Our Family is Growing:)

Well from the title I think it is safe to say that you know we are EXPECTING! Conrad and I are over the moon with excitement. Braxton is beyond ready to be a big brother. He use to say that there were twins in there a boy and a girl. After I had an ultrasound and told him sorry buddy there is only one in my belly, he then decided well its a boy then. He says he wants a boy, but then is quick to say whatever God gives us he will be happy with. Conrad and I feel the exact same way, we don't care what this little bean is..we just pray for a healthy baby.

As many of you know I have PCOS that has gotten fairly bad over the last few years since I had Braxton. After talking to my doctor and telling her my concerns about school and all that she basically said if it was her she would try now because after 2 years we might have to go to alternatives. I knew I didn't want to finish school to find out my time was up so I choose my priorities and I just feel honored that God is letting me do this again. School will always be there, this might not have been. There are no words to describe my joy when I saw two pink lines on that pregnancy test. No words.

So here we are!!:) I have to say that so far this pregnancy has been very different. I think I have had every pregnancy symptom in the book. Fatigue has been the worse. I swear if I could nap 3 hours everyday I would do it. By 3 o'clock everyday I am ready for bedtime it is kind of ridiculous. I also have to pee every 5 seconds, ok not really but it seems that way. I have to tell you it isn't very fun to be on a 4 mile run far away from your house and you have to pee even though you went 5 minutes ago. Ah the joys of the first trimester. The funny thing about it all whether I am throwing up, tierd to the point my eyes can't stay open, or just moody as ever I always smile because I am pregnant. I am pregnant..I just love even saying it:) To know there is another baby coming into this family just makes me soo happy.

My all time favorite thing about this pregnancy is Braxton's excitement. He talks to the baby all the time and kisses my belly constantly. He is going to be a FANTASTIC brother:). I just feel blessed that God is giving us this gift because our entire family is ready.

WE ARE HOMEOWNERS!

So as many of you know we have been on the house hunt, and this past Sunday we became homeowners!! We are so excited about this house. Conrad already promised Braxton that we would make his room a Michigan room. I am going to try my very best to make sure this doesn't happen, but honestly I might have no choice in the matter. You all have no idea what I am dealing with here. Braxton sings the Michigan fight song everyday and sometimes he does it just to spite me. I don't even know how I got here with him, but I can tell you I don't like it. Anyways Braxton is so excited to decorate his room and make it his own. I just love to see how much he lights up when we tell him things about the house.

I am just so excited to see our hardwork paying off. We have really worked hard to get here and I am just soo excited to see the benefits. God is so good and has helped us grow and see the light at the end of the tunnel, even when we didn't believe it was there.

Lastly, I have to leave you with what my son prayed about tonight.. "God please help bad people, help good people find moms and dads who don't have them. also help them find shelter in a thunderstorm." Seriously cutest thing ever. What I love about it is not one thing was about him. He prayed for other people. Like I always say and will continue to say Braxton is so amazing and he truly makes me learn and grow everyday. At 3 years old he really made me stop and think today how lucky we are.

So now we get ready for the big move...If you are looking for a great summer workout contact me in 30 days:)

And the hunt goes on..

As many of you know we put an offer on a house. We ended up with another person who really wanted the house. They managed to pay cash and it and left us out of the running. The worst part about it was it was such a long process that I started picturing my family being in the house. However, I know God has a different plan for us so I have to believe that. We will be looking at more homes tomorrow so I am praying we find a new fit:)

This past weekend my bf Beth got married to a wonderful man Matty. The wedding was BEAUTIFUL. Seriously from her flowers to her breathtaking dress. It was Beth all the way and I felt honored that Braxton and I were part of their day. Braxton did wonderful. We did have a little moment before we walked down the aisle where he was like I don't want to I want to walk with you. I did the only thing I could think of and told him Braxton you walk down that aisle with the biggest smile and I will get you a new dog. As you can tell from this picture..It worked:). Hey you gotta do what you gotta do.


I was so proud of my little man. Once we got to the reception it was party time and my son was a dancing fool. He danced with the flower girl and it was the CUTEST thing I have ever seen. I just kept watching from the side. He makes me so happy:)
I even got in on a couple dances too, but once he had the flower girl I was old news.
It was such an amazing celebration and the only thing I have to say is Matt is a wonderful fit for Beth. He was a perfect groom and you just felt the love those two have for eachother. I am sooo happy for them!! Now if I could just get them to move closer to home.

Lastly, we finally got Conrad a new car. He will be sporting a white honda accord. Yes we are going to be that couple with matching cars:). Thats how much we love eachother.

Im still here..

Ahh life just got busy and I forgot all about this blog.

I had a month off from school and I took full advantage of it. Braxton and I have really enjoyed spending time together. We have made several trips to the zoo, library, and outside for "adventures." I have loved it, but now it makes it even more difficult to get back to school. Ahh why did I sign up for summer school again when its 93 degrees outside? That's just silly. Oh well..I am going to get a class out of the way so I will appreciate it when it is over.

More exciting news..Conrad and I just put an offer on a home. We are so excited and praying like crazy this is the one. It is just perfect for our family. However, I am trying as hard as I can not to get my hopes up because well lets face it stuff happens and I don't want to get discouraged. Whatever happens..happens and I know God is calling the shots that are best for us:) We will keep you posted. We should be hearing today the news. I am sooo impatient and just want to know NOW!

Lastly this weekend is Beth's wedding. I am sooo excited for this day! Braxton has been practicing and I pray he does what he is suppose to. We are picking up his tux Thursday so I am so excited to see my handsome son all dolled up. Trust me there will be lots of pictures that I will share.

I promise to write more soon:)

Beating the Odds

My first year at Bethel is coming to a close and I am so proud of myself and all the family members and friends that have supported me on this journey. It has been one heck of a journey. For me it wasn't just about doing school, it was managing to do it all. I am a wife, a mother, a tech, and now a student and lets be honest all those things take up a lot of time and energy. I know I have said this before, but before I had Braxton I had no desire in my life and never thought for a second I was capable of being more. That was my first problem, I didn't think I was capable. As I sit here writing this all I can think about is how far I have come. Have I made mistakes..Of course, but through those mistakes I have grown and refused to quit. I was 20 years old when I got pregnant and my whole life changed. I grew into the woman I was suppose to be. I let go of everything that was holding me down. I always thought I wasn't able to be what I wanted. When my handsome son was in my arms I woke up and realized NOTHING is stopping me, but myself. My son deserved the world and I was going to stop the excuses and move forward. I wasn't a teen mom, but I was close to it. A lot of teen mothers never finish school and I knew from the beginning I was going to beat those odds. I want to make a difference in this world. I want to be a nurse. I want to make my son proud of me. I also want him to know anything is possible when you put your mind to it. I am writing all this because I never want to forget this. I never want to forget the life I could have had and the life I am choosing to have. I work hard and I wont stop. I will beat the odds. All I can thank is God. Seriously it has been a hell of a year and yet he still has me pushing forward. Even when I want to stop he wont let me. Nursing school here I come. I hope you are ready for Mrs. Ashley Bontrager..because without a doubt I am ready for you.

Moving Forward

As you all know we were robbed a couple weeks ago and today I found out another person I know was robbed. It makes me so sick to know that a family is going through what we are going through. I have yet to feel comfortable and safe. Every time I think of that day I feel so disgusted. How can people do this to others? I don't get it. For me it isn't about the stuff at all, its all about the safety of my family. Unfortunately I was told with the weather getting nicer break ins are going to be happening more often. I found this really great article and I want to share it. If there is any information that can help others not go through what we have gone through I want to do that. I hope you can find this information valuable and most importantly help keep the ones you love safe.

There are some really great tips here: The best are near the end. Common sense applied in a vigorous way.


THIRTEEN THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.
2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.
4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it..
5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.
6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.
7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.
8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.
9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)
10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.
12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.
13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it athttp://www.faketv/..com/)

8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:

1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.
2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.
4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?
5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.
6.Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.
7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.
8. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.
Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky ; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs
http://www.crimedoctor..com// and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.

Protection for you and your home:

If you don't have a gun, here's a more humane way to wreck someone's evil plans for you. (I guess I can get rid of the baseball bat.):
WASP SPRAY

A friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area was concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them when they were counting the collection. She asked the local police department about using pepper spray and they recommended to her that she get a can of wasp spray instead.

The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too close to you and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote. She keeps a can on her desk in the office and it doesn't attract attention from people like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection. Thought this was interesting and might be of use.

FROM ANOTHER SOURCE

On the heels of a break-in and beating that left an elderly woman in Toledo dead, self-defense experts have a tip that could save your life.

Val Glinka teaches self-defense to students at Sylvania Southview High School. For decades, he's suggested putting a can of wasp and hornet spray near your door or bed.

Glinka says, "This is better than anything I can teach them."

Glinka considers it inexpensive, easy to find, and more effective than mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so if someone tries to break into your home, Glinka says, "spray the culprit in the eyes". It's a tip he's given to students for decades. It's also one he wants everyone to hear. If you're looking for protection, Glinka says look to the spray.

"That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get out."

Maybe even save a life.

Put your car keys beside your bed at night.

Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, your Dr.'s office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across. Put your car keys beside your bed at night.

If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies. This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.

More than any family should have to take..

You might want to grab yourself something to eat or drink before you read this one because I have a feeling it is going to be rather long..

This past Friday I went through one of the most difficult days of my life. I spent a day in and out of the house. After my chem class I went home to drop off groceries and relax for a bit. However, last minute I decided to get a quick workout in at the gym before picking up B from school. After the gym I head to get B so we can go home. As I am pulling up to my house I see my walkout basement doors open and right then I know. I know what I am about to find out is my house has been broken in to. I pull up my driveway and notice the garage doors open. I kept filling my head with excuses that it's a family member in there so I leave B in the car and open the door to check (I realize this is so stupid and I should have never done it), but the second I open the door I see glass everywhere and run out like hell. I drive to the neighbors house bawling my eyes out calling the police. I also called my in-laws, my poor husband who was in Dallas, and my parents. My poor son in the backseat is just saying whats wrong Mommy don't cry. I get to the neighbors who try their best to calm me down and in my mind all I can think about is all the items in my house that are gone. I wait there until the police officer calls me and says I can come to my house now. At this time my whole family is there which made it a little easier having some support and also having someone watch Braxton because I didn't want him anywhere near this situation. As I walk up the police officer lets me know that the house has been broken into and he will walk me through every room and we can discuss what is missing. He informs me that they went through everything. Every cupboard open, every crawl space, every drawer. I kept thinking how could they do all this, I was gone less than 2 hours. I felt like I could throw up. Walking into every room finding things that are now gone is pure torture. I will never forget walking up to my bedroom and seeing the disaster. Lets just say they were not neat in any way. I also will never forget when the officer asked me if any jewelry was missing. Right when he said it the worst feeling in my stomach arrived and all I said was my wedding rings are gone. I knew they were gone before I even looked. I had taken off my rings to go to the gym and left them on my dresser because I figured in my own home was safer than sitting in my car. When I finally looked and saw they were gone I was done. I didn't even want to see what was all gone because I no longer cared. Those people stole numerous things from us, but those rings are so memorable to me that I cannot go a day without thinking about them. I would play with them constantly and now every time I do it out of habit I cry. My husband asked me to marry him the day after Braxton was born in the hospital. Those rings don't just represent my love for my husband, they really represent the love I have for both of these boys. Just writing these words makes me cry because I hate the fact that someone can take away that memory from me just to cash in. After everything was said and done I walked away hoping to wake up from this nightmare, but I still haven't. Everyone says to me be grateful that you and Braxton were not home and no one understands how much I get that. However, the issue with that is I cannot stop thinking about what if we were. What would I have done? What could I do? Would they have hurt me? Would they hurt my son? Those questions makes me so sick I cannot stand it and my whole sense of security is completely gone. I am completely haunted not just by what did happen, but what could happen. Just last night I must have checked on Braxton sleeping 10 times in 1 hour. Conrad and Braxton are my life and the thought that someone could break into my house during the day makes me think what else will people do. I know everyday will get better and I cannot wait until the day I can wake up and go to bed not in tears. I feel so destroyed and I am not sure how long it will take me to get over. All I know is I am doing everything in my power to do what I can. I feel like this year has been hell for our family. I mean seriously I don't mean to throw my own pity party, but my son broke his femur 6 months ago, my husband has been traveling like crazy and just got in a car accident less than 4 weeks ago, I am working my butt off in school, and now this. No one should have to go through all this. All I can do is pray for peace and hope every day gets a little easier. It has to.

I really just want to thank everyone that is supporting us through this difficult time. Your words of encouragement and prayers mean more than you could know. We love you all very much.