Sisters?

I have said from the start that our girls really look nothing alike. Apparently I lied. When I took a look at this picture of Audrey from this past weekend it took me right back to when Bethany was 6 months old.

What do you think? Family resemblance?

Can you guess who's who?

Can you believe - 200!

Today is my 200th post! Can you believe it, 200 times I've blathered on about this or that. 200 times some of you have commented (but just so you know not enough of you, I know you're here, so why not stroke my ego, boost my confidence and make my day by leaving a comment!), 200 times I've sat at my keyboard pondering what to write, reading and re-reading, spell checking and sometimes deleting. It's 200 times I've thoroughly and completly enjoyed! Writing is in my blood, it soothes my soul and makes me feel "my voice" is being heard.

Anyways, today, in honor of 200 posts I have something very important to talk about. Actually it's not really something it's a someone....

As many of you know I have a brother, a younger brother. He's a great guy who grew into a great man and is someone I love and respect very much. Someone my children think is awesome and ask on a regular basis to see. He is also someone who has, for as long as I can remember liked his privacy and has asked that I keep him from this blog. With an exaggerated eye roll I said, "Ok, fine I guess so." Then I pouted for 5 minutes which was completly lost on him and I had to give up. Sigh

Aside from the fact that my bro is a blog party pooper he is also lacking one really major trait - he's not a girl! I always wanted a sister. I mean it was cool and stuff having a brother but he quickly out grew the idea of playing barbies with me, he'd rather be in the mud. He did play dress up with us girls (poor kid was always the "husband" to my good friend and we made him wear these funny purple and pink coats hahaha) but he didn't like to shop or paint his nails or do his make up. We had a lot in common but especially in my teenage years I yearned for a sister. Whether older or younger (preferably younger because well...I'm bossy) I just wanted someone who'd listen to my crap, tell me when my butt looks fat in those pants (or all of them) and who'd inhabit a different part of my soul, a part that had been empty up until a few years ago.

Enter Chelsea

ps. I totally stole this from Facebook!

Chelsea is my sister. Not my sister-in-law, that just implies boundries, we have none. (Well, except the boundry that we dont' get naked in front of each other, I don't wanna see hers and she certainly don't wanna see mine!) And although we really look nothing alike, don't share a mother or a father and grew up in different places you'd swear somewhere in there we share some blood. I guess if you want to be cheesy about it we are "Soul Sistas".

I can remember the day I met Chelsea. We were out for dinner with Corey's brother Scott on the night we decided to tell him I was pregnant with Bethany. He'd brought a friend of his (Corey's ex but let's not even go there *wink*) Helen and she'd brought her friend Chelsea. It was no secret Chels had a crush on Scott and after divulging in our surpise which turned out to be a bit of a bomb shell to someone other than Scott, we headed home. Anyways, on the drive home I commented to Corey on how sweet Chelsea seemed and on the fact that I figured she had a thing for Scott. Not long after they were dating and then in love and then engaged and then married. In all that time I was sick in the hosptial, pregnant and grumpy and then a new and shall I say highly emotional mother. And yet still, somehow we managed to become friends and to connect.

A connection in fact that I have only ever shared with one other individual. Both are their own bonds but still hold the same, forever and ever-through thick and thin-fight fire-laugh and cry at boys-don't care if you pee in your underwear (ok so maybe that's only Cindy) kind of way. Chelsea and I managed to chat our way through hours of time, making the servers at EastSide Marios think that we were planning on staying for supper as well as lunch. We've shopped (although not enough) together, learned what it was to be wives, to be sisters to each other, to be pregos and then mothers, daughters-in-law and adults, or so we tell ourselves we are.

We also some how manage to have the same stupid, crazy sense of humour. It causes great fits of laughter to extend far longer than is necessary, in a room full of poor unsuspecting and rather clueless members of our family, while trying to get a grip but finding every subesquent topic more hilarous than then last resulting in aching bellies and tears pouring down my face. It's wonderful!

Chelsea has listened to me complain, seen me cry, put up with those unpleasant prego moods, cuddled my children, loved my husband, let us into her family and become part of mine. She's a wonderful wife, a super momma, with sincerity one of the kindest souls you'll meet, she's always willing to help, ready to listen and easy to smile. Her laughter can be heard a mile away and can brighten just about anyones day.

She's the sister I imagined my brother to be (if of course he didn't posses that boy gene). Actually that's not true, she's the sister I always wanted along side my brother. I hope she knows how special she is, not only to me but to the rest of my family, my husband and my children. And I hope she knows that I appreciate her with everything I'm worth, I miss her very much (she refuses to move to Chilliwack - doesn't like cow poo, go figure) and I'm proud to say she's my sister. Chelsea, we love you very much, I'm so glad you picked Scott and he was smart enough to snatch you up.

Together we can be crazy, laughing girls who truly are Stone-d!

That thing you do...

Summer Fun, here in the Wack....

Summer Fun from Ashley Stone on Vimeo.

Um, sorry about the spastic videoing at the end. Apparently I was a little excited about Audrey's new skills.

Today...

"It's a Girl!", "DaDa", "Daddy's Home!", "Hey Dad, wanna play blocks?", "Pick me up Daddy, I want to see!", "I fell Daddy kiss it better","I asked Jesus into my heart", "I missssss my Mooooooom", "I did it! I'm riding my bike!","Awwww Dad", "Hey Dad are you ready for Christmas shopping?", " No, she won't like the socks with ducks on them", "Sure Dad, I'll go to a hockey game with you", "Really? You're going to make me parralell park again?", "All I want for graduation is season tickets with my Dad","I graduated, can you believe it I graduated!", "He was off side, clearly he was off side. That ref is blind! Seriously Dad did you see that?", "Dad, can you invite Gord and Merle for dinner so they bring the boys?", "Can we go to Earls after the game, please?!","I want to move to Kelowna Dad, will you help me find a place?", "Bye Daddy, I'm heading on my adventure", "I got the Job!", "Um, so my sewer is backing up into my house Dad, what do I do?", "I'm moving again, can you please bring your trailer", "He's a jerk Dad. I know he's my boss, but...", "I'm in love! I know it's real. It's not like one of those out of the ball park, home run sort of things. It's like coming Home, I can't wait for you to meet him Daddy.", "Corey asked me to marry him! I'm getting married!", "Tonight I'm getting baptised Dad, I wanted to surprise you.", "I do.", "I can't dance any more Dad, hold me up", " We're pregnant! and it's not an April Fools joke.", "It's a girl, we have a girl!!! Her name is Bethany", "We're moving again Dad, but this time - I'm coming home. Um, can you help us again, please?", "Seriously Dad, the next time you leave on holidays for 3 weeks - don't leave me in charge of the office mkay?", "Listen, to what she says "Papa" she's saying it for you", " We're pregnant again. Would you please build this baby a change table too?", "I HATE those guys at Telus Dad! I really do", "It's another girl! Her name is Audrey Joy"......

This would have been a different picture if my stupid scanner hadn't decided to be, well, stupid tonight! But none the less, it really is one of my favorites!

He's been there for a life time of phrases, of moments and memories, of joys and sorrows, triumphs and failures. He's dried tears, pulled slivers, taught lessons, held my hand, and then let it go. He's been my spiritual leader, my hockey buddy, my friend and my mentor. He's built blocks and wagons, sleighs that don't move in the snow and hope chests that move everywhere, he's made change tables and cutting boards, made good choices and hard. He's one of the hardest working men I know, always ready to do what it takes to take care of his family, or someone else's if the need be. He lays us in God's hands and trusts that He'll do His part. He's a son and a husband, a father and a Papa, but more than all of those, he's my Dad.

It's never been a secret that I love my Dad. He is our pillar of strength and I, just might have him wrapped around my little finger (I actually have a sign he bought for me to prove it). And my children, well, he's complete putty in their hands.

Dad and Mom weeding my garden to help me. A gift beyond measure.

I have molded my life from the two people who I admire and respect the most - my Mom and my Dad. I have followed in their example and learned from their mistakes. I have called them with countless questions and cried on their shoulders when I've made my own wrong turns. I pray that I lead our children to Christ and live by example in Him the way my Dad has and does. I hope that they know, like I do that Dad is always praying for them, loving them, and there for them. I hope that they feel the same strength in Corey that I do in my Dad. He's been my rock and my one constant through thick or thin. And I truly hope that when someone looks in my eyes, there is a true refection of my Dad in me. Not on the outside but radiating from within.

I LOVE this photo!

As time goes by and childhood becomes a memory and I become an adult (or so my driver's license says) I have a deeper appreciation for who and what my parents are. I'm a mother myself now, making those tough choices (and believe me, life with a 2 year old is full of tough choices), having to say no, spank hands, doing time outs, cuddling and kissing, tickling and laughing, playing and teaching. I have gained and understanding of why my parents did what did, said what they said and raised me to who I am.



Tonight, while preparing for Father's Day tomorrow, for both my wonderful husband and my great Dad, I started thinking about this post. I know Corey deserves a salute for he's a great Dad, I've blogged of that before. And he has a Dad, who too deserves a Happy Father's Day, but this is my space, and my voice and tonight it's My Dad I'm talking to. It's for him that I write....



"Happy Father's Day Dad! I hope you know that this is merely a day and we - I appreciate you each day of the year. Thank you for lessons learned and hurts mended. For friendship and tough love, for moving me a few too many times and listening when I tend to blather on. Thank you for loving my husband and adoring my children. Thank you for the help you've offered my family, you have no idea how we appreicate you and Mom. Thank you for being all those things to me, I don't think you'll ever really know how much I adore you. Enjoy your day today, you deserve it and I have one more phrase to leave you with....


"You are my hero, Daddy. I know without a shadow of a doubt that when the day comes that you stand at Jesus' feet (many, many, MANY years from now) He will look at you and say,



"You have served me well, you have done your best to live in My image, walk in My truth, shine My light and raise your children in My image. 'Well done, good and faithful servent....'"



and for that, we say thank you!"



Happy Father's Day, Dad! We love you!

Do's and Don'ts of Horn-y moments

I don't by any means boost about being a good driver. In fact, it's no secret that driving may not exactly be my strong suit, case in point. Over the past 10 years I've defiantly learned some lessons, had some scares and acquired some knowledge. I'm certainly not the best driver on the road but I am defiantly better than the stars of Canada's Worst Driver, or some of the crazies from Alberta. (If you are currently a resident of that fair province, and are a good driver please accept my apologies. If you are simply a resident of that province, get your act together. It's called a corner and it's not that hard!)

Anyways, my darling husband, is a much better driver than I. He's the primary driver in our house, the four wheeler, the designated teacher of all things automotive (We decided that on about the second day I was pregnant with Bethany. Or maybe Corey had already make that decision when he found out I didn't change the oil in my car for like a year...isn't it supposed to be black with chunks?) and of course when he's home my chauffeur. Aside from this accident he has a stellar driving record.

However, there is one thing he has no clue how to do, something that when it comes to being the driver of a vehicle this particular skill eludes him all together. No, it's not talking on his cellphone and driving he's great at that (he can't manage a good conversation with me in person in the vehicle "I'm thinking about driving, that's what I'm thinking.", Nooooo but he can certainly blabber on to the guy at Lordco about the thingy for the whirly do-hicky under the hood that's squealing like a pig in a rotating door. Ahem) It's actually the usage of his Horn.

I am a huge horn honker. Not that I use it at inappropriate moments but I feel it's my only verbal tool while behind the wheel of my vehicle. Yelling at other drivers only makes you look crazy and my children flinch so what else am I gonna do when you're about to run me off the road? Something dangerous is about to happen I honk, someone get in my way unnecessarily I honk...you get the drift.

Corey on the other hand, drives amazingly through those circumstances but fails to use his horn. On more than one occasion the horn may have avoided some scary situations or alerted a driver who's not paying attention that "HELLO I'M RIGHT HERE!".

We've talked about this many a time and he's more than willing to admit his horniphobia. Until just recently, we were driving down a busy farm road and ended up behind a van waiting to turn. There are copious numbers of cars coming in the opposite direction and this driver was patiently waiting for a safe time to turn onto his street. Corey, being super excited about the horn decided to lay on the horn until earplugs were required. In a very "SERIOUSLY! Go already I don't care if you get creamed I'm BORED!" kind of way.

After giving him what for, for the mis-use of the vehicles most entertaining tool I laughed until I'm pretty sure I dribbled. Only poor sweet Corey would use his horn and look like a jerk. He wasn't trying to be, he just thought the dude was I dunno, hanging out on the road taking a nap.

To prevent such instances from happening again I have compiled a small list of do's and don'ts in Horn Etiquette.

Do: Honk when a semi truck is trying to change lanes and clearly doesn't see your tiny car beside him.
Don't: Honk at a Tim Horton's transport truck expecting him to magically drop coffee and donuts out the refrigerator door. He may give you something but I'm pretty sure it won't be coffee.

Do: Honk gently at the guy waiting for the light to change when he fails to notice it's turned green. Come on, we've all done that.
Don't: Honk at the guy waiting to turn left on a busy road. You will either cause a heart attack or make him jumpy. That or he'll be a really big guy who turns around, follows you home and then beats you up. (Hey, it could happen - Corey)

Do: Honk and wave at your spouse as you pull out of the driveway.
Don't: Honk at a hot city worker repaving the road. He may turn to look and wind up a asphalty mess.

Do: Honk annoyingly at your husband while following him home. It will make you laugh and for the first 5 minutes it will make him laugh. (warning: should you exceed 5 minutes you're on your own.)
Don't: Honk annoyingly at a police officer - ever. Unfortunately they have a donut (maybe from the Tim's truck) stuck up their you know wheres and they never find honking funny.

Hope that helps guys. And remember the next time you're ready to burst out in a volcano of road rage induced, profanity streaked, verbal diarrhea use your horn. I mean it's there for something right?

The First Annual...

*** I accidentally deleted this the first time. I managed to recover most of it but lost the photo captions and sorry Danielle your comment was lost!***

This weekend was the very first ever Stone/Manz/Kimmie Family Birthday Weekend. It is something that we've all talked about for the past few years and this year Corey and I decided enough gum flappin' and let's get some action. So it was planned, it was executed and it was hopefully enjoyed. There are 3 little girls who deserve to have wonderful memories with their family and we all decided to make that a reality and to give them something to look forward to each year.

We have tons of excellent pictures from this weekend and although in true Ashley Fashion I could talk for 3 days and tell you all the sordid details right down to Audrey's serious lack of BM's I won't. Because you see, I'd rather you be concious to see my favorite moments. That and I'm too tired to keep typing, I pulled a crap load of horsetail from my garden tonight and even my fingers hurt.

Anyways, thanks Uncle Travis, Uncle Wyatt, Uncle Scott, Auntie Chelsea, Chloe, Grandpa and Grandma for making the weekend what it was. We love you all and are looking forward to next year.

I'm pretty sure they told her if she dug deep enough she'd find gold.

They lied.
We only believe in feeding our guests food of the plastic variety.

Sorry Audrey, are we boring you?

I love this photo! Look at her eyes!

Chloe says, "HONK!"

It's hard to believe they are 3 months apart. Can you tell who's older?

"I'm here for you Audrey."

Auntie Chelsea and the babies.

Uncle Wyatt.

Uncle Travis, maybe he is half ape. (Great photo Auntie C)

"Hey Grandma, I can see your boogers" She didn't actually say it then but quite often Beth can be heard commenting on someone's boogers. Niiiice.

Uncle Scott. Not the best photo but proof he was here too!

Sisters.

"Once Upon a Time...."

"CHEESE!"

The Greats

As I mentioned before, this past month my grandparents were here in Chilliwack visiting us. For just about a month, my Mom's parents, my Grammie and Pa were staying at Mom and Dad's. For as long as I can remember we have looked forward to their visits. My Grammie and I hold a bond that very few grandmothers and granddaughters can say they share. A connection and a closeness that I'm told has been there since birth. One that I see in the relationship between Beth and my mom and one that I hope blossoms between Audrey and Mom too!

I love having my Grammie around. Her gentle personality, love for me and my children and her INTENSE dedication and love for the Lord make her a true blessing. She was instrumental in my learning to knit, a skill I keep in very good practice, she has dried my tears, laughed at my silliness, listened patiently as I've chattered her ear OFF and prayed for me harder than anyone else I know. And now, to add to that incredible love I have for her is the new relationships she's formed with my girls. It's so wonderful to see my Beth playing beside her or watching her talk with Audrey and coo over how cute she is!

And then there's my Pa. Bethany's Great Pa, a guy she's still talking about. He made my girls these beautiful Chaise lounges (photos to come) and rocking chairs. He drinks endless "cups of tea" while Bethany serves and tells stories that will have you laughing to tears. I mean seriously, that guy was TROUBLE when he was younger. One day I will post some of my favorite stories because his antics rival those of Don Knotts and Tim Conway.

Anyways, here are some photos from their visit here. Some I've already posted but they deserve the attention again. It was a lovely visit, we love them so much!

Bethany and Great Grammie posing for a shot, awww.....

See folks, this is where the attitude really came from. I asked them to clean up the toys and Grammie does this, Bethany could only follow suit....Not listening?

Seriously, guys? The toys? Oh really, too tired eh? Nice matching 'tudes!

(I'm kidding, sort of)

Bethany serving Great Pa. Oh how she loves his attention!

The Greats and Audrey.

I love the contrast of old and young. And the fact that there is so much of my Grammie in Audrey's little face.

Keep your clothes on Sarah!

I have a nudist living in my home. She's a very small girl, with an outie belly button and sweet loving eyes. No, I'm not talking about Bethany, although she does fit the description and these days she's quite often seen running around sans pants, thanks to potty training efforts. But rather I'm talking about her best friend, her buddy and her pal, Sarah.

(before)

I have mentioned Sarah before, but I don't think I've ever really stressed what an important member of the family she is. You see, Sarah has been a part of my life for many, many years, longer than Bethany's been alive and longer than Corey's been around. She is one of my old Cabbage Patch Dolls.

(after)

Back when I was a very tiny girl and Cabbage Patch dolls were the hot new thing, my Dad waited for hours and fought the crazy, mad parents for a Cabbage Patch baby for me. His name is Orsen and he quickly became my bestest pal ever. I packed him everywhere, although if you asked me, he was a she and wore dresses (see why God gave me girls...he was afraid of how I would dress a son I'm sure!). I loved Orson dearly and thus began a love of all Cabbage Patch babies everywhere. As I grew older I added more and more of them to my collection and played with each and everyone.

I had one that when you squeezed her arm she cried, you'd feed her a bottle or kiss her cheek and the very real sounding cry would stop. She has since malfunctioned and when she's crying the only way to make her stop is to club her upside the head or chuck her to the ground. Good thing I'm old enough to know that's not how you stop my kids from crying.

Anyways, about a year ago my Mom who is amazing at saving all of our old toys that were special, pulls out a bag of stuffies and dolls for Beth to play with. Almost immediately she found Sarah and began to play with her. Not long after, Sarah came home with us and has been a pretty important part of Beth's day to day life ever since.

Snuggling, watching " 'Trawberry Land"

Bethany has tons of different dollies she could play with, many of which are brand new, one of which is a new Cabbage Patch - Alexis that Audrey "gave" her when she was born. And as much as Alexis is Sarah's friend and B plays with her when it comes down to the wire it is Sarah Bethany wants. We forgot her at Grammy's the other day and Beth asked for her continually all the way back from Hope and was upset enough we had to stop at Grammy's to get Sarah before bedtime.

You see Sarah is not only Bethany's buddy she's her comfort. We are in the middle of many a transition for B, including but not limited to falling asleep without one of us in her room, no soother at nap times soon to be no soother at all, potty training and just generally becoming a big girl. Those are tough changes for a small girl to handle and having someone to go through them with you is a big deal. I had Orson so why shouldn't she have Sarah. In fact, it just might make my heart swell each time I watch her sing Sarah to sleep or check to see if she's sick. Because the things she does for her baby are the things I do for her and it's reassurance that she knows how to love, what love is and that she is very loved. It's also so sweet listening to Bethany's version of "You are my Sunshine", which always ends with a VERY loud "EVERYDAY!"

The only problem with Sarah is she doesn't like to have her clothes on. In fact she hates it. I will dress her when Bethany is doing something else and leave her awaiting B. The second she is discovered I am informed that "Sarah's hot", "Sarah no likes those clothes", "Mommy! NO!" and off the come and poor Sarah is naked. And it's not like Sarah has only one outfit, I've made sure there is variety, you know in case what she had wasn't in style. It is 15 years old ya know. But noooooo, she can't get dressed. Maybe her tooshie just likes the breeze? I finally convinced her to let me dress Sarah last week for church by telling Bethany, "It's embarassing to be at Church naked, we don't want anyone to see Sarah's bum." That worked until the service ended at least.

(about 30 seconds after I dressed her this morning for the above picture, this happened)

Anyways, it's cute. At least it's her baby who won't keep her clothes on not mine!