Christmas & Moving Day

Instead of Christmas decorations and pine scented candles, my dining room table is currently the catch-all for moving supplies.  A sharpie, tissue paper, tape and other odds and ends.  My walls are bare, the floor is being taken over by boxes.  Toys are packed...kitchen is empty.  This was not at all how I envisioned this Christmas to be.  

I remember last year...my family and I were all busy dreaming about how wonderful this Christmas would be.  John John would be older.  Walking.  Talking.  Pulling ornaments off the tree and gazing at the lights we'd hang in our windows.  But there is no tree....no lights.  In fact, it's a bittersweet holiday.  Two days after Christmas, Matthew, John and I are packing up and moving out of state. I am so sad to leave.

But...let me get back to the topic of Christmas.  Our walls are bare.  But Christmas is not about the decor.  The music.  Or the lights.  It is about the promised child.  The messiah.  The savior.  JESUS CHRIST.  And there is no better way to reflect on that this year than ridding ourselves of all things that can clutter our hearts.  We have Christmas music in the background, I'm packing up the kitchen, and telling John about a baby to be named Jesus.  Of course, he'd rather be playing with the Tupperware...but I kept talking anyway.  Christmas is a time to celebrate CHRIST...and this year that is what it is ALL ABOUT for us.  I hope that every year we can keep the "busy" and the "rush" to a minimum.  That every year we clear our hearts and minds of the clutter that this time of year can bring and rather we fill our hearts and minds with joyful expectation of a King come to die so that we may live.

As for the big move and my sad heart?  Well....I will miss my family and friends so fiercely.  But we aren't going across the country or even two states away!  We are going one state over.  Less than eight hours to drive!  I know our visits will be many and often.  And I also know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this move is good!  This is where The Lord has directed us to go.  This is where being obedient to Him is taking us.  It is an honor to go where The Lord calls.  When I push away the sadness of leaving I get excited for what lies ahead. New friends that we hope will become like family.  A new church. New home.  New adventures....

                                       

       

                                                           Merry Christmas, friends!!!

Dear Haven

 Twelve years ago I joined the Junior Varsity cheer squad at my high school.  I became friends with girls who became like sisters.  And now, I still keep in touch with a few...thanks to the power of the internets of course.  But one girl in particular, Shalena, though some years went by without talking, I always considered her a friend.  Eventually, as the Lord had it planned, we both married & became a part of the same young married couples ministry through their church.  Then Shalena & her husband had a baby.  A sweet girl they named Haven.  Ten weeks later John John arrived.  Haven & John never got around to meeting...life happened as it often does & we always promised to get together but never actually made that happen. 
One day, Shalena emailed a few of us girlfriends asking for prayer about childcare arrangements for their sweet girl & I offered my very professional services.  Professional meaning the only experience I have is a tiny toddler I am learning to parent...

So Haven joined John John & I for a few hours every day & has become quite an important little member of our family.  Tomorrow will be my last day with Haven.  Next week will be spent packing getting ready to move...and the following week...we move.  I spent the better part of this evening reflecting on the past few months with Miss Haven & I decided just a few random thoughts in my head were no good...I needed to let Haven know exactly how loved she is and what better way to do that then on a virtual scrapbook I call a blog?  So here goes...

Dear Haven,

I cannot believe that tomorrow I say goodbye to you.  I cannot believe how much I have grown to love you.  Truly.  When you first started coming over you were so unsure.  We had a tiny little boy with hair as big as your head, a dog who only wanted to eat you & we had Matthew, who you were deathly afraid of.  I assume it was & still is the beard that throws you off.

You challenged me.  You were stubborn & too smart for your own good.  You would take John's toys & pull at the dogs tail.  I prayed for patience.  There was about four weeks where I questioned everything I thought I knew about parenting as I struggled to get you and John to share & play well together.  I prayed for guidance.  I wondered when you would stop using wrestling moves on John as you'd pin him to the ground in a move you like to call "a hug."  I prayed for no bruising.  I see now that all of this was just growing pains.  You learned to trust me & you learned that the guidance I gave you was out of love.  You & John learned to share & say "please!" and "thank you!"  and...well..you still wrestle John to the ground.  But he's learned to run very fast.  Haven, you helped me become a better mama, a more patient person & woman who seeks God more than before.

You have blessed me with hugs & kisses & giggles.  And with each kiss & snuggle I knew that this was where God wanted you.  I've loved our snack time & leaf collecting & shopping trips.  I've loved watching your walls break down bit by bit towards Matt.  He was so happy the first time you blew him a kiss goodbye.  You have made me realize that he needs a daughter.  And if that's God's plan for us...I hope she's like you.  Smart.  Caring.  Brave.  Affectionate. 

So tomorrow, Miss Haven Grace, when you leave my house for the last time..you won't know that you won't be coming back to play again.  And neither will John.  And though I am grateful that you two are too little to understand the pain of missing somebody, my heart hurts knowing you are losing your best buddy & John will be losing his.  Haven, you have brought out the best in John.  You have turned him into a brave little boy who actually lets you snuggle on his lap & giggles when you kiss him.  He became a bit more affectionate having you around.  So, with that, little girl, I say goodbye.  You were a sweet and beautiful addition to our family while it lasted & I promise to bring John John back to play every now & then...seriously.  Without you around who will toughen him up & then wrestle him down?  You will be missed around here!

Praying God protect you and bless you.

Love,
Ashley

basically the only photo I have of these best friends actually sitting still...and as you can see they were bribed with goldfish & a movie just so I could have a quick moment to myself...

Hello!

It's been so quiet around here...I'm pretty sure tumbleweeds have tumbled past my computer since it's been so long since I've visited.  So much has happened & I've enjoyed not pressuring myself into writing about any of it.  But, alas, I couldn't stay away any longer.

The baby has been very busy lately!  He walks, runs, jumps, rolls, crawls & every now & then even does some yoga.

 He is still an easy going & joy filled baby.  We thank God everyday for his incredibly cheesy smile,

his healthy development & especially his dance skills.  Seriously, we spent the weekend out of town for a family wedding and he danced the entire night away.  Like, he had a circle formed around him while he cut a rug.  He danced with the bride, momma, strangers & himself.  As long as his booty was shakin' he was a happy camper! 

 As for Matthew & I, and my constant quest for the best marriage possible...we've been doing pretty well.  We've been getting out on dates more often, hanging out and talking more often & truly & sincerely trying to be the best version of ourselves that we can be for one another.  I see it in Matthew all of the time.  His sacrifices, his ability to get out of his comfort zone for me & his love for John John.  He's my favorite...especially because he puts up with my craziness.  So he scores like 8 million points just for dealing with me after four cups of coffee & late at night when I'm tired & cranky & even when I'm overwhelmed with life.  He's cool.

In other news...If you haven't seen it on Instagram...we're moving!  Matthew has been transferred to Las Vegas, Nevada & we leave for our new home December 27th!  Two days after Christmas! (The date on the photo below is wrong!)  I caannot believe this is happening. 

We contemplated going out there years ago when there was no sweet little John in our lives & it never worked out.  But the Lord willed it & His timing is perfect, so we have an apartment waiting for us & in a few days time we'll start packing up & preparing to move.  I couldn't be more excited & more sad.  My family is my everything.  We live so close to almost all of our relatives that I cannot imagine what life will be like when we aren't just a quick car ride away.  But I'm also pretty excited to decorate our new place & to finally have an actual room for John John.  If anybody happens to see my husband...or hey, just wanna hunt him down and harrass him, I'd REALLY like an ETSY giftcard for Christmas.  Oh prettttyyy please!!!!

I hope ya'll are enjoying the Christmas season & getting into the spirit of it.  Right now, John John & I are doing an Advent reading plan with our Jesus Story Book Bible.  I've never done something like this before so I am excited to do it with John!

The Best Days of Our Lives

A few weeks ago I was out and about early Saturday morning.  I was forced to stop & put gas in my car as the needle was slowly nearing the E indicating empty.  It was just an annoying pit stop in a list of other errands that had to be made but thanks to my morning cup of coffee I was in a fairly good mood considering the early hour.  I stepped out of the car, began to pump gas & chatted with John John strapped into his car seat in back.  I noticed an old, homely looking man gathering bottles from the trash can next to the pump & smiled & said good morning.  He looked up, smiled brightly right at me and said "Well good morning!  It's night to see such a sunny face around here!"  I laughed and told him that we could all thank strong coffee for my pleasant mood.  As he chuckled, he noticed my son in the backseat and (rather politely, actually) mentioned that I seemed to young to be a mom.  I laughed and said "No!  I'm old!  I'm almost 28!"  And then it happened. 

In casual conversation he said what would change my outlook on everything.  I wish I could remember verbatim but it went something like this:

"Oh, dear!  Don't let people tell you that the best years are behind you!  The best is yet to come!  You always think that 'this must be the best' and 'this must be as good as it gets' but trust me, coming from an old man, life just keeps getting better and better."  

What he said was simple & could have been easily dismissed coming from a graying man with ratty clothes and an old rusting bike.  But it made me think.  It's true...I always thought that high school was the best.  I remember appreciating my youth, my innocent outlook & lack of responsibility.  High school was the best.  Then I graduated & moved out.  I was independent!  Meeting new people.  Killing it in college.  My early 20s were the best.  Then I became a Christian and met Matthew.  We got engaged & married.  Mid 20s were the best.  But then we started the adoption process & now have a beautiful child of our own.  Late 20s are the best.  I thought all of this in a flash as I finished pumping gas and buckled myself back in & drove away.  I have always worried that I am nearing the end of the best days of my life & the rest of my days will be mundane, and boring.  But each new stage, each new season.  It's the best.  It's funny how life works.  As I get older I only enjoy this life more & more.

With that said.. In a surprise twist to what was going to be a routine week on the calendar, Matthew ended up not going into work for the past few days.  It has been the sweet sweet time for our little family. Quality time is next to nil in this home.  But for five glorious days we have enjoyed being a family of three.  Matthew has joined John John and I on our evening walk.  We held hands as we walked slowly behind our son who ran through the courtyard  socializing with the neighbors.  We walked to the vending machines and discussed soda options.  We sat in the living room and watched John explore toys and books and games.  We played as a family.  Tickled, wrestled, kissed and read to the baby.  We sat and read the Bible and had long conversations on the power of prayer.  John squealed with delight as Daddy chased him and I laughed as they galloped around the living room.  I soaked in every single second and thought "this is the best" but I am still fully confident that the best is yet to come.  These days, they just keep getting sweeter.  The Lord blesses us with so much that it's hard not to enjoy such beautiful moments in a life that can be bombarded with the mundane. 

 

San Diego Ashley

My friends, fellow bloggers/adoptive parents, Peyton and Andrea just brought home their second daughter, Eden. She's all kinds of precious and beautiful and John John and I finally made it down to Carlsbad to meet her yesterday. 

I'm not gonna lie...I was excited to see my friends and meet Eden but I was even more excited for the drive back down to my home. 

No, I did not grow up in San Diego and I don't have any family out there...but it is where a piece of my heart is. Backstory: I randomly moved out there when a friend asked me to join her in renting an apartment.  I couldn't think of any reason why not, so I packed my bags and left home. My friend and I didn't make ideal roomies and It didn't work out and I eventually moved out. But I did fall in love out there. No, not to Matthew but to good ole' what's his name. After some more moves and life events, good ole' what's his name and I broke up and I was devastated. Miserable. Alone. Dramatic. I remember calling a friend post-breakup and telling him I wanted to move back to San Diego. I was so happy there despite any troubling circumstances. He encouraged me to move. And again, I packed my bags and moved back down to North County San Diego. And I was happy. I loved the small town feel of the city. I loved my community college. I loved the smell of the ocean, my independence, the scenery and  the cheap and easy living. There was and is nothing I dislike about that place. 

All these memories, good and bad, came flooding back to me as I drove my son and I down the familiar path to my "home."  It was a time of reflection and sweet fellowship with Lord.  But, I wish the young San Diego Ashley could read this:

Dear San Diego Ashley,

It's me. Ashley. Happily Married with a Baby Ashley. I'm glad you are in San Diego. It will teach you so much. You will grow up and mature in San Diego. But you should know that you need to be a better roommate and always ask before you borrow things. It's rude not to. Seriously. Always ask. You should keep up the good work in college and take more classes. Stop being lazy. Take more classes. DO NOT get that Nordstrom credit card. Stop spending your money having a good time on the weekend and get a new car. Your car sucks.  Realize good ole what's his name IS NOT your everything and stop being so dramatic. You'll soon come to realize he wasn't as great as you made him

out to be. Also, same advice for the other guys you'll meet. They'll all seem petty to you when you finally meet your future hubby. Come to terms with your battle with depression. Don't fight it and deny it. Do something about it and get healthy. Stop seeking acceptance from guys who are seeking other things and girls who are shallow and vain. Enjoy your youth and freedom.  Go to the beach more and lay out by the pool more. Enjoy that you don't have to bring a million toys with you when you do.  And try to eat more than Top Ramen and Doritos. When a new guy comes along and invites you to church and you say YES, know that you have made the right choice!  So, good job!  And when you quit the parties and bad decisions and your Bible sits amongst your roommates post-party trash do not be ashamed. Being lonely in that house is not the worst thing...and don't be afraid to invite your roommates to church, too. That's something I wish you would have done. And when the economy forces you to move back home and in with your parents, don't be sad. Pack up your bags with joy.  The Lord has some awesome plans for you, San Diego Ashley. Spoiler Alert: You will meet your future husband when you move back home and he is HOT!

Sincerely, the wiser, prettier, older, funnier, more stable, less dramatic and healthier, happily married to an awesome man and mama to coolest kid ever,

Ashley

A Day Like This Was Needed

I needed this day.  It was a day filled with joy.  With fun. A bit of pride and relieve and forgiveness.  It gives me hope that valleys aren't always as deep as I make them seem.

Lately, my sweet little world has been a mix of frustration and worry.  It was just about to turn from frusturating into overwhelming but then this day happened.  It started out a bit rough.  And didn't seem to be on the track to get better...but it did!  And I'm grateful!  John and I met up with my sister and spent the day at Disneyland.  Yesterday was by-far the best day I've ever had at Disneyland!  I was sad that Matthew couldn't be there to see John enjoy DLand in a way he never had before, but he was busy killing it at work!  I am so proud of him (more on that in a minute)!

We did so much.  Enjoyed all the musical shows in Disney California and met lots of characters.  All of which John seemed to love...especially Mickey. We also got to enjoy Disney's Halloween Carnival where John got to spend some special one on one time with Mickey.  Seriously.  Mickey walked right up to John and they hugged, kissed and John spent a lot of time honking Mickeys nose.  It was precious and I have no pictures to show...but that moment is one I won't soon forget!

Anyway, my day at Disney in photos:

So, obviously, my day was amazing.  But it gets better!  We came home and John officially started saying "mama" and even though he's been walking for awhile he has finally learned to stand up without any help from me or the furniture!  So proud of my boy!  I put the baby down to bed, ordered a pizza for dinner, it arrived before Matthew did from work so I dug in and ate while I watched Parks and Rec.  Aaahhh, sweet relaxation.  Matthew finally comes homes (with surprise! A slurpee for me!) and tells me he is killing it in his recent promotion to lead and is the only lead being trained for supervisor.  I love that man and how awesome he is at his job.  So proud of my main squeeze.

Yep.  A day like this was so needed.

Just Love Giveaway!

Ya'll...I've been slacking on this post for awhile.  Everytime I sit down to write to you I blank.  I almost never find myself at a loss for words, rambling is what I'm good at.  But I've written and deleted this post a few times and I never feel like I have explained just how awesome Lisa and her family truly are and I'm afraid I won't do them justice.  So I've finally sat down...and just wrote!!!


This is my friend Lisa and her beautiful family.

 Yep, they're pretty much the cutest.  You can read about her at her blog Just Love:127.  But in a nutshell...that's her husband and those are their two beautiful children.  Both of them are adopted, just in case you're wondering.  But, their is one member of their family who is not pictured here.  His name is Myles and he is currently living in Ethiopia while he waits for his forever family to come and bring him home forever.  Yep!  Myles has already met his new mommy and daddy and the Maxfield family is waiting only to travel to Ethiopia and bring home their newest addition!  So, with all that said, they are busy waiting and busy raising the last of the funds needed to bring Myles home & I am asking you to be a part of their story!!!  You can do that a number of ways.  Obviously, PRAY.  God can move mountains, do the impossible & plant money trees in their backyard to help pay for this adoption.  If God does in fact, plant a money tree, I will make sure to not let you know since I will be busy flying myself to Lisa's house to steal said money tree.  Secondly, you can do some shopping at her Etsy shop!  There is nothing more fun than buying yourself (or a friend!) a little something special all the while knowing you are changing the world!  Not to mention, she is having a sale!  So, shop, save money, change the world.  Amazing, right?  If you use the code GETHOME at checkout you will save 25%!!! 

And lastly, you can donate!  Lisa and I have teamed up and are giving you the chance to win two awesome items!  You can win this necklace straight from Lisa's shop

and you can win this breezy Ikat scarf from the Noonday collection!

 

Enter below!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Summer Bucketlist!

I guess it's been awhile, ya?  I pretty much got way too busy to blog.  I all of a sudden got "end of summer guilt" and spent most of my time trying to keep John and I outdoors, in pools and enjoying all that Southern California has to offer.  It was amazing.  Up until this stupid heat wave hit and our home became more like a torture chamber and we all fought over fans (since we don't have air conditioning) and who got to sit next to the living room windows.  Now, I say, I hate you summer.  Go away.

Anywho, with all that said, I thought with fall just around the corner it would be a good time to check over my Summer Bucketlist and see what I accomplished!  You can check out the original post here, but a quick review:

The Rules

-95% of the items on my Bucketlist must be extremely inexpensive or free 

-everything we do must be located in Orange County, California.

 

...and here is my list

 

The More Adventurous To-Do

-Go to the Orange County Fair  (done!)

-See a concert in a park

-Visit the Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Center( done!)

-Make a traditional Ugandan dinner

-Sea Saturdays at the Ocean Institute 

-Go to an Angels game

-Visit the Balboa Fun Zone

-Play at the Santa Ana Zoo (done!)

-Splash around at the Splash Pad @ Irvine Spectrum

-Have a tasty treat at Farrell's ice cream

-Play at Atlantis Park

-Watch "World of Color" at Disneyland's CA Adventure

-Do some grocery shopping at the Farmer's Market

Personal To-Do

-Make grown up Popsicles (must be 21+ to enjoy!)

-Re-read Love and Respect

-Plan a date night (done!)

-Spend an entire day by myself at the beach/pool

 

 Basically...I totally failed at my summer bucketlist.  A lot of these I didn't even try to do...well, basically, I didn't try to do any of these after awhile, but I made some other awesome memories instead so I can't say that I'm too upset (or surprised) by myself at all.  Anyway, I am ready for fall & all the things that come along with it so maybe I'll just change the summer bucketlist to the "fall bucketlist" subtract the splash pad and add in a pumpkin patch and I'll just keep on goin!!!

 

 

LOVE

I'd like to think I'm pretty honest.  Maybe too honest sometimes?  But, I can't help it.  I really dislike when people only share the pretty.  Life is not always pretty & if you hide your sin what does that say about you?  I think it says that you maybe you don't understand grace?  Jesus didn't come to die on a cross as he bore the weight of our sin so that we could hide it and be the pharisees as if our lives are perfect and we are more righteous than the next. Does that make sense?  He came that we may encourage one another.  That we may have fellowship & give love and mercy and grace.  That we may be saved from that sin that we insist on hiding.  So, I guess I sometimes feel I owe it to YOU, my friend, my family, a stranger but sister in Christ none the less, to be honest.  Sometimes Matthew & I struggle.  Like for reals.  We are two incredibly selfish sinners still working on our marriage...as I assume we always will be.  At times we've questioned what we've gotten ourselves into and how long it will be until we get to share to young couples in the season we find ourselves in now that LOVE is worth fighting for.  We are still in the "fighting for it stage" but how wonderful will it be when I can come here and say "God has redeemed what we have screwed up and we have come out to the other side on top.  Stronger.  Holier.  Less selfish and more selfless"  With all that mumbo-jumbo honesty stuff said, I found this on a blog I love from Jane Caroline & I absolutely love it.  It brought me to tears, it made me open my Bible and it has filled my heart with truth.  May it bless you, too.

Love is Not A Fight by Warren Barfield

 

Love is not a place
To come and go as we please
It's a house we enter in
And then commit to never leave
So lock the door behind you
Throw away the key
We'll work it out together
Let it bring us to our knees

Love is a shelter in a raging storm
Love is peace in the middle of a war
If we try to leave may God send angels to guard the door
No, love is not a fight but it's something worth fighting for

To some, love is a word that they can fall into
But when they're falling out
Keeping that word is hard to do

Love is a shelter in a raging storm
Love is peace in the middle of a war
If we try to leave may God send angels to guard the door
No, love is not a fight but it's something worth fighting for

Love will come to save us, if we'll only call
He will ask nothing from us, but demand we give our all

Love is a shelter in a raging storm
Love is peace in the middle of a war
If we try to leave may God send angels to guard the door
No, love is not a fight but it's something worth fighting for

I would fight for you, would you fight for me?
It's worth fighting for.
 

Happy Birthday, Little Man!

Our tiny newborn has grown up...it happened so fast and I'd like to think  I enjoyed almost every single  moment of this past year. So, in keeping with tradition: his final photo of this set: 

The morning of his birfday we sang him happy birthday, did a bit of decorating and let him eat that entire donut hole. He was in birthday boy heaven!

We continued to celebrate the following day by visiting the Santa Ana Zoo...which is a part of my summer bucket list!  We went after 2 PM so the entry was discounted and the park was much less crowded. John loved the monkeys and oddly enough he loved the bald eagle which looked like he wanted to eat my son for lunch...

The next day was his birthday party at the park and it was such fun!  I learned a lot about parties and what is worth stressing over and what isn't. Basically, I won't try as hard next year. What matters is good food, good friends, lots of family. That is my recipe for an awesome party!  

I'd like you to notice the crazy on my face as I'm holding the coolest birthday present ever...a box of 180 diapers. It was a little bit like Christmas for me. Sad but true. 

We rested on Sunday & then on Monday afternoon we went to Disneyland!  John loved the Pixar play parade and his Mickey balloon. He LOVED riding the train and Small World and he loved watching all the people. It was so much fun taking him now that he's a bit older. 

Also, during it's a Small World we travelled all over the world but my fave part was sailing through Africa. The dolls wearing traditional Ugandan outfits made me miss that crazy place a bit..

Basically, this past week has been exhausting but so much fun!  I think tomorrow we'll sit down and write some thank you cards and maybe finish up some laundry...

To a Man I've Never Met

(Make Sure You've Entered the Noonday Collection Giveaway!!!)

I am fortunate enough to say that my parents have been married for thirty years and not only that...but they are both still alive. Which considering their medical history is a true miracle. But, they are both alive. When I got engaged my mom jumped with joy for me...When I got married my daddy walked me down the aisle and danced with me. When we got the call to adopt John one of the first people I called was my dad. He is the tree to my apple.  I am just like him. And I've had 27 years to figure that out. 

But there is a man that I never got to meet: my father-in-law. Six years ago today he went to be with The Lord. His death was unexpected and sudden. My husband never got to say goodbye to his best friend. My sister in laws never got to hug their daddy one final time. They didn't get to know their dad the way I have gotten to know mine.  They were teenagers when he died...just kids.  My heart aches so often for them. And, Im not gonna lie...sometimes it aches for me, too. I miss this man I've never met. John O'Brien, my son's namesake. 

I think that my father in law John and I would have gotten along!  Like, pretty much he would have loved me.  As his son's wife by default I'd have his love, but I know I would have looked to him for Godly counsel and good jokes. My husband would have a best friend again, a huge spiritual support system and all kinds of marriage advice. My son, John John, would have another loud and silly grandpa who would adore him. Matt and I have talked about it a number of times and we are certain that Grandpa John would be baby John's #1 fan.   They'd be best buddies & my son would grow up doing Bible studies with Grandpa just like my husband did Bible studies with his Dad.

I miss him. I feel like a part of my family will be forever missing. I imagine that a part of my husbands heart will be forever missing until the day he sees his dad again in Heaven. And I imagine that my sister in laws wish they had their daddy here to harass the boys at the door and guide them and love them like little princesses & precious daughters that they are. Until we all get to see you in Heaven, John...until then we will live life to it's fullest and greatest potential all for God's glory. I've been told that's exactly how you lived your life and the memories you left behind are the best evidence of that.

John with my sister in laws Amber & Sarah & my adorable baby husband, Matthew

Matthew posing as the most adorable boy with his daddy, John.

Doing something manly & macho like beating each other up.  Also, please note my husband's fake blonde Zack Morris hair do'

Best Friends.

Birthday Giveaway!

Hello & good morning!


I'm really excited to tell you TWO things today!  One: I've been able to check out the new fall line for Noonday & oh  my goodness!  Everything is amazing!  It debuts to the public at the end of this month & you are not gonna wanna miss out!  and Two: John's 1st birthday is next Thursday!  I cannot believe how fast time has flown by.  I cannot believe how much he has changed...or how much Matthew & I have changed this past year!  We are blessed!


So in honor of two of my favorite things, Noonday & my son (in no particular order of favorites, obvi), I am doing a giveaway to ONE OF YOU!  I hope this gives you a chance to really check out the Noonday collection...the first time I ever really did is when I won a Noonday giftcard myself!  And I've been hooked ever since!  I also hope this blesses you in a fun way & you enjoy doing a little shopping on me!  You can enter below and just FYI...I won't always make you jump through hoops to win a giveaway.  But, I would love if you followed this blog because I'm not just going to be doing a giveaway this month...but next month, too!  And the month after that, and the month after that!...Next month I'll be doing a giveaway to help out  a friend & her family bring their third child home via international adoption!  So, make sure to check back!

And good luck!  The winner will be announced next Thursday, August 15th...John's 1st Birthday!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


 

The Wait

This time last year Martthew and I were busy waiting. We were officially waiting to be matched with a child via domestic adoption. We had just been blessed by some of the most beautiful women I've ever met with an adoption baby shower. We had clothes, toys, books, bassinet, diapers...we had everything we needed except for the baby. 

And we had no guarantee that we would ever have a baby. We were busy waiting for a child that may never come. 

This time last year my heart was constantly a flutter every time my phone rang. Maybe it was finally the call saying we've been matched!?  Tears were never far from my eyes as I let the enemy sneak in and prowl on my tender heart. I was trying to stay busy and enjoy every moment of my life but something was missing and that was our child

Matthew on the other hand was the perfect picture of composure. He was certain that all in The Lord's timing we'd bring a little one home and he was happy to wait on The Lord. Looking back, I remember being so irritated by his patience but I see now that I should have followed in his footsteps and been more graceful, patient, and kind. 

This time last year my arms ached from emptiness and now they ache from being so full with a 20lb little guy who is my son

I can tell you from experience there is nothing harder than the wait. There are few who will understand how slow time can pass when your waiting for the call. If you're waiting my heart and prayers are with you. I pray you are filled with patience and hope and peace. I pray your days are busy and your nights are restful. I pray that your match or your referral are coming soon and I pray that you don't treat the wait as a time of torture but as a time of blessings. I grew so much in The Lord as I cried out to Him on a daily basis. My heart belongs to Him in a way it hadn't before.

And now, if you'll excuse me there is a tiny boy who needs me. He has dirt under his finger nails and knots in his hair. He has a smile that can melt your heart and the best laugh ever. He is sweet but hates being told no. That's my son. The one I swore we would never be given. God gave us a child...and I am forever grateful for this gift.

Summer Bucketlist (#3)

I am so grateful that I made a summer bucketlist!  It's really helped out on those days when I'd look at John and think "What are we gonna do all day!?"  One of the things on the list was to attend a storytime as often as possible. 

We love storytime!  We go every Tuesday morning to the Huntington Beach Public Library to the 9:15 AM session. They also have storytime at 10 & 10:45 which means that it's only 30 minutes long!  So perfect for the 1-3 year olds!  

It's so incredibly interactive and sweet!  Fun stories, cute props, great songs and a plethora of babies for John John to stare at. It's like Heaven!  And afterwards, we get to go check out books & play in their awesome kids area. I look forward to Tuesday mornings now and can't wait for John to love it & interact more and more!  But for now...here are two weeks worth of story time photos:

Paying very close attention.  He may not have blinked for the entire time!

My infant is being replaced by this toddler!

Watching all the kids jump up & down

Captivated by the story telling

 

 

 

 

Summer Bucket List ( # 2 )

I was able to knock off two items off my bucket list with one outing.  BOOM.



Or...maybe I shouldn't be too impressed, actually...I last minuted bribed my sister in law to watch John John with cash & pizza since I failed to get a sitter sooner & then I dragged my husband out to the fair without a thought to cost such as parking, entry, food, etc.  $10 for parking & $11 each for a ticket.  Yep, that's right....$32 later and we are actually inside the fair!  But, to be fair (pun intended) they do offer tons of discounts, none of which I looked into to save us some money.  So, when I say that I "planned" a date night what I really mean is that I last minute decided we should go and then forced it all to happen.  But, whatever.  I'm still taking it off my list because it's my list & I can do what I want! 



Once we got in, we decided to eat.  I mean...what else do you go the fair for?  This is what we ate...

 

You obviously don't get to see the delicious "before" because there was basically no time between my scarfing it all down & this photo.  Here are some signs of food they sold but we did not eat...mainly because I don't have enough money to 1. buy them 2. find diabetes medication for the medical conditions sure to follow  3.  Join Weight Watchers

 

I actually have no clue what is going on in this photo below...we rarely take normal photos these days anyway...but if you would like to see us faking "normal" you may look on my Instagram: @MrsAshleyOBrien

 

 

like the lazy bums that we are...we each spent a quarter sitting down and having our feet massaged.  Best 18 seconds of the fair and best quarter ever spent...

Also, does anybody think it's weird how the guy in the background is holding that girl's head?  The first thought that came to mind is that is the perfect "swirly" hold...You know, what you do when you dunk the geeks head into the toilet?  It can't be just me who thought that...

Anyway, I then forced Matthew to pay this company $4 so we could both see the giant Florida gator.  And yes'um, it was giant!  I normally feel pretty bad about animals forced into captivity so that people like me with small children can pound on the windows & torture the poor thing...but they included the info on why poor ole' gator was in captivity and it basically boiled down to the fact that he would swim into this sanitation district area & eat people & parts of the equipment.  It was captivity or the guillotine for this guy...

 

 

What is not pictured here is the fact that we no longer wanted the fair to rob us of our child's college fund so we did no eat dessert there like I had dreamed.  Instead, we went left, went to Cold Stone & then got home early.  After such a delightful night I fell asleep promptly at 9PM.  It was a sweet night & I'm glad Matthew plays along with my crazy plans...Only 70+ more years of him having to deal with this!!!

the giggles

I'm pretty sure that some days John John just wakes up in a giggly mood...

 

 ...also, please pay no attention to the saggy Target diaper.