The Holy Grail!

Boobahs. Breasts. Fun Bags. Tig Ol Biggies. Titties. TaTa's. Bazooka's.

Bean Bags. Bon Bon's Boobie's. Bongo's. 

Cha-Cha's. Grapefruits. Honey Dews. Head Lights.

Honkers. Humdingers. Jugs. Kalamazoo's. Knockers. Love Melons. Love Muffin's. 

Mammaries. Mounds. Balloons. PomPoms. Torpedos. Boulders. Harpoons. Utters.

Milk Jugs. Milk Bags. Milk Shakes.

No matter what you call them and trust me you can find a million and one names for them on the internet, they have one sole purpose. 

For what ever reason our society seems to have that reason a little confused! 

Yes breast are beautiful and can be used in foreplay and for pleasure, but that isn't really what they are for. They are for nutrition and feeding our children. 

Making the decision to Breast Feed was a no brainer for me.

 I knew it was healthier for my baby and after all our bodies are made to do it. 

Now saying that is has been a piece of cake or a walk in the park is not the case at all! 

It hurts like HELL at first and that is putting it lightly. 

For the first month every time I would nurse my son I would curl my toes in pain 

and try not to scream bloody murder. 

I have dealt with Thrush multiple times, OALD, Low Supply, the many exhausting growth spurts and now the teeth!!! Let's just say so far the teeth has been the worse... 

My goal at first was to make it to 6 months.  Right before my son hit 6 months I was talking to my husband and I knew I could't stop! We had made it thru so much and finally found our niche. Now I don't really have a goal I plan to do it until Clayton decides he doesn't want to anymore. 

Why I love Breast Feeding!!!

• The Health Benefits for my Son.
• It's Convient.
• I LOVE the bonding time I get with my Son!
• It fixes everything...Fussy, hungry, sick, fighting sleep...Just put a boob in their mouth and the World is perfect again! 
• It's FREE!!! Formula is so expensive.
• I know exactly what is going into my son's body.
• It's fast and easy.
• It's Natural.
• You can burn up to 500 calories a day doing it!

I get why people quit or don't even try. It is a lot of work.

 The first two months on my son's life he ate

 every hour and a half. 

I was exhausted. 

To be completely honest if I wouldn't have had the support I did from family

 who had breast feed and friends who were going thru the same thing I was, 

I don't know that I would have been able to stick with it. 

I do believe that people give up because they don't have support. 

It's like everything else in life, you need information and people who care about you to back you up. 

I am Thankful for all of the support I have had and especially how great my husband has been! 

He has been my biggest fan and supporter thru everything I have been through.

I guess if there was anything I would like to say to a mother wanting to breast feed is stick with it. 

It does get easier. Use your local La Leche League. Find a group of mothers and talk to them, because I guarantee they have or are experiencing the same problems you are.

 Keep in mind that it is the best thing for your child and that the positive out ways the negative.

My Precious Son

Falling Asleep

Asleep <3

Here are some sights that I have referenced a million times for help and information. 

Hope they help you if you are needing it.

• http://www.llli.org/
• http://www.kellymom.com
• http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/breastfeeding
• http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/
• http://www.babycenter.com/breastfeeding-basics

Now some light humor and fun picture I have found in reference to Breast Feeding.

Please reach out to people around you and don't give up. 

I promise you it will be one thing you are glad you stuck with!

Until Next Time,

<3 Ashley 

Weekly Weigh-In

Ggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.....

Guess you can tell I am facing this weekly weigh-in feeling a little defeated!
As I mentioned in a recent post I have been sick so I haven't really been paying much attention to what I have been eating. Pretty much if it didn't hurt my throat I would eat it. Also, until yesterday I hadn't worked out for a week and a half. Soooo I know that the results I am seeing are my fault, but that doesn't make me any happier!!!

I actually gained a pound!!! I WHOLE pound! I am so frustrated and upset with myself. This is what I always do. I start working out and see great results fast so I think
it won't hurt if I eat just ONE cheeseburger.
Or that ONE milkshake won't hurt me.

Well this time Folks I am not allowing my evil "Crickets" (as in Jiminy Cricket)
to get the best of me.I am going to use this weeks weigh in as the extra push of motivation
I need starting out my 8th week of my lifestyle change.

I CAN lose the rest of the 44 pounds I want to lose!
I CAN lose the weight by my original goal date!
I CAN stay strong and make this healthy lifestyle change for myself!

Week 7 results for my diet and exercise adventure:

Total Weight Loss: 16 pounds =(  I gained a pound

Inches off Waist: 6 1/2

Inches off Hips: 5 1/2

Inches off Thigh: 4

Inches off Chest: 3

Last week and This week

Last week and This week

If you look back at last week you will see that I have no change on anything other than gaining a pound.

This will NOT be the results I get next week those numbers are going to improve!!! 

With that said if you are dieting or trying to loss weight stick with it. 

We will get to the results we are wanting together!

Now that my complaining and griping are over I will stop feeling sorry for myself 

and start being strict again with everything I eat and keep my tushy 

busy at the gym and getting in my extra workouts in at home.

  Until Next Time,

<3 Ashley 

Lovely Tuesday

An amazing thing happened today.

It was actually a beautiful day! Being 63 degrees out and sunny,

 I decided to get myself and my little man ready and enjoy the day partially outside.

I know that isn't the best weather considering what I am use to from Florida but it was better that it has been and I will take it!!!

Starting out we dropped off my Yorkshire Chester Drawers

 at the groomer to get prettified and ready for our trip to Florida next week.

Then we headed to our local antique mall that I love. 

Old Timers 

I can always find at least one thing at a good price and they always have a good selection of things to look at. I adore the fact that my son is quite the little shopper. 

He does so good when we are out. (Now that I said that the next trip will be awful!)

Just as normal I found some great deals!

Shelf for my kitchen 

Yellow enamel tea pot! 

Turtle serving tray I picked up for my sister

After our trip to the Antique mall we went and had lunch at my Aunt's restaurant

 and shared some yummy mashed potatoes and green beans. 

It amazes me how fast he has grown up and the fact that he is eating like a little person. hehehe 

He's not just my little baby anymore.

He is checking out the little girl at the next table.

Getting to spend time with some great people really wore us out

 so we came home and enjoyed an amazing nap. Then we got up and went and picked up Chester from getting his hair did.

My handsome Fur Baby

Then I went and got my Zumba on this evening and had some mommy time. 

Of course the evening and night ended with our regular schedule of 

dinner, bath, dishes, laundry and all of my other mommy duties.

I was just mostly excited that the weather was nice enough to even get out and not freeze our tushies off.

I was excited that God heard my pleas and sent us some sunshine!!!

Hope y'all had a wonderful Tuesday as well...

Until Next Time,

<3 Ashley 

Weekend Re-Cap

Had a great weekend with my family this weekend. Just thought I would I share some pictures with you guys. I love the weekends and all of the time I get to spend with my family! They are my world and every moment with them is such a blessing and always a great time.

Mommy and Little Man

Daddy and his Little Hunter

Jesse freaked out by the ear candle

Mommy's Sippy Cup of Red Wine = )

Random new tattoo

After the red and swelling was gone.

Clayton being adorable on his train.

Until Next time,
<3 Ashley

A Mother's Love

It is so hard as a mother to admit or actually say that you feel like you aren't doing everything right?
I worry constantly that I am not giving my son everything he needs. That I am going to do something wrong that keeps him from developing right. That I am making him to clingy or needy. That I am going to make him a wimp or scare him from being who he really wants to be.

Let's all be honest being a parent is scary and no matter how much we do there is always going to be that little voice in the back of our heads telling us that we could be doing better. After all I want the very best for my son and I want to make sure that I give him every chance that I can for him to be the best!

Here are somethings that terrify me about parenting:

1. That I am going to push him to hard and push him away. 
2. That he won't be able to come to me and I will be to strict of a parent.
3. That I won't be strict enough and will be to much of a friend.
4. I will push him to hard and push him away.
5. That I will be judgmental of who he really is and wants to be.
6. That I won't teach him everything he needs to know about life.
7. As he gets older he will be to cool for his momma.
8. He will grow up and decide he doesn't want anything to do with me. 
9. That he will get hurt and I won't be able to stop it.
10. The thought of anything bad happening to him terrifies me to no end.

I know everyone probably has these fears, but I worry that I won't see them happening and that I won't be able to do anything about it.

Being a parent is the scariest, most amazing thing I have every done in my life. The love I have for that little guy is like nothing I have every experienced before and it amazes me daily. 

But what if I am doing this all wrong. What if I am missing something. I mean I do everything I can to try and keep him safe, happy and healthy. To show him my love and affection. Try and make sure he is getting what he needs to develop right and to get the nutrients he needs to grow up strong and healthy.

So what is the true answer to being a good parent? Showing them love and to appreciate everything in life. After all without love who are we right? It's the little things and I want to be able to show him those little things. You know the one's from your childhood that you look back on and smile. The one's that really stand out that your parents will be there no matter what. 

I want the best for my son and I want him to know that I will always be there for him. The rock that he can always lean on. The shoulder that is there if he ever needs it. I want for my son to be able to talk to me about anything. (No matter how un-cool his friends would think he was, we wouldn't ever have to tell them!) 

I want to be the parent that he know he can always come to. The kind that never judges and just gives enough advice for him to listen and not for me to push him away. 

We Loved You before we even held you!

When we held you we Loved you even more!!!

"My Son,
 My Wish for you is to live everyday to the fullest. Love with all of your heart everything you do. Know that your father and I love you more than words could every express and we will always be here for you. Enjoy all you do and never do anything that you will regret, but if you do learn from it and allow it to make you a stronger person! Always stay true to what you believe in and never let anyone steer you away from that. Be a person you want to see when you look in the mirror. Enjoy the little things in life because they are what are important. Most of all know I have always and will always love you. I am always here and always will be your biggest supporter, fan, friend and person you can turn to no matter what. I love you my son and hope that I show you that EVERYDAY of your life!
Love,
Your Momma"

Until Next Time,
<3 Ashley

Craving Spring

Moving from Florida to Missouri isn't as bad as it could have been. It's not like I have to deal with snow and cold weather all year round or anything. But it is still completely different weather to get use to.

I don't know what it is about cold, cloudy, rainy weather but it seems like every winter I have to try and coax myself to be happy. I know that is awful to say but I find myself in the same place every year when winter comes around. I didn't grow up where cold weather is something you look forward to. I really can't stand sweaters and coats and I hate not being able to wear sandals year round. Finding myself in this rut I have decided to find bright things that I can surround myself with inside my home, maybe that pop of color I put in each room of the house will hold me over until winter is over!!!

I love it outdoor and I adore the Sunshine. I am just a all around happier person when the weather is pretty!
I have more motivation and love getting out and enjoying the beautiful weather.

So in light of my craving spring and warmer weather I am going to share some Pinterest love with y'all...

Each and everyone of these pictures make me smile from ear to ear and wish that tomorrow I would wake up and it be 75 and Sunny! I know that isn't going to happen, but it sure would be nice. Luckily for me I will be going home to Florida in a week and hopefully will get to see some beautiful weather and get my little man out in some sunshine.

I am ready for that extra push of motivation and inspiration I am looking for in my life right now. Not that the sunshine and warm weather will fix all of that but it sure will help.

Want to see more of my Pinterest Boards...Follow me at http://pinterest.com/avmcgowan

Until Next Time,
<3 Ashley

More Children...When is the right time?...

I am sure that any of you mothers out there have noticed that during your pregnancy, before you even have the baby, everyone starts asking when are you going to have another one.

At this point you are obviously thinking let me get this one here first. Then your little bundle of joy arrives and after many sleepless nights all you can think is, "Dear Lord just help me get through these nights and gets some sleep and I will never do this to myself again!"

Then your tiny little bundle of joy is 6 months old before you know it and you really begin to think how amazing, fun and sweet they are and it wouldn't be so bad to have another one sooner that later.

So my question is When is the right time for more children? I know everyone is different and my husband and I know that we do want more children, but when.

Looking at statics and what doctors tell you, you need time after you carry a baby and it is born for your body to heal. Most doctors will tell you to wait at least 18 months in between to start trying to have another child.

Looking at it from a personal perspective I can only compare it to myself and my sister. We were 6 years apart and I believe that this was to far. I don't remember to many wonderful childhood memories with her. We fought a lot and she got on my nerves always wanting to follow me around and constantly telling on me. It hasn't been until the last 5 years that we have gotten closer and even though I consider her one of my best friends I wish we would have felt that was as younger children too.

I want my son to be close to his brother/sister. I want them to enjoy playing together and to have fond memories growing up together. So what is the perfect age to wait to have another.

The idea of waiting until my son is a year and a half and then starting to try does kind of sound ideal. He would hopefully be potty trained by the time the baby got here. He would be old enough to be excited and understand that he would be becoming an older brother. All of which I think would help him have a stronger bond with his new baby brother or sister.

I know I am probably over thinking this too much, but hey that is what I do. I can only hope that it would work out as easy I have it planned in my head!!! = )

And since I got asked this question before my son was even born and now even more often. I can't help but think about the question more often as my son gets older....

What do you all think? When is the best time to start thinking about and planning for baby number two?!?!

Until Next Time,

<3 Ashley 

Purple Heart of Mothering

So there is no denying that I have been a horrible blogger this last week, but in all honestly I have been horrible at everything!

I have been very sick with strep throat and an inner ear infection as well as I have had a little boy with a sinus infection.  In between taking him and myself back and forth to the doctor. Getting out of bed is all I have been able to accomplish. I am so Thankful to my Mother In Law for all her help with my son. She has been my saving grace through my 102 fever and running back and forth to the bathroom. I am thankful that I have just been able to nurse my little guy when he has been hungry. Especially considering I could hardly lift my own weight, shower or eat.

I am finally starting to feel a little better aside from an upset stomach from the strong antibiotics and as the fog is starting to clear I am seeing all I haven't been able to do.

Without pushing myself to my limits the next few day will be devoted to:

Dusting
Sweeping
Mopping
Laundry
Vacuuming
and most importantly Disinfecting EVERYTHING!

I am so glad to finally be able to swallow and I am slowing starting to hear again in my right ear. Just to be safe though everyone still talk toward my left ear.

All I can say is to all of you mothers out there who have ever been super sick and not had any help with your little one's you deserve the Purple Heart of Mothering.

I am hoping that things just start looking up from now on and that this Crud is finally leaving the McGowan Household. Hopefully we will see some warmer weather soon that decides to stick around and everyone will stop getting so sick.

On a Brighter Note here is my Happy little Man...

Clayton's First Valentine from his Mommy!

Weekly Weigh In: February 15th

So considering I haven't been able to eat much more than soup for a week you would think my numbers would be better than they are, but I also haven't been able to work out either.

 

Results to date for 6 weeks in on my diet and fitness adventure.

Total Weight Loss: 17 pounds

Inches off Waist: 6 1/2

Inches off Hips: 5 1/2

Inches off Thighs: 4

Inches of Chest: 3 

I am finally starting to feel better so I hope that I will be back to working out soon!

Weekly Weigh-in Week 6

Still seeing some great results and I am so excited for it to warm up some so I can take my workouts outside more! This girl is ready for spring...

My Love

You know life is about the little things! I have an amazing husband who works very hard for myself and our beautiful son. He always goes above and beyond in everything he does.

I have been very sick the last week and haven't been able to do much other than drag myself out of bed. I went to the doctor again yesterday since I wasn't getting any better. Only to find out I had an inner ear infection on top of strep throat so bad my throat was almost swollen shut.

After my appointment I went to get my medicine filled and did manage to remember to get cards and candy for the special men in my life. I came home took my medicine and went to bed. (Thanks to my sweet mother in law being here to help with the baby!)

My husband woke me when he got in from work to show me the card he got for our son and the toy book that reads to him. He knew I wasn't feeling well and wanted to make sure he got him something for his first Valentines Day!

It's the little things that are truly amazing! Then there is the fact that he has been amazing since I have been sick helping me with our son and getting me anything I have needed as well.

I was truly blessed when God gave him to me! Even though I have been sick this Valentines Day I have all the love that I need from my two amazing men. I love them so much and just hope they feel half of the love from me that I get from them.

Hope you all had a wonderful day with the ones you love most and I will get back to my regular blogging schedule soon. With all hopes that I get to feeling better very very soon.


Until Next Time,
<3 Ashley

Mommy Rant of the day!

Okay so I am just going to speak my mind here....

It really drives me crazy when I have to take my son to the doctor and people let their kids run around like crazy little hooligans.
It's bad enough that we are all shoved into small waiting area's and forced to sit there for what seems like Forever! But let's make it worse and allow are children to run around screaming, coughing up a lung on the other people there and actually trying to grab other people with those grimy little sick hands.

I am a freak about germs and I can't help it... I can actually see them crawling around on everything and trying to jump onto my sweet little boy!

Alright maybe that is a little over the top, but hey I am me and I will admit to being a freak-o about germs and I don't have a problem with that.

I know kids can have a mind of there own and sometimes it can be hard to keep them in one place, but I feel like the doctors office is one of those places. After all not everyone that goes to the doctor is there because they are sick.

With all of that said. I am mainly upset because my little guy now has a cold!!! We were at the doctor last week for a check-up and since that was the only place we have been and it was covered with coughing, sneezing, snotting little kids I am 99.8% sure that is where my Clayton got it from.

It breaks my heart to see him feel bad and especially after he just got over Pink Eye.
 (He can't catch a break.)

End Mommy Rant.

My Sick Little Man with his bed hair

Food for Thought

There are so many influential people in this world that have made such a footprint in the way we live and think. I think that Knowledge is Power and that learning as much as we can makes us stronger individuals.

Here is something that I found that I LOVE and think that if more people lived by we would live in a better world!

Gandhi's Top 10 Fundamentals for Changing the World....

1) Change Yourself

2) You are in Control

3) Forgive and Let Go

4) Without action you aren't going anywhere

5) Take care of this moment

6) EVERYONE IS HUMAN

7) PERSIST

8) See the good in people & Help them

9) Be Congruent, Be Authentic, Be Your True Self!

10) Continue to Grow & Evolve

Isn't that just amazing? I have this in my planner so I can read it everyday! It's is just such a great reminder that we need to continue to improve upon ourselves and to always try and help others in what we do!

"Be the Change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Super Bowl Menu

I am not a big football fan at all, but I do LOVE any time that includes good company and good food!
So per my husbands request I made some yummy dishes. They aren't super healthy but they are very good. I tried really very hard not to cheat to bad! ;)

So here is what was on the Menu...


Party Chicken Wings
Rotal Cheese Dip
Cream Cheese Mexican Salsa Dip
Chocolate Mint Brownies


Party Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
I used Two large bags of the frozen wings from my local grocery store
1 1/2 Cups of Soy Sauce
1/2 Cup Water
2 tablespoons Spicy Dijon Mustard
2 teaspoons Garlic Powder

Directions:
1. I used all of the ingredients to one bag of chicken wings.
2. Place the ingredients in a large bowl. Set aside 1/2 cup of Marinade and refrigerate for basting. Pour Marinade mixture over the wings and turn to coat.
3. Cover the bowl to where it is completely covered and refrigerate over night.
4. Drain and discard marinade.
5. Place the wings in a shallow baking pan.
6. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees F for 1 hour.
7. Brush several times with Soy Sauce Mixture during the last 40 minutes of baking.
8. With about 10 minutes left of cooking time drain the wings and allow them to get a little crispy.
9. Enjoy and Share! These are amazing wings that are just the right mix of juicy and crispy!!!
10. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Wings in Marinade

Finished Party Wings ready to serve and eat!!!

Okay so these were hands down some of the best wings I have ever had! Very Juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. I will For Sure be making these again very, very soon!!!


Rotal Cheese Dip
Ingredients:
Large Velvetta Cheese
1 3ounce container of cream cheese
1 can Rotal tomatoes
1/2 pound cooked and drained Hamburger meat
1/2 pound cooked and drained ground sausage

Combine in a crock pot on low heat and stir often until everything is melted together.
This is a family favorite and I make it so often for get togethers that I forgot to take pictures before it was all gone!!! Ooopssie!

Cream Cheese Mexican Salsa Dip
Ingredients:
2  3ounce containers of Cream Cheese
1/2 Jar of Salsa of your choice
Diced jalapeño's to taste
1 Small ripe tomato
Green Onions

Directions: 
Combine cream cheese, salsa, and jalapeños's in a large bowl.
Place in whatever container you want to  serve it in.
Top with Diced tomato's  and chopped up green pepper.

I made double the recipe since I was making it for so many people.

The Salsa I used 

Cream Cheese ready to be blended to yummy goodness!

Tried to make a football!

Chocolate Mint Brownies
Ingredients:

Brownie Base

1

box (1 lb. 2.4 oz) Betty Crocker® Original Supreme Premium brownie mix

Water, vegetable oil and egg called for on brownie mix box

Filling

2 1/2

cups powdered sugar

3

tablespoons butter or margarine, softened

3

tablespoons whipping cream

2

oz cream cheese, softened (from 3 oz package)

1/8

to 1/4 teaspoon mint extract

2

drops green food color

Topping

1/3

cup whipping cream

1 1/3

cups (8 oz) semisweet chocolate chips

1/3

cup butter (do not use margarine)

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Grease bottom only of 9-inch square pan with shortening or cooking spray. (For easier cutting, line pan with foil, then grease foil on bottom only of pan.) Make and bake brownie mix as directed on box. Cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours.
2. In large bowl, beat filling ingredients with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Spread over cooled brownies. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until set.
3. Meanwhile, in 2-quart nonstick saucepan, heat topping ingredients over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth. Cool about 10 minutes or until lukewarm.
4. Pour topping over filling; spread to cover. Refrigerate uncovered about 2 hours or until set. Before cutting into bars, let stand 10 minutes at room temperature. For bars, cut into 5 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

Makes 20 brownies

I Also made double this recipe. They were a huge hit!

So Yummy!!!

Mint Filling

Brownies layered with Mint Filling

Melting the Topping

Topped and ready to cool in the Refrigerator

Finished Product

Ready to take to the SuperBowl Party!

These were great, but they are super rich. Next time I would cut them into smaller pieces. I would also suggest that unless you LOVE mint use a smaller amount.

I was quite pleased with how everything turned out and everyone seemed to love it all! These are all recipes I would recommend and make again!

This is how Clayton enjoy's the SuperBowl =)

Until Next Time,

<3 Ashley