Now on to #8 on my list of things I'd like to do!

Soooo, I have a very long way to go before I reach my goal of 100 bloggy followers, so to begin taking a step in that direction I am going to use the help of networking (which up to this point I have been quite stinky at!). I stumbled onto a really neat blog via "Living-the-dash" called Storing Up Treasures. Courtney is an amazing woman, with a beautiful blog (totally envious), and a mom to 10! She is offering an awesome opportunity to be featured on her blog (Blogs of Note) which would help me grow my own blog!! Check her out! I can't wait to read more about her and her family!

And I really don't say it enough, but thank you for reading!!!!!!

I did it!

I have begun to accomplish #2 on my "Things I'd Like to Do in 2011". Don't get me wrong, this is a total work in progress...a lifestyle change, if you will. Hi, my name is Ashley and I'm literally a closet hoarder.

I entered my closet yesterday, which might be considered a national disaster site in need of some sort of disaster relief...possibly FEMA. My closet has almost always been a hazardous site and I (read:Mr. Clean) decided that it is time to tackle this project for once and for all. Ok, maybe not "for all", but definitely "for once".

Please don't judge. I know it may seem that I have an ungodly amount of clothes, and you would be right, but the truth is only 1/2 (if even) of my ridiculous wardrobe is wearable. A lot of what you see either doesn't fit now (because I'm not in 7th grade anymore), has never fit (I doubt my legs are getting any shorter), will never fit again (a 9 1/2 lb. kid will mess ya up), has a hole that I thought I may be able to sew up (I don't even own a needle and thread), or I spilled something on it leaving a permanent stain (hoping that that butter stain will magically disappear because there are magical stain removing elves that live in my closet). Why do I still have these clothes, you ask??? BECAUSE I HAVE A PROBLEM! I truly have no clue why I can't get rid of these things. Hence, why things must change.
So, I began tackling this daunting task yesterday and I feel like I have made progress. I went through every item and either tossed or bagged for donation what I was comfortable parting with at this time. I know it may seem that I didn't make much progress, but I plan on doing this again in a couple of months, and again until I reach a respectable amount of clothing. We shall see.

Resolving to UNresolve...

Ten Things I'd Like to Do in 2011!

This is a very risky move on my part to post my goals for 2011, but I'll be able to look at this in 365 days and see if I was able to accomplish any of these things. My Blog can keep me accountable...so the pressure is on! I won't call these resolutions, because we all know where those go about a week into the New Year...to heck, that's where! So these are things I'd like to do this year, and if they don't happen, no biggie!

1. I'd like to get back to the gym. Yeah, I know, me and about 75% of all Americans...but still.

2. I'd like to get over my problem of hoarding clothes and GET RID OF THEM! I didn't wear that sweater in 7th grade, and I'm not going to wear it now! Seriously, I have clothes that date back to 7th grade, and shoes that date back to the 8th grade.

3. I'd really like to further explore and pursue some talent type of endeavor. Vague? yep! I don't know, maybe photography? Yes, I know, this is also something that 75% of Americans are trying to pursue. You put a camera in someone's hand and they think they are the next Ansel Adams...or in my case, Anne Geddes! But that's what this year will be for...ya know, to see if I can be the next Anne Geddes. Maybe...maybe not.

4. I'd like a new camera...so I can do the aforementioned #3! Mr. Clean said that I have to book clients and make money before he buys me one...but don't I need a camera before I make any money??? It's the classic "what came first? The chicken or the egg?" We shall see!!

5. It would be pretty awesome if I could finish memorizing John 3. I started memorizing it about 2 summers ago, and only got to verse 16. So maybe this is the year! Along with memorizing other passages...that would be nice.

6. I'd like to run the Peachtree road race in under an hour. Don't laugh, mom. Ok, this is a total pipe dream, and I KNOW will be one goal I probably won't reach!

7. I'd like to have a better blog. Once you start this thing, it's hard to neglect it! I'd like to redesign it and fancify it...ya know, TRY to make it super cool.

8. On the same note, I'd love to reach 100 followers (of my blog, not some religious occultist thing) this year. I love my current 38 followers, and I know this goal is totally strange...just think it would be cool, that's all. and if I can't get 100, then I QUIT! Ok, I'm just joshin' ya, I wouldn't. But, I do know that I've had this thing for 8 months now, and haven't even gotten half way there, so this is actually a pretty big feat. But I know it's possible because I have bloggy friends who have hundreds of followers...I don't know how they get that many, but they do!

9. I'd like to be an even better housewife this year, I'm improving, and Mr. Clean doesn't have to clean up behind me...as much, so maybe this year is the year! Fingers crossed!

10. My biggest goal, most important goal and one that I will be working my hardest at achieving, is going to be serving others more. In the (now) past I have been intimidated (for various reasons: I was working, I have a fear of man issue that they won't like what I make or do, lack of resources...yadda yadda) by stepping up to the plate to bring meals to families, or jumping at opportunities to give of my time and resources...NOT ANY MORE! Now that I stay home full time, there is no reason for me not to help out where I can. There. I said it. I can't wait to get started!

Praying you and yours have a HAPPY, HEALTHY 2011! WooHoo! Rock it!

This Past Decade....

Can you believe that an entire DECADE has passed since the"new millennium"? I've been thinking about the past 10 years and I do believe this decade has been filled with the most growth and change in my life (granted I've only been around for 2 1/2 decades, but still).
In the past 10 years I started High School, had a first kiss, attended prom's, celebrated my sweet 16, went from being in love with NSYNC to totally digging the Dave Matthews Band, had braces or a retainer for half the time, learned to drive, registered to vote, traveled to Boston, Maine, and Korea, and several other fun places, visited Disney World over 25 times, graduated High School, got my first job, attempted college, welcomed two baby sisters, met my future husband, participated in 6 Peachtree Road Races, trained and completed my first, and likely last, olympic sized triathlon, went to dozens of concerts (faves being Paul McCartney, John Mayer, DMB, Elton John, Billy Joel, and Rod Stewart), got engaged, became a wife, bought our first house, and this year became a mom!

The past 10 years have been great! Filled with life's most precious milestones...most of life's memorable milestones, in fact! The decade was packed to the rim with God's overflowing blessings and abundant mercies! And although there were A LOT of great times, there were a lot of painful and difficult times as well. A lot of life lessons, a lot of tears, and mistakes, a lot of forgiving and even more asking for forgiveness. Fortunately, time has a way of healing most wounds in my life, leaving me no option but to celebrate all of the good times. the exciting times. the life-can't-get-any-better-than-this times.

Think back on the past 10 years. Laugh. Cry. Remember. Go ahead! You'll be amazed at where you've been and will hopefully be excited about where you are going. Happy New Year!!

Baby's First Christmas!!

So, Christmas has now come and gone and yet again I feel like it went by way too fast. I'm all about savoring the moment, stopping to smell the roses, and maybe for too long! And wanting to savor the Christmas season is no different! I don't even want to blink for fear of missing it! Unfortunately, this year went by even faster than years passed! We (momma and I) had grand plans of going to the Festival of Trees which never even came close to happening, and I didn't even get to see It's a Wonderful Life...or even enjoy a cup of cider!

And even though it slipped away from me too quickly, it was still my most favorite Christmas ever!! I know Kidd-O will never remember his first Christmas, but I will and I wanted it to be perfect...maybe too perfect...borderline annoying the fool out of my family perfect!

I tried several time to get out so Kidd-O could see Santa, and didn't think it would happen... but forced it to happen on Christmas Eve Eve. It was stinkin' cold, and the line was forever long, but I'm so glad I did! I will cherish this picture forever!I miss being a kid at Christmas, it was such a magical time, and I'm forever grateful to my parents for giving me such special memories! Because of my fondness of those memories, it is my mission to do the same for my little one(s)! I know people have different feelings regarding Santa (i.e Mr. Clean), but we (and by we, I mean me) have decided that as long as the central focus remains on the birth of our Savior, we will celebrate the gift of a kids imagination and let Santa visit...but I am under a strict probationary period! Here's what Santa brought for his first visit to Kidd-O. Not only was this Christmas special because Kidd-O joined us this year, but Georgia had it's first measurable "White Christmas" since 1882!! It was simply beautiful! Even though it cut our time with family short due to hazardous road conditions, it was really neat to see that much snow on Christmas!!

I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas with your family and friends, that you were able so savor every second, and revel in the miracle that came to us in the form of a newborn babe...our Savior!

Christmas and the Days of Yore

As Christmas quickly encroaches upon us, as it seems to do faster and faster each year, I often wonder if it always goes by this quickly? I'm a dreamer and live in "dreamworld" a good portion of the time, and I have always desired to have a Christmas like they did in the days of 'yore...whatever "yore" means. Do you know what I'm talking about? The kind of Christmas where all the girls wear dresses, and the boys are wearing sweaters their grandmother knit for them and both of them are on the floor, stringing cranberries and popcorn for the tree that the family all went to chop down together. Mother is in the kitchen preparing figgy pudding and a roast goose. Father (who is wearing a hat, scarf and a long coat) is out getting more wood for the fire and when he opens the door, gusts of snow fly around the room. The kids' faces light up when he enters and jump up to greet him! Grandpa is sitting in that big, comfy green chair, smoking a pipe and telling the tales from when he was young. After dinner, they sip on their wassail while mother sits down at that old upright, and begins playing carols. Everyone begins to gather 'round, placing arms around each other and join in just in time for the chorus. There it is. The Norman Rockwell kind of Christmas that I long for. Was Christmastime EVER this dreamy? or is it something that's just left for storybooks?

I'm excited to start new traditions with my family (even Though Mr. Clean isn't a tradition-kind-of-guy) and maybe someday I can recreate this picture perfect scene myself!

What is your favorite Christmas tradition?? I'd love ideas!

4 Years Ago Today....

4 years ago today was my wedding day.

4 years ago today I woke up so nervous I got sick.

4 years ago today I walked down the stairs to eat my last breakfast with my family. Momma and Daddy-o were drinking coffee, feeding the kiddies, and scanning the paper. I remember it being...normal.

4 years ago today my soon-to-be sister-in-law, bless her heart, was driving me b.a.n.a.n.a.s (we laugh about this now)!!! She was just doing her job, keeping me on "schedule" until I snapped. And I snapped real hard, yelling "I AM THE BRIDE AND THIS SHOW DOESN'T START WITHOUT ME, SO CAN IT!" she was pretty quiet after that.

4 years ago today I needed to be alone after my outburst. I hid in my closet while everyone else loaded up the cars. I was hiding behind all of the clothes I couldn't bear to pack up (along with all of my other belongings) and I was crying on the phone to Mr. Clean...I was already homesick.

4 years ago today, while hiding in my closet, I saw my daddy-o's feet walk in to my room. He came to tell me it was time. Time to hug me. Time to say "I love you". Time to kiss my cheek. And time to say goodbye. That moment I will remember forever.

4 years ago today the boys were calm as cucumbers....

...and the girls were busy little bees.

4 years ago today my dear friend excitedly reminded me that "you'll never have a first date again, or a first kiss again...you're about to be an old married woman!! Isn't that exciting!?" I began to cry.

4years ago today we were blessed with PERFECT weather! It was sunny and 72 degrees.

4 years ago today my mom thought she was attending my funeral instead of my wedding.
4 years ago today my daddy-o walked me down the isle to give me to my best friend.

4 years ago today I couldn't remember what I was supposed to say and had to ask our pastor to : "Come again?"

4 years ago today our families and friends gathered around us as we promised to take each other in joy and in sorrow, in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish all of our days.

4 years ago today I danced. I danced like no one was watching.

4 years ago today I was a bride and I was swimming in my wedding day, soaking up.every.single.second!

4 years ago today I married my love, my confidant, my cleaner half, my baby daddy, but most importantly, my friend.

Happy Anniversary!!!!