HaHa Halloween

Halloween is becoming more fun as the kids are getting older and understanding. This year carrying from house to house was minimal, and they didn't just stare at the homeowner when they came to the door. The weather took a turn for the cold, and so we did a speedy version of the past few years.

The weekend before Halloween we went to the local zoo for 'Boo In the Zoo'. It was a cute effort, and the kids enjoyed the scavenger hunt and carousel. We are year members at the zoo so the appeal of the zoo itself wasn't there, but any excuse to get more wear out of the costumes will get us there.

Paisley loved the blow up things.. She watched them, then she hugged them right before or after she would literally punch them. She absolutely cracks me up with that huge personality.

If you can't tell already, we had a sea theme. When Lilly Scott decided to be a Caribbean pirate and Paisley wanted to be a mermaid (that is LS' old costume, btw), it was only fitting to add two more sea personalities- Mac was a pirate, and Wells was a lobster.

As always, the carousel is a must. We ride this thing at least half a dozen times each trip to the zoo.

Then comes actual Halloween.... Worse Halloween of my life. Let me tell you....

And I have like 2 pictures total... here's why...

We always go to the Martin's Halloween party for chili and trick or treating. Everyone enjoyed a big bowl of homemade chili with desserts galore. Yum. Right what we need before eating candy- or so we thought. We make our rounds through the neighborhood, and here are the only two pictures I have:

Wells was in the stroller because it was so cold, and Paisley rode in a wagon with Ella Grace. Apparently Mac was my speed.
When we returned to the Martins, LS started crying saying she didn't feel well. Poor thing, you ate too much candy, I thought, because I'm such the compassionate mom. She took some pepto, but then tears started. Jordan and I started loading up the car because she was melting, and no one had popcorn for the show.

We get down the street, and I clarify if her stomach is like a puke hurt or an 'I need to go to the bathroom hurt.' She says bathroom so I breathe a bit easier. Then... not even a minute later, Paisley starts puking. I have a spider body when that stuff happens because I can get to the back seat faster than if my car was on fire, I'm sure of it. I dump out the headphones and hold the bucket for her. Picture our seating arrangement... We have 3 rows, LS is in the middle row, I'm in the back row between M and P. As she's finishing, Lilly Scott projectile vomits CHILI across.the.car FOUR times. Oh dear Lord. (Grammar friends, forgive my desire to italicize, bold, underline, and capital every word in these sentences.) It was red, had whole beans, and smelled AWFUL. I took the bucket from Paisley to give LS for her to finish. Just then, Paisley started again. What was I to do but cup my hand for her a new bowl. Seriously. Mom of the year. Between two pukers and my hand literally in the middle, what choice did I have but to join them? So here I go, but where? Oh, IN MY LAP! I'm pretty sure Jordan had his head out the window the entire car ride, and I remember Mac yelling, "Get me out! Get me out!" Me too, buddy.

Finally we got home, and Jordan took Lysol, Clorox, and probably a pressure washer to the inside of my car. There was puke everywhere, and everything inside went into the washer.

That was a lot of details, and I'll spare the rest. Jordan and Wells were the only ones spared this go around, and we were all up watching Disney Jr. at 3 Saturday morning.

We are all better, and the candy hasn't been touched.

As always,
ashley

Wells is 11 Months!

Here we are again.. Do I start every month post like this? Because I certainly feel like I do. The new month is always a reality check that time doesn't slow no matter what. I've always found that looking forward old man time seems so slow and advanced, but we look backward at the same number of days/weeks/months/years, and time has absolutely flown. All the more reason to be still, my friends. 

Wells, 

You are 11 months old TODAY. Stop it. I can't believe it. This month has been yet another time frame allotted to witness and document your growth and personality. Even the loss of your first tooth. Gasp. It has happened. Keep reading for the details...

This month you started pulling up on almost everything. You've not let go, but we are in no hurry. I know what happens after than step, buddy. Your temperament is still pretty calm, but you've started this straightening of your arms and legs and a loud grunt when you're not happy. You, mister, are letting us know when something isn't okay with you. Today you wore hard sole Keds (Mac's first pair) to church, and you grunted and kicked the whole way to church. You're in between shoe sizes in the soft sole shoes so we don't have a pair. The weather keeps playing tricks on me, and this morning I spent 30 minutes in the attic trying to find your size in a collared shirt for church. You ended up in a 2T that was hanging in the closet. 

I finally captured the nose crinkle you do! Ahhh!

This month you clap your hands and siiiiing, boy, you sing! We've gotten a piece of your tune on video, but there is so much more where it comes from. 

You're in 12-18 month sizes, sleep and eat like a champ, and melt hearts everywhere. I've failed to write about your church buddy, Mr. Terry, but he's rocked you during church since your first time in the nursery. You love him, and I'm pretty sure it makes his morning to snuggle you. :o) Now he has to sit on the floor because you're ready to go, but I know he gets a few cuddles still. 

You watch your brother and sisters every.single.minute. When we wake up M and P from nap, you kick and squeal from excitement. It's so cute to see you watch and follow after them. The older you get, the more they'll play with you, I promise. You always get 1:1 time in the bath with Mac. You both love the water, and Paisley is too busy trying to get out so she can see what everyone else is doing.

We went to the beach this month. In your short 11 months you've been to Disney World and the beach twice. I'm glad Jesus gave you an adaptable spirit since we are a busy family on the go!

On the last month post, I wrote about the tumble you took. I was more concerned about the bump on your head, but your tooth took more of a beating than I realized. At first I noted it was pushed up, then as it came back down I saw it was chipped. Last weekend it started to turn gray. I am overwhelmed with guilt even as I write this... We went to the dentist last week, and the x ray showed your tooth was dying from the inside out. So within 20 hours we went back to have that tiny piece of your babyhood removed. I was a mess about it, but God has given me such a peace in our decision to follow Dr. Jason's advice.

 

The night before the procedure you wouldn't sleep. You woke up about every hour and just cried. I kept you beside me all night for my heart and yours. Dad took a picture of us snoozing.

Our appointment at 7:30 the next morning...

 You were such a trooper, and I rubbed your foot and talked to you the entire time. After the 473954th time of my saying your name and reminding you that I loved you, I realized the dental staff probably wanted to put tape over my mouth. Oh well. You knew I was there even when you couldn't see me, and that is all that mattered.
A huge part of the peace we feel is that you've not woken in the middle of the night since the tooth was removed. That is an answered prayer to know that you're not in pain, sweet babe. 

We love you, Wellsy!

-mom and dad

Closet Tune Up for Fall 2014

Clothes... Shoes... Accessories. I'm a girl, I love clothes, but I'm pretty much a comfort stickler with my shoes. I love jewelry, and scarves are fun once we get over the hurdle of feeling silly because we aren't quite sure if it's being worn correctly {If this is you, get comfortable with an infinity scarf first- less pressure.}

This week I've actually enjoyed some me time in reading what is in store for Fall 2014. It's about time, right? I mean it is October. Is it safe to be fashionably late in this sense? Haha, well it'll have to be. I've been busy, Michael Kors.

Let me first say that I am by NO means going to step out in high heels or straight off the runway attire, and I don't own a size 2 bod either. I mostly sport yoga pants from being at the gym or just wanting to feel like I've just been to the gym. It's true. So if you see me and I'm not decked out in 'my word, you look great!', well, it just hasn't happened that day. I'm okay with that.  Only one way to go from there.

Blogs are great to read for sooo many reasons, and this week I've been into what to have and what to purge from my closet. I love a good purge, but there's always that doubt of 'what if...?' Sing with me, sisters, Let it go, let it go, can't hold it back anymore. Let the bubble necklaces go. Toss the camis that are stretched or the underarms that have yellowed {we all have that favorite cami that has seen waaaay too many summers, right?}. I read a quote the other day: If it cups, it's too small. Let that and anything you haven't worn in a year bring joy to another closet. Rid yourself of the 'what ifs' because chances are if it hasn't been used in 365 days, it doesn't need to take up precious space in your closet.

One friend's blog I read is Natasha's called Hello!Happiness. She has been a great resource to pilot my search for other fashionista tips like Tina Adams Consulting blog. She has a blog for men also. I have to take baby steps for my guy. {The same one who embraces every chance to wear one of his 18 hooded sweatshirts.}

Natasha wrote for Tina Adams about her closet purge, and straight from her blog, here is my summary:
1. Get a full length mirror.
2. Camisoles are a hidden gem. {My freshman year college roomie is way on top of this, she always sported a cami in 2003.} Vanilla, black, and nude are all the colors we need. Look for finished seams because they hide under clothes better.
3. Matching hangers. I have always been OCD about nothing hanging on a hanger if it doesn't match. So I stick with the white plastic hangers. Somehow over the years maroon and hunter green (barf) have made their way into our closet, and those are being weeded out as I can. The wire hangers get tossed every time I see them. They are so sloppy looking and deserve to be recycled ASAP.
4. Dry cleaning plastic bags = recycle. They damage clothing fibers and seriously look like saran wrap in the closet. We don't buy clothes that need dry cleaned so this isn't a problem for us. Maybe I'll get brave one day and splurge for that top with the symbol that nixes the washer and dryer.

Once the purge happens, here are great resources for piecing together a closet with fashion minded {not to be confused with the word trendy... moms don't need to be 'trendy'} sense...

Jewelry: dainty is the word. Toss the heavy, bulky bubble necklaces of 2013 facebook sales, and adorn the gold and silver jewelry. Layer the lengths to add dimension and personality to an outfit. I have added a gold bar to my wish list. If you know me, I wear the coin necklace with each of my kids initials on it, and that's my favorite go to for a gold touch.

Pants: I'm so glad to see that bootcut isn't always flared. Bootcut just covers the shoes where flare is a statement from the 70s. Bootcut flatters more legs, and who doesn't want that?! This being said, skinny pants are still in as well as leggings. Let's be clear in saying that leggings are NOT pants, however. Personal rule: leggings only worn if the top covers the rear plus a few {or several... depending on how many lunges one has achieved} inches.

Zella leggings are my favorite. Nordstrom.com ships both ways for free.

Shoes: This was news to me, but pictures don't lie: pointed toe versus rounded toe... points for the win. Not witch hat points, but more almond shape toe than rounded.

Plaid: scarves, shoes, shirts- do it. Plaid doesn't have to be stapled with western boots, although that's fun too. Just don't go for the Little House on the Prairie plaid. Lauren Scrugg's magazine did a great post on a scarf that is next to impossible to find now, but it's at Target!

Tees: V and scoop necks versus crewneck... go for open necklines to create proportion and balance with the rest of the body.

Native inspiration: go for the arrows, native stitching, and accessories with fringe.

Cognac: Named after a town in France, it's a type of brandy... Cognac goes with black and brown... anything but red. Say it with me 'con-yak'. Think boots and purses.

After working at JCrew in college, I saw the same shirt purchased by 25 girls. I started to cringe at the thought of people knowing exactly where and when an item was bought, so I've sought unique places to buy from whenever I can. I still value the JCrew/Gap staple, but I have to be careful not to fill my space with one store, especially if it's 'safe' for me. Here are some shops I like:

Amazon.com is great for accessories. Personally, I don't trust ordering a main outfit component from Amazon unless I know the brand and fit.

The Red Dress Boutique

In Bloom Boutique

Sole Society for shoes and purses

Heart and Home Collection for accessories

I'll add more as I think of them. Since I was pregnant last fall, I'm in definite need of a tune up. I'm still adjusting to this post twins and singleton frame, and it's an adventure to find what does and doesn't work. After coordinating the kiddos, it's okay for us to spend time making ourselves feel put together also. So grab a couple wardrobe staples and toss in a fun accessory or two.

Any shops or tips you care to share???

-ashley

The Struggle is Real

I'm writing with a different mindset. I always write from my heart, but I don't always share the truth behind the writer. Here's my truth: I struggle. There is a loooong list of areas where I am not Christ centered or focused, and I am only saved by the precious blood of Jesus. His grace that pours into me is real, and it overwhelms my sinful, undeserving soul. 

As I thought on this post, I couldn't figure out what to title or where to focus. Joy versus happiness, struggles, faith- all areas I could share. Then it hit me that I am among brothers and sisters who, like me, struggle through one, two, or ten things.

My truth is this... life isn't perfect, I am impatient with my kids, critical of my husband, controlling, often focused on materialism, and exercise to fit back into my skinny jeans. There. It's out there..... and I may puke.

Kids... My kids are amazing, prayed for, and completely adored. But they whine, are needy, make messes, don't listen every time, push my limits, and straight up get on my nerves sometimes. In moments like this, it's a battle to remember that I am working for the King {Colossians 3:23, Ephesians 6:7} rather than these energy absorbing kiddos we are raising. However, in the midst of chaos when I feel my chest is about to explode, I don't always fall to my knees. I often let the enemy magnify little things that make me so overwhelmed I stand on the edge of crazy.

I have an idea of how things should be done. When they aren't completed how I would do it, I may choose to make mention. Rather than being grateful for a teammate, sometimes I choose to critique because my own insecurities prevail. Yet He still loves and pursues me: husband and Creator.

I dream of a large, Kardashian-like closet in my 6 bedroom lake house where we host family gatherings and social festivities. The Bible is pretty clear on this ugly ideal. Not that having nice things is wrong, it's where my heart and motivation lie.

So with this confession of my trials, I will share where my eyes are lead and my heart pursues:
When I am weak, HE is strong. In the midst of my anxiety, He is steadfast. When I seek earthly happiness, I am reminded that Jesus didn't die for my happiness, he gave his life for my soul. {Isn't my soul of exponential value compared to anything on earth?}

Bottom line: I am held in the palm of His hands wherever I am.

As I hope for grace from my Heavenly Father, I must practice giving my family and myself grace. When I am flustered, He pops into my head about how flustering I can be because I just won't listen... or surrender.

 I don't have it all together, but I am a daughter of a King who does. 

So today I want to reciprocate the encouragement I have received.
No matter the issue, we are not alone, and He meets us where we are in that very struggle. We just have to turn from ourselves and accept Him.

as always,

ashley

Wells is 10 months!

Here it is: double digits. My goodness. The beauty of doing this {close to} the day you turn another month is I am not guessing if things really happened this month or the next.

When I pull out the month stickers, the next month 'label' is staring me in the face. I think 'not anytime soon' as if the sticker is the thief of time, but then the day rolls around that it's time to post another month on your chest for a picture. 

So here we are sharing about your ninth month of life and living in the 10th month of your wonderfulness

 This month you've ventured to crawling... or really a scoot, we will say. I know you move because you're never in the same spot for more than a couple seconds. Even when I'm feeding you a favorite food. When not exercising your right to the scoot, you get frustrated with the front leg because it gets stuck underneath you. Then the scoot happens.

You sat up on your own in the crib this month. I looked at the monitor and saw this! Then we lowered the crib. 

You continue to adore your sisters and brother. You kick and grin ear to ear when you see them. It makes this mama's heart melt into pieces.

Clapping is your favorite thing. You clap at songs, people, and celebrations. It's so sweet to see your chubby face light up and the clap begins. You are so completely adored and loved, sweet Wells.

Because you are a number 4, you have more adventures than anyone else your age. Just this month we've gone to the Discovery Center, the jump park, and a few dance lessons. Never a dull moment for you, and the easy temperament you have just goes with the flow. I so appreciate that. 

You LOVE bath time and splashing. Your right cheek still has that precious dimple, and this month you sprouted a third tooth! It has come in the top left. 

One night you cried when I laid you down, and it was an hour long ordeal. After I rocked you for a bit, bedtime started. That was a highlight of my month: I got to rock you to sleep. I realize these days are quickly passing so these sweet moments are forever in my heart.

On your big 10 month we celebrated at Orange Leaf with Hudson and June. We are so excited you are 10 months, but we will also look for any reason to have Orange Leaf. 

You also took a tumble on this big, double digit month birthday. You cried, and I felt like poo because you moved faster than me in this blink of an eye. 

This post is a few days late so here's your selfie on the real 9.19.14:

We love you so SO much, Wells!

Our Present Tense- Summer 2014

You two are so much fun. You make me laugh and keep me on my toes. I've tried to remember little things you do or say so that I could document them here. 

Paisley, you don't like my mama stare. You will cover your eyes and tell me to stop when you're getting the stare.

I can't help it. You are so mischievous, little miss. Last night you were nowhere to be found, and we couldn't hear you. That means something is brewing. Low and behold we found you in the dining room devouring a block of cheese. You love cheese. 

Mac, sweet and gentle are still appropriate terms for you. Your funny moment today was running up and telling me there were butterflies in your foot. Apparently you were sitting on your foot, and it fell asleep. We stomped together until all the butterflies were gone. 

Sports.. Y'all love to race and throw. Ball. Dad is waiting on his athletic child. LS is doing great in swimming, and this is a good outlet for everyone. We love going to meets, and we love even more when she improves her time (which she has done every meet for the last 2 weeks). 

You both have an 'arm' as dad says. P has quite a strong throw, and she has potential to do some damage. She's also fast. 

Mac is big. You won't be playing football (mama can't do it), but your future in other areas is bright. 

We've found a t ball league for y'all next year. I'm so excited! 

I love watching your relationship grow, and I will nurture sibling relationships as much as I can. These are some of the most important people in our life- this mama will encourage and champion them always. 

Chocolates and Knowledge

Mac and Paisley are in their second week of school. Last week was the first (obviously), and Lilly Scott was late twice. Mom has got to get it together. So this week I succumbed to an earlier wake time. It really has helped, but I still wish I could 'hit the ground running' like I did before kids. I mean I was at the gym for a 6am spin class at least 2-3 times a week. Now. Ha. I'm good to get to 10am turbo. And then I need to crawl the rest of the day. 

Today was no different, really. LS got a book from the library 'because she likes to know everything', Paisley helped herself to some cocoa almonds while I fed/tricked Wells into eating a veggie/lentil mix between bites of banana. No, I'm not a chef. It's whatever Ella's Kitchen whipped up thanks toTarget  coupons and my good ole Red card. 

And right now, I'm hiding on the stairs. Paisley won't go to sleep and Wells got her memo. 

I love you kids. I really do. But come bedtime, I melt into the floor. So there's not much left in me. Come on, moms, am I alone here? 

And an hour later... 

The knot is from falling forward as little mister is trying to learn to crawl. :(

-aa