the ashley abode: love

Showing posts with label love. Show all posts

Happy Fourth of July! (Plus OOTD)

Happy 4th of July!!! Even if the Continental Congress and Framers are rolling in their graves. Here's to what's left of capitalism and freedom, but mostly cheers and thanks to the men and women who fought and fight for it! Land of the free, because of the brave! I've always known our country needs prayer, but after working in politics I realized we need it now more than ever. There has been a lot of unorthodox and questionable action, and even inaction, from Congress and the Executive lately. Arguably speaking, they have compromised or infringed upon the very liberties they swore to uphold. Proverbs 11:14 says, "where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." So, today I pray extra fervently that our nations leader will seek guidance from the ultimate counselor- God when governing our nation. Today I hope you can also take a moment and really contemplate freedom- what it means to you, what we've had to sacrifice for it, and how blessed we are because of it. Happy Independence Day y'all, be safe, have fun and be free!

We spent the day at a friends house for a laid back BBQ and pool day. Our friends are ones that we've made through the Marine Corps and they have a tiny little boy who I adore. He is about 3 months younger than Addie and his mom and I already pinning their wedding. He is pictured below, one look at him and you'll fall in love too. Shannon took Jo to see fireworks later on in the night and I stayed back with Addie and my future son-in-law and his mom. Overall it was just a chill day which is exactly what we needed. I somehow managed to not get any pictures of Jo, probably because he was running around everywhere.

This is one of Addie's outfits for the day. Nana Pat sent it all the way from Chicago. I believe it is all from Target. I absolutely adore the sandals! She kicked them off soon after I put them on her, but they are just too cute. The bow was custom made by a friend of mine. She makes all sorts of bows and they are to die for! They are reasonably priced and can be as extravagant or subdued as you'd like. Stay tuned for a review on all the bows Addie has gotten from her, but until then you can check our her site at Bowtastic Bows.

I did the best I could with my red, white, and blue attire, but I was just too hot and so unmotivated this year. I blame my lack of enthusiasm to dress myself on all my efforts being focused on the children's outfits. I managed to pull something together though:

BOTTOM: Old floral shorts from Forever 21 (circa 2012), sorry I've had them so long I don't think they sell these exact ones anymore, but I have found similar ones for under $20 there
TOP: Flowy crop top from Target it was only $12.99
BRACELETS: Alex and Ani each bangle ranges from $25.00 and, my Ashley Bridget bracelet in Journey $48.00 .
SLING: Sakura Bloom in Marine $88.00, my partial review for this can be found on my 'Summer 2014' post.

Here is that little boy I was telling you about! Is he not the most squeezable, kissable, huggable, pinchable, little stud you've ever seen. He is almost 3 months and smiling like crazy! I like to look at the picture above and think he was pretending to sleep for the camera because no one can look this pensive sleeping!

Addie's last OOTD was a tankini from Target sent by Nana Pat in Chicago as well. It fit her perfect and although she didn't swim, she looked adorable next to her betrothed lounging by the pool. It was a gift, but to give you deets, the suit is $12.00 and ranges from sizes 6mo-4T, again sold at Target. Thank you again Nana Pat! You always send the cutest stuff.

All in all it was a great day. Shannon did have some studying he had to do, which was a bummer, but that wasn't enough to damper all the blessings throughout our day. Thank you so much to our friends for hosting us and allowing my son to drool, spill, and who knows what else around your house. I really hope everyone else's holiday was just as great!

Summer 2014

Ok I finally have a minute to actually sit down and post pictures from Grammy's visit and some thing we've been up to. Summer is officially in full swing here in California and we've kicked it off with lots of time in the sand and sun.

My friend introduced me to this sling called the Sakura Bloom and I am infatuated! It's a simple idea and its so comfortable. I have been through every sling and baby carrier out there, and so far, this one is my favorite for everyday use. It is made out of linen, so it is sturdy yet breathable. Addie loves that she can sit close to mommy but can still move her head to look around at what's going on. You can get the Sakura Bloom here. I highly recommend it if you are looking for an easy, lightweight baby carrier.

One of my favorite things about Summer are the warm nights. Bonfires surrounded by great friends and family are the perfect way to end a Socal Summer night. Addie was mesmerized by the blazes.

During the day it was all about fun in the sun. Jo loves digging and I love soaking up the rays. So happy Shannon was able to snag up a beach cottage on base for his mom again. Although he was working during the days, he was still able to come home at a decent hour to have dinner and enjoy the sunset over the water.

Jo loved following Uncle Jared around. We are sure going to miss his company when he leaves.

I really hope the whole Summer last like this. This is definitely a great way to kick it off. I can't wait to make more memories with my littles at the beach. We are so fortunate to be able to live so close to the ocean and I don't take them enough.

Duck Face Level: Expert

Addie has found out that she can blow bubbles. In the process we found out that her Duck Face Level is Expert:

Goodbye 29!

Goodbye 29 Palms! We had a great time taking walks, playing at the park and watching the sun set and rise. Jo and I are basking in the morning warmth before we leave tomorrow. We have another long car ride ahead of us, so please pray for our safe travels again. Thank you Lord for the opportunity to be able to travel with my husband while he works. We are grateful that you provide him with the ability to provide for us.

So far, so good!

So far, so good! I have to tell you that Shannon going on this trip, and me staying home with these two kids, for two weeks scared my socks right off. I did come to have a change of scenery, but I think a tiny bit more of me, was afraid of being home alone with them for so long... I'm just not ready for it yet. This 2-kid thing is still new to me.... Anyway, we are almost headed from from our mini-vacay. We did have to move hotels, but we are all settled now, and the new hotel room is a little smaller, but it has a playground right outside and free breakfast. We are still on base, and the weather is really warm, but nothing I am not used to. The sunrises and sunsets are amazing out here. I really feel God's wondrous majesty out here. Everything is magnified here; the stars are brighter, the mountains are mighty, and the land stretches on for years. I am in awe of His wonderful masterpieces. With every bad thing there is to say about 29 Palms, I think I might, (keyword: might), be able to say something positive. My friend's house is so big out here, it is nothing like anything we could afford back home in our city by the beach. Life is a lot slower out here and it was just what I needed to re-center myself on what is important. I was getting so caught up with trying to finish the laundry, mop the floors, and do the dishes, that my patience was wearing thin with my children and husband. Not having to do those things for the past week and a half has made me realize that, although have a well-run home is important, the time spent with the people you share your home with, is more important. For the first time since having Addie, I had a chance to sit down and play with Jo. I felt horrible thinking that this precious time was foreign to me. I am so thankful I came on this trip with Shannon. The kids aren't sleeping well because they aren't in their own environment, and I am tired beyond belief, but the Lord giving me this wake-up call was so worth it.

Happy Birthday Tatum!

I wish we could be there to celebrate with you, but we have a big dinner and "whatever you want" day planned when we get back. Happy 6th Birthday Tatum! We have watched you grow into such a beautiful, smart, and funny girl. We cannot wait to see what God has in store for you.

Sisters

Growing up my sister was my best friend and worst enemy. It is a bond that all little girls deserve. It is so heartwarming to see my daughter love her little sister. It reminds me of the times I played with, got in trouble, and fought with my sister. Those memories are ones to be cherished forever and being able to see my own children make those memories is priceless. Love your daughters, not because John Mayer told us to, but because they truly are precious beings.

Boy Meets Girl

We are home! I am so filled joy. My family is complete. Jo met Addie at the hospital but was more excited about seeing his parents because he was at Grandma's for two days. Now that we are home, they really have a chance to meet and bond. Seeing them together brings tears to my eyes. The love I feel for my children is unexplainable. I hate to be stereotypical, but I truly understands how it feels now when my mom told me I would never understand a mother's love until I had children of my own. I know the days to come will be tiring and long, but I would trade the fatigue, overwhelmingness, and sacrifice for the world.

Jo took to Addie very well. We were so surprised at how soft he was with her. We told him to be gentle, but at 18 months old, we didn't expect to see such a loving nature. He was even protective, pointing at my mom to not touch 'his baby' at the hospital. I cannot wait to see them grow together. Having them this close together will be hard at times; I was told to expect a lot of fights and jealousy issues. But I was also told that siblings this close in age usually play well together too. I hope the latter happens more. Until then, I am just enjoying them the way they are. I know that today will be the last day they are this small, for tomorrow they will be bigger and it will be a moment I never get back.

Now that we are home the reality of having two under the age of two has not fully hit me. I know I had nine months to prepare for this, but now that it is here, I have yet to soak it in. Perhaps once my family leaves and the extra hands disappear, I will realize it. I just pray that aside from changing diapers, feedings, laundry and bath time, that my I can care for my children in the way the deserve. I pray that God will guide me in preserving their innocence yet maturing their wisdom. I pray He will give me the tools and patience to have my children rise up and call me blessed (Proverbs 31:28). I am very far from the Superwoman of Proverbs 31, but I strive to be an ounce of what she is for my God, my husband, and my wonderful children.