5 on Friday

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Better late than never, y'all!!
THE GOOD LIFE BLOG
--1--
I.HATE.SHOTS. My poor baby had his 4 month check-up on Wednesday which meant...shots.  It just breaks my heart to see him in so much pain and to feel so helpless.  He was literally just screaming, not even crying, just screaming.  He finally fell asleep in the car and then he was sniffling in his sleep. It just broke my heart. 
--2--
My 30 Day Shred DVD came in on Wednesday!! So excited to hopefully lose 5 pounds in the next 30 days!! I'm going to start on Tuesday...I know, I know, procrastination.  But, we're going to be so busy this weekend I don't want to just set myself up for failure right off the bat. ;)
{via}
--3--
How cute is this little photo album for Wyatt??!! I want to make sure he knows who his family is!
Baby Gund My Family Photo Album
{via}
--4--
We're supposed to do a family picture this weekend with my whole family (siblings, nieces, nephews..everyone!).  I'm just hoping we can get one good shot with everyone looking at the camera. :) 
{via}
--5--
Question: With your first child, how young were they when you left them for the first time with a baby-sitter (besides family)? Wyatt has stayed with my mom but I'd like to try and find someone where we live.  Sean is just so nervous about leaving him with someone, though.
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Liebster Award!!

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Kristen at Kandid Kristen was kind enough to nominate me for the Liebster Award this week!!  This award is given to bloggers with fewer than 200 followers & is such an honor, mainly because it means someone other than your mom is reading your blog.  ;)  So thank you Kristen!
The criteria, should you accept this award, is as follows:
  • Thank your nominator by linking back to their post.
  • Answer 11 question posed by your nominator.
  • Make a list of 11 facts about yourself.
  • Nominate 5 or more up and coming bloggers with 200 followers or less.
  • Provide a list of 11 questions for your nominees to answer.
  • Publish your post and contact your nominees with the awesome new!
11 Questions to Answer:
  1. If you could be any celebrity, who would it be? I would definitely want to be a celebrity who actually tries to do good things in the world (i.e. Angelina Jolie).
  2. Favorite scent? Home Sweet Home, by Yankee Candle
  3. If you could be on a reality show, which one would you choose? Amazing Race
  4. Favorite car? Chevy Tahoe
  5. Football, baseball, or basketball? Tough...football to watch, baseball for Wyatt ;)
  6. What other state would you live in besides the one you currently live? Colorado
  7. All time favorite song? Motorcycle Drive-by - Third Eye Blind
  8. What is your dream job? What I do - Stay at home mama
  9. Favorite holiday? Christmas...I love to be with family!
  10. What was your first job? Before taxes...baby-sitting; Taxed...lifeguard
11 Random Facts about me:
  1. I'm a cheese dip and chips addict.
  2. I'm cheap frugal.
  3. I hate doing laundry, especially the putting it away part.
  4. I miss living in Fayetteville.
  5. I have very few, but very close, friends.
  6. I need my beauty rest.
  7. I'm a cat and dog person.
  8. I have a huge fear of needles. 
  9. I have a dream to adopt a child one day.
  10. My first car squealed when the A/C was on...can you say embarrassing?
  11. I really enjoy traveling, even though we don't have the opportunity often enough.
My Nominees are:
Questions for My Nominees:
  1. What is your favorite TV show currently on TV?
  2. How many children do you want?
  3. What is something you need everyday?
  4. Go-to exercise?
  5. Where would you go on vacation if you could go anywhere?
  6. Favorite recipe to make?
  7. If you could pick anyone, who would you want to spend a day with?
  8. Favorite kind of pizza?
  9. Favorite all-time movie?
  10. What is your least favorite household chore?
  11. What was your favorite pet?

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Busy Week

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

UGH...I feel like this week is just flying by!! Going back to Monday, some of my girlfriends and I had a night out with Rhea Lana's and dinner.  It was my first time to actually go to Rhea Lana's when I actually have a person to buy for.  It was so overwhelming for me!  I'm one of those people that has a hard time finding anything at places like TJ Maxx...I'm just not good at going through SO. MUCH. STUFF! I did manage to find Wyatt a few great fall/winter outfits.  He's just growing so fast I really didn't know what size to go with.  I ended up buying 12 month because I figure he can at least wear it in January & February.  Anyway, it was nice to get out of the house and have some adult/girl conversation. 

Yesterday was a HUGE morning for me!! My baby boy rolled from his tummy to his back for the first time!! I was in tears, y'all! It was just such a good reminder for me, I made the right decision to stay home.  I just couldn't imagine missing something like that.  Obviously, I realize not everyone has the opportunity to stay home, it's just what is right for our family at this time.  
We have Wyatt's 4 month check-up and shots :( today...poor guy.  I'm going to ask her about how she feels about starting rice cereal, what y'alls opinion? I just feel like he's growing so much that maybe he needs more...IDK.  He has been sleeping so good that past few nights, only waking once.  Last night he made it until 4! I'm finally starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel! 

Hope y'all are looking forward to a great holiday weekend and some FOOTBALL!!  I know I am, WOOOOO PIG!!
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Kitchenspiration

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Never The Same Spice Twice
This week I conquered the Enchilada Casserole, found HERE. 
If I had done anything different I would have cooked it in a 9x13 dish, rather than an 8x8.  I only do that so I can cook in the toaster oven...it's just too darn hot to turn on the oven!
Other than that, it was delicious!!  We had it for dinner and lunch the next day.
I also made the BBQ chicken this week.  The homemade sauce was a little ketchup-y and I guess I didn't use enough because the chicken got a little dry. :(  Next time I'll probably go with store bought sauce.  Otherwise, it was good and made for delicious sandwiches.

This week I have found three more recipes to try through Pinterest.  
{ONE}
Easy Haystack Dinner, courtesy of Sugar High
This is such a great recipe for us because we always have theses ingredients on hand.  It will definitely be one of those "go-to" meals when I can't think of anything else.  
{TWO}
5 Ingredient Meat Pie, courtesy of The Sabourin Family Blog
This is another recipe that would be a great quick meal.  The only thing I might change would be to add Veg-All instead of just peas...add a little variety. ;)  I can also cook this with turkey, rather than beef.    
{THREE}
Ground Turkey Stroganoff, courtesy of Just the 4 of Us!
I have tried a crock pot version of stroganoff but this seems quite a bit easier...surprisingly.  It never came out just right in the crock pot. Maybe I can finally perfect it a bit. 
You probably noticed a bit of a theme this week....turkey!  I generally only cook with turkey, unless (on very rare occasions) we cook burgers or steaks.  See, when Sean and I started dating (12 years ago!!) he was allergic to beef and pork.  We didn't ever really know why, but when he would eat either he would swell, itch, and break out into hives....so obviously we avoided beef and pork.  Well, fast-forward, when Sean moved to Camden, and after he'd been here for about a year or so, we noticed he quit having "reactions".  We finally figured out, in the past year, that there's a certain tick in NWA and Oklahoma that was attacking that specific enzyme in his body.  His brother, sis-in-law, niece, and nephew, who moved to NWA from NJ about 10 years ago, now also have the allergy.  It's the weirdest thing...can you say bug spray!! I'm very glad that ticks don't like me. ;)  Sorry, I got a little sidetracked....

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Fourth Months!!

Monday, August 26, 2013

Wyatt,
Oh, precious baby boy! I'm really not sure what we did before you came along, I feel our life was pretty boring.  You bring so much joy and happiness into each and every day.  You are such a little thinker (like your daddy) but are also so giggly and silly (like your mama).  We love you to the moon and back sweet boy!

What you did this month:
  • You are wearing size 2 diapers but our next box will be size 3.
  • You can wear clothes size 3 month - 6/9 month depending on the brand & style.
  • You weigh 16 pounds, 14.5 ounces, 28"  long, and 16" head circumference.
  • You are eating every 3 hours during the day.
  • You started following the "Baby Wise" schedule this month - eat, play, sleep...repeat.
  • You are still going to bed around 8 and waking up 1-2 times a night.  We start our days at 7.
  • You are taking naps at 8:30, 11:30, 2:30, and a cat nap usually around 6.  Your naps usually only last an hour - hour & a half. 
  • You are getting close to rolling over on your own (from your back).
  • You started playing in your walker and jump-up this month.  You need to be pretty happy to really enjoy either. 
  • You have a new trick! You love to spit! 
  • You have really started to pay attention to your animals this month.  You helped me give Angel a bath one night & you just kept giggling at her...so cute!
  • You stayed with your Mimi for an afternoon this month while Mama and Daddy went on a date.
  • You met your girlfriend (and future wife ;)), Hattie, this month...she's beautiful!
  • You went to church for the first time.










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Sunday Social

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Sunday Social
1. What do you miss most about being a kid?
I miss being care-free & worry-free!!  I was always a pretty well behaved kid who did what I was told...therefore I never had to worry about much.  No life stresses for sure!
2. Did you have a nickname growing up? What was it?
Yes, actually two.  My dad always called me Peanut, and my mom called me Pooh (or Ashy-Pooh).
3. What was your favorite thing to do at recess?
Probably swing.  I can remember always waiting for someone to get off so I could have a turn.
4. What did you want to be when you grew up?
A veterinarian...but then I decided I wouldn't like having to hurt the animals (in order to help them).  Plus...I don't like blood. BLAH!
5. Did you participate in any school activities?
Not until 5th grade, then I joined the basketball team and played through 7th grade. Which is funny because I'm not athletic at all! I was always involved in dance as well (from the age of 3) but that wasn't school related.
6. What is the funniest thing you did as a kid that your parents always remind you about?
Just one??!! I was the youngest for so many years so I was pretty whiny & spoiled...just being honest.  I also did whatever my siblings (especially my sister) told me to do, so there are so many things.  Probably the funniest (and it's so inappropriate) was when I used to walk around saying, "Is that a banana in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?"  I thought it was the funniest thing and I had NO IDEA what it meant, I had just seen it on TV.  No one told me for years what it meant and that I should probably stop saying it because everyone thought it was so funny!  Ugh..so embarrassing!!
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5 on Friday

Friday, August 23, 2013


It's FRIDAY!!! You know what that means.....FIVE ON FRIDAY with Darci & the girls!

THE GOOD LIFE BLOG

--1--
Wyatt and I had our first picnic on Tuesday.  It was so nice outside so we sat in the front yard while I ate some lunch.  Obviously he did not get to eat, but at least he got to enjoy some beautiful outside time.  

--2--
Football season is upon us, and I couldn't be more excited! I love Razorback football! Even though we usually don't go to that many games, we love cheering them on from any living room.  The first game is next Saturday in Fayetteville.  Hopefully we'll be able to maybe take Wyatt to his first game this season. 

--3--
This is about as close as Ollie has ever come to Wyatt...he's not a fan.  I actually had to force him to lay down for this picture, he was gone the second after it was taken.  Sometimes he'll sit near us on the couch but if Wyatt cries then that's it, he's done.  Angel isn't too fond of him either, but she's always liked her personal space.  Although, she does enjoy licking his head. :)  I'm actually surprised at how much Mister likes him...he'd sit in his lap all day if we let him. 

--4--
I'm LOVING the new Luke Bryan cd.  We had the opportunity to see him last summer (on my birthday) in Little Rock and it was a great show.  He's actually coming back again this fall, maybe I can talk someone into a date night! ;)

--5--
It's so strange to think at this time last year I was pregnant and no one knew.  Our little guy is such a blessing in our lives.  I wish we could share him with our family more, I feel like they're missing out on his awesomeness! 

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Baby Wise - Day 8

Thursday, August 22, 2013

I thought I'd give an update on how our new routine is working out...it's not!  Well, actually we follow a routine flawlessly.  I even went to Wal-Mart this week and got home just in time for his nap...first time he's not fallen asleep in the cart, WOOHOO!! He's eating every 2.5 hours, then has play-time, followed by about an hour long nap, and then it starts over again.  But he's still waking up! He was waking up just at 4, eat and go back down, but the past few nights he's woken up at 12 and 4.  I'm really hoping this is just a growth spurt! I've been squeezing in as many feedings during the day to make sure he's eating enough.  I can't wait for our 4 month appt. next week and hopefully we can start some kind of cereal...my boy is hungry! Ugh...I just don't know what to do.  I'm tired...
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iPhone Pictures

Tuesday, August 20, 2013


1] Helping Mama get ready   2] Cuddle time   3] Talking before bed   4] At the drive-in   5] Playtime with Teddy   6] Tummy-time with Mama   7] I think she likes him a little   8] Morning walk

If you follow me on Instagram then you probably recognize a few.  And if you don't, then you should follow me @ash_dorey. ;)
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Kitchenspiration & the First Day of School

Monday, August 19, 2013

Never The Same Spice Twice

Well, I did it!! I made one of the new recipes I found last week, and I'll probably be making it again this week.  I made the baked Tilapia, changing the recipe just a smidgen.  Rather than covering it, I baked it uncovered for less time.  It was so delicious...Sean wished I had made more.  I served it with brown rice and some left-over grilled green beans.
This week I have found three more recipes to try through Pinterest.  
{ONE}
Creamy Garlic Pasta, courtesy of Keyingredient
I have such a weakness for carbs, especially pasta.  I'm always looking for good Italian recipes because we don't have a single Italian restaurant in Camden.  I like that its also a healthier version to alfredo sine chicken alfredo's my fave!!

{TWO}
Shredded BBQ Chicken, courtesy of NewLeaf Wellness
We love some goooood bbq! I'm actually cooking this recipe as we speak! I love easy crock pot meals and this looks so good...especially with the homemade sauce.  

{THREE}
Baked Ziti, courtesy of Mom's Who Think
Again, another Italian recipe, I know.  This looks great to me and I'm not a huge lasagna lover.  One of my favorite recipes is pizza casserole and this is very similar to it...mmmmmm.
Alright, so those are the recipes for this week! I'm already on a roll considering I'm making one of them already...I'll let you know how it turns out next week. :)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Now onto the first day of school....
Today is the first day in 5 years that I'm not in a school on the first day back.  It's a little bittersweet...I know I'm getting to be at home with my precious baby boy though. I talked to my sweet mama this morning and she let me know that she sent me a first day present (which she's done every year on the first day).  She reminded me that I'm still a teacher...I guess I'm just teaching on a much smaller level. ;)  I was excited to hang out with Candi, J, & E this morning, it was a good distraction for the both of us (since C started Kindergarten today).  I hope all the teachers, students, and mamas are having a wonderful first day!


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Sunday Social

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Sunday Social
1. What is something you've always wanted to do but are afraid of?
This is a really tough question...most things I'm afraid of I don't want to do.  I would like to go snow skiing but it seems like everyone always gets hurt, so I'm kind of scared to do that.
2. Where do you see yourself in five years?
At home with my sweet babies.  Gosh! Wyatt will be 5!  Hopefully he'll have 1-2 siblings by then.  Maybe working part-time at a school or learning center.
3. What are you looking forward to before the end of 2013?
Seeing my baby boy continue to grow.  I'm so excited to see his first Christmas...he'll be crawling all over the place!
4. What are your hopes for your blog?
I want to continue to use it as a diary for our family.  If it becomes something more that would be exciting too!
5. Do you always see yourself living in your current town/city?
No, I would love to be back in NWA before Wyatt starts Kindergarten.
6. What is your morning routine?
WOW! That's changed drastically in the past 4 months!  Ummm...I get up and feed my son, change his diaper, and hopefully brush my teeth. ;)

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5 on Friday

Friday, August 16, 2013


It's Friday!!! That means it's time for Five on Friday with Darci and the girls!


--1--
Random fact: Apparently since I've become a mother I can make any everyday task into a song.  I totally understand how Barney survived so long.  Kids are entertained by singing about anything. :)

--2--
Baby Wise Update: My baby boy is still waking up from 3:00-4:20. Almost made it last night without having to pick him up and rock. Anyone have any suggestions as to why this is happening and what I can do?

--3--
How about this weather?? I don't know if your weather is the same as it is here but we've had mornings in the 60s. Perfect walking weather (we actually went 3 times this week)!!

--4--
Wyatt and I went up to the school yesterday...it was so bittersweet. Seeing everyone getting ready for Monday pulled at my heart a bit. But then I got to leave and come play with my boy and I was reminded of the great decision I've made. It was great seeing everyone though and Wyatt LOVED all of the attention. 

--5--
We had some great play dates this week! My friend Lauren and her daughter, Sam, came over one evening and brought pizza. Had a couple of fun pool days with Candi and the kids. I just have to share this picture of Sam and Wyatt. She was literally holding his head still so she could give him kisses...so sweet. 



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The Boys Behind the Blog {Link-Up}

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Never The Same Spice Twice

I'm linking up with Stephanie, at Never the Same Spice Twice, for Boys Behind the Blog! I just recently started reading her blog and have really enjoyed it.  When I saw this link-up I thought it was such a fun & great idea!

First off, everyone say "Hi, Sean!"...he loves having his picture taken. ;)


1. What would you do with $1,000,000?
Pay off the house, save for children's college, buy a vacation home in Colorado, & invest the rest.

2. What is your dream job?
Own a custom automotive shop.

3. Who is your celebrity crush?
I have a lot of them. If I had to pick one...my wife, she's my celebrity.

4. What is your favorite sports team?
Sports? No, but the only thing I watch religiously is Arkansas Razorback football.

5. What was your AOL/AIM screen name back in the day?
Nope...never had one.
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Baby Wise - Day 1

Wednesday, August 14, 2013


This is exactly what I have felt like for the last month and a half!  OH.MY.GOSH.  I'm exhausted! Let me do a little backtracking. When Wyatt was first born and for the first 2.5 months of life (when he slept in our room) he was a great sleeper! He would sleep until about 2-3 every night, eat, and sleep again until about 8.  Then we I decided to make a great decision to move him to his crib.  I was terrified of having the child who would never leave our room.  When we made that transition and for the past month & a half he has become so unpredictable at night. Some nights he wakes up 3 hours in a row!  I got into the awful habit of nursing him back to sleep...I know, I know,  I should have known better.  So now, here we are, trying to get him to sleep through the night...without nursing.  IT.IS.PAINFUL.  I was given "Baby Wise" as a gift and so I thought I'd give it a try...it couldn't hurt, right?
Yesterday was our first full cycle and he did AMAZING!!

He napped when he was supposed to and everything. The only real road block we hit was that he couldn't wait until 8 to eat, so I fed him at 7:30, but it was fine because he didn't go down to sleep until 8:15.  I woke up at 2 and he was still sleeping! At 3 he started fussing but then tried to self soothe (suck on his hand) until about 3:45 and then I went in when he started really crying.  I stayed with him until about 4:15 when he was back asleep, and that was it...he slept until I woke him at 7.  I couldn't believe it was that easy!  I'm hoping today goes just as well.  I'm a little nervous because we are going to dinner tonight but I'm going to try and have him home at least by 7:45. Fingers crossed he'll be sleeping through the night within the week!!

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Kitchenspiration

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Our Little Nest

I'm linking up today with Chelsea and Stephanie for Kitchenspiration.  
I've been working on becoming more of a domestic housewife, now that I'm a stay-at-home mama/wife, but cooking has never been one of my strong suits.  I kind of find a few simple recipes and make them over & over & over & over & over.  Luckily, Sean is a simple guy and doesn't need anything fancy...he could eat popcorn every night for dinner.  But now that we have a son and are starting a family I would like to step out of my comfort zone a little more. I just know I'll have that son who goes over to his friends house for dinner to eat something like meatloaf and he'll say, "What's that??"  So, I'm going to use this weekly link-up to try and find new recipes, through Pinterest or wherever, and I'm going to set a goal for myself to make at least one new recipe a week.  I should be able to handle that...right?? Ok, so lets get started!

{ONE}
Enchilada Casserole, courtesy of Buns In My Oven
This recipes looks so simple, and I actually have all of the ingredients for this!

{TWO}
Easy Bake Tilapia, courtesy of Allrecipes
I've had some frozen tilapia in my freezer for over a week now.  Sean asked me to get some last time I went to the store...not sure why.  But, now I have a great recipe and I might actually cook it! :)

{THREE}
Dorito Crusted Chicken Breast, courtesy Dots and Daisies
Not sure if I'll make this or not...we do LOVE Doritos! Have you tried the new Doritos Locos Tacos at Taco Bell?? OMGOSH, they're delicious!! Anyway, back to the topic, I do have all of the ingredients so I may just give it a whirl.

Well, those give me a bit of a jumping off point so hopefully by next Monday I will have tried at least one of these.  Who knows...maybe I'll make all three! 

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Sunday Funday

Monday, August 12, 2013

As I had mentioned before, Sean has been off work the past week.  Wyatt and I love having him home with us.  But sadly, yesterday was his last day with us on our "stay-cation".  We had a nice relaxing day around the house.  Sean grilled burgers and we tried out these new Ore-Ida Grillers, so good!

Ha! That's a funny angle...our fries look bigger than the burgers! ;)

And of course we had some good quality time with our little guy!  Mister is a huge fan of Wyatt.  He had to sit as close to him as possible...pretty much in his lap. :)  Wyatt loved trying out his new "jump-up".  Later we put him back in his walker and it was funny to see him trying to turn himself around like he was able to do in the "jump-up"...those little feet were just-a-movin'!


Daddy's favorite part of the day...right before bedtime.  I think he hates having to actually put him down at night, especially since he knew he wouldn't see him this morning. 

Hope y'all had a great weekend too!

 
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