High Five For Friday!


What a gorgeous Friday! Linking up with Lauren at The Lauren Elizabeth for 'High Five For Friday'.

1. This week was INCREDIBLE! Amelia and I soaked up every sunny day that was given to us. We found this grassy field filled with daisies and flopped down to enjoy it. So relaxing.

2. The kiddos and I spent a lot of time outdoors this week.

 

 3. It's true... she loves her cat!

4. My new favorite spot in Oregon City is the McLoughlin Promenade. I love the view from up there, and the grassy fields are perfect for playing.

5. We have had a serious squirrel problem in our crawl space. This week we had a roofer come and fix our gutter, and in the process he closed up the squirrels exit... leaving at least one of them trapped in our house. Mark got suited up to try and catch it. We saw one, but was unable to capture it. Live animal trap here we come! (I love the pink gloves he's rockin')

6. and I know that I'm only supposed to list my top 5 in the high 5 for Friday... but this week definitely needed a cherry on top. My sister's fiance Chris is a volunteer fire fighter and just this week he passed his Officer test!!!!! Good Job Chrissy Poo! We are proud of ya!

Enjoy your weekend! We don't have a ton planned. Mark works all weekend. Saturday Amelia has ballet rehearsal for a parade she is participating in on May 4th. Sunday we are going to church and then hanging out with some friends. Overall it will be a fun laid back weekend.







Ashley Elizabeth
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Sweet & Sour Meatballs



These meatballs are incredibly simple to make and delicious!

Ingredients
1 package of frozen meatballs (or homemade meatballs if you have a recipe you love)
1/2 jar of grape jelly
1/2 jar of sweet chili sauce

Place meatballs in the crock pot. Pour grape jelly and sweet chili sauce over the meatballs. You can adjust the temperature of the meatballs easily. If you prefer spicier foods then add more of the chili sauce and less of the grape jelly; if you like more mild foods then use more jelly and less chili sauce. I don't typically like spicy foods and the 1/2 a jar each mix works good for me.

Cooking time will vary if your meatballs are homemade. Frozen meatballs will take 3-4 hours on high in the crock pot and 6-8 hours if set to low. We enjoyed these with rice and salad on the side.
Ashley Elizabeth
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Cookie Dough Hummus Recipe


I was shocked at how much I liked this recipe. Cookie Dough Hummus just didn't sound too appealing, but it was quite delicious... especially eating it with pretzels.


This recipe will make 8 servings

Ingredients:
1 can of chickpeas (remove all skins)
1/4 cup of natural peanut butter
6 Tbsp maple syrup
pinch of salt
1/4 cup of chocolate chips

Put all ingredients, except the chocolate chips, in a food processor and blend until you get a smooth texture. Once the ingredients are well blended, fold in the chocolate chips. Enjoy with pretzels or another cookie/cracker/spoon of your choice.

A simple and healthier way to curb a sweets craving!
Ashley Elizabeth
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Friend Making Monday: Inside My Head



If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!
Inside My Head
I like crafting
I don’t like spiders and feet
I love my family and a couple of close friends
I dream of having a big family
I wonder what type of person Amelia will grow up to be
I know a lot
I went on two walks today. Oregon City was gorgeous!
I think I'm addicted to music
I plan to blog a little more
I regret never living on my own
I do like to dance and sing incredibly loud when it is only Amelia and I at home
I drink water like a fish
I wish I could see the future!
I am a little crazy sometimes... but the good crazy, not the I need a straight jacket kinda crazy
I am not shy
I need change
I hope to go on a real vacation sometime this year
I want to live in the country
I sometimes wish I could spend a year in New York. 
I always strive to be the best mom I can be. 
I can do anything I put my mind to
I cannot sing worth a damn
I avoid rude people
I will work toward exercising more and losing more weight!
Ashley Elizabeth
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What is wrong with people???


What is wrong with people? Seriously... why would two grown adults, late 30's or so, think that it is a good idea to get a little more than "cozy" on the side of a frequently used walking path when they know a Mama and her little kiddo are close by? Amelia and I went for our second walk of the day around the time the sun was setting. It was still fairly warm out and the sky was beautiful. Amelia and I sat on a bench together giggling, singing songs and enjoying the view of downtown Oregon City and the waterfalls. We headed home once the sky darkened up. Less than 100 feet from where we had been sitting, we came across "the scene". Amelia said really loud "Mama, why are those people moving and moving in that blanket (puzzled look and long pause), that's really really weird". Needless to say I picked up the pace and we were home shortly after.  

It was a gorgeous day here in Oregon City! Amelia and I spent the morning snuggling and being somewhat lazy, until the little man I babysit showed up around one. We headed out for a walk immediately, and spent close to two hours wandering the neighborhood. 

 My Girl!
 Amelia wanted me to take a pretty picture of the pretty flowers

 I love Oregon City
She was climbing and jumping all over the rocks

On our way home from walk #1 we stopped and got an ice cream treat. Amelia was so excited and made one heck of a mess. 

I love this one

And finally... a picture from our evening walk. 

I ate horrible last week, so I'm hoping to get back on track. Once I hit the 20# mark my weeks haven't been as great. I am down 21 pounds. I'm hoping that the nice weather will help me get out and walk a lot more than I have been. 
Ashley Elizabeth
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H54F - What a fun week!


FRIDAY! Oh how glad I am to see Friday. This was a really fun week, which is why I'm so anxiously awaiting the weekend and sleep! Linking up with Lauren today for H54F at her new revamped blog, The Lauren Elizabeth.

1. Sunday after church Amelia and I had a rainy picnic with my friend and his son. Amelia and Joey get along so well and they always have a blast hanging out... and I enjoy talking with an adult. I love being a stay at home Mama and wouldn't change it for the world, but the one thing I miss is talking with all of my co-workers.

2. Amelia and I spent a few nights this past week wandering around some of our favorite Oregon City spots and playing in some of the parks. I love getting out when the weather is decent.

3. When my sister Grace was in high school, Celine was on an exchange program from Switzerland. Her and Grace are the best of friends, and she is like a little sister to me! She was here this past week for a visit and I'm so glad I got to spend some time with her.

4. Amelia watching Madeline on the TV she got for her birthday.

5. The other morning when Amelia woke up and came downstairs she had the most excited look on her face. She said "Mama.... I need to show you how cute Rudy was sleeping in the bed next to me" and then she laid down and did this.


Ashley Elizabeth
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Beautiful Weather


Last night I looked out our back window to see what was one of the most beautiful sunsets we have had in a while. I grabbed my camera and my girl, and we headed to the elevator to snap a few shots.
I love Oregon City!
It started raining on our way back. It's a good thing we only walked a couple of blocks.


The weather is simply gorgeous out! Today has been filled with watching fun little kiddos and a spontaneous park date with my friend Amanda and her little darling Violet.

 They are so cute!
 Tug O' War
They created a little campfire in the park

Since all of my little ones got picked up early today I'm gonna get working on my Photoshop class. I'm so excited to be taking it. It is a 14 hour class. I started the first part last week, and this second part is about 90 minutes. I can't wait to actually feel comfortable editing my pictures. If you have nice weather today, I hope you are able to enjoy it!


Ashley Elizabeth
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Spring cleaning, lilacs, painting and wine!


What a productive Saturday! I had a goal to spring clean our upstairs bedrooms; our room and Amelia's room. While I didn't get them completely finished, I certainly accomplished a lot. It had been far too long since I had cleaned out Amelia's closet and dresser drawers. In the first two drawers alone I was able to pack away about 3/4 of the clothes. A lot of them still fit, but they are things she won't be wearing again. It felt so good to get stuff done. I'm pretty sure that Mark, Amelia and I all three stayed in pajama like clothing for the entire day.

Enjoying some delicious wine while smelling the lilacs I picked today and writing this post!

If you have an artsy/crafty kiddo like I do, I've found that picking up those little cardboard boxes, or wooden birdhouses at Michael's and JoAnn's is the best investment... after all, they are only one dollar. Even though I'm home all day with Amelia, I feel bad when I spend the majority of a day cleaning or working on a project. On days like this... painting projects to the rescue! I've stocked up here and there on the cheap paints (usually $1 or less) and now Amelia has a good selection to choose from. She is happy to spend a couple of hours working on these crafts, and this Mama doesn't feel as if I'm neglecting my child. 

Happy as can be!

Her little hands are so adorable!

Tomorrow we have a fun packed day, starting out at church and then having a chilly Oregon and probably rainy picnic with some friends. Also on the agenda, sewing up some rice bags for my Etsy shop. Last week I shipped to California and have had a request for more! 

Happy Weekend!


Ashley Elizabeth
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Happy Friday


Happy Friday! I am so glad the weekend is almost here! I've been exceptionally tired this week and am definitely ready to catch up on some rest. Here is a quick recap of my week; linking up with Lauren over at From My Grey Desk for High Five for Friday.

1. I had the honor of attending my sister Erica's work awards banquet, she is a 911 operator in Portland. Erica is the best older sister and role model there is! When I heard that she was getting an award, I begged her to let me go with her. Once Grace heard heard about it, she of course wanted to attend as well. It was a blast! My sister received a Life Saver award for being one of the operators on a rescue of a man and four children who were lost out in the wilderness. I couldn't be more proud of my sister, and I don't think she has any clue the magnitude of respect and admiration I have for her! Good job sister!

2. Lilacs are my favorite! I love how beautiful they are, and they smell divine! Our Lilac tree started blooming this week and the thought of a huge vase of delicious Lilacs sitting on my table has me giddy.

3. Amelia and I started the daunting task of spring cleaning our upstairs rooms (hers and ours). She was less than thrilled to spend an evening cleaning up and trying on clothes galore. It does feel good to be purging though!

4. Amelia was playing hide and go seek the other night, and this was her hiding spot! She is such a silly kid!

5. These girlies and I spent a good portion of our day at the park on Thursday! It was nice to get out and breathe some fresh air, even if it was slightly chilly.


Ashley Elizabeth
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Weekend Recap and 20!


First let me start off by saying... 20.6 pounds!!!! I was so excited when I stepped on the scale this morning, I'm pretty sure I did a little dance. My reward for 20 pounds is pedicures for Amelia and I, but I don't really feel like spending the money yet when I can't even wear flip flops (rainy Oregon!) so I'm going to change it to time with my girl. I can do our manis and pedis at home and then we can snuggle up on the couch and read books, watch movies or do some sort of craft project (whatever she chooses). I don't care what we do... I'm just excited to have hit my second reward mark! I would like to hit 30 by my birthday (May 1st), but we'll see. I think I need to start walking my butt off!

I am having a very productive morning! It isn't even 8:00 yet and I've already cleaned up around the house quite a bit. This past weekend was a fun one for us. Poor Mark had to work all weekend so Amelia and I spent the majority of our time out in Molalla. Saturday we had a funeral to attend for a friend's Grandpa. It was a beautiful service and my heart goes out to the entire family!

Amelia and I on our way out to Molalla

Saturday afternoon Amelia and I had plans to hang out over at my little sister Grace's house. She recently moved in with her boyfriend, so not only does she have their new puppy there, but her 3 legged cat as well. Amelia LOVES the puppy Maverick and the kitty Jasper so she was really excited to spend the day there. We had a yummy lunch and watched some good movies, and just hung out. It was a lot of fun. Since Mark worked and my older sister Erica was out of town, Amelia and I decided to just stay in Molalla. We go to church out there on Sundays and it was pointless to head home so late, only to turn around and head back. Even though the drive was a good enough excuse, I really just wanted to stay out there to get all of my sister's iTunes music!
Snoozin' in Auntie Erica's bed

Sunday we went to church and then I loaded all of the music from iTunes to my iPod, which is now pretty much full! I sort of wish the drive home was longer just so I could have listened to more. Overall it was a great weekend! 

Happy Tuesday!




Ashley Elizabeth
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H54F


Happy Friday! This week went by fairly fast. Today I'm linking up with Lauren over at From My Grey Desk for High Five For Friday. 
1. We had a wonderful Easter weekend with my family! The Oregon weather was gorgeous and we were able to enjoy an entire weekend outdoors! 

2. I got to spend some much needed time with my little sister this past week... and yep, we have the sunroof open!

3. I LOVE the cherry blossom trees. They are my favorite thing about spring. 

4. The kiddos and I having a good time this week. I love my job!

5. My best friends lately! I realized that I accomplish so much more around the house when I'm wearing these babies. Yay for being productive. 

I can't wait for my Monday weight in. I'm gonna be on my best behavior this weekend, and try to get some walking in. As of this morning I'm one pound away from 20!!!!!!!

Happy Friday





Ashley Elizabeth
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Easter Weekend


I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend. My family and I spent a good portion of Saturday in Molalla at their Easter egg hunt. Amelia had a blast! It was a gorgeous day out, which is unusual for Oregon this time of year. After the hunt my sister invited us all over to her house for lunch. It was fun to hang out with them.

 Amelia hopping around from egg to egg

My little family and I

Easter morning Amelia opened up her treats from the Easter bunny and then we headed over to my Grandma's house. It was a beautiful day! The food was delicious! and the company wonderful!
 We put out 4 carrots for him... he must have been hungry. 

 Waiting to go hunt eggs at Grandma Grace's house

 I love this picture! Erica, Mom and Grace

 hunting eggs

 Us

 Amelia and my sister Grace's puppy Maverick

 Amelia has NEVER been able to run in a sprinkler on Easter Sunday. The Oregon weather really delivered.

And of course, it wouldn't be a true holiday without some sort of craft project. 


Ashley Elizabeth
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