tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612053273487286622024-03-05T21:52:07.939-08:00Just Call Me JuneMy name is Ashley, but you can call me June. My life falls somewhere between June Cleaver and June Carter, a little bit housewife, a little bit kick-ass country song. Come visit as I blog about my drama filled adventures as a wife, a mother, a daughter, a friend and a part-time-wanna-be-never-gonna-happen-rock-star.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07568214166391784790noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161205327348728662.post-71506049490817998262008-10-13T07:21:00.000-07:002008-10-13T08:06:16.298-07:00My Very First Nestie Get Together!Many of you that know me know that within the past year I have discovered a new obsession- <a href="http://www.thenest.com/">http://www.thenest.com/</a>. It is a great site that offers everything that a newlywed couple could possibly need: advise on everything from dinner ideas, budgets and buying a home to pets, romance and decor ideas. And there are message boards for each topic. My personal favorite is the "Decorating & Renovating" board. I never really pegged myself as the message board type, but after "talking" to a lot of the girls on there I've been shocked to find a fantastic source for not only inspiration for my home but friendship and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">camaraderie</span> as well. I've met some wonderful girls on there, some of which I consider myself closer to than some of "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">IRL</span>" friends (in real life). Crazy, I know. Well, along with all of the national boards, there are also locals. Michigan boasts two: The Detroit board and the Grand Rapids board. The local boards don't seem to move nearly as fast as the others, so sometimes I forget to visit as often as I should. I've really tried to make an effort lately to get to know some of the girls there, so I was really excited when I found out that they were going to be having a get together not too far for me to join in.<br /><br /><br />So yesterday Abbey, Lola and I loaded up and made the drive down to Yates Cider Mill in Rochester. The traffic and parking were terrible, there were swarms of both people and bees and the line was WAY too long for cider and doughnuts, but we FINALLY found the table full of "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nesties</span>". What a great bunch of girls! I joined in a little late and it was obvious that most of them knew each other much better than I did, but we still had a great time. It was really nice to spend some time with some girls that were in the same boat as me. Newly married, buying their first homes, new parents (or thinking about it soon!)...some other girls even brought their dogs as well. I would like to give a shout out to Izzy the Chihuahua, the littlest dog with the biggest attitude! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">CoCo</span> the Boxer and Molly the German <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Shorthair</span> were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">awesome</span> too, as were the girls that owned them! Also, congrats again to Momma Renee on her new beautiful baby boy. So exciting! I can't wait to get together again soon, and I look forward to getting to know these girls even better. What a wonderful way to make new friends. God only knows you can never have too many!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3A7336nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 492px; CURSOR: hand" height="373" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3A7336nu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />After the group dispersed, Abbey and I had a little girl time, just the two of us (and Lola!). Sometimes we need that. Between ice cream, pony rides and wading in the river, Abbey <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">decided</span> that she likes <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Nestie</span> get <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">togethers</span> too! The weather was perfect, is was sunny and warm, and the colors were beautiful. What a great day to spend at the cider mill. Hopefully next time we'll get to bring home some cider!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43247%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3B2%3A58nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 454px; CURSOR: hand" height="326" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43247%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3B2%3A58nu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3A7337nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 473px; CURSOR: hand" height="334" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3A7337nu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3B2%3A59nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 489px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 375px" height="316" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3B2%3A59nu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43243%3Enu%3D3233%3E977%3E%3A75%3E2324977%3B66%3B84ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 415px; CURSOR: hand" height="517" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43243%3Enu%3D3233%3E977%3E%3A75%3E2324977%3B66%3B84ot1lsi" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3B2%3A5%3Cnu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 468px; CURSOR: hand" height="352" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3B2%3A5%3Cnu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3233%3E977%3E%3A75%3E2324977%3B66%3B98ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 448px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 581px" height="543" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3233%3E977%3E%3A75%3E2324977%3B66%3B98ot1lsi" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3233%3E977%3E%3A75%3E2324977%3B66%3B92ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 448px; CURSOR: hand" height="520" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3233%3E977%3E%3A75%3E2324977%3B66%3B92ot1lsi" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43247%3Enu%3D3233%3E977%3E%3A75%3E2324977%3B66%3B%3A2ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 443px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 559px" height="505" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43247%3Enu%3D3233%3E977%3E%3A75%3E2324977%3B66%3B%3A2ot1lsi" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3233%3E977%3E%3A75%3E2324977%3B66%3B%3B2ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 446px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 642px" height="499" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3233%3E977%3E%3A75%3E2324977%3B66%3B%3B2ot1lsi" border="0" /></a>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07568214166391784790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161205327348728662.post-53783627039371241282008-10-13T06:21:00.001-07:002008-10-13T07:07:46.940-07:00By The Power Vested In Me...<div><div><div><div><div><div><div>A little back story: Tony's best buddy Josh is a riot. There is nothing that Josh could tell me that would shock me at this point. He's one of my favorite people ever. So needless to say, I wasn't all that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">surprised</span> a year or so ago when Josh told us that he is now an ordained minister. I'm not sure who it was he got ordained to marry (I think a cousin or something), but he's ordained none the less. So a couple of months ago when my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">coworker</span>/friend came into my office freaking out that she was getting married and had everything booked, reserved and planned OTHER than the officiant, being the total smart ass that I am, I told her "Screw it, if you can't find anyone else to do the ceremony, I'll do it!!!". I figured, what the hell? If Josh can get ordained, so can I damn it. I never actually thought she'd take me up on it.</div><div></div></div><div><div><br /></div><div>So fast forward a couple of months. Saturday afternoon I conducted my first ever wedding ceremony. Yup, I am officially an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">OCP</span> (Ordained Clergy Person). You don't get a cool title unless you purchase the <a href="http://www.spiritualhumanism.org/shop.php">"Deluxe Clergy Pack"</a> for $89.95. I'm thinking about asking someone to spring for it for Christmas, then I can officially be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Reverend</span> Mother <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Surre</span>. Pretty sweet, eh? For the most part it went off without a hitch. I'll admit, nerves set in when Tony and I got in the car and started driving to the ceremony (mind you, we had NO rehearsal!). It was at that point that I regretted not doing a couple of shots of liquid courage before we left. Too late now! We showed up early to make sure that everyone was on the same page and so that I could calm down a little. Before I knew it, I was standing before the bride and groom, feeding them their vows like an old pro. Too <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">freakin</span>' funny. There's another girl here at work getting married next fall that's actually talked about having me do her wedding too. Who knows? Maybe I've finally found my true calling....</div><div><br />The wedding was beautiful, the bride was glowing, the Mom's both cried and the drinks were free. In my opinion, it was a success. Here are a few pics:</div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3A6%3C%3B7nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 480px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 348px" height="281" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3A6%3C%3B7nu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3A%3Enu%3D3233%3E977%3E%3A75%3E2324977%3B66%3B5%3Aot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 341px; CURSOR: hand" height="464" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3A%3Enu%3D3233%3E977%3E%3A75%3E2324977%3B66%3B5%3Aot1lsi" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3A5%3B39nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 385px; CURSOR: hand" height="293" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3A5%3B39nu0mrj" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3A7325nu0mrj"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3A5%3B38nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 385px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 315px" height="302" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3A5%3B38nu0mrj" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43243%3Enu%3D3233%3E977%3E%3A75%3E2324977%3B66%3B64ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 369px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 498px" height="438" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43243%3Enu%3D3233%3E977%3E%3A75%3E2324977%3B66%3B64ot1lsi" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43245%3Enu%3D3233%3E977%3E%3A75%3E2324977%3B66%3B66ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 363px; CURSOR: hand" height="496" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43245%3Enu%3D3233%3E977%3E%3A75%3E2324977%3B66%3B66ot1lsi" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3A7325nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 475px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 366px" height="318" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3A7325nu0mrj" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43248%3Enu%3D3233%3E977%3E%3A75%3E2324977%3B66%3B6%3Aot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 392px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 489px" height="477" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43248%3Enu%3D3233%3E977%3E%3A75%3E2324977%3B66%3B6%3Aot1lsi" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3A7328nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 390px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 349px" height="291" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A68%3A%3A7328nu0mrj" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07568214166391784790noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161205327348728662.post-56669209401950533312008-10-09T14:29:00.000-07:002008-10-09T14:50:36.215-07:00So Proud of My MomThis is going to be a short one today, but I just wanted to say how very proud I am of my Mom. It has been one of her (many!) lifelong dreams to own her very own Antique/Primitive/Country Store and she has finally made it come true! This morning I came in to work a little late so that I could attend the official ribbon cutting ceremony for her newest venture- Holly Hills Primitives. I was really glad that I went, since my step-dad and I were the only family that showed up. I wasn't able to stay very long, but I was glad I went just the same. Here are a few pictures:<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div></div><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43248%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A66%3A8533%3Anu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43248%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A66%3A8533%3Anu0mrj" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43243%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A66%3A88595nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43243%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A66%3A88595nu0mrj" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div><div>That's my Mom standing in the doorway with my Dad. The other ladies are from the Chamber of Commerce and the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Village</span> Council.</div><div> </div><div></div><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43247%3Enu%3D3233%3E975%3E%3A63%3E2324975%3B547%3B%3Bot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43247%3Enu%3D3233%3E975%3E%3A63%3E2324975%3B547%3B%3Bot1lsi" border="0" /></a></div><div><br />Sitting at her desk.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A66%3A8533%3Cnu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 470px; CURSOR: hand" height="347" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A66%3A8533%3Cnu0mrj" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br /><br /><br /> </div><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A66%3A8859%3Cnu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 470px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px" height="295" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A66%3A8859%3Cnu0mrj" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43246%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A66%3A885%3A6nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 471px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 311px" height="250" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43246%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A66%3A885%3A6nu0mrj" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br /> </div></div><div>Just a few shots of her store. </div><div> </div><div>My camera was dying so I had to make it quick. These pictures don't begin to do it justice though...it is fantastic. If anyone in Michigan is in the Holly are, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">definitely</span> stop in and check it out! Tell her you're one of Ashley's friends and you'll get the "family discount". Don't say June, she won't know what the H you're talking about!</div><div> </div><div></div><div>So congrats Mom. You knew what you wanted and you made it happen. Kind of makes sense why I turned out the way I did. I'm so proud of you for everything you've done, your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">perseverance</span>, integrity and strength. It's been fun watching your dream take shape, I'm so happy that it's finally a reality for you. I love you! -YD</div></div></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07568214166391784790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161205327348728662.post-46231040302960807772008-10-07T07:38:00.000-07:002008-10-07T13:57:43.753-07:00Birthday Parties, Antiques and Haircuts<span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Friday </strong></span><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div>So last Thursday was Tony's 33rd birthday. Being that is fell on a "work night", we decided that we weren't going to celebrate until the weekend. So Friday night, after having a lovely time at the my first Initials, Inc. party (hosted by Tony's cousin Shelley), the girls and I headed out to meet up with Tony and his buddy Chop who had retreated to the nearest watering hole while us ladies were busy socializing and buying purses. By the time we got there, the boys were busy playing darts, drinking beer and requesting obnoxious songs from the DJ to generally aggravate the rest of the local regulars. For a moment I thought that the night was going to take a nosedive since the rest of us were having a little bit of a hard time "catching up" to the men folk. Not to worry, a round of Red Headed Sluts later and we were on our way to a good time. There is nothing like the people watching that goes on in a small town bar, and the Holly Inn (technically named "Jay's Bar" after being acquired by new owners...but it'll always be the Holly Inn to me!) is no exception. Between the Michael Jackson sing along twins (yes, one of them lip synced and danced his way straight through Man In The Mirror), to the 70something year old man that was getting "handsy" with all the young gals on the dance floor, sheer hilarity ensued. </div><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43247%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B5%3B496%3B%3Anu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43247%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B5%3B496%3B%3Anu0mrj" border="0" /></a><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43243%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C4%3E%3B55%3E23248%3C4%3C46962ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43243%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C4%3E%3B55%3E23248%3C4%3C46962ot1lsi" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have no idea what was happening in that last picture, other than my camera has a mind of it's own. Either that, or else Em suddenly grew a second set of arms.</div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C4%3E9%3B%3B%3E23248%3C4%3A%3A%3C448ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C4%3E9%3B%3B%3E23248%3C4%3A%3A%3C448ot1lsi" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43247%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C4%3E%3B55%3E23248%3C4%3C4695%3Aot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43247%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C4%3E%3B55%3E23248%3C4%3C4695%3Aot1lsi" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>My BFF in the whole world, Ms. Jamison. What are we in life without a partner in crime? </div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C4%3E%3B55%3E23248%3C4%3C46958ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C4%3E%3B55%3E23248%3C4%3C46958ot1lsi" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C4%3E%3B55%3E23248%3C4%3C46966ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C4%3E%3B55%3E23248%3C4%3C46966ot1lsi" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>Like I said before, Tony and Chop had no problem having fun before us women folk showed up. It's pretty bad when I get to the bar and the DJ's screen says "Happy Birthday Buckshoot"... Buckshoot??? I won't tell you what I told him I thought that stood for. Buckshot has always been Tony's softball nickname (#00), I think someone got a little confused!<br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43246%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C4%3E%3B55%3E23248%3C4%3C46964ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43246%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C4%3E%3B55%3E23248%3C4%3C46964ot1lsi" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B5%3B4%3A63%3Cnu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B5%3B4%3A63%3Cnu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>Notice anything different about my outfit now? (Besides the sweet hanger string sticking out?) Yeah...it got crazy.<br /><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B5%3B49736nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B5%3B49736nu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br />Game Over. Look at Tony's face... he knows what's up...<br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Saturday</span><br /></span></div><br /><div>So after a little bit of sleep, a big breakfast and a couple of showers, the four of us (Jami had to leave us to go to work) ventured downtown to the Annual Holly Antique Show. My Mom owns a store down there, so we stopped in to say hi, drink some warm cider and drop off some Bluegrass music from my personal collection. Yup, I said Bluegrass. We perused the antique show, us girls drooling over things we'd love in our homes that were just a little out of our price range. Someday, we said. We did manage to find a handful of treasures that put a smile on our faces and made us feel like we weren't total victims of debt. Here's what we got:<br /></div><br /><div>My first find was this fantastic lamp with an American Saddlebred on the base. For those of you that don't know, I've ridden and shown horses for the majority of my life. Unfortunately these days I don't get near as much change to do it as I used to, but I still enjoy collecting rare horse paraphernalia all the same. I was SO excited when I saw this lamp because it is pretty few and far between that you find household decor with a Saddlebred on it. The gal that was selling it originally had it priced at $35.00, but I talked her down to $25...what a deal!!! Here it is-<br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3A%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C5%3E28%3B%3E23248%3C537%3C2%3B5ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3A%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C5%3E28%3B%3E23248%3C537%3C2%3B5ot1lsi" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B628%3A%3A99nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B628%3A%3A99nu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B6292%3C%3B%3Anu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B6292%3C%3B%3Anu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div><br />My next find was actually a gift from my darling Mother. I had fallen in love with this piece, but wasn't about to ask Tony for another $12 for something I was sure he would consider "junk". It's hard to tell by these pictures, but this is actually a light. It is the print with a box on the back with a light bulb in it. The light bulb looked a little old school and only lasted about 20 minutes after I plugged it in, so I need to replace that, but I just LOVE this. Mom got the lady to knock $2 off the price, so she got it for $10.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C5%3E28%3B%3E23248%3C537%3C333ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C5%3E28%3B%3E23248%3C537%3C333ot1lsi" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3A%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B6295866nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3A%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B6295866nu0mrj" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My third and final find of the day was actually from a garage sale going on down the street from the antique show. As soon as I saw it I knew I had to have it, even though I had no idea where I was going to put it! Emily and I almost had to arm wrestle over who was going to get it, but I'm the one that had $5 cash on me, so the arm wrestling was saved for another day...</div><br /><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43245%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B628%3A%3B39nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43245%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B628%3A%3B39nu0mrj" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43247%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C5%3E28%3B%3E23248%3C537%3C2%3C%3Bot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43247%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C5%3E28%3B%3E23248%3C537%3C2%3C%3Bot1lsi" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C5%3E28%3B%3E23248%3C537%3C339ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C5%3E28%3B%3E23248%3C537%3C339ot1lsi" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now on to the haircut. Our buddy Chop (Jason) has pretty much been rockin' the surfer do' since I've known him (about 3 years) and just recently added the blond bombshell look to complete the picture. Well, I don't think Emily was totally in love with all that blond hair, so Chop decided to "chop" it all off. Here's the before:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B5%3B53%3B45nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B5%3B53%3B45nu0mrj" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43243%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B5%3B53%3B47nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43243%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B5%3B53%3B47nu0mrj" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Fabio called...he wants his hair back Chop.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B5%3B4973%3Bnu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B5%3B4973%3Bnu0mrj" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B5%3B53%3B49nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3B5%3B53%3B49nu0mrj" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I guess my surrogate dog June (Chop & Em's dog) felt that Chop need to be cuddled DURING his haircut. Just look at the face! Then look at the aftermath that I had to sweep up!</div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C4%3E%3B55%3E23248%3C4%3C46974ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C4%3E%3B55%3E23248%3C4%3C46974ot1lsi" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C4%3E%3B55%3E23248%3C4%3C46978ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo1.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3C4%3E%3B55%3E23248%3C4%3C46978ot1lsi" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>All done!!! What a change. I don't think that it's better or worse, just different. I think I'm just used to it long. Em definitely liked it better though!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So that's all I've got for today. We've been working on some other house updates in preparation for the big Halloween bash coming up in a couple of weeks. More on that to come! If you're reading this and know us personally, look for your invitation in the mail shortly. If you don't get one, call or email me and I'll fill you in on the details. Anyone have any good recipes, decorating ideas, costumes or fun 'adult' games, please leave a comment or email me. I'm looking forward to it...it should be a good time!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07568214166391784790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161205327348728662.post-18097439466661885502008-09-23T07:28:00.000-07:002008-09-23T13:29:59.487-07:00The Rednecks Take Detroit!!Nearly twenty years ago I attended my very first horse show. The first of many to come, the A.S.H.A.M. (The American Saddlebred Horse Association of Michigan) Motor City Classic will always hold a special place in my heart. When I was a kid, before my mother got remarried, this was our big "vacation" for the year. Back in the days when this show ran from Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon, she would let me skip school on Friday so that we could drive to Detroit after school on Thursday and get checked into our hotel. We would stay at The Barclay Inn, which in those days was a pretty big deal to a single mother and her 9 year old daughter. Some years we would invite a friend of mine and her mother to join us, other times it was just us. I even had a special "expensive" sweatshirt that I would wear JUST to that horse show. It would hang in my closet until that Thursday in September, until I would break it out for the journey. One year school picture day happened to fall on "that Thursday"...guess what I had my pictures taken in? You guessed it!<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div>Well, many years have passed since then. I've gone from a wide-eyed little girl amazed by the spectical of it all, to winning my first blue ribbon in that big arena, to coaching my own students through their first classes, to hanging my very own stall curtains with my name as the trainer (I know, who'd of thunk it!), and now taking my wide-eyed little girl there for the first time. I don't get to ride much any more, and I wish that Abbey had more of an opprotunity to, although someday I'm hoping she will. In the meantime, we have a ball making the trip and helping out where we can. My good friends Chris and Kelly were kind enough to act like they needed my help this weekend, letting me get horses ready to how, get my hands dirty and leave smelling like I spent the day rolling in a stall. God bless 'em, it was heaven. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Friday night Tony and I left right after work to get there just in time to catch the tail end of the second class of the night. We spent the rest of the evening chatting, enjoying the company of our friends and just generally having fun. When the show was over for the night, after filling up on sweets from the "dessert party", someone decided that it would be a good idea to try and ride this thing:<br /></div><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43243%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3A88%3C597%3Anu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 425px; CURSOR: hand" height="308" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43243%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3A88%3C597%3Anu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div>Luckily it was dark and most of the spectators had left for the night. Most of our little group attempted to climb it, without much luck. Finally, Ellie was a good sport and let two of the "manly men" heft her onto it's head. When she asked how she was supposed to get down, I don't think she was thrilled to hear that she just needed to "slide down it's tail like a stripper pole". She made it down safely in one piece, looking like a pro all the way! Go Ellie!!!<br /></div><div></div><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43246%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3B7%3E8%3B5%3E23248%3B79%3A6334ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 186px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 327px" height="381" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43246%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3B7%3E8%3B5%3E23248%3B79%3A6334ot1lsi" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3B7%3E8%3B5%3E23248%3B79%3A6336ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 177px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 327px" height="414" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3B7%3E8%3B5%3E23248%3B79%3A6336ot1lsi" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3B7%3E8%3B5%3E23248%3B79%3A6338ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 185px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 366px" height="401" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3B7%3E8%3B5%3E23248%3B79%3A6338ot1lsi" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3B7%3E8%3B5%3E23248%3B79%3A6344ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 177px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 367px" height="401" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3B7%3E8%3B5%3E23248%3B79%3A6344ot1lsi" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3A88%3C5963nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 589px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 371px" height="354" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3A88%3C5963nu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>After that little adventure, we decided that we hadn't chanced our luck enough for the night and proceeded to sneak into the Detroit Red Wings practice rink (also on the fairgrounds) and play around on the ice for awhile. Mind you, at this point it was about midnight and dark out, which meant that it was PITCH BLACK in the hockey rink! We managed to feel our way around until we found the door to the ice, slide around for awhile, take some pictures and escape before anyone had enough good sense to call the police on us. I don't remember the last time I've done something so stupid and had so much fun. The joys of being child free for the night! </div><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43246%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3B7%3E945%3E23248%3B7%3A36654ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 351px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px" height="420" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43246%3Enu%3D3233%3E8%3B7%3E945%3E23248%3B7%3A36654ot1lsi" border="0" /></a> </div><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3A88%3C4537nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 541px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 356px" height="236" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3A88%3C4537nu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3A88%3C5965nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 543px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 353px" height="275" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339%3A88%3C5965nu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div>Saturday we took a day off to grocery shop, clean house, and just generally have a day to relax. Sunday, Abbey and I braved what looked like it could be a rainy, nasty day and drove to the Big D once more. Luckily by the time we got there, the weather decided to behave and it was a beautiful day. We got to watch Chris almost come off his horse when his stirrup decided to depart before the class was over (and then again during his victory pass!). Strong thighs prevailed and he stuck it until he was back to the barn. Whew...crisis averted.<br /></div><div><a href="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDofRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnaGPnanqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QJQG%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442"><img style="WIDTH: 469px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px" height="240" alt="" src="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDofRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnaGPnanqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QJQG%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> <a href="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDofRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnaGloaPqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QJQn%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442"><img style="WIDTH: 466px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 312px" height="226" alt="" src="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDofRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnaGloaPqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QJQn%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After the morning session ended, it was Abbey and Lola's turn to enter the show ring for the first time. They made their debut as Bindi the Jungle Girl (Steve Irwin's daughter) and her crocodile in the "Best Dressed Pet" class. It was pretty stiff competition, especially when you have Sammy the Wonder Horse dressed as a pirate ship with his very small pirate crew on board. Abbey and Lola did a great job for being such a last minute decision, and ended up being 6th out of 8. You would have thought that little girl took home the blue ribbon she was so proud. She was REALLY excited that she got her very own back number and she wouldn't let me take it off until bath time later that night. I remember those days well...</div><div><br /><a href="http://render-2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDPfRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnaGloa0qpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0Q0nn%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442"><img style="WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px" height="261" alt="" src="http://render-2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDPfRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnaGloa0qpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0Q0nn%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442" border="0" /></a> </div><div><a href="http://render-2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDPfRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnaGloalqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0Q0nP%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442"><img style="WIDTH: 484px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 341px" height="252" alt="" src="http://render-2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDPfRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnaGloalqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0Q0nP%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div><a href="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDofRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnalPQPJqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QJQJ%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442"><img style="WIDTH: 480px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px" height="250" alt="" src="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDofRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnalPQPJqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QJQJ%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div><a href="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6lQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDofRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQQlxnJnxaGlxQQQlnJnaGla0nqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0Qoo0%7CRup6aQQ%7C/of=50,332,442"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6lQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDofRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQQlxnJnxaGlxQQQlnJnaGla0nqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0Qoo0%7CRup6aQQ%7C/of=50,332,442" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDofRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnalPQooqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QooQ%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442"><img style="WIDTH: 505px; CURSOR: hand" height="348" alt="" src="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDofRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnalPQooqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QooQ%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div>The rest of the day went well, aside from the judge's inability to pick a nice horse over a plug. All in all it was a successful show and for the most part I think everyone went home happy. The highlight of Abbey's day came when Kelly let her ride Libby, the barn "pet" pony, around the barn a couple of times. It was love at first ride and Abbey and Libby spent the rest of the day sharing apples and lots of hugs. It was all I could do to get her in the car when it was time to go home. She's already made me promise that we'll go visit Libby VERY soon. Trust me, if it were up to me, that's where we'd be right now. But until then, the Michigan horse show magic is over for the year. Maybe next year I"ll buy Abbey a sweatshirt... </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFtrk3HoOyNb1BB1kLzUD6WajmURzupHk7qNS_7ETNA2WwmSoQ-KKiaClKh4avNzSC3CkR-Mhy-jOnhxnemsSXTI58USuITzid_YNGMZd6QswgRZt36OueDtbUneHRojw9D6zlMeAxgM-/s1600-h/ashandabbey.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249304446794270226" style="CURSOR: hand" height="373" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFtrk3HoOyNb1BB1kLzUD6WajmURzupHk7qNS_7ETNA2WwmSoQ-KKiaClKh4avNzSC3CkR-Mhy-jOnhxnemsSXTI58USuITzid_YNGMZd6QswgRZt36OueDtbUneHRojw9D6zlMeAxgM-/s320/ashandabbey.jpg" width="321" border="0" /></a> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6lQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDofRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQQlxnJnxaGlxQQQlnJnaGlal0qpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QoPn%7CRup6aQQ%7C/of=50,332,442"><img style="WIDTH: 325px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 354px" height="321" alt="" src="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6lQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDofRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQQlxnJnxaGlxQQQlnJnaGlal0qpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QoPn%7CRup6aQQ%7C/of=50,332,442" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDofRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnalPQaJqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QJPQ%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442"><img style="WIDTH: 463px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px" height="227" alt="" src="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDofRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnalPQaJqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QJPQ%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442" border="0" /></a> <br /></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://render-2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDPfRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnalPQaeqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QJQQ%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442"><img style="WIDTH: 464px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 277px" height="227" alt="" src="http://render-2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDPfRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnalPQaeqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QJQQ%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442" border="0" /></a></span></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:180%;">More random fun:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6lQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDofRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQQlxnJnxaGlxQQQlnJnaGlaJPqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0Qoo0%7CRup6aQQ%7C/of=50,332,442"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6lQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDofRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQQlxnJnxaGlxQQQlnJnaGlaJPqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0Qoo0%7CRup6aQQ%7C/of=50,332,442" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div>Ellie Henry and The Rolls Royce a.k.a. "Roy"</div><div>A.S.H.A.M. American Saddlebred Open Park Horse Reserve Grand Champion<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlaVU3YfuGrW-f2sP1705yzCvzEX9QPASoZ8cQBVfL81UVnJf9whMqySLEg01cL5hr_InTseXw_5_I0rGRFeQQUIsjo5-NvTpomWNQvivo5IiFmTrbGo4Y8hYU4BAOpmm4MYKX4TzFw-Y/s1600-h/legend.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249306895440637506" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlaVU3YfuGrW-f2sP1705yzCvzEX9QPASoZ8cQBVfL81UVnJf9whMqySLEg01cL5hr_InTseXw_5_I0rGRFeQQUIsjo5-NvTpomWNQvivo5IiFmTrbGo4Y8hYU4BAOpmm4MYKX4TzFw-Y/s320/legend.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div><div></div><div><div>Legends of Fire, Ellie Henry and Chris Carrick</div><div></div><div><a href="http://render-2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDPfRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnalPQJeqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0Q0nn%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://render-2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDPfRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnalPQJeqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0Q0nn%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div>Cloverleaf's Mr. Bojangles, Ellie and Chris<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQj2l3J8QQvB1jQFDM6jeCj2oVgSCCBpBV2vqdtsB_LGyNWv-pvZCMogOVaKcawINIFL2mHI34FJJd2HaCtdxao4SxX633_7O6YCryPh0GC9GYElFTv8ClBG53Zz7zCjHB5cvlRMdP0m2/s1600-h/kelly.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249308594962161250" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQj2l3J8QQvB1jQFDM6jeCj2oVgSCCBpBV2vqdtsB_LGyNWv-pvZCMogOVaKcawINIFL2mHI34FJJd2HaCtdxao4SxX633_7O6YCryPh0GC9GYElFTv8ClBG53Zz7zCjHB5cvlRMdP0m2/s320/kelly.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Pretty Miss Kelly</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbCE8Nyb1G1sbkKQQ9_8IUtL9OqMi_25srt7vZLYUU2wLPR_BGZ9CGlkLwbCQ4WIOumvQj91QU_59q9WdbmTU_rnFU4pqy_OLBDoZbUh8CcM41_Prt1bc1P4lZrEcma7CR3V-6nDDI1-G/s1600-h/lindsayandheidi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249308991140756050" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbCE8Nyb1G1sbkKQQ9_8IUtL9OqMi_25srt7vZLYUU2wLPR_BGZ9CGlkLwbCQ4WIOumvQj91QU_59q9WdbmTU_rnFU4pqy_OLBDoZbUh8CcM41_Prt1bc1P4lZrEcma7CR3V-6nDDI1-G/s320/lindsayandheidi.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Old friends Lindsay Anne Gawthrop and Heidi Madsen. Love these girls!<br /></div><div></div><div><a href="http://render-2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6lQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDPfRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQQlxnJnxaGlxQQQlnJnaGlaGnqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QPal%7CRup6aQQ%7C/of=50,332,442"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://render-2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6lQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDPfRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQQlxnJnxaGlxQQQlnJnaGlaGnqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QPal%7CRup6aQQ%7C/of=50,332,442" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div>Practicing my photography skills...need lots more practice!<br /><br /><a href="http://render-2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDPfRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnalPJGPqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QPen%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://render-2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDPfRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnalPJGPqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QPen%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div>Varsity Blues and Sena Bowling</div><div>A.S.H.A.M. American Saddlebred Open Five Gaited Reserve Grand Champion<br /><br /><a href="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDofRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnalPQePqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QJQG%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDofRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQP0axGPQx0GQxv8uOc5xQQQlnJnalPQePqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QJQG%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>The last class of the show...see you all next year!!!!</div></div></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07568214166391784790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161205327348728662.post-9235800148579751052008-09-16T08:23:00.001-07:002008-09-17T15:30:21.677-07:00I'll Get You My Pretty!!!Some may think I'm crazy, but I just couldn't resist the urge to bust out the Halloween stuff. Abbey loves it and the house looks so much more festive all decked out for the season. I'm not a big "summer decorator", so as soon as the first leaf hits the ground, I'm ready to get moving on fall decor. So here's what I've been working on the past couple of days-<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Dining Room:</strong></span></div><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3A%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964879846nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 463px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 316px" height="276" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3A%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964879846nu0mrj" border="0" /></a></div><div> <a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E23248739675%3B5ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 315px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 349px" height="378" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E23248739675%3B5ot1lsi" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964879844nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 384px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 315px" height="239" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964879844nu0mrj" border="0" /></a> </div><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964878429nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 385px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px" height="239" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964878429nu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tablescape</span>: Just a bunch of odds and ends that I've collected over the years. My mother made the chenille pumpkins and the giant candy corns in the old tote. The tablecloth and cloth napkins I picked up at Lisa's Country Cupboard in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Clarkston</span>, MI. The metallic pears I salvaged from a bag of stuff that my step-mother was sending to the Salvation Army! Too cool!<br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43246%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339648783%3B8nu0mrj"></a></div><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E23248739675%3A9ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 383px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 478px" height="414" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E23248739675%3A9ot1lsi" border="0" /></a> </div><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339648783%3B%3Anu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 382px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" height="232" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D32339648783%3B%3Anu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E23248739675%3A%3Bot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 384px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 442px" height="414" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E23248739675%3A%3Bot1lsi" border="0" /></a></div><div> <a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E23248739675%3B3ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 381px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 442px" height="404" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E23248739675%3B3ot1lsi" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><br /><div>Front side of room. Old dresser I snagged off the curb before trash day. SCORE! Picket fence I bought for $3 at Pride and Country Village in Saginaw at their warehouse <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">clearance</span> sale. Antique ironing board is also from Lisa's Country Cupboard (you'll notice a trend...my Mom used to work there!). Check out the sign on the top of the fence...it inspired the name on this post!<br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43247%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E23248739675%3B9ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 283px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 393px" height="404" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43247%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E23248739675%3B9ot1lsi" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964879845nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 308px; CURSOR: hand" height="231" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964879845nu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>The bar area. My Mom made the two big pumpkin guys on the top of the bar (you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">can</span> tell by the creepy smile!), my brother took the two pictures of Abbey and they are some of my FAVORITES. Sorry the pics are so dark...the lighting is so weird in there!</div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>On to the living room:</strong></span><br /></div><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43247%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E2324873967639ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 297px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 395px" height="416" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43247%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E2324873967639ot1lsi" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43245%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D323396487%3A485nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 292px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 224px" height="232" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43245%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D323396487%3A485nu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964879867nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px" height="232" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964879867nu0mrj" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43245%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D323396487%3A48%3Anu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 291px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px" height="232" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43245%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D323396487%3A48%3Anu0mrj" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The hurricanes were our wedding centerpieces. I was SO excited to be able to break those bad boys out of storage. My Mom made the funky white pumpkin. I like how my leaf garland "hides" Tony's other girlfriend (aka <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">XBox</span> 360). The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">EW</span> Ceiling Tiles I dry brushed with an off white glaze. </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43246%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E2324873967645ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 287px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" height="409" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43246%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E2324873967645ot1lsi" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D323396487%3A487nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 291px; CURSOR: hand" height="202" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D323396487%3A487nu0mrj" border="0" /></a>\<br /></div><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964879866nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 223px" height="234" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964879866nu0mrj" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D323396487%3A488nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 285px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px" height="233" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D323396487%3A488nu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D323396487%3A48%3Bnu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 292px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px" height="230" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D323396487%3A48%3Bnu0mrj" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E232487396764%3Bot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 390px" height="403" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E232487396764%3Bot1lsi" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>Just some random stuff sprinkled about. I am in love with our stairway at night when it's dark and just the twinkle lights are on and the candles are lit. Perfection. Now that it's all done, I'm excited to have friends over to watch movies, drink some special cider, and just have a grand old time!</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Let's take a walk outside</span>:</strong><br /></div><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43243%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964879859nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 529px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 336px" height="274" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43243%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964879859nu0mrj" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43243%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964879854nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 526px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 316px" height="245" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43243%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964879854nu0mrj" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div><br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43248%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E2324873967637ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 409px" height="412" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43248%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E2324873967637ot1lsi" border="0" /></a><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E23248739675%3C%3Bot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 305px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 408px" height="413" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E23248739675%3C%3Bot1lsi" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E2324873967633ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand" height="418" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E2324873967633ot1lsi" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E2324873967635ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 303px; CURSOR: hand" height="424" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3233%3E873%3E876%3E2324873967635ot1lsi" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div>I love our house at that time of the morning. I had just gotten home from walking Abbey to school and thought it would be a great time to take some pictures. Sometimes it's hard because it's SO sunny, but what a beautiful morning! The wreath I made a couple of years ago, before Tony and I were even married. The scarecrow I grabbed at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Michaels</span> the other day for $5. I figured Abbey would like it. I was right. The witch hanging on the porch Mom gave me several years ago and I have no idea where she got it. The "Autumn" sign was a gift. If you look very carefully, you can see the two big pumpkins in the windows behind the porch swing and the chaise lounge. Also Abbey's idea! (What can I say, she's got a great sense of style. I wonder where she gets that???) Eventually, I would like to get new outdoor furniture for the front porch, but for right now at least we have a place to set, swing, talk and be. I love our house and I love dressing it up for each holiday for the first time. Can't wait to see what it looks like at Christmas!!!!!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07568214166391784790noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161205327348728662.post-88594993791399113332008-09-15T07:56:00.000-07:002008-09-15T12:08:39.829-07:00I Have A Craft Room!<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>After months of admiring all my fellow Nestie's fantastic craft rooms, I decided that it was time for me to join the ranks as an aspiring crafter. Until now, any time I had a project to work on, I either took over the dining room table, praying that I didn't get too much hot glue or paint on it to do any permanent damage, or else I would set up shop on the living room floor, in front of the t.v. Not the best work area in the world when you've got a six year old and two dogs to contend with! So on Friday afternoon, after I promised away our rainy weekend to hours on the XBox and several football games in exchange for building me a craft desk, I convinced Tony that I needed my own space to be creative and artistic and all things "June Cleaver". So let's start from the beginning-<br /></div><div>This is what the area looked like when we bought the house:</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGJGAxRwI-N7is-I6hGolTMiy4fft2WsJXwYJRKQhgAUnIgAHhBIK_89CBAJr7XGSifzq9QkeCu5CIyALFSYvrGljF4KoznZlnPpg5fSCaYAWqdmum8z0SdOKEiqHqUPm2JBCDEGvWt1G/s1600-h/craftroom.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246266600682815138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGJGAxRwI-N7is-I6hGolTMiy4fft2WsJXwYJRKQhgAUnIgAHhBIK_89CBAJr7XGSifzq9QkeCu5CIyALFSYvrGljF4KoznZlnPpg5fSCaYAWqdmum8z0SdOKEiqHqUPm2JBCDEGvWt1G/s320/craftroom.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><div>Yikes!!! Not really sure why the floor had been (partially) ripped up, but needless to say, this room needed some TLC. Our original plan was to turn it into a laundry room, but the time frame on that was leaving me less than excited and I was sick of looking at the last "ugly duckling" room in our house. So last weekend we replaced the floor. We finished ripping out what was there and put down some vinyl that we had been carting around since two houses ago. Not exactly what I would have put down, but the price was right. Here's the new (dirty!) floor:<br /></div><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3233%3E872%3E%3B%3A2%3E2324872%3C93886ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43244%3Enu%3D3233%3E872%3E%3B%3A2%3E2324872%3C93886ot1lsi" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><div>I should also add that until now, this has been the dog's "bedroom", being that there's really no other logical place in the house to hold Patsy's giant crate and the pup's dishes, food, etc. So Friday evening when I got home from work, I began explaining my "vision" to Tony. I don't think he really "got it" at first, but I knew that once I started putting it together, he'd come around. After a considerable about of measuring, cutting, measuring again, screwing back together, cutting some more, and finally screwing into place, my darling husband had built me a desk. God love him. It was pretty late at that point, so there wasn't much else I could do until the next morning. Off to bed we went.</div><br /><div></div><div>Saturday morning rolled around (WAY too soon!), and I started on my mission of rounding up any and all craft paraphernalia residing in my house, garage, car (you think I'm joking!), etc. I needed to take stock of what I had in order to come up with a plan to organize it all. This prompted a very wet, soggy and cold trip (#1) to both the hardware store and Dollar General. I returned home with my vast assortment of baskets, hooks, shelving equipment, and paint swatches...completely clueless as to what I was going to do with it all. After bribing Tony to charge the drill once more and help me hang a few things, it was starting to take shape. I spend the rest of the day organizing (and later reorganizing) and decorating. My folks stopped over to drop a few things off and couldn't believe the transformation. I liked it, but something was still missing. I finally decided to call it quits for the day, put Abbey to bed and watched a couple of cheesy movies with Tony.</div><br /><div></div><div>Sunday morning I woke up to, you guessed it, MORE RAIN!!! ::sigh:: I puttered around the house, trying to pull things from other rooms to complete my little project, and then decided I needed to brave the weather and head out to look for just a few more things. After another trip to the hardware store, an hour wandering aimlessly around my mother's antique store, and the rest of the afternoon spent moving everything but the desk around, I decided I had successfully completed my mission of creating the ultimate craft room. Well, at least as "ultimate" as space and money will allow at the moment. So here it is folks:</div><div> </div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3233%3E872%3E%3B%3A2%3E2324872%3C93884ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3233%3E872%3E%3B%3A2%3E2324872%3C93884ot1lsi" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43243%3Enu%3D3233%3E872%3E%3B%3A2%3E2324872%3C93882ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43243%3Enu%3D3233%3E872%3E%3B%3A2%3E2324872%3C93882ot1lsi" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3A%3Enu%3D3233%3E872%3E%3B%3A2%3E2324872%3C93878ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3A%3Enu%3D3233%3E872%3E%3B%3A2%3E2324872%3C93878ot1lsi" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br /><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3233%3E872%3E%3B%3A2%3E2324872%3C9387%3Aot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43249%3Enu%3D3233%3E872%3E%3B%3A2%3E2324872%3C9387%3Aot1lsi" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br /><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43247%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964235%3B9%3Cnu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43247%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964235%3B9%3Cnu0mrj" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43246%3Enu%3D3233%3E872%3E%3B%3A2%3E2324872%3C93876ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43246%3Enu%3D3233%3E872%3E%3B%3A2%3E2324872%3C93876ot1lsi" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964235%3B%3A5nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964235%3B%3A5nu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43246%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964235%3B%3A7nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43246%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964235%3B%3A7nu0mrj" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43247%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964235%3B%3A%3Cnu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43247%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964235%3B%3A%3Cnu0mrj" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964235%3B%3B3nu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964235%3B%3B3nu0mrj" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964235%3B%3A%3Anu0mrj"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp4324%3B%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964235%3B%3A%3Anu0mrj" border="0" /></a></div><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43246%3Enu%3D3252%3E%3B4%3B%3E274%3EWSNRCG%3D3233964235%3B%3A7nu0mrj"></a><div><br /><a href="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3233%3E872%3E%3B%3A2%3E2324872%3C93874ot1lsi"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.photo.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp43252%3Enu%3D3233%3E872%3E%3B%3A2%3E2324872%3C93874ot1lsi" border="0" /></a> </div><div> </div><div>So what do we think girls? I was pretty proud of myself for using what I had to work with. All in all, I think I spent MAYBE $25. Most of that was just hooks and hangers and stuff from the hardware store. Everything else in the room was just re-purposed from somewhere else in the house. At some point I would love to get rid of the dog crate so that I can add some drawers or something under the desk, but until Patsy grows out of her "terrible twos", it's staying. It least in the meantime I can use it for more "counter space"! There are still things I would like to do, like add more shelves to the back wall, find some type of window treatment, figure out a better alternative to the chair, stuff like that. But for the most part I'm very happy with the way it turned out. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think! Also, any thoughts and suggestions are always welcome. I just can't wait to get home tonight so that I can get CRAFTY!!! (And then thank my oh-so-patient husband!)</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07568214166391784790noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161205327348728662.post-45326041228009142132008-09-11T08:51:00.000-07:002008-09-12T08:18:07.910-07:00Please open your mind, your heart, and your wallets.I debated for awhile whether or not this was the appropriate forum to discuss such a touchy subject as mental health, but I figured, why have a blog if you can't talk about the things that are most important to you? So here's the story I'd like to share today-<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PFLv98s7qsHIuhZvDchADSU9ZsOaDsTQvfBPFTFGWiZ5OvCeM2RxSmaobRyB_3SnNHkarknD68RXi9suxPmWVR0EQo01vhpcmpR4HvNz5QIpsyE98wI5emOr7xdBjF319vnCGtQOr_ZI/s1600-h/gannon1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244810686482863730" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PFLv98s7qsHIuhZvDchADSU9ZsOaDsTQvfBPFTFGWiZ5OvCeM2RxSmaobRyB_3SnNHkarknD68RXi9suxPmWVR0EQo01vhpcmpR4HvNz5QIpsyE98wI5emOr7xdBjF319vnCGtQOr_ZI/s320/gannon1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>My first best boy...Gannon</strong><br /></span><br />Sometime during the Fall of '06, at eight years old, my nephew Gannon was diagnosed with Schizophrenia. At the time, he was one of the youngest diagnosed case in the history of the disease. This came as a shock to my sister Amanda and her husband Greg, Gannon's parents. They chose not to share this information with the rest of the family until they came to terms with it themselves. So last spring they broke the news...Gannon is sick. I remember the day that I got the email from my sister like it was yesterday. Our entire family was distraught, confused, angry, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">sympathetic</span>, and just about every other emotion you can imagine (excluding joy and happiness of course). But just like we always do, we banded together and went to work. We learned about the disease. We offered support to Amanda and Greg and their three kids (Gannon has a little brother and sister too- Jack and Elise). We learned that there was going to be a 5K walk to help raise money for the organization that raises funds and awareness for everyone effected by mental health issues. We jumped in with both feet and got down to business, collecting donations and recruiting team members for our walk. In Sept. of 07, we spent the day on Belle Isle in Detroit, walking, eating, dancing, having a great time. We had 16 registered walkers (our goal was 10!), but SO many more people showed up to cheer us on. We raised over $5,000 (our goal was $1,500!!!). We wore our "Gannon's Gang" t-shirts with pride and Gannon even won an autographed picture of Tim Allen! He was pumped!<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvZqKQUOCs1yiC3UHcre8-Cviy7QGNn0KOYsBtB_4ZwcqjoctUyF7B9LJPiLa6xNMvdDu1fapqYzGnvr1495B2yS3KSxhe3QtRvkwSlt5ULccBBVDewxvP12K6yq8sCcoGZhjrHVyo3ec/s1600-h/gannonsgang.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245123593822947954" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvZqKQUOCs1yiC3UHcre8-Cviy7QGNn0KOYsBtB_4ZwcqjoctUyF7B9LJPiLa6xNMvdDu1fapqYzGnvr1495B2yS3KSxhe3QtRvkwSlt5ULccBBVDewxvP12K6yq8sCcoGZhjrHVyo3ec/s320/gannonsgang.bmp" border="0" /></a> </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Gannon's Gang 2007</span></p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTiJXHBTvVmxNR7my3REUX-xg6KGLipB1Tu69gmCEKVVyVYq1YEKGW7PWa2r-EcybWRlucNJqoBXRArtP6wzcbLj8FVbYzICIp8_xdyvK-GHCwBBqpE1M7i6h_oVb-yNU6gULObKmn185/s1600-h/gannon3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244811585788045298" style="WIDTH: 315px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px" height="232" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTiJXHBTvVmxNR7my3REUX-xg6KGLipB1Tu69gmCEKVVyVYq1YEKGW7PWa2r-EcybWRlucNJqoBXRArtP6wzcbLj8FVbYzICIp8_xdyvK-GHCwBBqpE1M7i6h_oVb-yNU6gULObKmn185/s320/gannon3.jpg" width="313" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wfgjbF_XcpPsKJENyZx4qQEb7hmGwX7tKtjYY3k6yuoGfQfGs1xuMPjpPhsbXcXQg2nKiS0WxiiFF8Y5QbwGN9ZPFTjuaNTn1S9MMxbwgZmFVn5fiJwx01HvvL4pVYJ91_yh_b2PEGlG/s1600-h/gannon4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244813039213477410" style="CURSOR: hand" height="234" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wfgjbF_XcpPsKJENyZx4qQEb7hmGwX7tKtjYY3k6yuoGfQfGs1xuMPjpPhsbXcXQg2nKiS0WxiiFF8Y5QbwGN9ZPFTjuaNTn1S9MMxbwgZmFVn5fiJwx01HvvL4pVYJ91_yh_b2PEGlG/s320/gannon4.jpg" width="302" border="0" /></a> </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Christmas 2007</span></p><p>So far, I make it sound like one big party. Don't get me wrong, we did have a great time the day of the walk. That was one of the good days. What I haven't talked about are all of the bad days. Some of you know that Gannon had a difficult year. He began to struggle in October. By March he had to be hospitalized and he struggled to make his way back from there. He returned to school in May and attended a half day with a full time aid for the remainder of the year. On a happier note, he surprised us by picking up where he left off socially AND academically. While Amanda and Greg considered other options for his education this fall, they realized as time went on that he fits best right where he is. The decision was made to promote him to the 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> grade with his class this fall. He will continue to receive accommodations and he will keep his aid as well. But those things aside, he's just a regular kid. On the last day of school, Amanda attended the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> grade clap out. Everyone lines the hall and claps as the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> graders leave the elementary school for the last time. Watching him walk down the hall with this big grin on his face, high <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">fiving</span> everyone made her realize they had made the right decision and brought hope for the coming year. Clearly, it's not going to be easy. But his courage and determination continue to inspire us and drive us to advocate for him and for everyone who suffers similarly.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18kVxt1h2vqzVylhzNTaKly-U9IfS8TRfnSKOtzU_134uYcXeM7nE8WJAZGJVaCr2PEhCETqyBK8dy36-vrOPlZcjMa2RDNZHRimC4ePyMK7JMFU4Tz7Vj265K229qYoPtZaFHH0_xXNz/s1600-h/gannon2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244811173664950178" style="WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 319px" height="212" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18kVxt1h2vqzVylhzNTaKly-U9IfS8TRfnSKOtzU_134uYcXeM7nE8WJAZGJVaCr2PEhCETqyBK8dy36-vrOPlZcjMa2RDNZHRimC4ePyMK7JMFU4Tz7Vj265K229qYoPtZaFHH0_xXNz/s320/gannon2.jpg" width="245" border="0" /></a> </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Gannon, Abbey and Baby Sydney (their cousin)<br /></span><br /><br />Gannon is now in 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> grade. Things have been difficult lately with the constant change in medications and the sometimes <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">volatile</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">temperament</span> that comes with it. There are days that everything is fine and that you wouldn't know there was anything wrong, other than the constant "spinning" that happens whenever Gannon walks anywhere. Then there are days when his grandpa (my step-Dad) has to come remove him from the situation because he is having a really bad day and just needs to get away from it all. The whole situation breaks my heart. Gannon was the first grandchild (therefor my first nephew) and we used to hang out ALL the time. He was at my parents house constantly when I still lived there, I would take him to the barn with me to go riding, go to the playground, snuggle up and watch movies together, all sorts of fun stuff. And Gannon was the ring bearer in our wedding last year. Point is, I couldn't love him more if he were my own. And I'm willing to do anything I can to make his life (and his family's life) a better place to be.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyrmaW4wgBvohXL0H6C4YDwqI2r_J-DCS5cbx4P8zzX_W21BQGSeQdm4EXgdxdoi8E65OkAIHwKWwiwthyZ1sLIiHXxl17XZrhjT0rG6-tI8cpbSyGkbWBIQTUcdJuRLpXLVlYgNtOxzJ/s1600-h/gan1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244809843391534690" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyrmaW4wgBvohXL0H6C4YDwqI2r_J-DCS5cbx4P8zzX_W21BQGSeQdm4EXgdxdoi8E65OkAIHwKWwiwthyZ1sLIiHXxl17XZrhjT0rG6-tI8cpbSyGkbWBIQTUcdJuRLpXLVlYgNtOxzJ/s320/gan1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0j__deMc4BOR5TmeQ3KFlQ9fDixvjY_uRgu7ND1d_addNnrzNNSWKYCK2UNXAtjpwUiMSJhOcvKQJmEuDhhqKuBzzJBVutnfvXq0NIz4j6Ldo9hLbrKj8T4bavCkkAjlF0bPo0mnJlNAa/s1600-h/gannon5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244814542779833714" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0j__deMc4BOR5TmeQ3KFlQ9fDixvjY_uRgu7ND1d_addNnrzNNSWKYCK2UNXAtjpwUiMSJhOcvKQJmEuDhhqKuBzzJBVutnfvXq0NIz4j6Ldo9hLbrKj8T4bavCkkAjlF0bPo0mnJlNAa/s320/gannon5.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">At our wedding, November '07...what a handsome dude!!!<br /></span><br /><br />Here's where you come in. Follow this link: <a href="http://www.nami.org/walkTemplate.cfm?section=NAMIWALKS&template=/customsource/namiwalks/walkerpage.cfm&walkerID=62009">http://www.nami.org/walkTemplate.cfm?section=NAMIWALKS&template=/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">customsource</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">namiwalks</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">walkerpage</span>.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">cfm</span>&<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">walkerID</span>=62009</a><br />Donate some money if you can. Sign up to be a walker if you're up for having some fun. My <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">bestest</span> buddy Jamison and I will be heading out (possibly this weekend!) on our now-annual "Pub Crawl for Gannon". Last year we decided to hit up some local bars on a Saturday night looking for donations and we were amazed by the outpouring of generosity. We raised over $300 in one night and can't wait to go do it again. Every little bit helps. This is the WORLD WIDE web...just think what would happen if everybody that has access to this blog donated $1? Or even $5 for that matter! Think about your family, think about your children you have or may have someday. Think about what you would want people to do if you were in these shoes. We're all in this together and this is a great way to "pay it forward". So please, donate if you can, pray for us if you can't. Our family will appreciate it more than you will ever know. If you have any other questions, or need to contact me for any other reason, I can be reached at <a href="mailto:girl183745@yahoo.com">girl183745@yahoo.com</a>. Thanks.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZAdqKZYWig_b4cxeVnmWQyUy7MGEQtvvVb4-7cmuRpbzj2p5MSvRb1jntRuVNM5mIhNT_C6_1mD7Xas9jWZ5QjZaDzQBe8kHoEO6gNthFMPdf7msGFUFQvvulNn0dfLrMERDT-XP-eBz/s1600-h/gannon7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244814736734536786" style="WIDTH: 387px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 227px" height="233" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZAdqKZYWig_b4cxeVnmWQyUy7MGEQtvvVb4-7cmuRpbzj2p5MSvRb1jntRuVNM5mIhNT_C6_1mD7Xas9jWZ5QjZaDzQBe8kHoEO6gNthFMPdf7msGFUFQvvulNn0dfLrMERDT-XP-eBz/s320/gannon7.jpg" width="506" border="0" /></a> </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Thanks for your support!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wfgjbF_XcpPsKJENyZx4qQEb7hmGwX7tKtjYY3k6yuoGfQfGs1xuMPjpPhsbXcXQg2nKiS0WxiiFF8Y5QbwGN9ZPFTjuaNTn1S9MMxbwgZmFVn5fiJwx01HvvL4pVYJ91_yh_b2PEGlG/s1600-h/gannon4.jpg"></a>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07568214166391784790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161205327348728662.post-52342844521406789432008-09-10T13:24:00.000-07:002008-09-10T16:12:33.080-07:00And the nominees are...It's that time of year again. Time to sift through the talented and the talentless and as a result award the lastest and greatest of the country music industry at the 42nd Annual Country Music Awards. Being the geek that I am, I like to make this event into a celebration of all things country music related and host an awards show viewing party. After taking a couple of years off, this year's party is sure to be chock full of good friends, great music and lots of yummy food. More on that to follow as the date draws near. Right now I'd like to take a moment to discuss today's nominations and my thoughts and vote for each catagory. First off:<br /><br /><div><div><div></div><div>Vocal Group of the Year </div><div><br /><a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/cc-common/news/sections/special/eagles.html">The Eagles</a> <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/522657/">Emerson Drive</a> <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/997587/">Lady Antebellum</a> <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/529622/">Little Big Town</a> <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/429157/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Rascal Flatts</span></a><span style="color:#ff0000;"> </span><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauy9d5vJpztpusFwFNnu2BAJ1G0NGI6f-_lCVAw2fkCfgp3OohMfmbe8247UNIVey4nP9kNMLOE6G_8rrLTdjcPrvSDk42jaxkIVebV__rK-tdkFbwbCkWg9aXOCwcWIltYObm7Mvm8vV/s1600-h/rascal_flatts.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244527148499306706" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauy9d5vJpztpusFwFNnu2BAJ1G0NGI6f-_lCVAw2fkCfgp3OohMfmbe8247UNIVey4nP9kNMLOE6G_8rrLTdjcPrvSDk42jaxkIVebV__rK-tdkFbwbCkWg9aXOCwcWIltYObm7Mvm8vV/s320/rascal_flatts.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Hmmm...Several talented contenders in this bunch, but I'm gonna put my money on Rascal Flatts for the win. The Eagles of course are always a favorite with the older set, but without any standout singles or albums for that matter any time lately, I just don't see them going the distance against current widespread hipsters Rascal Flatts. Personally, both Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town have grown on me considerably over the last six months or so, I just don't think they've paid enough dues to be competitive in this catagory. And Emerson Drive? When was the last time they released anything? If they did, nobody thought to inform me of it!</div><div><br /></div><div>Male Vocalist of the Year </div><div><br /><a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/64127/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Kenny Chesney</span></a> <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/89651/">Alan Jackson</a> <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/371262/">Brad Paisley</a> <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/1829/">George Strait</a> <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/271584/">Keith Urban</a></div></div><div></div><div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULU9HfLIINsuBC1nhQdDMIQgwVtYmSwvaS2Q6wNW_bKJIwFCg2LR8Yb-ee89kEERKm8S30URK9Wlv__lg_QvDZFlXOOU6Jtc6uZp73QkCRZ14knak5H7toPZ3R7EJQq4fzbIu87bGce1G/s1600-h/kennychesney.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244527654058515778" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULU9HfLIINsuBC1nhQdDMIQgwVtYmSwvaS2Q6wNW_bKJIwFCg2LR8Yb-ee89kEERKm8S30URK9Wlv__lg_QvDZFlXOOU6Jtc6uZp73QkCRZ14knak5H7toPZ3R7EJQq4fzbIu87bGce1G/s320/kennychesney.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Tough competition here, but as much as I hate to admit it, I think Kenny's going to pull this one out of his hat. Anyone that knows me is well aware of my long-time obsession with Brad Paisley and his music. I've been to several of his shows and defiantely consider myself a "super fan". Nothing would make me happier than seeing him accept this award that I feel is well deserved. The sad part is that I think beach-bum Kenny and his Corona slugging followers are going to walk away with this one. As for Alan, King George and New Daddy Keith, as deserving and entertaining as they may be, I think will be going home empty handed.</div><div><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Female Vocalist of the Year </div><div><br /><a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/647/">Alison Krauss</a> <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/684675/">Miranda Lambert</a> <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/30168/">Martina McBride</a> <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/cc-common/news/sections/special/taylorswift.html">Taylor Swift</a> <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/703310/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Carrie Underwood</span></a></div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhQz7cUA_bQQ72zGtY0xr13C_wlh4W8Y4wRIjgVRzJfvo6ui_VJPMbU37US23r6xZH5Q7yAkqN-oRCfC3KJ68FrV-V3ezWwmEnQVqY3cd8sQchnelxqeOL743ctFIG7yNtqFFnit-JSWX/s1600-h/carrieunderwood.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244528229178605106" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhQz7cUA_bQQ72zGtY0xr13C_wlh4W8Y4wRIjgVRzJfvo6ui_VJPMbU37US23r6xZH5Q7yAkqN-oRCfC3KJ68FrV-V3ezWwmEnQVqY3cd8sQchnelxqeOL743ctFIG7yNtqFFnit-JSWX/s320/carrieunderwood.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div>::sigh:: I get all warm and fuzzy inside looking at most of the names listed above. As much of a Brad Paisley fan as I am, I think I have an even bigger crush on some of these girls. Alison Krauss and Martina McBride, while totally different sounds, have two of the most flawless, perfect voices in the biz. They have been icons for years and at one time or another I think they've won just about every award there is available. I don't think this is their year for this one though. The first time I heard Miranda Lambert, I fell in lust. She's as real as they come, with the voice and attitude to match. I remember watching her on the very first episode of Nashville Star (when it was still worth watching!) and thinking that she was going to go BIG places. Boy was I right about that one. I have a feeling that this girl is going to be around for awhile. Love, love, love this girl! Tony teases me all the time about my "girl crush" on all things Miranda. What can I say? I've got good taste I guess. But seriously, who WOULDN'T want to be her? She is the epitome of a female country music vocalist, I just don't think enough people have recognized that yet. No worries, her day will come. I'm beginning to ramble, so I'll try and wrap this one up- Ms. Underwood is going to win it by a landslide and absolutely deserves to. She's got the biggest set of pipes on the radio and all the glamour, looks and pearly white smile to back it up. This is Carrie's year. You can take that one to the bank. And if Taylor Swift wins, I'm never watching these awards again. (Can you tell I'm not a fan?)</div><br /><div>Duo of the Year </div><div><br />Brooks and Dunn <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/637739/">Big and Rich</a> <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/367958/">Montgomery Gentry</a> <span style="color:#ff0000;">Sugarland</span> <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/690363/">The Wreckers</a></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9UM2pWNU9CQeAcJyjFUl1LzWoH3kgv0ydyhvqljYnAlNv5Q3ClYChiYIuSkoG_L7uV1wKPS64aTyskh79fZUxrbyU2UI7Qd7BG7MnXCe0OpsXkOS5C1HxetoQioCI4k7a1HW0CFnmbud/s1600-h/sugarland1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244529455928956946" style="WIDTH: 272px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px" height="194" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9UM2pWNU9CQeAcJyjFUl1LzWoH3kgv0ydyhvqljYnAlNv5Q3ClYChiYIuSkoG_L7uV1wKPS64aTyskh79fZUxrbyU2UI7Qd7BG7MnXCe0OpsXkOS5C1HxetoQioCI4k7a1HW0CFnmbud/s320/sugarland1.jpg" width="246" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>Ooohh..Brooks and Dunn, you better hang on to your (cowboy) hats! I think Sugerland is going to be hot on your tail for this award. Since Kix and Ronnie have won this one for the last bizillion years, some would think that they're rather untouchable. I, on the other hand, believe that the lovable combo of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, also known as Sugarland, are going to be HUGE this year with a whopping six nominations. They better eat their Wheaties, because I think they're going to be taking home a lot of trophies. As far as the rest of the group is concerned, Montgomery Gentry is ok, just not CMA material, and Big and Rich & The Wreckers havn't released anything in so long I don't even know why their names are on the ticket. This one is going to be close, but I see Sugarland being the upset fo'sho!!!</div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>New Artist Award </div><div><br /><a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/730273/">Jason Aldean</a> <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/224673/">Rodney Atkins</a> <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/997587/">Lady Antebellum</a> <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/529056/">James Otto</a> <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/815158/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Kellie Pickler</span></a></div><br /><div></div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5j9g-1Z2mDpEoys90kSIIWLoKIhZGzw0pfh2biCKuDtfTWbbqJb_lT9PMC4uqlJDH09IZKvtXaKrCm6cPpXe7K2tmV4a0-zakadl-5U7BvF5ObeN5BR4gdsDIoajD2YhusWdhFLOVqCUk/s1600-h/kellie-pickler-nc.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244530350921024530" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5j9g-1Z2mDpEoys90kSIIWLoKIhZGzw0pfh2biCKuDtfTWbbqJb_lT9PMC4uqlJDH09IZKvtXaKrCm6cPpXe7K2tmV4a0-zakadl-5U7BvF5ObeN5BR4gdsDIoajD2YhusWdhFLOVqCUk/s320/kellie-pickler-nc.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>This one's tricky. While both Jason Aldean and Rodney Atkins have several pretty substantial hits to their names, I don't think the nation-wide appeal has really caught on. Lady Antebellum and James Otto are still all but unheard of, other than a couple of very forgettable tunes, so I don't see them doing much this year. Kellie Pickler on the other hand just may win this one my a nose (or some other large, protruding body parts...). It's not that I dislike Pickler, it's just that she left a less-than-fantastic impression with me after her stint on American Idol. Didn't think she was super talented then and still don't think she's super talented now. But for some reason or another, she has captured the hearts of many and become a sort of American sweetheart. Good for her. Now take the award and go home so that you can bleach your hair and eat more "Cal-a-MAR-ee". I'm not impressed. Hopefully I'm wrong and either Aldean or Atkins win it, but I don't think I will be.</div><div><br /></div><div>Entertainer of the Year </div><div><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Kenny Chesney</span> Brad Paisley George Strait <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/673880/">Sugarland</a> Keith Urban</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmH6Zt1cSFEppC1cMTVpJrjSQ992v7_nDbi_8eJd6uwiDEwIqNCi42pEPbXuMEcsBEDFnJxZ6ZZzJ3WBL8z_P8urFdVQ2mApdTCo5wYYj8ZgeoCtkjlE63dXQoYWu0ngeSeZcPn_lRklev/s1600-h/kennychesney1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244531088118705298" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmH6Zt1cSFEppC1cMTVpJrjSQ992v7_nDbi_8eJd6uwiDEwIqNCi42pEPbXuMEcsBEDFnJxZ6ZZzJ3WBL8z_P8urFdVQ2mApdTCo5wYYj8ZgeoCtkjlE63dXQoYWu0ngeSeZcPn_lRklev/s320/kennychesney1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br />I've voiced my opinion on all of the nominees listed above. I'm going to keep it simple and say that I think Kenny is going to win it, with Brad Paisley and Sugarland nipping close at his heels. I would love to see either of them win, and again I think it would be very well deserved, but this one has Uncle Kenny written all over it. As for George and Keith, better luck next time boys!</div><div><br /></div><div><em>As for the rest of the catagories, I could go on an all day rant about why I think each song is better than the next. Lucky for you I will save this diatribe for another time and just highlight the song or album that I think is in a position to win. Here goes.</em><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><em></em></div><div><em></em></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Album of the Year</div><div><br />Carrie Underwood, Carnival Ride</div><div><a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/cc-common/news/sections/special/b&d.html">Brooks and Dunn</a>, Cowboy Town</div><div>Alan Jackson, Good Time</div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">Kenny Chesney, Just Who I Am: Poets and Pirates</span></div><div>George Strait, Troubadour</div><div><em></em><br /></div><div>Single of the Year<br /></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">"Don't Blink", Kenny Chesney <strong>OR</strong></span></div><div>"Gunpowder and Lead", Miranda Lambert</div><div>"I Saw God Today", George Strait</div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">"Stay", Sugarland</span></div><div>"You're Gonna Miss This", <a href="http://www.foxspacelive.com/iplaylist/artist/195168/">Trace Adkins</a><br /><br /></div><div>Song of the Year</div><div><br />"Good Time", Alan Jackson</div><div>"I Saw God Today", George Strait</div><div>"Letter to Me", Brad Paisley</div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">"Stay", Sugarland</span></div><div>"You're Gonna Miss This", Trace Adkins<br /><br /></div><div>Musical Event of the Year</div><div><br />"Another Try", Josh Turner feat. Trisha Yearwood</div><div>"Every Other Weekend", Reba McEntire and Kenny Chesney</div><div>"Gone, Gone, Gone", Robert Plant and Alison Krauss</div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">"Life in a Northern Town", Sugarland feat. Little Big Town & Jake Owen <strong>OR</strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">"Shiftwork", Kenny Chesney (duet with George Strait)</span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">Music Video of the Year</span></div><span style="color:#000000;"><div><br />"Don't Blink", Kenny Chesney</div><div>"Good Time", Alan Jackson</div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">"Stay", Sugarland</span></div><div>"Waitin' on a Woman", Brad Paisley</div><div>"You're Gonna Miss This", Trace Adkins<br /><br /></div><div></span>Musician of the Year</div><div><br />Jerry Douglas</div><div>Paul Franklin</div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">Dann Huff</span></div><div>Brent Mason</div><div>Mac McAnally </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">So there it is. My thoughts and theories on the 42nd Annual Country Music, due to air November 12, 2008 on ABC. Let's all check back here the day after and see just how well I called it. Until then, go find yourself a honky-tonk, fire up the jukebox and cry in your beer. Only then can you truely appreciate this great music and why it means so much...</span></div></div></div></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07568214166391784790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161205327348728662.post-7930698857917690282008-09-10T10:35:00.000-07:002008-09-10T10:53:46.331-07:00Good morning all!<div>Don't have a lot of time right this second, but I wanted to get in the habit of updating this monster, so I here I am. Last night was pretty uneventful. Tony, Abbey and I all went to my folks house for dinner and a little "family time". We were treated to one of my favorite recipes, something that my (step) Dad calls "Slop". Sounds awful, right? WRONG!!! This is the perfect cool weather, stick to your ribs type meal that is sometimes even better the next day. Essentially all it is is milk gravy, chipped beef and peas over top homemade mashed potatoes. Served with a big chunk of crusty bread on the side...oh so good. I can't wait to run home at lunch time so I can warm up some leftovers. Hopefully Tony hasn't eaten it all by the time I get there! I'll check in with "Pa-pa" later and get the official recipe so that I can share it with you guys. I assure you, it's so simple even I can make it. Cheap, easy, quick and filling...just how I like my meals! It is also popular to serve this dish over toast/bread and is commonly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">refered</span> to as "Shit on a Shingle". That almost makes "Slop" sound appetizing! Anyway, here's basically what it looks like (sans potatoes). I'll be back later with the rest of the story...</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEs8xKzHVs2wC4ykjn8hO6CD1oAnohDwkbaSZzmd9PrAihb3-PJAV_jDuFcSZByP4KB1v60f-nM53K50K-OPxz3EnieMb-ELZvzVzQ8nqLGhPJS8ZxdzbWfjHC7W0OL5fuz7B5IJmDZDg/s1600-h/soas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244452062254163378" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEs8xKzHVs2wC4ykjn8hO6CD1oAnohDwkbaSZzmd9PrAihb3-PJAV_jDuFcSZByP4KB1v60f-nM53K50K-OPxz3EnieMb-ELZvzVzQ8nqLGhPJS8ZxdzbWfjHC7W0OL5fuz7B5IJmDZDg/s320/soas.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07568214166391784790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161205327348728662.post-1065627949065986382008-09-09T19:27:00.000-07:002008-09-09T20:40:26.995-07:00A little about me...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtQSUSszYk-KS62gfWWK88UgQVDs-l_SQwx7fAgjtSL6E2waZvDVDY8ipn-DDndmFrSovnG_xGrkgNrYOs9OagY1E8unBftlIlPA5f9OsZyzDe9PEOmoGeTY2O1KzHgOX56a3XWotW8RB/s1600-h/DSC01805.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtQSUSszYk-KS62gfWWK88UgQVDs-l_SQwx7fAgjtSL6E2waZvDVDY8ipn-DDndmFrSovnG_xGrkgNrYOs9OagY1E8unBftlIlPA5f9OsZyzDe9PEOmoGeTY2O1KzHgOX56a3XWotW8RB/s320/DSC01805.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244224243987016882" border="0" /></a><br />Hi there <strike>stranger</strike> friends! (Yeah, I totally stole that from Matt) After much debate as to what should make up the content of my first post, I decided to share a little about myself. I'm Ashley. I'm a (late) 20 something music loving, horse riding, book devouring, karaoke singing, dance-aholic mother and wife that adores my family and would go to the ends of the earth for them. I married my best friend-soul mate-partner in crime-goofball-sexy husband Tony in Nov. 2007. He's big into softball, XBox (specifically Halo 3) and watching football. I'm still learning to tolerate it. We have a 6 year old daughter, Abbey, that is the biggest ray of sunshine to ever shine on my life. We bought our first home, a 108 year old farmhouse, in May of this year and are loving every minute of making it our own. We're currently trying for baby #2 (#1 for Tony) so that Abbey won't be bit by the only child bug. I work at a car dealership as an "incentive specialist" where I get paid to talk on the phone all day and make new friends. I'm excited to start this blogging thing in hopes of meeting even more new people (please leave a comment!), because a girl can never have too many friends. But now it's late and time for me to sign off. Tony wants to go play "The Shield- Naughty Bedroom Edition". Until next time, here's a video. Don't laugh too hard-<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dySfwSgU-6Zo9sOwfNPG9L1t1WMOOk2iodQ8vpsMqYD2owMYw1M2Zs6EFCbocgoOrgWPgv2P5GtHqCPtr5T1A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07568214166391784790noreply@blogger.com4