Here goes nothing...
For over a year now, I have been documenting some pretty important, life-changing parts of my life on this blog for the world (or my 20 followers) to see. It started as a place for me to explore. A place to practice a craft that is a daily part of my life as a teacher, and a place to start living the sermon I preach to my students every day.
Write. Write. WRITE.
Write down the good, the bad, the ugly, the sad. Write down the moments you never want to forget. The lessons you want to pass on to future generations. The big and small moments that impact your daily existence and make you better. Whatever those moments are.
It's true that this blogging obsession of mine is in large part for Cruz, for him to someday have documentation of his life through the eyes of his mom. But, along the way of writing about a growing belly, pregnancy cravings, and poopy diapers, this blog has become my outlet. My place to piece together the puzzles of this multi-faceted life and attempt to make some sense of it all. So to all my readers, followers, and friends, wherever you are, thank you for being my audience and continually reminding me that everyone has a story to tell.
As a thank you to YOU, I am about to embark on my first giveaway. For Christmas, I received a bracelet from an online jewelry company called, 'The Vintage Pearl.' I love it for its simplicity, its daintiness, and most of all, the sweet little name etched onto a tiny piece of silver, strung next to a perfect little pearl. I wear my 'Cruz' bracelet every where. It's become a daily reminder of what's waiting for me after a day at work, and has become a topic of conversation with friends, co-workers, and other moms.
The Vintage Pearl is known for their unique, simple, and sentimental jewelry. Their pieces are hand-stamped, and can include names, initials, birthstones, and their signature, pearls. Most of all, I love The Vintage Pearl, because it started with Erin, a simple, ordinary mom of four, some ambition, and of course, blogging! Check out her blog here.
So in honor of Erin, her pearls, and the wonderful world of blogging, I'm giving away a gift certificate to The Vintage Pearl. In order to be a contestant, follow these simple rules:
1) You must become a follower on my blog. If you are already, move on to step 2!
2) You must leave a comment under this blog entry.
There is one condition. I need a substantial 'pool' of contestants, and will not pick a winner for the certificate until I get 40 FOLLOWERS! It's a long shot, but if my mom can figure out how to become a follower, so can you!
If I can get 40 Followers by next weekend, the last weekend in January, I will use random.org to generate our winner.
Happy Blogging and Good Luck!
Ashley your writing is beautiful! The way you express yourself is so touching. Love seeing Cruz change from week to week. He is a very handsome little boy. And love, love, love the vintage bracelet. It is so pretty & elegant!!
ReplyDeleteAshley - I accidentally stumbled across your blog when I was reading the blog of someone else I know. I have enjoyed reading your writing, and as a mother of two little boys myself -- can relate to so much of what you write! You know my husband Cody, and we go to the same church, by the way! :) Keep writing... you definitely have a gift! And congrats on that cute little bundle of joy :)
ReplyDeleteHa ha I tell all my Spencer friends about your blog. I will send them a link because I am sure they can all appreciate your writing. Not to mention cute pictures of Cruz!
ReplyDeleteAshley, love following your blog and seeing your little boy grow! I have a little one that is a month older than Cruz and love to watch and see how they both grown and learn so much everyday! Your blogs are very inspirational! Love the bracelet and may have to get one for myself!
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog and reading the simularity's between cruz and my son Austin. I can so relate to you up's and downs as becoming a new mom but it is the most wonderful thing ever.
ReplyDeleteAshley, Chelsi introduced me to your blog. It's great! Reading it is so therapeutic as I too am a new mom...isn't it the best?! I've considered starting my own blog...but for now I'll just read on...
ReplyDeleteAshley, Chelsi also introduced me to your blog and I totally love it. Just read the past couple blogs and it's so nice to know that you are going through all the same things. My boys are 5 months and love every minute of it, but totally understand your dilemma with daycare! We found that the boys weren't sleeping at daycare so they were overly tired once they came home and not sleeping through the night. We started putting them to bed earlier and they started sleeping through the night again.
ReplyDelete:) Okay so I just did something I said I would never do and give parenting advice when someone doesn't ask for it. Sorry I'm really not that crazy, and I'm defiantly not an expert, just got caught up in the moment!
ReplyDeleteThe bracelet is beautiful! I enjoy reading your blog Ashley and seeing your little guy grow! I have even used a few of your recipes, which were a hit for my kids! Mini meatloaves are a new favorite in our household! Cruz is so little compared to my kiddos now days. Mine are already 8, 6, almost 4, and 2! Time is flying by, enjoy him as much as you can, which it looks like you are doing very well! Take care. Jill (Steere)
ReplyDeleteSo I admit that I am a complete blog stalker of you! :) I love catching up on you guys and although you inspire me to blog to...I just never feel like I have the time! With little boy #2 on the way, it is highly unlikely that I will EVER have time, but would love to! keep the stories coming! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley! I'm joining the blog stalking clan. I picked up your blog through a friend and loved the way you see the world of motherhood. I ordered a Vintage Pearl bracelet for our daycare provider and she loved it! Small world-- I think we used to work together at UNI (sort of)!! :)
ReplyDeleteNote for Beau: I know you get confused about us female classmates getting married and changing our name so Stacey W.... Formerly Stacey Bisgaard :)
ReplyDeleteLove your blog! I think I'm addicted. ;) God has definitely blessed you with the gift of writing! Who knew just a few years ago you were giving Jack and Betsy swimming lessons and now you have your own beautiful baby. Time sure flies! Cruz is definitely a cutie! Keep the Chronicles of Cruz coming!
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley - I think I am the newest member of the Spencer Stalking Team that is following you. Ha! I love your blog and your posts have really been relevant to what I am going through now that I am a new mom. I look forward to your next entries! Let Beau know how lucky he is to have such a talented wife!
ReplyDeleteJust became a blog follower :) LOVE your new bracelet! I have been a fan of The Vintage Pearl for quite some time now, and I love when I can see pictures of their jewelry on actual people ;) ...what a special piece!
ReplyDeleteSuch a good idea!! Just checked out The Vintage Pearl for the first time, absolutely beautiful! I love checking your blog - it makes me laugh, causes me to think, inspires me to do more, and overall helps me to remember when Mason was that young and to cherish every minute no matter how old your children are : ) Thanks for expressing your thoughts and sharing your wisdom for all to see!!
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley. I stumbled onto your blog somehow and enjoy reading and seeing pictures of sweet Cruz. My cousin/roommate is about 28 weeks pregnant with her first (it's a boy) and I am going to get her one of The Vintage Pearl bracelets. You're very inspirational to many people...even those without kids. :)
ReplyDeleteI never realized I wasn't a follower until just now. I found your blog about 10 weeks into my pregnancy (I'm now at 27 weeks) while looking for ideas and such. I've been looking at it ever since. Your family is beautiful and Cruz is just an adorable little man :) Makes me even more excited to meet my baby boy, Elijah Jude. Thank you for your inspiration and recipes!
ReplyDeleteA mutual friend sent me a link to your blog when you and I were both overdue with our little boys. My due date was also October 5th and my Louis was born the day after you welcomed little Cruz. I still check in occasionally because it's fun to see another teacher and new mother go through the same stages I am!
ReplyDeleteAshley, I love reading your blog, I am so bad at keeping my own blog up to date, but I log in all the time to see all the cute new pictures of Cruz, and read your stories! You are such an amazing and beautiful mom!
ReplyDeleteI know you have more than 40 followers, just wait!!! You have an incredible gift for words and we are a lucky that you are willing to share.
ReplyDeleteAnne
Love the bracelet!
ReplyDeleteSince the Spencer Stalker Girls kinda came from me, am I eligible for this prize? Also, can I use the bracelet as a present if I win?
ReplyDeleteAshley- I love your blog! It's amazing. The bracelet is adorable! I've thought about getting ones of these for awhile now, just never got around to doing it. Personally loved the blog about the cake balls, I ended up throwing mine of the floor one by one, while crying because they weren't turning out right (I didn't let them harden long enough) Have you seen the new cookbook for cake balls. Its really cute!
ReplyDelete