She'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.

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....

Bye, 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!

P.S. I'm now 190lbs (have lost 40 pounds and 20 inches)!
Hunter is starting high school!
I might be home-schooling Chloe!
Hayden turned expert in BMX!
Camden is fixing to be 1 and is taking steps here and there!
Jon has lost 20 pounds since he started working two jobs!
and, Chan is finding that adulthood is not all rainbows and lollipops...

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....

Some current photos!

me and Cam


I recently met some friends from high school for dinner, so much fun!


Chloe has pink hair! For summer only. On and she's officially a teenager now...


Hunter FINALLY cut his hair!


Cam can feed himself!

I've lost that blogging feeling...

I really miss my blog so so much. It bums me out that I no longer have time for it. And, I've tried- I really have. I even gloated in my last post that I was gonna get back into blogging full force... It seems since then that life got even more hectic, if that's even possible. I've also gotten out of the habit. Plus, I honestly feel as if I have nothing good or funny or interesting to say, dangit. I mean, my older kids are to the point where they are gone with friends or texting or yelling at me so there's no blog material there. Hayden still says some dang funny crap and does cute stuff but when you're out of the habit of blogging it just gets tucked into your memory instead of on the computer. I'm not gonna say I'm taking a break- wouldn't wanna cause anyone to roll their eyes at me! But, I will say that I would really like to pick it back up again I just don't know if I'll be able to. Honestly, my hats off to those of you who find time to update and make me smile! Each morning I hit the floor running and work away at laundry and little bits of exercise and chores. Plus, I spend a ton of time playing and cuddling with Camden. We try and venture out to the park or shopping or lunch with friends a few times a week. But really my days are jam packed and there are only so many hours in a day. However, in the Spirit of Ashley I am gonna do A LIST!

Reasons Why I Never Blog Anymore

1) I do at least 3 loads of laundry a day which takes a ton of time and sucks royally...

2) My entire family is sharing one computer (6 people x 1 computer = no blogging)

3) I have a 7 month old baby who is already pulling up, crawling, and generally being a big handful!

4) I have been preparing a big home cooked meal every night and it takes me at least 2 hours between the baby and preparation not to mention cleanup and whatnot. Ugh! Remind me why family dinner is important again?!

5) I am cheating on my blog with Facebook. It's express blogging! Much faster and easier and like 10 times the comments :)

6) I've been spending a little bit of time exercising, which is much better for my butt than the desk chair.

7) I am having a love affair with my iPhone and this nifty game called Words with Friends. It's superb!

8) I've lost the knack! I 100% think I am way too boring for blogging words... Really, I don't know what to blog about anymore

9) I let myself get out of the habit, unfortunately.

10) If I'm gonna take time to do something for myself it's not gonna be on the computer. I'm gonna read a book or get a pedicure or something.

11) Having a much desired baby come into an already hectic, nutty, household has kicked my butt- but good! I have said that before but I don't think anyone realizes unless you have a kid who is crying, nursing, getting into crap or whining to be held. Plus, his 30 minute naps unless he's on his mom's tittay are also a factor. If I ever get pregnant again... so help me Lord.

12) My stomach problems. I finally had an ultrasound today and hope it shows what's wrong. If not I have to go in for an endoscopy. There are days when I have a million things planned but if my tummy is acting up I barely leave the couch or get to eat. Case in point- I recently lost 7 pounds in 5 days.

I think that pretty much sums it up. I reallyreallyreally love my blog and I love to read all of my friend's blogs but there just aren't enough hours in the day. Keep checking mine and I'll keep checking yours ;) I may just surprise you one day and update this bad boy. I love all of y'all to bits and I am so so grateful for the friendships, memories, and support that have been born since I started blogging. Muah!

a recent "project"- one current pic of each kiddo (wait, how did I have time to do that??)

Hiatus

Ok, so I'm taking a "break" from blogging. And, before you groan and roll your eyes let me explain. Before I had Camden I was in a funk and would waste countless hours on the computer. In that time I developed friendships that I truly treasure now and would be lost without. But, I also developed a bad habit of not managing my time and ignoring more important things. It wasn't unusual for me to check my email 20 times a day or refresh my blog to see if someone commented over and over... and then it was Facebook. Oh my goodness, Facebook! I love it! I love the rekindled friendships and the new connections. I won't mention blog surfing and online shopping and etc etc... But now, I simply cannot keep up. With my kids, my chores, cooking, homework, you name it. I have been trying to keep up my "online life" but it's causing me to suffer in ways I never imagined- like when I got a moment I would read blogs or Facebook instead of showering and when I was ready to bathe, Camden would have a screaming gassy fit and guess what? No shower that day! Or, I would stay up late and browse online and not go to bed with my hubby and before you knew it, it was 2am and my kids needed to be up at 6. I still try and read every one's blogs and I do get on Facebook but it's usually a quick check on my iPhone, so I don't keep my butt glued to the office chair (which is getting flat in the seat area, hmmm). I love my blog and I love that y'all read and love it. But, I HAVE to start prioritizing. I am just waaaay too busy to waste time on the computer. This is in no way an insult to those of you who love to blog and still have time for it, keep it up. It makes the rare 10 minutes a day I do get online (usually to add lunch money to the kid's school accounts or check the weather) all the more enjoyable. I will TRY and blog here and there, but it's no longer #1 or even #8 on my priority list. Keep me on a reader, check here and there. I still have a list of things to write about and pics to post, someday.... I LOVE YOU GUYS! And, I hope that y'all still want updates on me and the kiddos, so at the very least I will try and keep y'all updated on the family.