I is sorry...

I is sorry for not being a better blogger and most importantly a better blog reader and commenter. I will try to do gooder on this, forgive me.
Sincerely,
Ashley

Amazing Design Duo

Hey all! If you are in the market for a custom blog design at an amazing price check out April Showers Blog Design. April is a fabulous designer and has now teamed with Jessica, another fabulous artist pursuing a degree in Graphic Design. Together they are an AWESOME design duo. Go, go now I say and get you a groovy new header, background or maybe even the whole shebang... I know I am!

Is it just me?

Am I the only one who doesn't feel like blogging much lately? It sure seems as if there's something in the blogging waters... Just curious! Are you a blogger? Are you updating frequently? And, if not- why? I know for me that I am enjoying the beginning of Summer with my kids. I have been reading books and trying to feather my nest for this baby. Plus, Facebook seems to be my drug of choice lately...

quirks

Dude, I'm not gonna lie. I don't have alot to blog about. Ok, I have bought some cute baby boy stuff. Eventually I'll take photos. In the meantime here's a LIST. I know, I know your favorite...

A List of my Quirks
by: Ashley

I won't use soap if it has hair on it. Gross! I've been known to throw a bar of soap away and start fresh. Yes it's wasteful but oh well...

I can only drink root beer if it's super cold. I mean ice chunks cold. Same with milk. Only 1% milk will do and it has to be freezing. If it's not cold enough I put ice in it. My kids think I'm a freak.

When someone returns a borrowed item like say a dish or an article of clothing I re-wash it. Even if they say it's clean and I can smell the soap. It's still gonna get a re-do by me. Yes, I'm being wasteful again...

I tease my family for doing this, but I usually always order the same food every time we go to a restaurant. I like most foods but I will only eat 2 to 3 things at any given restaurant we frequent. Only because when I don't I almost always hate the new item. And, when I'm hungry I don't want yuck food.

When, I'm home alone I rarely close the bathroom door or flush. Plus, I never turn on the lights. See, I am redeeming myself for being wasteful. No comments on the no flushing. Besides, haven't you ever heard the saying: If it's yellow let it mellow if it's brown flush it down.

I use my blinker always, no matter what. If no one's behind me, on a winding country road, in my neighborhood, in the carpool lane at school. Not sure why, it's just a weird habit.

And, lastly: my van is my home away from home. I often make all my important calls there and I can't tell you how often I eat my meals there... My kids call it The Office. So true.

So there you have it. A NEW POST!! All in all a fairly decent attempt... At least I think so. I hope it will tide you over until I find something groovy to write about.... I do hope to have a new blog design soon. As a matter of fact I plan on putting my photography skills to use later today. I may even try some photoshop. And, sometime in the near future I plan on re-naming the blog to reflect our family including our new baby boy. And, speaking of names: I know what his name is, but I'm not telling....

I do solemnly swear-

to blog SOMETHING/ANYTHING before I go to bed tonight. Putting on my thinking cap now.... In the meantime, Happy Spring Break! Oh, and Happy Saint Patrick's Day. I am using today's holiday as an excuse to dress up in a cute green skirt and go out to dinner with the family. Anyway, hope to be "seeing" you soon....

Cooking with Ashley

Ok, so this post is purely to toot my own horn. I made like the best dinner. It wasn't really out of the ordinary, just good home cooking. Plus, I haven't been cooking all that often, it comes in spurts. I made a pan of barbecue chicken, a pan of oven fry chicken tenders, garlic mashed potatoes, and fresh broccoli with cheese sauce. And, the sad thing is- we ate it ALL. I think there is one chicken breast left! I also think I dirtied a good chunk of every dish we own not to mention so many pots and pans. And, thanks to Miss Erica, I have been craving apple pie or actually any apple dessert for the last few months but have only given in three times, and twice was tonight.... I made apple dumplings (with Mountain Dew as the odd ingredient) and OH MY GOSH were they ever good. I believe Erica found the recipe on The Pioneer Woman Cooks and after browsing through all the recipes on there I am thinking I may be cooking more often. So many yummy sounding recipes with awesome pictures (taken during each step of the cooking/baking process) to boot. If you are in need of cooking inspiration or just some yummy comfort food, you should check her site out. And, if you must know, yes I had to un-button my offensive non-maternity jeans so I could finish chowing down. But, it was totally worth it.

writer's block...

Sorry! I really need something GREAT or AWESOME or CUTE to post. I am thinking... bear with me and thanks for checking in! Love you guys!

Just being honest!

I am pretty sure Erica tagged me... I know she tagged an Ashley M. hopefully she meant me. If not, I am doing it anyway! I am supposed to tell 10 totally honest things about me. Now, I am a pretty open book but I am not sure I can think of 10 things you don't already know. However, I am up for the challenge. Here goes:

1. Sometimes I just don't feel like washing my hair. I'll go up to 4 days with it dirty and it doesn't smell so hot or look very pretty. So, I just put 2 ponytails in it and throw on a cap and presto, I look cute. I would be mortified if anyone saw me with greasy hair!

2. I won't let company inside my house if it's less than perfectly clean. I feel like people are judging me if it's not immaculate. So, if you pop in on me, you're not getting in if the house is dirty. Sorry, but it's true.

3. I sleep with my hand in the waist band of my pajamas. Ya know- like Al Bundy. I like to sleep with my hand on my tummy and one too many times I have fallen asleep and my hand fell off my stomach and freaked me out, it felt like I was falling off a cliff or something. So, if my hand is in my waistband (no lower!) it's protected from falling.

4. Even though I consider myself girly, I can't stand being treated girly. Like when Jon tries to help me up or when some poor dude at the store tries to help me with a case of water or a giant bag of dog food. I am not crippled! Don't let my fat butt fool you, I am very strong and I don't need help. Got it?

5. I have a major weakness for cold cake with an even colder glass of milk. It has to be butter recipe yellow with chocolate frosting and 1% milk. I can stand there with a fork (only plasticware, so I can drop the evidence in the trash) and eat my weight in cake. Step away or you might lose an appendage. Really. It just so happens that Hunter's cake is waiting for me now and my husband is out of town...

6. This one's bad! Sometimes I HAVE TO pick my nose... I am turning red typing this. But, I have sinuses from you know where and sometimes only a finger will do. But, no worries: I wash my hands before and after and I always have a kleenex. No, I am not the type to pick, roll, and flick. That is just gross.

7. I hide my shopping from Jon, ALOT. Almost every time I go for groceries I stop at Target, Lane Bryant, or Old Navy first. Then, I bring my bags in with a handful of groceries and when he's out in the car getting the other stuff I run to the closet and hide my non food items. If I am being really sneaky, I write a check. That way he never finds out. If I debit, he knows immediately. Checks only show up on the monthly statement and I get the mail.

8. Speaking of mail, I can't wait until the mail comes each day. I have been known to check the mail box 5 times before the mail lady actually shows up. I am especially anxious on Fridays when I get People and Us Weekly or when I know a package is coming. I hate postal holidays. I am not sure what I am expecting, but the mail is one of the highlights of my day.

9. I am afraid I am gonna be fat forever. I have a major problem with food. I just love the way food tastes and I don't even have to be hungry. If I see it I want it. Commercials for restaurants are not my friend.

10. I am a blog stalker. And, I know lots of people are. But, sometimes I'll look at someone's blog and instantly feel like crap about myself. Like if they have more comments, a better background, amazing photos, or they just seem too perfect to be true. I have been told by a few of my blogger friends that I am not the only one who feels that way. I have drastically toned down the blog stalking, which has helped tremendously.

There you have it! 10 honestly way too honest facts about me. I am so scared to hit publish!!! Number 6 is so embarrassing!! Now I have to tag 7 people and they are Kelli, Sarah, Krista, Lois, Kirsten, Grace, and Shannon. Have fun and be honest!

I have Blogitis

blogitis: noun

An imagined illness. Those afflicted can't find anything interesting to blog about. They are more than likely "stuck in a rut" with their blog. They have probably been just trying to be a good mom by preparing meals and washing clothes and quite possibly attempting to "hit the sack" before 1 a.m. Sometimes an individual with blogitis will start a new post many times, before giving up each and every time by thinking: that post stinks. Often a person with this illness will search through their old pictures even taking new pictures in a desperate attempt to have something, ANYTHING interesting to post. They think they have more readers than they really do who might be getting disappointed with the lack of new content. You must proceed with caution. Don't leave comments asking: "are you ok?" or "c'mon, post something, it's been 2 days" that could cause undue frustration and annoyance. You must bear with the afflicted blogger. Because, in no time that blogger will surely have a new post or some hot new pics that will knock your socks off. Blogitis can strike at any time, sometimes multiple times per month. Don't worry it usually leaves as fast as it comes.

Under construction...

Ok, so I am behind on all things Christmas. Normally I would have decorated, done picures and cards, shopped, and re-vamped my blog Christmas style by now. But, I have been busy otherwise: 2 roadtrips, dog surgery, dentist appointments, a baby blessing, and 1 science fair project to be exact. So, today I am in the process of getting alot of it done. The outside of the house is decorated, finally. Half the inside is done and half the blog is done. So, I am getting there. Since I am computer challenged, my friend Shannon is doing my blog for me. Thanks Shannon! Hopefully between her creativity and my input we can get it all done up soon!

Calling all Twilight lovers!

So, there's this story of a crafty lady... follow along! I met Sarah through my sister Kelli and the wonderful world of blogging. We have hung out a few times, planned Kelli's shower dinner, crafted together, etc. Well, she has this friend Krista who lives in Las Vegas and Krista and I have become blogging/email buddies. Which has been great, because I dig these two chicks! They haven't seen each other in awhile, since they are now separated by a few states. So, Sarah had this awesome idea to make Twilight T's to sell which celebrate/commemorate/show their love for the movie coming out. Which is a perfect idea because she's gonna use the proceeds to get Krista a plane ticket to Texas! I think it's an awesome, brilliant idea because they get to hang out and I get to finally meet Krista. Now, I may have creative spurts here and there, but Sarah blows me out of the water with her crafty ways. Anyway, long story short: if you love Twilight and want to help get some chicks together in good 'ole Texas, go here, and order your very own Twilight T.

**CONGRATS**

To Shannon and Cheree! You two lovely ladies are the winners of my candle giveaway!! Thanks for reading and entering!! YAY!

Happy Birthday Dear Blog and Congrats on 400 Posts Giveaway!!!

Oh my goodness, what a crazy year in the world of blogging!! Not only is it 1 YEAR ago today that I started my blog, but I just happened to hit 400 POSTS today! That is alot of blogging. WOW! It has been a ton of fun. I have met lots of cool chicks who also blog, taken lots of fun pics, and have had fun pretending to be a "writer". I have also had my share of drama, like days when no one comments, BOO! Or, when pictures won't load or the internet goes down. But, it has been a blast! I have especially had fun changing headers almost as often as I change my undies, only kidding. I have really enjoyed my blog and hope those of you that read it have enjoyed it as well. I can't even imagine what it would be like without logging in each day to post or read my comments! Anyway, I'll shut up and now and announce what my giveaway is to celebrate my "blog birthday"!!

I found these adorable candles, I have mentioned them on here before. They are a brand called For Everybody Candles and these are especially fitting: Tiny Temptations in Cherry Chip and Happy Birthday Vanilla. To be entered in my drawing, just add your name in comments as MANY TIMES as you want. I'll have my handsome hubby pick two numbers and voila, we will have two winners. I am giving away 1 candle to 2 lucky winners, and sorry but no you can't select the kind you want. If, however the two chosen winners want different scents, then the problem will have solved itself! So, comment away. You have until next Wednesday, September 3rd. Good luck!

Secrets...

Every Sunday I read Post Secret, that is when the "secrets" are updated. Anyway, one of today's secrets was particularly interesting to me.

New look and stuff

So, I got me a shiny new header! Yay! Thanks Shauna. What do you think? You likey? Too bad I don't have a new body to match!

I am in a blogging funk, sorry. Not alot to say. I am frantically planning a baby shower, back to school, and all kinds of other fun stuff. I just haven't been anywhere to blog about. No pictures, still.... Working on that. I have had some interesting things happen, but I can't blog about them. Which is frustrating to say the least. I just might blog about it anyway, I am considering it.

I am super excited about the Olympics! I love gymnastics and synchronized swimming. I still daydream about being a gymnast. I can still do a cartwheel and a round-off, it just hurts now. Ahh, growing old is so fun.

The kids and I are fixing to head out and look for a kitten. I know, nutso huh?

Hunter has decided he will play football, which thrills Jon and I to no end. Hunter is a natural at football. So, it looks like we will be at games twice every week.

I guess this has been a Summer staple for me, doing lots of miscellaneous blogs. Too lazy I guess?

And, last but definitely not least: it will soon be one year since I started my blog. So, I am thinking up an AWESOME giveaway to celebrate!

Quilt Giveaway!!

I came across this post from Miss Sarah about a quilt giveaway. And man, is it a gorgeous quilt! What are you waiting for? Head on over to the Old Red Barn Co. for your chance to win this BEAUTIFUL quilt!! You can get there by clicking the above link or the graphic in the upper right hand corner. Good luck!! If YOU win, will you share?

**thanks Sarah**

Blogging ain't what it used to be

Lately I have done alot of thinking. And, I am tired of blogging about my frustrations instead of working on them. I started blogging as a distraction when all my kids went off to school, a hobby so to speak. It quickly became an obsession. And, while I have enjoyed it, lately it seems not so important. I am still gonna blog, just not as much. I realized that there is a giant lightbulb that has been glowing over my head, and I finally felt the warmth. The warmth of a family who needs me. They need me to be the best wife, mom, sister, and daughter that I am capable of being. And quite simply, I don't have enough time in the day to be at my best for myself and those around me if I am blogging, commenting, reading other blogs, or looking for headers all the time. I truly hope you will still keep up with my family and me. Check our blog daily, there may not always be a new post, but one's coming soon. I just need to concentrate on my spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional well being right now as well as care for my family. I think I've been neglecting us. I appreciate all of you who do read it. Sorry, I am "being deep" again, I just wanted to keep ya'll up on why I won't be posting all the time.

P.S. A very special thing happened in my family this weekend, and I will be blogging about it as soon as I get the photos emailed to me. My camera died! So, I am at someone else's mercy right now!

Thanks Shauna!!

I just love my new header. Thanks to Shauna over at See My Designs for an awesome design! She is good at what she does and more importantly she is very patient and sweet! Go see her and get your very own custom header.

This is freakin' hilarious

Go here and laugh your butt off! Thanks dooce!

Blogging sux!

I have absolutely no desire to blog AT ALL... for now. It is dreary outside, we haven't gone anywhere exciting, haven't seen any good movies, the kids haven't said anything cute. We're just here. It's dreary and I feel like shit. I had a post Valentines luncheon yesterday and in all the chaos I forgot to take my new pills. Needless to say, I am not feeling so hot. Fajitas, blueberries, and chocolate are not my friends. Days like today I am so glad my kids are older and that we have enough crap around here to keep them busy. We have surfed (the net), vegged (on the couch), napped (on my bed), and read some books. I am fixing to go get some soup at Chick-Fil-A and then we're gonna bust out some board games. I might bathe and brush my teeth later, maybe. I am kinda used to my breath today. I managed to skim a few blogs today, and I got tagged. I might do that later too, who knows? I will be finding the energy to play with my new pink "bodypart" that came in the mail yesterday.