mamas

http://There is a Momma who picks up her baby from the crib after each sleep and smells his wonderful baby smell, feels the warmth that remains after a cuddly sleep and grins with foolish abandon at the sweetness of the moment and there is a momma who no longer can!

There is a momma who fixes a cup of "Meeeillk" and cuddles some more and gets in a few quick tickles just to hear that deep hearty laugh and there is a momma who no longer can!

There is a momma who holds her baby a few seconds longer even as he demands "dowwwnnnn" because there is a momma who no longer can!

The aunt of a friend of the sister of my best friend lost her baby a few weeks ago but have remained in the forefront of my mind not just because of their loss but mostly because of their courage, hope, and amazing ability to find a rainbow (or Banebow as they call it) in the clouds!

This family has asked all of us in the name of their precious boy Bane to find something, anything that we can do for another. They are calling it the Bane Bane game! I am still praying for something that seems worthy for this sweet sweet baby but I also want the family to know that my family stands with them!

Tonight, was just r o u g h period! Brad was going to be late, I knew without him telling me. It is a short week since the Titans play on Thursday. Jack has a cold and is crabby. Cole was way past hungry! I am working so hard on preparing meals that are healthy and good for our family that I just keep trying new things! I asked the boys to sit at the table and I pulled out several activities. The dinner I had chosen looked great and quick was even in the title but it was hard, time intensive and not crabby 5 year old and past hungry 19mo old friendly. Cole screamed through most of the preparation as I rushed from the stove to the table alternating snacks and activities. I was becoming more and more frazzled. I finally got it finished and gave the kids their plates. Before I was able to sit down they had both tried it and both spit it out and decided that they hated it! I really wanted to cry! I was a.l.l d.o.n.e. Then I asked that we hold hands for prayer. "Dear Lord, Please give me peace through dinner and the night. Lord, will you also please show us who we can help in the Bane Bane game. Amen. Cole said "Mamen" and Jack my forever competitor asked how he could win the Bane Bane game and I replied, "we all win if we just play!" Cole began chanting Bane Bane Bane! Peace washed over me and the direction of the night completely shifted! I felt better and was renewed with patience yo pull out the turkey and cheese and enjoy my babes. In that moment, I was profoundly reminded only the Lord knows how long they will be with me!
Will you play along as well?

Vote for Ashley

Since June 21, 2010 I have finally gotten around to my new years resolution of taking better care of my body. I have started doing a lot to try to make healthy decisions. A lot of what I have done is normally referred to as a lifestyle change.

However, when I heard that phrase I really did not like it. I love my life! I truly have everything that I have ever dreamed of having. God has blessed our family beyond measure and beyond my ability to be grateful enough! I thought if I made a lifestyle change that my family would suffer because of it. My days are already pretty busy how could I possibly add another thing? Would I be so mean because I felt so deprived and just plain hungry? Would I have to become a short order cook because no one could possibly eat what I eat. How could I fit exercise into my day? I am usually going from 6:30a.m. to 8:30p.m. each and every day! Also all of this would cost a lot to accomplish. How was our budget going to handle that?
Well instead of a lifestyle change I am re-naming it to a vast lifestyle improvement! I can get excited about that! Most everything I have worried about has not been the case at all! I feel so much better that preparing healthy food and exercising has been pretty easy to fit into my days. My family loves the food and it truly tastes better than what I fixed before. I am so rewarded that I am doing better by them! It is expensive! There is no way around that! However, we eat out way less and so that does help!

After watching a documentary called Food Inc. a lot became clear as well. Healthy food is more expensive but is so worth it! "Food Inc" and another documentary "Silent Killer" changed the way I look at food completely! I highly recommend them both! I am sure there are parts of both of them that people would not agree with, however I am taking it all as gospel because it keeps me from eating some really unhealthy things.

Here are the things that I am trying: I have significantly reduced sugar and white flour. I eat on a salad plate and use a salad fork. I cook from cooking light. I buy as much organic as possible especially meat and dairy. I have reduced processed foods and increased fresh fruits and vegetables. I also exercises for an hour every day. I have given up soft drinks and try to drink 72 oz. of water daily. I rarely eat fast food and I have so much energy! I have lost 20lbs.

I am writing this to ask for your support! I know that this sounds like a politician! Vote for Ashley for Lifestyle Improvement! However, I do mean it. If you can pray for me pray for me. If you can write me a note of encouragement write me! If you have something kind to say say it! There is still a battle for me. If I slip up I beat myself up about it rather than focus on the things that I am doing right! I look at how far I have to go and I am discouraged! I worry that the fall will be so busy that I will have a hard time keeping up! So vote for me!

lovin' summer in pictures