{happy trick-or-treat day}

Now let us see...

One smiley pumpkin greeter.... CHECK!

An empty seat to rest those tired bums.... CHECK!

One ambitious pumpkin to show off our carving skills.... CHECK!


Cutest homemade bags ever for holding all the loot.....

Quadruple CHECK!

{two for my home slices and two for the nephies}

One big FAT promise of a spooky fun-filled night.... CHECK!

Happy trick-or-treating all!

{here a snip. there a snip}

Cutting my baby's hair was soooo hard to do. He is almost 4 months though and he was already limited to the 'old man comb over'. His beautiful locks are now safe and sound in his baby book to be cherished forever. Am I the only one who does that?

{open those babies up!}

I got some good news from my Mom yesterday! On Friday it is very likely that rather than donning her Halloween costume, our Cal Gal will be in surgery. They would like to tack up her eyelids for her. And in the next few days following, they would like to get her home!

As far as I believe things are not entirely set right now. The Opthamologist would like to be able to do both eyes at the same time {there are large benefits in doing this} but he is unsure if the left eye is healed enough for that. We would definitely like to see both of them done and are praying that there will be substantial healing to her left eye prior to the surgery.
This procedure is reversible and will not inhibit her from regaining her eye functions. We feel it will really benefit her through her continued therapy.

My Mom has definitely begun to get homesick. Although Callie can't really tell us, I know that she is missing her brothers and sisters in a big way. And her nephies too of course! We will be very glad to have her home. There are things to be done to have the house ready for her return. My parents are busy making lists, finding what she will need and mentally preparing I am sure to take over Callie's recovery. She will have therapists up here in the mountains but the constant care of Callie that the hospital has given, will be surely missed at times. They have been absolutely WONDERFUL!

So that is what we have to hope for within the week. I just want to make a huge Welcome Home sign and string it across the streets of Show Low for our little miracle girl. For sure there should be a marching band, baton twirlers and maybe a small circus! Yeah I am that excited for her to be coming home. After all she has been through it seems that would be a small portrayal of my excitement!
Thank you so much to everyone who has kept Callie in their thoughts and prayers. As well as to those who have generously donated to her cause. We are so truly blessed!

Oh yeah so my Dad's birthday is on Saturday but I think we will wait to celebrate it until they are home since Callie will be recovering from her surgery. I was thinking that since little California will miss getting to see everyone in their Halloween lovelies and she herself will miss out (and I did make her the cutest little witch tutu...sigh) that it would be fun to do my Dad's party kind of Halloween themed. What do you think? Is that lame? Well if you think it is a fabulous idea then what kind of games have you played at Halloween parties? I know one thing for sure, there MUST be homemade rootbeer!

{would you lurk at that?}

Who's that pretty boy in that mirror there?!

Baby Boy loves this swing. Yup I'm totally going to promote this swing right now. It's the Nature's Touch Cradle Swing by Fisher Price and it is the most fantastic thing ever! We got it for Bossy Pants and haven't regretted it, EVER. It has rock-a-byed many other babies than our own sweet boys and they have all been just as mesmerized by it. Maybe it's the fact that they are cradled in a nest-like papsan, or it's the pretty birds and butterflies singing and floating overhead, or perhaps the fact that they can lurk at there own sweet baby faces all the while. It's a winner people! I love watching Baby Boy check himself out in this bubble shaped mirror. I just wish I had had my camera on me and not just my phone. Oh well. Can't miss the moment!

I love you my sweet chubby cheeked boy! Muah.

{blown away}

I have been hearing all about Callie's progress over the last few weeks but haven't got to actually see it for myself. Well yesterday the boys, Amber, Winnie and I took a quick trip down to Phoenix so we could visit with our tiny patient girl!

When we got there, Callie was sleeping on cousin Erika. She was able to wake her up and when Callie saw me sitting next to the bed she reached for me! When I took her she started kissing me ALL over! She grabbed around my neck and then my head and then just rubbed her hands all up and down my face to feel it. And "smooch, smooch, smooched" away! It was so sweet and so exciting for me who had not seen her this active yet.

First place we headed was outside to the play area. I put her in one of the little flinstone style cars and was starting to push her when she just grabbed hold of the steering wheel, stood up and attempted crawling right out. So I took her out and took her to the slide. She had a blast! She did a good amount of the walking as long as she was being helped and she was loving it. It was so cute to watch her clap for herself anytime she did something impressive (which was about every 60 seconds!) I even got a few high fives!

Trying to make her ES-Cape from the car!

Me and California making it up to the BIG slide

Ready, Set, Go!

Merta & California ready to go some more!

Amber letting her stand. Just look at her!

We got Callie's lunch from the nurse and headed to the cafeteria. She had PBandJ, a banana, chocolate pudding and a sugar cookie. I was so happy to sit and hold her while she ate and see how well she did. I was painted in chocolate and banana goo by the end of the feeding, but I don't mind one bit!

After lunch she headed off to a string of physical therapy sessions. She was so much fun to watch and so amazing! I was blown away by her! She could crawl to any thing she wanted. She'd get that little eye slit open and tip her head back a little for a better view, and off she went! She was even bound and determined to stand up on her own. She is getting so close!

She loved the play dough!

She was bouncing away on this huge ball!

It was so nice to be there for her therapy and watch all of her amazing progress first hand. She really is so excited about life and doing things. She was SOO tired after her therapy but managed to stay awake and entertain us until we left the hospital. She is a sweet little girl and we love her so much!

Snacking on a cracker right before we left. You can see how worn out she was.

We missed seeing Dad since he was on his way back from a quick California {as in the state} run, but it was nice to visit with Mom and Cal. They are really missed back at home. Winnie made sure to get in lots of extra hugs and smoochies before we left. She was so happy to see her baby sister and her mommy!

We love you guys!

XOXOXOXO

{you know you want to look}

So you wanna see if you won some cool stuff? Click HERE to see our winners!

{at least your tongue isn't bleeding}

Before Callie was "officially" evaluated today my parents were told that she would remain another week. She is working really hard on her walking skills. It could be a ways out before she is back in the groove entirely but she definitely knows what she needs to do and knows that she WANTS to do it! She is off her meds, off her feed tube and more alert and stable every single day. She is doing absolutely amazing!

Tomorrow I am heading down to the valley with my boys, Amber and Brinley. Plus a car load of garage sale items for Callie's benefit yard sale in a few weeks. I can't wait to see her and hopefully get to join in on some of her therapy sessions. I have not seen the little warrior woman in over two weeks and SO much has changed since then. So yay!

Brinley has stayed with us the last couple of days. Bossy Pants is really diggin' the play pal idea! This morning when he woke up he came into my room, dragged me by the arm to his room and pointed at sleeping Brinley, with a 100 watt smile, "Winnie!" It was just like Christmas morning as he realized he was one good hair pulling away from having someone to play cars with ALL morning long! It will be so fun when Baby Boy is old enough to keep up with the energetic, sometimes crazy, big brother!

Today we decided to whip out the mixer and make some

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! My little helpers were great and I couldn't help but smile when both of them had eyes bulging out of their heads as I dumped in the chocolate chips. Oh the joys of childhood! They turned out super delish! We went ahead and walked a plate over to the new neighbors. I told Matt my plans, and he told me I should have lived in Mayburry. Well honestly, Mayburry would suit me just fine. Bossy Pants out in his overalls, no shirt at all. Coming home with a frog in his pocket and his homemade fishin' pole. Yup. I think that would be just fine. But back to my story.

After taking cookies to the neighbors {who were very friendly by the way} Bossy Pants and Winnie decided to take the Rhino out for a spin. {The Gage sized Rhino of course} Well Bossy Pants drove for a while and became entirely frustrated by his lack of understanding of all the gears and knobs and pedals so he hopped in back and let Winnie take the wheel. They were having a grand old time. Bossy Pants held that bossy little finger out in front of Winnie and led the way. As a loving and faithful auntie, she of course did his bidding. About 20 minutes into their excursion, tragedy struck in the form of a "bit tongue". Apparently Bossy Pants was not prepared for one of Winnie's abrupt stops and he chomped right down on it! It was bleeding pretty good so I grabbed him up and took him inside to get a cloth. Bossy Pants is sitting in the sink nursing his wounds, I'm of course being super mom, and Winnie is looking up at him with a face of pure concern.

Winnie: "Is he going to be okay?"

Me: "Yes he will be fine. His tongue is just bleeding."

Winnie: "Oh. At least Callie didn't bite her tongue."

Me: "Yeah that is good for Callie."

Winnie: "Yeah. Poor Gage. And poor Callie, but at least her tongue isn't bleeding."

I guess a bleeding tongue would have really just been too much! ha ha It reminded me of Pollyanna and her 'Glad Game'. I think maybe I should play that game more often....

My back is sore, my legs are achy and my eyelids weigh 10 pounds each. But I am glad, I mean REALLY GLAD, that my day has been spent playing with, loving on, bouncing and chasing around the sweetest men there ever were!

I have a sign in my house that says There is always, always, always something to be thankful for. Yes there is indeed!

So if your day has been rough and your feeling a little downer...at least your tongue isn't bleeding!

{Lots of Love. Ash}

Tuesday, October 21st

11:36 p.m.

{grosgrain giveaway}

Grosgrain is giving away this ridiculously amazing dress! Check it out!

Monday, October 20th 10:46 pm

{oh and on a sad note..}

my camera is on it's merry way to missouri. man. the hubby wanted to document his hunt and i feel nearly naked now.

Monday, October 20th 9:51 a.m.

{raffle day, my men & a shower please}

Oh what a morning! I got up before mr. sunshine today. The Hubby left at 3 o'clock for some good ol' Missouri hunting. Yup. Something like a 12 hour drive I think. He will be gone for a while so it's just me and the little men. Dad gave Bossy Pants a run down of how to "rule the roost" while he is away. pfffff. Like he needs any help in that area. We do call him 'Bossy Pants' for a reason! Welp, after kissing the Hubby and sending him on his way, I could not go back to sleep. I figured I may as well put the raffle up and then get some sleep before the boys woke up.

Three hours later...still working on the raffle! My computer decided to throw a curve ball in my morning and started having techno spazms! Eek! Happy to say however that I am done and hoping for a big time turn out. Check out the Love From the Nest!Being as The Hubby is on vacay for a week plus, I've been making sure I'm stocked up on the following 'boys are in bed' entertainment: chick flicks, musicals and my fave teeny bopper books! Tomorrow when the boys are napping I'm even considering getting all dolled up in my swimsuit and flip flops and headin' out to Bossy Pants' sand box to have a little vacay of my own! Never mind the chilly weather...I NEED A MINI VACAY!

Anywho. I'm feeling like a scrounge-O and think a shower is much in order.

{Lots of love. Ash}

Monday, October 20th 9:23 a.m.

{the draw}

Raffle #1 {Custom Thai Alphabet Tote}: Erin Ganley
Raffle #2 {Roll.n.Go Crayons & Chalk Mat}: Toni Southam
Raffle #3 {Vinyl Dandelion in the Wind}: Jes
Raffle #4 {Vinyl Lovebird Family}: Brooke
Raffle #5 {Painted Fall Pears}: The Nasty Naughty Nelsons
Raffle #6 {Custom Sterling Silver Children's Cuff Bracelet}: Seana
Raffle #7 {List Taker}: Candace Craner
Raffle #8 {Vintage Nursery Rhyme Clips}: Candace Craner
Raffle #9 {Darling Ribboned Dress}: Randa
Raffle #10 {Neck Heat Wrap & Eye Pillow}: Kathy
Raffle #11 {A Whimsy Collection}: Amber
Raffle #12 {Vinyl Mom's Blessings}: Kacie
Raffle #13 {Vinyl Get the Good Dirt}: Emma
Raffle #14 {Vinyl All Because}: Kimberly
Raffle #15 {A Girly Collection}: Jessica
Raffle #16 {'I Wuv You' Beanie}: Brooke
Raffle #17 {First Birthday & Candy Cane Onesies}: Candace Craner
Raffle #18 {Everything Baby Choco Cream Gift Basket}: Nikki Hall
Raffle #19 {Piggie Set Bow Grab Bag}: Erin Ganley
Raffle #20 {Large Single Bow Grab Bag}: Emma
Raffle #21 {Tiny Snap Clip Grab Bag}: Andrea Gunnell
Raffle #22 {Headbands with Interchangeable Flowers and Bows}: Emma
Raffle #23 {Ribbon Tag Blanket}: The Brazels
Raffle #24 {Precious Bow & Wee Kiss Stamp}: Candace Craner
Raffle #25 {Vinyl Safari Wall Graphic}: The Brazels
Raffle #26 {Dining for the Locals}: Meg

Congratulations to all of our winners and THANK YOU to everyone who participated! You are all so wonderful and we love and thank you all with all our hearts!

If you have won, just email me at ashley.broomall{at}yahoo{dot}com with your address and particulars if you have won something that needs to be customized. The sooner I get your info the sooner you get your super awesome winnings!

Wishing everyone a B-E-A-utiful day!

{Love Love Love. Ash}

{things to see}

Go {HERE} to see the lucky winners of our Giveaway!
And visit {HERE} to see Callie and Nest updates for the remainder of the raffle!

{happy "kisses for callie" raffle day!}

The second "Kisses for Callie" raffle begins right now! I hope you all have time to look at all the great things that have been donated! I'm loving it all!

This is how it works:

Ticket prices are $2 per ticket or 30 tickets for $50.

{And because I love a good shout out I will give 5 free raffle tickets to anyone who sends a holler this way!}

To purchase the tickets, simply go to the "Kisses for Callie" donation button on my sidebar and make a donation according to the number of tickets you would like to purchase.

Next you will need to leave me a comment under each raffle you wish to enter. Make sure you let me know how many tickets you would like in each. I will also need you to leave the email address you provided for your donation.

{If you don't have a blog or google account, you can still participate by emailing me at ashley.broomall {at} yahoo {dot} com and letting me know where you would like your tickets distributed. Please put RAFFLE in the subject box.}

And of course don't forget to let me know if you left a shout out on your blog!

The winners of this raffle will be drawn at midnight on Wednesday the 22nd {mst}. So be sure to check back in!

Good luck to everyone!

{Love and Grattitude. Ash}

{our giveaway winners and a huge group hug}

I've said it a gazillion times and I'll say it again....You guys are Sooo Awesome! Thank you to everyone who participated in the "Kisses for Callie" Giveaway! You guys definitely helped a great cause! Now for our winners!

The winner of that fabulous bag that I totally want is Toni! Woo hoo lady! Wear it proud!

The winner of the gorgeous birds nest necklace is Megan! You guys seriously, that is on my Christmas wish list!

The soon to be very chic lady in the kitchen {aka winner of the apron} is Shannon!

The winner of the vinyl is Andrea! I can't wait to see what you choose and what you do with it! I HEART vinyl in a big way!

Winners please email me your addresses at ashley.broomall{at}yahoo{dot}com and we will get your things out ASAP! Andrea, since you won a credit, I will just need you to email me your full name {or etsy name} and I will let Lewas Designs know that you have won the credit.

Thank you Thank you Thank you to everyone who helped to raise this money for Callie!

Now go and check out the "Kisses for Callie" Raffle!

{wisdom from dorothy}

Yesterday my mom told me that they have taken Callie off of all her medications! Woo hoo! They will be doing tests within the next few weeks to make sure that she is okay to stay off of them permanently. That is wonderful news! Her next evaluation will be on Tuesday to find out if they will be keeping her another week. I feel like she may have another week there, but I think it will be very soon that she'll be coming home! Her time at PCH has been excellent for her as far as the therapy and we are so grateful for all of the people who work so hard with her. Being home will have it's advantages as well. She will be around the other kids and learning from them just by participating with them and watching them. And of course, as Dorothy can tell us "There's no place like home!"

{my day in boy land}

We read this CHARMING book The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger. We LOVED it! It inspired us to finish our ART OF THE WEEK! Bossy Pants was in TWO YEAR OLD HEAVEN gluing leaves to our tree! Didn't he do an awesome job?

All day I kept reminding Bossy Pants that he was going to the FOOTBALL GAME tonight with DADDY. He was anxious all day long! When it was time to go I started following them outside so I could raid my wallet for some cash. That little Bossy Pants turns around, points his bossy little finger at me and says "No. Stay." Ay Ay Cap'n! He sure didn't want me intruding on his DADDY time. Have fun at your game little man!

When you get home I'll bundle you up in your comfy bed and kiss you ten times over! But don't worry, I won't let anyone know how much you will love it. It can be our little secret!

Thanks for a wonderful day my sweet little men! Can't wait for tomorrow!

X's and O's
Mommy

{ the "kisses for callie" giveaway!::Comment for a Cause!}

THE CAUSE

For those of you who are new to my blog, "Kisses for Callie" is a donation account that was set up for my beautiful 20 month old sister, Callie Jayne. Or as I like to refer to her 'Little California'!

On September 8th, sweet little Callie's world was rocked. She was backed up over in our parents' driveway by a family friend. She was air-evacced to a Phoenix hospital where she immediately underwent a CT Scan. Her injuries were severe. {You can read more by visiting THIS post} Despite the grim prognosis of the doctors, our family knew that Callie needed nothing from us but our faith and our love. We were joined by numerous friends, family and even strangers in praying and fasting on Callie's behalf.

Happily, after weeks in a comatose state, our little fighter is on that road to healing and recovery. She has been in an intense rehabilitation program with a wonderful staff. Her progress has been nothing short of a miracle and has inspired countless people. You can read more on this progress by reading through past posts or by visiting my Mom's blog HERE.

So this is our cause. To provide what help we can to this sweet baby girl who has fought so hard to stay with us and still has a tough fight ahead of her.

THE GIVEAWAY

Because we have been given much, WE TOO MUST GIVE!

This "Kisses for Callie" giveaway is awesome in sooo many ways! First of all there are way awesome things up for grabs and SUPER AWESOME that for every person who comments for this giveaway $1 {up to $250} will be donated to "Kisses for Callie"! So you can win big for yourself and win big for Callie all at the same time. I told you...AWESOME!

Now check out the stuff!

This SO awesome bag from Deyitta is perfect for fall! It is hand sewn to last and sure to go with any of your fall inspired outfits! Love it!


I am completely in love with this sweet necklace from Precious Meshes. I would so love to have it dangling off of my neck and I'm going to guess you would too!



For you domestic divas, who would not want to get there hands on this charming vintage inspired apron from Boojiboo?! I know I would be looking fabulous in it! I might even be able to get some help from The Hubby in this baby! I say this is a definite MUST HAVE!

Okay I have one more smokin' hot item and that is $40 {yep FOUR-OH} credit for Lewa's Design. It is absolutely vinyl heaven! Go by her shop and see what she has! She will even do custom orders and I am convinced there is nothing that she cannot do!

Leave a comment! There will be one winner per item so let me know what you want and why you HAVE to have it as your own! The winners will be drawn midnight on Sunday {mst}. And since we would really LOVE lots of comments for our Cal gal, send your besties our way!

Callie and Nest updates will be posted {HERE} for the time being.

{Love, thanks and lots of hugs. Ashley}

{and that's a wrap!}

This giveaway is over and our winner is CARA who said "The tags are adorable, you can use them for almost anything! Maybe attach them to a cute gift for visiting teaching. I enjoy reading your blog Ashley and seeing Callie's progress!" Yay for Cara! Hopefully none of your ladies see this, they will be expecting something from you next month!

Well I am happy to say that the date for the second "Kisses for Callie" raffle has been set! Mark your calendars for October 20th thru 22nd and make sure you stop by The Nest! I can't even tell you how many darling things we will have to raffle off! And you better believe that there will be Shout Out payoffs! This time I thought I would be extra generous...so anyone who helps to spread the word about this raffle....first of all, hug yourself for me, and second of all, come get FIVE free raffle tickets for yourself! Woo hoo!

And lastly I am SO ECSTATIC because tomorrow will be the best GIVEAWAY ever from The Nest! Not only will the GIVEAWAY be great, but you will be helping Callie big time by doing absolutely nothing! Yep. You heard right! So stop by tomorrow and see what in the world it is I'm talking about! Trust me you don't want to miss out on this!

{Lots of Love. Ash}

{my day and a giveaway}

So my day began with a boney knee in my back and the realization that half of my body was suspended in the air. The last thing I remembered was gathering up Bossy Pants and his toys and putting him to bed. Ahh! That's what happened. Note to self: Next time I'm running on 4 hours of sleep, ask the Hubby to do the honors.

I made a visit to the hometown today to help my little brother get something to wear for Homecoming this weekend. I use the word "little" very loosely as he is a good 6 inches taller than me. Freak kids these days...they are getting huge! I have to say he is going to be looking GOO-OOD on his date! Plus Amber and I totally gave him the insiders advice on how to woo the ladies. {big sisters are awesome!} So he is set!

After rummaging through the racks we headed over to China Wok. It was basically calling to us. It was the only thing we could smell outside the department stores and so in we marched. Just like those cartoon characters who gets zombified by the cartoon scent vapors. Yep. It was pretty good. My first time there. Strangely enough I have actually been craving Chinese food. Those of you who know me, know this to be a VERY rare occasion indeed.

I'm home now with my two smallest men. Bossy Pants is standing behind me on the computer chair, rearranging my ponytail. It feels nice. Baby Boy has been lulled off to sleep by the swing. He loves that thing! And I am thinking, GIVEAWAY TIME!

So I love everything at Lemon Tree Studio! These sweet tags are particularly charming and I think that one of you needs to have them!

You know the drill, just leave me a comment. What would you do with these adorable tags? Winner will be drawn Thursday evening at 5 o'clock {mst}.

{Best of luck. Ash}

{she got another week}

Because of the giveaway I haven't posted anything on Callie in a few days. I hope you guys were checking in with my Mom's blog because our little girl is doing AWESOME!
She has been exploring all kinds of new foods and loving it! She has even gone through the night without her feed tube! Woo hoo! While liquid chicken tenders don't quite sound like my cup of tea, I am sure she is enjoying it big time!
Little California can sit up on her own now! She is vocalizing more and more! And she is becoming more and more interactive in her therapy sessions! It is so amazing to see all that she has overcome in the past weeks. What a woman!
Yesterday was her weekly evaluation and YAY! She will be staying for another week for sure! The personal care and attention that she is receiving there is just incredible and we are loving every day she has there!
Things are being lined up for her therapy to begin as soon as she comes home to the mountains. In the next few days she will get a consultation to see about getting her a chair to come home in! We will love having her back home for sure. She has lots of adoring fans who will love to meet this sweet inspiration!
Oh yeah! Did I mention that Callie is being filmed for one of the hospital's movie projects?! Yeah she's going to be famous! ha ha
I can't wait to get my hands on some pictures to share with you all. Thanks for all your concern and love!

{the secret is in the sauce}

So I have seen this circulating and thought that it would be fun to check out! What a fun idea! I'm hoping to make lots of blog besties! If you love leaving comments and love getting comments from new people, you should definitely check out this sight! Lots of fun to be had and new blogs to explore!

{we have a winner}

Yay for kedowdy! Your wee one's noggin will be toasty warm in NYC this December! Let me know the size and your address and it will be out to you asap! ashley.broomall{at}yahoo{dot}com

Thanks everyone who participated!!! Too bad I'm not a hugely talented crocheted hat maker! I would totally make one for everyone!

But how about the next best thing?! While raiding my kitchen cupboards at midnight last night {btw-I found some awesome items to put in the "Kisses for Callie" yard sale next month} I thought to myself....why stop with just one GIVEAWAY? So I'm not! Check back in for another chance to win some way adorable things from the nest that is practically spewing love right now!

{MORE GREAT DEALS}

There are a few more items for sale on

KISSES FOR CALLIE::GOOD WORKS!

Check it out!

Also check out my sidebar to add link buttons to your blog! We'd love to get more people aware of all these great things!

{GIVE OH GIVE...}

AWAY!

In the spirit of pumping up the GIVING VIBE for this next "KISSES FOR CALLIE" raffle I thought what better than a great GIVE AWAY straight from the nest?! So here it is you guys!

I drool over these Arkitektonika hats on nearly a weekly basis! Here's you chance to get one for your own little Bossy Pants or Baby Boy....or maybe your Little Princess! The winner can choose from the adorable boys hat or girls hat in a size 3 month to 4T. Cold weather is coming people. Let's bundle up those wee ones!

Wanna be a winner?! Leave a comment letting us know how adorable your little one will look in one of these hats! {Even if you've never left a comment before...we don't discriminate!} The winner will be drawn at 6 o'clock Tuesday evening {mst}.

{Be a super awesome blog buddie and let your besties know about it!}

{Callie watchers....go HERE to see the sweetest half smile ever!}

{SNEAK PEEK::SENDING LOVE::BLUSTERY DAY}

I have been making arrangements to get this next raffle going and I am SO excited! You guys have to check out some of these great shops who have donated items... {Lewas Designs} {My Tree House Treasures} {Elly Nelly} {Mia et Gigi} {Lil B Designs} {Lovenit} {MEG Baby Boutique} I will tell you now that if you're a recovering vinyl-rexic, this may be too much temptation for you to handle! I am still trying to set a date so keep checking in!

This morning I finished Callie's book of Love Notes finally! It is headed down the mountain and on it's way to her as we speak! I wish now I had done a bigger book. I had to really squeeze things in there! Thank you to all who sent well wishes and love her way. It really is a treasure!

Today is a windy day to say the least! I can really hear it howling now as my boys slumber. It makes me want to hide out in my house all day. So far I have, but I am thinking that a trip "Into Town" as we hokies say it, is necessary! The Hubby hasn't been so impressed with the meal choices lately as I have not stocked up on ground beef lately. A meal is not a meal to him unless some obscure cow had to die for it. So it is off to the store we shall merrily go. Hopefully sooner than later. I think that there are eighty year olds who would be more lively than The Hubby and I after 10 pm. We're pretty much worthless at that point! But perhaps we can find a sitter for our men and sneak off to the theatre and enjoy a nice dinner while we're in Show Low. It has been ages since we have actually been on a date, just the two of us. I have found myself craving that over the past few weeks. I had better get myself looking loverly just in case! What will The Hubby think when he sees me all done up? He will probably ask me what important event I have going on tonight. I will tell him..."YOU!"

{INSPIRATION ON THIS FALLISH DAY}

Is it any wonder that I love this season?

What inspired you today?

{CHECK IT OUT}

There are a few items up for sale at {KISSES FOR CALLIE} benefit blog. Go and check it out! Great items at a great price! And of course going for a great cause!

{Lots of Love.Ash}

{HAVE HEART MY DEAR}

{One of my latest fave songs right now is Run by Snow Patrol. Anytime I hear it I think of little Callie Gal. Take a listen. In most ways it is very fitting.}

I was listening to that song this morning and thinking I wish I could send that little lady all my strength right now. Strength to open those sweet little eyes, strength to hold her body up and do all the things that she loves. I sat still and tried to concentrate on sending that strength to her. Urging her in my mind and prayers to have heart and not fear. It's hard to imagine what she may have experienced over the past month {today is her 1 month mark}. I pray that she did not suffer too much pain. I picture in my mind that she was cradled in the arms of our Savior as her body experienced excruciating pain and her physical world turned into one of confusion. I know that He has already experienced and felt all of our pains and sorrows. And I know He loves His children, specifically I know that He loves our Callie Jayne.

In General Conference it was said that if each answered prayer was recorded in a book, the earth would not have room to contain the volumes. I feel that the same thing can be said of the answered prayers that have been experienced on Callie's behalf in just this one trying month. I am overwhelmed with comfort and love in the realization of the number of people who have poured out their hearts to our Savior on behalf of Callie and our family. I feel so inadequate in returning the gift that all of you have given our family. And even more so inadequate in thanking my Heavenly Father. That is a feeling I however am familiar with as He has blessed me beyond my deserving throughout my entire life.

I am so thankful for the strength has been sent to my parents and to Callie by each of you. That same strength has been felt by me. It has held us up and it has opened our eyes. It has been an indescribable blessing through these difficult times. Being in the room with Callie and my parents you feel like you are among giants. The faith and dedication my parents have portrayed is inspiring and humbling. And the continued strength and dedication to life that Callie possesses touches the hearts of any who meet her. I am so proud of my family and the way that they have all lifted their heads through this trial of faith. It has allowed our faith to strengthen and to grow rather than becoming bitter and torn down. Some might question how God could allow this to happen to one of His innocent children. I have firm faith that these trials are put in place for our benefit and learning. I don't have all the answers, but I believe in a loving Lord and Savior who can see what I cannot. I find constant comfort in this portion of scripture found in Isaiah "...yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands." What a promise to His children.

So this pondering all began as a desire to strengthen Callie. I continue to pray that my strength will be lent to her in her recovery and healing.

Have heart my dear.

Go {HERE} for a funny Cal story of the day!

{ROUND TWO}

After our first "Kisses for Callie" raffle several people contacted me to offer donations for "our next raffle". To be honest I wasn't planning on a second raffle. But we have had so many people asking if they could donate things for one that I have decided to plan another. I am not sure of the date yet but will let you all know when something is set. If you would like to donate any items for this raffle please contact me as soon as possible at ashley.broomall@yahoo.com.

You guys are awesome!

{WILL SHE STAY OR WILL SHE GO?}

Today was the awaited evaluation from Callie's Neurological Rehabilitation team. The final consensus...

She will stay!

My Mom said all the therapists had "glowing reports"! One doctor did say that they will begin working on a discharge plan so that when she is ready to go home, it will be a speedy process. But until then they will continue to work with her. She has such an awesome team and this time with them is really a blessing to her recovery. We can't wait to have her home but we know that this is the best thing for her right now.

She has been progressing with her eating, as she is being allowed to try more things. So far she has enjoyed yogurt, applesauce, rice pudding, crackers and juice! Yum Yum! We know she will be thrilled to have that feed tube removed from her nose!

Three cheers for Callie and all her progress! And also for all of you and answered prayers! We are so blessed!

Happy Tuesday to all!

{Love.Ash}

{CALLIE'S GONNA GO, GO, GO...}

So my Mom posted something similar a few days ago and it cracked me up! I had to share! Who knew that after a month long stent in the hospital my Mom {the same Mother who once insisted I trash of all my Queen CD's} would be drawing lyrical inspiration from T-Pain? I have to admit, I never saw that one coming!

Last week when Auntie Faun was in town from Vegas she kept singing her own version of "Apple Bottom Jeans" by T-Pain. Clearly she was inspired by Callie's WAY TOO AWESOME boots! Who needs Uggs when you can have these stylish yet medically sensible boots?! Not Callie! So anyways, my Mom couldn't resist creating her own version of the chorus and then I got a bit carried away with the rest. Go to my playlist, play the song then sing along!

Callie had an apple on her tee, boots with the fur.
Her whole team is lookin' at her.
She hits the floor, next thing you know, Callie's gonna GO, GO, GO, GO, GO, GO, GO, GO.

She don't have to wear pants.
Just them cool boots with the straps.
Can't wait to find what Dad's got in his bag.
She'll hit the floor, next thing you know, Callie's gonna GO, GO, GO, GO, GO, GO, GO, GO.

She ain't never still. She just wants to Go.
All these crazy tubes makin' her feel slow.
She had her whole day planned just a month ago.
She's been workin' hard. She'll get better fo sho.
So beautiful. She's unstoppable.
Savin' up all her X's and O's.
Hold up, wait a minute, do I see what I think I
WHOA
Did I think I seen Callie get up and Go.
Ain't nothin' better than seein' her up close.
She wants rain. She wants snow.
She'll be out there playin' and makin' a show.
Imma say that she will need some mo clothes.
At least some pants so her sweet legs aren't exposed.
She'll throw a kiss at me, I'll give her more.
Hope ain't a problem. One day she will GO.

She had that apple on her tee, boots with the fur.
Her whole team is lookin' at her.
She hits the floor, next thing you know, Callie's gonna GO, GO, GO, GO, GO, GO, GO, GO.

She don't have to wear pants.
Just them cool boots with the straps.
She can't wait to find what Dad's got in his bag.
She'll hit the floor, next thing you know, Callie's gonna GO, GO, GO, GO, GO, GO, GO, GO.

Okay so it's a bit hard to keep up at first but you get the picture! I feel a remix coming on what do you think?! ha ha