tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90675464905548738272024-03-14T00:52:47.399-05:00Myersville Population 7Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.comBlogger716125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-37142407033603037012021-09-10T21:57:00.002-05:002021-09-10T21:57:25.273-05:00Test <p> Testing. This blog is active. Don’t delete! </p>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-6176302776806523532019-06-14T01:10:00.000-05:002019-06-14T01:10:01.971-05:00I’m Still Here. Hello? Hello Blogger folks. Don’t delete my blog until I can print it or I start posting. Whichever comes first... but really. Don’t delete it.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-11970924660078491522017-08-06T19:01:00.002-05:002017-08-06T19:01:48.295-05:00Testing TestingAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-210682182552845812014-12-19T18:29:00.001-06:002014-12-19T18:29:16.736-06:00It's weird...It's weird when you are going through something tough and painful that each day is long and hard and it seems like you'll never feel relief or reach a resolution. But then slowly, slowly things get better and stuff falls into place. I'm in those long hard days. I know when I come out on the other side I'll be a stronger person. I am just having a hard time getting to that place. And so I'll take things minute by minute until that glorious day when the clouds break and the sun shines through. Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-35020108958962406252014-12-06T22:53:00.001-06:002014-12-06T22:53:56.157-06:00I Need ThisMan, I haven't blogged in a loooong time. My life has been so completely effed up since my dad died... I am trying to keep my head above water and it isn't easy, day to day. <div>Know what else isn't easy? Blogging from a phone. But that's a minor road block. Because I truly feel like blogging will help me out of a funk. A funk I must get out of. I desperately need some direction in my life and I enjoy writing. Who knew? I know not many people even read this, besides a spammy computer from time to time. I also know that with Reddit, Tumblr, Instagram, Buzzfeed and the like that a silly little blog from a 40 year old housewife isn't even that interesting. And I don't even give a damn. My blog is interesting to me and it's therapy I desperately need. It's gonna be happy and sad and funny and I'll include some of my family's adventures but mostly this is about me, for me. Once I get back into the hang of things, I may rename the blog... Maybe. Or maybe I'm too lazy. We shall see. </div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-23905127042375387852013-04-08T16:40:00.000-05:002013-04-08T21:28:56.982-05:00My Dad Can Beat Up Your Dad by Ashley AKA "Rat"I never thought this day would come. Okay, yes I did. I knew as a young girl and on into adulthood that my dad's love of cigarettes would eventually lead to emphysema, oxygen tanks and lung cancer and that's exactly what happened, in that order. Sure, it was a nasty awful habit, an embarrassing addiction but it didn't take away from the fact that my dad was a tough yet kind, amazing person. He was loyal, funny, strong, cool and handsome with his beautiful blue eyes. <br />
<br />
My dad was a simple person, not at all fancy. Which was very apparent in his fashion choices: chambray jeans, a plaid or striped short sleeved button down shirt, brown or black gold toe socks and hush puppies. He NEVER wore a coat, ever! When he reached his 50's, he would don a long sleeved red and black plaid flannel that he would wear over his signature plaid shirt. And that was only if the weather was below 30 degrees. He even wore the same belt for as long as I can remember. In part because his belt was used for dual purposes: to hold up his chambray jeans because his lack of behind kept them sagging (long before it was trendy) and to whip us into shape whenever necessary. Old Yeller, as the belt was called was legendary in our house. I'm not sure when the belt broke, but I'd like to think it was while whacking some one's butt. He also used the same hairbrush for nearly thirty years. It was the second line of discipline when Old Yeller was otherwise occupied. That brush has been hurled across a room and down the hall so many times I've lost count. My dad had precise aim and knew just how hard to throw the brush to inflict enough pain to make a point but not enough to break. Now, I don't want you to think he abused us. That's just how things were done in our house back when physical discipline was the norm in almost every one's home. My older siblings may disagree, I think it's because he was too tired when us three younger girls came along. Really, my dad had a heart of gold beneath his crusty exterior, anyone that knew him would agree.<br />
He ran a construction business for many years and his workers worshipped the ground Mr. Gary walked on, bringing him treats ranging from boots to umpteen bottles of tequila which he never drank. My dad didn't drink alcohol much, he liked Squirt and Coke with "alotta" ice. He also loved food! He loved to cook, but wasn't into fancy, unless you counted his Chicken Cordon Bleu. He was particularly proud of his spaghetti, his blue cheese dressing, vegetable soup and his exact replica of orange chicken a la Chinese takeout. He was also a snacker. I can't tell you how many times we had to rub/scratch his feet while he enjoyed a post-work/pre-dinner snack. His favorites being: fried pork skins, avocado with salt, Fritos and bean dip, Tostitos with cheese dip and Corn Nuts. He also thoroughly enjoyed Hostess Fried pies, green onion dip with Ruffles and cheese nachos with an ice cold Squirt. My daddy liked his drinks cold and his toast burnt. His favorite dinner was homemade fried chicken, corn on the cob, sliced tomatoes and green onions with plenty of salt. Another favorite was liver, ummm yuck!<br />
He swore that liver, lima beans, beets (straight from the can) and other such awful foods would put hair on your chest. Cool dad, thanks... <br />
<br />
My dad was more than just a ''foodie'', he was also a crazy good handyman. He could make or fix anything. If he had time, his fix-its were a work of art. If he was in a hurry, they were still a work of art. Just of the duct tape/pliers variety. Trust me, we were the only kids I know who had a pair of vise grips for a shower knob. I've even seen my dad fashion a new insole for his hush puppies with one of my old binders from school during our particularly lean years. I'm pretty sure that the one fix-it skill he was most proud of was his ability to repair firearms. This was a self-taught skill, that provided money for our family. We lived off of his gunsmithing skills for many, many years. Back then, I never gave much thought to it. There was always "just enough" for what we needed and sometimes extra, like 99 cent Whopper Wednesdays at Burger King accompanied by a bag of chips and a 2 liter soda. Good times, surrounded by cheap food. I have many fond memories of time spent at his gun shop, Anderson Firearms, playing school with my sisters in the office upstairs. I thought I was a badass because my tough ol' daddy had his own business and it was a gun store, no less. Before he had to sell off his personal cache of firearms so we could eat, he would spread out his and my mom's good bedspread on the living room floor and clean his guns for hours. Those guns were his pride and joy, besides his babies which is precisely why he sold them, so we could eat and have water and electricity. And, that's not all he unloaded to take care of us. I, more than once accompanied him to a pawn shop to sell a power tool so we could have money. He had to swallow his pride a lot when we were growing up, borrowing from whomever he could and whatever he could to support his brood. And, I know it wasn't easy but I'll be forever thankful and in awe of my dad for this. <br />
<br />
Some of my fondest memories are of him tossing us in the back of his Datsun pickup truck so we could head to Winchell's donuts or him, once in a blue moon going to church with us smelling a little like Winston lights and a lot like Wint-O-Green life savers and Old Spice cologne. He would rest his arm along the back of the pew, so he could love on you or thump your back if you got out of line. He would hum every hymn in his deep voice, which was a nice comforting sound. He took his role as comforter and nurturer very seriously, tough as he was. I can't count the times when I was sick that I would wake up to his rough, calloused hands checking my temperature or trying to shove baby aspirin or Donnatal down my throat. He loved his babies, no matter how feisty we were or how old we got, and showed us in his own special way. Most memorable would be picking our birthday and Valentine's cards when my mom began working towards my fifth grade year. He would always tease me in the cards about burning cookies, I think because he got me a card every year with a cookie recipe printed inside. His nickname for me was Rat, and he was the only one who was allowed to call me that. I distinctly remember one of the cards saying, "Honest Rat, I like hard cookies."<br />
<br />
As much as he loved and cherished us, it was understood that we make his coffee, dump his ashtray, and get him a post dinner toothpick and rub his back of scratch his feet most nights of the week. Back then I hated it, now I realized he deserved it because he worked so hard for us. The feet scratching was the worst for us definitely. But the back rubs drove me nuts, because he always commanded us to "grab handfuls" of skin simply because it felt good and indulgent after a long day of work. <br />
Of course, as a kid these were annoyances and now they are fond memories. Eventually we all grew up and moved away. Some out of state, but not me, I stayed close. As much as my parents drove me nuts, I couldn't stand to be far. I first moved five minutes away, then 15, then 45, and the furthest- 1 hour, which was heartbreaking because I always needed my mommy and daddy close. Many days as an adult, my dad would stop by to take my oldest child "ghost hunting", which was essentially a drive in the dark to look for ghosts or he would pop over on his lunch hour. He says he was checking on us, but I think mainly he wanted me to bid on books on Ebay for him so he could add to his collection of Stephen Meader books. He never learned how to use a computer, and I was his personal computer shopper. <br />
<br />
I eventually moved further away and as my family grew older and got busier, I saw my folks less and less, but I talked to them everyday. Anytime I was scared, worried or needed advice, I would hang out with them so we could talk and talk and talk. The most recent was in November of 2010, when I was going through some heavy duty personal stuff. We sat at El Fenix, ate enchiladas and chatted, with my dad giving me stellar advice, as usual. Everything was okay when I talked to my dad, he always made me feel better. Then, as he aged without me realizing it, and eventually contracted cancer, it became mine and my siblings jobs to make him feel better. Gladly feeding him his favorite foods, making him coffee, rubbing his back and scratching his feet. Anything to ease his pain and misery. And yes, I put on his deodorant, trimmed his nose hair, and clipped his nails among many other things. I would've done anything to give him one ounce of the care, comfort and compassion he gave us kids growing up. What I wouldn't give to hear him tell me one more time, "You're hell, ain't ya, Rat?"<br />
<br />
This isn't bye, Daddy. It's "see ya on the other side."<br />
<br />
Love, Ashley "Rat Rat" Kristen Anderson <br />
<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-62712101053916757152013-03-01T02:26:00.001-06:002013-03-01T02:26:16.797-06:00A Little Ditty I miss me blogging<br />
Oh yes I do!<br />
I miss me blogging<br />
How about you?<br />
<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-77709073860218116102011-01-01T23:02:00.001-06:002011-01-01T23:04:03.960-06:00I hope, I hope (resolutions be damned)I hope:<br />
that I can lose 20 more pounds and keep it off<br />
that karma bites that nasty woman in her ass<br />
that we don't get any more vehicles stolen or have any money issues<br />
to be able to go the temple more<br />
to be a better wife, mother, daughter, and friend<br />
to be on Facebook less<br />
that I don't have to attend any more funerals (4 in one calendar year is 4 too many..)<br />
that my big sister can get clean <br />
that Jon and my kids will be at my side every Sunday at church<br />
that Chan will get a JOB and finally start school...<br />
that I can get a tummy tuck and breast lift<br />
that me and Jon will pretty please be able to go on a trip for our 15th anniversary<br />
that my house will sell and we'll move to the right place for the right price<br />
<br />
Really though, as much as I want all of the above, I just want to be HAPPY and I want to SMILE more. I want me and my family to get along and be together as often as possible and I want us to be HEALTHY and UNITED. <br />
Happy New Year Y'all!Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-84428904591583788402010-10-10T22:22:00.000-05:002010-10-10T22:22:04.024-05:00She's baaaaaaacccckkkk!Don't get too excited, I may up and quit before the week is out... But, either way- I thought I'd re-acquaint y'all with me. So, here goes.<br />
<br />
I am a feisty redheaded mom of 5. I used to be a FAT chick, but am now what I consider chubby, if a size 12 is chubby. I used to weigh 270 at my highest and now weigh 175. I am addicted to Mexican food, pretzel M&M's, Diet Coke, kissing my baby (because he's the only one that can't get away) and my daily walks. I don't really have any talents to speak of- I can't cook, sew, scrapbook, take good pictures, etc etc. I am however a loyal friend and I think I'm pretty damn funny, so there! I am very good at- long bubble baths, Facebook, and window shopping. Right now my house is for sale and my hubby just started another job and cut his hours at his primary job. So, we are broke and it sucks. But, what can you do? I tried my hand at home-schooling my daughter but I felt tied down and she was bored so now, it's just me, my baby, and my oldest son who is both out of school AND unemployed. It's a barrel of fun. Not really. I hope to pick blogging up again full time. I can't promise I'll stick to it. I really hope I can provide a sounding board for myself and a laugh for y'all. If I am feeling ambitious I may fancy up my background and such and if y'all are lucky- I might even post some pictures. Don't count on it though. One thing I realized after having another baby- my kids are the boss around here not me. I'm just glad I get to eat and periodically shower....<strike></strike>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-47175127657030742082010-08-09T17:51:00.004-05:002010-08-09T17:55:37.880-05:00Weight Loss ProgressFor those of you on Facebook, this is old news. But, I'm posting it here anyways... <br /><br />This is me when Cam was 6 weeks old and me as of July. I have lost 75 pounds since the day he was born. As of late April I am at 40 pounds lost and over 20 inches! Yay me! I am saving for a tummy tuck and breast lift, for reals. If I can get down to 145, I'm meeting with a surgeon. I am at 190 now. 45 more to go....<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TGCHFCvee4I/AAAAAAAAFDE/yYS8b-I6zYw/s1600/New+Folder.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TGCHFCvee4I/AAAAAAAAFDE/yYS8b-I6zYw/s320/New+Folder.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503547265351842690" /></a><br /><br />P.S. I suck at making photo collages....Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-15010915830097971022010-08-09T16:46:00.026-05:002010-08-09T17:44:57.600-05:00Bye, for now...Well, you had to know this was coming. I'm saying Bye Bye Bye to my blog for now. Even though I rarely if ever post and probably have little to no readers, I wanted to formally say- see ya! I really wanted to keep my blog updated, I just can't. I APPLAUD those of you who keep yours updated- I admire y'all and thoroughly enjoy reading about your families and experiences. Keep it up! I am just overwhelmingly busy with my life right now. I am constantly breastfeeding, washing dishes, doing laundry, cooking, tending to Camden or exercising. If I'm lucky I might be able to shower or read a magazine... I don't even get to chat or hang out with my older kiddos as often as I'd like. Used to, when I first started blogging, I had my camera all the time and a list of blog ideas. Now, I rarely even sit at the computer. I have joked that I was cheating on my blog with Facebook, and it's true. If cell phones weren't so darn internet friendly I wouldn't even be on Facebook either. Believe it or not- this is actually very emotional for me. I have met some amazing people through blogging (Sarah, Shannon, Krista- to name a few) and will miss it terribly. Thanks again for friendship, laughter, and the support and well wishes you have shown me in the 3 years I've been a blogger. Don't give up on me though- keep me on a reader or in your favorite's list. I just may surprise you and become A Blogging Queen someday- like say if I reach my goal weight or get pregnant again (as if) or win the lottery (I wish). Love y'all! It's been AMAZING! <br /><br />P.S. I'm now 190lbs (have lost 40 pounds and 20 inches)!<br />Hunter is starting high school!<br />I might be home-schooling Chloe! <br />Hayden turned expert in BMX! <br />Camden is fixing to be 1 and is taking steps here and there!<br />Jon has lost 20 pounds since he started working two jobs!<br />and, Chan is finding that adulthood is not all rainbows and lollipops...<br /><br />P.S.S. if you want to keep reading about my family and antics, add me on Facebook if we're not already friends, I promise I won't think you're weird.... <br /><br />Some current photos! <br /><br />me and Cam<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TGB_gz1iX7I/AAAAAAAAFCM/b8FRifZi_HM/s1600/DSC_0209.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TGB_gz1iX7I/AAAAAAAAFCM/b8FRifZi_HM/s320/DSC_0209.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503538946294046642" /></a><br /><br />I recently met some friends from high school for dinner, so much fun!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TGB_ghRN6zI/AAAAAAAAFCE/lF-GjBUt66w/s1600/DSC_0195.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TGB_ghRN6zI/AAAAAAAAFCE/lF-GjBUt66w/s320/DSC_0195.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503538941309872946" /></a><br /><br />Chloe has pink hair! For summer only. On and she's officially a teenager now...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TGB_gUd8nKI/AAAAAAAAFB8/oxhPN59H3ck/s1600/DSC_0130.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TGB_gUd8nKI/AAAAAAAAFB8/oxhPN59H3ck/s320/DSC_0130.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503538937873603746" /></a><br /><br />Hunter FINALLY cut his hair!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TGB_fzCxHKI/AAAAAAAAFB0/pCfXYK9-01E/s1600/38662_411716862741_531152741_4757940_6357296_n.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TGB_fzCxHKI/AAAAAAAAFB0/pCfXYK9-01E/s320/38662_411716862741_531152741_4757940_6357296_n.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503538928901233826" /></a><br /><br />Cam can feed himself!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TGCEzRBPNsI/AAAAAAAAFC8/SwNVruzPqCY/s1600/38416_407318797741_531152741_4635865_2162225_n+(1).JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TGCEzRBPNsI/AAAAAAAAFC8/SwNVruzPqCY/s320/38416_407318797741_531152741_4635865_2162225_n+(1).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503544760923535042" /></a>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-8876535629681574972010-07-15T14:06:00.003-05:002010-07-15T14:10:15.488-05:00Because I am AWESOME!I have lost almost 35 pounds! I now weigh: 197.6! I haven't weighed this "little" since 1997. Anyway, just wanted to share. Ok, now go comment away telling me how proud you are and how awesome I am. Only if you feel like it ;)Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-85963339638585888862010-07-02T03:10:00.005-05:002010-07-02T03:36:55.971-05:00HI!Yeah, so I'm even worse at blogging than before...oops! I am not gonna make an excuse, just know that with 5 kids time for myself is sparse. <br />So- here's the rundown:<br /><br />I am absolutely obsessed with weight loss. I'm 2 pounds away from being under 200 and I couldn't be happier! Yes I could- if I was 140. I am hoping I can get there by January. My total weight loss is 28.4 pounds and just over 12 inches, 5 of those in my hips alone... As long as I get in some exercise, don't go over my calories, and my chores are done I'm good. Oh yeah, I do try to hang with the kids as much as possible. <br />Jon is working ALL THE TIME and he is the #1 playmate around here, so the kids are bored out of their minds. I'm having a hard time thinking of inexpensive activities for kids ranging from 9 months to 18 years. Our pool is green- we are missing an important part that helps the pool stay chlorinated so swimming is out. I can't take Cam to movies so that's out. Jon used to be off on Wednesdays and during summer that was our big family activity day, but no more. The X-box broke so video games are out. So, we're kinda bummed and blah. It's bugging the kids more than me since I'm so focused on weight loss. <br /><br />Chan is having a hard time finding job, which stinks. He might be living here til he's 30... we'll see. He spends most of his time reading and playing guitar. He is also working on his weight and has lost 15 pounds since graduation.<br /><br />Chloe, Hunter, and Hayden are just chillin' every day. Fighting over the computer, sleeping too late and being annoying. <br /><br />Cam is FINALLY sleeping in his crib at night. He cried quite a bit at first but has done fairly well. Last night he slept for 11 hours without waking up! He still naps in my arms, the car, or the stroller. But, Rome wasn't built in a day right? He is cruising furniture like crazy, crawling everywhere and his two words are dadada and lalala. Super cute! He also just got two teeth that have barely busted through his gums the last few days. <br /><br />So, that's about it! I totally understand if NO ONE reads this anymore. And, comments? Who needs 'em? See y'all soon!Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-33492913885748300772010-06-11T15:51:00.007-05:002010-06-11T16:22:27.058-05:00Me: on another dietYeah, so I'm dieting again. This time, (crosses fingers) I am doing a little better than before. Amen to breastfeeding. Which I'm probably going to be doing until Camden starts kindergarten... Anyway, I am doing much like I did before when I lost a little over 20 pounds- watching portions, having mustard instead of mayo, lots of fresh fruit, only diet sodas, etc. I am allowing myself about 1500 calories per day, sometimes less sometimes more. I still need to maintain a good diet since Cam nurses ALOT. Which is ok with me, because I am losing it quicker than I thought I could. Why didn't I start this when he was 7 weeks old instead of 7 months old? Oh yeah- postpartum depression. Anyway... I normally wouldn't post my starting weight being the internet and all. But, what the hell? So here goes: <br /><br />my highest non-pregnant weight- 258 (after my appendix surgery) <br />9 months pregnant weight- 270<br />weight when I started dieting- 231<br />weight now- <strong>211.6</strong><br /><br />Yep, that's right! I have lost 19.4 pounds since April 15th (58.4 since I delivered Cam). It has been crazy- trying to count calories in addition to fitting in a 2 to 3 mile walk every day. The calorie counting has been pretty easy, thanks to an app called Lose It on my phone. The walks are another matter- it's stray angry dog city out here. But, I'm managing thanks to walking with some friends and a wooden sword from Medieval Times! Seriously though, I am so close to being under 200 it's crazy! I am pretty stoked especially since A) I havent weighed this amount since Chloe was 6 months old and B) I am at the smallest size Lane Bryant sells which means I can finally start shopping for clothes somewhere else! Yeehaw! Not that their clothes aren't cute, I'm just tired of that being one of the only places I can shop. I would dress totally different if my options for clothing weren't so limited. Plus, those fat girl clothes are expensive! All that extra fabric... So, wish me luck. I hope to be chosen for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue next Summer. Not really.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-51777610790718622412010-06-03T17:00:00.010-05:002010-06-03T17:48:32.995-05:00He's got him a high school deeplomaaa!Oh my gosh... really. I cannot believe my Chan graduated high school. Not that I ever doubted him, not one bit. I am seriously dripping snot and tears as I type this. I guess I'm not good with change, or knowing that he's officially a big kid now and technically doesn't need me anymore. Basically the scissors are hovering near the apron strings and I'm trying to back away... All these years I knew it would hit me HARD when graduation day came. I had him my Senior year and didn't do the whole walk across the stage thing and this was like I graduated right along with him. I just can't believe I won't have to replace another school ID or wash his favorite dress code shorts at midnight or make him his favorite brown bag lunch again and that is making the lump in my throat bigger than it needs to be. I remember every single moment of his first day of kindergarten: he had sausage and pancakes and wore a black and white t-shirt with jeans and these little Payless brand tennis shoes. We even stopped at Sack -n- Save for kleenex because that's a "required" school supply item and I believe we got him an ultra groovy soccer backpack at S&S too. Weird. I was so afraid he was gonna cry and that little fart walked away from me and started coloring and said- "you can go now Mom". Umm, okay. And, he has continued to amaze me ever since- winning 3 spelling bees to reading Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings in 2ND GRADE!! And, man oh man all the neat stories he would write. He has always loved literature and it wasn't until he was 15 that he developed a love of music and guitar. I am just so very happy that I have been able to get to know, teach, and love this kid and love that he teaches me too. I asked my friend Kathi earlier when the lump in my throat would go away and she said never, it just changes as life does and as you experience more and more as you live. Well put. However, I wish mine would simmer down a bit. I'm having a hard time breathing. <br /><br />Anyway- yesterday was nuts! Typical for us of course but I think it was nuttier than normal. It was a very long day. Starting with Hayden's field day and ending with Chan's graduation. The venue was jampacked and parking was scarce. I ended up parking in a lot but then it started pouring and the attendant ducked for cover, so I never paid, oops. I had Hunter and Cam with me and my mom went in with Chloe and Jon, Hayden, and Chan had gotten there earlier. I was so afraid I was gonna miss him walking in but thankfully I was able to get in there in time. As soon as the music started I stood in amazement and bawled like a baby. And, let's see- I couldn't take my stroller in the stands, my carseat was blocking the aisle and Cam lost patience quick. All in all I was in and out of the stands about ten times. Getting out to leave was insane, I lost my whole family and was shoved many many times. Which, for a feisty redhead was not fun, I tried super hard to maintain my cool.... It was just a crazy night. I drove my mom back to Grand Prairie and scarfed down two Whataburger taquitos in her driveway, the first meal I'd had since noon and it was nearing midnight. Anyway- I am not sure what the future holds for Chan or any of us to be honest. But, I am sorta excited to find out!<br /><br />about to take their seats for the ceremony<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TAgsc06fVqI/AAAAAAAAE8k/7BLf4LeIvWA/s1600/DSC_0804.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TAgsc06fVqI/AAAAAAAAE8k/7BLf4LeIvWA/s320/DSC_0804.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478677820448134818" /></a><br /><br />The Graduate!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TAgsdBYUK8I/AAAAAAAAE8s/M-s59ibdQuw/s1600/DSC_0825.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TAgsdBYUK8I/AAAAAAAAE8s/M-s59ibdQuw/s320/DSC_0825.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478677823794457538" /></a><br /><br />our family<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TAgsdpExUII/AAAAAAAAE88/pRo6rF7I_p4/s1600/DSC_0830.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TAgsdpExUII/AAAAAAAAE88/pRo6rF7I_p4/s320/DSC_0830.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478677834449899650" /></a><br /><br />mama and her baby <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TAgsdRMBr_I/AAAAAAAAE80/Ll0VsW4UC3o/s1600/DSC_0827.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TAgsdRMBr_I/AAAAAAAAE80/Ll0VsW4UC3o/s320/DSC_0827.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478677828037881842" /></a><br /><br /><br />the official document<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TAgxGFyExyI/AAAAAAAAE9Q/8ScRAP0v8Qk/s1600/6-3-2010+5%3B40%3B54+PM.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TAgxGFyExyI/AAAAAAAAE9Q/8ScRAP0v8Qk/s320/6-3-2010+5%3B40%3B54+PM.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478682927397390114" /></a>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-53482107080422316932010-06-03T16:51:00.003-05:002010-06-03T17:50:19.983-05:00Ding Ding Ding!We have our winners! <br /><br />Laura- you've won the s'mores basket!<br /><br />and <br /><br />Kathi- you've won the outdoor fun basket!<br /><br />Yay! Thanks for reading and entering and stuff!! <br /><br /><br />P.S. Laura- I will bring yours to church and Kathi- I can bring yours to GP or I can take it to Erica's :)Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-56653164251281826892010-05-28T15:36:00.005-05:002010-05-28T15:49:28.645-05:00Summer Giveaway!As promised I am doing a giveaway in honor of 700 posts and because school is out in like, 4 days. Amen! I had all these grand plans for one of the baskets and life is just too busy to craft. Heck, I can barely find time to bathe... Anyway. Enter by leaving a comment indicating which basket you want. I'll devise a way to choose a winner and let you know via email if you've won. I'm starting the giveaway now and ending it whenever I darn well please. Or in other words- whenever I, A) remember and B) have time. I have two baskets to gift. One is a daytime fun basket- sidewalk chalk, water guns, water balloons, bubbles, and freezer pops. The other is a s'mores basket- s'mores forks, hershey bars, marshmallows, and graham crackers. If you want to enter both let me know or if you only want to try your luck at one please indicate. Ready. Set. Enter. <br /><br />outdoor/daytime fun basket<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TAAr2poTcYI/AAAAAAAAE6w/tAOWxL0i_VM/s1600/DSC_0758.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 253px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TAAr2poTcYI/AAAAAAAAE6w/tAOWxL0i_VM/s320/DSC_0758.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476425364770353538" /></a><br /><br />s'mores basket<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TAAr2FMEAHI/AAAAAAAAE6o/xGB05K0UfXo/s1600/DSC_0753.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 317px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/TAAr2FMEAHI/AAAAAAAAE6o/xGB05K0UfXo/s320/DSC_0753.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476425354988224626" /></a>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-78771617545937652722010-05-19T14:09:00.004-05:002010-05-19T14:20:56.348-05:00Holy Cow! 700 posts?!Oh crap! My life is INSANE lately. I cannot stress that enough. Jon started a second full time job on Monday and I have been playing single parent and it is HARD. He's been working 6am til about 8pm every night. My kids are driving me nuts- mainly my daughter and my baby. Chloe is just a giant teenage drama queen. Camden is so spoiled that not having his mommy to himself like normal has turned him into a ginormous cry baby. He has fussed so much this week that he is hoarse. Blah! My other kids, on the other hand, are being complete angels.<br />Anyway, I did want too acknowledge my 700th post! I cannot believe I was able to talk/type that much interesting (I hope) stuff. I am doing an awesome giveaway to kick off Summer. I am crossing my fingers that by tomorrow morning I'll have it ready to present.... I sure hope you've enjoyed reading all about my life- kids, husbands, babies, teenagers, periods and poop to name a few highlights! Now, I'm off to get kids from school and take Chan to his physical therapy appointment. Oh and Cam's out of baby food and I need to go to the DMV and I have to make cupcakes and buy a gift, and.... you get the point. <br />THANKS for reading! I love y'all to bits! Keep checking for my giveaway, it'll be on here before the goodies are obsolete, I hope.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-28699143290597776292010-05-12T08:11:00.002-05:002010-05-12T08:26:13.913-05:00BlehYeah, so I forgot to blog. Or something. I'm sure my previous post had nothing to do with me being tired, bloated, cranky, stressed, weepy and in no mood to blog. Oh no, Aunt Flo doesn't do that. She's a nice visitor. One who doesn't cause trouble or make messes and never overstays her welcome. Yeah right. Let's be honest- the last 5 days have been AWFUL. Basically I have been begging for menopause. Case closed. In other news- I am super bummed about LOST ending, I can't get Camden to sleep through the night without his (my) precious boobers, I've been walking 2 miles every night and my scale has a death grip on the exact same number while I have a death grip on anything and everything chocolate, and other than a few little happy spots, my Mother's Day was the worst one I have ever ever had. I really don't wanna go into detail, because I am all cried out. But, don't feel sorry for me, I am a big girl and as Jon told me- it's just a silly commercialized holiday. Ugghh. Men are so retarded. Tell me why we need them again? And, that's all I've got except for two teeny little things in my head. 1) does anybody know a plastic surgeon who wants to lift, tuck, and suck my body pro bono just because he/she is nice and I'm cute? It might be a tax write off for him/her. 2)This is my 699 post since August of '07 and I MIGHT do a giveaway to celebrate the BIG ONE. Maybe, but don't get too excited. I might decide to not blog again for a month or more. It all depends on what drama/loveliness might or might not get thrown my way.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-88194585447351755342010-05-07T23:02:00.006-05:002010-05-08T00:02:53.940-05:00men-stroo-ay-shunSo I've been a hormonal mess the past few days. Nothing new really- I mean I had finally leveled out a little bit from when Camden was born and was feeling normal and then bam! I have been crying like a baby this week. Well, guess what? Aunt Flo decided to come for a visit for the first time since December of 2008. That's right internet- I got my period. I haven't missed it. Not One Bit. I guess it's time to revisit the feminine hygiene aisle of CVS and bust out the Midol. Oh freaking joy. And, if you are cringing at this post- who cares. Whose blog is this? Mine! And, I am hormonal- so look out, especially men named Jon.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-48927819395821047922010-05-04T12:28:00.004-05:002010-05-04T12:51:15.867-05:00I am a mom right?So, Mother's Day is coming. This year is different, since it was reaffirmed back in September that I am indeed some one's mommy. I think I had forgotten... I have always been a simple (boring) person and I have become even more low maintenance and boring than usual. I have heard having a baby does that to a girl. This year, just like last a big chunk of my family will be at BMX, because that is VERY important. I will likely be alone at church with Camden and I will go see my mommy as my boys who don't ride the bicycles or go to church don't really get the concept of the "holiday". I have to confess- I don't either. I think moms should always be honored and respected. It's always difficult to figure out what to do or where to go on Mother's Day because Jon and I obviously both have moms and we still haven't (after 15 years) figured out a workable family visitation for holidays. And, I have heard it a million times before- I am not his mom. So, with that being said, I really don't know what is going on Sunday. Ok, I think I may have gotten off on a tangent or on a soapbox- take your pick! The point of this post was that I am simple (boring) and would only like simple things for "my day". <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">My Mother's Day Wish List</span><br /><br />I would like:<br /><br />One night of uninterrupted sleep (no cuddling, no nursing, nothing). I just wanna sleep on my tummy and not have to get up for anything until 8 wondrous hours of slumber have commenced. <br /><br />A foot rub. One that lasts, and one that I don't have to beg or pay for. <br /><br />A glorious yummy meal consisting of all of my favorite foods (steak, shrimp, salads, cheesy stuff, avocado, chocolate, etc etc) that I can eat while it's fresh and hot and afterwards I don't get sick to my stomach. Not gonna hold my breath. <br /><br />A gift certificate to the following- pedicure place, the hair salon, the massage place, my favorite shoe store, my favorite clothing store, and Target. HAHAHAHAHA! As my dad would say- you can wish in one hand and S*&T in the other. <br /><br />A nice long bubbly bath with a cheesetastic magazine and all the hot water that my heart desires. If I could take it without Camden staring at my boobs or chewing on the empty shampoo bottle that would be a bonus.<br /><br />A ginormous bouquet of sunflowers, my favorite flower (weed). So sunny and summery and cheerful! <br /><br />And, I think that's all. While all those things sound amazing and stuff, what I really want is to be with my all my kiddos with no fighting or texting or crying or TV or computer or drama. I just want them to get IT ya know? I know that's asking alot but I can wish right?Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-48741568868780612832010-05-02T01:07:00.008-05:002010-05-02T01:35:24.306-05:00mommy and babyWho wants to see a current picture of me and Camden? Hopefully YOU! Here you go. Oh, he might have a few boogers- this was before his bath and after mine. Jon and I got to leave the house tonight so I got to wear decent clothes and makeup. I might have even brushed my teeth. We went to a friend's 40th birthday party and stopped afterwards for Olive Garden to go. Hey, not the steak I was craving but who am I to complain? <br /><br />I'm not looking at the camera mother!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/S90ZH1BzcnI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/MfVENqLMVy4/s1600/DSC_0274.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 314px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/S90ZH1BzcnI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/MfVENqLMVy4/s320/DSC_0274.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466553144982073970" /></a><br /><br />this is soooo annoying...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/S90ZHQSsp9I/AAAAAAAAE2Q/lRH8N5uRmIQ/s1600/DSC_0264.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/S90ZHQSsp9I/AAAAAAAAE2Q/lRH8N5uRmIQ/s320/DSC_0264.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466553135120820178" /></a><br /><br />Hey, what's that? <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/S90ZGmeWeiI/AAAAAAAAE2I/WxHDTBudvG8/s1600/DSC_0263.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/S90ZGmeWeiI/AAAAAAAAE2I/WxHDTBudvG8/s320/DSC_0263.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466553123895409186" /></a><br /><br />mommy, stop squishing my face!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/S90ZGUEccKI/AAAAAAAAE2A/s1V06V9B2mM/s1600/DSC_0257.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/S90ZGUEccKI/AAAAAAAAE2A/s1V06V9B2mM/s320/DSC_0257.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466553118954909858" /></a><br /><br />here Cam, here's how you do it. Smile like mommy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/S90ZF4egF3I/AAAAAAAAE14/YuZM-c2dNRk/s1600/DSC_0248.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 251px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/S90ZF4egF3I/AAAAAAAAE14/YuZM-c2dNRk/s320/DSC_0248.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466553111548008306" /></a>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-35709356424962321822010-04-27T17:55:00.006-05:002010-04-27T18:08:09.244-05:00Dirty Day...No reason for this post other than I am kinda bored. Believe it or not. The middle kids are outside playing, Jon is reffing a soccer game, Cam is asleep, and my big boys are at friend's houses. I can't wash clothes or dishes. I can't cook. *I can't pack boxes. I can't really do anything. Ok, sweeping and dusting. But, that's mucho boringo. Why, you ask? We have been without water for about 6 hours. What does come out of the tap looks like diarrhea. Sorry, but it's true. I was gonna make homemade mashed potatoes with dinner- no water. I can't even make baked ones- no water to clean them with. I can't make anything that requires water, not even mac-n-cheese. Dang it. Not sure what to make now... Sandwiches anyone? And, I don't know how you are when the water is off for unexplainable reasons, but I really want to take a shower and I'm not even that dirty. Uggh... life in the "country" sorta sucks. And, that's all. I'm just trying to figure out what to do til someone either wakes up or comes home to play with me. Maybe I'll go for a walk, up and down the driveway since Cam is sleeping. Maybe we'll grab takeout and head to the park. Hmmmm... <br /><br />the offensive "water"<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/S9dt-euRWpI/AAAAAAAAE1Y/H3x4dL15xpo/s1600/dirtywater.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JarrE1wOqcg/S9dt-euRWpI/AAAAAAAAE1Y/H3x4dL15xpo/s320/dirtywater.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464957593003842194" /></a><br /><br />*we are currently in the process of readying the house for sale, yikes! Wish us luck!Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-20690716056047642982010-04-26T22:55:00.005-05:002010-04-26T23:39:31.174-05:00It's the small stuff...I am truly thankful for oh so many things and as I get older I realize more and more just how blessed I really am. I mention this every time I pray and occasionally make a public declaration via Facebook or Blogger. But, I don't take near enough time to express my thanks for the small stuff- until now. I am thankful for: <br /><br />Target brand baby wipes- fresh smelling, inexpensive, and just as good as the name brand. A must have for a messy spitter upper like Camden. They do a pretty darn good spit shine on counters and coffee tables too. <br /><br />Duncan Hines chocolate chunk brownies- chocolate, chunks, warm, ooey-gooey, mmm. Another must have for a harried mom of 5. As a matter of fact the mere consumption of too many of these bad boys and I will never be a mother of 6. Brownies as birth control, who knew? <br /><br />Johnson and Johnson cucumber melon scented baby bath, lotion, and powder- yummy smelling for this baby of mine and me. Said powder also does a darn good job of taming the greasies. Since I rarely have time to wash and dry my hair anymore. Camden is afraid of the blow drier now anyways... <br /><br />Elsie and Daisy (my boobies)- they enabled my baby to add 10 pounds to his birthweight by 6 months of age as well as provide a nice warm pillow for him to sleep on. Amen. <br /><br />My iPhone- I just love it so. I have my scriptures, every church hymn, every church manual, and some conference talks on there. In addition to maps that know I'm standing in my kitchen, to all sorts of fun games and nifty apps. So stinkin' fun and worth every penny. I <3 you iPhone.<br /><br />My sense of humor- I am just glad I can laugh at myself and occasionally at others. There are days when a sense of humor is all I got against this wacky life of mine. I'm not really sure where I got it from but I love it! It makes me smile when people tell me I crack them up :)<br /><br />Gerber puffs in assorted flavors- these little flavored rice puffball thingys have enabled me to grocery shop, attend church classes, and blog. Camden loves them. Thank You Gerber! <br /><br />earbuds- this goes without saying if you are a mom of teenagers. They can't hear me nag or the baby cry. As long as I can get their attention by throwing a rubber flip flop or couch cushion at them, we're good. <br /><br />concealer- any brand will do, as long as it's one shade lighter than the dark circles I have been sporting since 1990. Lately a dash of baby powder to my scalp, chapstick on my pout, and a smidge of concealer and look out world! However, I may need to step up my game. Today Chloe told me she was embarrassed to be seen with me since I was wearing no makeup and my hair was flippy. She said I looked like a soccer mom... As if!? <br /><br />French vanilla yogurt with vanilla almond granola mixed in- yummy, crunchy, and sorta healthy. Right? Right? Ok, go easy on the granola and you should be ok...<br /><br />So there you have it, my current can't live withouts. Feel free to add more of your can't live withouts under comments. I can always use a new product to obsess over.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9067546490554873827.post-87868553574356825972010-04-23T18:52:00.005-05:002010-04-23T21:31:37.319-05:00Poop!I am a little bit OCD about certain things, one of those being my kids and their personal hygiene. I can't force them to bathe... Ok, I can. But, if they want to smell bad, it's not my problem. Now, Camden has no choice. I bathe him every single day, sometimes twice a day. He seems to smell fresh for 5 minutes each day and then the rest of the day it's baby food or spit up smell, yuck! I have a ritual every time I bathe him too. After I have soaped him up from head to toe (toenails and fingernails with a nail brush too) I rinse him, dry him, Q-tip his ears and nose, powder his bum and then I rub him down with lotion. I did this with all the kids until they were about 18 months. Then, they become such a handful I do what I can to de-funkify them. When they are around 3 or 4 they kinda do their own thing with me or Jon supervising. At 5 they decide they want to shower. And, I know for a fact that they don't use as much soap or shampoo as I would like them to nor do they get all the cracks and crevices like I would want them to either. Which brings me to the point of this post. Today, as I was bathing Camden to go on a lunch date with me and my friends I had a flashback of one such incident when Hayden was 6 or so. We had his yearly checkup one morning and the night before I had him shower. I laid out clean clothes and undies- the whole shebang. I Q-tipped his ears and made sure he was nice and shiny before his doctor appointment. The next morning we were rushing around to get ready and it never occurred to me to do a hygiene inspection. We barely made it on time and before you knew it they called us in for our turn with the cute little Asian female doctor. We got in the room and the doctor was asking me about Hayden's progress with school, his eating habits, and his poopy habits- like did he ever get constipated etc. I of course said no, never. Hayden is my "like clockwork every single day after school go poop kid". She proceeds to do his physical exam and lastly goes to check "his business" and to my horror right there in his Power Ranger underwear was a 3D skid mark... I'm not sure but I think after I died of embarrassment I called my insurance company and requested a PCP change. I mean really? Can't kids feel those in their pants? And, I may be wrong here but it seems to be a trend with little boys. Man was I ever mortified... I'm not really sure why that memory jumped in my head today but it did. I also hope Hayden never decides to read my blog and if he does I hope he keeps his sense of humor intact! And, that goes down in my history of unforgettable you wish they'd never happened moments as a mother.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06453461732241003685noreply@blogger.com0