award - not a CMA, even better...

How nice of Amber, my lovely sister to give me a Fabulous Blog award. I actually didnt even know I had the award until she told me to look at her blog. I dont blog much anymore, and I need to appologize for that. I do not have a computer at my new house, that may come after the holidays. Also I really dont lead a very eventful life to blog about on a daily/weekly basis. Very uneventful compared to when I was living in Alaska. But I will try to get better and blog more often, when I can.

Now the rules say all I have to do is pass this award along to 5 other fabulous blogs and also write about 5 things that I am obsessed with right now. BUT, as most of you know, I am not very good at following the directions, so I am going to just say.. all of you bloggers in the blog world deserve this award and if you are reading this and you have not already been honored with this award I want you to post it on your blog and also post about the 5 things you are obsessed with at this time.

Now for my 5 obessions...

1) I am obsessed with getting my house organized. It is not near complete yet, but hopefully after the holidays I will have some more money to purchase the things I need to complete my den and spare bedroom.

2) Now that I am home from Alaska and can drive down the road or to the next town to see my family and friends I am obsessed with spending time with them. I guess I didnt realize how much I need to be around them to be happy and enjoy myself to the full extent. I can just sit and watch tv or a movie and be happy when I am with my family and friends. They are great, and I cherish the time I spend with them. I love to be able to drive to Newton and see Kierstyn and Aaron whenever I can! As well as, the rest of my family!

3) I am also, as many others are, obsessed with facebook. I check it daily (on my phone) and read status updates of my family and friends. It is just nice to hear how their days are going and if they need anything. I love to read about good days and good events in their lives. It is a fun and easy way to stay in contact with people I dont see or talk to all the time.

4) As a follow up to #3 I am obsessed with text messaging. I send and recieve about 8,000 text a month. I love to text and recieve text. YES, I have conversations through texting and I express emotions through text as well. I know it is hard to fully understand people while texting, but I do it anyway. I love it. I dont really enjoy talking on the phone anymore, conversations have been replaced by texting for me. I also feel more comfortable with texting some people as opposed to talking on the phone! Its just me! :)

5) My final obsession to add to this list would be books. I have so many books in my house, which is hilarious to me because I dont really read all that much. I have kids books, educational books, and teaching books. My spare bedroom is full of totes that are full of educational books and supplies. I know when I have a full time teaching job most of the educational "stuff" will move to my classrooom, but at this point is just appears I have way to much. I guess thats the perks and down falls of being a teacher and loving my job. :)

Well those are my 5 obsessions. I will try before the end of the month to post pictures of my new tattoo. no promises though!

All about me and my life

OK, I know I dont blog near as much as I used to or near as much as I should, but I rarely catch myself at the computer for more than 20 or 30 minutes a day, and that time is spent reading emails, playing on facebook and checking my bills...

So I just thought I would take a minute to catch some bloggers up and let you know what I plan to get online soon.

~ I am moving to Noble. In town in Noble, I am renting a house from two wonderful people, and I am only 3 miles from my dad's house :)

~ I still have blonde high lights in my hair. Which I am finally used to when I look in the mirror.

~ I love being home with my family and friends more than words can describe. I do miss Alaska, and the friends I made up there, and the dogs in my life up there, but there is no place like home.

~ I am working at OCC, and love it.

~ I am also subbing in surrounding counties in the schools. Which is very interesting :)

~ My nephew is number 40 on the JFL green team. GO Aaron!

~ I spend my Sunday afternoons at Newton on the bleechers of the football field (see above).

~ Kierstyn has two parades coming up this month she will be marching in for the Newton JR Band.

~ I will be watching 2 parades this month (see above)

~ Dustin Granby is running for Jasper County Treasurer! VOTE FOR GRANBY! :)

~ My brother in law's bday is Friday - 9/25/09.

~ Lisa and Scott just celebrated their anniversary today. 9/24/09

~ Now, future plans include posting pictures of my new house, car, hair do and the kids upcoming events... if you would like to find me on facebook, I update my status often on there :)

Have a great Weekend and enjoy the wonderful weather we are having :)

Love to all

A little behind

OK OK, I know I have not been blogging much, but man, I have just been so crazy busy... Na, not really, I am just lazy and never really want to sit down and blog. I cant add any pics right now, but I will sometime soon.

I am working out at OCC, two days a week, like is so far.

I have been spending time with family and friends lots :) I had a wonderful Labor Day weekend. We went to the Farm on Saturday and that was a blast, Lisa and I both experienced side aches from laughing so hard :) And Yes, I did the slip n slide again and my body hurt on Sunday. But it is always worth is, and no I am not too old to slip n slide :)

I check my facebook, usually everyday, so... I kind of know whats up with friends and family.

Mom and I got a new Wii game, Resort Sports, I LOVE IT! We play it lots.

Other than that, not much is new... well not that I can think of right NOW...................


OH WAIT :)

Today 09-09-09 - Is the 3 year anniversary of Amber and Jason McReaken's wedding. I am so amazed it has been 3 years since they got married. I will always remember that day, and the love they shared that day with family, and friends. I know they are so happy and love eachother, I wish them Many Many more years of happiness. I love to visit with them, it is always fun to be around them. And their ever growing farm.

Have a wonderful anniversary :) I love you both :)

Whats New?

Well its been almost a month since a posted anything, so I figured I could type up a short blog about whats new with me.

~ Still job hunting. But I am not worried or upset, just looking around...

~ I love spending time with my family as much as possible.

~ Took Kierstyn, Aaron, Cole, Amber and Jason to Holiday World last weekend, it was a BLAST. Of course the adults got sun burnt... But we all had a good time.

~ Also took the kids to Chuck E Cheese, it was a good time too. The kids had fun, so thats what matters.

~ Unpacked, no no, opened 3 boxes from my move, looked in them, then closed them back up and neatly stacked them in my room. LOL - it was not anything I needed or had anywhere to put, so I just left it in the box where it belongs.

~ PARKA - yeah in one of the boxes I chose to open was my - 60 degree weather parka and my -40 degree weather snow pants... dont think I will need them anytime soon. Hint the reason I just left them in the box.

~ BIG NEWS - Dad turned 59 yesterday (July 28th) So I had some family and friends come down to Olney we had pizza, and cup cakes for his birthday. I had a wonderful time and I think he did too, he seemed a little surprised, I hope he was anyway. My dad is so great, we get along so well, I dont know how I would have made it to where I am today without him. He is always there when I need something, and he is always watching out for me! I know I am closer with my dad then Amber and Lisa, but thats just the way it has worked out. I missed him so much while I was in Alaska, and it has been so great to be home and see him whenever I want. The Groves family is a very close family, and getting closer all the time... (thanks to myself and Daina) So it is great that so many family members were able to come down to help celebrate Dad's Day. Thanks everyone. :) It meant a lot to me and him.

~ Looking forward to this weekend, going swimming and having a cookout in Lville. Going to be a good ol time.

~ Next week I am looking forward to spending quality time with Mom while Brad takes a guys only vacation to Sturgis... Mom and I will have good times - Wii parties and the such. :)

~ Also plan to go to Charleston next week to visit Paulina and other friends up there :)

Well I think I have filled up enough for my blog. I have some pictures I will post next time I am at Amber's.

Take care and enjoy what we have left of summer :)

One Month home and a lifetime of Memories :)

Me and Mom out after spa day... it was a wonderful day/night

Christina and I out at the Fireside :)

Kierstyn on the ride at the lovely Jasper County Fair

Daina and I at the Newton Eagles... our pretty regular hang out :)

Paulina and I at Toasters in Mattoon, with the old gang... good times...

Amber and I at the Holiday Hotel. We had a wonderful time that day, night, and morning :)

Marty doing the CAT walk in her 1970's robe. She is hilarious, Spa day wouldnt be the same without Marty and her Old Man Balls Robe.

Kierstyn, Aaron and I doing our Twister Act. Gotta love those kids. But the funny thing is I came up with the ACT. LOL

Duke being Duke, as soon as he sees a box he thinks he has to get in it, no matter the size. He took over my cell phone box.

Bailey Joe, enjoying his mom's slide show of pictures through the door. Amber pulls some good tricks out of her pocket at times... As long as she is not stuck :)


NOW FOR MY BLOG TEXT... I had technical difficulties with this blog stuff... so my pictures are above my text... sorry for any confusion...

I know I know.... I have not blogged in awhile, but I have been so busy now that I am back in Illinois. I LOVE LOVE being home. I am having such a good time with my family and friends. We have had family get togethers, reunions, spa days, wedding receptions, dinners, nights out, movie trips, babies born.... and so much more.

So blogging has just not been on the top of my to do list, but I am now taking the time to blog and share a few pictures I have take. I hope you enjoy them...

Also on a good note, for those of you that dont know, I have a new car (well new to me)... I got a 2001 Ford Taurus... I LOVE IT, its a really nice car.

I am just enjoying my life at home, and my family and friends. Its so wonderful to be back home. I have also talked with people from Alaska since I have been home, so that was nice, they are enjoying their summers and spending time with their families also.

On another note, I am still job hunting, guy hunting and house hunting... LOL, maybe I should just learn to hunt deer I will prolly have better luck. :)

enjoy the photos... lots of Love from Ashley Marie

Home and Loving every Minute of it!!!

Well, as most of you know, I made it home, Saturday evening. I am so happy to be home. It seemed like a very long trip, but well worth it.

When I arrived at the Effingham train station, to my surprise I had 2 sisters, (Amber and Lisa), my brother in law (Jason) and Amber Tonn there to greet me. I was so excited I screamed when I got off the train, and dropped my bags to give hugs. (Thank you Jason for picking them up for me) We did not stand a chat much, since they had been waiting well over an hour on the late train. (and it was not my fault it was late, I know I am late everywhere I go, but this time it was out of my control)

We soon left and headed to Vandalia to my cousins wedding reception. (Congratulations to Matt and Erin Koehler) I was very happy to my mom, Brad and the rest of my family. It was a great evening with the family. I am sorry I didnt make it to the beautiful wedding, but being at the reception with the family was wonderful. Amber Tonn and I stayed at the reception for a couple hours...

Then we drove back down to Olney, so I could see "my boys" I was only able to see 2 out of the 4, I ran with all last summer. But it was great to see them and other friends in Olney. I was also able to see Mariah when we got back to Amber's house that evening.

The next morning.. ok, ok afternoon Amber woke me up, to get ready to head to the farm to see the GROVES family. (and yes, we were a little late) That was wonderful. Most of the family was there, and it was a great time as always, fun, food, games, family, friends, four wheelers, what else could you ask for. We had a great afternoon and evening...

I was so happy to see so many members of my family and so many friends already. There are several people I have not seen, and I will eventually get around to seeing everyone, just give me time.. I had a couple priorities to get out of the way...

I am in the process of buying a car, I am very excited about it. I am also interviewing for some teaching jobs for next fall, and of course helping the Turner's get the pool up. I have spent the past couple days with the Turner family, I think they missed me lots, I know I missed the kids sooooo much, Lisa and Scott as well. I have kind of became the other "mother & wife" for them. LOL

So since I have been home I have been very busy... tonight was actually the first time I have been back online, sorry for the delay with any contacts. I do have a new cell number, hopefully no one has trouble getting a hold of me, surly you will be able to track me down. Also, I am going to be living with my mom and step dad until something more permanent comes along.

I want to send out a big Thank you for everyone who offered beds, floors and couches! That was so nice. I even meet some new friends who were more than willing to let me stay with them. Thank you very much to the preacher's wife at my sister's church. Vicki, your opened arms were very well appreciated.

Please return for furture updates, and pictures of my new car.

LOTS OF LOVE FROM ILLINOIS :)

Last Day of School

Well, the time has come for me to say goodbye to Alaska, Anaktuvuk Pass, Nunamuit school, my students and my new found friends...   I am not good at change and not good at saying goodbye, its going to be hard.  Its going to be really hard... 

But in the end I will be home with my family and friends.  I have lived my dream by moving to Alaska and teaching up here.  It is something I have wanted to do since high school, and early years in college.  I know people thought I would never move up here and never be teaching up here.  I just feel so lucky to say I have done it and I have loved it.  

Being away from my family was hard, there were lots of nights I cried myself to sleep, lots of phone calls I had to end to cry by myself and lots of things I missed out on.  But I have also laughed, had fun, made friends, learned so much, and loved living up here.  It is a different world, it shows what beauty nature has to offer us and it has opened my eyes to life outside Illinois.  I feel so honored to have this experience, and the memories that will live with me forever.

I have made friendships, changed students lives and changed my own life... all in 10 months.  I now know I can do anything I set my mind too.  I can accomplish any dream or goal I have.  I however did not do it alone, I had the help of my parents, sisters, niece, nephew, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  Without the loved ones in my life I dont think I could have lived out my dream.  I know I am stubborn, but I had to have the support to help me get where I am.  I owe all you a BIG THANK  YOU!

I have graduated high school, college and accomplished my dream of being a teacher.  I have been to the top of the United States, I have had so many first, I just feel now I am on top of the world.  

I can not wait to share my story with my family, friends, future students, and future generations.  I am so eager to get home and see the faces of the loved ones I miss so much.

I will see everyone as soon as I can.

Lots of love from Alaska  :) 

SO SORRY

I need to make a post and dedicate it to my sister and her husband, Amber and Jason. I am so sorry I misspelled you last name.  I know it is McReaken, but I guess I was typing faster than I was thinking or I was thinking faster than I was typing.  Something like that.

Anyway, I am truly, madly, deeply sorry for the misspelling.

I can not wait to see the McReaken's in 10 DAYS!!!  so very freaking excited.  

Lots of love

Ash

On the search again

Well I am house hunting again.  Crazy I am not even in Illinois yet, and have had two houses arranged and lost both of them.  I am not sure what I am going to do, I guess it will depend if I get a full time job for the fall..

I just feel blah... about not knowing what I am going to do...  owell, I am sure I will find a place to sleep for a couple weeks, LOL...  I know several beds, couches and floors that have been offered to ME, I feel so loved!

SEE Amber, Koehler's and MrCreaken's  IN 11 DAYS!!!!  See the GROVES in 12 DAYs, so excited!  :)

Love ya

Ash

Happy Mother's Day!

I just wanted to send out a special Happy Mother's Day post to all the great moms out there.  Being a mother is the most important job anyone could have.  It is also a job that at times goes without the proper appreciation.  It is  24 hour a day job, that never stops.  I don't care how old your kids are, they always still need their mother.  I think Mother's should have one day a month that is Mother's Day instead of one day a year.  

I know I could not be where I am today with out all of the great women in my life, many of which have their own kids, but have taken me in as one of their own at times.  I have several great women I call "mom" and that means so much to me, they are great mother figures to have when I need them.

I especially want to say thank you to all you do to my Mother, she is the best woman and friend I know.  She is always there when I need her and always there to give advice or listen to me.  It has been so hard to be away from my mom for several months at a time, so being home in just a few days will be GREAT.  I will be able to see my mother anytime I want too.

Hope Mother's Day is great for you all.

Lots of Love from Ashley Marie  :)