Well first and foremost I have to say "Is this the most beautiful blog you have ever seen?" Thank you Lucy for making it so pretty.
OK now that I have said that I need to apologize to ALL you who love to read what I have to say. I know that there are so many. Anyway, as with most everyone I have been a little busy. Since I have started working I have yet to learn how to juggle all of the many jobs that I now have. School is great! The kids are too. Brad is I think? But as for the house(as I type actually doesn't look so bad) exercising, sewing, scrapbooking, reading( I guess pretty much anything I used to do for enjoyment is out the window). I have to figure out how to fit some of these things I enjoy in. As for exercise that is 1st on my list of got to do's!!
I guess it has been a month since I have blogged. So LOTS has gone on. Where do I begin? Actually I think it has been 2 months since I put anything of substance(is this substance?) on here.
OK so I am not sure if I told but now we have a middle school cheerleader in our home. It has really been great. Long story, but they didn't have enough so they had a second tryout and of course Charlee Beth made it. We were sooo excited. The ballgames have been great. She is a really good cheerleader even if I am her mom. Doesn't she look precious in that uniform? GO STINGRAYS!!!!!!!!! Football season is just about over and Basketball season will start up after that. FUN! FUN! I really do love basketball season. I'm not sure why. I guess because it is easier for me to keep up with who has the ball. I loose that football way down there on the field sometimes. Crazy I know. I love the football weather though. Well not really down here cause it's just hot. Hasn't really cooled down at all.
Clark is playing soccer. Brad is the coach. Clark is really good this year. He is averaging 2 to 3 goals a game. I think it is pretty good. Brad told him he gets a scoop of ice cream for every goal he scores. How funny is that? They had a game this morning. Brad went to coach the team to victory but my little all star player had to stay home. He is having trouble with his asthma. We have already been to the doctor this week. He is doing better but we thought a week off would be good for him. That way we don't get it all started up again with all that running. Hopefully, we will have it all under control and he will be back in the swing(or should I say kick) of things for next week.
My Birthday was September the 14th and I went to Birmingham to spend the weekend with the girls. We had fun doing the three S's. That would be Scraping(or not), Shopping and Socializing. I could think of others but three sound good. I love my beautiful friends. They make me laugh.

Oh well, I am still learning how to put these pictures on here the right way. That will have to do for now. I really had a great time with all of the girls. Can't wait to do it again really soon. I hope.
Brad and I also had our 15th wedding anniversay. 15 years is that right? That's what I have been told but surely I am not that old. Am I? I mean I know Brad is but me? No way!!! HA HA!! We had a great time celebrating. Saturday after lunch we took the kids over to the Roby's and we went to Emerald Grande.
We took the water taxi over to Noreaga(not sure of the spelling) Point to be on the beach and take in a little sun. Our thoughtful friend Christi put together a basket for us of grapes, crackers, cheese, trail mix, champagne, cups, napkins, plates even a little knife for the cheese and flowers(she thinks of everthing). The Roby's met us later along with Lucy and Connor, Jackie and Daphney, Steve and Lori, Karen, and Buddy. We ate apps. and had drinks at the Commander's Palace. We went to Harry T's and Pat O's. One too many Hurricane's for Brad.


After that we took a LONG trip to Baby J's with Brad as our tour guide. If you know anything about his sense of direction you will find that funny!! With no one at Baby J's we took the LONG trip back to Aqua and them finally AJ's before we called it a night.
We had a lot of fun. Lots of laughs. It was great to get away even if for only one night. But it is always great coming home.
My little Indiana Jones just came down the stairs. What do you think? Isn't he great!!! I know I think so. He and Charlee bring me so much joy. I love them and am so blessed to be their mother.

Too much to do!!!!

This is just for Mindy and Lucy. I am glad you like to see what I have to say. I don't have time to tell you all I have to say right now. Check back later. I promise I will update soon.

I'M TIRED!!!

As I make this post I am in need of sleep. Yes, it is only 10 till 9:00 but I woke up every hour last night because I was afraid the alarm wouldn't go off. It did and I made itto orientaton on time.
So if I thought that this blogging thing was out of my comfort zone wait till I tell you my new addiction "Facebook". When I went to Florence last week Rebekah Smith said I need to try it out that I would be amazed at all the people I would get back in touch with. Well, I'm addicted. It is fun finding out what people, I haven't talked to in years, are up to. I have smiled a lot over the past couple of days seeing pix from students and cheerleaders from seems like forever ago. Lots of fun check it outhttp://www.facebook.com also I am working on a website. It is not ready to view yet don't know when or if it ever will be but it should be fun. http://www.handmade4you.blinkz.com
Brad just got home from Montgomery. So better go give him a welcome home hug and maybe even a kiss or two. Later

It has been a while. I just got back from Florence last night. We took one last trip home before school starts. It was a nice visit. We got to see Marisa and Jeff's new house. I LOVE it. It is awesome. There is so much space and it is so quiet. It is just great. I wish I would have helped more. I really didn't do anything to help her move in. Took some shower doors off. Wow! that was a lot. Ha Ha! I did have a great visit with her. We went to dinner on Friday night and Saturday we went to the Marriott and got amazing facials. It was really wonderful. Marisa, you just make me smile. I love you and miss you so much. Have a great first day of school.
Sunday we went to church and Ronnie asked me to sing with the choir in the second service. It was great. I miss that so much. It was Jacob's birthday so we went out to eat to celebrate. 30 gosh you are old. You are the older one aren't you? It's a joke Clark is always asking which one of us is the oldest. We keep telling him but he just keeps asking like he's not really sure it's me since I look so young.
Monday Clark got his picture made. I had a great time with Rebekah. I could have spent days with her talking and learning. She is trying to introduce me to new things on the web. She is a great teacher. I am not sure I am a very good student. Maybe I will do ok. I'll try. Thank you Rebekah for all the time you took with Clark and Charlee Beth. You are so amazing and talented. I can't wait to see the pictures. I hope your toe is alright. You have so much patience. I wish I could be around you more so maybe that would rub off on me. I REALLY need to work on mine.
Yesterday we left pretty early and stopped by to see Marisa on our way out. Then we made a stop in Birmingham to see Lucy's new store. It has so much space. I think she is going to LOVE it there. I know it is going to be a postitive change and bring in TONS on new business. We stopped in Montgomery to see Brad. He is in Montgomery until Thursday night. So we each got to get a hug and a kiss to hold us over till we see him. I feel like we have been away for a while. We all missed him. I am sure that he enjoyed the alone time but I am sure he missed us too. Love you babe be careful driving home and see you soon.
I guess my teaching duties offically start tomorrow. I have new teacher orientation. I have to be at walton high school at 8:30. It will take about an hour to get there so I will have to get up WAY early for me. My body is already saying WHAT? Oh well, I will get back in the swing of things. But after 2 years it may take me a while.

The last week and a half has been busy. The Frederick's came last Monday night. We were all so excited. They stayed until Saturday. I was really sad to see them go. I hope that they had a good time even with all the CRAZINESS. I am so blessed with their friendship. Marisa is really good for me. I tend to get a little lost sometimes and she influences me postively to find my way. Thank you for that. I can always count on you to see me for me and love me anyway. Whether I think I am loveable or not. You are an amazing friend. I love you.

The guys and kids went to Big Kahuna's and Marisa and I went to lunch and shopping. Tina and Joey met us for dinner. Dinner was like old times in Florence every relaxing and needed. It is really nice having visitors. I just always hate saying bye even for a short time.

Kristi and the girls got here on Sunday. Of course Charlee Beth is loving having Shelby here. Clark and Caroline are like two peas in a pod. Clark loves her and she is so good to him. Yesterday was Charlee Beth's 11th birthday. She invited 7 girls to spend the night. First, we swam at the beach club and walked on the beach. We came home and ate pizza, made a picture frame, had cake, and opened presents. She got some great gifts. She has a special group of friends. They stayed up late(or should I say early) watched Penelope and crashed downstairs. I think they had a lot of fun. They are actually upstairs as I type playing in her room.

I think today we are going to take Charlee Beth, Shelby, Caroline and Clark to see the American Girl movie. I actually would like to see it too. I think it will be good.

Monday was a hard day for me. I had to put our dog Belle(14 1/2 years old) to sleep. That was one of the hardest things I think I have ever had to do. Brad was out of town so I had to go by myself. Kristi stayed with the kids. She was so sweet and helped so much. Thank you for everything. I love you girl. Brad says that he is realizing that he thinks one of the reasons that God brought us here was to show me how strong I really am. Maybe he is right. Belle was like my baby. She was our baby before I had babies and I loved here so much. We found out that she had cancer in January and the vet said that she probably wouldn't live through the month but we were blessed to have her 7 more. I am very thankful for that time. I miss her. Brad said that he feels like he is forgetting something in the morning and at night. But she lived an awesome life and she is not in pain anymore.

Kristi is going to keep the kids so that Brad and I can go to dinner tonight. I am looking forward to it. Free sitter. Thanks girl.

My sister and her family are coming down tomorrow. Lots of friends and family it should be fun. I am sure there will not be a dull moment. I will let you know how it goes.

Tag I'm it!!!

Ok so I got tagged by Lucy and now I have to use my brain to think up 6 random facts about myself. I don't know. I am cheating sort of cause Marisa is here sitting beside me helping me think. Don't they always say two heads are better than one.

I have always wanted to be on stage somewhere singing or acting just doing something but the closest I've gotten is karoke.

A year ago I started taking guitar lessons. It is something I have always wanted to do.

I love to run........... I did a half marathon in March and would sign up for every race I could if I only had the time and money to travel to all of them.

I love ice cream. Ben and Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk to be exact. I sometmes sit and eat the entire pint by myself. This is another reason I run.

I sew. I love to sew children's clothes. I pretty much collect patterns, fabric, ribbon, buttons and trim basically anything that deals with sewing - I got it. I think I buy to keep other people from having it.

Before I turn 40 I want to be SMOKING HOT!!!! I think it may involve plastic surgery. I really stole this one from Marisa but it applies to me too. Orginally I was thinking that secretly I wish I was about 5'7" or 5'8" (gosh what am I saying I would love to be 5'3"or 5'4") thin and gorgeous. Never gonna happen so I opted for the other.

So I will tag Marisa cause I am going to attempt to set her up a blog. Later

I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!!! I am so excited. God is so awesome. I know that this whole thing is from Him. My prayer since we moved here has been for the Lord to show me what He has brought me here for. Little by little He is revealing to me His plan. I still have no idea what He has in store. I am faithful in knowing that His promises are true. That He does indeed have a plan for me. He tells me that He does and I am learning day by day to have patience and wait on Him to show me His way. It is so hard though.
THE FREDERICK'S ARE COMING!!!!!!!!!! That makes me happy. Monday night they should be here. I can't wait. Fun! Fun! Fun! I hope it is a relaxing time for Marisa. I hope she laughs a lot. I know I will. I always say that she is the funniest person I know and she doesn't even know it. She is just crazy! I know that I will truly love every moment I get to spend with her, Jeff and the kids.
My friend Christi Roby is taking me to lunch to celebrate my new job. She is so sweet. She is bringing her daughter to babysit so we can go without the kids. How fun is that!! We are also going to go shopping. Whew Who!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

O.k. O.k. I know it has been way too long. Crazy around here then we went out of town. I know I know excuses excuses. We went to Florence last week. It was a good trip. Stressful at times but that's ok. Me and the kids had a great time with our friends. It is always good to see special people that make your day a little brighter. Brad had fun playing golf. We enjoyed dinner and the fight with friends. Hey Joe and Jeff you still think that guy was robbed. We got back on Sunday night so I would be ready for my interview on Monday morning but it was rescheduled. That's ok. I will be there at 9:00 in the morning. I am so nervous. I hope I know what to say since I haven't interviewed for a job in like 14 years. Sometimes I wonder if I am too old for this. Nah!!! What am I saying I am young. I just got home for my bible study(well it's not really a bible study. It is more like growing in your relationship with the Lord). It is such a special group of ladies. I am really enjoying getting to know them and being inspired by them. I am truly in AWE of the Father. God has greatly blessed my life and I am reminded daily of His amazing love He has for me. Tonight we talked about the similarities between our earthly father and our Heavenly Father. I am so thankful for my earthly father and the kind of man he is. I think of how my daddy loves me and how much more that the Heavenly Father loves me that leaves me completely speechless.

The kids and I had a great time today. We went to the pool(me, Charlee Beth, Clark and Cassie) at bayside and met Lucy, Emma and John Connor. The kids had all kinds of fun activities and swam of course then we went to the beach. The waves were really rough. The kids were knocked down a few times and we all got too much sun. I am freezing as I type this and will probably have to sleep in a sweatshirt that is until the middle of the night when I have my nightly hot flash. I know some of you can relate. Oh well I guess that just part of the aging process. Oh I don't need to get into that or I may be here a while. I guess it is time for me to rest up for my interview tomorrow. Say a prayer for me that everything goes well(that I know what to say). Mostly I just want Gods will. Whatever His plan is I know it will be perfect.

I guess 10 days is way too many days between posts. Heather, Noah and Zoe just left to go back to Athens. I loved them visiting. Charlee Beth loved having them at her recital. Clark had the best time with Noah and Zoe. He laughed go hard at Noah like everyday. That uncontrollable laughter that almost makes you wet your pants. I love it!!! His friends Ben and Nick invited him to VBS this week at their church. He woke up this morning wanting to know if it was time to go. It was only 6:30. Of course he had a great time. Jan, Ben and Nick mom said she loved being around his happy spirit. That is exactly what he has a happy spirit. I love that about him. He has the best attitude about everything. Maybe I can learn some things from him.
This weekend Charlee Beth had her dance recital. It was really sweet. She looked beautiful. Of course I think so. She was so excited. Emma was down here from Birmingham so she got to go with us. Charlee was happy that she was there. I enjoyed her being there too. Emma is the sweetest girl. She always is so quiet and shy. I loved having her there because it was just she and I, we talked or should I say she talked. She told me all kinds of things I loved it. Loved hearing what she had to say-what was on her mind. She is so special.
Coach Black called this morning to say he is coming down in the morning. We love for him to visit. He always has some great story to tell and my kids absolutely love him and his vertible.
I am sure we will have some fun with him here. Never a dull moment when he is around.

Maybe next year

Well, Charlee Beth didn't make the cheerleading squad. She is ok. It is like she told me the other day if she didn't make it she knew that God had something better for her. She believes that and I do too. See I told you she was amazing. One of her best friends, Shelbi, made the squad. We are so exicited for her. I call her my other daughter. We love her, all of us. She is a precious girl and will make an awesome cheerleader. Charlee Beth has some great friends. She is actually gone shopping with Brooke and is going over to Cassie's after that to spend the night. How fun does that sound. Brad and I laugh that she has more of a social life than we do. I am happy she has sweet friends with wonderful families.
My men(Brad and Clark) have just come in from working in the yard. They cut the grass and worked in the flower beds. It looks great. Brad does a great job in the yard. He always keeps it looking nice. They are taking a shower and then Clark wants to go to the pool. I am excited about this afternoon my guitar teacher, Hans, is playing at Sully's in Fort Walton from 5-9 and we are going over to see his band play. It should be really fun. We will have dinner and enjoy some great music. Don't you wish you were here? I do.

Daddy's almost home!!

So I thought that I picked Brad up on Sat. Well I don't. I get to pick him up at the airport in the morning. He graduates from his banking school tonight. Yeah!! He has been in Nashville for the past week. How great for him. When he gets home he may want to go back. Oh well, he knew what he was getting when he married me. A crazy lady!!! To top it all off, on his way back to the hotel from dinner he walks in behind JESSICA SIMPSON!!!! Now how will he ever be the same seeing her and then coming home to me. HA! HA! He will have to get through it somehow.

My little girl is growing up. I am so sad. Not only is Brad gone but this week has been crazy. I have managed to make it almost through. Not without a few(ok a lot) of tears. Does that surprise anyone? On Monday Charlee Beth began a clinic to learn the cheer and dance for cheerleader tryouts. Did I mention she wants to try out for cheerleader? Can you say STRESS!!
Well not for her but for me. She never stresses. I do enough of that for both of us. I wonder why that is. I have a feeling that this is just the beginning of a lot of stress to come. I am really not ready for this middle school thing. Sometimes I think she is not ready, can she handle all that is about to come her way, will she have to deal with the things I had to deal with and how can I protect her. I think I am realizing that there isn't a definite answer. I just have to let her go,she has to have all the experiences(good and bad)and all I can do is pray. Pray for the Lord to protect her and pray that we have taught her to always seek Him. Seek Him in her choices and pray that she grows in her realtionship with Him so that she will be prepared to handle what comes her way. One thing I know for sure is that with God all things are possible. Everyday I tell myself He will never give me more than I can handle. Charlee Beth is an amazing young lady with a heart for God what more could I ask for. I am blessed. Got to go to field day! Should be great! Really HOT!!! Later.

O.K. so here I go trying this blog thing out. I say I don't think I will have anything to say but my friends remind me that I am never at a loss for words. Right girls? Brad(my sweet husband) is out of town (so for those of you who don't know me) Mama is just about to loose it. He helps me so much when he is not here I realize how much I take him for granted. I need to work one that! I can not believe that I am actually here all by myself. Charlee Beth is at school of course they don't get out till June 10th. Who ever heard of such. Clark is at a play date with his buddy Jonah. He was so excited. So even though I have a thousand(probably more) things to do I am sitting here. Ok so I am feeling a little guilty sitting when I need to be working so guess I will go for now.

This is crazy! This is crazy! This is crazy! This world I live in. Thanks so much Lucy. How awesome are you.

my first post

hi ashlee you need to make a blog post and say hi to the world