let me tell you. I was talking to my sister on the phone with my sister and joking about what I was packing for our trip(flat iron and make-up) when she informed me that we had to walk about 1/2 a mile to our camp site and to pack very light...this was the first camp site the one that was booked up and I was rushing to pack since I was already going to be the last one to get there cause Alec was at guitar lessons till 3:00....so I took her literally. I packed as light as possible, so light that I even forgot pillows. I didn't even think about the fact they we were not even staying at that camp site anymore. That night we were cold because we did not have enough blankets, the ground was sore,and Phoun even took the car's head rest out to use as his pillow. (Dork!) So YES, we are officially campers. Would we do it again, YES!
We did a lot of fun things. We ate hot dogs, fished and ate smores.

Our Weekend

This past Saturday we took the girls to CentennialPark for the multicultural fair. It took about twenty minutes park, but once we finally found a parking spot it was fun. They got to see Russian performers and several other tents set up to display different items from other countries. We also took a tour of the Parthenon. This was my second time going with kids, and probably my last. They weren't bad at all, but you can't really look at the art work with two six year olds. After the park we went to Baskin Robins, the kids really liked this part. Saturday was great the only thing missing was Alec. Alec was at a friends for a birthday party the night before so he was not home Saturday to go with us:(.

Free Ride

Today I am going to publish my first post that may offend people, but I hope that is doesn't. I was so angry today when I read my sisters post.People nowadays want to get something for nothing and I am tired of it. I am tired of good people in this world trying to better themselves while lazy people get by with a free pass. Just like in my sisters class those students probably did not study half the time she did, but I bet he will curve the test so that half the class does not fail. Another misconception in today's society that bugs me is that teenagers that have babies can't amount to anything, wrong!!! Get off your... and finish school. I am tired a of the excuses. My son was born when I was fifteen. Of course I was not ready, but you have to grow up and make a future. Today I am a nurse, so there is you proof that it can be done. Next, I want to dig into Welfare. Welfare is at a all time high, and it does not look to get any better. When I worked at Baptist women would come in having there sixth baby and be on public assistance.Didn't they see what was causing this! Not all of them were bad. It was the ones that demanded we provide them with a car seat and then say never mind when we brought one they did not like.Or they would treat us like we were there to serve them food and beverages to there friends and family at all hours of the night. I feel like society has given such a crutch to so many things that people nowadays do not want to put their big girl/boy pants on and do what they have to make it. Because of these free loaders and abuser of the system good people that are down on their luck that could use a little assistance and would use it wisely to better their lives cannot get the aide that they deserve. My message for all the people out there that think they deserve something for nothing for some reason get up and get it yourself! Self pity never got anyone very far.

Learning to swim through the rain

I recently read a book that had one section in it that really touched me and made a lot of sense that I wanted to share it. It said in life you have to learn to swim through the rain. The girl in the book commented that you can't swim going straight up you need to swim in a river or a lake. The aunt said, " life is more like rain because it will not lay down for you like a river or lake. I believe this is totally true. Life will not lay down for you, or wait for you. I wanted to post this because some of my family, friends, and co workers in my life are having trouble swimming through the rain at this moment. Life has dealt them not only rain, but a hailstorm. I won't put their business out on display, but I will ask that you pray for them. Maybe this will help them stay afloat during their difficult times.

Dance Off challenge

I thought this would be a fun video to post on my blog. Whenever my sister I and get together and of course when none of her friends are around to see me make a fool of myself we like to dance around and act crazy. Brittany does join in for those of you that are thinking poor Britt. I have even heard of Christy and her friends lately having some dance offs. I think it was the weekend before or of her birthday that I got the call at 11 at night wanting to know what a certain song was so they could dance to it. Dancing is fun and without it life would be pretty boring. I also know everybody dances, contrary to what they might say.

No sleep for the tired

This morning I got off at 7:30. I went home and went straight to bed since I had to go back to work tonight at 6:30. Well, someone else had a totally different plan for me today. I as woken up at 10 by hammering and drilling right outside my window. You see, Phoun and his dad were working on the gutters. Also, the kids were talking loudly outside my window. Then at 11 I got up to go into Meia's room to sleep. Big Mistake! The neighbor's dog was barking so loud, and everytime the kids came in the house I could hear them in the living room. What did I did do? I threw a hissy fit.I yelled for Phoun and asked if I could call and complain on the neighbors dog because it was bothering .Of course, he said no.I even thought about going outside and screaming shut your **** dog up I have to sleep. A little psycho, but at this point I was. Next I was on to room number three. I felt bad that Alec was in there trying to watch t.v, but he could go in another room. Two o'clock rolls around and Alec is waking me up to ask if he can stay at a friends house. This really ticks me off because his father said yes and he is packing, so why is he waking me up.The 2:30 Alec is off to guitar lessons. He comes in one last time and gets his guitar. BY now I am awake. I have been woke up so many times that I give up. I have even had to take my abortive migraine medicine today, lets just hope it works! Well I am still tired and now I have to go to work. I guess I will go now and shower. Maybe the shower will wake be up.

Helping my Sis study!

This week has been a hard week for my sister. I think that she has had a test at least everyday this week. I know what everyone is thinking the weekend is here and she can take a break but wrong! She has a test first thing Monday morning. I thought that I would give her some motivation in this post since I will be at work most of the weekend. Christy I hope you take a break long enough to look at this. First, I want you to be that ever so busy little book worm that I know you are.That is why I am leaving you with this first picture.


Secondly, no monkey business. If this monkey can study so can you!
Finally, remember to take breaks. You cannot just cram everything in. Take a 15 minute break every 30-45 minutes.
I hope this post cheers you up.I know you are tired, but hang in there.
Love ya, Ashley

Finished Another Book

I like to use this blog page to leak out information about myself from time to time. One thing that many people do not know about me is that I am a big nerd. I love to read.I did not use to like to, but may be that was because I was in school, and I was forced to read all the time. However, now I can do it for fun and there will not be a test afterwards:) My favorite books are historical fiction. King Henry VIII and his wives interest me the most. I think that is why I love The Other Boleyn so much.My latest book I read in which, I finished last night was The Duchess. This was a hard book for me to get into. I think the Duchess of Devonshire was an amazing person, but also her life was tragic to me. This book has a lot of politics in it, something that is hard for me to grasp so I think that is why I had trouble at times.If anyone gets a chance to read it let me know what you think. If you don't get a chance that's okay, but someday read The Other Boleyn this is an amazing book.

Some of the Books and Authors I have read are listed below. Feel free to leave comments on book you recommend. Also leave children's books. I like to share this passion with my children as much as possible.
**Philippa Gregory (wrote the other Boleyn and others) I have read almost all her books she is great!
The Secret
Linda Berdoll- Mr Darcy takes a wife (Pride and Prejudice my favorite movie!)
Gail Carson Levine
Gregory Maguire-Wicked and Son of a Witch
Alice Hoffman- Here on Earth
Arthur Golden- Memoirs of a Geisha
Libba Bray, Nicholas Sparks,Elizabeth Cox,Amy Ephron,Claudia Dain,Linda Nichols,Jodi Picoult

Happy Birthday Christy

Happy Birthday Glitters


Hope You have a good Birthday!Love you always.

My Little Princess

Meia was in her first wedding this weekend. I was so proud of her. I did not really think she was going to go through with it. she is really shy when she first meets people, and when we went to even try on the dress she did not want to have much do to with it. I have to admit I even bribed her at the beginning when we bought the dress. Well I guess the year of prepping her for the wedding paid of because she was great. She took pictures, walked down the aisle, and stood up there the whole time. I think what really got her in the mood for the wedding was her shoes. They had a very, very small heel to them, but she thought that she was wearing high heels. She thought she was something the entire day, but hey did see her picture above see was beautiful.:)

Fairy Tale Wedding

Congratulations Kim and Julian. I am so happy for the both of you. The wedding was beautiful. Julian I wanted to welcome you to the family. I have not know you very long, but I can already tell that you are a great guy. While you and Kim were talking pictures yesterday we were able to see what affection you have for Kim. You were so gentle and loving towards her that it made me feel confident that Kim had found her prince. Kim you are such a great person. You looked better than any fairly tale princess could ever be. You light up any room with your presence. I can't tell you how happy I am for you. You deserve so much you be happy, and I have no doubt that Julian will make you that happiest of all. To the both of you, I wish for a lifetime of happy memories.

Love,
Ashley

Bad Mommy

Today I almost overslept and missed getting Meia from school. I know this sounds really bad, and you are thinking that I am the so lazy; but let me explain. I got off work at 7:00 am and then went to the dentist at 9:30. I did not even get to sleep until 10:45-11:00. I guess I slept through the alarm or turned it off. The phone finally rang and woke me up at 2:45. As I was driving to get her I called my husband to confess what a bad mother I was. Well, he took it as the oppurtunity to poke fun at me, and told me she was going to be the only one there waiting on the curb saying, "where is my mommy :(". He is such a ****. I did make it on time and she never knew a thing.

Meia 's Did It!

My baby girl has accomplished a big milestone today. She has finally learned how to tie her shoes. I know that this may not seem big, but it is. We have struggled teaching her this, and it did not help that every time last year at school that they would come untied some boy in her class would tie them for her. She was always coming home saying some boy tied my shoes today.So way to go Meia!

To my Niece

I read your post today and wanted so much to make it right for you. I wanted to be that fly on the wall that is always there to say the right thing and always cheer you up, but the truth is I can't. The one thing that I can offer you is a piece of me. I do feel like you do sometimes. I feel like I do not fit it, I'm not pretty enough, funny enough, or sociable enough. All these I have struggled with, but it is getting better. I am learning to love myself for who I am and not what people think of me.It is something that has taken many years, but isn't everything in life a work in progress.I hope this post helps. You are one of the best things in my life. I celebrate the fact that you are not like other girls. If you were obnoxious I would probably have to kill you:). Keep your head you and remember you have your family if you ever need to talk, not to mention a wonderful mother.

Love you!

Fun at work !

Let me start off my saying that I believe people should have fun while they work, but also get the job done.On occasions, such as birthdays I like to make my co workers a special birthday present.The picture seen above was one of those times.All materials were donated from Baptist Hospital, and the corn was secretly taken out of a certain co workers lunch box. I did later that night confess to the corn snatching, and no trial has yet been set :). I had a lot of fun while working at Baptist. It was a fun and rewarding job. So my challenge for anyone reading this today is to do something fun at work today.

Husbands VS Wifes

This post is dedicated to all the wives out there who would like to sell their husbands every once in awhile. I came home tonight from my sisters house so excited about my new blog, but with no one to share it with. My husband and son were more interested in the video game they were playing to even look at my blog page. When the music came on that went with my page he told me to turn it off. So the war began.I blocked off the room into two halves, his vs mine.Childish I know, but it was a joke and all in good fun.

My New Blog

Today, I decided after reading my sister and neice's blog that I would start my own. Well, let me tell you. I went over to my sister's house for help with it and after ten minutes I wanted to throw her lap top out of the window. This may be the only blog I ever do, so stay tuned!