School was out last week. Summer break is here. We have no big plans. A lot of nothing everyday. Just the way I like it. Lots of hanging out at the kitchen table. Lots of pretend picnics in the playhouse. Lots of water fights and sneaking sips of my sweet tea. Lots of sneaking sips…
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My first 5K. I had one goal: to run the whole 5k without stopping or walking. I know a 5K is such a short distance for so many people, but for me it might as well had been a marathon. I’ve been slowly training from no running to be able to run 3.1 miles. Saturday…
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Way to finish one race ……here’s to finishing the other one today!
I’m so pleased that you managed to do this. I have done a couple of 5k in the past for Cancer Research, but have never run all the way.
I really don’t like running, but last week I went out for the first time – not for such a poigniant reason( I just need to lose 3 stone & not spend too much money doing it!!)
I didn’t even run all the way on the ‘course’ my husband gave me.
But I shall be out again tonight, hoping that I may also reach the point where I enjoy the run, sometime. I am enjoying 20 minutes on my own, with my music though.
Well done! I’m training to do 5k, and finding it rather difficult, so I hugely admire your perseverance!
Ashley, That’s awesome. Wish I was there with you. Now when I hear that song you played before you crossed the finish line I will think of your little one. Keep running!!!! Have a blessed day. Tara
“Wherefore we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us run with endurance the race set before us, laying aside every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles us by fixing our eyes on JESUS, the author and finisher of our faith. FOR THE JOY set before him, he endured the cross and despised its shame and now is seated at the right hand of God…” you are living this, sweet ashley! run hard!
Go Ashley! I ran my first 5K since I got preggo 4 years ago earlier this year. It was great and I did catch the running bug again. I hope you do too. It’s a nice distraction as we wait patiently on the Lord. 
Be proud! And keep running towards that little one:)
True photographer… you have your camera everywhere Congrats on the run…
I though first you said My firs 5 kilos 
I only thing in weight ha ha ha. Well well well. Congratulations. I can’t neither one block, 
Congrats on your 5K! (which is only 3.1 miles – so not nearly as far, right???)
It takes a really long time to get the runner’s high and get addicted to it, though I promise it’s worth it!
I ran for ~3 years before something changed and I finally really loved running just for the sake of running. Now I get grumpy and out of sorts if I can’t run – and I love how it makes me feel fit and healthy!
Don’t give up doing things for you and being healthy – it’s the best thing you can do for your kids (well, besides loving them and feeding and clothing them, I suppose!!) – having a mom who takes care of herself and is really fit is being a great role model – along with preventing future health problems so you can live longer for your kids!
Anyway, just a note to let you know that it can take many years of running before you get the runner’s high and feel like a runner, so don’t think just because it hasn’t happened to you yet that it will never happen!!
Congrats again on your great run!!!
Kate – thanks! I agree completely on taking care of myself…I just prefer lots of other ways over running. Maybe one day I’ll enjoy running as much as I enjoy other ways of staying strong & healthy…we’ll see if that runner’s high comes
Great job Ashley!! I am also not a fan of running so I can relate with your feelings. I think of your family often waiting on your sweet daughter. Praying that you get to bring her home sooooon!
That is so wonderful. I love the parallels you have shared! Keep persevering! Keep your eyes on Jesus. Your sweet song will be with you soon!
So chocked up reading this, the finish line song just did me in! Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us.
Oops, I mean choked.
Get it, girl!
Hey, if I make it down there in November, let’s take a run together? Well, unless you’ve gotten to hang up your running shoes by then. That would be even better!
I’m so sorry that the race to your approval letter didn’t get the memo that it should keep up with the lead pack. It’s disappointing, for sure. So glad that your friend found you at the finish line, and you crossed it together. Remember that the Lord has been with you throughout your race/journey to your girl. And He will cross the finish line with you, too.
great song for finishing.
i LOVE that song.
good for you for doing it! way to go!
I too have had a goal to run a 5k without stopping and have failed many times. I’m pretty much pushing that one to the backburner but I am beyond glad to hear you completed! I did a duathlon yesterday (like a tri but only running and biking) and it was so much fun my Mom even signed up after seeing me to it last year. So, if you decide to keep your running shoes on, maybe your sweet Song will run along with you..
I absolutely love Third Day and love that you run to them.
I love reading your blog & hardly ever post. But today while I was reading the song, While I’m Waiting by John Waller came on my Pandora station & thought it was so appropriate for this season of your life. I hope that song blesses you.
Oh so beautiful…as I mentioned before, I too am running while we wait to adopt….and praying, and rocking (in chair in nursery) and trying to keep praising, and growing and stretching. Waiting on a call today to hear if “yes” or “no”. Congrats on your race…keep it up. Can’t wait to hear when you get your approval letter; but knowing this too is part of the beautifully hard journey towards your girl. “Waiting on someday, living in the moment, hoping in Your promise to uphold me. Until someday I’ll keep going, not just survive, but seek Your glory.”
That is a great song, but just wondering if you have heard the waterdeep version. it’s too good
Hi Ashley Ann~I love reading your blog and following you on your adoption journey. It brings back so many memories of the journey to our daughter. She was born in Guatemala 6 years ago next month and has been home with us for a little over 5 years now, it seems like a lifetime ago now and it feels like time stood still during the wait. We were able to visit our daughter when she was 3 months old then had to wait an excruciatingly long 6 months to bring her home. I love that you are running while waiting. I am not a runner but when we visited our daughter at 3 months I picked up a pin/brooch of a little guatemalan girl and wore it EVERY day until we brought her home. I found it in a drawer recently and it brought back so many memories. Even if you never love running, may your shoes be a fond memory soon I can’t wait to “meet” your little one! Hang in there.
Ashley… what a poignant post. Adoption is a marathon. Not a sprint like we hope. I know that feeling too well as my youngest daughter was born in my heart thousands of miles away in Guatemala. The wait for her was more excruciating than childbirth, that I was fortunate to experience twice before her. She just turned 7 and is the light of my life… just as her siblings are… but with a little extra something special when I look at her sleeping at night and think about how the stars lined up so perfectly for me to be matched with the most amazing little girl.
I just ran my first 5K last weekend… I got to run it with a friend and really enjoyed it. I don’t have that runners high yet either… but want to stick with it and give it another couple of tries!
Praying your approval comes very very soon!!!
Way to go, Ashley!! Your beautiful Song will be here before you know it. Maybe you will find your runner’s high before then… or maybe not it’s all good!
congrats on finishing your first 5k! you go girl
i’m not a runner either but i make myself do it
in order to stregthen my mind as well as my body.
and with songs praising the Lord in my ears, it’s my quiet
time as well.
slow and steady, you’ll get to the finish line soon and
the reward will be so sweet…your precious daughter
Congrats on your first race. Seeing that finish line and knowing you are going to cross is a great feeling!
Your sweet sweet Song. Oh you know just how to make a girl cry. I hope it’s comforting to you that God picks the timing for everything. Ultimately, you will get your girl when He decides it’s time.
Can you imagine how many women around the country will be in the ugly cry with happy tears with you when you finally meet your little one?
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!
I’m no runner, but I know if that was my finish line song, I would finish every race sobbing!! =) Keep your head up in the loooong race!
Congratulations! I ended up walking my first 5K, a little disappointing, but I learned I’d much rather run alone than in a crowd of several thousand. It was crazy.
Way to go, Ashley! Praying for you as you wait for your sweet girl.
I LOVE that song! And now, every time I hear it, I’ll think of your sweet Song, and pray that you get to hold her in your arms soon!
I love that you are running for a reason, your Song! Whether it is 3.1 miles or a marathon, it always feels beter when you have a goal! I overcame cancer last year and for my 1 year of being healthy, I set the goal to run a half marathon. I’ve since ran 5 half marathons in the past 6 months! When you reach that goal, and have Song in your arms, run the race set out for you. And it is ok to cry as you cross the finish line.
Finish line song…such a good idea! I think I’ll try out a finish line song for the end of my day. That would be awesome and a signal to my kiddos that Mom is winding down. Could it work? Way to go on the 5K!
The incubator you all purchased last month arrived to the orphanage!!! (incubator project post here, update project post here) Love Without Boundaries received a photo this week. The incubator is equipped to care for vulnerable babies and those with jaundice. It is also a sterile, safe environment for the youngest babies. Can you believe how…
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So many miles apart, not knowing each other personally, such similar stories of longing , waiting, hope… Some day soon you’ll have that little girl in your arms, and I can’t wait to celebrate along side of you and your family. And someday, years from now, you’ll be able to look back at this time, and see that it was all worth it. In the meantime, I’ll continue to pray for you and your daughter.
Goodness! As soon as I read the title I thought you had gotten the letter and already been to get her…. like you had been holding out on us. Hopefully if gives you some encouragement to know many of us are waiting with excitement right along with you!
Praying to hear something SOON!!! And your family will be ALL together FireCracker is just too cute!!
Praying, praying, praying for your family. God loves you this will happen soon!
I rejoice when you rejoice – I cry when you cry. No words…hugs.love. and it will come to pass.
I do hope and pray you hear something soon. You have waited so long already. We are still paperchasing for our third blessing from China and will be DTC some time this summer.
Surgery is stressful, especially for a sweet little one who is not here yet. Praying for a letter!
praying you get your letter SOON. thanks for sharing this journey with all of us, Ashley–i’m learning so much from you about motherhood.
I had a friend adopt from Asia 11 years ago. Every day was torture waiting for word. The days when her sweet baby boy were in her arms were blissful and the pain of waiting almost forgotten.
((((HUGS))))
You need to be yelling. Not that it will do anything, but it will make you feel better. (Insert your daughter’s name here) COME HOME THIS INSTANT!!! Best not to do it when others are home, as they will look at you oddly. You have to be as loud as you can. Not sure if it really helps, but it would stop my heartache for a good second. Wait a couple years & see what happens when you are filling out health forms. I can remember doing that for my daughter and very seriously considering the questions-then laughing at myself for forgetting I didn’t give birth to her and writing Not Available in that section.
My twin boys love those Ikea stacking cups. You made a great choice and I hope your youngest daughter loves them too!
Thank you for sharing that scripture. I will take that on as our adoption verse as well. Goodness, God’s timing can be both hard and wonderful, can’t it? {{{hugs}}}
James 1: 2-4, my friend. This trial is doing a good work in you.
Thanks again for sharing. I so understand. I had a molar pregnancy last year. And now I’m waiting for my doctor approval to get pregnant again… Waiting is hard ! But your waiting his harder than mine.
I always tough about adopting and now that you share about your journey and the pain and joy, it helps me prepare and think seriously about it. It is a story to follow in the years to come ! But you’ll be a part of it !
By the way, I looked for the verse in French, just to understand it better for me, and it is Proverb 13.12 and not Psalm 13.12. So you can correct it !
Have a nice weekend !
Once again you open my eyes to just how much I take for granted. That little incubator and baby gave me goose bumps, how totally cool! Praying and waiting with you!
amazing! we’ll wait with you…
Praying, praying, praying! Faithful is He who has called you and He has called you can’t fail!
So excited for your journey!
Oh, I smiled with tears in my eyes! Her name!!! Josh and I started talking about names on our date this week. We are so far from the point of naming, but it was fun just to think about it.
I can’t imagine how hard the waiting must be. I’m praying it will go as quickly as possible, and that you will have peace and patience in the meantime!
I know…I had the same thought: stacking cups? really?
But yes. Big-time hit, easy to pack, simple pleasure.
Hugs for the waiting and hugs for upcoming surgeries.
Thanks Vensuia!
Just wanted to tell you to have a wonderful weekend! Thank you for sharing what amazing and beautiful things God is doing in the Love without Boundaries project.
I’m hoping and praying you get amazing news soon about your little girl. My daughter had cranioplasty surgery when she was 7 months old. It’s hard seeing your child go through that but having great doctors makes it a little easier. I wish you and your family the best and thank you for sharing your story.
I can’t imagine how hard it is to wait. I’m sorry to hear that she will have to have surgeries when she is home but I know she is with the most loving parents. What a joy to know you can be there for her and that you will get to help her recover! Hugs to you and your family.
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Praying that God will be the strength you need as you wait. Stay strong! Eyes on the prize!
Thinking and hoping and praying and wishing for you…
It must have felt so go to be doing “something” but that wait makes my heart ache for y’all. You had me in tears when you wrote about “blank spaces”. Im very thankful to be able to watch you and your sweet family navigate this process, what a blessing you are to so many. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
yay incubator! yay doctor appointments! yay ikea – my kids lay in the beds too
Ashley, I usually do not comment…first time actually. But I read your blog on a daily basis. Ever since you started talking about adopting your daughter, I check it first thing in the morning to see if you have heard any news. I’m looking forward to hearing more about your addition to your family. Praying it all happens soon!
You must have been in my neck of the woods in Texas! Ikea and In N’ Out Burger are the best!
Loving that doll! Can you share where you got it?
We have those high chairs at the daycare where I work. You will love using it with your daughter. (PS I love IKEA. The closest one to us is, well, in another country. 
)
How much harder it must be to wait for that phone call than to wait through the last weeks of pregnancy. Though the anxiousness must be about the same. Soon. It will be soon.
Thank you for the reminder of this verse – was such a heartfelt verse when our own little six month old went through emergency surgery six months ago. Blessings on your family – press on, for the joy set before you! Praying for your sick heart and anticipating your tree of life!
Praying for your little one. Can’t wait to see pictures and hear about her.
I just found out that I’m going to be an aunt and if I have a niece I love that little baby doll for her. Did you get the doll off of Etsy? Did you make it?
Any info would be sooo appreciated!
Take care and I love your blog!! My husband and I hope to adopt a baby from China one day.
-Trisha Jackson
I’m going to sleep tonight praying.
I am.
Which I just realized sounds dumb because you probably didn’t know that I am in Germany and it’s nearly 11:30 pm, so I am going to bed now. Praying for the little one with the sweet cheeks and her mama.
Awe I thought you had one to get your girl!! I was more excited than I expected when I saw that Sidenote IKEA is always a good time!
Ashley – each night I say a prayer for the process to be faster for you. I believe that there is a reason God is making it this long, and I know that doesn’t help you in the meantime, but we are all thinking of you and hopefully you know that your pain is shared, and hopefully therefore halved.
Leanne xo
That is a wait I know way too well… it’s not easy! Once that LOA arrives, though, it will be all downhill to TA and then TRAVEL!
Hope that next week is THE WEEK for y’all
This feels like a silly comment, but, when did you get In-n-Out in Oklahoma??? That’s a California favorite!!
….I’m continuing to pray for your sweet little angel.
I’m beginning to feel your frustration on waiting for the letter. I’ll be off the computer for a few days get back on and check your blog sure that I will see a long post about how you finally got the letter. No such luck. My heart goes out to you and I’m praying you will be with Song soon. (:
by AshleyAnn
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Kathryn - I need to do this, I have a couple more weeks to prepare. We usually try for one “field trip” a week as well.
lindsey - oooh! you will have to share any that you really liked! I’m trying to plan some crafts for mine this summer as well. I only have one and she’s firecracker’s age! and magazines at a picnic table is much more my style as well! I refuse to by a kindle, nook, etc. because I still like to shop for and hold a new book!
N - I can’t believe summer has already started for you! Enjoy!
Suzanne - You are so right – when my family gets left to its own devices, it usually ends in bickering kids and upset mom. We are trying to figure out a schedule that is more of a framework for our day – just to give it some structure/routine. We are make a summer list a la Meg, and I am going to try a “craft thursday” type of thing on one day of the week. I don’t think I will make it everyday – I would use up all my ideas in two weeks tops! I like Kathryn’s one field trip a week idea too!
Seriously Sassy Mama - We do a summer list and a separate craft list. It is a ton of fun seeing my three girls get excited about adding something to the list. I really only plan dinners, but when it comes to summer, I just have in minds what they like to eat. We are pickers and grazers in my house, so little meals all day long. I am so excited for summer. My kids are out Friday!
Kristy - I would love for you to share your crafts as I need some ideas!
BeckyH in MA - I sent you a huge summer “I’m Bored” list awhile back. TONS of stuff to do.
Our school doesn’t get out until JUNE 25th! UGH! I’m counting down the days. We are planning lots of hikes and geocaching!
Have fun!
Jessica R - I have implemented a weekly rhythm to give us some structure without adhering to a strict schedule. Inspiration from here: http://crunchycatholicmomma.blogspot.com/2011/08/our-weekly-rhythm.html (not my blog). It has really helped me to give each day a purpose without the stress of having something to accomplish every hour!
Kelly - My boys finished up school yesterday (we homeschool and they worked so hard to get school done way ahead of schedule! yay!). I promised them one week of doing absolutely nothing and then we’ll go back to a little structure. My middle boy said he’s going to watch TV all day today. Our TV is hardly ever on so it’ll be interesting to see if he really does it
Happy Summer to you!
tracy - What is the Kids! Magazine that is on the table? It looks like it has some good stuff in it. Pinterest is great but nothing beats a stack of magazines.
Ruth@GraceLaced - One of my favorite things about your summer posts over the years, has been watching your kids play with water and “just be kids.”
Are you doing any gardening this year?
Emily - I know the feeling… with my newest little one born, we have run into this even before summer… ( my oldest is 4).
)
We are going to try to get a head start on kindergarten things and going to try some “homeschool” K things and crafts. I also have planned to do something on our to do list once a week!
Don’t know if you like them like I do, but I just found out that McAllisters can make Arnold Palmers (half lemonade half tea). I was pretty excited, so I had to pass it on! I recognized that cup and straw!
Ari - I would love to know your crafts for the week….I need inspiration!
Julie - We made a list similar to that one last summer (but did our own things). I try to plan one thing to “do” every day too or we get bored – even if it’s just the grocery shopping or gymnastics. If you find good crafts please post! I know I’ll be hitting up the dollar bins at Joanns too.
Alice H - Do you send your kids to VBS? That is a week worth of structured time! LOL! I love Firecracker’s bathing suit!
Jenni - I think a simple plan is the way to go in the summer. Can you tell me where you got ‘firecracker’s’ swimsuit? My almost 3 yr old is pretty particular about swimsuits not being too tight. This looks perfect. Praying that the anxiety of waiting for your sweet song won’t consume you. Come on Chinese officials get some papers moving!
tracy a - School’s out already? Wow, we don’t let out until the last week of June!
Hannah - I found your blog on Pinterest. I was looking for summer props to use in some of our photo sessions. As I was looking at your summer pictures I saw the word China, so I had to read the whole thing. To my surprise it said that y’all were adopting. China and adopting is something so close to my heart. My sister went the past 2 summers to work in an orphanage and I was lucky enough to go the 2nd time around. While Katie was there the first time she sent a picture back of the cutest little albino boy! He won our families hearts over. He is now at home with us. I know all about the whole adoption thing and the patience you have to have. I would love to talk to you more about it if that is ok with you! I am so excited for you and your family! Congratulations!!!!
Megan - Sounds wonderful to me! Our school is out next week. I’m looking forward to not having to push them out the door. These past few weeks have been hard for them to go to sleep and get up. I agree that too much free time = problems. I love how your kids play together so well. My kids are too far apart and have their own friends leaving my littlest alone most of the day. I’m sure that they would all like a little structure.
Emily - I’m with you: pinterest is awesome and has its place, but flipping through a magazine with some sweet tea is far superior. Especially when the weather is nice and the days are lazy.
meg duerksen - YAY!!!
great call on the MS kids.
i am going to go dig mine out today!
i miss little ones.
a LOT.
lets switch houses.
Louise Fortune - WOW summer break already – the kids in the UK don’t finish until JULY 20th.
I am so totally ready for our summer xx
Katie - Last year on our weeks without trips or VBS we started: Make something Monday (crafts, etc), Time to read Tuesday (weekly trip to the library), What’s cooking Wednesday (bake or make something fun), Thoughtful Thursday (making something for someone else, or other service project), Fun Friday (zoo, beach, museum, movie). Sometimes it works other times you do fun Friday on Tuesday, but it was nice to have a little schedule.
Happy Summer!
Abigail - That scheduling is a really great idea! I bet your summer days will feel longer, more fun, and more refreshing as a result!
Mara - Sounds wonderful! I would love to hear about your craft projects – particularly any you really liked! I love simple crafts with kids.
Sarah Whitworth - I love reading your blog and do so regularly, but rarely comment. My kids are a good bit older than yours so our summer plans look a different. I wanted to suggest another summer activity: the public library. I am a children’s librarian and we offer a great summer reading program. I’m sure that the library in your locale would do the same. Our program includes an independent reading program, classes for every age group and special events for the whole family. Just a thought for another purposeful way to spend the summer.
Hannah - So I was looking for some props on pinterest and stumbled upon your blog. As I was looking the word China caught my eye, so I had to read your blog. I found out that you are adopting and it just melted my heart! My family and I have a huge heart for China. My sister went the past 2 summers to work in an orphanage and I was lucky enough to join this past summer. It was a trip of a lifetime! She is now living there working to get an orphanage that is not open to adoption up to code to start getting those kids adopted. Also when my sister was there the first summer she sent us some pictures of this super adorable little boy. Needless to say we all feel in love and he is part of our family now! I would love to hear some more about your adoption if you are willing to email.
Thanks!
Stephanie - I so wish that Martha Stewart Kid’s magazine was still around–I saved my copies too!
Shannon Phillips - I love it! I have been soaking up the summer fun with my littles too.
I see hair cuts have been a part of your days as well.
AshleyAnn - Sarah – we are big fans of the summer reading program at our local library! Thank you for all you do for kids as children’s librarian!!
Melissa - Sounds like you guys are going to have a great summer!! And I totally agree about wanting to flip thru a magazine outside rather than internet surfing ;o)
julianna - Oh how I miss Martha Stewart Kids, the best of all her magazines in my opinion. Bring it Back!!!
Jeannette - I want to come to Campbell Camp!
Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Ok, I’ll be there Monday
What is our craft? (I wish!)
Jen Daily - So far my attempts at a summer “schedule” are coming up short. My five-year-old wanted to take an art class, but by the time I got around to signing him up for it, it was full. So I’d like to set up some art projects for him at home, and will be excited to see what your family is up to.
As for scheduling, we will try to do one get-in-the-car outing in the morning, followed by an easy trip to the park or activity at home in the afternoon. I’m currently making up a list of what those outings/activities might be, and will let the kids choose from there.
Bon @ A Golden Afternoon - Those Martha mags are solid gold around our house. I like to hide them away and surprise myself with them from time to time. Weird? Maybe. I could pretend they’re for my kids, but really…moi. That picture of Firecracker drinking is perfection!