Family

Meet the Maids #2

/ ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

A letter to my bridesmaid and my sister,

You’ve literally been there for me since birth.  I annoyed the crap out of you the best that I could growing up.  I can remember singing in our bunk beds and you screaming at me to stop.  Unfortunately for you I enjoyed singing myself to sleep….or singing anywhere for that matter.

We went from bunk mates to sisters down the hall.  I secretly hated having my own room, although I know you enjoyed it thoroughly.  We figured out ways to torture our brother the best that we could.  When you left for college I felt completely lost.  Even though we were years apart, 8 to be exact, you were always there for me.  I could never really thank you enough.

In our worst of times you were right by my side, letting me cry on your shoulder and sleep in your bed.  We couldn’t believe the woman who taught us so much was gone.  The best of a terrible situation was looking to you for all the things I would have looked to mom for.  You let me look to you and you put up with a lot of my crap.  You let me live with you in some of less than finer moments.  I became a part of your new little family and have always felt that way.  I’m grateful for your husband who takes care of me like I’m his own sister and not just some sister-in-law.

It has taken me weeks to write this because each time I sit down to express my feelings about my sister, my bridesmaid, my friend…I feel overwhelmed.  There is so much I look to her for and boy…. am I glad she can handle it.  I would be lost without my sister.  I love her kids and can’t imagine loving my own more than them someday, though I’m sure I will.

So happy she will stand with me on our big day!

You’re looking at me all lovingly and Josh is looking straight crazy.  

Your hair was just as amazing as you are.  No idea what the white dot is on Josh’s head.  
Easter at Grandma and Grandpa’s with Melissa.  The days where the two of you used me like your real life baby doll.  

Our trip together to Disney and stuffing our faces on the bus ride home.  

Helping me get through 4-H after losing mom.  We made it through that and never killed each other.  

Being your bridesmaid and catching the bouquet!

What would I do without the two of you? 

Love you both to the moon and back.  

Your family means so much to me.  

Thank you for all the wonderful days over school breaks, weekends, and summer time where we spend time together.  I love those days and all that time together.  

Graduating college with my Master’s, which I started with you a few years before.  

Family Forever.  

Days at the park.  Days anywhere during summer.  Days together are the best!

Date nights too with our guys.  

Teaching me to make strawberry jam.  

 You’ve taught me so much.  I’m sure I’ll continue to learn many of life’s lessons by nagging you with questions.  Hope you don’t mind!

XOXO

Said yes to the dress

/ ashleyeileenp / 1 Comment
Saturday was the day to find the dress and it happened!
I woke up nervous as all get out.  I cried a little in the shower thinking about doing all this without mom.  I have a feeling those tears are going to flow heavily throughout the next 137 days.  
Riding with my MOH and best friend was a major stress reliever as we talked about girly wedding things the whole way and listened to baby Walker coo.
We arrived at our first place hoping for success but we weren’t so successful.  There were SO many fun dresses to try on.  There were even some great prom dresses to look at!  Miss Becky has so much to offer!  It was the perfect opportunity for me to try on a huge variety of dresses and get a feel for what I liked and didn’t like. 
Before we left little Mr. MOH decided he needed a changing. 
I have never.  
ever ever.  
ever never ever. 
seen anything..
or smelled anything…
like it!
We ruined that place for sure.  
But he’s so dang cute! 

After we had a delicious lunch at Mackenzie River Pizza.  Delicious food and wonderful family to celebrate with!
Have I told you yet how incredibly blessed I am to be surrounded by amazing women?  
Well, I am. 
My MOH is my best friend since practically her birth, Megan.  Her family is near and dear to my heart and always will be.  We may not be related but we practically are.  
My sister and Michelle are two of my bridesmaids and although Michelle isn’t technically a sister, she basically is.  Their little munchkins are flower girls and ring bearers.  I wish I had a photo of the girls from that day without me in it to spoil…but I don’t!
They were such wonderful little helpers.  They followed me around and picked up my train for “practice” for our big day.  They even had the chance to try on flower girl dresses and loved every minute of it.  
My Aunt Beth and Aunt Cathy are my momma’s sisters.  Together with Patty (mom’s best friend), Denise, and several other incredible women the empty spot of missing mom is always filled with a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen to me whine, and all the things a daughter misses from a mom.  I’m incredibly lucky to have them. 
I also wanted Michael’s mom to join us for dress shopping.  Since she has two boys she kind of misses out on all that girly stuff!  
It was an amazing day to say the least!

I found the dress at David’s and NO I am not telling you what it looks like, showing you a picture, nothing.  You’ll have to wait for wedding day pictures!

Getting ready to make the big purchase!  

Feeling the love as I make some serious game day decisions.  

They fail to mention to you the things they are going to throw in and charge you for.

Kind of like buying a new car.

A slip for this much, a preservation kit for this much, a garment bag that you must have, blah blah blah.

Nerves got the best of me and I bought it all.  Figured it was easier than second guessing and wishing I had bought it all!  Probably not necessary but in the grand scheme of things I’m not going to worry about it too much.

One little bit of advice for future brides:  Do NOT go on a Saturday to David’s Bridal.  They were friendly and helpful and did the best they could but that place is freaking nuts.  Ridiculous nuts.  Almost not fun nuts.  I would highly suggest going on a week night if you can!

Our next trip for bridesmaids dresses is on a week night to avoid that madness.

Photographer is booked.
DJ is booked.
Photobooth booked.
Tasting scheduled for a couple weeks.
Decorations are left to decide.
And all those minor little things.

And our website on The Knot….  http://www.theknot.com/wedding/Plank-and-Schenck

Oh yah…..and a honey moon too.

Hopefully the man decides or asks real soon if he can take some time off following the wedding.

Otherwise, this chic is going on a honeymoon alone!

Kidding…

Or, am I?

Booked!

/ ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

We booked it!  It’s official!

We are getting married in 147 days!
I’m marrying the man of my dreams at the place that just a year ago I said I dreamed of getting married at!  I’m hoping the weather cooperates for July 19th around 5:30 p.m. so we can pull off an outdoor ceremony just like we want.  I don’t care what the weather does everywhere else but if it could be absolutely gorgeous and perfect in Pendleton at Blu Falls I would be so very grateful!
The planning process and final “let’s do it” considered me for my dad’s heart condition.  So, he decided to fake a heart attack for a cute photo opportunity.  

It was so much fun to meet with Cindy at Blu Falls today and get this party started!  The place is absolutely gorgeous and I can’t wait to meet with my event planner.  Even got the invitations ordered tonight and engagement announcement submitted to the paper!  

Working on checking things off the list one at a time!  Hoping to stay calm and anxiety free….ya right!

You win

/ ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

Dear Sister,

You win!  Yes, you  win!  I may not say it very often that you’re right and that you win…but you definitely did it this time.

You and the whole crew surprised me like no other.

And YOU WIN!

Your loving and adoring little sister,
Ashley

Sisters

Wow….all I can say is WOW when I think back to last Saturday evening.  I was more than surprised…I was shocked that she and Mike and friends and family all pulled it off to surprise me for my 30th birthday.

But, just to be clear…I am not 30 until Friday.

The blonde in me didn’t even notice the cars in the parking lot.  I thought one of them was my cousin Tracy’s car…but then thought, “Nah, he wouldn’t be in Greenfield.”  His sticker supporting Kammy’s Kause should have given it away!

Our plan that evening was to go and watching Shai dance at the basketball game.  When we got there and it got closer to the dance my sister suggested dinner afterwards.  I wasn’t really feeling like eating pizza AGAIN but when you want to spend time with family you do whatever is suggested.  Then, Mike drove REALLY terribly slow leaving the game to the pizza joint.  That was annoying…and again maybe I should have known something was up.

Walked in the door and….TEARS!  Tears of joy!

And a “30” tiara to put on of course as well!
My hands were shaking!  

All these people…for me!

Sammy and Holly

Me and Ash!  

Baby had his first beer!

The Pacer game on the TV….

My favorite kids everywhere!

Games to play!

My amazing cake and awesome candelabra!  Thanks Holly and Krista!
I couldn’t even think of a wish to make.  I know this sounds slightly corny and ridiculous but I had so many I loved right there with me.  Was hard to think of anything else!

Courtney and I

Enjoying all the pictures around!

Cheese from Mallory!

Photobombers…

Me and Sam

The Hill family!

Me, Jen, Meg, and Court!

Me and my love…he helped pull it off!

Stuffed Haygoods.  Sam has an excuse.  What is yours Brando?
Teacher friends came too!

I don’t want to know what life would be like without this crazy family of mine!

This BY FAR was the perfect birthday surprise.  I couldn’t ask for anything more.

Looking back, I probably had quite a few hints that gave this event away.  I guess being blonde makes it possible for me to be completely clueless to some things.

For example, where did Holly disappear to at the game?  Never figured that out….until I got there.

Another example, why did Brody keep asking me where my tiara was?  I don’t wear one every day (that you know of) so I guess I should have found that odd.  He also stroked my face softly on the way out of the game and said, “We gonna have cake tonight.  We gonna have a party tonight.”  Again, I had no clue. As my sister said…the kid who still poops his pants was about to be the one who gave it away.

Another example, why were all the little people ignoring me and trying to stay as far away from me as possible?  Come to find out….they were all terrified they would spill the beans.  So much to the point that Shai actually refused to sit next to me at dinner on Thursday and made me think she had a headache or was mad at me!

And I still….feel terribly….terribly….guilty for ever doubting anyone to pull something off.  For being a brat and saying I had to plan my own party.  I wanted 30 to be special and I should have NEVER doubted that my sister would make that happen.

She makes everything happen.  Ask anyone.

She’s definitely the best sister ever.  Without a doubt.

Now, I’m still going to rock the party I had planned for myself this Saturday if anyone wants to join me!  Not really a party, but a gathering of friends.  An excuse to get out of the house and see a band.  To try and forget that I’ve turned 30.

By the way – Great place in Greenfield to have a party….Hometown Classic Pizza.  Highly recommend it!

Two men

/ ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

I’ve been blessed with some amazing influences….men and women.

Lately I’ve been working on organizing photos and memories from my grandparents.  I am extremely fortunate that they kept so many memories because I treasure each and every one of them.

It’s actually been quite therapeutic as well.  I’ve shed quite a few tears seeing pictures I’ve never seen before.  So many happy that moments were captured long ago for us to treasure today.

I’ve found photos of my grandpa who I loved dearly and miss so much.  Photos of him I’ve seen and many I’ve never seen.  I wish now, of course, that I had sat down with him before he left to ask him so many questions.  To just listen to his stories.  Oh, his stories were the best.  I’ve heard his dad’s stories were even better.

I can sit and listen to my uncle for days because he reminds me of him so much.

Oh, how I miss the days he was around.

Then, I ran across this photo…

And then I really shed the tears.

This photo has two of the most influential and kindest men I’ve ever known.  One who always made me feel special despite the fact that he had tons of other grandchildren and another who told me I was one of his own even though I wasn’t.

Two men who taught their children and families the importance of family and working hard.
Two men who left behind legacies we are forever grateful for.
Two men who I called Grandpa and Pappaw.
Two men who had the most caring and understanding voice and demeanor I will ever know.
Two men that I always hoped my someday children would meet.
Two men who had characteristics that I hope someday my husband will have.
Two men who taught me what it means to love yourself, your family, and most of all the Lord.
Two men who could talk farming for hours.
Two men who basically broke the mold.  They just don’t make them like that anymore.

Two men who I miss so much.
It was hard in 2007 and it seems just as difficult, if not more difficult now.
I can’t understand why they’re gone and I can’t figure out who I will go to for that feeling of a grandfather.

I know I was blessed beyond measure to have had an amazing grandfather and one who always acted like one for so many years.

It doesn’t make it any easier…

I miss them both and hope they’re having one heck of a celebration with my mom.

Routine

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Apparently it’s back to real life tomorrow.  Back to a routine.

A routine which I long for getting rid of at the end of each quarter at work.  Then after two weeks off….even THREE weeks off….I’m longing to get back to.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who craves a routine of some sort.  Heck no I don’t like waking up at 5 am again and I’m seriously dreading that part of it.  However, I sleep better…eat healthier…and get more done when I have some structure in my life.

Now, don’t get me wrong I absolutely loved our Christmas break and even more so the POLAR VORTEX week long vacation.  Thank you Mother Nature!  I read a couple of books.  (Highly recommend The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks.)  I got so much accomplished while researching some family history.  My was spotless for a few days.  That felt good.  I made a bunch of home cooked meals, including some vegetable beef soup and other various recipes from Pinterest which included the good ole crockpot.  I blogged it up.  I put Christmas decorations away but left my snowman stuff out.  I spent an evening in the hospital with my best friend snuggling her new baby boy.  I spent time with family and friends.

Then, the polar vortex hit and I didn’t leave the house for 4 whole days.  I think it’s the longest ever for me.  Sunday when the storm approached we took a 9 mile trip northeast on the snowmobile to play in the snow with some friends.

That was to be my last time ever to see the sun or smell fresh air for 4 freaking days.  4 very long days.  Day 1 and 2…not so bad.  Day 3…a little anxious.  Day 4….almost meltdown mode.  It was great to relax, read, and do some research.  I just needed some interaction.  I forgot how much I crave social interaction….even if it is with little people.

First thing Friday morning I went and worked out . Felt so good.  Had been forever.  It’s going to really hurt when I get back in full routine next week.  Then, I visited the sister and her littles as well as some friends and their littles.  Fun play date with some yummy lunch and most importantly….INTERACTION!

Friday night I got to see this little beauty do her thing and dance with her group..  As usual, she was amazing!

And the love these two have for another…is priceless. 
Actually, how much he adores her is even more incredible.  So darn sweet.  

And then Saturday we drove up to Michigan for my guy’s work Christmas party (yes, I realize it’s a few days late…).  Dinner in a little town hole in the wall delicious restaurant.  Then a drive back down into Indiana for a little ride on a 1/4 mile toboggan run.  Our record…..30 mph.

Up and down 3 times for this girl.

And trust me….the UP is a total legs and butt workout. 
I figure up and down 3 times for a 1/4 mile track means I walked 1 1/2 miles that night in Carhartts and boots.  Sweating my butt off.  

Had so much fun with my babe.  Always love meeting his coworkers even if he doesn’t get to see them very often working all around the state. 

And then on the way home we turned around to snap this photo.  
Yes, I believe those are male parts.  There were at least 5 of them built all around the road in this one area. Obviously, they had melted just a bit but still made us giggle!

Glad to get back on routine tomorrow and hoping for a great week!
Excited for Wednesday’s Relay for Life Kick-Off at Java Junction…stop by anytime between 6-7:30 for come coffee, cookies, get your Relay team signed up, and decorate a luminaria to line the track this year!