Hurray!

Yup, practically BEGGED Sean for this...and he gave in... Its a kids folding picnic table!!! Great for picnics, outings, camping, crafts and more! Most of my siblings have a kids table and now that I have a kid I see why its good to have one. Now Emmery and I can have messy projects out side or Whatever! If you interested and can use one NOW or near future...they are being sold at costco $49.50 and they are runnin' out fast! Im still giddy with joy! :0) ps. THANK YOU BABE! Muwahhhh!

Tic-Tac-Toe

...Three in a row today. Let me explain...you see, when I drive about I tend to stare at the behind of the vehicles in front of me. Okay not "stare" stare but ya know, gaze glance whatev. *** I see mini vans with the family stick figures -- the beat up Toyota truck with the "T-O" and "t-a" missing, therefore displaying the letters "Yo" accompanied by either a Roxy symble or Volcom symbol -- the SUV with vynil lettering " Soccer mom" Or Family's last name -- And I even see the monstrous(and sometime not so monstrous) Truck with the attached ---(((Ah-hem))) Cough...bAll Sack...dangling from behind.Well, I just want to say to all, there own. However I tip my hat off to people with the "cool" bumper stickers attached to their behind. These three stuck out at me today.

I Liked this one because it was a humble reminder from Past to present day that people paid/pay with their lives so that we may have our freedom, today. To them I owe them greatly.

Now this one actually had the b-word spelled out..but you get the picture. Just cracked me up...I was literally laughing and pointing my finger. And it was a women driving. Awesome! Well, truth be told, I can be a "B" if you Tailgate me.

This one took home the Gold Medal. I said aloud.."Right On!!!, Im with ya on that one." Makes me wish I had this on my car's behind. Dang Tailgaters really shoot the bottle cap off my top. grrrrrrrrrr!

Anywho, ~"Rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens"~

Okay Happy Mood back.

But heres my idea...

wouldn't this be a good one?!

Seasons come and seasons go

Winds of change are in store for the Flemings.

To be Continued...

Recent events; the good, the bad, and the ugly

I am really dull with words. But I will do my best to provide otherwise... This past weekend was overall: Pleasant ...but not all. Friday night was enjoyable with our ward Luau and video games. Yes, can you believe i was actually able to convince Sean to go? I had talked about it all week in hopes to liken the idea. It didn't really appeal more to him but my pleating got the better of him. Its not that I dreamt of it being "dieingly FUN!" but that its a good opportunity to get to know our ward family, converse, interact, feel the good spirit, support our ward activities committee(b/c its hard work and planning and who wants to feel the defeat of a small turnout?), and just get out of our bubble and find enjoyment outside of our comfort circle. The one Sean and I have grown so accustom to is being with his family. I do enjoy the comfort and ease of having them but its also nice to broaden our circle of friends and acquaintances. It felt good and I enjoyed watching Sean through the ppl talking and laughing. I was even more amused to see him causally holding the baby bag and my purse under his arm. Thats my kind of husband. :0) As well as watching him stand, hold his plate of food, and eat it while everyone else knelt to eat. Even at a Luau could you get him to comply...oh no...he doesn't like the dampness of the grass on his rear. ah, yes, My kind of husband. LOL. It was time to leave and say our good byes. During the hour stay Emmery had managed to play and run into the puddles of water and skid on her bum on a pile of small boulders. Need I say more?...with a pair of soaked shoes and a runny nose off we went. Dried off and ready to go we left to grandmothers house aka the MIL's. We laughed and played games along with Rachel and Rob till Emm had enough and was begging for her bed. But the fun didn't stop there, oh no, us Flemings like to Par-tay! While back at our place, Rob brought over an old Nintendo and we took turns playing Mario or Luigi and ate comfort food(aka junk food). It was just plain fun. Our Friday treated us well. Now for some good stuff...Saturday's highlights: Movies: 17 again - Marley & Me. after an adventurous start of an evening...sean and I managed to make it to our date with some friends. We saw the movie 17 again. YOu know the one with the gorgeous Zac Efron. yeah that one, Sean and I were VERY impressed by the movie. I liked the moral of the story, it kept us laughing, we all were grinnin' every time Zach was on screen, and its just flat out a great movie worth the money to see in theaters. I was worried at first when the first 5 minutes of the film was cheesy but it soon was blown away by the cleverly hilarious actors. And Zach's character was so passionate that he made that movie believable. Everything about it kept me on edge and my stomach would constantly cringe(but in a good way, like excitement plus the unknowing). Even a few tears fell. Zach has turned out to be a wonderful actor and I can't wait to see him in more movies. If you can go see this movie. Now its still PG-13 for a reason, 13 and older would have the maturity to view it...but i am in no way saying its bad...just....labled correctly.

Then I netflixed the movie Marley & Me. Sean and I finally watched Saturday night and found the movie to be....well...just Good! Its based on a book called John Grogan and the story goes: John and his wife(newlyweds) decided to get a dog and from lack of training the dog basically was the worst dog alive. And you watch their lives develop through the story along with all the terrible things this dog does. So you think at first that its about a dog but it about their life and the dog. I think i really liked it because we as parents(soon-to-be) can relate and empathize with the daily trials in life. And because its Funny! I enjoyed their relationship and admire their patience. It made me reflect on my life...and Sean said the same...with both movies, actually. So just go rent it already and see for yourself that its a good flick.

And just when the weekend was going well...Sunday brought its rain. Its late and I just rested my head on my pillow ready to pass out when Sean comes in with urgency in his voice. "Ashley, you need to get up and smell Emmery's room"...now me with my keen sense of smell thought he was over reacting because I didn't smell anything when I walked by her door. But he persisted and sure enough as I came closer to her door there was a nose burning, stomach turning smell wreaking from the door. I was so baffled that I opened the door and this overwhelming smell of D^f$s&#@ came flowing out. I had to cover my nose and mouth it was so bad. I quietly crept up to Emmery's bed to check on her and as my eyes adjusted I could see something had gotten all on her side and back and leaking from her pants. I didn't want to but I had to wake her. She was sleeping in her,...a paste waste. It was wrenching and horrid so I picked her up and she was immediately awake and confused. I don't even know if she knew she crapped all over herself. Heck, I was still confused, I was wondering if maybe she had vomited or what? So the story just gets even more gross but I'll spare you and myself. But I wiped & bathed her(REAL GOOD), sean de-toxed the room and washed all soiled material. And even though she went back to sleep an hour later...she continued to wake up all through out the night. By 5 am i was exhausted and wasted. So we stayed home from church to tend to our poor sick little girl. Boy I tell ya, yesterday was a slow and depressing day, for me anyway. It so sad to witness your baby so uncomfortable, so unhappy, so clingy, and keep having these accidents when she doesn't even know when its gonna happen. Somedays I just don't know how I could ever be a Mom to my kids. I can barely handle one with my body; mentally, emotionally, physically. But today is a tad better...shes a little more lively but still unhappy. In fact, shes crying now so I'd better be off. ashley

Unpleasant

Poor little Emm caught a bug, again. Its all so exhausting with interrupted sleep, the constant clean ups, constant washing and wiping. What am I going to do when I have two kids?! I guess I'll come to that path when I get there.

Is some diarrhea bug going around? Anybody else been hit? Pray all will be well soon. Blessings of good health are a constant reminder around here. God bless.

Ashley :0)

to Tell the Truth(tttt)

...As the note says:

Your body is a temple...take care of it.

A simple yet impacting statement. I think its trying to tell me"Get thee Hence" from those gummi bears and reeces peanut butter cups.

When ya gotta few bucks...where do you spend it?

....I carefully spend it on eBay. (Vs. saving it) Oh C'mon! who can say No to 99 cent sterling silver bead bracelet plus free shipping?!?!? Not I!(of course). Now I must defend myself here...i've been eyeing one for quite sometime...just never found the "one" with the Good Deal. And Briolite Diamond studs for which I've been longing for;(my CZ ones are dull).

I adore eBay....like they say....patience is a virtue!

Now all I have to do is past the time with chores...whoopie :0(

when you gotta few bucks where do you spend it?

Progression of the little things to big differences

progression is something I am working towards everyday. And so is my baby. She can jump(hop) like a pro, run like a cheetah, babble like a drunk person(w/her slurrs and squeals), and climb up our stairs faster than you can say "Supercalafragilisticachespeealowdoeshiss"(sp?).

No kidding...she is fast on those four little limbs.

Shes recently been learning to use these words in context:

• More Please:[sounds like: Mmmmmmoor,(pause) Tea] its hilarious how much she emphases on the "m". There is so much concentration involved.
• Go?:[ as in// where did it go?...and she raises her hands upside.
• Jump: [when she jumps]
• Outside: [sounds like: ouu-sigh] and trust me, you'd better mean business if you say this word around her...she'll take you literally.
• Bird: [Buh]
• Sean: [Ssaw] this i guess isn't so much in context...more like copycat...she'll do it when Im hollering at sean from up/down stairs. Its so funny and cute.
• Ashley: [Aa-she] same as above only reversed.
• Mommy: its funny cause sometimes it comes out like [Mom-bee]
• Daddy: as is.
• Ball: she still drops the "ll" though..
• Shoe: as is.
• Belly button: [Bee]

Mmmm...I know Im missing a few...will have to put down later...but as I am writing these out; its beginning to sink in how she's not a baby anymore. She is a toddler; ready and eager to learn. And its been coming down on me hard lately: Am I feeding her enough? ...feeding her brain, that is.

I am Happy to be her Mama!

Word Week

(sigh)...starting up again. Still working on building my vocab...so here goes this week's word. Gink (gingk)// [noun]

: an awkward person. somebody, especially a man, who is considered strange, unintelligent, or clumsy ( informal insult )

Seriously though...

...Do I not have the BEST hair cut yet?

This is the face to greet me in my mirror this morning.(okay besides the comb through and earrings) I have so much stinkin' hair that I just naturally have volume and lift with this cut.

Even if my breath smells and I need showering...its nice to wake up like this...hahahaha...I laughing because this is sooo neat-o!

aMAZing!

Jen, did I mention thank you thank you thank you...and that I Love you!

Near regret

I just bought a $28(thats w/tax) shirt yesterday. Is that bad?

I swear its cuter when its on.....i guess I was trying to be daring and again avoiding the green shirt rack. Besides I like the peacock colors...Please ladies(and gentleman if any)...if you like it pls comment. It would make me feel better.

Here was the other shirt I was debating...but I already have a yellow one...so thats why I went with turqouise...what would you have done?!

www.buckle.com

Snip, snip

Hmmm...who could that be?

Could it be? Is it she?

Yeppers! It IS ashley!

I got a lovely cut/color today by my sweet friend Jen, whom happens to be awesome at it!

Here is my side view

atop

Thank you so MUCH Jen for doing such a wonderful job...and I hope that this here picture spreads the word for your business. Good luck to you and thanks a bunch for letting me tag emmery along too! Muuwahh!

Anyone interested??? see her here

or email her

scottandjenray@gmail.com

shes super cheap and shes great at it!

OuR eAsTeR

I couldn't help but feel a little down on myself this year for not instilling traditions or meanings of Easter. I want to but I guess I just got lazy or busy...either or. Its becoming more apparent everyday the need to teach, teach routines, teach (good) habits, be a good example and maintaining Consistency.(i think of Jo Jo aka Super Nanny when i hear consistency.) Anywho, I guess now I have a whole year to think about what kinda things I want to make a foundation in my families future traditions. What kinda things do I want my children to have in their memories and carry on through their lives.

Well I did try with the decorating of easter eggs...emphasis on "try". Emmery Bemery didn't seem to care. However i think maybe next time we'll do them outside...bring on the mess! good idea right?!

On to our Easter Sunday....

I prepared Emmery through out the week for Nursery on Sunday. I didn't want to have to be called out of class anymore. During the week I talked about nursery and how she would be a good girl for me, sang the songs they sing in Tune Time. Even all Sunday morning I talked about it. At church while walking up to the Nursery door she stops walking, falls to the floor, and begins to pout and cry. Oh No, i thought. Great, all my efforts for nothing. Well Emmery proved me wrong that day. Sure the nursery door is neighbors with my Library door and I can hear her cry on and off. But I refrained from my motherly instincts and let them take care of her. Sure enough the crying lessened and I was off to Sunday school, then back to Library, then off to Relief society. No one came to get me! It was the first sunday since January that I was able to go uninterrupted during church. So give it up for Emmery for being a 'better" girl and staying in Nursery!!! Whoot, woot!

Later that day we enjoyed our splendid Easter Sunday at my Parents suburb home. I love coming home. The smell, the pine needles, the wide open space, the mountains...I took it all in whilst I attempted to help Emmery find the Easter eggs. Memories filled my mind as we filled her basket. However, I don't really recall Easter egg hunts when I was little...but the baskets were always there. Thanks Mom :0). I was soaking up so much fun and memory watching Emmery in her ignorance. I can recall watching her and thinking "Wow, I created her, she came from me." Crazy ain't it. Time flies.

Afterwards we indulged in a wonderful baby shower for my 3rd Eldest sister. I am so excited for them and their new addition coming soon. She's been through cancer and rehab and here she is such a strong women baring this pregnancy in her condition. She's well now and cancer is gone for all we know(in case anyone was wondering). Im just glad as is going well.

(((the evening's festivities aka baby games )))

(((lets not forget slaved-over desserts! Mmmm)))

Its late, Im tired, and Im lazy...all is well....enjoy the pictures...and Good night...

Welcoming

I awoke this morning to a wonderful sound in a dim lit room. It was raining and I could just picture in falling to the ground outside my window. What a welcome rain. I just love it!

On to amore colorful topic: Easter Eggs.

Grandma Nancy told Emmery that she could do eggs with her today. Emmery didn't really understand...in fact she cried most of the time while doing the eggs. It was her nap time unfortunatly for everyone. So Nancy and i finished the eggs. It was fun seeing what we could come up with. Yes I do believe we are welcoming Easter. :0)

A first

Well...I guess theres a first for everything. :0)

Yesterday marks the first day Emmery did business in the ....

Tub. Yeah, its unfortunate. But the upside is...well...i can't really think of a legitamate one. It was gross and I am NOT looking forward to that part of rearing children. Its that fact that deep down you know it won't be the last Licoln Log to find in a tub.

UGH!

A "Man's" load

Whats wrong with this picture???

okay...besides the lack of dishes...see that orange bowl

yeah, its filled with water...uh huh...and so is the other one.

Gross!

now this is a "Man's" load of dishes.

(sigh)...i love you sweetie but..really? I just gotta cock my head to the side and laugh.

Frightened and Fierce

Today was a good day. A triumph. Many do not realize that what seems so simple and just another to-do is to someone else every bit the opposite.

I struggle. Yes, everyday I struggle. Everybody struggles.

Today I had the car. I had an apt with my ever so busy doctor.(most visits i wont see her till an hour in the waiting room passes.) I just needed to check some women problems out, discuss my options, and move forward. If all I had to do was make it there to my doctors. Now Im not just referring to making it on time...but just dragging myself to be there. I think the doctors office is one of the most gosh-awful places to ever be. I practically expect to return with, not just myself but a bug as well. Seems like there is always a sick person present( what else should I expect?) Today I was feeling good and ready. Being ready really reduces my anxiety...so I knew i would be having a better day from the get go.

I paced my drive. No rush, no worries. It was nice. No fussy baby, no freeway accidents, no tail-gaters, no road ragers, just ppl driving to as I was. I was thankful for this. To everybody else this was just another day, another drive. To me this was a-small-step-for-all-mankind kinda thing. Its just the anxiety of it all (to me) that makes this simple trip to the doctors office such a big deal. When in reality its not a big deal.

I wasn't worried as to what the doctor would find out...i think im just frightened by the docs office, period. The wait to be seen, to touch that pen to sign in, to sit in that seat whom some sick person sat Im sure, to fear for my shoes crying out at me of all the germs on the floor to then bring those same shoes back home and place on MY floors!!! Negative Thoughts Galore!!!! Thats just how it goes when it comes to my anxiety. For most ppl who excess of it too. Negative, negative, negative.

But not today. Today I got out of bed for the first time feeling ready and rested. Today I got out of bed NOT lying on Emmery's bedroom floor trying to wake up whilst she climbs on me. My back often gives me problems in the morning resulting in a slow start often times.

Today was so NORMAL! I felt normal today...and it has been so nice. I thank my heavenly father for my good days(for they come only few days a week). Normal is good to me.

As I waited at the doctors office of which i've been coming here since I can remember. I sat there watching Emmery and began to reflect and be reminded "Hey, I'm doing so well today!"

"im here at the doctors office and I haven't had a single ill thought!" Amazing I thought. Right there I quietly and inconspicuously thanked the Lord for this simple yet enormous good-normal-feeling day. Heck and guess what?! After speaking with my doctor and having Emmery bite my finger...i was still feeling pretty good. Until I was told to go get my blood drawn. My heart quivered a bit but I just swallowed and said yes.

Down stairs in suite 515 was the Sonoran Quest Lab. Walking in I could tell it was going to be a while. Asking the front desk lady I got a response it would be about 45 mins. After chickening out I then decided just to go back in & get it over with...if i don't do it now it wont get done. I'll just have to pull through...i am having a good day I might as well. and I have to give credit to my wonderful daughter for(other than biting my finger) was being a very good girl.

I patiently waited and felt nothing. No ill thoughts means no uneasiness. It was simple, easy, and bare able. I was in and out in 30 minutes. Am I scared of needles? no, blood? no, just being there really. Odd I know, and Im the one who deals with myself. How does Sean ever live with her Im sure you've already asked yourself. Sometimes I wonder the same thing.

As soon as I got in the car and drove off I was feeling even better. I was fierce! I was frightened in the beginning but I did it ....and with ferocity. Just do it!...and I DID!

Yes, today was a good day...and that was just the beginning.

"Stove in Use"

This is what I've been up 2... and yes...I am feeling very high right now.(no, not "high")

I guess third times a Charm!

1st attempt: 1st yr of marriage I made two personal pizzas...more like loaves w/ sauce on it.

2nd attempt: philbury boy's dough w/ toppings...couldn't bake the dough right..it was squishy.

3rd attempt: Finally! it looks like a Pizza!

It really was a simple recipe that I got from http://www.smittenkitchen.com/. Thanks!

A Happy Cook! and who said... don't trust a skinny cook! ha!

Want some?

This is a tribute to you Tiffanie! Now this was Thursday's din-din

Manicotti

This is a Tribute to Lynne! Thanks for the recipe!

Dig in! ...See, Im learning!

Ironing out the kinks

IRONING...Ugh! right?

Definition: Dull, unpleasant, difficult results, irritating, hot, time-consuming!

okay so thats my definition..yours maybe different but until recently that is what I viewed Ironing to be. Not so now, in fact, I quite enjoy it!

The story behind the Turn Around:

Sean is now Manager.

Sean now must represent himself appropriately.

Sean's con is half-wrinkled clothes.

Sean gets chastised(jokingly) from superior to Iron his clothes.

Sean asks wife to iron clothes for him every night before going to bed.

Wifey ain't happy however, wifey agrees on terms of part-time ironing job.

thats the "fast track" version but the story's simple so we'll keep it simple.

Wifey attempted to iron. Wifey became flustered at a finished product of wrinkles still. What is wifey to do?

google "Ironing for dummies" came across some videos of demonstrations. wifey watched, now eager to try again Hack, hack, hack away she did and low and behold ...(((trumpets sounding))) Triumph!

I can see now why I've hated ironing all these years...I just wasn't doing it right and following a pattern. If you follow a pattern you avoid disappointment and time wasted...and instead succeed with good feelings of accomplishment and smiles on yours and the Mr's face. Now I've ironed out all the kinks. Ironing is now fun for me. Strange uh...but we'll see how long this lasts. :0)

Resemblance?

Me as you can see

She looks so grown up with that cheesy smile.

I didn't like that she looked older...so I let her take it off. Now theres my baby,much better :0)