For as long as I can remember a piece of my summer has been dedicated to our county fair and my love for 4-H.

4-H has taught me so much through the various projects that I took and the events that I was a part of. It shaped friendships that I will have for the rest of my life. It brought me closer people that I would have never brought had we not been brought together by that special week each summer.

Even when my 10 years was over I wanted to stay involved. Somehow I’ve found a way to do that.

Fortunately the littles are finally old enough to start partaking in the fun. Little nephew #1 took mini wildlife, collections, and crafts. Little niece took mini wildlife, sewing, crafts, foods, and cake decorating. The littlest little just whined and cried while his sister worked on projects because he’s too little to do anything. Pretty sad really.

Our week of fair fun is only about to begin on Friday. Friday’s always a mix of emotions for me. It was a day my mom and I always took part in together and now we honor her memory by raising money for her scholarship.

I will always wish she was there. But the only way that makes it easier is to be a part of it with her best friend and try and step in to help fill her shoes a bit. I’ll never be as amazing as she was but I will always take a piece of my summer and give it to 4-H because it brings me joy to be a part of something so amazing. A part of something she was so involved in.

Below are some photos of judging day for the littles.

Here’s the deal.  Once a week I’m going to try something new to start the week.  I love the routine of High Five Friday.  So why not get something going to start the week off right?

I’ll be sharing:

1. Peaks of the Day: the highlights. The good moments.  Something overall positive that happened during the day.

2. Pit of the Day: the low point of the day.  But, rather than just complaining about it, a way that looking back at it can be positive or a blessing in disguise.

3. Praise: Simply praising God for specific things that happened.

4. Prayers: Prayer requests that may have arose from the new day or that have been lingering. 

So, here we go:

Peak – A great workout with some wonderful ladies.  Lots of laughs and reminiscing on a wild Friday night.

Pit – A disagreement with someone at work that really got my blood pressure going.  We all have control issues.  I get it.  I’m a control freak too.  However, when it comes to my cherubs I get a bit defensive. 

Praise – Praising God for a wonderful morning coffee with my love.  A good chat and a great start to the first day of the week leaves me smiling as I walk out the door.  Thank you Lord for him and for him loving me. 

Prayers – Prayers for a special little one in my life who may be misunderstood.  Prayers for my Uncle T as he travels this week for a special mission with an American hero.

Love and Hugs to all this Tuesday,

I had such an enjoyable, relaxing, labor free weekend. 

 The weekend started with the Rascal Flatts concert and a girls night out.  This quote about the evening sums it up well, “I’m not proud of it, but we had fun.”  I mean we only live once, right? 

Before the concert with the Whelchel gals and friends!

Then Saturday was quite a lazy day until I was surprised by an evening date with the love of my life.  He shocked me when he said, “We have reservations at 8:30.  Get ready.”

I don’t do so well with surprise, but I try and go with the flow the best I can when he has a love spark!

Before date night….and I still don’t know where we are headed.

A little stop on the way to our date night.  I won $55 on these tickets!

Sunday was a nice trip with my aunt and cousin to visit with my grandma.  I don’t know if I just didn’t understand my grandma’s humor when I was younger or that she has just gotten more hilarious with age.  We had a nice lunch and a nice drive through a local park even though the weather was gloomy from Hurricane Isaac.  On our drive through the local park we found some interesting creatures….and signs. 

What the truck? A one legged duck?

Slow Sbeed Bumps Ahead….but what you can’t see is the picture of a car popping a wheelie!

Then we traveled on over to a sweet little place called The Rodeo Shop to do some boots, jeans, and jewelry shopping. 

I fell in love with these….

It’s always good to “get out of town” even if for a day!

And we ended our lovely three day weekend with some comfort food.  I would have preferred to grill out one last time but quite frankly the weather led me to cooking up some comfort food instead.  Ya know….the kind of food that weighs you down and keeps you on the couch all night?  And it cooked all day in the stove so by the time it was ready our mouths were just salivating. 

cubed steak, green bean casserole, mac n cheese, and cornbread Meal idea courtesy of Aunt C!

So now we are on to just a little bit of a work week.  I’ve got to see my littles sometime real soon.  My life feels a little incomplete without their hugs and kisses!

Have a fabulous four day week!

Over night sometime my Blogger finally showed I had 23 followers!  Wow, that feels amazing!

Thank you….

Jess
Amanda
Holly

You are all three very I important people in my life in your own unique ways.

Amanda – it’s time to have that baby.  I needs some snuggle time with something tiny and warm and oh so wonderful new baby smell.

Truly Blessed,

Ashley a Fortunate Gal

Ask and you shall receive!

I have some amazing family and friends who totally stepped it up and followed through.  For that I want to give a holler to those who love me so. 

Sister: What ever would I do without you?  My sister, my friend, my motherly advice.  I could never put into words how grateful I am for you in my life. 

Aunt Cathy: My friend, my middle name, my go to phone call.  Mom use to say we were too much alike.  I think we’re “just right” alike. 

Aunt Beth: I’m so very lucky to have not one, but many amazing aunts and you are one of them.  I always wanted to be a teacher….just because of you. 

Aunt Shelly: You met me at one of the biggest moments of my life.  Too bad I can’t remember.  I couldn’t be more pleased you are part of our family.  I can go to you for anything, but what I love best is your hugs. 

Aunt Susie: Quiet and calm in this crazy storm we call a family.  Like a light at the end of the tunnel. 

Cousin Tracy: A big support, a back seat on your Harley, and someone I admire for everything you are and everything you do. 

Heidi @ Ramblings of a Farmers Wife and a Mommy’s Life : A blogging buddy, a sweet neighbor, a gal pal to vent to, and a beautifully amazing friend.  Your story inspires me.  It’s why I read you daily. 

Michelle: My sister from another mister.  It’s a good thing our parents became best friends all those years ago because I couldn’t imagine my life without ya. 

Joe and Chrissy: My brother from another mother and his wifey.  Jong-O-E.  I’ll never forget the torture of honey in Gatlinburg and our own little language. 

Chris and Ang: Family is who you surround yourself with.  Good thing we have handsome/beautiful folks like y’all around.  The giggles are endless when you are near.  Something very special about the two of you. 

Joy: You use to be a friend of a friend.  Now you’re just a friend.  Thank you for being that friend.  Who I could always count on to compliment my chest.  Nuff said. 

Mindy H: You’re far away but still a pal.  Always keep in touch. 

Heather @ 3 Kids and Lots of Pigs : 4-H has brought us together as blogging buddies and friends.  I love seeing your family once a year and watching your littles grow. 

Jessie H: You’re an inspiration when my mind says, “I can’t.”  I know somewhere out there you’ve probably just ran 20 miles and you’re probably still going.  Keep being awesome. 

Claudia: Friend, follower, and always a sweet memory of my mother.  Those things I hold very dear. 

Carla: Miss working with you but love catching up through our social networks and random family/friend gatherings.  The time we did get to work together is always cherished…and maybe someday again!

Jason and Nicole: A true inspiration to kicking ass and taking names when you want something.  Two quiet people when I met you.  One awesomely loud lady now that I know her.  We could really do some destruction if we spent too much time together. 

Taylor: Thank you for being a follower. 

Lori O: I love Lori because I have no idea who she is.  I know we’ve never met in real life.  She’s my first mystery follower.  That….is pretty darn cool. 

Thank you to everyone for reading my randomness.  I enjoy writing because it’s my avenue of therapy. 

Everyone has a story.  I hope you find mine worth reading for quite some time. 

Flattered and Thankful,

Please help!

I’m dying to gain some more followers.  Really…a magical number of 20 sounds about right.

Currently I have 12.  12 loyal fans.  12 diehard friends.  12 beloved peeps.  Wouldn’t you love to be one of them?

Simply click on the Become Follower link on the right.  It’s really simple and you don’t even have to create an image of yourself. 

Come on.  Do it.

You know you want to!

Happy birthday to my DAD! 

He deserves a wonderful day.  He’s certainly been through a lot in his life.  Lost his dad.  Lost his wife.  Had a heart attack.  Lost his mom. 

The man has conquered battles and won.  He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever known.  He’s the definition of dedication.  To his family.  To his business.  To his church.  To his friends. 

Looking forward to next year and the big 60!

Love you in this picture.  In this jacket.  Love your style

Your sense of humor is the best.

You’re an amazing grandpa.  You and your mini me with the wrinkled nose smiles.

I’ll always be your little girl no matter how much I grow up.

My daddy!

Love ya dad,

Last night we celebrated.  Boy, did we celebrate. 

Dancing with grandma to “We are Family”

The littles getting down on the dance floor!

Partying like rock stars!  Shades compliments of the lovely couple.  Cool idea!

My little cousin got married.  She was a beautiful bride.  Her guy a handsome groom.  The wedding party was full of life and everyone there knew how to have a good time.

Mr. and Mrs. with Pretty Princess

Mr. and Mrs. on the dance floor so fast they were blurry!



One of the many reasons I love her.

I always cry at weddings.  Just something about ’em which gets me all emotional.  It’s a beautiful thing to witness the beginning of two people’s lives together.  So, I cried last night of course because it wasn’t just a beautiful couple.  This time it was my sweet baby cousin.  One of the most kindhearted, loving, coolest chicks I know.  She’s all grown up and walking down the aisle with the biggest grin on her face.  Walking straight to the guy she’s going to be with forever.  You could just see it by the grins spread on their face that they love each other and can’t wait to get started.  I cried then as she walked down to see him and he stepped up to get her.  I cried when she hugged my uncle one last time before her let her go.  I cried when they shared their first kiss as husband and wife.

And then I cried again.  Big ole alligator tears.  When my uncle said a few words.  He’s typically a man of few words, but when he gives them you better listen.  It’s either going to be comical or meaningful.  I’ve learned this about both of my mom’s brothers in the last few years.  Wonderful men.  Wise advice.  Loving hearts. 

His words made everyone in the place cry.  He talked about her being ready, even when he wasn’t.  The day she was born.  The first day of school.  The day she got her driver’s license.  The day she went to college.  And the day she got married.  She was ready.  Ready to start her life with her husband.  Ready to begin their future together.  She was ready. 

First Dance.

I’m very thankful for the large, loving family that I am a part of.  I’m grateful that we had the chance to be a part of something so special. 

Love these girls.  My cousins.  My friends.

Tis the season for weddings!  We have two more to celebrate for wonderful friends of ours and I can’t wait to cry some more tears of joy for their new beginnings as well.

Blessed and Grateful,

 

My first week back was absolutely incredible.

Let’s be real here though. Almost nothing could have been worse than the last year. Many reasons. Don’t need to explain. The people who know me well know why that is.

So maybe that’s why this year is amazing. Or maybe just because my cherubs are delightfully sweet and kind. My parents are supportive. My colleagues are just down right the best. Everything is all smiles!

We did all kinds of get to know each other activities. I now feel like I have a special connection with each of the cherubs. We talked about my jobs and their jobs. All the procedures and rules talks are out of the way.

I really feel like we are ready to get this year started on Monday. Ready to start diving into these textbooks and taking charge over each of the standards for fifth grade.

So this weekend I will spend celebrating.

And making lesson plans.

Then celebrating even more with a sibling date night tonight at FOGO DE CHAO for Devour Downtown. First time. Pretty excited.

Then tomorrow more lesson plans.

I am blessed to have many reasons to celebrate. Right now I can’t tell you all the reasons even though some of you do know. It has absolutely nothing to do with me individually so don’t jump to conclusions. It’s just something worth celebrating 🙂

More details to come later…

Today would have been my moms 58th birthday. Hard to believe! Sometimes it’s very hard for me not imagine what she would look like or be like 11 years after we lost her.

Would she still have her short hair cut? Would she still have the Snider hips and love her Princess Reeboks? Would she still shop at B. Moss and Kohls every Saturday she had available?

I wish I knew the answer to all these questions but truth is, I don’t.

And that sucks. Majorly.

Just like every single other birthday I’ve missed spending with her I took my cupcake (Gigi’s….yum) and a cup of coffee and shared a bit of her birthday at the cemetery with her. I feel closer to her there.

There’s a peace about that place.

Today I sang. To myself. To her. And I ate half the cupcake. And sipped on coffee.

And sat and wondered what she would be like today….