Garth Brooks……Check!

September 7, 2014 / ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

Just over two weeks ago we sat on a boat in the middle if Lake Monroe and decided we had

to make the trip to Chicago to see Garth. Definitely a prompt from my cousin and his girlfriend mentioning they were going helped. (Thanks Sarah and Matt!)

I will forever be grateful that my guy said “sure, ok” to a 3.5 hour trip north and a hotel stay. It was totally worth it. Not to sound cheesy, but it was practically like a dream come true. I kept telling him last night during the concert that it kind of seemed unreal. I never actually thought I would see Garth Brooks in concert. This wasn’t Mike’s first Garth concert, but I could tell he enjoyed it just as much as I did

I have so many fond memories of listening to Garth as a child. We listened to his tapes in the old Cadillac or Astro minivan. We listened to him on the old stereo on Saturday morning when we cleaned. We listened to him all the time.

I can remember in elementary school school taking his CD in to music class. The music teacher told us to bring in our favorite song. Mrs. Lockwood was going to let us play our favorite song for the class. We had to tell what type of music it was and then everyone got to listen. I can remember hearing some Boyz 2 Men, some Mariah Carey, probably a few of TLC, and I’m sure a few rap songs from the boys. (Nowadays there is no way in hell we could allow kids to bring in their music to listen to!)

My choice was from Garth’s album “In Pieces”. One of my a favorite fast songs of his….”Ain’t Goin Down til the Sun Comes Up”

Looking back….I’m shocked my mother let me take that in. I’m shocked I didn’t get in trouble. I mean….the lyrics are a little risqué. At the time, I had no freaking clue what that song was about. I could sing all the words and I loved it but I have no idea what it was about. Promise.

Another memory of a Garth song I have…..”The Thunder Rolls”. Every time I was with my grandpa and that song came on he would always say….”Sounds like rain’s a comin” That always made me giggle. I remember riding on roller coaster ride and asking him to start that song over and over in their old green cougar.

Every time I hear “The River” it reminds me of him. Like its a song that still speaks to me as if grandpa is still here.

I hear “Unanswered Prayers” and I think ……man I thank God that he didn’t answer mine so long ago in a previous relationship. I thank God he didn’t answer Mikes when he was in love in high school. So thankful for unanswered prayers.

I hear “The Dance” and I reminisce of old middle school and high school dances but most definitely the end of the county fair Friday night dance. Whatever boy I was crushing on and who I wanted to ask me to slow dance that year. And then I remember……thank goodness for unanswered prayers.

I hear “Two of a Kind” and I think of us.

Our seats were so close…I couldn’t believe it.

A one minute countdown til Garth!!

The drummer was in the ball thingy and Garth was a climbing all over it. To be honest…I was a little concerned for his health. He was all over that stage. Sweating like crazy and screaming and yelling. I sure hope he makes it through his whole tour and stays healthy!

This man puts on one hell of a show. He sang and moved the entire time. He is nonstop.

Simply an incredible show.

Throwing water into the crowd…

“Caaa…aaa…aaaaaaling Baton Rouge”

He played so many of his most amazing hits. I can hardly think of anything he didn’t play that I love and listened to.

He also played two of his new songs, one in particular that I loved and can’t wait to hear again….”People loving People”. Every single person in this world should listen to this song. It’s like a manual for what we need to fix this crazy sick world. We just need people loving people. If you have heard it…I highly recommend it.

Here are the lyrics…

“People loving People”

Doctor, you ain’t got a pill
For whatever’s makin’ this world ill
You can’t get forgived inside the store
And peace, it’s a politician’s war

You won’t find no resolution in
The bottom of the bottle
In the stars, or Aristotle
The only answer to the problem

Is people loving people
That’s the enemy of everything that’s evil
Ain’t no quick fix at the end of a needle
It’s just people lovin’ people

Words aren’t what they seem to be
And talk is cheap, but lies are free
We fear what we don’t understand
And we been scared since time began

All the colors and the cultures
Circle ’round us on a spindle
It’s a complicated riddle
The solution is so simple

It’s people loving people
That’s the enemy of everything that’s evil
Ain’t no quick fix at the end of a needle
It’s just people lovin’ people

You can pawn it off on kings and queens
And those behind the curtain
Say I can’t make a difference
In a world so full of hurtin’
But I believe the remedy
Starts right here with you and me

People loving people
That’s the enemy of everything that’s evil
Ain’t no quick fix at the end of a needle
It’s just people lovin’ people
It’s just people lovin’ people

I could literally see the sweat dripping off of him. Incredible.

Then Trisha joined him and they sang one of my favorite duets “In Another’s Eyes” and she sang some of her favorite singles like “She’s in Love with the Boy” and others.

And an encore that was just sick. Just crazy. The stage moved. Parts of the stage moved. He was everywhere. Craziness!

All of his melodies bring back memories. That, to me, is the definition of an amazing musician. A timeless musician. Someone who puts on a show, not just a concert. Someone who makes you remember all of life’s greatest triumphs and most difficult challenges.

Someone who comes back after so many years!

Another check off the bucket list….

Prepping for the walk

September 4, 2014January 23, 2018 / ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

It took a lot of hard work to get us ladies looking gorgeous for the wedding. Thank you so much to Codi and Aunt Cathy for documenting the preparation and to the team from Capello Hair Designs…..Katie, Holly, and Hannah. We thank you so much! They came to Blu Falls and prepped us all right then and there. It worked out perfectly.

So glad we had a large bridal suite to make it all work. Of course we were crammed in there and bags were everywhere….but we definitely made it work.

And I did have a little time to lounge.

They have a jacuzzi tub…in the bridal suite. Who in the heck would have time do take a bath??
Not me!

But I had time for a picture….

The decorating crew who I could never thank enough….Kelli and Trisha.
THANK YOU!

Me and my girls!

Finally my turn!

Also a huge thank you to our makeup artist….Melissa, my very dear cousin!
She is AMAZING with makeup and offered to take help me out.

Love this photo. Me and Shai getting our hair done.

There were a MILLION bobby pins in this head.
Had to be.
Took me over 30 minutes to take my hair down!

Also…LOVE this photo. She looks so excited!

Good thing Mikey likes big butts!

and he cannot lie….

Some more photos from our amazing photographer Meigan with Blink. You can check her out here

She’s simply incredible. She took photos of everything I wanted….and more. She is so much fun to work with and constantly had us laughing. Very easy going! Highly recommend her!

I loved going through all the photos of Mikey getting ready with the guys. This is when I wish we could rewind to that day and I could be a fly on the wall. I want to see all the things I missed!

So handsome.
Getting his tie adjusted by his dad.

Then it was time to squeeze my booty in the dress.

And a tight fit it was.

Apparently the County Fair and vacation right before your wedding are not great for your waist line.

One thing I didn’t want to cover was my tattoo.
It means so much to me.
It’s like that old phrase….”If you got it, flaunt it.”

Boots on!

The final moment of panic as my sister tries to fit me in!

This moment was hard. Not going to lie.
I love my sister to death and I’m so glad she could be there for this special moment.
It was tough to miss my mom so much and realize that this is just one more of those things she’s had to miss.
I realize she has an amazing seat in heaven, but boy it sure would be easier with her here!

Finishing touches!

You know how we all hate looking at photos of ourselves?

Well this one….I don’t. I kind of love me here.

Love

Brody saw me first.
His reaction….”Oh my….you look like a princess.”
Made my day….and made me tear up a bit.

The necklace I bought from Etsy through a lady from Australia. Highly recommend her jewelry. Gorgeous!

And a bracelet my mom use to wear….her mother’s bracelet.

Four things a bride must have….and I kind of forgot about until the last minute.
Thank goodness for my sister who stepped in quickly and took care of in the last week as I panicked a bit.

Something borrowed – The bracelet was my mom’s and my sister had it….so I borrowed it!
Something blue – I took one of my grandpa Snider’s old jean shirts that I had and cut a heart of it. Sewed the heart in my dress
Something old – On my bouquet I had my mom’s wedding charm. The charm my dad bought her when they got married
Something new – A charm my sister made me for my bouquet that had my mom’s photo

So many people to thank for making our day so amazing!

Next up….”That first look”

Have a great Thursday!

That First Look

September 4, 2014January 23, 2018 / ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

Before I saw the man I would spend the rest of my life with….I wanted to see the guy who would give me away.

Emotions ran high for some very obvious reasons.

I was more nerve that my dad would be a mess and then I became a mess. The thought that I would be given away almost terrified me. For 30+ years I was his little girl. Now, I had to grow up and start a family with someone. Hopefully someday have our own little ones.

Seeing my dad brought up so many thoughts and emotions.

He looked so handsome.

Looking back I feel like after this moment the entire day just flew by.

Again, I want to thank Meigan and McKinsey with Blink Photography for capturing all these amazing moments.

Then the photo gals took me outside to wait for my guy.

The look on his face was priceless.

He looked terrified, yet ecstatic.

He grabbed my hands and said, “wow….that dress”

Those words said it all.

I probably could have stayed in this moment for the rest of the day.

Just looking at each other.

Melting away in the heat….and love.

Then he pulled away again and just kept looking me over.

That, ladies, makes you feel REAAAAALLLLLL good.

And we walked towards the gazebo. The place we would say “I Do” just a few short hours later.

I knew I wouldn’t have the sense to take it all in during the moment of the actual vows so I’m glad we took the opportunity during photos to do so.

This man is my forever.

Love him so,

Test Day 1 = Success

September 3, 2014 / ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

Today was Test day 1 for Shiloh.

See the baby gate?

That’s our attempt at keeping Shiloh out of the living room and off the furniture.

On Sunday we made our first big married couple purchase….. A new couch and new recliner for the living room.

The only problem with that is our 5 year old puppy Shiloh. She not only enjoys eating trash but also enjoys eating furniture. She went so long without eating a pillow…..but slipped up a few weeks ago.

So yesterday we set up a baby gate.

Today I came home and the baby gate was still up and she was still on the correct side of it. So….I praised her and gave her a treat.

I know she’s probably teasing me. We will try again tomorrow and keep trying until the new furniture arrives. Even then she may stay in the garage so I can get though the day without worrying if my new couch is tore up.

And please save yourself the trouble. We aren’t trying a crate. She’s never been in one and it’s too late now….we feel. So, save your breath. 🙂

Xoxo,

Ash

Rehearsal Dinner

August 31, 2014January 23, 2018 / ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

Our rehearsal dinner was perfection.

At a little spot we love to eat dinner at. …. Wolfies Waterfront Grill in Noblesville.

Our favorite things picked off their menu.

Our favorite people to help us celebrate.

A cozy little spot in their upstairs for just us and our family and friends.

Just like everything….the night flew by and before you know it we went from hellos to goodbyes.

That’s the only thing I hate about life….how quickly it flashes before our eyes.

I’m so glad that Codi and Aunt Cathy could capture some of the moments of the evening for us.

Our head flower girl, Shailynn

So grown up…so handsome.

Brody Boy

Kate and Melissa

Walker was very popular.
Here he is with his girl, Kynsey.

Brody and Chey

Chrissy and Joe Paul

Aunt Beth and Aunt Cathy!

Mallory and Amanda

Me and my MOH Meg!

The uncles in deep conversation

Chunky man Walker

And we got to celebrate with Patty!

Singing Happy Birthday to Patty

Bryce and Kynsey

Joel and Kelli

Sarah and Matt

Friends at the table!

Aunt Beth and Uncle John

The twins!

Aunt Cathy and Wood

The ring bearers are loving their suspenders

Father and sons

We’ll never be able to thank those quite enough for their love and support throughout our wedding. I can’t believe it’s already been a month since the big celebration. We are still trying to find out what a normal life is with all the business!

Love to all,

Rehearsal

August 23, 2014January 23, 2018 / ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

I apologize for the delay in wedding blogs, but life has dealt us a different hand of cards I was not expecting….to say the least. Life gets busy and you forget about how enjoyable and relaxing it can be before the craziness of back to school begins or the aftermath of a major life event…like our wedding.

I hope to continue blogging for as long as I possibly can, but I’ll just have to be honest and admit that it may not be as regularly as I had hoped. Just like the stack of books I have to read. I may not get to read them as often as I would like. End of the day approaches and most of the time I just want to lay down and close my eyes. That book sits next to me wishing to be read…and I just don’t have the energy for it.

One thing is for certain that I have learned in our first month of marriage. Life isn’t easy, but as long as you have your family and close friends by your side….it’s manageable. And through it all, I know that there are a million other people out there that have it way worse than me. Sure I through a couple of pity parties for myself…who hasn’t? In the end…I’ve got my husband who is working really hard to make this marriage the best it can be. I’ve got my family who kicks ass at being by my side through it all. I’ve got great friends who know just what to say at the right time.

So….let’s take a look at our lovely rehearsal back on July 17, 2014. The weather was perfect. The people were perfect. The littles did so well, which made me highly doubt they would be able to pull it off again in two days. The moments of rehearsal made me nervous. It was all becoming incredibly real. Not like I was going to vomit, real. Just shaky, real.

Chatting things over with Bridesmaid Amanda

This would be the scenery behind us as we got married.
I paid attention at rehearsal because I knew I wouldn’t be able to on the real day!

Sassy Pants Willow

Flower girls getting ready for practice!

My best friend. My girl. My MOH….Meg

Love this boy and all his antics. One of our handsome ring bearers…

Bridesmaids Jeffer and Krista Lee

Another cutey ring bearer…Brody Law

Practicing the giving away part. I got a little emotional here.

What hams!

Miss Mallory

Who knows what was being said at this point!

I know it’s hard not to criticize ourselves in photos….but MAN that butt is big.

Loving Brody’s look here. A few of our groomsmen, Cody and Joel and ring bearers Brody and Colton

A good looking group of men!

The parents

Chunky boy Walker

Brody waving!

This was incredibly uncomfortable!

Decorating crew +1!

He just loves having his picture taken!

The holding cell.

One more round of practice!

If only they would have done this on the real day.
Cutest thing ever!

I really don’t know what Willow is doing.
Probably the queen wave we’ve always taught her.

The ladies

Signing my life away…

Or the marriage certificate.

Pastor Woody!

Shai and Walker!

What a great evening. I’m so glad we have the pictures to remember all these special moments.

Love to all,

Last fling before the ring…

August 11, 2014January 23, 2018 / ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

A week before our wedding I was blessed by my MOH and my family and friends to have one last night out as a single lady. It was a BLAST to say the least. We took a party bus downtown and had the luxury of starting the lingerie shower at my best buddy Ted’s house. Of course he wasn’t home to enjoy all the fun, but we did poke (literally) fun at him a bit and left him so beer bottles in the flower beds.

Following the little shower and games we headed to Bakersfield which has the best guacamole and margaritas that I’ve ever known. Yummo. Seriously. At this point I had quite the buzz going and may have tormented and totally annoyed some of the other Bakersfield visitors. Oh well….

After Bakersfield we cruised in our bus a little bit and took part in all the yummy drinks the ladies had packed for us. After our cruise we ended up at a fantastic show at Talbot Street. Those ladies (err…uhhh…men?) never cease to dissappoint.

As soon as we left I bothered a cop and asked him if he was next surprise. Unfortunately he was a real cop and was not amused at all by what I asked. Oops! Then I was ready to continue the party. Problem is…no one else was. So, I pouted and was mad. And next thing you know they’ve got pictures of me passed out on the bus. Can you imagine?

Fun was seriously had by all, especially me….I most definitely will never be able to thank all these girls enough for spending the evening with me enjoying being Miss Plank one more time!

Up next…. Rehearsal and Rehearsal dinner!

1 week 1 day

July 27, 2014 / ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

We did it! We are married!

Mrs. Schenck here 🙂

Since our vows we’ve been running nonstop. Just got home from the honeymoon on Friday. Attempting to get caught up on life before work goes back on Monday for the Mr. and Tuesday for me!

Promise to give you a more in depth view of the wedding and our honeymoon very very soon.

For now….

XOXO

Mrs. S

Meet the Ushers!

July 8, 2014January 23, 2018 / ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

Time to meet the handsome devils who will walk the guests to their seats and get everyone situated. Three of the main dudes in my life….

To my favorite Brother-In-Law, Brandon – Even though I make fun of your age and all your gray hair, please know I love you dearly. You’ve always been protective of me and for that, I am thankful. I’m so happy you will be a part of our special day and I thank you for everything you’ve done for me.

To my cousins, the Skunk Brothers, Matt and Jared (Peanut) – Growing up next door helped us develop a special bond….greater than most cousins. We are all so blessed to have parents close as siblings and a bond of cousins that others typically don’t get a chance at. Morning cartoons of Transformers and Power Rangers at my house during the school year. Playhouse and school out in the shed at your house. Summers with your mom and school year with mine. Summer trips to stay with Grandma and Grandpa picking up rocks and eating ice cream and popcorn every night. Bath times before it got too awkward. Tball teams to save our parents trips to the ballpark. Working at Kroger together as one of our first jobs to, again, save our parents the gas money and extra trips. Parties in college and running from the ……nevermind! We all miss mom so much as each day passes, but I’m grateful you let me borrow yours to help fill those voids. I’m lucky to have both of you in my life and I hope we can always be close. Someday maybe we can recreate the bathtub pictures with our own little ones. Thank you for being a part of our special day. Love you both so much!

A road trip likely to Grandma and Grandpa’s!

A paddleboat ride with Grandpa

Tball

Snow Whirl

My high school graduation

TriState football and a great college party afterwards! 🙂

Christmas after a long night at BSU

Meet the Greeter Gals!

July 8, 2014January 23, 2018 / ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

Four beautiful ladies will be greeting everyone as they come to our wedding and we are so grateful for all of them.

To my two beautiful cousins who are like little sisters, Cheyanne and Codi – I love you both dearly and can’t imagine my life without you. From our days of the Barbie workout video to holding my hair back at a New Year’s Eve celebration and concerts. Time has flown by and I’ve watched you both grow from the cutest little chunky babes to incredibly beautiful grown women. I can’t wait to see all that life brings you and certainly can’t imagine my special day without you both in it.

To one of my dear best friends, Ashley – I believe fate has somehow brought us together. Sure, we grew up in close communities just down the road from each other. However, we’ve always had the same interests and some how our paths never crossed long enough to become so close.

Then….they did! I’ll forever be grateful for our friendship and so glad that fate finally brought us together to be forever friends. We always have a good time together, despite the poison ivy. You can always make me laugh. I love everything about you and will always be there to help you through good times and bad….even for the tiniest things such as spelling. 🙂

I owe you big time for being such a huge part of making our wedding look beautiful. Your ideas and talents are incredible and I’m lucky you wanted to help me make this special day so gorgeous.

To the master of cakes and love of my brother – Thank you for being a part of our family and making him smile. You have done so much for our boys and we love having you around. You are special to us and I’m glad you will be a part of our special day!