Wish! {out loud} #10

It's time for our weekly link up! I host this blog hop with Robin & Kristina and hope you'll pop over there and follow these lovelies. I enjoy reading their blogs and I'm sure you will too!*read intro post here*



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I wish I could let go of the fear for my unborn baby boy.
I just want to enjoy being pregnant.
So far, this pregnancy has been so dramatic! 
First, finding out that I was even pregnant was a shock that knocked me off of my feet. Then came the all day, constant nauseousness. Followed by a nerve wrecking pain because he was turned 'catywompus' as my midwife pointed out. 
I then passed out due to a racing heart and now get to wear a super awesome heart monitor.
NOW, I find out I failed my sugar drink test and have gestational diabetes... the severity of which will be determined on Tuesday after a in depth 4 hour test. I just pray to God I won't have to take insulin shots. I'm petrified of needles. I nearly faint getting my finger pricked!
Thankfully, there seems to be nothing 'wrong' so far, just a bunch of scares and need for concern. It still sucks though. I would prefer everything go perfectly and my bundle of joy be delivered healthy and be given to me, also healthy.

Deets:

1. Grab the button and attach it to your post

2. Get your wish post up on your own blog! If you've already played along, either introduce a new wish or let us know how this one is going. 

3. Go to any of the 3 hostesses blogs to link-up

(They're connected so you only have to add it on one!)

4. Start hopping around to the others participating and see how you can help!

Wish! {out loud} #9

It's time for our weekly link up! I host this blog hop with Robin & Kristina and hope you'll pop over there and follow these lovelies. I enjoy reading their blogs and I'm sure you will too!*read intro post here*
I'm so very sorry I missed last weeks. I spent the day in bed attempting to recover from an eventful week of Declan trying to make a 10 week early appearance!
Now I'm back and I hope you grab the code and join us!


<a href=”http://chickadette.blogspot.com/” style=”border: none;”><img alt=”chickadette” src=”http://https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAI33A7a411cSjL5EAQASpNCQarX3Bnzjbx9HkfY1WdQEp-wukLfwlEyrnT_wI-DUoLZsxB4zlp0GCW5Ud5mHjzw1hrlE5ybMul5zR9KnpO2fGRw25j9bll9Fz5jq42Up7qMeDPgNokI/s288/WISH%2525205%252520button.png” style=”width: 129px; height: 129px;”/></a>
Today, I wish I could sleep every night like I did last night. 
I have no idea what I did differently. I've been struggling all week to get a decent nights sleep. I get up at least 8 times a night to go pee... seriously, I wish I was exaggerating! I only sleep for about two to three hours at a time. Last night, however, a solid 10 with only ONE potty break. I woke my beau up this morning in tears to tell him. I was so happy! I said to him, "I feel like an angel!" I wonder if it all just caught up with me or if I need to stay up til midnight more often. As a matter of fact, I actually drank a cup of coffee not nearly an hour before bed. How strange is that!? To help you grasp just how glorious a night it was, here are some cute photos of kittens sleeping via Pinterest (of course):
 

This one is  my Bandit kitty. He sleeps more than a newborn!

Hopefully your Sunday is as beautiful as ours is here in northeast Georgia! I'm feeling so refreshed I might actually venture out of the house today. We're having my sister and her fiance over for dinner and I'm so excited! Stay tuned for a DIY Steak Dinner that I find is the BEST way to grill a steak... in doors during the winter!

Deets:

1. Grab the button and attach it to your post

2. Get your wish post up on your own blog! If you've already played along, either introduce a new wish or let us know how this one is going. 

3. Go to any of the 3 hostesses blogs to link-up

(They're connected so you only have to add it on one!)

4. Start hopping around to the others participating and see how you can help!

Wish! {out loud} #7

*check this out: click here*

Happy Wish! {out loud} Sunday! Robin, Krystina, and I are psyched you're here! Join us and share the love (and linky, too)! xoxo*click here to read introductory post* 

I wish I was half as awesome as my kid!

He went with me to an appointment the other day and he got restless so I handed him my camera and let him loose. Here are some of my favorite images from his 1 hour of freedom:

Now don't forget to join in the excitement! 

1. Write your blog post including your Wish! {out loud}.

2. Grab and display the Wish! {out loud} button in your post.

3. Link up through one of the hosts' blogs because it will show up on all three.

4. Start visiting other blogs, making friends, and make a Wish! come true.

<a href=”http://chickadette.blogspot.com/” style=”border: none;”><img alt=”chickadette” src=”http://https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAI33A7a411cSjL5EAQASpNCQarX3Bnzjbx9HkfY1WdQEp-wukLfwlEyrnT_wI-DUoLZsxB4zlp0GCW5Ud5mHjzw1hrlE5ybMul5zR9KnpO2fGRw25j9bll9Fz5jq42Up7qMeDPgNokI/s288/WISH%2525205%252520button.png” style=”width: 129px; height: 129px;”/></a>

Wish! {out loud} #6

Happy Wish! {out loud} Sunday! Robin, Krystina, and I are psyched you're here! Join us and share the love (and linky, too)! xoxo*click here to read introductory post* 

I wish I was the best mom ever... and not just because my coffee cup says so.

It’s mid-morning and once again I find myself in my favorite environment… at a table in my local coffee shop sipping hot chocolate. At the table next to me are two children, one is nearly 5 years old and the other one 8 years old. They are smashing dominos on the glass top table, bickering over fairness, and making such a ruckus I can’t believe their mother is allowing them to get away with it. Oh yeah, that’s right. They’re MY children. Suddenly, becoming a mother seems a much more daunting task than I had realized.

I feel guilty fussing at them in front of so many people so I try to reason with them in as much of a stern voice as I can muster. The effort is wasted as the desired outcome barely lasts 3 minutes. At one point, the coffee shop owner requests their behavior improve only to be fought with a smarty pants quip from Aiden. I’m appalled and demand that Aiden apologize. I’m then the one who gets jeered at.  I win in the end when a borderline sarcastic apology is offered up. My patience runs out and we pack up to leave.

When did I lose their respect? When did I lose control of my sweet little boys? Why won’t they at least attempt to be pleasing? Who is teaching Aiden sarcasm? Okay, the fourth is easily discernible… he learned it from Aunt Sarah. I laugh to myself. Not really though, she’s just the scapegoat this time. I cannot seem to bring myself to blame anyone else but me. I’ve gone soft, as my grandfather would say.

We abandoned spanking quite a bit ago and turned to other forms of punishment for reinforcement. I’m discouraged currently though since our efforts seem to be thwarted constantly with bad behavior that keeps getting worse.

I’m desperate to find a solution without resorting to past methods. I’m also caught between their ages. Although Aiden and O’Ryan are years apart they, having been raised so differently until this past summer, are quite equal in terms of maturity and both respond the same way to actions and consequence. They’re almost like twins just with different personalities. Aiden is head strong with a fiery spirit and temper which is opposite O’Ryan’s bashfulness and quiet, nervous demeanor. I have no idea where to begin finding appropriate discipline techniques that best suit their different needs.

I have no problem stepping up to the plate and being an enforcer. Neither does Brett, who is equally as frustrated with our little monsters. My fear aligns with what I think most of today’s modern parents are faced with… how do I teach them right from wrong without going overboard and causing some detriment to their personalities? I don’t want to them to obey me out of fear. I want their respect. I feel strongly as though I am giving them the respect I request back… it just isn’t coming back as planned.

I am one of those that believe it takes a village to raise a child and so I am seeking encouragement and perhaps some guidance as to what works or has worked for you other moms and children of moms! Bring it on! I’m open to all suggestions and opinions.

Now don't forget to join in the excitement! 

1. Write your blog post including your Wish! {out loud}.

2. Grab and display the Wish! {out loud} button in your post.

3. Link up through one of the hosts' blogs because it will show up on all three.

4. Start visiting other blogs, making friends, and make a Wish! come true.

<a href=”http://chickadette.blogspot.com/” style=”border: none;”><img alt=”chickadette” src=”http://https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAI33A7a411cSjL5EAQASpNCQarX3Bnzjbx9HkfY1WdQEp-wukLfwlEyrnT_wI-DUoLZsxB4zlp0GCW5Ud5mHjzw1hrlE5ybMul5zR9KnpO2fGRw25j9bll9Fz5jq42Up7qMeDPgNokI/s288/WISH%2525205%252520button.png” style=”width: 129px; height: 129px;”/></a>

Wish! {out loud} #5

Happy Wish! {out loud} Sunday! Robin, Krystina, and I are psyched you're here! Join us and share the love (and linky, too)! xoxo
*click here to read introductory post*

There's a perfect four letter word to describe my money management: SUCK. Because I do... I suck suck suck at it. I always have, but I REFUSE to always will.

I am always on the look out for tips and programs and internet sites to make my financials less of a disaster. I've tried to learn from Dave Ramsey, installed Quicken at least 3 times, signed up for Mint.com, and processed probably 30 budgets on every calculator to come before me. I've even failed at seemingly super simple techniques like the envelope system.

Here is what I've learned:

Mistakes

X I tried to be responsible and signed up for as many bills as I could for online management. Then, I literally adapted the thought 'out of sight, out of mind'. I literally forgot about some of my bills. It seems nearly every money management guru insists that this is a great idea, so I take complete responsibility for my lack of keeping track of my bills... whether online or not.

X I never prioritized my bills.

X I did not schedule a (revolving) time to process my finances.

Things I Seem to Have Done Right:


X I seem to do best when I stick to what I practice best. {that makes sense, right?} Through all of these attempts I seemed to best be able to keep a checkbook to keep up with checks. As in, actually keeping track of the list of checks. I LOVE tedious, at-hand tasks like lists involved in keeping a checkbook register.

aaaaaaaaaaand  thats about it. Seriously! It's a shame!

SO! I HAVE TO GET ON MY GAME! Now not only do I have my personal finances to keep track of but I have our business account too. Are there any accountant friends out there? Does anyone have a suggestion for a program or a website that can make this happen for me this year!? I still have a copy of Quicken For Home 2007 that I haven't downloaded onto this laptop yet... if that helps.

Now don't forget to join in the excitement! 

1. Write your blog post including your Wish! {out loud}.

2. Grab and display the Wish! {out loud} button in your post.

3. Link up through one of the hosts' blogs because it will show up on all three.

4. Start visiting other blogs, making friends, and make a Wish! come true.

<a href=”http://chickadette.blogspot.com/” style=”border: none;”><img alt=”chickadette” src=”http://https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAI33A7a411cSjL5EAQASpNCQarX3Bnzjbx9HkfY1WdQEp-wukLfwlEyrnT_wI-DUoLZsxB4zlp0GCW5Ud5mHjzw1hrlE5ybMul5zR9KnpO2fGRw25j9bll9Fz5jq42Up7qMeDPgNokI/s288/WISH%2525205%252520button.png” style=”width: 129px; height: 129px;”/></a>

Wish! {out loud} # 4

We're back! After a super annoying delay, I'm pleased to announce that Wish! {out loud} is back. So join us!
click here to read intro post

(The linky is open all week, by the way, so hop on anytime!)

Whew! 2010 is over... and I seem to be in agreement with thousands of other American's when I think 'Thank God.' Seriously, 2011 was one of the hardest years of my life. However, I'm fully aware of how life-altering the events and circumstances were... and then how it was kinda one of the best years too. I guess I really should look back on 2011 with relief and pride that I made it through and can look back with a "Like, WHOA!" hindsight.

.wemadeit.

My wish this Sunday is that I start adopting just that train of thought.

Also, on a funny note, that I try to not take the whole 2012 doomsday thing too seriously.

.cuztheysayweallgonedie.

I mean, of course the Mayans had to suggest it would be DECEMBER before the world would end... so I get to spend ALL FRIGGIN YEAR worried about it. I keep replaying that horrid scene in Titanic when the ship is going down and that mother tucks her kids into bed and reads them a story. *shudder* I've woken from nightmares about that happening to me. Mark my words, you won't EVER see me on a ship with my childrens... no way.

.backtohappythoughts.

I could, of course, fill this page with memoirs of 2011... but I'll spend 2012 catching up on all that. For right now, we'll pretend I'm writing a book and this is what the back cover reads:

"Join Ashley Marie at the start of the year 2011 as she overcomes terrors from a fiance turned abuser turned ex turned stalker. Journey through her desperate attempt to find herself again as she tries to balance family and friendships, experiences life on the runway, views the night through the eyes of a drunk and a druggie before finally reaching out for help and ending 2011 with discoveries of more than she ever knew about honest love, true love, lust and romance. This gripping tale is full of humor and hard facts, sarcasm and honesty, love and hate. A gripping tale where our heroine finds out how no matter what the terror, there are still blessings to be had."

Now don't forget to join in the excitement! 

1. Write your blog post including your Wish! {out loud}.

2. Grab and display the Wish! {out loud} button in your post.

3. Link up through one of the hosts' blogs because it will show up on all three.

4. Start visiting other blogs, making friends, and make a Wish! come true.

<a href=”http://www.chickadette.com/2012/01/wish-out-loud-4.html” style=”border: none;”><img alt=”chickadette” src=”http://https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAI33A7a411cSjL5EAQASpNCQarX3Bnzjbx9HkfY1WdQEp-wukLfwlEyrnT_wI-DUoLZsxB4zlp0GCW5Ud5mHjzw1hrlE5ybMul5zR9KnpO2fGRw25j9bll9Fz5jq42Up7qMeDPgNokI/s288/WISH%2525205%252520button.png” style=”width: 129px; height: 129px;”/></a>

Don't forget to visit Robin & Krystina!

Wish! {out loud} Link Up

Hello everyone! Today is Sunday... and hopefully by now you've found out about WISH! {out loud}, our Sunday link up with Krystina from Cup 'a Hot Chocolate and Robin from Fly Far. Fly Free.

This week I had the pleasure of being a wish grantor!!! Lauren from 'Our Big Fat Farm Wedding: Crazy Ever After' wished for a button for her blog. The bit I know about HTML was enough to lend her a hand! Lauren sent me an adorable photo of her and Jesse's wedding feet and a few guidelines and I got to work! We're still in the 'werkin on it' mode, but here's what has been come up with so far:

We would LOVE to hear your opinion. Of course, these aren't the actual sizes, I've made them larger to make them easier to view. Anyway, def go visit (and follow!) Lauren if you have a moment. You won't regret it. I love reading her honest posts that have an unmistakable humor woven through! Ever heard of Sally O'Malley? If not, join the fun and check out her post on December 3rd and find out! You will love it!

Now don't forget to join in the excitement! 

1. Write your blog post including your Wish! {out loud}.

2. Grab and display the Wish! {out loud} button in your post.

3. Link up through one of the hosts' blogs because it will show up on all three.

4. Start visiting other blogs, making friends, and make a Wish! come true.

<a href=”http://chickadette.blogspot.com/2011/12/wish-out-loud-link-up.html” style=”border: none;”><img alt=”chickadette” src=”http://https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAI33A7a411cSjL5EAQASpNCQarX3Bnzjbx9HkfY1WdQEp-wukLfwlEyrnT_wI-DUoLZsxB4zlp0GCW5Ud5mHjzw1hrlE5ybMul5zR9KnpO2fGRw25j9bll9Fz5jq42Up7qMeDPgNokI/s288/WISH%2525205%252520button.png” style=”width: 129px; height: 129px;”/></a>

WISH! {out loud} Numero 2

Good morning Dahlin! 


GUESS WHAT!? It's WISH! {out loud} Sunday! 


I've decided to keep with the whole vlog idea... so here goes:

Sooooo yes. I hope to one day be spectacular at 'vlogging' but until then thanks for watching anyway!


Be sure to hop over to Krystina's blog (Cup 'a Hot Chocolate) and Robin's blog (Fly Far. Fly Free.) and check them out too!


Join us! ..here's what you need to know:
1. Write your blog post including your Wish! {out loud}.
2. Grab and display the Wish! {out loud} button in your post.
3. Link up through one of the hosts' blogs because it will show up on all three.
4. Start visiting other blogs, making friends, and make a Wish! come true.






<a href=”http://chickadette.blogspot.com/2011/12/wish-out-loud-numero-2.html” style=”border: none;”><img alt=”chickadette” src=”http://https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAI33A7a411cSjL5EAQASpNCQarX3Bnzjbx9HkfY1WdQEp-wukLfwlEyrnT_wI-DUoLZsxB4zlp0GCW5Ud5mHjzw1hrlE5ybMul5zR9KnpO2fGRw25j9bll9Fz5jq42Up7qMeDPgNokI/s288/WISH%2525205%252520button.png” style=”width: 129px; height: 129px;”/></a>

WISH! {out loud}

okay, ladies

It's time for the first WISH! {out loud} link up! Check out our intro post HERE for more details!

so I tried tackling my own wish this morning: to have more confidence

and attacking something I've been terrified to do: video blog!

So I bring to you the first cut (no, really... see how ridiculous my face looks!?) of a video blog featuring my first wish.

Join us! ..here's what you need to know:
1. Write your blog post including your Wish! {out loud}.
2. Grab and display the Wish! {out loud} button in your post.
3. Link up through one of the hosts' blogs because it will show up on all three.
4. Start visiting other blogs, making friends, and make a Wish! come true.









<a href=”http://chickadette.blogspot.com/2011/11/wish-out-loud_27.html” style=”border: none;”><img alt=”chickadette” src=”http://https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAI33A7a411cSjL5EAQASpNCQarX3Bnzjbx9HkfY1WdQEp-wukLfwlEyrnT_wI-DUoLZsxB4zlp0GCW5Ud5mHjzw1hrlE5ybMul5zR9KnpO2fGRw25j9bll9Fz5jq42Up7qMeDPgNokI/s288/WISH%2525205%252520button.png” style=”width: 129px; height: 129px;”/></a>