tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14092894254522259642024-02-18T20:52:33.619-08:00Family Hillosophyashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-3546173526065760502012-08-20T13:04:00.000-07:002012-08-20T13:04:33.140-07:00I Have a Confession...Our family has gotten into a really bad habit. I'm almost ashamed to admit it. Mainly because when I was growing up, my dad would have never allowed this to happen. Are you ready to hear my confession? We have been eating dinner on the couch. Every. Night. It started out just a few times a week. Sienna would be watching a movie while we made dinner and we (including Eastan) would just join her when it was time to eat. But like all bad habits, it was a slippery slope. Before I knew it, each night we were on the couch instead of eating together as a family. I guess, technically, we were eating as a family. But I don't think that really counts because not much conversation was happening unless it was Sienna asking about "Sweeping Bootee" (Sleeping Beauty for those who don't speak Sienna).<br />
I said earlier, that my dad would never allow this to happen when I was growing up. Mornings were rushed with my brother and I getting ready for school. My dad worked long hours, especially during the summer. So, dinner time was about the only time we all sat down together. Occasionally, we would "accidentally" leave the kitchen television on, but my dad was quick to turn it off.<br />
During the Olympics, I told Nick that we really needed to start eating dinner at the table. As a family. He agreed and said that as soon as the Olympics were over, we would quit eating in the living room. Well, a week passed by and nothing changed. Until yesterday!<br />
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We made the announcement to the kids that we would no longer be eating on the couch. Sienna asked to sit next to Eastan instead of sitting in her high chair. She loved it. I loved the conversation that we all had. Nick and Sienna did a cheers for new beginnings. I know, we are cheesy like that!<br />
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p.s. Please don't judge that Sienna is eating a pancake and Eastan is eating pizza. Today, is the day we are incorporating a well-balanced meal to our list of new beginnings.ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-89535354434005546972012-08-16T11:42:00.002-07:002012-08-16T18:17:53.817-07:00Boy In the BoxIt all began when <a href="http://pjhope.org/Ministries.cfm" target="_blank">Eduardo</a>, one of our staff in Nicaragua, asked for a new puppet for his Children's Ministry. Eduardo is working on his ventriloquist skills and found a ventriloquist puppet online that he wanted to purchase. I ordered the puppet for him in late May and the gestation process of this particular puppet was five weeks.<br />
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The puppet arrived in his birthday suit and Sienna quickly named him Boy in the Box. We limited her play time with Boy in the Box because we didn't want her to get him dirty. So, Boy in the Box sat in his box in the supply room.</div>
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Today, Sienna and I went shopping for Boy in the Box. We needed to get him clothes because heaven for bid, he travel all the way to Nicaragua in his birthday suit. While we were shopping at K-Mart for his clothes, Sienna kept saying, "Get clothes for Boy in the Box." Each time she said it, I looked around waiting to be questioned why I had a boy in a box. I'm still waiting for the police to show up.</div>
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When we got to the office, Sienna and I dressed Boy in the Box. They were reunited again. They spent their last hours together watching a Barbie movie (Sienna's choice, not his). Then it was time for Boy in the Box to go back to his box so that he can travel to Nicaragua on Sunday. There were a few tears shed but after Sienna gave him kisses, she knew it was time to say goodbye.
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"So happy together!"</div>
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Holding Hands</div>
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Watching Barbie</div>
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"Daddy, is it okay if Boy in the Box takes me to the movies?"</div>
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ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-42524873404486410952012-03-09T09:49:00.000-08:002012-03-09T10:07:02.568-08:00Canapé IleIn case you don't speak French, like me, Canape Ile means Couch Island. (Google Translate comes in handy!) Canape Ile is where Sienna and I have spent the week. As luxurious as this sounds (because everything sounds better in French) I can tell you that it is not a place to vacation. I will be posting my critique on Travel Advisor later today. But because I care so much about you all, I want you to hear it first hand. Do not travel to Canape Ile. Here is a short review:<br />
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Environment: Used tissues surround me. To the left, I see a used tissue. To the right, you guess it! A used tissue. Dirty dishes and random items like bottles of nail polish linger around. They really need to hire more maids for this resort.<br />
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Entertainment: Entertainment consists of Tangled, Curious George, Blues Clues, Cat in the Hat, and the occasional adult show while my travel companion is napping. Luckily the accommodations include WiFi, but one can only look at FaceBook, Pinterest, other random sites for so long before going crazy.<br />
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Language: The primary language spoken at Canape Ile is English. However, at times another language is spoken that I am not familiar with and Google Translator can help this time! The best way I can describe the language is tribal-like, with some whining and pointing.<br />
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Travel Companions: If I were stuck on an island or Ile, if you will, I wouldn't want to be with anyone else besides Sienna (other than Nick and Eastan, of course). Despite our living conditions and current health, she has been a trooper. Probably a better patient than me.<br />
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Conclusion - Two thumbs down for Canape Ile.<br />
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ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-90717328492174922982012-03-02T10:48:00.000-08:002012-03-02T10:48:01.947-08:00What do I know...of Holy?Nick likes to tease me about how I can meet a stranger and quickly befriend them. My involvement with Project H.O.P.E. has blessed me with friendships that under different circumstances, I would never have met these people. One person that I am so blessed to call my friend is Shyanne Thompson. Although she is only 20 (yes she was born when I was in 7th grade), she inspires me more than many of my elders. I met Shyanne last summer while she interned for Project H.O.P.E. in Nicaragua. We only spent one week together, but kept in contact throughout the summer. I was able to spend an entire week with her in September.<br />
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I will be the first to admit that Shyanne and I don't have a lot in common. She is a single girl, has grown up as a daughter of missionaries, she is loves to shop at the Goodwill, is a very talented photographer, her lip is pierced...I could go on and on. Despite the differences, I admire Shyanne for so many reasons but I admire her most for her love for God.<br />
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Shyanne was recently accepted to <a href="http://www.theworldrace.org/" target="_blank">The World Race</a> and will be traveling to 11 countries during an 11 month period. Why would she want to do this? I'll let her tell you:<br />
<i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">"I want to be a radical who sways to the movement of God’s hand. I don’t want to be a part of the traditional American dream. I want more. I want to go to the places that most </span></span><span style="line-height: 25px;">wouldn't</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">. I want to be the warrior that challenges the enemy and know that I am covered in the armor of God. I want to be in the places doing the things that most don’t even want to acknowledge the existence of. I want to be challenged and stretched. I want to experience God’s love and magnificence in a way that I have never experienced it before. I want God to be in complete control of my life." </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></i><br />
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That is one of the many reasons Shyanne inspires me. Her latest blog post also inspired me. I created this blog to share and capture the random things that happen in our family, but I never thought about sharing my faith with others, even my close friends. But when I read Shyanne's post, I thought, "Wow. She is so bold in sharing her faith. Why don't I ever write about my faith in God or what God is doing in my life or in my family's life?"<br />
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It's really a simple question for me to answer. I don't do it because I'm scared. I'm scared that I will sound "too religious" or "too preachy" or "too corny." I'm not going to do that anymore. God is my life. My relationship with Him is everything to me. I do not deserve to have the life that I have now but because of God's grace, I am blessed with an amazing husband and two amazing kids. <br />
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I'm at a point in my life where I feel God is calling me to do so much more for Him. As a wife and mom of two children, I know that I can't join The World Race but I know there is always more for me to do. I'm praying daily that God shows Nick and me what we can do more as a family to serve Him and share His love with others. I'll keep you updated!<br />
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In the meantime, read this <a href="http://physicalgraffitii.tumblr.com/post/18075426587" target="_blank">post </a>from Shyanne. It's based off of one of my favorite songs by <a href="http://youtu.be/N6J5TzSE_18" target="_blank">Addison Road</a>.<br />
What do I know of Holy?ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-43128240592991130302012-03-02T09:46:00.000-08:002012-03-02T09:46:35.502-08:00Six MonthsAlthough I have the best of intentions to post blogs on a weekly basis, it has been SIX months since my last post. I feel like I should be making a confession to my small group of followers: Dear followers, it has been six months since my last post. Please forgive me.<br />
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I'm sure you have had many sleepless nights wondering what has been going on in the Hill family. Here is a quick rundown, so you can now sleep at night:<br />
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<li>Eastan turned 13! Yes, he is a teenager!</li>
<li>Nick and I went with our good friends Jim and Heather to Las Vegas</li>
<li>Nick turned 31 and we celebrated in Vegas. </li>
<li>We got to spend much needed quality time with our dear friends Nick and Aubrey</li>
<li>The entire family traveled with my parents and my grandma to Florida. Sienna had her first beach experience and loved it.</li>
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I promise to have more creative posts later. I write them in my head all the time (I'm crazy like that), they just don't come to fruition on paper, er...computer.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick, Aubrey, Ashley & Nick</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad, Sienna, Nick and Eastan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My grandma and mom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even teenagers love to play in the sand.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doughnuts are always better in Florida!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLyqzLLKGB5qpWc2MyHrJD4kb1HF4zFfqBZIVb2XcwfQFibWsQGwFcN7vPZVCcJXc9gUwIEd06akhtfcNBpzgfnQhPnP3QvcBBNXUJ5QEy_KgfERVnx39DHZsYkfXOpyMpIVY-b9bqH6R/s1600/IMG_2355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLyqzLLKGB5qpWc2MyHrJD4kb1HF4zFfqBZIVb2XcwfQFibWsQGwFcN7vPZVCcJXc9gUwIEd06akhtfcNBpzgfnQhPnP3QvcBBNXUJ5QEy_KgfERVnx39DHZsYkfXOpyMpIVY-b9bqH6R/s320/IMG_2355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sienna & Papa</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwunERHIGZOxcuTfneLUS7342nRoYW0tt3FAtDk-acXGU8Od7REeHxmNn8-ITKOoxfoQPLYUqgzzx6bEXKoTy-Rjxff4cAG5plIhO4RMk1_PjAlOgR3Fdu_0BOpEnj3AlHtwaxOJY_iIj/s1600/IMG_2372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwunERHIGZOxcuTfneLUS7342nRoYW0tt3FAtDk-acXGU8Od7REeHxmNn8-ITKOoxfoQPLYUqgzzx6bEXKoTy-Rjxff4cAG5plIhO4RMk1_PjAlOgR3Fdu_0BOpEnj3AlHtwaxOJY_iIj/s320/IMG_2372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1o4sit_9FDNFAVLBQF8DzP-8EofeA-EcEfr4vWHi9zpkBD45cRjuRTjvkO-Y2vQKho9ShqVY6WGz4_p5qR-KtlkNpY7hglzalML8lTWm40HoKjyz3jdZKcmCSTjIUevcOXTjJBDl1HcL/s1600/IMG_2375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1o4sit_9FDNFAVLBQF8DzP-8EofeA-EcEfr4vWHi9zpkBD45cRjuRTjvkO-Y2vQKho9ShqVY6WGz4_p5qR-KtlkNpY7hglzalML8lTWm40HoKjyz3jdZKcmCSTjIUevcOXTjJBDl1HcL/s320/IMG_2375.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset in Florida</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegas love</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNGCxwBf_I-CAaFSLPGNeJtm9WnGHhrY_V57d6Ka3uU3vjLWzDKHi4C6HlDN7gb5P2_taP0JSmEcdCZkaouHVajW7HfslCYoOfoe96bl8iairxQWLg4njNkBJ2_ad2viWI47Tj0YxFU3w/s1600/IMG_2261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNGCxwBf_I-CAaFSLPGNeJtm9WnGHhrY_V57d6Ka3uU3vjLWzDKHi4C6HlDN7gb5P2_taP0JSmEcdCZkaouHVajW7HfslCYoOfoe96bl8iairxQWLg4njNkBJ2_ad2viWI47Tj0YxFU3w/s320/IMG_2261.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim and Heather</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDq6oTP1QQXeBC5cH-_GGP4nUd7wDcf1aopKqlAUdvOe7pUpatEkLQZspRH8AoAXDGqQXn5ouN1ekWJepMuE1k67srJX4j3eUmH6eAQB4nY1m8od-Qfokgw50APrtUdvY2puZgX3VPdx1H/s1600/IMG_2264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDq6oTP1QQXeBC5cH-_GGP4nUd7wDcf1aopKqlAUdvOe7pUpatEkLQZspRH8AoAXDGqQXn5ouN1ekWJepMuE1k67srJX4j3eUmH6eAQB4nY1m8od-Qfokgw50APrtUdvY2puZgX3VPdx1H/s320/IMG_2264.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-81190328020496067842011-09-02T09:51:00.000-07:002011-09-02T09:51:23.173-07:00PB&J Face<br />
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Sienna loves her PB&J. She has a very specific way to eat the sandwich, too. She pulls it apart and licks all the peanut butter and jelly off the bread. This usually ends up with her smearing the peanut butter and jelly ALL OVER her face. Once she gets all of the inside goodness, she will proceed to eat the bread. It's the cutest thing but not fun to clean up. I love that girl!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGclJqfsOwltIxi1NkxHnGyMhFSrvxoVYSIKwiuRUeh_3onBmV2g33xmLMYZvL91ldWPqX-Nf4aEEQ3PeA8mZljrYlGKc3m3H4FcQwJr_PBSuTIo0WkXdwj9SUCFZEdQhcrVYoaNl4mYq/s1600/Sienna+PBJ+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGclJqfsOwltIxi1NkxHnGyMhFSrvxoVYSIKwiuRUeh_3onBmV2g33xmLMYZvL91ldWPqX-Nf4aEEQ3PeA8mZljrYlGKc3m3H4FcQwJr_PBSuTIo0WkXdwj9SUCFZEdQhcrVYoaNl4mYq/s320/Sienna+PBJ+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI3zGHtC8H5uA_Wiecb5dtqj47fW0_LR7j3AiPlKKdt5oDzztwosqzj33Ad8YWM5Z_QuVQytpFCKkcBNANe-zsry1OGF6BVR3ZM8XS0P3LtLeJu_W68QTG8Q1fY5GTDj_7YJo0VHkS4OT/s1600/Sienna+PBJ+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI3zGHtC8H5uA_Wiecb5dtqj47fW0_LR7j3AiPlKKdt5oDzztwosqzj33Ad8YWM5Z_QuVQytpFCKkcBNANe-zsry1OGF6BVR3ZM8XS0P3LtLeJu_W68QTG8Q1fY5GTDj_7YJo0VHkS4OT/s320/Sienna+PBJ+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-3648590726569851632011-08-30T13:19:00.000-07:002011-08-30T13:21:39.467-07:00A Time to Rest<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSwQkMWm3Kqs7ig9QCT99xq_rHGNBhAs2ZcnAXXqrgl2PohvhPBQRUPpVOLuTC-i4FTFl6hToD-UNSRkCTpIGZQ-_X6KWr8fzTvvhs_Wx3TSzn4uZrebkz6zvmvMxJz-HSnp3GDm8i9RV/s1600/Eastan+first+day+7th+grade.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSwQkMWm3Kqs7ig9QCT99xq_rHGNBhAs2ZcnAXXqrgl2PohvhPBQRUPpVOLuTC-i4FTFl6hToD-UNSRkCTpIGZQ-_X6KWr8fzTvvhs_Wx3TSzn4uZrebkz6zvmvMxJz-HSnp3GDm8i9RV/s320/Eastan+first+day+7th+grade.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646746637451769858" /></a>
<br /><p class="MsoNormal">Eastan is now in 7th grade. Where does the time go? He started Cross Country and has practice every day after school. On the first full week of school, Eastan came to me with a very serious request. It was around 8:30 p.m. and I was sitting in the kitchen catching up on my work email. The conversation went like this:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Eastan: Mom, can we sit down and plan a time for me to have just, like 30 minutes of down time. You know, where I can just relax and not do anything.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Me: (Remember, I am at my computer...answering emails...just finished making dinner, cleaning up dinner, etc) What do you mean?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Eastan: Well, I just had to run around all day after school and then when I got home, I didn't have any time to relax. Each time I started to relax, I had to get up and jump over another fence.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Me: Sure, we can do that. Didn't you watch a movie in your room for like 45 minutes?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Eastan: Well, I did but I had to stop because Dad told me I had to sweep off the back porch.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Me: (Trying to be as sweet as possible without laughing in his face) Ok, we will sit down and plan a time for you to relax.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Eastan then went off to bed and I finished answering emails. Oh, to be a seventh grader!</p>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-39337804058229413532011-03-15T15:44:00.000-07:002011-03-15T16:03:00.473-07:00Random ThoughtsI went to the gym yesterday. It was a dreary and cold day. The kind of day where all you really want to do is throw on your comfy clothes and eat comfort food. But, I summed up all the positive energy I had inside me (which was NOT a lot) and made myself go. While I was there I had a few random thoughts.<br /><br />1. Wouldn't it be awesome if there was some one standing at the door when you entered the gym cheering you on? Something like this, "Good job! Way to drag yourself to the gym! You are going to feel so much better when you are done! You're a rockstar!"<br /><br />2. Hairy legs are bad when all you have in your gym bag are shorts. When you combine that with legs that haven't seen the sun in about seven months, it gets worse. The unltimate is hairy legs, that haven't seen the sun in seven months with sock and jean lines!<br /><br />3. A few people from the gym acted like they hadn't seen me in forever...probably because they haven't. But I felt the need to tell them that I HAVE been working out at home. Why do I feel the need to convience them of that???<br /><br />4. In the same respect as #1...There should be a person standing at the door when you leave congratulating you of your accomplishment. "Look at you! You did it! Don't you feel better? You already look skinnier than you did when you walked in the door! You are going to look HOT in a swimsuit this summer!" Some people might think that's a little over the top and borderline harrassment but not me! I'm vain like that.ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-19092128604896721142011-03-06T15:30:00.000-08:002011-03-06T15:44:23.323-08:00Nothing Like ThisLast night, I went to a <a href="http://www.rascalflatts.com/">Rascal Flatts</a> concert with my long time friend Allison. Here are a few things I learned.<br /><br />1. If you are a popular male country singer, you can get away with wearing glittery jeans and button up shirt.<br /><br /><br />2. <a href="http://www.lukebryan.com/index.php?page=music">Rain is a good thing</a><br /><br /><br />3. A guy named <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Don_Rooney">Joe Don</a> can actually be cute...well, maybe only if he is in a popular country band and plays a guitar<br /><br /><br />4. Although it's been a long time since I've listened to country music, I'm still pretty fond of it!<br /><br /><br />5. Some friends you can go years without seeing (literally years) and pick up right where you left off. Those are the kind of friends you will have forever. Cherish those friendships. Thanks Allison for a great night!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 257px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 221px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581116057813740066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhSlZSJlSLw-wvxx7lGf7h2M6m3hm3qnnxaEwU4HUORDEduhbnD1EEqEacA351fon2lb3L6rh8xtQAR4kOFJMLuWvKCDR4j2uvZk2OsmxLwhB_vwO6-2DRDxHsyIcmorbQ8VmlNGdAkxj/s320/Ash+Al.jpg" />ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-54571895989555531432011-02-20T08:34:00.000-08:002011-02-20T08:58:15.198-08:00Viking in Training<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qboZ17bhyscqcS7BDdXWp0mbCPMOiHR2-sqA1dDwTHiNO3CLF0toAPy1WGz0XdDI4I8z7-GofXkdgYImSXUA02kECMv2a3odVBmUUFviW-xeDTjtnhr96TUtLr31V0l7sI_AIguEa1c7/s1600/Vikings.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 92px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575816350596184370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qboZ17bhyscqcS7BDdXWp0mbCPMOiHR2-sqA1dDwTHiNO3CLF0toAPy1WGz0XdDI4I8z7-GofXkdgYImSXUA02kECMv2a3odVBmUUFviW-xeDTjtnhr96TUtLr31V0l7sI_AIguEa1c7/s200/Vikings.png" /></a><br /><div>Nick and his buddies have a floating group called <a href="http://rivervikings.com/">The River Vikings</a>. I don't think I have written about them before, but some of you know who they are. For those of you that don't...you are better off.</div><br /><div>The River Vikings planned a day float for this Saturday. Nick thought it was time for Eastan to go floating with the Vikings. Eastan was very excited about going on the float. On Thursday night, he came down with a temperature of 100 degrees. He ended up staying home from school on Friday but as the day went on, he started to feel better. Before he went to bed, his temperature returned. Nick told him that if he wasn't feeling well in the morning, he wouldn't be able to go on the float. Eastan was very upset and told Nick he was sure that he would feel better. He took a Tylenol and went to bed. In the morning, his temp was gone and Eastan joined the Vikings. </div><br /><div>When Eastan returned from the float, he immediately told me that he earned $30. I figured he earned the money by hauling some one's canoe to the car. I should have known better. I mean, he was with the Vikings, after all! </div><br /><div>Here's the story:</div><br /><div>He was standing on a rock by the river. Micah told him that he would pay him $10 to jump into the river. Paul joined in and said he would pay him $20. Fully clothed, Eastan took the challenge and jumped in. When his head popped out of the water he said, "I've been sick. My mom isn't going to be happy." The water was very cold and E was a little panicked. He changed into his dry clothes (thanks for being prepared Nick) and went on the float.</div><br /><div>About four hours later...the fever was back. </div><br /><div>To be a Viking, you have to earn your horns. The official word hasn't been given, but I think Eastan's horns are budding.</div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-10808982122644125542011-02-05T19:19:00.000-08:002011-02-05T19:19:52.451-08:00Snow Much Fun<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Eastan</span>, Sienna and I have been snowed in since Tuesday morning. Other than the occasional visit from Mrs. Irritable, I think I've managed better than expected. Technically, I could make it out but Nick has been driving my car to work every day. I decided that taking the risk of getting stuck in the Civic with Sienna and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Eastan</span> was not worth it!<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Eastan</span> has played in the snow EVERY DAY. Even when the wind chill was around 10 degrees. He LOVES it. He gets super hyper. And laughs A LOT. Sienna is a different story. She also LOVES being outside. She will actually fuss when you bring her inside. Unlike <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Eastan</span>, she is extremely serious while outside. She doesn't even crack a smile. It's like she is just taking it all in.<br /><br />Today was the first day all four of us played outside. We met Josh, Zoe, Link, Mary and Shannon at Mary's house and went sledding. We had a blast. Here are a few pictures.<br /><br /><br /><a style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1em; MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; CLEAR: right" href="http://goo.gl/photos/gdFb3oTZlb" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_ORQhVMVSd9s/TU4NEZKoGWE/AAAAAAAAApI/OaY01_2be3Y/s160-c/SnowMuchFun.jpg" /></a>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-11691629690879632312011-01-11T19:27:00.000-08:002011-01-11T19:27:39.163-08:00Pictures from my trip<a style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1em; MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; CLEAR: right" href="http://goo.gl/photos/FSzaxbha5L" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ORQhVMVSd9s/TSqLwBjnPXE/AAAAAAAAAnI/CSn99apgbk8/s160-c/NicaraguaJanuary2011.jpg" /></a>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-40616714884091496172011-01-07T19:04:00.000-08:002011-01-07T20:35:35.224-08:00** Please note that my spellcheck is only working in Spanish and I'm too tired to proof this before hitting "post." Ignore any typos or other mistakes!<br /><br />The last time I was in Nicaragua was in March of 2001. I would have never thought that it would take me ten years to return or that when I did return, I would be returning as an employee of Project H.O.P.E. I was reminded over and over again that God has a plan for everyone.<br />Most of the day was spent meeting each staff member of Project H.O.P.E. I was able to learn about each person's role in the ministry and how God brought them to PH. Story after story, I was amazed. I'll give you a quick example:<br />Freddy is a 17 year old who met "PH" when he was 15. His sister was receiving a house through one of PH's building projects. A "gringo" by the name of Chuck took Freddy under his wing. Freddy said that he was amazed at the love Chuck showed him. He was amazed that some one could love him that much. Freddy knew his family loved him...they had to because they were his family. But Chuck, a complete stranger, was showing him unconditional love. Freddy began to work at PH as the librarian. Keep in mind, he was only 15 at the time. He speaks fluent English and is completely self-taught! His main job now is to work with the teams to interpret between the gringos and the Nicas and to work with the children's ministry. Just today he took the exam (and is pretty confident he will pass) to get into the University. Freddy said without PH, he knows that he would have atleast one child by now and living on the streets. My short story doesn't do Freddy justice. He is one special guy!<br /><br />The second half of my day was spent at the hospital. Jerson, one of the staff has started a hospital ministry. I didn't know what to expect when my dad told me that Jerson would be taking us there. I wish I could have taken pictures because I really don't think I can describe it to you. First, not all hospitals in Nicaragua are like this, but this is the one you would be in if your family didn't have much money...which is most of the population. You know those creepy, run down hospitals you would see in a scary movie? The ones that are probably 60 years old, paint peeling on the walls, old concrete floors? With the exception of it being dark with no lights on, that should help paint the picture. There is only 1 nurse for every 80 patients! You only get visited by the nurse once a day and you only receive one meal in the hospital. If you want to eat more than once, your family will have to bring you food. The IV bags are old, rusty and one of them I saw had so much gooey gunk on it, I'm not really sure what it was. We visited with five patients and their families. I cried two of the five times. And to think that we complain about our hospitals! I mean, I was upset when our insurance changed back to Cox because if we had another baby, I might not get my own room! About 20% of the people in that hospital die because they won't receive proper care. They will only receive medicine if their families are their to pay for it up front.<br />So, that was my day in a nutshell. I really have so much more to say...so if you want to hear more, catch up with me some time. I'm more than happy to share!ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-37741612133577947672011-01-06T21:44:00.000-08:002011-01-06T22:05:29.333-08:00ResolutionsI'm not a huge New Year Resolution person. But one resolution I am making is to blog more. I think I can accomplish this goal buy not making my blogs so long. I tend to put pressure on myself to write "the perfect post." It's just not realistic. A post can be short and sweet but still tell a good story.<br /><br />Second resolution is to not sweat the small stuff. In the big picture, all the little things I worry about everyday aren't worth the energy. So what if Sienna is up for three hours one night...so what if my house isn't in perfect order and there is dog hair on the floor...so what if Eastan decides to wear his backpack 24/7? I'm going to loosen up and enjoy life. It's way too short to not enjoy!<br /><br />I arrived to Nicaragua today and I'm going to post a little bit each day about my trip. Here's a teaser:<br /><br />5 things I saw on my way to HOPE Central<br />1. Two guys on motorcycles racing down the street. No headlights. No helmets.<br />2. A guy peeing on the sidewalk. Luckily his back was turned toward me.<br />3. Christmas lights<br />4. Lots of trash on the streets<br />5. I got to watch my dad talk to Eddy (one of the guys who has worked with PH for years) in Spanish. He is so enthusiastic, laughing the entire way to the base. This is truly his passion and I'm so blessed to be sharing it with him.ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-86719821992167891042010-04-28T08:02:00.000-07:002010-04-28T08:07:17.199-07:00Final Day!Today is the LAST full day of being pregnant. Unless, I am in labor for a LONG time tomorrow... which I hope is not the case.<br /><br />Here is a little snapshot of the months leading up to Sienna's arrival. WARNING: Belly pics are included and I'm in my undies in one picture!<br /><br />Now I'm off for a walk! One last attempt to go into labor on my own!<br /><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: 194px"><tbody><tr><td style="BACKGROUND: url(http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left 50%; HEIGHT: 194px" align="middle"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/107593409799589930578/PregnantAndPreparingForSienna?feat=embedwebsite"><img style="MARGIN: 1px 0px 0px 4px" height="160" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ORQhVMVSd9s/S9g6WpyQw6E/AAAAAAAAAU4/oAuoDXFz9z4/s160-c/PregnantAndPreparingForSienna.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="FONT-SIZE: 11px; FONT-FAMILY: arial,sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: #4d4d4d; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://picasaweb.google.com/107593409799589930578/PregnantAndPreparingForSienna?feat=embedwebsite">Pregnant and Preparing for Sienna</a></td></tr></tbody></table>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-48626313209166407502010-04-22T14:21:00.000-07:002010-04-22T14:59:06.189-07:00279279: Number of days I have been pregnant<br />39 & 6: Number of weeks & days I have been pregnant<br />9 & 3/4: Number of months I have been pregnant<br />1: Day left before my due date<br />6: Realistic number of days left in in my pregnancy<br /><br />Either way you look at it, I've been pregnant a long <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">freakin</span>' time! Although I know it's not any longer than most women, when it's your body, it seems like a long time. Why do "they" say women are pregnant for nine months when it's really 10?<br /><br />This morning, I was getting ready for my doctor appointment and in a very optimistic mood. Our bags have been packed and ready for a few weeks now. The only items missing are those that will have to wait until last minute such as toothbrush, makeup, deodorant, etc. So, before the doctor appointment, I packed the remaining items and loaded the bags into the car. I was sure something would happen either during the appointment or while I was running errands after. My optimism failed me.<br /><br />My doctor told me I haven't had any change in the past two weeks. I'm still only dilated to 2 cm and 50% effaced. She said she would be surprised if I progressed on my own...although I could surprise her by coming in with my water broken. She scheduled me to be induced on Wednesday night. Nick and I will check into the hospital Wednesday night at 8 p.m. I will have a pill inserted that will soften my cervix, sleep through the night (if we aren't too anxious), and then start <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pitocin</span> in the morning. At least I have a deadline in my head. I'm disappointed but having a set date helps.<br /><br />I have joked that I have an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">uber</span> cozy womb and Sienna just isn't ready to leave. My other theory is that Sienna is shy like I was as a child (I know, hard to imagine, right?) and isn't ready to meet all the people who are anxiously waiting to meet her. Either way, here I am...still pregnant.ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-42030600025130748142010-04-16T18:31:00.001-07:002010-04-16T19:04:15.795-07:00With only a few days (hopefully) left of being pregnant, I have been thinking a lot about what I will look forward to when I am no longer with child. Nick and I plan to have another baby, but in the case those plans change, I want to make sure I remember the good things about being pregnant. Although I am not one of those girls who "love being pregnant," I can't complain about this pregnancy at all. Other than bouts of heartburn, typical pregnancy pains, and having to pee every 10 minutes, it's been a good ride. So, here is a short rundown of what I will miss when I am no longer pregnant.<br /><br />Hiccups: Sienna has hiccups multiple times a day. It's so funny to watch my belly jump in a rhythmic motion.<br />Attention: I remember after I had Eastan, I suddenly received no attention. It's a little bit of a shock because you go from everyone asking how you are doing to not even being greeted when you enter a room because people are so excited to see the baby. I mean, I can't even lift a staple at my office without some one trying to help me out. It's annoying at times, but really something I should have taken advantage of early on.<br />The Foot: I will miss feeling Sienna's foot as it pokes out from the side of my belly. I just picture this cute, little, perfectly round heel pushing from inside as Sienna stretches. I can't wait to see the little foot that causes me pain and joy at the same time!<br />The Basketball Palm: I will miss the way Nick palms my belly like a basketball with his giant hands. I'll also miss how he has this little laugh when he feels Sienna move. It's so cute.<br /><br />I'll save what I'm looking forward to so if I'm still pregnant next week, I will have something to blog about. Don't judge if that list is longer and I'm not as sentimental! :)ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-75471181159629827932010-03-12T08:38:00.000-08:002010-03-12T09:25:28.354-08:00Baby, Baby, BabyWe have approximately 42 days until Sienna arrives. Here is a quick rundown of what the Hills are doing to prepare for "Sugar Bottoms."<br /><br />I have entered, what I believe is the nesting period. Last week, I made a list of things we needed to do around the house before D-Day. If you were to come by our house last Sunday, you would have found me scrubbing the toilet and the shower with Nick's toothbrush. Don't worry, he had a new one to replace it! Nick cleaned the windows in the house along with the cars and garage. We still have a few more projects but nothing that can't get done in a weekend.<br /><br />We started our Basic Childbirth Classes on Monday. We opted for the "basic" three week class instead of the six week, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lamaze</span>-type class. As I didn't take classes when I was pregnant with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Eastan</span>, I didn't think I needed to learn all the breathing and coping techniques. I made it just fine without them 11 years ago. But since we are at a new hospital and this is Nick's first time in the delivery room, we decided a basic class would be beneficial. We did learn two new things.<br />1. Do not over stimulate the nipples. This could cause your uterus to contract and put you in early labor.<br />2. Do not give your self an enema. (Thanks for the advice. Don't think I would have anyway!)<br />To this, Nick responded, "There goes our weekend."<br /><br />I also stress about money. It has slowly progressed as we get closer to D-Day. We have been very blessed with AWESOME gifts from friends and family. Even so, there is so much more to buy. I was wide awake at 3 a.m. on Sunday morning adding everything up in my head. I couldn't stop stressing. I also find myself putting items back on the shelf at the grocery store. This weekend, I'm going to attempt to make my own laundry detergent. I know, it's that bad!<br /><br />I stole this from another blog. I wish I would have done this earlier on. Oh, well. There's always next time!<br /><br />How far along? 34 weeks.<br /><br />Total weight gain/loss: 24 lbs<br /><br />Maternity clothes? Yes. I can still pull off a few "regular" shirts if they are longer and have enough stretch to them.<br /><br />Stretch marks? Unfortunately, yes.<br /><br />Sleep: Depends on the night. Some nights I sleep really well and normally only get up once in the night to use the bathroom.<br /><br />Movement: Sienna is a pretty active little girl. I think she was doing aerobics last night. Some movements are starting to hurt a little.<br /><br />Food cravings: Last week, I ate a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">doughnut</span>. That's really not normal for me. As always, I crave french fries.<br /><br />Labor Signs: No<br /><br />Belly Button in or out? Still in.<br /><br />What I miss: Wine<br /><br />What I am looking forward to: Wineashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-15607112908083687632010-01-21T11:02:00.000-08:002010-01-21T12:42:48.847-08:00The Challenge is on!My friend <a href="http://chickletandducky.blogspot.com/">Carrie</a> recently wrote an entire blog about <a href="http://chickletandducky.blogspot.com/2010/01/donots.html">doughnuts</a> just because her husband challenged her to do so. He really didn't think it was possible, but she rose to the challenge and far exceeded all expectations.<br /><br />I was thinking about this random challenged and emailed Carrie a challenge of my own. Twice a month, Carrie and I will give each other a word and within three days, we will have to post a blog based on that word. We hope this will remedy our habit of neglecting our blogs and improve our creative writing skills.<br /><br />I think we were both a little easy on each other for this first round. You will have to read her blog to find out her challenge word. Mine is VACATION. So, here goes!<br /><br />As I sit here, almost 27 weeks pregnant, I have to admit that vacation has actually been on my mind quite often. More specifically, the <strong>lack of</strong> vacation Nick and I will be having in the next few years. If I had to guess, our trips to all-inclusive resorts in Mexico will soon be traded in for more family-friendly vacations.<br /><br />As most of you know, our circle of friends is experiencing a small baby boom. With us having kids around the same age, it should make for some great group family vacations. We have already discussed trips to Florida and Colorado. Both excite me, but Colorado holds a special place in my heart.<br /><br />My family, along with three other families, traveled to Colorado every year from the time I was in second grade to about high school. I have so many memories of these trips. In an effort to not make this the longest blog entry ever, here is a list of my top six memories (in no particular order).<br /><br />1. Ski School - As a shy child, I never liked ski school. As an adult, I'm glad my parents enrolled me each year until I was able to master my mad skiing skills. I was always the best girl on the slopes at our church ski trips. When Nick and I went skiing for our honeymoon, I was able to show him up on the slopes. Sorry, Sweetie but it's nice to be better than you in ONE sport! My most memorable ski school moment occurred when I was around eight years old. I was on the ski lift with another little girl and when she leaned over to do something, she fell right out of the lift! I was horrified! Afterward, a few people from the resort asked me questions about the incident. Being only eight, I thought I was being questioned. I was worried they thought I pushed her or something. Looking back, I know it was probably for their own liability reasons. Luckily for the little girl, we were on the bunny slope and I believe she only had a sprained arm.<br /><br />2. French Toast - My parents' friend Larry made the most awesome french toast in the morning before we hit the slopes. Yum! I wish I had some right now!<br /><br />3. Limousine - My parents' friend Rick owned a company that built and restored limousines. One year, we actually took one to Colorado. All of us (just the kids, not the adults) were so excited. We thought it was the coolest thing ever that we were riding in a limo to Colorado. It wasn't a fancy limo or anything because it was one that needed to be restored, but we didn't care! It was a LIMO ... with a TV! I think we even put "Colorado or Bust" on the outside with masking tape.<br /><br />4. "We're Walking" - Most of our parents had their own ski equipment but the kids always had rentals. It didn't make much sense to buy boots and skis for kids that would outgrown them each year. The men in the group would always work to get the best deal at the rental shop. (needed background information: of the four dads in the group, two were used car dealers and all four were pretty tight with their money) One year, we had all been fitted for our skis, poles and boots but Larry didn't like the price we were given. He told the guys at the rental place if they didn't give us a better deal, we would walk. A few minutes later we heard, "That's it. We are walking. Come on, kids." All seven kids dropped their skis, poles and boots and we walked out the door.<br /><br />5. Kudos - My dad always had a backpack filled with snacks when we were skiing. Kudos were always included in the mix. I can't look at a box of Kudos without thinking about our ski trips.<br /><br />6. Hot drinks - Before the boom of Starbucks and speciality coffees came to Springfield, Missouri, my mom and I discovered two delicious drinks called Latte & Cafe Mocha. For a few years, the only place we could find them were at the base of the mountain in Keystone. It was a special treat each year!<br /><br />Thanks, Mom and Dad for all the memories! I hope Nick and I will be able to provide many great vacation memories to Eastan, Sienna (and others).ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-20883896371668840552010-01-11T14:07:00.001-08:002010-01-11T14:37:35.823-08:00Holy Cow!So, I decided it was time for me to blog again. I just realized that I haven't posted a blog since OCTOBER. I'm sorry to all my loyal readers (all four of you).<br /><br />Really, a lot has happened since October. I think about blogging about it but then wonder, "Who really reads this that I don't see on a regular basis?" Then I move on to something else in my day and forget to blog.<br /><br />I can actually give you several reasons for not blogging on a regular basis. Number one reason being that I'm pretty OCD when it comes to writing. I worry about everything making sense. I worry about my grammar. I worry about not being creative and entertaining. Because of this, by the time I post my blog, two hours have past.<br /><br />Why do I worry so much about this, you ask? Mainly because I over think EVERYTHING I write. I've always been this way. In college, Nick and I would write a paper at the same time and you would think the communication major would always finish before the computer information systems major. Not in this case. Nick would ALWAYS finish before me and not by minutes but hours. I used to call him the King of BS because he just pulled stuff out of his butt where I would over think and make sure everything was perfect. I do the same with my blog. I know of at least four people who read my blog that would catch all my mistakes.<br />1. My sister-in-law Angela, the writer<br />2. My best friend Jessica, the English major/former English teacher/proofreader extraordinaire<br />3. My friend Aubrey, the BRAIN and Super Mom (just kidding, Aubrey. I couldn't resist)<br />4. My mom who always read my papers before I turned them in<br /><br />I could go on, but I'm writing this to say that a resolution of mine is to not let my OCD hold me back from writing on my blog. If I have mistakes, I know you all will love me anyway. If each post doesn't flow, you will keep reading....right???<br /><br />So, to make this quick, here is a run down of the last three months.<br />1. Nick finished his marathon in Memphis. He is truly amazing. He wanted to complete it around 3 hrs and 45 minutes. His final time was 3 hrs and 48 minutes. Not only is he the King of BS, he is a machine!<br /><br />2. Eastan worked very hard raising his grades from 1st quarter to 2nd. He went from no A's and a few F's to no F's, a few A's and mainly B's. Nick and I are very proud of him.<br /><br />3. We found out that we are having a girl. I will blog about that later!<br /><br />4. Eastan's winter break ran an extra week because of the weather. He was out for three weeks instead of two. Today is his first day back!<br /><br />5. Our friends Micah and Jessica had a baby girl in December. Emrie is so precious and I can't wait for her to meet her best friend in April!<br /><br />I'm sure that something is being left out...but I'm going to hit the "publish post" button now instead of worrying about it. Actually, I will re-read the post, spell check and then publish. OCD can't be cured in a day!ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-4086023543685397302009-10-28T08:34:00.000-07:002009-10-28T14:57:58.713-07:00The Blog Awards<p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAF7pI95znT8VGCxOutZpmtfbXSUc-x1lRgPgZQW-Z4OCl6Ln8w6kFM5NmkM7-HOxxR_rf4qI70cS9e-lKyHcE57RTiScqaa6RaJvg0b0-xP_u7SjegjjtjH7VkA0GisUN7K0e4lxNFNVp/s1600-h/fabulousaward.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397771778052965042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 153px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 189px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAF7pI95znT8VGCxOutZpmtfbXSUc-x1lRgPgZQW-Z4OCl6Ln8w6kFM5NmkM7-HOxxR_rf4qI70cS9e-lKyHcE57RTiScqaa6RaJvg0b0-xP_u7SjegjjtjH7VkA0GisUN7K0e4lxNFNVp/s200/fabulousaward.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>My great friend <a href="http://www.pettyfour.blogspot.com/">Aubrey</a> tagged my blog, along with 4 others, with the Fabulous Award. I don't know that my blog is very fabulous, especially when my post are so sporadic!<br /><br /><br />If you ask me, Aubrey's blog is the most fabulous of fab! According to Aubrey, she is the "least fabulous person she knows." Her reasons boil down to shopping exclusively at gap.com and oldnavy.com, her only handbag is a diaper bag, she doesn't watch T.V. other than Elmo, she loves to cook and read, she is a math teacher, and self-described nerd. Aubrey leaves the following information out:<br /><ul><li>she is the mom to two of the cutest girls ever </li><br /><li>she went from living in a small town in Oklahoma to residing in Baltimore, England, and currently in Germany</li><br /><li>not only is she a "math nerd," but she has amazing writing skills and I believe she majored or minored in English as well as Math - basically she is super smart</li></ul><p>The above qualities are just a few reasons why Aubrey's blog is FABULOUS. I especially enjoy it because it helps me feel connected to her and the rest of the PJs while they live so far away. </p><p>If I could, I would pass the award right back to Aubs. But there are rules for this award that I must stick to! Basically now that my blog has been tagged with the Fabulous Award, I have to share five things that I am currently obsessed with and pass the award onto five other blogs that I read.</p><p><strong>1. Weight:</strong> I know this is vain of me. I'm sure you are thinking, "Ashley, you are pregnant. This is the last thing you should be worried about. This is the time to GAIN weight and be happy about it." I know you are thinking that because these are things people have told me. You have to understand that when I was pregnant with Eastan, it was not a pretty site. You can ask my mom. This time around, I am trying to keep up with my regular workouts and watch what I eat. I'm not pregger-exic by any means. I just don't run to Sonic or McDonalds just because it sounds good. </p><p><strong>2. Christmas:</strong> I have always loved Christmas but this Christmas morning will be especially awesome! See <a href="http://familyhillosophy.blogspot.com/2009/10/best-christmas-present-ever.html">The Best Christmas Present EVER?</a> post.</p><p><br /><strong>3. iphone</strong>: Although I am not currently obsessed with this, I fear I will be soon. Nick and I are switching to AT&T on Sunday so we can have iphones. Nick is already obsessed and has been counting the days until our contract with Verizon is over. I have had the same piece of crap phone for two years and would be happy with any upgrade. I think my constant connection with the world via Facebook and the multiple apps that are available could soon consume me.</p><br /><br /><p><strong>4. Zits:</strong> This pregnancy is making my face breakout. Primarily from my left temple, across my forehead, and down to my right temple. I sort of freak out about it because the majority of my life, I have been pretty lucky in the complexion area. I'm not used to having breakouts. What makes it even more annoying is that these aren't the type of zits that want to pop. They just want to sit under my skin, just enough to show but not come to the surface. This makes me pick at them while I sit at my desk or in front of the mirror at night. It feels like they are ready to burst but in reality, they are just a big tease!</p><br /><br /><p><strong>5. Wilco: </strong>I don't know if this is a real obsession but I do love this band. <a href="http://www.wilcoworld.net/index.php">Wilco</a> is a band based out of Chicago that has been around for a number of years. If you aren't familiar with them, you should be. My brother introduced me to this band a few years ago. They are his favorite. I went to one of their concerts about 3 years ago and wasn't quite sure if I liked them. Then my brother gave me basically all of their music and I was hooked. </p><p>There are my five current obsessions. Maybe you learned something new about me today.<br />Now for the awards! My five favorite blogs are:</p><p>Carrie M. - <a href="http://chickletandducky.blogspot.com/">Chicklet & Ducky</a><br /></p><p>Carla - <a href="http://twotoseven.blogspot.com/">Two to Seven</a><br /></p><p>Angela - The Hill Hotspot</p><p>Carrie R. - <a href="http://reycarrie.blogspot.com/">Happy Together</a><br /></p><p>Stacy - <a href="http://silverwoodfamily.blogspot.com/">The Silverwood Family</a><br /></p><p>TAG - you're it!</p>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-71676600020974508592009-10-19T15:26:00.001-07:002009-10-19T16:02:01.405-07:00The Best Christmas Present EVER?I am sure you are thinking, "Christmas is a few months away. Why is Ashley writing about Christmas?" As you know, Christmas is my St. Nick's FAVORITE time of year. He loves Christmas and everything that surrounds it.<br /><br />He has a few more events to look forward to this holiday season. On December 5, he will be participating in the <a href="http://www.stjudemarathon.org/">St. Jude Marathon </a>in Memphis. He has been training very hard the past few months and I believe he will ROCK (pun intended) it out!<br /><br />The second big event in December is our ultrasound. On December 1, (assuming baby cooperation) we will find out if we are having a girl or a boy... or will we?<br /><br />My friend Crystal passed along this grand idea that since our ultrasound is in December, we should ask the ultrasound tech to not tell us the sex of the baby but ask her to write it down on a piece of paper and put it in a sealed envelope. Nick and I would then take the envelope home, wrap it in a "beautiful box with a BIG bow" and open it with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Eastan</span> on Christmas morning. I thought that was actually a really sweet idea, until our ultrasound was scheduled for December 1.<br />I mean, I'm really suppose to wait another 24 days to find out the sex of this little shrimp? Then I begin to think about how magical Christmas morning would be. I know, I am being a little dramatic. But really, think about it. We would be so excited on Christmas Eve. We would wake up like little kids, anxiously getting out of bed on Christmas morning to open our little gift. We could <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">re-wrap</span> the envelope and when we go to my parents house for Christmas breakfast, we can give them the present. And again when we go to Nick's parents.<br /><br />Nick is totally sold on the idea. Of course, he would be sold on something that would make Christmas even more awesome! It would be the best Christmas present ever. But what if I wanted to peek?ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-12596513428391858532009-07-30T19:01:00.000-07:002009-07-30T19:39:17.206-07:00How to Plan & Implement a Successful Man-date<strong></strong><br /><strong>Man-Date</strong>: (n) Night of man-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tivities</span> such as drinking beer and playing video games<br />ex. My husband and his friend Jason had a man-date on Thursday night.<br /><br /><strong>Step 1.</strong> Call your friend to set-up the date<br /><br /><strong>Step 2.</strong> Call your wife to consult on the dinner menu<br /><br /><strong>Step 3.</strong> Go to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Harter</span> House 24 hours prior to the man-date to purchase your steak & marinade<br /><br /><strong>Step 4</strong>. Place the steak in the marinade before you go to bed<br /><br /><strong>Step 5.</strong> Toss the steak around in the marinade before you go to work<br /><br /><strong>Step 6.</strong> Call your wife again to confirm the sides that will go with the steak<br /><br /><strong>Step 7.</strong> While you are at work, daydream about your night of man-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tivities</span><br /><br /><strong>Step 8.</strong> When you get home, make sure the house is clean<br /><br /><strong>Step 9.</strong> Start the grill<br /><br /><strong>Step 10.</strong> Pour a glass of wine<br /><br /><strong>Step 11.</strong> Wash the windows (yeah, I don't know) while you are waiting on the grill<br /><br /><strong>Step 12:</strong> Place your deliciously marinated steaks on the grill<br /><br /><strong>Step 13.</strong> Eat your wonderfully crafted dinner of steak, sweet potato chips and corn on the cob<br /><br /><strong>Step 14.</strong> Lock your wife up in the bedroom<br /><br /><strong>Step 15.</strong> Lock your son up in his bedroom<br /><br /><strong>Step 16.</strong> Have your buddy make his profile on the PS3<br /><br /><strong>Step 17.</strong> Stand as close to 46" High Def, Flat Screen TV as possible<br /><br /><strong>Step 18.</strong> Demolish all players & conquer the world of Call of Duty while you drink<br /><br /><strong>Step 19.</strong> Say things such as:<br />"Get out of my way, dude."<br />"That's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">freakin</span>' awesome."<br />"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">HaHaHa</span>, did you see that?!"<br />"I couldn't move! They were right on top of me."<br />"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">OOOOHHHHHGGGG</span>!!!"<br /><br /><strong>Step 20.</strong> Say "good-night" to your buddy, go to bed, and dream about next man-date where you will resume kicking of ass and conquering of the world.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364446090209040882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKnEbskFP6V5Bpa-e6UOaB065JXP1MTw4MOg6jAh_GxmRAHqW8AfXJaYOGAckncQtioyAv3cYBvqhj0laJzrsxqO3zOpt5B5nmNRrEdiII4YE1cJwYp5MLJbAIxnEqPnHdPu9aRsAeMhI/s320/IMG_3193.jpg" border="0" />ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-68676188186669502052009-07-24T09:32:00.000-07:002009-07-24T10:37:20.592-07:00Extreme Weekend of personal records, joyrides and dream coatsI had one of those "perfect" weekends last week. Nothing special happened, it was just a fun and relaxing weekend. It started out with a unplanned date night with Nick. We <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mgC1W9Q-boz998sHcWvMBSkyCZqQNrrrdiivYM71aMcdc-PoJGOViPB3P3wBCqlmyvLnwyugH8meRnxXK0qv5n8spE9usecixwE664nDwp_g4qH0-gf21cFTzSuF3alQrxglZlKMI0ws/s1600-h/Summer+2009+159.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362078900893491410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mgC1W9Q-boz998sHcWvMBSkyCZqQNrrrdiivYM71aMcdc-PoJGOViPB3P3wBCqlmyvLnwyugH8meRnxXK0qv5n8spE9usecixwE664nDwp_g4qH0-gf21cFTzSuF3alQrxglZlKMI0ws/s320/Summer+2009+159.jpg" border="0" /></a>decided to go to dinner and while I was in the shower, he told me that he was going run to "get something" from his dad. When we walked out the door to leave, I saw that the "something" was his dad's little black convertible. We had such a good time riding around in the car all weekend. I think Nick had an even better time driving the car. After a nice dinner at Rivals, one of Nick's favorite places, we decided that we really wanted ice cream. So, off to Andy's we went! YUM! <div><div><div><div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtnvkaAO4ctPRHHzZYXLi47rhMkxs1CwpSmGK_o-Gs1cMIkuaQBwlNqKRsNu7UhoDzrT1i12QvQNQzx35CvabSQ8-sC4sz3pcfsLtKInhHRxZUHC2hs4vyINLbwC1NgrkKLBO0fvrpJqv/s1600-h/Summer+2009+122.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362077472994016082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtnvkaAO4ctPRHHzZYXLi47rhMkxs1CwpSmGK_o-Gs1cMIkuaQBwlNqKRsNu7UhoDzrT1i12QvQNQzx35CvabSQ8-sC4sz3pcfsLtKInhHRxZUHC2hs4vyINLbwC1NgrkKLBO0fvrpJqv/s320/Summer+2009+122.jpg" border="0" /></a>In the morning, I ran in the Girls Just Wanna <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIm-6hrWp03yFmM2c6RhoGcjhKhy-zGW5_6IkSsA6yPU9n7I7iQjNeCGVXUx2VNd609os32rv5JZqu-UzsMOTs-T2BVxyocEHAuddLguH9bJywHazad9m1W268r8ibxkeoij6o4YA05Ht/s1600-h/Girls+Run.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362079563869450802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIm-6hrWp03yFmM2c6RhoGcjhKhy-zGW5_6IkSsA6yPU9n7I7iQjNeCGVXUx2VNd609os32rv5JZqu-UzsMOTs-T2BVxyocEHAuddLguH9bJywHazad9m1W268r8ibxkeoij6o4YA05Ht/s320/Girls+Run.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Run 5K with Katie, my mom and her friend Marilyn. It is a fun race because (if you didn't get it from the name) it's an all girls run. What made it even better was that I ran a personal best at 26.54! The last race participated in was the Turkey Trot which I ran around 28.30. Fantastic!</div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIm-6hrWp03yFmM2c6RhoGcjhKhy-zGW5_6IkSsA6yPU9n7I7iQjNeCGVXUx2VNd609os32rv5JZqu-UzsMOTs-T2BVxyocEHAuddLguH9bJywHazad9m1W268r8ibxkeoij6o4YA05Ht/s1600-h/Girls+Run.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIm-6hrWp03yFmM2c6RhoGcjhKhy-zGW5_6IkSsA6yPU9n7I7iQjNeCGVXUx2VNd609os32rv5JZqu-UzsMOTs-T2BVxyocEHAuddLguH9bJywHazad9m1W268r8ibxkeoij6o4YA05Ht/s1600-h/Girls+Run.jpg"></a></div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>After the race, we went to Anton's. Believe it or not, Nick and I have never been to Anton's. For those of you who aren't from Springfield, Anton's has been around for a LONG time. It way surpassed my expectations. The coffee was wonderful, the pancakes were crusty around the edges, my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">omelet</span> had yummy feta inside, and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hashbrowns</span> were not greasy. Perfection.<br /><br />My day continued at the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition site near Ash Grove. I helped my friend Jessica in the VIP tent. I know this sounds special, but I think the volunteers in the hospitality tent actually had more interaction with the people from the show. I did get to see Michael but not being a regular viewer of the show, it wasn't too exciting. Jessica and I were able to get in a shot for the show. I told Jessica that it would probably get cut in the final edits - but we were excited anyway! I found out later in the week <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEEUd-32DepNOIRc4LrgTpbM4yjINB-Hofn7ollkFc41y22OK0t88YBLjOVeSPQrU3Q4u8JMFAGamVvzptz9xohVa3jtDgGo1NvaiZFfIa7r3cLoHzJSTmhUl0Siusf39SqxTzkhN6io3/s1600-h/Summer+2009+157.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362078909173598402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEEUd-32DepNOIRc4LrgTpbM4yjINB-Hofn7ollkFc41y22OK0t88YBLjOVeSPQrU3Q4u8JMFAGamVvzptz9xohVa3jtDgGo1NvaiZFfIa7r3cLoHzJSTmhUl0Siusf39SqxTzkhN6io3/s320/Summer+2009+157.jpg" border="0" /></a>that Jessica has a higher chance of getting on TV because she was able to be in a few more shots. She is a pretty big deal now and I hope she will still be friends with an "extra" like me! She also got to meet Ty.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Back to me! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-FWe-zfW0qDS6vvdys4RXT953uz1COIPYsd94rTOnnT8b5lU1Wm1KqIcVvx0rcvuBdx56hc4jbppZ_DFsGZ47CDClDutqpiqyofDdsmyldhXUMmBQBex4bCnhP_On464Q6kZgLAbmHOs/s1600-h/Summer+2009+163.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362078902025321042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-FWe-zfW0qDS6vvdys4RXT953uz1COIPYsd94rTOnnT8b5lU1Wm1KqIcVvx0rcvuBdx56hc4jbppZ_DFsGZ47CDClDutqpiqyofDdsmyldhXUMmBQBex4bCnhP_On464Q6kZgLAbmHOs/s320/Summer+2009+163.jpg" border="0" /></a>The weekend wrapped up with a performance at Missouri State's Tent Theatre. Jason, Katie, Nick and I saw Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat. The weather was perfect for an outdoor theatre and the show was pretty good too. </div><div><br />What a GREAT life God has given me!</div><div></div></div></div></div></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409289425452225964.post-77449241634814224092009-07-15T20:33:00.000-07:002009-07-15T20:38:37.286-07:00I miss CarrieMy friend Carrie moved to Detroit in May and I miss having her around the office. Not only is she extremely sincere, but she is probably one of the wittiest people I have ever met. After random emails between the Squirrels today, Carrie posted <a href="http://chickletandducky.blogspot.com/2009/07/day-with-squirrels.html">A Day With Squirrels</a>. I encourage you to read it!<br />I love you, Carrie! Your story is fantastical (fantastic & magical)!ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03612878701907603881noreply@blogger.com3