Today is one of those thinking days...
Some days I can't bare to look at a picture of Preslee, because I can't fight the tears.
Other days all I want to do is look back at the sweet memories. Today is one of these days.
I've laughed and laughed this morning watching this video.
Enjoy.
I know the feeling! What a precious memory. She is such a beautiful girl!
ReplyDeleteThat was a very cute video! She is adorable! I love it when I hear the laugh from the bottom of the gut!
ReplyDeleteWhat sweet moments! I love that! I am glad you caught those things on camera. You are soo amazing and I look up to you for your strength and testimony. I still have such pain for your loss and I think of you guys everyday. I pray that you will be blessed soon with another angel as you are one of the very most elect mommies!! I love you guys and pray for you constantly!
ReplyDeleteLove, Hayley
I can't stop crying. I came upon your story yesterday and it has completely consumed my thoughts since. You have shown amazing faith and I know that Heavenly Father is comforting you and strengthening you. Thank you for sharing this with us, you have made me commit to be a better momma and shown me once again how precious life is. I am grateful you are able to laugh today, I hope you have those days often. You are in my prayers.
ReplyDelete-Momma of 2 and a new friend.
I haven't been able to stop thinking of you guys since I heard about the accident. You really have been an awesome example to so many of us. I'm so glad you laughed today, and I hope that you can continue to laugh and heal.
ReplyDeleteEven though it is hard, it is so great that you have all of these memories to view and remember. The silly moments, the tender moments, all there to visit when the time is right. To have that captured forever is a blessing.
ReplyDeleteI cannot stop thinking of you, Preslee, and your family and it has continually weighed heavy on my heart. Thank you for sharing such a great memory of baby Preslee.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI along with everyone else cant stop thinking and praying for you guys ever since my step sisters Ashley and Jaimee Allen had told us of what had happened. You both have definately softened both mine and my husbands hearts. Both of you are an inspiration to us. I thank you for this. Hang in there. Thinking of you..WAY CUTE VIDEO by the way. Makes me laugh.
ReplyDeleteMy little girl and I sat here and watched your video a couple of times and just laughed! That's is so cute and so funny! What a fun mom you are.
ReplyDeletelove it. She looks just like hudson. big eyes and that hair line.
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious doll!
ReplyDeletewhat a great memory!!
ReplyDeleteso precious! thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute video! Thank you so much for sharing. What a beautiful little baby girl!
ReplyDeleteaww i totally remember that! too cute!
ReplyDeleteI came across this in your older posts and have watched it dozens of times, admiring her light...and your fun laugh!!! I'm glad it's one of those days....please keep us updated, and relive memories with us. The world has fallen in love with your family--our family is better every day because of yours. We are better in so many ways. Love you!
ReplyDeleteI could listen to that all day!!! What a precious family you are! lots of love and prayers being sent your way!
ReplyDeleteLove a friend
Tif
What a little doll. So glad you have the happy days...
ReplyDeleteI've been having an especially hard day today for some reason, and this cheered me up! She is a doll and I love this video - could watch it over and over!
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled upon your story today and I feel compelled to leave my thoughts to you.
ReplyDeleteI also lost my first born daughter and although it was one of the most difficult times in my life, I look at it now as a huge blessing. Just as your daughter has made so many people slow down and appreciate their lives, my daughter did the same thing not only for others, but mostly for myself. God has a purpose for each of us and sometimes it is through the tiniest people that He teaches us the most. It has been 13 years since my Madalyn became my angel and not a day has gone by that I have not thought about her and missed her presence.Every time I pick up and fold her blanket I still put it to my face to see if I can catch a hint of her scent. And even though all of those things never change, I am a much stronger person and better mother now because of everything I learned from her. Every time I think I am too tired to go tuck in my children or I can't tolerate another fit, it is the fleeting thought that it might be my last opportunity that makes me drag myself up the stairs or muster my last bit of patience. When other parents are sad that their baby is headed to kindergarten, I am grateful that my baby has the chance to grow up. Every moment, happy or sad, is the best moment of my life.
So, my thoughts and prayers for you are: May you learn and grow though this time, and may you find the strength to make it through another day and see the time when the pain is a distant memory. May you know that just because your daughter is not physically with you, that she will always be with you in spirit and it is because of her that you are who you are. May you also know that once you are a parent, you will always be a parent. You will always have a daughter named Preslee and her time with you will impact your lives forever.
Wow, the previous comment says it all.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the video. My son is in love with it and I am laughing through tears. I'm still praying for you every day, Ashley. The Lord is going to keep helping you.
Stacy Donahoo
I hope every parent that reads this post today can gain a renewed understanding of just how important it is to revel in the small things that their children do, and appreciate their milestones, and find joy in their ever developing personalities.
ReplyDeleteMoments are fleeting, and lifetimes aren't guaranteed. When they are frustrated or annoyed by their children, I hope they hear your voice in the back of their head telling them they may not have tomorrow.
Hold children tight, tell them you love them, laugh with them, and help them to grow. Because, you just.NEVER.know.
Such a darling video. I am so glad you found a moment to laugh today.
Thank you for sharing your story. I just found your blog today, and am still crying. What an amazing women you are, to keep the positive outlook on things. It's amazing what the gospel can do for us in our most troubling times. I have never lost a child, in fact, I haven't really lost anyone too close to me yet, and I cannot imagine myself being as strong as your family has been. I am a mother of 3, just had my 1st baby girl 2 months ago. To hold her and read your story, reminds me how precious life is. My prayers are continually in my heart for you and your whole family......Bless that sweet preslee.
ReplyDeleteAsh, I love this video of her. Your laugh is so contagious! You're the best. Thank you for sharing this video of Preslee. It brought tears to my eyes because it is such a sweet memory you have of her. It's perfect.
ReplyDeleteYour blog post make me want to be a better person every day. Its crazy to think the little things that happen that bring me to tears and I think I can't make another move. And I read your blog every day it gives me strength. You are a special person placed here for one amazing purpose!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful memory !! I'm glad you are able to laugh. God loves you and her. Thinking and praying for you always !!
ReplyDeleteCaroline
What a precious video !! I love her reaction to that little fan.
ReplyDeleteThat is quite possibly the cutest video ever. :D Thank you, sweet Preslee, once again for lifting my spirits today!! She is taking care of you...and so many others.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the laugh! She is such a doll. She reminds me a lot of my little baby :) Thank you so much for the inspiring words about parenthood. Your story has made me slow down, and appreciate my little ones, on good days and bad. You are an awesome mommy!
ReplyDeleteEverytime I come to your blog I start tearing up. I love your family and I love that you keep sharing your testimony. Preslee's spirit is so strong. I am continually thinking about and praying for your comfort from day to day. Thank you for being such an example of strength and for sharing the gospel during the most painful loss of your life. Preslee is touching so many lives with the Lord's gospel and it is amazing all the hearts she is touching and the souls she is bringing back to their Father in Heaven. Your little family keeps strengthening my testimony of the gospel and the Lord's work. I know that Preslee has been an instrument in the Lord's hands in bringing His children unto Him and He is showing us this is His work. To bring to pass the eternal life and immortality of man. You have been so incredibly blessed with such a beautiful daughter. Thank you for sharing Preslee's beauty with the world and I hope and pray you will continue to feel her beauty in your life, until she's back in your arms again. I feel so much love for your family. May Heavenly Father continue to bless your family with strength and comfort.
ReplyDeleteI just came across your blog for the first time. I will be praying for your family during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteWhat relief our father brings us. So glad to hear you are resting in your faith for comfort. I can't even imagine the pain you are going through. All I can offer is prayers.
Oh Ashley,
ReplyDeleteThis squeezed my heart. What a beautiful little person Preslee was and still is. I also loved hearing your laugh, that laugh of yours is so cute and really your trademark!
I Love you and am still praying for you!
Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that darling video of Preslee! I am amazed at what strength you and Pat have shown as you go through the refiners fire. You are an example to all! Thank you for sharing your lives and your testimonies through your blog. It has made me more grateful for the time that I have with my sweet daughter. Your family is still in our thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious video. Preslee is such a beautiful little girl. You have no idea who I am..and we will more than likely never meet, but I want you to know that I think of you often. I stumbled upon your blog through a post on facebook a few weeks ago. The first night I read your entire blog and I think I cried more in one night than I had in a year. You are an amazing writer, and I truly enjoy reading each of your posts. My prayers are with you and your husband as you mourn the loss of your sweet baby girl. I too am a mother to one child. I can't imagine the ache in your heart, and I pray that the Lord has a special hand upon you and your family. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteWe have never met but a few days ago I came upon your blog and I haven't been the same since. I cry because as a mother I couldn't imagine what you are feeling right now. Please know that I pray for you and your husband. I have to say I am so grateful that you have the gospel of Jesus Christ in your life because that way I know that you have the knowledge of eternal families. I can only imagine what an amazing women you are! We are taught that God doesn't give us anymore than we can handle as long as we have him by our side. So I can already feel that you must have an amazing testimony and you have the strength of a giant and the heart of a angel. I pray that you will be blessed with more sweet angels in your mortal life and that you will know that so many people love you (even if we have never met) because of what you were willing to share with so many. May God bless you until you are blessed to meet with Preslee again :)
ReplyDeleteYour sister in the gospel, mother of three and better mom because of you and your testimony.
Ashley. Thank You. Everyday I renew myself as a mother because of you. What a sweet memory.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness... My little Gabe and I have laughed and laughed... I have to keep playing it for him. SO precious!!! Thank you for this memory! We love Pat and Ashley!
ReplyDeleteAshley! You have the greatest laugh! :D Haylie, Connor and I have laughed and laughed! Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you laughed today! I hope you can continue to laugh and remember all the special moments you had with your beautiful girl without pain. I know that you will be going through lots of pain for a while but in the end all will be well. I think about your family often. Thank you for this post :)
ReplyDeleteShe is so sweet & perfect. My heart goes out to you. I'm a mother of four girls. And I simply can't imagine. Yet you have such grace. The gospel is amazing good news, isn't it. You are in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteah shes so cute :) thank you for sharing this video! I love the big eyes when the fan goes on it never gets old. You guys continue to amazing me, you are inspiring! I hope each day gets better than the last.
ReplyDeleteSo so cute! Beautiful little angel! You are so so strong, I am thinking of You every day!
ReplyDeleteoh so funny!! i remember watching that video when you first posted it! such a cutie! you're a good mom!
ReplyDeleteShe is so precious. Kaden and I watched the video like 10 times, He kept wanting it to play over and over ;) Ash, I think about you every day. I am a better mom because of you. Love ya.
ReplyDeleteThat is so cute. Such a happy baby girl! Thank you for sharing. That sure made my day too. I think of you and her every day. Hope you are doing as good as you can!!
ReplyDeleteSUPER CUTE!!! Thank you for sharing!! So glad you are having one of those GOOD days!! How fun to have such sweet and precious memories!! Hold them close!!
ReplyDeleteI know you don't know me, but I've been following your blog eversince I heard about your litte girl. What amazing parents Preslee has and your faith has been so strong I can feel it just sitting here! I know if you continue to use your faith throughout your life that you will be with your sweet little Preslee again. I know Heavenly Father is watching over you at this difficult time and will continue to give you the comfort that you need! Stay Strong :-)
ReplyDeleteReading your story today has brought on so many thoughts and emotions for me, that we all need to feel sometimes. My heart breaks for you, but you've also lifted me up! My testimony just got stronger, as well as my desire to be a better mother, holding my little ones closer, and putting life into perspective. I'm always in need of these reminders. So thank you! You will now be in my thoughts and prayers, along with the other hundreds of people! Seeing the amount of comments is truly amazing! You have touched so many lives!
ReplyDeleteI had my 3 yr. old standing by me watching your cute video of Preslee laughing ... it made us laugh too! Keep Smiling ;-) Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful blessing to have these to look back on. I am still praying for you and you family. I just wanted to thank you because I do take more time to show my 4 children how much I love them since hearing your story.
ReplyDeleteI heard about your blog through a friend and just read through a lot of it. It is wonderful that you turned to God rather than away during this time. This life is never fair but it is wonderful to know that if we live the gospel we can be with our families forever. Thank you for reminding me of these simple yet profound truths. You are beautiful and strong and that you live the gospel shows in your countenance even in the pictures. Preslee was blessed to come to your family for her time on earth. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteThat is hillarious and could seriously make some made money!! :) ADORABLE
ReplyDeleteYou and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you ever so much for sharing this beautiful video with us. Stay strong!
ReplyDeletePaul and I were thinking about you and Pat and Preslee today. We love you and are amazed by your courage, strength, and testimony. Thanks you for being such a sweet example of pure love.
ReplyDeleteHang in there girlie - you guys are amazing. That video is so hilarious.
ReplyDeleteWe have been praying for your family since we heard about Preslee's story a few weeks ago. I'm a friend of Aubrey (Anderson) Richardson. Our hearts go out to you guys. I hope that you can continue to find the comfort and solace you need, now and for years to come.
ReplyDeleteYou have to be one of the strongest women on the earth! I admire your strength. What a precious little video of your sweet Preslee. I hope you can continue to look for the sunshine in your life.
ReplyDeleteand this my friend is exactly what she and our heavenlly father wants you to remember. what a beautiful blessing that our heavenly father in trusted you with you got to nurture and care for... like you and your husband she too touched so many lives. thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThat is absolutely adorable and hilarious! Ashley, you and Patrick are such an inspiration. Your strength is so... I don't even have words for it! Thank you so much for sharing your testimony and your experience with us. You guys are such amazing examples to so many!
ReplyDeleteI thank God for your strength to share your feelings with us. I have been coming to your page almost daily I cant get your family or your sweet angel off my mind. I have an 18 month old little girl and I cant imagine the pain you are feeling but you are so strong and your faith in God makes me want to grow closer to Him and you make me want to be a better mom too. I love this video and to hear your laugh made me smile inside you are a beautiful person and I know that your baby girl is so happy and dancing with Jesus. I will never forget Preslee
ReplyDeleteI just love how cute she is. I think about you so often; thank you for being an example to me. Ihope you don't mind that I mentioned your story in my blog. If you want to read it, send me your email so I can invite.
ReplyDeletecamisaari@msn.com
My prayers are always with you and your family!
Preslee is blessed to have such a strong mommy!
Thank you for sharing your bad times and good. Laughing is such a sweet and simple pleasure that we can give to ourselves in a time of heartache. Thank you for your examples of faith. I cry at each one of your posts. Thank you for sharing your story, and inspiring me become a better person.
ReplyDeleteHi Pat and Ashley,
ReplyDeleteYour post made me think of the Jimmy Valvano speech given at the ESPY awards in 1993. Coach Valvano said there are three things we should do every day: Laugh, think, and cry (have our emotions moved to tears). I'll post the speech on your wall if you haven't seen it before.
That is one of the cutest things I've seen! What a sweet memory. I couldn't help but notice the resemblance she has to her uncle Rhett. I think it is the big eyes! You amaze me how strong you are during this difficult trial but yet I understand where the strength comes from. Thank you for sharing this difficult experience. You and Preslee have made many of us stronger people because of your trial. We think about you daily and will continue to have you in our thoughts and prayers. Enjoy those precious memories. Love, Leon and Marilyn Anderson
ReplyDeletewhat a darling video ash! She is so adorable! it will always be such a treasure for you. We think you're incredible and think of all of you often.
ReplyDeleteBry and Rach
You don't know me and probably never will. I came across your blog and precious story of sweet Preslee a few days ago. You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers. There has not been a day that has gone by without thinking of you and and your sweet baby girl. Your testimony is so strong and I admire your stregnth as your family goes through this difficult time in your lives. I just want to say that it is because of you and stories like this that makes us better moms and appreciate the blessings in our own lives. And it makes me thankful for every day I have my 2 boys. they truely are a gift and there is no greater gift from God. I can't imagine what it feels like to have lost one. I also wanted to say the music on your blog is absolutely beautiful and makes my heart so full and my emotions high. May God continue to look after you and bless your precious family as you go throgh this time. I pray that you may continue be strong and have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Again thank you for sharing your story with us.
ReplyDeleteShe undeniably knew her mommy loved her.
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches for you. You are in my prayers.
What a beautiful little girl. How precious and sweet. My heart breaks for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through my niece's blog: http://kendraandryanwebster.blogspot.com/
Kendra & Ryan lost their 5 month old daughter Makenzie to a rare neuro-muscular disease called SMARD. Their hearts are shattered and there is little that can console them.
I admire your faith even though you have been through so much. I'm glad you know that you will see your beautiful angel again. But until then, I will pray you will find peace and hope that only comes through the love of our Savior and our Heavenly Father.
As you know and completely understand, the Gospel Plan of Happiness did not process a life filled with only joy. We grow through our trials but it is still hard. You are in my thoughts today and I'm sure many are praying for you. Take care.
Mary Ann madavis@utah.gov
Ashley and Pat, I'm amazed with you strength through this painful time in your lives. I am so inspired I have 2 beautiful children one named Preslie just older then yours, our little family has been going through our own struggles and I'm just inspired with you spiritual strength! The gospel is such an amazing gift for all of us that have hard time in our midst. It has helped me through the hardest times. I can't even imagine the pain you guys have felt I try to put myself in that situation and I can't even bare the thought of it! Please know you have strengthened me to make it through my own hard times. My prayers are with you 2 Heavenly Father has much in store for you for you strength and faith! Stay strong!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about the pain you are going through. I think about you guys every single day! I could never imagine the pain of losing a child and pray I will never have to. You are such a good example of faith!! Thank you for sharing your testimony during such a difficult time in your life! Your baby girl will always be by your side! ALWAYS! Our prayers are still with you!
ReplyDeleteI remember Abs showing me this video when you made it, it made all of us smile and laugh so much. Thank you for letting us see Preslee again and see her wonderful spirit made us laugh when we all miss her so much. Ashley thank you for your example. I know that I will never be the same mom that I was before the accident. I know the pain of death and it really hurts, I really don't think the hurt goes away we just learn to handle it better. Ashley you have been such an angel. When Abbie had her accident I could never put into works how much your kindness meant to my hurting little girl. You brought "the light of Christ" with you everytime you walked in our door. You continue to show that light through this trial. You are truly one of the most valiant women that I know. My thoughts are always with you and Pat. Families are forever and for that knowledge I am grateful. We love you and pray for you both. Thank you for your wise words and uplifting thoughts, you continue to amaze me everyday. We love you
ReplyDeleteThe Kelly Carter Family
This is just precious! I know times like this are so precious. Thank you for reminding me of that! She was soooo stinkin cute!! Blessings to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me, but I can't stop thinking about you and your family. Preslee looks like such a sweet baby girl and reminds me a lot of my 18 month old little girl. Your story has definitely made me slow down and enjoy every moment I can. I'm so incredibly sorry for you loss and I can't even begin to imagine the pain you're all going through. My prayers are with you and I hope you feel comfort during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteI do not know you and you do not know me. I do know Nic. She is my neighbor and friend. My family has been very touched by yours. I just wanted to tell you are prayers are with you. I also want you to know that I KNOW that there is life after this. I KNOW that you will be with your girl again. I know that Families are Forever.
ReplyDeleteI am another stranger who has been touched by your story. I bawl every time I read your blog and yet I keep coming back. You guys are inspiring. I don't think I could have the strength that you guys have and such a positive out look. I was talking with a friend about your story and she pointed out how perfect Preslee must have been to go before the age of 8. She was too perfect to be in this evil world. You guys raised her to be that. What incredible parents you are. Your example has made me want to be a better Mom. Every time my toddler is throwing a tantrum I think of you saying you miss her tantrums. Thank your for your example and your testimony. I pray that the atonement can help you heal and the harder days will be fewer than your happy days filled with sweet memories.
ReplyDeleteThis video is hilarious by the way! You should seriously send it in to AFV!
Thinking of you and sending love and support your way as you endure these waves.
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you have any interest in getting in touch with other angel mothers. I found great strength in finding others walking the path along side me.
Stephanie Waite
www.adailyscoop.blogspot.com
I too am a stranger you will probably never meet. But my heart aches for you and your sweet family. Your testimony of faith has strenghtend mine since I read your blog. I am the mother of 5 and my oldest just left on a mission to Alabama July 14 I thought my heart was broken until I read your incredible blog and felt your testimony and I have truly been inspired by you. Thank You and may God Bless You :)
ReplyDeleteI just read Preslee's tragic story through your blog posts (I found your blog through my friend, Janet Shumway - http://www.fairlyhappy.com/2010/07/feeling-grateful.html).
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. I have 3 young children myself and can't fathom the thought of losing any one of them. Thank you for posting your thoughts and feelings and this life-altering experience. You are an amazing family, with such influencing strength and faith. I also appreciate all the quotes and scriptures you've posted.
I realized tonight that I can't take my children's lives for granted. The line you said about realizing what your life would be like without your children, even when they're on your nerves, really hit me.
Thank you for helping remember see the true miracle and blessings my children are in my life. They are precious, life is fragile, and we need to be grateful for all that we have.
I know, as do you, that there's life after death. We're also LDS, so we share those beliefs. But that doesn't make it easy to live life without a precious loved one. I actually just lost my maternal grandfather last week and my paternal grandfather last December. It's not nearly so personal or tragic as your daughter, but losing a loved one does something to help you realize how wonderful and precious life is.
I'm really touched by your story and wish you all the best. You'll be in my prayers and thoughts. I can only imagine you'll need a lot of time, support and love to heal. Sorry this is so long, even from a stranger.
All the best,
Natalie Vickers
P.S. This video is adorable!
i think about your family often! i am so very sorry for your tragic loss! i love this video and your laugh is great! i hope you can keep laughing.
ReplyDeleteAshley, we have never met. I live in Florida, and came accross someone praying for your family on Facebook, that said they were praying. I saw a picture of your sweet little girl, so I had to open it. Immediately when I saw the pic of her in the bath tub, I started crying. I knew that reading your blog would change my life- and it did. I am a mother to an 8 month old. She reminds me of your daughter with her big blue eyes, and blonde hair. My story began when I was told I would never have children, and the Lord blessed me greatly when he healed me of the disease that stopped me from that. I now cannot even come close to imagining what you are going through. Everyday I come back to your blog, and I can't help but read the whole thing. Your tetisomy of the Father is done so beautifully. Everyday I cry, and I think about my little girl. I can't look at her the same anymore. Everytime I hold her, I think about you. I asked God in my prayers this morning first of all to remind me of you everyday, so I can pray for your spirit, and also to never let me forget this feeling that I have right now. My prayers for myself are to always cheriish the most precious gift. The other night, my baby got up at 4am, not wanting anything to be held. I was annoyed, but then reminded of the fact that if I were in your shoes, I would do anything to hold her. I thank God for your strength, and your testimony, and I lift you up in prayer everyday. May God bless you, and your husband, and may everyday get better and better for you. With all my love, Emily
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for you loss. I am so inspired by you and admire your attitude. I heard this talk on the Mormon Channel and thought you would like it
ReplyDeletehttp://radio.lds.org/eng/programs/conversations-episode-13
It is so inspiring and I think would help you or anyone it is an amazing talk.