Deployments

It's that time again! He was home less then a week (from his month long tdy) when we found out that he was possibly deploying. That possibility turned into a "for sure" after being thrown around for a few days. He has to go to training in about 2 weeks for a week, come home for 2 weeks, and then be gone until after Christmas. Having to plan as far out as December when it's only June is extremely overwhelming. It sucks knowing he'll leave in the summer and get back the dead of winter. Plus he gets to miss my birthday, my weightloss surgery, beginning of school, Halloween, thanksgiving, Ryker's birthday, and Christmas. I'm already exhausted and it hasn't started yet. I don't have half the support system I had in Texas for his last deployment and I'm freaking out. No one can truly get what it's like to have someone deploy until they've been there. It's like half of your heart is gone the entire time but you have to go on as if nothing has changed. Explaining it daily to the kids is the hardest part. The long periods in between talking to eachother and getting cut off Skype doesn't help either. Whether your spouse is in a "safe" location or not, nowhere is as safe as being in the same country as your family. My heart dropped to my feet when he told me he's leaving. That's a feeling you never forget. It's so hard to work on your relationship or have a relationship when he's half way around the world. So, bare with me these next few months. It's about to get crazy. The roller coaster of emotions has already started and I'm ready to get it over with. 

Lots of pics!

So, I've been on a picture kick lately and wanted to do a photo shoot again with Sky in my wedding dress. I figured instead of emailing pictures, I'd just set them all up here so everyone can see :) They didn't turn out as great as I wanted, but they're still pretty cute! Getting a toddler to look the direction you want is INSANELY tough! That is my bouquet from our wedding too. :)

 Daddy is on a TDY right now so he had to get in the pictures.

 <3

 They wanted their pictures too ;)

 This dress she's wearing is the first dress she wore after she was born. Still fits it but it's REALLY short!

Matteo wanted a picture with the dress too <3

Anyway, had to share! :)

Matteo's Mother's Day Program

I did this with Ryker last year, but every year the kids' preschool does a Mother's Day program. This year was Matteo's turn. It was sooooo sweet! She has each kid come get their mom, take them into a room where chairs face eachother, and has pictures they drew of their moms up on the wall. Extremely sweet! He gave me a paper flower he had made too. I swear I almost cried both when Matteo did it, and when Ryker did it last year. Tugs at your heart! Especially with boys. Anyway, after everyone was seated, the kids sang two songs. They sang "you are my sunshine" first and then she had the moms sing it back to the kids. Even Jackie (their teacher) teared up! Then the kids sang "skiddle merinky dinky dink, I love you". I wish I could post videos on the blog, but I can't figure it out. Last thing they did was Jackie reading what the kids had answered for questions about their mom. After their presentation the kids brought their moms a cookie and lemonade in a tea cup. It was so special getting one on one with him and I loved every second! We both even dressed up! These are the moments I will never forget and treasure forever ❤️

Fun Run!

The boys and Zach participated in their school's fun run while sky and I cheered! They had a blast and did really well! The boys did a 1k and Zach did the 5k. Jaidyn was one of the first people done with the 1k and Ryker was close behind! Matteo was sooooo cute and pushed through while saying he was "so fast"! I love their excitement and what good sports they are even if they aren't first! Zach did the 5k and did great too! Not first, but still great! 

As you can see, they had a blast! I am really proud :) I just wish I brought my camera! 

Makeover!

I wanted to do something crazy and go all out. I got my friend Karlee from Nalani's Salon (https://m.facebook.com/pages/Nalanis-Salon/203823027526) to go all out! She's incredible if you need a Stylest!! I pretty much gave her free range and LOVE the outcome! 

Here's a horrible "before" pic

I'm kind of in love! Can you tell?! If you're thinking about going crazy, just do it! Hair grows back and color fades if all else fails, but I think you'll love it! This is the craziest hair color I've ever done and I'm thrilled with the turn out. Makes me feel more like "Ashley" instead of just a mom or wife. ;)

Sky's Gender Reveal

I figured I'd share these pics too! Since Zach was gone, I wanted to do something fun with the kids. Originally we were supposed to skype during the photo session and announce it to him, but I suck at secrets. I'm trying to find the video I took when I told him and I'll share it when I find it. Courtesy of Missy Rich Photography :)