Quality vs. Quantity

First post of the week, YAY! 

I'm going to celebrate because I'm going to take in all the 'plus' that I can. I had a sick baby, ya'll. No lie. It happened to me. Well, him. Poor little guy even had an allergic reaction to his medication. Unfortunately, it seems his daddy's luck was an inheritable trait! Thankfully he also inherited him mama's immune system and has seemed to kick it to the curb. *fingers crossed* 

Declan likes to do what we all like to do when he's sick... watch television. My 5 month old is in LOVE with Disney's Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I mean, I like it too, but he REALLY likes it. I wouldn't usually let him watch so many episodes in one day, but he was quite persistent about it. He was so darn cute. I wish we had a photo. This will have to do... it's an 'awwww' moment just the same:

*no, I do not have my sick baby at the fair... this was before*
*no, I'm not wearing make up... I look weird, eh?*

Man, I've been through it this week. My husband's ex decided to waltz back into our lives this week demanding visitation rights that she lost quite some time ago. I learned this week that it is even harder to take the high road than I thought. We discussed every option and finally decided on one that benefited everyone, we think and hope and pray. It's so so so hard to work an extended family. If you're considering it, with no clue what you're getting yourself into, ASK. Find out what you're up against. I was raised in it and was lucky enough to learn from it but it has not made it any easier and I still feel like I have no flippin' clue what the hell I'm doing. Find a solid support system too. I mean that. You'll need someone telling you to either stay sane or get sane. You better have tough skin too. I can best describe what I mean with this: Have you ever seen the Modern Family episode where Jay is recounting the visit Manny, his 'stepson', had with his 'real' dad once or twice a year? Jay says (and I paraphrase), "I know I'm not Manny's father... but maybe I don't like being reminded." or something like that. That is because of things like this:

O'Ryan: "Mom? You know what'd be cool? If I had a Lego figure of you!"
Me: not expecting to see this 15 minutes later:

I love my husband. I love my sons. I love my family.

I wanna 'RAWR' right here right now like a mama bear.
If for any reason, just to prove my point. <3

Holy Frackin Cracken!

I took a break, eh!? I have SO missed this! I can't even grasp where to begin... again.

We all know I had a baby... well, he's freakin awesome! I have a chubby little red headed, curly haired, deep ocean blue eyed boy! His little baby rolls are irresistible! Get this, he sings! Coo's constantly, for reals. See? 

You Are My Sunshine from Ashley Marie on Vimeo.

Then there's my boys! O'Ryan turned 9 a couple of months after Aiden Gray's 5th birthday. We've been able to do so many awesome things already this summer and we can hardly wait to do more! Our family is growing closer and we're making memories every day.

They were lucky enough to be on the same soccer team!

Ok, something you should know about me: I tend to NOT get excited about things I should and vice versa. I think I just go overboard on trying to control my excitement and overcompensate. ANYWAY, so I never told y'all I tied the knot! (See what I mean? I GOT MARRIED!) That's one hell of a big deal but I was so overwhelmed by the whole thing and couldn't even face the tremendous load of editing that's to be done and then all the details there are to share! I did the whole thing by hand, by myself, and under $100! I promise deets are soon to follow!

Ha! I never thought I'd stand prego in a wedding dress. Better yet,

I never thought I'd stand prego in a wedding dress

on a wonderful day in my life

and with a heart full of the purest happiness!

Oh yes, we moved! We moved into my dream house on dream property. This is my view of the mountains, across the valley, from my desk in my new living room:

We're renovating this place one room at a time. With over 2500 sq ft of ceilings, walls, and floors (not to mention the 40 acres of hillside) we have our work cut out for us! I'll be sharing all of my 'get it done' techniques from now on too. My favorite part so far about this place (besides the view) is the creek that runs alongside the property:

It's great to be back and I can't wait to spend the rest of the summer with you!


xo
Ashley Marie

Top Ten Link Up w Mom2MemphisandRuby

I am linking up with Lena @ Mom2MemphisandRuby.

I had every intention on posting this yesterday but was otherwise distracted!

1. I love his determination. When we met Brett was probably the first (yes, FIRST) man to ask me out on a date, appropriately. He came to me and introduced himself and hung out with me for a bit as a friend before asking me out to dinner. He made me feel like a lady! He made me feel respected and desired. Then, I turned him down. I have NO idea what I was thinking... I nearly passed on the most amazing man I still have ever met! He stuck around though... or rather, allowed me to stick around while I figured things out. When we had only been together a few months, I wrote 'Our Love Story'. It's cute, there wasn't much to write because we had only been together 2 months when he proposed. I'm thinking of writing another to see what perspective I would have now.

Our Love Story

Ashley Marie was a waitress at Natalie Jane's Tavern. Brett was a chef at Black Dog Bistro. Brett asked Ashley out and she said "No." but she let him buy her lots and lots and lots and LOTS of lunches. Ashley told Brett to listen to a song called "Stand Too Close" by Motion City Soundtrack. They became best friends and drank wine, listened to music, and talked all night... and morning. Then she said "Yes!" Their first date was at Glen Ella Springs. Brett met Aiden. Ashley met O'Ryan. They all went to the park and they all fell in love. Now they're going to be a family.

2. Our 'firsts' have each been more amazing than the one before.

3. Brett is extremely supportive. Every single idea I come up with for whatever reason, he's there. He wants me to keep putting effort into doing the things I love. He likes to see me work hard and succeed. My business, my blog, my parenting are all much more rewarding now that I have him backing me. Even our failed attempts at things, like our blog 'Dating for Dinner' have been fun!

4. He is determined to be the best man he can be. 

5. Brett depends on me to be there for him. I know, at first thought, this wouldn't seem  like a good thing. Women typically don't seem to go for the 'needy' types. Honestly though, it's nice to be needed when it is in a mature and healthy way. I love how he lets me know that I've made such a significant impact on his life so much so that he couldn't imagine his own without me any more. I need him just as much.

6. Brett is fun. I enjoy being with him. No television, internet, or money? No problem! My favorite memories of our time together are the ones from the beginning when we would lay around on the couch and drink wine and listen to music and talk. I LOVE how that still happens.

7. Brett is full of surprises! He literally surprises me all of the time with such sweet gestures and presents! Believe me, I haven't ever had a guy pamper me or think of me like he does.

8. He can weather my storms. I'm not always the easiest to deal with. In a certain mood I can pitch a fit that should leave me broken and lonely, however, he's still there. He hugs me and kisses me and understands what I'm going through.

9. Brett thinks I'm gorgeous. He expresses it in such a way that makes me feel differently than every time I've been told in the past. The look in his eyes make his words more believable, like there's something more to understand than his comment being a compliment.

10. He my baby daddy. The crap we've been through in only 8 months would land most in a looney bin! Both of us have had hard pasts significant enough to make a psychiatrist swoon and neither ever intended for our existence with each other to get so complicated at times. For some reason though, the trials we have been faced with (like our unexpected bundle of joy being conceived merely one month after we met) seem less like horrific mistakes and more like unexpected blessings.

11. Aaaaand he cleans house, cooks dinner, watches the boys while I sleep, makes me laugh, holds my hand during pain, hugs me when I cries, loves my family, adores my friends, and is soooo good looking.

Link Up: