Why having a 3rd child has made me a better mom.

When finding out I was pregnant with our third little bundle of joy I was non the less -scared as hell. I had a boy and a girl already which to some people, is the picture perfect scenario in today's society therefore, adding a third was a tad frightening! Plus, we've all heard the saying "three's a crowd" which is unfortunately,  much of what I lived by my entire pregnancy. Then there are always the millions of post about how having two kids is  ideal and bla bla bla. Picture perfect to me is whatever makes you and your spouse happy whether that is 1 or 8, "perfect" is all each persons own perspective. At the moment three is "perfect" for me, then again maybe 4 would be even better? Who knows?! We will cross that bridge when we get there I suppose! Having 3 children under the age of 4 has opened my eyes to so many incredible things! Things I never knew existed. Such as how three different children of different ages can be on the exact same bathroom schedule...change one diaper, another's needing wiped in the bathroom, get that one wiped and another has a dirty diaper. Seriously, n e V e r ending! Or realizing the possibilities of eating your dinner while feeding three others. True story. Oh, don't even get me started on what I can accomplish while nursing a baby. Things I never knew I was capable of.  Or just how little time to do anything other than care for children you really will have. Clearly, based on the fact that I'm writing this and haven't found time to write a blog post in over a year says something! Better mom, certainly not a better blogger with three! And although like most Moms, I still loss my shit almost daily, Oh and not to mention literally falling apart in the first 2 months of the third ones life (a blog in itself for another loooonnngg day) I am finding that each month this third little gem has made me a better Mom in so many ways and here's 8 reasons why!....
1. I care less. No, obviously not less about the children. I care less about the things in life that used to drive me nuts. {Things that any of you OCD moms understand.}Having every little thing perfect. I was C.R.A.Z.Y. about detail. I still love certain things to be perfect if possible but I no longer find myself getting anxiety about how someone carries my child to the car or which door they open first and how. Yes, I wasn't kidding. This is the stuff that I used to think about. Nutty right? I know! Now with three I have found I have no option but to allow for help sometimes and by golly it's just going to have to be done however it gets done!
2. I worry less. I used to lay in bed at night thinking about the laundry that needed switched over in an hour. Now, when my head hits the pillow I am fully aware it won't last long and I'm not about to lay there worried about that damn laundry! That baby will be ready to eat in three hours whether that laundry gets switched or not.
3. I play more. Less care=more play, pretty simple really. Instead of strategically planning details for tomorrow, I am completely consumed with today.
4. I cook more. Ever been to dinner with three kids under the age of four? Enough said.
5. I can read minds. Sounds funny I know, but my telepathic skills are on the high side these days. No joke. I can forecast a cry minutes before it happens. I see spills before they take place. I know a cry for milk seconds before the first whine.
6. I panic less. Broken? Bleeding -really bad? They are probably fine. Or over exaggerating to get the other sibling in trouble. Literally, my life every. single. day. These screams of death only to find one took a toy from the other. For. The. Love.
7. I get worked up less. The arguing, disagreeing, and pure craziness of a toddler (or in my case two toddlers) can be overwhelming at times. I am finding, I get less worked up than I used to. Honestly, the reason why is simple...I don't have the energy. Sad but true. I don't have the energy to deal with what you prefer to wear right now. You want to wear a cop uniform to town-wear it. You want to take 6 baby dolls to Walmart-bring them. By the time we get there you will more than likely change your mind and leave them in the van anyways. You want to stay in your pj's all day-me too. I have started getting less excited over these things and the craziest thing has happened-my kids get less excited too. Don't get me wrong, we still deal with ALOT of toddler "issues" BUT letting them find what individualizes them from everyone else has given them a sense of pride and calmness. Even if that is wearing pj's to birthday parties. Yes that happened. Just last week. Ashley, Mom of two would have NEVER allowed for that nonsense! Not in a million years.
8. I'm back to the basics. At the end of the day what is our goal? Happy. Healthy. God loving. Decent kids who will make a good impact on society. And will love their Momma for the rest of their lives.
9. I love more. They say with each child your heart just grows. This is so true. My heart grows with each child and the love consumes my body. When I look at my sweet babies it literally makes my chest feel like it will explode. A flood of every emotion. A dose of what it must feel like to reach heavens gates.

Three may not be for for you. But at this moment, it's perfection to me.❤️

My dearest Sawyer

Today was not our day. It was long. It was hard. It tested my patience beyond what I thought possible. We struggled getting out of the house, we couldn't make a decision on lunch, you refused to eat, refused to come inside, and I had to manually remove you from your bath tonight. We spent the day arguing over what you wanted to drink, you struggled to explain your thoughts to me while I so badly tried to understand what exactly you wanted, you rode to town without pants because the fight to me at that point wasn't worth it, and nearly all day you wore but only one sock. The day was mentally and physically exhausting for the both of us. I was a mean mommy today. I didn't let you have your way with everything, I raised my voice, and I had to talk myself out of beating you pretty much all day long.

Tonight as I was nursing your baby sister to sleep and Daddy was trying to get you to sleep upstairs I could hear your screams "I want my mommy" at first I was annoyed that you still awake at 10:30 and were not fast asleep but as I came upstairs after hearing you for a good ten minutes and you still wouldn't calm down, I realized that I was not annoyed at all, I was indeed thankful. Thankful that after a day like today, with all the struggles, you still wanted me. As I laid beside you and held your trembling little body as you said "hold me tight" still crying and having trouble catching your breath, I realized that in that given moment there is no place I'd rather be. This toddler business is serious. Some days are good and some days are like this particular one. But at the end of the day, I'm still your Mommy and I love you will all my heart. I will "hold you tight" so long as you will let me and no matter the disagreements and struggles, I will always be here. Thank you for wanting me. 

All my love,

Mommy

To plant a garden or to not plant a garden...

If you have followed my blog for a while then you know that I do the occasional canning/freezing corn, tomatoes, and green beans. Year after year the idea to plant a garden arises about this time when everyone else is prepping their soil and getting ready to plant their veggies and year after year I steer clear of planting my own and yes, year after year when picking season hits and I have to go to buy my green beans and corn to put up I am kicking myself for not planting my own! So yet again here we stand mid April going back and forth with the idea. Here's the issue, I have sooo many projects around the farmhouse and the yard that it seems silly to add more work to my plate. But then there that idea that I love putting up fresh food for my little family. Oh decisions...decisions. Any helpful ideas to make my decision making easier? Send them my way peeps! I need ideas! Ahh, the struggle!

  

Cousin Love.

Having been blessed with very young parents, I never had many 1st cousins that were my age. I had one who ended up moving away around 2 years old. The next first cousin didn't come for another 9 years! Luckily for me I had a 2nd cousin that I was very close with but for the most part when at immediate family gatherings, I was a loner. Sure I got all the attention but there wasn't much kid action happening. I always longed to have other kids to play with when at Grandma's house! Luckily for my sweet babies, they aren't lacking in the cousin department! Today we had the whole family on my husbands side over for a fun day of food, birthdays, baby snuggles, and straight up cousin love! These kids are one fun loving, monkey climing, rowdy bunch! You can literally see the pure joy in their eyes when they are playing with each other. I can't tell ya'll how incredibly happy it makes me seeing these sweet little Bohall's playing and making memories that will last them a lifetime! The bond that they share is seriously the cutest thing my eyes have ever seen. And did I mention how stinking adorable they all are?!? Well here are some pictures to prove it!

Ellie belly + Jojo loving the wagon!

Bohall babies -3!

Little dare devil!

Bales + Jojo.

What a beautiful day it was here in Indiana! I sure hope you all had a wonderful day spent outdoors and making memories with your own families!☺️

Xoxo- Ashley

Not one ounce of me will ever regret it!

While spending time with my Mama today many topics came up in conversation. One topic in particular has had me reflecting on my parenting all day. Sure everyone's parenting is different but if you are a parent or are a person who plans to parent and has a specific idea about how you plan to do so then you are probably well aware that not every one will agree with your techniques. This being so in my case. I am currently laying in bed with my ever so sweet, soundly sleeping two year old beside me and my 10 month old in her crib right beside my bed, within arms reach. Many disagree, and that's ok. But you know what? This is what works for us. I'm not a "cry it out" kind of mom. Matter of fact, my children rarely cry for more than 2 minutes without me coming to the rescue. Here's my reasoning (not that I need one) as to why this works for us and I don't hold to them sleeping in their own rooms. One day, not so far away, more like in the blink of an eye, that sweet, soundly sleeping little boy is going to be all grown up and out and about with buddies when it's time to be tucked into bed. That baby within arms reach is going to be across the hall too busy on her cell phone to even realize I said goodnight and I for one don't want to be the old Mama laying down in bed with a single ounce of me regretting the time I got to lay with them in my arms when they were babies! Have you ever heard a Mom with grown children say she regretted all those times her babies climbed up in bed with her? I would about bet not. Just as I have never heard a Mom with grown children say she regretted rocking her children to sleep. I hear the argument that children will never want to leave if you let them sleep with you. My response to that is, if I have a 16 year old son that still wants to sleep with his Mama than we have a far bigger problem anyways. I don't see that being a problem for long and I about bet that they will willingly find themselves leaving my bed before jr.high lol! 

For now this is how we do. You do you. You do what works for your family. You rock those babies to sleep without an ounce of regret. Time is all we have, and not very much of it. I will snuggle my babies so long as they will let and not a single ounce of me will regret it!

Ps. Thank you to my Mama who rocked me to sleep so many years ago. I think I turned out just fine.😉😘 Love you!

Xoxo- S & E's Mama 

A baby boy is on the way!

Hi folks! So long time no read, right? Well I'm back for a minute to share with you a special occasion that I took the pleasure in hosting this past weekend, a baby shower for my amazing sister and precious soon to be nephew, Ryder! 

Ryder's Mommy + Daddy love to fish and spend time at the lake so obviously we had to throw a fishing themed baby shower of course! Here are a few pictures of the party!😊 Hope you enjoy!

Beautiful Momma to be!

 We can't wait to meet you Ryder! 

Xoxo-

Auntie Ashley 

Nursing top turns lingerie.

*Notice* This post is not of my typical literature around here. Dad- if you're reading this, please close out now. 

Ok...

If you find yourself being referred to as Mommy, chances are you have heard (and know well) the term "Parent Sex". In the rare occasion or the slight chance that you have not, let me bring you up to date with the term. The term "Parent Sex" {although not found in Websters} is the deifnition of sexual intercourse after becoming parents, the 10 minutes you get between feeding one baby before the other wakes up, or in some cases, the time before morning nap ends and lunch begins. That short segment of time that requires all-hands-on-deck if you will. Hitting "it" before hitting the pillow-as if your eyes hadn't seen sleep in 3 damn days. We all know of it and some of us know it all too well! Which brings me to my next point. That sexy lingerie that you got as a gift at your bachelorette party before you got married. You know that cute purple one with the lace top and matching panties that you keep tucked away with the other "fun" stuff that never gets used in the round box under your bed. The one you wore a couple times (on special occasions) before the rascals came along. Chances are unless you have an all night baby sitter and really feel like doing Daddy a favor, you will never wear it again! After all, do you really want to spend the first 5 minutes of your 10 minute "parent sex" segment frantically searching for the box, dusting the top off, and putting on a sexy piece of lingerie that clearly doesn't fit as well as it used to?! I think not. 

As Momma's we beat ourselves up trying to overcome the stereotypical "anything but sexy" mom look, when in reality our men find us sexy regaurdless of how rough we seem in our nursing tank covered in today's lunch, tonight's dinner, and whatever the 3 footer had on his hand when he came running to the kitchen wiping them all over your back while you were trying to clean up! 

My proposal is this-Let yourself be sexy in that nursing tank! Unsnap those sides like a boss! Know that your baby isn't the only one that finds that easy access to be helpful and appreciated! That nursing tank turns the tables for Momma's who think they've fallen victim to tee shirt sex! Not anymore ladies! Let that nursing tank turn lingerie for you today!

I hope you found enjoyment and humor out of this as much as I did while writing it! 

XoXo-

Boobfed tank lover<3

Before you throw in the towel.

I am not a marriage counselor today, I won't be tomorrow, and I wasn't one yesterday. I don't have a PhD in family counseling. I never studied marriage psychology. I am not an expert on how to deal with relationship struggles and I do not know everyone's past. I realize that some marriages are over long before they ever begin. I also realize that certain instances and situations leave people with no choice but to throw in the towel on their marriage. I am not naive in thinking that everyone can have some fairy tale marriage with hugs, kisses, and happiness everyday. I know life's struggles. I know what it's like to want show my husband the love I have inside but day after day life gets in the way. I know what it's like realizing it's time for bed and I have yet to give my husband a kiss. I know what it's like to argue over taking the trash out, getting the kids ready, and spending money! 

I may not have all of the credentials to give the best advice in a time of need but I do however, have a faith that is strong enough to help me withstand the fails of marriage and help me to realize just what it takes to uphold a marriage within the storm. I can tell you this much...no one works harder or longs for your marriage to succeed more than the Lord himself. He fights for us daily and if you just give him a chance to work within your marriage you may find that loving your spouse is a little easier each day. I find myself drifting occasionally from keeping God #1 in our marriage and for that, not only I, but my entire family suffer the consequences. 

I have had my share of watching marriages crumble within the walls of love and time after time I look for an answer as to why. Why did the love disappear? What happen to get them to the point of no return? Regardless of the circumstances that lead to divorce, there is alway one common denominator...God was not #1. Seems so simple but yet so hard for us to obtain. Why is that? Why is it so easy to let God slip from being #1? Honestly, I do not have that answer and plan on spending the rest of my life trying to figure that out! 

Before you throw in the towel on your marriage...let God into your marriage, let him be #1, love him more than you love yourself, your husband, and your family. Marriage is not easy, it may in fact be the hardest thing you ever work for. No matter who's against you, never forget that God is always for you. He is always in your corner. Always rooting for your marriage. Wanting nothing more than to see your marriage succeed! 

-Ashley

A Bohall Christmas.

The time has come and {quickly} gone. All the presents are trying to find a home within our house and the tree is soon to come down. It seems this time of year goes by faster and faster each year, perhaps because of the children I'd like it to actually last a little longer. The memories of Christmas I will forever cherish. Wrapping the gifts, sitting out the cookies, spending time with family, celebrating the birth of our Lord, and seeing two little faces as they open presents (even if one little thinks the wrapping paper is more fun than whats inside!) on Christmas morning. 

We had such a blessed first Christmas in the farmhouse and first Christmas with our sweet Eleanor! Exhaustion has now set in from all the hype this weekend and our littles have been sleeping extra long the past two days! Hopefully we can get back into our normal routine and prepare ourselves for the new year!

Here are a few pictures from our Christmas celebrations!😊

Our family on Christmas Eve.

Santa's cookies!

Santa came!

My little cowboy Sawyer.

This little lady loved her new anywhere chair!

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

Xoxo- Ashley 

YES...I will and I do, today, tomorrow, & always!

Rewind 5 years. I was happily dating the love of my life and boyfriend of 3 years. Living life to the fullest. We were young, wild, and free with big dreams in our future...marriage, kids, a bigger house, new cars, and many more memories to come! We had talked about marriage for a while now and I was more than ready to take that next step! I knew Daniel was ready too but had no idea when the day of proposal would actually happen! 

December 12th, 2010. It was becoming night and almost time for dinner, I was in the kitchen of our very first home cooking when Daniel yelled for me to come into the living room because he had a "early Christmas present." He is notorious for not being able to wait till Christmas to give his gifts and I was honestly annoyed that he once again wanted me to open something early! Even unwrapping it, it never occurred that is could be a ring! Much to my surprise there it was, a beautiful diamond ring that was exactly what I had dreamed of. Simple, beautiful, and elegant. My body was shaking uncontrolably as he ask me to be his wife. I could hardly find my voice to say YES! The day I had waited for all my life was happening right that second, I was taking the next step in my life and experiencing one of the greatest days I would ever see! 

This ring was the beginning to our future and would hold as a symbol of our love for the rest of our lives. I can't possibly put into words my emotions in that very moment but I do know this, my vow to say yes that day still holds true these 5 years later! Yes, I will and I do love you for the remainer of my life. This ring has been a symbol of your love through good times and bad, it has seen the births of our sweet babies, it has painted two more homes, washed many many dishes, cleaned, rubbed tiny legs to sleep, and prayed for many years of happiness to come! Like our marriage this ring is not perfect, it is dirty, could use a fresh dip, and doesn't sparkle nearly like it did the day you gave it but it's promise and symbol will always remain the same just as our marriage continues to grow in love and faith and because of that, it too will always remain the same. Thank you Daniel for believing in us then and still loving me now. I will never forget that day and I am so thankful that God continues to bless our marriage! Happy proposal day!

Xoxo- Daniel's Wifey☺️

Christmas at the Farmhouse.

It wasn't until recently (as in two years ago) that I found an all new love for this time of year. In the past I dreaded the cold and the thought of going to 15 Christmas gatherings would send me head spinning (who am I kidding, that part still makes my head spin. Although we have cut the list down tremdously!). After having kids I found that I have a whole new appreciation for things like decorating the tree and shopping for those perfect gifts. Since my husband and I bought our first house we have always made it tradition to put the tree up Thanksgiving night. This year however, being that we weren't able to put a tree up last year since most of you know our house wasn't done, I talked him into bring up the Christmas totes early!😁 I thought I would share with you a few pictures of the farmhouse during Christmas. I am still working on him with the outside lights!😉...maybe next year.

Welcome....

Our living room. I have dreamed of having a bit mantel to decorate for years now. My dreams finally came true!

The stockings were hung...

(A fire sure would make this picture 10X prettier!) 😏

Daddy came home from hunting just in time to top the tree with the angel!☺️👼🏼

Christmas Dining.

I picked Mr. Claus up about 4 years ago at a goodwill store for $3.00...I knew he would find the perfect spot one day!

My Sawyer decorated his own tree of course and continues to redecorate it daily!

The perfect little advent calendar I found at Kohls! 

There you have it, Christmas at the farmhouse is well underway! Now to wrap all the presents! Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

God Bless! XoXo-

Ashley 

20 facts about Ashley.

1. I don't eat any fruits or veggies! And yes that includes fresh corn on the cob with lots of butter and salt! Oddly enough, even growing up in the country and with my enjoyment for canning I still don't eat it! Although, it is my main goal to make sure my kids love it! Oh and even fresh watermellon! Yuck...don't like it even a little bit! If it is made up of 90 something % of water... than I'll just drink water!

2. I hate mice! I feel that this is a pretty common one really, I mean who likes these gross creatures?!?

3. If it is dark outside and I have to go to the car or mailbox I still have to talk myself out of a freak out situation even at the age of 25 and a mother of two! Most always I still have a bit of a jog to my walk as if someone is on my tail!! Ahh no joke! I'm a pansy.

4. I LOVE to eat out! Although I do enjoy cooking occasionally, I love going out to eat! Having two kids challenges this a little more with being able to actually enjoy a meal but we still eat out probably more than we should!

5. I still have a crush on my husband. Yes after 8 years of being with him and almost 4 years married I still find myself looking at him when he doesn't know it, thinking to myself...wow I'm a lucky woman, sexy husband and cute kids, someone pinch me! And when his name shows up on my phone throughout the day, I still get excited! Now days it's usually a text like "it's going to be late", "how are the kids", or "what's the plan for tonight" but when it's a simple "I love you" or "hope you guys have a good day" my heart melts into a little puddle. 

6. I love company! I get so much enjoyment out of people visiting. It sure doesn't happen often but when it does I love it!

7. I love to coordinate my family. Most people try and coordinate family pictures but for me I love coordinating All. The. Time. Obviously with a family of four the coordinating days are less often than what they once were. Even before we had children, I worked hard to coordinate my husband and I! Lol a lot of people found it funny...except for my husband, he always thought I was weird for thinking we had to match. And he's probably right but I get enjoyment out of it! 

8. I LOVE chocolate milkshakes! No joke people, I literally had one nearly every single day while pregnant with both kids! Still to the day it's a weakness of mine! I'm obsessed! 1 small chocolate shake with no whip and no cherry please! Yum! All this thought about it actually make me want to go get one right now! Mmmmm

9. I love decorating! If you have me on any social media you probably already know this one as I am constantly posting pictures of our farmhouse but I sure do love decorating! When I was in high school I wanted to be an interior designer ...that is until I realized that in my small town the chances of success were slim and this country girl isn't moving to the big city! No way Jose! 

10. I MUST wear sunglasses when it's sunny! I must have the most sesitive eyes there ever was! I literally can not see when it's sunny and if I try and drive to town without sunglasses I'm sure to have a headache by the time I get there! 

11. Dasani water is my favorite. A lot of people say water is water and it all taste the same...I beg to differ! Dasani is much better than other waters however, I rarely splurg at the grocery on dasani and usually pick up the cheap store brand! But buddy if I'm at the g station, I'm walking out with a dasani like a boss! 

12. I could eat pizza for every meal! Seriously though, pizza from different places taste like different food to me! If we are friends and you don't know I love pizza, we probably shouldn't be friends!

13. My kids are my life. This also I'm sure is no shocker but it's true they are. They are my 8-5 and everything inbetween! Me alone these days is very rare!!! Even though many times throughout the day I wish I could take a 15 minute break, I wouldn't change it for the world! They will only be little once! And have you ever met someone who regrets staying home with their kids when they were little?...me either!

14. Yellow cake with chocolate icing is my FAVORITE! I don't particularly enjoy store bought cakes or wedding cakes, my jam is on some yellow cake + chocolate icing! 

15. I live in my dream house. This probably is a shocker to most being that this house is not huge, older than my great grandparents, cost less than some people pay for a vehicle, and not even close to being finished on the outside but it's still exactly what I have always dreamed for! A two story white farmhouse, located in Dudleytown and complete with a porch swing! It is what it is. I may not have it all but what I have is all I need! 

16. My arms are awkwardly double jointed. Anyone that cheered with me back in the day knew the struggle! Where most cheerleaders tighten their arms as much as possible when making a V, I had to keep mine a tad relaxed to look right! 

17. Fall is my favorite season! What's not to love? Perfect weather and beautiful scenery! Ahh and of course pumpkin spice candle smell throughout the house!

18. I don't eat seafood. Not even fish sticks! Not even fish sandwiches from the tractor pulls!

19. I'm pretty much besties with Reba and the entire cast of NCIS they just don't know it, but I do see Gibbs cruising through town occasionally in his charger and I give him a wave!

20. I'm a terrible swimmer! If I'm on a boat and it goes down, chances are I'm not making it out alive! This is also one of the main reasons I don't swim in the ocean, along with the fact that I don't like fish! Don't like to eat them and don't like to feel them touching my feet!!! 

Happy Saturday friends! 

Will it be enough?

Each and every day I wake up, I start the same routine, I wake up, feed babies, clean up the kitchen, pick up the toys, change diapers, turn on paw patrol, and so on. Throughout my day I check Facebook and occasionally tune in to the news here or there given the chance...only to be greeted with political debates, rioting, and people pointing blame on objects rather than people. We all are aware of the craziness going on in this world and each day I am reminded of just how corrupt this world can be. Each time I tune in or read an article on Facebook about the things going on, not just in the world but right here in our communities I am faced with the question... Will it be enough? 

When I look at my children I see bright futures filled with success and determination. I see beautiful families with several smiling faces that call me Grandma. I also see devoted Christians who were raised to understand not only God's grace but his law too. Just as in the laws of the bible, the laws of this country are all too often forgot. My husband and I strive to teach and nurture our children every day, growing them to know and love God, to put him first, and to respect authority figures of every kind. But day in and day out I'm left with the question...will it be enough? Will what we are teaching and instilling in our children be enough? Will it be enough to withstand this cold hard world? Will it be enough to make them stand for what they believe in while remembering that we are all sinners? Will it be enough to make them feel safe when everything around them begins to crumble? Will it be enough to give them the ability to stand on their own two feet when society makes it so easy to fail? And most of all will it be enough to keep them strong in their faith, to continue to love God first, not people.

These questions I am faced with every day. Everyone knows that being a parent is no easy job, day after day we are faced with situations that often times make me question if I have what it takes to raise my tiny humans into individuals that will be a successful asset to society. In a world that believes no one is wrong and everything given is owed, I can't help but question if what I'm doing is actually right. 

Perhaps in a world such as this I shouldn't worry about if what I'm doing is enough but rather know that Jesus is enough. He is enough to teach our children the rights and wrongs within themselves. He is enough to withstand this cold hard world. He is enough to show us that he loves us unconditionally regardless of our sins. He is enough to make not only our children but all of us feel safe in every time of need. He is enough to lead us to success and pick us up when we fail. And most importantly he is enough to walk beside us in our faith and remind us each day that there is another life waiting for us that is much much more than this life here on earth. 

From here on out I will put my trust in him and know that JESUS IS ENOUGH!

I'm his #1 fan.

He will never know how much I love him behind all the chaos of life, the diaper changes, the daily rushing here to there, the dinners with no conversation other than "eat your food", "sit in your chair", and "don't throw your food on the floor"! We go through life every day sometimes seeming as if we are only going through the motions without actually taking the time to enjoy what a wonderful life we have made with one another. Nothing says welcome home like the house smells like ass, the dog is out of water, and I haven't brushed my teeth all day but clearly the kids are alive and I'm ready for a drink and oh while I'm at it, I'll bitch a little bit to you since your here to listen! 

I find myself getting so wrapped up in my daily chores as a mother that I often forget to be his wife. This reality of my relationship is sad but true and it pains me to admit it. Recently I have found myself allowing my aggravated emotions of not being able to get it all done in a days time to play out as soon as my beloved husband walks through the door. Being a Momma is no easy job as any Mom knows but allowing a days worth of spilled froot loops and terrible 2 attitudes to open like a flood gate on my husband as soon as he comes home is not the way to express myself I'm finding.

I'm obviously not writing this just to let everyone know what a lousy wife I am but maybe to explain how I plan to be a better one or perhaps to apologize for letting myself be dreadful daily. Well shit, honestly, in addition to that above, I reckon the reason I'm writing this is because today when I walked into our mudroom with thoughts of Monday on my mind, just a day away, I happen to look ever and see my husbands work boots sitting right there by the back door. When I saw those dirty old worn out work boots I was surprised with an overwhelming amount of appreciation for my husband. He doesn't hear often enough just how thankful I am for all his hard work and dedication to our family. He works hard to provide for our family while I am home living out my dream of caring for our children and making memories with them while they still need me. He wakes up every morning leaving for work while we all stay snuggling in bed. Yes, there are days where a piece of me wishes I were the one getting up to go to work but I am quickly reminded of the sacrifices we made before our children so that I could spend as much time with them as possible and I wouldn't change it for the world! We won't get these years back!

I am so grateful for the man I married almost 4 years ago, the life we have made, the beautiful children we raise, and the sacrifices he makes, and I should tell him more often how I am without a doubt his #1 fan! 

Xoxo-

Mrs. Daniel Bohall

From Field to Freezer: My first time experiences in freezing fresh corn + How to Steps!

It's hot and humid here in Indiana and produce its growing like crazy! Last year I took a dip into the canning world by canning my own green beans that were fresh out of my Grandma's garden. The idea of serving my family fresh food that I had canned gave me a sense of pride as a wife and mother in knowing that I knew exactly where those green beans had came from! This year I decided to jump on the bandwagon of freezing corn! (Fun fact about me: I do not eat green beans or corn!) My grandparents freeze corn every year and this year was going to be like any other so I jumped on the opportunity for them to teach me their techniques so I can start my own yearly tradition! Last night was the night! I bought 3 dozen ears of corn from some of our family friends and headed to Mamaw and Papaws with both kiddos! 

This is how my oldest stayed entertained!

Here is the step by step method I learned:

1. Shuck the corn. We took all the husk and hairs off the cob being sure to cut off any bad or rotten parts of the corn.

2. Boiled the cobs using a large outside deep fryer filled with water. Once the cobs came to a boil, we boiled the batch for 3 minutes. (It's a messy job, we did everything outside on the back porch!)

3. Using the blanching method we removed the corn and put it directly into ice water that we had in coolers until the corn cobs were cool.

4. Once cooled, we removed the corn from the cooler and took the corn off the cob using tools like this...

5. After we had blanched all the corn and cut it off the cob. We added the ingredients and began bagging. Below is the receipt we used.

2 cups corn

3 tbsp sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup of water (we used the water from the fryer that we had boiled the corn in to add more flavor.)

6. After we combined the ingredients we put them in a quart size freezer bag, sealed the bag, and flattened it out for freezing! (Since I do not eat corn, leaving only my husband and 1 year old to share the bag, I did smaller bags and put a little more than half of each batch in each bag so that we don't waste any!) 

7. Done deal! Stack in the freezer to freeze! Don't forget to put date your bags!;)

Over all it was a fun experience and the best part of it all was making memories that will last a lifetime with my grandparents and learning new traditions that I can someday pass to my littles! If you have thought about canning or freezing your own foods but are like me and just not sure it's worth the hassel, I'm here to tell you it is a lot of work and a messy job but the reward is so much more! I encourage you to try it at least just once! And maybe some day I will be brave enough to put out my very own garden...probably once my littles are big enough to help!! Hehe! 

Enjoy your day!

Ashley