If you are not a fan of heat...

Then stay out of Louisiana...

We have the worst summers...

It's just the beginning of June and already it's 100 degrees!!!

C-R-A-Z-I-N-E-SS


We bout a pool yesterday to try to keep cool. The kids and I got home from the store and decided that we would set the pool up without the help of Dad. Now that didn't go so well...

After about 20 minutes of trying to put the pump together I said forget it and went in the house. The kids weren't too happy but they dealt with it!!

Drew got home from work and within 10 minutes he had it all set up and ready to go...unfortunately it was time to leave to go to baseball pictures for Ryley. We decided that since we just bought a new camera that we would take our own pictures instead of ordering some that are entirely over-priced.  It was miserably hot sitting out at the ball park for over 2 hours between the pictures and then his game.



BUT...I got up this morning and started filling the pool up with water. It took almost 3 hours to fill it up. The boys all went to my mom's house this afternoon which left me, Drew and the 2 little ones at home. About 5 this evening, me and Avery decided it was time to go swimming. Well apparently the plug wasn't in the pool right because it only had about 2 inches of water in it...

BUMMER

We didn't let it stop us though! We splashed in that 2 inches of water for almost an hour...but we did start filling it back up again...I'm really not looking forward to the water bill next month!


She didn't care if the pool was full or not. She just loves the water!!

Tomorrow is another game...sitting in the heat...at least it's a late game...maybe it won't be as hot.

A girl can dream right??


Ashley






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Spaghetti Pie

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Memorial Day!
We are taking it pretty easy around the house today.
I love having Drew home during the week!!


I love to eat spaghetti! I could probably eat it 7 days a week but unfortunately Drew is not a big fan of it. He will still let me cook it every now and then and he will eat it too! Spaghetti Pie is so good! Everything kind of thickens up so the sauce isn't really soup-y like...if that even makes sense....



Spaghetti Pie

*1 box of spaghetti noodles or whatever kind of noodles you want
(We used a bag of elbow noodles)
*1 jar of spaghetti sauce
*1 lb. ground beef
*1/4 c. chopped onions
*1/3 c. mozzarella cheese
*1/3 c. Parmesan cheese
*garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste

*Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
*In a large pot, boil noodles a few minutes less than package directions; drain and return to pot.
*While boiling noodles, brown ground beef and onion until beef is no longer pink and onion is translucent; drain. Add to noodles in pot.
*Mix spaghetti sauce and Parmesan cheese into beef/noodle mixture; mix well.
*Pour everything into a 9x13 casserole dish. Bake for 20 minutes. Add mozzarella cheese on top and return to oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

***Serve with garlic bread and salad.***

ENJOY!!

The Queen




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Birthday Traditions


Since today is Hudson's 7th Birthday I thought I would share a few things we have started with the kids.

1. Birthday Binder -
          Each year we add the age they are turning.
              Followed by:
                   *Birthday Questionairre
                   *Tracing of their hand print
                   *Their birthday menu
                   *Pictures of their birthday
                                        (***Will add pictures later***)

2. Birthday Frame -
           I made this using a wooden frame from Hobby Lobby covered with scrapbook paper and some letters. I also added another peice of scrapbook paper inside the frame and the day of their birthday we write their name on the glass with an erasable marker.

3. Birthday Wreath -
           I was about half way done with this but I've decided that I want to do it a different way...look for the post soon. Inspiration came from here.

Those are what we have started so far. I have a few more ideas that I want to start but I haven't made them yet. Look for a post soon about these as I finish them!

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My first baby turns 7!!

It’s really hard to believe that Hudson is 7 years old today. It REALLY seems just like yesterday he was a baby.

I was 16 when I found out that I was going to be a mother. I was excited. I was scared. I had so many emotions running through me. I was still a child myself.

The next 29 ½ weeks were such a happy time for me. I was ready to be a mother. I knew I could do a good job. I had a never-ending smile as I prepared his very own room for his arrival.

Until…I thought about actually having to go to the hospital. You see, I’m terribly afraid of needles and the such. As the time came closer I became more and more scared. I decided he could live forever in my stomach. We would get along just fine! Unfortunately the doctor said that couldn’t happen.

So on May 27, 2004 at 5:30 am, his dad and I arrived at the hospital to be admitted. They quickly got me into a room and wasted no time getting the needles ready. I thought I would cry…or puke…or cry. At around 6 am they started the Pitocin and it was on! Ready or not this was the day I would meet my precious son!

At about 8 am the doctor came in and decided to break my water. Can we just say YUCK! I knew there was no turning back now…he was going to come sooner or later! Finally the contractions started picking up after this. I was in a lot of pain but I knew once I saw his gorgeous face it wouldn’t matter anymore.

Between 8 and 10 am I decided that I hated everyone and the pain was unbearable. I wanted the epidural. I was completely terrified now. A huge needle going in my back? Then a tube sticking in there all day? Really?? Were they nuts? I sucked up and maybe only cried a small amount…maybe…It was smooth sailing from there!

The majority of the day is somewhat of a blur for me. I slept a lot. I had a lot of visitors. This labor was creeping by at a very, very slow speed. I believe at about 6 pm I started feeling pressure like he was getting ready to make his debut. We called the nurses in and they said it was just about time. Hudson wasn’t all the way down so they were going to wait a few minutes to call the doctor but they wanted me to push a little bit to get his ready.

After about 10 minutes he was ready and the doctor hadn’t been called. The nurses quickly got on the phone and told him to get there NOW! We waited what seemed like to be an eternity but finally one of the nurses said he had just pulled up in front on the hospital. Now he just had to make it up 4 floors and to my room! I wanted to quit right there and go home. I’m pretty sure I asked the doctor if that was possible. I’m pretty sure he told me no because right after that I was PUSHING. But it hurt so I couldn’t hold it for the full 10 count. It seemed like it was never going to end.

At 6:45 pm my baby boy came into this world. At that point I had never felt so much love in all my life. The moment I laid my eyes on him it was love at first sight. He had my heart. He was mine. I was his. The cord was wrapped around his neck twice but he was ok. His dad cut the doctor when he tried to cut the umbilical cord.

These past 7 years have been such a growing experience for both of us. We’ve kind of grown up together. Hudson saved me from my teenage years. With what was going on in my life then there is no telling what I would have gotten into if it wasn’t for him. The Lord blessed me with my own miracle.

We’ve had our ups and downs as all parents and children do. I’m not a perfect mom. I’ve still got some learning to do. But he makes me feel like I’m the best mother on this planet. He tells me I am. He tells me how much he loves me and gives me the biggest hugs. He cries if I cry. He smiles when I smile. He helps me when I ask even if he doesn’t want to. He is an amazing child. I’m so lucky to have him.

I hope he always knows without a shadow of a doubt that I love him with all of my heart and soul. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without him.  Oh and he is my twin...just saying!

I love you so much Hudson! Happy 7th Birthday!

2008

Kindergarten Graduation  2010

Valentine's Day 2008

Momma

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Why do kids grow up so fast?

I just can’t stand it. My baby is 3 months old today. It seems just like yesterday I was lying in the hospital bed anxiously awaiting him. Three months really isn’t a long time but it’s like every time I blink my eyes these kids are getting bigger and bigger. I want it to stop!

These three months have been wonderful. There is no greater love than a mother’s for her babies. Baby boy will be the last baby in this family until grandkids…which will be a LONG time from now. I’m trying to savor every last moment of him being a baby.

His smiles.

His little laugh.

When he only wants his momma.

Because I know too well that they grow up and won’t even give you a goodbye kiss in the car line at school. I know this because my oldest turns 7 tomorrow.

Jaxon is the sweetest baby. I’m so thankful that God blessed Drew and me with him. He has brought us closer together and made our family so much stronger. He binds us all together.
Newborn


1 months

2 months


3 months

The Queen

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Kid's Eat Free or Nearly Free Shreveport/Bossier City, La

Having multiple children can make a restaurant bill go sky high. It's always nice to get things for free or nearly free to help out!!

Here is a list of restaurants by day of the week that have free or nearly free kid's meals.

Monday
Quiznos - Kids 12 and under get 1 FREE Kidz Meal with purchase of adult entree.
Golden Corral - Kids 4-10 eat FREE 5-9 pm. 2 Kids per adult meal purchased. Kids 3 and under eat free  anytime.
IHOP - Kids 12 and under get 1 FREE kid's menu item per adult entree purchased. 4-8pm. Drink not included.
Moe's Southwest Grill - 1 FREE kid's meal with each adult entree purchased.

Tuesday
Backyard Burgers - Buy 1 adult combo meal and get a kid's meal FREE. 12 and under 4p-close.
Chik-Fil-A - 1 FREE kid's meal per adult combo meal purchased. 5:30-7:30 pm Family Fun Night.
Dennys - 2 FREE kid's meals per adult entree purchased. 4-10 pm.
IHOP - Kids 12 and under get 1 FREE kid's menu item per adult entree purchased. 4-8pm. Drink not included.
Quiznos - Kids 12 and under get 1 FREE Kidz Meal with purchase of adult entree.

Wednesday
Firehouse Subs - 1 kid's meal FREE with adult purchase.
IHOP - Kids 12 and under get 1 FREE kid's menu item per adult entree purchased. 4-8pm. Drink not included.
Quiznos - Kids 12 and under get 1 FREE Kidz Meal with purchase of adult entree.
Jason's Deli - Kids 12 and under. 2 kid's meals FREE per adult purchase.

Thursday
Captain Ds - 2 kid's meals FREE per adult dinner purchased.
Piccadilly - All day. Kid's meal 99c. Big Kid's Meals $1.99.
Quiznos - Kids 12 and under get 1 FREE Kidz Meal with purchase of adult entree.

Friday
Quiznos - Kids 12 and under get 1 FREE Kidz Meal with purchase of adult entree.

Saturday
Quiznos - Kids 12 and under get 1 FREE Kidz Meal with purchase of adult entree.
Dennys - 2 FREE kid's meals per adult entree purchased. 4-10 pm.

Sunday
Hooters - Kids eat FREE  11a-11pm
Quiznos - Kids 12 and under get 1 FREE Kidz Meal with purchase of adult entree.
Jason's Deli - Kids 12 and under. 2 kid's meals FREE per adult purchase.


***Disclaimer: As of post times these deals have not been personally confirmed. I found these deals online through various websites. Always call the restaurant ahead of time to make sure they are participating in these deals. Thanks.

The Queen

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Welcome!

I'm so very thrilled that you stopped by to visit today!

In the South, Sweet Tea is a must so here's a glass and I hope you enjoy our talks!


It's also possible for you to drink it out of a Mason jar...we're just a different kind of people down here!


You can call me The Queen, Your Majesty, Your Highness...or Ashley...Whatever works best for you.

But I am the queen of this trailer palace.

At least my husband, the KING of this palace let's me think so anyways....He is an amazing man that loves this family with everything he has and more. He works hard FOR us and plays even harder WITH us. We could not ask for a better to man!

Who's the "we" you ask?

Well that would be the heathens umm..I mean children that we have. There are 5 of them.

.....................................................

Yes...we have 5 of them.....

The king has given them nicknames but I suck and can't remember them. I'm not sure that the kids even like them. I think they just smile when he calls them by those names because they don't want to hurt his feelings. Yea they can be sweet sometimes too. Sometimes...


In case you haven't noticed I use alot of "............." that would be me taking a breather. Something I try to take alot of but rarely get the chance to...so...just stick with me!


Anyways, the kids, we have 4 boys that range in age from 7 to 3 months and 1 girl that is 2 soon to be 3. They are such a joy and blessing. When they aren't destroying something or fighting with each other or back talking or tracking mud in the house. I like them when they sleep...yes...that's my favorite time! HA! Just kidding! I love them all the time!


Well I hope you will stick around...but I don't blame you if you run for the hills when you meet everyone else.

Have a great night!

The Queen


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Easy Omelet




Ok...I have never learned how to make an omelet...

It just looks to hard to me!

Maybe I'm just too lazy to learn...

BUT...I have figured out a way to make an easy omelet!

 Easy Omelet

2-3 eggs
milk, according to taste
meat of choice
shredded cheese
whatever other ingredients you would like
Ziploc bag

* Bring a pot of water to a boil.
*While you waiting on the water mix the eggs and milk in a small bowl.
*Next add everything into the Ziploc bag and shake it around (after it's zipped of course)
*Add the bag to boiling water and let it cook for 15-20 minutes!

*Shake omelet out of the bag onto a plate and enjoy!

It's so easy even I can do it without messing it up!

We made these for supper last night and also had hashbrowns.

We were going to have link sausage with it also...but...umm...I burnt them to a crisp! You couldn't even bite into them! It was great! Oh well...next time I will pay closer attention to them!


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Cream Cheese Chicken and Dirt and Worms Recipe

I am by no means a food photographer so bear with me when it comes to these pictures! The food tastes way better than the pictures look!!

Ok I found where I got the Cream Cheese Chicken recipe..it was from the Crockpot 365 Blog! Click on the recipe name below the picture to be taken to that page!


1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 can chicken brother
4-6 frozen chicken breasts
pkg. of Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix
1 (8oz) pkg. of cream cheese
Seasonings of choice

*Put first 4 ingredients into crockpot (no need to thaw chicken!!)
*Cook on low for 6 hours
*Using two forks shred the chicken and mix in the cream cheese
*Turn on High for 30 minutes
*While that is cooking cook your pasta according to package directions. I used penne pasta.
*I kept my pasta separate from the chicken mixture but you could mix it all together if you want.
*Once chicken mixture is done add seasonings of choice. It was already salty enough so I didn't have to add anymore. I added about 2 tsp. of Basil and some black pepper.

Seriously I think this is one of the best things I have ever cooked and the kids loved it so that's a HUGE plus!!

________________________________________________

And for dessert....



Dirt and Worms

1 pkg. instant chocolate pudding
2 c. milk
1/2 tub of cool whip
10 oreos
1 pkg. of gummy worms

*Using the milk, make pudding according to package.
*Then mix in the cool whip.
*Crush oreos in a ziplock bag and sprinkle on top of pudding mix.
*Push worms into the oreos.

***ENJOY!***

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Baseball has started...

Hudson at bat at practice

For the past few years this has been my favorite time of year! The boys have started baseball and it is so much fun to watch!

This year is different though! Even though the oldest two boys are in the same grade their birthdays are 7 months apart and that makes them have to be in different age groups in ball. So this year we thought that Hudson and Jase would be in t-ball again and be on the same team...well that is not the case. The Rec Center added a new age group (6 yr olds) so Hudson gets to move up.

That means that all 3 boys are in 3 different age groups...3 different teams...3 different practice times...which equals a headache for me!

They either have practices at the same time on different fields or practices right after each other. Tomorrow we have practice at 5, 6 and 7pm. That means 4 1/2 hours at the ball park...with a 2 1/2 year old and a 6 week old baby! NOT FUN! We also live 30 minutes away from the fields so we won't get home until at least 9 pm...on a school night! That makes for grumpy boys in the mornings!

On the other hand though all 3 boys really enjoy playing baseball and it is alot of fun watching them play and learning new things.

This is just the life of a mom though...a life that I love!

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ABCs About Me

About Me ABCs




Age: 24

Bed Size: California King
Chore I Hate: Putting folded clothes away
Dogs: We don't currently have one. Our last dog was hit by a car and since we moved we don't have a fence so it's not time for a new pet yet!

Essential Start of Your Day: Prayer and brushing my teeth!!

Favorite Color: I don't really have one...maybe red or purple...

Gold or Silver: Silver all the way...well unless it's white gold!

Height: 5'6"

Instruments I Play: Unfortunately none...I've always wanted to learn how to play the piano but never have!

Job Title: I'm multi-talented...wife, mother, cook, maid, doctor, referee...the list goes on
Kids: 5...4 boys ages 7,6,5, 6 weeks...and 1 girl that is 2 1/2

Live: North Louisiana

Mom's Name: Lisa

Nicknames: Don't have one anymore...my step dad used to have one for me...but I refuse to tell it...I hated it growing up...but he always told me that when I went on my first date he would stop calling me that...and he did...but I do think I heard him let it slip earlier when I was at their house!
Overnight Hospital Stays: Baby deliveries

Pet Peeve: Oh I have a few! People smacking when they eat, liars, kid's tattling....

Quote From a Movie: Umm...I can't think of one...sorry!

Right- or Left-Handed: Right

Siblings: 3 sisters, 1 brother, 1 sis-in-law

Time You Wake Up: Usually about 6:45 when the kids are at home...if not then it's whatever time the baby wakes up...I should be a better wife and get up with my husband every morning...but new mommy tiredness is killing me!

Underwear: Umm...whatever is comfortable most of the time...

Veggie You Dislike: Onions, cooked tomatoes, brussel sprouts...I could probably think of a few more too...

What Makes You Run Late: Getting all of the kids in the truck...along with everything we need (diaper bags, sports equip...etc)

X-Rays You Have Had: At the dentist, ultrasounds, and when I had my wreck (broke my back in 5 places, broke my right collar bone, and fractured my left shoulder blade...I shouldn't have been so lucky to make it out alive but the Lord thought otherwise! I'll save this story for another day)

Yummy Food You Make: I made homemade cinnamon rolls for the first time a few months ago that were great...the recipe made enough for an army so I still have some frozen...

Zoo Animal You Like Best: Probably the hippos...or monkeys...


Ashley

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Crockpot Bean Soup

I'm a fan of anything soup!

It's probably my most favorite type of food to eat.

Crockpot Bean Soup

1 package of 15 bean soup (throw away the seasoning packet)
1 lb. sausage, cut into chunks
1/4 c. onion, cut small
1 1/2 tsp. garlic
1 can petite diced tomatoes
2 tsp. of seasoning of choice
salt, according to taste

*Dump everything into crockpot and give it a stir!
*Cook on low all day

**Serve with rice and cornbread**


Now that was easy!

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Daily Cleaning

Before I begin I have to admit that I absolutely hate cleaning. Who doesn't right? Surely I'm not alone with that thought?? I feel like more time could be spent with my family if there wasn't so much cleaning. But let's face it...the house has to be clean presentable at all times...at least that's how I see it. There have been plenty of times though that some one stopped by my house unexpectedly and got to witness toys scattered, dishes in the sink, food on the floor, folded clothes on the couch, etc...you know what I mean. I got embarrassed at first but quickly realized that is part of having a family and kids. You can't expect perfection unless you are Martha Stewart and uhh...I'm not her nor do I wish to be.




So anyways I had decided that I needed to do just a little cleaning daily to keep the house presentable at all times. Of course there will always be toys everywhere because we have 4 soon to be 5 kids. I've tried different approaches to this "daily cleaning" but nothing ever stuck. I would do it a few days at a time then something would come up or we had early morning appointments and the cleaning got pushed to the side. For some reason I just can not get into cleaning after lunch time. I felt like if I hadn't done it by that point I wasn't getting it done...so I didn't.



Obviously that hasn't worked out too well for me. Plus with a family the size of ours we ALWAYS have something going on whether it be in the morning, afternoon, or evening so I had to figure out something that would work for me. This is one of my goals for the new year. To come up with a new cleaning schedule that worked...and stick to it! So far I've only come up with my daily cleaning schedule and I haven't really tested it out so we shall see!



I know you are bored so I'll quit rambling and give you my plan! About half is done in the morning while the rest would have to be done at night. If done according to plan the house should stay in a reasonably decent shape all the time.



Master Bathroom

This is where I start my day anyways so starting to clean here in the morning would be the most logical.

-Put up anything that doesn't belong on top of counter

-Wipe counter and sinks with a wash rag

-Using only a toilet brush (no cleaner) clean the inside of toilet (just making it white)

-Check to see if trash needs taken out

-Take dirty clothes to laundry room



Master Bedroom

-Make bed

-Put away anything that belongs in the room

-Anything that doesn't belong in room goes into basket to be put up when I make it to that room



Kitchen

Morning

-Unload dishwasher

-Reload with dishes from breakfast (and again at lunch)

Night

-Load dishwasher and turn it on

-Handwash anything necessary

-Wipe counters and table

-Sweep floor

-Change rag and towel

**Nightly kitchen duties are done with the help of children so it may take a little longer than if I did it alone.



Living Room

-Pick up anything out of place. If it doesn't belong in there put it in the basket.



Kid's Rooms

Night as part of their chores

-Clean room (toys picked up, shoes in right place)

-Get out next day's clothes and set on dresser

-Any dirty clothes to laundry room



Kid's Bathroom

-Wipe counter and sink with rag

-Wipe inside of toilet with brush

-Check trash

-Kid's take dirty clothes to laundry room after bath time



**Basket with misplaced things will be emptied as I go through each room or after I have finished everything else.**



I'm going to try to do the morning chores first thing in the morning even if we have to go somewhere early that way when we get home it is done and I don't have to worry about it. I'm going to time it in the morning to see how long it takes me without rushing to complete everything and I will update when I know. The list seems kind of long but nothing should take more than a minute

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Kid's Bed Time Routines?

Bed time at our house is usually pleasant…usually.

Occasionally there will be those quick “I’m hungry”, I’ve got to pee”, or “I need to tell you something” excuses to stay up longer.

While most of the time we don’t necessarily go by a set routine the kids know what is expected of them and what is going to happen next.

Sometimes though things happen where we get home late or people have been over and bed time is just completely thrown off. This is when we have major meltdowns and tantrums. Our older kids are ages 7, 6(almost 7), and 5. They are definitely old enough to know right from wrong in the majority of situations. They are old enough that we shouldn’t be having these night time fights.

But then I wonder if we have these meltdowns because we don’t have set bed time routine. Something in place that takes care of all those last minute excuses. Maybe knowing exactly when bedtime preparations are starting and exactly what is going to happen will make things smoother!

I know you are probably shaking your head and thinking to yourself that I’m an idiot for not thinking of this sooner! You already know all of this right?? Well…I do too…we just don’t do it! Who is smart now? Yes you are right…it’s you!

So anyways Drew and I have decided that next week when the kids come back home that we are going to implement a bed time routine and see if it works any better for us. Hopefully it will!

Here’s what we are going to do:

7:30 – Kids take baths
8:00 – Little girl goes to bed (this already happens)
           Boys have a snack and drink
8:15 – Boys pick up bathroom and bedroom
8:30 – We read a story or a chapter of a book
8:45 – Say prayers and talk to each other
9:00 – Turn on the radio and lights out


Obviously sometimes this is not going to work because of sports schedules and us living so far from the Recreation Center where we play at. For the most part though this time frame should work. During the summer bedtime is not that big of a deal because they don’t have to get up early so we won’t stick to this exactly once they aren’t in school.

Well this is what we are going to try and hopefully it works for us!

What works for you? Do your kids have set bedtime routines?

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Weekend Wrap Up

I hope everyone has had a great weekend!

We haven't done too much!

Yes, I like using exclamation points!!

Friday evening we found out that one of Drew's friends had an accident. He fell 15 feet off the top of a house that he was working on and hit his head. Yesterday morning (Saturday) he had surgery to relieve pressure from his brain and also a piece of his skull that was pressing on his brain. The family and doctors are hopeful that he will be just fine. As of now he is still sedated but slowly coming to. He has said his name and that of his wife so it doesn't appear that memory has been lost. If you would though please say a prayer for this family that he will have a full recovery!

Saturday the baby and I went to Hudson's soccer game. It is so fun watching smaller kids play sports! Sometimes he acts as though he is afraid to have control of the ball. Hopefully we can get him out of that! After that we went to Wal-Mart to get a few things that we needed and then went back home. Drew worked in the yard filling in some holes with dirt. Then last night we had some friends over for dinner and visiting! I made jambalaya and also spinach and artichoke dip. (Will post the recipe tomorrow)!

The baby didn't sleep well last night so we ended up sleeping half of today! Once we did decided to get up we still didn't do much. I cleaned the kitchen and worked on laundry.
I'm still working on laundry actually....

 I wanted to paint the kid's bathroom this weekend but when it actually came down to it I just didn't feel like it. I'll eventually get around to it...hopefully before we decide to buy a new house!

Well the baby will be ready to eat again soon so it's time to give him a bath!

We go to the doctor in the morning for his 1 month check up!
I'm pretty sure he has gained 2 lbs since his last appointment 2 weeks ago!

He is getting chunky!

Anyways...that is our weekend summed up!

How was your weekend?

Ashley


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Baby Boy is 1 month old today!!

A month ago today I was laying in the hospital bed looking at this precious little boy.


Although in this exact picture his daddy is holding him!
I can't hog him all the time!


Time has already gone by so fast.


I really can't believe it!!

Before I know it he is going to be walking and talking!

A child brings so much joy and happiness to a family.

Babies are a precious gift from God! HE truly is amazing to create something so perfect!

This was taken a few days ago! He's actually chunkier than this picture shows!

I will add a picture from today when I get them uploaded from the camera...I just don't feel like doing it right now! Sorry!

I love our kids!!! Just thought you should know in case anyone doubted it!

Little Boy and I are about to fix him a bottle and get ready for bed!

Hope everyone had a great day!

Ashley

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The Family Supervisor

You might ask yourself why I call myself the family supervisor but I’m sure you probably already know the answer! It’s the same job you have in your house!


I’m the preparer of food. I make sure my family has nutritious filling food for 3 meals a day. I make sure they have tasty snacks in-between those meals also. It is my job to make sure their tummies are always happy!

I’m the cleaner of the house. I make sure my family lives in clean, sanitized house. I make sure there is a list of what needs to be done and when so that everyone in the house can also help out. It is my job to make sure that no one has to break a leg in the middle of the night tripping over toys.

I’m the chauffeur. I make sure that my family has a dependable means of transportation to wherever it is they need or want to do. It is my job to provide them with a safe and pleasant ride at all times.

I’m the referee. I make sure that no one is playing too rough. I make sure that everyone is playing fair at all times. I make the final decision when it comes to arguments. It is my job to make sure that everyone is treated fairly.

I’m the doctor. I make sure that my family’s well-being is always taken care of. I take temperatures, administer medicines, cover wounds, and heal unhappy hearts. It is my job to make sure my family is staying as healthy as possible.

I’m the financial officer. I (try) to make sure that our family is operating on a good budget that works for us. I make sure that our bills are paid and on time. I make sure that we have what we need. It is my job to keep an eye on our money at all times.

Those are just parts of my job as our family’s supervisor. In short, I do it all. I wake up in the morning ready to serve my family to the best of my ability. God has blessed me with a wonderful husband, 2 wonderful sons and 3 wonderful stepchildren. It is my job to be the best wife, mother, and stepmother that is humanly possible. It’s not always easy…sometimes it’s downright exhausting but I would never change it for anything.

I have to make sure that I always have a plan and actually go by it.

What are your roles as the family supervisor in your home?

Ashley

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Pizza Muffins

I want to apologize first hand...I thought I had the site written down that I got this recipe from...but I can't find it. So if this happens to be yours or you know where it came from please let me know so I can give credit for it!

Pizza Muffins

3/4 C white wheat flour


3/4 tsp. baking powder

1 T Italian seasoning

pinch of sea salt

3/4 C milk

1 egg

1 C mozzarella cheese

1/2 C diced pepperoni

Spaghetti sauce, for dipping



Mix together the flour, baking powder, Italian seasonings and salt. Stir well.

Then, add in the egg and milk, mixing until moist.

Stir in the cheese and pepperoni.

Then, let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.

Scoop into 12 lightly greased muffin tins.

Bake at 375 for 25 minutes, until muffins are lightly browned.

Serve with spaghetti sauce.


I just made these and they were pretty good! I didn't use the white wheat flour. I also doubled the recipe to make enough for our family!

The kids love them!

Ashley

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Family Budget..not here...yet...



This is an area that my family has a difficult time with.

We are a want-it-now-buy-it-now kind of family. 

We are trying desperately to change that mindset but it's pretty hard.

Saving money is not fun!

We really REALLY have to buy a new house somewhere in the next 1-2 years. We have totally outgrown our house being there are 7 of us in here.

So...saving money is something we REALLY REALLY need to be doing.

Honestly our savings account probably has less that $100 in it...insert big horrified gasps here...

We typically live paycheck to paycheck and that is no fun either. All of our bills are always paid and we always have what we need...and most of the time what we want also...

But we want more for our family. We are a one income household. My husband works his butt off every day to provide the kind of life we want. But the life we want to live now isn't allowing for the life we need to be living.

A few months ago I bought a finance/budgeting software and I sat down and figured everything out. Exactly what money needed to go where and how much we could be putting into savings every month. Now if we had followed that budget I had planned out we would have about $1500 in savings. That's not alot but it's a start.

But the kid's wanted scooters, I wanted a treadmill, Drew wanted new PS3 games...and of course we wanted all the "cute" things for the baby. So needless to say we spent, spent, spent....

Then tax time came. We got a decent sized refund back and had planned to use that to pay down some debt. But did we? No...we bought a new feather mattress topper and  feather pillows among other things.

Why we can't stop spending money and actually save some baffles me.

I'm planning (again) to come up with a new budget and implement it at the beginning of the month. And pray to God to give us the will power and strength to stick to it and help us overcome this problem we have.

I have hope that we can do it and get on the right track. We want to have a sizeable down payment for a new house and we need it sooner rather than later.

Do you have a budget for your family? How easy/hard is it for you to stick to it? Any suggestions to help us out?

Ashley


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Spring is here...

And that means it's time to start Spring Cleaning around here!

Our house is pretty small considering there are 7 of us in here so it's very important for the house to be as clean as possible at all times. Something as small as one sock left on the living room floor makes the whole room look messy (at least to me)!

Today I am starting in our laundry room/pantry. It's really more like a walk in closet off of our kitchen. We have started a shelving overhaul so they don't all match and aren't painted yet either...I guess we will finish it sometime (hopefully...)! I really would like to paint the room and add some decor but not quite sure when that will happen!

So what am I doing in there?

Starting on the laundry side...

Declutter the shelf above the washer and dryer. Organize what's left up there.
Empty and sanitize the trash can
Clean the outside of the washer and dryer

And I suppose finish the laundry that is left in there....

Then on the pantry side...

Reorganize everything on shelves grouping like items together
Throw out anything that is past the expiration date

Sweep and mop the floor
Clean the switch plate

Ok I guess that really isn't alot to do...but I should probably get started on it!

Here are some BEFORE pictures...






Yikes! Don't judge me! HAHA!!

I will post updated pictures after I'm done!

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BBQ Sausages and Mashed Potatoes

Every picture I attempt to take of food never turns out right. So for the recipes I post you will just have to use your imagination! HA!

These are typically made with the Lil Smokies sausages but I don't have any and I don't feel like going to the store. Tonight I am going to make it with regular sausage cut up into small pieces!

BBQ Sausage
2 pkgs Lil Smokies or sausage of choice
1 bottle BBQ sauce
1 cup ketchup
Brown sugar (however much you want...I'm going with about 1/2 cup to start with)

*Bring a pot of water to boil and add sausages. Boil about 6-8 minutes and drain.
*Add everything to a crock pot and cook on low 5-6 hours.

Serve over mashed potatoes!

This is really something that you can just throw together anyway that you want! I don't think you can mess this up at all!

Hope you enjoy!

Ashley

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Thursday To Do List

It's a little late in the day to begin a To Do list...but oh well...better late than never huh? Since the baby was born (almost 3 weeks ago) housework has not been a priority of mine. Sleep deprivation has gotten the best of me and I have very little energy to do anything much less cleaning.

I've slowly been trying to get the house back under order but it's hard. Drew tries to help me but his definition of clean differs from mine so I would rather just do it myself. I think I will try to come up with easy things he can help with to sort of take some of the load off of me. I will also be giving the boys some chores to work on as well.

So anyways, the kids come home tomorrow and I really don't want them to come in to a mess. It will just get worse the second they walk in the house.

What all needs to get done?

*Living Room
    -pick up everything that doesn't belong and put where it goes
    -vacuum
    -dust

*Kitchen
    -Empty dishwasher
    -Clean off counters and table (put stuff where it goes)

*Master Bedroom
    -Put clean clothes up
    -Straighten room
    -vacuum

*Master Bathroom
    -Take dirty clothes to laundry room

*Laundry
   -Finish it all...wash, dry, fold, put away!!

*Misc.
   -Help Drew put together the double stroller
   -Straighten pantry

So that's what I have to get done before I go to bed tonight. I guess it's really not that much but I just don't feel like doing any of it. No energy sucks!!

Hope everyone is having a good St. Patrick's Day!

Ashley

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Quick Clean Ups


Do you sometimes feel like you don't have time to do ANYTHING? Or you get overwhelmed at the thought of all the cleaning that needs to be done. I know I do! But if you really think about it there is so much you can get done in 10 minutes or less...or 5 minutes...or even 2 minutes. Really...there is...




You can get alot accomplished without ever really losing any time. In the time it takes to cook something in the microwave you could have knocked an item off of your to do list instead of watching the food hoping it will get done faster.



Here's some ideas:

2 minutes or less

Unload the dishwasher

Wipe down the kitchen counters (unless you have a really big kitchen)

Clean the faucet and mirror in one bathroom

Wipe a small spill in the refrigerator

Wipe down the washer and dryer

Clean the lint filter in the dryer

Wipe down your coffee pot

Wipe the switch plates in 1 room

Shake out door mats

Disinfect the door knobs in 1 room



See how much you can get done?



5 minutes or less

Dust 1 room

Sort through mail

Take out the garbage

Clean the kitchen sink

Clean out expired or unwanted items from refrigerator

Make the bed in 1 room

Wipe the fronts of cabinets in the kitchen

Set the table for the next meal

Rinse out kid's lunch boxes

Spray air freshener throughout the house

Fold a load of laundry

Make tomorrow's to do list

Balance your checkbook

Check your cleaning supplies and make list of what you need



Now we are making progress !!!



10 minutes or less

Sort through a junk drawer

Scrub the toilet, bath tub, and sink in 1 bathroom

Clean all the mirrors in your house

Vacuum 1 room (or more depending on the room sizes)

Sort dirty laundry

Load dishwasher

Organize 1 cabinet in the kitchen

Clean out your purse

Make a shopping list

Group all the clothes in your closet by category (pants, shirts, dresses...etc)



See how easy that was!!



By just taking a few minutes here and there throughout the day you can get so much done that you didn't think was possible! In just 10 minutes you could get 1, 2, or even 5 things marked off your to do list! If you are a fast worker you could possibly get even more done! The time for procrastination is gone...get up and get something done...now!!

Don't put off what you can do NOW!

This works for me! Go to We are THAT family to see what works for others!
Ashley

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How to Make Mornings Easier

In my house weekday mornings are not the best time to be around any of us! Everyone still wants to sleep and no one wants to get ready for school! So it happens that sometimes we are running a little behind schedule. We live about 15 minutes from the school so we have to make sure that we have plenty time to get loaded in the truck and drive (safely) to school without being late!


So what works for us??

I’ve found that getting ready for the next day the night before makes everything so much better!

-I get out everyone’s clothes and put them in the laundry room.

-We make sure that shoes, back packs, and jackets are where they are supposed to be by the back door.

-I get out whatever dishes we will need for breakfast and have them sitting on the table.

-I look at the calendar to see what, if any activities, appointments, etc. are the next day and make sure that we have everything together for those.

-I make sure that the house is picked up so that we aren’t tripping over anything too!



It doesn’t seem like a lot but it sure does make our mornings easier! Being organized and prepared is definitely the way to go! This works for us!

What works for you to make mornings easier??

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Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Crockpot BBQ Chicken

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or however many you need)
1 bottle of BBQ sauce (more as you want)
4-6 frozen corn on the cob
foil

Pour a little bit of BBQ sauce on the bottom of your crockpot and spread around.
Place chicken breasts in crockpot and cover with BBQ sauce.
Wrap each ear of corn in foil and place on top of chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until chicken is done.


This is an easy dinner that you really don't even have to think about! If you aren't forgetful like me then you can defrost your chicken over night in the frig and it will be ready to go when you are!

Hope you enjoy!


Ashley

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Weekend Wrap-Up

I hope everyone had a great weekend! Ours really wasn't that exciting!

Friday morning I picked up Little Girl and we came home to watch Dora. That child LOVES some Dora!!! We pretty much sat on the couch most of the day and cuddled...which is unusual for her because she normally won't sit still long enough for that! Aunt C (which is Drew's sister) came by to visit with us after she got home from work. After that Little Girl and I went to pick the boys up from school. It was actually pretty chilly outside but the boys wanted us to stay outside and play with them...so we did.

Saturday the boys played outside ALL day. Usually they will stay out there for about an hour at a time before wanting to come in the house...track dirt in...get a toy...get something to drink...and go back outside. Yesterday they wouldn't even come inside to eat lunch! It really surprised me. We do live in the country but sometimes you wouldn't think we had country boys! I spent most of the day really deep cleaning the living room...from top to bottom wall to wall. And I was exhausted. But when it came time for supper Drew decided he wanted to go eat fish...big surprise...it's his favorite! Aunt C had come over again so she went to eat with us. It's a small, family owned restaurant about 20 minutes from our house and I believe when they saw us coming they wanted to close (just kidding)! They actually have great fish(catfish that is) so I was happy too. When we got home Drew and I finally got the baby bed put together!

Today the boys played outside ALL day again. The weather was nicer today and they enjoyed it! Of course being little boys they decided to see just how dirty they could get...and oh boy laundry is going to be fun tomorrow! I cleaned out Little Girl's room and reorganized it! Now we can actually walk in there without tripping over toys! I'm still pretty exhausted from all the cleaning I did yesterday so I tried to take it easy today! There is still so much to be done to get ready for Baby Boy to be here but slowly it is coming together. Ohhh yea...how could I almost forget...Boy #1 lost his second tooth this morning! He was sooo excited!!

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Pregnancy update: Today I am 34 weeks! I can't believe Baby Boy will be here in such a short amount of time! I can't wait though! He is getting pretty cramped in my belly and actually hurts me when he moves. He is such a picky little boy too...he doesn't like ANYTHING touching my belly and he will kick hard until whatever is there moves!! I certainly hope he is not this picky when he gets here!

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I know this has been so interesting to read but I really need to go pick up the house before I go to bed! And I'm pretty sure it won't be long until I'm ready to go to sleep!

Once again I hope you had a great weekend!

Ashley

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