What Warms my Heart

These are the things that have made me happy and have warmed my heart lately:
* When Coleson really wants my attention, he yells "Ashley" instead of mommy...too funny!
* Ava has been so good at compliments lately- "You are the best mom/dad in the whole world" or "Mom, thanks for making us such a good dinner" or "Thank you for working so hard on my birthday party". It feels good to be appreciated!
*Carter has been very sneaky lately, and he knows daddy won't let him get away with it. He had snuck some candy, (after also sneaking the ipod, more candy, a few other things) and Nick made him go to his room and told him he was getting a spankin'. Carter came out before Nick had a chance to "give him his punishment" and gave the most sincere apology I have ever heard, all the while having giant alligator tears in those big eyes. He went back to his room after he said what he needed to say, and I think Nick and I might have had him beat in the alligator tear department. His sincerity and adorable apology seriously melted our hearts!
*I was gone doing photo shoots all day today, Ava and Carter were at grandpa and grandma's and Nick was at home with Weston and Coleson. Nick had a bad cold and was pretty under the weather, but he said he was fine watching the boys while I was gone. I came home to the laundry done, floors mopped, house vacuumed and a hot latte. What a guy!
* I was in line at Starbucks a few weeks ago, and when I got up to the window, they told me my drinks had been paid for. I had glanced at the car in front of me, but had no idea who it was. After a lot of thinking, I figured it out, and it just happened to be the same person that had seen me at my worst the day before. She had run into me and the twins at the mall, and I was beyond flustered. The boys had just ripped half a dozen leggings of their hangers at Gap, and I was ready to give them to the highest bidder! She told me she remembered those days, and was so sweet about it. What are the odds that I would run into her the very next day? Acts of kindness like that just make me so grateful for this small town and all of the people that really care.
* When we were leaving for Seattle last weekend, we are kissing all of the kids goodbye. Little Weston reached up and gently placed his hands on both of my cheeks and gave me the sweetest smooshy face kiss. Nick and I were smiling about it all day. It was so sweet!
*We were having breakfast at Fairway the other morning, and once again, some generous person paid for our breakfast. We never figured that one out, but it was so nice! If it was YOU, thank you! :)
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Those are just a few of the many things in my life that I am truly grateful for! How could my heart not be warmed when I am surrounded by such amazing people??!!

Pictures from "The best birthday ever!!!"

Well, Ava Jean is 8! She was so excited for her party this year and I don't think she was dissapointed! We did a "big girl" tea party theme, and her and I made most of the decorations. I also made her the applique shirt and the fabric flower in her hair.

Little brother had to jump in for a picture with the birthday girl!

I had so much fun coming up with the theme and decorating for her party...girly stuff is way too fun!

She got so many fun presents! She got the guitar, a sewing machine, lots of books, some clothes, and $71.

But I think that this one was her favorite...what do you think??!!

She was in shock!

Ava's very own American Girl doll...she got choked up when she opened it! I've never seen anyone more excited over a present before! She said "thank you" to us all day long. My favorite quote from Ava that day- "I don't think I'm ever going to stop smiling again!" She also got an American Girl gift card so she can shop for her new doll!

Cupcakes made by Rebecca from "Cakelicious".

No need to make a wish because it already came true!

Could it be?

I came across a picture taken by Maggie Holmes, the teacher/photographer from the class I took last May. Call me crazy, but I think a picture that I took during the class inspired her.
My Picture- May 2010

Maggie's Picture-September 2010 I realize that this could just be a happy accident, but in my little world, I'm going to take this as a great big compliment! What do you all think? Am I crazy, or did Maggie like my picture?? :)

Family Memories

We finally got everyone together to do a few family shots on Nick's side. Getting 9 kids, all under age 8, to cooperate is not an easy task! There is at least one kid crying or looking in a different direction in every picture, but what do you do. That's just the way it goes!

Grandpa and Grandma with all of their grandkids
Awwwww!
The In-Laws

P.S. A big thank you to Kenzie's friend, Darlene, for snapping the family pictures. This girl can only be in one place at one time!

Halloween and Harvest

We always love Halloween and Harvest around here! The kids have been counting down for the past 3 weeks! On Saturday, we had a Halloween Party at our house with Nick's family. We had a ton of yummy appetizers for dinner, and then took the kids around the neighborhood to trick or treat. It was so fun watching the kids run around, but keeping track of 9 kids, all under 8, was the hard part! Weston and Coleson were not sure about it at first, but they ended up having a great time.

On Sunday we had a harvest party with my side of the family. My aunts go all out and make it such a fun day for the kids. They have a ton of games, a pinata, and they even decorate hay bales for pictures! The kids came home with a bag full of snacks, candy, silly bands, coloring books, crayons, stickers and more. It was a fun day!

Dorothy

Buzz Lightyear

To infinity and beyond!

Batman

Coleson hitting the cute scarecrow pinata that my aunt made

Weston was really excited about the pinata

Get that candy!