Day 11: Bring it on! I've got a stroller....

Yo! How are you guys doing? I hope you're enjoying my blog. I find out about more and more people that are reading it every day and it amazes me! When I started this I didn't think many people would read it. I did it more so that our parents could see what we're doing while they're gone. But it's so cool to know other people are reading too :) 

I worked today so Emily was back on duty. I always know I'm going to come home to a clean house when she's in charge :) I was right. Dishes done, laundry done, beds made, rooms clean. Oh yeah! Can't wait til she's older and we're roommates :) When I got home from work I went straight upstairs to hug and kiss Charlie and Garrett. It's so different now. Before, when my parents were here, I'd come home and go in my room, change, check my fb, and then come out and see the kids..Now, I got straight to them and smother them with love! I can't help it. It comes naturally. I played with them for a little bit and then we got ready and went to the farmers market downtown. We took the stroller for Garrett and it is thee worst stroller I've ever used. First of all, all of Lodi was there. It was crowded. People like to walk sllooowwwlllyy. Which is fine, whatever, take your time looking at all those peaches, they all look the same to me! Or at least scoot over so I can push the stroller that doesn't like to turn around you. But please, for the love of lip gloss, DO NOT STOP in FRONT on me!!! I will hit you with the stroller. Don't believe me? Boom. Oh sorry, was that your cute little flip flop I just ran over? Woopsy....I've got a whiney 3 year old and he wants a blue snow cone! Move it!! If one more person stopped in front of me.....Alright, I'm done :) So I got the boys snow cones and Emily and I got blended mochas.

 Garrett's blue tongue from his blue snow cone!


We walked around for a while, saw some friends, hung out, and then it was time to leave. I stopped and got milk and bananas on the way home, leaving Em in the car with the boys. So much easier that way. And then we came home. It was a little late and they were whiney, they hadn't eaten dinner yet. I quickly started some mac and cheese and they watched a movie. Garrett had a hard time tonight.....he hasn't been drinking milk and I think it's because someone accidentally bought reduced fat instead of 2%..I guess it tasted gross to him, he keeps saying, "it's yucky!" So today I made sure I got the right kind but he doesn't know that, he still wont drink it. Also, he hasn't been eating very well. He always eats his yogurt. But that's it. He ate mac and cheese tonight annnd asked for more, so I was happy!! But he was really crabby..he really didn't want a bath tonight. But I'm not the kind of person to skip a day of bathing. They get baths every single night! Stinky or not! He cried the whole time. I gave him a super quick bath and got him dressed and he kept crying and saying, "I want daddy I want daddy!!!" I was chatting with my mom on fb and told her, and even though it was late and way passed their bedtime she said to skype her so he could talk to Donnie. I thought that would make it worse but it did the complete opposite! He was so happy! After they said bye he was all smiles and went straight to bed with no tears :) Phew! Charlie asked me to read them a story so I read them Guess How Much I Love You. When I kissed them good night and turned off the light they said good night and were out! Yay! Thank you skype. 

But really, I'm ready for them to come home!! We all miss them so much. But not only that, seeing all my mom's pictures of her and Donnie with Carson and Ivan make us all that much more excited to finally meet them! I can not wait to meet my new brothers. I just want them to be home already! We are going to get some fabric and make them blankets and get their room all ready. Carson and Ivan, your brothers and sisters love you!! You will be home soon <3 


Snow cones & stroller fights, Ash

Day 10: Feels like day 100

Hey Everyone! I can't believe it's only been 10 days...it feels like it's been one month!! Everything is going so well. People keep asking me how it's going..how the kids are doing..to let them know if I need anything...honestly, it's going just fine! I'm not saying I don't appreciate the concern, because I totally do. I'm just so happy with how well everything is going so far. Now, we still have a long way to go. But we've got a good start :) Little things have happened...like the toilet in my bathroom is leaking..so I have to clean that every day. Also we have an any problem. The first night we left dishes in the sink with food on them and the next morning there were ants all over the sink. After that I quickly learned to wash the dishes every night. I should just do that anyways! So they stopped showing up in the kitchen but I'd notice a couple here and there and then Emily found a huge trail in her bedroom. Today I bought ant traps. Those suckers better DIE. Nothing else has really gone wrong..phew!

Alrighty...so today the boys got up pretty early ugh =/ I'm not getting used to that...! I got up and got them their breakfast and turned on their cartoons. I was just kinda lazy for a while..then I got into the shower and was going to get ready for work but when I got out I had a voicemail that I didn't have to go into work today! I was super excited that I could just do whatever I wanted today so we decided to go back to the mall. I know....we were just there yesterday but..we forgot to get the one thing we were supposed to get yesterday which was a pillow pet for Ivan since we got one for Carson a while ago. And also last night my mom told Emily and I we could get a pair of Toms Shoes and she would pay :) So we wanted to get them today! Emily and I got ready and got the boys ready and we went to Target first. Garrett calls it Targ. It's so funny when he says it lol. After our target trip we stopped for lunch. The guy in the taco bell drive through was extra friendly and Emily said he was staring at me as he was handing me my food but I wasn't even paying attention lol I was too focused on making sure the boys had everything and just other things..anyways she was laughing at him..poor guy ha..We ate real quick and then headed to the mall. First we went to the mall with the pillow pet store. Garrett fell asleep on the way there and I had to change his diaper..again...while he was sleeping...

We picked a pillow pet for Ivan and then went over to the other mall. Emily got some really cute Toms but they didn't have my size in any cute ones so I ordered some online. Here's a pic of Emily's!

Then we came home and the boys played outside for a little while and Emily cleaned out the car. How awesome is she!!

My best friend <3

                    Garrett had 3D chock glasses on :)




            Then we came inside and the boys had a wrestling match...

 Garrett usually wins..........

 He's strong for a little guy!

 I decided to join in..

 :)

 Then we played dress up!

After that it was bedtime. They were pretty tired but Garret has been having a hard time. Charlie is usually really good about bedtime but he got up and came downstairs a few times..Garrett is fine once he's in bed but getting him there is the trick. He doesn't like his hair washed even though I am very careful and never get it in his eyes. Sometimes he doesn't even want to get in the bath so that's a struggle. I try to sing and play to make it fun. It works sometimes. When he starts crying I sing twinkle twinkle little star or itsy bitsy spider. Or winnie the pooh! He usually stops crying and sings with me. I learned that one from mom :) Also he really doesn't like his teeth brushed. But when he cries during that it helps me really get in there! Last night when he was crying he was saying, "I want mommy I want mommy!!!!" He was making me sad ;( I gave him a cute little polar bear book with a white, soft, fuzzy circle of fluff on it that he likes to touch. Distraction is key! It worked. I am always so relieved when they are in bed sleeping. Phew. We made it another day. :)

Rubber Duckies & Bubbles, Ashley

Day 9: Rain...

Rain in June? What! So weird. Today was fun! I got to sleep in because Emily is here so she got up with the boys. We kinda just lounged around this morning and cleaned up a little..I watered the plants and put laundry away. Emily is back so there's finally laundry to put away haha! Once we all got ready we went to Nana and Papa's house to see their new motor home. She said they want to take us to Santa Cruz and spend the night..it sleeps 8. I can see that getting chaotic with all the kids and whatnot...but hey, why not! I'd love to go to the beach :) So hopefully that will be happening soon. Em and I left the boys there and went shopping. It was nice to hang out, just her and I. We went to forever 21 :))) it's the best. I bought a few things and got her a couple things too. I love shopping with my sister. Plus we can share clothes so I make sure I like what she picks out hehe. When we got back to Nana's and Papa's the boys were playing in the play room with Nana. They could probably play in there all day. Just something about Nana's house. We stayed for dinner and they ordered a pizza for us. We have the best Nana and Papa ever! After dinner they played some more and had some ice cream. Then we ran out to the car and headed home. It was pouring rain!! Garrett fell asleep on the way home so I had to change his clothes and change his diaper while he was asleep..he would not wake up! He will prob be up early tomorrow...that's okay because I have to work anyways. I let Charlie stay up a little but later and play. He is such a sweet heart. But he is growing up so fast!! I want him to stay 5 for a while....I like this age. But I always look at them and wonder what they will be like when they are older, like my age..I just can't imagine them any other age then what they are now! I am definitely ready for my mom and Donnie to come back..it's just weird being here without them. Plus I'm so close with my mom, I miss her a lotttt!! And I know the boys do too!! They are doing really well though! I try to keep them busy. I am learning a lot through this whole thing...I treat Charlie and Garrett like they are my kids..and I really want to know what people are thinking when we are out and about and I'm walking around with them, holding their little hands. Or putting them in their car seats in our SUV type car. I really want someone to say something like, oh your kids are so cute. Just so I can be like, you think I had a baby when I was 14? haha...people don't think I am 19 anyways. I get told that I look like I'm 16 all the time...I'll be 20 in September. But that's okay, I'll be forever young :) hehe okay, I'm rambling. Talk to ya tomorrow! <3

Rain drops & Lolli Pops, Ash  

p.s. I forgot to add this a few days ago when we went to walmart...they were watching cars on all the tvs lol :)

Day 8: Lil mama

So it's been a full week since our parents have been gone. So far everything has been great! The boys are doing good. Ty and Sarah are at Hume Lake. Luckies...and Emily got home today!!! :) I worked 12-4 today so Nana came over to watch the boys. She brought OJ and mopped :) Thanks Nana! It was nice to be back at work after having three days off. I missed my friends there! Oh! I have a cute pic of Charlie...I let him pick his shoes today...

After work I picked up Emily and ran up to her and hugged her forever and squeezed her little cheekies. She said I was embarrassing and her friends were like aw I wish someone did that to me! So ha! I just missed her okay. Jeez! Anyways..we came home and she went to sleep! It was like 5...and she's still sleeping!! That's okay because she can get up early with the boys ;) haha suckaaaa :p soo it was kind of a lazyyyy day. I had to get right on the computer to pick classes for the fall. I'm going back to Delta but since I didn't go last semester they pushed my date to pick classes back..so everything was full! So far I only have one class..I might get on the waiting list for a few more or I might just show up to some and just see what happens. As long as I do really well in this class I should have a better date for the spring semester. So while I was dealing with all that the boys were playing and being loud and running all over the house! I made pasta for dinner and we ate out back on the deck. It was nice but kinda windy! After dinner the boys had a bath and I got them ready for bed and put them to bed, but they weren't as ready as I was!

                                                              Garrett the carrot :)


It was 9:30..a little later than they've been going to bed..so I figured they would be tired. Nope. Obviously Nana didn't do a very good job at my "tiring out" technique...hehe..I had to come upstairs a few times and use my stern mommy voice. Finally they fell asleep. Little sweethearts. I totally missed them today at work. After spending almost every minute with them for three days, four hours without them was so sad ;( hahah oh gosh..listen to me!!! haha. So yeah..they're sleeping and I'm watching the bachelorette. Yep. I watch that. I don't watch much TV but I always watch this and the bachelor for some reason. I def would not ever do something like that..it's totally wrong. But I'm such a sucker for lovey dovey mushy sweetness, and this show is full of that cutesy romance. hehe. Anyways...lil mama is doin good! Thanks so much for all the prayers and love and support!!!! I really appreciate it. I love you all! :) 

Thomas and Friends, Ash

Day 7: Flexibility

Hey guys.  Phew...they are wearing me out! Yesterday I was ready for bed at like 3PM. No joke. It was an early morning and a busy day. I got up at 7 and woke Sarah and Tyler up..they got last minute things together for Hume and got ready..Garrett and Charlie were still sleeping so I woke them up and put them in the car in their jammies. Sarah and Ty had to be at church at 7:45. I dropped them off and rushed back home to get myself and the boys ready for church which started at 9. We quickly got ready, and made it just in time. I dropped the boys off at their class and scurried off to "big church". As I was walking up to the doors all the kids going to Hume came pouring out. Sarah ran up to me and gave me a tight hug. She was crying ;( I didn't even see Tyler..he was off with his friends. But Sarah was having a hard time. I knew once she left she'd be fine...but it's that leaving part. She was about to make me cry to I pried her off and sent her to the bus with her friend Haley and her mom. Before I knew it she was calling me and sending goofy pics from someone's cell phone on the bus. All better :) Church was good, Nana came too. The message was, If you're saved, you shouldn't act like someone who isn't. Totally true..Then I went to Sunday school and after that I picked up the boys. I was driving home and got the great idea of taking them to see Cars 2. Char had already seen it at his bday party but I thought Garrett would like it. So we went home for a little bit and then went to see it at 1:30 buuuut she said we would have front row seating. Everyone and their grandmas cat was at the movies to see this. The next showing was at 4 so I bought tickets for that one. That kinda messed up our plans thought because we were supposed to go to Nana and Papa's house at 5 for dinner. I called Nana and she said it was okay and to just come at 6:30. Flexible :) The boys were getting hungry for lunch so I took them to Fosters Freeze with my friend Adam. I was planning on getting them chicken strips since that's what they always eat there buuuuut they were out of chick strips. So I got them french fries and ice cream instead. Flexible :) That was quite the experience however, you eat outside there, flies everywhere, dirty tables, I noticed chocolate on Garrett's arm and got really grossed out when I realized we didn't order anything with chocolate......this was the very moment I decided I would never leave the house without wipes again. After we ate Adam left and we went back to the movies...by this time I had taken the boys in and out of the car 8 times. It gets tiring!! Poor things were falling asleep in the car but we were going to see this dang movie!!!

We parked, got out, (making it 9 times), and I was all happy feeling smart, thinking we were going to go right in and get good seats because I had already bought our tickets. Boy was I wrong. There was a HUGE line where people who had their tickets had to stand. And it was really hot. But we are flexible :) Luckily I brought water for the boys and snacks. We finally got in and stood in a extremely slow line for popcorn. I was really worried about our seats at this point. And I was right. Third row from the front, alllll the way at the very end of the row. But hey, we could definitely see it! And the boys still had a good time. Flexible :) After the movie I took the boys by Scooters (where I work) because I had to get my schedule. I took them in the back where we cook and into the walk-in. Garrett screamed and Charlie loved it and wanted to keep going into the freezer! But the walk-in is cold enough as it is. After that little pit stop we zoomed off to Nana and Papa's house. One we got there I planted myself in a chair outside and didn't move. I didn't even want to talk to be honest. I was straight POOPED. Funny how that happens....it was a long day after all. Nana made roast and potatoes for us but I wasn't even hungry =/ I ate a lot of popcorn at the movies. It's my favorite :) We stayed there til about 8 and then headed home. Charlie and Garrett got quick baths, teeth brushings, and story readings, and off to bed they were. They were both out within 10 minutes. Ahhhh. quiet time :) I thought it would never come! It was a great day thought, even with all the flexibilities. If everything went perfectly it would have been pretty boring! So that was day 7...stay tuned for today, day 8! <3

Popcorn and skittles, Ashley

Day 6: Another one down

Well Today was a good day. I hung out at home with Garrett for most of the day. He is so good when it's just him. He's not bad when the other kids are home but he just does his own thing when he's alone and doesn't cry or anything. The house was peaceful today :) Then Charlie and Tyler came home. Bye bye peace and quiet. Hello loudness and arguing. Tyler and Sarah LOVE to argue with each other. They get at least one argument in every 5 minutes. SO IRRITATING. I'm looking forward to them being at Hume Lake for a week :) just me and Emily and the boys. Woo hoo! She comes home Monday evening :))) Yay. I try to stop and take a minute when they are really getting to me. I was playing out front with Char and Garrett...Sarah kept coming out there telling me something Tyler was doing. He took the lock for he suitcase or he wouldn't let her have any of the candy Nana bought or he took all the sun block. AH! I was soooooo sick of it. I tried ignoring them and letting them deal with it. I heard slamming doors and screaming from outside..so guess that didn't work. So like I was saying, I try to take a minute, ask Jesus to give me patience and wisdom to resolve the problem, and it really helps. Tyler and I don't get a long very well so I've been talkin to Jesus lots today!!! Maybe that's good? Anyways..he apologized. But it'll happen again. Maybe this week at Hume something will click for him. I hope so.

Charlie had a t-ball game this morning. It was so cute!! He only has one more :( I love watching them play. They all dog pile on the ball, it's hilarious. Some of them are actually really good though! I took some pics of Charlie..

                                                   He likes to slide into home!

                        Garrett got to play at the park with Tyler while Charlie played t-ball

After the game Charlie had a birthday party to go to and Tyler and Sarah went along to help out. Garrett was not very happy that he had to leave and Charlie go to stay at the party with all the kids. So I took him to get a cupcake at a cute little bakery..

 

Garrett played outside for a while and I skyped with my mom and Donnie and cleaned up a little bit. Nana came over to drop off snacks for the kids to take for Hume and did some laundry. Then it was time to pick up the kids from the party. Like I said...bye bye peace and quiet. Ty and Sarah had to pack for Hume and Charlie and Garrett played with their toys and watched sprout. I had to help Sarah pack because she forgets things :) and then we all went out front to play. My friend Nate just got a job at a pizza place and he delivers the pizza so I decided to order one for dinner! The kids enjoyed that. We don't usually get pizza from that particular place and I'm so glad I did this time! Tyler who doesn't even like pizza had three pieces! Or maybe that's because I haven't been feeding them. haha juuuust kidding ;) So yeah, thanks Nate! :) After pizza they played a little more (that was really just me trying to tire them out) we have an early morning tomorrow, the kids have to be at church for Hume at 7:45. Yay me. So I gave the boys a bath, brushed their teeth, and nighty night time for them. I'm starting to look forward to bedtime more and more. It's so nice when I'm the only one awake. I even sent Ty and Sarah to bed at 9. Do you hear that...? Nothing. So nice :) Alrighty well I'm off to bed. Thanks for reading :) Good night! 

Fruit snacks & Cherrios, Ash 

Day 5: Finally Bedtime!

Wow....I'm exhausted. I thought bedtime for the boys would never come. Today was a rough day. Charlie was pretty naughty...Garrett was good but before bed when he had to leave his movie to take a bath. he did not cry however when I brushed his teeth! Which is a first. So that was exciting!! Alright..I guess I should start at the beginning.....I got up at 6:15 and took Emily to Tokay..she went to Santa Cruz for cheer camp and is gone until Monday evening. Then I went back to sleep and Tyler went to Santa Cruz with the Anderson's..they picked him up around 8. Sarah came running into my room at 8:30 and said oh no I was supposed to be at church right now! She decided to start coaching for Mega Sports Camp (which ended today) so she got ready and was a little late. So I came home, got the boys some breakfast and got them dressed. They went upstairs to watch Thomas and I did some blogging and filling out papers for Tyler and Sarah to go to Hume on Sunday. I didn't know all the doctor info so I had to skype my mom which turned into a long skype sesh with the boys lol they always fight over who gets to be directly in front of the camera and they always touch it and move it to their face. So skype time with the boys is always super fun. I'm sarcastic by the way if you don't know me. Nice to meet you. :) After skype the boys had lunch and then we went swimming. Sarah went to get a manicure and pedicure with some friends (thanks guys!) Her nails are super cute!! 

 

When Sarah got home she came swimming with us. This is where Charlie started pushing it. He would let the goggles sink down to the bottom of the pool which he knows he's not supposed to. I don't like diving to the bottom...lol..he was just doing little things that he knows he shouldn't and when I would say no he did it anyway. He had a few time-outs. Buuut, we had a lot of fun taking pictures! :)

After we went swimming we came inside, threw some clothes on and went to the grocery store to get stuff for dinner. At the store I tried to put Garrett in the front of the cart but he wasn't havin that. I moved him to the big part and he did okay for a while but he wanted to walk around like Charlie so I got him out. Bad idea. They like to.....explore. Oh and just you wait til we got to the yogurt section. Oh boy. They went nuts! Garrett was putting gogurts into the card because lightening Mcqueen was on the box...Charlie was talking very loud, telling me what flavors he wanted. I was looking forward to getting to the check out.We finally escaped the grocery store and made it back home. Phew. I made chicken tacos but I started kinda late and I was ready for the boys to be in bed so I made them chicken nuggets and peaches. They like that better anyways! Oh, and we always pray before we eat......

"Thank you Jesus for dieing on the cross for our sins and for mommy and daddy bringing home new boys Carson and John. Amen"

"Thank you Jesus for Thomas and for..rifnkdsnbifeb.fnfou.dnowen.doewindw (no clue)..Amen."

I love it! <3 After dinner it was movie and bath time. Then brushed their teeth and finally off to bed. I read Garrett a story and he let me brush his teeth while he looked at a book. That's the trick! I kissed him good night and turned off the lights. Ten minutes later when I checked on him he was fast asleep! Charlie got out of bed once just to get something he wanted to sleep with and then he was out too. Tyler got home shortly after that with a bright red face. But that's all that got sunburned so not too bad...he said he reapplied sun block 3 times. Lucky bum got to ride the giant dipper today at the boardwalk! Fun! Nana said they might take us to the beach in their new motorhome when they get it. Woo hoo! Ty went straight to bed and Sarah and I cleaned the kitchen and did dishes. I was happy to turn off the lights and get into bed to write my blog. Ahhhh. Peace and quiet :) Well I'm off to dreamland..busy day tomorrow! T-ball at 9 and birthday party at 11. Good night! I'll write tomorrow!

p.s. I miss her.....



Sunblock and Floaties,
                              Ash

                                                             Charlie being silly!

            The boys after their hair cut...Char got a mo hawk..just for the day..don't worry mom :)

 Ty, Garrett, & Char...no we didn't plan the orange! p.s. Idk where Charlie & Garrett are looking...

                                                            Precious little love bugs :)

Day 4: Mellow

The days are really starting to fly by. When I'm making the boys breakfast in the morning I'm like, didn't I just do this!? It's crazy. Everyone is doing really well. The boys have their moments..but it's usually at night. Garrett slept all the way through the night last night, yay! He's doing better. Charlie is good but isn't always very nice to Garrett. He loves him though, so much!! He calls him little bebe. Okay so..yesterday I worked from 9 AM-2PM so Emily was on duty. She's so great. I took her to Tokay this morning at 6:16! I forgot how nice it is outside at that time..the morning smells so good and fresh. But I came home and went back to sleep. I was sad when I dropped her off ;( she's not only my sister but my best friend and I wont see her for 3 days! Also, who's going to do the dishes and laundry?! I'm not even kidding..there's like 2 things in the dirty clothes right now. She is a superstar. Back to yesterday! So when I got home from work Sarah went to Masons with the kids across the street. His name is Edward and he's Emily's age and his brother is Antonio and he is Sarah's age. K so now I can say Edward and Antonio and you'll know who I'm talking about. lol...Charlie loves the boys..when he wakes up, "Can I go play with Edward now?! Is Edward outside???" haha..Then I took the boys to get a haircut. Tyler gets a fo hawk and Charlie wanted to be like him so the lady styled Charlie's hair into a mo hawk..it was so funny but he loooved it. Then we went to Baskin Robins and they got ice cream. After that I brought Tyler home to he could go swim with the kids and I took Em and the boys to walmart. Making little shopping trips like that with out my mom is weird but I'm actually getting used to it. I've learned to put Charlie in the big part of the cart so I can keep track of him. Way easier that way. I've been learning a lot of little tricks actually. Let them play outside all day and run around so they will be tired and not only go to bed early but sleep well through the night. Always bring snacks when going places. And water! Then we came home and the boys went swimming and Nana and Papa came over. The boys really enjoyed that. Yesterday was pretty mellow..Right now it's just me, Garrett, and Charlie. They just ate lunch....I've been trying to write this since like 9:30 this morning lol Thomas the Train is entertaining the boys now so maybe I can go take a shower. I know what it's like now mom.....haha....I miss Emily already :( Monday night hurry up. Alrighty well I'm peacin out. I'll try to blog again tonight. 

Yogurt & Peaches, 
              Ash

Day 2/Day 3: Tired

Hey everyone! So it's been three days since my parents have been gone, all the kids are still alive! Go me! We are all tired though! Charlie and Garrett fell asleep at 8:30 on the couch watching Thomas the Train! Garrett cried a lot tonight. :( When I came home from work around 4, Sarah and Tyler were at Mason's beach with the kids across the street. Em was here with the boys and the house was spotless! All the laundry was done. There wasn't a dish in the sink. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the very reason I am going to live with her when she graduates! ;) Okay anyways..So I took the boys swimming..Charlie is getting very brave! He is now jumping in from a step, going all the way under the water! Garrett stays by the steps though, he doesn't understand that his life jacket will float. Let's see...we swam for a good 2 hours and then came in and I gave Garrett a bath, he cried the whole time =/ even when I got him dressed...then he laid down with his pillow pet and a blanky in the play room watching ni-ho kilan...(idk how to spell that..) on Sprout and finally stopped crying. The boys are mac & cheese and then came upstairs to watch Thomas. Before we knew it they were both out! I made smoothies for Em, Ty, and myself..Sarah is at the Morrow's spending the night! And now we are watching America's Got Talent which is making it hard for me to write this! lol Side note: I watched the voice before this, LOVE it! Definitely gonna start watching that. Okay so..umm yesterday I was off so I just got to be with the kids all day..Rita (very nice lady who lives across the street) took us to Mason's beach with her grand kids. The boys had so much fun! And yes, all you mommies reading this, I applied sun block three times! I know...look at me go! After we got home from Masons we went to Target and I got the boys Icees. Then I decided to get dinner for everyone...so we went to...yes this is true...3 different food places! hehe...Emily and Sarah wanted In n Out. Charlie and Garret got happy meals at McDonalds. And I got Chipotle YUM. It was silly but everyone was satisfied! :) While we were eating and driving around..Sarah goes, "We need to pray!...Ash....don't close your eyes!" lol she's a goof ball. When we got home it was still SUPER hot, and the kids wanted to play outside with the kids across the street. Emily was squirting them with the hose which turned into running in the sprinklers in their clothes. They had a blast! I really am having fun with these guys. I mean, I'm always with them because we live together..lol...but I mean I'm responsible for them! They need me! I give the boys baths and get them dressed and feed them and make sure they don't drown in the pool.....! This is a great experience for me..and for all of us really! Side note: I feel sad when people are singing and they think they are amazing, and they are absolutely awful :( and people laugh at them :( poor things. Okay! Well I think I've rambled on enough...happy mom?? hehe..we've been skypeing and she told me I should blog every day because it helps her not miss us so much <3 Love you !! Good night!!

Hugs & kisses, 
           Ash <3

Day 1: Success

Hey! Okay, So, I've decided while my parents are out of the country and I'm the "mom" , I'm going to keep a blog! I just might decide to continue it when they come home also, ya never know! Alright, well they left this morning at 5:30 AM. I'm pretty sure they didn't sleep..they were still awake when I was going to bed at 3! My mom woke me up this morning to say good bye, and they were off. I went back to sleep and was woken up again three hours later by my three year old little brother, Garrett. He was crying as he slowly came down the stairs. I was sound asleep and when his crying woke me up, I shot up, BOOM! Mommy mode. Weird right? Well it gets weirder...I rushed over to the stairs to get him and he wouldn't let me pick him up. He was super grouchy and whiny. So I just let him come down on his own, whining and all, and I got him some milk and turned on Sprout (his favorite TV channel). After a while he was okay and let me hug him and love on him but for some reason it took him some time, like he didn't know me or something. Meanwhile, Charlie, my five year old lil bro, was fast asleep! I went around the house opening the windows and getting breakfast for the boys..it was weird doing the things my mom does every morning. I was actually really sad :(  When Charlie got up I asked him if he was ready for some cereal and he said, "I want to wait til mommy comes home to eat breakfast." I made a sad face :(  "Mommy and daddy wont be home for a lot more sleeps Char, sorry bubby!" Luckily he didn't cry so we were all good! So let's see....everyone got up, my Nana and Papa came and picked up my twelve year old brother Tyler, and I got ready for work. I was walking down the hall and the door bell rang, it was the lady who lives across the street. She invited the kids to go to Masons beach with her and her grand kids..I was a little iffy at first because Emily (15 yr old sister) would have to go with both boys and Sarah (11 yr old sis). But Emily said she would take them, so we slathered them up in sun block and off they went! I was still kinda worried though because Charlie and Garrett hadn't been there yet and I didn't know what it was like either..I went to work and seriously kept thinking, I hope they're being good, I hope they're okay! Luckily it was suuuupppeer busy at work so the time flew by and pretty soon I was on my way home. They had a great time and Em said the boys were good. Phew. When I got home I wanted to jump in the pool and Sarah and Charlie came too. Sarah decided to go back in the house so Charlie got out and went over to the grass to play. He went running and all of a sudden I heard a high pitched scream! "Ouchiiieee my fooooot ahhh !!!" Something must have stung him, or he stepped on something pokey, but I don't think it was a bee because there wasn't a stinger. He was walking around on the side of his foot and insisted that I give him a band aid...on the bottom of his foot...silly guy. It stuck though, and he was much happier. After he ate dinner I was getting him ready for a bath and he said, "Ashley, I think I'm ready to walk on my foot now." I laughed as he ever so carefully put his foot down flat on the soft rug. The kid cracks me up! Garrett played in the bath for a while and then I brushed their teeth (Garrett was a struggle and took me and Emily!) and put them to bed. Even though I was gone for four hours out of the day, I'd say it was a good one! I wish my mom could get on facebook or something though :( We miss you guys!! Hopefully we will hear from them soon. Day one was easy....let's see how the rest go....!

Lots of love, <3 Ash