Blessed Chick

Summer is here!

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Thu, 31 May 2012 16:50:00 +0000

Summer has officially arrived and boy have we been busy!

We've been playing in the pool in our yellow polka dot one piece! Ha!

Daddy won't let us do a yellow polka dot bikini!

Spending lots of time at Tar-jay...mommy's favorite place!

Looking fancy before church...

Completely exhausted after church.

Eating lots of peas and carrots.

Helping daddy with homework

Admiring my daddy.

Helping mom with laundry!

Having a blast swinging.

And even got my ears pierced!

(Christian thinks she looks traumatized in this picture, but I promise she was okay)

Not to mention tons of swimming at Nana and Papa's pool.

Hope your summer is off to a great start!!

7 months old

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:39:00 +0000

Aubrey Lane you are now seven months old. This past month you have amazed me with your new developments and growth. You can now reach for anything you desire and you have a very strong grip. Girlfriend…when you want something, you go after it. You aren’t quite crawling; you just do a backwards scoot…which makes you very mad. You are sitting up very well and are toppling over less and less.

You can get from one end of the room to the other just by rolling over. You are hilarious because you just roll your way through the house!

You are fast becoming an excellent eater. You are still nursing 5 times a day and are still eating one meal of solids a day. I tried introducing breakfast to you, but you wanted nothing to do with it. Perhaps in a few weeks we will try again. You love dinner time; however, you get extremely agitated during meal prep time….I can’t get it to you fast enough. If I happen to take too long in between bites, you grunt at me. Ha! You will eat anything, but you especially love rice cereal with fruit and bananas. I also started giving you a sippy cup this month and you do very well. You’re not really interested in the contents but enjoy throwing it on the ground!

We haven’t been to the doctor so I’m not sure on your exact measurements. You still wear 3-6 month clothing as well as a few 6-9 month items as well. You are still in a size 2 diaper.

You are still taking 2 naps a day. One from 10:30-12:30 and one from 2:30-4:00. We put you down for the night around 8:15. You have been waking up once at various times in the night for about a month now. I usually just put the noonie back in your mouth and you go right back to sleep. You are up at 5:30 for your first feeding, but then go back to sleep for about 2-2.5 hours.

You are smiling and laughing like crazy. You are such a happy baby. Nothing really upsets you other than when you are hungry and food isn’t getting to you quick enough…like mother like daughter.

We simply adore you Bre, you are our sunshine sent from above! We love you to pieces!

Mother's Day 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Sun, 13 May 2012 20:19:00 +0000

I am one blessed chick. Mother's Day is one day in particular where that fact really stands out to me. I have been blessed with the most amazing, Godly, giving, caring, loving mother any girl could ever ask for. My mother has stood by my side from day one and her support has never wavered. She is my biggest fan and my most loyal friend. I always say I hope Aubrey and I have half as good of a relationship that my mother and I have. Thanks mom...for being the best.

I am so thankful to have you walk through this journey of life with me!

Becoming a mother has only made me appreciate my mom that much more.

Not only am I super blessed with my precious mom, but I have an amazing MIL. She loves me as her own and has poured out her love and support on me from day one. She is the greatest MIL ever! She has raised three Godly children and I am so blessed to get to be a part of her legacy!

And of course, I have to give a shout out to this cute pie who has made my dreams of being a mommy come true. I can't wait for the day when this precious baby utters those priceless words...mommy. I can't tell you how much joy and satisfaction I have found in becoming a mom. Aubrey makes me a better person and is constantly teaching me new things. I hope and pray I can be the Godly example just like my mom has been for me.

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

Story of my life

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Thu, 03 May 2012 01:28:00 +0000

My sweet little family has been enjoying some much needed family time lately. We've made an extra effort to simply spend some quality time together. No tv, no phones, no computers...just the three of us doing simple things together-going to get a snowball, going to the bookstore, eating dinner on the patio together and taking long walks in the neighborhood. I've found that life gets so extremely busy and the first ones to suffer are usually the ones who mean the most.

The Lord is teaching so many things lately. I feel like He has been using the last few weeks to constantly get in my face and say, "ASHLEE...I need you to get this". I'm not always paying attention or willing to take things in, but lately I feel like I'm soaking up His lessons.

I've been thinking of how my life is a story. It's a book I'm writing through my actions and words on a daily basis. Each moment, each decision, each word I say is another page in my book. I can't go back and erase or delete my pages once they have been written, but I can decide what will fill my pages in the future. I can choose to fill my book with wonderful memories, kind words and generous actions. I can choose to make my story be one of love, peace and joy. It's my story to write. It's up to me to make it a story worth reading.

When I pass on to my forever home, I want to leave behind a story filled with pages full of family memories, long conversations with friends, special times of ministering to others, and most of all...the special everyday moments like bath time with my baby girl, story time before bed, sweet kisses from my hubby and even snuggles with the puppy.

Each day is a new beginning in my story of life and each new morning is an opportunity to make my story count. No matter how much I mess up the day before, I can learn from those torn and dirty pages...I can still take those less desirable days and learn from those mistakes.

How cool is it that we can author our own stories. I can only count on myself to finish my book. It's up to me to make it one that others will read and know my heart was found solely in my faith and my family.

6 Months!

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:16:00 +0000

Aubrey Lane you are six stinking months old! Half a year has passed by already! I cannot believe my baby is growing up so fast...right before my very eyes. You are just the sweetest little thing ever. Full of personality, sass and spunk!

You had your six month check up yesterday and you were all over the place. That exam table was a disaster after we left. You tore the paper on the table to shreds, managed to stuff the Dr.'s stethoscope in your mouth and were doing flips on the table!

You weigh 13 pounds, 6 ounces and are 25 1/4 inches long. Putting you in the 10% for your weight and the 25% for your height. You've just moved up to a size 2 diaper and are wearing mostly 6 month clothes. You have given up the fight on the bows and are fine leaving them in your hair!

You had been sleeping through the night up until the last few weeks. You've had your first cold and it has really taken a toll on your sleeping progress. Even sick, you still manage to give lots of smiles and giggles.

You nurse about 5 times a day and have just started one evening meal of a fruit or veggie. You have no desire to eat table food and feeding time is a bit of a struggle. You prefer to spit out your food in mommy's face!

You are rolling over like a champ and I don't think it will be long before you are crawling. You love to people watch and if anything is going on...you will gladly miss an entire nap just to watch the action. You are giggling up a storm and think mommy and daddy are just hilarious!

You love watching Praise Baby...really any TV captures your attention. You love this particular video called Hoopla on YouTube...no matter how upset you are...if you hear this particular song, you will instantly stop crying and begin watching/listening.

Oh my...look what happens in just 5 months...my baby is growing up!

We love you so much Aubrey! You are such a blessing to our family and we cannot imagine life without you. These have been the best 6 months of our lives and we cannot wait to see what the

future holds for you!

Happy half year birthday baby girl!!

Raise your hand...

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:30:00 +0000

Raise your hand if it has been one exhausting week?

This little cutie agrees...life has been a whirlwind of activity and busyness lately. I'd pay big bucks to purchase a 2-3 hour nap right about now. I'll be back later with Aubrey Lane's 6 month post!

Happy Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 13:28:00 +0000

Happy Easter! Easter is one of my favorite holidays. I love that spring has arrived and summer is on the way. I love the flowers blooming, beautiful dresses and of course the candy! However the main reason I love Easter is because it is the foundation of my faith. Easter is the reason why we can have freedom each and everyday of our lives. Because of what Christ did on the cross, we can erase the fear of death and know that we will live with Him forever! What an amazing thing to celebrate!

I'm so thankful I serve a God who wants to have a personal relationship with me. He wants it so badly He was willing to be tortured and killed on my behalf...and for that I am forever thankful.

My favorite little blessing has been sick all week and just plain miserable...but that didn't stop mommy from breaking out the smocked outfits and bows and doing an make-shift photo shoot!

Happy Easter Everyone...Aubrey Lane sends her love your way!

Homemade Baby Food 101

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:42:00 +0000

I am not a cook. I can make about 5 meals and most involve pre-cooked chicken and hamburger meat. Apparently all the cooking skills went to my brother (my brother is a fabulous cook) and I was left with nothing. I can barely boil water without burning down the house, so the thought of making my own baby food was extremely overwhelming. I have spent hours researching recipes/methods and bothering the heck out of my other mommy friends (holla Carrie...couldn't have done it without you!) with questions. I'm just that clueless. So...I say all because this was truly the easiest thing ever! Once I got the hang of it-I couldn't stop. It is so cheap and easy...I'm telling ya...if I can do it-anyone can!

It is extremely important to me to start Aubrey off on the right track when it comes to food and nutrition. I know that the choices I make for her early on will have a life long effect on her later in life. My pediatrician told me I didn't have to start solids until 6 months. I have waited to start Aubrey on solids because she has done so great with nursing and I figured...why rock the boat?

Well she is 5 1/2 months old now so I figured I better get myself in gear!

We have to introduce one food at a time and wait 3 days in between each introduction. The pediatrician gave me a list of stage 1 foods and so I decided to start with carrots and sweet potatoes.

I purchased a bag of organic carrots & three large sweet potatoes from Tar-Jay, total amount about $3.00.

I threw my carrots in a strainer and steamed them for about 45 minutes and put my potatoes in a baking dish and baked for about the same.

Once they were soft, I started by putting my sweet potatoes in a mixer. I thawed about 12 ounces of breast milk and added that in as well. You can play with the consistency depending on how much food you have. I gave it a few pulses and added more milk as needed.

Here are my sweet potatoes and carrots pureed to perfection!

Then I poured about 2 tablespoons into each ice cube tray.

Popped those puppies into the fridge for a few hours and here was my finished product!

I was beyond thrilled with myself. I honestly cannot cook worth a dime so this was a huge accomplishment for me. I say all that not to toot my own horn...but to encourage others who think they can't do it! I'm telling ya...If I can do it...anyone can do it!

So the big question is how did Aubrey Lane like her new food? See for yourself!

Clean as a whistle!

Whatcha got there mom?

Um...what the heck did you just put in my mouth?

I'm not too sure about this orange stuff.

Let me think about it for a moment.

I think I like it! Yay!

Most Definitely NOT a Mundane Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 02:07:00 +0000

I don't think life has ever been busier. I swear, my feet hit the ground running at 5:30 in the morning and I don't have a chance to breath until about 10:30 at night. But it's okay...it's a good kind of busy! We officially close on our home on Friday so we have been busy packing and moving. More on the move to come.

I officially injured Aubrey Lane for the first time and let me just say it was traumatic. For me. She was fine. Barely blinked an eye.

I had 10 minutes before I had to leave for work and I just knew those 10 minutes would be ideal for cutting Aubrey's fingernails. Something her daddy usually tackles, but I felt like I could conquer the world this morning, so I thought I'd give it a world. First finger in...yes...the very first one. I prick her skin on accident and it immediately begins puddling blood.

I immediately start crying just because I can't bear to think I've hurt my baby. Aubrey is oblivious...she just continues on trying to put her book in her mouth. That dang finger would not stop bleeding for anything. I swear you'd think I hit a major artery. I was a mess...so was my bathroom.

Long story short, I was late for work and Aubrey still has 9 long finger nails plus one finger with a band aid on it. I'm not going to quit my day job to become a manicurist.

On the plus side, Aubrey was fascinated by the band aid and spent all morning staring at it and talking to it! Bless her heart-perhaps we need some new entertainment and toys!

This photo has absolutely nothing to do with the post but it cracks me up. It's her Austin Power's pose.

Happy Monday Everyone!

5 months old!

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 02:17:00 +0000

My sweet Aubrey Lane you are FIVE months old! Sweet girl- you are growing up before my very eyes. I cannot believe how fast time is flying by. You are becoming such a little person now; interacting and developing like crazy!

You give smiles like they are going out of style and you have the most adorable dimple on your left cheek...cutest thing I have ever seen!

You weigh about 12.5 pounds and have what we like to call "thunder thighs"! You wear a size 1 diaper but are fast outgrowing that size. I just ordered a pack of size 2 diapers because you will need them shortly. You wear anything from newborn to 6 month clothing. Mostly 3-6 months. You are learning to tolerate your bows-score one for mommy!

You are still nursing exclusively, I haven't introduced solids yet, but it won't be long. You nurse 6 times a day and are still sleeping through the night. I wake you up at 5:30 to feed you and then put you right back down. Lately you have been "singing" in bed for about 30 minutes before going back to sleep. Such sweet sounds...although at 6:00 in the morning it isn't always cute! Ha!

You love to sit in your Bumbo, your swing, and your jumperroo. As long as there are toys in front of you, you are content. You hate to lay flat on your back, so the playmat is now in the closet. You still love bathtime and are fascinated by the rubber ducky. You cram it into your mouth each night at bathtime!

You take a morning nap for about an hour and a half, and afternoon nap for the same and usually an evening nap for about 45 minutes. You are a great napper!

Daddy felt it was necessary to interrupt our photo shoot to clean out your ears. Just keeping it real!

You are our sweet little doll, Aubrey and we cannot get enough of you! You light up our lives and make every moment special! We love you, Bre!

Park Fun and a WINNER!!

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 03:35:00 +0000

Miss Aubrey and I were hanging out on Sunday (Christian was at work) and we just couldn't contain ourselves. We absolutely had to go to the park. The weather was just too beautiful! I knew I was supposed to wait and go to "Aubrey's First Park Trip" with both Christian and myself...but I just couldn't wait any longer. The park was calling our names!

I called my sweet sis in law to join us and we had the best time! Aubrey loved just watching the busyness of all the other kids, and she loved the swing as well!

Christian couldn't stay mad too long when he saw how much fun Aubrey had...he forgave me!

I can't even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed reading everyone's comments on fear. I loved the verses and encouragement that ya'll had to offer...each one ministered to me in different ways. Ya'll are amazing as always!

SOOO... I entered all 7 numbers into a bowl and I had Christian pull a number. Our lucky winner of the book is...drum roll please...ANGEL at The Mustard Seed. Sweet Angel is a gal I met when I was pregnant with Aubrey. She found my blog because someone told her I was naming my daughter Aubrey Lane and she has a precious little girl named Aubrey Lane too! Turns out, our husbands went to high school together too! Small world. So Angel...email me your address and I'll get this book to you right away!

Happy weekend everyone!

What Women Fear, Laundry and a Giveaway!!

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 17:53:00 +0000

My best friend Kayce gave me the book What Women Fear by Angie Smith for my birthday and I have been unable to put it down. It is one of the best books I have read in a long time. The book is broken up into chapters based on various fears, such as fear of the "what if", fear of failure, fear of death, fear of rejection and many more. Angie has a way of writing so honestly and with complete vulnerability. Her lack of perfection and humor at herself is so comforting and easy to relate too.

As far back as I can remember, I recall being a fearful person. My parents had to tell me there was no Santa at age 5 because I was petrified of waking up to a stranger in my house. Presents or no presents...a strange, fat man is not my idea of fun! And don't even get me started on the Easter Bunny. Talk about being scarred for life at the thought of waking up to find a huge, 8 ft bunny at the foot of your bed...I mean...that's traumatic people!

Darkness was another one of my fears. I honestly slept with a lamp on all night long up til my teenage years. I refused to sleep with the lights out, and a small nightlight would just not suffice.

Now days, my fears are different but no less profound. I find myself fearing for my family. I fear losing my husband or child and being left without the ones I love. I fear sickness. I can't imagine myself or one of my family members having to deal with a life-threatening illness. Shakes me to the core. I fear financial burdens. Myself or my husband losing our jobs or our security. I fear failure and rejection, the possibility of messing up or making a wrong decision.

I fear not being able to live up to the faith that I proclaim. It's easy to have faith and dedication when things are good, but what about in the hard times...am I going to fall flat on my face or will I have the strength to cling to my faith and stand firm? Those are real things I struggle with and fear on a daily basis.

While contemplating these fears and thoughts, I've felt God repeatedly saying, "Ashlee, I'm not in those fears." I feel the Lord gently telling me that He isn't a God of uncertainty or insecurity. He isn't a God of doubt or distrust. He is a steadfast God who longs to prove Himself faithful. Yes...I may fail and I may falter throughout life but He won't. He may allow one of my darkest fears to come to pass and I will probably fail to demonstrate my faith properly, but overall He will remain. He will be my rock when I'm not capable of standing. His truth remains no matter what. He is not going to let me down and that my friends is the only things that remains certain in a world filled with changes, uncertainty and trials.

I am confident in Him alone. I'm definitely not putting my trust in myself. I can't even put it in my family or friends because we are all human-we mess up. But God remains who He is. He won't change or let me down no matter my circumstances. Even if I don't want Him to be there...He will be...and I'm so thankful for his steadfastness and commitment to me.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

You ought to read Angie's story if you have a moment. She is one amazing woman. I can only hope to have faith like hers in difficult times.

Since I've found this book so amazing, I want to bless one of my readers with a copy of the book What Women Fear! I've never done a giveaway so this is new to me! I only have about 5 readers...so you have a good chance of winning!!! All you have to do is leave me a comment and perhaps share a little about what you fear and how you overcome those fears. Maybe a verse you find comforting or uplifting. Even if you don't have a blog...you can still leave a comment and your email address so you can be entered! That's it! I'll set the deadline to enter for Thursday, March 8th.

Whew...that was a bit heavy but it's a truth I want to be able to read again and remind myself of in the future.

So just to lighten the load a little (no pun intended) here is Miss Aubrey Lane's laundry progression. Sweet girl is fascinated with her feet so as you can see they are in route to her mouth.

Busy Week

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 03:09:00 +0000

Whew! We have had a non-stop few weeks. Busy doesn't even begin to describe our lives. We took our first trip out of town (since Aubrey) last weekend to Texas and had a wonderful time. Spending time with family was just what we needed.

We've had our home on the market for about a year now and while we were out of town, a realtor showed the property and we got an offer!! We have been back and forth negotiating and we finally agreed on a price! Our home is officially under contract! Now we are just praying that it appraises and the sale goes through. If everything works out we are set to close on March 23.

That my friends, means we have to find a house in less than 4 weeks!!! AHHHH!! So we have spent the last few days house hunting! Fun but exhausting, just mentally trying to figure the logistics of everything...it's very overwhelming. Not to mention we haven't even begun packing up!

My little sweetie is developing at a rapid speed-she is discovering so many new things. The world around her is becoming so obvious to her now and everything is just amazing to her. She is trying her best to experience the world through her mouth! Ha!

She finds even the smallest things fascinating. Dish towels, fingers, toes, bibs...everything is being analyzed and studied.

All that studying leads to exhaustion.

Aubrey was such a trooper on our trip to Texas. She did great and barely made a peep. Much appreciation goes out to Wubbanub (see Aubrey's mouth) for making the trip tolerable.

Praise Baby has become a favorite pastime for Aubrey Lane. She is mesmerized by the shapes and colors.

All dressed up and ready to go to church!!

It got a little chilly this weekend so we had to break out the hoodie! Looking good Bre!

Overall we have had a wonderful week. Busy and exhausting but exciting too. Looking forward to seeing what God has in store for our little family!

4 Months!!

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:47:00 +0000

Aubrey Lane you are 4 stinking months old!! You are just getting so big and grown up that I would like to just sit and cry. My baby is not a newborn anymore!!

We went to the doctor today for your shots and check up and you are doing just fabulous! You weigh 11 pounds, 11 ounces. Which puts you in the 10th percentile for your weight. You are 23 1/2 inches long which puts you at the 25th percentile for your height! You are a petite little thing!

You are feeding about 6 times a day, about 3 to 3 1/2 hours apart. You are still nursing like a champ. You have started showing your little feisty side when mommy takes to long to get you situated to feed. I must be on the ball or you get aggravated very quickly! Home-girl likes her food!

You are sleeping through the night (thank you Jesus!) You are still pretty much on the same schedule as at 3 months. You go down around 8:30 then we wake you up to eat at 10:00. You are back down about 10:30 and you usually go til around 5:30 or 6:00. You seriously love your sleep. I am so thankful because mommy loves her sleep too!!

You are loving sitting up and get mad when left to lay on your back for too long. You'd much prefer to be sitting up in your swing or bumbo...or better yet on mommy's hip. You are extremely alert and absolutely captivated by the daily happenings around the house. You don't want to miss a moment of the action!

I'm so thrilled because you have finally started to really smile. You are constantly smiling and laughing now and your little personality is starting to just shine through. You still love music and sounds are a sure way to get you to smile or laugh. You are just so sweet and when you smile...I swear my heart just melts.

You absolutely love your hands right now. Apparently they are the most amazing thing you've discovered. They are always in your mouth and you will spit out your noonie for a chance at those fingers.

This is the look I get when I try to remove those hands from your mouth...one of "what do you think you are doing? I had those hands in my mouth for a reason!"

But it doesn't take much to get you back to this sweet smile. You, Aubrey Lane, are our sweet, babbling, smiling, cooing little 4 month angel and we feel like our hearts are gonna explode with love for you!

Mommy loves you so much! Now stop growing and stay my baby forever!!!

Aubrey's Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 04:01:00 +0000

"For some strange reason I feel a lot like Rainbow Bright"

"Man...am I rocking the tutu/legging ensemble or what?"

"He thinks I don't notice he just skipped over three paragraphs...but I noticed."

"I must live up to all my t-shirts' names..anyone for milk at 3:00 am?"

"My name is Aubrey and I am addicted to my noonie..."

"Does mom think a flood is coming today or something?"

"I gave in...a girl needs her beauty rest"

"These lights are so bright...perhaps a little drool will dull them down"

"Lex...did you just see that? This Praise Baby DVD is unbelievable!"

"Does this bow make me look like a Christmas Present?"

"What's a girl gotta do to get a pillow around here?

Dedication Day

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:50:00 +0000

Our little angel was dedicated on Sunday. Our church dedicated 27 babies-must have been something in the water about 12 months ago. It was such an incredibly special day because not only did Aubrey Lane get dedicated but also my sweet niece Ciel.

Here is my sweetie all decked out and accessorized to the max! Poor thing-I had a huge bow in her hair, jewelry, a custom made noonie holder, frilly socks and a scratchy dress to match! I just can't help myself!

There was a small reception before the service where we ate refreshments and received a word from one of our pastors. Here is daddy and Aubrey!

This photo cracks me up. Bryan is saying, "hi sweet girl...you look lovely in that dress" and Aubrey is saying, "don't you be looking at me...my daddy says boys are bad news!"

Dedicating AL to the Lord.

"why do they insist on putting all these scratchy things on my body?

Can't I just wear a onesie and call it a day?"

Sweet Aunt Kayce!

We thank the Lord everyday for our sweet baby girl. She has been the best thing that has ever happened to our little family.

From the moment Aubrey was formed, we knew she was special. We prayed that the Lord would use her life to bring glory to Him. I remember the day we found out about Aubrey's brain cysts. I remember crying out to the Lord asking for Him to heal our sweet girl and let her be okay. I also promised Him that no matter what the outcome of Aubrey's health...we would love her and raise her up in His will. By His grace, we have a perfectly healthy baby girl and on this special day, we once again proclaim that no matter what Lord...she is yours. We are just honored that we get to have her and hold her in our arms. No matter what trials, tribulation or troubles that may come up...we will bring them and lay them at Your feet. We pray for wisdom and guidance to raise this little girl up in the way that You desire.

I pray that Aubrey will grow to be a strong, kind, compassionate, caring woman. I pray that she will know the Father personally and long to please Him. I pray that she will do mighty things in His name.

Happy Dedication Day sweet Aubrey! We love you!

Laundry and an update

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:46:00 +0000

First off, I'd like to say thanks to all my amazing bloggy friends who came through with shining colors for me. I had so many texts, calls, emails and comments that I could barely keep up! I felt like Pioneer Woman! Ha...just kidding. But seriously...you gals were all over it like white on rice...like mayonnaise on a bologna sandwich...like sauce on ribs...(man I must be hungry)! I have to say how thankful I am to have such a sweet community of bloggers-ya'll rock my socks off! Okay, I promise I'm done with the corny phrases!

The sheriff said they would keep us posted on the status of the case. They are pretty sure the post originated from California so hopefully they can narrow it down and track the sicko who posted the ad. I wish ya'll could have been a fly on the wall at my house yesterday-it is hysterical looking back at it in hindsight- although I was not laughing yesterday.

The police left our house and headed to my brother's house to check on my niece. By this point I am a disaster-pacing the floor, almost in tears, just a wreck. I get a text from my brother that says "they are taking her (my niece) into the station for questioning...take every single picture down ASAP." I immediately burst into tears. I have officially done it...ruined my precious niece's little life. She will be scarred for life. I'm sobbing to Christian, "she is gonna be so scared...the police station is a horrible place...oh the horrors she will witness...I'm a terrible aunt...I hate the Internet!" Mere seconds pass and I get another text from my brother. "Just kidding-the sheriff just came and said "hi" to her and then left!" Oh how I dearly love my brother. Leave it to him to turn me into even more of a deranged lunatic!

So things have settled down. No more visits from the fuzz.

I've done some research and discovered that really no one thing will prevent these things from occurring. There are measures you can take that will deter someone...but ultimately if someone wants your images-they will find a way to get them. You can watermark your photos or try disabling the right click feature. Both are good ideas...but won't prevent theft all together.

I want to mention that if any of ya'll would like a watermark made for your blog, just message me and I'll create a custom watermark for your photos. So many people have commented that having a watermark across your photos can be a safeguard against people stealing your personal photographs. I'm more than willing to make a custom watermark for your blog and walk you through how to insert it onto your photos. Different editing software does it differently...but I'll do my best to walk you through the process.

A sweet blog friend named Jamie emailed me with an awesome link. This link allows you to insert a code into your blog at the end of each post and it automatically disables the right click feature. Meaning that no one can save your images to their computer! Try right clicking on my photos...

Although my sweet friend Amy over at Filled with Praise informed me that if you use the blog reader feature, this doesn't prevent theft.

I do want to share the link in case you'd like to use this feature.

http://www.dynamicdrive.com/dynamicindex9/noright.htm

Again I want to thank everyone for their sweet advice and support. I sure wish we lived in a world where these things didn't happen and everyone could do their own thing...but in the meantime it is important to be informed and do what you can to stay safe.

And because somebody is so stinking cute and will not stop growing...I must document her on this day! Miss Priss is 16 weeks old and growing like a weed. Before long the laundry basket will be too small and I'll have to put her in a wheel barrow!

OMG...

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:36:00 +0000

Talk about craziness-never in a million years would I have imagined this would happen...it's like straight out of a movie!!

Christian calls me on my home from work to tell me that a detective from California called our house looking for me. He went on to ask Christian if his wife had a blog...had ever posted on Craigslist...had a child, etc. Christian is like..."um, yeah-what is this all about?"

Apparently someone stole a photo off my blog and used it in an ad on Craigslist. The ad was apparently very graphic and horrible in nature. The photo was used in a threatening way and they were concerned for the well being of the child. It wasn't Aubrey in the photo but a close relative and we explained who she was and where she was.

Next thing you know there is a sheriff at our door. He had been contacted by the police in California and had to come see if this child was okay and had not been harmed. I immediately contacted my family and let them know what had happened because it has to do with their child...I'm just in tears over this mess.

The sheriff interviews both Christian and I, checks on Aubrey, and then leaves to go check on the child in the picture that was threatened. They pay a visit to my relative and verify that she was safe and unharmed.

I'm just devastated over all this. I cannot believe the sick people there are out there...violating a sweet innocent child and making harmful threats against a defenseless little girl. How disgusting is the world we live in?

The sheriff says this happens more than you think and he said it can happen to anyone who posts a photo on the internet.

I'm thinking I may need to make my blog private...I just can't take any risks.

Fellow bloggers...what is your opinion or how do you protect your photos? What things can be done to prevent this from happening? Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated.

Saturday Sweetness

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:46:00 +0000

Somebody is so serious yet so stinking sweet on this sunny Saturday.

Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:25:00 +0000

Lately I have been struggling and battling within myself when it comes to beauty. I’m going to be honest and share that these past few months I have been extremely down on myself; lacking any sort of confidence or assurance in who I am. I find myself beating myself up over every little thing…I hate my hair, my teeth are too yellow, my skin looks splotchy, my clothes aren’t fitting right, my skin is freakishly pale…I could go on and on. I find myself voicing these feelings aloud and I’ve come to the realization that my insecurities and unwholesome thoughts are entering into the ears of my precious Aubrey. Granted she doesn’t really know what I’m saying or understand the words I’m speaking, but soon she will. What kind of example am I setting for her? As her mother, I am her main role model; she will look to me as her example of how to feel about herself.

When I first learned I was pregnant, I honestly thought the Lord would never give me a girl. Even though I desperately wanted one, I figured because of my struggles and insecurities within myself, He’d never entrust me with a girl...I figured He didn’t think I was ready to handle that responsibility. I was completely shocked when I discovered we were having Aubrey, as well as challenged to do my very best with the gift that He so graciously gave me. I felt as if the Lord was saying, “it’s okay Ashlee, I trust you…but don’t take this gift lightly. It’s time to step up and be the Godly woman that Aubrey needs.”

Here I am three months into motherhood with a daughter, and I feel I am failing miserably at setting good examples for her as to how to find peace and satisfaction in myself. I’m not teaching her that true beauty comes from within and our value can only be found in Christ. I’m not showing her that who God made me to be is perfect and without flaw. How can I expect her to have healthy views of beauty if I am refusing to see the truth?

I know I am not the only one who struggles with this issue. Both young and old…big and small…short and tall…we all struggle with the desire to feel beautiful. We long to be desirable. So why do we continue to feed ourselves lies and believe the devil when he says we are not good enough, not pretty enough, or not the picture of beauty?

I think it goes back to the fact that we get into habits of telling ourselves these lies and before long those lies become daily slogans we believe. It becomes second nature to find dissatisfaction within ourselves and we don’t search for the truth…we let the lies pour from our mouths time and time again without realizing that the words we speak are poison to ourselves. We try and scream louder than the voice of our heavenly Father, Who tells us that we are loved, we are beautiful, we are treasured, we are one of a kind. We turn His words down and instead feast on our own mistaken thoughts.

I so want Aubrey to have a confidence and satisfaction in who she is. I want her to have a healthy outlook of herself and her body. I want her to know that she was created by the Master and she is a masterpiece. I do not want to be a hindrance to her in anyway. It shakes me to the core to know that my actions and words will have a lasting impact on her. Our girls today need to know they are worthy of love and that they are designed in His image…making them perfect through Him.

I write all this because I so desperately want to be the example that I need to be for Aubrey. I am also realizing that my struggles aren’t going to disappear, in fact I firmly believe that as women, we will struggle with self worth until the day we die. But we don’t have to lose the battle. I will fight with all I have against the devil and his disgusting ways. I wrote this post a while back talking about how big my God is and how capable He is of bringing us out of darkness.

I need to be held accountable…I have to change my ways and look to Him alone for my security. He alone is where I can find my peace. I am declaring His words as my anthem. I am also making it my mission to pray over Aubrey everyday…Claiming that she will always find victory in knowing who she was made to be. I encourage you to lift up our young girls, praying desperately for their generation to be free from the bondages that so many young girls are facing today.

This is the verse I am claiming over myself and Aubrey. I’m going to proclaim it whether or not I’m feeling it or not…cause we all know our feelings are totally unreliable. We have to cling to truth.

1 Peter 3:3-4

Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

Our God is greater…our God is stronger…God you are higher than any other. Let that be the words that flow from our mouths. God…show us how special and valuable we are to You. Let us never forget that we are exactly who You created us to be.

Friday Phone Extract

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:10:00 +0000

I know lots of people call it Friday Phone Dump, but for some reason I just can't bring myself to use that terminology...I guess cause there is so much poop going on at my house that I don't want another reminder of it's existence! Ha! TMI...sorry.

Speaking of poopies...this picture here was taken at the mall just moments after Aubrey blew out a diaper. I mean it was a major mess. You should have seen me scrambling- I was a nervous-wreck-mommy who ran out of wipes and was so not prepared! But as you can see by the sweet face below...she wasn't fazed at all.

Big girl loves to stand up.

Isn't this terrible...this is how I found her after running into the other room to grab my phone. Can you see now why she hates bows so much? I am a horrible mommy!

Daddy and Aubrey enjoying some playtime. Not sure who was more fascinated by the toy...daddy or Aubrey!

Kissable cheeks!

"What the heck are these things on my feet? Seriously mom...first bows, now shoes? When does it end?"

Rocking the feather bow!

I love this bumbo!

My sweet sis gave Aubrey what is known as a Wubbanub...and boy is it a hit. It's a pacifier with a small stuffed animal attached to the end. Aubrey absolutely loves it and it really does stay in her mouth better and she loves grabbing it and rubbing it. Why couldn't I have invented this thing and become a millionaire?

"What you looking at Mommy?"

Happy Friday! SO excited to have a few days to relax and just hangout. Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Eleven Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:53:00 +0000

My sweet friend Melissa over at Little Mrs. Married tagged me in a post and requested that I complete the following! It sounded like fun so I thought I'd join in...

1. What are your biggest pet peeves, not including traffic issues?

One of my biggest pet peeves is laziness. I can't stand when someone is too lazy to at least try something. I encounter this a lot with my students. I know they are capable of so much, but they are content with just getting by with the bare minimum. Another pet peeve I have is if I make our bed...I do not want ANYONE sitting on it. I know this is crazy and I don't normally have neurotic tendencies, but this one has always bothered me.

2. If you could go on an all-expense paid vacation & take one person, who would you take & where would you go?

I would definitely pick Christian as my travel buddy (I'd like to bring Aubrey as well but the place I want to go to is for couples only...sorry baby girl) and the designated place would be Couples Resort in Jamaica! We went there on our honeymoon and it was pure paradise. Christian and I swore we were going to go back before we had kids but obviously we didn't make it!

3. If you could do anything you wanted for your next birthday, what would you do? (Money is no object & everything is okay to eat!)

Oh I like the everything is okay to eat part...I'd choose to go to Franks for breakfast...Jimmy John's for lunch and J Alexanders for dinner. I'd request Otis Spunkmeyer cookies in between meals as well! I'd like to go to an early movie before lunch and then after lunch I'd request a 2-3 hour nap. After dinner I would love to attend a gymnastics or swimming meet at the Olympic Games. Ha! Seriously that is what would be my perfect day!

4. What is your favorite play or musical? If you do not have one, how are we friends? (Totally kidding. I don't watch football, it all evens out!)

I performed in Children of Eden in high school and I really enjoyed that particular play. I'd also love to see the Lion King on Broadway.

4. What are some of your favorite girl names? Favorite boy names?

Girl names I love include: Sofia, Kylan and Olivia

Boy names I love include: Kason and Weston

5. What is the biggest lesson you have learned in life?

The biggest lesson I have learned in life would definitely be that you can never have life all planned out. You have to learn to take each day in stride and go with the flow. Aubrey is constantly teaching me that no matter how much you think you are in control...you aren't. The moment you think you have it all together...that is the moment a poopy blowout occurs, you are vomited on or your dog pees on your bed. Yep...these are the moments I'm learning to just embrace and laugh about later.

6. What is your favorite recipe? (Link please!)

I love tons of recipes on Pintrest...but one that I have tried recently and really enjoyed is a creamy, crock pot chicken recipe. It's easy and fabulous! http://www.divinecaroline.com/33616/28885-creamy-crock-pot-chicken

7. What is the last book you read? Did you enjoy it?

Can't tell you the last book I have actually finished. I've started a few recently, but I have yet to finish one.

8. Who is your favorite author or speaker?

I love Beth Moore. I also love Louie Giglio from Passion. Both are amazing, Godly speakers who can always speak a word straight from the Lord.

9. Which bloggie friends do you hope to meet in real life?

I'd love to meet my sweet friend Amy over at Total Tippins Takeover...her girls are adorable and she always keeps me laughing. She also keeps it real and I can appreciate that now that I have Miss Aubrey.

I'd also love to meet Kelly over at Kelly's Korner...she is just too cute!

Oh and I'd also love to meet Amy over at Filled with Praise. Her family recently adopted a beautiful little boy from Ethiopia. Her precious family is such an inspiration to me. Christian and I would LOVE to adopt one day. It's something we talk about often and pray that perhaps one day we will have that opportunity.

10. What is your nervous habit?

When I get nervous, I tend to start shaking my leg uncontrollably...like... it looks like I'm having a leg seizure!

11. What do you hope will happen (that could happen!) in 2012?

I hope to participate in Rocketchix this summer...it's a local triathlon. I hate running so I know it will be a challenge for me. I've done it in the past with a relay team which was really fun...but I'd like to challenge myself and try to do the whole thing by myself.

Thanks for tagging me in this post Melissa! These questions were a lot of fun!!

I'm supposed to tag 11 more people...but I don't think I really know 11 other blog buddies. I'll tag a few friends who might enjoy answering these questions as well.

Janee at Beauty will Rise

Angel at The Mustard Seed

Amy at Total Tippins Takeover

Rylee at Compelled

Evie and Henry's mom at the Niemeyer Nest

That's all I got!! Happy Tuesday everyone!!

Three Months Old

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:36:00 +0000

Aubrey Lane you are 3 stinking months old…can you please, dear child, slow down and stop getting so big! Time is flying by. It makes me cry each time I do another one of these monthly post! I’m thrilled to see you growing and developing each day…but I also want you to stay tiny forever.

You weigh about 10 pounds 5 ounces. No doctor’s appointment this month so we don’t know exactly what your measurements are. You are now in size 1 diapers and are wearing 0-3 month clothing.

You feed about every 3.5 hours and have mastered the art of nursing. You are done in 10 minutes tops! So much for quality bonding time with mommy…you do your thing and are ready to go!

You have officially started sleeping through the night-meaning I don’t hear a peep out of you until 5:30 when I wake you up for a feeding. We put you to bed around 8:00 then wake you up around 10:00 for a dream feed. We probably will start dropping that 10:00 pm feeding this month. You are seriously the easiest thing ever-we put you in your crib and you are out. I feed you at 5:30 in the morning and then put you right back to bed until about 8:45 am. I am amazed at how much you love your sleep. (Thank you Jesus!)

You love your naps, bathtime, your playmat, music and of course…daddy. You are beginning to enjoy sitting up and standing up. You are very strong and love locking those little legs and standing big and tall.

Mommy started back to work this month and you are adjusting well to the change. Mommy has had a harder time but we are settling into a nice routine that we both can deal with! Mommy’s favorite part of the day is getting off at 3:00 and heading home to see your sweet face.

You are smiling and cooing. Daddy and I spend endless amounts of time trying to get you to smile and laugh. We will do anything just to see that smile…including making annoying noises and singing outrageously aggravating songs! The more annoying…the more you love it!

Not a day goes by that I don’t thank the Lord for His goodness in giving you to us. We are so blessed to have such an easy, laid back baby! In Jesus name…you will bring that easy going spirit with you into toddlerhood…childhood and even into your teenage years!

We love you to pieces Aubrey Lane…you are our precious angel!!

I'd also like to give a shout out to this little PITR (pain in the rear) girl...she has also survived 3 months with our new addition and I must say she has done exceptionally well. She gets on my last nerve, but she is fabulous with Aubrey. She is very patient, loving and even affectionate with AL. Lexie has gone from being number 1...to being forgotten in the kennel. I have to give it to her...she hangs in there and still acts like she loves us even though we have totally neglected her. (Don't worry...we still manage to feed her everyday...at least we try to remember!) Poor Lex...she wanted to get in on the photo action last night so I felt it only necessary that she wear the sticker as well. Today is a celebration for Lexie...she has survived 3 months without being shipped off to the pound! You go girl!!

YAY Lex! Happy-You-Survived-3 Months Day!!

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:33:00 +0000

First day back blues and laundry

noreply@blogger.com (Blessed Chick) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:48:00 +0000

Today was my first day back teaching (part time) since I gave birth to Aubrey 12 weeks ago. I have to say these past few days leading up to today have been extremely hard for me. I've been a wreck. Crying all the time...dreading leaving her...just a complete emotional mess. But thanks to tons of prayers and support from many, I made it through and it wasn't the end of the world. Sure... I missed her like crazy and thought about her at every possible moment, but I did manage to survive being away for a few hours and even found myself enjoying my students. I know she is in good hands with her daddy and Nanas/Memes so that helps make it more manageable.

You should have seen me last night...I was rocking Aubrey to sleep...sobbing...singing Whitney Houston's, "I will always love you". Ha! It was a terrible sight to see and I even apologized to Aubrey this morning for having to suffer through that disaster.

I'm glad my first day back is over and hopefully we will settle into a nice routine. Hopefully one that involves a more sound minded mommy. A mommy that doesn't sob through horrible 80's songs at bedtime!!

My sweet pea is 12 weeks old today!! Please time...slow down.

My oh my...has she grown and changed over these last few weeks. I think she just gets cuter and cuter!