tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52985989558156720352024-03-05T11:39:08.599-05:00Raising our Little DevilPupsAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.comBlogger548125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-76271944460698822842015-02-04T10:13:00.003-05:002015-02-04T10:13:25.962-05:00That Time I Had Three Kids <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScjJu9ZQdiCBnPINUXUvpldP-a-uBZxt76hkhlOkiCxvAPTpV7k60Sw6X1Q1fyvUTW24FgrrIZ0I56KOfFwMfpgXg085fx8iDwj4JT_M3IRLlmmejNr3jrpOtefwmT-sUDqiQL6ioV94E/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScjJu9ZQdiCBnPINUXUvpldP-a-uBZxt76hkhlOkiCxvAPTpV7k60Sw6X1Q1fyvUTW24FgrrIZ0I56KOfFwMfpgXg085fx8iDwj4JT_M3IRLlmmejNr3jrpOtefwmT-sUDqiQL6ioV94E/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The other day I got my feel of what life is like with three kids. A friend of mine works over an hour away from town, and has a little girl S's age, so I offered to watch her from time to time, when her schedule overlaps with her husband's schedule. Her daughter came to hang out for the morning -- and it wasn't half bad. She arrived just after breakfast time, and the kids got started on playing right away. It was actually a nice break for me -- I was able to get some laundry done, read a news article, and pick up a few things around the house while my kids were entertained by someone "new" being in the house.<br />
<br />
Midway through the morning, I told the kids it was time to clean up some messes, and load into the car. We hit our first roadblock, and it was with our own kid, Over booster-seats. S was mad that I asked her to sit in the middle/spare booster, and not her "precious" princess booster. So she ran laps around the house, throwing herself down on the gas, kicking and screaming and crying, in front of her friend, until I told her I was leaving, and climbed in the car. She quickly changed her mind and came running to get in and get buckled.<br />
<br />
I was just shocked she would do it in front of her friend -- must mean she was comfortable, at least.<br />
<br />
Once everyone was loaded in the car, and calmed down, we headed to town to run an errand and get the kids lunch. We hit up McDonalds so they could eat AND play, running off some built up energy. Not really sure how they do it -- no naps, early wake ups, plenty of playtime around the house, and yet they STILL need to get out and run like crazy!<br />
<br />
Once I got word that my friend's husband was home from work, we headed towards her house. The girls had such a great time, and L even had a good time playing superheros and princess, and having a tea party/picnic with the girls. And all three kids have already been asking if its time to have another play-date yet.<br />
<br />
Overall, three kids wasn't so bad at all. They all entertained each other, played well, and got along great. Although, I know if they were all my own kids, it wouldn't have worked out that way AT ALL. Props to you Moms would more than one or two little ones to bring with you!Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-55674207054588571862015-02-03T08:00:00.000-05:002015-02-03T08:00:10.028-05:00We Need To Break The Stigma <img src="http://hypeorlando.s3.amazonaws.com/sites/27/2014/10/ptsd.jpg" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
{<a href="http://www.hypeorlando.com/ride-for-veterans/2014/10/16/how-veterans-are-viewed-by-employers-post-military-stigma-about-ptsd/">via</a>}</div>
<br />
We were sitting around the table at Chick-Fil-A, my fellow MOPS leadership members and I. We were talking about jealousies, and how Satan uses them to his power and tries to break our spirit with his non-truths. We shared about having to work hard when others get things handed to them. Comparisons of every nature. Being robbed of joy in the everyday moments because they may not be as grand as others' moments.<br />
<br />
Somehow, we got on the subject of American Sniper. Everybody and their mother has seen the movie lately -- as they should. Not only is it an amazing story of an American Hero, but I think it sheds some light, subtly, on some issues that many people don't often recognize or understand. When I mentioned the comparisons between M and Chris Kyle once he was home -- quiet, withdrawn, overprotective, the table was silent.<br />
<br />
I wasn't saying it for the attention, or the comments. I don't talk about it because I want others to feel bad for us, or throw us a pity party. It's nothing of the sort. I talk about it because ... well ... because its just our everyday life. Living with a service-member who is affected by anxiety and ptsd isn't easy, but its our norm.<br />
<br />
So when one of my girlfriends said something ... I honestly didn't know how to respond. She said "<i>After watching that movie, and seeing what its like, not just for the soldier, but what his wife and family have to deal with as well? I have so much respect for you. You are incredibly strong. I don't know if I would be able to do it.</i>"<br />
<br />
I just kind of .. shrugged my shoulders. I mean, I appreciate someone acknowledging that it may not be easy, and having respect for what we deal with. But ... what do you say? Other than, "Thanks ...", which really, just sounds ... strange.<br />
<br />
I love my husband, that's all I do. Nothing different than any other wife, really. Sure, my husband isn't EXACTLY the same man I married these days ... but I don't fault him for it. When you are put in this kind of situation, you have a choice to make. Do you break your vow of "for better or <b>worse</b>"? Or do you put on your big girl panties, and learn how to love this man in front of you in a new, different way?<br />
<br />
Clearly, I chose the later. And I will make the same choice every day, for the rest of our time together. I love my Veteran -- all of him.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-76642437025809403852015-01-30T10:10:00.001-05:002015-01-30T10:10:18.256-05:00Life is Picking Up <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCt7XEHe7LHkMA97WsJN0TLeVxtSuaoqwXYc0O0ESK2YKzjSSvnZUJ9GHEfawKdGDQzY-DpZdpUDoFcakI3pa8koIyXylo6hyphenhyphenO3-8CNDrt2CYut-VLoQKmnXxY6sn7swlhR1bvrVt8v7ET/s1600/jan+30+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCt7XEHe7LHkMA97WsJN0TLeVxtSuaoqwXYc0O0ESK2YKzjSSvnZUJ9GHEfawKdGDQzY-DpZdpUDoFcakI3pa8koIyXylo6hyphenhyphenO3-8CNDrt2CYut-VLoQKmnXxY6sn7swlhR1bvrVt8v7ET/s1600/jan+30+post.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZcL0K5126vZ7-UH94wxZbmfZ7OcCnW_6ws1GQgBaIfZD3AIgEdl9KrIr_oZLpkany5GYS-dGtCo_1okJEmG-EAwweCn0ktFvxVJdnQ2P7g-8CxZdNjsYZKBszKfhzSQfteR_kswK4oyw/s1600/jan+30+post+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZcL0K5126vZ7-UH94wxZbmfZ7OcCnW_6ws1GQgBaIfZD3AIgEdl9KrIr_oZLpkany5GYS-dGtCo_1okJEmG-EAwweCn0ktFvxVJdnQ2P7g-8CxZdNjsYZKBszKfhzSQfteR_kswK4oyw/s1600/jan+30+post+2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF86y26K5Rs8I-ZCgqiQtP1D7gjKWgF71bzIDlhmzWSZvrMacCGIzlzgJNlWe6BAcd8OKH45Y31BEjar9768qI9wA-ZS-5EUXm_v2veUK_ZYmSuWee6N5ORakHxRl4TDkECQe2vZPyAs8g/s1600/jan+30+post+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF86y26K5Rs8I-ZCgqiQtP1D7gjKWgF71bzIDlhmzWSZvrMacCGIzlzgJNlWe6BAcd8OKH45Y31BEjar9768qI9wA-ZS-5EUXm_v2veUK_ZYmSuWee6N5ORakHxRl4TDkECQe2vZPyAs8g/s1600/jan+30+post+3.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jGWR1_DxVTnl1mqf_H1eAAuBkY0OkSM5suFim3U4qCHUjCCqm2VrzZQPCctvlbAAjiBygYPVdqCL9_i5gJJuwgotc0pgx8WZM-8DtT84xVi6NXeAdiAINNO0YFDq_IgX4ckBZ7MQtkUF/s1600/jan+30+post+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jGWR1_DxVTnl1mqf_H1eAAuBkY0OkSM5suFim3U4qCHUjCCqm2VrzZQPCctvlbAAjiBygYPVdqCL9_i5gJJuwgotc0pgx8WZM-8DtT84xVi6NXeAdiAINNO0YFDq_IgX4ckBZ7MQtkUF/s1600/jan+30+post+4.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-fGhxoUMxWWxRljCpvLzw1MsCh5OZvdt5MlZhBxZ_YL-jo-JfvMKw9D0U3ByvVS8MFTyq8UKnPQvkBgIh9TTEfojnB40JvGt1wcw9MXo80iCg1iDldfQzSaJhXUpiiIzL1ZNjOQulpWI/s1600/jan+30+post+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-fGhxoUMxWWxRljCpvLzw1MsCh5OZvdt5MlZhBxZ_YL-jo-JfvMKw9D0U3ByvVS8MFTyq8UKnPQvkBgIh9TTEfojnB40JvGt1wcw9MXo80iCg1iDldfQzSaJhXUpiiIzL1ZNjOQulpWI/s1600/jan+30+post+5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Wow -- is it really Friday already? At least the week went by fast, given that it's a long work week/weekend for M. Which means we have to find our own entertainment while all our friends are spending time together as a family.<br />
<br />
We spent most of the week just ... living. Preschool. Dance class. Church. S's "social" schedule these days seems to make up the majority of my time spent out and about, and with summer {somewhat slowly} approaching, it will probably just get busier. With hopeful swimming lessons, and either t-ball or soccer for both kids, it should be plenty of fun, and keep us busy.<br />
<br />
M and I also spent some time mattress hunting. We've decided that after almost 7 years of sharing a "full size" bed, its time for an upgrade. Given that our bed is a hand-me-down many times over, and is who knows how old, its long overdue. We have our eyes on a king sized bed ... and are now just patiently waiting until its sitting pretty in our bedroom.<br />
<br />
Today should be a good kickoff to the weekend. We're watching a friend's little girl this morning, so the kids will have an extra playmate to keep them company. Running a few errands with 3 kids shouldn't be too difficult. I hope! And then maybe I'll take them to an indoor playground to run off some energy before dropping the little girl off, and sending my little ones to their rooms for some quiet time.<br />
<br />
Here's to hoping your week was easy-paced, and relatively stress-free. And that the weekend ahead holds fun times, friends and family, and a relaxing wind-down. Here's to another week ahead!<br />
<br />
<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-35222766004749764572015-01-28T14:51:00.001-05:002015-01-28T14:51:59.160-05:002015 Reading List: Half the Sky<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="360" src="http://dayatrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Half-the-Sky-2.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
Its seems like every year, I start off in a good reading groove. As the months go on, I slack off a bit ... or a lot. Summer comes, and I pick it back up again. But then in the Fall, its just gone. Completely. I don't pick up anything until Christmas time, or later. But this year? It's going to be different. {I think.} And so far, so good. I just finished my second book of the year, and we're on a roll.<br />
<br />
Half the Sky is an intense read, honestly. If you are interested in social science, women's freedoms around the world, or just want to be downright SHOCKED by how some societies treat their females, pick up this book, now. Or even better, watch the documentary by the same name, on Netflix. You will be amazed. Saddened. And quite possibly driven to do something yourself.<br />
<br />
Kristoff and WuDunn, the authors of the book, have spent much of their adult life traveling around the world, living in China, and other developing, or third-world nations, exposing whats really going on that doesn't typically make the news. Everything from sexual slavery, genital mutilation, raping, abusing, and mis-educating women are covered in the chapters of this book.<br />
<br />
The greatest part though? The chapters aren't just filled with statistics and information. They actually put a name and a face to their stories. You are introduced to women who have been to Hell and back, seen the darkness that you can only imagine in the horror stories, and lived to tell about it. And many of these women have turned their lives around and are now successful. Its incredibly inspiring.<br />
<br />
By far, my favorite stories are those about micro-financing. Organizations that give women tiny loans, educate them on different issues, as well as teach them skills that will help them build their business, and then watch as they go out into their own worlds and utilize these new skills. They farm, harvest and sell crops at market. They create embroidery and other handiworks, sell them at market, and take the profit to pay back loans, invest in their childrens' educations, and save money, becoming self-sufficient.<br />
<br />
Its a great message that not only are women capable, they can come back from nothing, and rise to the top!<br />
<br />
As heavy as this story was, you can bet my next read will be something light and easy. But I don't doubt that this one will stick with me for a long while.<br />
<br />
<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-54463465727675382332015-01-21T08:00:00.000-05:002015-01-21T08:00:02.006-05:00He Knew I Needed Her, More Than I Needed The Quiet <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1xR4U9lveLGb-utvJoOIJMhjXRAK8fxcfO4ZHTLs63jh297_RhMI_H_HLHTUKQnM_iOomMgiXK80IauvWUNNFkIHKEKMetmknrYu6isdIZczkthoScMjr8U2dvmrC9Cdc3k4OhDB9g7z/s1600/jan+21+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1xR4U9lveLGb-utvJoOIJMhjXRAK8fxcfO4ZHTLs63jh297_RhMI_H_HLHTUKQnM_iOomMgiXK80IauvWUNNFkIHKEKMetmknrYu6isdIZczkthoScMjr8U2dvmrC9Cdc3k4OhDB9g7z/s1600/jan+21+post.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">{Bonding with my wee-babe, circa 2010}</span></div>
<br />
I was looking forward to the time alone; I was counting down the hours.<br />
<br />
Ever since the night before, when I heard those magical words, "<i>I think I'll take the kids and Dad to breakfast in the morning, that okay?!</i>" I was elated. I can't tell you how infrequently time absolutely alone in the house happens. Early mornings and naptimes are no longer my own -- since my kids don't sleep. By evening time, I am exhausted, and can barely sit on the couch and stare into space without falling fast asleep.<br />
<br />
To say I was over the moon is an understatement.<br />
<br />
So when he told me that there was a change in plans, and instead he would bring them a little breakfast treat, and pick up just our son, leaving me at home with our daughter, my heart sank. I had it all dreamed out in my head: I was going to read, in the silence. Maybe have a mug of cocoa. I wasn't going to clean. I wasn't going to shower uninterrupted {although that would be nice, too!} ... I was just going to enjoy some me-time.<br />
<br />
He came home, gave the kids their treat, and bundled our son up to go crow-hunting. The boys were off -- and I was left at home, alone, and with my daughter. Suddenly, I felt myself getting emotional, and excused myself to the bathroom to cry.<br />
<br />
One of those emotional, ugly cries. I felt so convicted. Here I was, given the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with my first born, and I was sad about it? What was wrong with me? And that's exactly what I asked God in that moment: "<i>What is wrong with me? I have this time with my sweet girl ... and I'm crying?! Why?!</i>" Not only "Why am I crying?" but also "Why didn't I deserve that alone time? That precious me-time I never seem to get anymore?"<br />
<br />
And you know what happened?<br />
<br />
Suddenly, things became so clear.<br />
<br />
I got up from my porcelain throne, wiped the tears off my face, and went to join my girl. I took her in my arms, and hugged her, silently. Rocking her back and forth, I told her over and over how much I love her, "<i>even when I'm not the nicest mom ... or the most fun mom. I love you then, too.</i>" She told me she knew that, and she loved me too -- "<i>now can we do something fun?</i>"<br />
<br />
You see, God knows. He knows what we want ... and he knows exactly what we need. He knows the things deep in our heart, and the things we'd rather not face, as well. And when we need it the most, he gives us a swift {albeit gentle} kick in the pants, getting us to man up, and giving us exactly what we NEED most.<br />
<br />
I wanted time alone. But what I really needed was time alone with my girl. A chance to laugh and cuddle and bond some more.<br />
<br />
We painted our nails, drank some hot cocoa, watched a movie, and played a few games. We even got out a Melissa and Doug sticker book and decorated the pages of Fairies having tea parties and dancing in the rain. And that little girl of mine smiled. And laughed. And loved.<br />
<br />
I sure am glad that I have a God who knows the insides of my heart, my wants and desires, and chooses instead to give me what I need most of all.<br />
<br />
I am so glad he gave me that time alone with her.<br />
<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-42772286015061753192015-01-19T07:13:00.000-05:002015-01-19T07:13:30.390-05:00Gearing Up For the Week Ahead <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddorloUlvtGpWheAKAO1kcBRZCXOrZ8uWQOG9Lk65-zJeOA9PvSPJFlKPYgg3tEVBjb6Q7mPpW92gPT9qjdBfd0qO0YiHd4fdfgq9mOgVyS9l7eUzSjMYIwiRpTR7Yg5Os8pcHdmtN2QZ/s1600/jan+19+post+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddorloUlvtGpWheAKAO1kcBRZCXOrZ8uWQOG9Lk65-zJeOA9PvSPJFlKPYgg3tEVBjb6Q7mPpW92gPT9qjdBfd0qO0YiHd4fdfgq9mOgVyS9l7eUzSjMYIwiRpTR7Yg5Os8pcHdmtN2QZ/s1600/jan+19+post+1.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPsZEUpuGi0rEu5Tt9R12WD9Q8IcH2lLk_YB00WoTFtTCJk7E0tfYuVGndOjH9QA2WCNuCCTZ3yb08RNfeMaqfKSRfBmeFi4CS8TjEn-bI3oZ5dvGUxG_4q1MA2r2Oe2b9gD1jspySnff/s1600/jan+19+post+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPsZEUpuGi0rEu5Tt9R12WD9Q8IcH2lLk_YB00WoTFtTCJk7E0tfYuVGndOjH9QA2WCNuCCTZ3yb08RNfeMaqfKSRfBmeFi4CS8TjEn-bI3oZ5dvGUxG_4q1MA2r2Oe2b9gD1jspySnff/s1600/jan+19+post+2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Good Morning!<br />
<br />
Monday has rolled around again -- not that I mind. It's one of M's short weeks, so he's home today. {Of course, the trade off is that he worked Friday, Saturday, and Sunday ... so while others were enjoying the weekend, we were hanging solo.} We have a few things we need to take care of today --and then plan to relax for the rest of the afternoon! But all that can wait -- because right now, I have the house to myself, and M has the kids out to breakfast!<br />
<br />
Silence ... it's golden!<br />
<br />
Our weekend was pretty good for a work weekend. I took the kids to play at McDonalds. I bought one of those fabric-sling bookcases for only $2 {and have plans to DIY it to what I want soon ...}. I worked my first weekend in the nursery at church -- and absolutely fell in love with those babies! Seriously -- I could spend all my time in there and no grow tired of it. One little boy curled up on me and snuggled, before falling asleep. Safe to say -- I didn't put him down!<br />
<br />
We also visited with the kids' Pappy -- and went for a golf-cart ride. The kids loved it, and I'm looking forward to more of them, myself, once the weather warms up in a couple months.<br />
<br />
We are still dealing with sleep craziness around here -- and true to form, L fell asleep in the living room last night around 545, didn't eat any dinner, and only stirred once I put his pajamas on him. As soon as I laid him back in S's bed, his eyes shut, and I didn't hear a peep out of him. Not really sure how long its going to take him to adjust to no naps ... but this interim? Its rough on all of us!<br />
<br />
This week is shaping up to be a fun one: no school all week for S, which means a playdate with her friend at some point. Mops. Church. Dance. And I might even convince M to take me out to a movie!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
How is your week looking? Any fun stuff ahead?! </div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-46961174807629842032015-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:002015-01-16T08:00:01.730-05:00You Can't Plan It All <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQczFA6ad2biXCoGJE8BD_-ILK1JHtlQZrivjaJifRpRKs4upofdIf6zJlpVPWMufWDsOCKLRivMYGcosGWHvVEemyEF5cJBZPvDC6AltFbIZdnUeDoWrA4u5nCv4cr18z7FIirbGYiRe/s1600/jan+16+post+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQczFA6ad2biXCoGJE8BD_-ILK1JHtlQZrivjaJifRpRKs4upofdIf6zJlpVPWMufWDsOCKLRivMYGcosGWHvVEemyEF5cJBZPvDC6AltFbIZdnUeDoWrA4u5nCv4cr18z7FIirbGYiRe/s1600/jan+16+post+1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0msPfXT63Pu4e-HZrzZk4o49-cuMimcXebofa_SvI7cVe4Wa_AR_lfbUTu1_HkoKcArd5wNUFdpNWBggHtXvJ8puG-92VWLDmUdri4RzVyRrD9pMl_h8_gSMbtTnMA2iUCj3IWIvcp5Qw/s1600/jan+16+post+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0msPfXT63Pu4e-HZrzZk4o49-cuMimcXebofa_SvI7cVe4Wa_AR_lfbUTu1_HkoKcArd5wNUFdpNWBggHtXvJ8puG-92VWLDmUdri4RzVyRrD9pMl_h8_gSMbtTnMA2iUCj3IWIvcp5Qw/s1600/jan+16+post+5.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifViY6VpmXD0ml5kpediRwkoyol4VkD6m2GUdVER2b38pb9hbFT6iLMHSrO-VZ1CccQwe6iz2QG_yizLyG0LxlYfTUYqEF5F5ZZ1KV-Q715EDw05DZfKcT4WZ77vR2k_GCD47qvyFQqQUM/s1600/jan+16+post+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifViY6VpmXD0ml5kpediRwkoyol4VkD6m2GUdVER2b38pb9hbFT6iLMHSrO-VZ1CccQwe6iz2QG_yizLyG0LxlYfTUYqEF5F5ZZ1KV-Q715EDw05DZfKcT4WZ77vR2k_GCD47qvyFQqQUM/s1600/jan+16+post+4.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPS2FvC9uvO25JyKCDD36flQqNmcMaMYchTlT1B-cjPX-u690DDd0_REv7FjuaoVaAqlzi6MBWdV3Evp6bmZzP_9fnaoBvB4steTlWaPDsjesXt2BEuCmQM-dM99ETuSIhj8sojv7M1LC/s1600/jan+16+post+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPS2FvC9uvO25JyKCDD36flQqNmcMaMYchTlT1B-cjPX-u690DDd0_REv7FjuaoVaAqlzi6MBWdV3Evp6bmZzP_9fnaoBvB4steTlWaPDsjesXt2BEuCmQM-dM99ETuSIhj8sojv7M1LC/s1600/jan+16+post+2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8YipIKu3fDBRZmZtIXxI8lxXOLhyBvhVj_J1PMLUMKjZzlsDfPxJRGR5UCl2sGKRYd86OjP8ZcWS6sEk7_PMQ0cLNkeHzWktQZhZZWt1WMuTwTMqUj-ezsdyqjLn8ahIpDJaaaPHnmqK/s1600/jan+16+post+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8YipIKu3fDBRZmZtIXxI8lxXOLhyBvhVj_J1PMLUMKjZzlsDfPxJRGR5UCl2sGKRYd86OjP8ZcWS6sEk7_PMQ0cLNkeHzWktQZhZZWt1WMuTwTMqUj-ezsdyqjLn8ahIpDJaaaPHnmqK/s1600/jan+16+post+3.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This week did not go as planned.<br />
<br />
Thanks to Mother Nature, school was cancelled one day, we stayed at the house all day for two days, more or less, and managed to catch up on laundry and some cleaning, but otherwise, we all wound up with a good case of cabin fever. By Thursday afternoon, we were all sick of looking at each other, and the walls inside our house.<br />
<br />
Safe to say, I have a few things planned for this weekend to get us out and about -- and hopefully they will quell that discontent.<br />
<br />
The roads didn't really ice over, like was called for. It got cold, and rained, but otherwise, it was just another winter day in North Carolina. Blink and it will change, I was told. {As if I didn't already know ... I've been here almost 7 years.}<br />
<br />
We are still dealing with some early morning risers -- but I'm getting used to the company. Would I rather have some quiet alone time to read or clear my head before the day? Sure. But its been going on like this long enough now, that if its 545am and they aren't awake yet, I'm starting to wonder where they are.<br />
<br />
And L is having a hard time adjusting to the whole "no nap" thing, too. He still really needs a nap of some sort, but refuses unless a.} we are driving in the car or b.} its way past the time he should be sleeping. Most nights, as I'm cooking dinner, I turn around and find him curled up in the recliner with a movie, sound asleep. Waking him up from that is quite the task -- and he usually winds up a bear.<br />
<br />
A bear who refuses to eat dinner, at that.<br />
<br />
Next week is looking to be a bit of the same: S doesn't have school at all -- between a holiday Monday and a teacher workday on Wednesday, all of her preschool is cancelled. Thankfully, its a short work week for M, a MOPS week, and we will still have dance as planned. If the weather keeps up, we're going to be spending a lot of time either inside, driving each other nuts, or invading the nearest indoor playground.<br />
<br />
Anyone want to place a bet on how quickly I lose my sanity?!Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-41264584791644564422015-01-14T08:00:00.000-05:002015-01-14T08:00:04.286-05:00How Do YOU React To Kind? <div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="399" src="http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/wiredscience/2010/03/randomkindness.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
"Excuse me ma'am ... but I think some of your milk might be leaking ..."<br />
<br />
It's crazy how one sentence can either garner a pleasant reaction, or something completely unexpected, in today's world. And it's really a sad thing, honestly. People are so used to being mistreated, used and abused, in all matters of the words, that they don't take anything at face value. They assume there is a hidden agenda. As if no one can do something kind anymore.<br />
<br />
And sadly, that's exactly what it's all about.<br />
<br />
No one does kind things for others anymore. Not for their friends. Or the people next door. Or the stranger down the way. Not for the mailman. Or the cashier at the store. The handyman. Or even the elderly lady who frequents your local coffee shop. No one seems to go out of their way to help others, or treat them to something, unless of course, they think it will get them attention, or even better, something in return.<br />
<br />
We were in Walmart yesterday, picking up some sandwiches for lunch. At the check-out line, a lady the next line over happened to be buying 15-20 gallons of milk. She had placed a few in bags, but not most of the cart. Underneath, I noticed a few places where the milk had spilled, and didn't want the woman to get everything loaded in her car, and get home to a gallon missing half it's milk, or something of the sort.<br />
<br />
I caught her attention, and let her know that some of the milk was dripping. And in return? I got not only an attitude from her, but also from the cashier that was scanning this woman's items.<br />
<br />
"I KNOW! I have them in bags ..."<br />
"She already KNOWS!"<br />
<br />
Seriously?! A "thanks!" would have been enough -- even if you already knew!<br />
<br />
Another woman behind this lady in line piped up and said "Well ... I think you missed one then ... because its STILL DRIPPING," and smiled at me.<br />
<br />
At least she knew I was just trying to help.<br />
<br />
This, people.<br />
<br />
This reaction?! This behavior from everyone and their brother? That's exactly why 2015 is our year to show the world how kind and loving we can be without there being a hidden agenda.<br />
<br />
This is our year.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-28036917380684490382015-01-12T06:26:00.003-05:002015-01-12T06:26:35.436-05:00Weekend Rundown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYbfscxASXm3Je6WkskIH_Kft5SP1S_QNVZqngR5rpC5EB1qbxfApaj3MlfuMf-xcmoAqlc8LVp2-F3DcfvZa19RoICuwD7w_3Sr3tnS7Bj3Ozz88rr3uPZjwuMdURnLWm-VGruLms7xe/s1600/jan+12+post+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYbfscxASXm3Je6WkskIH_Kft5SP1S_QNVZqngR5rpC5EB1qbxfApaj3MlfuMf-xcmoAqlc8LVp2-F3DcfvZa19RoICuwD7w_3Sr3tnS7Bj3Ozz88rr3uPZjwuMdURnLWm-VGruLms7xe/s1600/jan+12+post+2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvb9Fy0ODlXvcd2UdXlRkWVpC8fh7jr-324uEXnOyyrcpbTVVr-oYLPO_FlwfcW-cajySkLXwmk9-jjTU_GGPWlYgwVKz4vX7PJeon2c2e3U_L7YOhxVZWpaqn2Qwy1ZSkIE8yiu38fSN/s1600/jan+12+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvb9Fy0ODlXvcd2UdXlRkWVpC8fh7jr-324uEXnOyyrcpbTVVr-oYLPO_FlwfcW-cajySkLXwmk9-jjTU_GGPWlYgwVKz4vX7PJeon2c2e3U_L7YOhxVZWpaqn2Qwy1ZSkIE8yiu38fSN/s1600/jan+12+post.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ngP4GvaeVoKKKnilKVm8udM4h8DFXJbT6ZKq2u8GzTA0oJP0asBfnzQwFk7OuMJXX4nIPa_99Pshnlc5u-aDFhqAf6sKnhCd2aijqVwTaHX_drtnhoxe1vmg-fyMqGrFhlW9unYw5Di3/s1600/jan+12+post+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ngP4GvaeVoKKKnilKVm8udM4h8DFXJbT6ZKq2u8GzTA0oJP0asBfnzQwFk7OuMJXX4nIPa_99Pshnlc5u-aDFhqAf6sKnhCd2aijqVwTaHX_drtnhoxe1vmg-fyMqGrFhlW9unYw5Di3/s1600/jan+12+post+5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjysN6VJlD2uE35-8BkskB_omd-0wxjcKQ-JbLoT3-RXKFZQqClfHKHX0409sCWobkfz2Ek_lt5f6Xu6RIFmNaQcWyux-iVKKSABBOqrHQZv01zLVHdulX_tVAL9tFJF91Xit8ENL2zyYP/s1600/jan+12+post+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjysN6VJlD2uE35-8BkskB_omd-0wxjcKQ-JbLoT3-RXKFZQqClfHKHX0409sCWobkfz2Ek_lt5f6Xu6RIFmNaQcWyux-iVKKSABBOqrHQZv01zLVHdulX_tVAL9tFJF91Xit8ENL2zyYP/s1600/jan+12+post+3.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMfeMNfapXAV3xxaXYNwKpUQ0Q0VyjTysgISr5X-5hubAGSbK1HlRs7l84sGnLpBjMNGAFAecCNZQjOoROgwWlav1HfI5OG53Vyt3K4G2PbWf8TdlMn20PfZqjtr9QQ8Iv0Lbk9CYayQ2/s1600/jan+12+post+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMfeMNfapXAV3xxaXYNwKpUQ0Q0VyjTysgISr5X-5hubAGSbK1HlRs7l84sGnLpBjMNGAFAecCNZQjOoROgwWlav1HfI5OG53Vyt3K4G2PbWf8TdlMn20PfZqjtr9QQ8Iv0Lbk9CYayQ2/s1600/jan+12+post+4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
This weekend was so good for my soul.<br />
<br />
So, so, so good.<br />
<br />
Fellowship with friends -- a wonderful women's church conference, uplifting worship, wonderful guest speakers, and plenty of company made my heart glad. And full. Overflowing. What a great way to start the year.<br />
<br />
We had a birthday party for our friend's youngest, as well. It was so great to see people we hadn't seen in a little one, and just as nice seeing the friends we see on a regular basis, as well. All the kids were running around playing together. Laughing and giggling, climbing in the firetrucks. It was exactly the way life should be! We are meant to journey through this life with others -- holding them close. We did just that!<br />
<br />
Sunday was church. A rush to clean the house. A laid-back cake and playtime birthday party for our own L {because Daddy was working on his actual birthday} and once again, we were surrounded by family and friends. Old and new.<br />
<br />
The weekend came to an end quicker than I would have liked, but if this is a sign of the year to come: the friendships that will only grow deeper, the relationships that will develop, and the journey through life that we will continue on, I can only have high hopes.<br />
<br />
My heart is full!Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-52531101038105255092015-01-08T15:00:00.000-05:002015-01-08T15:00:04.787-05:00My Reading List The tail end of 2014 found me without my nose buried in a book. Which isn't normal for me -- usually, I am elbow deep in a good read, constantly finding time to turn a few {or a lot of} pages. But with the kids boycotting outside play because of the impending cold weather, I found less and less time. And to be honest, after reading a few really good books, I had a hard time getting hooked on another story.<br />
<br />
Has that ever happened to you? You really love a story SO MUCH that you just cannot find something else that measures up? Its a real Debbie Downer!<br />
<br />
But I started the year off fresh -- and have been reading daily, and enjoying my time doing so. I already have a list of what I'd like to read this year, so I thought I'd share what's on my reading list for {at least the beginning of} the year:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWYlwQzeIpoqx6aM0lcPT07sgUoM2ARtLI_6KQZnujia2AQbjoEQwa2uDS_7ZuG-4-DDcRWFUPGqkfwW2hG8xQ4RGj3zCzTwrSlgTZV8JeyArGYWvKfu1Fi-3aj0iYLjhwTxn3h2dmwit/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWYlwQzeIpoqx6aM0lcPT07sgUoM2ARtLI_6KQZnujia2AQbjoEQwa2uDS_7ZuG-4-DDcRWFUPGqkfwW2hG8xQ4RGj3zCzTwrSlgTZV8JeyArGYWvKfu1Fi-3aj0iYLjhwTxn3h2dmwit/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alchemist-Paulo-Coelho/dp/0061122416/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420746107&sr=8-1&keywords=the+alchemist">The Alchemist</a> // <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Strangers-My-Door-Finding-Unexpected/dp/0307731952/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420746165&sr=8-1&keywords=strangers+at+my+door">Strangers At My Door</a> // <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unbroken-World-Survival-Resilience-Redemption/dp/0812974492/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420746194&sr=8-1&keywords=unbroken">Unbroken</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Half-Sky-Oppression-Opportunity-Worldwide/dp/0307387097/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420746290&sr=8-1&keywords=half+the+sky">Half the Sky</a> // <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Ordinary-Days-Novel/dp/0143119958/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420746264&sr=8-2&keywords=the+magic+of+ordinary+days">The Magic of Ordinary Days</a> // <a href="http://www.amazon.com/David-Seeking-Heart-Like-His/dp/1415869480/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420746231&sr=8-1&keywords=david%3A+seeking+a+heart+like+his">David: Seeking a Heart Like His</a></div>
<br />
<br />
And this is only the first few I plan on reading! Sure -- there's a bit of a "theme": a lot of the books I read/am reading are non-fiction or social science in nature. I've always had a hard time really getting into stories like Divergent or Harry Potter or Twilight: stories I know are far-fetched and unlikely to ever come to fruition.<br />
<br />
A few of the books on this list are older stories. Three of these books have movies made from their story. One I've already read two or three times, but its just such a good {and fast} read. Some of the books are recommendations {from family, MOPS leadership, and Amazon Wishlist recommendations}. I am sure in between some of these heavier titles, I'll toss in a light chick-lit read, to change the mood and brighten the day a little. But I'm really looking forward to this list, and reading this year.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you?! Do you have a "wishlist" of reading you'd like to get done this year? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are some books you might recommend adding to my list? </span></div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-69138614401110878422015-01-06T08:00:00.000-05:002015-01-06T08:00:06.769-05:00Our Word of the Year <br />
<img height="426" src="http://lauragraceweldon.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/kindness.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<br />
Some people make resolutions.<br />
<br />
Some make goals -- in fact, last year, that was me. I made goals: not too lofty, just enough. Some were accomplished, many were worked on. Some just got tossed aside. And some are being worked on still today, and every day.<br />
<br />
There are others who choose one word. A word to sum up the direction they wish their lives to go in for the coming year. Strength. Compassion. Humility. Abide. All good choices.<br />
<br />
This year, we took that sort of approach -- a word, to define how we hope our year will go. What we want to accomplish, and how we hope it will be viewed by others.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For 2015, we chose: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>kindness</u></span></div>
<br />
<br />
Every day, when you turn on the news, you see someone has lost their entire home to a devastating fire. Someone has been robbed. Or murdered. Let down by society in some way. Where are the kind and generous people reaching out to help build each other up?<br />
<br />
This year, that's our goal.<br />
<br />
To help restore some faith in humanity -- that there are, in fact, good, kind people still out there in this world. People who do something little to bring a simple smile, to lend a helping hand, a shoulder to lean on when times get tough. A neighborly favor.<br />
<br />
So for us, 2015 will be full of random acts of kindness -- for our friends and family members, people at church, fellow moms, neighbors, and even strangers on the street. A gift-card to buy themselves lunch. A cup of coffee. An uplifting note, letting them know they are important and they matter, whoever they are.<br />
<br />
We have already completed our first act: we dropped off a bottle of local-made wine to a friend of mine. She was driving back from Maryland with her two kids after the holidays. I don't know about you -- but if I was alone in my car with my two kids for that long on end, I would need a glass, or ten, too. And on top of all that, she's at the tail end of a deployment: her husband should be home within the next couple of weeks, so she's been parenting alone for the last six months. That woman is a trooper, and I just wanted her to know we've noticed that it's not easy, and we love her!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you decided on a goal, resolution or word for 2015? </div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-86729631666262700832015-01-05T09:14:00.002-05:002015-01-05T09:14:58.569-05:00The 1st Weekend Recap of 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbghUmOejPA8vLdrI70l3cyduYUBcFnRbYy9xwXN2Wuz8I8O7Nvwu7nZGXhOTWQ1SRDw7m1sk8ljiwiz8HUh_cfAejAkKO83DM_O4jiZXny7a0TEb-InFrN4KvtOlbzmQyOc1l1msQlzA/s1600/jan+5+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbghUmOejPA8vLdrI70l3cyduYUBcFnRbYy9xwXN2Wuz8I8O7Nvwu7nZGXhOTWQ1SRDw7m1sk8ljiwiz8HUh_cfAejAkKO83DM_O4jiZXny7a0TEb-InFrN4KvtOlbzmQyOc1l1msQlzA/s1600/jan+5+post.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's January.<br />
<br />
And its 2015.<br />
<br />
Kind of hard to believe, really. I remember being a kid and time just seemed to drag on. The older I got, the quicker time passed, and now?! Well ... now it flies by, and you wind up looking back and wondering where it all went.<br />
<br />
The first weekend of the year has come and gone -- and we are finally getting back into our normal routine, today. Some people <b>love</b> the holiday breaks. All the free time to do what you'd like, sleep in, travel. Well ... when my kids don't sleep past 6am, and they get real stir-crazy with little to go and do, I find myself BEGGING for early school mornings and late church nights!<br />
<br />
We did manage to get out and about some this weekend, however. I had a meeting with a few other leaders in our MOPS group Saturday morning. It never fails -- if we plan to go somewhere "un-fun", the kids whine and complain they are bored. If we do go somewhere with an indoor play area, like we did this time, they refuse to play! Kids! Either way, it got us out of the house for a bit.<br />
<br />
Sunday brought church -- my first time serving in the nursery, and L's last day in his 2-year-old room. I'm going to miss him being in there. A lot of the volunteers/teachers knew his behaviors, knew that he is relatively quiet and reserved, but if he cries a bit, to pop on a veggie tales movie and he'll calm right down. They all know that he has a thing with holding something -- a spoon, a block, a mini action figure. Something. Now we have to teach a new group! Luckily, we have a great group of volunteers at church,<br />
<br />
And of course, the highlight of the weekend -- L turned 3! Because M was working all weekend, we are holding off his "friends and family" party until this weekend, but we still celebrated him all day Sunday. I took the kids out to lunch at Cracker Barrel after church, L's choice. We watched all of L's favorite movies. Ate L's favorite foods for dinner. And had his cake and presents once M got home from work. He wasn't too sure what to think about his bike at first -- but before the night was done, he didn't want to get off, and wanted us to push him all around the living room. Now its time to teach him to pedal.<br />
<br />
So far, 2015 is off to a good start -- what about you?! Did you start the year off with a bang?Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-56481916921421599952015-01-01T08:00:00.000-05:002015-01-01T08:00:05.567-05:0014 Things We Learned in 2014 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2Cjiz_z-rHryQhJljM4nnkHotzG12nYUw7DS_MP7a_1iVBMqk4Nif5xGH6Mn91tq0Dw5I_St1zyyakBpNMkBSzyZPuE_0okKEZuk-eu5HQhJFeAm_Z0CZtlumw-7uSLf_aFp5QkDiOEF/s1600/jan+1+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2Cjiz_z-rHryQhJljM4nnkHotzG12nYUw7DS_MP7a_1iVBMqk4Nif5xGH6Mn91tq0Dw5I_St1zyyakBpNMkBSzyZPuE_0okKEZuk-eu5HQhJFeAm_Z0CZtlumw-7uSLf_aFp5QkDiOEF/s1600/jan+1+post.jpg" height="484" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What better way to start the new year than a list ... of some of the things we've learned over the course of the last 12 months!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>14 Things We Learned in 2014 </u></span></div>
<br />
<br />
1. Its easier to just let a kid get sick on you, then trying to play duck and dodge, aiming a bucket where you think they might go next.<br />
<br />
2. Sunshine, sand, and salty air is a good cure for absolutely anything!<br />
<br />
3. No matter how long its been since you've seen or talked to them, or the terms you left things on last time you were with them, REAL friends will help you out when you need them the most. Even if that means letting you crash at their place when your camping trip gets rained out.<br />
<br />
4. It's okay to admit that you need help sometimes -- whether with something little, like the laundry, or something bigger, like life in general. You aren't alone, and that help? Really does help.<br />
<br />
5. Any town can be dreadful if you don't really know anyone. Once you make friends of your OWN, and not just your spouse's friends, any place can become a "home".<br />
<br />
6. Finding the right church is a saving grace, literally!<br />
<br />
7. When you want hair to grow, it doesn't. When you want shorter hair, it grows like a weed! Seriously, I think L needs a hair cut every month, whereas S has had 1 in her entire 5 years of life.<br />
<br />
8. We can't all be the teachers -- sometimes, we have to be the students, as well. And sometimes ... we don't have to be either ... we can just be mom, and it be okay, too.<br />
<br />
9. No matter how many times you tell your kids NOT to call you by your first name, you will still answer to it when they scream it somewhere! And it will always make them giggle!<br />
<br />
10. As a Mom, no "vacation" is a true vacation ... unless the kids aren't there. {And then, really ... you are just wondering what your kids are doing and if they miss you, the whole time anyways ...}<br />
<br />
11. They are going to fight with each other. They are going to tease each other, pull hair, steal toys and tattle. They are going to lay blame on each other. Hit each other. Call each other bad names. And even lie and blame each other. But in the end, when it really matters most, they will be each other's best friend. Regardless of what happened five minutes ago.<br />
<br />
12. Nothing beats Mom's home cooking. Maybe Grandma's ... but that's about it.<br />
<br />
13. Date nights. Even if you are just walking through Walmart together ... make them happen. Even if they are at 11am. Do it. Make time for each other and enjoy that time you do have. Kids take a lot of time and energy {and really are worth it all} ... but in the end, they will leave home. You don't want to wake up after 20 years and realize you don't even KNOW the person you are married to anymore!<br />
<br />
14. As long as you are with the ones you love, nothing else matters!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, I am looking forward to all the things -- big and little -- that we will learn this year, 2015! </span></div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-60376465777955529372014-12-29T08:30:00.002-05:002014-12-29T08:30:29.186-05:00Catching Up <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4jtS4MDX4VA8bWB1B7ds2qGdrvK_bS4aAU_y450zpXpzNk0Voo6EsAvTnTz_EIhIx3JX8LnH5UiajMdtdKsKr4c2Y3Mhb6hpYjUELnGV_w51yKbJK8qCtUrwIe1lsgyFIsPvhSFO_PGc/s1600/dec+29+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4jtS4MDX4VA8bWB1B7ds2qGdrvK_bS4aAU_y450zpXpzNk0Voo6EsAvTnTz_EIhIx3JX8LnH5UiajMdtdKsKr4c2Y3Mhb6hpYjUELnGV_w51yKbJK8qCtUrwIe1lsgyFIsPvhSFO_PGc/s1600/dec+29+post.jpg" height="502" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyafIoFNe5RQYs61DNjMRxY4mwhztsS2yVQHcorUdagjtNboxmMko3wfujmnnjSEAvR3i6b_9v7xeXIdQcKnvN33Qyu2NMSv5-5Xp11YK28Nq0n2m9edShUj5vIid2cjzgnphAVnHa6J4/s1600/dec+29+post+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyafIoFNe5RQYs61DNjMRxY4mwhztsS2yVQHcorUdagjtNboxmMko3wfujmnnjSEAvR3i6b_9v7xeXIdQcKnvN33Qyu2NMSv5-5Xp11YK28Nq0n2m9edShUj5vIid2cjzgnphAVnHa6J4/s1600/dec+29+post+3.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIH0p70pbPSJZacmChWWxTdhG5vKqEQW05OOyiAr7znKZKsDgYxJumQtLbsPisGyxhQfmfdsx-7m8MJhLFt8fATeJmBz2PFCe6vaZtULtRnDqD6lVeGNXw0lfee9YXitdh0AI2cTaSGu9/s1600/dec+29+post+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIH0p70pbPSJZacmChWWxTdhG5vKqEQW05OOyiAr7znKZKsDgYxJumQtLbsPisGyxhQfmfdsx-7m8MJhLFt8fATeJmBz2PFCe6vaZtULtRnDqD6lVeGNXw0lfee9YXitdh0AI2cTaSGu9/s1600/dec+29+post+2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Its been quiet around here -- sorry about that! But we've been busy living life!<br />
<br />
Christmas last week was very nice -- relaxed and full of family. The kids were up early, as always and loved unwrapping what was under the tree. Then we headed to see one side of the family for our traditional Christmas morning breakfast. From there, we went straight to another family gathering, for gifts, good conversation and a delicious lunch with some of the best collards and fried corn bread you'll ever find!<br />
<br />
We spent most of our weekend lounging around in pajamas, and breaking in all the new things we received. Toys, puzzles and board games, galore. Some new coloring books and crayons. We've watched a new movie or two, snuggled some new friends {a Mooshka doll, a Lalaloopsy, etc.} and started finding a place for all the new fun. We did drive to M's grandfather's to visit with him for a bit, see his vintage-y tree {which I LOVE -- the decorations ... ::sigh::}. and enjoy a nice lunch together.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, in the middle of the night Saturday, S came into our room complaining that she wasn't feeling well, and before I could ask if she was just hungry or if she thought she was going to be sick, I was literally catching it, bedside, and rushing her to the bathroom. Safe to say, we spent the rest of the night cleaning up messes, tending laundry, and trying to rest as much as possible. Which means Sunday was spent in pajamas, all day, with our fingers crossed that no one else was/is sick.<br />
<br />
I lysoled everything. Did more loads of laundry in one day that I think I have in all my married years. We cooked the bare minimum, and ran to the store to stock up on "sick" supplies - chicken noodle soup, coca cola, and gatorade, as well as bread for plain toast. So far, {knock on wood} so good.<br />
<br />
It seems pretty fitting, really: January 2nd of this year, S was getting sick because she swallowed a quarter and stuck her hand down her throat trying to get it back out ... and now we are ending the year with her getting sick, as well. Poor girl!<br />
<br />
And you?! How was your last weekend of 2014 spent!?Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-70302630877053165842014-12-17T08:00:00.000-05:002014-12-17T08:00:01.044-05:00Front-Porch Chatter <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PhiTS5izvjafKGt7BLS1my3tWbqwyGQBFU_dkXf6shkmutZwWPLw2OmVh1qJ6lbTgrjQeh6GCCG_teNdUe4Vfwx3vDinTpTCq-1n8sJlZ6WSEFLMVhHEzaq8tVAwadkeCpXMu3DZcWMW/s1600/front+porch+chatter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PhiTS5izvjafKGt7BLS1my3tWbqwyGQBFU_dkXf6shkmutZwWPLw2OmVh1qJ6lbTgrjQeh6GCCG_teNdUe4Vfwx3vDinTpTCq-1n8sJlZ6WSEFLMVhHEzaq8tVAwadkeCpXMu3DZcWMW/s1600/front+porch+chatter.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
There are so many "versions" of tidbit-style blog posts out there ... Coffee talk, Tea Time, the list goes on and on. And they are all great: the best way to just "download" and talk about all the little things, the things that don't have enough to say for their own blog post. Well, here in North Carolina, a lot of our talking happens in a wooden rocker, with a glass of sweet tea, on the front porch. So what better than a little Front-Porch Chatter today:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJzaNZRlWiQv6hIEPBKn548gCRZ2zZrW8LKEyxGNBQlWUGD1NTlLHB3M5YSLFNX8I8iyIwF2Ej1knrj0liHB9fvUpS9r-Chx8sPl6FCPNfyezLXSc1YoOrHVEoCJM-_Dpu2PLvsLZgtSA/s1600/dec+17+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJzaNZRlWiQv6hIEPBKn548gCRZ2zZrW8LKEyxGNBQlWUGD1NTlLHB3M5YSLFNX8I8iyIwF2Ej1knrj0liHB9fvUpS9r-Chx8sPl6FCPNfyezLXSc1YoOrHVEoCJM-_Dpu2PLvsLZgtSA/s1600/dec+17+post.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
* There are only 8 days until Christmas. My shopping may be done {unless I need last minute stocking stuffers} but nothing is wrapped. I should probably get that done ... but the problem is finding the time, when the kids are not awake, or when someone else is here to entertain them so I can lock myself in the bedroom and just do it. Not really sure when I'll see that "time" on the schedule.<br />
<br />
* The next week or so is incredibly busy looking, and its almost all for my 5 year old. A Christmas party for school today. A dance performance. A play date. Taking the kids to see Christmas lights. A work Christmas party. Three days of church. Caroling with some friends at a local hospice center. Like I said ... trying to find the time to wrap gifts?! Not sure when.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU8lKXHw0cuRE41fxewz9yckNell6NICqmuGA0pLtqJiNzv-z5c-dJD_1CeGzvhS2HA7a2QvTblc1bh1DNtlYUJ-TJVbaO5PtDr4GsPdBKXu1Na8wQWNUU9ZOmRUXvroJum9OMun8OaL5/s1600/dec+17+post+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU8lKXHw0cuRE41fxewz9yckNell6NICqmuGA0pLtqJiNzv-z5c-dJD_1CeGzvhS2HA7a2QvTblc1bh1DNtlYUJ-TJVbaO5PtDr4GsPdBKXu1Na8wQWNUU9ZOmRUXvroJum9OMun8OaL5/s1600/dec+17+post+3.jpg" height="364" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
* Weather lately feels uncharacteristically like December, even for North Carolina. The past couple of days, its been in the 60s, and yesterday, we had a massive rain storm, complete with thunder. If this were January, I would be expecting snow any day ... since its not "technically" winter yet ... I don't know if it will happen. I don't want it ... that's for sure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWcHnfjNI20ecNnTtHIsLiO1CBkXSdxUhb1Ly0LiUHAZkDAor6RxQyVcxUMWpF7y0NTpzE8FXkRdhuDNyyzz8kMFNFz_d9cGXTXXWcOUSWXepZla2zyWTElGkHXhTG349brQoLnSfXlIA/s1600/dec+17+post+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWcHnfjNI20ecNnTtHIsLiO1CBkXSdxUhb1Ly0LiUHAZkDAor6RxQyVcxUMWpF7y0NTpzE8FXkRdhuDNyyzz8kMFNFz_d9cGXTXXWcOUSWXepZla2zyWTElGkHXhTG349brQoLnSfXlIA/s1600/dec+17+post+2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
* Sleep around here still is horrible. Lately, both kids have been acting like wild animals during "quiet time" and wearing themselves out. Which only means that by 530/6pm as we should be sitting down to dinner, I walk into the living room to find at least one, if not two kids, sound asleep. Waking them up only makes the house grumpy ... but I do it anyway. They have been sleeping a LITTLE better at night, only waking up once or twice ... but still up for the day sometime between 430 and 5am. Not sure how much longer I can take it.<br />
<br />
* We're about to have a three year old, too. His birthday is all shopped for, the cake is in the works with a friend of mine, and we've decided to keep it small and just family this year, again. We wanted to do something big at the fire department ... but tried to think of which friends of his we would invite. And sadly, the only kids we could think of will actually be reuniting with their Dad that weekend after a six month deployment. So ... yea. No big kiddie party, but we can still spoil him with fun stuff.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-15452840123665710442014-12-15T08:00:00.000-05:002014-12-15T08:00:03.095-05:00Weekend Recap <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVbhNm5Q1eS4DAnyUYeMjA_PPgdDWBQnMdbxskBdST4DqnD1Zno-tVFG4dbzdxoGzqk2e7euJAb_n14Q3Yd_3FFkJnSdhOGW8hVXIrkiQztz_kN_31ptFqlAJQcGR65_Bv6RFbMHh_Fv9/s1600/IMG_20141213_160152929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVbhNm5Q1eS4DAnyUYeMjA_PPgdDWBQnMdbxskBdST4DqnD1Zno-tVFG4dbzdxoGzqk2e7euJAb_n14Q3Yd_3FFkJnSdhOGW8hVXIrkiQztz_kN_31ptFqlAJQcGR65_Bv6RFbMHh_Fv9/s1600/IMG_20141213_160152929.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnur8pEnfMi-xBsjfWoSnKlC0kVMqGzOW0M5x4VJJx8IpBA8VFd4v5QFARvoTtKT1s0LYo9u3OUbGbkEeLurih_oFPRO4JgVY0IYn_k9s-3Lghy4DrfUW6PHdOzZGzXwRC9uU9GdnzdC5e/s1600/IMG_20141214_091037042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnur8pEnfMi-xBsjfWoSnKlC0kVMqGzOW0M5x4VJJx8IpBA8VFd4v5QFARvoTtKT1s0LYo9u3OUbGbkEeLurih_oFPRO4JgVY0IYn_k9s-3Lghy4DrfUW6PHdOzZGzXwRC9uU9GdnzdC5e/s1600/IMG_20141214_091037042.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwY8-LoAsuXKMxtSyb2mOUkE3i6wf7ZYtyRlYSLI3JhG3VRUiknDgPn1FVb2R-2jCXAUS7d-BPimcbITcVrdeViNgdOaeAg84YAZSHY7FXcj0HI3NgXWRN9z_t8gsmGD20dzlX-JfRHf6D/s1600/IMG_20141214_091501652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwY8-LoAsuXKMxtSyb2mOUkE3i6wf7ZYtyRlYSLI3JhG3VRUiknDgPn1FVb2R-2jCXAUS7d-BPimcbITcVrdeViNgdOaeAg84YAZSHY7FXcj0HI3NgXWRN9z_t8gsmGD20dzlX-JfRHf6D/s1600/IMG_20141214_091501652.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
What a weekend! The closer we get to the end of the year, the busier everything seems to get! And this weekend was the same way! M spent all of his time out on a Wounded Warrior sponsored hunting trip, and the kids and I did a lot of errand-running. The weather was completely bi-polar, so one afternoon we watched movies indoors, and the next we were running around the backyard getting fresh air. L has gotten a typical winter cold, complete with runny nose and hoarse throat, which is always fun, especially when it comes to sleeping. He's been up even more lately than normal, and last night, tried to fall asleep on Daddy's lap at 6pm! We roused him awake with a fun bath -- but as soon as he was in pajamas and back snuggled with Daddy and a movie, he passed out quickly. This whole transition to no naps is wearing hard on our boy. The highlight of the whole weekend, though, had to be S's kids Christmas play at church. They did a story called "The Christmas Cupcake" and sang a bunch of songs. It was adorable, and S seemed to be a natural, performing in the spotlight for a crowd of people. While some other kids clammed up and didn't sing or do dance moves, our girl's face was full of smiles and animation, while she danced the day away! Good thing -- she has another performance coming up in just a week for her dance class!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And so begins the busy/crazy of the next couple weeks! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How's everything in your neck of the woods?!</div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-74984179130336992032014-12-12T08:00:00.000-05:002014-12-12T08:00:02.545-05:00Kiddo Cutes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXoHMe_g-QPXZqvUcRGkgKdLx2FqFElIv58l-VAJSTcHPOPCJkwddylKD3gffbj0-rVTB_v5LDgS1lPlGeYh4-IZ_FATRNnDSLxfDsUsvU8LbQYqUT7TxT_c67wjJsGQ8upq1LvHeBYva/s1600/kiddo+cutes+banner+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXoHMe_g-QPXZqvUcRGkgKdLx2FqFElIv58l-VAJSTcHPOPCJkwddylKD3gffbj0-rVTB_v5LDgS1lPlGeYh4-IZ_FATRNnDSLxfDsUsvU8LbQYqUT7TxT_c67wjJsGQ8upq1LvHeBYva/s1600/kiddo+cutes+banner+3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
December is already turning out to be quite a busy month for us around here. Between Christmas events, doctors check ups, school and church and dance, and playdates with friends, there's barely a day that goes by that we aren't on the go, somewhere. And the kids have been enjoying it. A lot. They get plenty of time to play and see and do ... and it helps them actually enjoy the down time at home when we do get a chance to just stay in. Finally ... we have an active social life! HA! And of course, mixed in with all the fun, are the funny things these kids randomly say:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
---------------</div>
<br />
<br />
at 4am:<br />
l: get in my bed, mommy.<br />
mom: no. just go to sleep.<br />
l: you look tired. get in my bed! go to sleep.<br />
<br />
<br />
while writing letters to santa:<br />
mom: okay, s. tell me what you'd like to write.<br />
s: dear santa, my name is s.<br />
mom: umhmm.<br />
s: i've been good -- just don't ask my brother, k?<br />
mom: s...<br />
s: because he isn't always ... maybe he needs a boring toy ...<br />
mom: that's not nice ...<br />
<br />
<br />
at bedtime:<br />
mom: lets snuggle, l.<br />
l: lets talk.<br />
mom: okay. what should we talk about?<br />
l: lets talk about ... poopy things!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
at dinnertime:<br />
s: i miss baby jesus ...<br />
mom: you do?<br />
s: yea. i want him to come back. don't you, mom?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
in the car:<br />
mom: l? did you take your shoes off again?<br />
l: ..... yes?!<br />
mom: why?<br />
l: *giggles*<br />
l: sissy ... smell my feet! *giggles*<br />
s: no way. you smell your feet.<br />
l: {smells own feet} ew. thats <i>nasty.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>---------------</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How about you and yours?! Are they ready for the holidays?! </div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-4494208961824472392014-12-11T08:00:00.000-05:002014-12-11T08:00:07.554-05:00Dear Santa ... <div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="524" src="http://greece.greekreporter.com/files/dear-santa.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
Dear Santa,<br />
<br />
My name is S, and I am 5. I've been a very good and nice girl this year -- you can ask anyone! Just not my brother, okay? I hope you and Elves are doing good ... I bet your vacation in Hawaii was nice and warm. For Christmas, please bring me a Lalaloopsy doll. I know I told Mom I wanted the Magic Dancing Palace Pet Pumpkin ... but really ... just the Lalaloopsy will do!<br />
<br />
-------------<br />
<br />
Dear Santa,<br />
<br />
I am L. I am 2. I've tried to be good. I really have. But being 2, almost 3, is a lot harder than I thought. I get told No so many times a day, I'm starting to think its part of my name! And my sister?! Well ... she hit me first. I just returned the favor. Don't worry about the cat, either ... I didn't hit him hard! As for a present, please bring me a really big car. If it makes a lot of noise, even better. And maybe if you could sneak in some rocks or spoons, my hands would be grateful.<br />
<br />
-----------<br />
<br />
Dear Santa,<br />
<br />
Victor the cat, here. Listen ... I don't care if you don't bring me anything. But please ... do something about these kids. One won't stay out of my face. She's constantly scratching my butt. And she brushes my hair in the wrong direction. I try to get her to stop ... but I have no claws, so she just thinks I am playing. The other one chases me, roaring like a dinosaur. I know they really are good kids ... so maybe at least you could bring them both a muzzle? They talk too much.<br />
<br />
-----------<br />
<br />
Dear Santa,<br />
<br />
Hello from Daddy M. Its been a long year. Short, really ... but long. You know. Work is tiring. The prisoners are knuckleheads. The VA is a total pain in my butt. But what can I do, right?! It would be great if you could bring me a new job. You know ... a Monday through Friday normal job. No tie wearing, preferably. I promise ... whatever it is, I won't complain. Much.<br />
<br />
-----------<br />
<br />
Dear Santa,<br />
<br />
All I want is a silent night. No, seriously ... these kids need sleep. This MAMA needs sleep. Something's got to give, right?! I'll follow the doctor's orders for behavior modification, discipline reinforcement, and nighttime routines ... can you just sprinkle your magic Santa dust over them, and make sure the plans work?! Its all I want. Really.<br />
<br />
-----------<br />
<br />
Dear Santa,<br />
<br />
My name is House. Aka home. Casa. Humble abode. Dwelling place. Crash pad. Whatever people want to call me. Unfortunately, they haven't been calling me "clean" much lately. Care to see to it that something get's done about that?! Give the lady who lives here an extra set of hands or something ... one to tend those crazy kids that color on my walls and dump nutmeg all over my carpets, and the other set to clean up said messes. I may not look completely discombobulated, but I'm starting to feel that way. In return, I'll make sure you don't get hurt, tripping over lincoln logs or barbie dolls, on my watch.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks Santa -- from the "C" Family Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-14262296712756852532014-12-09T07:31:00.002-05:002014-12-09T07:31:26.406-05:00Oh, Where Art Thou, Sleep?! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFz1TrAxT_fSz9Nnbiy8KJWZFyfyylT_2L3fpclGDH2SF73dB6T0kCuqILTmdhRv9GqzpmMa2uz2SQha299Up0ZXJ4lFw1-f8VaELOsxlNmzVVBN_hYNt_6JP1DCIWmN4T9Ll36O5wEfpY/s1600/dec+9+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFz1TrAxT_fSz9Nnbiy8KJWZFyfyylT_2L3fpclGDH2SF73dB6T0kCuqILTmdhRv9GqzpmMa2uz2SQha299Up0ZXJ4lFw1-f8VaELOsxlNmzVVBN_hYNt_6JP1DCIWmN4T9Ll36O5wEfpY/s1600/dec+9+post.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Its no secret that sleep is hard to come by around here. Neither of my kids have ever been good sleepers -- they came out of the womb boycotting the stuff, and nothing has changed in the years since. Sure, some nights are better than others, and some mornings, as well. But lately, its been getting worse.<br />
<br />
And worse.<br />
<br />
And worse.<br />
<br />
It seems as though as soon as I get used to the current "situation", the kids switch it up on me. Throughout most of the summer, 7am was our standard wake-up time. Sometimes a little earlier or later, but for the most part, we were on a good routine. And then school started.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, the kids adjusted really quickly to having to wake up at 630am on school days and started doing it every day. And if you know anything about these kids of mine, you know that once they are up, they are up. They hit the ground running. There is no slow wake-up around here.<br />
<br />
Time change quickly approached, and suddenly the kids were waking up at 5 or 530am. Before the sun even thought about rising. Before I even thought about rising, most days. And nothing I could say or do would convince them to climb back in bed, or relax calmly with some books for awhile.<br />
<br />
And suddenly, without warning, 5am became 4am.<br />
<br />
Like I said, as soon as I would get used to one schedule/routine, they would switch it up on me.<br />
<br />
On top of the earlier and earlier wake-ups, the kids have BOTH been boycotting naptimes, which I expect out of the 5 year old ... but my 2 year old? He needs that bit of sleep. And of course, it now means that if we get in the car any time after 11am, he promptly falls asleep and has a hard time waking up, leaving him grouchy and no fun for a little while.<br />
<br />
And middle of the night is rough, too. Both of the kids wake up multiple times. Coming into our room, crying out for me to come see them, asking for snuggles, rocking, a simple hug and a kiss. Anything, really. I've tried ignoring it, and it only gets louder, for longer, until they get what they want.<br />
<br />
I've tried a bunch of things ... melatonin, lavender, letting them sleep together, dark-out curtains, shutting their doors, leaving them open, making sure they are eating enough before bedtime so they are not waking up mid-night, hungry.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, we have a routine well-check for S later this week, and I plan on talking to the doctor about BOTH of their sleep issues. Last year, I mentioned the poor sleep routine at L's appointment, and his only suggestion was "Maybe he just doesn't need a nap anymore ..." which only made the problem worse. Let's see what he has to say this year.<br />
<br />
The only thing I can hope for? A few hours of uninterrupted sleep for Christmas! Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-89394338707859103702014-12-08T09:21:00.002-05:002014-12-08T09:21:56.038-05:00Looking Forward To: December <div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="299" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAkGBxQSEhUUEhQVFhUVGBcXFRgYGBgcGhYYFxcYGBgXHBoaHCggHR0lHBgYITEhJSkrLi4uHCAzODMsNystLisBCgoKDg0OGxAQGywkICQsLCwsLCwsLCw0LCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLP/AABEIAMIBAwMBIgACEQEDEQH/xAAcAAABBQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAIDBQYBBwj/xAA/EAACAQMDAgQEAwYEBQQDAAABAhEAAyEEEjEFQRMiUWEGMnGBQpGhBxQjUrHwFWLB0SQzcpLhU4KT8TRzsv/EABoBAAIDAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEDAAIEBQb/xAAjEQACAgICAgMBAQEAAAAAAAAAAQIRAyESMQRBEyJRMlIU/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDyBbMdwO3M/wD1T9RpmMNt8p7qAR7xGB9MUBNF6HVNbJK/1itdNbLRcXpj00kqT5/aF8vrlpoa3bkxIH145qbVax3+ZiYmM+9M04BkYkgbZMZ3DHpxOTAEc1dX2wS49Ie52yB5oxOI4M+s+x9p9Ial6O05nMx39I9anvJ6fLJ2kiJ4B5HYxicffLrqeygyxIBkCMgAnB7xBJPH1JVA7WwZKzHuOBxJI9/61ONMTwMKdrMcqGmMsBAHFSiG3fzEmCMT87EkcRx3xAieaguJggcbvlBniYyMGJIn6+tEhwXAQVIwQIjswAEkkExySoIEnEQBTVssGAE7jBECSZE8DPFMiprNsHGZPygCZbAA5/pn2q3QRqOQCAfmj+/ep7ltXYFSqBi3lJY+GBkSckgzAOTgzFDFaJtWdqliRkEKIB3SdrHPEZ95gjAJEa9kOXbfhgAgbmUnDAwGgAMIImAxGZ84PYS/Ts5EBvmIAG5ZJGIMt5VhjkiP9BYpbaPEIdZfYJDQCgLFcywJZAQRjO2R6TzIka04SZVXDKQBPyGcHHBBUGO49jmOKn1LSEwBCxggnBPIGRmTB9e+KnEANcySYAkkwOBPYe1NipIpRVqIRxSqQiubaFEGEVyKeRXIqUQaRXNtPIrlAgyKtW6rdugb7k7FKeZjudJnw55Yf5ePyoHSoC6BoALKCTIAEiZIBPHoDW1+L9AbNkXBbsqlxrotC0QyopJBlmWWJT/pIPaVik5JJNJl4xbTZh9beDuWCqgJJCpIVfYSSYocij7d60LLq1tjeLLsuBoVU/EpXuff+yFFMRShtcinRXCKABtcpxFcIoAOUqVKoQdXRSp1EJ1rcAH1yPzI/qDR+kteQkCSYUAMFMtlSQV8w3AcHEdsEBtagxIPuJj9aI01k/L/ADCR5gBIPJlgBjcPN68ZkRrRDtzTEAhgAVMEkjBUZXHfPPtUC2ySQJMSe/AyT+lTWLTcqp9FIHDTIHHMA4ojWKywXUBrkvu9iWUgAQBndIzgrAEZK/AkNh9rAHESH4YMO4iQCIxgifXvXNTab5mEbsjEdlzHpkH706CGDMAZIYwygkE5Eidp55GPSinVBaAElldg5XKMBPnB+6iO4WTGJPTIApB2qfKJy2TAJGYHp7UVYTwyCyqzAjcjCRHMEgyGwVMQVjkGnWRuDbE8sicBmXdIwQATAUkDjBJ71JYAVVZW2ltyzywBXadqqcDJBk53CBgkwILp7YLqWhUnOewyQOTxxyTjk127a8ls7kJgggRuBDt8wiSfczggTiB1LxAIEAEEGQDM47/U8R/rRep1bvbHiEPu2mZBebcqGecnysVGQCBOSDJ2QrNtd21YanRedwhOHVERh/FfdO0gJKntkNncsTNBlIq6dhI9tF6fTteIRZx3JOxAcZxiTH1MAAk0l0bHiOJEsokeb1P+Vv09RJNm4ig7RJxBYkKdvm+VD80wBJI74ORWT/CFd4RyIII5B5BBiD6GcUwrVy11bh2qrjyqq+bdAG57gIJAYbzj2EmWJJAGkbaWIhexIaCY3BAQI3EZAMYE0U/0gKFpxWnba4TVgDStN20+a5QJQxlphWpjTYqUQm6VqPDvW3CoxV1IFz5JBxujsDn7V6jZtJr2VLmnS3p8+I7MRF1my1omC244EY+bmKwvw50hrhF02fGthghAuKsOSNoYEhip9ARM88ivWeg6przMLlq2lpADbYG2SAkrGJUFSWED5fUmuZ5mRJ2vRqwwai2zzfqfwWlm/wCAb0zP8Vl2W7cKWhj5jJwO0yIrERXqX7ROk2LcXQ90v5vFKzF5XjYC07Vy0SZmTCtEDzJ2ntH9+9P8aTnC7E5Uk9EMVyn1witFChhrlOppoMA2KVOilQIdAp8VyKcKtQSfTXDuUlojbBInbBwY7x6RVtrr9lQdqOLpJBiEVQBtUptHysk7lMzIIPzTVWjtgxIJ7gwY2mJBB+oBGCM0/U3y7lzHm7AQAOAAPYUONshNp9QqEOpZGDY28lTJPmJ7YAxnv7wPc3dgO+Ao7AdhnCj9TyTUQom0qE58oKnJMw0c+VCYntE+9W4pBBxU6r5Cf83E+o5Aj2yZ7rXLdotG0EkkAACct8o+po3SGVZAFJaWA2ksdik8yAFAZ27mVEiM1ZkIW1rldpY/NumTMxtOfpH5fWW28KTAMyuQCAIHE8NnmmgZqW1Ya4xCLPJhZgD/AEH19alIIy1cA2yqkAzERunsSIP64qXchAkFT3MyPkABg5EvJMHhsDAp2m0LuVAEbioBPB3OEkRJaGIkKGPOMVea2w1gAW7ZDhLblgigoqyRc3KW27hcUNJ5UcAgCrkk6DRV6m2XKqXWQEt5eVZTuYNvI2oqgopUmRJ9CALZsTJPAgn1gkCR25I5I5FXPQtNZuT4inbaRm+ZRvJmdx8rRGyFDYMksA2G6rT21TcdvDbCuGYqyoOXYPkOW2gAEEqzDAryrRKIOo30ABQJLKpfaiKABb2QMkgks+6IkhG545qywuOELkIrLPnBFsKQQQwDKu2cEDBqaz0lxsOFd3Tw23gDO/ggyTK2yrIGHnAJBIFcOnF0upW5aG7xCGuMwXahABDKAbhJkOWUAFgBkVLSYSHR6m2bgL4Ci3LtllFtAsKoZQ2dsfiAUGcMSV1N0uuAHEbNzsviuq7VcqPP51gEBgpKjEAlcs0Uu25SLVxT4gC2W4YW1EbAxiATBAEtg+YkVl5wICgrA2tk+chidxB4/CI/y0UrYLFqrAVtsgkcx2P4lngwcSJB7Ghop6VyKagEcUoqQqa4FqBZHFcFSBasuj/D+o1RbwLZcLG9pUBA0wSWIA4P5VWUlFWwHo3wR0h7vTzttou9DmINyCwVoAzlQd3zSfarvofSLyLD5BAbYSYUbRIIPDbtx+aKP6Pr3t2fCZVDooACqyp5VAhSwyBKiYz9eCEuMDtt7dwVWu7nwqme4B5I7jg9ua83lytydG+Lko0ZrX/C9y8l2zKgtbUKQRyxuE7jmY8g99uNs15P1/4dvaV3D22VFYqGbb5u4PlJHEcH/Wva7uuZbguWfMXKSGWN0sBAJyBAPqMTBiDj/jT4ZvX7K6q5dKuAou22QtBCgSvgqZAznIyfMK1+JncXT6F54N7Z5URTaL1IQfJuP+YwJ/8AaCY/7jQ5FdezG0RkU2pCKYaADlKlSoUQcKOfSTuIRlG3eog5BYLg+k7gD7RM8hAVOLgDSkr6ZyMQTIA9/sYz3OyCuPPpEzAwBMTA7cD8q4uK4QaktxkH+zVkEaBVjoPDKMjkqzFYbd5FIMDcvflvNOATgmhk0rYkbQYyewIDbiPm27TO6Ioi5YJS2AWZoY7YxtDMQ6+ckg7bk+VYCiZmajroIRp74C7LYlZZ7jbDMAjZuEGFBAPf5jkSRXdFqLaW4ZHZsskkbBcG5VYjuAPfk+3mEt2HCMwUwCoZs4mYXmDPpngfclrBFtGKvkEAn5BLMykGMSA3kzMFpzCikQHvrkE8sN3bEk8QT6d4+nepunXfDYODlCCF8w3Z9V4iAeRUQOIgczPfuIn09vUCjNIzKp2Bg7K6+Vd3iIYLTPyhQpMgflE1Z9BRFcJdl3XNzHapLkwn4RLScAcwIAFWod7loDzlLYLi210LbiVLIFMOQShA2k/gE7gaG6foLrJuVGZdr3HyxR1QwJW2pI2tuycZnygEmPUaoA7FhrSM4Vto3tbLg/MRg+UEYEScZIK3vSCJ77IVt3BAVGtkOSdhNxt7bUgqwiCMnymZBC1LqNOthVlVdrgBMtlYY/hgMs+TM5hx3IAWsMmZmQvoY2gLtMKIjbx6RNF6TUq4KXjGVZXHJbyIxfHm8stmCSGlsii1qyE9prbeIWWQ/wA8qwH8UpPyEhVtupZQANwYgnhSYutVbbHVWHu3Ht7UdnZWESu1/DYFgGSDvO4CMEYLNDq0tsGtEFkKmWViCFd2LtGVAUWwVyDkyCIod9aLp/itl3lnILbdxG5zmSQoC7eIGADml1b6L0ht5UW0C/iM4wrFm3Bds2gw+VEIZWUKT/yyIz5aM1bamEtLG0hp4RtoMKJ3tBLyGJEbRJI+YgVlNxopLsbbGaaBn8/6VNb5/P8ApUY/3/pTCpGBUhWGjnIpprqVCCUZ+9eg/sm6gEvtZYoFusreYjzFVdRbA5Yk3AfYIa8/Xn70Vp7zI6shKsrAqwMEEZkGk58fODiWi6Z9DdRsMbtlsHaylxt4kFQ3OMsDx+EZxTNb1FLbi20IWBaOS0yBEQSZ5AnFUvwrqLuosDUXHa6xJG1Qvhw7BSvykkLhucEEeoq161atKQBb8a6whUwV+u1jtUE9/avOSjUqZpjvRQajR2zdN8XyYIl+RtgbVk9gfNyD3EHNW3UWTT2ButgQpUS5ne2GE5JGJOSccVJa6FvtKl9VUqQVtpCoNp4lcsAD/wCDUnVTat2kD+ZYFpZ3M0EQRuLAhjGWJ7HvU5W0MclKkfO/WtOUvXFYAEO0gKVHM4U5A9B2oAitx+0u0vjJttLbYAqxVdu8QuyQSZIUFZB7dqxbLXosM+cEzDkjxk0R27RYhVBLEwAOST2FMZYNTW3YTtJEggwYkHkGO3tURFXKEdKnRSqEOgU4CkqEgkAwIkxgTxJ7TRelRZ8xEGFyGJUNMuIIHljgnJIxyRCEq2N4JIC+UMpzEIdjQO5Jz9mxnCOnQRLowYDK7yVBLKSRCkMu2dpjlTkGtb0z4MC6b951t1dPpSAyMRN24zLACJEkegkSRMRmgW6lobMeFoHuq0xc1TtLQc7FtgKOQDk9pqin+BCOn6K0oDgAsc+EFCl4lXuJcEr4EMw2kgMQJyYqs6lqLTsz3Lr3WuruV/CtpLBiu7aG8gJBkASTnvNaXoNrUXtO+qujS6PRWyCXXTWyzsoKAWldTvaCU3E/iPOa50o6nWXBb0Fu3ZKnLPZsyqDerNdfwioOF8oCfjG0wGpSlTthszuv1gvOtu04W221SSEtqWkDxIEKJCoTgZH0Jfp+rXFuBlIVVEKAkqoAgbQxxujaTO6CfpWiua3T6W+NpXUtlr+pOwC4T5HWzbSABH80jy8Dduq0s6vTXNA371pwNQQALtpNsvu22/FFsYXCmGU4gQTEz5UtUWX6YhhcdizgEt5Y2g/LEqg/CRt+3ei+mC2rXfG2uwtuqi4GEFYED0cCQFzHr2Nn0LSXdfqUsgpm47XGtwoVVRR5Vxstxjy5P1E1tvibR272us6LRrsuJ5r90FvKhy9vBgbg25uJJAMyaEsnovaWjze/qDF61sRHcrO1lUBbYXysZjcAhBU8szHBEGpv2dpI9PYiR2METkZzXoP7SF0li8LOmsIrLD3bgneXLfKpJiY3MZEcCsJqRufyg9hG2NxgAkAYyTMD1q2PKgpWrIb6sVVySQDsEzC7VG1Z447e1O0XT3uAsokKQCBJPBOAAf5Y+pFH6Xp/l83454UPt2AxJBBUsSYG5cqJBBkWfw/0I+e9cZrOltNtus3mNy5IHhW02jzhhz+EgGcU35NaKtUzO61DaJVkdGxyecspMbRgnj02nmcAeLPpV/qesBGI09hbIB+Z1W7eJ4JZ7gIB/wChV+/Nd6frNZqXW1b/AIzOYCNbtMD9QymB74iip0tlWmA2b4ZTb2wGUDzM7BX3bmuhVU52giIwCearTx/f5V6T1D4es6Zb5srbva7T2kuX7Stc8GyrTvZFnc7AbZRmgAgx2rC63q/j2VW4V3oXiE2rtPmGEO3dMr8gEEZxNVjkXoAFZ5/P+hrimT+f9K7pj5h/frXViRFOsgwV0GuRXQKJUmbTt4mwq24kCIyS0bRHvI/OvYv2dfCTaMPf1C/xn8qgHdsQhSZj8RI/ID1NYj4AKW79686h2tqVsg9rjn55OFAUN5j616zptQups2mW4GYiG2AwTIV1mfKJJwTPftXJ8/PP+I9D4w1bCddqFW2Qm22QoAZgFVBuwpiAOPl/pNU2o6r4T21uS7ThVUm4cqrOyiSY3D6bh7xLrNDd2qpWFdoKyzx/Kd4gqe0klQAKP0QWwhJ2m6FlrhXaG8xIUtkwCe8+tcvS72OiqWia5YKqoh2BJM95JmW9CO3uPzo+p9M/fHYN/DKhTIw3qYkc8ZjitFYuM9wKqna4LFpELEDg5mZxxj3obr2rFskWgCeT5jk4En0GInHepGEkuSKLI1oyXxzo7g0oRFW+LY/ii6AWcHhkIja49ufrFeJXAO3H9969l+J9ZqL63UVV2FSqFWAcE4MliFCxE8kZxXmnWel37IRbpDKJC7WlFMywiBDTM4kx3rreBOo02VzJyVlLYcKwJUMB+EzBxiYIMTBicxFRX7hYkmBJmFAA78AcDPFH29FJ8xhe7RMD1xzwfv3FB6sLuOzdtnG6Jj3jH9966FqzMDUqVKiQI0lxgTs5IIxMiMkiCOwPMiCal6cyeLbF0DZ4ls3DmRb3DeOYgqZ47YIzIiVf/EXwzq9Clo6q3sW7LJ5gcwJDAGA0R/Yqrroh6R+2fVPbvWIVm072WRNpIUlmExtEEwF8pMEHA71mvg/4WbWXLOlugD+KdTeEQ1uwEVFQgRta4YwYMAGsnY+IdWtsWrep1CpgBFu3APQAAHH0Fep6Nh0DpRe5/wDn63zQcspjE+othixnlmjvWeUXFUEh/aVd1Gq1FvQ6TTzp7W22CBjefKSo3ADYpgEg9zUnxx1BelaW107Tspv3FV9QxUDepMbYUfjO7AgxPqaqf2GdJF7qF6+53fu6eVjmXuEqGkk5Chu55qk1Oiu9Y61dTK+LdaSR/wAuxb8oMH/Kogeppdbr8IA9J0/7yzHYXbaZW2rSh5VywnBLMT2x7YOv9Iu6YFHsuu5iVundtdFIUQBK85PJgxW2+LtNpk2dPs3E02mtFDqDJa5eIgbSiy7kYy/lEg9oq7+Hr1rqHg27NkJoNGNym4BudlBVTA+UfNI71VzoZGVbJvh3SDQaM6h1Uai/wIHlBEqsYkLloxwBzmlprY6bpLmqcTqtRxOTJkgY7CSxPfFG6O8NdqWef+Hs/kR7/WCfoKh0qL1LUvduf/jWMKvZu5J9sSftWfk2RyPIbvS9ReLXVR3DtJc4UsTJ8zYJJ96lvdKKuUuMLT4322GcznzEQY54xxNarruobqGpVEHk3C3YThUXjdAwMeY/QelXP7S71lb9lQ225bt+ZtrMCs7lUlM7hs3AcZq0ZMYp2YB9LbLLbXcwkJg+VWfaviMVDfjKAjdyTxwNH+1qLD6PSW4Fm0m/b2LloJI54nJ53H3rL9R1cvbKudqBbilx+JGc+VVIAU+UbZBwta/4ouafqtu3qVvWrF1UVLy3QcQdylGHGSR9DkSBWlS6bBLs8+6TaVr4LgG0od3zwqIWM7cgSIH25r0joulHR+nXNbcAbV6gRZBWCN+VG3tjzt7CKF+A+hW7hdXh7CQ928RttlVfeLQJgtJRSzEKCBERzn/2mfGB1t6LDsLCAookgXJIlto9YET2jA7zk5sXLbLH9iNtr3UdQ7ksDYfxSfxG5cXn3MMa831WkPj3LVpSxF10RVBJYK7AAAZOB2r2n4O0X+D9Ne9dWNXrGUW7Z+Ys3lsWvtJZvST6VV9f6QOk6VNNYuWreq1InVay44Qon4lT8YDGQAgmAe5Bo8/syhgLXw/qLa+Lcs3FQEqzbQQjdgxB8pM9wO3rUPT9A95iLKM+2C21cKJ5J4A9zXonwdqdNctDo/T99wXd1zWapl2gqID+GhzJ8qieAZyao/2m9YtpcXQaNfD0+mMOBxcu4kt3Yr6knJPpNMhlfRZMpj8LaoAs1m4qhN+4jBX1UiQexkHE1Bpuh3723wrLsGwDEBmzhSYDHjAmvVfg/UWtfoLfi22TR6FVDb2E6i5bTMxgWxMx3JHYZzX+PaZdaddrb282j/wukskP4cAhdzL/AA0H4toJzGTGR88rJaKDpTXk/etJ4F52uBdyKrb0KHJKwcENE9sR7+pfBltrdva1u4Ga49xlJaUXhFzknYqzOc+1E9P1B09q71DUoE1Os2wne2gWLdueZjzMfU+1Q/Bqm49zWXTCWt8HgEnJAnsBz6k1i8iSyfUuptI71HVMtwJbk7gCFAlvLIb8UnJXsOTnigbKMNQq35II27SpUucHNtpGIJkGefSpuk+Jr9S3lC6cMWuE/ik+URxJjEgwPerTS3rd/VXNc0DT6NDZtsfxn5rjg91GAPU1njiVDVmr0Wo/4awqn/mMI9wI4+vb61gPifUC2xRw43QzSWDcyASOBmAOP1qTS/EL67qFtbYYEuCD2W2h3Gcfyj9a1HUumJrNczs38LToFuiPmaS0bp7SZx25o8LFKXF7Mh0nS3HBa3u2t5eeCYiG7EAz9qrup9LFo3LRt3T4pHhptJbeo3OQg82edw/mzia0z9b05veJddVt2/8AlWbZDNA9l8qgzkkyZq/0fWQbL9QvrsSP4K8nb2Y+5MjH+tWhGmMjla9Hki/DOoe8La6e4N1uTKkbSGYRBzMR29KxPW9E1i89t4DqfMJBg8wY7j07V690D9pFq3qdSNXc8MXVU2X2E7CN24NEnPlI4GIxGfH+pW7Skhbxv3CxLXArKhBmfnG5mJMkwAI7zI6GCTvYib3tAFcp1KthQdZfaQRyCCPqDIra/GnxPb6r4L3LzWHtpte26u9rd3uWzbBIJ4IYdhmsPU0+X7/7VRxt2FKzXfDGs0mifxratrdSube5fCsWj/Md/ndvTA/1oHrD6rWXzf1NxS7EAEmAufKqgfKsnt6zzmq3pBy30H9at7pHkkx50/QzFZ53GRtw+PCWPk+za/sp1v7lf1HjZt3wsMPmBQmJA9Qe08UB8P8AWtL0zW+Ity5fSXSWAt+FbuFcBGMsfKhLHaIXAzT+m3QCKwGpzcfH43//AKNLwp5G7D5XjRxU17Nz8WDpt7U3dTbvXW8b+IyLYukgkASryqRI7nBNW3wz8SaUdOvaW0XsOxY7nG7evl3MWUAbokR9K8zBiFDHaDO08Dnj8zUiaggr/lMjAkQZHHInP1q7wOjMqPW+ndesDpt61bdkYkyxWdy+XdheDEiP171D0L4msWtPf08lBdUlbhEkMRtO4LMTgYmKw46ggtTBU3EdIhSrbVCoQIkeYQcyfWBAP6RaD6gDaxVFniNoAHmYduZieP0yyxOOx0ccJdmg6H1a1ow15Ab1+GVCVZbVodzLAFm9YHtWe1epa67PcYOxYsx8wkxJOF7BTgcDGK0mg+HHdGa1xFxWmFmT8vc+hzmRz2AOr6YbRBEwQ3OBAkwCqypJLkR3A4Akqi1dDY4kuipsNpWYi8bgtshJa2omEnIBPG4cGeD2q46PotGHB01y8QoYs9xFlVClQobfEckEKRIFUXUNJtVTaiN20SIKEjNtt2ASViIAieQ1QdKLW28MkeZwNoIx8ktuXBmAI75PYE61D6aF8blRtPiVHNgWFuratN54VbjlzMjdC+dmgeUn2A9cz0jVaLQsbottqtTawPEAt20cGNwSSWIOeRAGM0L1G2w8RN5YQsTPqYIE8xuEnsTVfq2N0ecwwGDLgg+aB3AUkiQBOBkVMcXWwZMPHQuq/FWov61NTefcbNwPaT8KhWDBQBxMZOa1P7QOpdP6t4d9dRcsXrabHttp7jkiZ2jbA3Ak8GIrH/uQCXDvE+WVzO1gCYkiYbBGY2zwZrtvTH5oBA9oMAr2I2k59Dzmac4IV8dsuv2f/Emm6dqw1u3cdHBS5deA5ByCltTCqGAMSWPtEF3xl0/QXNRc1NrV3CLj+I1pbRLbmyQrMyqBMnMnNU/Tek3HIYL5RMngd8e9WL9F+XcrMAZbzBcYgDB4ilNpPsZHxpNWXXwT8XaMaS/0/Uo1mzd3KjDc5IuAKd5A+acyAF7Yil0f4Q0umvpdvXn1FtG3qqWYDRld0sSROYHOB7UPa+CLd5C+nd1ccLcGHIB8oYD5sH147dtj8JdBNvSW/FWGXxIB7bm9Djt6d6zZc8Yq4sW8Tjdlf1nrJ190OJFmIQFTIExOMbsEx7CrDrnU0uWLel0yslpPn3AAtBxwTiZJPcxRN7pRBbwrdsNunzCdxAkztMzxk/rTLWhe7cBPkV1gA7gwAILHbPMz5iByKyfJ20WWOx/TdULeiuadSUuMZLZMqYnPYxIoTUaxP8PbTKdhV5BYHawL5DFQYO48fSrNdDb8R7KnO3MGSSR+JjkGNsfXv2D0XQ7nnS6pW3A8PCzIMn5WIH0wcmisrJ8dFZ0vWLolZdOu7UXBBvMsLbUfhRTk/UxwOwijfhTrS6d71nUElL4ndyd0EOD3Mgz96b1L4XvEjwUGFKqWYAAHORBae3BjJ+k+n6BbRk8Tbv2kEAAgEkEkMQG/3jij8tbCscWjHvptDbu7mvXHss0QlgrHMlixHIgSAcg8dr74q+IbWsCW7QK2kEW1Ijc4+8QMAT9aL1/RdMS9szE5gjylw2DjIMthpFV2hshXbapS0CLVsOpUvAjeTEziB7AVb5LRf4fZ5b8UaRkuA7YDcGQRiDtwIIBPcVTsxYyTmtb8ekE2hAU2vEtuoiA0hgR7MsH71kSK6vjK4JszZVUjpQeortR0q0ixCrDp/T7l/wAtpGdhkhRMADk+g5zUml6I76e5fnatuIlWIeW2mGGAQSMH39KM+E+rXtPcY2rgtq6xcJUldoDETEEZ9CD70uU9Pj2WhXsjfpl3TNF1GQsBAYRI9vUZFdu3P+X/ANY/1o74g+IH1d0eOVfYWAuW12kpmAASRtHIB985qj013zJuJiRMeneKCtq5dj4ZKVLo2GhvnFZcmXJ9ST+p7fetd8Uajp4sqdFdvG6WGCTCrtyDIGZ9PeqTqnSV05tMl1bouIHJXhSeUPuI/XtS8NLZoz5VlpL0Vt20dzRBIJn2jnn/AEqTeJ43DsRj35+9M1iRdfgwzE/nMZoq5d8Qo/DsfORIkhjBxjj74z61psyVsTX9wAkeQECR5iJJ2z35xxV/Y1YtXElQXNgb4lpbZ5HIY7TK7CwjBkRINU3+GXC4VrbJ4ksjPKoRmCCVMjFRaXVtaeVMFYEA4MOpKmcESskcHFKlFSWhi+u2egaH41ZCUVmKFQNxCTxMkJuAjIhcwKtLnRtXqraBWK2iphWZeeTlRJE8TXnw1NkS+wsW3MSQRDknyCGiACjTzLR2rdfCfxAkW1ltmwKRnyuQoJk5AJ9CBkVz82Ph9oo1Rdq12Z/VlbC3FeGYEG2BvgXAACxUQBAJBbkwOe4/w/eN++Xe2GcknH4SNpnbPEmY9owIFbf4p6Fbe7uRVGASAFIzIyCPqaqvhvo66d2c8gQJ9XMf0xVf+iPxv9LLHdT9Gd1/TtSWciyyglYXymFEzxHrjA5FVmo0GoDQLTR2MVvtd8SacCWZgAYnY3Msvp6q39xNNc+J9LzvJBP8j/7c1bHmy/5LuEH3Iy9zpl0kk23MzmPXvWi6N021bE3/ADAbm2iYG1C5J99q/rRK9a0/iG1uJfONp7CeeO1Cp+6t52a4USHZXHlhsTtRRuwDzPHGc3llnJU1RZYoR2i80TrqNELtobPK+0EDEbgDA9oMVRHR6onb4yfVgFEQe+3HIyfb1FWA6pYI8MOZUQqbSFBC7SIgKIY9qzOl1AtX7L7VcgCA+VDFmUPt77cEdpApeKErYJySiel/DPS77+fUXFZCo8NbUhQAQdwwMz98mtbqVhYSMRjHoYHGP/usN8AavUag+JcuXf4RKndt8O4jE4ACiGUiMelbPU9QCv4cgOYOc8yQYBBiFPfAzXPzp82YZ22R9PQEmbZQuJfzTDDByDExHHpQ/wARkJb3DCyN8CWYHyhBHBPlE80vFI2vewzEYUtkgwBtkgHPY5gc0VeFrcivBblV528wfY4MTSk9gWnbMt0Zjd1au9oqpUr5jEMuYKdzkgE9wYraO4IZZgwTOPLMwaq7Y/jMSgVtoiYwA0iW9Dj1z9KC6he8ysNksFW6QwlTgx2JIBXB7EVeScnoY/vIuU1ihImSB6k/ryfyrBfHNz1Y23UzbuZiCY2mMEHgntijL90EqyMwd1jYMzOYABOQMH3qLrelL2ltqVZiSvYxIg85HeT2ie1MxRqSbHwxxiY7XMP3tLillbdtvCQqnw0JaAJySGPpLD1Jo3T9adt4EmBEECP+k+nEj1j61d9P6Vaa1bt3tyRFwgspClAFYEsBg+WRnC/WirvSodb2le2VKgrZublVizHcwbPIxt44PpWqWSD1QVPh6PP/AIs6a1y7fdEXzeC2WlrjbYItLJMZkqZPlG30OO1uja021xDenf7jtX0Eujt29uoZPCJyyMZbc8nhSQSOBBIgnmK8e+NNcbly4Q1pl3t5QVYpnEN3+o/WtXi53J8fRkywg05Iyk0qVcreYy/PULlvR+CN+y4BwV2wt+6TuET820Djvzii/gvXXrXjeGwFs2rzXV3WxuNvT33t+VvOYYT5OADNZdbxAKg4PI9eD/UD8hRXTNabRcj8Vu7bPHFy2yd+Pm55iaW4aaIjQfDnTLhtPct3LG1LTX3VjJGxmthWA4ZuYJyCtDdP1dt9RvubLYMsSFG1SLbiNkHDMVkfX1wJpiWDRdW3vGxlm4N6jbggKVIxME0LasgvtLgCSNwBIgTkRyMD86ijd2OUmki6bp9rUX7htXrFi2Xhd+8CCVEgQSF8xYA8AGYiu9T6Z+7Mtk3rF6Yub7L70EkptJA5GySPRhQ9zQ2SBsv4gCSpXzd8RxJ9Z9agvWhbiHVwRGDxUWwpSWywuLbQ3Ehbudq3FY7cMPPkSQRI+9d6Jp7dzx2aRtClAJMFr1tT9fKxGa03w5b0K6TUG6viXFUuvqIXBPHesza07LZV0t3P4u4hpXay23IO1YkAERk8jFUUuSaQzjtWem/H13TJpvCtkqyBGtiWETIBO7A823mMmeJFed3NJYR0SS02JJadqXB4krCyTkKBEDMkRmrX4g6yNRaAKbS9y2DgyQDjJn/Wq/qNtE1TC2whbayfMNxK+bvgmZP1pWCLiqY1wVaC7WksXVf+PcJGna+Rt3Tct22Zxu3QFjEn1Aialtad7awm9jcttu8p2gwlyFIBOAv5feq7QxsfyQDpSrEATnZJhvmPuI5NW4tXNls7bbb0c7pLMu9E+aCBMSMe9DI60NxRfZveja6z4Ftd8tbYBothDcyQLZ3NGTOSRVWvV0v6llUMqgoQpg7SQuCVYgZDeveqPTasKsizvklm3MoEmTgMfQ8YyO81D8PWNl7fIgsDt3BmHJzE44GTNY1ijtjFiqWgfrqA2mBG1fFUA4hRsdYkS2AoMfkJGcv1XqT6gqz7ZjaAqqqiPRVx+lXFzUvfV0l3JuCBiZIuTA9/155oVfhe8RAtX/svrXQxOMI/ZmfJCUnou9Hrbn7wbLN/CO4qPDQ+aA3zEBhgtmYxHeaa163sYhSYWzIwN4AG0RwOT+dRabpd46sNsuliWgEeUSrL9hUtzoN5d9opdDMyoNyrBA2wQQSO5nOBHuAmThfY2LaVM5pTba8CA2308oO8xnvK7gJ4+1VOovAOm0GBAye4Yg5jiZ9e1aNugXLAt3HAC7vM0+pUrOewnsJ98V1/hLUkWWVQWdypH8gZyVZiMgbTJx/5iywT7JP+T1D4cvqLSLAUBVCbiN5UAQWHI+hoVrdtbpZlUwSq7ZaAxAODgTiQPegdbYfTKbxW252Kl9oO5ysKhbGRBJPH5RFlavI+xrfmcAfMI+bd5uO8EznFcia9mZLdk7Xgrl3YeHsVo/kYbpPGcfcQfWqx+tWfGAUowLknPEKDuWOYJz6eY9jFv0nT7UO/Jdt5mMHHB+1RdU6cjJDKbnMcBsknaCAMDA+wnOaonG9gtXRn9Z1TxnYTHhySfMCVEeVSCZkxxPJkAxQ/TdGEt3H1TlZYOUUjbEBVZm+be3lwCOFx3NtqdcrCLhtBUmQRMiWEDP8AlP5VU9em9cSyHYL5vIAAkACEIPzSGGe2Y4p8Xeh8U3rorb+psnaLB3BW3C5zskNBBU5AYKpUx8wNMsmWuOy+W2w3KVZiH252xIIO6CBEEnByafd0V0JbaxbSwLI3LmTbRQd0rtlpXdzzWg6Zojpxcu3iS9vezOVADqYKkHjAX7bo4EUxtJaLuXFHm3UWu3roAIuEi54KWnbaN0SfNkiIjMTjBxVn8KfHi2rS2biyUxBIBYE+ZZaBuE9+ePejWtXdW6a7RuuBtuWSV/C26DEjzAEZggGqHrnRg73bt0C07tu8qqUnaAUwTtJOZPBznMaE4SXGRV3Lo0XUPjBEe4llVU4Kbx2IVyPDw0mSAOe3MgePa5RuYqfKWO3jjPYHHI/0rb/EemtXNMhsgtqLbEuVLMxtspjGcBtmORLDmScNa0b3J2AtALGOyiJYnsBuGfetXjQhFNoyZ2/5oGmlRidLukAhTn2P+1KtXNGfi/wBBq76JpAysfCtPmA1zUraC/8At3qzc8zVHNODUGm1oiZc9RAXH/DCO1lmbn3ZmH60BY2lhvJC9yFDH7KWWfzFDhqcKtFUguVljqDZEeG11vUuqJ9wFdv606xeQA+XdwCW7fQA84oCyV3DeW299sT9pxXVE8f3mKNFoza6LM68bCoETj7e/r9KL0mnZwArEgAYE4kTB3QMmeJqrv2tojvKmfs2K1PSboW2nqVBPuY5pWSXFWjZ4+N5J1Ig/wAJZGsMZlr1tYJBgSSTge1W9voD77puOrF7aqrQJDRlioG0D6Gaauq3sPY49jxP6kfejLWpOT37D++KySyTN68aFlla6VbW2uw+cKqExG7YO4P0/SiOndIUk+M4REiTyCJwAPr3/wDFU9/WYMk8etdbVgojMFZQIIIOJjI7jis/Gb7YxxpUi61euDeVTCLhQoUY+nHvVRrb+2XtkhipALm3ExjgzH9KrNVbG0skkHsN0D77f9arGb6R9R/vTseFd2LlNRVEuh1ZsXEe4tsIrAtsktgMBEtHc/rXpeh1gYK+11BhhIWc5EwTFeaaG4ni2lu/8sus8x5YMekTtn2NepyNsyAP77Cleb60KxVv8OdPt7JMks2ST9zj+/vUw1ZCljLJuJ2gjdtIXjcw4g49SaG8cev2+8f2aJXYPmdT9DXP2WnFMiOq3TuEq2YIGI43QTM4wPTuaLu6udjKSPN5ySJC7SZAGTkxHrH1oK5etzmPsRx/vTvFSMuO3cUaf4VcExlp7125qEO9w6nYC3l8udkq34gCNxiO5zi06R0vw2N1mfxGtqCjMNgIC4wDEESM4H3NCaXWG0QcFd6j/NLY+/8AtJ7VadV1VsW2JaQxk5zkBYEe2fuaMpOqM04PlxXRXdQ62QLgUmbZhWAkEnjjkTg/RuIpydQuXLZa5ZcshINoFRvMSCm+A+VxkTmvMuuG2l8rbvFWUO2DABAJAJM/hIHfNXnwt8aXL963acGXeEGY7k4gcQRJ9Ip8vFfDlEtJRX1LrW7tyi2jbrpVlNxWOT5dhBEpEQx7Dg/zFXukbGtM264xZtrztFslW7A5me5M+0VNoOqPfuRtUr4jKvlKwgLKSGPzHyzjkH6Uf1TVK0os70Vbkf5SSPlmTuhh9j6RSJSadA5SjSKxrDbALtvzlQrKzAwoYqW52ztM/fvEUX1jrqWn8O4AQwn6g8gjuKrviH5kaHCuIDAk7cxmBMncIifl9a8/+Mdc1tkBYwv8NCzFmKrw7HjPtPHJ5pmLFzZdRi/tI2Gj+ILZ3JZsG0rEp4q21W2DErO32Y59o9KqPivSXUS0bbJ52m0FDHfuBlWBJ4XOCSxOADisjrtQVLotxFMqMyQYjhYJDhgMgcFqF1PxC7MM53Bt0ebcvyj2A4jFbIeM1K0B5Ix0maPpN1UW0zH923AW2upBLMWYrdQgbQBtWZEiZI4NWrOiC5+7paf+cqqglmGGcrwDPMEZnjNZxdZb1WnZ7krdUsEVfkBO1vF29uNkDABnvg24ALqtb3KysAWB2hlMeVseaAJUDkH70JR2WW1ZX3Pg/VzLXtNJyd14g5zkFOc0qzmptBmJuB2fG4rtIwAIk+nFdpv3/UIdlEDToptdBrejnoetSqlQg1KrUSyJragdqLQj74/rj9aCR6IRhQY+FIONrcACcTOP96sNMwAjsMD6cCq7TakcHiivHX1FJlfR0MXFbRbWj2BFJ9TBjHf9arrRnhopuo48xH1HaaXx2PlkqNoPOs9T6RiYzzH99q3fQbNgoH/dmYABg117Yn32C8YP1Vf9KD+DNRZtaMO9gA+YNfYWgG+5bcQB6+neiLvUdPcO4amwT2hWn09CKxZptvikJUnPsB+N+rbk+VU9Fxx27AV58bxP4qu/itjmGkf9JX07FBWXd4MGRXQ8SCjAz+VOpJB+muZjBnI+omPzEiPemarqV0Ni5cAxgO4HHoDQZ9QQI9xM+3rXL9yTuHf2wDiRmtPFN7Mrm0qCP8Su/wDqXf8A5H/3pp193/1Ln/yP/vQgf+4FP09trjbUUsx7KJ/pRcYoClN9MmOtufzv/wB7/wC9NOpf+Zv+5v8Aer3pXwjcuf8ANOwdgsFj/UD9aur/AMJWEWSHPqS+f0AFZ5eRiTofHxs0kB/D3VbqadmZv4VrcIJJLM0RAI7AsJn8QqPTdfv3mYkNldqADygnJck+yx+dLqOm2qyA21s8qoLCD6wIDH71T/4kUs+HaJgsT+gnb6DAP3paxxnbSHyk8dJsO1C3kcMVDMxBgwVlRtkkYjvHNT6npl8w6ssqQx8LG2I2kKSBIgiBH5kmqmx1O5tAtqGMy7ESWY/Xirnp/VSibWgs3Pt7VJ8l0Wxxx5DTP1sW9PauBybjXG2giGQ7VBQo27+bmQR25rS6HUDUaZW2eKzKCsuVmZB8wMg+WMd445rzW51FPEG5FYkbEWAQpOdyrwGnvHrVnf1ttovlbluGFxLYJQFxIZSnG0sFbjmQOTGLJhv0XlDdGv1N/wAGyWdUtuSFbcZc2ySCC3mKj5YMmYExWI+IvBt30vr50hWRSzZj8TEkknsOwAiDVb1b4ha5dLz7eoOMyD6mTVbe6ohUoyYPEGI449OKZh8eUXbI1CK2wfqVrcPFQ4Y5HcEZJnkknM/WgblxfM0AbsqJMpmSBzIjGY7GpX1IFsopnIK449ZoG7cmIrfFaOfm43aJF1rBCo7kNPcEAirPTfEL7PCdjHZok4GBz6gZ9qoSaaTUlCLFLNOPsNe8CctPuQKVA0qHFB+ZnK6K5SqwgcKcDTJroo2QmD1ILlDTTg1WLphKvUweg91OW5ULKVBf73HFEaJXvMFB9u325Iqrn862XwtKCSbagCTjPHvSssuMbRp8dPLKm9HpPwt8Pae3pl32bMgEsWS2znvJfM/3HpT+oDT2lxstkgYBCwSOwGKz2q66UXaLlgKOT4W4j9ao+p9ZDLAv2if/ANYWuRHDOcrZvjj4u2yo+J9WGYgMWziSTj84rP7vrU2uvEnO37UEWrt4o8Y0c3ycnKbZMWqTTvMqe8bcZ3DiPrJH39qG30g1XZnser959/8AzWy6P1AlZaN3eO49fvWMv3Nx3dzlv+o8n7mT96K0GuKyPy/2peWPOJq8TKsc9no2n6mYwfr6UD1vqDuoVMkniMdpJHpz371QWdbU13XngGJwT3/OsKw0+jtc4yjoKudMDg+KSSTIJMFfYAYqrboSTi6f+3/zUtzV1CdXTo817Ezx4n2cGhKHyvj0K/8Amgm0NwNuwfoefWin1dQvrKYnIROGIhOnutcyCPecCrLUuoAySQIOe8QeaD/xE+tD6jVA0Gm2BOEE2ntkb3KFvt3pXLlQs9NRgyTs4Xrhemk02oZmzpNcJrlKgAcH/uBSplKoGztKlSoAFSWlSokHU4UqVEKFXZpUqsE6DRVgeQn/ADCuUqXMZh7JLi4H1/0NNvKJ4/uaVKqR6GText0VE1KlWhCGKlSpVCpylSpUSy7DrDGOaIvnI+9KlWZ9nVh/A5jj7VATSpVEWmDsajY12lTEZZdDJqK5SpUREhVEaVKoJkI00UqVQoKlSpVUgq5SpVCH/9k=" width="400" /></div>
<br />
December is always a good month. Its full of festive activities, lots of family time, cooler weather {which I could pass on, really} and plenty of happy moments. I know I say it a lot, but really, its crazy that December is here already ... and not just here, but really flying by, itself. I remember as a kid, the first half of the school year just couldn't go by quick enough as I waited for Christmas vacation. Time to sleep, watch tv all day and relax with new Christmas presents and friends. Now, in the blink of an eye, December comes and goes, and the new year is upon us. A part of growing up, I suppose -- everything seems to pass quicker now.<br />
<br />
We already have had a few fun moments this month, including mine and S's trip to see the Nutcracker over the weekend. She was in heaven watching all the bigger girls dancing on pointe shoes, and dreaming of being there herself, someday. What else are we looking forward to this December?<br />
<br />
- checking out the Christmas lights<br />
- night time trolley rides down town<br />
- caroling with our MOPS friends<br />
- the kids' Christmas performance at Church<br />
- S's Christmas dance program<br />
- time together with family in Cary<br />
- plenty of play dates<br />
- some winter-time outdoor smores at Jingle in the Park<br />
- seeing Santa<br />
<br />
What about you? Any holiday festivities you are looking forward to checking out this year? ANy traditions you can't go a year without celebrating!? Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-12744183912624760902014-12-05T15:10:00.001-05:002014-12-05T15:10:36.634-05:00Merry Friday Afternoon! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLLiW3KZQtOI7-P2I___Bx72vjM_GRWDnQJx2wXPctBwzjix9ewGOUQIJhufP1PFZ3e7sJI92y33fG9eVZo01o1YBm_h821Y8fZuVx8VxK-DhXKw8kiQYtwiUxiSvKi-9p7N3TsSGEqGC/s1600/IMG_20141203_192119586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLLiW3KZQtOI7-P2I___Bx72vjM_GRWDnQJx2wXPctBwzjix9ewGOUQIJhufP1PFZ3e7sJI92y33fG9eVZo01o1YBm_h821Y8fZuVx8VxK-DhXKw8kiQYtwiUxiSvKi-9p7N3TsSGEqGC/s1600/IMG_20141203_192119586.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{Our new table ... that I LOVE}</div>
<br />
The first week of December is behind us, and we managed to keep ourselves busy! S was back in preschool both days this week. She had dance, and continued to work on her routine for their Christmas show. I kept myself busy selling a few items on a local facebook site, and we finally filled our kitchen with a new-to-us table. {And by fill, I mean <i>fill</i> -- the table is 4ft x 8ft! S keeps saying we need to have a feast on it!} L spent the week boycotting sleep -- both at naptime and at bedtime. The weather cooled down, then got unseasonably warm again, and then colder again.<br />
<br />
We have a lot planned for this weekend, once again, keeping us plenty busy. And hopefully sometime in there, I can start wrapping gifts. I'd rather get it out of the way, instead of spending ALL OF CHRISTMAS EVE doing it, like I have in the past.<br />
<br />
What about you -- where are you on your holiday prep? Have you started shopping? Or finished?Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-8766969657190053432014-12-03T08:00:00.000-05:002014-12-03T08:00:04.828-05:00The Ringing of the Bells<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="430" src="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/dailyrecordnews.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/7a/97a4aa00-448c-11e2-87a3-0019bb2963f4/50c8d19c783a9.image.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
It's Christmas time. Everywhere you go, you can see signs of it: lights are up, people are shopping and the Salvation Army has their bell-ringers out at every store in town. Ringing their bells, hoping and praying that people will walk by, and if nothing more, drop their spare change into the bucket.<br />
<br />
Apparently, we are grooming the next generation bell-ringer here in our home.<br />
<br />
Lately, L has been seen around the house, wearing a large jingle bell, and proclaiming, "C'mon everybody! Put your money in the bucket! Merry Christmas. Sissy ... give me your money in the bucket, now! C'mon everyone! Merry Christmas!"<br />
<br />
It's sweet, really.<br />
<br />
This is the first year that either of the kids have taken much notice, and wanted to do something -- asking each time we see a ringer if I have a pocket of change that they can have to drop in. And it warms my heart, as a Mom. Knowing that they might not understand exactly what Salvation Army is, and does, but that they help people who may not have enough money for Christmas, or even for bare essentials, and they want to help out.<br />
<br />
Some days I question, as a Mom, if I am doing a good job in raising them. And then I see things like this? And I know ... somewhere along the line, I haven't failed them quite yet.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-22201620949865414802014-12-01T08:00:00.000-05:002014-12-01T08:00:00.121-05:00Merry December <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfBWxhEWLKn94vmaZ0dOK_UhQpg7GiAx_Zffec3By1km2mnzzdzyiusUQIjvFTjEsuzx-4mdPu3zzks7F7fSBPucATPgf7WduUNjkfP3fePhizr9g9v8h5HmvHKPSmiS0J6sxAypM7_Ly/s1600/dec+1+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfBWxhEWLKn94vmaZ0dOK_UhQpg7GiAx_Zffec3By1km2mnzzdzyiusUQIjvFTjEsuzx-4mdPu3zzks7F7fSBPucATPgf7WduUNjkfP3fePhizr9g9v8h5HmvHKPSmiS0J6sxAypM7_Ly/s1600/dec+1+post.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It was a pretty low-key weekend around these parts. They have been lately, and that's okay. The weeks have been jam-packed and busy. All go-go-go so a few days to do little is not a problem. And it gives me a few minutes to try and clean the house. Which isn't always easy when my almost-three-year-old follows two steps behind me creating a new mess in my wake!<br />
<br />
We're almost done Christmas shopping -- and didn't even have to do any Black Friday shopping! The kids and I got a little closer to finishing up M over the weekend, picking up a few things here and there while we were out running some errands. The only hard part about finishing up my shopping this early is that in the days and weeks before Christmas, I know I'll see things and either A.] Want to buy them or B.] Wish I had bought them instead of something else I already have. Which only leads to too many things under the tree that we don't really need. Guess the best solution is to just stay away from the stores!<br />
<br />
Church was great -- we had a WorldHelp youth group choir in town this weekend, and they performed the worship portion of the church service. None of the kids were over 10 years old, and from countries all over the world. They were the cutest things ever -- and so sweet! After they were done performing, they walked out into the crowd to leave the room and started hugging so many people -- people they didn't even know! They definitely melted mine and Matthew's hearts!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
What about you -- what warmed your heart this weekend, friends?! </div>
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-21699987311553449372014-11-25T08:00:00.000-05:002014-11-25T08:00:01.815-05:00The Week That Was ... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lILpoilg5RTyrVuQqJghrT71_1q2afom0fCgDLCielCHlLOyl7ru-DRQ_5MhH2eFT9sq-EW0mfoFdcxoQjsFTixKokOGtBe-gQpQg1eN_CWAzpN2VdIV4vGDsyriKnouZcBvDSIa3xza/s1600/nov+25+post+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lILpoilg5RTyrVuQqJghrT71_1q2afom0fCgDLCielCHlLOyl7ru-DRQ_5MhH2eFT9sq-EW0mfoFdcxoQjsFTixKokOGtBe-gQpQg1eN_CWAzpN2VdIV4vGDsyriKnouZcBvDSIa3xza/s1600/nov+25+post+2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JO8n_qKKS9MFlbLINr4cLA3ylccUaUWHT7cBEnIc_QpqRj-AIuU-X142HZcXhGY7FfLZT7AB2DUpLYO8z-UWzwrA5H9G04gMm3fC9sloMxH77i7kbJK9miznQBNZyNSH_nnnTcofc_Z4/s1600/nov+25+post+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JO8n_qKKS9MFlbLINr4cLA3ylccUaUWHT7cBEnIc_QpqRj-AIuU-X142HZcXhGY7FfLZT7AB2DUpLYO8z-UWzwrA5H9G04gMm3fC9sloMxH77i7kbJK9miznQBNZyNSH_nnnTcofc_Z4/s1600/nov+25+post+3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlAUEEWJrxjkGMYTE9PGdfsR2MFQeQB8pwCinz2omgFe1S0oM9yiPgTetg2ywebWbf-FNuHVThzsMpFkf_8XyAqyFk24owPoH-Ing6u-Puf4DGpIH93q9IT8WtwL2iNHzZIvoG4frpFfk/s1600/nov+25+post+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlAUEEWJrxjkGMYTE9PGdfsR2MFQeQB8pwCinz2omgFe1S0oM9yiPgTetg2ywebWbf-FNuHVThzsMpFkf_8XyAqyFk24owPoH-Ing6u-Puf4DGpIH93q9IT8WtwL2iNHzZIvoG4frpFfk/s1600/nov+25+post+4.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lbPsDLC8kG_Dv55Xa1Yvq5flvePrnKUTKzzjr7rTFJ3d_l4JSmMMBAOHPWIxaxA-5RN1702S5jUFoXTA09_TRpnQsC3U1yKDNJvQhWdhuG6oh_PZLtFfPfIU7phFXMqu9_ClkGPK0_cQ/s1600/nov+25+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lbPsDLC8kG_Dv55Xa1Yvq5flvePrnKUTKzzjr7rTFJ3d_l4JSmMMBAOHPWIxaxA-5RN1702S5jUFoXTA09_TRpnQsC3U1yKDNJvQhWdhuG6oh_PZLtFfPfIU7phFXMqu9_ClkGPK0_cQ/s1600/nov+25+post.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What a week it's been!<br />
<br />
We had company in town last week -- and enjoyed spending our days with Mimi and Papa, playing, laughing, and celebrating the upcoming holidays just a little early. The kids soaked up all the attention they could get! We enjoyed home cooked meals, did very little shopping, got a couple fun treats {Krispy Kreme and Sweet Frog} and enjoyed the big holiday parade.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, it seems my parents brought the cold Northern weather with them while they were here. The day their plane landed, it was starting to get cool -- down in the 50s. The days they were here, the sun came out, but it didn't warm up very much. In fact, the morning of the parade, we were all huddled together under a blanket, in winter jackets, trying to steer clear of the wind. Of course, the day they left, it rained ... and the next day, yesterday, it was in the mid-70s all day.<br />
<br />
The next few weeks -- few months, really -- are busy ones. Holidays, fun events with friends, lots of time with family, a birthday party, and a whole lot of "every day" life, as well. 2014 ... its really hard to believe its almost at an end!Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5298598955815672035.post-9283916323401487252014-11-17T08:00:00.000-05:002014-11-17T08:00:01.554-05:00Monday, Monday ... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGWFBTP28TsoGt09fKoNVuyUpnwnkb8PvyDKT0X3-16XnQPtHd6pFnS2d4SAU3yP7ZNokJWkat_ipBSBBp62EJszRVypTGEXBicdt2lg2j8Qc48VdXXS9VRqyfIAnxrv8VT_YXfPeUbBa/s1600/nov+17+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGWFBTP28TsoGt09fKoNVuyUpnwnkb8PvyDKT0X3-16XnQPtHd6pFnS2d4SAU3yP7ZNokJWkat_ipBSBBp62EJszRVypTGEXBicdt2lg2j8Qc48VdXXS9VRqyfIAnxrv8VT_YXfPeUbBa/s1600/nov+17+post.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
It was 70 degrees here in North Carolina the middle of last week. But by the weekend, I had dug out my winter jacket, and was wearing it every where. The cold weather came, and it came on fast! But that didn't stop half the town from holding yard sales still. Only in NC, I swear!<br />
<br />
We had a good weekend. The sun was shining, and we were able to spend some quality time with friends. M and his buddy watched the kids for a bit while I ran out Saturday morning. Did a little shopping/yard-saling, to be honest, and managed to pick up a bed-side table for only $10. I rearranged half of our bedroom as soon as we got home to make room for it! Saturday evening we went to a local fire department for their annual turkey shoot. M loves them, and even has a gun barrel made especially for competitive shooting at these things. People get real serious around here about their turkey shoots! Small town, I guess ...<br />
<br />
Sunday, after a good church service and some house cleaning, M and I hit the road for Raleigh to catch a Carolina Hurricanes game. Wounded Warrior Project had given M a couple tickets, and it was one thing we just couldn't pass up -- we love some hockey! The game was great ... even if we didn't win! Both defenses were solid, so it made for a good watching game!<br />
<br />
We're gearing up for a busy week around here with some visitors, lots of fun, and a big parade, too. Looking forward to what this week brings!<br />
<br />
<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07513770930456375785noreply@blogger.com3