I have been getting A LOT of emails asking about SnapShops and if I plan to do more. The answer is “Yes”.
I hope to do a couple in the fall, but have not made definite plans. Once I come to a decision I will announce it here…
if you have no idea what a SnapShop is you can visit my website or look for “SnapShops” under the “Categories” tab on this blog. There are several related posts.
Enjoy your weekend!
Well…if you need a model I think Bopha and Jenn wanted to volunteer as bikini models. Right?
That is funny! Bopha & Jenn- you can coordinate the suits if you want…
You can use my kids!
I went to your website and checked out all of the info. about your SnapShots. Sounds great. Only problem? Can’t find info. anywhere on your site as to what state or territory you live in?
Yeah!!!! I am so excited! I am ready to sign up! 
Whoa! Apparently I skimmed over that first comment, let’s compare bikini bodies, mine’s not quite there, now Jenn on the other hand……..
“But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life;
and thanks to a benevolent arrangement of things,the great part of life is sunshine.”
-Thomas Jefferson
Our family is surrounded by some pretty incredible friends, some old – some new, all treasured. After our daughter arrived some dear friends from our church community group arranged for us to gain a lot of weight not to have to worry about preparing meals for a while. Someone knocked on our door every night for 2 weeks delivering dinner. We have never ate so good! I wanted to get a picture of all the meals to one day show our girl the love surrounding her family when she was born. Evidently we are a hungry bunch and I only remembered to take a picture of a about a third of the food….thanks guys!
Just fyi that cookie cake on the top row was discovered on our back steps around 9:00pm…that picture shows what it looked like by 10:00am the next morning. It orginially said “Sweet Breese”. I was happy to devour most of it alone while the boys were sleeping. I don’t like cake, but cookie cake is a different story – obviously
by AshleyAnn
show 8 comments
You are hilarious!
what wonderful friends you must have!
How thoughtful! Not doubt you would do the exact somae for someone else though. It makes you want to keep having babies so you can have that TLC show, and maintain a well fed diet!
I’m always amazed and thankful for family, friends and CHURCH! I have no clue how those w/out a church make it. So glad you got the cookie to yourself-you deserve it! Also was that an edible arrangement in the picture? We got one of after Austin was born and I’m still drooling thinking about!
Hideaway pizza….yum! I am with you on the cookie cake, I could eat a whole one by myself and enjoy every bite of it immensely.
Yummy, Yummy. All of that looked wonderful, however, the cookie cake would have been devoured by ME, too. I love the frosting on the cookie.
you must have some experienced cooks in your church! how very thoughtful.
just thought i’d let you know i hosted my own little dresses for Africa party yesterday, and it went so well. thanks again for the inspiration!
Wow! You are really blessed. We do 5 days….I can’t imagine getting 2 weeks worth of meals!!! I was so glad to find Hideaway expanded, it was quite the journey to Stillwater just to get their pizza…lol. Have you tried the new one in BA? I could stare at the mural boards all day! Lovin’ your blog!
Three weeks ago I was struggling with the transition from calling him a ‘baby’ to a ‘toddler’. In fact the night before his little sister was born, Chris caught me in his room crying while I watched him sleep. Chris smiled at me and said, “He’ll always be your baby boy.” Since the ‘newborn baby sister’ arrived it has been fun to watch all the boys shower her with affection in their own ways. This guy has been the most fun. We have got to see a side of him that we didn’t know existed before. He pours out almost all his affection solely on her. The front of her onesies stay wet from his continuous kisses – he is crazy about her…and I love it.
(for you SnapShop girls I am posting settings on these too)
ISO 400, f/3.5, 1/100
He knows he can’t sit ON her, so he gets as close as possible
ISO 400, f/3.5, 1/100
Big Brother and Biggest Brother have introduced him to bugs this summer. He LOVES bugs. We were eating spinach enchiladas for lunch one day and he was convinced the pieces of spinach were bugs. Here he is checking out the “bugs”…it was the first time I heard him actually say “bug” too.
all the ones below: ISO 320, f/3.5, 1/125
Naturally, even though he was convinced I had given him a plate of bugs he had no problem eating them.
Yes, he eats with an adult fork…his big brothers do, so he thinks he should too
by AshleyAnn
show 15 comments
Do all your pictures have to be so dang good:) I always love your photos. 4 kids, is quite the handful! I have 5 and wonder what the heck I am doing, every single day! Love your stories:)
So sweet! I have 2 little girls and it seems there’s a similar age span in mine and your youngest two—17 months apart. It seemed so surreal to be having a baby while I still had a baby! But to watch the affection showered on the little one was wonderful. Sometimes it was done with such enthusiasm that I was afraid for her and other times she would be so gentle.
Our big sister refuses to use a “baby” fork as well. She’s a big girl.
He loves his baby girl! Thanks for the settings!
So adorable! I only have 2 children, but I cried by my daughter’s bedside the night before I was induced with my son…knowing that things would never be the same and my baby was not going to be my baby anymore…your pictures are so wonderful…it must be so fun to have 4 little ones running around!!!
I told you there would always be something special between them. I am living proof (with my bro)!
So sweet.
he is so cute! I wish that babies don’t grow up so fast!
I love these pictures because he reminds me so much of my own little E, right down to the facial expressions (and the love for bugs).
so cute! i cried like a baby a couple nights before my second was born. i let my then 2 1/2 year old first little girl sleep in our bed and i held her and cried. she’s still my baby. she’s now 4 and her little sister is almost 2. it’s amazing the love siblings can show for one another at such a young age. i’m sure there will be spats as they get older, but i’m enjoying the love for the moment.
What a cutie, Ashley! Love the spinach story! Thank you so much for posting the settings!
Hi,
I know you are out for the week, (and have 4 kids) so I am not expecting you to get back to me pronto. But I would like to pick your mom brain.
My question is, What are some things you do with the kiddos while cooking dinner?
I have a 14 month old and 3 1/2 year old and Avi Joy does help cook, but I need some new ideas of what other moms do during this time with all the kiddos??
Any ideas from you??
Thank you!
Natasha
p.s. and oh the crying knowing your little baby wasn’t going to be the baby anymore- so sweet.
Littlest Brother is SO precious!
Love it! He is precious with her. It is neat to see how the siblings interact at different ages. How cute on the “bugs”, I can’t believe he ate spinach enchiladas…Corban hardly eats anything and he is almost 2!
Since you brought up SnapShop…I have been wanting to ask you if you would know why I have a hard time getting crisp pictures, even when I increase the f/stop (that’s what it’s called, right?) most of my pics are fuzzy. The lighting may look just right, but nothing is crisp. You don’t have to comment, just thought I would ask while I was thinking of it.
how precious! what a beautiful family you have!
So, you know I’m not a big comment poster…but OMG! Everett sitting ever so closely beside Breese is seriously the most adorable thing!!! They are so precious!!!
Growing up I always enjoyed reading. I own every book in ‘The Gymnasts’ book series (Go Evergreen Gymnastics Academy) – just writing that makes me want to flash back to the 80s and read them again. Anyway my reading barely exists these days, but I do have some current favorites. Not only do I love what is on the inside of each of these books, but their covers are just too pretty to be stored on a bookshelf. I love the colors and sans serif fonts I picked up Amanda Blake Soule’s “The Creative Family” off Amazon a while back. It so resonated with me. Here’s a short exert:
“I began to notice that when I was able to fit a bit of creating into my day, I was more centered, at peace and fulfilled. All those things made me a calmer, more patient, and more mindful parent….I was determined to find a way to make creativity a part of my life as a mother.” – Amanda Blake Soule
Several of you have left comments asking about my schedule and how I find time to be creative. For me it is a crucial part of who I am, so to put that aside because my schedule as a mom is CRAZY would be giving up a huge part of me. To give that up would also mean I wouldn’t and couldn’t be the mom I am designed to be. Is it hard to find the time? YES!!, but it is so important for me and my family that I make it happen…I can nurse a baby, feed a toddler and cut scrapbooking paper at the same time. I think we all find ways to make the things most important to us happen. Creative projects are also such a fun way to spend time with my kids. Often I have something I want to make and I look for way to tweak it a bit so the boys can create something too.
Along those lines one of my other favorite books right now is Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Crafts. It is seriously one of the greatest books ever written – whether you are a Martha fan or not. I am making it a goal to try every project in the book over the course of the remainder of 2009 and 2010. My crazy life makes it difficult to always think of projects, so when I don’t have the energy to think of something I pick out a project from this book over the weekend, buy the supplies, then try it out over the course of the week. Planning ahead is crucial for me.
Finally is Amy Butler’s Midwest Modern. I can flip through this book for hours just looking at the gorgeous pictures. I also truly enjoyed reading about what inspires Amy and so on. I’d kind of like to cut out the pages and frame them they are just so pretty….
I know this book list is not deep, political, or religious – but hey I have 4 very small children, my mind is too shot for deep books right now! Though I didn’t agree with everything in it, I will say “The Creative Family” was thought provoking, challenging, and encouraging for me – but that is for me and the way I am made. The visual arts have always been a core part of who I am (Fine Arts was one of my majors in college…I took so many pottery classes I nearly have a major in it too) so to give that up now that I am a mom would just be sad.
by AshleyAnn
show 5 comments
I haven’t read the pictured books, BUT ‘The Gymnasts’ series was the best EVER, LOL! I wish I’d kept mine. Something you can share with little B as she grows up!
Thanks for sharing those book ideas. I really enjoy Martha Stewart’s ideas and have always wanted to do some of them. Maybe I can look at getting that book and start being creative.
Haven’t ever looked into Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia but since Brett is now working at Border’s and can check out books like it’s a library, it may come home for a little while! I have one of Amy Butler’s pattern books and have always been infatuated with her fabrics and most of the projects. She never disappoints me.
The Creative Family is another I was more interested in the theory behind making the effort and showing your kids how rich their lives can be through tradition and exploring crafts and their imagination but not as thrilled with all of the examples. However, I admire Amanda for the ability to put these books together while raising kids well and have always enjoyed her blog.
I love how you validated creative time and experiences in your life and love that even when it seems like there is so much to do, spending time doing what makes you feel alive and excited is still a valuable part of being a healthy woman and mother. It freaks me out a little to know that our rhythm is going to change again soon and that we’ll all have to shift with it and I feel like I’m grieving the loss of some of that time that I have now but your posts are kind of reminding me that it can still be a part of daily life. It’s all about rearranging and fitting it in. Because we need to.
Oh, Ashley. Some day we should do coffee.
I am seriously cracking up! I have that exact same series. I used to have them in my classroom and was secretly hurt when I would suggest them to my students and they would snub their noses. They didn’t know what they are missing. Right now they are packed up in my ‘children’s classics’ box in the attic awaiting Miss Addison!
Three great books by three of my favorite ladies!
Do you remember these little guys? We started them inside in the early spring and transplanted them outside. The package said they’d grow to be 12ft tall! We intentionally planted them far from the vegetables in the garden so their massive height wouldn’t block sunlight.
They are full grown and beautiful!
I am so glad I planned ahead on planting them far from the garden. It would have been a shame if their massive 12ft height blocked the sun…
Evidently the stunted growth that runs in this family is not limited to humans…
And on a side note…I am going to be away from the internet this week, so if you email or comment just know I won’t be answering it until next week. However, you won’t miss me much. The good ole’ blog is scheduled to post everyday. I think some of you have the assumption that each day I find time to sit down and write a blog post. The reality is I try to write a couple at a time after the boys go to bed (I am so used to saying “the boys”…what do I say now?). Chris took this pic of me as I was writing a few of the posts for this week…it is one of the few times you will see my hair down – notice the rubber band on my wrist for a quick ponytail. After one of my clients/friends (S.V.) stopped by this week with a new haircut, I am thinking about cutting mine off. Her’s looked so great…
by AshleyAnn
show 7 comments
I’m glad that we won’t be missing the daily blogging presence. The sunflowers may not have been massive but they made for a good pic with Rett.
Love your photos. You’re so talented and I love reading your blog
good idea with the scheduled posting. i might have to do the same!
My hair is always tied back and my husband wonders why I don’t cut my hair more often. When I do get my hair cut I send the pony tail to Locks of Love: http://www.locksoflove.org/. Check with your local hair cutters, some give free hair cuts if you’re donating your hair.
i so enjoy reading your blog…it’s saved to my favorites and i check back daily to see what is happening at your house! thanks for opening your life to us….especially those of us who you have no idea who we are…..you are both inspiring and encouraging. Just wanted to say THANKS!
Ha! Those sunflowers are hilarious.
I planted some this year and only one bloomed. Yep, one sad lonely sunflower.
don’t cut your hair! i love it. i wish my hair were as pretty as yours. on a floral note, we planted a ton of flowers last fall and i’ve had three bloom at different times this summer. i definitely do NOT have a green thumb!
I love to paint. I could repaint rooms every few months just to change things up, but my hubby doesn’t think that is such a great idea. Anyway every time I paint I have a dilemma of what to do with all the paint chips. They are just so pretty Well I am going to repaint the kitchen and decided I could use a clipboard to keep track of random things I want to do with the boys. I find that unless I am intentional with our schedule, our days just pass by and my pile of things I want to do just grows and is never enjoyed. So my idea with this clipboard is to be able to keep track of what I want to accomplish that week with the boys…and I can clip any coupons, instructions, etc. to it. Once the activity is done, I just wipe it off and start over the next week.
Littlest Brother standing instead of sitting to eat…and my paint chips prior to picking the color
My supplies:
Clipboard
Scrapbook paper
Paint Chips
Mod Podge
Clear Contact Paper – creates a surface you and use dry erase markers on
Fun masking tape
The Directions
Step 1: Cut my paint chips to the size I wanted. Covered clipboard area with Mod Podge, added the paint chips
Step 2: Cut the scrapbook paper for the top section. Attached the same way as the paint chips.
Step 3: Covered entire board in Mod Podge
Step 4: Added decorative masking tape
Step 5: Cut clear contact paper to size. Smoothed contact paper over entire clipboard
Finished Clipboard
I got the idea to use the Contact Paper from Design*Sponge. There are endless possiblities for customizing clipboards – a lot are a bit too frilly for me, but I imagine they would make some little girls really happy. Below are some links to other versions of custom clipboards. These would make great gifts…
Wallpaper Wipe-Off board on Design*Sponge
Chalk Clipboard via Ohdeedoh – I love this one, it would be a fun project for so many different things.
Clipboard Collage – by Rachel at Bling on My Sewing Machine – LOVE THESE, great for inspiring creativity
Grocery Store organizing clipboard by Creative Organizing
So there are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing….
by AshleyAnn
show 20 comments
Love It.
Fabulous job! Love the colors!! The turquoise is beautiful!
Amy
I LOVE your creativity and all the DIY projects.. So fun!
Genius!
yet again, amazed! Be sure and let us see how the new kitchen paint turns out. I’ve been trying to talk myself into a similar shade of blue for my living room.
This project would be perfect for new schoolwork clipboards for my girls!
Super cute project. I’m so glad I found your blog. I read design sponge all the time and that’s how I came across your blog. Then I realized that you’re a fellow Okie and living in Broken Arrow to boot, me too! Your blog and photography are awesome and your little ones are absolutely adorable! Keep up the good work.
That is so fun!! I love the decorative masking tape. I have never seen fun tape like that.
Ashley,
Where do you get the inspiration & desire to do your crafts? I love being creative, and I desperately want to find something I need to make, but over the course of a day, I don’t find much I “need” to make. What gets you going? What’s a typical day like?
I just made a couple of these minus the contact paper for my pantry doors- one for the shopping lists and the other to hang by the family calendar with all the party invites, etc. They are so cute and practical!
But…my real question is…what does your daily/weekly schedule look like? I have 3 little ones (5,3,11 mom.) and feel like my days constantly slip away and I never get it all done. (We did just make your paper mache bowls and they LOVED them!) I want to be more intentional with my time with them, but haven’t quite figured it out as far as routine and structure. And when do you find the time for all the other mommy stuff like the laundry and cleaning? And your house looks gorgeous and so fun in all the photos you post. Naptime is never long enough to get the housework done and tackle all my awaiting FUN house projects. Any suggestions would be awesome! I admire you immensely for all you seem to accomplish with your children and family, with your friends, in your home and at your church. AMAZING and INSPIRING!
Oooh, I have a similar soft spot for paint chips. I love this idea and how monochromatic it is. And so useful!!!!
Thanks, Ashley, for continuing to inspire even when regular life is so much more busy with a little one!
What an ingenious idea! I always feel so guilty throwing away the tons of samples that I gather in the paint section, but now you have given me inspiration to use them for something.
How do you do it? Love the idea! I think I will try and incorporate this into my son’s room makeover . He is 11 and looking for a tween sort of room. This would be great for his desk area to help him keep up with things! You are very inspiring! Please share your tips on how you do it all.
My creative juices are definitely flowing – these are perfect for back to school time.
what a great idea! i love reusing materials. i’ll have to give this one a go! thanks so much for sharing.
i have been reading your blog for a while now and love it i would really love the password to your more personal posts just dont know how to get it!!!!
I love reading your website Ashley! Would love your password too, but everytime I try to send you an email it doesn’t work. I am a 2nd grade teacher and I am making some clipboards for my classroom! I painted my house all summer and never thought to use my paint chips.
What a great idea and it looks very pretty! I totally know what you mean about how the days just slip by and you don’t do anything that you wanted to do! I think it is a great idea to write them down and have a plan for each week! I think I am going to start doing that as well! Thanks for such a great idea!
what a fab idea! Thanks for sharing…I’m adding it to my must-do pile…a list that should be no problem to knock off so long as I get another 12 hours in the day and live till I’m 173!
[...] Wipe Off Clipboard … Recycling Paint Chips from Ashley Ann Photography [...]
[...] it in a cute way so I’ve the possibility to write what I need to do and erase I got the idea here, here and here. Por dentro cobri de uma forma fofa para que tenha a possibilidade de escrever [...]
DJ Williams was the 39th commentor and won the Lisa Leonard Designs Giveaway.
Congrats DJ…send me an email – and enjoy your prize! It was so fun for me to read your comments. The answers were great, but I really enjoyed seeing a glimpse a who reads this crazy blog. Some of you really should leave comments more often!
No post is complete without pictures…she is seriously so cute…and snuggly…and fun…and easy. If she weren’t my fourth I might be fooled to think all babies are this easy…and I would have lots of babies….and probably have a TLC reality show.
by AshleyAnn
show 15 comments
Precious little baby!
Congrats DJ! I love my niece.
oh i missed the contest completely!
oh well.
your baby just looks like a little sweet heart.
those hats are too cute.
i have a question for you….where do you develop your pictures?
i am asking my fav photographers in blogland who they use.
thanks.
hope you have a great day.
i still want to make a wheatgrass jungle! i am going to show sean right now.
Praise God for a sweet, easy baby!! She is beautiful!!
Beautiful! Just beautiful….enjoy every single second of these days!
I collect vintage tablecloths, and I collect baby girls =) (I have five) These pictures make me wish I could go back in time with my girls. Breese is so beautiful. Soak up all that newbornness. The years go by so fast. I love your blog!
hey! i just noticed, is the the baby bowl i see!?
Congrats DJ! Beautiful baby girl!
I love the idea of using antique tablecloths. She’s adorable! I think that she looks like Hudson and Rett. Precious!
Love the antique table cloth – reminds me of my grandma! What a beautiful baby girl – she fits right in with your beautiful boys!
Adorable…truly precious!!!
She’s gorgeous. You are so talented. I’ve really enjoyed looking at your blog.
these pictures are so beautiful…as is your subject!!
SHUCKS!!! Love your blog–and LOVE those pics…I could snuggle her too!!! ENJOY every minute
She is a cutie. God must have known that she needed 3 older brothers to help fight off all the potential boyfriends! Good thing C is so skilled in karate.
***The Lisa Leonard Designs giveaway ends at 10pm tonight. So if you didn’t leave a comment yesterday, scroll down to the next post and add your comment today.
Remember this post on planting a wheatgrass lego jungle…well a week later the jungle is in full force.
Here it is on the day of planting:
And here it is 5 days later….after lots of adventures and plane crashes
After the picture above I let the boys cut down part of the jungle…it keeps growing.
This would be fun to plant in little pots that look like heads – you could give them lots of haircuts.
And one more just because.
Wasn’t it just last week I said facial wounds were common around here? Actually it was in the same post as the original lego jungle post – just a different brother.
Big Brother and another little boy had a bit of an accidental run in on concrete while coloring with sidewalk chalk.
Just fyi – he was playing great with Biggest brother until I got close with the camera and then he did the sad, pouty face.
by AshleyAnn
show 12 comments
I love the jungle – your kids have all the fun!! You have to get used to scratches and bumps with the boys…last week Jordan gashed the side of his head open trying to do some trick in the craft room. Thank God for His protection over them!
Defniitely going to have to copy the wheatgrass jungle idea. Easton is obsessed with Legos and he would love this!
I love how little kids hurt themselves and are fine until you ask them if they’re OK, and then they fall apart and the tears won’t stop. Well, that’s how it is at my house anyway.
Isn’t it funny how a wound doesn’t hurt until someone is giving out extra attention?
This is too neat, I may have to try to wheatgrass jungle too! My little guy may like it!
Poor Hud, that pic made me think of the one of Corbett when he was little with the bear. So sad, but love the wheatgrass jungle.
He sure knows how to work the camera…male model???
The pout is killer.
I had no idea that wheatgrass grew that fast! I’ve got to get my boys some of that…they will LOVE it! I was so good to see you and that sweet baby yesterday! I’m loving the pictures and I’ve already placed an order to get others off the DVD. Thank you again!
These photos are too cute! You seem to be such a fun mother, Ashley.
I just love all your snapshots they always look perfect! Your children are so lucky to have Mom recording their memories so beautifully!
My son came in while I was looking at the pics and he said, “cool”. I think I might need to do some grass.
First of all…how cute is her logo?! You know I like it. So for the first time ever, I am doing a little blog giveaway. Lisa has some incredible custom designs. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Wondertime, Parenting Magazine, Pregnancy Magazine, etc. and TONS of incredible blogs. I highlighted a few of her pieces below, but you really need to check out her website for all that she offers. While you are at it, check out her blog too – some great photography over there. So you are asking “What is the prize?” I am going to do random drawing from the comment section on this post. The winning commentor gets a $50.00 gift certificate to Lisa’s store. Even if you don’t wear jewelry, she has other cute items…not too mention any of this would be a great gift. So all you daily blog readers that never comment, here is your chance.
In the comment section below answer the question (serious, funny, whatever you want answers):
The world would be a sad place without ___________?
Contest Details:
Contest goes from Tuesday, July 21st, 2009 7:30am (central time) to Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009 10:00pm central time
Winner announced Thursday, July 23rd. The winner will also receive an email.
Winner will be chosen by random drawing.
by AshleyAnn
show 208 comments
the world would be a sad place without family.
I asked my four year old what she thought and her answer was “the world would be a sad place without love” – I totally agree.
the world would be a sad place without coffee.
i don’t know about you but a cup of coffee makes me a very happy mommy. and a happy mommy makes for happy children…. just sayin.
*love your blog, love that sweet new little baby of yours. my little guy just took his first steps yesterday and seeing your sweet little bean has my baby fever at an all time high.
the world would be a sad place without Friends… both the people in our lives and all ten seasons of the NBC comedy… gotta love ‘em
The world would be a sad place without chocolate. (Not a very serious answer, but true!)
That is a loaded question, but at the moment I feel like my answer would be: “flowers.” Winter is an awful season for me, b/c it is always so dreary, cold, wet, just icky. So, when spring and summer roll around, all the green and colorful flowers that come out really lighten my mood. Can you imagine if we never had that? YUCK!
The world would be a sad place without God’s redeeming love!
I love her stuff! Thanks for a chance to win!
The world would be a sad place without books.
The world would be a sad place without babies!
The world would be a sad place without words.
Oops, I forgot to answer the question! The world would be a sad place without children! My kids can made me smile and laugh even when I’m in the worst mood!
The world would be a sad place without compassion.
…iced coffee.
the world would be a sad place without laughter. side-splitting, toe-tingling, eye-watering, gut-busting laughter. the kind where you kinda pee your pants (just a little).
ohhhhhh i am such a fan of her! the world would be such a sad place without Jesus! (the typical sunday school answer but so true)!
The world would be sad place without children’s laughter.
WooHoo!!! How exciting! The world would be a sad place without music. (But even sadder if you had to hear me sing )
The world would be a sad place without sweet tea.
The world would be a sad place without smiles. Cute stuff!!
I love her too! The world would be a sad place without forgiveness!
The world would be a sad place without God’s Word.
p.s. I love her designs!!
the world would be a sad place without creativity.
friends and caramel frappuccinos
….without sunshine!
I love the stuff. You find the best things!! The world would be a sad place without children. Oh, the joy they bring and lessons they teach. They also bring some challenges at times, but by God’s grace we get past those.
This has finally brought me out of Lurking land! I’ve been reading your blog forever. I think the world would be a sad place without Jesus.
The world would be a sad place without chocolate Lab puppies
The world would be a sad place without color!
The world would be a sad place without marriage. I love my honey so much. Life would be lonely without him. I think we learn a lot from each other just through our different personalities.
The world would be a sad place without photography capturing today’s moments and tomorrow’s memories!
The world would be a sad place without my son!
I had the same idea as Kristin Orth and carrie: the world would be a terribly sad place without children. {The movie “Children of Men” is a chilling example of what our world would be like without kids} It was haunting, and revealing as to how much of a beautiful blessing from God children really are.
Hmmmm…The world would be a sad place without afternoon naps.
…coffee…….definitely sad without coffee!
The world would be a sad {and sweaty} place without air conditioning!!!
The world would be a sad place without sunshine!
…chubby cheeked babies who eat, burp, and then smile at you gratefully (true story, happened this morning)
The world would be a sad place without my mom. She’s always there when I need her…without judgement…always with love and support!
the world would be a sad place without grandparents. I know my mom is so thrilled to become a first time grandmother in October.
Ari Morris
The world would be a sad place without best girlfriends.
The world would be a sad place without the daily chaos of my life. Chickens getting loose, children playing (or being too quiet 
), laughing friends, clothing that needs to be washed, toys at every inch of the house…
the world would be a sad place without vacation days…
Gorgeous stuff! The world would be a sad place without friendship!!
the world would be a sad place without love, hugs and kisses from your kiddos & hubby, brown puppy-dog eyes that greet you, and morning coffee.
…without HUGS!
The world would be a sad place without family!
Love.
The world would be a sad place without Dr. Pepper (silly I know) and HOPE.
The world would be a sad place without black-eyed susans. They have taken over my garden this year, and I love them! So cheery!
The world (literally) would be a sad place without serotonin!
The world would be a sad place without memories.
The world would be a sad place without faith. Faith in anything…people, religion, ideas, etc. Yes, faith!
Coming from the mouth of my seven year old…the world would be a sad place without horses!
The world would be a sad place without cupcakes.
Photographs! How else could we share our memories with others and our future self?
without lightning bugs in the summertime!
I think the world would be a sad place with out imagination. A world with out color, where everything is the same and nothing ever changes….sad. There would be no museums to house all of the beautiful art!
the world would be a sad place without love.
The world would be a sad place without desire.
The world would be a sad place without “TRUE love”**1 JOHN 4:10**
The world would be a sad place without creativity.
Wow!! Her stuff is so cute. I know someone who would love to wear some of it.
ME!!!
The world would be a sad place without laughter.
The world would be sad place without JESUS CHRIST:) RIght???
Since somebody already said Dr. Pepper then I am going to pick my second weakness which is Wine!
The world would be a sad place without . . . strawberry lemonade.
the world would be a sad place without FLOWERS 
(sooo cute by the way)
The world would be a sad place without sunshine.
the world would be a sad place without my family
they make me smile, laugh, they are silly, funny, serious, frustrating, lovable, caring and i just can’t imagine my life or the world for that matter without them
the world would be a sad place with out slushies.
…cozy time. The most needed time of the day. No matter how bad the day has been, cozy time with my family makes the world a better place ! Without this time with my family, the world would indeed be a very sad place. And Lisa has the most beautiful jewerly and family !
The world would be a sad place without the Statue of Liberty. CJ Martin
the world would be a sad place without my family!
Mexican food. Can you imagine? I’d miss it!
the world would be a sad place without babies!!
The world would be a sad place without trees.
The world would be a sad place without baked cheetohs.
The world would be a sad place without cereal on cold milk…..definitely my comfort food.
The world would be a sad place without the sound of a child’s laughter.
The world would be a sad place without family, friends and coffee!!
The world would be a sad place without…..weekends. Sorry, burnout at work these days!! her pieces are gorgeous
without Jesus…the hero of the story. And my awesome hubby and kids who are a close 2nd!
a sense of humor.
the world would be a sad place without … nice people who give away beautiful jewelry
The world would be a sad place without relationships.
The world would be a sad place without….beautiful beaches to visit.
… books and Jamba Juice (but not necessarily put together!)
The world would be a sad place without stories. Stories teach us about how to be human beings. They can make us laugh, cry, think, believe and hope.
…laughter and family!!
The world would be a sad place without chocolate chip cookies and warm ooey-gooey brownies!
the world would be a sad place without the ability to appreciate the little things.
….family.
The world would be a sad place without rainy days and warm blankets.
The world would be a sad place without laughter.
The world would be a sad place without sweet baby cheeks to cover with kisses.
Funny you should ask…”The world would be a sad place without a DYSON VACUME Cleaner!!!” Anyone with kids or pets, OR both would agree.
So many things I could say here, but on this particular day, my own little world would be a very sad place without my husband and chocolate. Both are essential to survival today.
The world would be a sad place without hope.
For a happy ending to today, a better tomorrow, for the future of our children, even for little things like hoping Panera still has my favorite bagel in stock ; ).
The world would be a sad place with out sisters, babies, hooks, yarn, rollercoasters, puppies and chocolate. Just a few of my favorite things today.
The world would be a sad place without Diet Dr. Pepper- it gets me thru the crazy days!
The world would be a sad place without some alone time just to set and dream
The world would be a sad place without Starbucks.
The world would be a sad place without Jesus!
The world would be a sad place without love and family.
The world would be a sad place without Jesus….and coffee.
The world would be a sad place without my 3 year old son’s daily new questions and explanations about life…
Probably the most obvious, but the world would be a sad place without children. They bring so much joy!
Love her stuff! The world would be a sad place without family
The world would be a sad place without MUSIC
laughter, it’s contagious.
The world would be a sad place without jelly!
gorgeous! i hope i win!!!
…disposable diapers
It would definitely be a sad place without peace and quiet
I haven’t been able to formally congratulate you on Breesy – she’s beautiful. Congrats to you and your beautiful family!
So, I love this type of jewelry. I need one with my baby girl’s name on it…
The world would be a sad place without chocolate covered cherries. Mmm!
. . . Mexican food
The world would be a sad place without Lisa Leonard Designs!!
The world would be a sad place without peanut butter?
laughter!
The world would be a sad place without Ikea soft serve ice cream!!
it’s been said a million times already (that’s what I get for coming in late in the game) but…the world would be a sad place without precious babies who love you unconditionally and make everything better with their smiles, kisses and hugs!!
The world would be a sad place without my grandchildren.
The World Would Be A Sad Place Without “The Smell of a Babies Sweet Breath!” & “Little Boys after a Hard Played Baseball Game!” Oh how I would miss those two very different smells if they were gone.
The world would be a sad place without the smile of an innocent child.
The world would be a sad place without color.
The world would be a sad place without sleep.
This world would be a sad place if it weren’t for SUNSHINE!
The world would be a sad place without creativity.
The world would be a sad place without grace and mercy and love.
The world would be a sad place without family.
I followed someone else’s lead and asked my 3 year old Sam. He said the world would be sad without skunks. His next answer was that the world would be sad without the sky. I think the first is my favorite of the two.
This world would be a sad place without my mom!!! (p.s. love the blog!)
The World would be a sad place without the Hope loving brings
What a sad world it would be without – Children! No matter how bad the day, their smile can just melt your heart.
The world would be a sad place without Jesus & gelato. I know they don’t really go together, but it’s true!
The world would be a sad place without people who cared for one another.
The world would be a sad place without lazy summer afternoons with my baby
so cute! i actually purchased the keepsake baby spoon for hudson at affair of the heart. it was great seeing you guys!
the world would be a sad place without choice.
The world would be a sad place without dogs and sprinkles. Not in any order… or together, just both those things.
Wow, Ashley…you know how to get people to comment!
…without belly laughs!
“Kisses” from my dog, Bo
…without friends that make you laugh so hard you think you might wet your pants
Love your blog lady!
The world would be a sad place without Iced Peppermint Mochas.
The world would be a sad place without hope, faith and family.
The world would be a sad place without books!
The world would be a sad place without rainbow sherbet!
The world would be a sad place without a family to love you.
The world would be a sad place without iced coffees, chocolate, bubble bath, little munchins kisses for their mamas, fire places to curl up in front of with a good book, and lots of LOVE…
ok the first thing that poped into my head was DIET COKE! Then I read some of the other post and feel bad!!! I guess I am addicted!!! Love the jewerly!!
…children! As I read the prompt, I couldn’t help think of my children…especially since today is my youngest daughter’s FIRST birthday!!!
Ashley, I read your blog daily and I’m one of the ones who has NEVER commented until now! First of all, congrats! your daughter is beautiful!! And for my answer…the world would be a sad place without laughter. (especially from my kids!)
jesus! that was easy, I think living only for ourself and destined for hell would be so sad.
the world would be a sad place without color.
without my family
“The world would be a sad place without”…children’s laughter. No matter how stressful the day is or how many messes there are to clean up my children’s laughter will make me smile and relax!
The world would be a sad place without sunshine.
The world would be a sad place without TARGET (we go way back!) and my 2 year old daughter Addison. She’s a big fan of the Disney Princesses… I love hearing her pronounce ‘Sweepin’ Booty’ (Sleeping Beauty)– gets me every single time. She’s THE BEST!
the world would be a sad place without fat baby cheeks
….without the daily smiles of my 10 week old daughter!
oh my… so many serious things to choose from.
i guess i’ll go with a fun one…
the world would be a sad place without disneyland!
The world would be a sad place without nice strangers
Ashley Ann’s blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The world would be a sad place without God’s love, His Son, Jesus, His written Word, & all the delights He gives-chocolate, Mexican food, frozen custard,coffee shops, flower gardens, laughter, naps, Toby Mac, make up, flat irons, puppies, springtime, birthday parties, family, & the grin of my 15 month old little sugar bugar!
the world would be a sad place without childen…..they bring so much fun and happiness
The world would be a sad place without…music.
the internet, which provides the opportunity to blogstalk people I have never met…or something less creepy…like gummy bears. Love the blog!
The world would be a sad place without ice cream.
…my daughter
The world would be a sad place without…the rest of your clothes. (See picture in link: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30935607&l=ca7e843acc&id=79800889)
The world would be a sad place without inspiration.
ICE CREAM
The world would be a sad place without DIAPERS!
Thanks for sharing your new little bundle of joy with us for a few minutes last night. You have a precious family. (And I love your blog, btw…)
The world would be a sad place without simple everyday pleasures… like a smile, sunshine, a hug, or a cool breeze.
The world would be a sad place without cupcakes
The world would be a sad place (and kind of dull too) without children!
The world would be a sad place without hearing the precious sound of a baby’s first cry. Nothing in the world can replace or recreate the sound of life!
The world would be a sad place without COLOR!
The world would be a sad place without MUSIC!
the world would be a sad place without…love.
The world would be a sad place without family and ice cream.
the world would be a sad place without authenticity.
The world would be a sad place without robins.
This may be not appropriate for all to read, but for a married couple…..the world would be a sad face without sex!!
The world would be a sad place without the kindness of strangers.
..without the sweet smell of my children!!
hmmm….just saw that someone else had the same thought I did. So, here’s how my 5 yr old Ben filled in the blank. “The world would be a sad place without ME!”
I noticed a couple of people posted twice, and wondered if that means your name gets in 2x (I didn’t read any rules on this by the way and it is a new day)! So, the world would be a sad place without chips&salsa.
The world would be a sad place without the sound of children’s laughter.
Pottery Barn! Is that shallow? I’m just kidding. The world would be a sad place without BABIES!!! Did you ever see that movie where the human race could not reproduce anymore? I can’t remember the name of it right now, but it was sad, sad, sad!
The world would be a sad place without motherly love.
…wonderful nurses
the chatter and snuggles of my children!!
The world would be a sad place without…Jesus.
mommies!
The world would be a sad place without the snocones.
i can think of a ton of things it would be sad without.
but first and foremost jesus. my life would be incredibly sad as would the world. no hope, no eternal life, no unconditional love. i shutter at the thought.
i’m am so grateful that i have a savior!
The world would be a sad place without….Mothers! I know I lost my mother last month and I feel that the world is definitely a sadder place without her. Moms are the best!
The world would be a sad place without exciting changes and challenges. Realizing the the love of those around you as your endure those changes and challenges.
Oh my goodness, why is her stuff so amazing? I love it!
The world would be a sad place without….watermelons. Seriously, I think a watermelon can make anything better.
I love contests! Her stuff is beautiful! The world would be a sad place without sunshine!
The world would be a sad place without creative expression! xo
without….Childrens laughter!
The world would be a sad place without laughter!
The world would be a sad place without children.
CONTEST NOW CLOSED……..
I can’t believe I missed this giveaway In the other day I was just admiring Lisa’s shop!
I’ve been getting a lot of the question, “So what is it like with a daughter now?”
Honestly, right now it is pretty much the same. She looks like her brothers and acts like a newborn…I still call her “he” and “him” at times. However, we have noticed some differences. She always sleeps with a hand on her face or chin – which just seems delicate and girly. So far though one of the biggest difference is that I can take pictures of her with flowers and fun vintage tablecloths – I wouldn’t have tried that with the boys. When I did Corbett’s 5 year pictures he pointed out how cute the flower garden was and that it would make for “cute newborn baby sister” pictures. So here you go Corbett…(more with her eyes open later).
Well the post is titled “my life” and sitting around taking pictures of my new daughter among flowers isn’t really reflective of the true nature of my life.
So here you go – a better look at my life right now
I encourage creative dress: Super Underwear Man & Super Underwear Man Too
I encourage independence: Littlest Brother highjacked the 4 wheeler from his Big and Bigger Brothers
I encourage joint conflict resolution: Biting the beanbag to win the argument makes sense right?
I encourage sibling affection: His kisses = her hair gel
I encourage modesty: He saw the monkeys at the Zoo and decided to imitate
I encourage teamwork: The Brothers joined forces and chased me into the house…
which I left to go out the other door and defeat them with a waterhose. No mercy.
I encourage self expression: it often backfires
And now I am learning what life is like as a family of 6
And life is pretty amazing…messy, chaotic, beautiful, and lacking any moments of boredom
BIG BLOG NEWS:
Tomorrow is a big day for something new…a first for my blog. So check back Tuesday morning for a little fun excitement
….hmmmmmm, what could it be?
by AshleyAnn
show 23 comments
Very cute! Love the one of Rett. I sure do love me some baby booty crack!
Ashley,
First- Congrats on Breese- she is just beautiful! Second, are you really Superwoman with superhuman strength and endurance? How do you do it all-garden, cook, blog, run a business, make creative things with your boys AND look like you never had one child with that great figure of yours that is ALREADY back…do you sleep?
Just kidding- you do amaze me though!
All of your children are beautiful! Love the photos and the stories!
Amy
You crack me up! Life is for sure never dull with 4 kids!! You need to come over to the new house and turn our house into a fun zoo!!! Any nights free? Call me!
Looks like fun, thanks for sharing your life.
What a great picture of your family! You look great by the way.
Love the underwear pics, those are classic.
my favorite part is the waterfight picture, where the little one has the squirt bottle in his mouth. freaking cute.
I’ve commented on almost every post since Breese was born.. saying the same thing, I still just don’t know how you do it. Your kiddos are lucky to have such an awesome mommy!
I just don’t understand how you can be so thin already! You have to have the cutest family. You are blessed.
I love the first one of Breese, I think I need a copy! Her little lips are so sweet! These are all so great, especially the underwear brothers!
I ADORE the pic of your family! You all are PRECIOUS!!! You are such an encouragement to me. I am setting a goal to not be in my jammies, boring, “hey go watch TV” Mom after this baby gets here. Thanks for sharing as always…
man she is sweet!
they all are.
it looks like you are handling things well.
if you need me to come down and hold the baby for a few (or 10) hours…just let me know!!
These are so cute!
I love the one that you wrote on!! How do you do that?? NEAT!
the pic is PREFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TFS
I don’t know how you even get pictures of it all and have time to download them and post on the blog. I love it!!
Love it!
love the beautiful photographs of the baby outside. all of them are lovely though.
gorgeous, gorgeous baby girl! LOVE the flower pics!
Oh Ashley, your baby is so beautiful! I know you’ve probably heard that a million times, but it’s true! The photos you’ve been taking of her are brilliant. And Breese is such a lovely name! Congratulations!
Such a beautiful family!
And those new pictures of Breese in the flowers are so gorgeous!
I have been a well… stalker of your blog for sometime now (lol)! I am a total fan of your photography and creativeness! I too have 4 kiddos 3 older boys 11,9 & 7 and a 2 year old daughter. Thanks for sharing a little of your life on this blog I totally can relate. Your family is adorable and the newest addition oh so sweet! Enjoy this time I wish all mine were so little again!
I LOVE this post! Thanks for sharing… you have an awesome family.
So, I’m a little behind on reading your blog, and I just came across this. I absolutely love this post. So CUTE, and such a great idea. My favorite is the one with the arrows, about your life with all 6.
by AshleyAnn
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