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A Week in the Life. Thursday. 12.2.2010

2010-12-04T01:01:00.000-05:00

A Week In The Life. Wednesday. 12.2.2010

2010-12-02T01:36:00.000-05:00

A Week In the Life. Tuesday. 11.30.2010

2010-12-01T07:57:00.001-05:00

Sandler hates all jeans except his one pair of skinny jeans.

Its a battle every morning if those suckers aren't clean.

Sound off on alarm, but woke up precisely on time.

That stupid Economics paper will go on to rule my entire day.

Mar got extremely emotional while watching Ramona & Beezus.

We painted our nails,

We listened to Ingrid Michaelson, (inspired by Ramona & Beezus movie),

We played "pony match",

Mar requested Ramen noodles.

If it appears that my day is quite boring, or uneventful - make no mistake about it, its because it WAS.

This was a lame and lazy Tuesday.

The weather was the kind that didn't tempt you for a second to come out in,

Only had enough coffee for one cup,

I was dedicated to my Economics paper that was due.

I snuck in time to spend with Marley-Jane and she was amazingly patient and understanding

of my neglect to her.

She snuggled with Reese and talked to her through gritted teeth.

I owe that little girl big time.

The haze of laziness didn't disappear even when the boys got home - indoors all day at school they were sluggish and tired too.

The house normally being loud and bright was quiet and dim so they maintained the mood and laid low. Jude did homework, Bing fell asleep watching a recorded (and already watched by him) Arkansas Razorbacks game.

The Post Office is hell this time of year, so Sean is working hard and late for the next couple of months. He hates the way his hands feel, his body aches, and he said he could never do that his whole life.

He brought home O'Charleys Loaded Baked Potato Soup and rolls - which was perfection to his wife that was brain dead from typing and staring at a computer screen all day.

Jude and I started the Harry Potter series (I have read 1-4) but I am super stoked to start this little fictional journey with him. We both love to read, and this is our time together. I love sharing the same story with him. *Fun fact* I purchased the first book while living in England. If you'll notice - there the first book is titled "Harry Potter and the PHILOSOPHERS Stone".

Here's hoping that today will be a bit more brighter, cheerier, and eventful.

A Week In the Life. Monday. 11.29.2010

2010-11-30T09:06:00.002-05:00

Case of the Mondays, woke up at the time the bus pulls up in front of the house.

Drove the boys to school, sang Black Eyed Peas at the top of our lungs.

(Jude changed the words up to include the gigantic inflatable Frosty on top of Wendy's.)

Mar whistles, and sings at random.

Economics paper looming over my head thats due tomorrow.

Dental appointments were scheduled that are way overdue.

Tickets for WWE bought. (Sandler Christmas)

Spent $6 at the post office to mail my sister a $1.50 bottle of maraschino cherries.

Library. (Return Charlie & Lola DVD and check out books on Famous Explorers for Jude's Explorer mobile)

Zumba class. (First time back in a couple of weeks - needless to say my body was extremely jiggly)

Finished decorated the tree.

Stayed up until 1230 am working on Economics paper.

3.2.2010

2010-03-03T07:26:00.002-05:00

Pajama Day/Dr. Seuss day at school.

New books from Scholastic.

Zeitgest documentary on YouTube

Mary had a little "lamp".

Zumba with Andrea.

Fresh Strawberries and Toast

Oprah on DVR

Jeep had an oilchange and new wiper blades

A Week in the Life. Sunday. Day 7. 09202009

2009-09-20T10:47:00.001-04:00

1. Sundays are flipping through the cookbooks. (One in particular)
2. Sundays are holding hands on the couch while husband looks at cookbooks and you sip your coffee.
3. Sundays are needing to throw away the coffee cup from your date the night before.
4. Sundays are for dropping off that raggedy beloved cookbook to Office Max to have it spiral bound.
5. Sundays are for picking it up and seeing all nice and new and in one piece.
6. Sundays are for rainy days with your daughter, purple boots, and a crappy umbrella for all the rain.
7. Sundays are for grocery shopping - to get all the ingredients for hubby's chosen recipe.
8. Sundays are for making chive piles.
9. Sundays are for 8 year olds chopping the butter.
10. Sundays are for 5 year olds mixing ingredients for dessert.
11. Sundays are for an 8, 5, and 3 year old using their teeny tiny hands to flatten down the crust to your Paula Deen Ooey Gooey cake.
12. Sundays are for iPhones that are in love.
13. Sundays are for writing out the invitations to your birthday party.
14. Sundays are for close ups.
15. Sundays are for molesting chickens. (sean)
16. Sundays are for medicine for the childWREN who don't take well to weather change.
17. Sundays are for some sillyness, and boy conversation.
18. Sundays are for Ooey Gooey cake to disappear.
19. (repeat from photo #1)

I completed my week in the life.
I said I was going to do it...and I did it...
:)

A Day In The Life. Saturay. 09192009

2009-09-19T10:33:00.001-04:00

1. Sandler wondering what the big deal was about eating a fried chicken leg for breakfast?

2. Jude and Mar vegged out watching The Dennis the Menace movie.

3. A book ordered for Amazon to assist me in my new Book Club endeavor.

4. My reflection inthe fish bowl. And also our fish "Hydranoid" that has been a part of the family since early March. We are astounded and glad that he is still around.

5. Sean watching the UT & Florida game. (HUGE RIVALS) Also Sean is going for the "Alan" look. The hilarious guy from the movie The Hangover.

6. Toys of the kids that I was going to sell on Craig's List but for some reason it felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest and being sold as well. So sentimental. I will just have to save these for the grandkids.

7. I had a date night with My baby daddy :) and these are the cups that I set out with names for the babysitter, my kids, and Jude's friends.

8. My three in the car on the way to do a few errands.

9. Sandler trying to take a bite of Marley Jane's candy necklaces - got this shot literally SECONDS before the necklace snapped and the candy went all over Target's floor.

10. Sean listening to the Dr. Dre headphones (beats by dre.) in Best Buy...those things are so rad.
11. Sean @ Outback Steakhouse.

12. Borders after outback. Yes we are nerds. We love stacks of magazines and browsing expensive cookbooks for recipe ideas and sipping coffee @ 10 @ night.

:)

A Week in the Life. Friday. Day 5. 09182009

2009-09-18T21:51:00.001-04:00

From Left to Right/Top to Bottom

(2) Sleepie-Heads
Golden Grahams
Lunches Bento Style w/ a few candy corn
Marley's Bagel w/Strawberry cream cheese
Marley eating said bagel w/Strawberry cream cheese.
Hot Coffee with the Remote. (Project Runway!!!)
Laundry
A wall in our house
MORE laundry.
Making up Bing & Marley's bed
Candy Necklace for Mar
Dirty Dishes
Nail Polish Selection
Nail Polishes up close
The final result (She went with a strawberry pink and green "tinkerbell" glitter
The library book bag
CANDYCORN! Yay.
The sign on the downstairs bathroom. (just in case we forget)
Sean's toothbrush and my toothbrush all comfy cozy hanging out in the shower together.
Best bodywash ever. (Bath & Body Work's Siesta Key Lemon)
My reflection in the foggy mirror where I so cleverly wrote the WRONG date.
Wet curly hair and an Amy Tan tee.
Mail Love from one of my most favorite people. (Nora Griffin)
My sun-visor and way too many Sonic Happy Hour stickers. (there are some when you pull it down too.
TIME magazine while waiting on Sandler.
Sandler's homework and behavior folder.
Grocery Shopping
Marley-Jane drawing smilies on the foggy glass door. (hmmmm I wonder where she gets that? See #21)
Major Points scored for me when I found Pokemon macaroni and cheese.
A picture book that Marley and I read about 546716576441 times a day.

A Week in the Life. Thursday. 091809.

2009-09-18T11:02:00.003-04:00

The rain yesterday ruined our plans for the State Fair.

Underdog on the TV while eating breakfast.

hot shower for jude.

sleepy, sleepy bing.

Lots of phonecalls between both my moms and my sister.
DRAMA.

Target.

Story Hour @ the library.

Fast Food for dinner.

Harriet Tubman story @ bedtime.

Fall In Love.

2009-09-18T09:15:00.000-04:00

What I wouldn't give to be this aware, awake, present, and creative @ 16 years old.
I adore this girl - she inspires me and never ceases to amaze me with her creativity.
When she asked me to make some samples for her upcoming class "Fall in Love" how could I resist? I mean fall AND Kara Haupt? I am madly in love with both.
Here Is a sneak of what I did with her fun prompts - and HERE is where you can find out more info about this super fun class.

A Week in the Life. Wednesday. Day 3. 09162009

2009-09-17T07:59:00.009-04:00

This dude has been everywhere with me.

I slowed down a bit today because Tuesday kind of

exhausted me, plus its been rainy and rainy means lazy and cozy.

Click on this one to view the details.

This is what it looks every morning while they finish up breakfast and watch cartoons or a movie. The movie on today was "The Iron Giant" and Sandler said he loved it.

A peek inside their backpacks.

Bing's favorite color is blue, Jude's yellow.

Thats also the color of their Bento boxes. I just started putting their Bento boxes inside of their lunch box because I wanted to keep their juices/yogurts cold.

This is the time each morning that we go outside to the end of the driveway and wait for the bus.

The bus arrives @ 645 - and the boys run up and down our long hilly driveway and play and giggle and wrestle and occasionally skin their knees.

This is what Marley wore while she ate breakfast and watched Dora and the Backyardigans while I did the dishes, made beds and put a load of laundry in.

Let me be clear - this is the ONLY thing Marley wore while watching cartoons.

I snapped this picture and she said "MOM! Did you just take a picture of my bootie?!" and I said..."Don't worry sweetie - I'll crop it out".

Luckily she put on some clothes with her purple boots before going to Dance Class.

A cupcake barrette, polka dotted hoodie, and a butterfly bag.

YOu have to be covered up to enter/leave the dance studio.

And hair must be in a neat bun with barrettes.

Pouring Rain.

Done with class.

A green star sticker and a cherry sucker.

I had "text" with AmberNichole yesterday.

I love our randomness.

Love her.

Wal-Mart was taking back some handlebars for Jude's

scooter that didn't fit, milk, and some things for dinner.

Dinner was baked nachos with fat free refried beans topped with some lettuce, chives, and jalapenos. (pronounced Juh-lop-uh-nose). Sean handled dinner while Sandler and I practiced writing the letter "M". Jude played Super Mario 3, and Marley-Jane went back and forth to everyone.

I chickened out again with a Zumba picture.

But here is my empty Sobe water with plain water and an ice stick I took.
I met a friend there and we had a blast.

This is a late class (815!) So my nightly routine changed just a bit.

Sandler's medicine.

Zantac and Pepcid.

My middle can't do-uh the spicey.

Into bed an hour late.

Actually two hours late - because I fell asleep watching SYTYCD.

Nigh. Nigh.

A Week in the Life. Tuesday. 091509. The Photos.

2009-09-15T22:00:00.004-04:00

I had more pictures on here but blogger is a ______, so click on the collage to see all that I took today.
:)
Also, the descriptions for the photos are in the post after this one. In order.

A Week in the Life. Tuesday. 091509. The Words.

2009-09-15T21:45:00.002-04:00

Strawberry Milk & Marley's doll "Zoe Purple".
Laundry.
The Frigid-air.
Make Beds.
Organize Toybox. (Goodwill, Sandler's Classroom's Treasure Box, Ebay)
Bing & Marley's Bedroom Door.
Colorful Marley. (She had just taken off her tap shoes.)
Fresh Painted Nails.
Checking the mail - (I do this everday when backing out of the driveway to get Sandler)
Filling up.
Waiting in the "lovely" kindergarten line. (Chatted with mom, brought along book club's book selection)
Bingie and his crooked smile.
Bing's socks & shoes...every single day when we get home and walk in the front door he takes them off and falls into the floor.
Homework & Snack. (Leftover French Toast sticks for Bing & PB bagel, cubed cheese, & carrots for Marley)
My one a day vitamin.
Waiting on Jude to get off the bus.
Jude's home - along with his "fortune teller". REMEMBER THESE?? I picked 1 & 1 and it read "I would get married!" That thing is amazing!
Unload the dishwasher.
Put homework and all things paper back into their backpacks ready for tomorrow.
(I love those Scholastic order forms - I remember being so jazzed when they handed out this fresh new books in class. I order "The Pigeon books by Mo Willems" for Sandler
Random Treasures from cleaning up. (Legos, a Ring, a Hot Wheel)
Bowl in the middle of the island (Avacado thats Sean's, apple thats Jude's, bell pepper for dinner)
Sean wearing said bowl. (So mature that one)
Bell Peppers & Onions sliced for dinner
Sandler trying the steak strips he just knew he would gag on. (but loved of course.)
He is my ONLY picky eater!
Proactiv - I hate my face.
Baths, Toothbrushes, Bed time books and snuggles.
Carrot Cake & Hell's Kitchen.

A Week in the Life. Monday. Day 1. 09142009

2009-09-14T21:00:00.002-04:00

My amazing friends Erika and Tara decided to do AE's popular challenge where you document a week in your life. Your routine, the big things, the little things. I decided to play along. We made a rule though - we have to scrap it. :) Randoms not documented with a picture include: The True Blood finale, Pippi Longstocking playing while Marley colored, Jude telling us about a kid @ the gym with hemophilia so they had to stop throwing their paper airplanes, Sandler saying he's "zausted" (exhausted) leftovers for dinner.

Bento boxes for the boys. The blue one is Sandler's, and the yellow one Jude's. I pride myself on getting most of the morning school stuff done before I go to bed the night before. That includes signing papers, packing lunches, laying clothes out and even having a breakfast plan. It definitely makes for smoother and less grumpy mornings.

Morning Coffee. Yes. Absolutely necessary. Something that still after all these years I look forward to. Three equals and a splash of English Almond Toffee creamer. Sundays are my husband Sean's only day off. So he likes to completely just chill. Or "chillax" as he calls it. Now, you must realize that Sean's idea of relaxing and my idea of relaxing are different. Sean likes to get up really early, take a shower, read through cookbooks for an hour or so, and create a menu for the day. He makes a grocery list on his iPhone, takes one of the kids and goes grocery shopping for the things he needs. He comes home - puts on an apron and proceeds to cook & bake all day. His mom does the same exact thing on Sundays. We are southern born and raised - and I get the family to eat pretty dang healthy for the rest of the week but on Sundays Sean goes back to his roots. Roast, Fried Chicken, or something else really deliciously bad for you. So Monday mornings - I reap the consequences of all of Sean's cooking and baking. Lots and Lots O' Dirty Dishes.
I love texting - and I love my iPhone. The above shot is Sean and I
discussing Kanye West and Obama. We are so random.

When Marley-Jane wakes up she MUST have her strawberry milk.
Its her coffee. Instant Toddler add Strawberry milk.
While I do daily household chores Marley colors and draws. All three of my childWren are constantly drawing and coloring. Blank Paper, Coloring books, Mazes etc. This goldfish bowl of crayons is NEVER put away. Its a main sight here in our house.
Sean works at the post office - actually two different jobs at the post office. He goes in @ 4am and doesn't get off until around 5pm. So around 9 or 10 when he has been there for 5 or 6 hours he gets hungry & thirsty. So occasionally he we call and ask for us to bring him a soda, water, or a snack (or all the above) to his work. Sometimes the run to the Pilot station are the push Marley and I need to get out of jammies and get some errands run.

While we were out we did our recycling. I am so glad our community brought back this Recycling Center. They closed it for awhile, and that was a pain in my asphalt.
So now its super convenient.

After the Recycling, Mar & I ran into Wal-Greens to get some vitamins for me - and a little Wal-Greens tradition is a new nail polish. I begged her to go with the turquoise in her left hand but of course she want with an electric pink. Surprisingly she didn't already have it.

After having been out and about we came home and

had some lunch and I cut coupons.

Marley had a nap after lunch she requested to lay on my bed and watch "Mon-Srinch" which is oddly enough what she calls the Jim Carrey version of "The Grinch That Stole Christmas". So while she was sleeping I did a few things on my to-do list. Worked out a few details on Julian's 9th birthday party, contacted a few more online colleges, and probably spent too much time to on Facebook.

There is a bit of a gap here in photos because I forgot to take my camera. I woke Marley up from her nap @ around 1245 because it was time to go and get Sandler from Kindergarten. The buses here in Knoxville don't run for Kindergarten because it gets out @ 1. He rides TO school on the bus but I go and get him. At first I was bummed that I had to wait in that insanely long line and drive all the way out to his school each day. But I soon realized that I freaking ADORE this time with Sandler. Its like I have him for 2 whole hours before the chaos that comes when all three childWren are united at 3. I love making him a snack and watching him practicing his letters and talk about his day. I had to actually go and get Jude from school because the nurse called saying he was extremely exhausted and had a headache. (I get this call as soon as I pulled up in the driveway from getting Sandler...so I had to turn around and go all the way back. Their school is not too close.)

When I got the kids all settled in with a snack, medicine for Jude and a DVR'd Scooby Doo Made for TV movie I got a little bit of scrapping done. It was a little project for an upcoming class for a cool friend.

After the kids had chilled out for a bit went to the awesome theater where Jude will have his birthday party. I paid the deposit, Marley & Sandler glamoured the ushers, and I snapped this shot of the movie poster. This is going to be a super cool party. Fo sho.

After the theater it was time for my Zumba class. I actually took my camera but left in the car because I chickened out taking the photo I wanted of the Zumba class. Maybe I will get the courage for tomorrow's class. So I snapped this self portrait w/my cell phone to document not only that I went but that I hate my face right now. What am I 15?

When I got home from the gym Sean was home and had worked 14 hours. He kindly asked me to go get him some beer and I gladly went to the store for him. I went in to Wal-Mart to get beer and filled the grocery cart with: 2 flavored waters, Diet Coke, garbage bags, granola bars, cubed cheese, mini bagels, muffin mix, Craisins, bacon and juice boxes. I totally should have gotten a basket.I love, love, love story time @ night with my childWren. They all clean and snug in bed with jammies on. Normally Dora, dragons and Bakugan. There are lots of accents, gestures and interruptions on their part. Marley goes to story hour each Thursday @ the local Library and I fill my bag with new books for the week. Sometimes we get books that the boys give thumbs down to, sometimes we get ones that are so great that I end up buying. Last night we read the two books above and the kids really liked them.

Kisses for all - and lights out.

I washed my face (did I mention I HATE IT RIGHT NOW?) with Proactiv, crawled into bed and finished the VMAs with Sean who hadn't seen it.

Night Night.

This is the current Wallpaper on my phone.

Just thought I'd add it to reflect the right now.

64 Weird, Random, Pointless but Fun Questions.

2009-09-13T15:17:00.002-04:00

First thing you wash in the shower? I brush my chompers.

What color is your favorite hoodie? Gray

Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? A million times over

Do you plan outfits? No.

How are you feeling RIGHT now? relaxed & clean

What's the closest thing to you that's red? A pamphlet regarding military education benefits.

Tell me about the last dream you remember having? Something about having or wanting an inground pool

Did you meet anybody new today? I have not left mi casa.

What are you craving right now? The magic roast & carrot cake that my husband is making for
dinner.

What comes to mind when I say cabbage? Cabbage Soup Diet.

Are you emotional? I do have breasts & a vagina...so that would make me a woman...so that would be a yes.

Have you ever counted to 1,000? this question needs popped in the mouf.

Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? mind.in.the.gutter....um i don't bite ice cream. or mashed potatoes. or....mind.in.the.gutter.

Do you like your hair? only when I'm leaving the salon and maybe three days after that fresh cut and highlights. any other time NO.

Do you like yourself? Working on this. We have a love hate relationship.

Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? Absolutely! We would blow bubbles in our sodas, tell knock knock jokes, talk about how freaking rad Obama is doing, and split a Happy Meal.

What are you listening to right now? Jude play Sonic the Hedgehog on Wii.

Are your parents strict? No. I was adopted my grandparents so - they were softies.

Would you go sky diving? Absolutely.

Do you like cottage cheese? My thighs do, cuz I can't get rid of it - but No I don't like to consume it.

Do you rent movies often? Blockbuster Online baby.

Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in? Marley Jane.

Have you made a prank phone call? Of course. I was a pro in jr. high

Ever been on a train? I don't want to talk about that tequila filled night...oh you said ON a train - not IN a train...yes i have.

Brown or white eggs? Is this a racist question? I refuse to answer.

Do you have a cell-phone? I do.

Do you use chap stick? Nope.

Do you own a gun? HELL NO.

Can you use chop sticks? Its on my list of things to do before I die.

Who are you going to be with tonight? My Fantastic Four.

Are you too forgiving? You have to be - resentment, anger, and grudges are poisonous.

Ever been in love? Yessum.

Ever have cream puffs? No.

Last time you cried? today. Today...I can't afford those dance classes for the kids. 100$ a month!

What was the last question you asked? What time will be dinner be ready? Like every 5 minutes.

Do you have any tattoos? 4

Are you sarcastic? Under NO circumstances am I ever sarcastic.

Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? yes

Ever walked into a wall? Probably.

Favorite color? Chartreuse.

Have you ever slapped someone? Only for play.

Is your hair curly? a bit of both. Its bi-hairtual. It goes both ways.

What was the last CD you bought? Whats a CD?

Do looks matter? No.

Could you ever forgive a cheater? Maybe.

Is your phone bill sky high? No nosey its not.

Do you like your life right now? YES.

Do you sleep with the TV on? no

Can you handle the truth? Yes, Jack Nicholson I can. Unless you call me fat - that truth hurts alot.

Do you have good vision? Yes.

Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? Only hate one person, dislike a few.

How often do you talk on the phone? Thats not my thing. me no likey the phone very much.

The last person you held hands with? bingo bango

What are you wearing? yoga pants and a blank tank top.

What is your favorite animal? flamingo

Can you hula hoop? Nah.

Do you have a job? I'm a momma. I have lots of jobs.

What was the most recent thing you bought? Dunkin Donuts iced coffee.

Have you ever crawled through a window? Yes.

09.09.09

2009-09-09T09:03:00.002-04:00

Good friends help friends start a Bento obsession/collection.

The top picture is my new Bento drawer and the bottom picture is everything my friend Lisa sent me. Bless her heart - I sent her a list complete with photos and everything. She got all of it and mailed it to me.

Incredibly grateful and humbled by her kindness. Seriously.

Julian wants to make his own lunch in the mornings...and I'm like "move over kid, this is mommy time". :)

I have alot of things going on that I'm genuinely excited about.

I will be starting college within the next few weeks. This is HUGE for me. A stay @ home mom with three kids. I have goals though - and I did go into the Air Force for a reason. I've basically been sitting on a large sum of $money$ the last 6 years.

"Your mom goes to college". (Napoleon Dynamite)

Julian & Marley have started dance class. This will be a stretch for us financially - I'm not going to lie. Its not cheap. HOWEVER, they have both shown interest and expressed a desire to do it. So that's my job as a mom, to nurture their passions and talents.

I will be offering the Love Myself in 2009 class via another blog in the upcoming weeks. I need a recommitment to weight loss - and I put alot of time and effort into that class.

When I stepped away from SIStv to refocus my priorities it literally broke my heart to step away from the networking and the camaraderie that I had with all of the women that took the class. It is my desire to rekindle that fire - and finish 2009 with the goals we set for ourselves at the beginning of the year. Lots more details to come on this.

Just know that if you took it, you will be available to rejoin - and if you missed it you will be able to purchase it at a killer price.

I better end this entry - I have a little ballerina in a black leotard, black tights, black tutu, pink ballet flats and a messy little bun that awaits her very first lesson.

xo.

aw.

09022009

2009-09-02T07:14:00.002-04:00

It feels good to be challenged, it feels good to make something, it feels good to peel stickers and stick them.

I made this for Point Blank Period a new challenge blog started by the one and only

Double S.

Scrapbooking has a chunk of my heart that can ONLY be filled by scrapbooking. Writing in my journal and using masking tape to adhere little snippets of my life holds a chunk of my heart also, but its just not the same. So it felt nice to make this page.

***

I have a huge box of Bento supplies on my way from the beautiful California from a very thoughtful friend. She totally scored and I can't wait to make the cutest lunches for my boys. (Sean still chuckles @ all this Bento talk and finds it hilarious that I am going to put a superhero stamp on Jude's banana, or put little shark picks through Bing's pepperoni) But hey...Its all about finding the creative in the seemingly mundane right? I mean its not only to give my kids a little bit of fun during their lunch hour and to show them I love them, but its also for me. Because I think its fun. And there is nothing wrong with that.

***

Happies as of lately:

Zumba

My iPhone

Creating a Book Club

Sean's homemade iced coffees

Quiet time in the morning

Blockbuster Online

My husband's beard

Quality friends instead of Quantity friends

Siesta Lemon Bodywash

Painting Marley's Nails

My new house

Jude's dreads.

Sandler w/his backpack and school papers

Happy Tuesday.

Mon-Srinch

2009-08-18T08:47:00.003-04:00

A 24 hour bug knocked me on my boo-tay Saturday afternoon and really screwed up my Sunday. (thank goodness it was a Saturday night and a Sunday and that Sean is off - otherwise it would have been really bad for everyone)

But I'm back for the most part and its amazing that what that bug did in two days is what going to the gym and eating healthy for two weeks will do.

The house is quiet and since I get up @ 4am during the school year - I have been up for awhile and have accomplished plenty. (and without one cup of coffee yet mind you!) Two loads of laundry, tidied up the den, hung up bulletin board w/calendar, school menu, dance class schedule, and gym class schedule, had Hell's Kitchen playing whilst doing all this, got Jude in the shower, made his breakfast, packed his lunch, went over spelling words with him, got him to the bus, sketched a layout that needs to be made, and started this blog entry.

Just sitting here reflecting on some things that I want to accomplish. Some are new goals others have been on my radar for awhile. I have plenty more but these are the ones I'm going to give my energy and attention to.

1. Start a Book Club
All women. A few of my closest friends. They can all invite a friend. Take turns selecting a book. Sean's homemade cake. Coffee. Laughs. Discussion. (Maybe Wine) Different points of view. Every 6-8 weeks.

2. Sell some classes on Etsy.
Why hadn't I thought of this sooner?
Seriously.
Get some of those ideas out of my head.

3. Get book(s) published
This is the granddaddy of them all. The one that I will have to live and breathe for a long time and quite possibly get rejected a few times.

4. Hover around the weight XXX.
Let's just finish this thing already - ok Ashley?

5. Join and be an active voice in the PTA.
I think I have some new and fresh ideas. Julian and Sandler's school is amazing. I mean above and beyond. So grateful that we moved to Knoxville, by fate got a house in a great neighborhood (thanks Courtney) and were zoned for the school we were zoned for.
As great as a school that it is, I still think there are some things that could be better.
The school yearbook for one.
Can we stop cutting pictures into ovals? And using that font with the dots on the ends of the letters?
Please?

In random news:
Julian is getting to that age (almost 9) where he locks the door while he showers, his clothes don't fit on kid hangers anymore and his friends are calling him for his help with their homework. He also said that girls are gross for at least another year.

Sean was disappointed with the way his pound cake turned out yesterday but was thoroughly pleased with the Shipyard Pumpkin Ale he had.

Marley Jane got stung by a bee yesterday on the finger, wore three coats of three different lip glosses, ate two bananas, watched the The Grinch That Stole Christmas (Jim Carrey version of course) she calls it "Mon-Srinch" all while wearing only My Little Pony panties.

Sandler has this adorable crooked smile, plays with power rangers in bed with a flashlight, is stoked about Kindergarten, is incredibly fond of his Mommy (he loves her infinity), helps dad cook, watches the Hannah Montana movie on repeat, and has the squishiest little bottom belly roll.

And me, well...I look forward to True Blood on Sunday nights like 98.6% of the population, I like sleeping with the fan on, I freaking love Zumba class at the gym, my favorite iPhone app is Simplify Media (if you have it we should share!), and I'm kinda craving some banana pudding.

No seriously...I can explain...

2009-08-13T15:21:00.003-04:00

Since my last post...

Sandler turned 5,
Marley turned 3,
Sandler was enrolled in kindegarten complete with shots & a physical,
the water park has been visited 3x,
visited my baby sister in the ATL and met her wonderful boyfriend,
we moved into a beautiful new comfy home,
lots of movies have been rented,
lots of pancakes flipped,
road trips have been taken,
toenails and fingernails painted,
numerous coloring pages colored,
multiplication flash cards reviewed,
Magic Tree House books read,
new ballet shoes danced in,
Sandcastles built and destroyed,
picnics planned,
sleepovers had,
fresh fruit sliced,
countless balloon animals created,
SISiversary attendance,
$ spent on icecream truck,
lots of swimming and some nice tans as a result,
fireworks popped,
library books checked out,
a bee sting,
lots of grilling,
bubbles & sidewalk chalk usage,
many miles put on the scooters and bicycles,
lots of mindless tv - bridezillas & real housewives,
chocolate milk, juicy juice, and iced tea,
boxed wine,
walks taken,
baby pinecones and wildflowers collected,
coffee brewed & sipped,
new music downloaded and ran to,
school supplies purchased and labeled,
Nintendo DS time limit abused,
lots of late nights,
texts sent,
old friendships rekindled,
and lots of living.

I'm sure everyone understands right?

I love salt sprinkled on my watermelon.

2009-06-24T16:06:00.000-04:00

Bonfire.
(@ Target I found these papers you throw in the fire to make it turn colors)
Red & White checkered table cloths.
Watermelon slices.
Paper Lanterns.
Water Balloons.
Smores & Smores Cupcakes.
Fireflies in Jars. (Its a contest. And yes, we will set them free)
Pinwheels.
Green Punch with plastic bugs.
Flashlights. (with hide & seek)
Glow Sticks.
Huge score @ my girl Erin's...five awesome tree stumps for around our campfire.
Tents.
Aluminum Cans (clean & with smooth edges) for the bug juice.
Silly String Fight.
Aluminum take out pans for the plates.
Bing turns five.
Its a camping party.
This is where I've been.
Lots to do!!!
:)

Lots.

2009-06-10T20:39:00.000-04:00

I have neglected the ole' blogarooski.
There has been lots going on.
Lots of new artwork.
Lots of Lego building.
Lots of book reading.
Lots of wet bathing suits hanging in the bathroom.
Lots of fresh fruit stickers added to the side of the fridge.
Lots of parties & homemade cupcakes baked by the hubs.
Lots of fresh oranges.
Lots of fresh asparagus.
A whole lot of living.

xo,
aw.

Let Me Help You With Dinner. (BBQ TurkeyLoaf Muffins)

2009-05-20T08:20:00.004-04:00

1 2/3 to 1 3/4 pounds ground sirloin ( I used 1lb.ground turkey)

1 medium onion

2 ribs celery from the heart of the stalk

1 green bell pepper

1 egg with a splash of milk

1 cup plain bread crumbs (I had Italian on hand, so that's what I used)

2 tablespoons grill seasoning (recommended: Montreal Steak Seasoning by McCormick - this can be found in that section of the grocery store with all those packets of seasonings and marinades)

1 cup smoky barbecue sauce

1/2 cup tomato salsa

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Vegetable oil or extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Put ground beef into a big bowl.

Chop Onion, Celery and Bell Pepper up very finely or put into a food processor.

Then add the veggies to the meat bowl.

Add egg, beaten with milk, bread crumbs and grill seasoning to the bowl.

Next, mix together the smoky barbecue sauce, the salsa and the Worcestershire sauce.

Pour half the sauce mixture into the bowl with the meatloaf mix.

Mix the meatloaf together with your hands.

After washing up, brush a 12-muffin tin (1/2-cup each) with vegetable oil or extra-virgin olive oil.

Use an ice cream scoop to help you fill meat into a each tin.

Top each meat loaf with a spoonful of extra sauce.

Bake about 20 minutes.

I am constantly trying new recipes...Most are ones that are OK, but not out of this world. Every now and then I stumble upon one that is a keeper and that I will forever use. THIS IS ONE OF THEM.

I love that its a little muffin shaped portion - which helps me not to eat more than I should.

I added up all the ingredients and divided it by the serving size for a Weight Watchers total...its 4.5 for anyone that is doing WW.

This recipe would go AMAZINGLY with some mashed potatoes...but since I'm trying to be a good girl I served mine with a small baked potato.

And the next day...I cut one in half and had a cold turkey-loaf sandwich. (YUM)

I'm sharing this because you will thank me. I'm no cook...but when I find a gem that is a recipe...I want you to know.

xo,

aw.

Order a Pizza so you can make this Mini.

2009-05-18T07:55:00.003-04:00

This was a mini tutorial that I put together a while back for SIStv that I was saving for a rainy day. I came across it this morning, and thought I would share. (at least I don't think it was ever used...I could be wrong, my memory sucks unless its a celebrity baby name)

Pizza Box = Crazy, Messy, Funky, Cool Mini Album.

Cardboard is the coolest.
One of the most versatile products.
And all around us.
It doesn’t matter what it was originally – with some paint slathered on it can be anything you want it to be.

Supplies Needed:
Pizza Box/SIS box that all your goodies come in
Paint
Paintbrush
Pen
Photos
A Few Embellishments
A Jump Ring

Using a pizza box and just a FEW supplies I made this rocking little mini.

I used all the photos I had of random sugary things. (jelly belly display, cupcakes, bubblegum)

I started by taking the top of the pizza box. I didn’t figure the grease, wilted bell pepper, and crusty cheese worked well with what I was going for. So I simply ripped the top part away from the bottom part. *smile*

Next, I folded the box into three sections. I was very tough on the creases – so that it would tear it easily. *Note if you wanted to make an album that would accommodate larger photos you could tear the box in half…as opposed to three sections you could do just two. Actually it could be as big or small as you wanted it to be.

After I creased the box I tore it into the original three sections – and then also tore the three sections into three sections creating a total of 9 pieces.

I then painted my 9 pieces in various colors. Since my album was candy/sugar themed I went with bright and funky colors to go along with the mood of the album. Don’t be scared to get messy.

When my paint dried it was time to add the photos, embellishments and journaling. (you know…the FUN stuff!)

So after I added all the goodies – I hole punched the top left hand corner. Ok – if I’m being completely honest here I hole punched both the left and right sides in the middle only to discover that the jump ring wasn’t big enough for the bulk and the pages wouldn’t turn. So the beauty that is the article is that you can learn from my mistake and only punch the top left side.

Voila – an amazing, unique creation made from something that would have gone in the trash or to the recycling center.

Variation- The Scrap In Style Box that all of your scrap love comes in – is both big enough and clean enough to make THREE separate minis. Using the top, bottom, and the sides you will create three different albums. Talk about efficient.

This was super fun to make and is a formula you can use as many times as you wanted with different paint colors, different theme etc.

xo,

aw.

*note...it was inspired completely and totally by one of my favoritest scrappers Amber Skolnick.

Crunching, Digging, Volunteering, Loving

2009-05-11T17:16:00.001-04:00

Volunteering @ the school...will continue this until Julian no longer thinks I'm insanely cool.
I'm loving grinding up coffee beans in the morning, for a nice fresh cup of coffee.
Absolutely digging my kitchen's bright yellow walls.
Crunching on an apple as I type this.
Proud new owner of an iPhone.
*sigh*
I'm not a materialistic person...but I love that thing.
L.O.V.E.
I would have been just fine without it had I not bought the iTouch.
But the iTouch just turned out to be a big iPhone tease.
Loving the new FroYo shop in my neighborhood called Menchies.
Sean is way more adventurous than I...
I stuck to Mint Yogurt with little tiny chocolate chips...he added everything but the kitchen sink.
Its such a cool concept...and you pay by weight.
Just rented Season One of Arrested Development. It seems like my kind of humor...plus I have a mini crush on Michael Cera.
He could say apple pie and its just the way he says it...that I dig.
Started Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred today.
Its extremely difficult for me to work out at home and not the gym. Two Reasons. #1 Marley Jane. #2 Sandler.
So I let them work out with me today and as Sandler and I are breaking a sweat he says: "Mom, can Jillian see us?" to which I replied "I sure the heck hope not son"...I still went to the gym and got some cardio in.
Mother's Day brought me being soooo lazy and staying in jammies all day, French toast in bed, canvases painted by the wee ones, items to re-do the bathroom, lots of snuggles, lots of reruns of Bridezillas, and all the laundry washed and put away.
Played vetinarain with Sandler today.
We performed a route canal on a T-Rex, treated a puppy for a belly-ache, and bandaged up a teddy bear.
*Note to self: Play longer tomorrow.
I wish I had a subscription to People Magazine.

Later Alligators,
aw.

Gonna Try to Live this today...

2009-05-05T08:08:00.002-04:00

in regards to weightloss, snapping @ the kids, being a crappy emailer back, with everything I beat myself up over...

The past does not define you, the present does.
—Jillian Michaels

Twittering Bananas.

2009-05-04T15:02:00.004-04:00

I'm here.
We've had an extremely rough time this week with my middle. (Sandler AKA Bing)

I pride myself in being able to say that my kids never, ever go to the Dr. Sandler is almost 5 and has been twice. (Both for a simple cold)

But this last week tested me. Broke me down. Made me humble. After a series of x-rays, blood tests, urine tests, and more it seems that it might be an ulcer...but also its possible that its something more mild. I twittered the whole day at the Children's Hospital...just because I wanted to remember.
I will spare you all the details, but to all of you that have shown concern - I appreciate it. From all these miles away, thank you for sending me little tweets & emails.
Bing is doing beautifully now. I am one very grateful & happy momma.
He is back to driving me bananas. :)
*************************************
Other than that...We have been...

going to amusement parks,
running in a boosterthon fundraiser,
filling the sandbox up with new sand for the summer,
licking mixing spoons,
riding new scooters,
walking the neighbors pugs,
using new toothbrushes,
a freshly painted kitchen (yellow),
newly painted (turquoise) metal shelves from the thrift store to go in the freshly painted yellow kitchen,
finishing Water for Elephants today, (must discuss w/book club now)
twittering, (and for those that think its lame - anytime that i can unload a piece of my mind, my day, a snippet I want to remember...i think its pretty cool. its not so much about sharing for me as it is documenting. and thats what I'm all about)
really yearning for scrapbooking,
searching for a new shower curtain,
firing up the grill at least 4x a week,
preparing to celebrate 8 years of marriage on Saturday.
Just living.
I've got a headful of things I want to do, change, see, become...
I got to take it one day at a time.

xo,
aw.

Impromptu Checkered Covered Strawberries.

2009-04-20T15:56:00.002-04:00

A husband that loves to bake + a wife that is trying to be extremely healthy = difficulties. Asking him to stop would be like him to ask me to stop scrapbooking...so its a tough situation.

My good friend Erin took Marley Jane for the day and it was just Sean, the boys and I. It was really weird without the Queen Bee...but much needed. She had a full day of playing with Erin's 2yr old daughter Alison, painting nails, and changing clothes multiple times. Julian taught me how to play the game of checkers while eating dinner. These are the big things! I never, ever want to forget these things.

Friday and Saturday brought me having an impromptu yard sale and the kids having an impromptu cupcake, cookie, & lemonade stand.

Seriously could you pass these three little faces and not at least give a donation?!

xo.

Oh Snap x 3

2009-04-16T13:01:00.013-04:00

I find that when I'm constantly blogging about what I "want" to do...I am not so much living it.
When I step away from the blog or the online world is when I'm really living it.
Does that make sense?

I am proud to say I really am "living" my rededication...of course there have been detours (and cupcakes) but the commitment is definitely there.

And to quote some major teen of pop "It ain't about how fast I get there...It ain't about what's waiting on the other side...Its the climb." (Miley Cyrus) Its a journey dude.

Sometimes I get super excited about this person that I've become (and continue to evolve into) and sometimes it bums me out that I will always have to focus on it.
Its never really over ya know?

Happy things about working out...A new People magazine, Stride gum, Pomegranate Lemonade Crystal Light and GOOD MUSIC.

I am constantly looking for new music (at least new to me) Great music is a MUST for a sweaty workout. I get bored easily with the same ole stuff (Even if i love the song) and bubblegum Pop/Hip-Hop are definitely the styles I have in my ears while on the treadmill. (None of that slit your wrist stuff...right court & amber?!) So as of right now, here are the songs in my "Sweat It Out" playlist.

Boom Boom Pow - Black Eyed Peas
Love & Sex & Magic - Ciara & Justin Timberlake
Walking on the Moon- The Dream
I Do Not Hook Up- Kelly Clarkson
Day N Nite- Kid Cudi
Pokerface- Lady GaGa
A-Punk-Vampire Weekend
Be Somebody- Kings of Leon
Hot Revolver- Lil Wayne

On to the random....the dailies, the life, the good stuff.
***************************************************************************
All three of my kids (even Marley-Jane) learned how to snap last week. This is MONUMENTAL when you are 8, 4 & 2!

Other happies as of lately:

Candy Necklaces.

A rainbow painted on your face @ the school's Easter picnic.

Date Night w/Jude to see The Magic Tree House Musical. Just us two...downtown Knoxville, Hershey bar & soda, holding hands, one on one conversation during intermission, French Toast Sticks @ Sonic for dinner, lots of talk of Bakugan & Pokemon (me wanting so badly to understand), a very sleepy boy that got to stay up 2 hours past his bedtime.

3-D Movies w/your 4 year old who squeals in delight @ all the action, sits in a booster seat, eats Sour Patch Kids, giggles loudly and truly enjoys being with Momma.

*********************************************************
I love making Easter baskets for my childWREN. Filled with practical, thoughtful and sugary things.

I love saving up a month's worth of LOST on my DVR, and then being extremely lazy on a Sunday and snuggling up on the couch with my best friend and watching them back to back.

I love that the sidewalk chalk is already out this spring, the kids ride their bikes & scooters until dinnertime and then come in smelling like puppies and then take a warm bubble bath & get into jammies.

I love meeting Erin for a tea @ Borders and getting stacks of books to go through, giggling at whatever we can, talking about religion, our daughters, and our lives.

I love that for the past week, Courtney has met me @ the gym.

I love(d) Slumdog Millionaire and totally get and agree with the Hype.

I love being able to text good friends that live in Colorado.

I love my sister even though she continuously breaks my heart.

I love summer yard sales, lemonade stands, and Flavor-Aid popsicles.

aw.

Little Cubed Cheeses

2009-04-01T17:49:00.006-04:00

The sun has given me more freckles on my shoulders - so it was bizarre that while on the phone with Sarah she said it was too cold to go outside.
Cranberry added to your diet sprite @ Sonic is yummers.
Circuit training at the gym today seriously almost ended my life.
So that's why the instructor has that body.
New Black Eyed Peas song added to my playlist made me happy.
Roasted Chicken for din-din.
Book of the month in the bookclub is Water for Elephants.
American Idol tonight - its time to go Anoop.
I love those little cubed cheeses.
Can Marley-Jane KEEP her clothes on for crying out loud. Even Littlest Pet Shop undies will do.
Sheesh.
Must borrow library book on Dehydrators - and all the crazy cool things you can do with it.
Ordered the Point & Paint. I'm not normally a sucker for infomercials - but with all the painting on the agenda...I'm gonna give it a try. Anxiously awaiting 7 Pounds to come in the mail via Blockbuster Online.
Vintage Me. (1982) With my very young and beautiful red headed mother.
Who didn't raise me - her mother did...but has grown to be one of my most favorite people.
Can someone tell me why we are "reading" a coloring book? I can't for the life of me figure it out.
There are no crayons in site.

peace. love. and cranberry sprites.

Octopi - Friend or Foe?

2009-03-27T08:32:00.011-04:00

Smoothie Update:

This green smoothie didn't call for spinach. It was a combination of kiwi, celery, and bananas.

Result: It was just ok. It didn't knock my socks off. I drank the whole thing - but I would have definitely rather had a plate of sliced celery, chopped bananas and kiwi slices than sucking it through a straw.

But the good news is - that with a new found commitment and dedication to the gym - i lost 6 pounds this week. Sah-weet.

I would like to publicly declare grilled pineapple as my new favorite treat.

**********************************************************************************
I got to guest design over @ the The Design Experiment. I am completely and totally rusty when it comes to scrapbooking. EEK. Must fix that asap, I love it too much to not give it any attention. But I appreciate the Design X girls wanting me to rock their challenge.

Tonight is such a cool cool night for me. Jude and I have a date to see Magic Tree House the Musical tonight in downtown Knoxville. After the musical, he will get to meet his most favorite author Mary Pope Osbourne of the Magic Tree House series. Its very refreshing to get to do this with him, just the two of us. And after the musical - its off for pancakes. This date is WAY overdue.

This article from Simple Mom really really came at a good time for me. If you are a SAHM and haven't already read it, I suggest that you do. I was extremely comforted in knowing I'm not alone in my feelings of drowning that sometimes sweep over me.

This morning Sandler woke up @ 4am because he didn't feel well - so I walked him back to his room and while we snuggled and I scratched his back he asked the following questions (Of which I did my very best to answer)

1. What are some ways that people can get fired? And why do that call it fired?

2. Are you allowed to shoot sharks?

3. Are octopuses mean or friendly?

I better go get in the shower and get ready for my hot date - and I must admit that I'm pretty stoked about the season premiere of Yo Gabba Gabba on Friday with Jack Black.

xo - aw.

PS. - Remind me to tell you about keeling over laughing when my usually "informed" mother called me Friday and very innocently asked me "Hey Ash, have you ever heard of the movie Twilight?"...I will tell the whole story but just know she has it bad. reallly bad for Mr. Cullen. "Join the club of millions Mom. Join the club of millions."

5/10 minutes of Banana Yellow

2009-03-26T09:31:00.004-04:00

One of my most cherished memories as a mommy will be the countless times I've painted MJV's little fingernail and toenails.
At least every other day.
All colors.
Even bright blue and banana yellow (to match her new "keenie" aka bathing "soup")
In restaraunts when she's acting out...pulling out a little bottle of polish works like a charm.
She sits so patiently so calmly.
Blows on them so sweetly when I'm finished.
She giggles with approval when I'm done, flashing her not one, not two, but three dimples.
Sometimes even her big brother does them for her.
Nicely polished toes goes well with new Snow White high heels.
She's so girlie.
Girlier than me.
Sweet and Sour.
Just like those sour patch commercials.
I cherish these 5/10 minutes with her.

xo.
aw.

Gravy Smothered Rededication

2009-03-25T07:55:00.013-04:00

I have a confession.

I lost my way.

I lost my focus.

My vision was blurred, and I took my eyes off my goals.

And well, I went on vacation.

I defied everything that I know to be good and right for my body. I ate my family's fried, gravy smothered food. We went out to eat nearly every single day. I know, I know, its vacation. but still I showed no restraint.

Its not the food that scares me. Its that old mindset. That mentality that I can relax. The truth is harsh. The reality is...I CAN NEVER RELAX. I will always have to make smart choices and exercise. Always. Even when I reach that glorious goal weight - its not over.

If you took my class - just know that I am starting with Day One...TODAY. I will do that class each and everyday - just like I asked you all to do. I have officially rededicated myself.

I wanted to have a quote to sum up how I feel about continuing this journey, and why I feel it crucial to blog my process and be accountable to someone/something. As I was typing this entry this morning, I got my quote of the week from Compendium . This email never, ever ceases to amaze me with its timing. It knows exactly what I need to hear and when I need to hear it. Wanna know what it said? I thought so...

The work of your heart, the work of taking time to listen, to help, is also your gift to the whole of the world.
-Jack Kornfield

So that leaves me to right now- I am extremely focused on my weight, and will be using my blog as a tool in helping me get there. I have always wanted to take a photo a day, so I have decided to document this rededication in photos. Just trying to make this process fun and creative. It might not always be pretty, it might be funny - but its going to be REAL. I wish I would have done this from the very beginning.

Today is a new playlist, the gym, a new people magazine, fresh cantalope, helping Jude with his Martin Luther King Jr. presentation, painting both mine and Marley's toenails, practicing letters with Bing, calling Sarah, and trying a smoothie with spinach added.

xo,aw.

Recovering.

2009-03-24T08:13:00.002-04:00

We're back but tired and trying to get back to business as usual.
Will update soon.

xo,
aw.

Some New, Some Old Favorites.

2009-03-12T10:01:00.004-04:00

Peace out everyone.

Off to visit some people we have missed very, very much.

xo.

aw.

This was in my inbox today...

2009-03-11T08:22:00.002-04:00

By having the courage to be herself, she put something wonderful in the world that was not there before.

-Unknown

I am going to try to live that today.
I will be back later with some layouts I've done recently or ones I never scanned from a while back.
Lazy post - because I'm packing for my trip!

xo.
aw.

Ode to Susan's Bakery Cottage.

2009-03-09T09:29:00.002-04:00

How many times did I walk into that bakery and smell all those heavenly scents?
(Countless)

Since I could walk basically!
Fresh cakes rising in pans in one of the many ovens.

Toothpicks lying on the counter top-from constantly checking the status. She had perfected the art of cake making...that's for sure.

Cakes for 75th anniversaries, cakes for weddings, baby showers, birthdays.

At any event, there was a cake...and 9 times out of 10 it was from Susan's Bakery Cottage.

Susan being my Aunt Susie.
The baby of 7 - my mom being the oldest of 7.
She got to be a part of the most important day in alot of people's lives.

My beautiful Aunt Susie. My favorite aunt. The one that always comments on my weight whether positive or negative. And my acne, whether positive or negative. Who loves me fiercely.

Her in the 70's! This picture is framed and in my house! Love it!

She made the most delicious icing you have ever tasted spinning round and round in one of the three Kitchen Aid mixers. If I had a penny for every time someone walked in and said "Do you sell your icing by itself?" or "I wish they made a candle of how delicious your bakery smells!"

She created my birthday cakes since my very first one - Rainbow Brite, Shirt-Tales, Care-Bears to name a few....same with my children until we moved 10 hours away to Knoxville, TN. I would tell her my vision and she would magically create it. A T-Rex, a bowling ball, and my baby shower cake just to name a few.

Peanut Butter balls, Chocolate Chip Cookies with brownies in the center, Wedding Cakes, Birthday Cakes, Sugar Cookies with a swipe of her famous icing sprinkled with rainbow sprinkles - all placed on silver platters behind the counter.

It was also a gift shop too. Over sized lollipops, Circle E candles, party plates & napkins, balloons, coffee mugs, boxes of tea. At Christmas time, it truly was one of the most beautiful shops in town. She had ten Christmas trees all decorated with a completely different theme.

I would always peek under the white cardboard boxes that were laid out on the glass counter tops awaiting their requester. She never ceased to amaze me with what she could create.

Her hair was always pulled back in a scrunchie, always wet from being fresh from the shower - her apron was white with many different colors of icing smeared across the front - from a days worth of decorating. She was an amazing artist and chef - but really lousy at organization. I was constantly sorting her icing tips, receipts, or files. If I stopped by just for a second to say Hi, or bring her a soda from the Sonic she would always find me something to do.

I haven't been home for over a year and a half. I am going home on Thursday and what breaks my heart is that Susan's Bakery Cottage is no longer. The local community college that was located across the street from her bakery has bought her shop for the land so that they can build a coffee shop/book store for the college. She fought so hard, and for so long to keep it - or at least move to a different location. But in the end she was unsuccessful. She sold all of her pots/pans/recipes/equipment to a lady in a nearby city. It breaks my heart into a million pieces that when I go back to Arkansas to visit next week, that I will no longer walk through the door and stick my finger in a bowl of icing and get my hand swatted.

I was always taking photos, but I never got Aunt Susie in her shop baking a cake, icing a cake, her colorful apron swiped with icing every color of the rainbow or her wet hair.

So take those pictures OK? The ones you don't think you need, or the ones you keep saying you'll get.

aw.

Lunchbox Friday.

2009-03-06T08:06:00.008-05:00

I have always loved packing Jude's lunch. And with Sandler starting Kindergarten this fall I want to keep up with all the creative possibilities there are for making a fun lunchbox. - I have collected a few ideas and with the exception of one, I have tried them all and they were indeed a hit. I would love if you shared yours with me. Just some extremely simple ideas that you can implement to make packing a lunch fun - and guaranteed to make your kid feel super special.

Because its all about making the routine and the mundane - fun right?

Pack their snacks inside a couple plastic Easter Eggs. Goldfish, gummies, and mini chocolate chip cookies fit PERFECTLY.

Pack their vitamin inside their lunch. *Right now we have Gummy Flintstone ones. Bing calls them Fruity Pebbles. Young Buck thinks one of the greatest cartoons was just a cereal!

Leave a note. Not just have a good day - but reminding them how hard they studied for a test and "Good Luck" on it. Or remind them about something cool that's coming up. "Don't forget Colby's birthday party is this weekend". or "Hugs not Drugs". (I'M KIDDING) I mean maybe if you still pack your 16 year old a lunchbox. :)

Leave stickers. I do this with Jude and he thinks its the coolest to be able to give all his buddies some Transformers or Bakugan stickers @ lunch.

Leave some cheesy (but cute) jokes from Kraft.com
(Simply print these out)
Jokes 1
Jokes 2
Jokes 3

Make Paperbags cool...(these are from Ohdeedoh)

Let them decorate themselves-like a handful at a time, so that they are prepared for the week- or turn off the cartoons in the morning of and let them draw the one they want for the day...

Decorate with stickers. (Be festive)

YOU bust out the crayons & markers and draw something festive, or cool for them.

Use these A-Freaking-Dorable labels from Martha Stewart Queen of Good Things...

*If I send Jude's lunch in a paperbag - he will recycle it along with his baggie at school in the appropriate bins. That way its enviromentally friendly. I only do this occasionally though. Just to be fun and add a bit of variety. And its perfect for when the kids have to go on field trips.

Snack bag ideas:
Reusable Snack Bags

A Whole cooler full of my version for Jude's 1st grade class last year.

Cookie Cutters of course are always fun.

I am constantly adding to my collection. Don't just stop at the sandwich, you can do fruit & veggies too. Melon, Apples, and cucumbers work best. These are the ones currently being used at the Wren's Nest.

A couple of additional ideas from Martha Stewart

Crunch Caterpillar (I have yet to try this one!! You could even add a little container of ranch)
This crunchy creature is an ideal treat even for children with an aversion to eating greens. Slice a cucumber crosswise into discs about 1/2 inch thick. String them, slightly apart, onto a flexible drinking straw. To complete, give your caterpillar a plump cherry-tomato "head."

Frozen Juice Box (Genius)
Make sure juice stays cold after a long morning in the classroom by keeping juices boxes in the freezer. Once frozen, simply pop one into your child's lunch box as he sets out for school and it will melt by lunchtime.

Share your creative lunchbox ideas with me!
Sharing is caring. :)
xo,
aw.

If you're not happy with what you have - How could you be happier with more?

2009-03-05T07:30:00.006-05:00

Happy Mail is the best...

I received happy mail from a friend that I think the world of (Kelli Darr)...and it was the most amazing book - it is filled with extremely thought provoking questions. Such as:

What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?

Do you doubt your doubts?

Are you the type of person with whom you would like to spend the rest of your life?

These questions are definitely good discussion and journal entry starters. Kelli also sent me a link months ago for Compendium (the company that created the book)which sends you a really, really amazing quote each week. The words sent always seem to come at the most perfect time too. Consider signing up for it. Thank you Kelli- for being so constant and so thoughtful. It was a gift I will cherish for a long time.

I am going to start on my "homework" from The Photo Process. Which is collecting a group of images that inspire me, ones that I would like to eventually be able to take. Amazing photos that I don't have to have $123,549 dollars worth of equipment to take. Sarah recommended Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson to me - which I have ordered and should be arriving any day. I just cannot for the life of me grasp all the numbers and how they work together. It frustrates me. When Marley is painting her own toenails, or Bing is in his room wearing a cape playing with his superheroes...I don't have the time (or patience) to make the numbers all perfect. Maybe there in lies the problem (me). Courtney swears it will be second nature..but I just have to understand HOW it all works...so hopefully this book will help.

Daily Randomness includes:
No Doubt going on tour = cool. Really really hoping to score tickets to the Atlanta show. My husband thinks Giada DeLaurentis from the Food Network is smokin hot, I am going to begin teaching classes at my local scrapbook store (which is by far the best scrapbook store I have EVER been to) and I'm not just saying that,
a new prompt is up over @ TAIF, Sean got me a book light for Valentine's day which is like one of the most handy and thoughtful gifts that I've ever received, we got a new refrigerator yesterday (the old one died a very, very slow death), sean got a haircut, I wish I could remember to use the coupons that I have cut, placed in my purse, AND bought the item for. I wish I could remember to carry change with me so my kids can get a little treat from the gumball machine or Marley could ride the merry go round when we go get groceries, I used to love the Brady Bunch and The Flintstones. I dig that my kids love Tom & Jerry, I write symbols and key words on my hand so that I can remember things, and today I have to grocery shop. Let's hope I remember the coupons and the change, maybe I should write that on my hand.right.now.

*exhale* Did you read that as one big run on sentence? Because that's how I typed it.

xo-aw.

Here's What I'm Thinking...

2009-03-02T14:11:00.004-05:00

March=Rainbows, Clovers & Spring Break.

I am scared that I will never take amazing pictures like I see everyone else taking.

I still find mermaids, seahorses, candy necklaces and The Wizard of Oz magical.

Pilates was amazingly hard for such slow calculated moves. Me likey.

My roots need to be done badly - and I wish I had the nerve to get my haircut like Pink's.

I heat my coffee up 100x a day, I brush my teeth in the shower, I like to text my husband, I still dream of writing my very own book, and I am so stoked Jimmy Fallon has his own Late Night show now.

I want to learn more about politics & current events than what Nicole Ritchie will name her next baby. (always been a guilty pleasure that I strive to overcome)

That artichoke pizza sounds DELISH for din-din.

Artichoke Pizza for Dinner: (Seriously just try it)

8 oz. package refrigerated crescent rolls (I use reduced fat)
2 oz. sliced pepperoni (I use turkey pepperoni)
4 oz. shredded Mozzarella cheese (I use 2%)
1 c. fresh sliced mushrooms
1 6.5oz jar of marinated artichoke hearts (drained)
1/3 c. ripe pitted sliced olives
1/4c. chopped red or green bell peppers
2 TBS chopped onions
1 oz. freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Unroll crescent dough; separate into 8 triangles. Place in a Deep Dish with points toward the center. Using your hands, press dough into the dish to form a crust. Bake 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.

2. Arrange pepperoni over crust. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over pepperoni. Cut artichoke hearts lengthwise into quarters and arrange both the artichokes and mushrooms evenly over the cheese. Next go olives, then bell pepper and onion.

3. Grate Parmesan cheese over the top of everything and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is a deep golden brown.

4. Thank aw Later.

:) - Still in random mode.

Crunchy Thursday Night. Inspiring Friday Morning.

2009-02-27T08:10:00.017-05:00

Working on lots of random things that I've put off for so long.

My blog. (a couple of them)

My bathroom.

My journal.

Meditation.

Feeling good. Feeling loved.

Positive.

Excited.

But that was not the case last night when I made red beans & rice and spent lots of time on it...slicing sausage, chopping parsley, sauteing celery & onions...following the recipe precisely, and then the rice comes out crunchy. @#$%!!!!!!!

Jude says "The flavor is great mom, but can I have a bowl of cereal?"

From now on...One day a week will be dedicated to things I'm digging...Sometimes themed. Sometimes random and mis-matched. Just visuals that make me freaking happy to look at, make me want to get up and make something, or get up and just LIVE.

This week its CHALKBOARDS/CHALKBOARD PAINT. I know they've been hot and in for a while now...but I'm so loving the versatility. The pots, the frames, the animals...I really love them. There are an assortment of websites that I got these from...doing a search to be able to give you links. Some of these I have had saved for so long - that I just can't remember where they came from.

Today is Friday - the weekend is before us...we should all be in good moods...So create yourself a post of happy things (words, links, images...) link it in the comments for me to see. One one of my favorite things is to look at other people's happy things. (truly!)

PS...Is anyone feeling like some new Overlooked prompts? I'm working super hard on something special. My blog is engaged to another rad blog and they are thinking about getting married. Should be fun!

Link List:

Get Used to the Randomness.

2009-02-20T17:11:00.005-05:00

I finished The Secret Life of Bees last weekend and have the movie arrived in my mailbox today via Blockbuster Online.

I started To Kill a Mockingbird - and I am truly enjoying it. Making Notes, and highlighting sentences that inspire me or make me feel something. Just like some people get inspired by a song or a color combination- that's how I am with words. The way words are put together and what I visualize when I read them is a happy thing of mine.

I threw Pride and Prejudice against the wall (BLASPHEMOUS I KNOW RIGHT?)at Chapter 8 because I just felt dumb even trying to understand it. But then I watched the movie The Jane Austen Book Club and promptly went out and purchased the Cliff's Notes to attempt to get through it. (That and the support of the Bookworms book club I'm in that let me know its not just me that finds it difficult.) I just want to SAY I've read it.

I've eaten way too many conversation hearts, and have decided to write in my blog when I feel like it. About whatever I feel like.

No more only posting when I feel I should or when I feel like its this nice pretty post with some sort of meaning. All these little bits have meaning right?? It might be rambling or a photo or a memory I don't want to forget.

I got those yellow tulips I spoke of in my last post, and am still learning that beast of a camera I also spoke of in the last post.

Sandler wants to take cooking classes and Jude wants to try guitar lessons.

I am feeling extremely creative in many, many different ways.

I love spin class , Pomegranate Orbit Gum and Yo Gabba Gabba.

I daydream of San Francisco, learning to sew, and having nice shoulders.

Marley has a cavity. That attacks my ego as a mother. *sigh*

I appreciate quiet early mornings while the children are snug in their beds snoring and I have a warm mug of coffee and United States of Tara DVRd.

xo,

aw.

In the mood...

2009-02-17T11:38:00.000-05:00

I'm in the mood for...
yellow tulips in mason jars,
blowing bubbles and drawing with sidewalk chalk,
grilling outside with a glass of wine and good music on iTunes,
mailing special people special things,
handmade cards and written letters,
learning my new beautiful camera,
taking awesome pictures and getting them enlarged and hung up on my walls,
redoing the bathroom,
simplifying every aspect of my life,
making an art journal with daily thoughts and a daily photo and a daily "tidbit",
learning how to make delicious smoothies,
learning the art of Bento,
seeing my family in March after (almost 2 years of being away).
lots of stuff.
i should probably get off the computer and get busy huh?

Little Boy Sleepover

2009-01-31T15:20:00.003-05:00

a nice tidy room,
starburst,
skittles,
a trip to blockbuster,
sleeping bags out,
bakugan battles,
dinner @ Sonic,
Twizzlers,
Jiffy Pop,
giggles,
little tiny sprites,
late night predicted,
anticipation,
how many more minutes?,
this is what a little boys sleepover is made of.

Jude & Hunter.
Their first one ever - and boy are they excited.
:)
And a Daddy that is so excited to take the little brother out on a very special date.

Hey its OK...

2009-01-28T09:11:00.002-05:00

a note to myself on forgiving myself.

Hey its OK...
To eat a slice of birthday cake while watching Chris Rock's Kill the Messenger.
(Even though it was nobody's birthday and it was a small slice from the grocery store)

Hey its OK...
To want to be Ali Edward's just for a day.
(I mean surely we all want to - just for 24 hours.)

Hey its OK...
To not go check the mail when your extremely chatty neighbor is checking hers too because you just don't feel like a three hour conversation on how the pecans fall off the tree and hit her car.

Hey its OK...
To send the kids to bed 30 minutes early so you can watch a movie with your husband, occasionally indulging in uninterrupted adult conversation.

Hey its OK...
To have you daughter named Marley but not know who The Wailers are.
(I now know- thank you Courtney)

Hey its OK...
To go get a drink of your water while the instructor starts repititions of lunges in Sculpting class.

Hey its OK...
To still be immature and laugh at certain words that shouldn't really be funny in the first place.

Hey its OK...
To serve your child waffles that were popped into the toaster as opposed to being made from scratch.

Hey its OK...
If you have to re-read some sentences that you don't understand from the book of the month in your book club. (Pride & Prejudice)

dude.
seriously.
Its OK.

what REALLY matters.

2009-01-20T10:17:00.004-05:00

When I sit down and really think about what I want from life,
the people that I want to surround me,
the business that I envision running,
the travels,
the house I want to own,
the things I want to experience,
how rich and full I want my days to be,
the peace I crave...

When I sit down and think about our new president,
my interest in spirituality,
all the questions that I want to search to find the answers to,
the friendships I want to nourish,
the photos I want to take,
the things that I hope to write,
the walls that I will paint,
the people I will meet.

When I stop and think about the flowers I will grow,
the changes I will see in our world,
the situations I could make better,
the books I will read,
the ideas that will come to me,
and the conversations that I will have.

It makes all the petty, ridiculous, ugliness seem so miniscule and humorous.
I really, really want to focus on what matters.
I'm trying extremely hard to be the human being that I want to be.
Kind, Compassionate, Creative.
I want to be a better mother, a more attentive mother.
I want to be a sweeter wife - never takes a night of listening to my husband's heart beating in his chest for granted.
I want to be a kinder friend - that is a listener and less of a talker.
Daily decisions.
Daily choices.
I get to decide how I will act and react to anything thrown my way.

A Work in Progress

2009-01-04T13:45:00.004-05:00

So I don't know exactly how to start this story of mine.This weight loss story.

This journey of a year now.

I went to dig up some old photos of me from a year ago.

And emotions came flooding back.

Its the weirdest thing.

I look at these pictures - and I don't even recognize that girl.

But on the flip side - (the weird part) she is still very much a part of me.

I have come to realize that this fat girl will ALWAYS be a part of me.

She will never really go away.

Don't get me wrong - I don't want her to be the "spokesperson" for me anymore. I don't want to wear her size jeans anymore, I took all her clothes to Goodwill when I got too small for them - and I don't plan on ever having her mindset again.

But she will always remain a part of me.

Listening to too much Dr. Phil - or Oprah's Bob Greene had me wondering what hole I was emotionally filling with food. I still haven't acknowledged that there is/was one.

I reflect on my childhood - and I realize that it was 6th grade that I started struggling with my weight. But it wasn't a huge deal, the guys that teased me and called me chubby in 6th grade ended up asking me out in 8th. I guess I grew up, trimmed up, learned how to straighten my hair and developed breasts.

I wasn't an overweight teenager - I mean I could have lost maybe 10 or 15 pounds...But I do remember always caring a little more than necessary about food. I remember how happy food made me, how all of my plans included going to lunch or dinner, I constantly thought about what my mom could cook. Its like food never let me down.

I could blame it on a variety of things. But I don't like doing that. No excuses. I am accountable for me - and I can defy any predetermined odds. I could say - my dad died at 15, I'm adopted, I'm from the south and my mom makes the best fried chicken you've ever put in your mouth...but I won't do it.

I was in the United States Air Force - and what a mind-trip that is on your weight. I mean to constantly have to work out and worry about it - and knowing that I had always struggled a bit with it didn't help the matter. So after five years in the Air Force, I separated and completely rebelled. I didn't work out, ate whatever the hell I wanted, you know how it goes - time passes a pound here, a pound there, five pounds here, five pounds there and not to mention I had two more babies. We are talking a good 70 pounds.

So - fast forward to a year ago. My family moves to Knoxville, TN. We had always been searching for a town that was perfect for us. A town to raise our children in, a town with an active community, good schools, museums, farmer's markets, concerts, and nice people. I finally made up my mind that the Ashley I always wanted to be would be the Ashley that lived in this town.

I decided:
No more putting myself last.

No more thinking I'm not worth it.

No more thinking that "this is just the way I am".

No more thinking well I let my humor hopefully suffice for my body image.
No more being a crummy example to my children. (especially my daughter)
No more doing the easy thing - it was time to start doing the right thing.

Thirty days after I moved to Tennessee, my amazing friend Courtney and I joined Weight Watchers. I had done Weight Watchers once before - and had taken a little bit of the baby weight from having Sandler off. I liked the concept - and I knew I could be successful. Not to mention when you drop 100$ for something you will definitely go. I loved that time - Court and I - every Tuesday morning - Weight Watcher meetings, giggling in the back row - and then off to Panera Bread for a coffee and a bagel. I needed that time. It eased me into the healthy process - and I made changes slowly but surely and it felt right.

At the end of the 90 days, I had lost 16 pounds - a month later (February) I joined the gym.

I remember Anthony Robbins saying that the people you are around are either going to inspire you and bring you up - and make you want more or they are going to make you return to the group that isn't going anywhere, so you feel comfortable and safe. What I'm trying to say is that being around people that are physically fit will either light a fire in you to leave sweat on the gym floor - or to never go again - and stay home and eat a gallon Ben & Jerry's ice cream.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit. - Aristotle

So - I started to finally get it - Losing weight is simple math. Put in less than what you put out. Its hard work. Its commitment. Its a vision. Its believing in what you cannot see. Those people in Hollywood that we are so envious of physically - they aren't freaking born that way. They work to get it. It doesn't come easy. If you want it - go out and get it.

I plateaued. In a big way. I stayed the SAME EXACT WEIGHT for four months. I was doing the same workout everyday, and not eating outrageous - but eating small portions of outrageous things. I got too comfortable - I guess you could say I got lazy. I got bored with the process. So - I started taking classes that really, and I mean really pushed me out of my comfort zone. Spin class, sculpting and boot camp. I discovered that I had to keep it new - keep it fresh. So with trying new classes and a rededicated sense of discipline, I finally broke that plateau and lost another 10 pounds.

So that brings me to now.

52 pounds lighter
Here I am.
This is me.
Its a brand new year - full of possibilities, its a blank page - and I can write whatever I want to write on it.

I wish I had taken a class like the one I put together - when I started it all. To have written when I was happy and sad. To have taken photos all along the way. But I'm not done yet - the story isn't over - and I can finish writing it.

And I'm gonna finish what I started for once - I still have big plans for myself. I still want to reach my goal weight in March of this year - buy a particular dress that Rhianna wore - and get two of my very best friends to take amazing photos of me. (Amby and Court) Vain? Maybe. But I will have earned it.
So no-I'm not a finalized success story. I'm still one in the making - a work in progress.

So that, in a very big nutshell is why I'm teaching this class. Why I feel that I have the heart and passion to do it. Whether or not you decide to join me - just know that I wish you all the success in the world in whatever goals you have. If you can see it, you can achieve it. And you freaking deserve it.

xo, aw

My new class...coming soon.

2008-12-16T17:02:00.002-05:00

Its scrapbooking, but its so much more.
It's even more personal this time.
If you want to lose weight, this is the class for you.
If you want to simply get in shape this is for you.
If you have goals for the New Year, and want some accountability - this is for you.
If you want a place to document your days, your journey, and your progress - this is for you.
If you want to have support all along the way - this is for you.
If you want to love yourself and to be proud of yourself
Together, we can not only track the process but enjoy the process.

I can't tell you HOW to achieve your goals and dreams – but I can definitely be at your side with some positive motivation and inspiration and ideas to document this part of your life.

I came up with this concept because I have come so very far in my weight loss journey – and with self acceptance. But I still have a way to go, and to be completely honest, I don't want to do it alone. I will be right along side you – doing EXACTLY what you are doing every step of the way. I understand. I get it.

I invite you to join me.
Join me on a 21 day journey.
They say it takes 21 days to start a habit.
So thats all I ask of you...Give me 21 days.
We all need support. We all need some accountability.

We will create a journal/calendar that will be the home to photo requests, journaling topics and the progress of our goals.
We will add fun things along the way that will serve as visuals to give us inspiration.
We will have a private message board all to ourselves which will provide us with a place to share our struggles, triumphs, all things inspirational, recipes, tips, and just good conversation.
Even after the class has long gone, the private message board will live on and be available to us for the months to come.
At the end of these 21 days, if you have given it your all - just done a bit each day - you will be set up for success.
This class is set up to where you can go as little or as long as you need to go all depending on your personal goals.
Something to look back on and reflect, and see just how far you've come.
Something to remind you why you are doing all this – on those days when you just want to throw the towel in.
Your thoughts, your obstacles, and ultimately your triumphs.

Think about it – wouldn’t a creative, “scrapbookish”, and unique journal that you put together make you want to work and write in it more?
And along side other women going through the same process?

Downloadable calendar/journal pages to be printed as many times as necessary.
An exclusive page of Love Myself in 2009 flashcards..
A sheet of downloadable icons to document particular daily goals that were accomplished.
Along with classroom posts you will receive a weekly email with inspirational words, quotes, or lyrics. Also to update you and let you know when the classroom has been updated with something new.
Step-by-step instructions for each phase of the project.
Ideas for finding inspiration and including it.
Three online chats.
A network of SISters to get motivation from, share your pages with, talk to and connect with.
Minimal supplies required. A three ring binder, a printer, your camera and your desire to really want to do this!

It's a journal.
It's a calendar.
Its accountability.
Its support.
Its flashcards.
Its photos that you wouldn't ordinarily take.
Its inspirational emails in your inbox.
Its journaling prompts that get you to dig a bit deeper.
Its your SISters.
It's a bit scrappy.
Its goals.
Its being that person you have always said you would be.
Its resolutions.
It's a new year.
Its Love Yourself in 2009.

Class will go on sale Thursday - December 19 - 9 am.
I hope you will consider joining me.

xo,
aw

Marley Jane Valentine to the right for your viewing pleasure.

2008-12-08T21:12:00.003-05:00

she wore them apple bottom jeans...
the boots with tha fur....................................................................................>
isn't she sassy?
we call her sassafrass lass.

xo,
aw

Hello.

2008-11-24T16:14:00.001-05:00

Hello Marley Jane.
Hello Trouble.

Hello My little ponies.
Hello pony tales.
Hello lip gloss.
Hello glitter.
Hello Littlest Pet Shop.
Hello Panties.
Hello Bendy Barrettes.
Hello Rain Boots.
Hello Jelly Sandals.
Hello melting my heart.
Hello painted toes and fingers.
Hello Three Dimples.
Hello Leg Warmers.
Hello Leggings.
Hello Yo Gabba Gabba.
Hello Pink.
Hello Princesses.
Hello Tutus.
Hello Bikinis.
Hello Bangle bracelets.
Hello Pink.
Hello Purple.
Hello Cardigans.
Hello Rainbows, Hearts, & Stars.
Hello Baby Dolls.
Hello Puppies.
Hello Little Girl.

Good Deals & Date Night

2008-11-21T10:49:00.003-05:00

Today...and Today only...one of my mostest favoritest singers MEIKO has her album on sale @ Amazon for only $1.99.

I already have it of course, but if you don't - you should definitely definitely check it out. She is almost like a female Jack Johnson...very chill and happy. You will love her for sure.

Go Here!!!

xo,
aw

PS-
Tonight is date night with Court.
Two tickets to that movie you might have heard a small buzz about...Twilight.
(sarcasm applied very very thickly)
And I am so sneaking in Jr. Mints - I'll save $6 dollars thank you very much...and don't judge.

Randomness

2008-11-10T08:49:00.004-05:00

Listening to Duffy.
Peppermint Mocha creamer in my coffee.
My face is driving me crazy - am I a teenager again?
Homesick for my mom(s), sister, mother in law...
The boys cut apart the toy catalog to create their Christmas lists...
(this year is quality not quantity...we will be grateful...and we will be donating 75% of their old toys)
I can't believe I jumped on the Twilight bandwagon. I am so weak. Same thing happened with Grey's Anatomy.
Just had an AMAZING class @ SIStv Design School.
My students were the best, kindest, most creative. It was so beautiful and refreshing to know that all my hard work was appreciated and put to good use!
I am grateful.
On the last season of Six Feet Under...I never, ever, ever want it to end.
Dishwasher is going...laundry is tumbling...house is tidy...productive as a housewife so far today.
Should handwrite some letters and postcards.
Marley painted my nails with clear glittery polish.
Starting WW back today.
(Got sidetracked for a couple of weeks - and boy does my body feel different - No more Peanut M&M's in the mail Tanya!)
I walk Jude to the bus stop with a quilt wrapped around him.
Love the leaves crunching underneath my fake Uggz.
I am so inspired by Wendolonia...I have always liked making Jude's lunch a little more than normal probably...so this is super inspiring.
E-Bay here I come for all those fun little goodies to build a superfunky lunchbox.
Should probably go have some fruit and another cup of coffee.
(and maybe check on Bella & Edward)

aw.

Empowering isn't it?

2008-11-01T14:56:00.002-04:00

10.5.08

2008-10-09T10:09:00.001-04:00

Sunday was:

grocery shopping.

A new experiment.

The experiment was to cook five main dishes on Sunday to have food for the entire week.

Thus eliminating constant discussion about what to cook, going out to eat, washing a ton of dishes, spending the time cooking and going to the grocery store every couple of days.

Family Cranium with the kids - complete with Peanut M&M's, Rainbow Twizzlers & Pop Rocks.

Photos:

Stack of brand new Martha Stewart magazines that a lady @ the recycling center gave me.

Family Cranium and Junk Food

Marley being so very ladylike with chewed up banana.

Sean's most favoritest cookbooks.

Thats all I remember - cuz I'm naughty and didn't jot things down like a good girl.

aw.

Chew On This

2008-10-08T12:05:00.003-04:00

I love pop music.
At times I wish I were more like my girl Courtney who likes folky music, the kind you listen to while wearing a halo of daisies and dancing in field of flowers.
There is also my friend Samantha who likes deep meaningful music - with lyrics that mean something.
But as I get older, and more confident with myself - I am feeling bold enough to say - I like pop music. I do.
So kill me.
The music I listen to while working out is COMPLETELY different than what I listen to while running errands or on a road trip.
But what it all comes down to is - I like bubblegum pop.
So chew on this:
Its Beyonce's new song.
Love her.
And she definitely did not disappoint.
Read the lyrics and sing along...

If I Were A Boy by Beyonce

aw

October Is...

2008-10-07T11:11:00.004-04:00

pumpkin.
pumpkin everything.
candles.
pie.
carving pumpkins.
creamer.
pumpkin ale.
iced pumpkin coffee.
october is...
scarves
gloves
candycorn.
crunchy leaves under your shoes.
skeletons and skulls.
witches.
costumes.
fun socks.
soups and casseroles.
lots of our birthdays.
caramel apples.
candy apples
carnivals.
light jackets & cardigans.
putting leaves under paper - and using crayons on them.
bonfires and marshmallows.
fireflies.
nice breezes.
fake uggz.
golden colors of red, yellow, orange.
mugs of hot chocolate.

10.4.08

2008-10-04T11:44:00.000-04:00

Yeah so this is it. No, I'm not joking. This is Saturday's documentation. I only got the apron and boots picture because Julian was laughing hysterically - and I thought well - it is pretty funny.

10.3.08

2008-10-03T23:32:00.000-04:00

Library Books are due.

Lilo & Stitch 2 is due.

First Day it was cold enough for mittens (and jude lost one)

Need to work on upcoming class.

No progress.

Laundry. I love the smell. I love folding it. I HATE putting it away.

The couch. The kids just love to drive me nuts by throwing the pillows around.

Fettucine Alfredo for Kidlets.

Orange Chicken Lean Cuisine for me.

(Sometimes putting it in a cool bowl helps - this time it didn't)

Bakugan Balls - the new neighborhood sensation.

Mar's first "buns".

A glass of wine.

A beautiful evening.

Until the neighbor - who is weird anyway got weirder on me.

And then as she walked away from being weird - Sean said "Well at least that wasn't weird"...like Vince Vaughn in Dodgeball.

Super sleepy.

So sleepy - I went to bed without dinner.

Not to fear...I fed the kids first.

10.2.08

2008-10-02T21:47:00.000-04:00

I must admit I didn't do that well documenting the progress of the day...I took photos and notes...but my photos don't really reflect my day.

I'm not gonna beat myself up about it - I am just going to learn from it, and realize that I'm doing a pretty good job with this committment.

When I type this stuff out, sometimes it feels lame - I'm like "Who would want to read this?" and then I think about the fact that I *love* peeking into other people's lives..their tidbits ARE fun...so maybe just maybe somebody finds mine interesting.

But in the end that doesn't even matter does it? Its for me. Its my life. Its for when I'm gone.

The hooks that are pretty much the "catch all" for everything. Seen here is my gymbag, Bing's zip-up hoodie, an umbrella ella ella, the infamous cheetah bag that I've had for 10 years and has been on every road trip I've taken, and a new jacket in the Belk bag that I get to wear whenever the weather says I can. On any given day you can find Sean's cap, or Marley Jane's pink cardigan, Julian's backpack, the carkeys....

Um...no explanation here. Its 9:03 am.

The back of the front door. This is another art gallery in the Wren Household. The leapfrog alphabet magnets, the cheapie plastic alpha magnets, Jude's test that he gets 100% on, coloring pages, drawings mailed to us from our nephew, random photos, sometimes "don't forget" post its, pages colored from the gym's kidcare

Super Mario World on the Wii. Me & Bing. Waiting on Daddy to come home from work so that I could help in Julian's classroom. (this was immediately before I had the breakdown that Sean had to work an extra 2 hours - and wasn't going to be home until 1, when I was supposed to be at the school at 1130. Which completely sent me into this "I am a woman who honors her committments and doesn't let her child down" frenzy.

Grading papers. This was my ultimate childhood dream. I would have my stuffed animals sitting in chairs with boxes turned upside down for their desks. I would make copies of my own schoolwork for them @ my dad's office, fill them out, and then grade them with a red pen - and use stickers. And look at me would ya? Living my dream by grading papers in Jude's class.

I know I have a cool kid. A good kid. A polite kid. An artistic kid. A beautiful kid. A thoughtful kid. I KNOW. Believe me I do. But I don't realize the magnitude until I see him in a class - with others. The way he interacts with them, the way he helps. Its like all the hard work, the tears, the joy - it all is worth it when you see it being used. When I was grading the above papers - she gave me an example of a child with a 100%. All four stacks had Julian's paper on top to use as the example. She didn't do that on purpose, she didn't find his from the stacks - and put it on top...it was an awesome feeling for me as a mom. It was.

So...I explained to him how proud I was of him - and we took a surprise trip to Target - and he got a toy and a bag of mixed Jelly Bellies.

Lunch w/Jude and then volunteering in his classroom. Marley Jane walking (being carried) to the bus-stop with me all warm in her fleece jammies and wrapped in a quilt.

Project Runway with my morning coffee. (During commercials - I did something productive - i.e, laundry, dishes, tidy up)

Excited about Kimmie Brimmie's upcoming online class. (this blog needs to be pimped)

Sean is getting his TN drivers license. We have been here for 11 months - and he still hadn't got it (shame shame) but voting is a HUGE incentive. *update - no drivers license but yes to a much needed haircut.

Wedding Ring will not fit - and hasn't for months.

Vice Presidential debate tonight.........JUICY. Can't Wait!

Outback Steakhouse for dinner

The boys first "Bakugan" balls...let a new obsession begin.

Watched the Debates.

New "Premium" M&M's in Mint Chocolate are the devil.

Should have played a drinking game for everytime Sarah Palin said Maverick. I would have been wasted.

Marley and her lipgloss.

Son of the Mask finally arrived from Blockbuster online.

Texting with Samantha is always entertaining.

*Promise to do better tomorrow with documenting through pictures.

10.1.08

2008-10-01T19:14:00.002-04:00

Sierra Nevada Anniversary Ale. Sean adores beer. He genuinely loves the taste - and always tries something new. This is whats in the fridge @ the moment.

Cinnamon Crunch Toast as Sandler says. This is the cereal of choice...complete with a monkey spoon.
The neighbor gave Sandler some coloring books today. Like really nice hardback coloring books. Sandler LOVES Tom & Jerry (me too) and he calls The Flintstones "Cocoa Pebbles". We all sat outside on the patio tonight and colored while Sean grilled. I get a little competitive whilst coloring. (yes even with a 7, 4, and 2 year old)
DUDE?! Time to fill up AGAIN? Its so freaking expensive ($3.59) Sheesh.
Homemade Swing = The best thing to happen to our backyard. Like Ever. (Well since the turtle sandbox) Our neighbor made this for our boys - and they have spent COUNTLESS minutes on it. Pure, 100%, free, good fun.
October means all things Pumpkin. Pumpkin Pie. Pumpkin Creamer. Pumpkin Candles. Pumpkin Carving. Pumpkin Creamer is a happy thing.

Lots of one on one time with this boy today. And that is nice. Really nice. He makes me laugh. He says crazy things. He calls me a coconut head. He can identify different herbs by their scent. He is rough and rambunctious. He has little rice teeth - and bright blue eyes. He is always in flip flops. He loves Sesame Street and his new mouthwash.

My Gym Bag. Contents include: People, SELF, & US magazines. iPod and headphones, Dasani Water, Gym Class Schedule, and my wallet made by THE Sarah Bowen.

*Random List for today:

Sean starting a full time job at the post office. Lots of time together now. Lots.

Biggest Loser Families on Tivo with morning coffee while kids snoozed.

Hobby Lobby w/Bing (on the hunt for Pokemon wrapping paper)

Bing saying: "Push me the highest in the world".

Grilled Chicken w/diced tomatoes and basil w/grilled squash.

Picture day for Jude.

Scrapbooking for a change!

Six Feet under once the kids are tucked in bed.

Diced Cantaloupe for breakfast.

Jon Stewart making me laugh.

Bill Maher ON Jon Stewart's show making me laugh harder.

Need to shave legs.

Marley Jane is in pullups! and pigtails!

Sandler anxiously awaiting the Son of the Mask from Blockbuster Online.

One year today since I started my weight loss journey.

(51 lbs total - this is a whole other post)

9.30.2008

2008-09-30T17:11:00.007-04:00

This girl inspires me.
Heck...I think she inspires everyone that comes across her.
I think she is a fantastic human being.
I have never met her, emailed her, or had a cup of coffee with her...but I adore her.
I had an unexpected internet break...exactly four weeks - and I wasn't really full force before I went without it.
It was a beautiful break - put lots of things in perspective for me.
(and found lots of hours in the day - that I never knew I had!)
There are so many things I want to do - both in life and creatively.
I write in my journal almost daily - and I truly try to snap photos of all the little things.
After being offline - and then reading Ali's entry, I realized its EXACTLY what I need.
A week in the life of me...I think its the best all around thing for me.
The photos, the writing, the slice of life.
I will update on my blog daily - to stay accountable to myself - and then make an album when the week is over.
I'm excited - I truly needed this.
Its what I'm all about.
I am not the best photographer - God knows I've tried to learn the technicalities...but I have yet to master the camera. But I document the things that matter -so who cares they are imperfect?
So everyday I shall update on my day!
(which totally keeps me up to date with the ole blogarooski)
So this is today.
September 30, 2008.

Halloween is approaching...and this little dude hangs on our front door.

Julian's lunchbox. Julian the Pokemon nut. I truly, truly enjoy making Jude's lunch every morning. Its one of those "Mom" things that I find joy in. The baggies, the fresh fruit, the peanutbutter and jelly sandwiches cut out with fun cookie cutters. Sweet & Thoughtful notes. Occasional stickers. I want him to look forward to lunch and snack time - never knowing whats in there....

These are the doors to the washer and dryer...The Wren Art Galleria. This is definitely one of those happy spots in our home, and the kids are so stoked when something they created gets added to the Galleria!

Ah...Mail Time. The cause of many sibling arguments. "Its MY turn to check it!!" Well, truth be known - I like checking the mail too. We get movies from Blockbuster online - and its always a war to see who's movie came in that day...and also since we live away from our family and most of our friends, we are fortunate enough to get happy mail frequently. So checking the mail is a joyous occasion.

Jude stayed home from school today - and I can count on ONE hand how many times he has gone to the Dr. in his almost 8 years of living. But, since moving to Tennessee, he has gone three times. Allergies I suppose..so these are the prescriptions for the little dude, and its his first time ever to get it in pill form - so he feels quite grown.

The car keys. Often used. Often misplaced. The shark bottle opener from Margaritaville, The keychains to our fitness center, our library, and the grocery store. Something so random - but that I use, hold, touch every single day.

The chore chart. The best system I have EVER used to get my little ones to do what is asked of them. I am doing a tutorial on this over @ SIStv next Thursday. If you have little ones you will definitely want to check it out. Its a big deal @ our house.

It is imperative that I make the everyday fun. Something as simple as grilled cheese for lunch - becomes fun for me and Bing with a flamingo pick! Its so easy to become a robot - and do things we always do (and sometimes with resentment)...make it FUN.

Sonic Happy Hour = The best thing ever. Half price drinks. The coolest. Today's order was: Jude=Sprite Zero, Marley Jane = Orange Slush, Sandler = Watermelon SlushJude's Project on Germs. (Notice the drawn germs to the left)
The cute, new phone that makes me feel like a teenager when I text. (and I'm pretty fast too - so all you young bucks BRING IT ON)

Until tomorrow.

Unpredictable Requests.

2008-07-14T10:33:00.001-04:00

Do you need some inspiration?
Has your mojo officially left the planet?
Are you open to new subject matter?
Are you feeling random and spontaneous?
Even better - Are you feeling too safe and cozy?
Do you just want to have some fun?
Here's the deal.
Think scrapbooking challenges, photography subject inspiration, creative sparks, memorabilia scavenger hunt, nitty gritty subject/journaling matter, recycled scrappy items put to good use, and simple techniques that you can use over againall rolled into one class. Put into the method of your choosing.
Whether its scrapbook pages, a mini ablum, a big sketchbook, a journal, or a ring full of ATCcards...
10 days of unpredictable requests.
Are you game?

To all my friends and readers...its gonna be a good time.
A randomly miscellaneous crazy spontaneous time.
Say you'll join me.
go here.

xo,
aw

Finally got my Hair Did.

2008-07-05T12:16:00.000-04:00

I was this:

and I requested this:

Result:

My to do list in 2008....

2008-07-01T11:13:00.000-04:00

1. Be healthy. Mentally, Physically, Physiologically.
2. Write Every Single Day.
3. Not read garbage. Nor watch garbage. (sorry Dr. Phil)
4. Read Books. Lots and Lots of them. Join a book club...don't be shy!
5. Meditate.
6. Learn about influential women in history. (These are the women you want Marley to know all about.
7. Do yoga. Excercise. Run.
8. Share my talent the way that only I can.
9. Learn to love myself.
10. Learn my camera. Don't be scared of all those buttons and numbers and options.
11. Take a photo a day.
12. Keep a snippet a day.
13. Let people KNOW how i feel. Give lots of compliments.
14. Experiment with cooking.
15. This is my year to experience, to learn.
No excuses.
I want to fall in love with myself and my potential, and all that I have to offer this world.
written Dec 22, 2008

*so proud to say that I am doing extremely well with some, so-so with some, and only a couple I haven't mastered yet.

aw

what's going on?

2008-06-22T22:19:00.000-04:00

ETA:
Mourning: George Carlin I know he was rude, and crude...but all the more reason to love him. Sean and I had sooooooo many one liners that we still say from his standup. We have all of his books...i love observational comedy. He will be missed.

Drinking: Homemade Diet Sprite w/Blackberry (In a Sonic cup - w/a Sonic straw/ Sonic ice - made @ home)

Listening to: The Bridges

Reading: The Memory Keepers Daughter - I have the movie Tivo'd and I'm so tempted to just watch the damn movie. This has been a sloooooooooooooooow read for me.

Relieved about: The fact that my SISiversary class is over AND went well. I poured everything I had into that class...but I must admit that now that its over..I feel as free as a bird.

Missing: Tanya and my Tuesday morning coffee dates w/Courtney

Not Digging: The fact that my husband that not only bakes and cooks but does them amazingly well. Seriously! I go to the gym...sweat my arse off...and come home to him with an apron on cooking ribs, creamed corn, and carrot cake. I personally think its sabotage. Maybe he thinks I'll get to ashalicious for him. I dunno.

Thankful for: Barack Obama being the Democratic Party nominee

Planning: A Design School Class for SIS.

Reliving: SISiversary 2008 and wishing I had more time to talk to more people. It was amazing but a blur! An amazing blur.

Daydreaming about: Buying our first home.

Putting off: Marley's Immunizations...cuz I've read to much and it freaks me out.

Finally Accomplished:Making the boys chore charts. I have been putting it off because I wanted it just right...I wanted to implement it and it actually stick. Plus the fact that I made it all cute and crafty totally helps.

Scrapping with: Paperminx
My good friend Stephanie along with her good friend Aimee started a monthly kit club. I am proud to say that it was officially born on June 23rd @ 12:01am. I am stoked, honored, flattered, and humbled that they thought enough of me to ask me to rock their very first kit. Its funky and fresh...and its seriously going to be a big deal.
Go check it out if you think I'm lying. Go on. Go over there. NOW.

Jan Levinson-Gould I presume?

2008-06-17T10:58:00.000-04:00

I have soooooooo much to say about SISiversary,

all the beautiful people i met,

the beautiful people i got to reconnect with,

my amazing students that dealt with my first ever class,

laughing until my stomach hurt,

all those amazing little fun bits i wrote in my journal so i wouldn't forget...

an amazing event and experience all together...

but before that...i just have one question...

ARE YOU JEALOUS?

I promise to share the story...

:o)

Sharing is Caring.

2008-06-07T20:18:00.000-04:00

To kit this amazingly inspirational kit go here.
I TOLD YOU IT ROCKED MY WORLD.

My head has been spinning...I am so excited, so nervous, so anxious to teach my very first class at the SISiversary event next week.
I have been like a busy worker bee - and my children are probably sooo tired of hearing about it. I need that weekend away - to laugh, enjoy good friendships, make new friendships.

Summer is in full swing - so that means lots of swimming, lots of Flavor-Aid, and lots of sibling rivalry. Doing my best to breathe, chill, relax and just enjoy things the way they are.
Life moves so fast - so I might as well just enjoy the ride right?

Its 835pm - the kids are already asleep - Im eating a yellow apple.
Totally gonna get off this "devil box of a computer" and be productive.

xo.
ash

How lucky am I? (Both scrapwise and lovewise)

2008-05-26T17:40:00.000-04:00

to get goodies in the mail from The Dozens?

Will post what I created when Dana does on the website.

this kit made me BEYOND happy. and it was 100% an honor and privilege to be asked to be a part of it.

Thanks Dana!

**************************************************************

Also, you know when you are experiencing a moment and its so beautiful and its so perfect you want it like SEARED into your memory and heart forever?

Like before you die - when your life flashes before you and you see things/moments...I had one of those last night. It involved my fantastic four, Bob Marley on the iPod, a bonfire, marshmallows and laughter. It was a beautiful moment for me. One of those moments when all is right with the world.

xo.

ps...

to all my fellow veterans, and their families- cheers to you (us) and Happy Memorial Day!!!

Unexplainable

2008-05-13T12:55:00.001-04:00

I am a very open minded person.
I love different opinions, different points of view.
I like when someone changes my way of thinking on a certain topic.
Anytime I'm feeling judgemental, or I find myself making assumptions about others I always ask the classic..."What If I were in their shoes...?"
I am understanding when one doesn't agree with me.
But i will never, ever, ever not in a million years understand how someone could not love fresh sliced watermelon.
Call me stubborn.
But I just wouldn't understand.
And that's all for today.

aw

lucky #7

2008-05-09T16:08:00.000-04:00

Journal Entry dated August 1st, 2006

I don't know how I got the amazing husband that I got - but I am so grateful that I did.
Throughout everything he has been beautiful.
From all of my fears, to all of my insecurities and worries he always has the right things to say or do.
Compliments and positivity POUR out of this man.
In the hospital he never left my side.
Not during all of the routine checks to see how dialated i was, not for the epidural...never.
Well...he left one time because I requested candy!
He painted my toenails the night before and helped me clean the house.
(And he did a way better job than myself on my toes)
I always thing to myself "Wow...I could never love him more than I do at this very second"...but he always seems to prove me wrong.
He is my best friend.
We are an amazing team.
I am so very glad that this 4 day old little girl of ours will have a father who will constantly celebrate her worth.
She will get to see how a woman deserves to be treated by the way that he treats me.
She will look for a man like her father and not settle for anything less.
Sean has done the dishes, dressed the boys, bathed them...cooked dinner - alleviated an immense amout of stress from me.
I do not take him for granted,
I thank God every single day for him and what we have.

That was almost 2 years ago...and things have only gotten better. I know its cheesey, and a little nauseating, but its true. With all the things in this world that I have to worry about...my relationship with my husband is not on that list.

happy 7th anniversary...to the man I get to go through this crazy thing called life with.

because aren't they the ones who matter most?

2008-05-05T16:59:00.000-04:00

Go play hopscotch with your kids,

or let them help you with dinner,

get off the computer a bit more,

blow bubbles for them while they are in the bathtub,

wrap their curls around your finger,

read them that story again tonight at bedtime when they ask,

squeeze those little hands,

let them sleep in your bed every now and then,

let them have some candy at the checkout line sometimes,

put a note and some stickers in their lunchbox,

sit down at the table and draw with them,

tickle them until they can no longer take it,

remember what it was like to be that age - and try to understand that sometimes what they are upset about really IS a big deal,

laugh at their jokes that aren't that funny,

send them something in the mail so they have something when you check the box,

buy them a disposable camera (so they can be like you)

keep quarters in your purse so they can get something from the gumball machine,

take them to the ice cream shop and share a banana split with them,

play Candyland,

turn the music up and jump on the bed and sing into a hairbrush with them,

never, ever miss the chance to say i love you.

(even if they roll their eyes because you've already said it 72x)

PS.

i was talking to myself. sometimes i lose sight of 3 out of the 4 most important people on the planet.

go on

2008-04-25T20:07:00.000-04:00

If I didn't shave my legs,
or make my bed up every morning,
and photoshop my pictures,
or wear eyeliner,
or buy expensive laundry detergent,
or wash my apple off before i ate it,
or logged onto my computer every morning,
or missed a day at the gym,
or returned my movies a week late,
or ate ice cream for breakfast,
or didn't use the coupons that i had spent time on cutting,
or didn't finish that book I started and got half way through,
if i didn't pretend to always be interested,
the world would go on right?
i thought so...
im slowly but surely letting all the guilt go...

aw

Happy Earth Day.

2008-04-23T23:05:00.000-04:00

today I ate fresh strawberries with a sprinkle of equal...
went grocery shopping with my husband and bought seeds to make our own herb garden,
worked out with said husband,
wore a little earth pin made by jude...
watched some of the pennsylvanian primaries...
wrote in my journal,
wanted Ruby Tuesday's salad bar but opted for leftovers...(because its the right thing to do)
took the childWREN for a walk - and got a few new freckles on my shoulders,
drank some Tazo Zen tea,
bought a Self magazine in attempt to kick my own ass during my workouts,
mailed a few cards and postcards to people I'm thinking about it.
worked on a guest spot for Project 52
and watched sean create this masterpiece for my one of my most favorite people in the world - who is celebrating a birthday today.

April is...

2008-04-18T13:17:00.000-04:00

miniature golf with your family...
rasberry and lime smoothies...
blowing dandelions.
fresh strawberries.
iced coffee.
umbrellas.
yellow rain boots for the kids.
new (old) songs on my iPod.
fresh picked wildflowers on the kitchen windowsill.
sitting outside of the ice cream parlor to eat your ice cream cone.
windows down and music up.
little fuzzy yellow and black bumblebees.
greatly missed flip-flops being worn again.
fresh toenail polish.
sunglasses on your head.
four leaf clovers.
(julian has found 12 4 leaf clovers...WHAT ARE THE ODDS OF THAT? He wants to make necklaces and sell them - he must be the luckiest kid on the planet)

@ The momEnt.

2008-04-10T11:50:00.000-04:00

Life @ the moment.

Refereeing fights with the boys, always having to have Marley Jane in my sight, working out, watching DVR'd stuff, lots of reading, lots of laughs, actually MAKING what I watch on the Food Network, glasses of wine, recycling, finally starting to love myself, volunteering at Jude's school, making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches using the cookie cutters, daydreaming of summer - the smell of a pool and sunscreen, wishing I was a better e-mailer, still amazed at the thoughtfulness of my husband, trying to get over my guilt about everything issues, taking a vitamin a day, being more in the moment, getting a new tattoo, fitting in old clothes, canvas bags only no more plastic ones, being grateful.

While on a thrift store excursion yesterday I got some kick a** stuff for the class I am teaching at the SISiversary in June. I am a sucker for anything ledger, graph, or office related. But I thought they would be the perfect additions to my class kit!

Eckhart Tolle...A New Earth
I so get it. I was ready for it. I needed it. I was open to it. I have learned so much, and I feel its only the beginning. I have been such a sponge for knowledge that I can adapt to my life. I want peace. I want simplicity. I want Zen. I want to be in the moment - because its all I have. Its all I'm guaranteed. Good minutes, make good hours, which make good days, which turns into a good life. I feel the same exact way about The Secret.

I don't want to be...I don't...but I am a sucker for Oprah Winfrey. I love that woman. She inspires me. I adore her....and she even made me buy the highlighters with the post it tabs.

My 7 yr old kid is now currently obsessed with the classics. He just finished Gulliver's Travels. He is currently reading White Fang. Up next, Swiss Family Robinson.

So I DVR my favorites from the Food Network. My Auntie Barefoot Contessa, My Grandma Paula Dean, and my husband's girlfriend Giada DeLaurentis. So its early morning - I am sipping some coffee and Sean is drinking an espresso that he constantly is telling me to try...I tell him espresso tastes like what I imagine an ashtray full of cigarette butts to taste like...The kids are still fast asleep...we watched this episode and we decided...let's go to the store and buy everything to make this whole episode. And we did. And it was fun and the food was delicious and it was good, quality time with my husband - we had such a great time. BUT CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHY IN THE HELL SAFFRON IS SO EXPENSIVE? i mean really! $14.00 a bottle - and the bottle has like 11 strands in it? Hell to the no. So it was Chicken Scallopine - Saffron, Roasted Vegetable Salad, Ciabatta Bread w/Prosciutto and Sage infused butter (im so professional) and Espresso Mousse with Orange Marscapone. Yum. But no Saffron.

The Office is back - LOST needs to HURRY and Grey's Anatomy is seriously ripping my beating heart out and then putting it back...they operate on it...then they pull it out again. I just finished Season 2...where denny duquette dies (who is scrumptious) and Grey has to pick between McVet and McDreamy. I'm seriously going to Blockbuster in my pajamas and with coon eyes to get the next disc. MUST HAVE.

Dear Abby style questions at SIS. If you have a question you want to ask me...for some crazy reason Jeanette is letting me answer people's questions - and then letting them be published in the newsletter...so if you have a nice, safe, clean question...email me!

The end.

scrappy stuff.

2008-04-02T08:56:00.000-04:00

i want this

and then of course these

these make me happy

and i should point these out too.

i know I'm a fashionista...so i am a little partial...but this new boutique is ROCKING.
I adore it. I love it. I like it. I fancy it. I dig it. I like it.
it makes me want to buy things.

aw

Thoughts during Meditation this morning.

2008-03-25T12:19:00.000-04:00

yum...an orange sounds good.
focus watch your breath...
i can't believe mcDreamy is going back to his wife.
its not your breath, but the breath.
but then again...he is a great guy - and what great guy wouldn't give his marriage another chance.
keep eyes closed but not squeezed shut...soft eyes...
i have laundry to do...i love that tide with febreeze!
FOCUS ASHLEY...why is this so hard for you.
Maybe if I were in an Ashram like Liz Gilbert from Eat Pray Love...
8 minutes...thats not a long time. Can't you keep your mouth and eyes shut for 8 minutes?!?
I need to buy my bus ticket to go see Amber...
You're doing it...Your'e doing it...keep it up.
Can I really teach at the SISiversary...will everyone like it?
Breathe. Calm. Peace. Serenity. For your sanity.
I bet McDreamy kisses really well.
I'll do better tomorrow.

aw

Yay for...

2008-03-17T09:24:00.000-04:00

Pencil Lines

for my new gym membership and my gym partner.

for discovering McKay's Used Book Store the biggest bookstore I have EVER been to- one that I could get lost in for hours and hours and come out with a bag full of books and have only spent $11.00.

for finishing this beautiful, amazing, inspiring, view changing book.

My mother and father in law coming to visit in April, and asking us to show them the things that made us fall in love with Knoxville.

This girl's music

Buying things here and there for the childWREN's easter baskets! So much fun.

For being given the opportunity to teach a passion at the first ever SISiversary

For a husband that still bring me flowers home.

Thats just today.

:o)

Count Me In.

2008-03-15T17:55:00.000-04:00

Why did I have to be such a follower?
Why did I have to put Season One in my queue at Blockbuster Online?
Why did I have to succumb to the pressure of how freaking great the show is?
Why did I give a second thought to the following comments:
The cast is so amazing and diverse!
Its got everything an amazing show needs! Humor, Wit, Suspense, Romance!
The soundtack is amazing people said.
I didn't want to get involved.
The Office has my heart...I'm not sure I can share my love with another show.
But along came LOST and it takes up enough time and brain power.
Why would I want to fall in love with a whole new cast.
Why would I want to Tivo something else.
I heard of people baking brownies, drinking a bottle of wine, and counting the minutes until their Thursday nights.
I wanted less tv in 2008.
It came in the mail,
I waited until the kids were sound asleep.
I didn't want to like it. I made up my mind that I wouldn't like it. It will be cliche. Its been done.
How great can it be really?
I pop it in the DVD player.
Apparently very, very good.
DAMN YOU GREY'S ANATOMY.

HELLO! CAN ANYONE HEAR ME?

2008-03-04T16:41:00.000-05:00

if there is anyone out there...
anyone at all reading this.
just know that I am working on updating this.
the links, the header...and yep even a new post.
i am rededicating myself to my blog...and I will write about anything and everything I'm feeling.
no holding back.

xo.
ash

so now i will leave you with Mr. Roboto.
enjoy.

Cheese to my Macaroni. (and a winner!)

2008-02-15T12:39:00.000-05:00

dude.

i have been slacking.

i realize this.

but I'm at that place where my personal life is going really well, working on ME, working on our home, being with my children - and when you are 100% focused on home and family - that leaves no % for cyber world.

And you know what?

I'm ok with that.

Linda send me your address babe - you are the winner!

xo.

Subject Two is Up.

2008-01-28T09:58:00.000-05:00

Go see what its about...

The Cheese to my Macaroni

2008-01-24T09:39:00.000-05:00

Its not to often that I really want to see a movie.

A movie that I talk about non-stop.

A movie that renting it at Blockbuster when it comes out just won't suffice.

I've been wanting to watch JUNO for months and months.

I finally watched it and of course, like everyone else...am truly, madly, deeply in love with it.

I think I felt every single emotion possible while watching that movie.

It was perfect.

The music, the dialogue, the ending.

So I challenge you.

I challenge you to create a page titled "__________ is the cheese to my macaroni".

You Fill in the blank.

Make a scrapbook page.

Leave me the link...You have exactly 7 days from today.

So on January 31st, 2008 by 9:42am eastern time I will check em out - and randomly pick a winner. (Here at my blog I make you work for you RAK :o)

The winner will receive a 3/4 order of Rainbow Sushi.

It contains:

10 sheets of my Scrap In Style paper collection, Rainbow Sushi. (2 of each design)
1 sheet of adhesive "fortunes" by Ashley Wren
1 sheet of cardstock "flash" cards by Ashley Wren
1 set of Scenic Route Berkely alphabet stickers in red.

And does the movie poster not scream INSPIRATION?!

I promise to do it too.

xo,

1-12

2008-01-09T13:33:00.000-05:00

My girl sarah b. did a Top Ten style post the other day - and since my brain is all over the place I think a top ten would kind of help group the scatteredness (is that a word?) the allovertheplaceness there now THAT has to be a word.

1. Rainbow Sushi is now for sale! This is soooo exciting for me - A dream come true - And sure I've felt like throwing up everytime I thought about it being released but I really hope you like it as much as I do! Go getcha one!

2. Overlooked - OH MY GOD. I am floored. I mean when I came up with the concept, and jotted tons of ideas in my journal and thought about it - I was excited. I could envision 100 coffee mugs, but I never thought that I would have 189 members and 161 photos and counting!!! on the 3rd day! So if you are reading this - and you have no idea what I'm talking about please go check it - its going to be a good meaningful project. And I really feel that I was considerate of the fact that we are all so busy, thus breaking it up into three parts over three weeks. I am soooooooo inspired with this project.

fashionista happenings...
3. My doodly girl Adrienne is conducting a photography class. I know for me - Its much needed. I'm always look at you folks with those rad photos that are all rockstar and grungy looking - and I'm like how in the HELL did you that? Well...Adrienne is going to show you. And what is so cool about it - and what I respect so much about Adrienne is that she is SELF-TAUGHT - so I know she is going to be very real, and very understandable in her explanations for things. So if you are interested, or if becoming a better photographer is one of your new year's resolutions just go check it out and see if its something for you.

4. My constant companion Courtney is lining all sorts of fun stuff up for Project 52. Dude...a whole year for $52.00? Thats seriously crazy...and she is the best teacher...yes I'm partial but you would agree.

5. My mega inspirational Sarah is having an Alterations class. If I could scrapbook ONE snippet like she does by taking that class - seriously. Love whats in that girls head. She oozes creativity to me.

6. Vintage Momma KL is having a soldering class. I sware could i be surrounded by more talented people? And whats so cool is that everyone has their strength. So I get to sit back and learn from all of them!

7. I hope you are wearing a diaper - Stacey you made my day with this. I had to change clothes after I read this. That's all I'm saying. I'm immature. There I said it - and this totally catered to that.

8. Laundry is so much better when you do it by the day and by the basket. No more Mt. Laundry's on the bed!

9. Nashville Crop and get together next weekendwith some of my most favorite people on the planet.

10. CHA in Anaheim without the CHA. Want to see Nora, and my F-Girls, and DIH-NEY land and go to DIH-NEY land WITH my F-Girls.

11. Listening to Kate Nash- very Lily Allen/Regina Spektorish - but I love her witty lyrics and its so peppy.

12. I miss this girl. So much. And so does the scrap world. Love you amby.

In honor of Rainbow Sushi...

2008-01-06T15:44:00.001-05:00

make this CUTE and healthy snack for yourself or the kiddos.

You could totally make all kinds of variations.

And don't forget to peek at Overlooked tomorrow! I want you all to get in from the very beginning.

love and rainbow sushi,

My Secret.

2007-12-29T19:01:00.000-05:00

So this secret I have been talking about for the last month or so....its here. I can talk about it now. I can shout it from the rooftops now. I can be proud of it publicly now.

Back in July Jeanette asked me if I would design a collection for the January at Scrap In Style Tv. Um...can we say absolutely? Can we say dream come true? Can we say some things from my sketch book could finally come alive?

I tossed a few ideas around, but the one that seemed the most fun...and refelected my personality the most was this one. Rainbow Sushi. I will be the first to admit - I don't like sushi. I have always wanted to be cool and to say Sushi Date or I love Sushi just because most people do...but I've tried more than twice...and i just don't dig it. But it does inspire me. The neatness of it. The colors. The artform. I thought about California Love Rolls, chopsticks for rubons, adhesive fortunes, bamboo mats for album covers...so i took those ideas and added a little bit of "me" in them.

I had everything sketched out because I was going to send them to a graphic designer to create them in Adobe Illustrator. So me not being an artist but having a complete and total vision in my head, sat down and used a goldfish bowl full of my kids crayola crayons I sketched my vision. I was only working with a few colors so I was literally using little "nubs" of crayons. Each time I completed a design I would tape it up on my wall to see how everything worked together. My sweet sweet spicy friend Courtney came over, and I needed her honest opinion about them. She looked them over and said I don't think you need a graphic desginer at all. I love the rawness that the Crayola gives it. At first I was like you are kidding me right? These are just rough sketches to give a REAL artist. But I took a few steps back...and she was right. I had never seen anything like it. Definitely different. Definitely a little dirty, grungy, and raw. And it really opened up my eyes to other possibilities for future things.

So...the January collection will had my heart, soul, and lots of Crayola shavings poured into it.

When Jeanette asked me back in July if I would do this...one of the first things I said was...do I get to pick the designer? Since 2003, i have been in love with Tara Whitney. She is just the coolest to me. Her approach, her style, her chill attitude...and so down to earth. I remember like two years ago sending her a present, and I felt like a little kid with a crush...so fast forward a couple years and here I am with this insanely cool opportunity to create my own collection PLUS pick a designer. So Tara totally just was the cherry on top of my big ole rainbow sushi sundae. That is the coolest to me!

Jeanette gave me total creative freedom, and really trusted my vision. And that means the world to me. She didn't limit me, she didn't hold me back...she seriously just let me do what I was inspired to do.

Now I know this collection isn't for everyone...I'm even sure some people would say their first graders can color too! But I know that I put my heart into everything that will be in the collection...from the paper, to the adhesive fortunes, to the fortune cookie, to the calendar, all the way to the flashcards...and you know what? I am proud of it. I am goofily happy about it...and thats enough for me.

I hope you all enjoy it. Even if you hate sushi (like me) you will LOVE rainbow sushi.

pop some cyber champagne with me to celebrate!

My new baby...

2007-12-23T21:00:00.000-05:00

I hope you will join me.
Its gonna be fun.
Overlooked

aw

Ran to the dom

2007-12-18T18:09:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure if this has been done before...I have never seen it done...and as I was cleaning up the kiddies room I started to put this in the toybin...and I was like "Index Prints BELONG on here." So..I did just that, and hung it on the tree and I really feel that you should do one too. I think every family tree needs a View Finder Ornament.

Photography of moi by Jude...I never show myself do I? I know..I"m just so dark, moody, and mysterious. um...

Why is my son on a pillow at the Disney store? Disney better have my check in the MAIL. Jude HEARTS Corbin Bleu.

CAN'T. KEEP. HAND. OUT. OF. JR. MINT. JAR. BAD. ASHLEY. BAD.

A DELISH recipe + A freakin COOL christmas gift

2007-12-13T16:27:00.000-05:00

You know the kind...its
the dish you try when you go to a family get together, or a holiday party and it
blows you away. You get seconds, and the whole time you are eating it you are
talking about it.

Oh my god Betty, what is in this?
Girrrrrrrrrl have you tried Betty's
fettuccine salad?
Betty...where did you get this
recipe?
I must have that recipe! I
must!
So you get it from its creator and you make it yourself for another get together. Someone asks
you - OH my god! I must have this recipe! I must...and you give them the recipe,
and the delicious recipe continues to live on through different people.

My mother in law made this Paula Deen dish for a Memorial Day BBQ
a couple of years ago. Since then, I have made it MANY times, and it never fails
to get attention - and a request for the recipe. I really hope you enjoy it...It
seems so simple - but the combination of the green onions + the tomatoes + it
being served cold is absolutely delicious. You can totally substitute the fresh
herbs for dry - just adjust the measurements accordingly! Enjoy.

Chicken Fettuccine
courtesy of the Paula Deen

4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons House Seasoning-recipe follows
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 (9-ounce) packages fresh fettuccine 2 cups mayonnaise
1/2 cup chopped green onions green
part only - plus extra for garnish
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
Tomato wedges, for garnish
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise into 1-inch wide strips.
Place chicken on a baking sheet, sprinkle it with 1 teaspoon of House Seasoning and all of the thyme, and then drizzle it with olive oil.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through but still juicy; do not overcook.

While the chicken is cooking, cook
the pasta according to package directions.
Drain the pasta, rinse it in cold water, and drain it again.
Pat the excess moisture off the pasta with a paper towel if necessary, and put the pasta in a large bowl for tossing.
Remove the chicken from the baking sheet and set aside.
Pour the juices from the baking sheet
into a medium bowl.
To the bowl, add the mayonnaise, green onions, parsley, basil, the remaining teaspoon of House Seasoning, and the seasoning salt, and stir until well blended.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss gently.
Place the chicken strips on top of the pasta.
Garnish with tomato wedges and additional sliced green onions.
This dish can be made 1 day before serving.
House Seasoning: 1 cup salt 1/4 cup
black pepper 1/4 cup
garlic powder

Last thing...I came across this amazing gift today while online
shopping for Sean.
The wallet for people that hate wallets.
OH MY
GOODNESS...the perfect thing for my husband.
He is constantly complaining
about it when he sits on his wallet while driving, he hates it being
bulky...this is such a perfect solution for a simple guy like my husband.
It
holds four credit cards, your drivers license, has a money clip, and even clips
to your keys.
And only 15 dollars!
I ordered the Jimi Wallet in
Stealth...it was sold out on the actual website...but there are some other
online alternatives.
Just thought I would share my fun find.

Happy Holidays my sweets.

PS.
come January, i will not only get to reveal my
secret project - but I'm starting an amazing challenge that i hope keeps you
excited, inspired, and challenged.

Little Miss Fried Green Tomato

2007-12-06T09:04:00.000-05:00

I love, love, love this snapshot of my fantastic four...Mint Oreos, milk in a icecream sundae bowl, bing's little freddy krueger sweater, marley in just a diaper ON TOP of the table since she is OVER her high chair...jude in his little waffle shirt with his little springy hair...and my sweet husband, the best dad ever who started this whole oreo community dipping tradition.

A sweet girl named Amy Lapi sent me this book and got me glued after I scraplifted her P.S I love you page....and then the amazing Sarah Bowen had everyone be festive all the way down to simple paperclips...so I used a Tia Bennett font and made myself a bookmark.
I made a few more, that do seriously add a little fun to the mundane.

And the last picture is a card also from the Sarah's delicious Christmas class...and I'm not mistaken, the "peace" is a Kelly Purkey font from Purple Onion.

Tonight is the Christmas Parade, it will be our first here in Knoxville.
Nothing could be crappier than the El Dorado, Arkansas one we got accustomed to.
I sware the whole flipping parade consisted of beauty pageant winners on top of new Mustangs or Camaros, with glittery banners wrapped around them while they waved.
I mean I want to see a marching band, and Santa Claus and some horses...not Little Miss Fried Green Tomato..sheesh.

Got to go Marley Jane Valentine keeps pressing the scanner on and off button...and I think she is starting to print some pictures on the printer.
Merry Friday!
xoxoxo.
ash

ps.
don't forget about my awesome secret that I will get to share soon.

Cheap Greenbeans.

2007-12-03T15:26:00.000-05:00

I don't listen well enough.
I mean I listen...a little...but I strive to be completely in the moment.
My mind is always so preoccupied.
I am SUCH a multi-tasker. It kills me to do just one thing at a time.
I feel like I'm wasting time, if I do just one thing.
But I should focus.
This is a daily effort.

Expensive laundry detergent is one of my little luxuries.
Something I truly love, and don't mind spending the extra money on.
Lots of things I can do off-brand, but not laundry detergent.
or green beans.

Have poured my heart and soul into something that will get to be shared with the scrap world next month. I hope you love it just half as much as I do.

I was head over heels in love with all the advent calendars I've seen. Of course Ali's, This One by Martha and this one by Courtney. She was so genius to adhere them to a canvas, so that after the holidays she just puts the whole thing away.

I am totally in love with the whole do something each day, and adding little treats inside the boxes. I put some PEZ dispensers in, some hot wheels, and even a candy bracelet for Marley Jane. I so wanted to do this...but honestly and truly didn't have the funds $$$ to do it...and knowing that the boxes were almost 1.00 a piece and that I needed 24+ of them really discouraged me.
BUT
while we were out shopping, I had an idea...I thought I wonder if the jewelry department has any empty boxes. So I asked the lady, and she said know, because all of the items come in one big box...dreams of a groovy martha stewartish advent calendar were crushed UNTIL i passed the makeup isle and saw a big cart full of empty boxes from the makeup shelves being stocked.
HOORAY!!! Free boxes. I got 16 from there, and bought 8 jewlrey boxes in the gift wrap section for 4.00. I was so proud of myself!

It was so fun adding little things to do...
Just a few that I added were:

Drink eggnog out of wine glasses.

Have breakfast for dinner.

Make a bed on the livingroom floor, and watch The Grinch Who Stole Christmas Jim Carrey version of course!) and eat popcorn.

Make reindeer our of our fingerprints.

Bake Gingerbread Men Cookies.

Doing all sorts of Christmas-ey things...taking the amazingly talented and beautiful Sarah Bowen's 12 days of Christmas workshop.

I just started that yesterday, and tonight we as a family are doing the first project...so will post pictures of that soon.

Also, since a sweet gem of a friend gave me the gift of Shimelle's Christmas Art Journal last year, I get to take it again! This year, my mantra is all about keeping things simple. Quality gifts not quantity gifts...breathing, relaxing, chilling...being mellow.

Its our first Christmas away from our family since we just moved to Knoxville. We had to be away from them while living in England...but that was 4 years ago.

I truly love this time of year :o)
and i want this for myself.

My Middle. My Bing. My Love.

2007-11-23T14:11:00.000-05:00

My Bing.
My Sandler Christian Nicholson Wren.
Loves strawberry/chocolate milk. (Must do the shake shake shake for Bingy song when making it)
When going to bed says "Mom, when I wake up can I _____________". (changes each time)
Loves power rangers and Ben 10 and costumes.
Loves his little sister more than anything. Shares with her, rubs her back, gives her bites.
Adores baths.
Gets freaked out if any of his "dudes" get near the drain. Genuinely fears the bathtub drain.
Makes messes.
Colors his nails with sharpies.
Drives Julian crazy.
His favorite movie is White Chicks. (Put it on the part where she bumps her Noggin mom!)
Has somewhat of a FIERCE chocolate addiction.
Reads his own book at storytime. (and cracks us all up with his version)
Says I wub you sweet mommy.
His hair is always in his face, he is constantly pushing it out of his eyes.
Has little rice teeth.
Fiesty, rambunctious, loves to wrestle.
Has flat little Fred Flinstone feet.
Wants to go to school so badly, and says I can go! I already have a turtle backpack!
Helps me cook, do laundry, clean up...he is my little sidekick. Joined at the hip.
Goes with me on every errand.
When he gets a favorite movie, watches it 114x a week.
Currently its Toy Story AKA Buzzyear.
Is such a flirt.
Loves cereal in a baggie, no milk, no spoon.
Feeds of laughter and attention.
Wraps up random things around the house in notebook paper or dishtowels and says Surprise!
Loves to snuggle.
I love this little boy. I was so very nervous to have a second child because I didn't think I could ever love a child more than Julian. So I was nervous. But my god was i so very wrong...i love this kid. He is my world. He is my buddy. He is hilarious. And so chill.
I just don't feel like I talk about him enough. I feel like he is growing up and I am missing it because he isn't the oldest or the youngest but my middle. I don't want to be paranoid about him being a middle...i love him.
My Bing.

Happy Halloween Everyone...

2007-11-01T17:22:00.000-04:00

Love,
Mar-Kat,
*J* Mime,
and Bingie Ranger.

Tonight

2007-10-27T20:29:00.000-04:00

I am watching Reign Over Me with my husband.

I am going to eat popcorn and hot tamales w/said husband while watching said movie.

( I always talk about this...but SERIOUSLY you need to try it)

Me. Sean. Spoon

2007-10-25T15:50:00.000-04:00

Crazy mountainous drive to Asheville, North Carolina.

Comfortable silence.

Rilo Kiley on the iPod.

Destined to a birthday present for Sean.

Downtown Asheville is a really cool thing.

but no parking anywhere. Towing zones like mad...

Felt a little out of place.

Lots of college kids with lip rings, guys with "man purses", and unwashed hair.

Then I saw some people that could be our grandparents.

I felt a little soccer momish...and then I thought wait...I AM a soccer mom.

It made me realize that the girl with the lip ring, the soccer mom, and the grandma all had the same musical taste. Which to me is cool...a common thread.

We got the word "crispy" stamped on our hands.

The Orange Peel...what a funky place.

Way more intimate than I thought.

Sean sipped on beer, I sipped on wine. 4 glasses, but sipped it none the less.

Lots of diversity in the room...and I love that.

Sean put his hand on the back of my neck, and gave it a squeeze and says...this is just one of the reasons we moved.

I smiled...because he's right.

I went to the bathroom, and waited in line...and the girl in behind me says "We all our have our nose pierced, and its on the left side." She says this to me, and to the four girls in front of me.

I say...yes we are true cliches huh?

We were so close that the only people closer than us were the ones with their elbows on the stage. the others had their fingers in their ears, and I thought to myself "Why are you here then?"

The Ponys performed...I didn't understand a damn word the lead singer said.

The guitar player was drunk and was drinking a can of Blue Ribbon beer.

I was thinking I wonder how many others here like myself had to look them up on iTunes for tonight.

and then....

they came out.

SPOON

The band that had us at hello...well not exactly hello, but had us when we saw them on SNL a couple of weeks ago.

Good music, from people that genuinely seem to give a shit about it.

And that is refreshing.

They were amazing...and I had an incredible time.

And I wouldn't have wanted to spend it with anyone other than my Sean.

I hate that he made us eat at Waffle House (gag) where the waitresses and cook were all sitting in a corner booth talking and smoking and only got up to take our order and give us the food...but it was 2 am...so whatever.

Court had all of my children for 9 hours...and I think she did an amazing job. They played our new wii, ate pizza, played some chicken limbo and I even came home to a clean house...

I am a lucky girl. Thanks court! For babysittin' the childWREN and for Rilo Kiley!

ps.

spoon rocks.

check em out.

love,

ash

Whats on my heart...

2007-10-19T11:59:00.000-04:00

This is the beginning of a new day.

You have been given this day to use as you will.

You can waste it or use it for good.

What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it.

When tomorrow comes this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind...

let it be something good.

<----Amby Nic Montage

Thought I would share...

2007-10-17T12:44:00.000-04:00

All you moms of leggo lovers might like to try this.... Julian ADORES leggos. Loves them. And I am very particular and I guess strict about when he plays with them because he has a little sister that would gladly eat them.

Well...for his birthday on Friday Courtney got him some Mars Mission ones. I sat the boxes on the top of the fridge and I had an empty egg carton up there as well to do a little project with Bing. So seeing the two together, I had a lightbulb moment.

I helped Julian place all the little bits by color in the compartments of the egg carton. It helped him SO much when he was looking for a particular piece, and it helped me because it wasn't all sprawled out on the kitchen island or his bed.

And it closes!

I hope it helps you...you know me I'm all about the recycling.

xo,
ash

October 12th, 2000 @ 10:46pm

2007-10-12T16:24:00.000-04:00

Dinner at Wasabi's with the DeLauras. (Hurray for onion volcanoes, and shrimp flying in the air.)
A plate full of bacon. (so much you don't have to ask if there is anymore left)
A Ben 10 watch.
An umbrella ella ella.
This Funky Fresh Doodle Book
A Godzilla Nesting Doll.
Name and Picture on the morning news at school.
Stickers galore.
A godzilla birthday cake.
Money and cards in the mail.
Goodie boxes enroute.
Sick. Came home from school early.
Luckily it was pajama day at school...you didn't even have to change.
Ben 10 on the tv.
Untouched Chicken Noodle Soup.
Blog shoutouts from C and T.
Calls from all your aunts.
Me not wanting to believe you are already 7. 7 just sounds WAY older than 6.
I love who you are.
I hate letting go...but I am eager to watch you turn into a great great person.
I love you Julian Tai Dell Wren.
Happy 7th Gingy-Bread.

Made for the Long Haul

2007-10-08T18:09:00.000-04:00

The other night I walked in from being at the grocery store. Sean was on the phone with his sister, and he had her on speakerphone. It must have been perfect timing because as SOON as I walked in, I heard her say in a really snotty voice:

If you don't mind me asking, what exactly does Ashley do all day? I mean you work all day and cook dinner, so what is it that Ashley does?
Had I not felt like cussing her out I would have responded with this:

In the last week I...
washed lots and lots of loads of laundry...
cleaned the toilets...
cleaned the bathtubs...
organized closets....
made and sent birthday cards...
cooked dinner....
made at least peanut butter and jelly sandwiches...
vaccumed...
unpacked boxes...
taken bing to get his haircut....
went to the grocerystore...
made our beds...
volunteered at jude's school...
ordered julian's birthday presents...
ordered julian's birthday cake...
helped jude with his homework...
started his project on toads....
packed his lunchbox...
walked him to the bus-stop...
rocked marley to sleep...
swept the front porch...
took the kids to the library...
took the kids for a walk...
played candyland dvd with the kids...
and also battleship...
made halloween cookies...
changed a gazillion diapers...
loaded the dishwasher 20x...
made coffee....
made everyone breakfast...
given the kids baths....
read bedtime stories every single night...
take out meat to thaw for the next nights meal....
write notes to jude's teacher...
worked on animal flashcards with bing...
colored with bing...
showered my children with kisses... talked to my husband about our goals...
and thats only what I feel like typing!
so there!
For all you stay at home moms...I love and respect you. People tend to think we sit at home, watch Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives and eat bon and bons. Well thats the farthest thing from the truth. Some days I'm lucky if I even get a shower. I put my family before myself EVERY SINGLE DAY. Their needs before mine, EVERY SINGLE DAY. I don't want attention, I don't want praise...luckily my husband and children are very aware, and very grateful for all that I do. And that is more than enough for me. So the next time she calls...I'll definitely have an answer for her.
:o)
Wonder why women live longer...? BECAUSE WE ARE MADE FOR THE LONG HAUL...... and we can't die sooner, we still have things to do!!!!

aw

ETA: No...No...No...the sad thing is, is that she DOES have kids...THREE of them! So how can she not know and understand? I think she is hatin' on the fact I have an amazing husband...

Feeling Happy. Feeling Content. Feeling Grateful.

2007-10-04T16:18:00.000-04:00

Guess who's back?
Back Again.
Guess who's back.
Guess who's back.

sorry I just thought everyone needed a daily dose of Slim Shady.

Heck yes I'm back!
After 32 days without the internet I'm back.
I must admit it was a nice break. Got to escape that feeling of "I need to be doing something on the internet" feeling.

I am officially in Knoxville.

I love it.

I love that we took a huge risk, and it was successful.

I love the attitude here.

I love that I got to take my children to a Hot Air Balloon festival.

I love that everyone is so freaking friendly. Knoxville has southern hospitality...Southern Arkansas...eh not so much.

I love that we are in the exact area that we wanted to be in.
In an itty, bitty, teeny, tiny duplex mind you...but where we wanted to be.

I love that the beautiful Courtney DeLaura is now my constant companion. Someone who when arriving to Knoxville at 10pm after driving 14 hours had left apples, bread, milk, cheerios, oreos, turkey, apple juice, grapes, carrots, lettuce, bowls, spoons, sunchips, toilet paper and newspapers. And even fresh flowers at the door with a welcome mat.

I cried.

Not only because toilet paper is essential and I hadn't thought to buy any for the night...but that all this stress of living with your inlaws, and of finding a home from so far away, and of leaving your friends of family it all seemed so perfect and so right when I saw those thoughtful things.
It gave me such a feeling of peace. It was like a forecast of all the good things to come.
Thanks Court for everything. For even finding the "Dupe".

I love Julian's school. To know that he is going to totally be able to thrive and grow, and his creativity be nurtured.

I love our sweet little 77 year old neighbors who have both never even meat a day in their lives.

I love that my kids are in bed by 8pm everynight, and in their own beds. Why didn't anyone tell me that was essential for adult conversation, movie watching, and snuggling with your husband?

I love that there is always going to be something to do here.

I love that The Office is on tonight.

I'm just really really happy. :o)
This is what I have wanted to for so very long. It feels amazing to be able to cross that dream off of the "to do" list.

aw.

Ps.
I started to read blogs, and catch up (which I need to do) and I just want to pubicly say that the fact that this sweet girl is now pregnant and will be a momma brought me to tears. Like rolling down my face tears. I am extremely, extremely happy for you G.

I'm outtie.

2007-09-03T12:33:00.000-04:00

Man its been hard.
The days, weeks, and months flew by.
But it was NOT a piece of cake.
Its hard when you don't have emotional support, and people don't understand.
They don't understand WHY you are moving...they think YOU think you are better because you want more.
I refuse to let life pass me by.
I would rather sit on the porch when I'm 95 and regret what i DID do rather than what i DIDN't do.
I'm scared.
I'm excited.
I'm nervous.
I might be so broke that we eat Ramen noodles with chopsticks.
I have wanted this for so very long. I went into the military at 17 to get away...I never thought I would return, but after being overseas it felt like the wise thing to do. So here I am over three years later...leaving.
We have big goals and big dreams...and we are following them.
If I have my fantastic four by my side I will be just fine.
So bright and early in the morning I will be leaving Arkansas...and off to Knoxville, TN.
I will be offline for awhile, but when I return I will be back and better than ever.
*deep breath*
Wish Me Luck.

xo,
ash