a pantry pick-me-up!

So... I have a new friend.  She's cute and insanely clever.  She abounds in southern charm.  She's kinda the kind of gal you could hate if you started comparing... except that she's-

kind.

generous.

and loves Jesus!

I know.. what's a girl to do? 

I'm just trying to capitalize on her brilliance.  You may have heard of her.  She's sorta blog famous {click here}.  She's teaching me the ways of my new toy.  And while I was over at her home I begged for a tour {no shame}.  One thing that I LOVED,  and there were many, was her pantry.  She bought these fancy chip clip thingys from eBay.  I almost bought some then I thought of what I have on hand... and how I have no patience... and how I desperately love instant gratification....

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So like one gone mad on a budget. 

 I scampered to the garage and produced these curtain clips and a yard stick.

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I took the clips off of the rings and glued them onto the yard stick.

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Next I gave it a hit of white spray paint.  

I think the new chip clip system will be a hit!  

Everything tidy and now the kiddos can see what we have on hand = making lunch packing a bit more easy!  

THANK YOU Christy!!

workroom glam!

So.. today in true Ashly fashion- I'm doing laundry and cleaning.  But while I was dusting the workroom I thought she needed some glam {or metallic gold spray paint in my eyes}.  So I shopped the house and I'm LOVING her!

I borrowed the cowhide from the master..

The wall art needs help.  It's the huge frame I scored for $5 last summer that I'v used 100 times- like Prissy's party

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And a lamp from the living room...

A mirror from the attic.

Changed out some old hardware that I sprayed.  Does anyone else out there have a mason jar filled with misc hardware in the event that you lose your mind and need some more gold in your life??

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Some antlers got some gold! And these shells came down from the playroom too..  Grumpy is back from his stent in the attic!

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I recovered this chair from the playroom with a faux throw {also from the playroom}. POOR playroom.. thank you for sharing.  You are next sweet one!

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It's a beautiful thing to have a neutral pallet- so you can borrow from other rooms in your home :)

And an attic FULL couldn't hurt either ;)

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And I've been monograming everything in site! 

 More to come on that....

cupcake wars party!!

So.. Prissy's bestie just happens to share a b-day month.  It only makes sense to join forces!  This year we let the girls tap into their inner bakers with a "Cupcake War" theme-

 SO FUN!!

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These girls make my heart smile!

I made them some matching aprons..

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.. and monogrammed spoons. 

 {because- it's who I am!}

They chose spoons out of a jar to decide teams.

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Then they were given 1 hour & a theme along with:

 every known fondant color,

 every known icing color, 

every known sprinkle,

every imaginable cupcake liner known to man..

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and accessories that would impress Duff himself!

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Prissy was in her element!  

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This is one of her masterpieces :)

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Then we took a breather and had some bubbly!

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She looks 16 here :(

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Then they got their craft on! 

 We made jewelry holders and kool-aid lip glosses.

Awe.. to be 12 again....

.. and then she was 12

I can NOT believe that my little once shadow is 12 today.  

So far this is what I know about you sweet Prissy..

You...

* are kind hearted 

* are naturally beautiful  

* are very FUNNY and witty & have the best laugh

* are very much an artist

{my "keep" art box for you is overflowing- 

and I only keep the best!} 

* are my go-to fashion consultant

* are a wonderful baker

 {sorry that I only recently let you mess up the 

kitchen by yourself. please forgive me}

* are a great singer

{and can hear a song once and know it!}

* are very clever

* are very generous 

* are awesome at braiding 

* have a way of making others at ease

* are such a beautiful ballerina

* are easily embarrassed 

* got a new freckle yesterday

 {I'm gonna call her Francis}

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This is what I want you to remember sweet girl..

* I loved you from the minute I peed on the stick.. 

but when they handed you to me- we became soul mates!

* no matter where I am.. I'm your biggest fan

{day and night!}

* cast your cares on the Lord.. 

{believe it or not?  He loves you even more than me!}

* wear sunscreen

* always be gracious.. it serves you well!

* modest is hottest 

{I know... enough already}

* learn to forgive quickly

* be slow to speak... 

* when life gets tough- PRAY.  then shop!

* eat your veggies

* you don't have to have the newest or priciest-

{thrifting is way more fun}

* try not to compare yourself to others.. 

{it's a joy-stealer}

* set goals for yourself

* don't be in a hurry to wear make-up

* marry someone who loves you without it.

{a guy just like your Daddy}

* remember your actions, not your belongings - define you!

* you don't need to wash your hair everyday.. but you MUST wash your face!

* a few tiny bites of cookie dough won't kill you

* go to college and get a degree you can use

* be kind!  

* I ADORE YOU!!

your Momma,

Mountain Va-cay!

So... "we loaded up the truck and we moved to Beverly..."  Literally we couldn't fit another thing in the car as we headed to the mountains.  It was GLORIOUS y'all!  I adore the mountains.  And since I'm rather fair skinned... I'm much more of a mountain girl than a beach girl.

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First stop.. Mast General Store.  Where we were taken back to old timey sodas and candy.  The kiddos were sold for the mountains when Joey vowed "YES!  Everyone choose an iced cold beverage from the cool drink dispenser."  {I'm sorta a prude and don't let them have sodas... He's clearly the superior parent in their eyes!  I however take them to all of their dentist appts!}

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We mined for gems.  Cause we are clearly suckers.  Prissy found a huge ruby!  A-man got some of the prettiest quartz I've ever seen.

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My man got to let his hair down and grow the full glory of God on his face!  He has to shave everyday so it's nice to relax.  And this picture cracks me up because in his world... nothing says relaxing like windows down, arms out, and country music on the radio.  

P.S.  my hair loves the mountains!  70 degrees is the best!!!!

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Our cabin was amazing! We ate, hiked to the waterfall, dipped in the hot tub.

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played on the swing..

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biked...

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played a little Lincoln Logs!!

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And then repeated the next day!!

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We made some wonderful memories.  Ones that I will cherish for years to come.  Prissy and I have decided that we could learn to love a place in Blowing Rock... or Banner Elk!  

Joey's favorite part- hiking Grandfather Mountain!

Mine- the food!  OH MY WORD fish and chips!!

Kiddos- candy cigarettes from Mast General....

 I have no words for this pic.  

happy marriage day!

My sweet A-man always says "marriage" instead of wedding.  Like- my wedding ring is a "marriage ring" and my wedding anniversary {which is today!} is in fact my marriage anniversary.

So..

Happy Marriage Anniversary! 

to:

 my bff, my mentor, my trip advisor specialist, my personal assistant, my confident, my advisor, my spiritual leader, my chauffeur, my talk-me-off-the ledge-er, my who-cares-what-they-think-er, my I-love-you-no-matter-what-er!

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I adore you more than I did 14 yrs ago {more than any wife ought to be allowed}. 

 And I love you never gonna stop!!!!

XXOX,

Happy July 4th....

Oh my word!  I've missed my little blog world and my two followers {counting Cooner}!  We had the best time on the 4th!  Here's a little recap...

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A-man won the 1 mile fun run.  Prissy opted out of the "all for 1 and 1 for all" mentality that Joey has embodied- to make us participate in said events :)  In her defense... her bestie broke her foot this week and Prissy has always been one to sympathize with the wounded.  Hence the sudden "need" for an athletic wrap on the morning of the race.  A-man was Presh!  He darted out {like all the other littles in the race}.  Then I called him back.  "A-man stay with Mama.  You will be happy you did."  "But the other boys are gonna win!" he said already holding his side.  In the end, he took my advice and stayed with me.  We passed those boys on the second turn.  I'd be lying if I said I didn't smile when we did!  Then he saw the finish line and panted...  "Mama.. don't pass me okay?"  I cried and slowed down.  He bolted to the finish and WON!!!!

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And speaking of winners....  Who else do you know that could produce this many flags in one trip to the attic???  Besides Cooner???

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Then again..  how many flags is too many for a parade??

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Joey said he was embarrassed to drive us... But then on the second lap of the parade, admitted that his embarrassment had in fact turned to pride.  Then somehow talked us into yelling "Happy Birthday America!" as we strolled past the judges.  SHAMELESS!!!

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SO FUN!!!! 

I'm so thankful for the freedom we have and these 3 monkeys to celebrate with!!!


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I love this cutie pie!
  Pollyanna is an American Classic.