Life Lately

Life has been a little hectic lately (probably because we spent last week in Disneyland!) I missed posting and reading while on our little vacation so I'm doing my best to catch up. 

First of all we had the best time in DL and I will have a whole post devoted to that. Let me just say that Ellie had so much fun and loved meeting all of the characters and she was so blessed with spending over 8 minutes with Mickey Mouse himself, taking a private tour of the fire station and going window shopping with him! Videos and pictures can be found on IG @lifeonthefarm 

Okay so let's do a little catch up. 

We are not huge on Valentine's Day, though I do enjoy any reason to decorate our home for a holiday.  I held back on much of our decor because I want to focus on simplicity this year. 

On Valentine's Day itself, Thomas and I went on a day date to the NW Flower and Garden Show in Seattle. We got so much inspiration and a lot of ideas for our yard this year and I am just so excited for spring so I can see all my flowers!  We actually got there super early and found parking right up front! It was so fun to leisurely stroll through the show and vendors and look at the display gardens.

 We also went to a seminar about supporting wildlife and animals in the garden/yard like bees, goats, and chickens. I am now convinced that we need to let our chickens out more and utilize their "weeding" abilities.  And bees are so incredibly beneficial in the garden, I am going to invest in a Mason Bee home for them this year. *I am allergic to bees so this might be interesting. 

On Sunday and Monday I got out in our garden. I think this is the earliest I have ever been out there, but we have been blessed with such beautiful weather lately that I had to take advantage of it (and get a head start on the weeds since they've been enjoying our mild weather as well). A few weeks ago I hauled over several wheelbarrow loads of horse manure to our veg garden space and Thomas tilled them in for the first time this year. (We like to rototill at least twice before planting)  Thomas got me some flower bulbs (dahlias and gladiolus) for Vday so I also got those planted. Ellie also got to be outside on the farm and decided to help with some farm chores and visit with the goats and mini horse. 

Tuesday through Saturday we were in the happiest place on earth, Disneyland and we had so much fun. 

Can we please talk about our dancing photo bomber?!!!

Thursday was our 10 year anniversary of when we started dating. We were in California Adventure that day and went on a few roller coasters.  I never would have guessed that this is where we would be 10 years after our first date!!

When we arrived home on Saturday, we did some housecleaning and relaxing. It was also Ellie's 21st Monthday, so I will post on that as well.  Ellie was still pretty wired from our adventure but was also extremely tired and slept through the whole night by herself in the crib. 

On Sunday, we took a trip to Costco to stock up and then we were back outside finishing up some yard maintenance. I pulled some more weeds, scooped a shitload of horse poop, and spread some lime (to help cut the moss) and lawn fertilizer. We also picked up some fern "bulbs"? from Costco so I got those planted as well.  I am so happy with our beautiful weather lately and so enjoy getting out there and "dirty".  

Oh and Thomas got our cabinet hung in our bathroom so now it's just touching up some paint right now and then we are  just needing some finishing touches: mirrors, lights, cabinet knobs, towels, and floors. Maybe we will replace the countertops, but that is in the future. 

Today I am busy unpacking, getting some mulch to spread in the gardens, and paint touch ups on the walls in the bathroom. 

How was your weekend? What have you been up to?

♥ Ashley 

Linking up here

Checking in

Hey ladies!! I just wanted to check in real quick and let you know I'm still here!!

We are busting living it up in Disneyland this week! So far Ellie is having the best time. She was a champ on the plane and is running around like a maniac (diaper changes are a bit challenging). You can follow our adventure on IG @lifeonthefarm for quick pictures!! 

Have a great week!

♥ Ashley

I Love Friday

These weeks are seriously going by so fast. I think that might be what happens when you get into the groove of things (although I have to be honest I've felt like we are way further into February than just the 13th!).  Life has been pretty good to us lately and I am looking forward to some more positive things coming our way!

{ONE}

 via

Tomorrow is LOVE DAY.  I had all sorts of plans to try and do a Valentines photo shoot with Ellie but time just slipped away - maybe I'll get it done a day late.  I did try to do some more craftsy things with my girl (and two of the kids that I watch) to help me get out of my comfort zone a little more.  Last week we did some painting and holy cow did Ellie love it!  I have trained her well (and am a huge helicopter) that it was actually a very clean experience.  I did kind of cheat and do the project at one of my nanny houses....but progress.  This week I made cookies with the kids and this morning I made this recipe, I added in some chex cereal as well because Ellie is addicted.  Thanks Mel!!! it is so good. Tomorrow my MIL is taking Ellie for the day so that Thomas and I can head out to the Flower and Garden Show in Seattle and make a day date out of it.  We even looked through the program and have decided to go to one of the seminars - of course its the one about raising goats.  This flower show is near and dear to my heart since I grew up going to it with my mom, so many great memories and I love that I am able to share her gardening passion!

{TWO}

I feel like all I have been doing since the new year is work in our master bathroom.  On Monday I posted my inspiration board and really hope that I am able to achieve the overall look on a lesser budget.  After some further discussion we have chosen to go with a marble look tile and a dark grout - hopefully we can get that installed before the summer.  I just have a few places I need to touch up the paint this weekend and then dare I say it? I think I will be done with all the painting!!! Well at least until we pick out some mirrors and then I'll need to paint behind the existing mirrors.  It's coming along, slowly but surely and I am so excited to finally be done and to have our bathroom back!!

{THREE}

I also posted about my second Stitch Fix this week.  It was a total fail, except I did decide to keep the grey top.  I so love getting these fixes in the mail and trying on all the stuff.  After this one I did go back and make a few changes to my profile, so hopefully that will help me to get a better fix next time.  And if you have been on the fence and want to sign up, please do so through my referral link here, that way I can get a nice little bonus on my next fix!!

{FOUR}

You may have noticed the GoFundMe widget on my sidebar.  Thomas and I set that up so that we can fundraise to adopt a brother for Ellie.  Our goal is to raise at least half of the total costs for adoption, so that would be about $10,000.  Before we can even officially start the process we are needing to raise $2,500. that will pay for our home study, and re-application fee's with our agency.  One of my good blog friends has made our first donation and we are so blessed by her generosity.  Any little bit helps us get closer to growing our family and giving Ellie the blessing of a brother.  Siblings can bring so much more love, kindness, and fun into a family.  Since getting pregnant is pretty much not in the cards for us we are not going to be able to give Ellie a sibling the "easy" way, we were so pleased with our adoption experience with Ellie that we are going to go through the same agency again and hopefully bring a brother home for Ellie in the next 12 months!  The process is long, complicated, emotional and expensive but you really can't put a price on family!!  It is our hope to be a family of 6, so more likely than not we will go through this process a total of four times (unless we get crazy lucky with twins!!)  Anything will help us on this journey, whether it be a monetary donation or prayers for a quick and seamless adoption process, or sharing our GoFundMe page, it all means the world to us!!  Thank you.

{FIVE}

On Wednesday I had one hour that was kid-free and all to myself!! That rarely happens.  Thomas picked Ellie up on his way home from work, my nanny mom got home early and I had an hour to spare before it was time to head to MOPs.  So I did what any mom would do when she is kid-free and headed myself straight to Target and then the mall.  I probably went against #momcode and all I did was "shop" for Ellie!! Oh my word there are so many cute things out there right now for toddler girls and I want it ALL!!! But with an adoption and its costs in the near future I just got to enjoy looking at all the sweet clothes (not to mention but the baby boys clothes are so cute too).  I am on a huge floral kick right now and this top is so cute! Why can't I find anything like this for me? c'mon stitch fix get it for me!!! Then I headed over to Old Navy and am swooning over this this this this and this. I mean seriously. Of course you can shop all of these through Ebates and get cash back on all of your purchases.  If you haven't signed up for Ebates yet feel free to do so through my referral link and you'll get a $10 Target card and I'll get a nice little something on my next big fat check!!

Happy Friday Y'all have a great weekend and Happy Valentine's Day too!

♥ Ashley

Linking up everywhere today, click to see.

Hugs & Kisses

Y'all it started happening about two weeks ago. I remember reading about it and words can't do it justice. 

For a while now I ask Ellie for hugs and she says "squeeze" as she hugs hard and then gives kisses when asked as well (though not always willingly). 

Ellie has started giving kisses on her own. Oh my word it melts my mama heart. About a week ago I was holding her, as I often do, and the next thing I know she is giving my should kisses! Last week we took a quick stroll through HobbyLobby and as I'm looking at knobs for our bathroom vanity I feel something on my knuckle, I look over and girlfriend is kissing my hand. Last night I was sitting on the chair while she was playing and she can over to give my knee a kiss. 

It is hands down adorable and something I don't ever want to forget. Ellie started giving kisses all by herself at 20 months old. 

The hugs and kisses are just reserved for mama and dada, friends, babies, toys and stuffies are also happy recipients. 

What fun things have your toddlers been up to?

♥ Ashley 

Linking up here

The Stitch #2

So I got my second fix in the mail this weekend.  I was getting all excited about it because I am loving what some other bloggers are getting in theirs! I so loved my last fix and was hoping for an even better one this time.

 I opened the box and immediately went to the style card to check out what was in my box.  I loved my sweet little note from my stylist, when I realized I had a new one....I was a little perturbed because I wasn't sure how great of a box this would be with a new stylist. On the style card were jeans, two tops, a cardigan, and a necklace. I knew for sure I was going to have to try all of these on before having any opinions....I was disappointed in this fix :(

andplusalso the lighting in my room is horrid

Just Black Dean Ankle Zip Skinny Jeans $78

GREAT, I have been on the search for a great pair of denim.  I loved the fit of the last pair but wasn't a fan of the distressing and holes everywhere.  This pair has a zipper at the ankle.  I am not quite sure what you are supposed to do with it.  If the jeans are too long you can't really roll them up (like I normally have to do) and won't the zipper be uncomfortable in boots? and see they are a bit long...slouchy ankles are in, right?

Market & Spruce Memphis Lace Overlay Knit Shirt $58
I need another grey clothing item like I need another hole in my head.  But the thing is...I love grey. I am all about grey lately: our bathroom is 3 shades of grey, I want our bedroom to be grey, eventually our home exterior will be grey (this summer!!) and I even mentioned that maybe we should paint Ellie's toddler room grey...to which Thomas replied - do we live in a black and white film??? So of course I have some love for this top. I love how its fitting me, soft and loose around the belly - gone are the days I loved them skintight clothes!, its a great length, super soft and a great fabric weight too.  The detail of the lace is just the right feminine touch. It's on the maybe list because $58 not so sure but with my $20 styling fee and a $5 off I might be able to go for $33. IDK.

Market & Spruce Alan French Terry Asymmetrical Zip Cardigan $68
I have cardigans in every color in my closet, including two black ones.  So I don't think that another one is really needing to be in my life. At first I was all like HELL NO! I don't like the zipper detail or that it zips on the side (I know that's kinda "in" right now) but I had to try it on.  Its heavier than any of my other cardi's and actually falls nicely (despite my facial expression).

I like how it drapes in the front due to the cut of it.  The sleeves are a bit long on my 5' frame. I was iffy about it.  So I thought I would try it on with the other top.  It looked a little better.  Then I found the POCKETS!!! I love pockets and usually are the selling point for me.  So I started to consider this cardi.  But I had to zip it up first and you know what happened? 

The zipper gets all cock-eyed-katie on me and I can't even zip it up! (is this an omen?)

Finally after about a minute of wrestling with it I get the damn thing zipped and it looks even worse!!

Of course this photo sucks too...but I hate it.  Its going back just like I thought it would when I first saw it.

Kensie Jordan Floral Print Sleeveless Blouse $38

I have several Kensie items in my closet - back when they used to have a store in the mall I used to work at. So I am familiar with their funky fits and out of the box styles.  At first glance I figured this would probably the one item I would for sure keep. I liked the blousiness of it, it was light weight and I was "okay" with the blue floral.  I have A LOT of girly floral prints on my Pinterest board so I was really hoping for something along those lines...but nocando.  It was all fun and games until the bust/underarm seam was poking out all funny. Apparently this top was made for someone with boobs like Dolly Parton. It's something I cannot get over and putting the cardi over didn't make any improvements.  So this was another fail and is going back.

Rita Teardrop Bib Necklace $42
I have absolutely no idea how this thing even managed to get into my box.  When I filled out my profile, I specifically said NO jewelry. And then they send me something my 80 year old grandma would wear.  It's only saving grace is that it is Gold and Coral two of my favorite colors right now.  But this thing is BAD. I didn't even want to take it out of the box, let alone try it on - but sometimes these things surprise you.  Not this time.  It was even worse on. Sent Back as fast as I could get it in the return shipping bag!!

in the photo below you can see the weird bust seam poking out.  This outfit was a fail!

I know it sounds like I trashed this whole box, which basically I did.  I still have faith in Stitch Fix and know that each box will help them understand my style and ability to get out of my comfort zone more.  You have to fall before you can succeed, otherwise your success won't mean as much.  I am looking forward to my next Stitch Fix.  If you want to take a chance on it I highly recommend it.  You can sign up through my referral here and then I will get a nice little bonus on my next box!

Have you tried Stitch Fix? What do you think of mine?

♥ Ashley

linking up here

Master Bath Makeover Inspiration

Master Bath Makeover by lifeonthefarm featuring chrome lighting

At the end of December, Thomas and I sat down and talked about what home improvements we would like to try and accomplish in 2015.  Our master bathroom was at the top of my list and before he could say anything about it I bought paint and went to town.  Bathrooms seem to be my go-to makeover addiction lately, I overhauled Ellie's last year.  You can see it here.

I am sure I have mentioned it on here before but our home was built in 1989 and when we moved in in 2008 it was still in all its 1989 glory, complete with the builders white paint and yellowing linoleum floors.  We have done what we can to bring it up to date, but this is a slow process and my style taste has changed so much in the past 7 years that some things have been made over a couple of times...like both of the bathrooms.

As with most of our home improvements, we are on a budget and plan to DIY as much as possible (adoptions are expensive y'all).  I am hoping to go with a clean, light, and bright scheme.  The walls are Sherwin Williams "Light French Gray" and I painted our existing double sink vanity Sherwin Williams "Ellie Gray", both were color matched with Valspar paint at Lowes.  The baseboard and doors are the same white throughout our house Crisp Linen by Valspar.

There is a window between our sinks so we will need to have two mirrors, currently we have the builders frameless mirrors stuck on the walls and I CANNOT wait to take those down.  I am hoping to replace them with some mirrored medicine cabinets because frankly I want to get stuff off of the counter!  We do have plenty of storage in our bathroom, thanks to a very generously sized linen closet but I find that I will access the stuff better above the sink.  I am really liking this and this from Ikea but I am just not sure if they are going to be my final choice, as they are a bit out of my price range.  I will continue to shop around and check out Goodwill until I fall in love.

We also have these gorgeous brass lights above the mirrors, classic 1989 builders choice that I am hoping to replace.  They are the only lighting in the bathroom so I have to be super picky about what I choose.  I am loving the look of these but I am hoping to find something a little more budget friendly. If you have suggestions, I am all ears!

The floors.  These are the bane of my existence.  They are linoleum (my least favorite flooring material, right next to carpet), from 1989, its turning yellow, and peeling up at all the seems and edges.  Basically its time to rip it all out and replace with tile.  I am torn with what type of tile to put down, I llove the look of the wood plank and this tile but also a marble look would be incredibly chic and go with the color scheme.  What I do know (learning from our last tiling experience) is that I am going to go with a darker grout.  So what do you think, should I go with the wood look or the classic marble?

I am so excited to finish this project and share it with you all.

Have you done any bathroom makeovers? What are your thoughts on my choices?

♥ Ashley

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Oh hey there, it's Friday!

Friday how I love you so!  You bring so many good things with you, mostly the weekend and it is fantastic.

I have been a little under the weather since Wednesday (running a fever) but now I am starting to feel a bit better. I got an email that Ellie was featured on Yuen Lui FB page from her 18 month photo shoot back in December. Oh my word she is adorable. 

O N E

we are just about one week away from Valentines Day!  I haven't really been a big Vday fan but any chance I can get to decorate my house, I am on it!! I have a Valentines tree (actually two of them) and it has been so fun collecting ornaments over the years.  I am keeping it simple this year and not going crazy with holiday decor, just touches here and there.  What I am really hoping for this year on Valentines Day are some flowers from the man I love.  

T W O

Love languages.  Have you ever taken the test to find out what your love language is?  My top two are Words of Affirmation (one of the reason I live for your comments!) and Receiving Gifts (I mean really who doesn't like to get a little something something?) I think it really helps to know what your love language is and your partners so that you can be mindful of how you treat and show love to each other.  Its a super fun test, Thomas and I actually took it while we were engaged in our marriage class.  

T H R E E 

I have been working on getting out of my comfort zone this year, probably because I am being encouraged to do so through MOPs and theme this year is to "Be You, Bravely".  So I have started to let Ellie help out in the kitchen with baking some cookies and cakes.  It is out of my comfort zone because I don't like messes, so I'm sure if I train Ellie right she will be a fairly clean baker alongside me.  Another thing I have done is started more art project with Ellie: coloring and painting (gasp! talk about potential messy disaster!)  I am so pleased with her creativity and how she actually likes to be fairly clean - minus the crayon on the walls....

F O U R 

As the mom of 4 miscarriages and 5 years of battling Infertility, its a rocky rough road with lots of turns, bumps, and detours.  Its heartbreaking, emotional, trying, and all sorts of feelings there just aren't words for.  This season is incredibly hard since there seems to be a huge baby boom in the blogging world.  I know for at least three of these pregnant mama's the journey to pregnancy was nothing short of a miracle and I am so incredibly happy for their blessings.  I also know of at least four other bloggers (myself included) who are dreaming of the day we can make an announcement here on the blogosphere.  Of course I have to say congrats to the 3 mama bloggers I follow, who all had their babes on the same day this week! Finally Tawnya shared this post and YES! 

F I V E

We are going to be crazy this weekend and head out to IKEA on a Saturday.  I have a few things that I am looking for for our bathroom.  I thought I was all done painting and then I took a closer look and see about 20 spots of green on the walls (which are now blue with painters tape) and then I looked at the window and realized that the damn windowsill is still that awful 1989 orange wood color!! So I see more sanding and painting in my weekend future.  Aside from the Ikea run and the things on my list the only other major thing we have left is to do the floors.  Once the tile is picked out and installed, I can get to caulking the baseboard and it will be "complete" whatever that means!

Happy Friday Y'all!

♥ Ashley

linking up here

DITL

Wow!! I cannot believe how "on top of it" I am.  I recorded our DITL this Monday and I am already posting it!! Allow me to toot my own horn for just a second.

Date: February 2, 2015

Ellie: age 20 months

I woke up at 6:25 and Thomas had already left for work.  Apparently he kissed me goodbye but I have no recollection - I must have been out of it.  I brushed my teeth (cannot stand morning mouth!) and then got my coffee.

6:30am:  I checked my email and learned that I won $75 to Minted!! I know exactly what I want to get and I am soo excited!  After reading through emails and responding I start reading blogs.

6:45am Ellie made a noise so I went to check the monitor but she was back to sleep already, so I resumed reading blogs.

7:45am Ellie is STILL sleeping, so I take a break from blogs to write out a "to-do list" and make our bed.  I figured that if I am going to expect Ellie to make her bed in a couple years I should probably make mine.  Thomas helps out on the weekends making the bed and I just love how it really helps me feel ready for the day.

7:50am Ellie is still sleeping so I go back to finishing up reading my blog roll.

8:05am Ellie finally wakes up and I can hear her saying "mama mama" so I go in to get her and as soon as I open the door she greets me with the biggest smile and says "HI" then signs for milk.  I get my kiss from her, we pet the puppies, brush her teeth and then its time for milk.  I set her up on the chair by the TV to watch an episode of Daniel Tiger so I can run out and feed the farm.  I also do a diaper change and we are in disposables because of a diaper rash - thank you blueberries.

Bathroom sneak peek

8:30am I start a load of laundry.  Does it every end? I don't mind the sorting, washing, drying and folding, its the putting away that is my least favorite part.....anyone else feel this way?

8:45am Daniel Tiger is over so Ellie decides to play for a bit - being dangerous on the slide and pushing around Bitty Baby. 

8:50am I check to see when the flower nursery opens so I can buy early bird tickets and it opens at 9am so I get us ready to go.

9:05am we are in the car and on our way.

9:25am we arrive at the nursery and I actually let Ellie walk around the gift shop (because all the shopping carts were wet)  I didn't get any photos because I was too busy keeping Ellie's hands off everything.  The ladies in the shop were totally charmed by Ellie and she was on her best behavior waving hi, saying hi, blowing kisses and being the little peach that she is.  We looked around the shop a little bit and Ellie fell in love with the mini Jelly Cat plush bunny and sheep (I know whats going in her Easter basket).  Then we bought our Early Bird tickets to the Flower and Garden Show. Then back in the car to go to work at the church.

9:50am we arrived at church and Ellie had a blast playing with all her friends and having her favorite snack plain Cheerios and Goldfish crackers.

11:30am we get back in the car to go home for lunch but we stop at the grocery store so I can get ingredients to make Strawberry Cake.

12:00 we make it home and I start making lunch (pasta), switch over the laundry, give Ellie her milk, and let the dogs out.

12:45pm we are finished with lunch so we clean up and get a fresh diaper on Ellie and then its time for her nap.

12:55pm Cooper hears something (the dryer) and feels the need to alert the authorities with his incredibly shrill bark, which wakes Ellie up (if she was even asleep), what a jerk! If I could I think I would remove his voice box!!

1:10 Ellie finally falls back asleep, I start watching a bit of tv and surf the internet.

1:30pm Its time to start my "chores", which is basically to finish up some painting in our bathroom.  I am loving how it is turning out and cannot wait to share it with y'all.

2:30pm Ellie starts making noises but isn't crying so I finish up the last coat I am working on.

2:45pm Ellie is UP and ready to get out of her crib.  She says "mama" when I open the door and plants a giant kiss on my face.  Just the best. I get her her milk and she gets to drink a little bit of it before we start her "chores".

2:55pm I let her watch another episode of Daniel Tiger while I fold laundry.

3:20pm Thomas should be home soon, but while I was folding laundry I cam across some items of Ellie's that she doesn't wear anymore and decide to photo them for my IG account @adoptioncloset which is one way I am hoping to fund raise for our next adoption.  If you don't see any items but you want to donate you can do so through our GoFundMe page!

3:35pm Thomas arrives home and I finish up posting sale items to IG.  I remember that I need to call my dad since I am supposed to be picking up his dog tonight and set up a time to meet.

3:50pm Thomas and I give a debrief about our days and I decide to finish up the "last" coat of paint on the door trim.  This project is taking a lot more time than I anticipated, but I know I am going to love the end result.

4:40pm I have to leave to go meet my dad!!! So I clean up and then get in the car.  Shoot I am out of gas so I stop to fill up for $2.05 a gallon!!! which is a steal in these parts, and then head up to Seattle to meet my dad.

6:00pm I finally arrive at my dad's house.  I help him figure out a few things on his computer and then we decide to go out for Chinese for dinner! My favorite place. We have a nice talk in the car and at dinner then we head back to his place.  I get all of his dog's stuff in the car, we are taking his dog because he is having a Pacemaker put in on Thursday, prayers please, and he will be out of commission for a couple of days.

7:30pm I get a text that Thomas already put Ellie to bed and she was sound asleep.

10:30pm I finally get home and get my dad's dog settled.  Then I get ready for bed and just as I am crawling in Ellie wakes up! I go in and try to settle her down but she isn't having it. So finally at 10:55 I bring her into our bed and she goes out like a light!

Though this wasn't a typical day I really do enjoy my "Monday's off".

♥ Ashley

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Our Weekend

We had a great weekend filled with working on house projects, hanging with family and taxes. 

I finally decorated for Valentine's Day. I have taken their to of "simpler is better" when it comes to decor this year. So if I don't absolutely love it, it's staying in the box. No holiday would be complete without a drawing on my chalkboard pantry doors. 

And then the little touches of love around the house!

Friday night after I got off work I went out of my comfort zone to attend a MOPs game night. I was a little unsure of I would stay when I first arrived - since it was a bit slow to begin. But then once the games started playing I joined in on a game of pictionary with a group of ladies I had never met. At first our game was neck and neck but then my team pulled ahead and got the win! 

Saturday we made a Costco run then back home for Ellie's nap. Once she was up we headed over to my Inlaws to do our taxes (it's so easy to do yourself) and have dinner. Pizza for the win. We can always count on Ellie eating her fair share of pizza. 

We discussed our menu for the upcoming week. I have the pleasure of being home every night this week so we are going to get to have family dinners each day!!

Sunday we had a lazy morning (after we ran to Safeway to get our $2 Starbucks, thank you Just For You app) with chocolate chip pancakes and a couple episodes of Grim. Once Ellie went down for her nap I got to painting the last pantry door in our kitchen and the linen closet door in our master bath. Then it was time for the Super Bowl. Thomas parents came over and we visited for a bit then I went out in the garage to sand the baseboards to prep for more painting. While I was waiting for the paint to dry I would come out and visit and "watch" some of the game. Just before half time I took my big break and made dinner: chicken paillard and my MIL brought her cornflake potatoes. Once the food was ready we ate and watched Katie Perry's halftime performance and I went back to more painting. 

Oh and I took some photos of our gallery wall I've been working on in the hallway!

Ellie is ready to become a big sister and since getting pregnant isn't in the cards for us we are going to adopt again!  Our experience adopting Ellie was so positive that we are going through the same agency. Adoption isn't quite as expensive the second time around but since we exhausted most of our savings the first time around we are fundraising this time. Please go check out our GoFundMe page to donate to our adoption fund. Thank you so much for all your support!!

♥ Ashley

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