First, I apologize to all the American Girl fans if I offended you in my joking earlier today. I am fully aware that I will eat my words one day when a little girl in this house begs for one. I live up to my ankles in Legos…dolls…American Dolls are a different world for me. I don’t understand it all right now, but I am sure one day I will. The employee did point me to where the baby dolls were, but she was clear in that they were not JUST baby dolls, but something very special. I do appreciate the diversity and historical nature of the dolls. I am sure they are a great product that offers all kinds of worthwhile experiences and education to little girls. The store was simply overwhelming for a mom that deals with light sabers and drop kicks. My intention was not to hurt your feelings or be mean about something many deeply love, I was just trying to be funny about an entirely new experience for me. I fully recognize that my joking was not enjoyed by all. I apologize.
I debated deleting the picture and text because I really don’t aim at having a blog that evokes controversy or hurt feelings. It just isn’t my style. I don’t need a rosy, everything is perfect blog…but if I post something that gets readers upset, I want it to be about something worthwhile. Ultimately, I just decided to remove it….it just isn’t worth it to me get people upset over something so small. Oh the joys of being a blogger! Thanks for reading, even when I might hurt your feelings a bit.
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In more upbeat news (at least for two people)….here are the giveaway winners from last week.
RadLab - Christy (christykru….)
Bloom & Grow actions – Mia (miagaf…)
(both of you should have emails from me in your inbox)
Betsy from Elizabeth St - I thought your post was funny, and tongue-in-cheek.
I have an 8 y/o girl- the prime age for the dolls, and she’s never asked for one. So, who knows? You may not eat your words someday! For the record? I like you. And your blog.
Kristin - For what it’s worth – I have 5 daughters, we have had American Girl dolls, and I still thought your joke was funny.
Molly - Oh, you are so sweet and tactful:) I love all things American Girl, including the dolls – but i thought your picture and tongue-in-cheek commentary were funny! A salon for dolls? Come on, that’s a little crazy (even though I totally subscribe to the craziness!). I looove your blog.
Jordan - I appreciate how humble you are Ashley!
Heather - People were upset about your AG comments?
Oh my. I found it to be funny and I’m sure the dolls will be a-okay.
Celia - Oh Ashley… I HAVE to admit… you are a better person than I to apologize and remove that section of your post!!! Too bad that we all cannot “laugh” at those things. But I do have to say, you are ever so kind to do that for the ones you might have offended… and I admire you for that! No wonder you are so successful!!! I know we ALL love your blog.
sara s - It never ceases to amaze me the things that upset people on various blogs! It was obviously said in jest, I don’t think you owed anybody an apology! I would have been in your same shoes, since my two boys have loved legos for years! Now they are at the stage where they can’t bare to take anything apart.. what are you supsoed to do with all those legos anyway? They are 14 and 11 yrs old, you still have years to go with Legos!
By the way they make “girly” legos too! 
Kara D. - oh I thought it was funny! And I loved the dolls growing up. I went to the store last year on a weekend getaway… DETERMINED to find something for my 2 year old daughter… and I felt the same way! The only thing I could afford was a teeny miniature stuffed dog… which was $25… no way was I paying that! I left disappointed and wishing they had a “plain baby doll” too!
Deanna - I thought your post was funny! I have a daughter and I’m dreading the day when I have to start buying those dolls. I thought that the point of being a blogger was to say whatever you wanted…
Your blog is great because you do post things like the earlier one!
jaymee - really!? wow. People astound me. Your apology was heartfelt and very sweet. : ) I personally found the picture and the comment absolutely hilarious and I’m knee deep in American Girl crud on a daily basis. : )
Madeline - Really?! Puh-lease. I feel sorry for the people who were offended by your post. No apology necessary.
Emily Rushton - Um. Your joke was hilarious, and people should not get so defensive. This is, after all, your blog and you should be able to say whatever you want.
No apology necessary!
Kelly - People really got upset over that?!? Wow. I thought it was funny! It amazes me the amount of time people waste getting upset over silly little things.
You apology was gracious. Too bad it was necessary
Linde - Oh no! I missed the whole event! Put the post back up! I want to laugh, then pretend it offended me!!!
annie - Oh good heavens – I LOVE American Girl Place, and I didn’t take offense. I LOVE the LEGO store too – everyone is entitled to their opinions – even you on your blog.
Emily Langston - Oh my heavens…. I think there are much more important things to be offended over than a simple joke about a “doll store”. Some people take their hobbies a bit too seriously! Geesh!!!
Jennifer - I fully agreed with you on the post. Princesses, barbies, and tiaras freak me out. Give me a Darth Vader costume anyday
erika - I don’t think any apology is necessary. It’s your blog, your joke.
Ashley - I definitely didn’t feel like you needed to remove that section, but you are very kind to your readers to be so considerate of them.
And I’m totally bummed I didn’t win the actions
.
bopha - Well, I saw the humor in it and I’m sorry that others couldn’t. Way to be the bigger blogger, I would’ve just left it
Katy - You’re too nice to say it, so I will.
Get over it people.
Stoich91 - OH SNAP. I missed the whole controversy. That’ll teach me to read more carefully. But although American Girl magazine/stores/books/movies are my all-time faves, the prices/monopoly they have with those dolls is almost ALMOST as sickening as Disney. Man, I’m not kidding Disney’ll rob you blind; one second you’re in with a was of cash and the next second you’re out with fairy paraphernalia and indigestion from Gippetto’s french fries and probably having to hawk your car to avoid starvation.
Blog on!
Paige - Hahahahaha! I remember taking my young cousin to that store and both of us just sort of stood outside the main door in awe. Needless to say, we did not pass the threshold! It’s not for everyone, folks!
Pamelotta - Since we’re now knee-deep in a conversation about AG dolls, I’ll tell my story. I have 3 girls and they all wanted AG dolls last Christmas. If I got them all one, that’s all they would’ve gotten so I went to Target and got their version. Then I went to Hobby Lobby and stocked up on all the outfits they have which fit the AG/Target doll. My girls were so excited. Then, my oldest, who was 8 at the time, undressed her doll and after a complete and thorough inspection, declared that the doll Santa had brought her wasn’t an American Girl doll, it was a fake. She was mad at Santa because he didn’t bring her exactly the kind of doll she asked for. I told her that times were hard for everyone. Even Santa.
Christy - Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!! I can’t wait!
Also, I totally got the AG joke and wasn’t interested until my girls turned 3 and then, oh my goodness, they are in love! I’m sure you will be dragged by your credit card there some day! : )
Jennifer - I didn’t read the comments from your previous post, but I had to laugh when I read this one. People getting pushed out of shape about American Girl dolls? Oh my. They need to let it go.
They’re overpriced, overrated, and over-indulgent, in my humble opinion. (And there are cuter “baby” dolls to be found elsewhere.)
Don’t feel bad about your comments!
Chas - I too thought it was funny!
Lacy - I thought your post was hysterical and sent it right to my husband, who on our trip to Chicago, remarked about how it seemed Dads around the city ended up carrying the dolls and bags from AG instead of their daughters! I had two AG dolls as a kid and wasn’t offended at all. I totally agree with you.
Sarah - As a lover of AG, I was sad that you didn’t love them too- but I fully realize that not everyone loves dolls- my husband in fact hates them! (And so does my mother in law, hence where he gets it from.) I think dolls are something you are either raised to like or dislike. You’re entitled to your opinions, so I wasn’t so offended as to leave a comment before, but I thought I’d say something now since such a huge deal was made about it. Being true to your own feelings is more important than pleasing others, that’s where I stand on the matter.
Becky Rosin - I check to see your blog every day and totally missed this. I feel like I missed out! Can you re-post just so those who missed it can see?
Tracy O - Oh My! I cannot believe people didn’t see the AG part of your post as how it was supposed to be…as a joke. I was laughing out loud when I read it. My step daughter (23) had 2 AG and my 11 yo daughter has 1 and I still thought it was funny (and oh so true!). We went to the AG store in NYC and my husband and I had the same reaction. I am a girly girl, but feel so much more comfortable in the Lego store.
Kara MS M - I found the comments on American Girl very funny. Your funny comments are the reason I read your blog first every morning.
sarah k - Well, I wasn’t offended by what you said about American Girl–it sounded like a joke to me! I thought it was humorous, and I love American Girl dolls and have 4 of them waiting to hand down to my daughter…but I think it’s hilarious that the employee was all snooty. That’s ridiculous! Anyway, I wasn’t put off but I think you are very sweet to apologize so kindly to the people who were.
Carol V - The part about American Girl dolls was actually my favorite part. And I have 4 girls. Dolls can be kind of creep,y I think. Maybe too many bad movies. But, you are a good person to care for others feelings the way you do. Just wanted you to know, some people loved your humor. xoxo
Brook @ BeingBrook - I have the same set up as you. 3 boys and then a girl. All the girl stuff is still overwhelming to me too. I thought the American girls store part was funny!
Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Ashley, you are such a sweetheart. Kisses, kisses, kisses to you!
Christie - Well, I thought it was hilarious–I have two older boys and one two year old girl, and I feel so similar to what you experience with your girl. She’s all boy yet pops up with the girliest things sometimes–I love the mix. You are sweet to handle it the way you did:).
lyn - Ashley, when I went to Chicago (years back) and had to check out the American girl doll store for my Goddaughter, I was HORRIFIED!!! The dolls in the cases reminded me of a horror movie. I have never been the same. My friends make fun of me and tell me how great it is. I just can’t handle it.
EK - This your blog. As Americans we have freedom of speech. You are entitled to your own opinions! You shouldn’t have to apologize!
Erin - Wow people were seriously Offended by that? Really? The whole concept is creepy and weird. Granted if I was six I am sure I would love it and if I had a daughter I am sure I’d be wasting lots of money there. Still doesn’t change the fact that a hair salon for a doll is crazy as is a restaurant. Ah some people needs sense of humor.
Lacey - You TOTALLY cracked me up with your comments! I have all boys and would be completely lost (and possibly horrified!) in a store filled with dolls! I hope no one made you feel bad for joking around, but I suppose you avoided some conflict by posting this and deleting the other.
Jessica - My daughters have American Girl dolls, and I found your comment hilarious. Probably because my mom has A LOT of American Girl dolls and when we visit, we have to sleep in a room where they are all staring at us. Very creepy!
Tela - i was not offended. i could go into my whole rant about not needing to apologize for every little thing that offends anyone, but i won’t go there. that was a very nice apology post, let’s just leave it at that.
Amy - I think we have MUCH in common, Miss Ashley. And I can hardly wait to meet you @ Craft Weekend! I’ve even considered packing Lego men…just to make me feel at home.
Laura W. - People need to get offended at things that matter in life. It’s a doll, get over it! How on earth did your comment hurt someone’s feelings?!
Joan M - Wish I had read the post. If people follow your blog, it’s hard to believe they would think you were being mean. LOVE your blog and photos; took your photo class and it was wonderful – I understood what I was suposed to do! Blog on.
jami nato - i AM SUPER OFFENDED…that you deleted the previous post. blogging is for your memories, not so others can feel ok about their dolls. wait, that’s going to tick someone off. but listen, person who’s offended, i got samantha in 6th grade. and i loved her. even though i was embarrassed that someone bought me a doll in middle school. there…the secrets out. ha.
stephanie - I read what you wrote earlier about the AG Store and it actually made me smile. We went when we were in NYC. It is a little over the top for us first timers. People are so funny. WHy on earth would anyone be offended by your opinion. This is your blog. Your opinions. By the way…your blog makes my day!
Tania Knapp - If people have read your blog for a while and ‘know you’. They should have been able to read the joke. It was pretty clear to me you had no intentions of making fun or hurting anyone’s feelings. Seriouly!!! People need to grow up
This is your blog. You say and write and joke with whatever pleases you.
Yolanda - Wait….what? It’s a toy. Seriously. People can’t handle it if you don’t like “a toy”? They got offended and whined about it in the comments of *your* blog? Can we say, First World Problems? Seriously! I have a girly girl and I have visited the AG store in Los Angeles and I found it freaky as all heck. Would I have loved it as a child? Sure. But as an adult it was like visiting some creepy cult where people are convinced that spending $200 on a doll bed and matching pajamas makes sense. I buy stuff like everyone else, but AG is consumerism to the nth degree. It’s just a doll. And the idea that people felt passionate enough the defend this toy in the comments of a post about a 10th anniversary weekend getaway leaves me shaking my head. Honestly, Ashley you should not feel the least bit bad about what you wrote.
Molly - Well. My goodness. I read your blog in my feeder – we have very little in common except that I have a brother with 3 boys and a girl who can probably match yours for adventures. And I bought my very girly niece an American Girl doll. And I love your photography. (there’s a point in there somewhere – I believe it’s that I like reading your posts because they talk about someone with a different life from mine!)
Anyway, I was surprised by the Am Girl post, but certainly not offended. Today I am floored to find an apology.
My hat’s off to you – for today and probably more for your original point of view.
Jay - I love your honesty! you should never stop saying how you feel! Those dolls are sooooooo creepy. Have a fantastic week!
Molly - Okay – I was surprised by yesterday’s post, but certainly not offended.
My brother has 3 boys and a girl, and my sister has 2 girls. My brother’s girl has an American girl doll. My sister’s girls could not care less about American girl dolls.
My hat’s off to you for both posts – though I think my preference was for the original.
Oh, and I love your photography.
Ryan - I can’t understand how anyone who reads this blog would think for a second that you were being snarky or malicious. I don’t think that’s something you’re capable of!
I thought it was hilarious – I would have been freaked out too. Not because there’s something wrong with the dolls but because it’s such a culture shock. Like I freaked out by becoming a father.
Dawn B. - You have nothing to apologize for – the dolls are creepy, legos are great, boy or girl! It was funny and I totally get your overwhelmed feeling, I have boys and when I passed by the store I was amazed and startled, legos, building, running, fighting just makes sense when you have been the mom of boys and your little girl will lead you on the path that makes sense for her. Follow her lead and keep up the funny! Life does not have to be that serious.
Yanet of 3 Sun Kissed Boys - Oh for goodness sakes! Even when you spoke of your old doll, that FireCracker now plays with you referred to it as a bit creepy, I think. Didn’t you? You are very graceful and know how to puck your battles wisely.
Heather G - I didn’t see the original AG comment (and don’t really understand the kerfuffle), but I think it is supremely kind of you to remove something from your blog that you perceived to be upsetting to some. I think a lot of times in our culture, there’s so much adulation for people who “stick-to-their-guns” (whether right or wrong) that the humble art of being kind and conceding to the feelings of others is thought of as a lesser quality. Of course it is your blog and a forum for your opinions, and you didn’t have to do it- that’s what makes it true kindness that you did.
Yanet of 3 Sun Kissed Boys - I meant PICK not puck. Darn auto-correct!
Susan - LOL! I hope you didn’t lose any sleep or stress over an American Girl doll post! It was funny and honest- it’s not where you are in life yet, and you may never be there! My daughter has FOUR dolls, plus the twins, and the baby all from her grandma and granny, BUT she still has a tea party with a pumpkin wearing a hat that she decorated and her stuffed animals more than she does those dolls! (much to my chagrin…I love the dolls-lol)
Meagan - I agree with your point of view 100%. I find them incredibly creepy and could not get out of that store fast enough.
Renée - Oh, dear! Drives me nuts when women get upset over something so petty and materialistic. Wouldn’t it be great if they channeled that energy toward something worthwhile, like ushering in world peace?
I’m really taken aback by the consumerism and commercialism embodied by AG. (Not to mention, um who can afford it?) Right now the place makes me gag, but still, I can see myself being torn if my 3-year-old daughter asks me for a doll someday.
Trinity - And this is one of the things that is so great about you….that you care so much about people. You don’t want people to focus on the silly things, but on heart matters. I cracked up thinking about you in the AG place. I (and my girls) would have been in heaven in that store, but I laughed and laughed thinking about you seeing all that the “girl world” entails…I’m sure it was like you were in a foreign land! Too bad people didn’t get what you were saying…I will say that I think that most people that read your blog can see your heart…that you love people, care about them and strive to make a difference in the world. Thanks for being so transparent!
amy - Well, darn it. I’m like someone else. I didn’t read the post until after you had deleted the AG part. And now I’m really curious what you said!!
Catherine - Oh my someone getting upset over a doll….all I can say is wow. I love all of your posts. I think it was very sweet of you to apologize. Not that I think an apology was necessary, but it just shows how much you care about others.
Heather D - I grew up reading american girl.. and im sure one day will visit the store with our little girl. But I dont think that you owe anyone an apology for enjoying the lego store more than the doll store.. I enjoy reading your blog and love that you share personal things like your trip to chicago!! You are who you are and you like what you like.. You shouldnt have to worry about upsetting people when writing on YOUR blog..
p.s. i recently discovered your sister’s blog and now i feel really weird about reading both like i know your whole family or something.. random lol!
Lisa B - As a mother with an almost 11 year old daughter who plays with legos, loves Star Wars, lives for Harry Potter and wears only athletic gear I have never experienced the “American Doll” store and I’m totally okay with that. We have enjoyed many of the American Doll books but I was totally oblivious that an ADS had even opened in Denver!
BriBedell - I will never by a doll that cost more than my weekly grocery bill. People have lost there minds…for real. I understand there ‘history’ and what ‘great role models’ their suppose to be but for goodness sake get a grip. Are they cool, yes. Extremely well made, absolutely. But there is no way on this earth I am paying 24 dollars for an outfit for a TOY. I can buy my actual child an outfit for that and to me that’s more important! You are a great person with an even bigger heart & personality, I got the joke and it was hilarious! Play on playa
Leticia - You are the sweetest thing ever… I cannot believe ppl got offended with your post. They can get a life. It was so funny bc tonight I go an AG catalog at home and was debating with my husband whether or not to get our 2yo an American Baby this Xmas. And told him about your post…
Jennifer - You are cute and have every right to make a joke every now and then. I personally would feel disconnected from you if you didnt. We dont have these dolls and I assume at some point we may. Anyone would have to agree that the whole thing is “a little much”. A little much- yes, but would I be a part of it for my daughter- absolutely! I also have a complete disdain for such a closed mind that takes offense over another human being’s opinion. Really? I mean if you called my kid something rude- I would take offense, but if you made fun of my yoga mat- I would laugh! I actually had a “former” friend who suggested I get my new car in white. I told her I didnt really like white cars. She immediately was hurt and disgusted by my not liking her car-which was white! What? Hey 2nd grade called and they want their maturity and logic back please! All I could tell the girl was that she bought it for herself- not for me – why does she care if I dont like it? Well she cared and totally defriended me (I was her first precious sons godmother). On a side note to the blog readers……mess with my girl Ashley and you mess with me…and my redneck east texas undereducted brutes!
natalie - I say, if someone wants to sponser a child, they should sponsor a LIVING BREATHING one via the Compassion International link on your site! The American Girl books/stories I grew up with are great. The dolls/accessories/etc., are outrageously overpriced and borderline ungodly in my humble opinion. My daughter and I walked out of there this weekend when I overheard a little girl tell a store clerk that she was there to get her doll’s ears pierced and pick out earrings because she just got her ears pierced. PEOPLE don’t have clothes. PEOPLE don’t have FOOD. I am sure I will waste a lot of $$ over the years on toys, but for some reason I just can’t stomach American Girl. (And I caught the humor in your post, but hoped it ran deeper for you too.) This isn’t to say I would never have one of the dolls in my home. If I found one at a thrift shop, or was given one passed down, I would allow my girls to play with them…but seriously? All I could ask myself when I went in there for the first time is ‘are we really in a recession?’ ‘Does that little doll who’s story is about the Great Depression really cost more than $100?!’ Ugh.
kristina - i missed the whole post but I have to say people will find anything they can to be offended about. you are amazing and so is your blog! have a wonderful week!
Jelena - Put the part you deleted back on your blog – it looks weird like this and I at least think that if you write something you should not remove it. You are usually far from controversial (not that I thought this was) in your topics, but once in a while everyone get some negative reactions – let them be, you can never please everyone.
Kimberly - WOW! I’m sorry people didn’t find your picture funny (or see the YOU in it). I did! I LOVED it and thought it was very you!! You are better than me!! Thank you for always sharing on your blog. I read it every morning….bummed on weekends.
christina - I totally understood the humor behind your remarks! We have five children…2 boys and 3 girls…and their grandmother has given each of them an American Girl for Christmas. That being said…I thought it was hilarious and completely accurate coming from a mom of boys…followed by your first girl! Speak on!
Tracie - Wow, I didn’t realize how emotional people would get over your opinion about American Girl. I have a 7 year old who has never been into baby dolls. I’m glad because those dolls are CRAZY expensive and then you have to have accessories, etc.
Anyway, I think it’s sad that you can’t express your opinion without getting junk about it. I thought you were funny and very clear that it was an opinion.
Oh well….some people need a reason to get worked up!
Stephanie Catlett (Mom's Happy Place) - Dear Ashley,
I enjoy all of your blogs! One of the greatest words of wisdom I have learned from reading about very successful authors is WRITE THE TRUTH. I love to read, and I love to read honest, thought provoking, humorous, and genuine works. As a fellow Lego mom I TOTALLY get what you were saying, just last night I grabbed a handful of Legos off of our bed that found their way under our comforter, how did that happen? Lol. Our house is filled with love and Legos. Anyway, we too will soon embark on the Baby Doll world, we have some time since Seleste is only 5 months, but this whole PINK thing is new to us, because for 8 years it’s been and ALL BOY WORLD. In my day it was all about Cabbage Patch Kids, my Dad stood in line for hours to get one for me, and he didn’t even get to choose what kind of doll, they just handed him the toy and sent him on his way. I was so thrilled! I know when your sweet little girl is ready for the American Girl world, you’ll be her biggest fan, ready for Tea Time with your pinky up! Have a great day and thanks for blogging, you have encouraged me more than you know.
<3 Stephanie
Suzette Mahoney - okay, I read you every day and rarely (maybe never) comment because you get so many comments, but I have to say I thought the American Doll post was hilarious. Really, do we have to be politically correct about dolls? I think it showed your sense of humor and I for one loved that!!
allison - Some people are just way too sensitive. I personally thought it was funny. If I didn’t I would just hit the close button on my browser and think nothing else of it. It’s a doll store people – not something SERIOUS!! It was a harmless – what you said. Definitely not worthy of any negative commentary. I understand why you removed that part – but it’s still disappointing that some people have to ruin all the fun.
Steph - Aw bummer I liked that part of your post! People manage to get offended by the silliest things…you’re a much more patient person than me, my eyes would have been rolling too hard to even locate the Edit Post button.
Abigail - I loved American Girl dolls growing up but I thought your joke was hilarious
While I poured over their catalogs, I think I’d be creeped out by the store, too! It’s good of you to apologize, but I really hope you didn’t _actually_ catch a lot of flack for your joke, it’s just a doll store…
kassondra - hahaha Ashely people are too sensitive. i loved the whole American girl doll freaking you out. i personally think its way to much money on dolls my girls are just going to leave outside and cut all their hair off. these are kids were are talking about. they want to play with baby dolls not leave them on a shelf and look at them. so to have huge store like that to me sounds stupid! this is your blog and you should be free to write and say what you want.
Courtney - seriously people, they are DOLLS…. the world at large needs to lighten up. wow. chill people!! i thought your post was hilarious! you’ll never please everyone…
Nicole - For what it’s worth, I thought it was hilarious. But our only girl is still crawling so maybe the doll cult will be in our future someday. or maybe not (fingers crossed?) – only time will tell!
Cherron - I missed out on the American Girl joke, but seriously? It amazes me what people get offended about, especially when it is on a post on a person’s blog. I have three girls and loved the American Girl books as a child, but I’m sure I would have been laughing as well. Why? Because I can recognize humor when it is supposed to be light-hearted and not offensive. People need to lighten up. I’m sorry you felt the need to take down something that you found humorous to save the fee-fees of a few overly sensitive people.
ashley jensen - I think its sad the things people get all worked up about. They are just toys!!! I though your comments were funny.
amanda torres - Oh man! The American Girl pic was my favorite. So funnny! It is a really neat experience IF you have a girl into that stuff, but until then it is creepy. All those faces looking at you. It’s like seeing the antique dolls in the basement of Woolaroc. There’s a reason why they’re right there by the guns!
Sarah - I thought the American Girl doll post was funny! I feel the same way about them even though I am sure one will be coming home with us soon!
TinaB - A mom of all girls who gets to experience the American Doll craze daily, I found your post pretty funny.
Lisa - I thought you were right on with the American Girl store jokes…I love your sense of humor! Please don’t start editing yourself on things like that just to avoid insulting a sensitive person…your boy-mom sensibilities are part of what make you you! I loved it. And I must say for the record – there is a monstrous American Girl store at the Dallas Galleria, 10 minutes from my house, and I’m pregnant with my first girl…I am NOT excited about the day I have to go in there with her. NOT AT ALL.
Julia - I have one daughter that wouldn’t hold a doll if I paid her, and another that thinks her “AG” doll was sent from Heaven. It will be interesting to see which side your little one leans toward. Regardless though, I thought your comment about the store was hilarious. Some people take life too seriously.
Alice H - I took your American Girl comment as a joke. Some people need to take their chill pills and remember this is YOUR blog. YOUR freedom of speech. YOUR right to post and say whatever you want.
Heck, I have a 12 year old. She is my oldest. Then I have 2 boys. I think the store is creepy. I think the dolls are way too overpriced. She has 2 of them. They were gifts from my dad and he took her to the store in Dallas for her birthday one year. I also think Legos are too overpriced but they are also all over my house. To each their own!!
Dolls are creepy…has anyone seen the movie Child’s Play?? Chucky creeped me out!
cheree - I don’t think you need to apologize at all for being overwhelmed by a doll store. I will be having my first child in November (a boy) and there are things about that that freak me out. But there would be so many more things that I would have trouble adjusting to as the mom of a girl who loved girly things (I am a tom boy at heart). I think everyone has different thoughts and experiences and there is no need to feel sorry that you feel differently than other people. We are all allowed to have our own opinions and if people can’t handle that, it is their own problem and not yours. I loved all of the Chicago pics and the review.
mandi@herbanhomestead - Wow. I’m surprised that created any sort of weirdness for people. I thought it was hilarious! And I can say that knowing full well that there is an American Doll peering out at me from my daughter’s bedroom. Dressed like princess Leia, by the way.
Deborah - Wow! People were angry enough to comment from your little comment about AG dolls. I think they need to try a harder to find important things in life to be so concerned about. And this is from a grandmother who loves American Girls dolls and books. My daughters and granddaughters also loved (and still love) them.
I remember thinking when I read your comment “she’s funny and just wait until her daughter gets a little older and then she’ll discover the magic of American Girls. Until then, enjoy the legos, light sabers and trampoline”.
Love your blog, especially your camera tips. Your helping this “older lady” alot. I’m looking forward to signing up for one of your online classes. The first two didn’t work because I will be out of town quite a bit.
Rebecca - Oh for peaches and cream! I thought it was funny because yes it is overwhelming.
Marin D - Don’t feel bad. It was funny. I have two girls (who thankfully haven’t caught on to the AG dolls thing while their favorite cousin has several) and I think the whole this IS overwhelming. You won’t ever please anyone and if people want to leave because of something so silly and benign, you don’t really want them here anyway.
Anna Marie - People let too many little things get their panties in a wad. That part of the post actually made me smile. I got the joke
Tina I. - Very sweet of you to be so thoughtful. Please don’t let those who are offended easily stop you from being yourself. I have 3 girls and 2 boys in a home filled with legos, light sabers, scooby doo, and AG dolls. I thought the post was funny. We enjoy the AG books/movies, and have dolls that my girls have received as gifts, but the one time we tried to visit the Chicago store, we ended of leaving and going to the lego store instead. The girls were overwhelmed, overstimulated, and I was a little creeped out by the whole experience. Reading you blog is, in fact, optional and if someone doesn’t like what you write they can always choose to not read it.
Mamabirdy - I thought the post was funny, reminded me of how I feel when I walk down that all pink aisle at the Toys-R-Us. The MyTwin dolls are even spookier.
the inadvertent farmer - Ohhh you are just as sweet and genuine as any blog reader could hope to find in a blog writer…thanks!
I read your post and as a mother of 4 boys and one American Girl lovin’ girl I can totally and completely understand the overwhelming feeling, so much so that we have only walked by the store and never actually into one, can’t bring myself to do it…and we have owned a bitty baby, the twins, AND now a big girl doll. So don’t feel bad about being honest and overwhelmed by the American Girl craze…they are precious dolls but expensive and frankly a bit too much at times (that is why all of ours were purchased by a dotting grama and not this lego lovin’ mama!) Kim
stacey - My oldest just got her first AG doll on a trip to NYC a couple of weeks ago. They are very pretty, have great stories, and awesome acessories. Want to know what’s not awesome? The prices – totally ridiculous! Your thoughts on the store made me laugh and was nothing to apologize for. Thankfully I have only 1 other daughter and cannot wait for my son to get into the Lego craze!
Emily - Shoot, I missed it.
As someone who consistently puts her foot in her mouth (and then trips over it), I’d like to say thank you for messing up (which is the impression I get but I’m not really sure because I didn’t get to read it-darn it for only checking my computer every few days!). And thank you for apologizing. I like you all the more for both of those facts.
I like to think of bloggy land as more relationshipnal (no, it wasn’t a word, but I’m making it one now). You have good days and bad. You have wonderful experiences we want to hear about (or don’t!). You get angry, confused, excited, sad. (You as in “the general blog writer” not you specifically. But I hope you specifically). And in return I, a faithful reader, get to cheer you on. Or encourage you. And pray for you. And then explain the American Girl Doll phenomenon as best as I can. {because I have no boys and thanks to you I know what to get my nephews!}. Or laugh about the American Girl phenomenon with you. Because I’m not made of money
And so this is me cheering you on. Because that how we roll. Relationshipnally.
Chelsea in MO - Oh my, there’s a lot of comments going on here. I guess I will throw mine in too : ) Jill E. had a good point, in yesterday’s comments, that compared to some dolls on the market, the AG dolls can be appreciated for their tame, age appropriateness. But… as an everyday reader of your blog, I got what you meant, thought it was funny and went on about my day. Didn’t think twice about it till I saw post today. As is true all over blogland, this is YOUR blog so you may write whatever you wish. In fact, that’s why most of us read it everyday, because we think you and your stories/crafts/pictures rock! But respect is what makes this world go ’round and acknowledging other’s feelings is something we should all try to do a bit more often, right? Have a good day Ashley and thank you for sharing all that you do!
Steph - Oh ash… I seriously don’t think you needed to delete the pic! You’re crazy! I totally know what you meant by the post and I don’t think it was one iota offensive. I’m sorry that you felt that way. I have three girls that are all about the girly things in this house and I too find the American girl idea a bit strange. But for me it’s the insane prices that get me!! Oy! You are hilarious and I hope you continue to be true to yourself in posts and not have to worry about hurting anyone’s feelings (which you clearly never intended).
Glad you and Chris had a fantastic trip to the windy city!!
Robyn - I can’t believe you deleted a post of something YOU wrote on YOUR blog. Can’t please them all! Im sorry I missed the funny post! i love a little sarcastic humor now & then!
no need for people to get their panties in a knot about YOUR blog! i vote you put it back up for us all to get a good laugh!!!
meg duerksen - i think they are just a ridiculous way to spend money and for girls to think they need dolls that are over $100.
i wish my kids had never even seen them.
if you are smart…..you will avoid it all together.
because it IS hard to say no.
to be the ONLY family with out hundreds of dollars sunk into AG.
and they aren’t satisfied with the fakes….because their friends have the real!
that’s just my opinion.
Casey - oh lord! I see zero reason to give an apology for stating YOUR opinion on YOUR blog. this is just ridiculous.
Lynn - AMEN SISTAS!!!!!, to all of the previous comments today!!!! ……It’s all about perspective!!!! Love yah Miss AshleyAnn!!!
Von - Oh Ashley, I’m with all the others…it was funnnny! And you’re allowed not to like things. Geeez Lousie!
Johanna Waisley - Oh, as Meg says…”Whatever”—I have girls, we have too expensive, not played enough for the price AG dolls and you did not ruffle my feathers
amy - i cannot believe people got upset over that post..it was funny and you definitely don’t need to apologize over it..man lighten up people!!
CharlaL - I read the post but never thought a thing about it….except that I can relate..we are HUGE lego fans(2boys) and I went with a friend to the AG store and felt like a fish out of water! LOL People need to get over themselves…you are AWESOME and witty.
melany - Aw. I am playing catchup on my blogs and am now curious about the whole American Girl thing. I feel like I missed something
I gotta say that a store recently opened in a mall near me and I made the huge mistake of going to the mall on opening day. It made the whole mall a crazy packed place. I don’t quite get it, but it was really cute seeing all the little girls with smiles on their faces carrying their red American Girl package.
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