Two Hands- Ashton is 10

Kid #2 is 10!  I look at him and marvel.  He is going to rock the world! 


Ten things that make him stand out... He is strong-willed, opinionated, athletic, smart, leader, mouthy, animal-lover, conscientious, intense, and talkative!


He came into this world fiery and with a voice, so it is no surprise that he has still got it.  But, I love him for it.  I also tell him that these things that drive me crazy are going to be the very things that once he gets them under control are going to be his selling points. 

Ashton, I love you.  You stand up for those who need help.  You are not afraid to back down.  I am so proud of all the positive feedback I get from people in your life. 

Continue to fight the good fight... notice it is says the good fight and it actually ends with ... of faith.  Dont' just fight the fight- that will only lead to you being tired, jaded, and sad.  Utilize your shield of faith and according to I Timothy, "fight the good fight of faith."  Remember to listen to that still, small (but sometimes loud and obvious) voice of the Holy Spirit.  Take time to breath and listen and reflect and unwind.  Love people just because- dont love people because they did something for you but love as Jesus loves.

I know, you would probably be rolling your eyes by this point with all my mom tips. 

So, I will finish with saying, I love you and I am proud of you!

This is the first kid birthday that has happened since I went back to work and wow, I am tired!  haha.  I love my kid's birthdays but I just barely squeaked by getting Ashton's presents.  We go to a book study at a friend's house on Wednesday night.  So, we did a mini party over at Jodi' house with some of our friends. 

Singing Happy Birthday

This crew.... Love...  Jackson, Karson, Connor, Hunter, Bennett, Ashton, Shepherd, and Will

I really wanted to take Ashton to Carowinds for his birthday but time and energy (but mostly time) just made that too hard. (We did buy season passes for next year though!)
I got Ashton out of school and we went to lunch.  He picked Coyote Coffee which made this coffee addict quite happy (plus they have yummy food too.)  I then let him play hookie that last 1.5 of school while I ran back to work. 

Happy Birthday at home... he did dessert before dinner since the chicken pot pie was not ready and we had to head to soccer practice!

I made him chicken pot pie, his favorite dinner, tonight.  He requested a cheesecake for his dessert, but I honestly just ran out of time.  So, tonight I made iced brownies and I told him this weekend I would make him a cheesecake.

Blowing out the Big 10!

 (Just a side note, I have some serious issues- I should just go buy something, but in my head, to be a "good mom" I need to do a home made something- I am sure I will learn in time.)

His birthday loot from us- a new soccer goal, a yoga ball (it is much smaller than I imagined), football cards (his favorite gift), pick up sticks (totally forgot about this game), and a new Nikes.
He also racked up $250 from my parent, Chad's parents, Jodi's family, Leah's family, and Aunt Joan. 
Thank you all for loving on our awesome Ash.

Happy 10th! Birthday SmAsh!