F is for Friday!

Oh my gosh y'all I cannot tell you how happy I am that it's finally Friday!  Except that this week has gone by so quickly that somehow it is Friday already! Life really is going fast and next week my baby will be TWO!!! How did that happen?

{ONE}

A few months ago we got a potty for Ellie at IKEA. I chose to go with the IKEA one because it was like $8 and we have been letting her sit on it randomly since. Sometimes she has her clothes on and other times not. Last week I decided that we should start being a little more serious about this whole potty situation because I am pretty much over doing diapers!  So last Friday we started a very laid back attempt at potty training. We had our first success!! I was so thrilled with Ellie going almost as soon as I put her on, she could have cared less - she is just more excited about reading her Daniel Tiger book and pressing the flush button!  Anyways we had one success on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.  Nothing on Wednesday or Thursday but that's okay because I don't want to push it, however she really only likes to sit on her IKEA potty. I'm just happy with progress we're making.  Of course it's not all sunshine and rainbows there have been several times when there have been tears and crying when I tell her we're going to sit on the potty. 

{TWO}

Ellie is turning TWO next week and we are having her party at the end of the month. I finally got the invited sent out and I am in planning mode. I'm on the search for a curtain of some sort that has birch trees on it...any suggestions?

{THREE}

I mentioned on Monday that we have been working on doubling the size of our backyard. It's much easier than it sounds.  We have a side yard that we never really used and I had plans on fencing it off to increase our backyard for about 7 years. Thankfully our neighbor decided to fence off his yard this fall, which included our side yard! So all we needed to do was get some fencing to go on the "fourth" side of it to be complete. We got that done on Saturday and then on Sunday we took down the cedar fence which totally opened it all up!! I have plans to plant some privacy bushes along the black fence, I'm thinking Camelias!  And then our summer project is to double the size of our deck! Lots of "doubling" going on on the farm...of only we could double our number of children....

{FOUR} 

Which leads me to number four, I know we've been on the roller coaster of Infertility for 6 years but I am finally starting to fully educate myself on my disease. I went to our local library and picked up these books. 

I don't know what took me so long. I already finished the "Conquering Infertility" and practically cried during the entire book. It was so good to have my thoughts, feelings and emotions validated. This book didn't give a "cure" for infertility but rather helps you with coping mechanisms and learning to accept the cards that you have been dealt. That infertility is temporary and to try and find satisfaction and happiness in your life. I am half way through the diet book and it's just a good way of eating overall. It talks a lot about PCOS (which I don't have) and really what a big role our diet has on or overall health. Major recommendations I've picked up on so far is eliminating Trans Fat (duh) and eating more beans/legumes instead of red meat and also whole grains vs. white breads. All pretty common knowledge but it's nice reading some scientific findings on how diet affect fertility. 

{FIVE}

In addition I've been in a little bit of a funk this week as well because Sunday would be baby #4's first birthday had I not miscarried.  I often find myself thinking about this babe in particular and try to imaging what our life would have been like had we been blessed with a viable pregnancy. It would have been crazy for sure but I would have loved every minute of it. My heart aches for #4 (and the other 3 as well) and I pray every day that God will bless us with our rainbow babe. 

♥ Ashley 

Linking up here

In case you missed it
Monday I shared about my second Mother's Day
Wednesday I shared about my Third Stitch Fix

Fix #3

I got my third Stitch Fix in the mail just before Mother's Day and boy was I excited! 

I have to say that this was my best fix to date.  I opened up my package and immediately checked out the styling card and note from my stylist. I feel like Erika really listened to me and understands my style much better than my previous fixes.

Here is a close up of all five items

I mean perfect right? I really really wanted to love everything in this fix and utilize the 25% discount for all five items. Each item was practically something I would pick out for myself! This was a fix made in heaven...almost. 

Item One: Mavi Aiden Skinny Jean $98

 Okay so I realize that this picture quality is horrific and I have many apologies for that. I am also realizing that the lighting is horrible in my bathroom (it's almost done btw) which might explain why my makeup always looks so drastically different when I go into another room....a story for another day. 

I have been asking for a great quality pair of denim that actually fit me because I am learning that my $15 Ross finds just aren't that flattering. These jeans have been the best yet, nothing funky like holes or weird ankle zippers (although there was a zipper in the penny pocket). They might have been a bit snug at the waist but were super comfortable and the material was really soft and stretchy. 

The more I look at them the more I like them but once again, they are a bit long and give me slouchy ankles. I know I'm pretty picky but when you stand just 60" tall finding jeans (that are not in the girls section) that are short enough are hard to come by. But ultimately as much as I liked these jeans I didn't love them and for $98 I just couldn't take the plunge. 

Verdict: sent back

Item Two: Pixley Colibri Heart Print Tab-Sleeve Blouse $48

I actually requested this blouse after seeing it on another blogger (It fit her much better). I love the style of this blouse and actually have one similar in a green and white chevron. I love the length and that the sleeves can roll up. It was really comfortable on and I actually liked how it looked on me. 

But...

There is just something about how the neck fits me. I'm all about being conservative these days and all but I just don't like how the neck doesn't state open on me, I kept trying to fold it down but it wouldn't work. And the. I tried to take it off....that was a struggle. I also got a little dizzy looking at the pattern, isn't it a bit blurry.  I'm not too big on hearts and I've already stepped out of my comfort zone with a heart pattern sweater in my first fix that I'd rather go for a pattern I love. I think I will ask for this blouse again and see if I can't get a better pattern/color. 

Verdict: sent back

Item Three: Skies are Blue Harley Lace Detail Top $48

When I saw this in the box I loved it. I mean the color alone is one of my favorites right now, Coral and then it was lace so it shoulda been out of the park. Except that it looked horrible on me. The sleeves fit all sorts of weird and I feel like it makes me look like a box or a line backer - take your pick. Not to mention it was see-through so I have to wear a tank underneath (which I do on the reg anyways but still...) I was so sad that this was so bad because it looked so cute, it even had a cool zipper detail on the back! Don't let me forget to mention though that the tag nearly took my nose out while trying it on, not that that would have changed my mind at all. Apparently I have a real hard time trying clothes on?!!! 

Verdict: sent back

Item Four: Skies are Blue Page Flutter Sleeve Blouse $48

Finally! I have been asking for a floral top since I can't remember when. Both of my previous boxes sent me a floral top but they were just plain awful. I finally learned that I needed to use the phrase "romantic floral" to get what I wanted!  This top is see through as well but I love how flowy it is and it doesn't make my arms look fat!  It has some great colors and a fun floral pattern.

Verdict: kept obvi 

Item Five: Bancroft Wendy Layered Branch Necklace $32

 Honestly I didn't even bother taking this out of the box. First of all because it was $32 and I ain't going to be spending that much on a necklace and second of all they sent me another necklace. Truth be told I didn't tell them to not send me jewelry I just thought they would be able to send me something better. I will be taking that out of my produce because so far in the accessory dept they are 0 for 3. 

Verdict: sent back

Even though I only kept one item I really loved this fix and think they are understanding my style preferences much better. I had so much fun with this one and am really hoping that they will knock it out of the park next time!

Have you tried Stitch Fix before? It is so much fun! If you haven't already you can click here to sign up with my referral and I'll get a nice little bonus on my next fix!

♥ Ashley 

Linking up here 

Mothers Day 2015

Wow I cannot tell you how blessed I feel to have been able to have my second Mother's Day! I know this day is supposed to be all about the moms but I wouldn't be a mama (at least recognized as a mama) without my dear sweet Ellie. It's because of her I get to be called Mama. 

As I went through my day I spent time thinking of my four sweet angel babes who are forever in my heart even though I never got to hold them and I also spent time thinking about how much my mom would have enjoyed this day as not only a Mama but as a Grandma as well. My heart aches for our losses of our babes and my mom but I know how blessed and lucky we are to have Ellie in our lives and am so grateful for adoption so that we can enjoy days like these. I know that for many years this day brought on extreme heartache as we experienced miscarriages and an empty home with the battle of infertility. I know that there are still many moms and women out there who struggle on this day and my heart and prayers are with you and baby dust to you all!

We started out morning out in our church nursery as it was our week to volunteer (same as last year). 

Thomas really did a great job thinking about what would be special for this day. We had a "picnic" of Jimmy Johns on a bench at a beautiful garden near our house. I got to spend the day with my favorite people doing one of my favorite things: looking at flowers and gardens. It was so fun to get to celebrate this day with just our family of three. 

When we got home in the afternoon Ellie took a nap and we did some yard work. We are in the process of a back yard overhaul and I'm loving the progress. We have basically doubled our backyard space and are now able to utilize our side yard!!  It's a project we've been talking about for about five years and it feels so good to start making progress. A great Mother's Day for sure. 

Hope y'all had a great weekend!

♥ Ashley 

Linking up here

12

This girl is 12!!!

So happy to have this girl in my life, she has gotten me through a lot.

Happy Birthday Ragtime!

♥ Ashley

Mother's Day Blogger Exchange!

This blogging community is just the best!!  Back in March Elizabeth announced she was hosting a Mother's Day Exchange with Courtney and Jenny.  I was so excited to be a part of another exchange, since the last one I did was with Wifessionals and she is no longer on social media...

I was matched up with Ashley so you can hop over to her blog to see what I got her.  Then Shelly sent me an awesome box!  Here are all my goodies!

I have heard great things about this book and I cannot wait to start diving in and read it!  I just have to finish the infertility books I picked up at the library first.

I have already shared my love for picture frames on here a bunch of times, I was so happy to get another one! 

A notebook is always a good thing - especially when writing down your infertility thoughts/emotions and the pineapples are just so cute.

I am in the middle of a love affair with mason jars so I was super excited to find one in the box with a straw!!! totally speaks my language and I have already used it a time or two...

I also love that Shelly included some goodies for Ellie, because honestly without her I wouldn't be a Mama!  Ellie is all about Disney now since we went to Disneyland back in February (here, here and here) and these stickers are a hit! Not to mention the Mess Free coloring book is right up my OCD clean freak alley (sp?)!!!

Shelly really knocked it out of the park and has helped make me feel so special this year for Mother's Day!

Thank you so much to Elizabeth, Jenny and Courtney for coming up with this great idea! I just love these sorts of things!

♥ Ashley

linking up here

Not So Wordless Wednesday....

I think its pretty difficult for me to do a Wordless Wednesday post because I always have so much to say.  I have a hard time editing down and keeping my posts not too wordy. (same goes for my life - I blame Princess Ariel for my hoarding like tendencies...my collection isn't complete - I want more!!!) 

Navigating this whole Infertility journey is probably the most difficult thing I have ever endured in my life.  This month marks 6 years officially of TTC/Infertility that means that I have had over 65 negative pregnancy tests and that in itself takes a toll on just about anyone whose hearts desire is to bear children. 

I digress, about a month ago I decided to get myself a library card.  Mainly so that I could check out some movies that I just wasn't seeing on tv: Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast.  I haven't had a library card in who knows how long, if ever!  Not only do library's have dvds, but they also have books (surprise, surprise!)  Anywhoo, last week I decided to see what reading material was available at our library on the topic of Infertility.  The first one on the list of available books was this, y'all I am only about 90 pages in and have basically cried while reading every single page because it feels like the author is speaking directly to me and knows all of my thoughts and emotions that I can't even put into words!!  

One thing Dr. Domar continues to emphasize on the pages is to focus on the present and find enjoyment in what you already have in life.  Let me tell you that this is no easy task for the infertile mind...I am planning a DITL post for the Infertile Brain.  So I have been trying to be more mindful and to get more joy out of my life.

Ellie, is such a light in my life.  I don't even know how to accurately describe what she means to me.  I know that without her my struggle would be even worse, the depression even worse.

Not only is she a joy to raise but to see her out in my element (the farm) just encompasses all I had hoped for what being a Mama and having a daughter would be like.

I usually have her in pants and a t-shirt, but and trying to be more mindful in getting her in dresses.  I don't wear dresses (or skirts) very often so its not natural for me to put Ellie in them.  I don't want to deny her the fun of dressing like a girl and my heart just melts when I see her in more "romantic" type clothes.

Seeing her sweet little personality (with the occasional tantrum) grow and develop is one of the biggest blessings for a Mama. 

and for some reason this happens to be one of her favorite places in our yard.  Two points about this photo, the white top she is wearing my dad picked out for her when he was in Greece the day after she was born (he picked it out all by himself and is one of my favorite pieces for her) and that pig belonged to my Mama...oh how sentimental I have become....

that face! I am so thankful to God everyday that he has blessed us with Ellie through adoption, we truly lucked out with this one and all I want to do with her all day is hold her and squeeze her which she isn't too thrilled about (unless I'm cooking in the kitchen, then she is all about her Mama, and I am all about my personal space....anyone else?)

♥ Ashley

linking up here

Lately

We've been busy here on the farm the past couple of weeks and I'm so happy with our progress!  Work outside, inside and having fun with Ellie, life is good!

If you know me then you know my passion for gardening. I'm no expert and I'm learning every year but I am just so pleased with how our front yard is turning out!!

My moms memorial peony. 

A gardeners work is never done but we can get so much gratification throughout the process!  I cannot believe the transformation that this yard has gone through in the past 7 years we've owned our home.  I'm taking a daily photo on IG you can see it with #parsonsgarden365

One of the best changes I made this last week was I finally painted our front door exterior. It was awful with flesh colored accents and I love how fresh and clean the all white door is!

Yuck!!

Ahhh!!

The trim is still flesh colored but we are planning on painting our house this summer!!! I cannot wait. I am in search of the perfect grey; not too dark and not too light with no muddy undertones or tints of blue or purple...its going to be a challenge but make the biggest difference. 

In other home news we replaced the chairs in our living room. I loved the chairs we had, a great consignment find but the upholstery has taken a beating over the years with our dogs and now Ellie. There were holes and the padding was coming out of the seats. I wanted to get the recovered but that was going to cost $700+ for EACH chair! Ain't nobody got money for that...especially when we're in the adoption process again. 

See we were in serious need of some replacements. Thankfully Target was having a furniture sale and we picked up two of these babies for about 3/4 the price of one reupholstering:

I love them. They are a bit higher (I can't reach the floor) which Thomas loves and more narrow but I their smaller frame makes our room look bigger and lighter. They were a bit stuff when we first got them but now that we've been sitting in them for a couple of weeks they are much more comfortable. And they shipped super quick!

Ellie has been living life lately too, lots of going outside and riding her pony! She has no fear!

Playing dress up for the first time

As a shark, thanks to one of my nanny families!

Going to the park and down slides. She took a tumble and got an egg on her head, cried for maybe 5 seconds and then was back to being Ellie Danger!!

Took a trip to build a bear for the first time and all she wanted was the car...we're in trouble when she turns 16!!

And then we also made a trip to Ikea. Gosh I love that place, but every time I go I want a new kitchen!!  We got some more pillows (can't beat those prices!) and frames (I don't think I can leave without at least one frame) and then we picked up some train sets for Ellie. She loves playing with them at church and one of my nanny houses - she was so excited when I busted it out earlier this week!

While we were at IKEA we also got a hammock stand. I have been on the search for one of these since or honeymoon, we picked up a hammock while we were in town in Cancun during our honeymoon and it's been sitting in a closet ever since! I'm so glad we finally get to use this thing!! It's only been 6 1/2 years!!

And then after getting this for the 60th time:

I decided to do some more research and learning and taking control of my disease.  I went to the library and picked up some books and a dvd

I'm currently reading the "Conquering Infertility" and am hoping to make a difference in my overall health.

 I also put a call into scheduling our homestudy for Adoption #2, hopefully we only have to do an update for $750 otherwise we'll have to do a whole new one that will cost over $1,500. 

And then Ellie's Nanny and Papa got her an ATV to ride around at their house and she loves it!!

It was so cute watching her learn how to push the button and ride around outside...we might need one for the farm so she can chase the goats! Ha

And finally I got more of our vegetable patch planted!!

Peas, Kale, Spinach, Radish and Fennel!!! 

What have you been up to?

♥ Ashley

Linking up here