(with mango, real bananas, and no alcohol :)
And getting stuck in the rain...
It poured! Our husbands were too cheap to get a taxi. After awhile they finally gave in and got even more ripped off because the drivers saw we were desperate. :)
Oh my goodness, we are back from MEXICO! Does it get any better than this?
I know there were many who were skeptic about us going on vacation so soon, but let me tell you, it was the BEST thing we could have ever done! If I could give anyone a piece of advice after losing a child, it would be to go on vacation. It doesn't have to be somewhere exotic, but somewhere that nobody knows you. Somewhere you are treated like everyone else. Somewhere you don't have a million memories of the person you miss tugging at your heart all day long. Going to Mexico and staying at an adult only resort and not seeing other moms with their toddlers was what I needed. I found Pat and I laughing, which has been a rare occurrence lately. Yes, I still cried, but less frequently. I still missed her horribly, but my thoughts didn't constantly dwell on our situation. I feel like a new person. It gave me hope, I know it's going to take time, but I'm going to be able to get through this. I don't have to sit at home and constantly think about her, I feel that would be the biggest cut to her, everything she went through and the blessings we received would all be for nothing- to live a unhappy and miserable life. This vacation gave Pat and I what we needed and we feel like we're a little more capable to take on the world now. Maybe with a few more smiles and a few more laughs.
Get ready for a picture overload! We couldn't have went with anyone more fun than Trevor and Rebecca. Thanks for being patient Reb, and listening to me talk things out.
Xel-ha where we snorkeled.
This is for Amy! Thanks for the cute pedicure!
Patrick and I got our very first massage. Oh my, it was wonderful.
Someone asked me what the BEST part of the trip was... Definitely seeing Pat happy again. I couldn't have asked for anything more. He was hilarious. Once he started speaking Spanish he couldn't stop. He would sit in the passenger seat in the taxi's and talk and laugh with the driver everywhere we went. Many times the drivers asked how he learned Spanish, that led to a discussion about serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and Pat was off sharing his beliefs. Everyone at the hotel thought he was hilarious, many would ask me, "Where is Patrick? (Add a accent while saying that) When he bartered at the flea market Mexican mannerisms came out! Oh boy, it was fun watching him, he was one happy boy.
On our balcony
Thanks Rodd, Cindy, Chad, and Wendy from Just Sports. Once again you did more for us than you'll ever know!
What a breath of fresh air. To get away and have your burden lifted. Lot's of love! Looks amazing. May this be the beginning of new wonderful things ahead for you!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you guys had a fun time! And Ash you look so gorgeous in these pictures! Amazing. also how awesome that you're story went to China!
ReplyDeleteawe, im glad you guys had such a good time! :) :) you guys deserved it!!! I see pat was looking flashy in his new tank top ;) Im glad i got to see you guys!!!
ReplyDeletelove you sid!!!
You are a gorgeous couple inside and out!! I'm so glad this trip strengthened and renewed you and your relationship. May our ever loving Heavenly Father continue to bless and heal you in this journey called life. All my love and best wishes although we've never met. Thanks for sharing your life with all of us who care! You can do hard things!!
ReplyDeleteWOW! You both look soo happy. It's so refreshing to know you had a great time. Preslee would want you to be happy, I am sure she is smiling ear to ear knowing that you both had a great time. This had to be the best VACA ever!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is so great you guys got to go! Looks like a lot of fun and laughter is the best medicine! Love the blog design! You guys look good!
ReplyDeleteSooo happy for you two!! I'm thrilled that it offered a new perspective. BTW, could you two be any more beautiful?!
ReplyDeleteAw man I freakin love Cancun!!
ReplyDeleteFirst I must say you look so beautiful...really you look amazing. Im glad that you guys had fun. I get home in a couple weeks.. and I would love to see you darling! Ill let you know when I know for sure. Love ya!!
i've been thinking about you alot lately ashley. i've learned so much from you and your example through all this. you are amazing! and i'm so glad you two got away and had such a wonderful vacation! you look fantastic!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you guys had so much fun!! I can just imagine Pat talking with everyone in Spanish and having a grand old time. I didn't see your dress but I see your shorts :)
ReplyDeleteAsh looks like you guys had a blast! I'm so happy for you guys! You deserve all the best!
ReplyDeleteI think it is FABULOUS you were able to get away. We lost our baby last summer, and we wanted so bad to get away too, but never did. I know exactly what you mean...to be somewhere that no one knows you and you are just like everyone else.
ReplyDeleteYou know Preslee would want you to be happy, and it looks like for a few days, you were!
Im glad you had such a great time!You deserve it!
ReplyDeleteI have a lump in my throat reading this. I don't know you, but I've been praying for your family. I'm so happy for you both that you were able to feel happiness again and see it in your future.
ReplyDeleteI think of you daily and even tell myself "I can do hard things." (Even though many of my hard things seem trivial.) It is very uplifting and inspiration to read about your family. Thank you so much for sharing.
Ashley,
ReplyDeletePreslee got your gorgeous blue eyes. Glad you guys got to get away, laugh and smile. You two are so inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing your lives with us. I think of you and pray for you guys daily.
you guys both look AMAZING!! you're gorgeous! so glad you guys had fun and got to laugh!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you two got to get away and have some fun! When hard things happen to us its easy to let it rip your relationships apart but it's SO important to be strong as a couple and be able to rely on eachother. It looks like you had so much fun and you definitely got some sun. I'm jealous, I'd love to be somewhere else right now, haha.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a blast--I'm glad you were able to get away for a little bit. :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVED all the pictures. I forgot that I know Becca. We had a class together at BYU-I! She was a lot of fun. I dunno if she'd remember me. You look amazing. And way to tan... jealous! I am glad that you were able to get away and that you lived it up. And I once again admire your attitude and strength! Love you
ReplyDeleteLooks like you guys had so much fun!! I am so glad things are going good. Love all the pics. Glad you were able to get away.
ReplyDeleteI love all the pictures! It looks like you guys had so much fun! Might I just add you look gorgeous in all the pictures! :)
ReplyDeleteNo one knows what they would do if they were in your position...not even you until you do it. I am glad you went on vacay, every couple needs one. You're and awesome mom and I am yet to even meet you. Presslee is happy for you and cheering for you from the other side and you can bet that she was on your trip with you.
ReplyDeleteYou are such an inspiration!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, what great pics!! Your eyes are beautiful! Glad you guys had a great trip, you deserve it. Praying!
ReplyDeleteAsh, you are so beautiful! I am glad that you two had a wonderful time!!
ReplyDeleteLife is short and I am glad to see you making the most out of this situation/trial. You have every right to find happiness. I have been through a trial that has taken me 4 years to get over. You have reminded me how precious life is and how to appreciate the most important things in life and for me it is my family and the gospel. I don't believe that if I left this earthly existence I would want anyone I love to not be happy until we were together again. Thank goodness for the knowledge of the gospel that families are forever. Yours is amazing!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had such a great time! You look great! (especially in the swim goggles and sombrero hat--I think the combination of the two would be AWESOME!!) :)
ReplyDeleteawww I am so happy for you guys that you got to get away.. that looks like paradise!! I love all the pics, you are gorgeous! :)
ReplyDeleteI totally hear you sista! When our Dawson passed away in January, all I wanted was to get out with our other two kids. So we did. 10 days. Vegas to see friends, Disneyland for 3 days, Sea World, The Beach, Universal Studios, Wild Animal Park. All of it! I found Hope also. That was something I needed desperately and held on to from that moment on.
ReplyDeleteYou are right! We are not meant to be miserable! I love that about what you said. It would be so sad for our little angels. In fact, when I feel happy and at peace I feel Dawson strongest.
Oh I am SO glad you went! I have never met Patrick, but when I read about him being happy it made me almost teary! It is SO important for us to be grateful for the hard experiences in our lives and learn to be happy because of them and what they mean...Our Father and our Saviors Love is consuming it is amazing!
Anyway, sorry about the book of a comment! :) Just darn glad you went and DARN glad you found hope!
Yay! I am so glad to see you both of you smile! Your future will be bright, I know! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful photos!! Seeing you two smiling totally warmed my heart. Even though I am a stranger to you, your story and Preslee have deeply touched my heart.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a blast on your trip! I'm so happy you guys had the chance to get away! That's great! And, Ashley, you are so beautiful! I was looking at your pictures and thinking, "Man! She's one gorgeous girl! Jealous!!!"
ReplyDeleteWow!!! What a blessing, and how it must have soothed your souls for a moment to smile, relax, laugh, and love. I'm so happy for you Ash...you 2 are simply lovely.
ReplyDeleteGlad you got to go. It's awesome that it was personal too with the mission memories.
ReplyDeletewhat a great trip I am SO incredibly happy that you got to go and have such a fun time I can only imagine how therapeutic it was for you.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had a wonderful time! The pictures are beautiful; you two are beautiful. My goodness!
ReplyDeleteI truly hope that you don't feel like you owe any one of us an explanation on how you are choosing to grieve. You two have been through so much, and deserve a little escape from the rest of the world. Continue to do whats right for your family. You have been such a wonderful example of strength and hope to so many. Myself included.
I think that is a great idea and piece of advice for other parents who have suffered such a loss to get away for a bit. Thank you, I will always keep that in mind (but hope I never have to tap into it.) Many best wishes to you and Patrick. Continue what you're doing! It's working.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you were able to find a slice of happiness right now. You both deserve it. Something I don't understand about people is how they criticize others about everything. If getting away helped you grieve, then let it. Who am I to tell you how to grieve? Is there really a "proper" way to grieve? No, there isn't. Sure there are plenty of harmful ways to grieve (alcohol or other substance abuses, harming oneself or others), but I don't see you or Pat doing that. So what does it matter? I'm so glad you found a way to feel better even for a bit. I'm so tired of people telling other people "this is what you SHOULD be doing since you lost someone." Some people need to sell the house they occupied with the person, some people can't imagine leaving it. Some people relocate all together. As long as you both grow closer to each other and never doubt God's love, I don't see a problem with what you are doing. I hope every day gets easier for the both of you.
ReplyDeleteI don't even know you guys, but my heart aches for the loss of your daughter. I am happy to see that you can find strength in knowing that families are forever and that you will see her again. I wish you guys the best of luck in all that you do. :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like I'm not the only one compelled to comment that doesn't even know you. A friend of mine had a link to your blog and I have found your story and strength so incredibly moving. You write so beautifully and are so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!
I am so glad you had a good time! I thought about you all week hoping that you were able to enjoy yourselves. I can imagine that it was hard to come home....back to reality. What a blessing to have been able to get away for a week. Please let me know what I can do for you....I keep thinking I want to do something but am not sure what to do. Let's do something next week....I will call you!
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog for a few weeks and like other's am completely amazed at the strength you both have. I can't imagine the pain and heart ache I would feel if I lost one of my girls, and reading how you are coping and learning to continue to live tuely inspires me. Thank you for being willing to share your story with complete strangers! Little Preslee has touched so many hearts, and we all got to know her a little by reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteI pray for continued moments of happiness and strength for you both.
I'm glad it was so good for you guys to get away! ...and I'm still a little jealous that you went. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure we'll see you soon...and I like the blog updo, it looks good!
I am so glad that you two had such a great time! You deserve it. I have been following your blog every since the accident. I have shed many tears while reading your blog because I to have a 19 month old daughter and I could NOT imagine my life without her. I am from Arkansas and am LDS. I have been wanting to tell you that you are such an example to so many people, but then I read everyone else's comments and think that mine won't be as good, but today, my sister (from Spokane, WA) called and we were both talking about blogs we follow and she was telling me that she had been following a blog and that I needed to check it out and I told her about a blog that I had been following as well. It ended up it was the exact same blog-YOURS! But we were both amazed at the strength you have as a mother, wife, and daughter of God. I have a 19 month old born Dec. 28, and I know that if I had found myself at Subway picking olives (which my daughter loves so much as well) without her I would have broke down right there. I love how you don't just set around a mope about the situation, you embrace it, and have grown closer to our Heavenly Father. Ashley, you are such an amazing person. I know that Preslee chose you to be her mom because of your great strength, love and obedience to Heavenly Father. Thank you for sharing your story with the world. I think of you often and you and your family are in my prayers daily. I am glad that you got to go on this trip with your husband to take a "break" from all your struggles.
ReplyDeleteI don't know you, but I have followed your story since I heard about little Preslee. It made me so happy to see that you were able to get away and feel happiness. You deserve it. You continue to be in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteYou guys don't know me, but I heard about what happened and have been following your blog. Thank you so much for sharing your story, I know it probably is not easy. You two are such an inspiration to me. Please continue to share your thoughts. I am so glad you two had a great time on your vacation, you deserve it. Best Wishes!
ReplyDeleteJanelle
Hi Pat and Ashley, I have never met you but have followed your story since the accident.
ReplyDeleteIt has really affected me... I can only imagine the horror of losing a child and for a while I couldn't take my eyes of my children for a moment, for fear of what might happen to them. I began feeling paralyzed, and then I re-read my patriarchal blessing.
At one part it says, "The Lord will preserve your life and the lives of your family members so that you can fully accomplish your purposes in mortality." I was filled with such peace and assurance. It doesn't say that we won't die, even that we won't die earlier than we'd like, but it does say that our purposes will be accomplished. What a gift to know that we will all be taken exactly when we are supposed to be.
I hope I am not out of line but I felt strongly that I should share this with you. I know that this blessing doesn't just apply to me and my family but to yours and everyone else's as well. I can't imagine how your hearts ache for your little girl, I hope there is some peace in knowing that we have a loving Heavenly Father who put your sweet daughter on the earth to accomplish a purpose and that it was accomplished. You make me want to be a better person, a better mother, a better wife. You are amazing people. Thank you.
Sincerely,
A stranger living far away.
i dont know you personally... although I feel like I do. You two are just beautiful people inside and out. I am so happy to see you smile and be able to enjoy the moments while away if only for awhile. Your pictures look amazing. What a great trip. Your faith is so inspiring and amazing to me. You are so young. God has great plans for you two. I just feel it. All our love to you both.
ReplyDeleteAshley, You don't know me. I found your blog from a friends blog that I follow. My name is Rachael, I'm 16 and live in Las Vegas. I when first read about Preslee, I was drawn to tears. She was all I could think about for days. She was in my prayers. Your strength has helped me so much in the past month. I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story. It is truely amazing. I'm glad you got to get out and relax. Hang in there. Love,
ReplyDeleteRachael
How wonderful! I'm so glad you got to be away from the familiar for a while. Thanks for sharing your journey through this process. You're awonderful example of trust and reliance on the Lord.
ReplyDeleteI am glad y'all got to take your vacay and had a relaxing time. I hope the peace and relaxation you had continues when y'all are at home.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to here you went to an adult only resort . I never thought about that being available or y'all having to deal with being around other kids .
God bless y'all and my your peace continue.
You don't know me, but I came across your blog from a friend. I do not know what it is like to lose a child and I am so sorry you two are having to go through that. However, I do know what it is like to lose a husband as I did last December. I am so happy to hear you two were able to take a vacation. I compelety agree that is a great idea to go somewhere no one knows you. My husbands death was big news for a while and even the cashier at Fry's recognized me from the news. I have 3 young kids so its been hard to "get away" but I have been able to take a girls trip to California and I have a trip planned to Hawaii in October. I just wanted to tell you that I understand why you needed that trip and I think it was a good decision. I hope you two continue to feel everyone's prayers for I know that is was brings peace.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog, today through Nie Nie's blog. I'm absolutely blown away by your strength and feel that this trip was so deserving. You are allowed to be happy. You are allowed to smile. And even when it hurts, you can share those moments too. We don't expect you to ever forget your pain. It will always be there. It's just a matter of how you manage it. I've experienced loss in a much different fashion and no all too well the pain that is experienced with a loss.
ReplyDeleteYou're a beautiful couple and have so much going for you! I'll pray that you'll be continually blessed and that your strength will grow with time.
Hugs.
you are an inspiring, strong woman! i'm happy you enjoyed your trip.
ReplyDelete=)