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Hola Amigos!
Missed being "away" for 2 weeks. The computer has been in the repair shop, compliments of a very thoughtful brother in Christ. My printer is now working amongst other things improved.
Let's see...where am I?
Well, we had a wonderful monthly bible study at the home of dear friends this past Friday. We have started a study on Relationship Evangelism. I am excited to start this (the study)...as far as the topic, hopefully it's something we're working on every day.
Saturday was my "big" day. I hosted a daughter/parent dinner that evening. It was an appreciation dinner. I had 5 girls, including Audrey (who was the youngest at 6); a 9, 10, 11 and 14 year old as well. They came over at 12:00 and we cooked/prepared for the evening until 6:00 when the parents showed up. The girls also made something for their parents.
My menu included:
Angel Hair/Ramen Noodle Cole Slaw
Aztec Pot Roast
Roasted Asparagus w/ Balsamic Browned Butter
Corn Pudding
Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Pears w/ Walnuts & Gorgonzola
yeast rolls that she posted
Spiced Pumpkin Mousse w/ Gingersnaps
It was a delightful evening! We were all exhausted by the end of the day!
I've been doing some xmas shopping here and there...mostly getting a few gifts for the adults. I have decided to get "crafty" with my gifts. They would seem to mean more (atleast to me) because of the time you put into them. I've never been a "crafty" person but I seem to be changing! There are alot of things that I now do, or want to learn how to do that even a few years ago, I had no desire. I want to learn how to quilt. I would also like to start sewing (not clothes)..but things like napkins, table cloths, curtains, etc...
I have been inspired by all of this knitting and other stuff that I see going on!
Waiting on Black Friday for all the kid's gifts. A friend and I are going early that morning and then for lunch! Looking forward to that.
Ella had her picture made a few weeks ago. I picked them up yesterday and they are adorable. I am going to get a cd of it so I can post it on here. All 4 of the kids are going Saturday to Sears to have their picture made. I am contemplating on whether Michael and I should join in. The last professional picture we all had made was when Audrey was 4 months old, so I guess we're due one.
By way of other news, YAY TO CLAYTON!!!! He made the archery team! He practices once a week. Competitions don't start until April. He is currently trying out for the academic team as well. He does this once a week...for several weeks. It's kind of a long process to figure out who to keep and who to eliminate. We shall see.
My parents are coming down on Tuesday. We're all having lunch at my grandmothers on Wednesday and then they're heading for Alabama (to see David's family) for Thanksgiving. This will be our first time away from Ella. They'll be back Friday night though!
Today is the one year annivesary of Evan's death. Honestly though, I don't feel any sadder than I do on any other day. Mom has plans to go out to the dunes of Lake Michigan while we're up there for Christmas. This was a place we would all go to and have memories of. We will sprinkle his ashes on the dunes. Now, that to me will be a sad day. Please keep my mom in your prayers. She still struggles so much. She puts on a front for everyone...but it is still so hard.
To end on happy note...I am looking forward to the holidays! Can't wait to spend time with all of Michael's family in Virginia on Field's Mountain! But Thanksgiving is first...
What are YOU doing to celebrate Thanksgiving?
Have a wonderful, blessed, productive day.
Love to you all.
Ashley |
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Good Morning!
I did a little baking this morning; taking it to the kid's school for the staff to sample...hoping to get some orders for the holidays! Anybody ever made a Jam Cake?
I am meeting a friend and sister in Christ at a neat little restaurant here in town for lunch...her treat! WOO-HOO! It's so nice to spend part of your day with a good friend. We should all be so thankful for the friendships and love we share with those within the body of Christ. I know I am!
Tonight, the boys are going to a sleep over/ birthday party. They won't be home until 5:00 tomorrow. The girls are going to another friend's house tonight while Michael and I go out! ;) Included in that will be some christmas shopping. I've got a good coupon for Longhorn's too! YUM!
Tomorrow I am going to a family reunion to meet a bunch of people I don't know! Taking a pineapple upside down cake. Have any one you ever made that in a bundt pan? I love the way it looks made in that pan.
I bought a chuck roast for Sunday lunch. I rarely buy that cut because it is soooo expensive, but Kroger had it on sale for $2.99/lb. Sunday afternoon, a group of us ladies and children are going over to my grandmother's house to deliver a care basket and let the kids rake her yard. She needs a little pick me up. I know she misses Grandaddy so much. (He died this past July). Also, with the anniversary of Evan's death coming up.
Let's see...I'll only take you a few more days into the week...lol
Clayton has archery try outs on Monday and then academic team try outs on Thursday! Go wish him luck! Finally, Tuesday, I get to meet her at a Cracker Barrel in Louisville and visit over brunch! That will be so nice to see her!
Alrighty folks, I gotta get my little Ella Vanilla dressed and fed. She is just the sweetest little thing...but I'm partial :)
Love to you all and have a wonderful weekend!
In Him,
Ashley |
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Hi Everybody! We had an awesome weekend! First though, all my baking was very successful! It couldn't have gone smoother! My house smelt like a bakery all day :-) After delivering all that, I went to a play at Clayton's school. Then we hit the road for Georgia. Of course, the trip was way too short but we got to visit with friends and family. The kids and I got home last night about 10:15. We only made one stop...Cracker Barrel! Yummy...I got fried pork chops and it was so good. Then I shopped there in the store and picked up a x-mas present. I think we were there for over 1 1/2 hours!
Michael was glad to have us home...Ella just smiled and buried her face in his chest:-)
We're all taking it easy today...I'm pretty worthless the day after I get back from traveling! I am going to vote after Michael gets home. The kids were off today for Election Day and I didn't know how taking 4 kids to the polls would go!
I have started a new group called Always_In_My_Heart. This is a support group for those who have lost loved ones. Thank you to those of you who were so kind as to leave a message on my blog when I posted about my brother Evan. A kind word now and then means so much.
To end on a happy note...what was one awesome thing you did this weekend?
Love to all,
Ashley |
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Good Morning!
Well, I had to do a first last night...buy Ella diapers! I finally ran out of diapers that had been given to me at my shower...I guess that's pretty good that we made it to almost 5 1/2 months! And I even took back 4 or 5 packs to buy something else!
My parents just got 4 foster children...it's a large sibling group. 3 girls and 1 boy (girl, boy, girl, girl)...Mary is 11, William is 8, Stephanie is 6 and the last little girl is 4. Mother was on drugs too bad, and had been majorly neglectful. Mom said you can tell they have never had any rules and no discipline at all. So, they're basically starting from scratch...and to top it off, they had to be deloused upon arrival.
I have a VERY busy day today. Included is baking:
8 doz. sugar cookies
5 doz. lemon bars
8 doz. mini carrot cakes (baked in muffin pan) w/ cream cheese icing
6 doz. mexican wedding balls
6 doz. no bakes
I am doing this for a local business's Halloween Open House tomorrow.
Also, I have to finish packing to go to herhouse tomorrow! We are getting to visit family and good friends that we used to live by for almost 9 years! Going trick or treating with alot of the kids from our old congregation. My kids are so excited! (Me too!)
Well, I better get crackin'!
Hope you all have a marvelous day!
Love,
Ashley
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I'm sure you have all heard of THE DUGGARS. You know, the crazy couple with 17 kids, and another on the way. They have a new series now (well, this is the first I've seen it) called 17 and Counting. When I look at this family, I have sooooo many different thoughts. I think, how could you POSSIBLY give each child the attention they need? Is this healthy on a marriage? Are they insane? How can her body handle 18 pregnancies? I could go on and on!
But then, at the same time, I am absolutely amazed and completely admire them! The parents are doing a wonderful job of instilling Godly values in their children. By the way, the oldest son is engaged, and him and his fiance are saving their 1st kiss for their wedding day!!! Who does that?? Things like that, that I think are admirable. She homeschools all of them...seems so patient. They had another family, with 16 children and one on the way come and visit them. They stayed for 2 weeks!!! Almost 40 people for 2 weeks!
Anyway, I just don't quite know what to think of them! What about you? |
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