tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88187245215725138572024-03-12T20:37:41.489-06:00{Darling Blue}A post about my lovesAshley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-29874168981741766992011-04-25T13:21:00.004-06:002011-04-25T13:48:26.086-06:00Easter Best...or worst?!This is our best shot of the family before church Easter morning. In a batch of about 20 pictures this was the best or worst? Any who, we had a fun Easter and hope you did to.<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27449289@N06/5654196988/" title="IMG_1909 by fun2themaximus, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5654196988_87cd701b3b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1909" /></a></div>Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-68729438148517509842011-03-25T22:10:00.004-06:002011-03-27T20:28:09.868-06:00<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27449289@N06/5559570009/" title="5511309858_0ea98bb393_o by fun2themaximus, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5309/5559570009_1c3d63bdd6.jpg" width="351" height="500" alt="5511309858_0ea98bb393_o" /></a><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Last month Elle turned two. For me, my children's birthdays are as much a time of mourning as of celebration. On the night before their birthday I have to hold them especially tight and shed a tear knowing this the last time I will hold them at that age. Often I find myself retracting from other areas of my life because I am trying to grasp all I can of their childhood. This is especially true of Elle because she is determined. And that includes determined to grow up. She does not want to follow Max's foot steps but keep stride with him. They are a wonderful pair.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Elle I love you so. During the past year I loved watching you dance. As soon as you were walking you were dancing all over the house. You are a natural and the way your little body moves is so entirely Elle. I prefer your singing from the back seat to any radio station. We will never forget the fearless way you ran straight into the ocean waves the first time you were at the beach. This coupled with your genuine fear of Sandy (the gentle horse ride at the grocery store) is a great irony and mystery that recalls your soft side too. Having Elle in our home is like living with a story book creature. Your voice and sounds are too cute to be real and turn our lives into a make believe world. Your lack of interest in the potty training bring us right back to reality. For the past year (and beyond) I have tried to tame your hair. Your lustrous locks, like the rest of you, are not to be tamed. Elle is confident and will choose for herself. You also have a wild way about you. It is subtle but not to be over looked. This led to your first set of stitches this year. I am confident they will not be your last. You are a great mix of sweet and sassy, soft yet adventurous. Sad as I am to see this year end I am anxious to see what the next one reveals. Happy, unhappy birthday little love.</div>Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-59328362368724365592011-01-17T12:29:00.003-06:002011-01-17T12:39:05.016-06:00Baby Holden<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27449289@N06/5363934505/" title="IMG_1717 by fun2themaximus, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5246/5363934505_038aecaccd.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_1717" /></a><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27449289@N06/5363934505/" title="IMG_1717 by fun2themaximus, on Flickr"></a>Welcome baby Holden. He was a wonderful early Christmas gift, born December 18th. Our biggest baby so far at 8lbs 9oz. So far he is doing great but wants to be held all of the time. Max and Elle are loving their new brother and he looks like one of us. Hooray for Holden!<br /><br /></div>Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-77858894575921339662010-03-21T21:49:00.003-06:002010-03-21T22:01:14.157-06:00Birthday Girl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOUsIfBcEYAEvUPgmW3rRXXovfysZpFLObVW7VrA1Fu4jGH7jMaApdFL0eV495IMKq1gdOVhkoZqUJZJNFes4pzbqZ8lp5BzomtkexxlPfsdq8BFy4rDSL5JMYWhrUfFHyhpjLF_Vqln4/s1600-h/IMG_1190.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451301034993550450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOUsIfBcEYAEvUPgmW3rRXXovfysZpFLObVW7VrA1Fu4jGH7jMaApdFL0eV495IMKq1gdOVhkoZqUJZJNFes4pzbqZ8lp5BzomtkexxlPfsdq8BFy4rDSL5JMYWhrUfFHyhpjLF_Vqln4/s320/IMG_1190.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjuxUztxoV-9Sz88aL8KoWGwp7-mgi_4a2pBBhTg2hO408cM91cSF5YRfbjJWWXGFhz83sDyaC4pHRt7fz9ePmauqPPl2FtmhEK6K0a0stdD7yWuMvIfn6G64qZt6iNBASKYmp0bgSrTS/s1600-h/IMG_1197.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451301025750576130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjuxUztxoV-9Sz88aL8KoWGwp7-mgi_4a2pBBhTg2hO408cM91cSF5YRfbjJWWXGFhz83sDyaC4pHRt7fz9ePmauqPPl2FtmhEK6K0a0stdD7yWuMvIfn6G64qZt6iNBASKYmp0bgSrTS/s320/IMG_1197.JPG" /></a> Our little girl on her big day. We love you as much as you loved</div><div align="center"> your birthday cake!<br /><br /><div></div></div>Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-88912666193832557862009-11-08T21:06:00.002-06:002009-11-08T21:20:03.577-06:00Nine Months Old<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiFiT1S58jAa-vSfr_j2pkb4IdGvAeuPGEgV0Rupv1IKXikWFiBW3tQp_-QLr6xwxX-xBv7rJ_bcZTjbU0Gb9z2OD_GXE60jVuXpC0dQA8OtJOEHr9kNEyz0gcanvos196T-VWOdiHCZi/s1600-h/IMG_1083.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401937175221041218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiFiT1S58jAa-vSfr_j2pkb4IdGvAeuPGEgV0Rupv1IKXikWFiBW3tQp_-QLr6xwxX-xBv7rJ_bcZTjbU0Gb9z2OD_GXE60jVuXpC0dQA8OtJOEHr9kNEyz0gcanvos196T-VWOdiHCZi/s400/IMG_1083.JPG" /></a> It is hard to believe that she has been outside just as long as she was inside. I feel a bit guilty not posting the last six months and hoarding them all to myself but I have been enjoying these two little people immensely. <br /><div></div>Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-89915528335108589672009-05-31T23:17:00.003-06:002009-05-31T23:26:28.899-06:00Overheard<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2bHAMflUX73etBdDHddiYLkuAeXiBmWWke8YydW3LLyZi55n6tVSwKbjrUuOlYMyWGes8NaM5Lex3yw9gZbfq-kkPqajsmdcc_fuxbuHFZQ-JZNuAPlh6M7uybIpX9rwIuGfhpSf6kuX/s1600-h/max&elle1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342225732512363714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2bHAMflUX73etBdDHddiYLkuAeXiBmWWke8YydW3LLyZi55n6tVSwKbjrUuOlYMyWGes8NaM5Lex3yw9gZbfq-kkPqajsmdcc_fuxbuHFZQ-JZNuAPlh6M7uybIpX9rwIuGfhpSf6kuX/s320/max&elle1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Corey: "Max was that an accident or did you do it on purpose."</div><br /><div>Max: silence</div><br /><div>Corey: "Do you know what is means to do something on purpose?"</div><br /><div>Max: "Yes."</div><br /><div>Corey: "What?"</div><br /><div>Max: "It means time out."</div>Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-91288893489413304502009-04-06T22:40:00.012-06:002009-04-13T13:58:37.536-06:00Two Month Birthday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDCUbA4Ww_C_BvhdIch9vkN43Je9oMwKlvfwW1iJNVZi_ByUoP04XoIsLBAa1w1qpINHti6S4M0enutr_Hze3rmMIkLP6rF9uMYeCNT99m02XzFAPSexEHLRagbhZpZ0SXwiFyEwccmFc/s1600-h/kisses+for+elle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321822683416778290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDCUbA4Ww_C_BvhdIch9vkN43Je9oMwKlvfwW1iJNVZi_ByUoP04XoIsLBAa1w1qpINHti6S4M0enutr_Hze3rmMIkLP6rF9uMYeCNT99m02XzFAPSexEHLRagbhZpZ0SXwiFyEwccmFc/s320/kisses+for+elle.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>Happy happy two months little Elle Belle. Our sweet little Elle is showing a somewhat spunky side. I love watching her change daily and grow into her own. Her little nose is still pug, eyes are intense (like her personality) and bright blue framed by long, curly eyelashes- perfect for butterfly kisses. She has dainty little hands that are finding their way to that sweetheart mouth more and more frequently and kissable, round cheeks. Perhaps her most striking feature is her dark hair that forms a mohawk of curls on her crown and contrasts her snow white complexion. </div><br /><div>Elle smiles and coos in the morning and her spunky side comes out as evening wears on. She brightens up when she hears her adoring brother who gives her dozens of kisses each day. Although she is only two months old our love for her has more than doubled. </div><div></div></div>Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-7048407667835805512009-02-19T12:07:00.004-06:002009-02-19T12:17:42.324-06:00I'm an Aunt!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_D4l9g6AssIZd4PU_JByCpueUyxZ3j180RP-xmn_9vTp7CR-Cz_bOnZwR-XI46A_gQZi5NvJfIApZ1JUs-t7eRcAjb8G0ElPOfsW8L1gjsGt_e5PcGIvUT4dLwxQJP5N5E4lr6OogVrb/s1600-h/ant.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_D4l9g6AssIZd4PU_JByCpueUyxZ3j180RP-xmn_9vTp7CR-Cz_bOnZwR-XI46A_gQZi5NvJfIApZ1JUs-t7eRcAjb8G0ElPOfsW8L1gjsGt_e5PcGIvUT4dLwxQJP5N5E4lr6OogVrb/s400/ant.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304571786691748434" border="0" /></a><br /> As of yesterday at 6:06 in the p.m. I am finally an aunt. Ali and Curtis welcomed their son and are, of course, instantly in love. I so wish I could be there to love and cuddle him. Luckily, I have my own little bundle but still I want to see him so much. Wouldn't it be fun to get the two of them together?<br /> Max looked at me funny when I told him I was an aunt then I realized in his two year old mind an aunt or ant is a six legged bug. Regardless of his Mom's funny insect proclamations he is excited to be a cousin. Welcome cousin Uzi!Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-53407516134975338612009-02-15T20:23:00.006-06:002009-02-15T23:38:41.012-06:00Sweet Little Valentine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2FFFldhhbYzQVpANAI-mb92wuDBwq3WnYDCN6sOEqOEf4_jXpKCHbQy_Yyl2KCjtUIX5v9uqqMg09L45ow4DKE9DBKYQPn-KxeVtjQHMEn8VD7sD76xXSDbqKpuqlGpVoxqdDS_NyTqV/s1600-h/IMG_0321.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303265163012215362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2FFFldhhbYzQVpANAI-mb92wuDBwq3WnYDCN6sOEqOEf4_jXpKCHbQy_Yyl2KCjtUIX5v9uqqMg09L45ow4DKE9DBKYQPn-KxeVtjQHMEn8VD7sD76xXSDbqKpuqlGpVoxqdDS_NyTqV/s400/IMG_0321.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div align="left">We welcomed our new daughter, Elle Marie, on February 6th. Our little family couldn't be happier about our new addition. Welcome darling Elle, goodbye uninterrupted sleep! </div></div>Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-80295792851767811322009-01-28T21:03:00.002-06:002009-01-28T21:12:24.519-06:00False Alarm<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1ilEYOJLSIXepf5DEVAjRLIqxwy6Lp2avUXzmDBtw7LMwfqD4Ndg9aVLW37iY41sD8z2vN9oKGOIUKtrBieUzbhkpDh8BOS7nbLTJCHAPw7booj1OTbA3Hk7yOadPpLi7uikVMWxy-GQ/s1600-h/DSC02915.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1ilEYOJLSIXepf5DEVAjRLIqxwy6Lp2avUXzmDBtw7LMwfqD4Ndg9aVLW37iY41sD8z2vN9oKGOIUKtrBieUzbhkpDh8BOS7nbLTJCHAPw7booj1OTbA3Hk7yOadPpLi7uikVMWxy-GQ/s400/DSC02915.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296546766770438306" border="0" /></a><br />A false alarm or more accurately, false labor, sent me to the hospital last week and a reality check. This little bundle is coming and I had better be ready. The next day this was my laundry pile. Three loads- all soft and pink.Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-56968127094501597332008-12-05T12:01:00.004-06:002008-12-05T12:18:58.438-06:00Making Me Happy Today<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKQFPej6awXP6kAaF-eOsjZL6-cbNfLEewBKzoAa6LceFl6lTOzEFpgfsDCdYVyeC3Iq0PPfNBwdsnYT84oFa8FkhHlipse61zLi48OUaA6yD4F8H3iEsdksGblRyi-VSawqMnQfX-cT6/s1600-h/christmascookies_main.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 433px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKQFPej6awXP6kAaF-eOsjZL6-cbNfLEewBKzoAa6LceFl6lTOzEFpgfsDCdYVyeC3Iq0PPfNBwdsnYT84oFa8FkhHlipse61zLi48OUaA6yD4F8H3iEsdksGblRyi-VSawqMnQfX-cT6/s400/christmascookies_main.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276367943014768338" border="0" /></a>This spread on the homepage of <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/holidays/christmas/christmascookies">Epicurious</a> made my day. The 25 Days of Christmas Cookies is culinary genius and can't wait to try some. Maybe this baby girl has a sweet tooth but these look so good to me- especially the mini black-and-whites (shout out to a NY favourite) and the smartly frosted gingersnaps. If anyone tries a recipe lemme know the verdict. Happy frosting.Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-33884467088620463382008-12-02T22:25:00.003-06:002008-12-02T22:48:33.024-06:00North Shore<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQebqHudk8sXz6KdbkeoFHg__Or1okUEJF6sX4tqGMm-NPVH_aTIvhDglJ9m1kGEO3KQkTOyXZroSue7fj0X-AcysvW-QP-lOZZnug6Q70X1vZZt0BgmhRLyikTgVDvvZIEG4P81mqVp3h/s1600-h/DSC02823.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQebqHudk8sXz6KdbkeoFHg__Or1okUEJF6sX4tqGMm-NPVH_aTIvhDglJ9m1kGEO3KQkTOyXZroSue7fj0X-AcysvW-QP-lOZZnug6Q70X1vZZt0BgmhRLyikTgVDvvZIEG4P81mqVp3h/s320/DSC02823.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275420178381250690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQkDWIk33PoTnEsPojqKliQW8NaRTBGryRphliLkgwBTUFHlrQhGMY03tRgtGfgl9vOOmlryg0EgbJ76j074hirtaOenczmK2lZB5IzcxtmZHKMzjp8pYVbKIciOuzSxw2xcIDQzHOO67/s1600-h/DSC02815.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQkDWIk33PoTnEsPojqKliQW8NaRTBGryRphliLkgwBTUFHlrQhGMY03tRgtGfgl9vOOmlryg0EgbJ76j074hirtaOenczmK2lZB5IzcxtmZHKMzjp8pYVbKIciOuzSxw2xcIDQzHOO67/s320/DSC02815.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275420174795906690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrR6a_9iNKzKOhnzJtg6t-_Sows7Iatfw5Ytv_JqFtBrAGuCPuDXN0N3Wncq1Oxl7D8GxM2he7vH7CJc6j6MMlzw-7KbIMNl4GjjNEYj5jBmE_HkxKF7WJC30Ssiinr67bBuupuVASJ6y/s1600-h/DSC02820.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrR6a_9iNKzKOhnzJtg6t-_Sows7Iatfw5Ytv_JqFtBrAGuCPuDXN0N3Wncq1Oxl7D8GxM2he7vH7CJc6j6MMlzw-7KbIMNl4GjjNEYj5jBmE_HkxKF7WJC30Ssiinr67bBuupuVASJ6y/s320/DSC02820.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275420162801532722" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Kv9CSv9kqQ1kLgmC9ULMn11b8fPAWZk80r3hwhsLrKvcuMO0eWBSDw23AvQc5-Z57DAZkXVDayYomDqOwZfr04kH2k8PlL4Z0cM1MdXrPW9r2EOv0144SePtpw3lyXTNidzSFJn9dk2T/s1600-h/DSC02818.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Kv9CSv9kqQ1kLgmC9ULMn11b8fPAWZk80r3hwhsLrKvcuMO0eWBSDw23AvQc5-Z57DAZkXVDayYomDqOwZfr04kH2k8PlL4Z0cM1MdXrPW9r2EOv0144SePtpw3lyXTNidzSFJn9dk2T/s320/DSC02818.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275420161925791458" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_h-9pPQ6GvXQFmfIN5Idk1yrRs3mZPSFTQc77RHihC0HGthc64WP2ui6gyLr_TuXo1O062pswX_0c0TXDfVfF_7UVQn5yNrmVisI5w5YhL3qqZTzC2j4BsbtzPdrt4n3TvOJlQxaMR_lJ/s1600-h/DSC02814.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_h-9pPQ6GvXQFmfIN5Idk1yrRs3mZPSFTQc77RHihC0HGthc64WP2ui6gyLr_TuXo1O062pswX_0c0TXDfVfF_7UVQn5yNrmVisI5w5YhL3qqZTzC2j4BsbtzPdrt4n3TvOJlQxaMR_lJ/s320/DSC02814.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275420155594748898" border="0" /></a><br />Last month Max and I left Corey and headed for warmer weather. My Mom and two of my sisters had planned a trip to our favorite tropical hang out last summer and I had been looking forward to the vacation for months. I always need something to look forward to and this was an ultimate escape. As usual the North Shore of Oahu did not disappoint. The weather was glorious, warm but not hot and the company and accommodations were perfect. More than worth the long flights with Max and baby sister (kicking away in my ever expanding tummy). I don't have a lot of pictures from the trip and realized that we really didn't take many pictures of our girls trip probably because Ali and I were prego and the last thing we want is photos of our bellies in a swim suit. I do have a lot of pictures of Max though. He had a hard time getting turned around so we had some early mornings. Max and I would go for walks on the beach and play in the tide pools to allow everyone else to get some shut eye. Looking back theses are some of my favorite memories from the trip as we looked for baby fish, picked up hermit crabs, searched for beach treasures, chased sand crabs and watched the waves. I think Max loves Hawaii as much as his Mommy.Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-28859597935695263182008-10-31T21:55:00.002-06:002008-10-31T22:02:27.535-06:00Going Batty<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjg2sJJFXmYCHDHm94xpivLsrNxeaji00L9dKTLbfyE-afgaWuaSPx4qydDaaQqnZnprG9e_DC3Y0tho1tGpIBWHk-2Y7tm1xa3gOp2bn6MQAUCMy78DrpIq_o9GRbfcVAo7EBx_PuQr64/s1600-h/DSC02801.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjg2sJJFXmYCHDHm94xpivLsrNxeaji00L9dKTLbfyE-afgaWuaSPx4qydDaaQqnZnprG9e_DC3Y0tho1tGpIBWHk-2Y7tm1xa3gOp2bn6MQAUCMy78DrpIq_o9GRbfcVAo7EBx_PuQr64/s400/DSC02801.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263533800203647378" border="0" /></a>Cutest little bat ever. I told Max Happy Halloween this morning and he asked me right away if he could put on his costume. He wore his costume all day- except his nap because he was too hot. Max LOVED Halloween and trick-or-treating with the kids.Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-83995225725349154732008-10-30T18:39:00.003-06:002008-10-30T18:46:09.132-06:00Happy HalloweenyHave I mentioned that Halloween is my favorite holiday? I think I mention it every year. Pam sent me these and I thought they were worth sharing. I especially liked Helda. Maybe I have a little Helda in me. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6MyFXAzM18joGhvU37fjY5e7C1YmoVmd0IsMPoWHfY9oS-ODHIV5oYTOf0wV6UO3N20Y0ZJ354DaO58-owUksKrWFbPUCCTcMv41KXEo_YbHZu01mf_DJhzO13zlTO23yVU4tsxvug5p/s1600-h/image001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6MyFXAzM18joGhvU37fjY5e7C1YmoVmd0IsMPoWHfY9oS-ODHIV5oYTOf0wV6UO3N20Y0ZJ354DaO58-owUksKrWFbPUCCTcMv41KXEo_YbHZu01mf_DJhzO13zlTO23yVU4tsxvug5p/s320/image001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263112063547930258" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagdEEnWOppxbaujg8aDKF64PYx0-RljIDJNMPMPsKQvV7QAn4rgMx20473SFpWlQREVUcjyVpCIhxCUjAhaLJoMJ_PcjzFtbU50kdvdFUV8wb5HG4vujb6r6XlGWQjf9o-ka_0q5ypZ7q/s1600-h/image010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagdEEnWOppxbaujg8aDKF64PYx0-RljIDJNMPMPsKQvV7QAn4rgMx20473SFpWlQREVUcjyVpCIhxCUjAhaLJoMJ_PcjzFtbU50kdvdFUV8wb5HG4vujb6r6XlGWQjf9o-ka_0q5ypZ7q/s320/image010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263112066762637042" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eaN6Te5D8Y2qYbCdbznOXnTeO5Z5BOzKRaHOy2uQhjtyvtr_iVcXp7mqTQfc6EEs6VLaugN4QPGRG93iqAXhrUaBrDXCjlxRDsWvOq5jsZ1v6d-vkSI-MIQnDBmj-qFzASx2k2L2lpZJ/s1600-h/image002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eaN6Te5D8Y2qYbCdbznOXnTeO5Z5BOzKRaHOy2uQhjtyvtr_iVcXp7mqTQfc6EEs6VLaugN4QPGRG93iqAXhrUaBrDXCjlxRDsWvOq5jsZ1v6d-vkSI-MIQnDBmj-qFzASx2k2L2lpZJ/s320/image002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263112059541337282" border="0" /></a>Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-6328874689960121462008-10-07T20:23:00.004-06:002008-10-07T20:49:32.369-06:00The USVWs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HQwHIjTCufHqxVz0syJf6GXdYshk5WKuyHwc5KmIghTHv9iFXEWI0b-dsyYGa6jPNpD0HnIaGucZuw2X3P_2LzJAZoFLkqUIPBOT9aUlr7DTfZELsyNZFEYyjVkrbtCde9nT1VT3yx6X/s1600-h/boy_scout_with_oath.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HQwHIjTCufHqxVz0syJf6GXdYshk5WKuyHwc5KmIghTHv9iFXEWI0b-dsyYGa6jPNpD0HnIaGucZuw2X3P_2LzJAZoFLkqUIPBOT9aUlr7DTfZELsyNZFEYyjVkrbtCde9nT1VT3yx6X/s320/boy_scout_with_oath.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254608067149945698" border="0" /></a><br />I was recently called to volunteer with nine year old boy scouts- The Bear Den. I don't have any brothers so Boy Scouts is a foreign concept. My knowledge and participation in Girl Scouts is strictly confined to cookie consumption. Fish out of water is a mild term after leaving my first den meeting last week.<br /><br />For our initiatory meeting our agenda was to come up with a den name and banner. Our bears came up with the den name the Ultimate Steel Viking Wolverines or USVWs. You thought it was some patriotic acronym but alas. I wish I had a picture of our banner which was a concoction of felt strips, dragons, shields and googly eyes glued at random. Throughout the meeting I kept thinking that in 7 short years I am going to have one of these boys myself and why does it smell so bad in here?! Do all nine year old boys have a gas problem?Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-90582027795646627512008-09-26T15:07:00.002-06:002008-09-26T15:17:59.506-06:00Welcome Darling Pink!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRFsK_tII1Isb38CytAtkAywCkwp64WYwRPqx6MxsnM7otmGKmr4C5xKu05WALWgr3ZhHpC1t0Qvt33XfDT2Rm5nUVatqFcWKFydEshuVlG54xIoHwClaPU9v3eGpXdYOEjBDuPNhNxRQ/s1600-h/il_430xN.32949264.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRFsK_tII1Isb38CytAtkAywCkwp64WYwRPqx6MxsnM7otmGKmr4C5xKu05WALWgr3ZhHpC1t0Qvt33XfDT2Rm5nUVatqFcWKFydEshuVlG54xIoHwClaPU9v3eGpXdYOEjBDuPNhNxRQ/s320/il_430xN.32949264.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250440114316303810" border="0" /></a><br />Welcome Darling <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Pink</span>! Like Max, many of you guessed correctly. We are so excited to meet little pink come February. Pink is very fitting for Valentine's Day.Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-22665536527383404602008-09-18T13:24:00.006-06:002008-09-18T20:27:14.974-06:00Out of the SceneYes, I have been out of the blogging scene as of late. I take that back, I'm out of any sort of scene. We moved completely away from any kind of scene. There is no "scene" in Midland. Then why no blogging you ask? I have been busy. Civilization isn't the only thing I'm moving out of these days; I'm also growing right out of my pants thanks to baby <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">numero</span> dos. My four month date with the porcelain throne is finally coming to an end and it is about time! Exactly one week from today we find out if we are having a baby brother or a baby sister (or baby sitter as Max says). If only we could also have a baby sitter appear along with the baby- now that would be helpful. Any who, I have posted a poll in the side bar and you can cast your vote. Max has his vote in so now make your prediction. One week from today we'll find out the verdict.Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-80502460495593784762008-08-06T20:26:00.004-06:002008-08-07T21:36:40.302-06:00Olympic FeverAlthough I do love the Olympics, admittedly I am super excited about the games in China and seeing some of our stomping grounds from only a couple months ago. Beijing wasn't my favorite city we visited but it was where I saw some of my favorites sites and learned the most about the Chinese ruling body past and present. I remember Beijing as a city with a lot of really crazy new architecture and outlandish design (you'll get a feel just seeing the Olympic structures) but by the government quarters around Tien'anmen square it still feels very strict and no non-sense. A member in our group who was there earlier in the day saw a government vehicle pull up with guards and pull a man off the square and quickly drive away. This is not a place to mess around. I also thought this was the place where you could feel the clash between the old and the new China. Although things are changing, the government is still an all seeing eye.<br /><br />The Olympics were to start in just over 2 months from when we were there but buildings were still in the process of going up. Our guides told us that they were not worried about things being completed because they have crews that work around the clock and I don't doubt that they will be completed. The man power in that country is still hard for me to comprehend. I also think that the Chinese love to sparkle and they see this a stage to show their country's skill and power on an international stage. The Chinese can put on a good show so I am really excited for the opening and closing ceremonies. I can't wait until tomorrow. Go 'Merica!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaG1zbZDb9VdcPtrH4sykd_vQ7Mo0kNmjUi1TqQtL6S2jJFIttIQIoXasrLM73uYtsypCs6XivtVRCSk0sG7cn1dbqNkfYO4TAG7BLHykV4pI_sieCzOigmcyre7fKO_5g5LrD0A13Idu/s1600-h/DSC02139.JPG"><span><span></span></span></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXoyEDE19enAq-jz9sYLAEzCcQ9Ak5JKG220xSyCfG8z_ds2nioiU8FKD0ysc1IlbQXHfHCyJwcZg8EmIslYlG6xsxld1fmyVkR7jq3oEsCEF4nhyphenhyphenQ4e4BdLfCTJAGTBUHD5O9knd6Lh-r/s1600-h/DSC02127.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXoyEDE19enAq-jz9sYLAEzCcQ9Ak5JKG220xSyCfG8z_ds2nioiU8FKD0ysc1IlbQXHfHCyJwcZg8EmIslYlG6xsxld1fmyVkR7jq3oEsCEF4nhyphenhyphenQ4e4BdLfCTJAGTBUHD5O9knd6Lh-r/s320/DSC02127.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231976668312491538" border="0" /></a>Outside of Beijing hiking the great wall.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wHAaQnkaN3OBaX7pP0zEnSaoWcn7DbZxrPolhiS48O7VLx5BhVkfvddS0dAiKZsoesCVMEpCmm3FowZO0NaI6seUNlqcM_5BdE1dPd-mujlmqbnXJcMQq-d9MfpIF1_nGUn_6yn0DOt5/s1600-h/DSC02148.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wHAaQnkaN3OBaX7pP0zEnSaoWcn7DbZxrPolhiS48O7VLx5BhVkfvddS0dAiKZsoesCVMEpCmm3FowZO0NaI6seUNlqcM_5BdE1dPd-mujlmqbnXJcMQq-d9MfpIF1_nGUn_6yn0DOt5/s320/DSC02148.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231976684465913314" border="0" /></a>Members of the high court.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaG1zbZDb9VdcPtrH4sykd_vQ7Mo0kNmjUi1TqQtL6S2jJFIttIQIoXasrLM73uYtsypCs6XivtVRCSk0sG7cn1dbqNkfYO4TAG7BLHykV4pI_sieCzOigmcyre7fKO_5g5LrD0A13Idu/s1600-h/DSC02139.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaG1zbZDb9VdcPtrH4sykd_vQ7Mo0kNmjUi1TqQtL6S2jJFIttIQIoXasrLM73uYtsypCs6XivtVRCSk0sG7cn1dbqNkfYO4TAG7BLHykV4pI_sieCzOigmcyre7fKO_5g5LrD0A13Idu/s320/DSC02139.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231976670991414290" border="0" /></a>Corey and Grant displaying their athleticism playing Chinese hacky sack with the senior citizens at Jingshan Park.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafNM4ZE1nAwlpkG0gFtuMZhEHt-dkNjRwbWd-yrmQ7Rl087SkbMkgqGUpLKm8RzsgeZdfgt4WadH3V3dpiYPEhF6LuKzjKxQw5lq4NYA9NJAkt_iAiaP27i7d92CTigE9qZBLfrJKwi3A/s1600-h/DSC02147.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafNM4ZE1nAwlpkG0gFtuMZhEHt-dkNjRwbWd-yrmQ7Rl087SkbMkgqGUpLKm8RzsgeZdfgt4WadH3V3dpiYPEhF6LuKzjKxQw5lq4NYA9NJAkt_iAiaP27i7d92CTigE9qZBLfrJKwi3A/s320/DSC02147.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231976682852736466" border="0" /></a>Flexy man stretching at the pagoda on Prospect Hill.<br />Everywhere we turned this man was somewhere stretching.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpy4qla-WXIBPhJQ62adlHD92mNp1c6SqX4JE3fepu1LARjyoPDLgKOjpGCpuol_AuZxcFTmUQl-m5T9ZB3lYt1W0cB2hOqwNS1it9U4FbLLVL-OltxXwBQCTDAHe4GgUup7QgNUjPVQm/s1600-h/DSC02158.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpy4qla-WXIBPhJQ62adlHD92mNp1c6SqX4JE3fepu1LARjyoPDLgKOjpGCpuol_AuZxcFTmUQl-m5T9ZB3lYt1W0cB2hOqwNS1it9U4FbLLVL-OltxXwBQCTDAHe4GgUup7QgNUjPVQm/s320/DSC02158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231976689747897298" border="0" /></a>Our posse cruising around the newly restored forbidden city.<br /></div><br /></div>Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-43846510488799675742008-07-15T11:56:00.012-06:002008-09-18T20:28:21.865-06:00Moving On<span style="font-family:georgia;">One of my least favorite things in life is moving. I have always disliked it. I usually don't mind the change to a new location and think it can be exciting but packing and unpacking things is the worst. This time around I was relieved when I found out that a moving company was going to pack and move us. The day came and the packers entered our small apartment and packed up all of our belongings in a matter of hours. The result was shocking. I felt empty as I walked around our vacant apartment. In the past I have packed up all of our things gradually; I now realize that this process is helpful in slowly saying goodbye to another phase in life coming to an end.<br /><br />As I gave the apartment a look over memories from the last couple of years came peeking through as I noticed the stain a squashed blueberry left on the carpet from a baby shower, I found a long lost <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">binky</span> behind where the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">armoire</span> once stood and was surprised not to see Corey's shoes spilling out of his tiny closet for once. If the walls of our apartment could talk they may tell you about our baby's exploring hands reaching through crib slats to brush their orange peel texture or warned me about the blue crayon incident that was to happen a year later. They could tell about study groups around the sofa, long discussions on cold winter nights about where we would go next- fueled by peppermint tea with honey and could have probably reprimanded me for declaring the apartment "disgusting" on arrival and correctly predicting that when the time came I would be terribly sad to go. In Howard's End, E.M. Forster shares his sentiments about homes in saying, "....a house in which one has once lived becomes in a sort of way sacred." For good or bad our memories are tied to them and this was a good home. Goodbye Boston.</span>Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-36027099354719252232008-07-04T11:16:00.002-06:002008-07-04T11:21:26.668-06:00Happy Flag Day!Here's to a merry fourth of July and to hoping the cloudy Boston skies clear up so I can see some of this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8xSk2rL20qMb_nsbknbLchvm_Z9IRSGI-VBLaIOH7Yn5hf2Q_gr9HM_f7U9utIKQEkJNQs6ta28lp9yNKA7suyaOhLjAiF_pgDxSX8NyDYPVvFjFGVb91D2kvof5V0HCM4vCKRHU1UWB/s1600-h/60021267.DSC_2099.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8xSk2rL20qMb_nsbknbLchvm_Z9IRSGI-VBLaIOH7Yn5hf2Q_gr9HM_f7U9utIKQEkJNQs6ta28lp9yNKA7suyaOhLjAiF_pgDxSX8NyDYPVvFjFGVb91D2kvof5V0HCM4vCKRHU1UWB/s400/60021267.DSC_2099.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219210132417389346" border="0" /></a>Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-67195909788009189662008-06-23T20:18:00.007-06:002008-06-24T09:39:50.031-06:00Happy Birthday Bug!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaQzHfS7Dz5q3IUQ9xuhOHuM8c3By-vU8KSJiBG9G1bHhcHwEa0rB7cEQ_YHyZYfqzCMWd4UoSE49w5MCW_MxVm3jO0pnMVFnXlXbV4VQ8f6aDtS7IEGKwQQV5PNxWVk7UGPganfCaBJ9/s1600-h/DSC02640.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215267368918810434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaQzHfS7Dz5q3IUQ9xuhOHuM8c3By-vU8KSJiBG9G1bHhcHwEa0rB7cEQ_YHyZYfqzCMWd4UoSE49w5MCW_MxVm3jO0pnMVFnXlXbV4VQ8f6aDtS7IEGKwQQV5PNxWVk7UGPganfCaBJ9/s320/DSC02640.JPG" border="0" /></a>Today is my baby's birthday. He is two so isn't considered a baby anymore but he is my baby. He loves bugs so we had a bug themed birthday party. The cupcakes were beetles and butterflies and the ice cream was topped with dirt, grass and worms (crushed oreos, green coconut flakes, and gummy worms). He somehow got that it was his birthday and it made it so much more fun.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVBgseNHOEdyIQQ6wd9MZQGbyqq5fCP_Wy0EnL_ltx2l6VHS7xKegT-i-raXTPofc4Zx5bTr-1D1ELHxlBU9iKPEa4gkKfpnNyH9QppJVDqapInqsvb0pdCS-3_IYCKU3tvGekuGrskYr/s1600-h/DSC02636.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215267077191485218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVBgseNHOEdyIQQ6wd9MZQGbyqq5fCP_Wy0EnL_ltx2l6VHS7xKegT-i-raXTPofc4Zx5bTr-1D1ELHxlBU9iKPEa4gkKfpnNyH9QppJVDqapInqsvb0pdCS-3_IYCKU3tvGekuGrskYr/s320/DSC02636.JPG" border="0" /></a>Birthdays make you reflect on memories and time. Having a child has altered my concept of time. Not only do I have wrinkles, calendars and outdated fashion to prove that I am aging; now I also have a little human being whose presence accounts for time gone by. Throughout the day I kept thinking how quickly these two years have flown by. Then I would think about the moves, school, work and friendships made during those two years and it seems like very little time for a lot of big changes. When I think of bringing Max home from the hospital to our Austin house it seems like another lifetime. Before I had Max people would comment on how having children changes your life significantly and about how you can't imagine your life without them. This is somewhat true. Although, I can remember my life before my baby and it was a lighter load, less scheduled and more able to leave on a whim. When I truly honestly think of my life before it seems lonely. Max is wonderful company. I adore him. I can remember life before Max and I much prefer life with him. Happy happy Maxy bug!Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-55493476192037533912008-06-12T14:18:00.009-06:002008-06-24T09:40:58.735-06:00On a Shang High<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzshnTCfgwHXKCaB_HPZD-rK6JcyrhjB1iWhx6yC4OGrj7RlLh03DZ6hJfSA4XVVzmYFXy43CwKgbMwMnP_2s39KOaE-Ko0U5r68GYiU_hR5wcbRsd8EhSyLkAvU-ySRzO7EKr6A-3avX/s1600-h/DSC02106.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213056905321874706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzshnTCfgwHXKCaB_HPZD-rK6JcyrhjB1iWhx6yC4OGrj7RlLh03DZ6hJfSA4XVVzmYFXy43CwKgbMwMnP_2s39KOaE-Ko0U5r68GYiU_hR5wcbRsd8EhSyLkAvU-ySRzO7EKr6A-3avX/s320/DSC02106.JPG" border="0" /></a>Just over two weeks ago we returned from a two and a half week tour of China. Our first stop was in Shanghai. I loved this city. We started our trip by traveling from the airport on the world's fastest train the Maglev which reached a speed of 431 kilometers per hour on our ride into the city. We started our day with a talk through the Yu Yuan Gardens and surrounding shopping district and tea house.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhuCzML3Kbw6qFNOeLI3OcPhcRKmDLTXfK7GfJXo4bXIru_XPbHp0qt2IRkunKaMrVflPoxBl1a5ZgTmNjOkGtOx0XbNR1JHylRPC8NlliEROPSM_1Kj3mfd4sm_Y_XXeo_A9oPTRMntc/s1600-h/DSC02116.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213045517832679858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhuCzML3Kbw6qFNOeLI3OcPhcRKmDLTXfK7GfJXo4bXIru_XPbHp0qt2IRkunKaMrVflPoxBl1a5ZgTmNjOkGtOx0XbNR1JHylRPC8NlliEROPSM_1Kj3mfd4sm_Y_XXeo_A9oPTRMntc/s320/DSC02116.JPG" border="0" /></a>The gardens have been beautifully restored and are a cool escape from the bustling city outside its walls. This next picture although a little dark is a favorite view from the garden because it shows traditional Chinese architecture with views of shiny, metallic skyscrapers whose architectures still echoes its traditional surroundings.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3LkMzjLo666KI591VzgZSN9jWcvicXwMP60izfVVJRZ0my4LD27qrqZ7eDbnYwntIywoskXYAKpFgb7HO5zy4xedvJVpRLWaPwI6MuJKKX9kMvXJNK3Y6cVhrWgXVi_NqFHFx16nW0Vt/s1600-h/DSC02117.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213046712186306178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3LkMzjLo666KI591VzgZSN9jWcvicXwMP60izfVVJRZ0my4LD27qrqZ7eDbnYwntIywoskXYAKpFgb7HO5zy4xedvJVpRLWaPwI6MuJKKX9kMvXJNK3Y6cVhrWgXVi_NqFHFx16nW0Vt/s320/DSC02117.JPG" border="0" /></a>While in Shanghai we also visited a silk workers spinning silk threads, went to the top of the Jingmao Tower, walked down Nan Jing Road, and visited the Bund.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQk8OD01PXzGtU0YbmgOcLSSJSjBepfTx3TAWHhscZ44MpWuqkkV7Hc5jWCRODcym3sBu-AqyM-jLG8JiG9D-wqlnXhBh-uGDKNAMeHfGGHyCdDr_4bUOGFL5mu1OJjnnxm7FlG6Dx5b3/s1600-h/DSC02119.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213047819776396306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQk8OD01PXzGtU0YbmgOcLSSJSjBepfTx3TAWHhscZ44MpWuqkkV7Hc5jWCRODcym3sBu-AqyM-jLG8JiG9D-wqlnXhBh-uGDKNAMeHfGGHyCdDr_4bUOGFL5mu1OJjnnxm7FlG6Dx5b3/s320/DSC02119.JPG" border="0" /></a>This picture shows some of the architecture around the People's Square. I loved the taller building to the left because it looks like a UFO landed on top. I realized early on that China has become an architect's playground. There is a booming economy, a revere for high design (usually at a foreigner's hand) and the population to throw up skyscrapers like a Lego land. As much as all the new buildings are eye candy I feel like the heart of the country is housed in its traditional structures with their tiled roofs with turned up corners. Although Shanghai is a financial center and houses what are now many of the worlds tallest and most famous structures you still find country women selling fruit on the corners and men carrying heavy loads that are secured to a bamboo pole. They walk down busy streets like this transporting goods. Scenes like these are a juxtaposition of the two Chinas that I visited. The old world and the new China finally spreading her wings. You can't help think of the farmer or humble merchant with his bamboo pole laden with heavy goods and attribute this shiny new metropolis to those, like him, who have built China generation after generation with back breaking labor.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobdtaGcVr974pTpy5Em9MEweIiHPtc8HjBqx_ZllxpH-1JWsPSAn8ltGvkClkVNDnIfXaSeRaSbbaGTE-ZQHIcwUdgFUNxZuECBMBy7mVWyfQor3zGdb9jxhfRZ53fHRREPelbSTdXQWn/s1600-h/1999hk-006-22s-w.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213055232238593970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobdtaGcVr974pTpy5Em9MEweIiHPtc8HjBqx_ZllxpH-1JWsPSAn8ltGvkClkVNDnIfXaSeRaSbbaGTE-ZQHIcwUdgFUNxZuECBMBy7mVWyfQor3zGdb9jxhfRZ53fHRREPelbSTdXQWn/s320/1999hk-006-22s-w.jpg" border="0" /></a>My favorite part of our time in Shanghai was walking from our hotel to the Yu Yuan Gardens. We were out of the touristy part of town and walking down a typical road that thrived with life and commerce. There was a market with vendors selling all sort of goods that although exotic to my senses were ordinary to most of its shoppers. I felt that this was my best window into what the people of Shanghai lived like, among their smells, their modest apartment blocks, and the flurry of people with their language and music surrounding me. I felt much more alive here than I did at the Jinmao Tower or the Oriental Pearl. Although, I really love the Oriental Pearl- what a strange but fitting part of the Shanghai skyline- only in Asia.Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-10301660960523899992008-06-06T22:09:00.004-06:002008-06-06T22:15:43.180-06:00Con-GRAD-ulations!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0B_a3EqePYiWr-o1xGgyWB9dPj_X798IIvfGf7v-_q0cS3p5knlJm6rb2Nr2QheffYRh9sZ-y5mfOv763CNG3wv6cpHoNWL13dZnhf-2a4VSU1NF6DnkEPBwRpquRO12wHLTtkdStOLgz/s1600-h/DSC02523.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0B_a3EqePYiWr-o1xGgyWB9dPj_X798IIvfGf7v-_q0cS3p5knlJm6rb2Nr2QheffYRh9sZ-y5mfOv763CNG3wv6cpHoNWL13dZnhf-2a4VSU1NF6DnkEPBwRpquRO12wHLTtkdStOLgz/s400/DSC02523.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208987301243710242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Sx5r5FnRamuaht_w8GfTaUxIS7Pu5paQ5_Mhwlg98NsurITcZCXGdsC1ZW3etENjdWS4uCeZidel_VXgU-gwAVBYngoWnE9Fq1QP2ZUsoZN47kj1kX0L_jf1F9kf3mn71ksRUtv9qRWD/s1600-h/DSC02549.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Sx5r5FnRamuaht_w8GfTaUxIS7Pu5paQ5_Mhwlg98NsurITcZCXGdsC1ZW3etENjdWS4uCeZidel_VXgU-gwAVBYngoWnE9Fq1QP2ZUsoZN47kj1kX0L_jf1F9kf3mn71ksRUtv9qRWD/s400/DSC02549.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208987311555197794" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WX9vWR0DL5yYHM_TIQUbkHr6xWE2jPahyAM-Wr4JFmbxKDfUifAfLILyqxz4hAfcVSEedkwNFDJJHd_Di-vy_DdgxEas8Cygj6B6bIXTGUiHYk4b37Mvs75rXvQFJIcXqAjCQMY6wLJu/s1600-h/DSC02522.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WX9vWR0DL5yYHM_TIQUbkHr6xWE2jPahyAM-Wr4JFmbxKDfUifAfLILyqxz4hAfcVSEedkwNFDJJHd_Di-vy_DdgxEas8Cygj6B6bIXTGUiHYk4b37Mvs75rXvQFJIcXqAjCQMY6wLJu/s400/DSC02522.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208987325403090962" border="0" /></a><br />Congrats to my graduate. Who knew two years would go by so quickly?! I never thought I would be sad to say goodbye to student housing but if wishes were kisses I would have another year. All the best to our friends and classmates here- we will miss you all so much.Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-83095555252552989842008-05-03T11:39:00.010-06:002008-05-03T13:21:14.997-06:00Man Winter, You are Getting Old<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxONxYcJgU4eJSqMSK7-C2mp99f3XmGWE9gQIKH1_i8cmkCjdMD_vU2nHnlSCiGoghLEm1dTbY3kNvkdVh5jLc3uG-JIlwG5ArVS0CE9nHnkbpkr9bN-md6guuCvucOkXmdJl45LJQ3AFA/s1600-h/050108self_new_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxONxYcJgU4eJSqMSK7-C2mp99f3XmGWE9gQIKH1_i8cmkCjdMD_vU2nHnlSCiGoghLEm1dTbY3kNvkdVh5jLc3uG-JIlwG5ArVS0CE9nHnkbpkr9bN-md6guuCvucOkXmdJl45LJQ3AFA/s400/050108self_new_01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196207732807938530" border="0" /></a><br />These images did their job; they made me look forward to summer. Having something to look forward to puts a skip in my step. I love that seasons change and especially anticipate spring knowing that it holds the beginnings of regrowth and sunshine that will be fulfilled in the next act, summer. The newest summer catalog from Anthro arrived in my mail box with tons of full color, summer finds. I turned its pages while looking out the window at cold, gray skies and constant drizzle. I have the same detached feeling when I get a swimsuit catalog in January, except it is May. Boston played this same trick last year- it is trying to cut out spring. Mid April is beautiful, just to get your hopes up, and then it turns cold and rainy for May. Then June gets hot and humid right away; conditions meant for summer. Just because spring is delicate doesn't mean she should be skipped over. Please, Mother Nature, don't let Old Man Winter bully our little May; spring still has a chance. I love summer but it is best enjoyed after a beautiful spring.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lOkvrBArWTkzRvLkcRFJEE7O6cPznDGhRumb5irzqykHt2Nb9bki0Q2wQRCv057UvXite3K7-KheH4Fyia2pvjj9395DhQQUk6IUgWkgEG6QKwTIuSbvsoZNSZPXmlSia9GSCXM5YyUi/s1600-h/050108self_clothes_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lOkvrBArWTkzRvLkcRFJEE7O6cPznDGhRumb5irzqykHt2Nb9bki0Q2wQRCv057UvXite3K7-KheH4Fyia2pvjj9395DhQQUk6IUgWkgEG6QKwTIuSbvsoZNSZPXmlSia9GSCXM5YyUi/s400/050108self_clothes_01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196233713065112050" border="0" /></a>Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818724521572513857.post-61644835546378834932008-04-27T13:09:00.009-06:002008-04-28T22:57:21.357-06:00Losing Your Fizz<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIifz-vIYceXvKov6KuhrdqXOxhJBhNLiDYJ8dnJmDtmk9mAFElUvTR0bAjRF0yhUA3SiYx7PQ69RTF0dio7sMPxaE6oMztkHNxeThR__8cVwBhXCwVg3H6bF119NacMN818lOzC1r7boY/s1600-h/drink.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIifz-vIYceXvKov6KuhrdqXOxhJBhNLiDYJ8dnJmDtmk9mAFElUvTR0bAjRF0yhUA3SiYx7PQ69RTF0dio7sMPxaE6oMztkHNxeThR__8cVwBhXCwVg3H6bF119NacMN818lOzC1r7boY/s400/drink.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194005466852078034" border="0" /></a><br />The two liter bottle of soda pop is the perfect combo for a flat drink. I hereby resolve to never buy them again unless it involves a party of some sort. Lately, I kind of feel like the two liter; I'm losing my fizz. My sister even said those exact words, "ya, I can see how you're feeling...like you're kind of losing your fizz." Yep, I am. Well put J.<br /><br />Anyhoo- I guess that is just a bubbly way of saying I'm not being my best self lately. Perhaps my self perception is awry but I see myself as one who can shrug things off pretty easily. Recently though, I am letting things get to me. I'm not sure why but a heaping dose of major life changes isn't helping.<br /><br />What is a girl without her fizz, her raison d' etre, her fire?! Boring, so I hereby resolve not to lose my fizz. I plan to do this by following this strict plan:<br />1. Spend time with family (very much looking forward to it).<br />2. Let true friends know I think they are solid peeps.<br />3. Spend more money than I should on a dream vacation to China.<br />4. Be more confident in my abilities.<br />5. When feeling discouraged, think of Max, and know I have done something right.<br />6. Plan more outings and things that buoy my spirits.<br />7. Snuggle Corey and talk about how we really have a good thing.<br /><br />and of course go to church, pray, and read scripture. Long live fizzy drinks!<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>Ashley A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11491930595156800886noreply@blogger.com9