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Mary Alice Hounshell

@maryalicehounshell

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My favorite transition. She did her own hair with extensions and her makeup. This kid is amazing and she will do big things if she just keeps believing in herself. And, can we get a final round of applause for that DRESS?!!? taken in Clark County by @maryalicehounshell

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6 months ago

Good morning to all who celebrate Fall! Officially hot tub season! Filled it up yesterday just in time! Feels great on the achy muscles. Getting ready for a day of sanding furniture since my Bengals are on a bye week. Still reeling from the Cats win last night. My favorite time of year!!! Football, hot tub, cool mornings and evenings, and beautiful Kentucky countryside. Make it a great day!!!! by @maryalicehounshell

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16 hours ago

C-A-T-S, Cats, Cats, Cats!!! by @maryalicehounshell

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a day ago

My brother and nephew are right in the middle of the Oklahoma fans behind the Kentucky bench. So happy that he’s feeling well enough to finally get out some. He has been through it the last few months and deserves this more than anyone I know. Now….. GO CATS!!!!!

P.S. Doug looks so much like our mom here. by @maryalicehounshell

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a day ago

In today’s divided political climate, there aren’t many people I’d proudly put a political sign in my front yard for. But my friend Jeannie is one of those rare exceptions.

I’ve had the privilege of knowing Jeanie for several years and I can tell you that she has a genuine servant’s heart. She cares deeply about people, and I know that she will put everything she has into serving, not only District 1, but ALL of Clark County.

I’m proud to call her my friend and proud to have her sign in my yard. Please consider a vote for Jeanie. But, whatever you do… please get out and vote this November. by @maryalicehounshell

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5 days ago

Cool little full circle moment! One of my best friends, Summer, used to be a full-time hair stylist and gave Sawyer her first “big girl” bob haircut. Today, the roles were reversed and Sawyer gave her a haircut. We had to recreate this adorable picture! ❤️ We love you, Summie. by @maryalicehounshell

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9 days ago

Today we had to say goodbye to our sweet Finley.

Her name, Finley, comes from Irish/Scottish roots and means “fair-haired warrior,” which couldn’t have been more fitting. We got her for Sawyer the Christmas after her heart surgery because our brave little girl needed a companion, and Finley became her very first pet, her comfort, and her constant friend.

About a year later, we rescued Charlie, and the two of them became quite the pair. We lost Charlie just a few months ago, and part of me likes to think Finley knew he needed her. I can only imagine how excited he was to be the first one there to greet her.

We will miss our girl more than words can say. The Hounshells will hold down the fort with our Oaklee and Otis, but I think our hearts may be done adding dogs. Loving them is so easy. Losing them is just too hard.

Sweet Finley, our beautiful fair-haired warrior, you did your job so well. We will love you forever and miss you every day. by @maryalicehounshell

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a month ago

Nineteen years ago today, I became a mom. And, from that very first moment, loving Sawyer has been the easiest and greatest thing I have ever done.

I have treasured every single second of being her mom. Truly. Every age, every stage, every ordinary day and every big milestone. For 19 years, not a single day has gone by that she hasn’t made me smile. She has filled our home and my life with so much laughter, joy, personality, and love. And, somehow, all those little moments became years.

No matter how many birthdays come and go, when I look at you, I will always somehow see every version of you at once… the baby, the little girl, and the beautiful young woman standing in front of me now. I would choose every single moment all over again.

Happy 19th Birthday to my first and only baby. Being your mom has been the sweetest privilege of my life, and I love you more than words will ever be able to express.

No matter what. No matter where. Always. ❤️ by @maryalicehounshell

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2 months ago

It’s her first day of cosmetology school! And, even though Otis (aka: her son) and I are going to miss having her home with us quite as much, it’s so exciting to watch her step out and chase the life she wants.

Sawyer, we are so proud of you for carving out your own path. You could have followed the traditional route, but instead, you listened to your heart and chose something that makes you happy. Kudos for following your dreams, learning a craft you love, and building a future that is uniquely yours.

As your mom, I couldn’t be more proud. Not just of what you’re doing, but of the courage it takes to choose your own path and believe in yourself enough to go after it.

So today, we’re cheering her on as she starts this next adventure. And, yes, Otis and I will probably be waiting at the door for her every afternoon. 😂🐾

Go chase those dreams, Sawyer. We’ll be right here rooting for you every step of the way. Your future is yours to create, and I can’t wait to watch you do it.

So incredibly proud of you, kiddo. ❤️✂️ Mamma loves you so BIG. by @maryalicehounshell

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2 months ago

Another throwback photo!!! No matter how much time passes, one thing has never changed, my brother has always been one of my very best friends. We’ve shared a lifetime of laughs, memories, and always being there for each other. I’m so thankful for the bond we’ve always had.

Please continue to keep my brother in your prayers. Since July 4, he’s battled shingles, meningitis, encephalitis, and Guillain-Barré Syndrome… then went home and ended up with pulmonary embolisms in each lung. He remains in the hospital. We are worried, but we are also holding tightly to our faith. God is good, and we continue to trust Him one day at a time.

Thank you for every prayer, message, and act of kindness. They mean more than you’ll ever know. ❤️ by @maryalicehounshell

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2 months ago

Today, an old friend sent me a couple of old photos she found. One of them… well, it made me so mad at myself.

I was around Sawyer’s age and I thought I was so fat. I’d been told that on more than one occasion, reminded that I may not need that extra helping, and eventually I believed it. I remember this swimsuit because it was the only two-piece I owned back then, and I had to work up an enormous amount of courage to wear it that day.

Looking at this photo now, I don’t see what I saw then. I see a kid having fun. I see a girl laughing with a friend out on the ocean, making memories, and living a carefree summer day. I don’t see someone who needed to lose weight. I see someone who deserved to feel confident but didn’t, because she’d allowed someone else’s opinion to become her own.

It makes me wonder how many moments I spent hiding, comparing myself, or believing I wasn’t enough when I already was.

If I could go back and talk to that 17-year-old girl, I’d tell her to stop worrying so much. Wear the swimsuit. Take the picture. Laugh louder. Your body isn’t the thing people will remember. Your joy will be.

So here’s my reminder to anyone who needs it today: Don’t let your life pass by because you’re waiting to be thinner, prettier, younger, or “good enough.” One day you’ll look back at the photos and realize you were never the problem. by @maryalicehounshell

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2 months ago

It was a beautiful night to take the top off the Bronco. Sawyer picked Mom up and brought her over for dinner, and afterward I had the pleasure of driving her back home. We snapped this picture for Doug, hoping it might bring a smile to his face.

I’d like to ask for your prayers for my brother in Texas. He’s been very sick and is currently in the ICU facing some serious health challenges. The details aren’t mine to share, but I know he wouldn’t mind me asking for prayers because he truly needs them right now.

For now, Mom and I are here in Kentucky, trusting that he’s in excellent hands, while also being reminded how incredibly difficult it is to be so far away from the people you love when life takes an unexpected turn.

We love him dearly and are believing for healing, strength, and better days ahead. by @maryalicehounshell

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3 months ago