RACK ROOM

Our new Family Mission

2011-07-11T10:09:00.000-04:00

In This House

We Do Second Chances

We Do Grace

We Do Real

We Do Mistakes

We Do I’m Sorry

We Do Loud Really Well

We Do Hugs

We Do Family

We Do Love

We Do Welcome You

We Do Miss You When You Not Here

The Ford’s

I saw this on a blog that I read and thought this is good. I added the last 2 lines and I'm going to have printed and hang beside the door.
Cindy

Payton's Birthday Poem

2011-07-06T23:15:00.000-04:00

The folks say they can't believe how time has flown

But what perplexes me, quite profoundly

Is the speed at which I've grown

When I first arrived here I could only make

A crying noise that was hard to get used to

Whereas now I'm a champion at cooing and babbling

Have you heard my "Are You Sick?" response.

Everyday is exciting, I just keep learning

Did you know that a cow once jumped over the moon?

And what a shock I got when I first clocked

Myself in the back of my head with a spoon.

I'm only one, but I'll soon be two
And guess what I've got planned
To have Mommy, Daddy, Papa, Auntie & Meme,
Right in the palm of my hand.

Gonna close for now for I hear them coming this way

They seem to like my nap time best.

I must let them think I'm still sleeping.

Bless! ..it seems to make them ever so happy

Love Payton

PS: Thanks for all the birthday wishes.

Happy First Birthday Dear Sweet Payton

2011-07-01T10:23:00.000-04:00

One year ago today this sweet little boy was born.

how I Love you so
Love Meme

2011-06-23T11:30:00.000-04:00

This is what our home looked like on June 23, 2006
We are so fortunate that no one was hurt.
It has taken me about 5 years to realize,
that the things we lost in the house fire were just that things.

Today Jerry and Kerrie celebrate their Fourth anniversary.
Hope ya'll have a great day.
Love Mama

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-18T23:24:00.000-04:00

Happy Father's Day
Love You!!!!

Cute Kid Contest Winner's Pictures

2011-05-29T23:31:00.000-04:00

Kerrie entered Payton in a Cutest Kid Contest back in March and he won the contest with a lot of our friends voting for him. As the winner Payton prize was a photo shoot and a free 16 x 20 photo. The photo shoot was last weekend and I am posting a few of the pictures. Kerrie said that it is going to be so hard to decide which one she likes best for the 16 x 20.

Take a look and see which one you like the best.

Jerry, Kerrie & Payton

Payton

Mandy took almost 100 pictures if you would like to see the rest go

the following link - http://mayfieldphotography.photoreflect.com

and click on the Guenther Family.

Mandy Mayfield

Mayfield Photography

www.mayfieldphotography.net

Payton First Time Swimming

2011-05-28T08:10:00.000-04:00

On Mother's Day afternoon Jerry & Kerrie went swimming with Payton, he seems to love the water and we had a great time swimming with him. Papa and Meme just watched this time. Hope to have many more afternoon swims with Payton.

Payton and his daddy

Payton and his mama

Happy Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-27T14:39:00.000-04:00

This was a great day! I hope that my mom had a wonderful day, and that my sister had the happiest first Mother's Day of all!!!!!!!!Here are a few of the picture we snagged during the day.

These are the most Fabulous Shoes ever Thanks Girls

Easter

2011-04-29T22:56:00.002-04:00

Kerrie, Jerry & Payton

Payton Looking to see what Peter Cottontail had left for him.

Payton with Auntie's Easter Bonnet.

Papa, Meme & Payton after Church.

Payton & Auntie Ashley.

Payton Won

2011-04-19T23:02:00.000-04:00

Thanks to all voted for Payton.

He won the Cutest Kid Contest.

We will get to have his picture taken later in May by Mayfield Photography.

Vote For Payton

2011-03-30T20:40:00.000-04:00

Kerrie has entered Payton in a Cute Kid Contest. If he wins he gets free pictures.So we need all of you to go to www.mayfieldphotography.net/blog and vote for him.
You can vote one time a day, the contest run until April 10, 2011 at noon. Please take the time to VOTE FOR PAYTON!!!!

Ashley Happy Birthday

2011-01-20T23:53:00.000-05:00

Ashley Happy Birthday
Love You
Mom & Dad

Happy Birthday and Congratulations

2010-12-31T23:01:00.000-05:00

Haley & Christopher
Happy Birthday Christopher
And
Congratulations On Your Engagement

Merry Christmas Auntie

2010-12-24T00:37:00.000-05:00

This digital greeting personalized with Smilebox

Happy Fall

2010-11-07T23:34:00.000-05:00

The cutest puppy in all of Trick or Treat land wishes everyone a very happy fall! I hope everyone is enjoying a cool and beautiful November!
Enjoy the journey,
Auntie Ashley:)

Halloween Costume

2010-10-06T19:46:00.000-04:00

Mommy and Daddy say please vote for your favorite Halloween costume for Baby Payton.

Will I look better as peas in a pod or a puppy?

Peas in a Pod

A Puppy

I am excited about my very first fall season!

I'll let you know the results soon.

Love ya,

Baby Payton

He's Here

2010-09-06T12:16:00.004-04:00

Hello everyone!I have neglected blogging lately though it was not intentional. I must say it was
due to sheer business.

First, Kerrie, Jerry, and Baby Payton made it safely back home a couple weeks ago. They are living with us right now and it's a little tight, but we're making do. Jerry has found a job, though it's not exactly what he wanted. It will do for now. Kerrie is looking for work, but hoping for something when Jerry is available for childcare. , Baby Payton is growing like a weed!!! Is is up to 10 pounds now. Wow! He is definitely out of the little preemie outfits.

Next, the school year has started and that is always extremely busy for me. I absolutely love my class this year. They are a super sweet group of students. We have started a class blog and the students are going to start posting on it this week. I will be putting a link on this blog to get you over there. That way you can take a peek at what we're learning in 4th grade. The students named their blog The Pencil Pushers, which I thought was very creative and hilarious at the same time. We have just finished our science unit on the scientific method and process skills. They loved the gummy worm experiment. I bet they will be posting about it very soon. Don't forget to hop over and check it out! We'd love to hear from you.

After I teach school all day at Wellford, I mean like 12 hour days, then I head over to Converge College where I am in administrator's Academy. Last week was my 1st week in class and I know I love school and a good challenge, but I was really excited about it! I think my classes are going to be very interesting. I will admit that I am having to change the way I think about certain things to begin to think like an administrator. My hope is that I can begin to think as an administrator now while I'm still a teacher, so that if an opportunity ever comes up I will remember what is was like to be a teacher first! On assignment that I'm already excited about an beginning to work on is...I have to read a book on a current issue or philosophy in education today and write a summary and my views in agreement with or opposing the views presented in the text. I have been waiting on a good excuse to read a book called Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire: The Methods and Madness Inside Room 56 by Rafe Esquith. I'll let you know what I think in a couple weeks. Wish me luck on this latest venture.......So, that's an update for now, more to come later!!!
Enjoy the Journey, Auntie Ashley

Happy Birthday Kerrie

2010-07-24T00:07:00.000-04:00

Free greeting made with Smilebox

I love you Kerrie! You "can" be the best sister in the whole wide world! Haha Just Kidding. I love you as much as the sky is blue! Can't wait to spend some time with you very soon. Love ya, Ashley

Baby Payton Pictures

2010-07-16T21:49:00.002-04:00

Scrapbook design personalized with Smilebox

Welcome Baby Payton

2010-07-10T23:31:00.000-04:00

Make a photo album

2010-07-04T08:28:00.003-04:00

George Payton Guenther

July 1, 2010

Welcome Baby Payton

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-19T23:14:00.001-04:00

This free digital scrapbook created with Smilebox

I love you dad!!! Enjoy your day, Ashley

Kerrie's Baby Shower May 29th

2010-06-17T13:34:00.002-04:00

We gathered at Mema's house and honored Kerrie and Jerry with a shower to help them prepare for little Payton's BIG day!

Make a photo album

Enjoy the Journey, Ashley

Children's Book Week

2010-05-21T20:59:00.005-04:00

Personalize your own free digital scrapbook

Well, as you can tell today was a very exciting day at the schoolhouse. The students and teachers dressed up as book characters. I was Officer Buckle and no one even knew it was me until I spoke to them. The kids wanted to know "where all my hair was?" I tried to hide it, and believe me it wasn't easy. We had the BEST day and learned a lot in the process. Enjoy the photos because I'm sure you'll get a good laugh. I still can't really believe I did this. Enjoy the Journey, (and laugh if you can help it!) Ashley

Kerrie & Jerry baby Shower March 2010

2010-05-19T23:01:00.001-04:00

Make a scrapbook design

It's Official

2010-05-15T10:33:00.002-04:00

Digital greeting customized with Smilebox

We love you Cathy! See you soon! Rick, Cindy, and Ashley

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T22:16:00.004-04:00

Make your own free digital scrapbook

Mom and Mema I hope you had the BEST Mother's Day ever. I love you both. Also happy Mother's Day to all my "Other Mothers" you know who you are, and there are a lot of you out there. I hope everyone had a wonderful day. Enjoy the journey, Ashley

Getting Closer

2010-05-01T23:53:00.004-04:00

Another free scrapbook by Smilebox

Kerrie and Jerry are having a baby! I know I thought that would never happen either. I think that they thought that would never happen, but I guess we all thought wrong. My, my, how things do change. They seem very excited and are looking forward to the challenge. Mom and I went up to Tennessee for a couple days back in March for the baby shower and they got lots of nice things. I think they were most excited about the Pac-N-Play! I have no idea why or how that can cause such excitement in a persons life, but trust me it was all the rage! I was most excited and shocked about the size of the tummy! I was expecting her to be showing a little but no where near what she was. I think the doctors have moved up her due date to July 1st! I'm very happy , but a little nervous for her too! They also picked up their crib this week. She has been very fortunate and blessed to have a smooth pregnancy. All the doctors think that things are progressing nicely and according to schedule. I have started the planning for the shower that I will be having here for her. I think we've decided the last Saturday in May, but Kerrie is confirming that with me this week. We are considering having it at Mema's in the new Florida room. I think it would be beautiful there. I will be keeping everyone informed as we get closer to the day. Enjoy the journey, Ashley

Book Character Day

2010-04-10T18:48:00.006-04:00

All Aboard!!! You guessed it.... I was none other than the engineer on the Polar Express. Well, It's a pretty easy outfit when dad works for the railroad. It was a great day at WES as the teachers dressed up as their favorite book characters. We had some classics like Pinocchio and some other more modern characters that I'm personally not as fond of. However, if it gets children to read I am willing to bend a little.(little) We were very excited and I must admit that sometimes it takes some creativity to get and keep students excited about reading. Can you believe that Ms. C was Thomas the Train? We matched in true "Ashley Form!" What a great day. Yes, the joys of teaching. I absolutely LOVE it:)

Enjoy the journey,

Ashley

Goodby Gretchen

2010-03-29T10:47:00.003-04:00

Well, many of you know that our sweet Gretchen puppy died a few weeks ago. I have not posted about it because I just don't do things that make me upset on purpose, but now I think I can say a few words about it. She was an absolutely wonderful dog. We got her when I was in the 9th grade. I know right....she was very old because I am in my seventh year of teaching now. As a brand new puppy in our house Gretchen would suck a passifier like a child, and she would sit up on her back legs and beg for food every time we ate dinner. Those are things that you think are absolutely adorable when it's your dog! Many of you also know that in her healthier years Gretchen had a bit of a weight problem, much like her mama, so when it would snow she made one long track instead of four footprints. This was also a source of much laughter when the winter weather came around. Gretchen was never a real sporty dog instead she choose to pass the time barking, sleeping, getting petted, and eating or drinking from her water bowl. None the less, in her later years she had many health problems. Her back legs were paralyzed so she scooted around our house for the last couple years, and we would have to carry her outside because she couldn't make it on her own. She had really struggled after our house fire, her nerves were just never the same. So, she died on a Monday, and Dad buried her in the backyard with our other companions through the years...I guess it like they say when it's time it's time! Until another day, Ashley

Train Concert

2010-03-12T13:45:00.001-05:00

Hey Soul Sister, I even love the title of this one.

Valentine Snow

2010-02-13T12:13:00.002-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Enjoy some of the sights and sounds around the neighborhood, again as we're snowed in. We have about 3.5 inches and they say a few more flurries could come in Sunday night. Be safe and stay warm! Enjoy the journey, Ashley

Happy Birthday Seth

2010-02-08T00:27:00.003-05:00

I can not believe that you are FOUR years old.

How you have grown.

Happy Birthday

2010-02-08T00:15:00.003-05:00

Hope you have a GREAT day!!! Love Ya Little Brother

Kassidy May Evie Livingston???

2010-02-03T20:15:00.006-05:00

Yes, Kassidy May Evie Livingston. That is what I "thought" one of my students name was on the first day of school this year, however I soon realized that she is in speech and has many difficulties learning. She is without a shadow of a doubt my comedic relief this year. I absolutely LOVE to see her come to class everyday because she makes me, her classmates, and even herself laugh all the time. So I am going to allow you just a moment to enjoy some of the comments that she has blessed me with this year. First, to protect her I am changing the name in this post. I am still not sure how she thinks she is Kassidy May Evie Livingston, when she's just plan old Kandice Jones. I do call her "Kandice May" and she loves it! Then, a couple months into the year another 4th grade teacher at our school sent Miss Kandice May to my room to borrow some tape. When I gave it to her she said "Mrs. Gillespie says thank you really much!" kicked her little foot up in the air, turned, and headed back with tape in hand to Mrs. Gillespie's class. I guess she thought that was a completely normal interaction, but as soon as I realized what had just happened the students in my class said "Miss Ford did Kandice mean to say...thanks very much?" I told them that she probably did. They said oh well, that's just Kandice, and it was pretty funny. I said I think your exactly right. Now, there's a lot of times that we'll say "thank you really much, and just grin!" Today Kandice came up to me and said "Mrs. Gill-st-...Gill-is-...Gill-s-..Oh just forget it that word gets tricky and your not her anyway!" She turned and walked away. I said "Kandice May, dear one, please come back. What do you need?" She said after all that, "I forgot." Well, we had a little lesson on how to say Gillespie and she agreed to try it for Mrs. Gillespie later on in the day. I asked again, "Did you remember what you needed earlier?" She said, "If it was to go to the bathroom I'd know it, so I guess it aint that important!" I said well I guess your right about that, but if you think of it you let me know. Last one for this post. After lunch we all go to the bathroom and she told Mrs. Gillespie "Mo mo's running!" Kara asked her to slow down, repeat, try another word, and so on, but Kara just could not understand her. She sent Kandice to me to get help. She knocks on the classroom door, which is open, then says "mo mo's running! Help...Quick!" I stop teaching go over to her at the door and say "what honey?" She repeats "Help mo mo's running!" I looked back at my class, and we all said in unison. "The commode is running?" She said "YES!" I told Mrs. Gillespie that I had buzzed the office and Ms. Dot was on the way. I know that maybe this seems like a lot about nothing, but when you work with kids all day everyday, you really look for some positive. Kandice came to me reading on a kindergarten level and now is on 2nd grade level. She is almost on grade level in math and as you can tell we are working hard on her speech! The one thing that we do not have to worry about is Kandice's heart! She is the most precious, hard working, sweet spirited little lady. I am so glad that she is in my class and has touched my heart this year. To Miss Kandice I say "Thank you really much!"

Winter Time Is Here

2010-01-30T17:35:00.005-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

I thought that I should take a minute to give the Boiling Springs snow update. This is what it looks like at our house these days, and I love it! I was tutoring a child after-school Friday when it flurried for just a minute. However, by the time I got home from school our front yard was covered. It continued through the night and into the morning hours here. Our snow total is just over three inches with a slick layer of sleet on top of that. I ventured out for a few minutes (with Lexie) to take some pictures of the winter wonders around our neighborhood. I love the red barn photo, and I've lived here all my life and never even noticed it before. It is actually in a neighbors backyard, but now that the area between our homes has been cleared we can see it. I did have to zoom in with the camera to get it to turn out. None the less, it made for a beautiful view and moment in the snow today. I have always enjoyed snow days, but I think most school employees do right? I think snowfall is fairly rare here and it makes me really enjoy it when it comes around. My thermometer says the temperature is 27, so I'm not anticipating much melting. I wonder what we'll do about church in the morning? I'm close to the pastor, so I'll give him a call later. Enjoy the snow, Ashley

SNOW

2010-01-29T21:42:00.002-05:00

We have almost 2 inches at 9:30 January 29, 2010, and still snowing.

Happy Birthday Ashley

2010-01-20T23:13:00.005-05:00

Ashley

The first time I held you in my arms,

I never wanted to let you go.

I knew that very moment my heart would

be intertwined with yours forever.

It was easy to hold on tight

when you were a child.

I wanted to protect you from the threatening

menaces of the world around you.

But I knew that I would soon

have to loosen my grip.

You'll never know how hard it was

for me to release my grasp,

and let you venture off on your own.

Even though my fingers let go,

my heart never did.

now you have grown into

a most remarkable woman.

You are everything I ever wanted

my daughter to be and so much more...

You are a woman I am truly honored to know.

You are my heart, my soul, my love, my joy.

And now, more than just my daughter

You are also my friend.

Suzy Toronto

Happy Birthday

Shiftwork

2010-01-18T10:04:00.006-05:00

I'm working 7 to 3, 3 to 11, 11 to 7! You have to be a George Straight or Kenny Chesney fan to understand the ramblings of this post so far. However, I do hope to clear up some confusion in a fairly quick manner. Many of our friends and family know that the last couple weeks have been abnormal around the Ford house. Yes, even more abnormal than usual, and I know that's hard for some of you to believe. Dad has been working a different shift at work and it has had everyone all out of sorts (even the dogs). It has caused a change in our supper routine because it's just mom and I a couple nights. It caused a change in our bedtime rituals because his shower times overlapped ours, and Friday mornings when all three of us were trying to get to work for first shift was a nightmare! You people know "it's a two hour process for me!" The most important change that all this brought about was that he was working on Sundays and hasn't been to church with us the last three weeks. I have to stay this was so strange. Mom and I just kept talking about how weird it was without dad there. We've missed his praying, singing, and worshiping with us more than we ever imagined. So, we have prayed over this daily in private and public. We called in the real prayer warriors (Uncle Tommy & Aunt Cathy) to help us with this. Now, I'm happy to report that as of now Dad is on a shift where his is able to be back at church with us on Sunday! Yes, praise the Lord. This is truly an answer to prayer! I thank Jesus even now that I am already looking forward to worshiping with my family on Wednesday and Sunday, and I won't be taking that for granted! Enjoy the journey, Ashley

Happy 2010!

2009-12-31T11:37:00.004-05:00

It's New Year's Eve! It's that time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the future. Around this time each year I think of Psalm 23:6 "Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life." I guess this is my prayer for 2010 that throughout the year I'll remember that verse in the good times and in the trials. Even when I turn 30 (in less than a month!) After all I have so many blessing in my life, and great friends and family to share things with. Here are just a few things that are to come in 2010.... 1. Kerrie & Jerry are having a baby 2. I turn 30 3. We're taking a cruise 4. Mom and Dad's 30th wedding anniversary 5. Did I mention that Kerrie & Jerry are having a baby? 6. to be continued ... I'll "try" to keep you up to date with the RACK ROOM CREW. Happy New Years Eve, Ashley

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T22:11:00.004-05:00

Well, I can't believe that Christmas Day is tomorrow. We have had our annual trip to Lake View and Dad, Mom, Kerrie, Jerry, and I are all back and in our Christmas PJ'S. Actually only the girls are in the festive PJ's! Mom is just about finished with the cooking and all the gifts are wrapped and under the tree. I was thinking about the wonderful memories I have of celebrating Christmas and relating that to the children that I know and love. I hope and pray for all the children out there, and that you have a warm, safe, fun and Christ filled Christmas. I saw a church sign this week as I was out and about that said..." Mary wrapped the 1st Christmas gift!" I am so thankful for that gift. The gift of Jesus Christ. It's taken me 29 years to really understand the meaning of Christmas, and I sometimes wonder if I really get it even now. I sit here tonight typing this and wishing and hoping the very merriest Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Love,

Ashley

Better late than never

2009-09-21T22:32:00.008-04:00

In the last post I said I would update the BLOG soon, well I as you can see I did not. But I will now. I am back to working part time again till we get into our busy time. The biggest and best thing that has happened in and around the RACKROOM is that I have not smoked since March 25, 2009 that will be 6 months this Friday. People have asked why and how I stopped smoking I really do not know, the cost had a lot to do with it and me being the only one in our family that was still smoking had a little to do with it. I went cold turkey the first 7 days then I started taking ***CHANTIX*** with a lot of praying I have not smoked. The odd thing is at times I still reach into my purse for the smokes as I am driving this seems to be the hardest time that I want to smoke so far and I can't do something else to get my mind off the need or want to smoke and with God's help I will not smoke again. Ashley is in school again as a student and teacher. She is a teaching 4Th grade ELA (Reading & Writing) to 3 different classes so she has about 60 kids a day. She says it seems to be taking her longer to adjust to the students and the curriculum this year. There is a big difference in second graders and fourth graders. Her classes (PAA) meet twice a month it is a 3 year program, when she completes the program she will have her second Masters in Administration. This means she can be an Assistant Principal then maybe the principal of a school in her future . Rick & I drove to Bristol the last week of July to get Kerrie so she could spend the week with us at the beach on our annual vacation. This is where we take pictures every year waiting for a table At Sara J's . We had a great time did not do anything special. Relaxed by the seaside and by the pool spent a very low key week. Going to close for now will update later in the week.

Still Alive and Well

2009-08-17T11:05:00.003-04:00

We are still here in the land of blogs, just been so busy with life. Will update and down load pictures from the summer real soon now that vacations are over and we are getting back to our routines. ~ Cindy ~

Happy Birthday Aunt Lou

2009-03-06T00:04:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday We Love You You.

Happy Birthday Two Times

2009-02-07T09:22:00.006-05:00

Seth O. turns 3 today!! Happy Birthday I have tried to get his picture the last few times we had seen him, but he would have no part of it so I will use an old picture of him. It is also my brothers birthday so we will celebrate with him today too. Terry Lee celebrates the big today. We celebrated his big day on Friday, little birthday fairies came to work during the night and left cake and decorated the shop for a birthday celebration. Love The RackRoom Crew

Happy Birthday Kristi

2009-02-05T12:26:00.002-05:00

Hope you have a great birthday!!!

Love

The RackRoom Crew

Locks - Of - Love

2009-01-26T21:47:00.006-05:00

Can you believe that one person had that much hair??? It was on my head and I had no idea how long it had gotten. Anyway, I had my hair cut Friday and I had enough to make another wig for a cancer patient. I can't tell you the feeling that you get when the hair goes back in a ponytail and the silence in the room is there. All you can hear is the sound of the scissors cutting off 12 inches of your hair. I always think that I am going to be BALD. However, as you can tell I am far from it. I actually have a lot more hair than I thought I would. If I had known where the 12 inches was going to fall this time I would have had about 14 inches cut. Here is the best picture we were able to get. As you can tell I have had quite the trim, but I really didn't need all that anyway! This is obviously BEFORE! This is AFTER! It feels so good and looks a lot healthier. I am also loving.....I mean loving, that it now takes about 7 to 10 minutes to dry instead of about 20! I wanted to share this post with everyone, not to bring praise to myself, but instead to encourage any kind of "giving back" or giving to those who are less fortunate than yourself. I love to donate my hair every chance I get. If you are interested in donating hair all you have to do is cut it in a 12 inch ponytail and take to the gift shop @ the Gibb's Caner Center at Spartanburg Regional. I can smile today thinking that one day really soon a beautiful lady that has cancer and is feeling down and out might have a better day by wearing my hair on her head! What a thought:) Love Ya, ~Ashley~ PS Don't tell me if you don't like it!

Happy Birthday Ashley

2009-01-20T22:20:00.008-05:00

A Special Little Girl God Gave Us

Our Daughter

Ashley

A special little girl God gave us one day.

You were placed into our arms for us to lead your way.

The love we had for you right from the start.

Has grown so much and now it completely fills our hearts.

Our lives have had some laughter.

We've had our share of tears.

But God has given each their place.

With the passing of the years.

You stand before us now and it's hard to understand.

How God has turned our little girl into a lovely woman.

We've failed in many ways to be the parents we should be.

But we can say we love you as these passing moments flee.

But this one thing remember as you open each new door,

That as much as we do love you,

God still loves you more.

Unknow

Love Daddy & Mama

Happy Birthday Les

2009-01-17T00:07:00.003-05:00

Enjoy the BIG 30!

Love ya,

The Ford's

Happy Birthday Dee & Kyle

2009-01-15T07:43:00.006-05:00

Dee & Kyle, If both of you would not run from the camera, I would have better pictures to share. HAHA

Happy 21st Birthday Christopher!

2008-12-31T23:54:00.004-05:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T22:46:00.008-05:00

I guess you all expected a single girl in her late 20's to have big plans tonight......Well, I did but probably not the kind of big plans that you were thinking of. I am here at home with the family ringing in the New Year to a great big plate of chips and dips and some football. Yes, that's what I'm calling fun at this point. As I sit here tonight I have realized a few things.....First, of all this is my first "New Year's Eve" at home since I was too young to get plans together on my on. I usually spend this night with dear friends or the "significant other" that I'm with at the time making BIG, I mean, BIG plans for the coming year. I usually spend this night saying all the great things I am going to accomplish and the plans that I want to fulfill in the coming months. However, as I look back almost none of my plans have ever come to fruition. I never set really realistic goals for myself, or goals that I could really prayerfully do anything about. So, this year as I have looked back and began to think about 2009. I'm taking a little different perspective. I'm not going to plan on the diet I'm going on, or the man I'm going to marry, or even the next degree I might try to achieve. This year I'm going to stop and reflect for a moment on all that I've learned this year. The one thing that I have learned over and over in recent years is that "I'm not in control!" I wouldn't have chosen some things in my life to have turned out the way they have, but then again that's what I know! All that has been going through my mind in recent days is ...."when Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, and said ""Thus far has the lord helped us!""....Now I'm not a biblical scholar, hey I may be taking the verse way out of context for all I know, but to me right now I feel like it's almost as if my Jesus is saying "Ashley, baby I've always taken care of you, and I'm not going to abandon you now!" In a strange kind of way that gives me peace, so instead of writing out a list of New Year's resolutions or telling anyone of you readers out there what all I'm going to do this year I've decided on two things. I am going to work really hard to remember my Ebenezer stone 1 Samuel 7:12 because "thus far had the Lord help me.", and I am going to try to read the bible through in 2009. I guess this doesn't measure up to all the BIG plans I've had in the past, but that sure seems like enough from where I sit. I'll let the other plans be revealed to me along the way! Enjoy the Journey, ~Ashley~ Here is 2008 in review

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

And Happy 21st Birthday Christopher!

Crazy Christmas

2008-12-28T22:20:00.024-05:00

This year to get in the Christmas spirit we did something a little different..........................we went to Dollywood! I had not been to Dollywood since I was in the 8th grade. It was lots of fun and lots of laughs. Uncle Tommy, Aunt Cathy, Mema, Mama, Daddy, and I all headed up the mountain on Monday the 21st and came back the next day. In case you are wondering YES we were dressed like Eskimos for a good reason. At the time of this picture it was about 16 degrees!!!!!Brrrrr Brrrrr I think the temperature dropped below O on the tram ride back to the truck that night, but who was keeping track, right? We did get to hear some good music and see some really good shows while we were there, and it did help to get us in the Christmas spirit. Here are some of the other pictures we posed for while on our mini vacation!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

After our trip to Dollywood it was Christmas Eve! We made our annual trip to Lake View steak house for Mema & Papa’s anniversary. They decided to get married on Christmas Day one year when they didn’t have anything else to do. My, my how quickly the times change because it seems now days that we start celebrating earlier and earlier to fit it all in. Anyway, here we are in front of the restaurant.

I love you Mema & Pop:):):)

We left after dinner to get home to welcome Kerrie and Jerry home for the holidays! Yes, he is my favorite brother-in-law! Haha

Then, we were ready for all the excitement of Christmas Day WWWHHHEEE......

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

As you can see we had a wonderful, yet busy holiday! Now, we are taking down the decorations and preparing for the new year! I wish the very best for you and yours in the coming year!

Much Love,

~Ashley & the RACK Room Crew:)~

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T23:24:00.003-05:00

Love The Rackroom Crew

Happy Birthday Mema

2008-12-17T23:55:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday

Love You

Ashley

Loved Ones Remembered

2008-12-17T09:55:00.009-05:00

Today it has been 3 years since that icy cold December afternoon that we said good-bye to Papa, Nanny, and Brenda. Today it is the loving memories that we each have, that we remember.

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

2008-12-13T17:11:00.008-05:00

I started this Blog two weeks ago, but all I completed was the title.......Does that happen to anyone else out there in the blogging world? Anyway, I have some photos and memories to share now especially after our Dollywood trip! I think those will have to wait though because I'm being called out the door to get in the Christmas crowd. Yep, you heard that correctly DAD wants to go out today. I think he's got Christian supply on his mind. I did want to share this picture with you because it took about and hour for us to figure out how to set the timer to get all three of us in there just right! It turned out pretty good! Merry Christmas:)

This was the first take ............ It's pretty funny because dad was being silly and mom didn't make it in time, but Lexie did. She was looking up at Dad really puzzled! Oh well, it was fun anyway.

Top 10 Things I'm Thankful For

2008-11-20T21:04:00.007-05:00

At church Wednesday night we had our Thanksgiving service. This is my absolute favorite holiday!!! I love having a couple days off work to eat, sleep, and shop. After all what could be better? So, after that I started thinking of things that I'm truly thankful for. What does it even mean to be thankful for something? The definition of thankful is feeling, showing, or expressing thanks or gratitude. I hate to admit it, but it's pretty seldom that I actually do the showing or expressing part of that. Usually for me it's a quick "Thank You" after someone does something nice for me, and maybe on a good day a thank you note or email. I wanted to stop and write down some of the things in my life that I am truly thankful for. I wanted to think about the things that mean the most to me. Here goes...

10. I am thankful for the wake up call that helped me to get more healthy. It has not been easy to lose this weight, 34 lbs., and I'm not there yet, but I haven't given up either.

9. I am thankful for the Lord allowing me and equipping me with the ability to make a difference in the life of a child.

8. I am thankful for memories that no one can take away. I know that sounds like a blessing and a curse, and maybe it is, but I love to learn from the good and the bad.

7. I am thankful that I've never been hungry a day in my life. As I say that I think maybe this led to me also being thankful for number 10 on this list.

6. I am so blessed to have been able to go and serve on the mission field in Jamaica. I could not tell you all that I learned on that trip with all the ink or words in the world. Thank you Lord:)

5. I am thankful for fun. I am so glad that almost everyday I can find or be involved in something fun. Something that every now and then makes me have one of those full belly laughs. Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about.

4. I am thankful for the near misses. I have had so many times in my life that I would have or should have messed things up, but God is so good, ALL the time.

3. I am thankful for friends. Wow nothing could be better for a single white female!

2. I am thankful for rest. My family is also thankful for me to get my rest because if not I get cranky.

1. I am thankful for my family. The greatest in the whole wide world!

I have so much to be thankful for. I am truly blessed!

Happy Thanksgiving,

~Ashley~

So Close Yet So Far Away

2008-10-12T15:38:00.005-04:00

I have to admit that I am writing this post with many mixed emotions. Many of you know that I was so excited to be named "Wellford's Distinguished Reading Teacher" this year. I work really hard in my classroom, especially the way I teach reading. I work many long afternoons and some weekends trying to decide what each child in my classroom needs for the up coming week. I try to use what the children do in class each day as the springboard for what I introduce to them next. I try to remediate the students that need it without the fear of rejection or being made fun of by others while at the same time challenging those that are ready for more advanced books and comprehension skills. This is one of the hardest things about being a teacher, but one of the things that I love about this career. But before I start chasing rabbits, like I normally do, I think that so much of the way I feel about school is due to the way I preformed in school. I was not the Principal's Honor Roll kid for many many years. I went all through elementary school making mostly B's and C's with an expensive tutor for two hours a week and sometimes more! I was not the "natural" smart kid. There are some in the family, but I was not one. I was one that had to work really hard for the B's and C's I got. Mom, Dad, Kerrie, and I would do the craziest things when I spelled a word correctly, or actually read a page in a book all by myself. We used to dance to our favorite songs, or belt out a New Kid's on the Block jam! I can remember mom making tapes of the multiplication facts I had to memorize in third grade, and for half a year Kerrie and I went to bed hearing 4x2=8, 4x3=12, 4x4=16. I think you get the drill. The point of all of this is that I was so honored when it was announced that my fellow teachers thought I was the best reading teacher at Wellford School. I felt like I had really come a long way from that shy, quiet, (believe it or not) kid that sat in the back and couldn't read to the person and teacher that I am now. It was a great day, and totally unexpected! I immediately got on the phone to call Mom, Dad, Mema & Papa, and I even dialed Nanny and Pop in the excitement of it all! Then, I called William to let him in on the news, and just as I had planned a dinner date was in order! I love that guy:) The next few days brought cards, flowers, and notes from many of my friends and fellow teachers encouraging and congratulating me. Then, the work load of winning an award hit. I had a 500 word essay due, an interview, a lesson to video, and a few ofter things to complete before the district interview in just a few weeks. Then the winner for District 5 would go on the the county on October 7th! I worked on the essay and to be honest I could a have written a book easier than condensing that essay into 500 words. I thought how ironic it was the whole time I wrote the paper. I began to think of questions that the judges would ask, and how I could concisely yet completely answer them. I went into the interview on Tuesday at 2:30. I was the first one which in any competition is usually not good, but once again it was the luck of the draw! I wasn't worried about the people skills because lets face it that's a relative strength of mine. I went in and the ladies were from other districts and agencies and were fairly pleasant. I left the interview feeling ok about it. I knew it wasn't spectacular, but not a vague waste of time either. I knew that I was up against other teachers that were held in high esteem by their fellow teachers at their respective schools. I knew it was a challenge, and like in anything else in life all I could do was my best. I did just that my best, and the following day the District winner was announced............It was not me! Oh well, I'd like to think that I have a lot of time to have a chance to get another award in the field. I also realize that their are lots of great teachers out there that are never recognized by there own schools after putting their whole life into this career. I will always remember this honor and be thankful to the family and friends that helped me so much along the way! Always, ~Ashley~ Here's a link to the essay if you're intrested in reading it.

Labor Day Weekend

2008-09-10T22:54:00.012-04:00

Our Labor Day weekend started as most weekends do around the RackRoom. Rick and I met Cathy and Jerry for supper, Cathy had decided that we would eat at her house instead of going out which was a nice change. As we were eating a car pulled in the driveway. To my surprise it was Kerrie & Jerry, I knew they were coming home for the long weekend, but was not expecting them till around midday on Saturday.

Saturday started early for us since we stayed up till around 2:00 am talking, even though I talk to her at least once a day on the phone it just not the same as sitting down face to face. We went to visit Mema & Papa. Then back home so they could visit some of their friends while I cleaned house, washed clothes that I was going to do on Friday night before they arrived on Saturday. Rick and I had planned on going to the hot dog supper at church while they were with their friends. The singing Chaplains were singing so we stayed for the singing. This is a group of four local pastors that are a part of the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. http://www.spartanburgso.org/chaplains.html .

We stayed up way to late on Saturday night again, talking and laughing about a lot of the funny things the girls did as they were growing up, somethings that I didn't know about came up in the conversations.

On Sunday Ashley & Kerrie were cooking lunch, (now my girls have a hard time with anything that happens in a kitchen.) They were making Scalloped Potatoes from a box, Ashley uses a glass baking dish on the stove top, well it exploded just as they both turned away from the stove. Glass went everywhere, no one was cut or burnt. I vacuumed glass up for the next few days. They said their lunch was great after they cleaned the mess up and started a new box of potatoes this time in the microwave.

Sunday night we went to Amanda's church for the 5th night singing. Eric & Kristi, Amanda & Les, Uncle Dick , Aunt Lou, Tommy, Cathy, Kerrie, Jerry, Rick, & all the Babies were there. We had a great time.

Monday the gang came to our house for lunch, we enjoyed everyone coming to the RackRoom. I realized while all the babies were here that the house is not baby proof anymore, but we managed just fine with 5 kids under 5.

I think this post catches me up with what we have been doing here at the RackRoom.

Love to All

Start Of School 2008 - 2009

2008-09-09T22:39:00.011-04:00

Ashley has her classroom set up for the new year. She had to move classrooms again this makes twice in as many years. She has moved back to the room she moved from last year when she changed from third grade to second grade. We have unpacked about 38 boxes of stuff ,that she says she really really needs. Things from pencils, pens, paper, markers, posters and books and more books, she has so many books. The school district has opened new schools this year and moved the 4th graders back to the elementary schools. She is so excited to be meeting the new students and learning their names and what makes them tick, she talks about how sweet and precious they all are, she has 15 little ones this year in her class. This is her bulletin board, she added the students names to the board on gold stars as they arrived on meet the teacher day. As you can tell she even adds her sense of fashion to the bulletin board. You may not be able to tell from the picture but she added jewelery, lipstick and her face to the lady in black, I really thought she would have had a red dress, because we all know what she says about being dressed in red, ha ha.

Wishing Travis A Happy Birthday

2008-09-09T10:07:00.008-04:00

Travis was born 9 days after Rick & I were married, I was a new bride and we lived in the little house and Nanny was the official babysitter and I did not work the first year are so after I was married, so I was there helping Nanny with Travis while Cathy was working. I remember him falling down the back steps and busting his top lip. Also his Jimmy Carter Smile, and the way he would say new words as he began to talk. He was every body's little boy even my mother & daddy's . He was the Star of the show and the main attraction till Eric came to be and then as Travis says Ashley came along and ruined everything for the boys. Love You Aunt Cindy I have pictures to upload but blogger will not let me, I'll try later.

Part Two

2008-09-07T00:28:00.010-04:00

We went to Myrtle Beach for our annual family vacation the last week of July, we had a great week of rest and fun in the sun. My brother's family, Mama & her friend Joann all joined in on the night out at Sara J's. Ashley and I could have stayed for another week, we love the beach so much. I need to thank Ms Holly for house sitting and taking care of the puppies while we were gone. On Thursday after we returned home we had to take Little Bit the the Vet. He was not acting like he usually does, going 90 mph 20 hours a day. We knew something was wrong with him, when Rick got up on Thursday afternoon Little Bit would not go outside he could not walk, just sat and looked at us. So off to the vet we go, to make a long story short Little Bit has a bad back. We were told to keep him as still and not to let him jump up or down for 3 MONTHS (haha). After the vet had given him 2 shots and meds for 14 days, he seems to have gained about 5 pounds but he is doing ok.

Going to do BETTER I hope!!!!!!

2008-09-06T00:44:00.011-04:00

I am going to try to keep this blog up to date better than I have. Just an update on what has been going on the last few months. I have been busy at work and trying to get the yard back in shape since the house fire two years ago. I spent last year getting the inside ready ( still working on that too) I do not know if I will ever have the house like I want it, I always see new things or think of a different way to organize the things I have. Like the bedroom I would like to move the bed to the wall to the right and have the dresser where the bed is, but this bed is way to heavy for me to move by myself and all that know Rick knows he is a creature of habit and does not like change. Me I could change stuff everyday and still not be satisfied. Love the colors and the furniture, just not the layout. I wasn’t at home when the furniture was delivered or it would be the way I think I want it. We had a garage built last spring where I had planted the Iris that I had gotten from Nanny’s when we sold the house so I transplanted them to Mema’s till I could figure out where I wanted to plant them. I had decided over the winter that I wanted them where I could see them blooming from the screen in porch so I brought them back home, and I have them planted beside the garage and I can’t wait till they bloom next spring. I have worked in the yard since early spring trying to get my flower beds and the grass back in shape, what little grass we had was where I had my flowers, so I had to start from scratch with the new ones this year, I am pleased with the way they have turn out. It has been so dry around here that I did not plant as many flowers as I usually do. I have two hummingbird feeders at the screen porch and I have been late getting to work a few days this summer because I have been watching them,when I should have been getting dressed for work. I am going to close for now will add a post tomorrow.

2008-06-23T13:00:00.002-04:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Wishing Kerrie & Jerry A Happy Anniversary!!!

Love You,

Mama

Mother's Day

2008-06-06T11:39:00.014-04:00

Well, I always say that I am going to do better about updating the blog, but this time I'm not going to say it. No way, I'm not promising that that this blog is ever going to be up to date. In fact I'm going to say the extreme opposite......I'm going to venture out and say that it might be a couple of months before mom or myself actually upload another post. I guess what really happens is we get too busy! So, for the moment enjoy the new post and pictures and check back with us once in a while to see if we have actually updated the blog or not! This picture was taken on Mother's Day. I thought it was a pretty good picture. I tried really hard to find something that matched mama's outfit. By the way that's hard to do sometimes considering my mother is a size 2 and I'm just now back in a size 12. I'm returning from the size 14-16 world for the past few years! That's the good part, but the bad part has been that for the last few weeks every time I plan on an outfit, it falls off my body. Yes, this is a good problem, actually great for a girl who loves to shop and still lives at home with mom & dad! (Ha ha) Then it happened..........I was uploading the Mother's Day picture to the blog and I realized that I myself had committed a fashion faux pas. I wore the the same outfit on Mother's Day 2007 & 2008! How could this have happened? After all I'm a very fashion conscious person. What was I thinking? I guess I wasn't, so for pure proof and laughter here's the picture from Mother's Day 2007 . I do enjoy the hat!!! It was a nice addition, and this way you can tell the skirt and shirt combo was a little more snug in 07 than 08. I even matched the same shoes with the outfit! Now readers I have so many shoes it's unbelievable. Now, why would I wear the same pair with the same outfit on two consecutative Mother's Days? Oh well, I guess the point of this post has been I'll talk to you around Father's Day and I'm signing off to go make sure I don't wear the same outfit for that occasion! Oh My:o

Yours in fashion crisis,

~Ashley On a seperate but equal note.......... I have included a picture of Kerrie on this post. I did so because she came down for a wedding over the Memorial Day weekend and we grabed a few pictures with her and Mom because we knew that she wouldn't make it back down for a little while anyway. I can say that sense her move to Bristol TN things have been different to say the least. We have both done pretty good about calling and staying in touch. It seems that every couple of months we go up or they come down to vist for a weekend. We took off and visited her at the end of March, then they came down for the wedding a few weekends ago, and if I were a betting woman I'd say mom, mema, and I will be visiting sometime in July before our beach trip. Anyway, Kerrie if your reading and laughing at this rambling "WE LOVE YA" Here is the yearly visit with Mema on Mother's Day! This is one of my all time favorite pictures of us. We always take her a gift, usually a flower or something for the yard, and just sit a chat for a while. Mother's Day was a great day again this year! Love Ya Mema.

Time To Catch Up

2008-04-01T10:26:00.008-04:00

I know I said I would update the blog a couple weeks ago but what I didn't know was the sniffles and coughing would hit the RackRoom. Ashley and I started coughing and feeling yucky the week before Easter. Ashley went to the Doctor, she had a sinus infection and her blood pressure was way to high. So she is on a the dreaded diet, to see if she can help control the high blood pressure with a little weight loss. The Doctor said the over the counter meds she had taken could cause the blood pressure to elevated some. It's been three weeks and Ashley has lost 10 pounds. Since then we have recovered and been very busy here at The RackRoom, Ashley helped Alyssa & Travis with the Vacation Bible School workshop few weeks back. Rick has been working on the getting the pool ready for summer. Mama, Ashley & I went to Bristol to visit Kerrie & Jerry over spring break, we had a great trip with the Lady in the black box(GPS). The problem is Kerrie lives in Bristol, TN and works in Bristol,VA. and every time you crossed the state line the Lady in the black box would say recalculating and send us a different way than what we were going or wanted to go, it got on our nerves after a while, but we could not get where we wanted to go with out the Lady in the black box. Kerrie is still learning her way around and she was not much help getting us where we needed to be. You drive through neighborhoods to get anywhere and there are very few STOP signs, they have YIELD signs which was hard to get used to. Found a few Boutiques for Ashley, scrapbook stores for Mema. We just had a great time visiting with them and can't wait till I can go back, hope Rick can go next time but with his off days being in the middle of the week and mine on the weekends, just have to wait and see if we can work it out so we can go together.

Road Trip

2008-02-25T20:52:00.007-05:00

A few Saturday's ago Mema and I went to visit Aunt Nancy ( Mema's Sister) and her family in Cherryville, North Carolina we had a great time My cousin Cathy and her husband Jake came over, we went to Cousin Bruce's house but he wasn't at home. We went to this little hole in the wall diner for lunch. The diner has one of the best burgers called Lotta Burger it is great. There was so much on my plate with the homemade fries and onion rings there is no way I could eat it all. I promise that I will add more to the blog later this week. With the change in Rick's work schedule, I'm have a hard time adjusting so I know that he is. Love Cindy

Morning Coffee With My Buddy

2008-02-07T00:43:00.002-05:00

Most mornings I sit out on the screened in porch with my coffee and listen to the birds while watching the sun rise, a few weeks ago I met a new buddy scurring around the vacant lot behind our house.
Her name could be Snowball, or it could be Lightening or it could be Lucky.If you can't tell from the picture my friend is a White Squirrel. I can't get close to her and she will not get close to me because of the sweet puppies that share this home and their job is to protect us. So she crosses my property by way of the powerlines. I have seen two squirrels together, one was smaller than the other and not as surefooted on the powerlines. So I'm assuming that the bigger squirrel has a baby. I have never seen a white squirrel, and I have found out that they are easy targets for hawks, cats & dogs. I guess thats why they stay on the power lines.

Brevard NC has a Festival around Memorial Day for White Squirrels. They say there is a difference in white squirrels and albino squirrels. Albino Squirrels have pink eyes white squirrels have dark eyes. From some of the other pictures I have the squirrel at my house has pink eyes. More updates later & maybe a better picture. Cindy

Bubba

2008-02-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Bubba

Hope

you have a great day.

Love You

Sick

2008-01-31T10:35:00.002-05:00

The bug has hit the RackRoom. Ashley is at the doctor as I type this, we think she has strep throat. She went to school to get her sub plans ready for today and Friday. Ashley getting sick is not a suprise to us, she gets Sick every year the end of January first of February. Ashley is in a wedding next weekend so we got to get her well quickly.

Rick on the other hand is never sick, he isn't feeling good this morning either very seldom has a headache , but he has one since early yesterday morning.

So I'm asking that ya"ll keep them in your prayers today.

Happy Birthday, Ashley

2008-01-21T08:01:00.002-05:00

A daughter is a gift of love; given from God above

A daughter is a joy forever.

A daughter may outgrow your lap,

but she will never outgrow your heart.

All the dreams I prayed you'd be,

are all the things you are.

You are loved for the little girl you were;

and the precious daughter you will always be.

It's truly a gift to have a daughter like you,

who grows more precious with the years!

A daughter is: the happy memories of the past,

the joyful moments of the present,

the hope and promise of the future.

A daughter is a day brightener and a heart warmer!

Daughter, you're the young woman,

I dreamed you would one day be.

Author Unknown

Love Mama & Daddy

Happy Birthday

Tink!!

Now she will be a Volunteer

2008-01-18T23:10:00.002-05:00

Good news for some and bad news for others. Kerrie and Jerry have moved to Bristol TN.

I am going to need ya'll to pray for me as I will adjust to this and pray that Kerrie adjust to being away from home and in a new place that she can learn her way around the town and that they find a new church home.

Jerry is from Bristol he has been here since he was in high school so he is going back home close to his parents and family.

I know she is a little over 3 hours away and I can go see them anytime I want if the weather isn't bad, must go over the mountains to get Bristol from here. It's just new not having my babygirl across town. This is a first for me the girls have always been just down the hall or across town, saw them a couple times a week, talked to them a couple times a day. A dear friend reminded me on Saturday that God in Tennessee too, and that He will be with them in Bristol.

Love Cindy

Happy Birthday Les

2008-01-17T10:35:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Les,

Love Ya!!!

Snow Day

2008-01-17T10:20:00.000-05:00

This is what we woke up to this morning. Of course the schools are closed, Ashley got the call around 5:30 this morning. She had to call the teachers on her list and pass the word.

It started snowing here around 9:30 last night, I love to sit and watch the snow fall, so I made a pot of coffee opened the blinds on the french doors and sat and watched till 2:30 this morning. It is raining now maybe it will turn back to snow (not cold enough ).

When it snows that I get in the cleaning mood so that's what my plans are this afternoon I'm going to clean house for awhile. Send me your snow pictures.

Love Cindy

A New Year

2008-01-05T07:15:00.002-05:00

I recieved a date planner as a Christmas gift as I was adding birthday's and addresses, this poem was printed for January, so I am going to share it with you.

As the New Year starts and the old year ends, There's no better time to make amends For all the things we sincerely regret And wish in our hearts we could somehow forget--- We all make mistakes, for it's human to err, But no one need ever give up in despair, For God gives us all a brand new beginning, A chance to start over and repent of our sinning-- And when God forgives us, we, to must forgive And resolve to do better each day that we live By constantly trying to be like Him more nearly And to trust in His wisdom and love Him more dearly--- Assured that we've never out of His care, And we'er always welcome to see Him in prayer.

Helen Steiner Rice

The End And The Beginning

2008-01-04T08:42:00.003-05:00

I have not blogged about Christmas, so I will start there. On Christmas Eve, Rick, Ashley, Kerrie, Jerry and myself met Mema & Papa for dinner. To celebrate their 52nd anniversary which is on Christmas day.

This is a tradition that we have had for many years.

Christmas was different this year for the Rack Room, Kerrie was at her home, making Christmas traditions of her own with Jerry. This was the first year in 24 years that both of the girls were not waking up together, since they were little they had always slept together on Christmas Eve. The plan was for Kerrie & Jerry to be at our house around 9:00, but they arrived early. Once they arrived we had breakfast, which is a new tradition for me. We opened our gifts and remembered past Christmas's which was both fun and sad at the same time. Then off to Mema & Pop's house we go, where we helped Mema finish lunch. Terry, Suzanne, Christopher & Andrew arrived with food and gifts. We always enjoy our meal before we open gifts, this is easier to do now that the kids are grown . Papa started a tradition about 11 years ago where all Christmas guest sign the red tablecloth before they leave, as we signed our names this year it was so much fun to look at all the names and what years friends and family had joined us to celebrate Christmas.

Then Rick, Ashley, Kerrie, Jerry and myself headed to,

The Spark's

Christmas celebration.

For more food and gifts. We decided we would not draw names this year instead we would each bring a gift card and play a swapping game after Travis explained the rules. The fun began each one of us drew a number, you then had to pick a card or chose to steal a card that someone else had. It was fun to try something different this year.

Then back to Mema & Papa's for a little snack then back home to wait on William. We had a great Christmas shared with family & Friends.

Love Cindy

Happy New Year

Happy Birthday Hannah Grace

2007-12-19T06:48:00.000-05:00

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

Love You, Aunt Cindy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2007-12-18T07:41:00.001-05:00

Mama celebrates her birthday today. Happy Birthday, Love You Sis

Ashley Graduates!!!!

2007-12-16T00:07:00.002-05:00

Our day started early, we had to be at Southern Wesleyan at 10:00 A.M. for Ashley's Graduation. As we were waiting for the commencement exercises to begin, I was remembering her first day of school, walking her in to her class and thinking what will you be when you grow up. Never thinking she would still be in school 22 years later. She says she will start classes again in the spring, she going to be like her Aunt Cathy always in school.

2007-12-15T00:37:00.001-05:00

We had a great time at Faith And Hannah Grace's birthday party last night.

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

Love, Uncle Rick & Aunt Cindy

2007-12-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday, Hope this brightens your day, or at least makes you giggle. http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1379830514 We have giggled and laughed for days. Cindy

Catching UP!!!!

2007-12-10T22:30:00.001-05:00

I'm going to try to play catch up with all that has been going on here in the Rack-Room. First Ashley has finished her last research paper and will Graduate this coming Saturday with her Masters of Education from Southern Wesleyan. Second We had a great Thanksgiving Day, We celebrated at Mama & Daddy's we had 11 guest for lunch and at dinner we had 16 and still had a few leftovers to enjoy the next day.(This is a picture of Ashley holding Merr Merr and Eric, after the big meal.) Third Rick, Tommy, Cathy, Uncle Dick, Aunt Lou & myself were packed and headed to Charleston SC on Saturday after Thanksgiving to board a ship and off we went to Grand Cayman, Cozumel, & Key West, we were ready for a much needed seven days of nothing to do but rest, sight see and eat. There were not phones, faxes, computers, meals to prepare , no beds to be made, no floors to vacuum or mop, no demands on us just relaxing and doing what ever we wanted.

We celebrated Rick's birthday while on our trip, with a parasailing adventure and a birthday cake.

Fourth We got back home and hit the floor running, we had hanging of the Greens at church and choir practice on Sunday. Then back to work on Monday and I mean back to work, I didn't see the top of my desk for 9 days still trying to catch up with all the orders that came in while I was cruising around the deep blue sea. More Catching up later, taking for ever to upload the pictures.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T10:25:00.000-05:00

I can not believe it has been a month since I posted something on the blog. I guess with the changing of work hours the last few months I have been busier than I realized. But I'm thankful for my job even though I sometimes complain, about going from part time to full time. With working till 5:30 most days and then getting home and starting the wife & mama job the hours fly by.Hope all have great and restful Thanksgiving Day surrounded with love ones.

Happy Birthday

2007-10-31T08:45:00.000-04:00

Times are changing........ Again

2007-10-03T22:34:00.000-04:00

Well.....It's over......Sinora.......No more Monday Nights.......Finished.......OK...... I'll stop now.

I finished my course work for my Master's degree Monday night. I will be graduating from SWU on December 15, 2007!!! Yes, this was the program that I started the Monday after the house fire. I remember talking to Mom about dropping out of the program, like it was yesterday. I thought the time wasn't right, I would never be able to get organized and stay focused through all that had happened. I started my Master's at Converse College, and transferred to SWU last summer. Mom and Dad encouraged me to continue on with the plan I had made before the fire, so I did. I loved every minute of it! Well, not every minute of it, having to write a thesis and all, but most of it! I was definitely relieved after every paper and discussion was complete. Thank you all for the support and many prayers.

Another change that's taking place is just as equally as shocking. For many of our family members we remember "the nursery" where we spent many childhood days with Nanny, Aunt Brenda, and our Mama's. This was a place where we were safe, fed, and usually the favorites right Kerrie? After all where else on Earth can you be in time out with a RC Cola and Moon Pie!!! Thanks Nanny

I haven't been able to find any pictures of the nursery back then, but this is what it looks like now.

Kerrie, take a look at the yellow chair. Is that a time out chair? Where's the RC Cola and Moon Pie? No wait, maybe that's the chair that you and Katie decided to decorate and clean up after yourselves of course!!! And where's that monkey? Has any one seen a monkey last spotted swimming in potty! Aunt Cathy can explain this one. Those were some good times! I am thankful for the many laughs and memories. More to come, ~Ashley

Happy Birthday, Jerry

2007-09-29T21:05:00.001-04:00

We hope you have a great day. Love You, You know you are MY FAVORITE Son-In-Law

Celebrating Uncle Dick's Birthday

2007-09-23T00:42:00.000-04:00

Click to play Make your own Smilebox

That Li'l Bitty

2007-08-31T23:26:00.000-04:00

I have had a new swimming partner this summer.

Lil' Bitty........

He loves water, and I was afraid he would fall in and not be able to get out. So I have tried to teach him how to swim back to the steps

so he can get out on his own.

Lexie is just the opposite she does not like the water. Give her a ball away from the water and she fine.

Last Friday night I was babysitting the Sparks Kiddo's and we were in the pool, SS was having a blast, HGS was doing okay as long as she was close to the steps, & FS she was holding on to me for dear life.... In jumps Li'l Bitty( if you go under water he tries to save you) I'm holding on to FS trying to get HGS back to the steps and Li'l Bitty is scratching the girls trying to get to me so I can aim him back to the steps so he can get out(HGS doesn't care for dogs to much anyway). In the back of my mind I'm thinking this isn't as easy as it was when my girls were this age. So when I get to church on Sunday SS has told his parents that I seem to have had a hard time with them last night. He just doesn't know how hard it was to keep 3 kids and 1 dog above the water with just 2 hands. I had the camera with me but no extra hand to take pictures with.

32 Wonderful Years

2007-08-31T00:24:00.002-04:00

August 31, 1975

Cindy & Rick

August 31, 2000

25 th Anniversary Love You Aways

Happy Birthday Mama!!!!!!

2007-08-08T14:38:00.000-04:00

She had just made a hole in one, and yes, she is NUMBER ONE to us! Happy birthday Mom, your the best:)I hope you're enjoying your day. No one would even guess your 50 (Shhh....) Love Ya, Ashley

Friday Funnies

2007-07-27T22:37:00.000-04:00

I going to copy Alyssa's Blog and write about a funny, like she does on Fridays on her blog. Last Sunday Ashley was doing the children's church lesson, and the story was about being focused on Jesus! To demonstrate this she decided to use a camera, and was taking a picture of the kids. She got all of the kids to sit close together so she could fit them all in the picture. Then, as she took the picture she turned and took the picture of the people sitting in the sanctuary. Then she asked the kids whats wrong with this picture? The whole time she was thinking they would say it's out of focus, or it's not a picture of us. However, unprompted Samuel said "Uncle Dick's in it." The whole church erupted in laughter, and Uncle Dick just raise his hands in agreement! Ashley just left well enough alone and said actually that is another sermon. Thanks Samuel for making us laugh! Let's remember to stay focused on JESUS.....

Happy Birthday

2007-07-26T00:15:00.001-04:00

Cat, If I could pick my very own sister you would be my pick. Love Cindy

Happy 24th Birthday

2007-07-24T07:55:00.001-04:00

This was the first birthday that I didn't wake you up with my singing of Happy Birthday, Hope you have a great day, Love you Baby Girl Mom

Celebrating America's Birthday

2007-07-05T23:50:00.002-04:00

On Saturday and Sunday the Adult choir of Ben Avon Baptist Church presented, Welcome Home a musical celebrating the freedoms we have been given and those who have made them possible and the Freedom God gives us through His salvation. I will post pictures of the choir as soon as I can get them from Mema. Here are a few pictures made after the presentation.

On Tuesday night we all went Bethany Baptist Church and what a treat it was four of the Chaplains of the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Department were there. They are calling themselves the Singing Chaplains and they were great, afterwards we had Bar-B-Q . On Wednesday the gang came to the RACKROOM for lunch and a swim.

Rick spent Thursday shopping and this is what he bought!!!
Hope Ya'll have a great weekend. I might take a road trip!!!
PS: I still have wedding photos to show but blogger is so slow tonight, I'll try later.
Cindy

She Married

2007-06-24T06:56:00.002-04:00

Kerrie & Jerry June 23, 2007

More pictures to come.

One Year Ago Today

2007-06-23T07:08:00.000-04:00

"> Today is a bitter sweet day for us one year ago our home was destroyed by a fire and today our baby daughter was getting married. More later gotta get to that church. Love to all Cindy

Two Sweet Girls

2007-06-02T00:49:00.000-04:00

On most Saturday mornings I spend with my Mom, we eat breakfast together, then hit the yard sales till about mid day. Then home to spend the afternoon with hubby. Well last week we had a guest with us, we invited Alyssa to spend the morning with us ( her son Samuel left on a mission trip to Jamaica) and we were trying to keep her busy so she would not worry so much.

I do not know if it worked or not but we had such a good time looking for bargains. We found Hannah Grace and Faith a few dresses to wear this summer.

The girls spent Saturday afternoon with us so that Travis and Alyssa could go to the movie and spend some time together. While they were gone I washed the dresses and dried them so the girls could take them home .

This a picture of the girls waiting on there dresses to finish washing and drying. Cindy

WHEW!!!

2007-05-31T00:28:00.002-04:00

The Ford's have been running in many different directions since we moved back home, buying the furniture that we need,hanging blinds & curtains, planning the House Blessing, planning Kerrie & Jerry's wedding, the bridal showers, engagement & bridal portraits, building the garage, getting the swimming pool purchased, an installation date 6-5-07, then contacting the construction crew to have the deck rebuilt and the fence put back up, getting Ashley ready for the mission trip, not counting Easter,and Mother's Day.

The wedding plans are on track just a few little things left to do. All the Thank yous are in the mail. The engagement will be published in the paper this weekend I hope, should have been in last Sundays paper. I really think Kerrie is getting nervous about the wedding, it has all been fun up till now and now that we are a few weeks away, she is stressing out on me. With this being the first wedding we have had to plan I do not have all the answers to the questions she is asking so I am depending on books and friends for the answers.

Ashley is in Jamaica as I write this post I talked to her a few minutes this morning everything seems to be going great. She said it had rained everyday and the insects were bad this year because of the rain. She went to the school this morning had a devotion with the students in the school, she is amazed that it okay to tell about Jesus in the schools there and how she would get in trouble if she share Jesus with her students back at home. The mission team will be arriving back to Charlotte around 6:30 PM on Thursday, please pray for a safe trip home and that the team members can get the rest they need before they return to their normal every day lives next week. I am sure that Ashley will be posting about her days in Jamaica when she returns so check back next week for her post.

Building Again

2007-04-28T02:03:00.001-04:00

We are building again you would think with all the building we have just completed we would not be tackling this project right now, wrong. We need a place for Papa's tools, right now they are stored in a storage unit and when we need something we have to stop what we are working on drive to the storage unit and plunder till we find the object we needed. Also the rent on the storage units for the last 17 months is a little costly. The Garage should be finished in a couple of weeks.