Summer Days

I can't tell you how much I HATE Nevada summers. Like clockwork, each summer I start looking for other places to live. My heart longs for greenery and fruit trees, and a veggie garden that doesn't die off as soon as June hits! Heck, I would settle for some real grass and not this Astro Turf stuff that has become so popular. So, since moving is not an option at the moment, I try to fill our days with fun activities to ward off my summer time blues. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em! right?! 

My days of taking the kids for walks have come to a standstill (to all of our dismays) and going to the gym isn't always an option with our busy schedule. So I've recently discovered the joy of waking up early and exercising before the kids wake up! Wanna know something crazy?! I'm actually loving it! I love having the whole house to myself in the morning and getting that burst of adrenaline to kick start my day! Trust me, you'll get plenty of adrenaline doing INSANITY..... However, sometimes the morning doesn't go quite as planned and Mommy's "alone time" gets cut short by a little blue eyed blonde boy peaking around the stairway at me as I am getting my INSANITY on....grrr! He instantly chimes in with his "Mommy I'm hungry!" and "I'm poopy Mommy! Change me!" Sooooo frustrating!! Can't a girl get just one hour of peace?!! Don't worry, I sent him upstairs to bother his Dad (hehe)! Mom didn't wake up at the crack of dawn for nothing!

Fast forward to it is now 6am and we have 3 hours to kill until our play date at the pool with some friends from the ward.... Austin's Baby Boy Bakery kit came the night before so he and I decided to put it to good use and whip up some homemade fruit popsicles! I was already getting sleepy at this point because I had worked the day before (waking up at 3am) and then stayed up wayyy too late that night having a "girls night" with some friends in the neighborhood but it was well worth the sleepiness to have some fun with the girls! 

Austin was so excited to have some one on one time with me, doing our favorite activity, COOKING! He especially loved eating the popsicle juice with a spoon before we put it into the molds all ready for the freezer! But as always, he got most excited for the clean up! I'm not kidding you, this kid LOVES to wash dishes!

We had a great time at the pool with our adorable little friends, playing in the water and eating all sorts of snacks. Austin and Emmett had a squirt gun war while Evie, Simon, and Blakely hung around the shallow end, staying close to their Mamas :). Before we knew it, it was already lunch time and the babies were all starting to get grumpy so we said goodbye to our little buddies and headed home. 

Austin didn't want the water party to end and begged me to let them take a bath once we got home so he could keep playing with his squirt guns. So a bath and some cold watermelon for lunch it was! 

We were ALL exhausted by noon so I joined the kids in a much needed nap time. I NEVER nap so I must have really been tired. All that sun shine and exercise wears you out!

We woke up and broke out the popsicles for our afternoon snack. Oh my goodness they were yummy!! I just love those messy faces! Both kids ended up eating 3 popsicles each! 

By the end of the night, we were all exhausted and I realized that once again, I had gone too far and done too much. Sometimes I forget how little these two are and I overstimulate them with all my excitement to show them the world! I pondered on this as I was cleaning up dinner and Eve was having a meltdown at my feet. Then, Austin came up to me, wrapped his little arms around my legs, and said, "You my best fwiend Mommy." I melted instantly like the popsicles my children devoured. This was officially the best day! I guess summers aren't so bad after all..... :).

Astrology

I've always been fascinated with astrology. Mostly because, for a non-scientific science, it's surprisingly so accurate! I know this sounds crazy, and please don't start throwing tomatoes, but studying my husband and children's zodiac signs has helped me understand them better! 

Want to have a really fun date night? Look up your Chinese astrology love compatibility! Seriously, you will have a great time! Josh and I have had more than one laugh at our own expense because of how "dragon-like" I truly am and what a "rat" he really can be! ;) 

Now I'm not saying to take this stuff as seriously as the bible, because that would be blasphemy and I don't feel like enduring hell fire any time soon! It's just something fun to check out when you are bored with stalking people on Facebook. (hehe)

I am always in search of how to be a better Mom by better understanding my children's unique needs, so I did some Astro-research this morning while on a break at work and this is what I found! I'm not kidding you guys, it's scary accurate! I guess thousands of years of watching the stars and studying human behavior by our ancestors might not be so unscientific after all? 

Ashly (Pisces):

"The Pisces mama has a heart of gold, and you’re the ultimate empath. You naturally gravitate to children and you shower your kids with the unconditional love they crave. Your children will definitely grow up with a healthy sense of self-worth as a result of your adoration (in some cases, a little too healthy, but so be it). While Pisces women can play the “delicate flower” card, when it comes to your children, you’re tough as nails. Nobody messes with the ones you love! You’re as protective as they come, and you’ll defend your clan ’til the end. Sure, it might be a little overboard, but that won’t stop you. Your kids always know that you have their backs, and there’s no sacrifice you wouldn’t make for their happiness."

Well, that would explain why I would rather spend hours teaching baking, going for long walks to the park, and spoiling my kids at Trader Joes than sleeping and taking care of myself....(insert always looking haggard here). It would also explain the World War III I started over the weekend amongst my extended family! Seriously, it's not a true family war unless there are threats of suicide and every form of manipulation imaginable to try and get me to apologize. But staying true to my Pisces nature, someone threatened my child and I could care less who decides to off themselves! I guess you could say I have an insane protective side over my babies.....

Josh (Libra):

"The Libra parent knows how to stop and smell the roses, and doesn’t sweat the small stuff. You can have a magical effect on your family, giving them the sense that everything is going to be okay. The kids had a tough day at school? You treat them to a decadent ice cream sundae, or a trip to the zoo. Your parenting dream is that your children have all the best experiences—preferably with you by their side. Family trips to Europe (or anywhere in the world), cultural expeditions, you want to expose them to all that life can offer, even if that means pulling them out of school for a week. Because Libra rules the zodiac’s seventh house of relationships, you’re adept at putting your own partnership first. A “martyr Dad” you ain’t! There will be no cancelled date nights unless a feverish kiddie’s temperature hits 102!"

Oh my goodness, this is so Josh! He is totally the fun, laid back parent who is all about enjoying the moment and LOVES to travel! Staying true to his Libra nature, he has no problem putting himself and his needs first! I used to be so annoyed by this (okay, still am) but mostly because I am jealous!!

Austin (Cancer):

"No matter who their primary caretaker is, these kids will likely be attached to them at the hip. Ruled by the ever-fluctuating moon, these kids can be moody and may cry a lot as infants. These sensitive kids are “emotional eaters” and like to put things in their mouths when they’re feeling anxious or in unfamiliar terrain. They may be soothed with a bottle or snack. Family-oriented, they may feel shy around new people. Be prepared: these kids may cry and scream if someone they aren’t familiar with (like a family friend or babysitter) tries to pick them up.  In school or public, they are well mannered and enjoy dressing fashionably, even as toddlers! They’ll love helping in the kitchen, so any chore like setting the table, washing dishes or preparing food can easily be turned into a game for them. A calm and stable home life is essential to this sign’s emotional well being. Domestic disputes affect them on a primal level. Avoid arguing or raising your voice in front of them at all costs. They may blame themselves and act out. Don't force them to be friendly with people until they’ve had time to warm up. Cancers are naturally shy or reticent around strangers. Socialize them with other kids as early as possible so they don’t develop a loner complex. Once they get their bearings, they often become leaders among their peers."


Wow, again, mind blowingingly accurate!! Ever since he was a baby it has taken him a while to warm up to people and he gets so upset if anyone fights around him. Heck, he gets upset of anyone even speaks passionately in front of him! We learned early on to save any kind of debate for AFTER Austin goes to bed. He can also be very sensitive and moody. You never know what you're going to get with this kid! He's either laughing, or crying. And his bottle was definitely his safety blanket until we finally got rid of it at age 2. I know people looked down on us for even allowing him to have it for that long but it was something that he needed at that time in his life. Everything is on Austin's time. 

Evelyne (Taurus):

"Generally, their disposition is sweet and leisurely. Ruled by lovely Venus, these dimpled tykes are born contenders for Cutest Baby competitions. They love getting dressed up: bring on the sailor suits and frilly dresses. Take them to the park. Taurus is an earth sign and these kids thrive in the outdoors. Sign them up for an outdoor sports team when they are old enough to play. Baby bulls are musicals, so set them up with toy instruments. They may especially love banging on drums or singing. Family-oriented and possessive, Taurus may prefer playing with siblings above anyone else. This is a baby that loves putting things in his/her mouth!"

This is our Evie-girl to a T! She is so sweet, so lovely, and have I mentioned how much she loves dirt?!! Eat it, wear it, she doesn't care! She also LOVES to dance and will stop and dance to any song she hears. Oh and she's obsessed with her brother and wants to be with him no matter how his royal moodiness is feeling that day ;).

I think this is the best part of family! It's the blending of multiple personalities into one same last name. You don't always get along, and the struggle is real! But it's a whole lotta fun along the way! :)

*photo credit: Sweet Cousin Jessica who was watching the kiddos over our anniversary so we could get away!

Happy Independence Day!

We had a fabulous 4th of July this year! It was the first year Eve could actually participate (last year she was not even 3 months old), it was the first year Austin could hold a sparkler unassisted, and it was the first year we actually stayed up for the fireworks! All these firsts were so fun and so memorable!

Sparkler fun!

We spent the holiday in Boulder City with Great Grandma Helm! We all love Grandma so much! A sweeter woman on this planet you will never find! We ate sloppy joes, potato salad, and orange jello salad for lunch, along with dirt cake for dessert! There's nothing more American than that! I have a sneaking suspicion Grandma made that cake just for Austin, and the gummy worms were much appreciated! ;)

After eating, we went outside to run through the sprinklers, throw Pop-Its, light sparklers, and lounge around enjoying each others company. It was so nice and relaxing! Austin had a great time throwing the Pop-Its around with Daddy and running around the yard holding sparklers with Mommy. Evie was very jealous that she couldn't do either. We tried to let her throw a Pop-It but took it back the second it went into her mouth.....

Sprinkler fun with Grandma!

Sprinklers were the one thing Evie WAS allowed to play with! It's so hard being little....

Jumping over the water with Mommy.

Pop-Its!

Giving a couple to Daddy to throw.

Grandma has had this swing for as long as I can remember. This is the first year there is a cover over it though because the wood underneath is splintering. I have so many memories swinging away on this thing!

Enjoying the sunshine! Austin took this pic! He is turning out to be such a good little photographer!

Just chillin' with Auntie Sadie!

Love my sister!

Oh my goodness, these two and their silly selfies!

Running around with sparklers

Giving Grandma some cuddles.

Once the sun began to set, we headed over to the golf course for fireworks!! While we waited, we lit more sparklers (until we got in trouble because apparently that's not allowed) and chased the kids around the grounds! Some people behind us had glow sticks and gave each of the kids one. They were a big hit! It was past bedtime and Eve's tiredness was beginning to show. She could not hold still! I was so grateful when the fireworks started because it kept her entertained for a whole 10 minutes until she was off running around again and I was off chasing her!

I wish I could engrave Austin's reaction to the fireworks in my memory forever. He sat there on the blanket, completely enthralled! He kept saying, "OOOHHH! LOOK!" and clapping for the really big ones! It was so perfect! I just wish I could have enjoyed that moment with him longer before I had to go chase the baby....

Being little rebels with our sparklers hahaha!

It was well worth getting in trouble to get these great shots!

Graduating to holding TWO SPARKLERS at the same time! He's a pro now!

Eve was so funny (due to tiredness)! She kept wanting to put her glow stick on Sadie's face!

What a great 4th of July! We are so grateful to live in this great nation, and to raise our babies in freedom with the promise of the American dream at their fingertips! GOD BLESS AMERICA!

As we said goodbye to everyone and drove home, we had fun watching all the fireworks shoot off over the Vegas valley! Austin made us laugh as he protested over and over, "I'm not tired! I don't want to go to bed, Austin's not tired!" He was yawning each time he said this.... ;) He was also very sad about leaving his Great Grandma and kept saying, "Where's Gramma? I want to go to HER house! Austin misses Gramma...." What a lucky boy to have such a special lady in his life :).

Nursing Moments....

 I had a really crazy nursing moment a little while back that still leaves me sad, and I can't quite explain the other feeling that comes along with it. Am I confused, disturbed, in awe?? There isn't really a word! When you work in the medical field and your days are spent trying to keep people from dying, you have a lot of bizarre spiritual experiences most people just don't get. For that I feel grateful. Some people study medicine, only to find themselves questioning whether there is a God and puffing themselves up, thinking they ARE a God (ahem, doctors....) But not me. No, I find that my work experiences only prove on a daily basis how beautiful and marvelous God is and how little we actually know about his power and love for his children!

It was 3am and I was driving to Pahrump to cover for their nurse who broke her arm recently and couldn't come in to work. I actually like that long drive because it gives me a chance to think. Our home life is so busy and crazy, that quiet reflection is a rarity. So as I was pondering, a weird sort of daydream came over me. At least that's what it felt like. The kind of daydream that you just kinda shake off once it's done and you move onto your other thoughts.

In the daydream I was assessing a favorite patient of mine in Pahrump when he suddenly got very sentimental on me and told me how happy he is to see me today. He told me that it makes his day when I walk through the door because he knows when Ashly is here, it's going to be a good day. He went into detail about how I always make everyone feel so comfortable and taken care of. Dialysis can be a scary and even dangerous experience, and it helps to have a nurse who is calm and takes charge, making everyone around her feel that everything is going to be okay.... even when the shi* just hit the fan (so to speak). He said he's been watching me and he loves how I don't take crap from anyone, even the doctors, and said he has laughed on more than one occasion while he watched me tell a doctor where he can shove his diploma! "Basically," he said, "We all know that when you are here, everything is going to be okay. Thank you for that."

As the daydream continued, I thanked him for his kind words, told him I do the best I can, and then he suddenly had a heart attack and died right there on the spot! It was traumatizing! But like I said, once the daydream was over, I just kinda shook it off and moved on with my thoughts.

Okay, now flash forward to me being at work and in walks this same patient. I didn't really think much of my previous daydream because, let's face it, it was 3am and the brain thinks up some really bizarre stuff when you're super tired!

Then, as I was assessing him before treatment, he suddenly started saying all the things he told me in my daydream!!!

No, I'm not joking.

Almost word for word, he expressed his gratitude to me for the care I've given him and for how safe I make him feel. The mood was getting kinda heavy so I laughed it off and joked around with him saying, "Okay, this sounds a lot like a bed side confession.... you better not die on me now!" He laughed too and assured me he wasn't going anywhere any time soon :). We laughed a little more, I thanked him for his kind words, and then I moved onto my other patients.

AND AN HOUR LATER HE DIED IN MY ARMS.....

It wasn't a daydream... It was a premonition.

I'm usually pretty good at keeping my emotions in check when bad stuff happens at work. You can't fall apart when so many people are looking up to you to keep telling them everything will be okay. But I just couldn't this time. I went into the bathroom and bawled my eyes out. Then, I cried all the way home, went straight to my husband, and cried some more.

In all my years of nursing I have never had something like this happen. Yes, there is that gut instinct we all feel that tells you to go do something because you just have this feeling something bad is going to happen. And there is always that horrible moment when you didn't follow your gut and you are met with regret and disappointment in yourself for knowing better. But this was different. For some reason God wanted me to be prepared for this one. Or maybe it was like the theories with De'ja Vu where you know you are exactly where you are supposed to be because you've already experienced it before? Who knows. But once again, thanks to my job, I find myself strengthened in my testimony of God and all his many mysteries.

Milestones: Evelyne 13/14 Months Old

I've fallen behind (as usual) in writing down Miss Eve's milestones because we have been so busy doing all sorts of fun stuff, and also dealing with the day to day not so fun stuff.... So here is the past two months with our beautiful Evelyne Grace!

 She is growing taller, but still remains just as squishable as ever! I am constantly squeezing her, or nibbling on her chubby cheeks! The best part is she loves it! So I get all the loves I want without complaint, which is something Austin never allowed ;). Eve is also great at GIVING loves and will hug and kiss anyone.... and I mean anyone. At our Toddlers in the Kitchen Cooking Class she is famous for going around the room at circle time and giving every single person a hug and a kiss. There's just something so undeniable about Eve. She has such a loving soul and a beautiful, sweet nature about her. People fall in love with her at first sight!

She says "bye bye" and waves, or "hi" and waves. She has also learned to tell me when she poops! She points to her diaper and says "Poo!" She calls Austin "Ju Ju" which sounds nothing like Austin, but we know what she's talking about because she says it in perfect context! Like if he is upstairs and she wants him to come play with her, she will shout "JU JU!" up the stairs at him. If she wants her bottle, she says "baba." She is also great at pointing to what she wants which is a HUGE help! I've never felt the need to teach my kids sign language because both of them have had great verbal skills, which can be good or bad depending on the situation.

I LOOOVVVEE coming home from work because as soon as I walk through the door she gets super excited and comes running to me, screaming and literally shaking with excitement! It is the sweetest, most amazing feeling ever to be so loved!

After her first birthday I started weaning her from breastfeeding but it didn't work out so well. She is NOT a fan of cows milk and I was really worried about her getting dehydrated. I talked to the doctor about it at her 12 month well baby check and she said some babies are just slower at transitioning to whole milk and to do it very slowly so she doesn't lose a bunch of weight. So that's what we've been doing! I'm actually not complaining because I'm not ready to give up our special moments at night as I rock her to sleep while she nurses. It's such a special bonding moment. Austin gave up nursing without warning and basically wanted nothing to do with me after that. So it has been nice to have a little one who still wants to cuddle and hang onto babyhood a little longer....

She worships Austin, but is constantly getting hurt because he is bigger, and a boy. And let's be honest, boys just don't think sometimes! He is constantly going to time out all throughout the day for hurting her! I feel soooo bad for her! All she wants is to be his friend and sometimes he just can't stand her tagging along any longer and suddenly does something about it... something naughty. But then there are the adorable moments that I wish I could catch on video because it is just so dang cute! But of course the moment is always over by the time I start filming. I'm talking about those moments when they are giggling uncontrollably at each other every time Austin makes a silly noise, or chasing each other around the room laughing. Or when he is playing nicely with her and gently teaching her in his cute little toddler voice how to do something. Or when he climbs into the crib with her in the morning and they both start jumping on the mattress, laughing hysterically. It's moments like that when I feel grateful we had them so close together!

She has been teething lately which makes her even more clingy to me than normal. It also makes her even more dramatic when she gets hurt or when Austin won't share with her... she's definitely a girl!

She may not be a big milk drinker, but this girl LOVES smoothies! She amazes us all with how much she can drink! She also inherited her Mama's love for chocolate and ice cream ;). She's actually a really good eater, and lately has been a huge fan of mashed potatoes and gravy! She has stopped wanting to eat baby food though, which really sucks because I have about $50 worth of it sitting in the cupboard.... :( 

Some Fun Moments Over the Past Two Months:

She loves dirt/sand! I caught her getting into my flower pot and rubbing the soil all over her body!

We had a huge rainstorm this past week and she was in heaven! This girl LOVES the rain! I was so shocked that the thunder and lightening didn't bother her at all!

 

She gives the most adorable open mouthed grins! I love those little teeth!

It has been an insanely hot summer this year so we have spent a lot of time out on the front porch in our kiddie pool!

Not sure what to think about the cold water!

Picking flowers with her brother and giving them to Mommy :).

Just a month ago we had the most beautiful flower/veggie garden growing on our patio but this heat wave killed everything instantly! Grrrr! The good news is, now Eve has more dirt to play in!

She puts up with so much from Austin! This is him covering her in stickers and thinking he is hilarious....

Baby's first pair of shoes! I decided to stay true to her Native American heritage and buy her some baby moccasins! So comfy, and easy to walk in without tripping!

Giving Austin and Daddy loves while Dad tried to read the lesson for our Family Home Evening :).

Messes, Messes, MESSES!! Trying to keep up with two kids so close in age is insane!

I was sick about a month ago, so my Mom and Nate came to take care of the kids so I could get some rest. They had a great time!

Having fun in the ball pit with Grandma!

 This is another one of my favorite Evie-girl faces! She wrinkles her nose and gives this closed mouth grin!

Wild woman attacking Mom!

Eve and Auntie Sadie are selfie taking pros!

Austin reading her "The Tale of Peter Rabbit." This is one of those sweet moments I was talking about :).

Being a drama queen. I love how she covers up her mouth when she is trying to fake cry more dramatically! hahaha

Feeding brother some breakfast ;).

My little shadow. She never strays far from her Mama!