Ashley Turns 16!
It started with her Grandpa showing up after school to pick her up in "the truck" This was a very nice surprise and started her evening off right.
This year was a difficult party for me. I was all excited for her party as she invited a few friends over for cake and games. But to my surprise this was probably the first time she didn't want mom to play. I went for a walk to the fort with the boys, then took Jonny to the park. Of course all of that went to fast. We came back and sang Happy Birthday, had some cake and tried to find something else to do. This was one of the times I wish we had our basement done. This girls took the living room leaving the rest of to our bedrooms. After hearing a few of their conversations I decided I didn't want to be out there anyways and I tried to remember what is was like to 16 and with my girlfriends. Of course I only remember the parties when I was little and it was okay to have family....lol When I got older and I don't think I wanted my firens over. The girls had a great time and asked to repeat it. I hope that they will continue to feel welcome in my home and and that there are many get-together to come. The song I have dedicated to Ash is "My Wish" by Rascal Flats.

This has been an exciting year for her as well. She attended her 1st school dance week(homecoming) and had a blast. She has been accepted in United States Achievement Academy Who's Who and been invited to tour France and Italy with People to People Ambassadors. Of course this probably won't fit in our budget this year so hopefully she will be offered this opportunity will come up again. We have the informational meeting next week and find out all the details. She is ranked #2 in her class for NWEA school testing and continues to take advanced classes as they are offered. 2 more years and she will off to college somewhere hopefully close to home. She has truly lighted up our lives with her smile. "My wish for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to, you dreams stay big, your worries stay small, you never need to carry more than you can hold, and while you are out there getiing where your gettin' to, I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things to. This is my wish!"