tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83901294898545605822012-01-13T20:00:23.597-08:00Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.Ashleighnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2741100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-70751085573094071452012-01-08T21:18:00.000-08:002012-01-08T21:19:43.450-08:00

I must write down the story of baby Z's entrance into this world, as I know I will soon forget all the intricate details due to mommy brain and the passing of time.  The thought of a time when I will have look back on this story and read it to remind myself of its happening is sort of sad, in a way.  I wish I could remember all the beautiful things that happen to me, the happy things, the

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-49090074949465906302012-01-06T12:58:00.000-08:002012-01-06T21:46:26.583-08:00

Here I am. I'm still alive! Things have been crazy and super hectic the last few weeks. But what else did I expect?  A new baby can do that to you. Speaking of baby, here are some pics!  These technically are old..they were taking at 1 week. Z is 6 weeks already! I can't believe it. But he is still just as cute! (and a whole lot fatter...hee hee) Becoming a mother of four sure

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-36487327700303027612011-11-19T21:28:00.000-08:002011-11-19T21:28:19.808-08:00

wow, I never realize how fast time goes by until I check this blog and discover I haven't posted in forever. Its doesn't feel like its been almost a month! Im so sorry. I think things have been quiet on here because my real life has been so crazy. We have been desperately trying to get things in order for this baby to get here. I feel so flustered and out of sorts, like Im forgetting everything I

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-43503496752776606292011-10-31T16:47:00.000-07:002011-10-31T16:47:59.155-07:00

My last post was too long anyway, so I guess its good that I totally forgot to post about our pumpkin carving debacle! ha ha.  I'll just post it now.  The Man has been super busy studying for school, so usually its just me and the kids when we go to do anything.  Pumpkin carving this year was no different.  I was slightly stressing about it, since I knew I would be the one doing most of the

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-58351870005299329752011-10-31T08:27:00.000-07:002011-10-31T08:29:52.237-07:00

We have had bunch of activities to go to this year. Its amazing actually, since normally halloween for our family is pretty low key. We usually just go to the trunk-or-treat at our church and call it good.  I don't even decorate. I know, lame.  I don't know why. Maybe I'm just not all that into scary stuff accumulating around my house. Plus, I discovered that baby girl is almost deathly afraid of

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-45332361062251722632011-10-27T14:39:00.000-07:002011-10-27T14:39:29.467-07:00

When we moved here to Arizona it was sunny and 120 degrees outside...all day every day. So, even though it was the middle of summer, it felt like we were back to Idaho winters due to the fact that we had to stay inside and couldn't really go out.  It was so crazy to me to have to turn on my car for the air conditioner to cool it off before we could get in it to go anywhere. We had to stare out

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-8276724685134966662011-10-10T22:00:00.000-07:002011-10-10T22:00:54.606-07:00

Tonight the kids and I were getting ready to have dinner and then carve our pumpkins for family home evening, when I got a text from The Man suggesting we drive into where he attends dental school to grab some dinner with him. This sounded a lot more appealing to me than frozen chicken, green beans and a long night of trying to get every ones pumpkins done on my own, so we loaded up and headed

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-83336756145787597042011-10-07T09:43:00.000-07:002011-10-07T09:43:10.408-07:00

The Man and I had gone back and forth for a long time about whether or not to have another baby. We were just so content with three and we knew we were going to have a LOT of changes coming to where we would be so stressed out: dental school and The Man not being around much, me still in school, a whole new place to live etc. It just didn't make sense to bring one more crazy thing into our lives.

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-28126445625461826732011-09-30T13:01:00.000-07:002011-09-30T13:11:02.521-07:00

Driving in the car... BG: "mom, I learned a new song in Nursery!" ME: "oh yeah? How does it go?" BG: "every body shake your butt, shake your butt, shake your butt..." ME: *trying to contain my laughter* "You did NOT learn that in nursery!" BG: "yes I did!  BG: *whispering under her breath* "every body shake your butt, shake your butt, shake your butt..." Things sure have changed since I went to

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-66735942594911357982011-09-29T10:17:00.000-07:002011-09-29T10:17:28.404-07:00

Back in December of 2010, we found out that The Man was accepted into our top choice dental school in Arizona. We were so excited! The following months felt like they were dragging on, leaving us in a sort of limbo state...ready to start our new chapter, but having to wait for what felt like forever. Looking back on it now, I think I mentally and emotionally checked out of my life in the tiny

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-68797733232617224432011-09-29T09:19:00.000-07:002011-09-29T09:19:57.498-07:00

Im back! hopefully. A lot of stuff has been going on in the past few months and I have a lot of blog catching up to do for sure!  In honor of starting again, I have revamped my blog to be as simple as possible.  This is a theme I have been trying to incorporate in my own life as well, which is part of the reason I haven't been around much.  Priorities have shifted, time has slipped through my

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-57576115058566425072011-09-20T14:41:00.000-07:002011-09-20T14:41:51.525-07:00

I know its been forever since I have updated...we have been up to a lot and a ton of posts are on the way! Until then, enjoy all the Touches of Sun photographs at I heart Faces.

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-33320856911441197422011-05-03T13:29:00.000-07:002011-05-03T13:34:29.597-07:00

I figured I should mention a little bit about current events, since this is meant to be a journal of sorts. The last few days have been full of news reports of the death of a wanted terrorist, Osama bin Ladin, who was the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks on the twin towers 10 years ago.  Last week, a group of Navy SEALS following intelligence given on the whereabouts of this man, entered a

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-40429384713043780432011-05-03T12:56:00.000-07:002011-05-04T07:59:48.819-07:00

So, here is a typical everyday scenario: You get an invite to your friends little girl's birthday party. You aren't quite sure what to get her, since you don't know anything about toys for 3 year olds, let alone toys for 3 year old girls! You rack your brain trying to come up with something. You browse the internet...but there are so many choices and who knows if they are developmentally

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-84380549448668185202011-04-17T14:58:00.000-07:002011-04-17T14:58:54.927-07:00

Wind Check out the other windy entries over at I heart faces!

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-81449393625364748202011-04-13T13:01:00.000-07:002011-04-13T13:01:32.800-07:00

as told by Little Girl, written down by her teacher at pre-school: When I was closing my white car door my pinky toe got caught. Then they gave me a bandaid and and ice bag. Then it was feeling all better. There were two baby tigers and they got stuck in oil. The mother tiger came and saved them. Then the mother tiger was getting stuck. The father tiger came and saved them. The End.

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-8239326489846050642011-04-05T11:39:00.000-07:002011-04-05T11:39:56.833-07:00

Baby Girl is constantly telling us how much she loves us. I will hear...."mom, your the best!" about 5 times in a 30 minute period. Often out of the blue she will turn to me or The Man, grab our faces and say"I love you" and its usually followed up with a kiss on the nose or the cheek. Sometimes its even a "I love your hair!" and she'll kiss that too! :)  I love these moments. They help reinforce

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-77763168065879479172011-04-04T20:42:00.000-07:002011-04-04T20:42:31.845-07:00

ok..so obviously I havent been around much lately. The truth about it is I kind of decided that blog land was sucking the life out of me...not to mention all of my time as well. I decided to take a little break and re prioritize. I thought seriously about going private, but to be honest...I hate private blogs. Especially those of my friends, only because I can't get updates from google reader and

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-32466688068303788042011-01-17T00:08:00.000-08:002011-01-17T00:08:21.473-08:00

Wow, I must be really busy lately! (ugh..if you only knew how true that statement was..) :) I have only had one post between the last I heart faces weekly challenge and this weeks. Oh well, such is life I suppose. So here it is, this weeks challenge at I Heart Faces is "winter wonderland." I LOVE this picture I took of my sis on our shoot, almost as much as another one I took, but it didn't show

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-37400236551228176962011-01-12T15:31:00.000-08:002011-01-12T15:35:34.993-08:00

yes, I know this post is a little late. Its only halfway through January though, so I figured I still have time to talk about my "resolutions" for this year. Although, to be completely honest...I dont do resolutions very well. Here is proof. (pardon the millions of exclamation points! hee hee. Also if my cousin Carrie reads that link I apologize for certain words used. I have since then become

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-80503210855513487582011-01-10T00:08:00.000-08:002011-01-10T00:08:02.396-08:00

This weeks theme at I Heart Faces is "smile". I thought it would be the perfect time to show off one of the pictures I took of my beautiful sister while we were visiting for Christmas. Check out more beautiful smiles at I heart Faces!

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-50852714030769578612011-01-09T21:11:00.000-08:002011-01-09T21:11:57.053-08:00

Christmas came and went so quick. It was nice to be able to just spend some down time with the family after it was all over. My brother, his wife and their kids even came up from utah (I didn''t even get one picture...lame) which was great. They used to own a home in cda and we miss hanging with them when we get into town. The Man has two sisters that still live in our area as well so they were

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-11289596523896764392011-01-05T21:04:00.000-08:002011-01-05T21:13:37.870-08:00

Oh my. I have so much to write about, but for some reason I have no motivation. Maybe its because I started cleaning apartments for the rental agency we rent our apartment from. I forgot how tiring working all day can be. I have been a totally spoiled stay at home mommy for a very long time! Working has been nice though, I will admit. Cleaning your own house is always dreadful, but there is

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-76882558441380005772011-01-01T18:32:00.000-08:002011-01-01T18:32:53.085-08:00

Wow~ what an awesome Christmas break! It felt like it flew by. Im excited to be back and have a TON of posts to make, so keep an eye out the next few days for some Amazing updates. :) I promise they wont bore you to yawns! hee hee....

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-90156209488912404822010-12-16T20:55:00.000-08:002010-12-16T20:55:37.626-08:00

I'm going to let you in on a little secret about me: I am a chips and salsa fanatic.  I LOVE it.  I eat it all day every day very often. So I figured since I love it so much, I would use it in my friend gifts! (plus I was already packing on the pounds with all the candy I had been given and salsa is so much more healthy. ha ha!)  I got the really cute Merry Christmas printables from Jenni at

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-36386237816440305652010-12-16T16:45:00.000-08:002010-12-16T16:45:36.315-08:00

We went to the dentist Tuesday afternoon. I think its hilarious because my kids LOVE to go. They were sooo excited and each brought their own little stuffed animal to keep them company. Baby girl was getting extremely impatient waiting for her turn in the chair. "is it my turn? Is it my turn? I want to sit in that chair.." They all did great. We only ended up with two cavities in The Boys teeth,

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-69387496219634647092010-12-16T16:01:00.000-08:002010-12-16T16:01:11.704-08:00

The first weekend in December we went to visit a small little museum (I think it might be the only one) here in town. Its all about the Appaloosa Horse and its origins. The kids love it because they have a little area where they can color, dress up in cowboy clothes, tie knots, reads books and play with horse toys. Its a good place to go if you are looking for something to do on a rainy afternoon

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-13959388123035537502010-12-16T15:29:00.000-08:002010-12-16T15:29:56.142-08:00

So, I was looking through my blog the other day and realized I had totally forgotten to post anything about Little Girls first day of preschool! Little Girl went to the same school last year and absolutely loved it. I love it too since its every day except Fridays for 3 and a half hours! (last year she was in school longer than my kindergartener! Crazy huh?) She was super excited at the front

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-38979469713782166752010-12-07T20:41:00.000-08:002010-12-07T20:41:54.586-08:00

I cannot say enough about this song. I remember the first time I heard it, I bawled my eyes out. Ugh....love Glen Hansard ft. Marketa Irglova "falling slowly"

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-71788376207528893662010-12-06T21:24:00.000-08:002010-12-06T21:29:06.834-08:00

Its not often you see me on this side of the camera! I thought it would be a little more fun to jump on my own bed than to look forlornly out the window or something. :) For more awesome self portraits head over to I heart Faces!

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-71355956487127767412010-12-01T15:40:00.000-08:002010-12-01T15:40:29.331-08:00

For those of you who may not know, and for those of you who do and are waiting to hear, my hubby has been spending the last two years trudging through difficult pre-requisit classes to be able to apply for dental school. The last few months of our life was spent waiting around for interview invites and then flying The Man all over the country so he could do an amazing job of selling himself and

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-71290740360444528722010-11-30T14:48:00.000-08:002010-12-01T00:02:31.386-08:00

I have posted a lot about how music affects me. I love it. It moves me, and depending on the song, it usually moves me to tears. Often when I'm listening to a song, my mind wanders away and I have these great scenes that play out in my head. :) I have a very active imagination, which can get me into trouble, but can also be a great springboard for creativity. Lately I have been imagining amazing

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-57363590300731301462010-11-30T09:04:00.000-08:002010-11-30T09:04:02.920-08:00

Ha ha! Last night I figured out how to import my old blog into my new one. It automatically published all the posts according to their date, so now the beginning of this blog is actually the beginning posts of my other one. As I was reading though all my old posts trying to edit  the names of my children and husband to keep them anonymous, I made a startling discovery. I used A LOT of exclamation

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-589702479795709522010-11-29T15:01:00.000-08:002010-11-29T16:02:15.015-08:00

It seems like the only posts I do these days are for I heart faces. :) But, I love them...so its ok! This weeks theme is "scenic black and white." We went fishing with the kids a little while back (and when I say "we" it really means The Man went fishing and the kids ran around and played while I took pics, hee hee) and I took a lot of great shots with some awesome scenic views. I loved this one

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-82628754247932882302010-11-28T14:25:00.000-08:002010-11-28T21:25:06.220-08:00

So....I came across a new amazing blog today. Love stitched is sooo cute and every thing Brittany makes I want! :) You should go and check her out...right now...go! Oh, and did I mention she is hosting a give away? Thats right, today you can enter to win a brand spankin new Silhouette! Plus, a ton of other stuff included. Its awesome! Did you go yet!? What are you waiting for!? P.S. There

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-10806722474201794002010-11-09T14:32:00.000-08:002010-11-09T14:32:28.931-08:00

Yay! Another week means another photo challenge from I heart Faces. This weeks theme is Orange, which is perfect since its the dead center of fall and that color, along with a million other gorgeous hues, is everywhere to be found! We went on a little mini vacation this past weekend to visit family and The Man's parent's house has a few sparse trees that were beautiful with all sorts of colors.

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-17774825432291198192010-11-02T10:45:00.000-07:002010-11-02T10:45:31.880-07:00

This years halloween was crazy! The whole week before, I was sooo busy getting ready for the craft fair I felt I barely had time to put together the kids costumes! But in the end it worked out and they looked so cute! Normally I just buy costumes because Im not super great at sewing, but The Girl wanted to be a bunny and I couldn't find one anywhere! (except online and they were like 50 bucks...

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-14844441360400795142010-10-26T23:05:00.000-07:002010-11-29T16:04:00.910-08:00

Why is it that its only been within the last week that I have had some crazy stuff happen with The Boy and girls at school!? The other night he told me that some girl in his class kissed him.... Say Whaaaaa!? Oh don't worry everyone, he was quick to tell me it wasn't on the lips...he couldn't remember where it was but he knew for sure it wasn't on the lips.... Oh. My. Gosh. Needless to say

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-38240996103500518392010-10-25T11:44:00.000-07:002010-10-25T11:44:43.955-07:00

I have loved taking pictures since I was young. Taking a vision inside my head and creating it in real life is an abosutetly aamazing feeling, addicting even. Not saying that I can do it perfectly, or that I am up to par with what I envision for myself when it comes to my abilities, but I have fun trying to get there. Recently I had two photo shoots, one with my little cousins and another with a

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-83469775854691779442010-10-22T23:32:00.000-07:002010-10-22T23:45:09.686-07:00

Stress. I decided that Saturdays were going to be my "Get Real" posts. If you have no clue what I am talking about you can go here to check out my thoughts on getting real. However, if you also check the time at the bottom of this post it will say that I incoherently babbled this whole shpeal sometime around 11ish on a friday night. So that means I'm cheating...... I said I was going to blog

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-50357515880412029552010-10-21T14:01:00.000-07:002010-10-21T14:01:16.885-07:00

For some reason The Boy has been a part of some hilarious moments recently and sometimes I feel like I write a lot about my crazy girls and my cute, quiet little man gets a little left out. So today is another post featuring him. On Monday he came home from school and said he had a secret to tell me. I was intrigued and asked him to tell me what it was. So he came up and whispered in my ear, "

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-63064340401881188902010-10-18T16:53:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:16:42.519-07:00

Sorry it has been so long! Sometimes when I go so long without posting..its almost like I had broken up with you and its too awkward to come and see you all again! So I avoid the meeting until I absolutely have to say something. :) But the Boy said something too amazingly funny ( to me and The Man anyway) that I had to write it down! The Other night the kids were all getting ready for bed and

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-48983692780751211502010-09-20T15:03:00.000-07:002010-09-20T15:10:10.262-07:00

Once again its time to participate in an I Heart Faces weekly photo challenge! This weeks theme is "smirk" and as I was looking through the pictures I had, I came across this one of Little Girl hanging out in the back of Grandpas truck. This smirk is a pretty familiar sight..since most the time I take any pictures of her its either this or her tongue wagging wildly out of her mouth! Come to think

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-74079544665563624702010-09-20T14:38:00.000-07:002010-09-20T14:38:42.117-07:00

This year we opted out of soccer for The Boy. Last season was so miserable and rainy that we didn't want to experience it all over again, plus we needed to try something new. He had been begging us to let him take karate for soooo long, so when I saw that our city's parks and rec. was offering a beginners class we didn't even hesitate to sign him up. On the very first day you could tell that he

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-65704923004176966392010-09-15T07:35:00.000-07:002010-09-20T14:40:26.287-07:00

I was driving along yesterday with my two girls and Little Girl excitedly pointed out the window to a squirrel she saw running around in the grass. Here is the conversation that followed: LG: Mom, is that a squirrel I see running out there? Me: Probably. They do live out in the wild. LG: hmmm, I know everything there is to know about wild squirrels.... Me: Oh really? Like what? LG: Well....I

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-31965141447498347022010-09-01T13:38:00.000-07:002010-09-01T13:38:50.536-07:00

Today marked a pretty big milestone in The Boys life. (other than his 7th birthday of course!) It was his first day of first grade. He has been pretty nervous the last few weeks wondering if he was going to get lost or who would show him where to go. "How do I know when to go to lunch? Who will get me from recess? I am going to be gone all day? But I will miss you!" Like I said in my last post,

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-38641742994014371212010-08-30T16:42:00.000-07:002010-08-30T16:42:38.003-07:00

The 22nd of August marked the 7th birthday of my oldest child, The Boy. I cannot believe how quickly time has flown and how big he has gotten! I remember right after Little Girl was born how huge he looked to me and the realization of the fact that he would never be little again. He would continue to get bigger and bigger and eventually he would leave. I locked myself in the bathroom and cried

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-32276224422413361682010-08-17T14:37:00.000-07:002010-08-17T14:41:45.328-07:00

I came across this video today on one of my favorite blogs. I think one of the reasons why I love this specific blog is because I feel if I wasn't who I am or if I hadn't come from where I did, she is probably a lot like who I would be. That might only make sense in my head and thats ok because Im sure a lot of you out there who read this blog probably don't really know much about me anyway and

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-51615307467655115772010-07-24T13:30:00.000-07:002010-07-24T13:32:07.020-07:00

This is my Grandma Jensen. She loves to paint. She has an amazing voice. Her face lights up when she laughs. I love her...

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-31146764608515024582010-07-21T14:39:00.000-07:002010-07-21T14:39:46.642-07:00

Wow, we have been having a blast here on vacation with our families. The Man's and my parents both live in the same town, so we have twice as much to do!  We've been: Swimming at the beach Riding in the boat Fishing Playing with cousins Going to the theater Grilling out Camping Running around like wild animals (well, that one might just be the kids....not really me..) :) It has been a blast!

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-79581166573831132992010-07-07T23:16:00.000-07:002010-07-07T23:18:12.707-07:00

That we have been living in a two bedroom apartment since the beginning of February? Whats the big deal you ask? Well.....there are five of us. Two adults and three kids.... in two rooms. Maybe back in olden times it was normal for entire families to live in houses that only consisted of one room. Of course, back in olden times it was normal to drink milk straight out of a cow. Things have

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-88934730877765375442010-07-02T09:37:00.000-07:002010-07-02T09:37:56.550-07:00

I got a phone call late last night from my mom. My grandpa passed away at home, in his sleep. "I've been trying to get a hold of you all day, we wanted you to come to the hospital to say your goodbyes...." I apologize for not receiving the calls. I had been off doing some frivolous thing, unaware of the life altering events unfolding not even a mile away from me. I hang up. I feel numb. I

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-57724476855892365152010-06-25T14:36:00.000-07:002010-06-25T14:36:45.776-07:00

So today we get to start our mini vacation! Well, technically it wont really start for ALL of us until Wednesday afternoon, since The Man takes the DAT on that day, (Can I just say how seriously EXCITED I am to have that sucker over with?! We are all looking forward to having our daddy back!) but we are leaving for CoeurdAlene tonight. We are ecstatic for the beach! We are going to see about a

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-7480404264751766752010-06-23T21:21:00.000-07:002010-06-23T21:21:58.301-07:00

Monday mark the official first day of summer with the solstice. The longest day and the shortest night of the year. Finally! So we've celebrated this week in style.... We had sooooooo much fun! Maybe a little too much fun..... All that sun can be tiring! :) Thanks Hanna for letting us use your awesome slip and slide! Next stop Cda Beach!

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-39822527642048031012010-06-16T23:06:00.000-07:002010-06-16T23:07:10.265-07:00

So... Remember my post from yesterday...? The one where I went on and on about how cranky I was.....? And how it affected my husband and in turn made him hard to deal with...? I take it back. He is amazing for putting up with me! I should be cranky more often... :)

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-73979951340598840802010-06-15T12:09:00.000-07:002010-06-15T12:09:27.643-07:00

Today is a cranky day. I can't help it.  Maybe its because I have stayed up past midnight for the last three nights in a row. It could be that one of my good friends is leaving and I am totally sad. Around this place, for me, good ones are hard to come by. When you do find one, you keep a hold of them with both hands and squeeze. So letting go is hard. Another reason that has added to my mood is

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-61465413125306618392010-06-07T08:51:00.000-07:002010-06-07T08:56:44.386-07:00

I just came across this website today and I am so excited! Its all about photography with tips and tutorials. They also have weekly themed challenges. This weeks theme is "play." I thought it would be fun to play along and maybe get some outside critiques on my photos. :) So here is one of my favorites pics of my daughter the day she got her new Rose Petal Cottage playhouses. She was so excited!

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-91084591491460770402010-06-05T12:48:00.001-07:002010-06-05T12:49:54.356-07:00

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-31126652121646820532010-05-25T14:28:00.000-07:002010-05-25T14:43:20.601-07:00

The last two days have been so nice. The kids were out yesterday playing with their friends for over 5 hours! It was a miracle! Today we went out again and Baby Girl found a gorgeous bucket hat to sport around while hunting for snails. I thought it was sooooo funny and couldn't stop laughing. Every time she heard me though, she got her trade mark dirty look out and said" not funny mommy!" Which

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-88602747254075744392010-05-24T12:27:00.000-07:002010-05-24T12:27:18.530-07:00

Maybe not quite as harshly, but still as effectively! :)

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-63149445080139484082010-05-18T15:52:00.000-07:002010-05-18T15:52:05.757-07:00

I was putting away some laundry in the kids room today (yes, all three of them share one room..ah the joys of apartment living and wait lists..) and I called Little Girl to come and get ready for school. She happily bounded up the stairs, singing a little song to herself. As she walked into the bedroom her feet suddenly started to dance. She twirled around and around with her hands over her head,

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-1299613719493003712010-05-13T14:46:00.000-07:002010-05-13T14:46:16.817-07:00

The Man just found out today that he scored in the 96th percentile on his Organic Chemistry final! Woohoo! Also, he pulled of A's in both Organic Chemistry and physiology (both seriously hard classes that I do not envy that he had to take!)  A-mazing! This puts his overall science GPA at at least a 3.8 if not higher, which is incredibly competitive for getting into an awesome dental school!

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-70545177411800210822010-05-12T16:08:00.000-07:002010-05-12T16:09:31.968-07:00

So...I was browsing the internet today and came across something that I think will change the face of marriage forever! Because of this one item, divorce rates should be completely eradicated! Couples will actually enjoy their time together in bed! I know this would make a huge difference in my relationship...... Curious? Check it out and have fun laughing your head off like I did!

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-46052175652443614952010-05-12T12:52:00.000-07:002010-05-12T12:59:53.371-07:00

Dude, this is totally how The Man and I roll every day! (only in a suburban....) :) (Kate, this might make you think twice about that cliché "soccer mom" mini Van vibe we were talking about!) Mad love out to all you hot minivan mammas and papas, yo! (Press pause on my music player first!) :)

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-18377542914164402612010-05-10T13:32:00.000-07:002010-05-10T13:32:45.068-07:00

Sorry I haven't been around for the last little while! School is finally out and I am taking a little -but much needed- blog break! Loving on my babies and reconnecting with The Man! I will be back very soon! Thanks to all my new followers! I love it! :) Hope all of you are taking time to keep your priorities straight in your lives! Talk to you soon.....

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-67192023350598641592010-04-21T14:48:00.000-07:002010-04-21T18:16:56.145-07:00

Do you ever find yourself listening to a song on the radio, or at home and assigning that song as a theme for something that happened or is happening in your life? Well, I do.....all the time. :) I LOVE music, any kind (usually) and its always been a big part of my life. I remember in high school shutting myself away in my room when I felt depressed and listening to  Counting Crows "

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-48346478593380485952010-04-19T16:15:00.000-07:002010-04-19T16:15:51.759-07:00

Warm, sunny weather is upon us! Time to officially break out the flip flops!  (for the kids anyway, I am super stubborn about warm weather and I wear them regardless of how cold it is!)  Just ask Brandi, I sat outside the theater waiting for the midnight showing of New Moon in like below freezing temperatures with my sandals on, a testament to both my flip-flop and Twighlight fanaticism!  Crazy,

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-42482298415792565952010-04-16T12:37:00.000-07:002010-04-16T12:37:48.478-07:00

Since last week was such a blast and I met some adorable new friends, I decided to link up again to Jill @ Barnes Yard for Make New Friends Friday. (Do you know that I just barely figured out what a MeMe was? Yeah...I don't do these kinds of things very often!) :) Anywho..... Today I want to feature Color Me Katie. I don't remember how I came across her blog, but I fell in love with her

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-31342191319189611072010-04-15T16:10:00.000-07:002010-04-15T16:10:48.113-07:00

A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.  ~Isadora James

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-68411125985971241022010-04-15T13:13:00.000-07:002010-04-15T13:18:29.174-07:00

Its that time of year again! Soccer season has officially started and The Boy couldn't be more excited: "Is it time to go to my game yet mom?" Ten minutes later: "is it time to go to me game yet mom?" Ten minutes later:" How much longer until my game starts mom?" Ten minutes later: " don't forget I have a game today mom!" Sheesh! I am glad to see him anxiously engaged in the sport, but come on!

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-76886546088956952362010-04-14T08:59:00.000-07:002010-04-15T13:17:11.597-07:00

The other night I made broccoli with dinner. Normally with three small kids one would think this was a dire mistake on my part. Broccoli? Ha, good luck getting them to eat that stuff! Maybe if you drenched it in cheese sauce. But, here is the conversation I had with my four year old daughter: LG: *gasp!* Mom...is that...BROCCOLI?! ME: Why yes my sweet sweet child, it is. (I really do talk

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-11979579784097626452010-04-13T12:19:00.000-07:002010-04-13T12:19:36.153-07:00

Some days the thought does run through my mind.... But seriously! really? Come on now people... You would never do it, for real! What is going on in our society? horrible people.... :) http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/03/17/1112828/spokane-craigslist-ad-selling.html

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-3265588359662868372010-04-12T14:37:00.000-07:002010-04-12T14:42:04.605-07:00

Not me of course....:) It was The Man's birthday over the weekend. It wasn't just a run of the mill kind of day either, nope...my man turned a whopping 30 years! I still can't believe that I married such an old guy, seriously! Can we say "robbed the cradle" here people!? (I just say that to stave off the daily panic I experience about my own looming 30th..) The kids and  I woke up early to

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-71055067399891319242010-04-12T13:27:00.000-07:002010-04-12T13:27:00.862-07:00

I like free stuff. Especially AWESOME free stuff! Tip Junkie is starting their Spring Fling giveaway tomorrow and over 10,000 dollars worth of stuff is being dished out to a few lucky winners every hour, on the hour! So head over there, check it out and enter! Who wouldn't want some of those grand prizes?! So. Gorgeous. Good Luck...I hope I win! :)

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-8808110734581482010-04-09T14:26:00.000-07:002010-04-15T13:20:32.230-07:00

Its REALLY quiet right now..... Kind of eery really. I. am. all. alone. (technically not ALL alone, since baby girl is upstairs asleep in her crib. But one can imagine..) The Boy and Little Girl are away at a friends. I can do ANYTHING I want to and no one would know! I could clean my overwhelmingly messy kitchen... I could watch t.v. and eat bon bons... ( because that is what we do all day

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-55426032877821121112010-04-09T10:33:00.000-07:002010-04-09T10:33:35.891-07:00

So today, instead of cleaning my house...I decided to Make New Friends!!!  Jill over at Barnes Yard started this last week and I am all for it, since...who couldn't use some more blogging buddies!? Seriously... I would feature Jill herself, since I just started lurking around checking out her blog, but I think that would go against the rules. :) So I am going to feature Ana @ Knock Off

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-83432849075262810942010-04-08T16:41:00.000-07:002010-04-08T16:44:23.569-07:00

Is what I did all day today: I swear this procrastination thing just doesn't do any good for anybody! Can we say "Momma is stressed"?! Every time a test rolls around, my poor children are subjected to hours of T.V. babysitting so I can study. Taking classes online is definitely great for scheduling conflicts, but not the best for trying to find a quiet place to get stuff done! Only one more

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-66824440366183138962010-04-05T14:55:00.000-07:002010-04-05T14:55:53.375-07:00

Bet you can't guess what these beautiful babies are! They are heaven! Deep fried deliciousness!Best dipped in Ranch..or a good Thousand Island. Here's a clue: Have you guessed it yet? :)Oh, man...they are sooooo good!I think this will be an Easter tradition from now on.For the best recipe click here. Go on, try it...you'll be glad you did!

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-10891200310674223652010-04-03T21:29:00.000-07:002010-04-04T15:20:23.131-07:00

Mmmmmm.....so good!

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-77128689807765627272010-04-01T15:24:00.000-07:002010-04-01T15:24:26.211-07:00

Today I have been humbled, brought down, shamed even...in a way. The discussion about whether or not to have a baby generated more comments than I think I have ever had on my blog. Everyone has an opinion about personal freedoms, sanity, when the time is right, how many to have, or whether or not to have another baby at all. But what if you don't get a choice? What if you didn't have the ability

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-53959545132442932112010-03-29T16:27:00.000-07:002010-04-09T14:01:44.918-07:00

Remember how bummed I was at the thought of  never seeing The Boy with a gappy smile? Well, my worries were for not! Saturday morning while the kids were watching early morning cartoons and I was sleeping on the couch diligently paying attention to them, The Boy came over and excitedly told me he had lost a tooth! I was so ecstatic and he was so proud he had finally worked it out. We were worried

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-57293355969263744082010-03-28T20:11:00.000-07:002010-03-28T20:11:35.917-07:00

I just realized something...... Today was the Sunday before Easter Next Sunday is Easter...and conference, therefore: We will have NO church next week and today I totally ruined the one chance I had to dress my kids up in their matchy-matchy super cute easter duds, take them to sacrament and completely objectify them for everyones viewing pleasure and my vanity. What a gyp.... :) *I would

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-81174300759465521162010-03-26T15:49:00.000-07:002010-03-26T15:51:15.550-07:00

I just discovered something amazing! Some of you cool, savvy bloggers out there probably already knew about this buuuut......now blogger has a feature that allows you to have more than one page for your blog! This means you can have an "about me" page, or a "recipies" page or even a "tutorials" page. SOOOO cool! I was just thinking how I wanted to start writing more things down about each of my

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-39772133673885968192010-03-24T13:24:00.000-07:002010-03-24T13:44:36.284-07:00

We spent the week of spring break up in Cda. (only cool people know what that stands for!) I did bring my camera, however...I never seem to have the right timing with it. I bring it out when NOTHING is happening and then forget to take it when we go anywhere cool. Oh well. :) I did manage to take a few shots of my mommy's house when I was there. My mom is AWESOME at design and her style is rustic

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-18542454185542548362010-03-10T16:14:00.000-08:002010-03-10T16:14:36.634-08:00

May I be candid with you all? Yes? Thank, you I knew I could say whatever I wanted to  around here and you all would still love and appreciate me..and possible have a little empathy for this selfish mother! :) To be frank, The Man thinks its about time we had another baby. Haaa haa haa haa HAaa haa....!! (oh, please excuse my insane laughter..)  I will tell you right now... I. AM. NOT. READY.

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-22563639458133643112010-03-06T19:59:00.000-08:002010-03-06T19:59:25.298-08:00

A while ago I was thinking about how behind The Boy is from the rest of his class mates. Not that he is behind mentally..are you kidding, that boy is smart! No, he was behind somewhat tooth-ily. ( no, its not a word...but I don't care! The Man constantly makes fun of me for making up words that I swear really exist!) :) All of The Boys friends were losing their teeth, walking around with

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-31566362853790461962010-02-25T13:42:00.000-08:002010-02-25T14:07:42.722-08:00

( sorry this post went all weird..I can't figure out how to fix it! dumb blogger....) :) A while ago is was warm enough to head outside to play. It had snowed a few days before, enough to sled on the hill in the back yard but it didn't last long and the kids were pretty bummed. Then The Boy discovered he could still make that sled go down the hill without the snow if he used enough force from

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-21927144993624052432010-01-27T10:09:00.000-08:002010-01-27T10:09:17.255-08:00

So I finally did it. I found something I wanted to refurbish. I originally thought I would love to do a large piece of furniture, like say...a dresser I so desperately need. But then The Man ever so kindly pointed out that that sort of project is best done in the summer time, in the seclusion of your (or someone else's in my case, since I don't have one) garage. I don't agree...my back porch

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-30515660376483095622010-01-13T08:49:00.000-08:002010-01-13T08:51:37.916-08:00

Remember on Ratatouille how Chef Gusteau believed that anyone could cook? Well, I just came across a website from an amazing woman who believes that anyone can build...furniture! Have you seen a piece from Pottery Barn you just had to have, but didn't have the cash to fork out to buy it? Well this lady probably has the plans for you to be able to build a knock off version that looks amazing, for

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-5598003471497566622010-01-08T23:36:00.000-08:002010-01-08T23:39:15.072-08:00

Aha! I wasn't a total picture loser...I came across this one as I guiltily checked my camera for even one smidgen of a remembrance of our Christmas trip. Technically The Man took the pictures, but I will take the credit because they are so funny! The dress is from Wal-mart--an after Halloween clearance costume. I think its from High school Musical or something like that...we've never seen the

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-32924686952372639122010-01-08T16:59:00.000-08:002010-01-08T16:59:40.195-08:00

The holidays this year were CRAZY! Our break actually started out a whole week earlier than we planned due to the passing of The Man's Grandmother. It wasn't a complete shock, as she was very ill, but still it was sad. They postponed the funeral a few days for us, since it was finals week the day she actually died and we left on a tuesday to drive down to Utah. To get to Utah from where we are

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-16087426422442179082009-12-02T18:10:00.000-08:002009-12-02T18:10:25.255-08:00

When I got my new beautiful camera, my old little digital one got shoved into a drawer. I didn't want to get rid of it because, well it was 200 bucks and thats just wasteful! I was rewarded for my frugality today when I wanted to take some pics of the stuff I am selling on Craigslist. (yes this link does take you right to one of those items...shameless, I know) I didn't want pictures that were

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-13048033168882135582009-11-20T23:06:00.000-08:002009-11-20T23:10:06.773-08:00

*This is a post about New Moon. if you are sick of hearing about anything Twilight you might not want to continue on....just to let you know* ;-) As I was reading the Twilight series I couldn't decide who's "team" to be on. I loved the romantic aspect of Edward's personality, but of course there was that whole "he could bite me and suck down my blood at anytime and I would be left a soulless

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-45000977033090750582009-11-16T08:45:00.000-08:002009-11-16T12:24:43.802-08:00

 Ever seen this? Now check this..... (please excuse my high pitched encouragements and off key singing. Also, Im not great at getting my digital camera to focus....it hates me! ) ;-) She's got some pretty sweet moves right?  ( By the way, the 2 year old in the first video's name is Jalen Testerman, and he's grown up now. Check him out on Ellen. Pretty freakin awesome for a 7 year

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-56940808019834253882009-11-11T13:00:00.000-08:002009-11-11T23:37:04.082-08:00

Growing up I loved to write. I would create all kinds of stories and my teachers always appreciated and encouraged them. In fifth grade I got to read my D.A.R.E. essay in front of the whole school, it was just that good. (why do I always sound like I am bragging? I am so not...) I took poetry classes in Jr. high and high school and filled notebooks full of teen angst riddled lines, a few of which

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-54205755527345062382009-11-10T07:55:00.000-08:002009-11-10T08:05:29.039-08:00

And our toenails are too! The Man took The Boy to a free "Try Hockey" night at the local skating rink. (which he LOVED by the way, but the cost to actually play hockey for realsies is exorbitant!) So us girls stayed home and had a nail painting party. Little Girl picked out the color. Do you like? I was surprised at how well Baby Girl sat while I did hers. I really shouldn't have been though, as

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-71621865467987273172009-11-09T14:26:00.000-08:002009-11-09T15:20:01.422-08:00

We have a new member of our familyShe is softpinkand the kids really love herWe are happy to introduce:*Mehgan*She's a Britax...not that I am bragging or anything..So the time had come for Baby girl to get a new car-seat. Although this should be fun and exciting, anyone who knows my husband knows he is a cheap skate. He has a hard time paying more than 5 dollars for anything, and I mean ANYTHING!

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-22307173383912798602009-11-09T13:31:00.000-08:002009-11-09T13:44:24.241-08:00

Well, obviously I haven't been great at blogging lately. I think I am so backed up on posts that I didn't even know where to begin! So I have decided to just start from right now and then sprinkle in things that I wanted to blog about that have been a long time past. ;-)

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-72266671203572267202009-09-15T16:20:00.000-07:002009-09-15T17:16:14.256-07:00

So obviously I haven't blogged for a while. This summer I decided to take a break and re-focus.A few things happened financially which prompted this mamma to head back to school. I took two online classes and I absolutely loved them. It was super stressful for a while, but ultimately worth it. I had forgotten how amazing it felt to use my brain. Growing up I hated school. I never put much effort

Ashleighnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390129489854560582.post-46875628652044172552009-09-03T08:33:00.001-07:002009-09-03T08:46:37.915-07:00

*Kids, husbands, households and online classes for mommies don't make for good blogging.*School isn't as scary as I had always thought.*Don't ever visit CoeurdAlene, Id. It sucks you in and you stay for two months straight.*Housework fairies do NOT visit you while you are out of town. The Laundry refuses to wash and fold itself. The toilets do, however, seem to still get nasty somehow.*Buying a

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