It Must Be In Them Genes.

I am my Mother's Daughter
My Sister's little Sister
My Grandma's Granddaughter
My Neice's Auntie
My Auntie's Daughter

My Aunts' Neice
My Cousin's Cousin
My Great Grandma's Great Granddaughter
My Girl Friends' Friend
My Sisters In Christ's Sister

My Puppy's Mom
My In-Law's In Law

The common factor for all of those is this:
I am a women.

This month is National Women's History Month. I would like to put some strong women in my life in the spotlight. They are women that have talents you couldn't believe! 

First and foremost is my Momma. 

  
{Left: My Grandma, Right: My Momma}
She is superwomen. She raised her 3 children as a single Mom and still fixed the washing machine when it was broken, fixed the toilet when it wouldn't flush, painted the house numerous times, went to her son's T-ball and baseball games, went to her daughter's cello reticles, shopped with her eldest all while teaching us to chew with our mouths closed and to pronounce our "T's". Amongst other things she is a crafty lady. She owns 3 Etsy shops that are very diverse and unique. Check out her Steam Punk jewelry at Steam Trunk Studios She also has a Uniquely elegant line of jewelry at Lilikoi Designer after making all of that she has a whole sale site where she sales components as well at Hip Chickee Beads. I would not, could not, survive if it weren't for my Momma's heart. It does so many more things than just pump blood. 

My Sister is one of a kind. 

{Left: My Sister, Right: My Niece}

She is a phenomenal Mother to her children. While she cleans her home 19 times a day, does laundry for five, works at home full time, co-partners in 2 Etsy shops, takes care of her three children 4 years old and younger, Bakes cookies, still has time to go to the gym and make home made Chinese food for dinner. My sister has that "craft gene" in her as well. She is a superb master of the sewing machine and sells her wonders on Etsy. Her Designer quilts and chic way to make everyday items adorable are crafted and sold in Love Me Ragged. Crafty in a whole other spectrum are her one of a kind wood letters and assortments on JC's Blooming Boutique. 

I couldn't imagine not having my big sister to dance in the kitchen with and to cry with.

These two women are in my life almost daily and are in my thoughts and prayers always. I have so many women in my life that are incredible and bless those who surround them. You know who you are. My Mom has always taught me to Remember Who I Am and What I Stand For.

So, cheers to all the Women out there! Lets take a bit and remember how far we have come, where we are and where we are going. Remember all the women in your life that make an impact, remember the women in your life who have died and were a blessing, Remember all the little girls we are teaching to be women; so they may grow up and remember who they are and what they stand for.

Until Next Time,
Peace & Love

Inspiring, But Limited Memories

The funny thing about memories is sometimes those memories are forgotten. We tried really hard to make an impression, or do something exciting, or keeping a tradition, but somewhere down the line its forgotten.

That is until something sparks those lost memories and they come flooding back like they were yesterday.

I sadly have forgotten so much about you. I was little when you were part of my life and when I was older, so were you. I have grown up hearing stories about you and to this day, here stories about you. I'm surrounded by you in my home; even though you are finally Home. None of the things that I'm surrounded by have sparked any sort of memory. Yes, I am overwhelmed by the sense of love that flows through those things and memory that I know they were yours. I even get overwhelmed at the thought that I now have the opportunity to weave these things into my life, and into my future children's lives. I am a sentimental person and knowing I am able to carry your memory into my home and my life means everything. Though, being sentimental and loving all these beautiful things doesn't make me remember you.

I have a flood of emotion running through me when my Mom brought home this necklace; this was yours. This one thing brought so many memories of you, that I didn't know I had. I remember your smell and your tight hugs. I remember your always watching eyes, your beautiful dark hair and how a smile would sneak its way through those ruby red lips. I remember your hot living room and drinking pretend tea out of teacups. I remember swimming in the pool by your house. I remember you wearing this on multiple occasions and the black ribbed shirt you would typically wear it with. Even how beautifully dark your hair was hours before you went Home.

Even though, I have limited memories of you, I miss you. I wish I could remember more or both you and my Grammie. Hearing and seeing stories of how you both were amazing Christian Women inspires me. I want my great grandchildren to love my acquired crystal, hand made lace, costume and stunning jewelry. I want it to bring back happy memories of who I was, just as your Amber Crystal, crochet and jewelry do for me.

Until Next Time,

Peace & Love

To my Papa and Grandma

I pray that I will remember every detail, smell, touch and memory of my families souls.

My Dear and Precious Papa and Grandma,

Many times I was holding J'Amy's hand as a stewardess brought us off the plane. Being so thrilled to see both of you standing in the terminal waiting for us. I remember driving in your car playing a guessing game. Papa driving and Grandma in the passenger seat. Questions like, "Mikey And Minnie Mouse Lives There" and "You love his movies". We were completely stumped on where we could be headed. Turning a corner and seeing the Happiest Place on Earth. I remember touching star fish and being splashed with salt water at Sea World.

I remember playing on the one person trampoline singing songs in the backyard. Climbing the back wall pretending I was lost. I ate bags of cherries and remember Papa's rhyme about them. I loved playing with that old doll. It was always put away so neatly when we got there, and it was one of the first things I'd grab to play with. The Dachshund figurine in the office on Papa's shelves was the coolest. He has it still in his office today. I can't tell you why I loved your bathroom so much. It was just awesomely huge and the Pink Panther was always in a precarious position and place. It still is fun to see him move about your bathroom when we come over.

Most nights I would wake up and sit in the kitchen before anyone was awake and watch the house alarm. I'm not sure if I was afraid, or just antsy to start the day, but it was always peaceful in those wee hours of the morning. The small bathroom off of the laundry room makes me smile to this day. I have so many memories of us singing, curling our hair and learning how to properly wash my hands. I ate broccoli for the first time at your house and realized I loved it. It to this day is my favorite veggie.

I remember sitting on Grandma's lap and playing with her "ingos". The indian beaded earrings and I loved them. I remember the soft sound of Grandma's voice when she would pray with us when she tucked us in. I remember Papa's big hugs and his comfortable smell. I remember Papa's hands as he held our hands. They were rough and firm, quite the opposite of Grandma's.

I have so many beautiful memories of you both. I can't drink enough of them in, or make enough of them. I have learned so many things, and have so many more things to learn from you both. I could go on and on.

You are stunning souls and simply, I love you both so much!

All my love, Ashley

Until Next Time,

Peace & Love

Thinking inside the box

There are always moments in life that make you realize what values are imprinted in your core, and what ones are not.

I admit I tend to be passive aggressive in uncomfortable situations. I am passive in situations where I need to be. Overall, I like to think I'm fairly aggressive. For all those who may see that comment and think its not a good thing.

Somewhere, somehow I think a spark ignited in my brain a couple of years ago. It lit up parts of my life that have been dark for years. It also let me see. I am not all knowing, or all seeing. (Though, the twinkle in my eye children will think so) I've learned to see things about my life in a different light. Learning the skills I need in life to have a stress free, neutral, happy and consistent life. Learning the needs of those around me to have them have a stress free, neutral, happy and consistent life. I must admit, its been an interesting endeavor. With that said, I've learned who I am and starting to ground myself in what I stand for. Again, it has been an interesting endeavor. Learning all of that lets you see people completely different. Its odd and challenging. I will not claim its easy, or that I've accomplished "looking outside the box". The reality isn't trying to "Look outside the box" but look inside the box and figure out how it all fits in there.

I admire my family for all that they are and all that they aren't. Where each of us have our weaknesses one of us is strong. I am so blessed that we are so webbed together perfectly.

Until next Time,
Peace & Love

And they whispered Psalms 23

What a needed weekend. This weekend we went up to visit my Grandparents in Idaho. It was just the Baileys this go around. The drives as usual aren't the most favorite part of the trip, but we had the neccesitites of Sun Flower seeds, gummy worms (Drayton's favorite), Cola and water (Drayton doesn't Drink soda :)) and then we filled in the filled the speakers with Dave Ramsey's seminar on Financial Peace or whatever it was called. It was good to listen to and conjure some of my own ideas on how to get creative and out of debt with our budget. To me, he sounds like the comedian Frank Callendo when he pokes fun of George W. Bush.
We really didn't have the weekend planned, and we didn't really need too, we just wanted to be, and not be in the way. So most of our weekend was well chatted up. My Great Grandma Root is as my Papa put "She's like an elastic, but this time she's not going to snap back, nor does she need too" Millie Root is a strong woman, and is on her way to the Glorious Kingdom, that we all hope and pray we will reside in one day. The thought is envious, I must admit, but in due time will I meet our maker. My Papa was reading the Bible to my Great Grandma, and I followed along in John with them, and then my Grandparents both whispered close to her Psalms 23 to my Great Grandma, and I couldn't help but to just cry. My Grandparents are so loving, and so secure in their faith, of which I hope to achieve one day. (sooner rather than later!) I don't know why, but the myriad of versus they could just say out of memory, and then that song, just made my tears flow.
Grandma and Papa wanted to show Drayton where my Uncle Randy lived, and what a beautiful drive it was, here is a photo of the river, simply beautiful.

The drive up there was wonderful, and we got to see My uncles amazing home, from the outside. :) and then we moseyed around and had a wonderful Saturday. All in all, I needed the comfort only my Grandparents could bring me, in my *Ahem* OUR mission. I know there is something missing in my life and I so badly want to fill that void I fill, and am overwhelmed at the way it is all unfolding right before my eyes, and what a beautiful path it is to follow.

It was a good weekend, even with my Great Grandma, it was good for my soul to see her one last time. It was a good kick in the pants trip to get me going again. I'm blessed to have all these wonderful people in our lives.

Until Next Time,
Peace & Love