Category Archives: personal

Mar 09 2010

he’s six {Lego Birthday Party}

Just a reminder Google Reader is not reliable with my blog…it doesn’t show updates…..

My oldest is six. A pretty handsome six year old in my opinion….pretty incredible in many other ways too. He wanted a small party with the boys from his class…a Lego and donut party that is. I like to make birthdays a big deal, but work on small budget so most of our party stuff is made at home.

The invitations: Lego mini-fig print outs with a few Lego pieces and party info included.

He spent a lot of time blowing out candles: breakfast the day of, school the day of, dinner the day of…and his party. I love how he is looking at Big Brother in the top picture.

Me: What do you want to take to your class for your birthday?

Biggest Brother: “I want a chocolate chip cookie, then frosting, then another cookie on top. I want the sides rolled in sprinkles. Then on the top I want a toothpick with a piece of paper that says ‘6′ on it”.

Me: Glad you know EXACTLY what you want.

His gift from his dad.

What I did with his gift from his dad…party decor.

Me: What kind of party do you want to have?

Biggest Brother: “I want to play Legos and eat donuts. For the donuts I want a tower with Lego men on it. I want one dozen glazed, one dozen chocolate, one dozen chocolate with sprinkles and one dozen sugar. Then on the top I want a rectangle donut with 6 candles on it. I don’t want the candles all crazy on it. I want them in a straight line down the middle.”

Me: Glad you know EXACTLY what you want.

Legos – check.

Donut tower built by Biggest Brother – check.

The whole gang came out to celebrate on the mantle.

I printed Lego Indiana Jones and Star Wars sheets for the boys to color while we waited for everyone to arrive. In case you are curious, 5 & 6 year old boys do not like coloring. They prefer to run around with Light Sabers and dart guns.

We had a few games planned. One was a bridge building contest. I divided up bags of Legos – each bag had the same Legos in it (took FOREVER to do). They ended up just mixing them together and doing team work. In case you are wondering, do not spend 2 hours dividing up Legos for 5 & 6 years….and they don’t care if the bags look cute on the skateboard.

My boys working together on their bridge.

Once built, we tested to see how many blocks the bridges could hold. The winning builder got a Lego sticker….which had a cute little Lego case holding them. Once again…no one cared about the Lego box holding the Lego stickers….no one but me. I thought it was a cute idea.

Sooner than later the Legos got dumped on the floor and the craziness began.

There were other kids at the party…I just don’t know if their parents want pictures of them on the blog…

When it was over I asked Biggest Brother if he had fun. He said, “It was the greatest party EVER.” I was thrilled…he enjoyed all the little things I did to make it special. I asked him what his favorite part was. He replied, “Playing with the Light Sabers.” In other words, the one part that wasn’t planned! Figures.

Here are a few of the make it at home projects I did for the party…

1. Freezer Paper Transfer t-shirt: You can find a tutorial online by doing a little google search. I used the font Rosewood. The shirt was 50% off at Hobby Lobby…cost me $2.50!

2. Party Favors: ‘Bubble Light Sabers’ and chalk….yes, I am that mom that sends home creative stuff instead of candy. I replaced the original labels with stickers I made.

Stickers: I found this graphic and added text, Legos, and ‘6′ to the inside for different projects. You can find Lego paper goods and party supplies online, but it can get pricey. I added my stickers to the cookie toppers, party favors, napkins, coloring pages, bridge bags and as confetti on the tables. To make them as stickers I used Label Paper (the full sheet instead of individual ones).

Big number 6: I cut the Star Wars box into a large number 6. Secondly, I cut tissue paper into small squares then hotglued them to the cardboard 6.

He is six. We had fun celebrating and I had fun trying to find ways to make Legos cute. He would have been happy to be shut in a room with all his friends and just his Legos. I know that. I, however, enjoy the details of a party and getting to do the things I love to make his day just a bit more special. I know he won’t remember stickers on bubbles or the same label design printed on coloring sheets. He won’t remember most of the little things I do. I do hope when he looks back at his childhood he’ll remember that I did the things I love not just for other people or for work, but for him too. I hope he remembers that his mom embraced the way God made her and used that to do little things to make his days special.

I like him. I really like him.

View full post »

Posted in personal

by AshleyAnn

show hide 39 comments

add a comment
link to this post
email a friend

Jill R - Love the last two pictures. What a sweet little guy. I admire a man who knows EXACTLY what he wants. ;) That is great!

Amanda - So, I have been a blog-lurker for awhile now but I had to comment on the lego party pics and details. I too have sons (2 of them) and they are lego fanatics. The details you had for your son’s party were darling and I love how you recognize that HE may not remember all of the matchy matchy details, but he will remember the time and love you always put into his parties. You certainly have made his day(s) special. I think you are awesome!

Amanda
Queen Bee Designs by Amanda

Jill - so cute. got to love kids who know exactly what they want. the donut with the straight line of candles was a great call.

Shannon Phillips - Yay! Way to go Ashley. The party looked like so much fun and I love how you Ashleyized the details. Yes, that is a new word now “Ashleyize.” I am going to request that the big wigs at Websters add it to their dictionary. BTW, I am happy to see you in more photos these days.

Jo - Ashley- Your so creative!!!! I LOVE IT! I loved how he knew exactly what he was looking for! That’s so neat. :) Thanks for sharing your ideas.

Naomi - The effort you put in is truly amazing. He will definitely appreciate it when he’s older, and he’ll be so grateful you have all these photos to capture it.
The whole Lego party idea reminds me of another one I saw on another blog I follow, you can see it here http://wilkinsonquints.blogspot.com/2009/06/happy-9th-birthday-riley.html
I think the cake is especially impressive!

ashlee - what an amazing party! you are so creative and I am so thankful you share it…my 6 and 8 year old boys just walked by and declared they want the same thing for their birthdays…thanks!!

Robyn Farmer - Love it! Love all of it! I feel the same way about the details. You put it perfectly.

Rach - Major cuteness! May God continue to shower your family with great joy!

anne c - what a perfect party! great job!! love the pic of you two…so sweet. you look like the proudest mommy ever and you should be!

Anna Joy - I love all your little details. I did the exact same thing for my son’s FIRST birthday. He’ll never remember but I will and I want to show him through pictures when he is older. You are so creative!

Barbara - I love the Lego party – especially the bridge contest and the doughnut and lego “cake.” I taught preschool and elementary school for many years and found that boy parties tended to revolve around whatever the “in” superhero was for that year and little else. Congratulations for making a party that was creative and fun and still all “boy.”

jenn - We could be soul sisters! I quoted you on my facebook today… I just have girls- so the “he” would be “she”!! This is so my thoughts too: He won’t remember most of the little things I do. I do hope when he looks back at his childhood he’ll remember that I did the things I love not just for other people or for work, but for him too. I hope he remembers that his mom embraced the way God made her and used that to do little things to make his days special.

Love it love it!!!

Donna - Such a creative party! I hosted a Lego party for my 6 year old (almost 10 years ago!) Just wanted to let you know that they do see the details they just might not tell you. Love your blog!

Ruth - Fantastic, girl! I did a Lego party last year, and it was no where as creative as yours! I did find as well, however, that they don’t care about the cute and carefully planned…all they really wanted to do was play with legos and go to war! I do have four boys, so I suppose I’ll have another chance to employ your inspirations! Funny, I posted about legos today too!

christina larsen - I love all of the details that you did. AWESOME!!! BTW, if you are interested. The cake shop, Piece of Cake does lego cakes; for future reference. 2 yrs ago Ian had a Star War Legos party. They made jedi’s on top and lego pieces all over it. It was an incredible looking and tasting cake. It was a splurge, but a huge hit. Not that you need it for this year, but maybe in the future. :)

Christian T - Awesome!! I’m in the process of planning my son’s third birthday party. He wanted dirt bikes and monster trucks. I live for party planning so I’m in heaven making the decorations and planning his party. It’s fun for me and his party will be super cute! I am also going to make him a “3″ shirt to wear to school on his real birthday.

Jodi - This is so my kind of party! I love everything you did. I love that you did exactly what he wanted. I love that it was simple but came across way more than that. Very creative. The birthday photos are amazing and he is an absolute doll!

meg duerksen - that is the best!!!

Charla Lane - I was hoping we would get a peek of the Lego party. I Loved it. I like to say “Love is in the DETAILS”. He may not notice today, but soon he will be saying look at all the little things mom does just for me!!!!

Heather - I love that you still do the things you see as special even though you think he may not notice. I must say though, I secretly think he does notice. How many other six year olds give that much detail into how they want their donut cake look?

I also think it’s so cool that you don’t down play creating the things just because he’s six. In Sunday School we are talking to the 5 year olds about how your talent is a gift from God, and what you do with that talent is YOUR gift to God. I think you’re a shining example of that. :)

Kate - Perfect, so perfect!!

Dick - What a Mom !! Believe me, he appreciates how special you made his day.

Julia - what a fun bday party! I love how you made it absolutely fantastic but also honored God with your wallet. And that last pic of you is so good- you look fabulous!

Jamie - What a great party! One random question: What lens did you use for the close-up of the donut with the Lego man sitting in the hole? I think I need to get a lens that will let me get that close up bc neither of mine allow that. Tips? Thanks!

Kristen - I have been lurking for a while and after every post I feel like I should tell you how inspirational you are. I love your pictures, you capture so very much in them, just like pictures are supposed to do. Even though my son is only 4 months old, you’ve given me so many ideas for his birthday party. Thanks for sharing everything that you do.

Jane - What a fabulous party! How did you manage to keep Little Sister from getting at all those itty bitty pieces of Lego?

I continue to be amazed by your creativity and ability to find time to do it all!

Kara - U did an AWESOME job! I just did my sons 1st bday party and I know for sure he won’t remember any of it but I know for me it was fun to put all the effort into it. Now I only wish his party was after ur son’s bc I have been trying to figure out how to make a number tee! Thanks!! I am googling it now! :)

Kelly - Loved every single part of it! I have 3 boys and my oldest had a Lego party a few years ago for his 5th party & I have a feeling we’ll be doing at least one more with how much my boys love Legos!
My middle boy just turned 5 a couple weeks ago and the same green bubbles were our party favors (he had a GREEN party) We never do traditional party favors (aka little junk & candy) either. :)

Lisa Johnson - so much to love- What a fun and memorable birthday!

amanda torres - I completely cracked up at this post. I remember spending HOURS getting stuff ready for a lesson to teach. The excitement was almost unbearable because I knew it was going to be the coolest thing those kids had ever done. I’d stand in the middle of the class explaining what they were going to be able to do, only to have 25 blank stares looking back at me. So all that hard work got thrown out the window for some off the hip idea that worked great. Glad the party turned out well, despite your vision. If it’s any consolation, I really liked the bags on the skateboard!

amy - super sweet party. i was getting a little choked up because my son is going to be six this year. my how time flies. nice job making it a special day.

Johanna - I love this!! My son is a lego finatic and we had a lego party last year. We did the tower thing also. Even tho those boys seemed to not care, I’ll bet they talk about it for a long time :-)

Oh–got your convo from Etsy–thanks! Did you get my reply?
Johanna

Amnah - I would have loved a party like these for myself at his age! I love Legos. Very cute details. I’m going to recreate the cardboard number for my daughter’s first birthday coming up. It’s so cute how he was so precise on what he wanted.

Patricia Teo - This is so cool! I love what you did. AWWWWW

katherinemarie - LEGO FABULOUS!!! I’m with your on the DETAILS… “using the little things to make his day special”—- I think that’s the true beauty of motherhood!!!!

SaRaH - it’s THE perfect birthday party. What a job, mother.
And I think is a great idea of the last two pictures. Beautiful images for the future.
Perfect!

Holly Lesue - Ashley, I have three girls and because of your posts about your darlin’ boys, I hope I have one someday.

julie - I love every detail about this fun party. Even the ones that only a mom would even notice. The candles in a straight line, not all crazy, cracked me up. He’s awesome. So, my RANDOM girl wants a Chewbacca party for her 4th bday. We looooove Star Wars… but the girly Chewbacca ideas aren’t exactly abundant. SO, I lovey love love the Lego coloring sheets that you printed out. I actually think the girls at the party might appreciate them a bit more than the boys did. Did you make them or do you have a link? I google image searched but didn’t come up with the same rad sheet.
Thanks!!!!

Mar 04 2010

6 {as in I have a six year old}

6 years ago today:

First time daddy. Firstborn son. One of the first holds.

First day at home

First time on a beach…2 1/2 years later.

First lost tooth….6 years later.

And just for laughs….as I was going through pics I came across this one. It is one of our first family pictures. Chris thinks we look the same…we differ in that opinion.

This picture cracks me up. So many things I could say about it…it is just so funny to me. First time parents.

My 5lb 13oz boy is six today. It is a strange place…having a six year old. A wonderfully new, exciting, strange place. I have a six year old son. Pretty cool. I’ll leave it at that because you already know how crazy I am about my kids and how much I love being a mom…if I get all sappy right now I’ll start crying and there is a lot of celebrating to do today.

Happy Birthday Tough Guy….you’re awesome….and super strong…and you can run really fast…and you have killer ‘karate’ moves.

View full post »

Posted in personal

by AshleyAnn

show hide 37 comments

add a comment
link to this post
email a friend

meredith - Happy Birthday, buddy! :) Oh, Ashley….just wait till your YOUNGEST turns 6! UGH! It doesn’t get much sappier or more emotional than that! Have FUN today! :)

Rachel Ridd - very sweet! you make being a mom look amazing :) it looks like you’re a pretty darn good one too. i hope that he has a fabulous bday!

karen brown - my oldest turned 6 just 3 weeks ago. (funny how much older 6 seems than 5.) he sure looks like a heartbreaker!

Courtney Connelly - Happy Birthday C!!! I vividly remember your super excited mom calling me six years ago this morning to tell me you were here. That is a very special memory for me. You are an amazing kid and it is fun watching you grow up! Have a fun day!

anne c - Happy Birthday! I hope yall have a wonderful, fun celebration!

Samantha - Happy Birthday to Biggest Brother!

Alba - happy birthday mum! because you are good a part of it. and happy birthday to the handsome old brother.

Rachel - Happy Birthday!!! Very sweet post….

Rachel C - C — Wow!! You are so grown up! I hope your birthday is SUPER FUN!! You have such a tender heart — probably my favorite thing about you. Although, I do love listening to you tell stories — so very detailed and imaginative and enthusiastic. And, I agree with your Mom — you have “mad” karate skills — especially when you wear that spider man mask. Happy Birthday, STUD!

Erin - Happy 6th Birthday!! Wow, can’t believe that?!? Hope your day is super special and full of fun C!!

Megan H - Happy Birthday! I bet it has gone by so fast. Next thing you know, little sister will be turning six too!

Robyn Farmer - Happy Birthday big brother! I agree you look very different from the first family photo. I think when you first have a child you have this idea of what you and your children should look like and dress like. As time goes by you come into your own skin and express who you are. The last family photo represents what I think of your family, fun, loving, beautiful, unique and filled with Jesus.

Jesse - Happy Birthday C! You are such a big boy!!

Sandy - When my oldest, now 20, graduated high school and left for college a good friend spoke words to me that I wish I had heard when my first born was six years old. She, in a most sincere way, encouraged me to “Love Loosely” and then went on to explain that “Loving Loosely” means being aware that our children are only ours for a season. If we love too tightly then it really, really hurts when God has to pry our fingers off as our ‘babies’ leave the nest. OH HOW TRUE THAT WAS and oh how I wish I had heard those words of wisdom when my girls were little. My youngest of two girls graduates high school in May and because I have this truth now resting in my heart, I feel much more prepared for the days ahead.
Enjoy your ‘big boy’! Six is such a fun age! …but remember these words, “Love Loosely” because God has a big plan for that young man and it will unfold much more rapidly than you can imagine!

Sandy - …by the way, I found your blog by linking through a couple others that I read; Heart to Heart with Holley and Joy’s Hope About Me. You have a beautiful family and a “happy” blog. I’ve just discovered the world of blogging and yours is one of a few favorites that I like to visit.
Thanks for sharing your world….

Robyn Lee - Happy Birthday to a precious 6 year old… I love that family pic by the way!

Jaimie - This makes me emotional. We are in a place where we are still a very new family and it makes me happy to see the difference between being so new and where you are now!

Happy Birthday Oldest Brother! : )

Shanalea - My oldest is turning 8 on the 29th. I can’t believe it. Where did the time go? All those firsts will keep coming, but I prefer the first loose tooth to the first kiss. :)

Jodi - Happy Birthday Oldest Brother! Hope you have a wonderful celebration!

ashlee - such a handsome 6 year old! happy birthday!!

joyce & Ken - happy birthday to a wonderful great grandson God Bless you and keep smileing g g joyce

Meagan - Precious!

Jolie - A very happy birthday biggest brother!

(and you have changed a little – you look even cuter now! how did you do that?!?)

Shannon Phillips - Happy Birthday big guy! I am sure you will have lots of fun this week splashing in mud puddles or showing off all of your amazing karate skills to your mom’s camera!

lisa @ ellebows - Happy Birthday! Lovely post! Love the first time parent photo!

Anna Joy - Happy birthday Biggest brother!

Jeannette Swan - Happy Birthday!!! I hope you had a great day! Was that picture at baby dedication – I have pics of our family sitting on those benches in front of the same plants!

Kate - Happy Birthday!

Jane - Happy Birthday biggest brother!!! My daughter is six and I too still can’t believe sometimes that I’m a mother of a six year-old.

Ana - Happy birthday!

Lesley - Happy birthday to the coolest 6 year old in the world! I remember driving to the hospital when you were born. You have grown up so much in just a short six years and you’re one incredible boy. I’m so proud to be your aunt and am excited to watch you grow to be a great man. I love you and hope you had an awesome birthday!

Kim - Happy Birthday, Corbie! You have blessed my sweet Regan’s life and my heart! You are a crazy ninja warrior with ridiculous skills! Remember, I’m watching you! :D

ASH - Happy Birthday Biggest Brother! I think you guys look more nervous in your first family picture .. and very relaxed after having a few more kids ;)

Yanet - Love the b/w family pic.

Danielle - Even though my little guy is only 2 1/2, your post certainly brought back a lot of memories. Let me know if you find the potion to freeze time!

emily anderson - right there with you ashley. totally love this post.

Carissa Miller - Looks like our boys love all the same things…legos and light sabers. I am sure they would have an absolute blast playing together! :)

Mar 03 2010

she’s been worried that I am getting bored

UPDATE: GOOGLE READER IS NOT RELIABLE WITH MY BLOG…..don’t follow the updates it posts. Generally I post EVERY weekday.

Did your parent’s ever tell you that your face would “freeze like that”? Mine did. Well, if that could be true, there is a good chance her face might freeze like this. It is her new CONSTANT face. Kills me everytime. Goodness. And, yes, she is crawling through the excer-saucer. She doesn’t like standing in it, but crawling under it is a big hit.

Her first time to pull herself to a standing position. Funny thing is I was unloading the dishwasher and she started messing with the door. I grabbed the camera…to get another shot about how she is into everything. It wasn’t until I put the camera up that it dawned on me that she had never pulled up to standing before! I guess that is what 4 kids does to you!

Her big brothers were at the top trying to get her to climb to them. Oh the things she is already learning.

Littlest Brother taught her how to pull things out of the pantry. Thanks again brothers.

It’s hard to get frustrated with a face like this.

Well, little girl, I am not in any way bored. Thanks for making sure of that.

View full post »

Posted in personal

by AshleyAnn

show hide 34 comments

add a comment
link to this post
email a friend

Jaimie - She’s sooo precious! Evan used to do a similar face around that age, but it was more of a really goofy smile.

Jill R - Great pictures. She is so sweet and a little spunky. I just love her!

Shannon Phillips - OH man! I just want to squeeze her and I could just eat up those chunky little legs. Thanks for making me smile this morning baby B!

Erica - I love looking at pictures of your little girl! Maybe I like them so much, because I have 2 girls of my own, one being a little older than yours…She is just to precious and looks like a lot of fun!

SeaminglySarah - I just love that first picture. Her scrunched up face is unbelievable. I also love how you make sure to take pictures of what would seem mundane, but are records of our children that we want to always remember. I wish I had taken more videos of the sounds my daughter used to make as a newborn. Or how she mispronounces words now.

Ruth - Completely relate. I regularly say to the baby– “Thank you! I was afraid I wouldn’t have something to sweep up today!” :) I totally see your smile in these pics, Ashley!

Megan H - Too, too, too cute! Somehow she gets more adorable every time I see her.

dianereeves - those are great photos and look at those chub legs-cutie!

Erin - That face is priceless Ash! I love how you capture all those moments that seem small but are so cute and timeless..

Jodi - She is absolutely too cute for words! Those expressions are priceless and those photos are going to keep happy memories stored forever!!! God bless!

Lesley - She’s a doll! I absolutely LOVE the scrunchy face. Cute pictures all around and I really like the spacer you added between posts :)

ashlee - oh that face is hysterical! i love the picture of her feet when she is standing! such an interesting angle for a significant event:)

Shanalea - It is amazing how much one child can do. I am ok with waiting on my fourth one to get into things. I have a feeling though it will be sooner than I want.

Maureen - Hi Ashley – love your blog! Noticed Google Reader didn’t pick up this post today, just an fyi.

Sarah S - Great photos! And I’m with Maureen – Google liked you yesterday but not today. Not cool, Google!

amanda torres - People used to tell me that little girls were easier than boys when they are little, but in the teenage years it switches. Well, I really don’t want the teenage years because I already have a drama queen on my hands. I have NOOOOOO idea where she got that from…Anyway, I love seeing all the pics of your little lady because it looks like she could hold her own in any battle with the boys. All she has to do is throw one of those adorably chunky thighs across ‘em and they’ll be screaming, “MERCY!”

Teresa J - I LOVE her face in the first picture! Its oh so cute and very funny all in one.

Cate O’Malley - So stinkin’ cute! My now-two-year-old daughter used to climb in the dishwasher too. Her older brother never did that. Girls are definitely a wonder all to themselves.

Nicole - Just found your blog. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Your photography is so vivid. You have your hands full there with that one. Her expression is so intense in the first one. I agree with Jill R – Spunky!

Georgia Davis - Lyla is all about the dishwasher and pantry too. Great pics.

Lori Danelle - Oh so very cute!!! I wish mine were still that little!

On completely unrelated news, Google Ready. . .Broken again? I don’t get it. It decided to find you for one day and then changed it’s mind? So crazy.

Bincy - She is just soo precious :)

emily anderson - cute. cute. cute.

Mary Craig - I am in the same boat! My youngest is 8 months and into EVERYTHING! With 6 and 4 yr olds as well, I am so worried to let her roam because they are not careful with the things they leave out on the floor. I’ve wondered how you deal with the lego pieces. Any tips? :)

maegan - too cute!

Jane - That scrunchie face is the best! She’s adorable!

Alba - well, well, well, it’s what live has, you have brothers, them teach you a lot of things, and you are young and tender and just learning everything ;-) take care of yourself

rachel denbow - I’m melting!
It’s fun to imagine how Ruby will be doing these same things in a few months time. That face is the best.

katherinemarie - Too cute for words. :) Love those sweet cheeks!!!!!!!

Sarah - It’s never a dull moment in your home! Carter loves standing in the dishwasher too!! Great pics

Jolie - oh she is just the cutest little munchkin…I can see a decidedly mischievous twinkle in her eye too!!!

Kim - She is adorable, Ashley! simply the cutest little pudge around ;)

Heather - I know you probably hear this a hundred times a day, but she is so stinkin’ cute! All of your kids are. :)

annalea - yeah, i would be shocked if you had a chance to be bored. she is adorable. we used to call our daughter “all-terrain gia” when she would crawl through and over and on everything.

Mar 02 2010

yawning…all week

UPDATE: Google Reader likes me again???????? That’s the word. Thanks for letting me know it is working! Happy day to me.

This is how I feel this morning….

Why? Could it be a brain freeze from too much ice cream mixed with Girl Scout Cookie Thin Mints?

Or could I be tired from the sheer number of wounds (mainly facial) that are a part of my normal day?

Nope. I’m tired because I know this is a BUSY week. This is BIRTHDAY WEEK for oldest brother! (yes, we celebrate for a week around here)

That means my house is once again taken over by primary color decorations picked out (and usually made) by my son. I’ve grown an aversion to primary colors over the years. It’s his birthday week…not mine….so I give in and let ugly his killer design sense take over!

There’s a lot of projects to be made. Desserts to be eaten. And LEGO fun to be had. I’ll share all that next week….if I’m not sleeping. Oh yea – I never get to sleep.

I have some friends that aren’t sleeping too much lately either.

They have a beautiful girly reason not to sleep a full 8 hours. Goodness do they have a cute reason! Snuggled babies make me happy.

Tiny baby girl in her daddy’s big hands makes me even happier.

Tiny baby girl sleeping…well today that just makes me jealous!

Congratulations P’s on your sweet girl…she is a treasure!

View full post »

Posted in babies, personal

by AshleyAnn

show hide 23 comments

add a comment
link to this post
email a friend

Alba - these eyes will make girls completely crazy in the future.

Jeannette Swan - Awesome pictures of that beautiful little girl – congratulations to Mommy and Daddy!

Lee - Gorgeous photos (and, happy day for ME!)

ashlee - what fun to celebrate for a week…maybe we will try that. Im sure it makes them feel soooo special:) PLEASE tell me how those pictures on your stair landing are framed or mounted. I love the grid of pictures!!

ari Morris - Yes!!! You’re back on Google Reader! That makes my day exta good today!
ari

Greg - Ashley, the pictures are fantastic! I can’t wait to get the rest. Thanks a million…

Tessa - My son turns 10 this week! Can’t even believe it. I told him I am going to blink and then he will be graduating from high school. This year went so fast.

I was excited to see you back on Google Reader! I had to laugh because the first slew of updates are all from your blog. It must have registered them as being published all on the same day. Anyway, it is awesome news!

That baby girl is simply adorable. I want one! :)

ch - YAY!!!! You’re back in my reader!!! Hallelujah!

Shauna - Okay, so I’ll I have to do is move to Oklahoma, become your friend, have a baby, and you’ll take a picture (that might be worth it). I love how you capture moments, I only wish I could do the same. If only I was near to you, then I would for sure sign up for one of your classes.

christina larsen - Glad Google can read you again, YAY!!!

Crystal - YAY! So glad to see your blog show up in my Google Reader this am!! Yesterday was my birthday, & I’ve decided to celebrate all week!! Happy Birthday to your son!

ASH - happy birthday oldest brother! :) The baby girl is adorable. I love how tiny they!

Jaimie - Cute baby! Ashley, your home is so pretty even covered in primary colors! Happy Birthday to oldest brother!! 6!!

Cosa - I am SO EXCITED you are back on the reader. Finally!!

christina - uhm…you don’t know me…but I’m suddenly in love with the canvas above your fireplace!? Okay – so I don’t like primary colors so much either…so I was looking at the other things in the photo…and I think I love that. Can you take a picture of that to show us full on? I think I love that idea…are they boots/shoes from your family? What a great way to remember the stage of the camo muck boots and Dora crocks we have around here!

Kara - Google reader must enjoy the new back ground–thats why they wanted to be friends again :)

abbey - So excited to see you back on my reader! Love the posts.

betsy - YAY!!!! Google reader picked up your blog again!!! I still love coming to the site more though. All the pretty colors. :)

Dick - Happy Birthday to the big boy. Really enjoy the pics.

Jane - Happy birthday Oldest Brother!!!

Jesse - Gosh Ashley, hard to believe your boy is getting so big. It is hard for me to see mine grow up. And yay your in my reader!

maegan - Beautiful pictures. We’re having birthday week here too! Not for a kid though, so not quite as much fun, but still fun. My husband’s birthday is on Saturday.

Nancy - Awesome pics!
I would love it if you would share a larger picture of what looks like your landing in picture #5 of this post. I’d love to see that display up close because it looks awesome!
Thanks :)

Feb 25 2010

We all got presents

The mailman brought the kids and I each a gift. My gift came in the form of a canvas of sweet little feet. The chalkboard is looking a little too cluttered. I can’t decide if I like it or not. It changes all the time anyway.

The kids gift came in the form of a cardboard box that held the canvas, but transformed into a camping tent

The older boys drew other camping items on the cardboard…and had me cut them out.

1. Deer (you see them when you camp and if you are my boy’s uncle you shoot them too)

2. Guns (to shoot the deer with their Uncle Eric…I grew up with a sister. I don’t hunt. I like Bambi.)

3. Campfire (the only thing we could find red was a hat…it is the fire)

Baby Sister had fun crawling through the tent…chasing the Littlest Indiana Jones.

.

.

Do you ever have those days where you wish you could “crop” something out? Maybe you’d like to “crop out” a someone! Well the great thing about pictures is you can delete or crop out the unwanted and keep the wanted. When people see my canvas of the little feet they usually smile and say something along the lines of, “Oh, that is just so sweet!” or “How cute!” I smile because it is those things. I also smile because I remember what that picture really looked like.  With that being said, let me share again my canvas print:

.

.

.

.

.

And now let me share with you why cropping is a mom’s best friend!

.

.

.

.

I hope your day isn’t a “crop out” kind of day!

For Canvas Prints I recommend:

For Professional Photographers: Simply Canvas

For everyone else: Mpix.com

View full post »

Posted in SnapShops & Tips, personal

by AshleyAnn

show hide 58 comments

add a comment
link to this post
email a friend

amanda torres - Now THAT is funny. I totally pictured this serene moment with all your kids leaning on the wall, just hanging out. Completely cracking up over littlest bro’s face (I’m sure you weren’t at the time). Thanks for sharing! One of my favorite posts!

kribss - totally loving it!!

Margie - Oh my gosh….I am laughing out loud! Too funny :0)

Jill R - Thanks for sharing the full picture. I love the feet picture, but everytime I see it I think – how did she get baby sister to stand next to the boys? The mystery is finally solved! You have mad tent making skills! ;)

Christy - I love the canvas!! the original makes me crack up

Rachel - I love the canvas print..nothing better than little toes! Just thought I would throw this out there…mpix.com is having a 50% sale for their 8×10’s until the 27th. You just have to enter 8×10sale in the promo code. I always order from them…good quality and super fast! The 8×10’s will be either 99 cents or $1.24 depending on your paper!

Jo - The first time I saw those little feet I wonder what the original picture looked like!!!! :) that is too cute! I love baby sisters face… “Come on boys get your act together!!!”

Elizabeth - My husband makes videos of the kids…and he takes hours of video and cuts it down to 2 minutes..and it is the same thing…final video is serene and beautiful..but there are hours of screaming, yelling and tantrums that didn’t make the cut!

anne c - oh my goodness, so funny! I love it..and the look on baby sister’s face is priceless!!!

Beth - what are they standing on? A countertop?
LOVE the original – thanks for keeping it real!

Lindsay Thomas - Baaaahahahahah! I just died laughing at work – which means it was a quiet grunting kind of laugh so no one could hear. :)
That is so hilarious. Thank you so much for sharing! I think you just put a smile on EVERYONE’s face who reads this!

Rachel - I love that picture! So funny to see what was cropped out. Looks like the tent was lots of fun… and by the way, I love the look of the chalkboard!!! Have a great day!

bopha - okay, that is hilarious. it’s good to see that your kiddo are always as cooperative as mine.

Jesse - I love it!

amber fischer - hahahahaha! thanks for sharing the “pre-crop” picture – SO funny! ( :

Leanne - AWESOME! so glad to see that you have normal-everyday life and not everything is picture perfect….thanks for keeping it real. and of course, we all have to crack up about the before & after. CLASSIC!

Ruth - Ashley-behind the scenes is the best! I was wonderin how baby girl was “standing?” Love the pajama top and the topless baby!

Amber - That is HILARIOUS!! I have loved that photo ever since you first posted it….I love that it’s a “cropped” photo. So funny! Thanks for sharing :)

Raechel - This just made me smile big! I had actually wondered what the rest of that photo looked like. Priceless!

Thanks so for sharing smiles all around this morning!
Blessings,
Raechel

meg duerksen - soooo funny!
i may have to copy you with that picture.
i love it.
but i will have to cut my boys’ nasty toenails before! actually… i think my kids are too old for this. they are starting to have grown up looking feet.
and my boys have bigger feet than me. already!
so never mind i won’t copy you.
and YES i feel quite often about wanting to crop people out. my day would go so much smoother! :)
happy thursday sweet ashley!

ashlee - Oh my goodness…i am laughing so hard! isnt the reality so much different than what everyone else sees? i have been thinking of doing a picture like this with my little ones:) thanks for the inspiration!

mindy - Thanks for sharing this. It made me smile and I love it!

anthony - this is great. i love how cropping can make so many images go from crap to all that!

Yanet - Gotta love it!!!

Jodi - I really did wonder what the top of that photo looked like! Hilarious. Great outtake. I am very interested in canvas photos for our new family room. Thanks for the recommendations! Have a great week.

Lesley - LOVE IT! Eric will be so proud :)

Kristi - I love love love pretend play! I love the picture of the little legs and the orginal even better! Its funny to see what was really going on behind the scenes!!

Kristi - I started thinking and I wish I could crop myself in lots of pictures. I hate that I am always behind the camera and dont have as many pictures as her and daddy!

Shannon Phillips - Oh that just makes me laugh out loud. I always wondered how little sister was propped up in that one. P.S. Will you please do a tutorial on your ruffle pillows. I need to figure out this ruffle thing.

sarah - The before & after is hilarious! What a great post!

Kara - Just like everyone else, LOVE IT! I really enjoy when photographers show the original picture, especially when its funny!

Moriah - Oh that is classic. You always wonder how people get the perfect shot. Thank goodness for cropping. :-)

Abby - Hilarious!!
We had the same experience at xmas but I was trying to get cute faces with xmas hats and my cropping was limited….BOO!! I am in love with your indoor camping.

Ashleigh Ewing - Hahaha, priceless!

Jeannette Swan - I did picture Chris holding baby sister up, but didn’t picture any crying going on! It is a perfect crop!

Jolie - Oh I *love* the before and after cropping…it’s gorgeous, hysterical, and a lovely *secret* reminder for you about how mama knowa what’s really going on, regardless of what others on the outside see!

Valerie - I love the canvas! So adorable. And the original is just too funny! Not what I was expecting. It cracks me up.

Sara - Love the final cropped canvas! Ashley, would you please share the dimensions of the canvas? Thanks!

Alison R - Absolutely love this! Who would have thought that such a “perfect” photo came from the original “reality” shot! What an inspiration! I absolutely adore what you have done with the chalkboard. I am trying to gussy up our new apartment and something like this would be perfect!

Kate - Oh wow! I love that! May God grant us eyes that crop out what we don’t want to see!!!

linda geertsen - Hi! You have become a household name for us. When I chat with my husband, I used to refer to you as “You know that photographer that I follow? Ashley Ann? She mainly teaches classes now? She has three boys and just had a girl? Remember? No? Yeah. Her.” Now! It’s just “Ashley Ann the photographer.” Cool, huh? Maybe he just amuses me. I wonder.
Well, he and I had a good laugh about the crop. That’s AWESOME! :)

Alba - really goog one! jajajaja. I wondered how you take it

peta - awesome photo. and i am still loving that chalkboard and your box tent. what i want to know is how that gorgeous vase of tulips manages to survive there on the coffee table with three boys and a crawler in the house?

Amanda - Love the chalkboard and love the print too!

Robyn Lee - I LOVE that chalkboard… you are so creative!

Katrina - I absolutely love that you showed the before and after of that great foot pic. It shows that you look for the beauty and find it. I don’t think I would have thought to crop the whole top half. Thank you for sharing.

ASH - that is so funny. I love cropping out stuff :)

christina larsen - Completely cracking up over that photo.

Meagan - Haha! That is hilarious! I wondered how you always got your little ones to cooperate so well!

Debbie - Thank you for your honesty. Deb

ElleBows - Oh my gosh, the before crop is too funny :-)

julie - I adore the canvas. SO much more special to know the chaos that it really was. Real life. In 30 years you will still think back and smile when you see those little feet. Swoon. Love your new wallpaper too! Is the lovely Katie Daisy behind it?

ari Morris - Ashley-
That’s a great pic with such a story! I love it!

Nelle - Ohh that made me laugh out loud! And your blog wall paper has fast become one of my favourite things about the blog. =)

homemade grits - oh man. i love the chalkboard and i also love the edited and unedited version of the canvas! cropping is such a friend. your little world is so lovely. thanks for the peek!

Sherri - I LOVE how you used the chalkboard and canvas above the sofa!
What do you have holding the other photos onto the chalkboard?
I am thinking of doing something like this for my bedroom…putting photos of the two of us over the years on it.

Ashley Smith - Okay, glad I came to check this out. I had not seen the uncropped version! How perfect. So cute.

Dina - absolutely loving it!! a great visual reminder that in any given day there is always something crop-able and beautiful to be taken from each!

Feb 22 2010

don’t forget the day to day {carseats}

I had the honor to talking to a group of moms last week about photography in regards to capturing the lives of your children. One thing I mentioned was capturing the everyday….the normal daily grind that makes up most of our weeks. Sometimes it is the normal stuff that we often overlook when it comes to pulling out our cameras. We often make sure to grab the camera for trips to the park, birthdays, and big events…but the plain ole’ normal stuff doesn’t always get captured. For me, it is that normal stuff I don’t want to forget. For instance….carseats.

Typically carseats do not stand out as something worth photographing…they aren’t exactly cute. But if you are a parent you know how tiny a newborn is the first time placed in one. You also know how it only takes a few months before you are grunting to get that belt buckled.

My daughter going home from the hospital:

3 months

and a random 7 month carseat photoshoot while waiting for daddy and Littlest Brother to load up…she has constant brother entertainment in the car

Mommy, why are you in Biggest Brother’s carseat?

If only those yawns would lead to sleeping inside the car instead of crying to get out

Photo Tip: The first picture below is just a standard subject in the middle shot.

If you move your subject out of the direct center it adds just a bit of interest to an otherwise standard photo (see second picture).Happy Monday!

View full post »

Posted in SnapShops & Tips, personal

by AshleyAnn

show hide 14 comments

add a comment
link to this post
email a friend

ashlee - i love my car seat pics when they are firstborn and so tiny but i dont have any after that. Thanks for the tips!! btw…i wish mercy would sleep in the car instead of crying as well. thats torture for a mom:)

jay - why are those corner photos (out of the center) so effective? curious if it has something to do with the fact that we have 2 eyes and lack for the third one in the center :) maybe it’s just easier to notice? hmm… ?

jay - Did anyone yawn after seeing baby girl photo? :) Yawning is a surprisingly powerful act. Just because you read “yawn” in the previous 2 sentences and 2 additional “yawns” in this sentence a great number of you will probably yawn within next few minutes:) If you are reading this in public place and you just yawned, chances are that a good portion of everyone who saw you yawn is now yawning too. and a good proportion of people watching the people who watched you yawning are now yawning as well. Simply by writing the word I can plant a feeling in your mind. Contagiousness at work :)

Happy day :)

Susanne - A sign that my son has had a really good time on whatever our outing of the day has been is he is fast asleep in his car seat when we get home. I’ve started taking pictures of him crashed out in his seat as proof we had a great day. It’s the perfect end to the story.

Abby - Awesome tip… we are transition from two car seats to 3 very shortly…. perfect time to get the camera out. Thanx :)

Christin - Great tip. Thanks for sharing.

Casey - how adorable is she? my goodness! Great shots and thanks for the tips

Jami Schoettler - The pictures are ADORABLE. You little girl is so cute. But her carseat straps are too loose! Tighten that baby up! You shouldn’t be able to pinch access strap. Sorry, that’s one of my major peeves. ?Jami

meg duerksen - the other funny thing is how dated the carseats will seem when they grow up. think of the carseats they had 20 years ago?! crazy.

love these pics ashley!

jo price - …so ok cute kids but how on earth do you manage to keep your back seat and the car seats so clean??? We would need to photoshop out the crumbs, sultanas, dog hair and tons of sand from our local beach…

Amanda - I love her adorable little hat!!

Jolie - Thank you yet again for posting great photography tips, never mind the utterly gorgeous photos themselves!

Brooke Whitis - So my friend and I bought two hats (like baby sister’s) for a baby shower we are going to sunday. we also bought gracious may shoes. OH MY GOSH. We were freaking out when we got the hats. They are so cute. Even cuter than the pictures, which is hard to even believe. Love them. And now I’m feeling your anger that one was stolen. WOw. I want to keep one. And I have no children. I just want to look at it :) So thanks for the ideas. I have my husband working on a pallet bed. He came home today with the pallets. Inspiring semi-thiefs all over the world :)

ashley sp - Thank you so much for this! I have a habit of, um, avoiding in the car shots given the sad state of my floor boards (three little ones later and my car is sorely neglected!)

Feb 19 2010

Haiti {a lot from Chris’ trip}

We were sad for him to leave, but happy to share him. This is a LONG LONG LONG picture filled post. I tried to narrow it down. I thought of doing a slideshow. I thought of doing several posts….well I ended up just doing one big post. There are stories I want to share about some of the pictures. Some of the stories are filled with hope and joy, others reflect a country facing immense devastation.

Chris led a team of 8…most of which had medical training. They went with the purpose of medical relief, providing clean water for drinking and other basic survival help.

Like I said…we were happy to share him. Chris and a cutie from an orphanage. Her mother was unable to care for her due to her (the mom) health and had no other relatives able to care for this sweetie. She made the difficult decision to place her in a loving orphanage. Chris fell in love with her because she was full of energy, joy and ornery…reminded him of our kids.

Lines outside a medical clinic held by the team…listening to an audio Bible. Inside the clinic, giving a child medicine to help with worms (a major effect of the poor drinking water available).

At the field hospital. On the left is a sweet baby the team cared for, sadly this precious one did not make it.

Thirst No More volunteer Micheal….every kid loves a good balloon animal!

River…water for baths, washing clothes, and drinking.

On the left: She had her leg amputated below the knee. An infection grew and she had to have it re-amputated above the knee. The team said she was one of the most joyful women they had ever met.

On the right: Octavius, lost his 6 kids and his wife in the earthquake. He was buried and pulled out of the rubble.

Does anyone else thing they kind of look alike…the smiles from the first picture and the tongues? I think it looks like a daddy and his daughter. If he could have brought her home, he would have….but Haitian jail doesn’t sound so great!

Local Crafters: if you are interested in taking part in a craft fair on March 21st where ALL PROCEEDS go to Haiti relief contact Marty Sprague at {martysprague at cox dot net}

Chris is now working to help coordinate and finance a brick making machine that would be used to help rebuild homes in Haiti and provide additional building space for the orphanage he visited. If you know anyone interested in something like that, let me know :)

View full post »

Posted in personal

by AshleyAnn

show hide 47 comments

add a comment
link to this post
email a friend

raychel - Great photos. What an amazing experience for Chris and for you as a family to share in it! Can I ask what organization your hubby went down with? My hubby and his 2 brothers are heading down mid-march to work with Mission of Tears.

ashlee - wow, the Haitian people are so beautiful. It is such an amazing act of God to see people giving of themselves to help. It seems like such a small dent in a huge pile but what a blessing Chris was to so many people. Something they are likely to never forget:)

meg duerksen - beautiful.
those are emotional pictures.
it is impossible to even begin to imagine how hard it is for them right now.

Christy - Such a touching post, wonderful real images. Thank you for sharing.

Mary - Ashley, these pictures made me cry. Thank you for sharing them. And thank you for sharing your husband with the Haitian people. I pray that God would bless both of you and your family, and all other volunteers and families that have volunteered their time, tallents and resources.

Erin - What beautiful pictures of such beautiful people. We serve an awesome God. I love the ones of Chris with that little girl…her smile could not be any more infectious!

Jill - these are amazing. it is so wonderful that he was able to give him time and skills to help out such a worthy cause. it is great to see a positive view from a first hand experience. thank you so much for sharing.

Trinity - Thank you for sharing….I am speechless.

Lindsay Thomas - Those are incredible photos. It’s so great to see the kids smiling. I’m sure everyone that was helped is so grateful. Thanks for sharing!

bopha - what great pictures, thanks for sharing them with us. tell chris he looks like he did a great job with the team and thanks for going.

Yanet - Another post I had to see in the iMac (not the iPhone). Very touching.

Jeannette Swan - Absolutely amazing!! Chris was telling me about the brick making machine – sounded like a wonderful opportunity! God bless Chris and his team for taking the time to make a temporary and eternal difference in the lives of these people!!

Ashley C. - Beautiful post! I cried my eyes out. It really got to me when I started explaining to my two yr old, these kids have no toys, not a lot of food, some may have lost their mommies and daddies. Chris, thank you for going with your team. It’s people like you (and everyone else DOING something for Haiti), that make this world wonderful and special. Thanks for sharing Ashley!

Laura - Thank you for sharing those beautiful images and their stories.

Rachel - Ashley~ My friends parents are heading to Haiti soon and I showed my friend the notebooks you sent with your husband…she loved them and her Mom would love to take some with her when she goes! If you don’t care we are totally copying your post and making as many as we can to send over. How many did you send? Did Chris feel like he had plenty to hand out? I hope you’re ok with us making them…let me know if you aren’t! The pictures were wonderful. Isn’t it amazing that you could see JOY on the faces of those children? Oh that we could always find our JOY in Christ no matter what is going on around us!

liz elayne - thank you for sharing these pieces of your husband’s experience. we learn so much from one another when share this way…

Liz - Thank you for sharing these. I looked at the pictures with my 7 year old daughter and she was amazed. She asked how she could help? Which melted my heart. Is there anything we can do? I would love to do something for the children that my children could help with but I don’t know where to start. I would love to hear of any ideas you have.

liz - ashley…these are incredible pictures. i’m so glad you shared some of the photos and stories. our hearts are heavy and hopeful for Haiti. if anyone reading this wants to know about a great organization in Haiti and wants to help in some way…go to http://www.danitaschildren.org. If you donate any dollar amount to this incredible organization, you get a free Robbie Seay Band song called “Lament.” Danita’s Children is an orphanage, clinic, school, church and soon to be hospital. awesome place.

liz - and would you mind telling us the name of the orphanage Chris visited with the little girl he is holding? we are in the process of adopting a child coming over on a medical visa right now but are wanting adopt again when Haiti is re-opened for adoption.
thanks:)

Margie - Yet again I am amazed! It is so inspirational to see someone going out and doing whatever they can to help…..your husband is an inspiration for going and you are an inspiration for staying home to be a mother when you really wanted to go! This is why I LOVE your blog, not only is it a great place for fun projects and fantastic photographs…..there is real substance to it also! I don’t even know you and your family but I can tell from reading this here blog that you all have very giving hearts!
I can imagine your husband had a hard time leaving that sweet little girl behind, and all the other little faces he saw in need!

Jo - These are beautiful! Those children are so amazing, I really enjoyed seeing all those pictures! Thank you Chris and Ashley for posting them!

christina larsen - Beautiful faces amongst devastation.

emily anderson - i am just overwhelmed with emotion after looking at these photos. it just doesn’t become real, until you see things like this. thanks for sharing. wishing i could take home lots of babies from haiti.

Jenn - Ashley…I found your blog a few weeks ago and have been reading every since. This post was really powerful. Did your husband take all of these images? If so…you two share your talent for photography! What beautiful, resilient people…thank you for sharing this with us!

Jenn

Jessleen - These pictures made me tear up. I’m fully aware of the situation in Haiti but I guess they never really hit me till I saw these pictures. I know it’s not much, but I’m going to donate half my Chinese New Year money to my local Red Cross benefit for Haiti. Thank you for sharing these pictures. :) (During Chinese New Year, married couples are required to give red packets which are red envelopes enclosed with some cash to the younger generations) I’m nowhere near starting a family like you are but I love your blog!

Ruth - I think I just left a comment on the wrong post! Sorry! I was letting you know that Faith Comes By Hearing, where the Proclaimers come from, is where several of my close friends work here in town. I want them to see your pics of the Proclaimer in action.

Meredith - Thanks so much for sharing his pictures…so beautiful!

Kate - As a to-be-adoptive momma, I can’t stop the tears. Their faces are so precious. Thank you for the sacrifice you made in letting Chris serve and thanks to Chris for going.

Lindsey Loo - wow
amazing photos, id be a liar if i said it bring a tear to my eye.
thanks for sharing :)

Amanda Fuentes - Great post, the baby w/ the bottle brought me to tears, she’s with Jesus now, bless her little heart.

LOVE the Proclaimer photo! We raised money at VBS 2 summers ago to purchase Proclaimers for our missionaries.

Karen - Ashley, thank you for sharing these pictures. It’s really true, a picture is worth a 1,000 words. Seeing the faces of those sweet little children in the aftermath of such horror…and they are smiling!! Made my heart swell. I could just take them all home with me! Your husband is doing great work. God bless him!

Jaimie - You are both such good people. It’s astonishing really.

Jolie - Oh my, what extraordinarily moving, emotional photos! And yet you can see a lot of hope in there too. You, your husband and your family are amazing. Just amazing. And very inspiring!
(I managed to *lose* you in my reader thanks to the Google dramas, and have only just found you again. Hooray!)

patti - amazing photos. thank you so much for sharing!

Brooke - I have been to Haiti twice and I had the same experience (before the earthquake). They are such kind, sweet people, even in the midst of poverty and grief. Dirt floors, horrible conditions, but they are content for some hugs and smiles.
So adorable to see your hubby with the kids. Thanks for sharing.

Dick - Great pictures, Wonderful post but too short!!

Jane - What wonderful photos. Yet heartbreaking at the same time to see the faces of people dealing with such devastation.

Melissa - Beautiful and heart gripping. Thank you Ashley and Chris for sharing.

Lacey McKay - These photos are incredible!

Kelley - So neat to see pictures. My husband is over there right now. We’re missing him but are encouraged by what God is doing through people like our husbands!

Meagan - Thanks for sharing these heart-breaking/warming photos! Looks like you’ve instructed Chris well—he took great pictures! Those children are just precious!

Jess - Thanks for sharing about Chris’ trip. Those Haitian children are just precious. It would be so hard to leave without wanting to bring them all home. The Lord is working in amazing ways over there. So neat that Chris could be a part of that!

Mandy - Fantastic pics! Your hubby is a doll! Thanks for sharing.

Stacy - I don’t remember how I found your blog but I just have to tell you I LOVE your blog. I love your posts, the way you write, your pictures…. just everything! It makes me happy! I have been going through the list you shared a few posts ago about the highlights from the first 500 posts. Thank you so much for doing that! You have such amazing stories! I wanted to ask you if you made the dress for your daughter in the post introducing her. And if you did you’ve got to post a diy post for it! You are so very talented! Thanks again!

Natalie - This is an amazing post! Very touching, it brought me to tears.
I have a poem on my blog (I wrote) dedicated to them.
It’s good to see people like your husband doing so much.
God Bless all those who are giving time and money to help them rebuild there lives!
Thank you for this post!
LL Nat

Michelle - Ashley – I sent a msg to Chris on FB about a guy in our church who I hope can help with acquiring or funding the brick-making machine. I hope he’s able to help with this. What an amazing thing to be able to give to them to help rebuild.

kelly - AMAZING. I LOVE these photos and stories. So emotional and beautiful. Such a good reminder that even in the midst of darkness, God is good. So thankful he had a safe trip!

Feb 18 2010

it’s nice when they are in good moods

Being a human shield against his sister for the protection of his puzzle. I can get out all the brightest, loudest toys…all she wants is what her brothers have.

I am so proud of all he is teaching his sister. Thanks Biggest Brother…as if she didn’t already stick everything in her mouth. Big Brother was not happy about this.

It is surprising her cheeks aren’t raw from the constant kissing I do on those big ole’ cute things. Littlest Brother thinks we have in indoor trampoline.

What happened to my daughter? My girl refuses to sit on her bottom. She ALWAYS throws herself backwards in defiance of sitting.

Oh, there she is.

Towers built solely for the purpose of crashing cars into them. We build so we can tear down. We build again. We tear down again. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Littlest Brother preferred knocking it down with his belly….Biggest Brother preferred Littlest Brother disappeared somewhere else.

The evening before Baby Sister was in her chair crying from teething pain. Littlest Brother was in the highchair crying because I wasn’t getting his food fast enough. Big Brother and Biggest Brother were in the living room crying because they crashed heads into eachother. I was sitting on the kitchen floor crying…because sometimes that’s all I can do. It’s nice when they are all in good moods.

View full post »

Posted in personal

by AshleyAnn

show hide 27 comments

add a comment
link to this post
email a friend

Christy - oh my those cheeks are so squeezable!! And that pouty bottom lip! Adorable

Sarah - oh my! what fun you all have!! my little man also has those big kissable cheeks; how can you not love ‘em!! Ashley~ is that a chair baby sister is sitting on? it is fabulous!! where did it come from?

Erin - Love that belly shot…and the stylish layers he’s got goin on!

ASH - your kids are ADORABLE!!! :D

Trinity - Oh my goodness, I hear you….it is SO nice when they are in good moods. When we have a fit-free morning getting ready for school, we just have to do the victory dance and scream in excitement….very exciting and victorious!

christina larsen - Everyone has good and bad days; especially kids. They are precious.

Jill - I can feel your pain with everyone (including myself) crying during a “moment”. Glad to hear everyone is in good moods now!

And I LOVE you daughter’s cheeks!!!! Very kissable. :)

Kate - So cute… SOOO cute!!

Alba - I can recognise the feeling. just breathe a little bit. one day you will look back and miss these moments. take care. thanks God for the good moods moments.

Kara - Ur kids are adorable but trust me I know the feeling. Sometimes really all u can do is just cry—feels good once it is out! :)

Shanalea - I love it when they play together and then cry right along with them when they don’t.

bopha - never a dull moment in the Campbell household…i can’t wait!!

Megan - So cute!

Lori Danelle - I find myself in tears when just my two are crying! Don’t know how you do it with four!! God bless ya’! :)

Emily Lusk - What cute pics of how your day is sometimes! Sometimes all we can do is laugh or cry when that happens! I am sure one day you will look back and think how did I ever do that!!

mindy - I am so glad to hear that I’m not the only one crying on the kitchen floor!!

Rachel - My little baby’s cheeks are slowly getting smaller and smaller, what a sad day it will be when the baby chub is all gone :(

ashlee - sometimes all you can do is cry!! i certainly know that feeling!! little sister is so so cute! I love the pictures of biggest brother chewing the puzzle piece. thanks for sharing!!

Lesley - Ohh, i love that little lip!

Stephanie - Thanks for the last tidbit, it gave me a good chuckle as that is exactly my house, too!

Heather - sooo glad to know that i’m not the only one. today there have been many a tear shed by all three of us, but tomorrow is a new day and good moods are sure (i pray) to prevail.

Jesse - I really admire how well you are able to capture the everyday.

Jeannette Swan - You do such an awesome job of capturing all that goes on around you! Speaking of brothers teaching siblings stuff – Jordan was so proud when Corban was about 15 months old, Jordan taught him how to eat his snacks directly off the kitchen floor. Of course, Corban thought it was great fun and continued it for several months – why didn’t I take pictures of that???

Brooke - Well the pictures sure don’t look like a crying mess, they are adorable. But it’s good to know you’re human. You deal, like we all do, with life.
Happy Thursday. Friday is here…

Yanet - Thanks for sharing. Makes me feel better about my sitting-in-the-kitchen-floor-crying moment(s). :)

Ruth - And, of course, I will let them know that your photos are copyrighted–and not to be used unless they contact you. :)

Lacey McKay - The pics of her throwing herself backwards are cracking me up! That was SO Madison! Still is. I need to capture it like that! She gets mad and doesn’t care what is behind her, she just throws herself backwards, even on the tile.

Feb 15 2010

diy {notebooks & crayons…to Haiti with love}

When Chris travels the hardest part for me is being the one to stay and not the one to go. His trip to Haiti was no exception – I wanted to go. Since ‘going’ wasn’t the option I had, I wanted to make the most of the opportunity with my kids in regards to them feeling a part of the trip. We have talked daily with the oldest two about what has happened in Haiti and what continues to happen. They have seen pictures. They have heard stories. They wanted to do something too. Since Chris didn’t have much room in his bags to take anything other than medical supplies we had to keep our items small and few. The boys wanted kids in Haiti to be able to color and draw….which I think is also a wonderful way for children to cope amid devastation. So we made little notebooks with crayons attached. Here’s how we did it:

Our supplies – notebooks, crayons, scrapbooking paper, glue stick, 1/4 inch elastic

Step 1: Cover the front of the notebooks. You could leave them as is, but I wouldn’t ever do that for a gift here so I wasn’t about to do it for a gift to be sent….I wanted them to be cute!

Step 2: The boys colored and wrote notes on the first page of each notebook. Biggest Brother wrote, “I love you.” on all of his.

Step 3: Make an elastic band to wrap around the notebook. I cut 2 pieces of elastic (one shorter, one longer). On the longer piece I marked it with a pencil every 1/2 inch, on the shorter piece I marked it every 3/4 inch. Then I sewed the elastic together at the marked spots (shorter piece on top). Finally I sewed the ends of the long piece – forming a band. I know that is not very technical, but I winged it and this is about as good as my instructions can get. Just play with your’s until it fits right!

Step 4: Slide in your crayons. The boys did this and picked what colors to go with each notebook.

Since ours were going to Haiti we wrapped each one in a plastic baggie. The rainy season will soon hit Haiti, hopefully these will help the kids keep their notebooks dry.  I also chose crayons since they don’t have to be sharpened and unlike markers they won’t grow dry.

About a week before Chris left Biggest Brother came home with a 100 Day hat from school. I guess each day of school they put a sticker on their hat, then on the 100th day of school they had a big party. Biggest Brother told me not to throw it away (b/c I throw everything away) and that he wanted to keep it forever. Well the day before Chris left Biggest Brother came to me and said, “Mommy I want daddy to take my hat to Haiti to give it to a boy there. I think that would make another boy really happy.” So the hat went to Haiti….and I cried seeing this picture.

When Chris first posted it on his Twitter I called Biggest Brother to come see it. I thought he’d get real excited about it, but he just stood staring at the computer. Then after about 45 seconds he got a sheepish grin and said, “Mommy, it feels really good to give stuff away.”

View full post »

Posted in be creative {DIY}, personal

by AshleyAnn

show hide 72 comments

add a comment
link to this post
email a friend

Melissa - Tears are in my eyes as I read this – You have a very very special little boy. Thank you for taking the time and making those notebooks for the children. Thank you for treating them the same way as you would treat a child here in the states. And thank you for teaching your children about giving.

Alba - now, I am the one who is crying. Biggest Brother is a fantastic kid!

ashlee - your kids are so amazing! you should be a proud mama:)

Samantha - Ashley, I love it. I love it all. I love how you are teaching and molding your children’s hearts to love the people and things that God loves. Amazing!

tiny twig - this post gives me goosebumps.

Lindsay Thomas - That is so sweet. What a great little man!

Jamie - oh Ashley….you seriously are creating an amazing foundation of love, giving and compassion for your children. I was incredibly moved by this post. Just a wonderful, beautiful example of what God asks of us. And for our little ones to really understand and “get it”….well, that is so amazing…..(and sometimes so hard to teach)….you are doing such Godly work, and we are all blessed by the fact that you are sharing this with us….SO INSPIRING….THANK YOU! Don’t stop! xo Jamie

annalea - well put biggest brother. (and a fun gift idea.)

Linda - I know it was last week when we were supposed to tell you our favorite post, but this is IT! BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Rachel - Wow. That is powerful. I agree with biggest brother….There is nothing better than giving something away.

Robyn Farmer - Your blog blesses me.

Trinity - Ashley, yes I am crying too looking at that picture! Our girls have been able to give things to the shelter we got our oldest from. You inspire me to use all things to teach life lessons. And by the way…can we talk arrranged marriage? HA! On a creepy note, I had a wierd dream last night and baby sister sang opera! It was quite a sight to see such a little girl with a big voice!

Jill R - This post has totally messed up the makeup I just put on. ;) What a wonderful young man biggest brother is growing to be – good job parents!

Kirsten - Sniffle sniffle. What a wonderful idea…and wonderful pictures. Since I never comment, please let me tell you how much I love your blog…the pictures, the inspiring crafty ideas, and the way you use your gifts to bless your family and the world. Thank you!

christina larsen - Awesome, Those are a great idea!

robyn - what amazing spirit your children have… i hope i can instill the same in mine. beautiful story!

bopha - wow, i love it. you have done such a good job at making sure your boys have huge hearts for others.

Ari - Love it!!!

Kinzie Sue - What a sweet little guy! It’s great for him to have great experiences like that while he’s young, and pictures to help him remember the great feeling love and service can bring. Thanks for this sweet and inspirational post!

Rachel - Wow! So amazing!

Jodi - Totally crying from this! It is just too sweet for words. So amazing and so inspirational!

Kara P - Ashley, you are an amazing mother and your children are definitely going to/already are making a big difference in the world!!!! WAY TO GO!!

Dick - What an amazing family.God bless each of you.

amanda torres - The hat story is just awesome, awesome, awesome!

.amanda. - that really brought tears to my eyes as well! sigh. quite lovely.

Lori Danelle - I’ve got tears in my eyes. . .

I hope my own girls learn that lesson early and well.

Meagan - OH MY GOODNESS! How wonderful, Ashley! It must make you so proud that your children show such compassion and love for others! You are obviously setting a great example for them! Just precious!

Meredith - Biggest Brother is going to be a fine man! What a great story!

Susanne - You had me at the crayon notebooks… the 100 day hat pushed me over the edge… I’m officially in tears and in awe of you and your family

Margie - Amazing! What a wonderful thing to do for the children! Isn’t it heart warming as a mother when your own children show compassion for others?! Those crayons and coloring books will bring a little ray of sunshine for all of the kids who received them.

kristen - wow, thank you. i’m all teary eyed and i don’t do that!

Jill - What a wonderful post, inspiring! Thank you. :)

Abby - OH!!
This post is so inspiring you are definately kicking my butt into being a better person!!
I love the elastic on these notebooks such a great idea!!

jade - just beautiful ashley. all of it.

Stacy - Thanks for posting that! That is definetely a top 10 post. What a special little boy you have!

sharstin miller - Wow–that is amazing! what a great post–so sweet and inspirational!

julie - every single thing about this post is so beautiful. encouraging, beautiful.
thank you.

kelly - Oh my goodness. It doesn’t get sweeter, cuter, more creative or inspiring this this. Quite possibly my favorite post ever.

Shannon - Wow! What an emotional post. Seeing the excitement on that little boys face with that 100 day hat. Got me to crying that’s for sure.

candace - What a wonderful boy you have! This project is too cute – how thoughtful too. Where in PAP did your husband stay? Mine was at Sacred Heart hospital. The pictures are amazing and heart-wrenching all at the same time.

Jaimie - This is probably the sweetest post in the entire world. The entire world, seriously.

Yanet - That is a great idea. I love the way you and Chris involve the kids in all of your charity. And how lovely Chris took pics of the kids with the things your boys made so they “get it”!! Really, Ashley Ann, you inspire me to be a better mom/person.

Amber - You are an excellent mom to raise such good-hearted children. I hope to teach Avery lessons like this…lessons that really matter. :)

patti - so awesome! I’m really proud of my 5 year old who came to me the other day with a little toy purse full of coins and she said “mama, I’m saving all this money for kids in Haiti. Can you mail it to them?” I had no idea she was doing this…and I get teary every time I think about it. We told her about the devastation there and she immediately asked if we could send some of her toys to help. It warms my heart to know this is how she thinks at such a young age.

susie whyte - what a sweet little guy. i love seeing all of the pics of chris, ashley. he was such an exceptional guy in high school and to get to see from a distance the extraordinary person he has become since then is such an amazing thing. thanks!

amber fischer - What an inspiration! So cool to see God using children to do His work and bless other children. ( :

rachel denbow - I want to cry, too. Such a sweet family you have. And I love how you are teaching them to be empathetic and proactive in these small but grand ways.

Kärt - Thank you Ashley, this just made my day shine brighter (and I thought it wouldn’t happen, because the sun makes the snow sparkle here in Estonia). You have amazing children and should be very proud – I for one hope that some day I can raise such giving and thoughtful kids of my own.

valerie - First of all-how awesome of your family. What an example you are to the rest of us!! God bless your hubbie and you guys while he is serving over there.

Second- what a cute idea! I love the built in crayon organizer. So perfect for roadtrips or little hands. I am filing your fab idea at thecraftersfilebox.com.

Thank you!

emily anderson - what a sweet picture of the little boy in haiti…made my heart melt.
thanks for sharing.

Becca - Those gifts are such a cute and great idea! And the pictures of the hat and your son’s story made me cry! Love those little joys of mommy-hood! Thanks for sharing!

Jennifer Ross - This is so special. I am choked up just thinking about how giving he is. Child-like faith comes to mind. Such a special gift from God!

Jessica/littlepumpkingrace - I’m such a teary mess now :) I love the notebooks! You are doing such a fine job teaching your boys about helping others in need. I love that he gave his prized hat away – the grin on the little boy in Haiti says it all! God bless your family.

Emily - I have been looking at your blog for a few months and I love it for so many reasons. You’re creative, fun, talented…and your little girl is the same age as mine and I love to look at your pictures of her. Anyway, I usually don’t comment, but I couldn’t resist this time, this post is just incredible. I love it!

Brooke - Straight from the mouth of babes….seriously. That is the message that cant’ be taught with words. It can be taught with actions. How neat that your boy got to experience the way it feels to give sacrificially. Because for him, that was a sacrifice. It was something he loved.
So happy that you had that moment.

Michelle - Ah that is so precious about the hat! Made me cry too! I love the idea of the notebooks and how you pull your kids into doing these projects and teaching them about it. So awesome!

Jeannette Swan - This made me cry – how sweet are those kids of yours, not to mention you and your husband!! And, how amazing you guys got such an awesome pic of the hat being worn by that sweet child.

Telise Ensey - This might me the best blog post I’ve ever read (and I’ve stalked a lot)…and its my first comment ever. Had to be moved to it I guess. My boys will be better people because I have been inspired by your mothering.

Heidi - What a sweet little boy you have. He is very special. And wise beyond his years.

Vane - Loved your story! It made me cry!!!
Great spirit and great kids!!

stephanie - that is amazing. You and your family inspires us to try and do a little more for others who are less fortunate. Thank you for the inspiration.

pam - wow…speechless. an amazing story. xo

JoAnn - God bless you and your family. What a wonderful inspiration you are and your children are a true reflection of your efforts.

Lindsey - Um…. I am speechless. I stumbled upon your blog late last night and I haven’t stopped thinking about how much creativity and inspiration is out there and only a keystroke away. Your gifts you made were so thoughtful and the way you capture each moment with your camera is beautiful and uplifting. I love the 100 day hat (I must start that at our school) and the smile on that little boys face, oh my gosh (tears streaming down face). You are an amazing mother, raising some amazing kids!

Thank you for inspiring me to give back.

Ruth - Ashley, Faith Comes By Hearing–the org. that makes the Proclaimer, is located here, and my closest friends all work there. I’m going to send them the link to your pics. I’m sure they will be pleased to see the Proclaimer in action.

Meridith - This is so wonderful! I came over from the link on Balancing Everything, and I’m so glad I did. Cute project, and cute story!

emily - not sure if i am over-emotional today, but i just burst into tears reading this post.
beautiful.

Jules - Adorable and giving… your son’s 100 day hat giveaway is very touching and inspiring!

Marisa Balletti - This is my first time visiting your blog, and I am so amazed by your creativitiy. Then I came across this amazing post and am equally amazind by the wonderful hearts youa nd your family have. The project is brilliant and the look in that little boys face with the hat and the crayons is priceless. What a beautiful thing, and I agree with all the other posts, inspiring. Thank you!

Balancing Everything - [...] at these sweet crayon & notebook sets Ashley Ann made with her kids and sent to Haiti, and how adorable is her son? ← celebrate [...]

ten on tuesday » Amber Fischer Photography - [...] i think this is one of the sweetest, most inspiring posts i’ve read in awhile. (not to mention she is a wonderful photographer, so there are lots of [...]

Learning Lessons « Under Development - [...] I started on my crayon pocket notebooks for Robert that I found here.  Here are my supplies before [...]

Feb 09 2010

for her daddy’s office

UPDATE: This is a 24×36 print from White House Custom Color. If you aren’t a professional photographer, I recommend Mpix.com. The print is frame in a basic poster frame from Hobby Lobby ($10.00 at 50% off).

A peek for him while he is still out of the country

View full post »

Posted in personal

by AshleyAnn

show hide 23 comments

add a comment
link to this post
email a friend

Trinity - how cute! she looks like she is doing push-ups!

Kaitlyn - Oh I just LOVE that picture (I was referring to the one of her in the bucket, but I love the one of her in front of her picture also)! :)

Tracy - Oh i love the blown up pic!! I also love that she is doing pushups ;p

amanda torres - Yeah, now you’re gonna have to make a large print of this picture to put in his office. That is just too stinkin’ cute!

Lisa Johnson - I gasped at the utter cuteness!

Anna Joy - i love it!!!!

linda geertsen - Don’t be freaked…but, I LOVE baby sister. I see my little one in her in this particular photo. The chubby pouch on the top of her foot, the cute miniature pudgey hands, the just-enough-to-mess-up head of hair, and that focused eye for every little everything & anything on the floor. I LOVE being a mom and THANK YOU so Much for all that you do to make my life as a mom a happier one!

Alison R - The picture is amazing! I love what you did with it! She is so cute doing her little push-ups!

Nicole - Hi Ashley,

Is the large print a canvas or mounted print or ??? May I ask where you ordered it from? It’s adorable and sure to bring many smiles from those who see it in your husband’s office!

Tess S. - EVERY time my baby sees a picture of your baby. he squeals with delight. i love it. just thought you’d like to know!

Jill R - love, love, love!

ashlee - that is my favorite one from your post!! simply stunning!!

Erin - Ash this is priceless!! She’s trying to let those big bros know she can hold her own! :)

Patricia Teo - Your blog always make me smile :-) I was so lost over the weekend when your blog was down!

Shannon Phillips - WOW WOW WOW!!!! I love it. I also love that your daughter is already doing her push ups. Go Breese!

jay - she’s doing push-ups or pushdowns? release a fit-baby photo book :) please!!!

Lesley - LOVE IT!!!

Jesse - I adore this photo!

the inadvertent farmer - I go away for a few days and come back here and she is up on her toes??? Stop that little one you are growing too fast…sigh…darn kids. Kim

Sarah - WAY TO CUTE! Your ideas on new ways to shoot photos amazes me!

Michelle - ah, that is too cute! where do you get your pictures blown up & mounted? that is stunning!

Amanda L. - SO adorable! How old is she? My 6 month old does the same thing. She pushes herself up into a plank, but then can’t figure out where to go from there.

peta - that is adorable! i am sure her daddy will think she has grown a heap since he’s been away.

since you are in an ‘answering questions’ kind of mode, can i ask where you got your boys spotty sheets from them? i likeeeeeee.

thanks!

« Older posts

Please Don't Steal! All images copyrighted Ashley Ann Photography 2008, 2009, 2010. Background copyright and design by www.katiedaisy.com | ProPhoto3 by NetRivet Sites

m y   l o v e l i e s
f a v o r i t e   p o s t s