Toddler Date Night...

Nathan and I took Jersey to her 2nd movie ever, Toy Story 3. Her first movie was The Princess and the Frog and she did pretty good. However, the first movie she ever watched all the way through was the first Toy Story. It was so cute... she used to call it "Buzz". Okay, well it was really cute to me, grin.

I am thankful for...

Mothers. I never knew what it meant to be a mother until. of course, I was one. I look back at my mom and can't help but think what an amazing mother she was... and is, grin. My sisters and bro are my best friends. I remember her telling me, "Friends come and go but your sisters and Dane will always be here". Of course there were times where I really didn't care a flip about them, but the fact that we are so close now is totally because of my mom (and dad of course, grin) and how she raised us. Lynette has had an amazing life so far: She went to New York (AFTER having had three babies) and was in a modeling competition and won, she has raised 5 incredible children (if I do say so myself, grin), has an incredible work ethic, it's truly scary, the best laugh (it's one of those that makes you want to laugh) and one of my most favorite things about her is she makes friends where ever she goes. Seriously, we go to the park, the mall, hiking, ect., and this woman talks to everyone! She makes them feel important, gets to know them by asking a few questions and poof... BFF'S for life! You should see these people's faces after they are done talking with her. Their faces are just so darn happy. This is a quality that I can hope to have one day. My mom is also beautiful. Now, if you tell her that, she will look at you with a crazy expression like, "oh, you're just being nice". But for reals, this lady's got the looks, grin. I am a little biased though. I just wanted to pay tribute to what a fabulous gal she really is. Love ya mommy-dearest, grin.

Now onto this beautiful woman, grin. When I married Nathan, I knew I was getting the best guy in the world. But what I didn't know, is that I would be getting a two for one deal. Melanie Leavitt is the most wonderful mother-in-law a girl could ask for. She is so thoughtful, complimentary, and genuine. From the first moment that I met her, I knew she would be so easy to get along with. Mel is so dang good with my girls too... they just love their "Nana" to bits and pieces. What you may not know about Melanie is that she at one time owned her own catering company! Yep, this lady can cook. What big shoes I have to fill in that department, grin. Mel also took the time to get her Bachelors degree and graduated in 08'. I saw the long hours she spent and the determination she had to finish it. What an inspiring woman she is. Not only has she raised her four beautiful boys, wink, wink, but she also was like a second mom to Baylee in those early years and you can tell with the relationship they have with each other. With Melanie, talking to her is so comfortable and easy. She is so beautiful and I am so honored to have her as a second mommy to me.

Dancing While Cleaning

Hi, my name is Ashlie Leavitt and I don't like to clean. I know, admitting it is the first step. Out of all my sisters, I was the only one who did not inherit the cleaning gene. I don't know why, but I just didn't. I've never liked to clean. I was the child who would put it off and put it off until you could barely open the door without hitting an article of clothing, shoe, magazine, my tackle box of make-up (whole other story), trash, ect. Later in life I was the roommate who didn't clean (I don't know how my apartment girls put up with me, Jazz in particular, grin). When I got married I was the wife and mother who would just let things go and not really care. Nathan, my mom and sisters were amazed at how I could look at a big pile of crap and just look away and not get the crazy cleaning bug like they would. I could go into greater detail, however I think you get the picture.

All my sisters and my mom keep a nice, clean and organized household. This was something that used to just blow my mind. Oh, did you notice that? The few words that are used in past tense? Well ladies and gentlemen, I have turned over a new leaf. Ok, not completely but I have recognized a few things over the past few years that I need to change and this is one of them. I have also learned a few things about myself and what will help me over come this obstacle in my life. I made you all a list (I know, you're so happy right, grin)

1. As you can see below, my little monsters... oops I mean angels, grin, can definitely make the rooms that they are in, well let's just say, a little more colorful. It is amazing how one minute a room can look spotless and then the next my girls can turn it into a beautiful disaster. Now, what I have learned is that I have to be okay with letting my house get a little messy every once in a while. Meaning, if I want a clean and spotless house, then I would have to follow my girls around ALL day. I'm sorry, that is just not something I can do. So I have my times where I know I will be able to "pick up and put up" (one of my mom's sayings that I love) and my times where I can clean in peace, grin.

2. When I do clean, and I mean with my vacuum and bucket of cleaning products, I know that I clean best with music on. Some of my favorites to clean to is Lady Gaga, Brittany Spears Greatest Hits, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift and Fergie (just to name a few). Obviously, the more upbeat music I can shake my booty to, the better I clean, grin. Finding this out about myself has really helped me out in this department.

3. Know the best times to clean. What that means to me is if it is 5 pm at night, or "witching hour" as I like to call it, I know that my girls are going to want attention and that I need to make dinner. So obviously this would not be the most opportune time to dust a shelf or sweep the floor. The best times for me are right after breakfast when my girls are fed and watching a show, after lunch when they are fed and watching a show and when they are in bed. Do you see a pattern? Basically when the girls are fed and outta the way, grin! I know that I can get so much more done at these times than any other time during the day.

4. Have cleaning products that you love. Last year Nathan and I splurged on a Dyson vacuum. We actually got it on sale at Big Lots for about $175.00 cheaper than the normal price. All I can say is that I am in lust with this vacuum. I can see all the crap that gets sucked up and how fun is that! Plus there are all sorts of doo-dads that come with it. I can get into every crevice and crack in my house. Ever since we bought this wonderful piece of machinery I vacuum about once everyday. Sometimes even twice! I know, crazy right? I also have my cleaning bucket with my favorite cleaning products that make it easy to go from room to bathroom. About 2 years ago I realized that I love having a toilet brush in every bathroom so I wouldn't have to carry a dirty one around with me. Oh, and I also have my favorite scrubber from Walmart that doesn't scratch your paint or tile but gets the job done. So, what I learned is, gotta love your cleaning products!

5. My last a-ha moment for today is, know your schedule and what you can get done. It took me a while to realize that I have kids, a husband, two jobs and a house hold to take care of (just to name a few). As women, sometimes we think that we need to do it all and get it all done, day in and day out. At least, that's how I felt. Until I realized my own limitations and what works best for me and my house.

Early to Bed, Early to Rise...

Makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. We have all heard this saying before (right?). My question to you all, is how many people actually follow this? It is something that has been plaguing my mind for quite some time now. Mostly because I am like a grizzly bear coming out of hibernation most mornings. I beg Nathan to "please, please, just 10 more minutes... just get the girls up and get them a bowl of cereal" (making breakfast is a whole different matter). Now, I must say, Nathan is really awesome to work with me on this most mornings. However, do those 10 minutes really make a difference? Hmm.... not sure on that one.

I am tired most days and I'm just not sure if I am going to bed early enough or even getting the amount of sleep my body so obviously desires. It's not that when bedtime comes I'm not tired. It's just I finally have time to do what I want to do (work, exercise, catch up on my shows, read, ect.) and then before I know it, it's midnight and I'm thinkin, "Geez, I should have gone to bed like, two hours ago".

I have also been thinking that if I was able to get up an hour before the girls do, gosh, just think of how much I could get done! We all know how much more we can get done when our little kid-letts are fast asleep, grin.

So, friends, family, neighbors, what is your opinion on this matter?? Because I am starting to believe that this ol' sayin just might be true, grin.

Hey ALL, I am having TWO Pampered Chef shows at my house in the next week! All the New Spring Products just came out AND I'm giving away $100 in free product at each show! The shows are on Saturday and Tuesday. I have a fun flyer to send to your e-mail if you want to have a fun couple hours away from kids, significant others or just to eat some yummy recipes. Let me know if interested. Thanks and Loves!

It's hard...

sometimes it is so hard to be thankful for the good things in life. I can easily get caught up in all the crap that's going on. This is one of my most favorite times of year but it's been hard to be positive lately. I am my own worst critic, I know. But as a woman, mom, wife, sister, it's so easy to see what I am doing wrong rather what I am doing right. Today was just a blah day. Actually it's not just today, it's been that way for a while now. Not all the time, but enough to make me realize that somethings gotta give.

I am thankful for my...

Girls. Although, I think it is amazing how one minute they are the sweetest, most angelic little girls on earth (I'm a little biased) and then the next second they can be degenerate creatures of darkness... grin. Seriously though. I used to always say "patience is a virtue" to my nieces and nephews before I had kids myself. I am SO eating my words, grin. On a daily basis I try to be patient and loving and most days I probably don't do as good as I could. I definitely try to be a good mother and someday I hope to hear "Mom, you did a fantastic job!" But until I do hear those words, I will have to be content with what I am doing and always strive to learn and grow as a parent. I do love my girls so dang stinkin much and I am so happy that I was put in charge of them while they are here on earth. Bay, Jers and Ava... know that I love you more than I can ever express.

I am Thankful For...

Nathan. Seriously, he is my best friend. There is no one on this earth that I would rather be with than him. There is also no one else that can drive me as koo-koo as he can too, grin. I am one of those people that believes everything happens for a reason. We go through different things in our life that will make us stronger. I went through something like that and at the time I didn't know why it was happening to me. Now I know why. Meeting Nathan was the best thing that has happened to me. He completes me (guess what movie... grin). I know this all sounds like a fairytale and Nathan's my handsome prince that came to my rescue. But in all reality, he did. He saved me and I will be forever grateful. I love you Nathan.

Private....

I have decided to go private, so if anyone wants to keep in touch with what me and my family are doing, just let me know.

Thanks,

Ash and Nathan

Jersey...Trama Part 2 (Part Six...the last of the utter craziness within a 3 week period)

So not two weeks later Jersey went to the hospital again for her Herniated Belly-button and some other problems she has had. Can you believe the drama-trauma this girl had to go through within 2 weeks of eachother. So here is the "True Hollywood Story" of Jersey's belly button:

When Jersey was born she had a major "outty" which our doctor said would eventually return to a normal size. It was always huge, enough to call it her "ding-dong" because it was like a doorbell that you could push in (made sense to me...grin). So for the first year we weren't really worried. Durring her second year, we were suggested to see a specialist and when we thought it had started growing we took her in. The doctor told us that it was "Herniated" and that we should have it operated on. She also had been very sensitive in "private" area as well (she wasn't producing enough estrogen) so the doc suggested we take care of that as well. I seriously don't know what is up with this girl. Poor little {J} has had a lot of trauma in her short 2 year time span on this earth. So here is Jerseys 24 hour surgery journey:

Here are a few of our "before" shots. As you can see it was very large and in charge. You could actually feel the fluid in it when you pushed it in. Poor thing...

The side view...

The full frontal view...

Jersey was waiting very patiently while I got us all checked in. She was watching her favorite movie "Buzz" (Toy Story) on her movie player. {J} felt very cool to be able to wear mommy's ear plugs.

Once we got in the surgery area, they had Jersey get dressed in her cute little hospital gown. As you can see she was thrilled by it all...

I must admit, through it all, Jersey did much better than I thought she would. While we were waiting on our doctor, the nurse let Jers play in this little area designated for the little kids. It had all sorts of cool toys, books, games, etc. {J} loved it. She of course got nervous every time a doctor or nurse came in to talk to us. There was one nurse in particular, Jessica, that let Jers decorate her very own breathing thing and she got to put stickers on it and all sorts of fun stuff. This is the car that they wheeled her out into the surgery unit. She was very happy right here, while talking to her "Papa".

As you can, she is all business when on the phone. {J} loved chatting with her "My" and "Papa" and she was very brave right until the nurse wheeled her out of the waiting room and into the doors where I couldn't go. At that time she started to cry and all she could say was "mommy" and was reaching for me. My heart just about broke in my chest and I had to wipe away the few tears that happened to fall. The surgery lasted about an hour. We stayed in the recovery wing for a few more hours and then headed home. All in all, she was a brave little gal.

This picture was taken after she had had her surgery. My heart went out to my sweet little baby girl!

l!

So here is Jersey a few months later with her belly button that is all better!

As you can see there is a big difference and I think {J} is much happier!

WHAT A SCARE WE HAD...(Part 5)

The night of Jersey's 2nd birthday, she started coughing and not sleeping that well. She had that "kitty-cat purring" sound kids make when they are congested and since my girls have had that many times, I really didn't think anything of it. Well, that night she had a super bad night and was up almost half of it. So Nathan and I decided that we would take her to the doctor the next day. So the next morning, Nathan drops Baylee off at school and he takes little Jers with him. Her school is about 25 minutes away and right around that time, {J} starts throwing up this green mucus and Nathan and Bay start freaking out. He drops Bay off (reassures her that Jersey will be perfectly fine) and then gets a feeling to take Jersey to the ER, which he was right by (coincidence?). While he is doing this, he is calling me and I'm not answering because I am with Ava and trying to make an appointment for Jersey.
Well, when I finally called him back, he tells me he is in the ER with Jersey and they are giving her breathing treatments and are about to put an IV in her. Of course, I start freaking out, thinking the worst and that I need to be with my sweet little baby Jers. I get me, Ava and the baby bag all ready and are in the car in like 10 minutes on our way to Banner Desert.
I get there and Jersey is totally pale and looks like she has lost like 5 pounds (she is already a little thing).
The doctors aren't quite sure what is wrong with her yet and are about to give her another breathing treatment and put the IV in her. My heart just about broke when they put the Iv in. {J} was so brave, much more brave than I thought she would be.
Later, we found out that she had DOUBLE PNEUMONIA!! Which means she had it in both of her lungs. the doctor said that they have been seeing a lot of this this season and that it can get really bad in a matter of hours. So, with out going into too much detail, {J} had to be on oxygen, given breathing treatments every 4 hours and was in the hospital for 2 days. Our lives were a whirl wind for awhile but she is doing much better now. Thanks goodness. It scared the heck out of me and I am just so thankful for doctors and nurses who do their job so well.

Here is Jersey with her oxygen tubes in. She was totally obsessed with her baby, blanket her daddy while at the hospital.



Poor little darlin...



This was Day 2: As you can see she is doing much better and even got her to smile.



{J} Had many visitors and got a few new presents while she was at the hospital. This is her sleeping in my moms arms. She just loves her "MY".



After she was discharged, she wanted her sunglasses and her "bayoon". As you can see, this little chica was ready to go home.

The Sun Shines on our Jersey...sho turned 2...(Part 4)

Jersey is 2! She is seriously such a fun little kid. I can't even believe that a little over 2 years ago I had no idea what it mean to literally have a baby. If I knew how crazy she was going to be...just kidding...I still would of had her. {J} has been a handful even from her early years. At the hospital, so many years ago, this little chica was trying to hold her head up the day after she way born! The Kelly Clarkson song, "Independent" comes to mind quite often when I think of Jers. She was rolling over at 2 1/2 months and crawling by 4. At 7 months she started gettin really dramatic because that is when she got her first tooth and started teething. Walking and talking all happend around 10 months of age and from that day on she was off and running. I look back now and think at how fast it all went. I just want everyone to know how much I love this little girl and how special she truly is.

Love ya Jersey-girl!

This was her "Birthday Outfit" and I can not tell you how much this little gal loves clothes and shoes and hair stuff and her bling, etc. She is a total girly-girl. I love it!



Could she be any cuter?? Seriously, I know I am a little biased but I just want to squeeze her little cheeks. It's too funny...ever since she was little, when I would take a picture I would say, "Smile and say cheese" then I would take it and say "Ohhhhhh". So now, this little chica says "Teeee, ohhhhh" and then wants to look at it. I love it, super cute. What can I say, it's always cuter when it's your own kid...grin.



After nap time we went to our beloved "Dollar Tree" and I let her pick out two babie and two balloons because she is two. I love her hair after her nappy-time. Always mussed up and very...all-over-the-place.



The balloon Center...need I say more?



{J} picking out her two "ba-yoons". She finally chose a purple star and a muti-colored one that said "Happy Birthday".



Her ghetto-style babies. As you can see they spare no expense at the dollar store...grin.



Later on that day we went over to my mom's house and played for a little bit. Then we headed over to a little place called Jamba Juice (our fav) and to Panda Expree. {J} loves Panda! This girl wolfs down like 4 bowls of this stuff!



I had a Pampered Chef team meeting but I got a parting picture before I left and gave her lots-o-luvies!



Again..Jersey is one of the loves in my life and I just can't even fathom life without her. No one can make me as crazy in the head as this girl can. On the flip-side of that, no one else can make me feel like a million bucks when she gives me a kiss, asks me "up tee" (up please) and asks for her "maaa-mmyy" (mommy).

Love you Ji-Ji.

And Better.... (Part 3)

Easter Weekend...

We got the girls matching dresses for Easter and I must say they all looked FABULOUS. I am a little biased though because, well, they are my girls...grin.

Baylee is super good with her little sisters. I know that they get into her stuff and cause havok in our lives sometimes and she even gets the shaft because Nathan and I are both tag-teaming the girls, but through it all, Bay is super sweet with her sister. They just love her to bits.











We had Easter Sunday lunch over at Melanie's house (Nathans mom). She is seriously one of the best cooks. We also have the best spread when ever we go to her house for a holiday. We let the girls do an Easter Egg hunt that we got on vidoe. Of course, {J} found one egg and then spent the rest of the time trying to get that one egg open to eat all the candy. I swear, that girl is a sugar-a-holic. Gee,I don't know where she gets that from...grin.

Melanie got the girls an Easter outfit so we just had to have a photo sesh out in the back yard.




Could life get any better...



Melanie has four boys and she had always prayed so hard for a little girl....now she has 5!! We always joke that her prayers were answered...only a little later than expected.



I really do have the best mother-in-law ever and the sweetest sister-in-law. Kirsten is so amazing, such a great mom and so beautiful.

It Just Got Better....(Part 2)

Since it was raining on the Saturday before Easter (crazy AZ weather) we went to my ward building and did our Easter Egg Hunt there in the primary room. This was before the big hunt...don't they all just look ready for action!





After "The Hunt" my parents paid for all the kids to go to Bounce U! It was a total blast as you can see. The kids had so much dang stinkin fun they didn't know what to do with themselves. I'll let you in on a little secret...the adults didn't have too crappy of a time either, grin. If you haven't been to Bounce U, you should know that they let the parents "watch" (play in my terms) their kids around al the bouncy stuff. You really do have just as much fun as the kids do. it's not that expensive and I am all about doing things cheap these days.



Jaime and I and our little baby girls.


Mom and I and our little baby girls...grin. Jersey wishes that my mom was her mom. Sometimes I really think that their relationship will come back to bit me in the booty. I can just imagine her saying..."I just can't talk to you right now, I need to talk with my granny...." Hmmm.....





I'm telling you...blast and a half!



Look it how happy Linz is...and Maddy too!



Mallory loves Ava (she is so sweet, how can you not) and she was so fabulous to hold her while I had my play time with Jersey.



Nathan loves to take pictures of me when I am SOOO not ready. This is the outcome of one of those moments. Lovely eh?



This is Jersey and too much fun. She was spent and so were Nathan and I. The whole day was such a freakin blast!!

It just got better from there with our fun Adult Date Night!