Creative is an Understatement

She came up with this all on her own.

We are 2 of a kind.

I think this just may have become my favorite pic.

But then there's always this one...

Language Lessons

I don't even know when it started.

It just...showed up one day.

Out of nowhere.

"Yaw."

I'm sorry. What did you just say?

"Yaaawww."

Ok.

That's what I thought you said.

*shakes head*

Apparently she missed me.

Ashley was with her dad while I was in Seattle last weekend.

I hadn't seen her in 4 days.

When I got home from work Tuesday, she walked out of her bedroom with this determined look on her face, came up to me, and...

SLAM.

She launched herself at me, wrapping her arms around my waist.

I might have smiled a little.

Or a lot.

Did you know that Ashley can now wear a Junior's SIZE ONE?

Well now you do.

Oh. My. HELL.

Ashley December 2010

And so it begins.

Another holiday season is upon us.

I know. I can't believe it either.

This year has been a busy one. And when I thought about creating a letter to go in the Christmas cards this year, it struck me that it might actually be fun to create a blog that Ashley and I can share.

So, here it is.

*****

So much has happened this year. Some good. Some not so good.

I was laid off from my job at the end of February. Luckily I got a good severance out of it, which made it bearable. I didn't have to rush out to find a new job. I did get a new job, though. And just as my severance was due to run out. Talk about luck! The new job is pretty good. They are really flexible with scheduling; that really helps with school. The deadlines sometimes suck, but it definitely keeps me on my toes.

Speaking of school, I'm hanging in there. The first two semesters were great. I did really well. The semester that just ended was kind of a bitch, though. I really struggled. And fell. I had to make a hard decision to let go of one class before I screwed up both classes. I haven't received my grades yet. But... whatever they are... will be what they are. I'm letting them go. Next semester will be better. Much better.

Robert and I divorced this year. I won't say much about it, other than to say it really was for the best. I have my ups and downs. Sometimes it feels like I have more downs than ups. But I know that will change as time moves on. Ashley has handled it pretty well thankfully. I can't really ask for more, can I?

And Miss Ashley? She is..... well..... she is a normal pre-teen. LOL She's in the 6th grade this year. And amazingly has done a real 180 in school. She is trying really hard this year and actually wants to do well. I'm taking full advantage of it before teenager-itis sets in.

She got her braces off a couple months ago. YAY. And she only had to wear them for a little over a year. DOUBLE YAY. It may not hit her yet, but she will be so glad that they are off before she starts junior high.

*****

I'm hoping that we'll continue to keep this updated. So, check back from time to time to see what we're up to! And if Ashley ever gets herself ungrounded from the computer, you may actually get to hear from her too! LOL

We hope that all of you have a wonderful holiday and a safe new year.

Love,
Stacey and Ashley

xoxo