Let Go and Let God.

To often I get caught up in life's struggles and forget about the big man in charge.

I have to remind myself that everything is in his hands and he won't put more on me than I can handle.

Today was one of those days for me and even though I do not know what the outcome will be I do know that God is in control and he is looking out for myself and my little family! 

I seen this today and it is Perfect...

Always remember that no matter what life throws your way there is always someone there to pick you up, dust you off, and wrap those amazing arms of comfort around you.

Thank you Lord for your amazing Love!

With Much Love,

Ashley

100 Mile Yard Sale!

Yes Friends you heard me right.

It is 100 miles of complete Awesome-ness. 

Yard Sale after Yard Sale and all kinds of great thrifts, antiques and dust covered wonderful junk.

People literally take off work for this event every year. 

It starts Thursday and goes until Monday and it is always on Memorial Day weekend.

We weren't looking for anything particular other than a good deal and anything that caught our eye.

I actually was looking more for other people than for myself. 

I had a short list for my sister and unfortunately I was only able to find part of what she wanted. 

Then we always look keeping others in mind.

We only went Saturday this year and part of Sunday and let me tell you it was HOTTT.

98 degrees of no clouds in the sky scorching hot sun. 

With a cooler full of water in the car and a covered stroller we were 

able to make it from 7:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon.

In that time frame we only covered about 40 miles if even that. 

Trust me when I say we went to a ton of yard sales.

I did find a few cute things that I think I will probably spray paint and make some cute decor with.

I promise to post pictures when I get my project complete. =)

There are rows of Yard Sales Set up behind the one's in the front too.

This lady had some wonderful ceramics. 

I was on a Mission to get my sister from Sweet Little Somethings (go check out her amazing blog) some jewelry from a man who was set up at the yard sales last year. Glad I found him because he said this was probably his last year. He makes all of his jewelry and lot of it is from deer antlers he finds in the woods. 

Here is what I got her!

Now here are the things I got for myself. 

All for $16.25! 

Antique Owl Cookie Jar $10.00

Vintage Serving Platter $1.00

Vintage Serving Tray $3.00

Owl Soap Dish .25 

Pot holders $1.00 each. (Sister the Turtle is yours!)

I didn't end up getting to much this year but we always have such a good time going! 

Hot and a little red from the sun, but still smiling!

Until Next Time,

Ashley 

Little Notes on our LIfe

Dear Son, 

It is okay for you to slow down and stop growing so fast. Momma doesn't mind one bit. =)

Dear Sun,

I loved getting to spend some wonderful time with you this weekend. 

However when you still burn me after I apply SPF 75 

4 times it doesn't make me want to see much of you anymore.

 Maybe chill out on your intense hotness. 

Dear Weekend,

Thank you for so much amazing family time and thrifty finds! 

(Post and Pictures to come soon)

Dear Husband,

You never cease to amaze me with your love for myself and our son.

 We are so blessed to have you even if I can be snippy with you sometimes. 

(I'm Sorry for that)

Dear Laundry,

I finally tackled you after a weekend of letting you take over the house. 

I had so much more fun being away from home and spending it with people 

I love the most!

Dear Dust Bunnies,

Your Next! I'm coming after you tomorrow.

Dear Summer,

I am looking forward to all the fun times we are going to have. 

Now that my little man is walking it's going to be a blast.

Dear Back,

You can ease up on your intense pain. 

Now that Clayton is walking I will try and take it a little easier on you!

Dear Soldiers,

Thank you to anyone who has serve, who is still serving or who we have lost because they were defending our country. May God always bless you and all those that you love!!!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and remember what 

Memorial Day really stands for. 

With Much Love,

Ashley 

Tantrums

My son has always had such a wonderful temperament.

Calm, Collected, Laid backed...

Well since my now 10 1/2 month old has been walking for 2 weeks, he has found his attitude.

Let me paint you a picture. We are seating in the living room playing as we normally do and he decided it was time to empty his toy bin as he often does. Well as he is pulling everything out one by one, heaven forbid his fire truck get lodged under another toy and he couldn't just throw it out like normal.

He Literally hit the truck, screamed as if he had just been bitten, and threw himself backwards!

I was in such awe struck that I sat there and just let him cool down without even saying a word to him.

After a few minutes he resumed trying to get out the fire truck 

 succeed and all was right in the world again.

Until this afternoon when he hit me because I wouldn't let him climb up the back of his chair.

I knew these things were coming.

I guess I just didn't expect them to come this soon.

Now I am at a loss and searching for anything I can try to do and see how to deal with these things.

I am not against spanking to a degree. However, I do not feel that it is always necessary especially with a baby so young who is just learning and trying to find their voice.

With that said how do you teach them these boundaries so young and keep this behavior from occurring all the time?....

So I come to you fellow bloggers and any mommies out there who have had to deal with this too and ask what has worked for you?

How do you handle these situations?

Or is my child the only one who does these things and I am doomed for life?! =)

Give me your insight, show me your wisdom! 

Before the Tantrum and me getting hit in the eye

Until Next Time,

Ashley 

Still Alive

I know I have been MIA for about a week. 

You guessed it I was sick again. 

My doctor is wanting to refer me to a specialist to see about having my tonsils removed. 

Not what I pictured having done at 26 but hey if I can get some long term relief that would be fantastic.

I swear every time I get sick it seems like it takes me forever to get back on track with things. 

Here I am though trying to find our schedule again! 

I have had a lot going on. 

Getting stuff done around the house. 

Planning my son's FIRST Birthday. =)

My Jewelry Business. 

Working on our front porch.

And much much more that I will catch you up on now that things are getting back to normal.

I know this is short I just wanted to say,

 hang in there with me and I promise for some fun things coming soon!

I hope you all are doing well and that life is wonderful for you.

Love those Blue Eyes!

Until Next Time,
Ashley 

Guest Post: Eryka from ABCDE

Hi readers! Im Eryka from abcde. I blog about my life as a wifey and share things I love//things that inspire me. I love meeting new friends, so feel free to stop by and say Hi! Ashley and I are swapping blogs for the day, so hope you all have some fun! 

1. Why do you blog? Pro's and Con's? 

I started this blog as a way to update my family on my life. It has quickly turned into an outlet for me to share my feelings, thoughts and things I love. The only con I have with blogging is, learning to balance blogging with everything else. Its not so much a con anymore but, at first it was. 

2. Your favorite thing about blogging? 

I love the close knit family us bloggers are. Yes, I know Wwe aren't friends with every single blogger but, we do develop friendships with certain bloggers and I know for me they are some of my greatest friends! 

3. What is your all time favorite thing to do in the Summer? 

Well, you see im not too much of a Summer girl. Id rather be cold than hot. Other than that, I do love all the outdoor things you can do in the Summer. Swimming, Sno Cones, Amusement Parks, Camping, and sandals//flip flops!

4. Since you started blogging, what is your favorite thing about it? 

Like I said above I love the friendships I have made with some blogging ladies. I love each and everyone of them. I feel like I have known them forever! Its pretty awesome! Maybe you and I could be friends so feel free to stop on over! 

Blog/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram

I adore Eryka's Blog and I was honored when she agreed to swap with me. 

So Make sure to visit her blog and share some love. 


With Much Love,
Ashley =)

abcdetheblog.blogspot.com

Mug swap such fun!

Well we had a wonderful weekend here at the McGowan home. 

I enjoyed mothers day and got to spend all day with my loves. 

Worked on the front porch some and even got my run in.

Oh and I got to sleep all night thanks to the hubby getting up with little man and letting momma sleep! =)

I also received my Coffee Mug from the Swap Suzel Says  got together! 

It was such a fun swap and I am so thankful to have been able to be apart of it. 

So with no further distractions I was paired with the Lovely Trish From Our Tattooed Life

and she really did her homework for our swap!

Ready to dig in?!?!

Lovely Card!
Espresso Shot drink to keep me going!
Adorable Mug!
Teddy Grahams for my Son!

Can you say super thoughtful? I loved it all and hope she enjoys hers just as much. 

I can't wait to do my next swap and heck maybe I will even host one soon.

Happy Monday Friends!

Until Next Time,

Ashley 

Wonderful Wednesday

It was Absolutely Gorgeous here today.

Bright blue skies, sun shining and about 75 degrees= Perfect in this girls book.

So Clayton and Mommy ran a few errands this morning. 

Got groceries and came home to cook lunch.

Took a wonderfully cuddly nap together.

Woke up had a snack and headed to the park for our favorite part of the day.

Clayton chills in the stroller while I run.

Then he got to have some fun swinging. (I just adore how he giggles when he swings!)

Hung out on the front porch and even managed to get a

 few coats of paint on my metal chair I got for the front porch.

Still loving my Flowers and can't wait to get more planted. 

We had a peaceful and very calm day. It was very nice. 

I treasure days like today and take in ever moment, it's the little blessing in life. =)

With Much Love,

Ashley 

10 Months

10 Months..... That is how old my son turned today!

It still amazes me that he is already that old. Those long nights full of crying and sleepless delusion that I thought would never past have. (Sometimes=) My little boy is growing up way to fast right in front of me and I have no clue where the time has gone.

At 10 months he is:

Still Breast feeding =)

Has 6 teeth

Eating solids

Crawling all over the place

Starting to stand and balance on his own

Taking 4 to 6 steps on his own

Babbling up a storm

Saying Dada, Mama, Baba? Since he really doesn't get one often

Smiling constantly 

Laughing all of the time

In to EVERYTHING

Finding his voice and it can sometimes be very loud

Starting to throw little fits when he doesn't get his way

Playing Patty Cake

Starting to Wave hello and goodbye

Dancing to Music

Recognizing family and friends we see often

Stealing my heart over and over again everyday! 

Around this time last year I was planning his arrival and I can't believe that I am now starting to plan his 

first birthday. I am going to be a wreck! 

I just try and remind myself everyday to enjoy everyday and 

all of the little moments because in no time they too will be gone.

Clayton Eli 10 Months =)

With Much Love,

Ashley 

Ahhhh- mazing Weekend

You ever just feel like you need to get away?

I was feeling that way and let me just tell you our weekend road trip to St. Louis to see my cousin's and take our little guy to the zoo is just what I needed. 

It was wonderful to have a whole weekend with my hubby with us. 

He works way to much so we don't get to see him near enough. 

We went to some of our favorite stores, of course ate to much, went to the Zoo and even made it home in enough time on Sunday to plant some flowers in my awesome planters my hubby got me!!!

Talk about a wonderful weekend with some of the people I love most in the world.

As I promised get ready for picture over load... =)

This is for three days!

He is so sweet

He acted scared of it at first

Daddy and his little man

<3

He makes me so happy

Family Picture at the STL Zoo

=)

Those eyes melt my heart!

First of many pictures of Project redo porch. =)

I am so thankful for the amazing family I have been blessed with and 

I had such a wonderful time this weekend with them! 

With Much Love,

Ashley 

Robots In Trouble Give Away

Super Fun Giveaway over at Robots in Trouble!

You all should all go check out her cute blog and look at this Give away.

With Much Love,

Ashley 

Weekend Get Away

Alright friends, the car is loaded and we are about to head out

 for our weekend of fun in St. Louis. 

You can look forward to picture overload on Monday!

We are going to get in some great family time with my cousins, go to the Zoo, 

Grant's Farm and maybe ever the Butterfly House. 

Don't forget to throw in shopping and eating. =)

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to filling you in on our trip.

With Much Love,

Ashley 

Little Notes...

I love this idea that I got from abcde (a blog I love and that you need to go and visit!) 

Oh and I am in her Sponsor Post today! =) 

 and since I don't have a ton of time today I thought it would be a perfect little post! 

Dear cute little green shelf, I love you and I am so glad I found you at such a wonderful price

but I still have no clue what I am going to do with you. 

Dear wonderful glass on red moscato, thank you for being so delicious and making my night last night relaxing. The me time we had was amazing!

Dear dishes in the kitchen sick, I do wish you would just take care of yourself. This not having a dishwasher business is not for this gal. 

Dear clothes, I would greatly appreciate it if you would fold yourself and neatly find your place in my suitcase for our weekend in St. Louis.

Dear Trisha, from 'Our Tattooed Life'  I hope you love your Mug that I mailed out to you today!

Dear Clayton,  Mommy loves how much of a big boy you are being taking a nap all by yourself and I hope that you will rest up good so I can pack and get things ready for our trip. Sleep good and we will go to the park when you wake up!

Dear Hubby, I have missed you this week while you have been training in San Antonio and I am so glad that you will be home tonight for me to cuddle with. =)

Dear St. Louis, I hope you will give us wonderful weather this weekend so we can have a wonderful time enjoying your beautiful city and of course The Zoo.

Dear Jesus, Thank you for all of your many blessing and for showing me a way to improve on myself everyday!!!! 

Happy Thursday Friends and I hope you have a great day.

This afternoon will consist of finishing packing, going for our walk at the park, 

and of course Grey's.

With Much Love,

Ashley  

Happy Anniversary

I never thought that when I met my husband almost 6 years ago that 

I could ever love him more than I did then.

I told my mom literally 3 days after I had met him, that I had met the man I was going to marry.

I didn't even know his last name yet. =) I just knew. 

Okay folks gather around for story time... 

This is how I met my Husband.

I was out with my girls for the night Celebrating being single, my friends recent divorce and talking about how much we despised men and didn't need them.

We wound up going to a local bar called... are you ready for this?!

 'Scooters' Yes my friends this is a true story.

After being there for a while we decided to go to another place down the road. 

Now you really have to picture this. I am walking out the front door when 

I bump into the bouncer (my husband). 

"Oopps I am sorry" and then I look up at him. 

He is 6'5" and I am 5'6"

Here it is my famous pick up line... "Your cute whats your number?"

I know cheesy right?! What can I say it worked. ;)

He wrote his number on my hand.

He told me he got off in a little while if I wanted to hang out to call him.

I go with my friends to the other bar and I couldn't stop thinking about this tall, handsome man with his AMAZING Smile. I did try and call him and lets just say this is where things got interesting. 

It wasn't a WORKING number!!!

What did I do you ask? That is a very good question.

 I took my now slightly intoxicated self back to the bar he worked at.

 (Now I hated men even more than I did when I started the night out!)

Of course the bar was closing so they wouldn't let me in. But I told the guy taking the trash out that I needed to talk to the tall, cute guy with the blue eyes and pretty smile. He asked me his name and I told him that I thought it was Jesse something. 

Out he walks a few minutes later with that Beautiful smile on his face.

I decided it would be best to stand on my tip toes to get my point across as 

I told him in a rather loud tone...

"If you are not interested in a girl you tell them that. You do not give them a fake phone number and tell them to call you!"

Then he proceeded to tell me that his phone was about to be cut off and didn't realize it already had been... Not sure how much of that was the truth. =) But we went to dinner the next night and literally sat up and talked ALL night! He didn't try anything we just talked. It was amazing. 

We had and have so much in common and I knew from the first time we hung out that he was going to be the man I spent everyday with for the rest of my life.

I can say that I love him more now than when we got married 3 years ago. 

He means the world to me in more ways than I can every express in words. 

Because of our anniversary I thought I would take you guys on  a picture journey as I look back on the last 5 1/2 years of our life together so far!

That smile and those blue eyes <3

One of the first pictures of us

Our first trip to Florida to meet my family

He can always make me smile

Engagement Pictures

I love how goofy he is!

Amazing Day!

Love this Picture

Such a Proud Daddy

=)

Would do anything in the world for our family!

Adore

First Family Pictures

Melts my Heart

Sorry for the picture overload but I had to share some of my all time favorite pictures with you.

I love you Jesse McGowan and all that you do for our family.

I can love the woman I am with you and the way you make me so very happy.

Happy Anniversary baby!

May 2, 2009

With Much Love,

Ashley