tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69040515665082733232024-02-07T02:58:40.748-08:00[un]spoken thoughtsashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-36877572199381779322011-09-20T23:56:00.000-07:002011-09-20T23:56:19.859-07:00not enough hours in the day.<div style="text-align: center;">i just got home from the craziest birthday weekend in vegas! girls trip for tracey's 30th!! we had so much fun to say the least ;) but now that im home its back to reality. cooking, cleaning, laundry, homework, being a mom, being a wife... the list goes on and on!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">i feel like i need another day off just to clean house and do laundry. how lame is that! im sure by next week i will finally have caught up on my sleep. until then i feel like i have not one moment to rest! work was a blur today. i hope i didnt screw anything up. my body was there but my mind was still sleeping!! three days off a normal schedule of eating and drinking can throw you for a loop. im not interested in alcohol for awhile now. i need to be kind to my liver since she was nice enough to let me party in vegas :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">when i got home from work, i made dinner for dylan and bobby. cleaned as many rooms as i could and started the many loads of laundry! of course when i get home the food is scarce. a mini safeway trip was in order for tonight and soon ill have to make the dreaded BIG trip. why cant the husband grocery shop?! do any wives out there have a husband who shops?! i would love to make the list and have him go to the store so then i can cook. thats fair right?! i dont think im going to hold my breathe.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">i just feel like there are never enough hours in the day to do "it all. the hours after work are chaos! that is why im up till midnight daily cause im on the move all evening and i don't wind down till now. getting back in the swing of things in hard. i really, REALLY want to start my meal planning. i know it will be a little time consuming but im hoping it will make grocery shopping less stressful and ill actually get my monies worth for each shopping trip. i feel like i spend so much money only to get home and have nothing to cook =/ i know im not the only one.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">after dinner is homework, bath time, reading, bed... im neglecting my DVR so its about to explode with all the shows it has on it. i would love to stop time once i get home from work so i can enjoy some time with my boys :) thats not asking for much! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">i want to get these pics up from the weekend, but i know it will take time. sorry ladies, i will try again tomorrow night!! still rotating laundry and typing this and watching the news and uploading pics to my computer... all while thinking about how i have to brush my teeth, take my medicine, turn dylan's movie off, take charlie out to pee. my work is never done!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">AHHHHH!!!</div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-32633806453161677072011-09-12T22:44:00.000-07:002011-09-12T22:44:57.984-07:00my favorite time of day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReoxlonF7moDsG_nV806uxYcz5nqzfhwojdOuYPsCcbPaVpVE38WsBSpYnbv_DNKGkehyvSs2_cD4CB1yj8VyuRtnb8vE35rL5W8qvTXVQEMCPtNbWZwV1Csh589WQBjcl5TlC0HyODQ/s1600/bedtime.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReoxlonF7moDsG_nV806uxYcz5nqzfhwojdOuYPsCcbPaVpVE38WsBSpYnbv_DNKGkehyvSs2_cD4CB1yj8VyuRtnb8vE35rL5W8qvTXVQEMCPtNbWZwV1Csh589WQBjcl5TlC0HyODQ/s320/bedtime.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">i love bedtime. its my favorite time of the day. no matter how good or bad my day has been, i know that the one constant is bedtime with my husband. its a time to relax, catch up on our favorite shows and just talk about whatever. we are both equally reality junkies ;) so the DVR fills up quick. its easy to watch TV together cause we like a lot of the same shows. he may not admit it, but he likes to watch Jerseylicious just as much as i do! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">my son is a night owl, so even after a nice bath, he can stay up forever. i try to dim his lights, have him watch one of his movies and at least get under the covers of his bed! the later he stays up, the worse he is in the morning =/ i have yet to find a way to get him asleep by 830. any suggestions?! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">it took me 4 1/2 years to get him out of the bed with me. [it isnt as bad as it seems, we lived at my mom's house then and i didn't like sleeping alone either.] once we moved, he has slept every night in his own bed. this seemed to only make room for our cat and within the last months, we now have a dog who shares the bed with us too. we got rid of one kid and gained two animals =/ what happened there?! its like, first one to the bed better claim their spot or else they will be scrunched all night long, LOL. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">but back to loving bedtime... i am so not a morning person. never have been & never will be. i love nighttime, i love laying in bed relaxing after dark. if feels good to just do nothing after a crazy day. sometimes, i catch up on my book im reading at the moment or type away at a blog. i need my pink & brown blanket and no pillow. im not a fan. he on the other hand has his pillow and barely a sheet over him. one of these days im investing in an electric blanket. i am ALWAYS cold and he is ALWAYS hot! i want the heater on and he wants the door open, fan blowing! despite our differences, it just works :) it makes us who we are as a married couple. even when we lay in bed in complete silence, it is never awkward. </div><div style="text-align: center;">i guess you would call that comfortable love<3</div><div style="text-align: center;">how many can say they have that?!</div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-6440223776787979062011-09-11T22:34:00.000-07:002011-09-11T22:34:30.278-07:00Dylan's 7th Birthday Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcJzMEuiqurNe38ptw6QFzaI_SkgKnWfqCYUHMATtkrAvcveMVS-7K3SoM0PVTlq_VROovBJNXqsiVL0x4YmJf_04B8p_COl74KqN6gJe03V9Ug6X79GuivasqrdNRvF22JjKXpwjzZM/s1600/IMG_3649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcJzMEuiqurNe38ptw6QFzaI_SkgKnWfqCYUHMATtkrAvcveMVS-7K3SoM0PVTlq_VROovBJNXqsiVL0x4YmJf_04B8p_COl74KqN6gJe03V9Ug6X79GuivasqrdNRvF22JjKXpwjzZM/s320/IMG_3649.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdgXaxI8mB8q8aMkWh4cg4D2gITXV-_0z6oRV-wTJtMkcN8k4H4SWDWzL5KlWNAkq7dlBQ8vIaGimXlY_jWRV3wTL4_cxh1vO87IhRljahQrULuJTRID8aeL0CbygWWGjyN4n_36fpqo/s1600/IMG_3692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdgXaxI8mB8q8aMkWh4cg4D2gITXV-_0z6oRV-wTJtMkcN8k4H4SWDWzL5KlWNAkq7dlBQ8vIaGimXlY_jWRV3wTL4_cxh1vO87IhRljahQrULuJTRID8aeL0CbygWWGjyN4n_36fpqo/s320/IMG_3692.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">today we had Dylan's 7th birthday party at Blackberry Farm! its the first party we've had away from home. we love this place and try and make a weekly visit during the summer. he wanted a pool party so he got a pool party. he loves spongebob so it seemed perfect to have a spongebob pool party. our family was there, our good friends and even dylan's friends from school :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">the morning started off foggy, the cake slid in the car and as we were setting up raindrops started to fall! this can not be happening?! is all i could think. not on my son's birthday party, especially since yesterday was such a beautiful day. luckily, the fog burned off, the raindrops passed and i managed to fix the minor defect on the cake from the car ride =/ nothing the kids noticed, im sure. just me, the neurotic mother i am. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIqQbiYKGHF4ptMMdB2z4YcPLmdvR3ev1LvOYJcVLBjqyiqQj5sH_TZCnxqueRS5L1UGGAXQ9HN3dMo9fxtkiiD_NbE7hZGwc2JR6CqPSoOgS9GWFOYSRgUCJOWcebiB_vXEuwAndAOA/s1600/IMG_3705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIqQbiYKGHF4ptMMdB2z4YcPLmdvR3ev1LvOYJcVLBjqyiqQj5sH_TZCnxqueRS5L1UGGAXQ9HN3dMo9fxtkiiD_NbE7hZGwc2JR6CqPSoOgS9GWFOYSRgUCJOWcebiB_vXEuwAndAOA/s320/IMG_3705.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">the kids were like little fish! they stayed in the pool all day long. it was hard to get them out to even eat! i love how they all get along so well. the boys are close in age and all the girls are too. i cant help but fast forward to their teenage years and see them all hanging out still. im sure to have gray hair by then ;) it was nice to be in the sun with good company!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHawWB35ytebt9zo-UDh3AfPZFzDJKRW9u5aqQ79izKNghnqFSaZwHcEsC1mHH69YxqX41Pq0yCCcmRIkzTrJlGuBmyNsNA1PIYTnYI4zOogwo3zOwMI2OUqp75lFbpdRJwkrBDWMDGM/s1600/IMG_3655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHawWB35ytebt9zo-UDh3AfPZFzDJKRW9u5aqQ79izKNghnqFSaZwHcEsC1mHH69YxqX41Pq0yCCcmRIkzTrJlGuBmyNsNA1PIYTnYI4zOogwo3zOwMI2OUqp75lFbpdRJwkrBDWMDGM/s320/IMG_3655.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">we sang dylan happy birthday and he blew out his 7th birthday candle. he had yet another amazing cake made by his aunties :) it was a swimming pool with spongebob and his friends just chillin' in the sun :) its crazy how quick time flies. i can still remember my little one year old at his sesame street party. he is one lucky kid, who has many friends and family members who love him! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Tb0XF1Er_lLXp3A3JTn9Lcee0Y4WSDsm4HukesdeET3wNbaNMdVh6Fh2mJ5NsNrq6ib9Y1TEMrlTRcg6PhyJ6pzdhfWFGkgZTKU8jFpdfhiiQRR9BpqziNuE2TubdalHc5YHCPm1gps/s1600/IMG_3713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Tb0XF1Er_lLXp3A3JTn9Lcee0Y4WSDsm4HukesdeET3wNbaNMdVh6Fh2mJ5NsNrq6ib9Y1TEMrlTRcg6PhyJ6pzdhfWFGkgZTKU8jFpdfhiiQRR9BpqziNuE2TubdalHc5YHCPm1gps/s320/IMG_3713.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bcTcowJFzc5wdHUJFu3JIBvJxrnQo04BviGYJvEr8nVc7iYxNsrZROK6CxFIkXXW7hbNq-iEP6uHTm6uzsSM85MCskSurHVv6U-cIvlWmpOsbC-VBfeqFeOENAdGpm66kDKCtsLQfXE/s1600/IMG_3757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bcTcowJFzc5wdHUJFu3JIBvJxrnQo04BviGYJvEr8nVc7iYxNsrZROK6CxFIkXXW7hbNq-iEP6uHTm6uzsSM85MCskSurHVv6U-cIvlWmpOsbC-VBfeqFeOENAdGpm66kDKCtsLQfXE/s320/IMG_3757.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">i have to thank his grandparents for all their help today, [mom, dad & sherry]! we missed papa richie! thank you to all my friends with kids and without for sharing dylan's day with him :) you guys are great to me and my son! also thanks to his schoolmates that made the trip to blackberry farm to hang with their buddy on his birthday :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2p_szf9XVEG5G1RDuU4gfkbduK-Iw0j2K7yCp3Nvg8okan8gDHOBc6bey7Gl3f3jksGl9go7TzzEQ4P53el05kKUudqXdHy27wms9k93fDBYQp6UpJCnqfAjyOzjPZ2yWGcWLy_-SS6w/s1600/IMG_3762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2p_szf9XVEG5G1RDuU4gfkbduK-Iw0j2K7yCp3Nvg8okan8gDHOBc6bey7Gl3f3jksGl9go7TzzEQ4P53el05kKUudqXdHy27wms9k93fDBYQp6UpJCnqfAjyOzjPZ2yWGcWLy_-SS6w/s320/IMG_3762.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKpCBNmJ-nFQeBiCEKJqabPavUSw2_Q1lsRB3mUSmBxhCj0POjij46jEBhFBOeSX1PYlxsSRIl3IEycBjDO8mSWf9rMfEIJ_dUtk1J_6xLgeijlm7Fn6qoP697DwyonKMzjRJkDSPMl4/s1600/IMG_3728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKpCBNmJ-nFQeBiCEKJqabPavUSw2_Q1lsRB3mUSmBxhCj0POjij46jEBhFBOeSX1PYlxsSRIl3IEycBjDO8mSWf9rMfEIJ_dUtk1J_6xLgeijlm7Fn6qoP697DwyonKMzjRJkDSPMl4/s320/IMG_3728.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0EBjwByCEvK0xplBjqeTbXRngMx86Na1xXYwN6XT2XgG0gSYtsSItmeDj7T4LCsJ80E1kTa3sKbxsiNP2L388i_PfrpA6drqUY-x_x9x_qho1mz-uIDbgVeytr9A2jSWXHcjQ0Wpe18/s1600/IMG_3660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0EBjwByCEvK0xplBjqeTbXRngMx86Na1xXYwN6XT2XgG0gSYtsSItmeDj7T4LCsJ80E1kTa3sKbxsiNP2L388i_PfrpA6drqUY-x_x9x_qho1mz-uIDbgVeytr9A2jSWXHcjQ0Wpe18/s320/IMG_3660.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">oh and how can i forget... a HUGE thank you to the guys that sucked it up and came even though they couldnt believe that i planned dylan's birthday party for 9/11/11 the FIRST sunday of Football Season ;) thank god for radios, right?! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Zq69Tjx0DMUWtBgeFdNFBETQSSZlR-Xf-EgNkxFz_pAvsQeRTOe1fz0AYXTpzyaZ9j4vlxwHMqcPI46nJhaP8uk6W7VGkspi5nZbxtVv52LuP2hj0inVed1uLFQjLsAePuCyycdeZck/s1600/IMG_3739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Zq69Tjx0DMUWtBgeFdNFBETQSSZlR-Xf-EgNkxFz_pAvsQeRTOe1fz0AYXTpzyaZ9j4vlxwHMqcPI46nJhaP8uk6W7VGkspi5nZbxtVv52LuP2hj0inVed1uLFQjLsAePuCyycdeZck/s320/IMG_3739.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">major bonus to the day was having a great party and being able to pack up and leave afterward. no mess to clean up. so much for that tent, huh babe?! i was almost divorced this morning. note to self: dont argue over stupid things. its not worth it, cause in the end it will all work out. he's lucky i didnt throw a pole at him, LOL. we are so investing in a pop up tent :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpRxua2P99YpPmHJ3-DRi5AdS1_eJsCsoPTJ5yRmhuahebwrhxlH4mp-HCg-vkqBoULg_j73ufdMq2Fj0FQDGn_UZSqfF6Nce9eYVcmuhE8BcDMoJdVgm4SLFh-Frf1-oQMqgy5peZ0g/s1600/IMG_3745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpRxua2P99YpPmHJ3-DRi5AdS1_eJsCsoPTJ5yRmhuahebwrhxlH4mp-HCg-vkqBoULg_j73ufdMq2Fj0FQDGn_UZSqfF6Nce9eYVcmuhE8BcDMoJdVgm4SLFh-Frf1-oQMqgy5peZ0g/s320/IMG_3745.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">we couldnt forget that we also shared this day with all the victims of 9/11! the ten year anniversary has approached us. we remember everyone who lost their life that day. dylan wanted something special added to his cake, just for this day. he had "patrick" laying on an american flag raft in the pool! i thought it was a cool idea. he may only be 7 but he still understands, somewhat, the events of that day. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY__43d_qSF5Y_OoflEG4Fn0IrRvxu9-OhRAJsfnhyMLN_lZlRAscaXEQzyy3lOLmouy8B23rE0LsAhK6HdMAPdiBHFKfZxS9X1tvIs26I1MUQGcrYiiADtveqt5AeyDpraHoNMdoqL5U/s1600/IMG_3784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY__43d_qSF5Y_OoflEG4Fn0IrRvxu9-OhRAJsfnhyMLN_lZlRAscaXEQzyy3lOLmouy8B23rE0LsAhK6HdMAPdiBHFKfZxS9X1tvIs26I1MUQGcrYiiADtveqt5AeyDpraHoNMdoqL5U/s320/IMG_3784.JPG" width="240" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">our day ended with opening gifts back at home. he sure was spoiled! kids and those gift cards! they're like gold to him. he wanted to spend them tonight. he IS my offspring ;) shopping is in our blood! i'll be good and make him wait a week! now its time to unwind, get back into the weekly routine and get ourselves ready for monday. which is by far our least favorite day of the week. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>HAPPY BIRTHDAY </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>DYLAN RILEY!!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8f4t7fu2Tg4IDtXFaXJ-9xxFRinLk8oV0vm7E0ipP0XMhlM8hSalaMms5zZ_WJTi6LLqbbscwyVAJVBunbedZO-kzKOMJGsIn0nprXgTUoHS0BmHgfLzdmBkd5rAcNxab6AYtBLsfOw/s1600/IMG_3732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8f4t7fu2Tg4IDtXFaXJ-9xxFRinLk8oV0vm7E0ipP0XMhlM8hSalaMms5zZ_WJTi6LLqbbscwyVAJVBunbedZO-kzKOMJGsIn0nprXgTUoHS0BmHgfLzdmBkd5rAcNxab6AYtBLsfOw/s320/IMG_3732.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">i hope you had a great party... i couldn't have asked for a better kid... i love you!</div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-78615166214342369642011-09-10T23:11:00.000-07:002011-09-10T23:11:48.705-07:00Mmmm, i want S'more[s]!!<div style="text-align: center;">back in July when i took dylan to Tahoe, we roasted marshmallows one night to make yummy smores! now any chance we get, he wants to make them at home! thanks to our fire pit on the back patio its possible :) everyone knows it only takes three simple ingredients:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh026T5O3ueUkr0vjCD1GBr2USKf1J92l2BkhHoY0nzfli5nHppFrASINWDdpOIFhErJvWNtsW2li8SYrHxSVRRvwe0UhjGvSWZRPyTc743eKvwtOfYPXouSK2CFsJ1LFxLpduH814Biog/s1600/IMG_3638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh026T5O3ueUkr0vjCD1GBr2USKf1J92l2BkhHoY0nzfli5nHppFrASINWDdpOIFhErJvWNtsW2li8SYrHxSVRRvwe0UhjGvSWZRPyTc743eKvwtOfYPXouSK2CFsJ1LFxLpduH814Biog/s320/IMG_3638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: center;"><li>Hershey bars</li>
<li>marshmallows</li>
<li>graham crackers </li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdcIyRENzjFGa0C6Nuc6J5HBG3K8mxI5fzb4f7ZfFsmJcApBSS-6EhL2FbEh2IDwn8J5PqszaqkwJPsO36Q9Db_s0zrDEcWjeTenzVfd7TgZQ8WM4XlVT2DDdCXRIWzIKmiSHTKI6vXg/s1600/IMG_3639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdcIyRENzjFGa0C6Nuc6J5HBG3K8mxI5fzb4f7ZfFsmJcApBSS-6EhL2FbEh2IDwn8J5PqszaqkwJPsO36Q9Db_s0zrDEcWjeTenzVfd7TgZQ8WM4XlVT2DDdCXRIWzIKmiSHTKI6vXg/s320/IMG_3639.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<ul style="text-align: center;"></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLosPmZMzf9I2SQ0OyLAR6QB0A_Bk6a3oT9EgdRJed1LrTzbqZ_jGX1hgL_Qn5HwRMEzM7MKZakja8KErqegB1xMf1MjYx_rlDfhXC5w5IuvcyTnsocEF14CyL_-x3fgx4LHNDWa-dego/s1600/IMG_3641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLosPmZMzf9I2SQ0OyLAR6QB0A_Bk6a3oT9EgdRJed1LrTzbqZ_jGX1hgL_Qn5HwRMEzM7MKZakja8KErqegB1xMf1MjYx_rlDfhXC5w5IuvcyTnsocEF14CyL_-x3fgx4LHNDWa-dego/s320/IMG_3641.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1C60ba-9SpmKw1M1LsOxpvqMmR6o9fv13Kg-Mf-YS3gJ0ZVJ0cikQt-4tKB_mJRxjh-JvPB1rVUGoSq8IDO8WKmZyn3Q68ODqAlMEUqlsYYNp3LDoFqcolhwCoU-uzSpZD4GQojKndY/s1600/IMG_3642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1C60ba-9SpmKw1M1LsOxpvqMmR6o9fv13Kg-Mf-YS3gJ0ZVJ0cikQt-4tKB_mJRxjh-JvPB1rVUGoSq8IDO8WKmZyn3Q68ODqAlMEUqlsYYNp3LDoFqcolhwCoU-uzSpZD4GQojKndY/s320/IMG_3642.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">so my hubby made a fire for us and it was game on!! how can you only eat one?! the ooey gooey marshmallow melts the chocolate and the first bite is heaven :) i like my marshmallow [un]burnt. i will sit there with mine over the fire for 10 minutes if i have to cause i only want the inside melted. the kids... they light theirs on fire and blow it out like crazy ;) my hubby, he's in between! it was a nice way to unwind from our crazy day!! we all smell like a bonfire, but it was worth it! our tummy's are happy and a baby wipe was definitely needed to clean up afterward. those things can get sticky!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGX9vRXIy7hRYgmRfAv18urnuhG7J2FZNdfIWyX_LMuz8w5eLquZn15EWNxh0cifKLNEuZwJWZjacUEhNCV64rL6a6m2xPA0NyjkPFweuJOeaN2AFJGOIwlheV5osXGsl2RFzNPB06CNs/s1600/IMG_3644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGX9vRXIy7hRYgmRfAv18urnuhG7J2FZNdfIWyX_LMuz8w5eLquZn15EWNxh0cifKLNEuZwJWZjacUEhNCV64rL6a6m2xPA0NyjkPFweuJOeaN2AFJGOIwlheV5osXGsl2RFzNPB06CNs/s320/IMG_3644.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTE-CWODHxyOwo72FZezKgo58P9bYeDsUurLOgLY6T-lrXu7F-qzmXl19UBH-cgH7F6pGBMpyMAa2NOKAzA_WasXLJ56yYpyEp5QfemLspbOk9JTdbhHfxNsuDcHX3HB6afZJjNyL9yqw/s1600/IMG_3648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTE-CWODHxyOwo72FZezKgo58P9bYeDsUurLOgLY6T-lrXu7F-qzmXl19UBH-cgH7F6pGBMpyMAa2NOKAzA_WasXLJ56yYpyEp5QfemLspbOk9JTdbhHfxNsuDcHX3HB6afZJjNyL9yqw/s320/IMG_3648.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">so if you smell the fire pit and hear the noise, come grab a stick and make one for yourself :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhaU33ob9whXxX__smKPDD72sEKZb7XnTAy9qtbUplnyv262cGvMnM-8Q8QLX0eNLyyAQwqeoci6pgCHEG3wemnG5GDgUD_ebqScKbOLm8ZTWj8siipcPz-sW7ZUt6JVMFa0nqOoOP5U/s1600/IMG_3646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhaU33ob9whXxX__smKPDD72sEKZb7XnTAy9qtbUplnyv262cGvMnM-8Q8QLX0eNLyyAQwqeoci6pgCHEG3wemnG5GDgUD_ebqScKbOLm8ZTWj8siipcPz-sW7ZUt6JVMFa0nqOoOP5U/s320/IMG_3646.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">satisfied :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-22671355730397705962011-09-10T22:55:00.000-07:002011-09-10T22:55:26.414-07:002011 Soccer Opening Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEdmFlm0_9rk6lZk-fxsYbju0t1aCp6-n8Ua57SoSjXrrrYY9rTYMngvhcLkILcQ4TQPHVKVEEDwipsqHPMdzqlPp76Sycouf2AM3tQJ1XZq1dIarWLV2ssSKlEWjUOmXwV645Tc_4ho/s1600/IMG_3620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEdmFlm0_9rk6lZk-fxsYbju0t1aCp6-n8Ua57SoSjXrrrYY9rTYMngvhcLkILcQ4TQPHVKVEEDwipsqHPMdzqlPp76Sycouf2AM3tQJ1XZq1dIarWLV2ssSKlEWjUOmXwV645Tc_4ho/s320/IMG_3620.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">today was Dylan's third opening day for AYSO soccer! not one of my favorite days of the season, but it had to be done. i love trying to find my kid in the "blue" uniform, when a hundred other kids his size are wearing the same color, LOL. its a chaotic day to say the least! pictures started at 7am with andrew, then amaya around 930am, next was the parade... my favorite part. seeing all the kids looking so cute in their colorful uniforms and awesome creative banners!! then, last but not least, dylan bringing up the rear with his late afternoon picture time. this is where the kids also took their buddy/sibling picture. [they are the cutest kids on the field] i look forward to this picture each year and seeing how much they've grown.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2te5iGL6h2YCoV3gcvaspj9vGKj6FYjmWHkZnMtIqQ1NPxhymQqRlC_2kn769raCnXyts04zV1F9MwjHbxar7GV-GcGlnYA7GUdiKCBo_8GSFe5qckNwxNSwFIuVfc-GkCwWYFFn4RY/s1600/IMG_3625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2te5iGL6h2YCoV3gcvaspj9vGKj6FYjmWHkZnMtIqQ1NPxhymQqRlC_2kn769raCnXyts04zV1F9MwjHbxar7GV-GcGlnYA7GUdiKCBo_8GSFe5qckNwxNSwFIuVfc-GkCwWYFFn4RY/s320/IMG_3625.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">dylan's team is the Blue Rain, Andrew is on the Green Hornets & amaya's team is the pink panthers :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjt1urJl8iYGMlbLYSe1qUCfbdd2-8ExQpTvHGnPOQbJZOOaSE4Ur5i-3AIHv8Z3TgRM9Mi3lUZbHXyB63o0mcGQ3uCJnOGtKWQzwgGQ5effi2JTj8ihJY643BZnWkjGbuip9vl5J4u4/s1600/IMG_3630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjt1urJl8iYGMlbLYSe1qUCfbdd2-8ExQpTvHGnPOQbJZOOaSE4Ur5i-3AIHv8Z3TgRM9Mi3lUZbHXyB63o0mcGQ3uCJnOGtKWQzwgGQ5effi2JTj8ihJY643BZnWkjGbuip9vl5J4u4/s320/IMG_3630.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">all three kids had such a long day today, but even with all the running around it was still fun! its now time to start the soccer season. i call this, what we do to pass the time until baseball season is here again :) its good exercise for them and i know my kid looks forward to winning & playing hard each Saturday morning when he's on the field!! he sure is the competitive type! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">good luck this season :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrDctIksKt7zlG-obFwjtO6iwSqabxj1TLY-BxIk2mYYwzRCZGN54i-AVZYuYR6z9jan0WOMe4ZWRzDM6lPwy5wxJP-JivJY9asdXZv9QVBnUVZt3nYKNdwj-2GCLXD7T_2-w3zC08dU/s1600/IMG_3635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrDctIksKt7zlG-obFwjtO6iwSqabxj1TLY-BxIk2mYYwzRCZGN54i-AVZYuYR6z9jan0WOMe4ZWRzDM6lPwy5wxJP-JivJY9asdXZv9QVBnUVZt3nYKNdwj-2GCLXD7T_2-w3zC08dU/s640/IMG_3635.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the kids<3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-59451264914130971702011-09-09T23:39:00.000-07:002011-09-09T23:39:25.500-07:00remembering 09.09.10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tcq1Yjm5U2hZPaGolMJ7uagi8XTClAPddRQitKKn2AU73AiOPZB4HJbqqoHR5Ekgo7cupZJbScOr0mUo7n7O0if8c61D8kbwxUVUCAWBOSl7dy9-GqyaYJ5EE2qakLCLmzSRXNT3YoA/s1600/san-bruno-fire1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tcq1Yjm5U2hZPaGolMJ7uagi8XTClAPddRQitKKn2AU73AiOPZB4HJbqqoHR5Ekgo7cupZJbScOr0mUo7n7O0if8c61D8kbwxUVUCAWBOSl7dy9-GqyaYJ5EE2qakLCLmzSRXNT3YoA/s320/san-bruno-fire1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">this image will forever be in my mind. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
seeing it over & over again on the TV screen that evening of 09.09.10. feeling confused, helpless & scared! i was driving home from work that day. my route is san mateo to pacifica. sometimes i take 280 and sometimes im on the dreadful 101. that day in particular, was a carpool day with jose, so we took 101 home. within minutes of walking through the door, the news of an explosion in San Bruno was all over the news. i, like many others thought that it could possibly be a plane that had crashed into homes! the footage of flames was unbelievable.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">i remember hearing helicopters over head that were needed to drop water on the fires! all night i watched the news. i think i even fell asleep to it. i couldnt imagine how scared the people in that community were. something like this could have easily taken place in our neighborhood! something so scary yet i've never thought once about it. those poor people didnt have a clue what hit them :( im sure it happened so fast. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">driving to work the next morning, i took skyline to 280. for the first time, ever, i wasn't worried about the traffic. i was in awe at the trees that were burnt black. they had no leaves, just sticks. the sun had just come up and the smoke from the fires that had been put out sometime over night was hovering over the explosion area. it was an eerily feeling to be driving by. in an instant, the whole neighborhood had changed and no one had control over it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03f63gGeEJCnOMZIWzt2DADoRBBRmhHZRVWlaEARPzUfbmQl6AtkWCNj1rywAkGChD-deAbzNmWXhMsxpUQ6h01B_d_dsNsYmnTauzW781aSzklxw-cr80ojz2nGDPCCo9WDLR0KpVvg/s1600/ss-100910-san-bruno-fire-01.grid-9x2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03f63gGeEJCnOMZIWzt2DADoRBBRmhHZRVWlaEARPzUfbmQl6AtkWCNj1rywAkGChD-deAbzNmWXhMsxpUQ6h01B_d_dsNsYmnTauzW781aSzklxw-cr80ojz2nGDPCCo9WDLR0KpVvg/s320/ss-100910-san-bruno-fire-01.grid-9x2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">only thing standing are the chimney's</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">i drove by the area with my mom one day. it was so sad to see... NOTHING. just fences and memorial flowers. houses that were still standing were melted on some sides. they had their tags on the front. some windows were boarded up. it looked like a real disaster had struck. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KkpWWIoi6cvglavdr8p9vr2gx24GTyD-jX0vBm6VF29Rq26oOwDVNaVkGYa5_R9MLyWJ2N322DhepfVgECbwFlaY3PM8XN_IrFQr_ukNR3R0oR7n3XinDSUJ7QGQ4wZvCQL3c69GRto/s1600/g-cvr-100909-CaliFire-751p.grid-9x2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KkpWWIoi6cvglavdr8p9vr2gx24GTyD-jX0vBm6VF29Rq26oOwDVNaVkGYa5_R9MLyWJ2N322DhepfVgECbwFlaY3PM8XN_IrFQr_ukNR3R0oR7n3XinDSUJ7QGQ4wZvCQL3c69GRto/s320/g-cvr-100909-CaliFire-751p.grid-9x2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">close to hell?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">its been one year and where there had once been homes, it is still an empty lot. if i lived there, i don't think i could rebuild my life there again. too many bad memories. i would have to start fresh elsewhere! i hope those people have found some peace in their lives since then. it really isnt fair what they had to go through. cant help but think, who's next?! are we ever completely safe!? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">makes you not sweat the material things. be thankful for the loving people in your life who are irreplaceable. </div><div style="text-align: center;">a home can always be rebuilt.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">thinking of you San Bruno fire victims <3</div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-32778850200743846552011-09-09T23:06:00.000-07:002011-09-09T23:06:14.126-07:00Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?!<div style="text-align: center;"><b>SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACDZ5cnZ8Imkr2gZdEqm_daNyD0n3WPUIVcJ4JLK66a-zVY9TrgGRZrdbNIx5E_HoMplqudPOXafnwXS13b3qjuKDxfw_JZMnI2Xn-BZHDJOwsoyAk9C1sUsPVAKsrojIzM6S3a_Zv-s/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACDZ5cnZ8Imkr2gZdEqm_daNyD0n3WPUIVcJ4JLK66a-zVY9TrgGRZrdbNIx5E_HoMplqudPOXafnwXS13b3qjuKDxfw_JZMnI2Xn-BZHDJOwsoyAk9C1sUsPVAKsrojIzM6S3a_Zv-s/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dylan turns 7 on the 30th of September! he wanted a pool party this year, so we are leaving the house parties behind and heading down to blackberry farm this weekend!! hoping for some sunshine to go with our fun :) his auntie jan & shelley are making his 7th cake of his life!! this year he gave them his OWN ideas. no help from me. i cannot wait to see what they have come up with. for everyone who knows these ladies too, knows they always seem to top the previous cake. </div><div style="text-align: center;">[how its possible, i'll never know]!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">so, Spongebob & a water party go great together!! when i think of him i think of a square. i got this idea weeks ago to make rice crispy treats look like Spongebob, himself. to get the treats as perfect squares, i opted for the already packaged treats from the store. blessing in disguise, since these treats took longer then expected to make. luckily i didn't have to add: make rice crispy treats to my list of to-do's tonight. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">what i needed:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><ul style="text-align: center;"><li>rice crispy treats</li>
<li>sucker sticks</li>
<li>white chocolate melting chips</li>
<li>food coloring</li>
<li>vanilla & chocolate frosting.</li>
<li>pyping tips and bags</li>
<li>a picture of Spongebob himself :) </li>
<li>clear bags to wrap</li>
<li>ribbon </li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;">first i unwrapped all the treats and stuck the sticks through the bottom of them. i melted the white chocolate chips and dyed it yellow. next i dipped each treat into the chocolate and layed them on parchement paper to dry. a quick trip to the freezer helped to. then came the decorating part. the most time consuming part was changing all the frosting colors & bags/tips. i did this like an assembly line. eyeballs first, then his pants, smile, eyelashes and lastly his red tie :) i am a perfectionist so i can spot all the imperfections of these homemade treats BUT my mom reminded me that these are for the kids and they will appreciate them for what they are... Spongebob Treats covered with yummy chocolate & frosting!! i am happy with how they came out. i must say they do resemble the yellow guy. tomorrow i will bag them up so they are ready for his party :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmgz1-rJ7Gb52MpxYxZKGJiJWbPvmW8tEaYY0gcnxpdxTYQdxC1mTyhrx4JzQ4Km6LYmiQhJEtlocI60gkHQNqwU6f-hU_q4DRXIQ0r71kDfOgQASkTX34KwuUHKy77ctF69cJSkZ8A8/s1600/sb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmgz1-rJ7Gb52MpxYxZKGJiJWbPvmW8tEaYY0gcnxpdxTYQdxC1mTyhrx4JzQ4Km6LYmiQhJEtlocI60gkHQNqwU6f-hU_q4DRXIQ0r71kDfOgQASkTX34KwuUHKy77ctF69cJSkZ8A8/s320/sb1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-KV01Bg5yBKYFv9daxmYPejJtvf9upF6Gm8CijGiK_Xha2XD35nqYgTA8977F0DwTmue7mD-Be4ATdyVvrdzH6TPz0DgeOCMkvrG4XQPMZn2UeCZC2ddGMKY5gEPxux-4jLeIWpYwS4/s1600/sb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-KV01Bg5yBKYFv9daxmYPejJtvf9upF6Gm8CijGiK_Xha2XD35nqYgTA8977F0DwTmue7mD-Be4ATdyVvrdzH6TPz0DgeOCMkvrG4XQPMZn2UeCZC2ddGMKY5gEPxux-4jLeIWpYwS4/s320/sb2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUMPKPYfDlldHz4nUQA3CwEG8jZ4gJQ6cYMPghlHkUkGrNa7yN-p5LCeShyphenhyphenxeMq4lj3TA2Ip9CoM2R3VOctyihXM3azzClkjTnCpvN0bAif-4jbQZgfaU8DK6Q2HzYahaKhxqoahNX8g/s1600/2011-09-09+18.36.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUMPKPYfDlldHz4nUQA3CwEG8jZ4gJQ6cYMPghlHkUkGrNa7yN-p5LCeShyphenhyphenxeMq4lj3TA2Ip9CoM2R3VOctyihXM3azzClkjTnCpvN0bAif-4jbQZgfaU8DK6Q2HzYahaKhxqoahNX8g/s320/2011-09-09+18.36.34.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">i had to post a pic earlier to FB because i <b>was</b> proud of the 3 hours of work i had just completed. thanks to everyone who thought they were cute, i really appreciate it. and for the record: i know i complained about it, but i would never have done it, if i didn't enjoy doing things like this! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4RykfO-5EHIzQxDkKhVnvMHaoT4cHpY8pWeKLRdgld-ePQ4XdUftqHiehG24F2q_bgW6hEIqpUTS2livpZmvSszhZboj2z8AcbCRDX71oVwFCILSE1JFPz0y27xCryldjAnPfgAdKZI/s1600/305712_2382148915607_1307233819_2883953_1159235905_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4RykfO-5EHIzQxDkKhVnvMHaoT4cHpY8pWeKLRdgld-ePQ4XdUftqHiehG24F2q_bgW6hEIqpUTS2livpZmvSszhZboj2z8AcbCRDX71oVwFCILSE1JFPz0y27xCryldjAnPfgAdKZI/s400/305712_2382148915607_1307233819_2883953_1159235905_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">there really isnt anything i wouldnt do for my kid!! </div><div style="text-align: center;">time to party :)</div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-24924701653714312512011-09-09T22:20:00.000-07:002011-09-09T22:28:44.606-07:00i'm back & on a craft high!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UFkswEGxfplMGpXoYOWgq-IwHXORId7qeX6ykqZGvHzlCZk00fbriA847kdhX_gJfqzqwdm53cw2wrWqBEWgL9owyy1xjToIjWNkgFdUzrAO_1jKF_isVZlZhsFZwZ-V_Zwmoq1qm_M/s1600/IMG_3617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">i have fallen off the blog wagon. it sucks cause these last 3 weeks have been insane. i have so much to share, but i guess i will have to get back on track one blog at a time. i need my laptop by my bed at night, because my thoughts come to me right before bed and its the perfect quiet time to type it all out! i am making a change and sticking with it dammit!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been stressed with life lately and I've found that being crafty relieves the anxiety. since I'm no longer taking medicine to help me this seems to be the next best thing. target & Michael's are amazing stores that literally have everything you need to do any type of project. i cant leave these places without spending some $$. i have even gone back twice in one day. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>* DIAPER CAKES </b>*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">yesterday & today i had been working on a diaper cake for my longtime friend, Tiffany. she is expecting another baby girl this October. who doesn't like buying baby gifts?! i do. its been years since I've had a baby in my life! i wanted to do something different for her gift. only once before had i attempted a diaper cake so i wanted to try it again. diaper cakes are so easy to make! really!! its relaxing too. once the cake is made, the fun part is adding all the baby products, bibs, clothes etc. to it. each cake has its own unique look. the first one i made was for my sister in law, who wasn't finding out the sex of her baby [i was so against this, BUT i am so taking this route for my next baby!], so it was lots of greens & yellows. below is a picture of the finished cake. brings back memories... i thought i did a good job for the first time :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CCjNW24oOdL1w2zRQmdk74oCiZvNJ8vFypzJfUymHAievz-hYUsFHfZR1a3mcAthNFKP-XT5m4qoDqqh8a6o7ERrnJUffQ1EG-8tAYgpgZNK9poSNUPcJajA2m31NRGOBRH6_ZobAJ4/s1600/n1307233819_358781_8115768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CCjNW24oOdL1w2zRQmdk74oCiZvNJ8vFypzJfUymHAievz-hYUsFHfZR1a3mcAthNFKP-XT5m4qoDqqh8a6o7ERrnJUffQ1EG-8tAYgpgZNK9poSNUPcJajA2m31NRGOBRH6_ZobAJ4/s320/n1307233819_358781_8115768.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Sister In-Laws diaper cake 2009</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Since i know this is a baby girl.. its all pinks & purples :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">i started with a package of diapers. usually i use newborn size, but i had size three on hand so i used them. it worked out fine. there are many ways to make a diaper cake. the way im about to explain seems to be the easiest for me. just know that diapers, rubber bands and an 8oz bottle are a must!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-azY7rfFsJwXj7Zza5Dg4hhsB9vnDo5AS97i7cDikgfh3KkuoWwJjmXeHgZ9l0BLQO_GsrSHyRgUWr4VolfRGkdBo0B2HsfjttVVC1d3nYddnOilekGoQrM7k59m_zu2yLhRjLx5P10/s1600/IMG_3588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-azY7rfFsJwXj7Zza5Dg4hhsB9vnDo5AS97i7cDikgfh3KkuoWwJjmXeHgZ9l0BLQO_GsrSHyRgUWr4VolfRGkdBo0B2HsfjttVVC1d3nYddnOilekGoQrM7k59m_zu2yLhRjLx5P10/s320/IMG_3588.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lots & lots of diapers</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywfW9_XATfwhQ6uN2YzI7EIuQue919ANdIloY0XtciWX3OajAT1b6jFDD1MZdzzcCrlnwbjmLKIkpBBJbbdIIQK2lT9fG9JaRkVoNeOCYsRE4YycrfU452YPGpPLTO_9P6wQsqIh2CPM/s1600/IMG_3589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywfW9_XATfwhQ6uN2YzI7EIuQue919ANdIloY0XtciWX3OajAT1b6jFDD1MZdzzcCrlnwbjmLKIkpBBJbbdIIQK2lT9fG9JaRkVoNeOCYsRE4YycrfU452YPGpPLTO_9P6wQsqIh2CPM/s320/IMG_3589.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">opened diaper</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">to start i unfold the diaper and begin rolling them into little burritos. i start with the back of the diaper first when im rolling. once its rolled tightly, i hold it together with a rubber band. i repeat this step until my whole pack of diapers are rolled. the number of diapers you use varies on the size of cake you want to make. how many tiers and how wide you want the cake. i decide as i go. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdvbBMmrJqDU_7LaiJ_5qb6KWdcolkjFx4N-Itq0Vp3fi1CIiIpP-t6kgUrckCeAEi8jVQ_NuD61h4eT97VAkM8ESB7Bf9WZlweN62dPXg3WVGYUwUbeebKazSKLMzLv40GddFQ9gBQ4/s1600/IMG_3590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdvbBMmrJqDU_7LaiJ_5qb6KWdcolkjFx4N-Itq0Vp3fi1CIiIpP-t6kgUrckCeAEi8jVQ_NuD61h4eT97VAkM8ESB7Bf9WZlweN62dPXg3WVGYUwUbeebKazSKLMzLv40GddFQ9gBQ4/s320/IMG_3590.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rolled diaper</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSGkUCydJ2fTfHCyOuxzr3-tSwgECrvt-KIwt-vIPRW9q5ZX28D7AdDeYK0owbAd4rj0Y1Ia8mbIzVihtQ4_gjn8zFgiPUV-q_sNKiYwYt8ZsyshquGX4iRdLzK2sIm5bW3OnByMtUS0/s1600/IMG_3591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSGkUCydJ2fTfHCyOuxzr3-tSwgECrvt-KIwt-vIPRW9q5ZX28D7AdDeYK0owbAd4rj0Y1Ia8mbIzVihtQ4_gjn8zFgiPUV-q_sNKiYwYt8ZsyshquGX4iRdLzK2sIm5bW3OnByMtUS0/s320/IMG_3591.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">how each diaper should look</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">the 8oz bottle in the middle is used as a support. a large rubber band is wrapped around this bottle and each diaper is placed inside the rubber band to form a circle around the bottle. the more you add the wider the cake. again, your preference. i believe i used about 3-4 layers on the bottom tier.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYPe033H7RH3tvs0ENVOwfHY1O9NSVThDjQhbYIIEl3fkroruaKEyR-US1EFPdwzztLfemF1xrTSlPdis-q_rICedubNNEyrCpmocdYPQ2T8Df_tfYhq-x_CwPgiXSf_oVv7kRqLe8DE/s320/IMG_3583.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">aerial view of bottom tier</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIdDJFto2pJ7msqRg_HXqjIe48cCTE_54BU99ISOk-jIIy-d-Xs2WUpBXkYMTl7DcDOkTpKYeWM27F9LCI6uSYuMXp0yeZ-qciM112DhVUx3AZFmcG21fbx3U5yvrLmWXhooatieemLo/s1600/IMG_3585.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIdDJFto2pJ7msqRg_HXqjIe48cCTE_54BU99ISOk-jIIy-d-Xs2WUpBXkYMTl7DcDOkTpKYeWM27F9LCI6uSYuMXp0yeZ-qciM112DhVUx3AZFmcG21fbx3U5yvrLmWXhooatieemLo/s320/IMG_3585.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">repeat these steps for the upper tiers too. a diaper cake can be as tall as you want. sky's the limit :) well, hopefully you dont have to transport it too far. once the top tier is formed, i placed another bottle on top to add to the decorating part of it. plus its like the cake topper! i chose purple ribbon and pink with polka dots. i tied it around each tier, real tight and it hides the rubber bands nicely. the first cake i made, i used receiving blankets to wrap around each tier. this is also an option if you dont want the diapers to show. i opted to do the opposite this time. now the fun part... adding the goodies!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWjufYeSbLBtW5Q8CNR4lR_nsz13WXbcSTOfAAnYTyvLTFhD-qXs9QM4qCwjqEhPjYCPFFnivZrBa0txpq7p1Jv9dED6dFPeMns2z2AJgWcPQ1XYBtgkGekzMjvFMTkAh9ra9KDWThLY/s1600/IMG_3593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWjufYeSbLBtW5Q8CNR4lR_nsz13WXbcSTOfAAnYTyvLTFhD-qXs9QM4qCwjqEhPjYCPFFnivZrBa0txpq7p1Jv9dED6dFPeMns2z2AJgWcPQ1XYBtgkGekzMjvFMTkAh9ra9KDWThLY/s320/IMG_3593.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> here are a list of diaper cake add-on's but trust me, it is not just limited to these:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><ul style="text-align: center;"><li>rattles</li>
<li>pacifiers</li>
<li>socks</li>
<li>bibs</li>
<li>spoons</li>
<li>rash ointment</li>
<li>soaps</li>
<li>shampoo</li>
<li>teething rings</li>
<li>medicine</li>
<li>bottle brush</li>
<li>bottles</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;">a diaper cake can be placed on a cardboard platform to transport or made into a gift basket. i used a cellophane wrap to put the cake in. it helped keep all the goodies from falling off and you could still see how cute the cake was. i topped it with a bow and TA-DA!! I'm really happy with how it came out... i cant wait for Tiffany to see it tomorrow :) baby makenna <3 we're waiting for you!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisviQTNg3mVLg5fYKu08mQ_LvOPIpm_RtQXh1PEZQY3A-7apdS9L_5PRWu4Zcmxmg10wnJE1ZL_9pggNc8WPdKgEpofb_UXBUXPG5mT7hyphenhyphenR-c4U_pVFY9a-WZ9fcznp0uG-lBZdNIYKZ8/s1600/IMG_3596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisviQTNg3mVLg5fYKu08mQ_LvOPIpm_RtQXh1PEZQY3A-7apdS9L_5PRWu4Zcmxmg10wnJE1ZL_9pggNc8WPdKgEpofb_UXBUXPG5mT7hyphenhyphenR-c4U_pVFY9a-WZ9fcznp0uG-lBZdNIYKZ8/s320/IMG_3596.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbti_HVWgf37MoOL2YfZU4ObWfxY_4mcKLOmdKEpWz-VRrMofzpEp-jXznfABswAUcQpmfdX-kU9ANGo7zAaylSrfxzgq9BKB5M1o_bPQNJaaA9wmbH3Uwr4B72fgiprMOdy2tsFOTEiY/s1600/IMG_3597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbti_HVWgf37MoOL2YfZU4ObWfxY_4mcKLOmdKEpWz-VRrMofzpEp-jXznfABswAUcQpmfdX-kU9ANGo7zAaylSrfxzgq9BKB5M1o_bPQNJaaA9wmbH3Uwr4B72fgiprMOdy2tsFOTEiY/s320/IMG_3597.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrCtcLEmCjc96XcQm-iosDiRPj8LBNwsNNgdlI3DOD2cr8YU8YIUTAcp3OliEbzhvYeRMoRVEOunua131q38mi42u68Ntp9K7baX-zg3fqOmNHKUvG82O-ySzkucJn7fqFDI-ZCVW9lQ/s1600/IMG_3598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrCtcLEmCjc96XcQm-iosDiRPj8LBNwsNNgdlI3DOD2cr8YU8YIUTAcp3OliEbzhvYeRMoRVEOunua131q38mi42u68Ntp9K7baX-zg3fqOmNHKUvG82O-ySzkucJn7fqFDI-ZCVW9lQ/s320/IMG_3598.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcu_8wiy4SCon6kThia0HGWDGbCQ_PYGokcbFIkFgVzB6wKLM-zZ3g2V5hI8AhgUujYrq-2LcO6ftelU5-ySnve3AenPhkxAcyG0O2Zx0NzlyLc0wO4ZhIybGMluqWfEg8jUlmSLhO0s/s1600/IMG_3599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcu_8wiy4SCon6kThia0HGWDGbCQ_PYGokcbFIkFgVzB6wKLM-zZ3g2V5hI8AhgUujYrq-2LcO6ftelU5-ySnve3AenPhkxAcyG0O2Zx0NzlyLc0wO4ZhIybGMluqWfEg8jUlmSLhO0s/s320/IMG_3599.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIQRnBSmCeAM-o7sfC6-L7zkT-eddkC_julO67MJk91vlzTcvfu-UFVb2UZngHO4x1cpkEaUrBL7rB_9O3zeZF7eKf-kDtW67WH582VmHyfaMOZcQeoFGBbGXfZ1FyZqLr1e-0oS_aVY/s1600/IMG_3600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIQRnBSmCeAM-o7sfC6-L7zkT-eddkC_julO67MJk91vlzTcvfu-UFVb2UZngHO4x1cpkEaUrBL7rB_9O3zeZF7eKf-kDtW67WH582VmHyfaMOZcQeoFGBbGXfZ1FyZqLr1e-0oS_aVY/s320/IMG_3600.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr align="center"><td><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UFkswEGxfplMGpXoYOWgq-IwHXORId7qeX6ykqZGvHzlCZk00fbriA847kdhX_gJfqzqwdm53cw2wrWqBEWgL9owyy1xjToIjWNkgFdUzrAO_1jKF_isVZlZhsFZwZ-V_Zwmoq1qm_M/s400/IMG_3617.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption">the finished product :)<br />
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even though this may seem like a baby shower gift, you can actually make these for any age of a child still in diapers or the long stretch.. pull-ups. the items you place on the cake can vary from each age group. i think they turn out super cute!! it has my own personal touch to it. I'm putting this on my craft list permanently :) right next to knot blankets!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-15094205405596473942011-08-21T23:43:00.001-07:002011-09-10T00:01:16.276-07:00one year anniversary 8.21.11<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJnKqHAG2ByS7kHcPnA037uXN3w0qN6t7Np8RUQBjf3oHX5J4J0OyZuu77Iurb4Kh2lRVJfn1p8OWVWO0eU4ZfJUvJBXJMl00wvIMgsdx9YXlPj7b_YOiSN5YvPVpraUL03MdlxYPdE8/s1600/anniversary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJnKqHAG2ByS7kHcPnA037uXN3w0qN6t7Np8RUQBjf3oHX5J4J0OyZuu77Iurb4Kh2lRVJfn1p8OWVWO0eU4ZfJUvJBXJMl00wvIMgsdx9YXlPj7b_YOiSN5YvPVpraUL03MdlxYPdE8/s320/anniversary.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjug3n4BEWvnbJGqeS51Qu6xnZkbY7hcnXXbnzdHS3LfsrqXKv1GqtCNg517LRTtBnK4GKIcRvx1319qOKKmgPHHsBgMyHLDdqaXPatTf2VLoD16CJIqmt-DCPUNr8FQckXRWGGc5yGFgo/s1600/cff921c3eb23c1973610faeb9f0b7c5df02c289b_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjug3n4BEWvnbJGqeS51Qu6xnZkbY7hcnXXbnzdHS3LfsrqXKv1GqtCNg517LRTtBnK4GKIcRvx1319qOKKmgPHHsBgMyHLDdqaXPatTf2VLoD16CJIqmt-DCPUNr8FQckXRWGGc5yGFgo/s200/cff921c3eb23c1973610faeb9f0b7c5df02c289b_l.jpg" width="149" /></a>today was our one year anniversary! our morning began with yet another gift exchange! the paper theme was a success :) I loved getting a "wife" card! the rest of the day consisted of much needed relaxation with just the two of us! we celebrated last night with dinner at this amazing italian restaurant in SF. Piazza Pelligrini! it was a nice restaurant with sweet waiters and awesome food! we had our entree's and then the most out of this world dessert ;) it was nice to be at some place new! I never realized how many great places the city has to offer. I need to explore more often! today we popped in the DVD and watched our "day" again! I would give anything to re-live it! our top tier of cake had thawed and it was time to follow the tradition and eat a piece... yuck! not how I hoped it would taste but it was fun to try it. it brought back memories thats for sure :) I love my husband, he spoiled me this anniversary!! im looking forward to our continued future together <3 curious to see what year two has in store for us!! happy anniversary robert, I love you!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQ3t6bysYO_eXp4pO3KA56JK7h0vcDXRvtWgtJaEOW_FI-K4ZWqzqJNPRIa8ZBNItP4lcKwPozgy0bf0C_L4HOXjhMF_M204au8l5E0AI8s5spEJE5mAYMF_Ygyb4Yhymv52z5YuQ6eQ/s1600/319061_2327050418179_1307233819_2815270_5941244_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQ3t6bysYO_eXp4pO3KA56JK7h0vcDXRvtWgtJaEOW_FI-K4ZWqzqJNPRIa8ZBNItP4lcKwPozgy0bf0C_L4HOXjhMF_M204au8l5E0AI8s5spEJE5mAYMF_Ygyb4Yhymv52z5YuQ6eQ/s320/319061_2327050418179_1307233819_2815270_5941244_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Mxadt4Eogfu3v-W0Qb6qmYgOj5t7GQjtf4mdAOW3lpyPBLLqd5v-z4npXEEMWlM7BPAEVfBchw3Ge6tLOw2x6tNEPDTJI3k5Xo9S3yRmMDUSD_C9VLo-iGCpufx_G_hLU-ZZSgbZpkk/s1600/295973_2327052058220_1307233819_2815271_4556041_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Mxadt4Eogfu3v-W0Qb6qmYgOj5t7GQjtf4mdAOW3lpyPBLLqd5v-z4npXEEMWlM7BPAEVfBchw3Ge6tLOw2x6tNEPDTJI3k5Xo9S3yRmMDUSD_C9VLo-iGCpufx_G_hLU-ZZSgbZpkk/s320/295973_2327052058220_1307233819_2815271_4556041_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrf94DXjMSt5pnZW6DORKu-KHZj4UsAtSfd_lQYtSTlp-4fPcx5ljy9mkVIZFVHwIG1r2wDqKUXbMNNWu-SomJ8KmUv9lDYFYT3A0e-twX2jLtXTWjH1KT73Oqj4snd52i8MoR5k9MtUc/s1600/302903_2328444053019_1307233819_2818157_5445322_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrf94DXjMSt5pnZW6DORKu-KHZj4UsAtSfd_lQYtSTlp-4fPcx5ljy9mkVIZFVHwIG1r2wDqKUXbMNNWu-SomJ8KmUv9lDYFYT3A0e-twX2jLtXTWjH1KT73Oqj4snd52i8MoR5k9MtUc/s320/302903_2328444053019_1307233819_2818157_5445322_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-1064483451556728522011-08-15T22:30:00.000-07:002011-08-15T22:30:01.334-07:00pacifica, a loving community<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">when i was younger, i couldn't wait to get outta this town. i couldn't believe my mom grew up here, went to school here and raised me here. didn't she ever wanna leave? now that i am older, and have a child of my own i realize why she stayed in such a town. this small city by the beach is the only place i see myself growing old in, raising my kids in and eventually getting to see them raise their kids too. its a peaceful town, great neighborhoods, awesome schools, beautiful sceneries and a irreplaceable community! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">for example tonight. a friend of ours was in a tragic bicycle accident a couple weeks back and is still recovering in the hospital. his wife and four children do not have their dad home with them. he is the provider of the family and unfortunately became the victim of a freak life threatening accident. in such a short amount of time, this community has come together as one to support their family each step of the way! i dont know how i would be able to deal with such circumstances like his wife has. she is such a strong person for her children and husband! i really do admire her :) twice in one year i am reminded how quick life can change in a matter of seconds! with my friend tracey and her horrible accident to this. you just never know! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6tH3o5jEqqbt2qTSxoo_SHw9m7jtIZaO9TQvyqyEGEsF9mABLvkVNBRr7cEZhbhkRAGHWa8c1bytM3T0NuKn9gcOwuevqlFsyvPANsXPxtIUIrwtuNnMX1713yMNTqIYe6k0wgMKNLA/s1600/50555_196364713577_4421771_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6tH3o5jEqqbt2qTSxoo_SHw9m7jtIZaO9TQvyqyEGEsF9mABLvkVNBRr7cEZhbhkRAGHWa8c1bytM3T0NuKn9gcOwuevqlFsyvPANsXPxtIUIrwtuNnMX1713yMNTqIYe6k0wgMKNLA/s1600/50555_196364713577_4421771_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">the local pizza restaurant was kind to help in a fundraiser and donate a percentage of their income on sales tonight to the family. no one wants to cook on a monday and being this was for a great cause, my family and i headed to the restaurant. it was nice to see so many people supporting the family! i have never seen this place so packed. too packed, that when i went to order a pizza [it is a pizza parlor] i was told they ran out of dough!! no dough?! holy crap! guess the owner wasnt prepared for all the people who care for this family :) so the next best thing was their chicken caesar salad and pasta! we were satisfied and happy to be apart of this night!! its a nice feeling to see everyone in town get together to support one another, i hope this brought a smile to the family's face :) and a sense of hope.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">i continue to pray for him and hope that he recovers in time. </div><div style="text-align: center;">he has so much to live for and a family that needs him<3</div><div style="text-align: center;">love the ones you love. life is precious.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3W5Bt6c55GDVNOSs3f1oQFlchwd-PRiIWm1A4Jj9vUTfiivvDDTD05CdiLQTSy1qZstiX6JwdAUS7tpO4ByVQRvUI4zMGHrJ88upZjnjOQgHmNXlCpoHuRwsGaMufODPxrquCODcgxk/s1600/minifamily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3W5Bt6c55GDVNOSs3f1oQFlchwd-PRiIWm1A4Jj9vUTfiivvDDTD05CdiLQTSy1qZstiX6JwdAUS7tpO4ByVQRvUI4zMGHrJ88upZjnjOQgHmNXlCpoHuRwsGaMufODPxrquCODcgxk/s320/minifamily.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Mini Family</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength."<br />
-- Author Unknown</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-70602606922440075912011-08-13T18:34:00.000-07:002011-08-13T18:34:06.234-07:00[co]parenting.<div style="text-align: center;">"there is no such thing as a perfect parent, so just be a real one."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZL9DCUMAVsTimvNsfHmIyqmVluNURbiVxMCgNq22CGMKamdbhCJHWJJZ1eZwxVBV7drcbovIcsx-c979Hv3wFRUaUlD01ZMxdqOXni9HWZ_pslOuu3DgkAw7uegHnu2hpdXk1EbYlPM/s1600/ashley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZL9DCUMAVsTimvNsfHmIyqmVluNURbiVxMCgNq22CGMKamdbhCJHWJJZ1eZwxVBV7drcbovIcsx-c979Hv3wFRUaUlD01ZMxdqOXni9HWZ_pslOuu3DgkAw7uegHnu2hpdXk1EbYlPM/s200/ashley.jpg" width="120" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6x682IhdJGB8HD1Ftayz74OwmAxEIO1s79mJaoBdeKoPCsviL5BaafhoO084HuBf1cVEBsZPF-Uc5yWw6SpBAIIK2MeVpPwEXOXOr1x3Q6KdDCy2SF6PZ-A3xptDAM3zPM-m7DUxUys/s200/jesse.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="160" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dad</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">made this irreplaceable kid.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkibhj_dV6uQDsonCDjouiocmTYSNajiiOZxaAmEUkKBk8gwoWGuWxxP2f528eaWNNVqxp-KvwUEML2MYqHcJU1zWqHGhsMY8DBYNT8qdFG98md4aRIquJFjzXJDIQlsOIll8LcFbRn0/s1600/n1307233819_328849_6220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkibhj_dV6uQDsonCDjouiocmTYSNajiiOZxaAmEUkKBk8gwoWGuWxxP2f528eaWNNVqxp-KvwUEML2MYqHcJU1zWqHGhsMY8DBYNT8qdFG98md4aRIquJFjzXJDIQlsOIll8LcFbRn0/s200/n1307233819_328849_6220.jpg" width="138" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 months</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvb_fX8GTXY6Qxn47gm6Jbf_T7QEEKzW74KH_H04Xddv4w8DGRUEYNI7YA_nHwPysMZ66yGaPRnd1TVCz2KPxp67Bnq98_MFRBd0S-C0KuU8_eU5wogNpFBaXAyt1v1WTgz8AB_5Cxrw/s200/29466_1448395172347_1307233819_1252916_3673533_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="130" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 years</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwEawtueN7c3w1wOmngVhTm-pv_iS30BHUBVq8KVaLcCxLBCbnEz588hjWTEd3sgPJluX3HKayBBgLbZV7fPJ_1YEr94eTC6WcT4JuDC7iJEUwd9Pk_xgketoF7qkUmj2ta8PvUeeVU8/s1600/9033_1238832933422_1307233819_710012_7310026_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwEawtueN7c3w1wOmngVhTm-pv_iS30BHUBVq8KVaLcCxLBCbnEz588hjWTEd3sgPJluX3HKayBBgLbZV7fPJ_1YEr94eTC6WcT4JuDC7iJEUwd9Pk_xgketoF7qkUmj2ta8PvUeeVU8/s200/9033_1238832933422_1307233819_710012_7310026_n.jpg" width="134" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 months</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 years</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_A63G3CInDwHuSNawbESgI8lwRXU92yJ8xI1zrcImriNI83HAWLYOZJgMYVrnEbNLQRgCL95tiDC9m7PXGV_wC5k7GDvg_CRxkW7Et0jIeEzKhWNZIFrWGch1Wew-0gj9DrwYlUZkTCo/s1600/n1307233819_337312_866925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_A63G3CInDwHuSNawbESgI8lwRXU92yJ8xI1zrcImriNI83HAWLYOZJgMYVrnEbNLQRgCL95tiDC9m7PXGV_wC5k7GDvg_CRxkW7Et0jIeEzKhWNZIFrWGch1Wew-0gj9DrwYlUZkTCo/s320/n1307233819_337312_866925.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 month</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHm1Q0evx1V5rOrECv5aYR-ICQINlU4oV0UFpXwwZS7PPb8Xr9JlXP-VzyUecEyRirMm-bxzC093rWVem8R4BhFOrfwaL2Zc_YA3zieC9Jly9kYGySgUzc-UsWTxo8NSYKXPUHDzgYac/s1600/269044_2208268728711_1307233819_2647324_5955630_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHm1Q0evx1V5rOrECv5aYR-ICQINlU4oV0UFpXwwZS7PPb8Xr9JlXP-VzyUecEyRirMm-bxzC093rWVem8R4BhFOrfwaL2Zc_YA3zieC9Jly9kYGySgUzc-UsWTxo8NSYKXPUHDzgYac/s320/269044_2208268728711_1307233819_2647324_5955630_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6 years</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">to be honest, co-parenting, was no walk in the park. in the beginning at least. while i was pregnant i had no clue how hard, physically & mentally it was going to be raising my son separate from his dad. it wasn't until dylan was born that the challenges of being civil with one another were tested. we were once so close that i never thought it would be hard to get along and raise a child, now not being together. damn, was i wrong! those first years of Dylan's life had to be some of the hardest years of my life, thus far. if i wasn't arguing, i was crying and if i wasn't crying then i was so emotionally damaged. i went through a phase where i blamed myself for bringing dylan into this mess. saying you will split your time with your kid sounded like an easy thing to do, but not until my baby was born did i realize how hard it was going to be to not be able to be with him every moment. i had to share my son, with someone i now, couldn't stand. i had no control over the "other life" dylan was raised in and same went for his dad when dylan was with me. difficult doesn't even begin to explain things.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">there were good times, bad times and real ugly times. i look back now and ask myself how i made it through all of the ups and downs. i know the answer is my supportive family. my friends who never left my side and my husband, then boyfriend who always told me, "it will be okay." and honestly, deep down inside, i knew that all this anger, resentment and what not that we had between each other had to eventually get better. how is it that two people who once cared about each other and created such a precious, innocent being continue on with life as enemies while wasting all the good times to be had with their child. whether we were [co]parenting or trying to make things work. i always knew in the back of my mind that my son was watching us. kids are like sponges and even before dylan could speak i know he could sense our vibes!! i cant recall the exact moment, but we had stopped making the problem about us and started to make our lives all about dylan and raising him the best we could! i guess you could say it was the moment i grew up! i wont speak for him, this is solely how i feel. i can only hope that he agrees with me. we had come so far in the relationship that we had with each other. yes, it is possible to be friends again. we have know each other for many years. even before dylan, we had gone through a lot together. I've let go of all the drama, realizing that none of it mattered anymore. not with how short life is.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">i come from a stable home[life]. my parents have been together since before i was born. if dylan didnt have that life, then i wanted him to have something somewhat close to it. the older he gets, the smarter he gets :) i want him to see his parents interact in a civil manner. i want him to see his parents as friends. i want him to hear me talk highly of his dad, just like i hope he speaks highly of me. [co]parenting can be done. respect is number one. it has been a long 7 years, but it's also gone by so fast. a lot has happened, a lot has changed and im happy that most of it was for the best :) we have gone nowhere but up!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">there are perks to [co]parenting.. my kid gets to enjoy 2 of everything. double the holidays, double the gifts and double the love!! he has two father figures, he has a stepbrother who loves him. he has many grandparents to spoil him and i couldnt have asked for a better family tree :) my son is the most loving caring intelligent little boy. i couldn't have been blessed with a better kid. not to mention how handsome he is. he looks just like his mom ;) he makes me proud everyday and as i write this i miss him even more. today he's with his dad. funny how sometimes your kid drives you bananas but the second they are gone you want them back!! guess that's a total mom feeling! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">i have friends who deal with [co]parenting and i hear about all the drama, all the negativity! i feel like saying, "been there, done that!" when i watch Teen Mom, i see myself in some of those girls. i went through what they went through. i cried about the things they cried about. i was scared at times, i felt like my world was a mess and i had done it to myself and my child! i wish i could tell them that its not the end of the world. it's nice to look back and have it only be a memory! my only advice is that it can get better if you work at the relationship. make it about the kid and not about the adults.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> it wasn't always easy but it was ALL WORTH IT! </div><div style="text-align: center;">i look forward to the next 7 years of Dylan's life <3</div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-60034454049376370662011-08-12T22:46:00.000-07:002011-08-12T22:57:07.236-07:00love the life you live.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/7NJqUN9TClM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"if i die young"</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Band Perry </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">this song means a lot to me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">so many things happen in life that make me realize how quick life on earth is. time passes so quickly. in an instant everything can change. some days you think you have your whole life still ahead of you but really, you have no idea when it could all be over. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">don't you ever feel like the good ones go first, the young ones die too soon?! unfortunate accidents happen to the people who are needed the most. its very rare to hear about some evil, no good person dying. it's the person who was great, the person who had it all, the person who meant the world to the ones around them, the person who had so much to live for! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">when i die, i want to feel good about the life I've lived. you're probably thinking, "she'll be dead, how will she care?" everyday is a new day to turn it all around. you have been dealt the cards you hold, so its up to you to play them right :) I've had ups and downs in my life and i appreciate my past for bringing me to where i am now. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">i can only hope that i will be here to see my son grow old, become a great man and start a family of his own. seems like so many years down the road right now, but i know it'll be here in a blink of an eye. to me, nothing else matters then family, friends, health & happiness!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I've gotta let go of any regrets, toss the what-ifs and love the life i live. you will always want what you cant have, but realizing that what you do have wont ever compare, outweighs it all :) I've been blessed with a great life. i have so much to be thankful for. life is too short to be anything but happy :)</div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-32851970196340719582011-08-08T13:29:00.000-07:002011-08-08T13:29:46.467-07:00happy Birthday to my Mom!<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vmTgqpAnorlPNnJILubhOVa2ZP1i1hsR6rxsZ60W7aqSaE5ArSCTWk8_9fMAAzHZLxd_tlWUgQkwkqKpPky_MG0ldD5z8tv-heqqjwUVqmnqzuQ3feU0hFa3peYMQ_JnqBtJOO-woxw/s1600/41161_1594465904024_1307233819_1649522_4077756_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vmTgqpAnorlPNnJILubhOVa2ZP1i1hsR6rxsZ60W7aqSaE5ArSCTWk8_9fMAAzHZLxd_tlWUgQkwkqKpPky_MG0ldD5z8tv-heqqjwUVqmnqzuQ3feU0hFa3peYMQ_JnqBtJOO-woxw/s640/41161_1594465904024_1307233819_1649522_4077756_n.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">happy birthday to the best mom ever... NANCY!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">reasons why i love her:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">first and foremost..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>she birthed me :)</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. she puts everyone she loves ahead of herself.</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. she listens to whatever you have to say.</div><div style="text-align: center;">4. she makes my nails look pretty [free of charge]</div><div style="text-align: center;">5. she bakes with dylan.</div><div style="text-align: center;">6. she can cook anything and it tastes great.</div><div style="text-align: center;">7. she never says no.</div><div style="text-align: center;">8. she is the ultimate shopping buddy.</div><div style="text-align: center;">9. she treats my friends like her own kids.</div><div style="text-align: center;">10. she is the best nana to dylan & charlie.</div><div style="text-align: center;">11. she is always a phone call away.</div><div style="text-align: center;">12. she tells it like it is.</div><div style="text-align: center;">13. she has provided me with a great life.</div><div style="text-align: center;">14. she has never judged my choices in life.</div><div style="text-align: center;">15. she is super soft spoken.</div><div style="text-align: center;">16. she makes me laugh. [pee laughing]</div><div style="text-align: center;">17. she has a heart of gold!</div><div style="text-align: center;">18. she has good taste.</div><div style="text-align: center;">19. she listens to me vent.</div><div style="text-align: center;">20. she, along with my dad have given me great stability.</div><div style="text-align: center;">21. she always has an answer to my questions.</div><div style="text-align: center;">22. she is just the best, nuff said.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">i could never repay her for being the person she is.</div><div style="text-align: center;">i love her so much and i know anyone would love for a mom like her!</div><div style="text-align: center;">im fortunate to have been blessed with her as my mom, the other way around [not so sure] LOL.</div><div style="text-align: center;">i now realize why she got her tubes tied 10 seconds after i left the womb ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;">i would only want one of me too!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">hope you are having a fabulous day mom! </div><div style="text-align: center;">xoxo</div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-89024175272673975332011-08-07T13:48:00.000-07:002011-08-07T13:48:35.477-07:00year one: Paper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsRsofkGobjMcoNdqq8oLjC3CwKQ8BWZkV16-zlHSFpVdXQ4nju2aIVr_Mc8WUymSc4AcX7HMOOUOnEBcPIAI14dnPc0cNerpeTgS0k32FnLpytMMpiVxQY1cqYyAFSbOxXjM6Q6bjrs/s1600/paper1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsRsofkGobjMcoNdqq8oLjC3CwKQ8BWZkV16-zlHSFpVdXQ4nju2aIVr_Mc8WUymSc4AcX7HMOOUOnEBcPIAI14dnPc0cNerpeTgS0k32FnLpytMMpiVxQY1cqYyAFSbOxXjM6Q6bjrs/s320/paper1.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">couple more days and i'll have been married ONE whole year. it went by really fast. i still havent even done the whole name change process [sorry bobby.] i really need to get on that. lucky for the husband, they dont have to change anything. the wife, on the other hand has to change everything that has her maiden name attached to it. i must make a list and tackle it. i think i've given myself enough time to let the wedding/marriage sink in and i'm ready to ditch the "archuleta." weird when you have gone your whole life this far with one identity and now it changes. i will confirm that the person i am hasnt changed one bit :) i feel like i am a better person, a great wife, a great mother and step-mother too. i have gained a partner who i know would give me the world any chance he got. not many people can say that. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">i read this quote today and i think it completely sums up my marriage.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility."</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">my husband and i are two opposite people, but opposites attract. having too much of something isn't always a good thing. i think our differences balance us out :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">so as we approach our one year anniversary, the traditional gift is paper. i've google searched different ideas such as tickets, books, pictures, poems, gift certificates, coupon books, board games, a letter etc.</div><div style="text-align: center;">i know it doesn't have to be paper BUT i think it will be fun to keep with the tradition. my husband is hard to shop for, aren't all men? i think i have an idea of what I'm going to get him! a roll of toilet paper would work, right?! im kidding, but it would be a good gag gift! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">stay posted for the gift exchange! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-81262418524153312072011-08-04T13:20:00.000-07:002011-08-04T13:20:55.108-07:00rain in august?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnW_Kj6H6irKB7Wf1-8kmbA17y6MrnUW8fkecAif16jgcGBKiYO3dDpP-vwwi9fvPGIKbo0ldO3r7wH69-SxwLXxLftxjmhNz8yHc1KTDIWzURQ9BQEREAConrsn3gl5h95xuQjAFdTV4/s1600/rain2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnW_Kj6H6irKB7Wf1-8kmbA17y6MrnUW8fkecAif16jgcGBKiYO3dDpP-vwwi9fvPGIKbo0ldO3r7wH69-SxwLXxLftxjmhNz8yHc1KTDIWzURQ9BQEREAConrsn3gl5h95xuQjAFdTV4/s320/rain2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">this is the view out my window today. its the first week of august but you'd think it was december! the climate in the bay area hasnt been too consistent this year or EVER. some days are beautiful, others are plain old gloomy! i've gone from wearing flip flops to uggs in the same exact week. the seasons dont really matter here. mother nature is definitely confused. being home with the kids during summer and having them cooped up in the house is torture. there is only so much you can do! of course having boys they will spend some of their day playing video games :) then once that gets old they switch to the TV and after that i hear the infamous statement, "I'm bored!" these kids have no clue how fortunate they are to have the luxuries they have. so my response, "help me clean then?!" ha! yeah right, they are suddenly not bored anymore!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">with a positive mindset, today was a perfect day to clean so that when my hubby gets home we can just relax! nothing is worse then having to clean your house with the sun shining outside!! im hoping for the weather to brighten up by the weekend. I've got plans to be at the ballpark and I'd like to further my tan :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm thinking later ill get the kids in the kitchen with me so we can bake something sweet. that always puts a smile on everyones face :) of course while doing multiple loads of laundry ;) </div><div style="text-align: center;">hey... i am QUEEN multi-tasker!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">what do you suggest for rainy day activities?!</div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-19087888603675701312011-08-01T20:56:00.000-07:002011-08-01T20:56:46.621-07:00day one<div style="text-align: center;">I've been dreading this day since i first found out about my unfortunate "exposure" to tuberculosis last month. working in the medical field, i am, knowingly, putting myself at risk for many nasty germs and bugs. i never really think about it. i enjoy what i do and wouldn't change my career for anything. so last month, i received a routine PPD skin test. for anyone who doesn't know: the skin test is done to see if you have been exposed to the tuberculosis disease or if you have the active disease. long story short, my test was positive. needless to say, the spaz that i am, i instantly thought i was going to die. how could this have happened?! [well, i know] I'm so neurotic about cleanliness, why me?! [its out of your control, who you may come in contact with] how is this going to affect my life?! so many questions i had. i was an emotional wreck. then that turned into being angry. followed by the pity party. accepting that i had no say in contracting this exposure is still hard to deal with. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">so my first order of business was to get a blood draw so that i could confirm that i had been exposed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>YUP.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">next was a chest xray to see what my lungs looked like.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>NICE & CLEAR :)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">this meant exposure for sure, but not active TB. thank the heavens above. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">then i got dylan tested and luckily my little man was:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>NEGATIVE :)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">making my workplace the most obvious place of my exposure.</div><div style="text-align: center;">but not limited to everyday life.</div><div style="text-align: center;">all it takes is to be near someone [with active TB] that has coughed or sneezed!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">last week i met with an infectious disease doctor. um gross much! oh and just for the record, since you've probably read this far and thought to yourself, "omg, when was the last time i was around ashley and was she contagious!" i will say this loud and clear... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>EXPOSURE ISN'T CONTAGIOUS!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">some nasty person infected <b>ME</b>. i CANNOT infect anyone else. i dont have the active virus in me :) </div><div style="text-align: center;">i must thank my friends and family for being so supportive. we all know what an anxious girl i am and hearing all your positive words have made this bearable!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">so back to my appointment which was the final step to see if i was a "candidate" for the antibiotic. a nine month supply of a daily dose of medicine. geeze, talk about a pain. plus, monthly blood draws to check my liver and make sure that there arent any side effects to the medicine. liver damage being one of them. that sure brought my anxiety to an all time high!! im trying to remind myself that this wouldnt have been prescribed to me if it wasnt safe. there are side effects with EVERYTHING, right?! shoot, life has a side effect!! my other option was to take a gamble with it. some people live their whole life with exposure and never contract the active disease. BUT there is a chance of contracting the active disease later on in life. your body just drops its guard down and BAM, tuberculosis has taken over! i never get sick, cant remember my last cold. im healthy and at some times i viewed myself as untouchable to many things. guess not now =/ i just couldn't see myself taking that risk. i have a son and i need to be healthy for him. if i were to get sick years down the road, there isnt much to do about it. not a lot of medical options for an older person so im thankful that this pain in the butt antibiotic will work for me :) give and take people!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">the most positive thing about all of this is that once i have finished the medicine, i will NEVER contract active Tuberculosis.. it will only be a memory to me :) its the process of getting through these 9 months and staying healthy that worries me. oh and did i mention no alcohol?! yup.. i will be sober for these months and not because i have a bun in the oven. with the risk of liver damage, i must not add to it with alcohol consumption. dumping out the wine tonight :( i know that god never gives you more then you can handle so im leaving it up to him to get me through this bump in the road. im going to continue thinking positive thoughts and just swallow that damn pill and forget about it...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">this is one of those moments where the saying</div><div style="text-align: center;">"everything happens for a reason" crosses my mind numerous times.</div><div style="text-align: center;">what's this reason?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">my doctors last words have remained with me...</div><div style="text-align: center;">"it could always be worse, so be thankful it's not!"</div><div style="text-align: center;">i am.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-5063480984283595982011-07-31T22:06:00.000-07:002011-07-31T22:06:21.586-07:00vacation in Tahoe.<div style="text-align: center;">Dylan and i spent the weekend in Tahoe. we drove up with my good friend tracey and her daughter haylee. Tracey's in-laws have a beautiful time share vacation resort right on the lake! they treated us to a fun weekend in the sun and i loved every minute of it! The resort had an indoor/outdoor pool. BBQ area and fire pit for making smores or just relaxing. daycare if you need it.. [kidding] but it is an option. we spent all our time with the kids and it was great! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">saturday we went to roundhill beach which is such a nice spot to enjoy the lake! the kids had a blast. the water was super cold, but they didnt mind. once my legs were numb, it actually felt refreshing! cocktails on the beach and tanning was my idea of a good time :) weather is nuts up in the mountains. such a sunny day turned into dark clouds and a hail storm! just as fast as it came, it went and the night was beautiful again! we bbq'd for dinner and the highlight of the trip was roasting marshmallows for our smores!! have you had one lately?! if not, you are missing out. so messy and gooey but oh so good!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">the kids were water babies all weekend! they stayed in the water for hours!! good luck trying to get them out without tears =/ then if it wasnt the water, it was scooter races or ping pong! never a dull moment with dylan and haylee :) as for tracey and i... lots of girl talk. never gets old! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">this weekend made me want to get away more. spending time with your family or good friends is what life is all about. dylan will always remember this weekend and that is what i love. memories that cant ever be taken away from him! he is already asking when we are going back... my response: ASAP! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">thanks to the mexican in us.. we are as brown as can be :) </div><div style="text-align: center;">im thankful to have such great people in my life. i truly believe that friends are the family we choose!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">now its back to reality!</div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-13720278313948931652011-07-24T22:19:00.000-07:002011-07-24T22:19:25.544-07:00buying on impulse.<div style="text-align: center;">an old habit of mine, that im proud to say i've kicked to the curb. i never thought about money as anything more then green paper. when you dont make it, it has no value to you. now that i've been making my own money for some years now, im more aware of its value. i think it was something i needed to learn, the hard way. i know you may be thinking, she always talks about money. can you blame me?! its what makes the world go round. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">buying on impulse was a day to day thing. half the things i would buy had no necessary purpose in my life. now a days, i think before i buy. "do i really need this or do i just want it?" i have to ask myself. for instance, tonight my husband and i have been debating a trip for our anniversary. a couple days in vegas, to spend alone and with his family. of course i've been flight searching for a month now and tonight the prices happen to be SUPER cheap. great.. now im dying to go. on top of that, an email with the lowest rates for a Planet Hollywood room [a hotel i havent stayed at]. seems like tonight, the trip was meant to be :) should we book or stay local and celebrate. i mean, as long as we're together i dont care where we are... it's just that vegas was calling my name EXTRA loud tonight. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwENPe3jNoiqVDD-vp4-_4PDfp7MaZZ6ixeKOkJixQ7teqNi3OgMoGh6pm3FG5sw48l2mMXr62RT7ylECJ563f9TSBiT64S7hoGdmC5eSTb1H4It9FJxRLh4sfAXUyt4JV6EOqRb_xFuw/s1600/Disneyland_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwENPe3jNoiqVDD-vp4-_4PDfp7MaZZ6ixeKOkJixQ7teqNi3OgMoGh6pm3FG5sw48l2mMXr62RT7ylECJ563f9TSBiT64S7hoGdmC5eSTb1H4It9FJxRLh4sfAXUyt4JV6EOqRb_xFuw/s200/Disneyland_logo.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58-6jYh9QE1BA1woNtC1kanT5Sdw5Kq-Y7lvPqfS_b9bhGfYackL2PtezQlchW_SS4tJLxhquJustPQ4ItrI_W_FfJb9EvkM5lp0w7wrmPUjPDWeLIYqCN0GPaqtyqLut4pdqb0-ZmwI/s1600/lasvegas_ppai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58-6jYh9QE1BA1woNtC1kanT5Sdw5Kq-Y7lvPqfS_b9bhGfYackL2PtezQlchW_SS4tJLxhquJustPQ4ItrI_W_FfJb9EvkM5lp0w7wrmPUjPDWeLIYqCN0GPaqtyqLut4pdqb0-ZmwI/s200/lasvegas_ppai.jpg" width="200" /></a>just as I'm about to book the flights, i remember earlier when we were at Safeway doing the dreaded grocery shopping i spotted 3 day hopper passes for Disneyland at a reasonable price. side-note: we saved mucho $$ thanks to my savvy shopping skills I've acquired thanks to extreme couponers ;) i would love to go back to Disneyland, around dylan's birthday. did i just say that outloud?! Disneyland TRUMPS Vegas?! it just may have. i turned to my husband and said, "wait, what about Disneyland?!" doing both, wouldnt be the best idea money wise. i would be stressed about saving for each trip and it would end up ruining one trip or the other. i would much rather focus on one trip at a time. Being with the family at Disneyland is the best. nothing compares and just as my impulse of booking this vegas trip almost took over... i stopped, gathered my thoughts and came to the conclusion, i would much rather take a trip with the kids. i would feel guilty leaving them for vegas and the look on dylan's face when i mention we're going to Disneyland is Priceless :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">one of these days, we'll be able to do many trips... just not now. im happy with my [our] decision. </div><div style="text-align: center;">disneyland here we come :)</div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-70291669880831230192011-07-23T15:18:00.000-07:002011-07-23T15:18:37.592-07:00hitting close to home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbItMDKYzLk713IS5tSWkT1jXjOgsdrirPJwdtPgFP6N8dTl_QXe-p-z7ZOMhW4vbJ7wWc5IhgYRp-swgdfJD7CgpLrM1cBjAtloCSyOwbB7NG2h3S06g7Ph2L7BBt03cknHQOz08nbY/s1600/TheBoyWhoCameBackFromHeaven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbItMDKYzLk713IS5tSWkT1jXjOgsdrirPJwdtPgFP6N8dTl_QXe-p-z7ZOMhW4vbJ7wWc5IhgYRp-swgdfJD7CgpLrM1cBjAtloCSyOwbB7NG2h3S06g7Ph2L7BBt03cknHQOz08nbY/s320/TheBoyWhoCameBackFromHeaven.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">i recently finished this book and i must say it has brought new meaning to my life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in a nutshell, six year old Alex was in a [what should have been fatal] car accident with his father. Alex had life threatening injuries and wasn't suppose to live past the scene of the accident. his father had minor injuries despite being ejected from his vehicle. Alex had an out of body experience. he tells his story of how god protected him and brought him to heaven, then returned him back to his body where day after day he began to miraculously heal! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Alex surprised everyone when he awoke from his coma with stories of heaven, Jesus, angels and the devil. God worked in mysterious ways for Alex and his family. Alex continued to have spiritual encounters that nobody could explain. as a parent of a six year old now, i couldnt imagine going through what alex's father went through. seeing your child in so much pain, seeing him lifeless and not knowing if he was going to survive is unthinkable. having to live with the fact that i was driving when the accident occured, all of the guilt i would endure for the rest of my life would be so hard. i would want to switch places with my kid! this story hit close to home. you think you are a good driver, but most of the time its the other person you have to look out for!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">i am not a huge religious person, but after reading this book it made me realize how strong the power of prayer is. if you feel you have nothing else, you will always have your faith. in the toughest of times, i believe if you believe in a higher power and that you have angels to protect you no matter what, things will be okay. the way alex described heaven, it made me feel good about having to go there after this life on earth. the life we live now is hard, heaven seems so easy :) what a treat right?! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">with all of the stresses I've had lately and in the past year, its reassuring to think that in the end it will always work out. most things aren't as important when you think of what happened to Alex. it puts events in life in perspective. the day i watched my friend get hit by a car was the worst day ever. i catch myself wondering how it was that i didn't get hit myself. i was on the outside closest to the truck. we were walking together, or so i thought. what a difference a split second makes. i live with the guilt that she was injured and i wasn't. i can only believe that my guardian angel had been there that morning and wrapped their arms around me, to protect me from being hit. sounds crazy, but its how i looked at the situation and after reading this book, i know its possible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Alex is now 12 years old. he has made some miraculous steps to recovery. it was such an amazing story he and his father told. he is definitely a special kid who's time wasnt up yet! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">life is too short. love the ones you love. make sure they know it. your life can change in an instant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theboywhocamebackfromheaven.com/">click here to read more about ALEX</a></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-48663767846937417842011-07-22T21:34:00.000-07:002011-07-22T21:38:08.480-07:00Going, Going... GONE!!<div style="text-align: center;">today was a great day for our family...<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">we witnessed our son [my stepson] hit his FIRST home-run!! it was game 2 of his double header down in beautiful San Carlos. the sun was shining, the field was amazing and Andrew was up to bat! Andrew is a power hitter, he's got a lot of heart & skill when he plays! when the ball hit the bat, my husband jumped up and the stands went wild!! in little league tournaments, cones are placed on the field to represent a "fence." that ball cleared the cones and we all knew it. Andrew rounded first base, on his way to second and looked over at his dad [he thought it was a ground roll double] but his dad, LOUD and CLEAR told him "HOMERUN DREW, come on home!!" the look on his face was priceless... he's not the fastest kid, but it didnt matter cause he could take his sweet time around the bases! it was such a cool feeling to see him so proud and hitting each base while the rest of his team came out of the dugout to greet him at home plate!! they were jumping, yelling, slapping high fives!! he was a hero to his team, it was so awesome!! he was given the ball as a keepsake, his auntie dated the ball so he will never forget that game :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">the Pacifica Heat won their first game tonight, but didnt end up winning this game. they put up a good fight and made a lot of great plays.. the highlight was definitely Andrew's Home Run! my husband was so excited, it was like he hit the home-run himself! he is a very proud dad tonight and i must say im a proud stepmom! dylan, of course couldnt wait to see the ball and tell his big bro "good job!" he looks up to him and im sure they will still be talking about this game when they grow up and have kids of there own...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">i repeat...</div><div style="text-align: center;">today was a great day!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdKZmgSaRGCyn_pOj91sEbu_4mAifxifZ-MxStc_A27teb6MQ7-p4JAUbbWuce8TeJvwV7I9aLgiQuBJNO7OVY4BmRTI7ZwUiyyC5_Z4u99djcowPgdyHH-GW5SJHnz_rd_8JwjtKJGU/s1600/mail.google.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdKZmgSaRGCyn_pOj91sEbu_4mAifxifZ-MxStc_A27teb6MQ7-p4JAUbbWuce8TeJvwV7I9aLgiQuBJNO7OVY4BmRTI7ZwUiyyC5_Z4u99djcowPgdyHH-GW5SJHnz_rd_8JwjtKJGU/s320/mail.google.com.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">proud dad and his son</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9BUtLPpliXXvxWLMERyeS2nNntkvUoIN51bMzOj_tzrIllV-wgJVeg-fCNSNJqP8ASyP1bD0csFVHA2k2gJOnn6hECQWpfQsGMA0iGvbddF5Q8paict3KM_xZVOMcFP3GPW7h6DQcQ8/s1600/2011-07-22+19.07.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9BUtLPpliXXvxWLMERyeS2nNntkvUoIN51bMzOj_tzrIllV-wgJVeg-fCNSNJqP8ASyP1bD0csFVHA2k2gJOnn6hECQWpfQsGMA0iGvbddF5Q8paict3KM_xZVOMcFP3GPW7h6DQcQ8/s320/2011-07-22+19.07.55.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">little bro so proud of his big bro</td></tr>
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</div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-80483373141572032612011-07-19T23:15:00.000-07:002011-07-19T23:15:05.714-07:00it could always be worse, right?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeFn01Ge-52ay4HYU2tJCs1KofB8EsLfHsXEhc3YjodrvAZo8pUdmn6E-oBJELMeMI2Nzi-oHY-89dmyP4vRlGVPxGEKuu9296alG9J1O4Gg5jQ-44NrGEKCWvFmEYCClsxfyca8jfuA/s1600/stress-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeFn01Ge-52ay4HYU2tJCs1KofB8EsLfHsXEhc3YjodrvAZo8pUdmn6E-oBJELMeMI2Nzi-oHY-89dmyP4vRlGVPxGEKuu9296alG9J1O4Gg5jQ-44NrGEKCWvFmEYCClsxfyca8jfuA/s320/stress-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
today was one of those days where everything that ive ever worried about consumed me all at once. its not like i didnt have these same issues yesterday and im sure to have them tomorrow. i guess it makes a difference when you have something to take your mind off of what stresses you. i finally got my hair done... something ive been wanting for months now. my hair hasnt gotten any TLC since the wedding. it was well deserved and i love the outcome. [its the little things].<br />
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im notorious for being a worry wart. its in my blood. im on anxiety meds but soon to be off of them. i dont like medicine. i dont even take advil. i like my insides to be pure. im hoping to ween myself off of my medicine and praying that all goes well. [its all in my head].<br />
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i know ive said it before but finances are a daily stress. we could be worse off and im thankful we arnt but i stress because we are not were i would like us to be. is anyone ever at that point?! i catch myself saying, "i want, i want, i want." and for the majority of my life.. i received. [only child syndrome] now as an adult, you have to work hard for what you want. nothing in life is free.. not even happiness. and if you beg to differ, ill call your bluff. sure if i never had anything i would never have the urge to want and my happiness would be free. we live in this world where people can have the best of the best. believe me, daydreaming is a lot better then reality but daydreaming wont get me anywhere.<br />
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today ive wanted to grab the nearest pillow and SCREAM at the top of my lungs! im overwhelmed with life. i want to believe that [god] has a wonderful purpose for my life. i just dont see it all yet... patience is my worst trait. i will be honest, i have none. i have been blessed with a great life and family thus far, i just think im in a rut these days. when i look at the big picture i can see that im being dramatic and things arnt as bad as i think they are. someone, somewhere has it way worse then me so i should be thankful and i am. i want a quick solution to my rut, but i dont know what that would be. i'd say shopping :) but that isnt in the "saving" agenda! <br />
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hopefully a good nights sleep with my husband [who i know will never leave my side thru "thick and thin"] right beside me will do the trick.. if not i see a large glass of wine in tomorrow nights future!!ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-79043779426854190152011-07-17T20:20:00.000-07:002011-07-17T20:20:12.539-07:00money!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN85N6Vm9mLbKmcrYQdpnQP5Ip0Lz_bcrjh6WLc3k5MkXhjVgrDtQ5_7_RSiA7AJ9sPbkc_uuSGZpTq6SvKrFiPKOOBdzRWMg1-xANlZwDnS9Q4Wk6nOjKUII7vn-gxQ_KheazaZn-CTo/s1600/money-tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN85N6Vm9mLbKmcrYQdpnQP5Ip0Lz_bcrjh6WLc3k5MkXhjVgrDtQ5_7_RSiA7AJ9sPbkc_uuSGZpTq6SvKrFiPKOOBdzRWMg1-xANlZwDnS9Q4Wk6nOjKUII7vn-gxQ_KheazaZn-CTo/s320/money-tree.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">everyone has heard the saying, "money doesn't grow on trees!" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but boy don't i wish it did. i would be the best gardener in town if all i had to do was love and nurture my garden full of money tree's :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">my parents use to say it to me, and now as a mother myself i find myself saying the same statement to my kid! he thinks my red ATM card has endless funds on it. whenever he wants something he tells me just to get my red card. i wish it were loaded like he thinks it is. oh to be young and naive again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">money is a HUGE part of my life. everyone's life right?! it controls us, consumes us and is the deciding factor of how your life will be. if you beg to differ then you must not have ever had any money. the people who say, "money doesn't buy happiness" must not know where to shop!! i know when i buy things, even groceries i feel good! i like to buy for others, ever since having a kid i love to buy for him rather then myself. I've come a long way from being a shopaholic. my husband can vouch for that.. only child, living with my parents i was the definition of spoiled [well taken care of]. i use to shop all the time. my closet would be filled with things that i never even wore. i still find some things with the tags on it. i didn't care what i bought, i would just buy it. i had no financial responsibilities so it was easy to do. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">well my life has done a complete 360. with the economy, my husband being laid off i felt the need to change and i think its been for the best. you don't realize how you CAN survive without all the material things. don't get me wrong, a treat here and there is healthy but in excess it isn't. I've learned to back off the shopping, only get what i need and use what i already have. i have other responsibilities, other goals i want to meet rather then blowing it all on nothing to show for. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">i catch myself daydreaming about winning the lotto! wouldn't that be nice, we could have anything we wanted. its ironic to me that we spend our lives stressed out about making ends meet only to die in the end. might as well enjoy what we have now! i have many things in my life that money cant buy and i treasure those things the most but the one thing i always hope for is to for once, "be ahead." not just "getting by." I'm sure if we were millionaires we'd still have some kind of problem. wouldn't be about money though... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">are the rich even happy?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">my husband and i have started a list of things we want for our family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">we have to save, save, save he says.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ugh, I'm so not the patient person to save =/</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but this is why i married my opposite :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">he is very determined and this makes me confident that we will reach our goals. I'm sure then, we'll just continue to want something more, but for now I'm just happy for our good health and loving family<3</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">damn, i wish that i could just go into the backyard and start picking off my tree today!!</div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-91232569592349992612011-07-13T20:05:00.000-07:002011-07-13T20:05:06.911-07:00i cant wait for the movie!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNI9eYfZoSCAo0d7zbYFNRa0UrQVh57Ynz03dj80GUvc0IVZHuPumVuLBizJNx8O-JXeNphjTFk4N2aC2HMAEKLBXl7AsykvvygAWcHR6HEuuurazdQEu49aTUyFRkIL-PkVoxZ2d_4t0/s1600/the-help-movie-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNI9eYfZoSCAo0d7zbYFNRa0UrQVh57Ynz03dj80GUvc0IVZHuPumVuLBizJNx8O-JXeNphjTFk4N2aC2HMAEKLBXl7AsykvvygAWcHR6HEuuurazdQEu49aTUyFRkIL-PkVoxZ2d_4t0/s320/the-help-movie-poster.jpg" width="215" /><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">so tonight i have finished my first novel in a long time, the Help.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">it was an amazing book. at first, it was hard to get into because it is narrated in a southern accent. it takes some getting use to but once you get going i found it pretty easy and i couldnt imagine reading this book in any other way. i felt like i was taken back to the 1960's each time i started reading. white families had all the money and black woman tended to these families on top of taking care of their own husbands and children once they got back home at the end of the day. i admire the help. i dont think the white people could function without them around. it made me happy when i would read that some white people did truly care about their "help" and the families they had back at home. even if they didnt want their other friends to know about it they still treated their "help" with the respect that i think everyone deserves. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">i obviously wasn't raised in these times, but i can tell you if my mom had some other woman [no matter what her color was] care for me from birth to my teenage years, how could i not love that woman like she was my actual mom?! that bond is unbreakable. i believe racism is taught not inherited. these innocent babies dont know any different. if someone loves on them and cares about them, they are only going to love them back. i couldnt go about my day knowing that someone else was taking over my duties of being a mom. that is what motherhood is all about! every parent needs help, but raising a child is my responsibility :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">i think writing a book to express how the "help" felt about working for the white people was so brave. even for the white girl who had the initial idea. going against her parents beliefs, losing friends, becoming an outcast in her home town all for the sake of doing what she loves to do, writing and hoping for change. maybe some of them women needed to hear how they treated their "help." maybe it would eventually open their eyes up to something new. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the way some of the white people treated their "help" made me angry. i cant see how one race could think that they are superior over another. its sick to me. did they not realize that the "help" are who made their own life easier. never having to cook, clean, do laundry and most importantly tend to their children. black women back then never got the credit they deserved. i cant imagine how hard it was to live, then. im thankful, life isnt like this now. i know there are still some forms of racism, but it's a choice now. not a way of life. i wont surround myself with that nonsense. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><h1 class="entry-title" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Be kind to people for everyone is fighting their own battle”</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">i loved everything about this book. i loved the characters. each and everyone of them. i felt like i got to know each of them and who they really are. i was attached to them by the end. i couldnt wait to finish the story, but when it was over i was sad. i cant wait to see this movie, once it comes out next month. to see the book come to life on the big screen is gonna be great!! </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-73065839260551169552011-07-11T17:34:00.000-07:002011-07-11T17:36:41.803-07:00happy birthday to me<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">today is my 28th birthday! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdc8SpEP8gllDmqSEMVwMPD5ovjWDpNl6o8s_HQCPJvM8CLyGiQbVCrqFd60GXqzF-AgcefOBOmzNbYu_4KnO1Y9mWiOT9-G_tn8vBwWQejt_yQoC9xU5sW_X2mjqHqxCePqcVqG04bk/s1600/270721_10150369778304554_722294553_10222188_449000_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdc8SpEP8gllDmqSEMVwMPD5ovjWDpNl6o8s_HQCPJvM8CLyGiQbVCrqFd60GXqzF-AgcefOBOmzNbYu_4KnO1Y9mWiOT9-G_tn8vBwWQejt_yQoC9xU5sW_X2mjqHqxCePqcVqG04bk/s320/270721_10150369778304554_722294553_10222188_449000_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">i couldnt wait to be 16 so i could drive!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">[i got my license 3 days after my birthday, passed with a score of 98]</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">i couldnt wait to be 18, cause then i was an "adult!"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">[always hearing from your parents, you can do whatever you want once you turn 18!]</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">gosh, sometimes i swear 18 seemed like it took forever to get to.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">i couldnt wait to be 21!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">[not to be able to drink, i did that after 18, but because i knew i only had 2 more months of being prego!]</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">carrying around a 9 lb kid was rough!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">i couldnt wait to be 25!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">[something about that age just felt good!]</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">i remember celebrating in vegas :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">now after 25 it all seems to be a blur. the years keep coming and going. i cant recall what i did for my birthdays after that?! it seems like once you have a kid, your own birthdays are out the door [same goes for christmas] take today for example. we go to target and dylan is looking for a toy. its okay though. i dont need gifts [even though i've been spoiled with many this birthday] i feel like i already have it all. great family, great husband, great friends and happy life... everything else is just a bonus that im blessed to have! my mom took me out to lunch and i came home to flowers, balloons and a pink ihome for my ipod... score! its been a great day minus the clouds! my body didnt need anymore sun, so i guess its a good thing!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">here's 28 random facts you [may] or may [not] know about me:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. i write in all lowercase letters. i dont like uppercase letters.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. i need to have my phone on me at all times. if it dies i feel like im detached from the world.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. i dont like to sleep with pillows but i do have a special blanket.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. i like to read books, i dont care for video games.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. im addicted to reality tv.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">6. i cant take shots of patron like i use to.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">7. my brother is 16 years older then me.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">8. i met my husband [again] at the holy cow & the rest is history.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">9. i love diet coke!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">10. im a sweatshirt & uggs kinda girl.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">11. i dont like to step foot in the ocean.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">12. arnold palmer is my [other] drink of choice.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">13. my parents are one of few couples that are still together [29 years]</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">14. my son has made me the person i am today! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">15. i need to use a loufa in the shower,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">16. im blind without my contacts/glasses.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">17. i take wayyy too many pictures but i love them.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">18. i am always cold, no matter the weather.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">19. i could shop everyday if i had the money to. it would never get old.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">20. i will not stay home alone at night, im a chicken.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">21. i can count the number of friends i have on one hand.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">22. i always think the worst of a scenario.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">23. i cant live without my flat iron.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">24. i dont eat red meat, it takes too long to chew.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">25. i've been shaving my arms since HS, bad habit that i cant just stop. hairy arms are not cute!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">26. my toes always need to be polished, chipped color is gross!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">27. if i dont know you, i will be super quiet and shy. i just dont open up to anyone.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">28. i have to wear socks to bed.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">and one for good luck:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">i have a mild case of OCD. okay, who am i kidding. a more then mild case ;) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">back to enjoying the last few hours of my birthday! </span></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6904051566508273323.post-7059147577584020082011-07-10T22:08:00.000-07:002011-07-10T22:25:42.527-07:00Birthday Weekend @ the lake<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sgJUvnruP5cuRXhj6yvi3PZBW6lERJCmKPm6OwMTgsyQczUfRTkeU12a3vzO8xTecMsSywsdoUXnNLbE8R6B5V2PYEHu-sZ2RyNAEgF2W-Pcqckxnx3TXzrbwOTi6cZC5P1_BW9rZo0/s1600/IMG_3195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sgJUvnruP5cuRXhj6yvi3PZBW6lERJCmKPm6OwMTgsyQczUfRTkeU12a3vzO8xTecMsSywsdoUXnNLbE8R6B5V2PYEHu-sZ2RyNAEgF2W-Pcqckxnx3TXzrbwOTi6cZC5P1_BW9rZo0/s320/IMG_3195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday Twins</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">this past weekend, my friends and i did a couples trip to the lake! the special occasion was to celebrate mine and Vanessa's birthday... we are some[what] birthday twins, her birthday being the 9th and mine on the 11th. i haven't been to Berryessa in yearssss. i really thought my lake days were over, but this weekend has sparked my interest to take future trips to lake and bring the kids too. everyone needs an adult trip but i sure did miss the kids. i had such a great time. Vanessa and her family opened up their home to us and allowed us to have the best weekend yet. good food, good drinks and good company!! i think its safe to say that we got a little outta control Friday night ;) we were kinda excited to be there and the mixture of alcohol sure wasn't the best idea. i was drinking like i thought i was 18 again!! thank god for a camera. i almost forgot some of the funniest moments of the night.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love her.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4spF4RuGqyN4TmVl6IFhTSlDFtjJL7ZHARkWfObMxK6509rok_rLUOUKnz7eOqL3KCnjhG-HcoWDAKFgRNr8A4azrq94ZIu0wEt5FwLdlxaMtYWQl1Bj0_ylnhPdpv-1jIbjAaMIo5U/s1600/262134_10150369957089554_722294553_10224898_2932642_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4spF4RuGqyN4TmVl6IFhTSlDFtjJL7ZHARkWfObMxK6509rok_rLUOUKnz7eOqL3KCnjhG-HcoWDAKFgRNr8A4azrq94ZIu0wEt5FwLdlxaMtYWQl1Bj0_ylnhPdpv-1jIbjAaMIo5U/s320/262134_10150369957089554_722294553_10224898_2932642_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">friends<3</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">saturday morning came and i was in rare form. nothing a mimosa cant cure. we spent the day on the boat! congrats to keith and jessica on their new toy! we were lake virgins together :) note to self: practice driving a boat first before you start pulling people from the back! it can be stressful! oh and always have a stocked cooler. more is better. i could have stayed on the lake till the moon came out. it was so nice outside. the water was warm, which was great! i attempted to wake board, uh yeah NO. i was not born to do water sports. its a fact. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKay4nUC9DBO8TbbvmYcnFrRGgrVypehK9VKDV5m3v_OZBjzjV4i1ms9cETm2BfIJ_RH0rRsnOpQJX47mbh-S6Wl5rNA5Jcu-qn26wsiJfZo3t7HOi63OvulkGDVauLlSaBX2qqbMNGVs/s1600/IMG_3127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKay4nUC9DBO8TbbvmYcnFrRGgrVypehK9VKDV5m3v_OZBjzjV4i1ms9cETm2BfIJ_RH0rRsnOpQJX47mbh-S6Wl5rNA5Jcu-qn26wsiJfZo3t7HOi63OvulkGDVauLlSaBX2qqbMNGVs/s320/IMG_3127.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"martha" is at it again</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHedV5B5IJZW-MRViRxHPjbtZi_J90kJYPPjB2wacn9furuNd-IKKzbPp_K3nrlwEFdF1EZF3XE-grDXSd_72q1mHOIhtOPlYTAioAZidVfWyTKtbpNtHtBVFu4HU9_1uNZp4O5yC5fWM/s1600/IMG_3233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHedV5B5IJZW-MRViRxHPjbtZi_J90kJYPPjB2wacn9furuNd-IKKzbPp_K3nrlwEFdF1EZF3XE-grDXSd_72q1mHOIhtOPlYTAioAZidVfWyTKtbpNtHtBVFu4HU9_1uNZp4O5yC5fWM/s320/IMG_3233.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">best[est] friend ever.</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">later on that night, tracey and the other girlies had a whole bday party planned for vanessa and i. we were banned from the house while the magic was happening. when we got to go in i was truly speechless. the effort they put into making it a great birthday was priceless. we had a pink flamingo/margarita party!! cupcakes made by my lovely mama. which were delish!! blow up flamingo's, presents galore, rice crispy treats, birthday baskets with matching tiara's for the birthday girls! it was great... i felt so loved. i have such great friends in my life. new and old, im happy to call them my friends. we have such a great time together, and there is never a dull moment... well saturday night wasnt as wild as friday night, but i think the sun drained us all. i was exhausted. being pampered is tough!! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0aISuthO8iZwx_5yC-8B1kiP8tczQeLSS9ZD70up51VJEs7hpZr16nSI4k8eIDhivxxCKFZfIcAXHb7Rlr9Mn7iVYotGU4iGspmxxxcERnAq3tufPQP-kQKlVd8EZBSuHyusdKnUPzU/s1600/IMG_3214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0aISuthO8iZwx_5yC-8B1kiP8tczQeLSS9ZD70up51VJEs7hpZr16nSI4k8eIDhivxxCKFZfIcAXHb7Rlr9Mn7iVYotGU4iGspmxxxcERnAq3tufPQP-kQKlVd8EZBSuHyusdKnUPzU/s320/IMG_3214.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the girls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0agtZO65mmr6WpR2d5uPOU9XPOutBCpPuskvkeZg5lrx_1Zf1WySxQ0WW7wvBc9JltzY5MjES8UYO6yibKVVJlJ2NMGtQjYYTljVifVGnPbmC9dr1YcXpotA9DpC7BbyOJdZbkiZajqM/s1600/IMG_3217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0agtZO65mmr6WpR2d5uPOU9XPOutBCpPuskvkeZg5lrx_1Zf1WySxQ0WW7wvBc9JltzY5MjES8UYO6yibKVVJlJ2NMGtQjYYTljVifVGnPbmC9dr1YcXpotA9DpC7BbyOJdZbkiZajqM/s320/IMG_3217.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the guys</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">i cant wait to do the same for tracey's birthday. she deserves just the same... thanks again for such a nice weekend. i cant wait to do it again. my body is nice and golden brown :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">and thanks to my husband.. just for being you.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcyhuYlPdwB4zIl0YEKWwU4RYbIq0s1KawOYu2NcC65NpcLSDmF8fxBRCaz6M3DQxZvuilmQKUfK5NOrcY-bbvaI6YxzZw9vmf4MbG9P31D_66eHJIsv3g-7kpLwHNee_H-M6a5AJnc8/s1600/IMG_3012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcyhuYlPdwB4zIl0YEKWwU4RYbIq0s1KawOYu2NcC65NpcLSDmF8fxBRCaz6M3DQxZvuilmQKUfK5NOrcY-bbvaI6YxzZw9vmf4MbG9P31D_66eHJIsv3g-7kpLwHNee_H-M6a5AJnc8/s320/IMG_3012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00652843206084896918noreply@blogger.com1