A growing list

April 6, 2014January 23, 2018 / ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

I had no idea when I was begging for the idea of an engagement ring and marriage that there would be this much stuff to do.

It seems like as soon as I cross something off the list of wedding to do’s I add about ten more things. It’s never ending!

Not to mention the fact that we (me) are trying to pull this thing off in around 5 months. Whoever thought that was a good idea (me) should be shot. Okay, maybe not shot but seriously taught a lesson.

Besides the fact that I’m overly stressed to the point of neck pain and multiple doses of anxiety medications, everything seems to be going totally fine.

We really do have the major stuff under control and at this point working on all the small details. However, there are so many stinking small details! They really seem like medium size details.

Like….which necklace should I get for my dress?

I went with this one. Hoping it looks good!

And what kind of salad dressing will everyone want?

And how can I sneak all the leftover bread out of there after the reception? yum

And what color of sashes and napkins do we get? DEFINITELY not this ensemble. Puke. John Deere fans maybe?

And how did we get such adorable flower girls?

And will they really walk down the aisle?

And, what size paper bags for the candy buffet?

And, is my friend Ashley really going to be ready to tackle this list I have going for her? She has all the wedding expertise but does she know what she’s getting herself into?

And, how can I make this entry way cute for the wedding?

And how many more pictures is my excited father going to take?

Side note: Have I told you how adorably excited he is? I never imagined he would be so excited to help us plan our wedding. From picking out a venue to tasting the delicious food. It’s all wedding talk and I can’t figure out if he is just so happy for me or so excited to give me away and be done with me! Ha!

Tasting complete. Bellies full.

Is it really worth if to stand in a 2 1/2 hour long line for passports?

Especially when we still have no clue where we are even going for our honeymoon!

Which cake should we pick?

No worries, I’m an expert dessert taster. Pink lemonade it is…..with some cheesecake filling.

I know it sounds weird, but don’t hate.

Will my future SIL find a dress she loves?

Some how we successfully found dresses for all the other bridesmaids, but they are all from here.

Poor Weezy has to figure this out on her own out in Idaho.

I have total faith in her.

All these questions and so little time to answer it. Like 100 something days?

I’m stressed.

A little overwhelmed.

But I wouldn’t trade this excitement for ANYTHING in the world!

Decisions = Exhaustion

March 9, 2014January 23, 2018 / ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

This explains our day…

Exhausted with a gun.

We tackled an invitations decision last night. (Thanks Chad!)

We tackled decoration and bouquet decisions with our event planner extraordinaire this morning. (Thanks Ashley!)

We tackled Macy’s gift registry. And by the way, best experience ever. Neither of us were looking forward to going to Macy’s to register but we had several people suggest it. By far it was the best experience of customer service we have ever had. The lady that worked with us, Heidi, was absolutely incredible. She was so very helpful and we left with huge smiles on our face and ready to tackle the next store.

Then, we stopped for a little rejuvenation at Hooter’s. We love their wings. He probably loves more than the wings, but I’m totally fine with that. The Bluemoon tastes mighty fine too after a few hours of complicated decisions.

Then, we tackled our Target registry. The photo from way above explains my almost meltdown half way through when our gun battery died. We had to walk all the way back up to the front for a new gun. We stopped at the snack shop for a little refreshment where I almost passed out from serious exhaustion.

These decisions were way more complicated than I ever imagined. They literally have EVERYTHING you could ever imagine. And to make matters worse….they have about a bajillion different styles of everything as well.

Total freaking chaos for a gal like me who sucks at making decisions.

But, with my sweetie pie by my side we made it through the day.

and….we had FUN!

It’s actually pretty awesome how much fun we have together at something that others consider so daunting or miserable.

I’m not sure he was totally looking forward to it like I had been all week, but he hung in there and made it happen. He let me control the gun for the most part. We took turns with the power. The power felt great. I kind of wish I had a scanner gun thingy for every day purposes. Not sure what I would use it for, but it would make me happy to scan things. Does this mean I need a job in retail?

Sorry, got off track dreaming about that gun.

That day number keeps shrinking….

Down to 133. I have a feeling at 100 I’m gonna spend my day hibernating in bed with a major panic attack.

Wish me luck!

Check out…..

Our Wedding Website at The Knot

Said yes to the dress

March 5, 2014January 23, 2018 / 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!

February 23, 2014January 23, 2018 / 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!

Engaged

February 17, 2014January 23, 2018 / ashleyeileenp / 3 Comments

I have a fiance and for the first time today I had to say that out loud….and I gotta tell you it was crazy weird!

Not weird in a bad way….just weird in a different way! Like the weird that I’ve been waiting on my whole life!

So here’s the story…..

Friday was Valentine’s Day and he always said he would never propose on a holiday so I was most definitely not expecting it.

Friday morning I set out a cute little scavenger hunt for him which led him to a card, couple of Rockstars, and some gift cards. He loved it.

Friday night we had dinner reservations at the restaurant where we had our first date, Stone Creek Dining Company. I kind of wondered if maybe he would pop the question at dinner but it was never discussed and I reminded myself he would never use a holiday to propose.

We came home from dinner and my usual is to go upstairs and change into “comfy pants” as we call them round here. I didn’t head upstairs because I still hadn’t received a card or gift and kind of thought maybe if I hung around long enough on the couch something would magically appear.

Low and behold it did. I opened the card. A sweet card with a sweet message. That man always writes love notes and never just signs his name. Love that about him.

Then I pulled out the tissue paper of the red sparkly bag with heart on it and it was a mouse. A computer mouse. A wireless freaking computer mouse. My response……”Ummm….thanks” with sincere disgust.

I huffed and puffed and pouted on the couch for a bit and he decided to head upstairs to put on his comfy pants. Not long after I decided to head up as well. As I was putting on my pajamas he came around by my side of the bed. I thought he was going to grab some pants or underwear from the dresser but instead he GOT DOWN ON ONE KNEE and I about passed out.

He stunned me.
He shocked me.

He said, “I love you….will you marry me?” and opened a ring box to behold this GORGEOUS and FABULOUS ring….

I said….YES! Covered my face to hide the tears approaching then I held his sweaty, shaky face in my hands and kissed him. He placed the ring on my finger. Of course it didn’t fit at first but we took the spacer thingy off and it fits perfectly. Just perfect.

Then, I thought I was going to puke. Not the kind of puke like, “OMG what did I just do!” the kind of puke that is from absolute shock. People always told me I wouldn’t know when it was coming. Heck, even he told me he wanted to surprise me…but honestly I didn’t know if he could pull it off. Trying to hide things from me is probably extremely difficult.

But, he did it. And he did it perfectly. And he proposed to me in our bedroom in the midst of putting on pajama’s and I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life. It was just us. It was perfect.

Now….for some more of the details.

Then I loaded him up with questions….like…did you ask my dad? Of course he did! He asked my dad just earlier that morning. My dad (a man of many words…ha!) replied with, “Sweet.”

I asked when he bought the ring. He told me he had purchased it on Wednesday because he felt like if he had went to get it any earlier he wouldn’t have been able to not give it to me. He even took his dad’s truck for fear that someone at the jewelry store may have seen his work truck and let me know he was at Kay’s. Smart man!

We spent the rest of the evening trying to make phone calls and being extremely excited that we were engaged! Like giggly…giddy excited.

I did make the comment about being so excited to get married and have babies. His response, “Can we just enjoy the engagement for a day or two?” hehe Sorry buddy!

And we took this to capture the moment….Pinterest idea. And so true…

My best friend answered her phone first. Although I didn’t full on cry when he actually proposed….when I had to actually tell someone what happened I sure did. And she cried! And I kind of realized how real this whole thing was.

We finally fell asleep early Saturday morning and got up early again to start the next round of phone calls and Facetime calls. We wanted to tell all the special people in our lives over the phone or in person before we committed to the big announcement on social media. It was fun to make the phone calls and Facetime calls together. Hearing everyone’s excitement. Shedding a few more happy tears. My niece’s response of, “Can Kynsey and I be FLOWER GIRLS?!?!” Lynn telling me how my mom was right there with me and how happy she would be.

Just straight up pure bliss. You can’t package that stuff. Those feelings of forever love.

I always knew he was….but that bling makes it so official and ready to take the next step.

And the best part of it all…he’s just as excited as I am. He told me he loves how I can’t stop smiling. And I seriously can’t.

Yes, we’ve discussed dates, venues, and plans but we have nothing set yet. We’ve sent out inquiry emails to a few places and hope to book a place soon so we can go from there. I love how interested he is in the whole process and I’m very thankful for that.

I also can’t get over how excited everyone is for US! I’ve always known I was loved but the hugs and messages and texts are incredible. We are so blessed to know so many wonderful people and have those people to share our journey with.

This blog may become totally weddingfied and I hope y’all don’t mind. I’ll have lots to share and definitely want to track these memories as we go.

I’ve struggled a bit with sadness today at the thought of doing all of this without my mom. I know she’s here with me along the way. I know I have an incredible sister, aunts, and best friends to help me out. I’m also going to be blessed with an awesome mother-in-law (woah…weird to say…again!). I’m not alone in this…but I sure can’t help but think about how she would help me if she were here.

The love of my life proposed to me on Valentine’s Day. I can’t stop smiling.

This man is a man who sent me this picture just last week.

A picture of a cardinal right in our front bushes. He knows I believe that’s my momma.

He knows me so well.

That picture made my whole day.

And this man is going to make the rest of my life.

Yours truly….

an Engaged Fortunate Girl

You win

February 6, 2014January 23, 2018 / 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

February 1, 2014January 23, 2018 / 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.

Follow the Trail Product Swap

January 26, 2014 / ashleyeileenp / 2 Comments

I planned on grading papers this cold blustery Indiana morning….but I did not plan on spending the last two hours filling my head with amazing lesson plans and teaching ideas.

BIG thanks to my favorite teacher blogger Erin Cobb at I’m Lovin Lit (http://imlovinlit.blogspot.com) for leading me on an amazing hike while I sipped my coffee this morning.

Teacher friends you MUST check out this hike. It’s an amazing product swap. I’ve found even more friends to follow (blogs and TpT stores) as well as lesson plans that are going to rock my students worlds. They are going to LOVE me for going on this hike this morning.

So swing on over to I’m Lovin Lit (http://imlovinlit.blogspot.com) and get started on your hike! I can promise you that you will not regret it.

Fortunate for an amazing crew of virtual teaching colleagues!

Ashley

Park or Neutral?

January 25, 2014January 23, 2018 / ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

I want to be really honest with all of you and fill you in on a terrible blonde moment I had…and still have at moments.

Now, technically I’m not legit blonde but I tend to have my moments.

A few years ago (or 10+) when I first took my car through a car wash I had no idea you were suppose to put the dang thing in neutral.

So, I rolled up…quite nervous…and put it in park.

Needless to say it caused some serious issues, men yelling at me, a few tears…and total embarrassment.

To this day I think about that moment every single time I drive up to a car wash. I actually don’t like going through car washes at all. It isn’t the fear of being trapped inside at all. It isn’t the noise. It’s actually the set up that absolutely terrifies me.

Every single blessed time they yell at me.

Rightfully so I suppose….I can’t ever seem to do it right.

Some how I can’t get the tires lined up correctly. I’ve also been forgetful and left out the part of putting my car in neutral before. Yes, even after the first incident of putting it in park.

Thursday was really terrifying. It was bitterly cold outside but I knew the Jeep needed washed to at least get the build up of salt gone. So, I decided I would stop in at the car wash before heading home to the nice warm garage and she would be fine.

A little bit of panic set in as I rolled up but I was on the phone with my sister so that helped to calm my nerves. I paid the guy and rolled up further and immediately knew this jack hole with the hose was going to yell because I never get it lined up right. And he did. First he pointed left. Then he pointed right. Then he was shaking his head almost wanting to say to me, “Stupid lady pay attention.”

Finally I got it done and threw it in NEUTRAL. Yes, neutral this time.

Deep breath and I’m in.

Until……

my battery light goes on.

I mean instant panic! What the heck do you do when your battery light goes on in a car wash? Sure those roller thingies will push you right out…but what if they don’t? It’s not like you can get out of your car to go and get help! I would be drenched!

I’m telling my sister and she’s laughing hysterically as I explain that this is the kind of crap that happens to me. She trumps me with the card of, “Oh you didn’t have to pull frozen poop out of your dog’s butt yesterday!” You win sister, you win.

The whole 2 minutes it takes me to go through seems like an eternity as I sit and wonder if I’ll really make it out or be the laughing stock of the Mike’s Car Wash.

Finally, I’m close to Elmo on the swing and that stop light and it’s a green….and the car goes!
HOORAY!

And the battery light finally goes off.

I’m thinking my jeep didn’t like the cold….to hot water….back to cold deal and she complained by throwing up some snotty warning light that freaked me the heck out.

Either way…I’m alive.

And I still hate car washes.

And I have no clue why they always yell at me and can’t just line up my car for me.

And why isn’t there a sign that says PUT IN NEUTRAL….or is there and I just don’t pay attention?

Who knows.

For now I’ll be thankful that I’ve finally figured out the park and neutral deal and also be grateful I made it out of the car wash alive this week. It may be the last time for a while.

Peace,

Family Tree Friday

January 24, 2014January 23, 2018 / ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

So, I had a thought a few weeks ago while stuck inside during the Blizzard/Polar Vortex. I was working rapidly on research for our family tree for days. Literally…..days.

I got so far and so much done while stuck inside on those few days. It occurred to me that it is something I want to share with my readers. Things my readers can do to get started on their own…or maybe just learn more about me.

I’ve never used any other program other than Family Tree Maker….and I never will. It is that amazing. It’s not very expensive, a simple download and you’re ready to get started.

Then, if you want to splurge some more you can invest in an Ancestry.com membership. That will really get you going and help you find the missing links. More to come on Ancestry.com and their “hints” to help you.

For now, if you’re interested in researching your family’s history I would highly recommend starting there. I’m sure there are other programs, but it certainly has worked wonders for me. I have used Family Tree Maker since I started searching our history probably 15 years ago. We started very basic as a 4-H project that my mom and I were both interested in. After a few years of using a typewriter and the basic forms that 4-H required you to fill out we invested in FTM and it was a miracle.

Meet a few of my ancestors…