Tag and A Post

Mommy and her 'favorite man' she calls him. ;-)

He thought the corn was delicious. lol. He was a little disturbed by the feel of the silks though.

Me

Johny scouting for the girls. Couldn't resist taking a picture.

My dear little sister

Pretty girl

Country Girl

Trying to get to the food

My friends

'I love pear and blueberry sauce'

'Mom is so great'

Workin' on the barn.

Bird houses

Watching a bug

Speech

Cousins

Isn't she pretty?

This tag is rather large, but I thought it would be fun to do. I got it from Josh @ While I'm Waiting.

1. Do you like to write?
Yes I love to, in fact that is how I communicate with my friends. As an author I am not sure I am trying my hand at a book called Cowgirls for Christ, tell me what you think here.

2.Favorite books?
My favorite book, that's a hard one, probably Before You Meet Prince Charming.

3. Do you compose music/write songs?
No, I leave that to the composers. lol. But I do LOVE music.

4. Do you like poetry?
It's fine. I don't spend much time reading it.

5. Love someone so much who made you cry?
Besides God, my aunt Jenni.

6.Broken a bone?
Nope, but I have pulled an arm out of joint, sprained an ankle, and jammed fingers.

7.Been in a police car?
Thank God, I don't believe I have

8.Been on a boat?
Yes, many times! I love it.

9.Fallen asleep in school?
Yes, but since I am homeschooled I didn't get into trouble. ;-)

10. Did you sing today?
Yep, in fact I am right now. lol. I love to sing and actually take lessons!

11.KFC, Popeyes, or Church's?
None. We try to stay away from MSG.

12.Chick-fil-a or What-a-burger?
Chick-fil-a!! I love their chicken and ice cream.

13.Starbucks of McCafe?
Starbucks! I don't drink coffee much, but I do like it.

14.What's your favorite time of year?
Summer! No school, being out at the farm, and swimming.

15.Do you ever talk to yourself?
Yes, all the time. I have quite intelligent conversations with myself sometimes. lol. When i am doing chores, cleaning my room, or school.

16.Do you have a favorite treat you like to buy on occasion?
I like just about everything, and my mom's home-cooked meals are enough treat for me. But when I want a treat I usually have crackers. lol.

17. Do you believe the Bible is the literal Word of God and is infallible?
Of course!!!!

18. What's your favorite sport?
Ice skating, baseball, soccer, and FOOTBALL!

19. What color is your ipod?
black

20. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Scotland, I was born there and love it's courageous history.

21.If you could go to any fictional place, where would you go?
Narnia!

22.Do you love to write or do you just like writing? Or do you write at all?
I love writing....with one exception. When we get into trouble dad makes us write what we will or won't do at least 150 times. lol. My hand gets so sore.

23.What do you want to be when you’re a grown up?
I first of all want to be a mother and wife, and if it's God's will a barrel racer.

24.Favorite animal?
Horses!!

25. Favorite song?
Probably "Slow Fade" by casting Crowns, and a movie song Reflection, in Mulan.

26.Do you like school?
It's necessary, I do enjoy History and Bible.

27.Are you a people person?
Oh yes! I love talking, interacting, and getting to know people.

28. Do you like to talk?
I, unfortunately do a whole lot. I can talk and talk and talk and talk, until eventually everyone leaves. lol. Not really, but I do like to talk.

29.Favorite food?
Meats, and breads

30.Hobbies?
Playing the Fiddle, riding horses, etc. You'd have to look at my profile.

31.'Favorite author?
Don't have one, just favorite books.

32. Favorite weapon?
Bow and Arrow, but for people the Word of God.

33.Is this a fun tag or are you getting bored?
It's fun!

34.Do you like Hannah Montana and all those girly people and movies like Highschool Musical?
Nope, never watched them and don't want to. I've seen and Heard enough about them to know that they aren't worth watching.

35.What are you scared of?
Not a whole lot, sharks I guess.

36.Favorite flower?
Probably roses and daisies.

37.What is the expression on your face?
Ummm, serious, but now I am laughing. lol.

38. Color of your eyes?
Hazel, it depends on what color I am wearing. If I wear blue then they look bluer (sorry about the spelling).

An Award!!

I thought you all might like an award!!!!

Here are the guidelines:

1, Do a post about the person who awarded you, and their blog.

2, Give the award to 5 of your favorite blogs, give a reason, and leave a comment telling them they have been awarded.

3, Answer the 10 random questions.

4, Have Fun!!!!!

1, Well, I actually came up with and created this blog award, so the first one doesn't really apply to me. ;-)

2, I award this to:

Melody; Because she is my best friend.

Paige; Her photography is superb, and her family is wonderful.

Mackenzie Elizabeth; I love her family, her blog brings God so much glory.

Jenna; Her blog has been so encouraging for me, in so many ways.

Jessica Mae; She is a fellow country girl.

3: 1, Have you ever ridden an elephant? No, but my little sister has.

2, Have you ever eaten squid? Yes, it's tough and disgusting.

3, What is something crazy you have done with your best friend? Did a cross-cut contest with a huge, dull saw, on a 16'' diameter, solid oak log. Now that was crazy! It took us 7 1/2 minutes!

4, Have you ever held an alligator? Yep!

5, Have you ever let a snake slither through your fingers? What Kind? Yep, a Prairie Kingsnake and garter.

6, What is your first and foremost dream in life? To get married and have a family

7, What is your dream vacation? Nashville Tennessee

8, What is the funniest movie you have ever seen? Monsters vs Aliens

9, What is your favorite song? International Harvester

10, If you could change the world in one way, what would you do? Bring them all to Christ

Anyone else that wants to participate is more than welcome!!! You can copy and paste the picture for when you post about it and award it. Good Luck!!!

Please go to my book blog and read my book in progress and tell me what you think.

My New dress/Daybook!!!!

I thought I would share how excited I am about my new dress! My mom and grandmother went out to lunch yesterday and also went to a few shops. One in particular had this dress, it didn't go with everything else that was there and so my mom and grandma didn't think it was for sale, but they went ahead and asked. It was, and guess how much it was? $15!!! Isn't that a great deal?!?!?!? We are going to an old-fashioned Christmas ball, and I was really hoping to make a new dress but we didn't want to spend the money or did we have the time, but God provided once again. I am so thankful and can't wait to wear it. I have long loves, a shawl, fan, hoop skirt, undergarments, and shoes. The only thing i need is a hat to match, but we know where to look for that. I can barely wait. Isn't that a blessing Kerry? At the ball will take pictures, but I didn't want to get all dressed up just for pictures today. lol. My week was really good, except for my dad. My dad's back is doing weird things, it is giving him a whole lot of pain. He had to go to the hospital last night because his muscles were spasming non stop. He is doing much better and is home now, but please pray that the Lord heals him twice as strong. My poor dad. Thanks Chris and Jenny for all your help.

I just got done doing all my chores and eating lunch. All this morning my brothers and I have been creating and coming up with football plays. Chris and Aaron will probably be here a little later to play football, and we are determined to beat each other. It's getting more and more challenging and we have to be so much more creative. That's really all I am going to post about today, We are going to be busy tomorrow, so mom said I could do some today and maybe Wednesday.

I am going to start asking 10 random questions every week, and I want you all to answer them. I would love to get to know you all better. You can copy it, then paste it in a comment box, and substitute your answers for mine. Here it goes;

1. What color best describes you personality? Yellow

2. Why? Because I am very bright and happy most of them time, I can be serious, but also have a sense of humor. I love children, and love to be creative.

3. Do you have a purity ring, locket, or anything else? Yes, I have a ring

4. What is your favorite movie? Second Chances

5. What is your favorite book or book series? Elsie Dinsmore Series

6. What is your favorite thing to do? Ride horses, I don't get to do that though so, play my fiddle and guitar.

7. What is your favorite meal? Dinner

8. What is your favorite soda? Root Beer

9. Do you enjoy public speaking? Yes

10. What is your favorite type of shirt? T-shirt

Now it's your turn, answer away!!!!

Yes, I am really posting on Tuesday!!!

At our farm party we roasted hot dogs over an open fire and then for dessert we had smores. It was so much fun and everyone else brought drinks and chips. We had a great time and the fellowship was awesome!!! After eating we played horseshoes, Steve did his demonstration, and then we played football. Can you tell my family enjoys football? lol. My friend Kerry who was there played football with us, was supposed to guard me, and I have to give it to her, I didn't catch a one. lol. As soon as my dad said "Hike!" she wrapped me in a big bear hug and I asn't going anywhere until the play was over. lol. Great job Kerry!!!

We especially liked the roots. (We had to use Okra stalks for our sticks to roast hot dogs and marshmallows.)

Josh is determined to open Laura's juice for her.

I don't know how many of you read the story about Laura and Josh, but you should. As soon as we pulled up Laura and Josh started screaming and waving and as soon as we let Laura out of the van she ran to Josh and he gave her a big hug and told her she looked beautiful. lol. It was so hilarious!!! "What a little charmer," my dad said. They are only 5 years old. ;-)

Lily, isn't she a cutie?

Roastin' hotdogs

Yes, this is real. He puts two people on each side of the board and lifts them up with his teeth!!! He did Kerry and I last. We actually know him really well, and we are good friends with them. They are honest people and those are his real teeth.

We still can't believe it. He can life 1 ton with his teeth. He preforms all over the state and country.

ripping a license plate.

Little people audience

Here are the pictures from our trip to the Zoo. Our Zoo is rated #1 in the country!!!

I wish I could have touched him.

Aidan

A guy that worked at the zoo told us a little bit about the Cheetah skin and then noticed Lily's crown and told her that in Africa if you were a princess you would get to wear it as a cape, and he let her have her picture taken with it on. You look beautiful Lily!

Yes, it's a butterfly!!! We were in the butterfly, house, thing.

So much fun!!!

Great memories

Not another picture. lol

After the wedding we went to Culver's with my Aunt and Uncle and their family. Please check out her blog and leave a comment or become a follower.

Daddy's girl

Flower girl

Brothers

Down the Isle

The flower girls and ring bares

Please tell me what you think about these posts. Do you like them, or would you rather them just be personal and with pictures? Do you get tired of reading my long posts? I just want you all to know that this is mainly a journal for me to share with all of you, and I don't post about certain things ever, to tell someone else what they should do or be doing. This is stuff I write in my diary and just want to share here too.

In speech this week our assignment was to prepare a devotion, and so I chose to do it on Pride. Here it is, and how it will be said at class. I need to take a picture of our class and teacher don't I? Our teacher is just wonderful. She's a wonderful Christian lady, and her daughter is actually the one I take violin from that just got married. ;-).

I know all of you know what pride is. We all posses it in some form or another. Some people these days tend to make excuses or blame it on something else; the most common being, 'It runs in the family,' or 'It's just who I am,' because it is easier to make excuses than man up and conquer it.

I want to share what the Bible says about Pride.

Bad pride:

The Lord hates pride. It says in Proverbs 8:13, "...pride and arrogancy...do I hate." Those are powerful words! The only other thing the Lord says He hates is divorce, and we all know how horrible that is.

Pride also causes hate, bitterness, and strife. "Hatred stirreth up strifes, but love covereth all sins." Proverbs 10:12

Not admitting you are wrong is the biggest and most noticeable form of pride. Have you ever argued with your siblings or parents about something, that wasn't that important in the first place, and then come to find out you were wrong? I bet you never went back to them and congratulated them and told them they were right after all, did ya? Oh no, you just lay low and pretend it never even happened (lol), BUT if you had been right, you would have gone back to them and make sure they knew it. It's really comical when you think about it. Not admitting your wrong can also cause disrespect.

Pride will destroy relationships, pride is the reason for 75% of today's divorces. That's an alarming rate, and to think that that many divorces could have been avoided if they had taken the time to conquer their pride? It's upsetting.

It says in Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goeth before destruction, and a hauhgty spirit before a fall." We all know how that works, it's happened a time or two for all of us, in fact last night we were playing football/keep-away with 2 of the boys in our neighborhood, and dad threw me the ball and (Erin is his name) tried to run in front of the ball and catch it, he touched it but I ripped it out of his hands. I jokingly teased him about letting himself be beaten by a girl then laughed (it sounds terrible but he thought it was funny and so did everybody else. I don't make fun out of cutting people down, but earlier he had made a comment to his other friend (Chris) about letting me beat him at football, so I couldn't resist. ;-), well then I went to throw it back to my dad and he jumped up, blocked my throw, and then took the ball. lol. So see? I was proud of the fact I didn't let him get the ball, and then he took it right back. lol. It happens all the time if you really think about it. ;-)

Again, "He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife, but he who puts his trust in the Lord shall be blessed." Proverbs 28:25

However there is a good kind of pride, which I define as; Good pride is wanting to bring glory to someone else or God, bad pride is wanting only glory for yourself or for something you did. Taking pride in your siblings doing well in school, sports, etc is great!!! Taking pride when someone comes to Jesus and excepts salvation, now that is something to be proud of. You can tell the difference if you evaluate it, and who you are wanting to bring glory to.

In my opinion the Bible is very clear on what God thinks of pride. I pray that you, as well as myself, will take the time to conquer the bad pride, and nuture more good pride in family and faith.

"Overcome your pride and you could change the world."

www.ccforChrist.blogspot.com

In Christ,

Ashley Elaine

In a couple hours or so I am going to post some better pictures of my new haircut!! So keep watching and checking!

I have a question for you all. I have a second blog called, Cowgirls for Christ, and I have been wanting to write a book called that. So anyways, my point is, how would you like it if posted chapters on there as I wrote them? Would you all go read it? I will also have poles to let you say how you liked each chapter. Would you all like that? Please let me know.

Finally Posting

I am sooooo terribly sorry that I didn't post last week. I was so busy and had so little time at home. I do have some pictures but I don't have the time to post them now because I am getting ready to head to my grandparents' farm for a party I organized a while ago. I am all dressed up and excited!!! We are going to play games, have hay rides, and for dinner we are roasting hot dogs over a fire, and having smores for dessert!!! I am so thrilled, you have no idea how much I love cooking food over an open fire, it's awesome!!! My violin teacher got married last Saturday, Congratulations Caitlin and Steven Wightman!!! It was a very nice wedding and the cake was delicious!!

I wanted to use that wedding as an encouragement to all young ladies that are 20= and unmarried. Caitlin, my violin teacher, has waited 23 years, I believe, for God to bring the perfect suitor for her. She is a wonderful Christian girl (actually lady) she makes the best of violin teachers, and will I know for a fact make a wonderful wife and mother. She met Steve when he brought his little sister in to children's church one Sunday. I am sure Caitlin began to think that there wasn't anybody for her. But she still trusted God with her future, and look what he provided? Steve is a wonderful Christian man and his family is also wonderful and Caitlin has finally been blessed with a husband. So take heart ladies, the Lord has somebody for you, just trust Him. I thought that was pretty neat. I have several pictures of the wedding, in which Laura was a flower girl, that I will post probably on Tuesday (hopefully ;-)

Monday we did school, cleaned house, and bowled.

Tuesday; the weather was so beautiful we went to the Zoo!!! Our Zoo is the #1 zoo in America. It is always so clean and kept up. The animals living quarters are always so nice and well kept. It is also HUGE!!!

Wednesday; we got our school and music done and then went outside. Some of the neighborhood boys came over at 3:30 and we played football up the road for 3:30 - 6:15. It was awesome!!! I know this may seem funny, but I love football, Watching it is okay, but playing it I love!! I am always trying to get my brothers to play with me. When we go to the farm I usually can get my uncle and dad to play. I love it!!! I not only play two-hand-touch, but also tackle football. It is so much fun! We may end up playing today, we'll have to see.

Thursday; I had voice, piano, speech, and My orthodontist visit. They needed to put more expansion in my retainers, which he said wouldn't hurt the next day because my mouth would be used to them by now....lol. He was wrong. I didn't sleep at all that night, I had a terrible headache yesterday and my mouth hurt like crazy and I could hardly a thing. Poor me. lol.

Friday; We finally sold our beautiful French Alpine buck!!! We delivered him yesterday.

Today; I am getting ready for a party out at my grandparent's farm at noon. I am so excited!!!

I am so sorry once again and will try to be a better time manager.;-)

Thanks for still following, lol.

Sorry....

I was so busy again today!!! I am thinking that I should change the day!!!

I will post tomorrow!

My New Hair!!!

Okay, so I have wanted, for a while, to be able to donate my hair to 'Locks of Love' but it was never long enough. I was at my piano lessons and my teacher, her sister, and I were all talking about me getting my hair cut a whole lot shorter. I really wanted too, but for one thing I didn't think mom would let me cut 10" of my hair off. So anyways I asked mom, we called the hair salon and they said they would cut my hair for free if I donated it!!! So we decided to go in. It turned out to be a whole lot short than I had expected, but I do like it. I am still getting over the shock factor though, because I have never had my hair this short. I needed a change though...and I sure got it! lol. (Please don't kill me Grandma.) We asked my dad if that was ok and he said, "Well, how much we talking; 1/4, a 1/2 inch?" and mom said, "Actually, about 10 inches." "He texted her back and said, "Egads!!! I am picking myself off the floor!" lol. It was hilarious, but he didn't mind and he thought it was cute and was proud of me that I donated it. DON'T SCROLL ANY FARTHER!!! TAKE A DEEP BREATH BEFORE PROCEEDING....... ;-)

Before...

After!!!

As long as it still looks good with a cowboy hat. ;-)

I HAVE A NEW BLOG!!! PLEASE VISIT AND BECOME A FOLLOWER!

www.ccforChrist.blogspot.com

Praise God/ Younger siblings

Isn't she so pretty?

I am so happy to be posting! I am in such a great mood today! I am so happy and am just enjoying life so much!! I wish i was this happy all the time. I know that if i work at it hard enough then I will, and I do, but I want results after 1 day of trying. lol. I guess it doesn't work that way, does it?

I did a variety of things this past week; Wednesday we had coop pickup, Thursday we had lessons, Friday we didn't do anything because it was rainy and soccer was cancelled. Saturday; our neighborhood block party. We played football outside with dad and my brothers for awhile and then the party started at 2pm. We played football and hide-and-seek with the neighborhood kids from 2-10:30pm. Yeah, isn't that nuts?!!?!?!?! We had so much fun though and we got to meet some really nice kids. None of them were homeschoolers, but they were definitely good kids. We needless to say very tired as well.

Now I am going to brag about our neighborhood. Our neighborhood is the best. We have the best neighbors in the world. Everybody is so nice and helpful, everyone talks and has fun even if they met you that day. Most of the kids are good and nice, and if someone needs help they are always there to help. It's so awesome.

On Sunday we went out to the farm again and worked on the milking barn. I forgot to take pictures, sorry. But maybe this weekend i will, if I don't forget again.

Monday we cleaned house, Tuesday we had to go pick up our side of beef for the year, and today we have a lady coming over to learn how to make bread. I love company!!!

I though I would share with you what I do each morning of every day. I love schedules.

Wake up at 7am.

Workout *

Have a healthy snack

do school

practice instruments

Make breakfast (if mom doesn't already have plans)

Evenings:

Walk or run

make dinner (if mom doesn't already have plans for it)

Sleep by 10pm.

Thursdays are a little different since we have to leave at 8:15, and don't get back until 6pm. Mondays I have chores to do during the day, and Thursday and Friday I have to clean the kitchen.

* Okay about my workout. I love it!! I have always been the type that enjoyed working out with weights. I would rather do that than Pilates or some other workout. My aunt told us about this new one called P90X, and it rocks. It's a 90-day period of hard-core training. They not only do weights but they also jumping and spinning and other things that will definitely help with sport performance. I play soccer and want to get back into ice skating, (I have also thought about gymnastics too) so that is helping a whole lot. I also work out at the farm, and to do that you have to be really strong sometimes, so i thought, heck, why not become stronger and be able to toss those bales higher than I've ever been able to before. lol. I love doing it. ;-) I am so energetic too, and I can't stand how non-active I am in the winter because of the cold, so I decided to change that. I have also gotten a huge boost of metabolism too. I eat like you can't believe, and I also crave healthier stuff. Let me tell you a secret I heard on the radio, and it's real, it does really work. If the first thing you eat in the morning is junk, sweets or maybe chips and crackers, that is what you will crave all day; junk, sweets, chips, etc. But if you eat a piece of fruit, vegetable, milk, eggs, etc., you would be surprised at what you crave the rest of the day!!! So this is what I do; (You never want to eat before you workout) I do my workout and then drink my protein energy drink..

Drink

2 1/2 cups milk

1 raw egg

vanilla

1/4-1/2 cup honey (depending on how sweet you like it)

(It has about 20-some grams of protein!!!)

Blend together in a blender

I drink half of that a day. You want to drink it after you workout, run, walk, or even work really hard. Because when you do that it takes a lot out of your muscles and then they start pulling it from other parts of your body to replenish. So if you drink it right afterwards you give your muscles what they need and they rest of your body. It's so awesome!!

Try it sometime!!!

I really have a lot to say this time!! ha, ha, ha!

Now for the post I was working on... (Scroll down and enter my contest and giveaway while your here too.)

The post I was working on was how important I felt family was.

My assignment for next week's speech lesson was a Persuasive Speech, and I wanted to do something that was serious, but also something that all ages could relate to and understand. So I chose family.

The other day I was in the middle of doing schoolwork and my brother came up to me and asked if I would help him with a song for piano, he couldn't quiet figure out. I was in the middle of my practicing and I needed to get done because I had something important to do. So I told him that he was going to have to wait and that I didn't have the time to. It made him upset that I couldn't find a couple seconds to help him with a simple thing. But I (horrified to say) didn't care so much because I was busy and trying to get done. Later that night I was in my room thinking about how much I look forward to being married and having children of my own. And i started thinking about all the things I needed to work on before I could handle my own kids, and it all led back to what I did earlier that day. And I was so upset at the fact that I couldn't spare a few seconds for him. (See, that brother has a very different sort of personality. He really wants to make me happy and make me proud, but will totally drive me to the edge sometimes, and when I get upset or irritated, it hurts his feelings. On the other hand, I will sit him down and have a good strong talk with , letting him know that I am serious about the fact that he needs to stop doing something, and he will give me a hug and from then on try so hard to do the right thing and always looks at me afterwards to see if I approved.) Anyways, I though long and hard about it and realized, you know if he were to die tomorrow (God forbid it) I would have that regret hanging on me for the rest of my life. That's how I would always remember our last days together. It's horrifying to think about, but it's so true, and that's what I realized.

Family is so important and I am going to focus on older siblings now. We have a lot of responsibility. Just think about it, we have 1-? younger siblings looking up to us for what is right and wrong. They, even if you don't notice, are always watching how you react to things, what you say and do, and most importantly, what you tell others to do with their brothers and sisters and how well you actually follow that. That is the most important thing with being an older sibling 1, always making sure you aren't being a hypocrite and, 2 always sticking up for them when no one else is. You wouldn't know how much that molds your younger siblings relationship and trust in you. I know from experience that hypocrisy is the thing that causes the most hate and bitterness out of everything. (When I say experience, I mean what I've seen from my siblings when i would do it.) If I tell you that you shouldn't yell at your siblings or tell them to go away, and my siblings know I said that, and then turn around and yell at them to go away, they will hate you for that! Or if you tell them, 'You shouldn't always have chips when you need a snack, and then you have some, but tell them that it doesn't apply to you, they will also hate you for that! And I feel that if you want them to act, talk, eat, etc., a certain way; you need to be doing it too. An example is the best way to show them right from wrong. (As an older sibling that is.)

I want you all to think about that; if my siblings died today, would it be a peaceful sadness....or a painful sadness full of regrets and sorrow? It matters, trust me. Even to think about it makes me regret all the times I chose to do what I wanted to do instead of making time for them.

I don't expect anyone to be perfect, but i do expect you to try your very best and strive to be perfect.

Now I know that brothers and sisters can sometimes be a little demanding at times, and sometimes they need to be told no, because you are doing something that's important. But be so careful that it's important to someone else and not yourself. Because if we keep our minds off of ourselves, and on others, we will tend to think a whole lot clearer. It's a hard thing to do, but it's the right thing to do.

And I don't know how your households are run, but I am the main disciplinarian of my little sister and a guide to my brothers. I sit them down and have a talk, I show them what they did wrong, and sometimes I even discipline (I never spank the older ones, with them I feel and have noticed that losing something of doing without something they were excited about is plenty.) Mom and dad do a lot of the disciplining, but dad is at work all day, and mom has enough of her own stuff to do, so I end up doing a lot of it. And for the older ones also, they see better (with me anyways) through a guide rather than a boss because especially my oldest brother, Christopher, we are only a year apart and that causes for some competition. And when he is right about something or any of them point out something I did wrong, I take it and apologize because if you are willing to dish it out, you also have to be willing to take it in, and trust me there will be plenty. I think it is also a stress reliever too, for the younger siblings because it seems to them you are always telling them what to do, and to get to tell you you did something wrong is so great! lol. ;-)

Disclaimer: I am not perfect and Do not always do the right thing. (Phew! Had to make that one clear) lol.

I constantly have to work at it and be on guard for any trial and temptation the devil tries to throw my way. And sometimes you will stumble and mess up, but what shines brighter than the mistake you made, is how you handle it afterwards. If you put your pride aside and say sorry, then it all works out a whole lot better.

A tip that I always try to follow is, when I think of something I want to do (only if it is going to please me, if mom said to then do it right away.) I think of something to do with or for somebody else: If I want to go read a book for fun, i might see if there is something that needs to be done, brothers that need help with school, read a book to Laura, play a game with the boys, or something like, because if you start off with that, eventually you will hardly think of yourself at all. Because if we thought to do something for or with somebody else as much as we thought to do something for our own pleasure we would be doing a heck of a lot more for others and 1/2 as much for ourselves.

Now i don't mean; you remember you need to sweep the kitchen and you say, 'Well maybe I'll go play a game with my sister. That doesn't count, sorry. lol. ;-)

Tell me what you all think about it and I am and I encourage you all to participate in the Cowgirls and Cowboys for Christ, challenge!!! That's my new blog/club name. Click here to see it.

For a whole week I want you to, whenever you think of something to do to please you, do something with or for somebody else. Good Luck and God Bless!!!

Ashley

Delayer...

stuff to do all day today so I was, unfortunately, unable to post. I am so so terribly sorry, but will definitely be on either tomorrow or Thursday!!! I am so sorry once again.

Weekly Update!!

They put it on him so he wouldn't get sunburned, but I though he made a great pirate!!!

My best friends

'If I could only be out there playing football too.'

Once again I am so excited to be posting!!! I did many things throughout the week, and I forgot many of them. I had a great week!

On Saturday and Sunday we went out to my grandparents farm to help them fix fences, build a milking barn, and hang out. Of course we didn't get the barn done in two days, but I think we are going back out there this weekend. (I'll keep process pictures on here)

Those horse pictures are from a rodeo that was getting ready to take place at the same time we were playing soccer. It was so great to see all the horses.

I didn't post yesterday because we had too many things to do, didn't get time too.

Something that I am looking forward to is the old-fashioned Christmas ball in December. I am so excited because the dress is Jane Austen. So as soon as me and my friend Kerry get our supplies together I think we will get together and make our dresses. She is going with us. lol. I love the high wasted dresses. I know of a pattern that isn't so low, like in Pride and Prejudice. So i am excited about that.

I really don't have a whole lot to say today, sorry. I did want to tell you that i am having a contest and giveaway!! If you scroll down there is still time to enter.

I will get to post probably in a few days because I am working on a post that is really long, and I didn't get time to do it today, so keep checking.

Thanks to all my new followers, and hope to hear from you.

Another thing, my other aunt has a blog now!!! Please check it out here.

Another Award!

Here are the rules: Share 7 things about yourself your blog readers do not know, then award 7 readers.

Here are my seven things you don't know about me. :)

1. I am perfect!!! (Just kidding. lol. Bet you didn’t know that? ha, ha.)

2. I struggle with submission.

3. I can mimic crying very well.

4. I love waking up early and having everything done by the time the rest of my family gets up in the morning.

5. I love sweaty hard work.

6. I love quizzes and tests in school.

7. And I should make this a real good one.....O, I don’t wear foundation or face powder!! (Stupid, but i bet you didn’t know it.)

I award this to: Livvy @ A Daughters Heart, Bethany @ Asher Acres, Ashley @, Imperfect Housewife, Jenny @ Family of Three For now, Kate @ Saved By Grace, Steph @ Livin' In the South, and anyone else that would like to take part!

Make Sure to check out my contest and giveaway below!!!

Contest and Giveaway!!!!!!

Ok so maybe a little longer than 30 minutes. lol.

I decided to have a giveaway and a contest!!! That way everybody is happy.

Contest:

It will be a photography contest. The prize will be a card making kit for your personal use. The theme will be Fall.

The kit includes:

-Blank card

-Sheet of Christmas paper to fit card.

-Snowman stickers.

-Red ribbon.

Details and Rules.

-Must be a follower.

-Put entry picture on sidebar, then leave comment telling me your picture is there. I will copy and paste it to my document containing all entries.

( I do not have e-mail.)

-Only one entry per person.

-No editing, I want picture right after it's been taken.

-No studio photos. Please be honest.

There isn't an age group, but when you leave your comment go ahead and tell me how old you are so I can take it into account.

-I will send kit by mail, so i will need your full address. (I will be honest, and that will be sent over e-mail to keep it private.)

Giveaway:

It is as simple as it sounds. I will be giving away another card making kit.

Kit includes:

-blank green card.

-cherry paper to fit card.

-Stickers

-Red Ribbon

Details and Rules:

(If you entered the contest you are still allowed to enter giveaway.)

1st. way to enter.: Become a follower. (You have to become a follower.)

2nd. way to enter: Post about this giveaway.

3rd. way to enter: Add me to your blogroll.

4th way to enter: Somebody new comes to my blog from your post about it. (So if you linked from someone else's blog, be sure to let me know so i can enter them a 4th time.)

-Please leave a comment every time you enter.

The deadline for both is;

Monday, October 12th, 12:00 pm.

Enjoy, and good luck to all!!!

Entries must be done by 12pm. I will sit down with my family and draw a name and pick the contest winner.

My Week, and funny story

Wow!!! It seems like forever since I have posted! I guess because i am looking forward to doing right after i get done. Things usually take longer that way. lol.

Wednesday; I don't remember what we did.

Thursday I Had piano, violin, and speech. Speech was awesome. I think I got an A 97% on both!! The things i always struggle with is not talking too fast when i get nervous. I think from now on I am going to post what my speeches are about. Would you al enjoy that?

Anyways, Friday; My aunt and her two sweeties, grandma, and grandpa came over for pizza and a family movie. My Oldest brother, dad, and uncle Chris went fishing on Thursday, and wouldn't be back until Saturday, so we invited Jenny and the kids over to pass another lonely evening by herself. We had fun. I think Aidan is just as cute as he can be.

Saturday; We went to a farm Fall Festival. It was a lot of fun! Ok now this is hilarious. While we were there one of my best friends, Kerry's, aunt was there with her 5 kids. One of her boys was 5 (the same age as my little sister) They hit it right off. They were inseparable. It was so adorable.

The farmer had them both on his lap (see picture) and said, "You know I'm a preacher don't ya?" They both said, Yeah. "You know I do weddings, don't ya?" They both said , Yeah again. (He was joking. ;) Laura paused for a minute, looked up, and said, "Well, let's just do it then." She said it so matter-of-factly, and Carl (the farmer) had no idea what to say because he had just told her he could. It was so funny and it caused a great laugh!!

I also got to ride belgium horse. She was at least 18 hands tall, and just as smooth as ever. He said that if i wanted to i could show them for him at firs next august through the fall.

We will see though. I would love too.

Sunday; We went over the Weber's house for the day and a barbeque. It was a lot of fun and I got to ride a horse for about 1 1/2 hours. It was so awesome!!

Monday; we cleaned house all day.

Today: I got up @ 6:30 did school, took a shower, got my little sister ready, made poppyseed bread and fried eggs for breakfast, practiced my violin, fiddle, and piano. And now I am going to post for a lot of the day.

Prayer request: I need a lot of prayer. As you all know it is a huge desire of mine to have a horse and do barrel racing. And as you also know, mom and dad will not allow me to get a horse. Every time i see, ride, or pet one I can't help but remember how much i desire to have one of my own. Please pray that i will have the strength to trust God with my dreams, and in the mean time submit to my parents authority.

I Have decided to have a giveaway!! I will post details and picture in about 30 min.

God Bless!!!!

Old-fashioned hat and fan

I thought you all might like to see some pictures of my hopechest and some of my old-fashioned accessories. And can you believe that this is my 51st post?!??!?!?!

Also My grandma has a blog now!!! Stop by and say hi. Should I host a contest? I thought about it for my 60th post. What do you all think? Should I have a contest?

My Week

How exciting!!! I have been anticipating posting since last time I was on here. lol. I love blogging!!! Now a little about how I am doing and my week.

Saturday; We went to a Green Tree Festival in Kirkwood. It had all kinds of cool stuff. They had a whole section of the park just for re-enactors. All periods, and countries, it was awesome. I got a really pretty fan from one of the booths. I really would like to get into re-enacting. I love it. The Missouri fiddlers were also there. My fiddle teacher wa

s there too!

Sunday; we went to church and caught up on any school that needed to be finished.

Monday; My uncle came over and fixed our toilets. That was so exciting!! Here let me explain..our toilets, if you don't manually turn the water off, will run and run, and run. So every time you went the bathroom, you had to turn the water on and then off. It was such a pain. But now...they all work, I could just stand there and flush the toilet over and over. It's so great! lol. You would have to live here to understand. ;-)

After he got done, we went to get him eyeglasses for his birthday gift. See you would have to know my uncle to understand why we got him glasses. He is very thrifty and won't waste a thing and also doesn't like to spend money. His pair that he had, he had owned for about 5 years!!! They had already broken once and he had to put a melting plastic connector and melted it back together. He didn't want to spend any money on glasses. (They are pretty expensive) He had also lost his last pair of contacts when water skiing 2 weekends ago. lol. He was desperate. lol. But now, he is up to date and seeing again (He could see before.)

School:

I am loving school! It is so great I run into a fe

w tricky spots here and there but I can usually get through them in my own.

Speech: I have also started (my brothers too) a speech class. It is very time consuming and I have a lot of homework, but it's also a lot of fun. This week's assignments were to prepare a 7-8 minutes expository, and a narrative. The narrative body had to be at least a 1/2 of a page memorized from your favorite book. I love it. I have a speech tournament in December. Yeash!! I'm a little nervous about that. ;)

Music: Piano, violin, and voice are going great! And fiddle, well, you know how much I love that! For voice I m singing a Trans Siberian Orch

estra song for my piano recital, and I am also doing a talent show and contest in february.

As for me I am doing great!!! I just love being homeschooled. I love being with my family every day and constantly having to work on patience and grace. See, when you are in public school you never have to work on that because there isn't a need to.

I told mom the other day, "I am such a happy girl. I have such wonderful brothers and sisters, and parents and a God." That's how i feel. I am so content and happy where I am.

A few sad notes: One our milk goat, Chloe died.

She was struggeling so much for the last month or so. We kept giving her herbs, extra feed, we gave her natural and chemical wormer, and did all we could. She seemed to become better, and then...she died this morning. That is the 3rd goat that we have lost to the same exact thing. Please, if anybody know anything about it, let me know. We hate it when they die.

Another things is, mom and dad have decided and told me that I am not ever allowed to get a horse. ;( I was very upset and......upset. They do have a good reason, even though it's hard for me to see. They are very worried about my safety. The

y keep hearing stories about things that have happened to girls that have had them. They have died, never been the same, and they really feel the Lord is warning them to not let me. It is, i admit it, very hard to see that right now, due to the fact that it is one of my biggest dreams. But I have made the decision to submit to their decision and try to see it from their eyes. So pray for me that I will have the strength to fight my flesh and the temptation to become mad about it. It is such good training for having to submit to my husband and God even when i don't understand or see the whole picture.

I will be posting every Tuesday from now on.

God Bless You all,

Ashley

I have been featured on Behind The Teen Scene on Christian Music

Have you been awarded on my blog?

Thank you Stephanie from Livin in the South for this Honest Scrap Award. =)

Rules:

1) Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award.
2) Share "ten honest things" about myself.
3) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me.
4) Tell those 7 people that they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving.

1. I love the country.

2. I want to be a barrel racer someday.

3. I love old-fashioned things.

4. I love Math!!! It's my favorite subject!

5. I am going to be in a fiddle contest next year!

6. Ok, now about being honest, I have kind of just said things I like lol. I talk really fast when I am nervous.

8. Many times have I tried to write a book but failed. This year I am determined to finish one!

9. I am so prone to accidents! I usually find something to hurt myself with everyday. lol.

10. I daydream a whole lot!! lol

I award:

Lydia @ Day by Day, Bethany @ Asher acres, Livvy @ A Daughter's heart, Jenny (my aunt) @ family of three for now, Marci @ amazing graze farm, Jenna @ Feminine Farmgirl, and Jasmine @ joyfully at home.

Family Bowling Night

During the school year my family goes bowling every Monday night if we all got our chores and school done. It was so much fun!!!!

Here are the pictures...

Johny

mom

dad always smokes us all

Laura even bowls

Hey, it got him a strike

He admits he isn't the most balanced in the family

Me

Another Note: My mom said that she doesn't want me on the computer everyday, and to pick one day out of the week that I want to be posting, and catching upon your blogs. ;-( I am so sad but, i thought I'd go ahead and let you all know. So you can look forward to reading a new post every Tuesday or Wednesday. (I may get lucky and be at my grandparents house and get to post on my grandma's computer because she doesn't mind. ;) Thanks all you wonderful followers and commenters, your the best! lol. Please don't leave, I will be here once a week still and then i'll post like 5 different posts.

Hey look at me I am posting!! Lol. I use my mom's computer and she doesn't want me on all the time, everyday, so that is why I don't post everyday, although I would, gladly. ;)

My dad, two brothers, uncle and grandpa's birthdays were all within a week-and-a-half of each other's and so we all went to Culver's yesterday and hung out together for their birthdays. it was so much fun, and once again i got to watch the little ones. The are the greatest!!!