tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6357801346139494782024-03-13T07:45:17.519-05:00My Jesus JourneyJoin me on my Jesus Journey to be all He wants me to be! Walk along side me as I figure out how to be the woman of God & the warrior for Christ God has called me to be! You're openly invited to take part in my spiritual journey & shares yours too!MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-79819608004307594592015-06-17T13:18:00.001-05:002015-06-17T13:49:07.508-05:00New WebsiteThank you all for following on this blog! It started out as a way to record family happenings, then at time became my journal, & then Jesus started turning my journey into many different directions. With His guidance I have taken the next step & I'm excited to announce<div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rop7rxgkHro/VYG6CrfGsLI/AAAAAAAACR0/d0jq8mKD-nI/s640/blogger-image-1320114743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rop7rxgkHro/VYG6CrfGsLI/AAAAAAAACR0/d0jq8mKD-nI/s640/blogger-image-1320114743.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My website is still a work in progress as I'm trying to figure the ends & outs of it all! Please follow me there & subscribe! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You can also find me on:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Facebook</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AshleyLSigrest">https://www.facebook.com/AshleyLSigrest</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Twitter</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">@ashleysigrest</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Instagram</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">ashley_sigrest</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thank you all once again for joining me on my Jesus Journey! I hope to connect with you at http://ashleysigrest.com</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Blessings friends!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><br></div></div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-6646382182864396332015-03-06T15:08:00.001-06:002015-03-06T15:08:12.378-06:00Peace in the midst of Pain: my miscarriage story<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VbXAXSxiTHc/VPoXMqWJUgI/AAAAAAAACPA/r3_joxrvAHg/s640/blogger-image--1768397708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VbXAXSxiTHc/VPoXMqWJUgI/AAAAAAAACPA/r3_joxrvAHg/s640/blogger-image--1768397708.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was absolutely elated when I realized I was pregnant in December 2014 & bought 3 different kinds of pregnancy tests to be certain before I told Brad! He was surprised & possibly more excited than I was. We waited til after the boys opened their Christmas gifts to tell them & like us they were overjoyed! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mSrLpQ9mxFw/VPoXFlJAkqI/AAAAAAAACOo/JvlHqv24NBE/s640/blogger-image--1439429288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mSrLpQ9mxFw/VPoXFlJAkqI/AAAAAAAACOo/JvlHqv24NBE/s640/blogger-image--1439429288.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The week before my first dr's appointment I had a sinking feeling something was wrong. I asked my close friends & prayer warriors to pray because the feeling was deep & I knew it was God preparing me for the news. Just as I had known, the sonogram showed an empty sac...no baby, no yolk sac...empty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was only 6 weeks & was told to do a blood test & to come back in two weeks for another sonogram because there was still a chance a baby was there, but too small to see. I wanted so badly to believe this was true & I scoured the Internet & found oodles of stories with happy endings for other women in the same situation. So I hoped, I had faith, & I believed anything was possible with God!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Four days later I began cramping & having back pain & I knew something was wrong so I went back to the dr & my new blood test showed my progesterone was low & I began taking pills to help me not miscarry. My pastor & many prayer warriors were praying life over my womb & during the wait for our next sonogram I was completely covered in peace. The Lord gave me wonderful Scriptures to soothe my worry every time I opened my Bible. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I didn't just want a miracle for myself, but for others. So many struggle with their faith & desire to see a miracle & I wanted to see a baby on that sonogram for them to see a miracle & know without any doubt our God still performs miracles!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-E8_5MMglckw/VPoXIrC0XWI/AAAAAAAACOw/Ru5cGBBJuhU/s640/blogger-image--182322230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-E8_5MMglckw/VPoXIrC0XWI/AAAAAAAACOw/Ru5cGBBJuhU/s640/blogger-image--182322230.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Lord kept repeating this verse to me, at first I thought it was because we didn't see a baby & He wanted me to believe a child was there, but as the days went on I knew it was because there was something else I wasn't seeing. I knew deep down I was once again pregnant without a child. We experienced this before & didn't find out til I was 13 weeks & I had to have a D&C. Everyone kept telling me it would be different, I had to believe, have more faith, but I knew the Lord was teaching me something & I also prayed & I truly had faith that if He wanted me to have a child in my womb He would & He could...that wasn't my story though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My next appointment showed no baby, just an empty sac, & my blood work indicated exactly what we saw. Once again, pregnant without a baby. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The cool thing about God is that He uses our sorrow to help others, to grow us, to do things bigger than we can imagine. Because He called me to be public about what was going on three other women confided they were going through miscarriages as well. One actually had a blighted ovum just like me...no baby. Others messaged me, thanking me for being open & honest because it was helping them deal with their feelings or helping them come to terms with a miscarriage they had in the past, & knowing I was helping other women helped me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At first I thought that not losing the life of a child would keep me from falling apart. I left the dr's office full of peace! I was bummed, but not heartbroken. My prayers then became focused on not having to have another D&C & hoping I would miscarry the sac on my own. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Things were fine at first, I was ready to move forward & on with my life, but then God told me I had been trying to control my life & I wasn't letting Him be the pilot. I was so convicted & repented & knew He was right! I was heartbroken that I had let Him down & though I had confessed, I was in such a funk, beating myself up. Then a precious friend brought me my favorite flowers (not knowing they were my favorite) & she & I had such an uplifting conversation! As she left I checked the mail & another sweet friend had sent me the PERFECT card!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eJdDOgqUdvc/VPoXODR3xvI/AAAAAAAACPI/AVTHbQeluKA/s640/blogger-image-2087384077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eJdDOgqUdvc/VPoXODR3xvI/AAAAAAAACPI/AVTHbQeluKA/s640/blogger-image-2087384077.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Lord reminded me that He knew all along what I was going to go through. He knew I would disobey, He knew I would be hurting, & He used these two women to be His hands & feet & to remind me that He loves me! His mercy & grace NEVER ends! That He had plans far beyond what I could dream or hope! I just had to trust & walk by faith!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>A few days later I began spotting & the miscarriage process began.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Graphic details below)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My dr told me it would be painful, but I had no idea the extent of it! My cramping intensified so I took a pain pill that was prescribed & my husband took our kids to a Super Bowl party so I could be alone & rest...but there was NO rest! Even with the pain pill my pain was an 8 on a scale of 1-10, clots were passing, big & small, & tons & tons of blood!! Then my pain soared to a 12! Off the charts! I was crying & begging, pleading with God to help me!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I called my friend who is a nurse & she told me to take another pain pill & to call her back if it got worse. By the next morning the pain was down, the blood & clots weren't so extreme, but my emotions were. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Even though a child's life wasn't lost, my hopes & dreams of adding a precious blessing to our family was. I was angry at myself for being so sad. I just wanted to go forward, but I was in limbo. Even with the sadness & anger mixed in, the peace of Christ covered me! I could feel His presence with me, working within me, drawing me close to His side. In the midst of the pain, there was PEACE! An unexplainable, comforting Peace that let me cry & yell when I needed to.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Then a package of baby leggings I had ordered in hopes we would have another girl arrived & I couldn't take them out of my car. Every time I thought about bringing them inside my house I got teary eyed & just left them sitting there.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My next dr appointment showed my uterus lining was still thick & parts of the sac were still there. I was also still testing positive for pregnancy & if my body didn't finish the miscarriage I would still have to have the D&C. I left crying. My body was holding on to what was left of the pregnancy like I was holding on to the hope of another child.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What if this was my last pregnancy? What if life would never grow in my womb again? Was I ready to be done having babies? Was that season over?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All those questions ran through my head & instead of being overwhelmed by them, the Peace remained. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With all of my inner turmoil going on I was speaking at a purity conference for teens & planning a baby shower. I had been doing ok & thought I was over the emotional part. Then I went to Babies R Us to buy shower gifts & hit me again...& I cried again...& again...I was stunned by my reaction! I didn't expect to feel the loss of not having a baby to hit me so hard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That night I checked Facebook & a sweet friend tagged me in this picture, not knowing what I was going through at that very moment. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PnuveGBOKqE/VPoXLcSKMtI/AAAAAAAACO4/8z9uKK0iniA/s640/blogger-image-2051339249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PnuveGBOKqE/VPoXLcSKMtI/AAAAAAAACO4/8z9uKK0iniA/s640/blogger-image-2051339249.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I wept! The moment I saw it I knew it was from God! He reminded me that He sees me. He sees my hurt, He sees the tears, He sees my love for my friend & her baby & He is El Roi! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The day of her baby shower I went to my car & grabbed the baby leggings & gave them to her. I knew I could let them go & have faith that someday I would get a chance to use them, but for now I just had to let go. And I cried! Like bawled. But it was healing! Beautifully healing & full of Peace...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today I finally got the results I had been waiting for...blood work is normal. I'm not pregnant. The miscarriage is physically over & now I let the Lord continue to heal me spiritually & emotionally.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I don't know how people live their lives without Christ! Without the power of the Holy Spirit working in them, comforting them, talking to God, digging in His Word, & knowing beyond a shadow of doubt no matter what's going on...He's there & He is PEACE!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Blessings! </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-89610211728470924512014-12-15T18:25:00.001-06:002014-12-19T14:56:16.396-06:00Homeschool Moms Secret PalsAs homeschool moms we can get burnt out before we realize our flicker became a flame! Sometimes it's hard to stay encouraged especially if you don't have other homeschool moms around you rootin you on. So my sweet friend Kim & I have decided to host a Homeschool Moms Secret Pals group!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JbhS_aA0SuY/VI979QRf3OI/AAAAAAAACOM/jWVSKifnXP0/s640/blogger-image-1899603156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JbhS_aA0SuY/VI979QRf3OI/AAAAAAAACOM/jWVSKifnXP0/s640/blogger-image-1899603156.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All you have to do is fill out the questionnaire below & email it to me. Kim & I will split them up, pray over them, & give each mom her secret pal & the rest is in your hands!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So what's expected of you?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Each month you need to mail your secret pal a note encouraging them, maybe a prayer, inspiring Scripture, & every so often a little happy like a gift card to her favorite fast food place, a coffee cup, her favorite magazine, dry erase markers...it's totally up to you! You don't need to spend a lot of money. As homeschool moms we know that funds can be tight, so don't let this be a burden! </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pray about whether or not this is something you can be a part of. This session will run from January to May & the last thing you send in May you will reveal your name to your secret pal! If this goes well, we do it again starting in August with new pals! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When filling out the questionnaire, be sure to be detailed so whomever gets you has a clear picture of who you are & what you like!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Anytime you get a note or a gift, be sure to post it on Instagram with the hashtag #HSmomsSecretPals. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The last day to enter is Friday, December 19.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">***********************</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Full n<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">ame:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">IG name:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mailing address:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Favorites-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Color</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Fast food</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Restaurant </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Drink</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Snack</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Shopping store for yourself</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Others likes-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Styles: home? Fashion?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Things you collect</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hobbies</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How many kids?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ages/grades</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How long have you been homeschooling?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What homeschool style do you use?What curriculum do you like?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When is your birthday?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Anniversary?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Any other random info you want to ad?😄 like books or bible studies you like? Do you do ministry work? Are you a vegetarian? Follow THM? Anything else you want your secret pal to know about you add it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Bless you all!!</div></div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-1396148412556638252014-11-11T15:51:00.001-06:002014-11-13T14:48:41.879-06:00How do we love those in open sin?The two greatest commandments Jesus left us with<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span id="en-NIV-23910" class="text Matt-22-37" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"> <span class="woj" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’</span></span><span id="en-NIV-23911" class="text Matt-22-38" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">This is the first and greatest commandment.</span> <span id="en-NIV-23912" class="text Matt-22-39" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’</span><span id="en-NIV-23913" class="text Matt-22-40" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40</span></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">How do we love God? Again Jesus says in John 14:21 </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Those who accept My commandments and obey them are the ones who love Me. And because they love Me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal Myself to each of them.” </span></div><div>1 John 5:3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. </div><div>1 John 2:3-4 And we can be sure that we know Him if we obey His commandments. If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. </div><div><br></div><div>So to love God first is to put His commands first. Not just the famous 10, but all of them. We know that it's impossible to keep them all, and we praise Jesus that He offered us His Life that through faith by grace we can be saved (Ephesians 2:8)! However our freedom doesn't mean we are to continue living a life of sin (Romans 6).We are to fight, wage war against our sins, not embrace them. (Romans 7)</div><div><br></div><div>The second commandment Jesus gave us was to love others. Scripture tells us love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8), but in loving others we are not to condone their sins, we are to go to them in love (Galatians 6:1-2).<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-g8AdM8YGBAk/VGUZJ6jPGyI/AAAAAAAACMs/Z8Pq8Z7IZL4/s640/blogger-image-1926068354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-g8AdM8YGBAk/VGUZJ6jPGyI/AAAAAAAACMs/Z8Pq8Z7IZL4/s640/blogger-image-1926068354.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>So how do we show love to those living in open sin? Live our lives as Christ. He loved them, was kind and yet He called them to repent. To go and sin no more. We cannot truly love those who live in open sin if we do not share the truth of God's Word and lead them to repentance. This is a tricky thing because we are human and we all sin and we get our feelings hurt when someone disagrees with us or criticizes us. </div><div><br></div><div>The Bible is clear that living a life of homosexuality is a sin as is any sexual sin outside the constutes of Biblical marriage which is one man and one woman. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. </div><div><br></div><div>We cannot live in open sin as if it's completely acceptable and be in right standing with God. If we know a person is an alcoholic it would be unloving to buy the person alcohol and not help them see their sin and offer them help and deliverance through Christ. So how is it loving to tell a gay person their lifestyle is is ok and they should be able to marry someone of the same sex? We can't tell them these things and show them the love of Christ because we would be going against the Word and Commands of God. We are to love them by telling the truth of God's Word, share with them the love of Christ that while we were deep in sin He loved us, died for us, He bought our freedom so we don't have to go on sinning, but can be born again! A new creation! (Romans 5)</div><div><br></div><div>In John 8 Jesus showed great love for the adulterous woman by saving her from being stoned, but He didn't tell her that her sin of adultery was ok, He told her to go and sin no more. As the Body of Christ we are to love everyone, be compassionate, and kind, but we are never to tolerate sin! We should hunger to see people set free from the sins that bind them, to see them delivered, and sinning no more.</div><div><br></div><div>When I confessed my abortion and abuse of alcohol to my pastor he didn't tell me my sins were alright because God loves me. Instead he showed me love by telling me that Jesus loved me and died for my sins and to be forgiven I had to repent. And I did! I gave my life to Christ, but once I moved away and no longer had fellow Christians to hold me accountable I turned right back to alcohol to cope with my pain from abortion instead of turning to God. I knew what I was doing was wrong, but I was deeply entangled in my sins. After many years of wrestling with them I surrendered my life to Christ and began pursuing Him for healing. </div><div><br></div><div>I still struggle with food addiction, but I have accountability partners that I can turn to. Would it be loving of them to offer me cheeseburgers and pizzas when I go to them? Of course not! They would be sinning by feeding my sin! Instead they speak life to me, give me Scripture, encourage me, and pray for me. That is LOVE!</div><div><br></div><div>Theres a huge misconception that if you disagree with the gay lifestyle, you hate gay people. That's simply not true. You can love people without condoning their sins. It is possible to stand on the truth of Scripture and not be condemning. </div><div><br></div><div>Romans 8 tells us that IF we are in Christ there is no condemnation in Him because He frees us from our sins. It goes on to say we have an obligation to live by the Spirit not by our flesh. We cannot truly love people if we don't share the Truth of Scripture and Scripture is clear on the sin of homosexuality. We cannot love God first or most if we give into a worldview of marriage instead of a God view. We must look at this as any other sin with our spiritual eyes, not our fleshly eyes. 1 Corinthians 5 gives us clear instructions on how to deal with all sexual immorality in the Church. Paul clearly talks about it in Romans 1.</div><div><br></div><div>So what happens if we give our lives to Christ and yet keep on sinning?</div><div><br></div><div>Hebrews 10:26-30 says, "Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume His enemies. For anyone who refused to obey the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. </div><div>Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the Blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us."</div><div><br></div><div>Continue in reading all of 1 Corinthians 6 and the book of 1 John. Study the Scriptures, pray, and discern. We cannot love this world to salvation if we don't first love God. We cannot love God if we ignore the commands we don't like. We can't make this world understand their need for Jesus if they first don't understand their sins. </div><div><br></div><div>I plead with you my brothers and sisters in Christ stand firm on the Holy Word of God! Love Him first and He will show us how to love others without caving into the sins of the world.</div><div><br></div><div>Much love and many blessings to you all!!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-7533930505975563472014-08-13T16:55:00.001-05:002014-08-13T16:55:19.042-05:00Interview on TeleiosLast week, the awesome Matt Friedeman had the kids & I over for lunch & during that time he also interviewed me for his Teleios podcast. It's about 40 minutes long, but you can listen while you clean ;P <div><br></div><div>Hope you are blessed by it!</div><div><br></div><div><a href="http://www.teleiospress.com/teleios-this-week-podcast">http://www.teleiospress.com/teleios-this-week-podcast</a></div><div><br></div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-52598013430924913532014-08-06T11:24:00.001-05:002014-08-06T11:27:35.179-05:00Mommy Had An Abortion<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4C9dxR3gjsw/U-JWx5uAokI/AAAAAAAACLk/_Ybq3yvOdw4/s640/blogger-image-947624738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4C9dxR3gjsw/U-JWx5uAokI/AAAAAAAACLk/_Ybq3yvOdw4/s640/blogger-image-947624738.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I k<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">new this day would come & I've dreaded it. How do you look at your children & tell them you killed their big brother? </span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0hSoaJXG2oo/U-JWzepZbhI/AAAAAAAACLs/uE22PWPqduI/s640/blogger-image-1440773539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0hSoaJXG2oo/U-JWzepZbhI/AAAAAAAACLs/uE22PWPqduI/s640/blogger-image-1440773539.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Once The Lord began pressing on my heart to have our kids involved with our prolife ministry, I knew it was a matter of time before I had to confess my deepest, darkest secret to them. It was hard telling family & friends because deep inside you still fear their judgement & disappointment. I know Christ has forgiven me, healed me, & made me new, & I don't worry any longer about what others think of my past, but I have feared looking into my children's eyes & seeing the hurt & confusion of why their mommy killed her baby.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For the last few years we've taken them to the abortion clinic to pray & told them what abortion was. Very simply we stated that it's when a mommy chooses to have her baby taken from her tummy before it's time & the baby dies. This has always hurt their sweet, sensitive hearts, but it's driven them to pray for an end to abortion even at such tender age. Any time they've had questions we've answered them in the simplest, most appropriate way for their maturity. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">God has told me I need to stand outside our local abortion clinic with sign that says, "I regret my abortion." I haven't been able to do that with them around because Brady can read. So yesterday I sat them down & confessed to them. I told them something very bad happened to mommy & I got pregnant & at 18, I was scared, confused, & even though I knew it was wrong, I had an abortion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Brady told me he was surprised, but he wasn't mad at me. Rylan was excited to learn that he was named after his big brother Joshua. They asked a few questions, "Where would Joshua sleep if be were alive?" "Would you homeschool him or would he go to high school?" It made me giggle & brought me comfort, but I told them we can't focus on the "what ifs" because they can end up making us depressed or angry & doesn't change the past.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Instead we will focus on Christ. He's redeemed mommy & He's called us to speak the truth about abortion & to help others come to know the saving grace of Jesus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then Rylan looked right at me & exclaimed, "We will see Joshua in Heaven!" To which Brady responded, "Yes! Because he's safe with God!" I asked them if they forgave me & Brady so gently answered, "I'll always forgive you for anything." And my heart beamed as my tears flowed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It wasn't nearly as hard as I imagined it would be. I'm glad I told them now rather than waiting til they were teenagers. They know they can always ask me questions & we don't have to keep Joshua a secret. He is real. He exists. He is loved!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sunday is the 16 year anniversary of my abortion & it's sad & weird to think I would be getting ready to take him to get his driver's license! I will always miss & grieve him. Joshua is as much a part of my life as his 4 siblings are. I don't have to let depression & self hate eat me up, I can cry out to Jesus when missing Joshua hurts too bad & I can hold my head up high & talk about my son & give his life honor. I can do this only because of Jesus & the redeeming Blood He shed for my sins.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you are struggling from a past abortion, please contact me! I would love to help you! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ashleysigrest at hotmail dot com</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Blessings!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-65649389871361321792014-08-04T08:34:00.001-05:002014-08-04T08:34:57.976-05:00Share Sips & Socks Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Z-LxePhG66o/U9-L_2b94_I/AAAAAAAACLU/If2rpOa0PpM/s640/blogger-image--1149895693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Z-LxePhG66o/U9-L_2b94_I/AAAAAAAACLU/If2rpOa0PpM/s640/blogger-image--1149895693.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you've joined the Sips & Socks swap on IG you can also enter the giveaway!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Share this pic & tag #sharesipsandsocks to enter. You can enter once a day til Wednesday, August 6. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Prize includes the 14x11 painting pictured, a $10 Target gift card, cute socks, & other goodies!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now go share & invite your friends to join the swap!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Blessings!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ash</div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-27822266528107542492014-08-02T09:28:00.001-05:002014-08-02T09:28:25.054-05:001st annual Sips & Socks<div>Are any of you on Instagram? </div><div><br></div><div>This year I'm starting a fun swap to ring in the upcoming Fall season!! </div><div><br></div><div>You will be given info on a fellow IG lady to send her a special mug/cup & a cute pair of socks & will get something from another IG gal! </div><div><br></div><div>I participated in an IG swap last year & it was a blast!! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OYmkSznZ2_I/U9z1hhWC0YI/AAAAAAAACK4/E7rWwYGszI4/s640/blogger-image-551538494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OYmkSznZ2_I/U9z1hhWC0YI/AAAAAAAACK4/E7rWwYGszI4/s640/blogger-image-551538494.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>☕️To join, email me the following information: </div><div>1⃣IG name & real 1st & last name</div><div>2⃣mailing address</div><div>3⃣whether you're a coffee or tea lover or both & some of your favorite flavors & things you like with your coffee or tea. You never know what else your secret pal might send you! </div><div>4⃣Tell me some info about you so your secret pal will have ideas of how to shop for you! Favorite colors/styles, hobbies, interests, etc...</div><div><br></div><div>📅I'll close this down by Wednesday August 6 so I can gather all the info & get you your secret pal by Friday, August 15 giving you a whole month to shop before you have to mail your package on September 15. This gives us plenty of time to get our goodies before the 1st Day of Autumn on September 23.</div><div><br></div><div>You do NOT have to spend a lot of money on this! You can often find cute socks & mugs at the Dollar Tree. 😄</div><div><br></div><div>📷Be sure to take pics & tag #sipsandsocks so can all join in the fun together!</div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-54224744754354556102014-07-15T20:01:00.001-05:002014-07-15T20:01:14.945-05:00Weight Loss Goal #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LD4K8rjwc9c/U8XO2B5r6iI/AAAAAAAACKo/ifO5tofKxXM/s640/blogger-image--490008527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LD4K8rjwc9c/U8XO2B5r6iI/AAAAAAAACKo/ifO5tofKxXM/s640/blogger-image--490008527.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today I hopped on the scale & saw a number I haven't seen in a while! I now weigh the same as when I got pregnant with Keller!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">About another 10 lbs & I'll be at my pre-pregnancy Chapel weight, another 10 to pre-Rylan, & then another 10 for pre-Brady!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You might be wondering why I need to lose Chapel's weight after Keller's when he is older than her...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TKDjLqEM7cc/U8XOzaTmLBI/AAAAAAAACKg/5HiSNIqQf1U/s640/blogger-image--1213553949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TKDjLqEM7cc/U8XOzaTmLBI/AAAAAAAACKg/5HiSNIqQf1U/s640/blogger-image--1213553949.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After Rylan was born I was able to be a stay at home mom & not having a schedule to tell me when I could eat like I had as a school teacher, I began eating sporadically & not healthy. My idea of health was pre-packaged "diet" foods. Of course they didn't fill me up so I would binge a lot at night. During this time I felt very stressed to be the mom who had it all together like the other stay at home moms I knew & I ate my stress along with my feelings of inadequacy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">By the time I got pregnant with Keller I was 20 lbs heavier than when I got pregnant with Rylan & 40 lbs heavier than I was when I got married. With the various things life has brought me like homeschooling, ministry, etc etc, fitness & health were on the back burner, yet always on my mind. Thoughts of not being able to succeed made me feel guilty & kept me in the cycle of bingeing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_pflDQgsaEU/U8XOwrzdvuI/AAAAAAAACKY/JAD0T-U2gDE/s640/blogger-image-2138472941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_pflDQgsaEU/U8XOwrzdvuI/AAAAAAAACKY/JAD0T-U2gDE/s640/blogger-image-2138472941.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">10 weeks after I had Keller I began Couch 2 5K & ran my 1st race. I lost some weight running, but then we had to move out of house for 6 weeks while it was repaired of foundation issues. We ended up living in a small bedroom at a friend's house <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">& eating out a lot. Shortly after this, a best friend completely shut me out of her life & it broke my heart. Like always, food was there to comfort me.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Years later when God revealed I'd be pregnant in October 2012 I tried to start getting healthy & lose weight, but it's seriously a hard battle for me! Food addiction is triggered by almost anything. That year I was able to lose around 15 lbs before I got pregnant with Chapel. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Now that's my next goal...</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"> I have an amazing support system with this battle in my husband & my friend Emily! I track my food & exercise on my phone, & my Fitbit helps push me to be more active. Over the last couple years I've learned what healthy food is & it doesn't come in the freezer section at the grocery store in the form of a prepackaged meal!! Slowly yet surely it's coming together.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Hopefully in the next month or 2 I'll be at my pre-Chapel weight! </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Blessings friends!! Be healthy & give me some encouragement!! ;P</font></div><br></div><br></div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-73948856338650086232014-07-09T17:07:00.001-05:002014-07-09T17:07:07.836-05:00Summer Schoolin<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HG0-a2rm5mI/U728_Vj-pCI/AAAAAAAACKA/QNqR3qwZpQU/s640/blogger-image--1427792944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HG0-a2rm5mI/U728_Vj-pCI/AAAAAAAACKA/QNqR3qwZpQU/s640/blogger-image--1427792944.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have thoroughly enjoyed the summer so far, but we have continued to do some light schooling as well. Rylan is finishing up My Father's World K, without the extra crafts & stuff, & continually works on his math & phonics skills. Brady continues to read whatever books he chooses for fun, reviews multiplication & division skills, & does a reading & language sheet each day. Both boys also play educational games on the iPad & neither have complained about doing any of it. YAY momma! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qgscWYpgZmY/U729CG3k_VI/AAAAAAAACKI/2vl3YxWHuuE/s640/blogger-image--254222628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qgscWYpgZmY/U729CG3k_VI/AAAAAAAACKI/2vl3YxWHuuE/s640/blogger-image--254222628.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I work with Keller as I can...he just wants to play & that's totally fine by me...after all he's 3! Besides his lack of interest I've been busy with other "life" things, but I am slowly integrating more "school" for him in hopes to do more when we start back full time next month.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ydUEIK64gRU/U7288EjsQ8I/AAAAAAAACJ4/QE_RuG7znBU/s640/blogger-image-2120529957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ydUEIK64gRU/U7288EjsQ8I/AAAAAAAACJ4/QE_RuG7znBU/s640/blogger-image-2120529957.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Little by little all of our new stuff is trailing in & I feel like a kid at Christmas!! :) I've changed my mind a couple times on what I want us to do, but it's all panning out...I think :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I hope your summer has been going great too! Blessings!</div><br></div><br></div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-39165636043749351262014-07-05T16:07:00.001-05:002014-07-05T16:07:30.017-05:00Chapel turns 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pGg_1Aj65v4/U7hjaVnpJJI/AAAAAAAACI4/aRKlpC151Lg/s640/blogger-image--975812215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pGg_1Aj65v4/U7hjaVnpJJI/AAAAAAAACI4/aRKlpC151Lg/s640/blogger-image--975812215.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I can't believe the 1st year of her life is over & her 2nd is beginning! I think the older I get the faster time flies! :( regardless of my sappy state, I've had an incredible week celebrating my lil Cha Cha! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LIccCf53V6g/U7hjVvGrm5I/AAAAAAAACIo/U1zec9UioJQ/s640/blogger-image--436245978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LIccCf53V6g/U7hjVvGrm5I/AAAAAAAACIo/U1zec9UioJQ/s640/blogger-image--436245978.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On her actual birthday her brothers & I took her to the Splash Pad & she crawled all over the place! I was worried it would hurt her knees, but she didn't seem to mind one bit! When her daddy came home Chapel opened her gifts from us & then we went out for her birthday dinner. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--Op_T9_rSUY/U7hpDmnJj8I/AAAAAAAACJo/jEBTJCrtbjA/s640/blogger-image-1698147752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--Op_T9_rSUY/U7hpDmnJj8I/AAAAAAAACJo/jEBTJCrtbjA/s640/blogger-image-1698147752.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JOpkiW8oaQo/U7hjQuorMAI/AAAAAAAACIY/yYLFf605jq8/s640/blogger-image--1610056275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JOpkiW8oaQo/U7hjQuorMAI/AAAAAAAACIY/yYLFf605jq8/s640/blogger-image--1610056275.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JPH9H0SoScU/U7hpBTXCuWI/AAAAAAAACJg/TXE1_KZ3clM/s640/blogger-image-975074013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JPH9H0SoScU/U7hpBTXCuWI/AAAAAAAACJg/TXE1_KZ3clM/s640/blogger-image-975074013.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On the 4th we went to my daddy's to celebrate Independence Day, but is also had cake to celebrate the July birthdays in the family. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zSYZ5mbXgzw/U7hjTLAHwJI/AAAAAAAACIg/WmYRFpGUNZM/s640/blogger-image--297286821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zSYZ5mbXgzw/U7hjTLAHwJI/AAAAAAAACIg/WmYRFpGUNZM/s640/blogger-image--297286821.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vbrtlUEdmbM/U7hjMb6vTGI/AAAAAAAACII/TVIyWbX_Urg/s640/blogger-image--55029770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vbrtlUEdmbM/U7hjMb6vTGI/AAAAAAAACII/TVIyWbX_Urg/s640/blogger-image--55029770.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As you can see, Chapel LOVED the cake! She also enjoyed the pool & NEVER stopped kicking her legs when they were under the water! She's a lil fish like her momma! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2B8DEIftOSQ/U7hjf8bBHRI/AAAAAAAACJI/8kzIUl2Xjf4/s640/blogger-image-1263486966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2B8DEIftOSQ/U7hjf8bBHRI/AAAAAAAACJI/8kzIUl2Xjf4/s640/blogger-image-1263486966.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We wrapped up her birthday week with a small party back at the Splash Pad with my husband's side of the family. She was given LOTS of super cute smocked dresses & some girly toys. I cannot wait to see her in each dress!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZUVKnauNAEo/U7hjYe8ZRNI/AAAAAAAACIw/FbdQQtWMZfE/s640/blogger-image--1328283353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZUVKnauNAEo/U7hjYe8ZRNI/AAAAAAAACIw/FbdQQtWMZfE/s640/blogger-image--1328283353.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5X_24L9txEI/U7ho-nEz2QI/AAAAAAAACJY/TK_h8uY8dCI/s640/blogger-image-1342012548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5X_24L9txEI/U7ho-nEz2QI/AAAAAAAACJY/TK_h8uY8dCI/s640/blogger-image-1342012548.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SzA-iLIj2kw/U7hjc3LGgxI/AAAAAAAACJA/BPt7LzKU9Vk/s640/blogger-image--936686393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SzA-iLIj2kw/U7hjc3LGgxI/AAAAAAAACJA/BPt7LzKU9Vk/s640/blogger-image--936686393.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wGNEYz5v_GY/U7hjOrekvYI/AAAAAAAACIQ/MrAp4U5JKEo/s640/blogger-image--366452609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wGNEYz5v_GY/U7hjOrekvYI/AAAAAAAACIQ/MrAp4U5JKEo/s640/blogger-image--366452609.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm incredibly thankful God blessed me with this feisty & sweet lil gal! Here's to hoping this next year of life slows down!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-46185899597259345902014-07-03T10:47:00.001-05:002014-07-03T10:47:54.157-05:00No Coincidence In FreedomTwo important dates in my "outted" post abortive journey also coincide with two very important dates in Chapel's life.<div><br></div><div>October 31, 2011 I had my "Esther Moment," which you may have read about. That was the day God surprised me & a room full of people at a personhood press conference to speak out about my rape & abortion. It was huge moment of freedom for me! </div><div><br></div><div>The following July 2, 2012 The Lord asked me to stand in front of the abortion clinic in Jackson, MS with a sign that said "Women Do Regret Abortion."</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vq6oIf6QiCg/U7V7EJMGy8I/AAAAAAAACHo/Q0DgVPxdq9g/s640/blogger-image--1089138717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vq6oIf6QiCg/U7V7EJMGy8I/AAAAAAAACHo/Q0DgVPxdq9g/s640/blogger-image--1089138717.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That was a crazy day, yet another huge moment in freedom & healing for me. I was pushed, bullied, & even had the cops called me...all for holding a sign! Shows you just how afraid the pro abortion side is of the truth!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HIRAAP6LfBs/U7V7HDB0fXI/AAAAAAAACHw/hFUKuOU1ta8/s640/blogger-image-1142151480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HIRAAP6LfBs/U7V7HDB0fXI/AAAAAAAACHw/hFUKuOU1ta8/s640/blogger-image-1142151480.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Fast forward a few months to October 31, 2012 when God once again surprised me & I found out I was pregnant with Chapel! He had already told me I would be pregnant that month & had promised me I would have a daughter, but nonetheless, it was a joyful surprise! Especially since it was on the anniversary of my "Esther Moment!"</div><div><br></div><div>And just like our Heavenly Father, He showed out big & Chapel was born on July 2, 2013, the one year anniversary of my stand in front of the clinic. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-p985Rdj41Pw/U7V7J9hTFcI/AAAAAAAACH4/amhedm2aPlo/s640/blogger-image--1310560927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-p985Rdj41Pw/U7V7J9hTFcI/AAAAAAAACH4/amhedm2aPlo/s640/blogger-image--1310560927.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You may believe in coincidences, but I don't. These dates will forever hold a special place in heart! They signify incredible growth in The Lord & strides of freedom from my past shame. Jesus replaced that shame with courage to stand up for truth no matter how hard it is. He also fulfilled a promise in Chapel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Redemption & birth. Life & love. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NvvOsaGs1vQ/U7V7AuqpvtI/AAAAAAAACHg/P5DeyaDda2E/s640/blogger-image-915219697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NvvOsaGs1vQ/U7V7AuqpvtI/AAAAAAAACHg/P5DeyaDda2E/s640/blogger-image-915219697.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How wonderfully blessed am I!</div><br></div><br></div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-59325218850976282852014-05-23T21:41:00.001-05:002014-05-24T08:26:39.270-05:00I'm an addictHello, my name is Ashley, & I'm an addict.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uNl2DUkXTMQ/U4AG8OyJyJI/AAAAAAAACHI/sMyxPicvRaM/s640/blogger-image--1152744267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uNl2DUkXTMQ/U4AG8OyJyJI/AAAAAAAACHI/sMyxPicvRaM/s640/blogger-image--1152744267.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My drug of choice is food. I'm an over-eater. Sometimes I get in such a "trance" from food I don't even realize exactly how much I've eaten til it's all gone or I'm so stuffed I'm nauseated. Then after the nausea is the guilt, shame, & self-condemnation that "I did it again!" Ugh! It's a sick cycle & most people don't understand it. In their minds they think, "Why don't you just stop?" But you see, I'm an addict & addicts can't simply stop. We struggle with self-control knowing that we should stop & the high our drug gives us in that moment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This stupid addiction drives me mad! Through The Lord I've been delivered from many things. He has healed me & set me free from mounds of bondage, yet I continue to struggle with addiction. I'm the happiest I've ever been in my life! My husband not only tells me I'm beautiful, but he also makes me feel beautiful. Other areas of my life are good if not great, but this is weighing me down like never before. I often wonder if this is my "thorn."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span id="en-NIV-29030" class="text 2Cor-12-7"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; ">2 Corinthians 12:7 ...</sup>Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29030M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; "></sup> a messenger of Satan,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29030N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; "></sup> to torment me.</span><span id="en-NIV-29031" class="text 2Cor-12-8"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; ">8 </sup>Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29031O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; "></sup></span> <span id="en-NIV-29032" class="text 2Cor-12-9"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; ">9 </sup>But He said to me, </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="text 2Cor-12-9"><span class="woj">“My grace<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29032P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; "></sup> is sufficient for you, for my power<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29032Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; "></sup> is made perfect in weakness.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29032R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; "></sup>”<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29032S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; "></sup></span> Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.</span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are hundreds, if not thousands of ways to lose weight & I'm certain I've tried at least 3/4 of them. Whether it's a certain type of workout, pills, supplements, shakes, drinks, meal plans, counting points or calories, eating paleo, whole 30, clean, THM, low carb... It doesn't matter. As long as you stick to whatever weight loss path you choose, you will see the pounds start to drop. However, for people like me who are addicted to food, if we can't fight off that craving to keep eating none of those will work because we sabotage the plan for a momentary food high.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Losing weight is definitely something I want to do, but in my attempts to do so losing weight became my idol. I become legalistic in what I can & cannot eat & I can become prideful in my successes with workouts. Then somewhere in the mix I lose my focus (God...my body being the temple of the Holy Spirit), the temptation of food creeps in, & instead of having just a little I justify it somehow & overindulge. And if this happens in the day time...I feel guilty, like I blew it anyway I might as well eat whatever I want the rest of the day, & many times it leads to a bad binge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Not binge & purging like bulimia, just straight up bingeing, over eating compulsively without the ability to truly stop myself, gorging on food when I'm not hungry becoming completely crapulous. If I had to wear a scarlet letter to confess my secret sin it would be a big fat letter G for gluttony.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;clear: both; "><span style="text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Ezekiel 16:49</b> Sodom's sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door.</span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;clear: both; "><span style="text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;clear: both; "><span style="text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Yep SODOM...you know the place God destroyed along with Gomorrah? My pastor did a sermon a while back on the sin of gluttony & shared this verse & like a dart between my eyes I realized I was Sodom. Not that I ignore the needy & poor, but I certainly have pride, gluttony, & laziness when this issue overtakes me.</span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;clear: both; "><span style="text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;clear: both; "><span style="text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When we think of addicts we tend to think of drugs like pills, crack, cocaine, alcohol, maybe even sex addicts & porn come to mind, but rarely do we think of food as a drug. After all we need it to survive. I can't just quit eating like when I had to quit drinking alcohol to overcome that addiction. And yes I could take some magic pill, shake, or drink to make me feel full, but I don't need to feel full, I need to feel that sensation that a good binge gives me. It's learning how to not crave that.</span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;clear: both; "><span style="text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;clear: both; "><span style="text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And yes, I have read Made To Crave more times than I can count & am even currently doing the devotion on YouVersion for the zillionth time now! I'm confessing this not for anyone to tell me how to "fix" it, but to be honest, to keep myself humble, to share my struggle with others who fight the same battle, & for those who don't understand how hard it is for some of us.</span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;clear: both; "><span style="text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I've had horrendous anxiety attacks about not being able to control my eating & not losing weight that they've kept me up all hours of the night researching the next new thing to "help" me. Thankfully I finally hit my knees in surrender & our precious Lord pours out His mercy on me. </span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Recently I hit a wall with this addiction. See, in my attempts to lose weight I was merely trying to treat the issue not the root. Let's say I lose weight, but not attack the root which is addiction, then I just become addicted to something else, maybe whatever pill, supplement, meal plan, etc I took to lose the weight, or I become addicted to not eating & develop anorexia, or I become addicted to working out, or things not even related to weight loss or food. As long as that spirit of addiction is there it will manifest in some form or fashion & I will have a whole new stronghold to battle. </span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">So my game plan? Not sure except pursuing after Christ & leaning on Him like never before & becoming aware of my triggers. Letting Him help me with strengthening the spirit of self-control in me. </span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">The 1st step is admitting it right? There are others steps in the AA 12 step program I need to do. There's a girl from high school that I hurt by blabbing how much she weighed to others & other instances I mocked someone's appearance related to weight & I need to make an amends to them where applicable & for those I've never met, to make confession to God. </span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">No doubt this won't be easy, but it will be worth it! </span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I pray you have a blessed weekend & that you will pray for me with this addiction. </span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Blessings!</span></div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-25950560382960885452014-03-12T07:50:00.001-05:002014-03-12T07:50:37.528-05:00Brady's Birth StoryAfter the unideal pregnancy I had I was beyond ready to give birth! I had a plan...no epidural, do whatever I could to have Brady naturally. <div><br></div><div>We got to the hospital the day I was 36 weeks pregnant. It was a dark, cool spring morning. We were there right on time at 5:30am. They got us to our room, hooked me up & then the nurse asked me the most horrible thing! She asked me to roll over to my side so she could give me an enema!!! An EN-E-MA!!! I sooooooo did not know that was going to happen & I still have bad memories from that incident in case you can't tell!!! LoL!!</div><div><br></div><div>So after that most horrifying moment, they began the drip of pitocin to get things moving along. But they didn't. I labored for 6 hours & only got to 2 cm. my blood pressure started to rise so I gave in to get the epidural to help me relax. Right before the nurse who had been with me was off work & a new nurse came in. I did not like the new nurse! She was rude as rude can be on what should've been the most joyful day of my life. During the epidural it was hard for me to relax. It's scary knowing a big needle is going into your spine! Then they made Brad leave the room & I got stuck with nurse meany-head for comfort! I wish I had known what a doula was back then because I certainly would've had one!</div><div><br></div><div>I could not bend over the right way to open up a good place for the needle to go. I was severely large from the weight I gained plus swollen like the marshmallow man from the preeclampsia & toxemia. So nurse poopy pants had to get right on top of my shoulders & push me down. MORTIFIED again. I wanted to cry & just leave. </div><div><br></div><div>Finally Brad came back & I tried to relax but it did no good. By 5:30 pm I had only dilated to 3 1/2, my blood pressure was constantly rising & Brady's heart rate was showing signs of distress. A c-section it was.</div><div><br></div><div> Now I have watched A Baby Story many many times & whenever they aired an episode of a woman having a c-section, she was covered & awake & all was well. </div><div><br></div><div>That's not my story!</div><div><br></div><div>First of all they made Brad leave again, loaded my Shamu-sized body onto the table, opened my gown so I was completely naked & exposed (goodbye what little modesty I had left!), then they strapped my arms down like Jesus on the Cross! All I could think was, "They did NOT show this on TLC!!!!"</div><div><br></div><div>Finally I was abled to be covered again & Brad was by my side. I was told I would feel tugging & pulling but no pain. That tugging & pulling was THE most awkward feeling I had ever felt! My body just shook from one side to the other, rocking & swaying as they did their thing on the other side of the curtain. Then it happened...</div><div><br></div><div>Tingling</div><div><br></div><div>Burning</div><div><br></div><div>What was this I was feeling?? I wasn't suppose to be feeling anything!!!</div><div><br></div><div>Tingling</div><div><br></div><div>Burning....uh oh</div><div><br></div><div>PAIN!! </div><div><br></div><div>I told the nurse I could feel pain, but she didn't believe me! I told Brad & began to panic! The next thing I know I have an oxygen mask on & Brad is being whisked away again!!!!</div><div><br></div><div>Darkness!</div><div><br></div><div>As my eyes started to flicker open I could make out a blurry version of Brad. He said I would start talking then just stop & stare at him as if I had forgotten who I was. I apparently kept doing this. I was in recovery, but couldn't see Brady yet. I do remember telling Brad MANY times over the next few weeks that I would NEVER do that AGAIN!! NEVER! ;P</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-84eFFRtjwZA/UyBYDtP03tI/AAAAAAAACGs/uiRhAajWF_g/s640/blogger-image-1369490776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-84eFFRtjwZA/UyBYDtP03tI/AAAAAAAACGs/uiRhAajWF_g/s640/blogger-image-1369490776.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>They let my dad back to see me, I'm sure because he was going to beat the door down if he couldn't see with his own eyes that I was ok. They eventually let my niece Britany in who said I kept asking her if she was touching me, to which she was not, though I kept demanding that she or someone was. But no...it was just the drugs wearing off.</div><div><br></div><div>Once I was more coherent they brought Brady in to nurse. The first time I saw him I was scared I named him the wrong name or that they brought me the wrong baby (still the drugs). He immediately began nursing like a champ & has been a great eater ever since! As I nursed him there was no doubt that he was mine! My precious, sweet Brady. My second chance. Redemption. I melted.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-d1DHPXe5pJ0/UyBX6V2-ukI/AAAAAAAACGU/IRI3-shCf1o/s640/blogger-image--779857094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-d1DHPXe5pJ0/UyBX6V2-ukI/AAAAAAAACGU/IRI3-shCf1o/s640/blogger-image--779857094.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At 36 weeks gestation, Brady was born weighing 8 lbs 15 oz at 6:30 pm March 16, 2005!!! Chubby cheeks, dark black hair, & red-skinned. Brad wasn't sure he was his, said he looked like an Indian baby...the pic above was lightened so its hard to tell, but there's no denying Brad's the daddy ;P</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lRVoc_WMae8/UyBYGyAh0ZI/AAAAAAAACG0/KT1nPHWN9-k/s640/blogger-image-1063377845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lRVoc_WMae8/UyBYGyAh0ZI/AAAAAAAACG0/KT1nPHWN9-k/s640/blogger-image-1063377845.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I adore this picture of my amazing dr praying over Brady in the nursery with Brad!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'd like to say the story continues to be happy now, but is doesn't...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After laboring all day, being sat on by nurse rudeness, the tugging & pulling during the c-section, the panic attack I had during, my body was completely worn out! During the night another nurse came in & had to press on my belly to make sure my uterus was going back down...let me tell you...this HURT!! By the 3rd time she came in I begged her not to touch me, to please just let me sleep! I pleaded, "Please leave me alone! I hurt everywhere! I'll sign a waiver!" This nurse looked no older than 12 years old, yet she had the determination of a rattle snake & came towards me as I started bawling my eyes out! Thankfully my knight in shining scrubs got between the nurse & I & he told her NO, she had to leave me alone & let me rest! Thankfully we did not see her again, & the rest of the nurses I had were extra gentle & kind!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KLI0e6Og1bg/UyBYAXxmfPI/AAAAAAAACGk/qb_dUry4W4U/s640/blogger-image-1763039781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KLI0e6Og1bg/UyBYAXxmfPI/AAAAAAAACGk/qb_dUry4W4U/s640/blogger-image-1763039781.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The next day I was still in a lot of pain & really didn't want many visitors. My iron had dropped & my blood pressure went from too high to too low. That evening I was finally able to shower with a lot of help from Brad. When I tell you my body hurt, Im not exaggerating! I didn't want to breathe I hurt so bad even though I was taking my pain meds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As I was trying to eat dinner, the first real food in over 24 hours, Brad's mom & brother came to visit as well as some of his co-workers. My hair was still wrapped up in a towel on my head & I did not want to see anyone! Then it happened...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A co-worker wanted to take pictures, but I told her no, I was not up for that. She was welcome to snap some of Brady & Brad, but none of me. She kept persisting that I would want these some day & then raised her camera & took one. It set off another panic attack in me & I couldn't breathe again. My arms & hands stiffened & was frozen in fear. It sounds silly, but I had been through the ringer physically & emotionally, a picture was the last thing I wanted. I was mortified & freaked out, but you know what...every co-worker left! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The next day I started feeling a little better & allowed my sister Kim to take a family photo of us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BnWJvZkuYTM/UyBX9SituHI/AAAAAAAACGc/hDXbvvq01Zk/s640/blogger-image--426776592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BnWJvZkuYTM/UyBX9SituHI/AAAAAAAACGc/hDXbvvq01Zk/s640/blogger-image--426776592.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The story of Brady will continue on another day...oh & all those panic attacks were caused by an infection I had in my heart that we didn't know about at the time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you've never given birth I hope my story didnt scare you! It gets better & I ended up having 3 great births after this & plan for more :)</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-1495796382235063152014-03-10T11:56:00.001-05:002014-03-10T11:56:24.197-05:00Brady's BeginningsI didn't have a blog when my oldest was a baby, so in honor of our Brady-man turning 9 on Sunday I'll be sharing all about our lil Boudreaux this week!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Oo4nhQ9Um8M/Ux3tKlXcMLI/AAAAAAAACFg/XQ8Cl_qkfrM/s640/blogger-image-435253922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Oo4nhQ9Um8M/Ux3tKlXcMLI/AAAAAAAACFg/XQ8Cl_qkfrM/s640/blogger-image-435253922.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Three months after Brad & I were married we had the bright idea to start a family. We then immediately decided we should wait at least a year, but low & behold it was too late! I found out I was expecting Brady July 21, 2004.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> My stepdad had recently passed away & I was in TX staying with my mom. I mentioned to my sister Mignon I was a day late, but assumed it was the stress of losing Richard. Mignon insisted I was pregnant & bought me a $1 pregnancy test from the Dollar General. You know the kind where you have to pee in cup & use a dropper to transfer it to the actual test!? It felt like doing a science experiment & I was sure I wasn't pregnant because after all, we had only "tried" one time then decided we needed to wait until after our one year anniversary. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well I was wrong & knew it when that 2nd faint line showed up! It didn't seem real! And Brad was all the way back in MS! I immediately called him & told him our good news! He too, was just as shocked as I was! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YQqtnnztjAA/Ux3uqO3miMI/AAAAAAAACF8/sPvy4-44k6g/s640/blogger-image-846633865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YQqtnnztjAA/Ux3uqO3miMI/AAAAAAAACF8/sPvy4-44k6g/s640/blogger-image-846633865.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Everything seemed fine & normal until my 7th week when I began viciously vomiting! To make matters worse I had just started teaching my 1st year of school & every smell of those sweet 4th graders made me puke! I ended up losing 27lbs that 1st trimester! But I gained it ALL back plus an extra 50! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">By my 12th week I was able to eat...& eat...& eat & eat & eat!! Food had NEVER tasted soooooo gooooood!!!! And my belly just kept on growing! This is when I found out how mean some women can be! I was saddened at how many women felt the need to tell me how HUGE I was! That's exactly what a woman wants to hear when she's pregnant :/</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nonetheless I was happy & loving the feel of Brady move around in my womb! This helped me heal a lot from my abortion & couldn't stop thanking God for giving me a 2nd chance to be a momma! I had no doubt I would never take this gift for granted!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Den19hGUL94/Ux3tSC3lJwI/AAAAAAAACFw/ceUC0mTeZyU/s640/blogger-image-443465395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Den19hGUL94/Ux3tSC3lJwI/AAAAAAAACFw/ceUC0mTeZyU/s640/blogger-image-443465395.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My 2nd trimester was going great & I was already in nesting mode! One day I was scrubbing our kitchen floor, got up too quick & slipped with a hard landing! We decided to be cautious & went to the hospital to make sure Brady was ok. She put the monitors on & left me, but then the nurse checked the results & quickly left. She cane back in questioning me about being only 24 weeks. I assured that I was, she checked my charts & I was...but she looked puzzled. She then asked me if I was taking anything other than my prenatal vitamin & I told her I was also taking Omegaplex by Advocare. She jotted that down & bolted out the door! Brad & I were a bit scared. We were told it was safe to take omegas while I was pregnant. At this point in time they weren't part of prenatals. The nurse finally came back in with the on-call dr who told us Brady was great! His brain results were advanced for a 24 week gestational baby, that he was on level with that of a 28 week gestational baby! The dr asked if she could send Brady's results to a study that was being done on taking omegas during pregnancy & sure enough not long afterwards they were a part of ALL prenatal vitamins! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-095QzYtqDss/Ux3tO1rFR5I/AAAAAAAACFo/oXqy3a4fDVI/s640/blogger-image-1542241606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-095QzYtqDss/Ux3tO1rFR5I/AAAAAAAACFo/oXqy3a4fDVI/s640/blogger-image-1542241606.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The 2nd trimester continued to go well, but my 3rd was very troublesome! I kept swelling up even though my blood pressure was fine. I started to not sleep well because I couldn't breathe or get comfortable. My favorite part was feeling Brady have the hiccups inside me! My belly would jiggle with each one! My least favorite part was the unending acid reflux! It felt like fire racing up & down my esophagus! Anytime Brady would get to moving too vigorously at night I would sing Jesus Loves Me & he immediately calmed down. It worked after he was born too! Another thing Brady liked to listen to while in the wombvwas hip hop or anything with a good beat! I swear he kicked to the rhythm! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">By week 32 I was MISERABLE! At work one day I was walking down the hall after taking my students to their elective & started seeing spots & couldn't breathe! I was terrified I was going to pass out! I could see the outline of a young boy & I remember telling him to get his teacher...the next thing I knew I was sitting on a bench with a huge fan blowing air on me, wet paper towels on my head & neck & many teachers were gathered around me praying. As I looked up, however, I saw my two principals shaking their heads, arms crossed, whispering to one another & looking at me with disgust as if me passing out offended them!! (More on these two later).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Brad quickly came & took me to the hospital & sure enough I was in early labor! They gave me lots of meds to make the labor stop & some to help me rest. I was diagnosed with toxemia/preeclampsia. I was put on mandatory bed rest. If I walked down the hall in our apartment to the kitchen, my contractions would start back up. I basically could only get up to go to the bathroom & to my dr. I had to have Brad leave food on my night stand & a big cup of water...not that I felt like eating anymore. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was really bummed about having my baby showers canceled, but the lovely ladies from our old church brought a baby shower to me! My sweet sister in law Elizabeth also finished decorating Brady's room. It was a fun night!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KzS4zgKHSMw/Ux3utXdsR5I/AAAAAAAACGE/bmi5EA1H-Xg/s640/blogger-image--821190180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KzS4zgKHSMw/Ux3utXdsR5I/AAAAAAAACGE/bmi5EA1H-Xg/s640/blogger-image--821190180.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At my check up at 34 weeks Brady was measuring over 7 lbs! My dr suggested I get an amniocentesis to be sure Brady's lungs were developed so she could induce me at 36 weeks. I told her no because I was frightened! She told me she would not induce me without one & if I went full-term Brady could weigh 12 lbs at the rate he was growing! So I chose to have one. As soon as I walked into the room the nurse said, "Why haven't you been following your diet!!!??" She was really rude about it! I asked her what diet she was talking about & she said my gestational diabetes diet. I passed my test & was told I was fine, but the nurse was right, the amino showed my sugars were sky high & I did in fact have a late onset gestational diabetes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When the amino began I was crying & scared out of my mind. Brady had put his elbow up as if to block the needle. The nurse told me I needed to talk to him to help him calm down & move so they could finish. As soon as I started rubbing the side of my belly & talking to him, he put his arm down & they finished. The results showed his lungs were fully formed & we scheduled his birthday to be March 16, 2005. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">To be continued...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-51664100438910627072014-03-09T21:45:00.001-05:002014-03-09T21:45:50.307-05:00A tiny foothold goes a long way...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-H4PHzsxQmy8/Ux0nXC-YWbI/AAAAAAAACFQ/lVq1wVWJIpk/s640/blogger-image-2075759135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-H4PHzsxQmy8/Ux0nXC-YWbI/AAAAAAAACFQ/lVq1wVWJIpk/s640/blogger-image-2075759135.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 14px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Last week I gave satan a foothold by comparing my weight loss journey to others. I thought surely I would be losing just like them & started weighing myself every day, sometimes multiple times a day. I know without any doubt the number on the scale doesn't define me & I know comparison is a joy stealer, but I gave satan this foothold without even realizing it. I was up ALL last night in a panic having a down right anxiety attack feeling like this stupid issue would never be resolved. </span><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 14px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 14px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">I mean I know The Lord is my Healer. Jesus has saved me, led me through many journeys, healed me, restored me, & made me new concerning some very deep & hard issues & it's so frustrating to still battle with this one!! </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 14px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 14px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">But I know He not only cares for me, but He loves me more than I can comprehend! He doesn't want me to be defeated & to let satan bully me around & sidetrack me. God made me a fighter! And I know if I wasn't a threat to Satan & his kingdom he certainly wouldn't be bothering me! I've been through this time & time again, but Im human...I sometimes forget to watch where Im letting satan in.</div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 14px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 14px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">The Holy Spirit really spoke some clear words to me this morning as I was bawling my eyes out in defeat. And after He did I rose up & remembered Whose I was & there was NOTHING I couldn't do with Jesus on my side!! </div></div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-14382721634937154322014-02-15T11:56:00.001-06:002014-02-15T14:22:52.328-06:00Our Promise of GodWith each pregnancy I get a horrible case of hyperemesis the first trimester. With Chapel it thankfully wasn't as intense, but still pretty bad! When I was 9 1/2 weeks pregnant I had a dream I was in a small church praying at the altar. A bright light was shining on the altar & I heard God say, <div><br></div><div>"Her name is Chapel Elise."</div><div><br></div><div>I immediately woke up & told Brad. He gave me a simple smile & said, "We'll see." Pretty sure he didn't want me to get my hopes up. :) That morning we decide to go to church & had planned to ask a prayer warrior I know to pray over me for my sickness. When I asked, she told me she felt like our pastor had a word for us. </div><div><br></div><div>He prayed over me & for the baby & then he looked right at me & said he had a stirring in his spirit that this child would fulfill a promise of God.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o67rbiqr2gk/Uv-qQxEODzI/AAAAAAAACEo/M9GMJbcUgy0/s640/blogger-image-1520334990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o67rbiqr2gk/Uv-qQxEODzI/AAAAAAAACEo/M9GMJbcUgy0/s640/blogger-image-1520334990.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Of course just hearing that made me bawl my eyes out! I knew deep inside this baby was a girl! When we sat down to eat lunch I decided to look up the name Elise to see what it meant. The first definition I found said, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"Our God is a vow, a promise of God." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Again tears filled my eyes! I had no doubt she was a she! God was giving me the daughter He promised me years earlier.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For years I had longed for a mother-daughter relationship like my friends had, like my sister-in-laws had with their moms. They'd go shopping together, have lunch, their moms were always there for them to talk to, to watch or help with their kids, their moms were now their friends, their closest confidants. I don't have any of that with my own mom. Not just because she lives far away, but because she's not that kind of mom anyway. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Around Mother's Day 2009 I was driving around listening to K-Love & all week long they were asking people to call in & tell happy, exciting stories about their mothers. Mother's Day was already hard for me. One reason because of my past abortion & the other was because I felt like I couldn't celebrate my mom because I still had a lot of issues with her. So when I heard this on K-Love for the thousandth time I lost it. I screamed at the radio & then burst into tears! Then as clear as a bell I heard God speak,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"Am I not enough for you?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I told Him that YES! Of course He was! Then He said,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"Let Me be your Father & your Mother. You will have a daughter someday & you will be the mother to her you've longed for your mother to be to you. Let Me mother you & you be that kind of mother to your daughter."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I wept the rest of the way home, but was completely comforted. I knew I could trust Him. The next year I got pregnant with Keller, but felt no remorse about having a 3rd son. I knew in time I would have a daughter like God promised. Until then, I was going to fully enjoy the precious fellas I had been blessed with.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-efoOEvyIgHw/Uv-1xVGLgRI/AAAAAAAACFA/xiz3LC7vBLE/s640/blogger-image--811828929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-efoOEvyIgHw/Uv-1xVGLgRI/AAAAAAAACFA/xiz3LC7vBLE/s640/blogger-image--811828929.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Fast forward back to December 2012 where this story began & you can see why I had no doubt this baby was a girl! Another cool thing God did to show me this child was a girl before the sonogram was when we got her baby furniture. I had never had a matching set & showed Brad a picture of a beautiful bed, changing table & armoire I wanted if this baby was a girl. Well some friends from church gave us their daughter's set & said they believed The Lord was calling them to give it to us. Well wouldn't you know it was the EXACT set I wanted!!! I love how The Lord lavishes His children with gifts & blessings!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I pray that He will bless us with more children, maybe a sister for Chapel to play with :) Ha! Only time will tell! Until then, I'm soaking every moment up with my promise of God & her brothers, my lil warriors, my beauty from ashes! Being these kiddos' momma is the best job in the whole world!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jo5SIuCkHk8/Uv-1ufzxtpI/AAAAAAAACE4/80gYARgIY9E/s640/blogger-image-409078242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jo5SIuCkHk8/Uv-1ufzxtpI/AAAAAAAACE4/80gYARgIY9E/s640/blogger-image-409078242.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-84143626404694363292014-02-11T07:22:00.001-06:002014-02-11T07:22:21.886-06:002013 Year in ReviewI know I'm late! Lol I think I get later with this each year! Instead of boring you with lots of words I'll show you some of my favorite & least favorite pic of 2013!<div><br></div><div>January</div><div>Had such a great snow day!! I'm not sure why, but it felt extra special this year!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PAuXLCZseO4/UvjkEVc3yvI/AAAAAAAACB8/hmTwst5GPvA/s640/blogger-image-920899235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PAuXLCZseO4/UvjkEVc3yvI/AAAAAAAACB8/hmTwst5GPvA/s640/blogger-image-920899235.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I returned to the March for LIFE & met Josh & Anna Duggars (squeee!!!) & Rick & Karen Santorum.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AzozkeYRYnA/Uvj_f611bkI/AAAAAAAACCw/-29dw__FSBc/s640/blogger-image--138606917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AzozkeYRYnA/Uvj_f611bkI/AAAAAAAACCw/-29dw__FSBc/s640/blogger-image--138606917.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-x9SieGdCuAQ/Uvjj9XWzJNI/AAAAAAAACBs/y78Ca5-qyJ4/s640/blogger-image--501556495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-x9SieGdCuAQ/Uvjj9XWzJNI/AAAAAAAACBs/y78Ca5-qyJ4/s640/blogger-image--501556495.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>February</div><div>This month was pretty normal, but we found out the sweet baby in my belly was indeed a girl!!!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Jhvusupt_Qs/Uvj_dOBt_oI/AAAAAAAACCo/jCvywIwzufs/s640/blogger-image--1099476855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Jhvusupt_Qs/Uvj_dOBt_oI/AAAAAAAACCo/jCvywIwzufs/s640/blogger-image--1099476855.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>March</div><div>The best part was Brady turning 8. He planned his own party & we all had a great time! I just love that sweet boy!!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LlU8vsjSe5M/Uvj_qATpRzI/AAAAAAAACDI/A0h1RZszYZM/s640/blogger-image--799619802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LlU8vsjSe5M/Uvj_qATpRzI/AAAAAAAACDI/A0h1RZszYZM/s640/blogger-image--799619802.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Unfortunately the fun didnt last...2 days after his birthday a horrible hail storm hit! I was home alone with the boys & it sounded like our house was going to cave in!! So scary! Here's a pic of our poor Tahoe!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WvEaro7e0uI/UvokAQOmWUI/AAAAAAAACEQ/9tXRJeItmO8/s640/blogger-image-275174058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WvEaro7e0uI/UvokAQOmWUI/AAAAAAAACEQ/9tXRJeItmO8/s640/blogger-image-275174058.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The end of Match gave us another scare! The boys were playing & Brady fell & hit his head & got the biggest, grossest, scariest goose egg I've EVER seen!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_jFZGmXbmXw/UvjkAF2eYgI/AAAAAAAACB0/HmPtEsZFdVY/s640/blogger-image-2021312563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_jFZGmXbmXw/UvjkAF2eYgI/AAAAAAAACB0/HmPtEsZFdVY/s640/blogger-image-2021312563.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>April </div><div>This month was full of baseball! Brad coached Rylan's team & Brady played his last season of coached-pitch.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nbq_rjZrqOI/UvjldvFUZrI/AAAAAAAACCI/axYMrXH5z0A/s640/blogger-image--1479881183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nbq_rjZrqOI/UvjldvFUZrI/AAAAAAAACCI/axYMrXH5z0A/s640/blogger-image--1479881183.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>My amazing friends also gave me a very cute girly baby shower for Chapel. It was AMAZING!!!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z6Z_ZNsTP3I/UvjjvPHgkrI/AAAAAAAACBE/dv8hL0rdECk/s640/blogger-image--1284462408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z6Z_ZNsTP3I/UvjjvPHgkrI/AAAAAAAACBE/dv8hL0rdECk/s640/blogger-image--1284462408.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zl65Y4ga9dA/Uvj_jaEvAlI/AAAAAAAACC4/q3sftLMWgUQ/s640/blogger-image-1129454804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zl65Y4ga9dA/Uvj_jaEvAlI/AAAAAAAACC4/q3sftLMWgUQ/s640/blogger-image-1129454804.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">May</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This month was crazy!!! We were still playing ball, I was in my 3rd trimester, Britany got married & Rylan turned 5. I swear I blinked & this month was over before it began!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9QKVihS0z1g/UvokCxCPoSI/AAAAAAAACEY/8qXJbADCMDE/s640/blogger-image--54295039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9QKVihS0z1g/UvokCxCPoSI/AAAAAAAACEY/8qXJbADCMDE/s640/blogger-image--54295039.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TId4egNvwas/UvojyhtbMzI/AAAAAAAACD4/pMFRUL3g0oU/s640/blogger-image-1488533472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TId4egNvwas/UvojyhtbMzI/AAAAAAAACD4/pMFRUL3g0oU/s640/blogger-image-1488533472.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">June</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This month brought in VBS fun, an insane amount of heat which kept us inside during the day & when Brad came home we headed to the pool. June also marked a super sized preggo belly as my pregnancy came to an end.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E_gmPwSewEI/Uvjjx25OVdI/AAAAAAAACBM/1KTTzjZmHIQ/s640/blogger-image--766873886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E_gmPwSewEI/Uvjjx25OVdI/AAAAAAAACBM/1KTTzjZmHIQ/s640/blogger-image--766873886.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VjkGDh3iRZw/UvjjrytNe1I/AAAAAAAACA8/-a6PeT2PgKI/s640/blogger-image--1174936955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VjkGDh3iRZw/UvjjrytNe1I/AAAAAAAACA8/-a6PeT2PgKI/s640/blogger-image--1174936955.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-085GozRxP8I/Uvojs5A2kYI/AAAAAAAACDo/b84vh1avfjY/s640/blogger-image-101345306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-085GozRxP8I/Uvojs5A2kYI/AAAAAAAACDo/b84vh1avfjY/s640/blogger-image-101345306.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">July</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">By far my favorite month of 2013!! On July 2 we welcomed Chapel Elise & became the Sigrest 6! July was an AMAZING month all together!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YQ5IMg55_HE/Uvjj0U_jJdI/AAAAAAAACBU/ioTpSO38RtA/s640/blogger-image--1114071683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YQ5IMg55_HE/Uvjj0U_jJdI/AAAAAAAACBU/ioTpSO38RtA/s640/blogger-image--1114071683.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1fD5kwFvVGQ/Uvjj3ulJ_BI/AAAAAAAACBc/yYWVqOSxlpA/s640/blogger-image-1017462012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1fD5kwFvVGQ/Uvjj3ulJ_BI/AAAAAAAACBc/yYWVqOSxlpA/s640/blogger-image-1017462012.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">August</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I slowly got us back into schoolin...and I mean sslloooowwllyy!! The night before we started I decorated our school area & made the boys favorite muffins so they would be even more excited to kick off!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pl8AvTxlNCY/Uvojvlz8-kI/AAAAAAAACDw/-W-juyVCYHg/s640/blogger-image--836197971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pl8AvTxlNCY/Uvojvlz8-kI/AAAAAAAACDw/-W-juyVCYHg/s640/blogger-image--836197971.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">September </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This month was pretty mellow...praise Jesus! I began walking again, slow but steady to get my body strong again after having a 4th c-section. We also had our baby dedication at church for Chapel. She wore a dress I bought the day I found out she was a girl :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mU6eGfhbMNE/Uvjj6fLlAlI/AAAAAAAACBk/LIcvJtXOBNg/s640/blogger-image-1865799010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mU6eGfhbMNE/Uvjj6fLlAlI/AAAAAAAACBk/LIcvJtXOBNg/s640/blogger-image-1865799010.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">October</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I. Love. October!!! The weather gets a lil cooler & we celebrate FALL!! We had 2 fun field trips with our homeschool group. One to the Ag Museum & the other to Mitchell Farms. I was so thankful Brad came with us! We had a BLAST!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eQhibsVY94A/UvojphBu8zI/AAAAAAAACDg/6fd8kpb3PTU/s640/blogger-image--768536252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eQhibsVY94A/UvojphBu8zI/AAAAAAAACDg/6fd8kpb3PTU/s640/blogger-image--768536252.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My sweet Mr also celebrates his birthday & I was able to surprise him with MSU tickets. It was a much needed date night & we LOVE going to Starkville!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TNyIHY3218Y/Uvj_aNojI-I/AAAAAAAACCg/4zZZAJwB6s4/s640/blogger-image--1725745622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TNyIHY3218Y/Uvj_aNojI-I/AAAAAAAACCg/4zZZAJwB6s4/s640/blogger-image--1725745622.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">November</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our lil Keller feller turned 3 this month! He had a fun super hero party! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5t3MdRBtT8Q/Uvj_XWeJF-I/AAAAAAAACCY/s2ytx30Vugc/s640/blogger-image-104642742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5t3MdRBtT8Q/Uvj_XWeJF-I/AAAAAAAACCY/s2ytx30Vugc/s640/blogger-image-104642742.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">December</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas season! I just love this time of year! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6J-8Arzoxt8/Uvj_nA2L4kI/AAAAAAAACDA/EvCdLr3E1YI/s640/blogger-image--1642618232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6J-8Arzoxt8/Uvj_nA2L4kI/AAAAAAAACDA/EvCdLr3E1YI/s640/blogger-image--1642618232.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Britany graduated college & met her dad for the 1st time! It was a great day! She's so much like him & her lil sister! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7a_AjktpQuY/Uvoj6AiSY9I/AAAAAAAACEA/XDuQeOZbBYY/s640/blogger-image--1966182349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7a_AjktpQuY/Uvoj6AiSY9I/AAAAAAAACEA/XDuQeOZbBYY/s640/blogger-image--1966182349.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The end of 2013 Brad & I went to Memphis to see MSU play in the Liberty Bowl & to have us a lil getaway. Perfect way to end a pretty perfect year!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oIA45DxZIGU/Uvoj9FVVWwI/AAAAAAAACEI/ikWC_qRYQa4/s640/blogger-image--76650391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oIA45DxZIGU/Uvoj9FVVWwI/AAAAAAAACEI/ikWC_qRYQa4/s640/blogger-image--76650391.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-djtyh2dlGPI/Uvj_s5Eq_DI/AAAAAAAACDQ/T9Hq6ByszBI/s640/blogger-image--1595328499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-djtyh2dlGPI/Uvj_s5Eq_DI/AAAAAAAACDQ/T9Hq6ByszBI/s640/blogger-image--1595328499.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here's to a blessed 2014!!!</div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-326275767146759402013-11-14T10:43:00.001-06:002013-11-14T12:33:22.062-06:00Testimonies of Rape/Incest Conception<div>Below are links with many testimonies from women who conceived by rape & incest, testimonies from people who were conceived by rape & incest, testimonies from parents who were told to abort because of a disability...and much more. Please take the time to watch them & share them.</div><div><br></div><div>If you click on the first link, you can scroll down & see my full testimony. I look pretty rough! ;P It was filmed about 2 weeks before I had Chapel & the Mississppi heat was KILLER!!! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><a href="http://conceivedinrape.com/">http://conceivedinrape.com/</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><a href="http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6RPKQF3x2OM&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D6RPKQF3x2OM">http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6RPKQF3x2OM&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D6RPKQF3x2OM</a><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Many blessings to y'all!</div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-55404363401877692472013-10-23T12:20:00.001-05:002013-10-23T12:48:35.437-05:00Dear Me,<div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">You won't always be this exhausted & worn out. You've made it through 3 teething babies who didn't want to sleep & you will make it through this one! </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">This is just a season!</div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">There's not enough coffee or Spark in this world to give you the adequate energy to homeschool a 3rd grader, a kindergartener, & a toddler all the while breastfeeding a baby! Oh & the energy to keep your house clean on top of being a momma, & there's that whole wife thing, & you're still potty training the toddler because like his big brothers he thinks his poop is too good for the toilet! </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Your list of things to do is longer than the paper you have to write it on. You feel overwhelmed most of the time & question your capabilities as a wife & momma. </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">It will get easier!</div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Having a new baby in the house is always hard. Remember? You've done this before & not only did you survive, you've thrived! Look at your amazing boys! They're proof that you're doing a good job. You know you're not Super Mom, but your 4 blessings & your husband think you're pretty super anyway.</div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Deep inside you feel like your head is barely above water, but you know God will not let you drown (Isaiah 43:2). He is holding you with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:13). The Lord delights in you (Zephaniah 3:17). </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Take a deep breath & give yourself some grace. It takes time to figure out how to work with new challenges & a baby no matter how cute, comes with a lot of challenges especially when you have so many other things vying for your attention & care! </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">You're doing a better job than you think! </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Cast ALL these cares on God (1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 55:22). Your doing a great Kingdom work & when your children are grown they won't remember the dirty floor or the ever present laundry on the couch that needs to be put away. They will however remember the times you took to play with them, the things you taught them about Jesus, about loving others & being kind. They will rise up & call you blessed (Psalm 31:28)!</div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">By the way, the Psalms 31 woman had help maids!!! (Psalm 31:15). So seriously, cut yourself some slack!</div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Now rise up & press forward! Be blessed in the Name of Jesus! </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Sincerely & much love,</div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Yourself </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">PS- Come back & read this as often as you need to! Your tired momma brain forgets a lot. :) </div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-81577119602378697692013-10-08T13:04:00.001-05:002013-10-08T13:19:37.313-05:00God Said October<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oHuCh9BkV8c/UlRI4S5GveI/AAAAAAAAB-k/3QF0cmCdXR8/s640/blogger-image-1870185133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oHuCh9BkV8c/UlRI4S5GveI/AAAAAAAAB-k/3QF0cmCdXR8/s640/blogger-image-1870185133.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In November 2011 we were celebrating Keller turning 1, God had just called us out to share about my abortion, it was a whirlwind of a time! Yet with all that was going on Brad & I had a longing to have another child. We knew it was crazy to even think about knowing we just had a baby a year ago, finances were very tight, our house was already feeling too small, but the longing was there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So we prayed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Lord told us to wait until the following October. Anytime we doubted we would ask God again & He always gave us October. When October finally came around I had been tracking my cycle on an app for months to make sure everything was normal. It wasn't necessary really because thankfully my cycle is normal, 28 days, ovulating days 14-16. We didn't use hormonal birth control, but rather counted my days & prayed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As October began we were in a big financial bind! Money had been more tight than normal & I had taken a part time job to help make ends meet. Because of this we decided to wait until November, not that we thought a month would change our finances that much, but we just needed more time. Basically, our faith was lacking, because God said October. This month my cycle also started early which it NEVER had before; I didn't even know what to make of it. I plugged it in my app to try & make sure I knew when I'd be ovulating so we wouldn't get pregnant. On top of that Brad got sick during the supposed fertile days so we were certain that NO baby was conceived! It was pretty impossible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On October 31 I took the boys to a friend's house for a play date & she asked if I was pregnant. I told her the whole story, but she reminded me that God said October & He was never wrong. Though I knew she was right I had no doubts that I was not pregnant, because, after all, we hadn't done the thing that needs to be done to conceive because Brad had been sick. There was just NO WAY!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But when I got home I couldn't get her out of my head, so I took a pregnancy test I had left over from Keller to prove her wrong. And to my great surprise</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v_j38uUMO34/UlRJMfHywlI/AAAAAAAAB-s/tE0HG-_ETAo/s640/blogger-image-2029055419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v_j38uUMO34/UlRJMfHywlI/AAAAAAAAB-s/tE0HG-_ETAo/s640/blogger-image-2029055419.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I immediately started crying tears of joy thanking Jesus! I was amazed! Stunned! I made the boys get in the car & we drove up the road to the Dollar General to buy another test. All they had was an old school one that cost $1. You know the kind where you have to pee in a cup, use a dropper to get the pee in a tiny hole to even take the test...a science experiment no doubt! :) Sure enough it was positive! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I facetimed Brad to tell him. I couldn't wait until he got home & I had to see his expression. Just like me he was shocked! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">No matter what our plans were, or our lack of faith, God kept His promise! He told us we would conceive in October & even through our doubt He created a beautiful baby! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UsEe7LiQRho/UlRJP58TTkI/AAAAAAAAB-0/TaDBJ2_ibTM/s640/blogger-image--544936842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UsEe7LiQRho/UlRJP58TTkI/AAAAAAAAB-0/TaDBJ2_ibTM/s640/blogger-image--544936842.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Whenever we had this sonogram I was 5 1/2 weeks & we could hear the heartbeat! My doctor was worried because the heart rate was low & I was spotting a little. I was in danger of miscarrying. I was not going to let doubt or anything else get in my way this time! I had faith that this child was going to be fine because GOD SAID OCTOBER!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0iR2OmFGfFA/UlRMRfVoSSI/AAAAAAAAB_A/oVPOaPKVgi4/s640/blogger-image-1497692965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0iR2OmFGfFA/UlRMRfVoSSI/AAAAAAAAB_A/oVPOaPKVgi4/s640/blogger-image-1497692965.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I had to be on bed rest for 2 weeks until we went back to the doctor. The sonogram showed Chapel had grown & all was well! She had a strong heartbeat of 161, the bleeding had stopped, & my severe nausea & vomiting had begun! I had never been so excited to puke!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Stay tuned! I plan to write more later on about how I knew this baby was a girl because of another promise God had given me years ago!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Isn't He beyond amazing!??! I'm thankful that He is faithful even when we are not!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Be blessed friends!</div><br></div><br></div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-26761191595183217532013-10-03T14:10:00.001-05:002013-10-21T00:10:24.364-05:0020 Momma Truths<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KTwtwwtRDA4/Uk3HA7lM2mI/AAAAAAAAB9o/3zqpAJVOAP0/s640/blogger-image-130975042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KTwtwwtRDA4/Uk3HA7lM2mI/AAAAAAAAB9o/3zqpAJVOAP0/s640/blogger-image-130975042.jpg"></a></div>1: I LOVE being a momma! I really do!<div><br></div><div>2: I'm not a perfect momma...I mess up a LOT!!!</div><div><br></div><div>3. Some days I feel like Super Mom. Not many days, but there have been some. Everything flows together, the kids get along, I take advantage of teachable moments, the laundry gets done, I cook dinner that we all eat together at the table; you get what I'm saying. I've worn my cape proudly on those days because...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Tpb7xTa8oo4/Uk3IWTs_AwI/AAAAAAAAB90/PJaJ3sx3b1Q/s640/blogger-image--2075566098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Tpb7xTa8oo4/Uk3IWTs_AwI/AAAAAAAAB90/PJaJ3sx3b1Q/s640/blogger-image--2075566098.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>4: Somedays I feel like an utter FAILURE! These days I have to do serious battle not to let myself become overwhelmed with guilt, shame, condemnation, worthlessness...etc! That's right where Satan wants me! I've yelled at my kids when I've lost my temper, snapped when my patience was shot, & sadly I've even spanked in anger! Those moments do not define me as a momma! I can either let them become habits & wallow in my guilt or I can repent. I not only ask Jesus for forgiveness, but also my boys. Thankfully they're always eager to give their momma grace & lots of love! :) </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jHElG0hxdwU/Uk3Ia6UvGEI/AAAAAAAAB98/rK-Kou2lrhA/s640/blogger-image-659073255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jHElG0hxdwU/Uk3Ia6UvGEI/AAAAAAAAB98/rK-Kou2lrhA/s640/blogger-image-659073255.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>5. Failure also tries to kick in when I lose track of managing my home! Ugh! This is my greatest struggle. Between homeschooling my 2 oldest, having a toddler, & now a baby, my time is shot! Not to forget a husband who also makes messes. With the 6 of us dishes have to be done everyday, there's always laundry to be done, dusting, sweeping, mopping gets behind, clutter ensues & so forth. It's hard to keep up, but I do my best & when I get too far behind I ask my husband for extra help. After all, I'm not Super Mom ;P</div><div><br></div><div>6. I play with my kids as often as I can. Even though there are always a million things to do, those things will always be there to do at anytime, but my kiddos seem to grow up VERY fast! In my opinion it's more important to stop & play with them than it is to get the dishes done in a timely matter. Also, boys like to play fight. I HIGHLY recommend investing in styrofoam swords & Nerf guns! Talk about stress relievers! You get to play with your kids while beating them with swords or shooting them with soft bullets, which allows you to unleash all the frustration & impatience they stir up in you!!! It's pure GENIUS! They laugh at you attacking them, you get releases from the stress of mommy hood & in the end you all feel better & have a good time! You can thank me later for sharing this!</div><div><br></div><div>7. My kids watch TV & play video games more than I like to admit. What? Judge me all you want on this, but sometimes a momma's gotta do what a momma's gotta do! I do try & make sure they're educational shows & games as often as possible. There are just those moments when I need them still & quiet so I can do the dishes or laundry or have a cup of coffee in peace. Remember, bad moments don't make bad moms! Refer back to #2.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-agfWKsok2HA/Uk3Iov94hKI/AAAAAAAAB-U/_0eADuP9hGg/s640/blogger-image-1431374291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-agfWKsok2HA/Uk3Iov94hKI/AAAAAAAAB-U/_0eADuP9hGg/s640/blogger-image-1431374291.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>8. I make the most of the seasons. I want my kids to have tons of fun memories & traditions to look back on when they're older. In spring we go to the park & various playgrounds as often as possible & enjoy the weather. In the summer we hit up the local pool as a family. I intentionally make time to stay in the water & play with them even though I'd rather be laying out reading a book. (I do make time for that, but as needed, not always.) Autumn takes us on lots of adventures from the state fair, to the pumpkin patch, leaf hunting etc. Winter is much harder after the Christmas traditions. I'm not a fan of the cold! We'll go hang out at Barnes & Noble, Bass Pro Shop, or anywhere indoors that's fun & free! We always pray for a day of snow & make it as extra special as possible! Since we live in the South the weather is typically on the warmer side which gives us year round fun walking & riding bikes together in the evenings.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5ANgRHXusCc/Uk3IgBCAzjI/AAAAAAAAB-E/z5XPV21urH0/s640/blogger-image--683640840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5ANgRHXusCc/Uk3IgBCAzjI/AAAAAAAAB-E/z5XPV21urH0/s640/blogger-image--683640840.jpg"></a></div>9. I let my kids make messes often, even if it means more work or stress for me. This goes back to making memories. Whether its painting, play-doh, or some craft, I want them to enjoy creating & using their imaginations to make something new. I often let them play in the mud & like I mentioned in #6, hosing them off with cold water not only gives me a good laugh, but it's also a huge stress reliever! Not that I like causing my kids pain, but hey, if they enjoy it so should I...right?!?</div><div><br></div><div>10. I do my best to feed them lots of fruits & veggies! I want my kids to be healthy & strong & not have the food issues I do. We often talk about which foods are healthy & why & where they come from. This could be the nerd/teacher in me. I let my kids eat M&Ms & Skittles every week. It's true while I teach them about healthy foods, I make sure they understand that its ok to have a treat; everything in moderation. Once a week for snack they get a bowl of popcorn with Skittles & M&Ms mixed in. It's something simple & small, but they think it's a big deal & proclaim I'm the best momma in the world for giving it to them :) </div><div>(I also let them eat frozen pizza, hotdogs, & Spaghetti O's...sssshhhhhh!!! [refer back to #2]).</div><div><br></div><div>11. I discipline them. The Lord shows love for us when He convicts us & leads us to change, I believe that disciplining my kids shows my love for them. I spank only when necessary. It has to be something severe & something they do to intentionally misbehave. I give them a dab of vinegar for tongue issues like lying, excessive whining, screaming, etc. I've only had to this twice to the big boys. They get the point now. I'll ask them if they need it & the memory of how gross it is gets them back in line. If I say I'll take something away I do it. I do NOT make idle threats!!! I do however offer grace & mercy. My boys are really awesome & well behaved for the most part & I believe it's partly because I've trained them through discipline & love. But let me tell ya, just like their momma, they're not perfect! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kRcWn9rrTMg/Uk3IkISBA7I/AAAAAAAAB-M/xu9JE31PE4Y/s640/blogger-image--323433964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kRcWn9rrTMg/Uk3IkISBA7I/AAAAAAAAB-M/xu9JE31PE4Y/s640/blogger-image--323433964.jpg"></a></div>12. I choose joy. Motherhood doesn't always come naturally. Sometimes I want to be selfish, but I realize that my kids are a HUGE blessing & I try my best not to take them for granted. I did that when I chose abortion 15 years ago & live that regret everyday. I've seen friends go through similar pain of losing a child to death by miscarriage, stillbirth, diseases, & accidents. For me, these are constant reminders that even when my kids drive me insane I must remember they ARE blessings & CHOOSE joy.</div><div><br></div><div>13. I call on Jesus everyday! I know before my feet hit the floor in the morning I must talk & spend time with Him. When I don't I know my day isn't starting off right. All through the day I talk to Jesus. I won't lie, most of the time it's for strength not to go all nutso on my children. I have little patience, therefore I MUST call on Jesus for help! Where I'm weak HE is strong!!! Having open communication with the God of the universe is the best weapon a momma can have! Interceding for your children protects them & covers them with strength & peace in hard times. When my head hits my pillow at night I pray some more thanking The Lord for allowing me to be their momma, asking for forgiveness where I messed up, & for guidance in the next day.</div><div><br></div><div>14. I pray with my kids as often as possible. They have a headache, we pray for healing. They're fighting with each other, we bless our spirits with love, peace, kindness, & self-control. Doing this has taught them to pray with each other. On many occasions I've caught them laying hands on one another praying for healing if they hurt themselves outside. Totally melts my heart & reminds me that even in my mess ups, I must be doing something right.</div><div><br></div><div>15. I don't compare myself to other mommas. I used to, especially when I first started staying home; Brady was 3 & Rylan was a baby. I'd see a momma do something great & think they had it all together & I was just a piece of crap. The truth is NO ONE has it all together & I am a piece of crap...apart from Christ! I realized as long as I'm dwelling in Jesus & doing the best I can that is all that matters. God has given each us incredible gifts, talents, & strengths. Do not give Satan a foothold & compare yours to other moms'! Celebrate & compliment them, offering blessings & praises! That really makes Satan mad! Let them inspire you! If you see a mom doing something fun with her kids try it with yours. Ask her for advice or help! We've got to stick together! Our kids outnumber us!! :) And I promise there's very likely a momma who admires YOU!</div><div><br></div><div>16. I won't bash my kids on social media! There's a difference in saying you're having a rough day with your kids, or seeking advice from those out in social media land & calling your kids names or posting something you know would hurt or embarrass them later. Blessings & curses, life & death are in the power of the tongue & I believe it translates to the typing tongue as well.</div><div><br></div><div>17. I have a close circle of mom friends I know I can go to with anything at anytime! Not all of them are like me. Some homeschool, some don't. Some work, some stay home or work part time. Some share my convictions, some do not. Some are young, some are older. Some are new mommas, some are well seasoned with older children. Some have 2 kids, some have 6, others are all in between. All of these things are beneficial because they help me see things from a different perspective when needed & encourage me I'm doing what's right.</div><div><br></div><div>18. One thing I believe helps me be a good momma is alone time! Hello sanity!! Whether its time out with my friends or a long bubble bath, I HAVE to have time to myself! This helps me decompress & take care of myself which helps me be a better momma! I no longer feel guilty about taking the time to work out or shipping them off to the grandparents! I devote incredible amounts of time to my kids & when you're constantly pouring out you need to also be refilled. At this very moment I'm trying to freeze enough breast milk so the Mr. & I can get away for at least a night!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-inRPs2sZuEo/Uk3G8TI-_xI/AAAAAAAAB9g/i9d94UafeY0/s640/blogger-image--1578757584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-inRPs2sZuEo/Uk3G8TI-_xI/AAAAAAAAB9g/i9d94UafeY0/s640/blogger-image--1578757584.jpg"></a></div>19. Tying in to number #18, I love their Daddy. Not love like the generic "love" as in the feeling, but love as in the verb! Now yes I am in love with my husband, but showing my kids that I love him is something different. They see us hug & kiss (not the gross PDA kind), they hear how we talk to each other, & ask about each other's days. There have been times in years past when they heard us argue or be rude to one another, but no more. This is due to both of making a conscious effort that when we disagree to not let it overwhelm us & to remedy that certain things just simply must not be talked about in front of them. </div><div><br></div><div>20. I tell them I love them & I show them I love them. You can't say it & mean it with out doing it! Lots of hugs & kisses & tickles, but also like with my husband, I ask them about things. How was their day? What was the best or worst part? I ask their opinions on dinner, tv, or what we should do for fun. I tell them about things that happen in world, good & bad. Talking to my kids, keeping them informed on the world around them, asking their advice shows them I love them because it shows them I value their thoughts & opinions. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm sure there are a ton of things I could've added but this is the list I came up with. I hope you enjoyed it & that it encouraged & inspired you. Have a blessed day sweet readers!</div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a border="0" href="http://www.amamasstory.com/search/label/Mama%20Moments%20Mondays" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mYGCPkByhqQ/UQxD0NAzeQI/AAAAAAAAGkM/n6wNt0cJTdM/s1600/MMMButton.png"/></a></span></div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-46817331704091848202013-09-30T08:15:00.001-05:002013-09-30T08:15:00.235-05:00Back 2 SchoolinI cannot believe I've been homeschooling for 3 1/2 years! Time has surely flown by! Brady is now a big 3rd grader & my sweet Rylan is a kindergartener! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iN03fGfgv_k/Ukja7im_PxI/AAAAAAAAB7s/rA57Dk58QXM/s640/blogger-image-678006654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iN03fGfgv_k/Ukja7im_PxI/AAAAAAAAB7s/rA57Dk58QXM/s640/blogger-image-678006654.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This year we using My Father's World as our core (Brady is doing Adventures & Ry is doing K). Both boys are also using Horizon's math & Brady is doing their spelling & vocabulary program while Rylan is using Hooked On Phonics for reading. He was super proud of himself for reading his 1st story!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5XYknswDtnY/UkjceOAJOlI/AAAAAAAAB8g/L78jvK46P20/s640/blogger-image--997586519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5XYknswDtnY/UkjceOAJOlI/AAAAAAAAB8g/L78jvK46P20/s640/blogger-image--997586519.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The night before our 1st day I decorated with balloons & streamers & made the boys' favorite muffins! They were elated the next morning when they woke up! It made our 1st day to a new year extra special!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-n6trga3imKA/UkjaumVlqaI/AAAAAAAAB7U/MVCbREO9zC8/s640/blogger-image-1307357442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-n6trga3imKA/UkjaumVlqaI/AAAAAAAAB7U/MVCbREO9zC8/s640/blogger-image-1307357442.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I like to mix the boys' curriculum so they can do as many fun activities together as possible. Rylan's began with Creation & each day they decorated the number of the day that matched what God had created. Their work turned out extremely cute!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GUopt8DughI/UkjbH44mOCI/AAAAAAAAB78/zpfzw4XAEhA/s640/blogger-image-997169349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GUopt8DughI/UkjbH44mOCI/AAAAAAAAB78/zpfzw4XAEhA/s640/blogger-image-997169349.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SkXc2lAIsiI/UkjbVjzA04I/AAAAAAAAB8U/9p1zjeu4Qyg/s640/blogger-image--1087734145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SkXc2lAIsiI/UkjbVjzA04I/AAAAAAAAB8U/9p1zjeu4Qyg/s640/blogger-image--1087734145.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3I_LxLcsayo/Ukja2nuWTBI/AAAAAAAAB7k/PFH_orNVOrE/s640/blogger-image-1863574437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3I_LxLcsayo/Ukja2nuWTBI/AAAAAAAAB7k/PFH_orNVOrE/s640/blogger-image-1863574437.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After Creation, each following week focuses on a letter with a certain theme. So far we've done S-sun, M-moon, L-leaf, & A-apple. Brady's curriculum also focused on space so I made sure to line it up with the weeks Ry did sun & moon. I made moon dough for sensory play & checked out a space kit from the resource center. They did not want the space unit to end so I extended it a week longer & just reviewed Rylan on all the letters of the alphabet, but focused on the sounds he's been practicing in Speech Therapy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GT8hi3Bx9Kc/Ukl5USDum0I/AAAAAAAAB9Q/Vp4-nN8BsqM/s640/blogger-image-66888498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GT8hi3Bx9Kc/Ukl5USDum0I/AAAAAAAAB9Q/Vp4-nN8BsqM/s640/blogger-image-66888498.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KmOerP0MON8/Ukl5PTqSHqI/AAAAAAAAB9I/m0uMwNSD_oQ/s640/blogger-image--1951392310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KmOerP0MON8/Ukl5PTqSHqI/AAAAAAAAB9I/m0uMwNSD_oQ/s640/blogger-image--1951392310.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">During our leaf week we didn't do too many activities because I like to save them for our Fall theme we do each October. The little boys did make fall trees using their arm & hands for the trunk & branches & then used Do-A-Dot markers for the leaves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e6R2pMTpS2o/Ukja_5IU-TI/AAAAAAAAB70/esCAe61hpZ4/s640/blogger-image-97975393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e6R2pMTpS2o/Ukja_5IU-TI/AAAAAAAAB70/esCAe61hpZ4/s640/blogger-image-97975393.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At the end of our apple theme we bought 6 kinds of apples: kiku, red delicious, golden delicious, honey crisp, Granny Smith & gala. The boys observed the color of the apple 1st, smelled it, then tasted it & then decided if the apple was hard or soft, & sweet, sour, or plain. Their favorites were the honey crisp & the kiku.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bZ7_0jnG6po/Ukl5KxVKqHI/AAAAAAAAB9A/4iGbbJXRzKg/s640/blogger-image--1482624124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bZ7_0jnG6po/Ukl5KxVKqHI/AAAAAAAAB9A/4iGbbJXRzKg/s640/blogger-image--1482624124.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In Adventures we studied about Vikings & it was one of my favorite days! They colored Viking masks & once they had them on they were in full character!!! I was in tears from laughing at them! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7a3_0vDek84/UkjbMCjJroI/AAAAAAAAB8E/RC6T01NgINo/s640/blogger-image-239891299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7a3_0vDek84/UkjbMCjJroI/AAAAAAAAB8E/RC6T01NgINo/s640/blogger-image-239891299.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lately we've been learning about early American pioneers & Native Americans. I'll post those pics the next time I update.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I often get asked what I do with Keller while the big boys do school. Most of the time he plays on his own or he sits at the table with them coloring or playing with learning toys. There are times where I'll work one on one with him on counting, colors, or shapes, but it's always done through play. There are days when I'll put on an educational show for him or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. :) A momma's gotta do what a momma' gotta do!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iqoHy-OtGuk/Ukjay1gJB9I/AAAAAAAAB7c/GsdGrwzOEzk/s640/blogger-image-1451375463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iqoHy-OtGuk/Ukjay1gJB9I/AAAAAAAAB7c/GsdGrwzOEzk/s640/blogger-image-1451375463.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DnAZu5HivrY/UkjbR0BEkKI/AAAAAAAAB8M/5h5NTY2JpO8/s640/blogger-image-725506110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DnAZu5HivrY/UkjbR0BEkKI/AAAAAAAAB8M/5h5NTY2JpO8/s640/blogger-image-725506110.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here he is "helping" Rylan paste!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fd3UYIKl8e0/Ukl5GTWWFpI/AAAAAAAAB84/ofmlUtrgeEo/s640/blogger-image-1301151616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fd3UYIKl8e0/Ukl5GTWWFpI/AAAAAAAAB84/ofmlUtrgeEo/s640/blogger-image-1301151616.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Everyday is different, no set schedule, but a pretty solid routine. With nursing Chapel, some days simply have to follow her lead...well, her nap times :). Here's a cute pic I captured of all 4 blessings at the table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3-GJJQECYWg/Ukl5CLEC-lI/AAAAAAAAB8w/T-_Q_z8vWGw/s640/blogger-image--2080919619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3-GJJQECYWg/Ukl5CLEC-lI/AAAAAAAAB8w/T-_Q_z8vWGw/s640/blogger-image--2080919619.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I really am thankful The Lord has called me to this! Even on the days my patience is thin, they're wild, & I've had little sleep, being with them is still a blessing I try not to take for granted. My purpose each day is to love them, serve them, teach them & enjoy them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Have a blessed week friends!!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-1267975084066894232013-09-26T11:07:00.001-05:002013-09-26T11:07:59.006-05:00Field Trip-Ag Museum<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aFPt5K-wKEs/UkL_TyT0FuI/AAAAAAAAB5A/cgC4-WZ4Kik/s640/blogger-image--1876704546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aFPt5K-wKEs/UkL_TyT0FuI/AAAAAAAAB5A/cgC4-WZ4Kik/s640/blogger-image--1876704546.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's was such a beautiful morning & the perfect way to kick off the beginning of fall! The sun was out, the temperature was in the low 70s, & we were surrounded by our sweet homeschool friends! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PpfdbKWXjbE/UkNRtL5CMGI/AAAAAAAAB6U/-6UENnjiJS4/s640/blogger-image-1900421087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PpfdbKWXjbE/UkNRtL5CMGI/AAAAAAAAB6U/-6UENnjiJS4/s640/blogger-image-1900421087.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We kicked things off with a train ride to scope out the scene. The Agriculture Museum is like going back in time! All the old buildings & materials are so much fun to look at & make you even more happy you for modern conveniences!! If you're ever in MS I highly recommend checking it out, especially in October or November when they have the cotton gin & saw mill going! During that time they also have a blacksmith working & free, yummy biscuits with syrup! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Q2lrCdn3LPc/UkRb3Cynl5I/AAAAAAAAB7E/vNkPvfpjVm4/s640/blogger-image-1410533843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Q2lrCdn3LPc/UkRb3Cynl5I/AAAAAAAAB7E/vNkPvfpjVm4/s640/blogger-image-1410533843.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Q_rpYe1L5go/UkNQtPN12QI/AAAAAAAAB5k/WOfbBl2RRZE/s640/blogger-image-1139539694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Q_rpYe1L5go/UkNQtPN12QI/AAAAAAAAB5k/WOfbBl2RRZE/s640/blogger-image-1139539694.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Sc3yc6BPSgw/UkRbytjd1II/AAAAAAAAB68/jHUI3g6Dg34/s640/blogger-image-399976831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Sc3yc6BPSgw/UkRbytjd1II/AAAAAAAAB68/jHUI3g6Dg34/s640/blogger-image-399976831.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After walking around we stopped at the old General Store for a break complete with glass bottled cokes & roasted, salted pecans. They were incredibly delicious! The kiddos enjoyed playing checkers with the bottle caps on the porch...though I don't think they really knew what they were doing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S1YOzbtdksA/UkNXUbF28WI/AAAAAAAAB6s/dcdn2Axu5Lk/s640/blogger-image--321534519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S1YOzbtdksA/UkNXUbF28WI/AAAAAAAAB6s/dcdn2Axu5Lk/s640/blogger-image--321534519.jpg"></a></div>The petting zoo ignited my boys desire for country living! Every animal we saw they asked if they could get one when we moved! Not sure how their daddy will feel about that! Ha! If you look at the cow in the pic in the top left you'll notice him nuzzling the horse. He was the only cow amongst about 4-5 horses & he kept kissing & licking them! He even tried to mount a pony! Thankfully the kids didn't notice so we didn't have to explain anything. Us moms, however, had a great laugh!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9Ih3JcmeWgs/UkNRgSpd1OI/AAAAAAAAB58/zkGwgHNccr4/s640/blogger-image--744582828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9Ih3JcmeWgs/UkNRgSpd1OI/AAAAAAAAB58/zkGwgHNccr4/s640/blogger-image--744582828.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CoLRmbbV--U/UkNQyDvaQxI/AAAAAAAAB5s/BtJG2v4xyc8/s640/blogger-image-1759991591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CoLRmbbV--U/UkNQyDvaQxI/AAAAAAAAB5s/BtJG2v4xyc8/s640/blogger-image-1759991591.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The kids were amazed that cars used to not have seat belts & that the back door opened the opposite way. One of our little friends even asked where the DVD player was! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-83Aosarcr3E/UkNQ2W_S64I/AAAAAAAAB50/IwwNylLWcJE/s640/blogger-image-992328102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-83Aosarcr3E/UkNQ2W_S64I/AAAAAAAAB50/IwwNylLWcJE/s640/blogger-image-992328102.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JaRO_EJHaOs/UkNRx0-4wUI/AAAAAAAAB6c/H0Cn_xfGYjI/s640/blogger-image-530267685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JaRO_EJHaOs/UkNRx0-4wUI/AAAAAAAAB6c/H0Cn_xfGYjI/s640/blogger-image-530267685.jpg"></a></div>My boys' favorite part was the train room! There were a TON of motorized trains & models of small towns. They were mesmerized by it all! Brady begged for a room like that, but I had to explain that room was bigger than our house!! They were even more thrilled when they found a little Thomas train zooming back & forth!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0tUJ2caPEnE/UkL_PAFhzkI/AAAAAAAAB44/8BqhG2V5inQ/s640/blogger-image--525538945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0tUJ2caPEnE/UkL_PAFhzkI/AAAAAAAAB44/8BqhG2V5inQ/s640/blogger-image--525538945.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sweet Chapel just hung out in the carrier I was wearing & napped most of the time. She is such a good baby!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QZ3lG_Hiens/UkNRlFTyttI/AAAAAAAAB6E/9BPYpSQwxhI/s640/blogger-image-561588110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QZ3lG_Hiens/UkNRlFTyttI/AAAAAAAAB6E/9BPYpSQwxhI/s640/blogger-image-561588110.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Below is a picture of my sweet Rylan & his BFF Thomas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6zlgDuF51vE/UkNRo5HVCzI/AAAAAAAAB6M/GVpf1yzULag/s640/blogger-image-1100598240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6zlgDuF51vE/UkNRo5HVCzI/AAAAAAAAB6M/GVpf1yzULag/s640/blogger-image-1100598240.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Somewhere I have a picture of myself in this same, giant rocking chair when I was about 12 or so.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-b094nVAWX7k/UkL_YsMoZBI/AAAAAAAAB5I/1jxN0IB4f_w/s640/blogger-image--2136910236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-b094nVAWX7k/UkL_YsMoZBI/AAAAAAAAB5I/1jxN0IB4f_w/s640/blogger-image--2136910236.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had such a fun time! I almost talked myself out of not going because I was super sleepy that morning & this was my first major outing with all four kiddos without my awesome Mr. Thankfully they were well behaved & our homeschool group is fabulous! We all look out for each others' kids like they all belong to us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Have a blessed day sweet readers!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div> </div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635780134613949478.post-62911124043215256742013-09-22T20:54:00.001-05:002013-09-22T20:54:09.449-05:00Fail To Plan...You know the rest...plan to fail. Too too true!<div><br></div><div>Last weekend we had a homeschool cookout & a big church luncheon & I bypassed all the junk & not so good for me stuff & stuck to clean items as closely as possible! I was SO proud of myself. Because we were gone all weekend I didn't meal prep or plan. Monday wasn't bad, I had just enough food from the week before to eat clean, but Tuesday was a different story. </div><div><br></div><div>I had the healthy food, but never got around to prepping it which is crucial for on the go, last minute plans. All that hit Tuesday. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GElTOVsrINI/Uj-fK1o_bJI/AAAAAAAAB4g/Zx8wrEQOntY/s640/blogger-image--1378806214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GElTOVsrINI/Uj-fK1o_bJI/AAAAAAAAB4g/Zx8wrEQOntY/s640/blogger-image--1378806214.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Rylan had his 5 year old check up (which went great!) & then my dear husband was able to work me in to get my back treated. He does Myofascial Release which helps with pain management of all sorts of things from migraines, fibromyalgia, TMJ, scar tissue pain, etc etc etc. By the time he was done we decided to hang around until he was done so we could drive out to Good Hope (see last post). </div><div><br></div><div>By then I was STARVING!!! I was way under my calories especially or breastfeeding & the ONLY thing to et was ice cream! Seriously! So I chose to eat a small portion & guzzled water. The week continued to be abnormal as did my eating. Thankfully when I weighed I still managed to lose 2 pounds!! Normally I would feel guilty about messing up & I would then binge, but not this time. No guilt. I realize where I went wrong & now I'm more prepared to hit the ground running & finish what I started! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6ux8l1sLsB0/Uj-fP1F5zeI/AAAAAAAAB4o/W2XqEIhN6-o/s640/blogger-image--510701495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6ux8l1sLsB0/Uj-fP1F5zeI/AAAAAAAAB4o/W2XqEIhN6-o/s640/blogger-image--510701495.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I'm super happy that Chapel turns 12 weeks on Tuesday & can FINALLY go to the childcare at our gym!! Hopefully breastfeeding won't interrupt my favorite classes! Please continue praying for me in this! My goal to be fit & healthy is one I'm determined to achieve! Have a super blessed week!! I'll be checking in again soon! I'm LOVING having blogger on my iPhone!! :)</div>MommaAshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11588599316027687411noreply@blogger.com0