My Thankful Thirty - November 21, 2012


November 21st:
Today I am thankful that tomorrow is Thanksgiving!!! A time for family, good food and fun!
Ashley Elizabeth
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My Thankful Thirty - November 20, 2012


November 20th:
Today I am thankful for being crafty... also another thing I got from my mom! Ever since I was a little girl I have obsessed over arts and crafts. I am so glad that Amelia has the same love for it that I do and that we are able to work on projects all of the time together. The possibilities are endless in my mind of things I can do. Just today I went to JoAnn's and brought home loads of supplies for Christmas! I'm hoping once the holidays are over I will be able to spend more time on getting my Etsy shop back up and running.



Fun Ashley Fact: When I was younger and being naughty my parents would take away anything "artsy" as my punishment. Losing my pens, paper, scissors, glue and anything else I could get creative with was definitely the worst form of punishment and it definitely made me want to be a better kid!
Ashley Elizabeth
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My Thankful Thirty - November 19, 2012


November 19th:
I was sitting here thinking about the holidays today, and how it isn't about what Santa brings me. Our holiday tradition usually begins with church on Christmas Eve. I always love going to church and looking at how beautifully decorated everything is, and the happiness on everyone's face. After mass we generally head home and wrap! I know, my family is usually up until the wee morning hours wrapping presents after Amelia goes to sleep(why we don't do it in advance is beyond me). When Christmas morning comes around my family and I are always more excited to give presents than to receive. We take turns opening presents and all watch with excitement to see what the other family member is getting. While our Christmas mornings might look overboard to some, it is not because we ask for a lot, but because we give a lot. I love this time of year, when I can take the time to really thing about a gift for my family members that they will cherish.  Whether it is store bought or home made, the appreciation on their faces makes the holidays magical. This year Amelia has created a Christmas list, which is a first for her. Her first Christmas she was too little to know what she wanted, her second Christmas all she wanted was a stuff puppy, and last year it was a stuffed kitty... no long list and nothing too extravagant. This year, well let's just say it is a little different. It started a few months back when she informed me she was going to get an iPod for Christmas so that she could listen to Lady Gaga whenever she wants, then a few weeks later she needed this castle that she loves... Saturday, well Saturday she said she was going to get a phone or a computer of her own so that she can play games... and then she followed that with "and I am gonna get it because it is on my Christmas list". She didn't say it in a rude/spoiled fashion, just in conversation... but still, she has put quite a few things on this "list". I want her to learn that giving is as great a gift as giving, so her and I are going to get a tag off of the giving tree at church and go out and buy a present for a little kid who might not have as much. Today I am thankful that I was brought up by parents who taught me that Christmas is more than just presents, Santa and how much stuff I get. It is about spending time with the ones we love, giving to others and making memories. After all, Santa didn't even exist when Jesus was born!

 Amelia's 2nd Christmas

 My Grandma Grace, Amelia and My Grandpa Richard
This was our last Christmas with Grandpa


Ashley Elizabeth
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My Thankful Thirty - November 18, 2012


November 18th:
Today I am thankful for lazy days that allow us to relax and enjoy the company of one another. While I was working it seemed we were constantly trying to cram so much into a weekend that we never really had a "lazy" day. I love that I can wake up and sip on a cup of tea while reading a book before Amelia wakes up... or sleep in and then throw on comfy fleece pants after a warm shower, before coloring and playing dress up. When I was working I was taking almost two times the daily allotted ibuprofen and other otc pain meds to help with severe headaches. Now, while I still maintain a headache every day, I can tolerate the headaches because they have eased up quite a bit! So yes, I am very thankful for relaxing days!
Ashley Elizabeth
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My Thankful Thirty - November 17, 2012


November 17th:
Today I am thankful for my extended family! I know I've been thankful for my parents, sisters, grandma, husband and daughter, but I'm talking about the many aunts and uncles, cousins, second cousins, third cousins, and the numerous others I get to call family! Each one of them has played some sort of part in my wonderful life, and each one would be there for my family and I no matter what. I truly am blessed to not only have an amazing immediate family, but a huge extended family as well. So... thank you for being an amazing part of who I am.


Ashley Elizabeth
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High Five for Friday


Hey All,
It's Friday!!! I only know it is Friday because the date shows up on my phone. It seems that all of my days run together now and I rarely know what day it is. Here is my High Five for Friday post... Linking up with Lauren over at From My Grey Desk.

1. Amelia and Rudy had quite a long staring competition with a little friend perched up in the tree. It was so cute to listen to Amelia talking to Rudy about how "Santa's squirrel was going to tell him if they were being naughty or nice"

 2. Our little friend. He has been making an appearance non-stop for the past 3 days.

 3. Amelia's yummy treat of a chocolate brownie, whipped cream, chocolate sauce and mini M&Ms

 4. Grace and I went to grab a bite to eat after seeing Twilight last night. Yay for Sister time!

5. You will all be surprised to hear that Tinkerbell lives in my house... and she calls me Mama. I am so very lucky!

Tomorrow Amelia has a 3 hour rehearsal scheduled for the Nutcracker. Other than that, I plan to have a pretty relaxed/crafty weekend.
Ashley Elizabeth
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My Thankful Thirty - November 16, 2012


November 16th:
Today I am thankful for living within my means. So often you hear of people who want fancy vacations and expensive toys... but they can't afford it. I love that my husband and I know what we can and can't do, and we don't rack up credit card after credit card to get the stuff that is out of our reach. This has been incredibly important now that I am staying home.

What are you thankful for today?

Link up below and let my readers and I know...

Ashley Elizabeth
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My Thankful Thirty - November 15,2012


November 15th:
Today I am thankful for great books being turned into great movies! My sister Erica's friend rented an entire theater at the Cinetopia in Beaverton, and we got to go see the final Twilight movie at 9:00pm last night!!! I think it was my favorite of the entire series. I obviously won't give any details on the movie since some of you might not have seen it yet, but I will say... it was great!
Grace and I at the movie! 

I love reading a book and then watching how they do at turning that book into a movie. My all time favorite book/movie combo is Pride and Prejudice! I can't even tell you how many times I've read that book, and the movie is my go to when I just want to snuggle up on the couch.

I am excited for the next Hunger Games movie, and Anna Karenina , but I have to read that book again since it has been years.

Tell me, what is your favorite book turned into movie combo?
Ashley Elizabeth
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My Thankful Thirty - November 14th


November 14th:
Today I am thankful for a very very clean house! I've been working on each room one by one, and after a crazy four hour cleaning-fest that my husband and I had today... it is spotless! Well, as spotless as it can be with a 3 year old in the house. I've been working on some decor and such so I will post pictures once our rooms have their "finishing touches" added to them. For today I will just post a picture of the disaster that was our bedroom a while back... please keep in mind I was in the middle of sorting and thrashing so this is not exactly how it always looked :) In a previous post where I used this picture I also said I would post updates once it is done. I will do that before too long.


Ashley Elizabeth
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My Thankful Thirty - November 13, 2012


November 13th:
Today I am thankful for my little sister! Gracie is a pretty awesome person and I am lucky to have her in my life. Back in the day we did everything together, and even though I rarely see her now, I love the time we do spend together. Gracie is a beautiful, smart and strong young woman, and I just hope she sees the amazing person that we all see in her. 










Ashley Elizabeth
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My Thankful Thirty - November 12, 2012


November 12th:
Today I am thankful for water. I know it might seem a little silly to be thankful for water, but I have a major obsession with it. A few years ago I found myself drinking way too many sugary drinks, primarily Mt. Dew and Amp, so I stopped with it all cold turkey :) and switched to only drinking water. I now drink about a gallon or more per day; I get to the point where I crave it. I am so glad I made the change to water only, and it makes me feel so good. I can always tell when I haven't been drinking my water, usually on the weekends, when I start to get lethargic. So today... I am so thankful for my addiction to water! It is a good love affair to have!

This is the jug of water I had every day when I was still working. Now that I'm home I still drink this much and a few more glasses of water each day. 


Ashley Elizabeth
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Thankful Thirty - November 11, 2012



November 11th:
Today I am thankful for music! I have always had an obsession with music, and not any one particular style. I listen to everything; heavy metal, country, hip hop, rap, pop, bluegrass, punk and pretty much everything else but jazz. No matter how I'm feeling, whether I'm down, sad, happy, melancholy, giddy etc, I can always find the right music to fit my mood. I've been lucky enough over the years to not only see dozens and dozens of artists/bands perform, but to meet quite a few of them as well. I hope Amelia shares in my love of music!
My guitar and I
Ashley Elizabeth
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Thankful Thirty - November 10, 2012


November 10th:
Today I am so very thankful to have my older sister. Erica and I haven't always been the closest, in fact growing up we fought an awful lot! Now that we are older I love spending time with her. Erica is quite a role model for a younger sister; she has a wonderful job that she is incredible at, she is always there for me, she always thinks of others, is a stellar Aunt and has a heart of gold! At random times Erica will just drop in to visit and I love the effort she puts in to being an incredible Aunt to Amelia.






Ling up below to share your Thankful Thirty with my readers and I!

Ashley Elizabeth
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High Five for Friday/My Thankful Thirty


High Five for Friday!!!! Linking up with Lauren over at From My Grey Desk today!

1. Amelia got new bedding this week! I hadn't really picked anything out since she moved into a twin bed so I've been browsing around lately. We were in Target the other day and this caught her eye. It is really adorable in person and she loves it. Oh and another great thing... since being home Amelia is sleeping in her bed! When I was at work it was easier if she just slept with me but now she's such a big girl!

2. Amelia is so darn cute! I love how matchy matchy little gangster she looks with her baggy sweats, Nike kicks and kitty hat... hahah. She is my favorite!

3. I love cute drawings! 

4. Grimm was filming a block from our house today, the neighborhood was buzzing with people and security. We walked over to see if they were currently filming but they weren't out when we were there. Pretty cool!

5. I finally finished the series this week! I read the first two books when they came out and I had a really hard time getting into this book. I think part of my issue was that I didn't really have time, and I felt this book was a little slow to start. I'm so glad I finally read it and finished out the series. Now on to finding another series to read... any suggestions?

November 9, 2012:
Today I am thankful for my amazing husband, Mark. Six years ago today we became "official"! I love that man so much, he is so supportive of everything I do. I couldn't have asked for a better husband; he is an incredible dad, works hard for our family and he really encouraged me to stay home with Amelia!

Tonight to celebrate 6 years together we went to the Baghdad Theater to have dinner and watch Campaign, which is hilarious!!! Our first date was to the Baghdad around Halloween in 2006, we watched Shaun of the Dead. I love that place, it has a really relaxed feeling about it. 



Amelia is staying with my mom tonight so I've gotta get up early to pick her up and take her to ballet. Good night all!

Ashley Elizabeth
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My Thankful Thirty - November 8, 2012


November 8th:
Today I am thankful for my new glasses! My prescription didn't change too much but I wanted to make sure I got in to the eye doctor to use my insurance allotment before I move to Mark's insurance plan. I have pretty crappy vision, not the worst but if I were to take off my glasses and walk around I would be nauseous and sick to my stomach within minutes. I can't see things up close, or far away. Anyway, Grace helped me pick these out and I think they are cute.


Ashley Elizabeth
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My Thankful Thirty - November 7, 2012


November 7th:
Today I am thankful for the little homemaker gene that I got from my Mama! When I was working I dreaded any sort of house work because I was permanently exhausted. I hated dishes, laundry, cleaning and even cooking. Now that I am home, well rested and stress free I find myself getting excited to do the dishes and clean up the house. I think Mark is thankful as well! He no longer has to do the dishes every day. During my work days I would get home later in the evening and never had time to do the house work, so Mark picked up the slack. SO... I am very thankful that I enjoy cleaning our home, doing our laundry, washing our dishes and cooking for my family!!!!!


Today Amelia and I got up and headed over to my Grandma's house. My mom is still in town and we wanted to do some shopping, well sewing was on our agenda but I decided we could save that for another day. We started out at Target and got some incredible deals on their 90% off Halloween shelves. We then headed over toward their bedding department; I have been looking for new bedding for Amelia and haven't found anything reasonably priced that I liked. I didn't want to spend a ton of money on all of it because her taste and interest will undoubtedly change as she gets older. We found the perfect set for her and I ended up purchasing the quilt, sham, sheets, dust ruffle and wall decals. I'm excited to get working on her room now. After Target we went down to Old Navy. I had a $10.00 off $25.00 that I wanted to use. I only have a few long sleeved t-shirts so I picked up a few more, along with some tights for Amelia. We had to exchange some shoes that my sister Erica bought for Amelia at Nordstrom Rack so that was the next store we hit. I bought Amelia a cute knit blazer and an awesome leather jacket, along with a few Christmas presents. If you have never heard of a Fred Meyer Red Tag store... they are pretty awesome! There is only one that I know of in Portland so we headed there before going back to my Grandma's house. In the past we have gotten amazing deals on couches, bedding, home decor and clothes. The red tag store consists of all of Fred Meyer's clearance items on sale for an additional 60% off of the lowest price! Today I purchased a $40 lamp for $15, some Oregon State slippers for Amelia and a few other items. It was a big shopping day for us, and I spent more than I had planned, but I got some incredible deals! I always love a good deal!

Us!


Us being silly!

Well I'm headed out of here now. It has been a long busy day and I'm sleepy!







Ashley Elizabeth
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My Thankful Thirty - November 6, 2012


November 6th:
Today, on election day, I am so very thankful for my right to vote!

Now on to my day...

Today was my first real day at home with Amelia. My last day working was October 24th but I have been busy or out of town every day since. We woke up early today and played around for a while. I made a really great lunch for myself, and then put lunch in the fridge for Mark to have when he got home from work. Amelia seemed a little tired so I lit a pumpkin candle, grabbed a book and decided she should snuggle on my lap for her nap. I was able to read about 6 chapters before Mark got home, then I had him take her upstairs to finish out her nap.
My tasty lunch: salad with oranges, wonton noodles and Asian chicken salad dressing, chicken breast and cottage cheese with oranges. 

I ran some errands by myself this afternoon and then headed home to make dinner. I decided on cube steak and brussel sprouts. It turned out to be pretty good. I am hopeful that my eating and weight will both improve now that I am home.

Tomorrow I plan on finishing a sewing project with my Mom and then cleaning house. I am searching for a healthy new recipe for dinner tomorrow... and maybe lunch as well.

Well Happy election night to all of my fellow US Citizens!

Ashley Elizabeth
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My Thankful Thirty - November 5, 2012


November 5th:
I am thankful for my Grandma! She is such a strong woman and I am so glad I grew up with her as a role model. She has always been there for my sisters and I, and we are so lucky to have her. At 89 years old she still manages to stay busy, maintain her home and is the picture of health. I love her so much!

Ashley Elizabeth
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My Thankful Thirty - November 4, 2012


November 4th:
Today I am thankful for my faith, it has gotten me through several tough times in my life and I'm so glad I always have my beliefs to turn to!
My First Communion
Ashley Elizabeth
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My Thankful Thirty - November 3, 2012


November 3rd:
Today I am thankful for the two people I call Mom and Dad. My parents are truly amazing people and they have never been anything but supportive of my sisters and I. Growing up I was the girl with the "cool" parents and even to this day I still love how I can share anything with them and know that they will only love me and never judge. I am also incredibly thankful for the relationship my parents have chosen to have with  my daughter Amelia. They are so involved and put forth every effort to be a part of her life. I love you both Mom and Dad!

This is a photo from my Mom's prom! Good ol' 70s

Link up below to share what you are thankful for with my readers and I!
Ashley Elizabeth
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High Five for Friday


Hey All,
It's been a while since I've done a high five for Friday post so here it is...

I had a ton of great things to blog about this week, but I've picked out just five highlights for this one.

1. My Mama and I got to spend some time sewing together. It was really fun and I totally enjoyed my time up at their house.

 2. Today Amelia and I met up with my great friend Steve and my sister Grace for lunch. We used to have a little lunch club when we all worked at ODF so this was a great lunch date!

3. Rudy has been absolutely adorable since we got back. He hasn't left Amelia's side and just follows her everywhere. I think it's safe to say he missed her!
 4. The first time Amelia has ever played with legos. I know it is crazy but we aren't around a lot of other kids and it is something she has never been given.

 5. Tickets went on sale for the Nutcracker that Amelia will be participating in. I am so excited for the two performances. All of the kids have been working so hard.

Ashley Elizabeth
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My Thankful Thirty - November 2, 2012


November 2nd :
Today I am thankful for the little blessing I call my daughter. When Mark and I found out we were pregnant I prayed for a healthy little baby... but deep down I was also praying for a little girl. I would have been overjoyed with either a boy or a girl, but God knew that I needed her! Amelia is the perfect addition to my life and I never knew how  much I could love someone until I had a child. I'm thankful for her laughter, tears, seldom tantrums, silly behavior, the funny things she says, her beautiful little heart... and pretty much EVERYTHING about that girl. 


















Link up below to share with my readers and I what you are thankful for this season!

Ashley Elizabeth
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