Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is so bittersweet for me. I have the BEST mom I could ever ask for and I love her so dearly. I have also been blessed with an amazing son, who I am too, thankful for. I prayed to be a Mommy for so many long years, and I would not trade any of those painful days and nights because they lead Ryan and me to Tristan. God heard all my cries and he blessed us with a beautiful son and has allowed me to be his mother. I am indeed, blessed.

Every year I am so excited about Mother's Day, but every year I am left with this little heartache. I carried it all day today and it was not until tonight that I was able to face what it really was. I was rocking with Tristan and we were reading Pat the Bunny before bed. I asked Tristan who he wanted to pray for tonight and he told me "Pray for doctors. They make everything better." (cute) Then I asked him if he wanted to pray for his birth-mommy and he said yes. While I mention them, I am sure that he does not know what that means, but more on that in a totally different blog....

It broke my heart... I get the fun job.... sitting in Tristan's comfy chair snuggled up with him in his Thomas the train "jams" reading Pat the Bunny. I get to smell his sweet "baby smell" after he has taken that nice long bath and his hair is still damp. I get to sing him songs out of tune and have him giggle and ask me to sing them again. I get the fun job. But somewhere out there is a lonely girl who misses out on all that. My heart breaks for her. I will forever be grateful to her and her selfless sacrifice. I pray for both of them often that God will overwhelm them with peace and comfort and that they will know deep within that Tristan is so dearly loved and cared for. I pray that one day they too will know God's power and love. Oh, I can't begin to imagine how she must feel like on a day like today. I just trust that God has a bigger plan in all of this. While I know why we have Tristan, and I rejoice that I was chosen to be his super blessed Mommy, I pray for a young woman who chose life for her son. She is a mother and she, too, should be honored on this special day.

family times

 UP to NO GOOD ;)

Tristan loves LOVES to read. This makes me VERY happy! I hope he continues to love reading! 

This was just a typical night at our house. These are the times I cherish the most. Nights with the boys when we are just being silly, laying around, playing, reading, cooking, or whatever comes up! I love my family so much and I am so thankful for them, and yes, even Beamer :)

pictures

I know I really need to get some pictures on here. I will try to make that a priority this week while I am off from work for spring break. There has been so much going on it has been hard! We have a fun filled week ahead so I will hopefully get some pics this week, too. I'll try to be better!!!

off my chest

Just a little venting session....
So why is it that when people are going through hard times, whatever they may be, that people tell them, "Sending good vibes your way???" I know they mean well, and I am not trying to take away from them the fact that they are trying to say something positive, but what in the world are "good vibes" and how on earth are they going to better a situation? Isn't God the only one who is truly in control of a situation and can truly help to calm our nerves? I would much rather have God's favor and blessing on me and my family any day than vibes. I don't know about you, but if we do not pray for one another, then what are we doing....nothing???


Sorry for the venting, it just irks me, as I am sure you can tell!

With that being said, I pray that GOD blesses you all today with health, prosperity, and a peace that passes all understanding! 

Have a GREAT day!
Ashley

life in general

I am home kinda sick today but I am mostly home because Tristan is under the weather. He has been running a fever the past 3 days so I figured it was time to make a visit to the ole doctor. Last night he was absolutely pathetic and was digging in his ears. Sure enough, he has an ear infection in his left ear with one forming in the right ear as well. At least it is caught early so hopefully he will bounce back quickly. Other than that, we have remained pretty healthy! If only my cold/cough would go away!!!

Our house is still sitting on the market. It hasn't really been that long since it has gone on the market, just odd seeing the sign and no one really looking at it. Some people have come by, but no real interest. As excited as I am about a new adventure, I am just as hesitant. We are in a new church that we just absolutely LOVE and I do not want to leave it. We love absolutely everything about it!!! The other thing is the house we fell in love with now has a contract on it. It is ok, we know God will have the perfect house for us when it is time, but I sure do love it. Time will tell!!!!

couponing craze

I used to think that it would not be worth my time to ever take the time to coupon.... Today I proved to myself why it is worth the time and effort. I have been wanting to get my Kroger and CVS runs in for several days now but life happened and so I never made it to either of them until today. Some of the sale items that I was hoping for we sold out, go figure, but I still did really well :)

So here goes nothing....
Kroger was a hit, I saved $16 by using my Kroger card, uploaded e-coupons to my Kroger card and regualr paper coupons. I was happy with that.

CVS was the better hit though. I followed the ads and had my items picked out before I went. I had coupons to use as well. I will try to lay this out the best I know how...
I spent $17.81 but I saved $9.65 by shopping the sales then I had additional coupons to use saving an additional 3.50 with a total savings of $13.15.
So for only $17.81 I got....
TWO packages of BIC disposable razors (the fancy ones) one 4 ct and one 6 ct. (Regularly priced at 6.99 each)

2 cups of easy mac
3 packages of DOLE 4 pack fruit cups
2 packages of HALLs Defense cough drops
1 packages of Gummy Peaches :)

THE BEST PART???? I ALSO GOT BACK $2.00 Extra Care bucks for my next trip :)

I just may be addicted afterall....
Blessings!
Ashley

couponing queen

So I am definitely not the couponing queen, yet.... but one day I hope to be! I am trying to be more money conscience as we get ready to go from one income to two, but I have quite a few kinks to work out! On Saturday I went to Kroger and CVS loaded with my coupons that I got online and from the paper (thanks mom!!) I had preloaded my Kroger card with the ecoupons I wanted so I was ready to go. I think I did alright!

At CVS I only spent $20 and I got:
Dawn dish soap $0.25!!
shampoo
conditioner
2 deodorants
2 body washes
jelly beans :)

A HUGE bottle of Johnsons baby shampoo with the pump
The mega size of Huggies baby wipes refill (usually costs 6.99 each)
and I think there was more!!! (I cant remember)
I was happy :)

One of my new favorite sites that I am using to help me is www.thekrazycouponlady.com
AWESOME site :) They post coupons and how to get the cheapest deals out there. Check it out!

Now I just need another payday so I can do some more damage!!! LOL!!!

I have had a few people ask me to blog this so here we go! On to the coupon rampage :)

Night Night
Ashley