Life has been extremely busy!
Pat is working part time and taking classes. He was able to get them all online, which is a great thing for him. He excels with online classes. Between those two things and his Fantasy Football league, he's staying very busy. :)
For me, school seems to get a little easier each week. Slowly, my brain seems to be focusing a little more. My good friends have been great with letting me call them at anytime and ask them questions. I visited my teacher's office and told him what had happened this summer. He was great, and very understanding. Letting him know seemed to take a load off my shoulders.
For senior practicum I've been placed in a fifth grade classroom with 32 energetic kids and one amazing teacher. I get to spend the whole day at the Middle school every Tuesday and Thursday. I'm learning so much and absolutely love teaching 5th grade. Until now, I had only experienced kindergarten through 2nd grade. I was a little nervous teaching older kids, but I love that 5th graders are still nice kids but are able to grasp deeper concepts. I have a passion for teaching and feel so lucky to have learned what I have.
Today I felt so grateful that we were able to watch conference. I felt that Elder Scott was directly speaking to me. All the talks were wonderful. I couldn't seem to write my notes quick enough and can hardly wait for the Ensign to print them. I'm excited to watch tomorrow as well.
During the second session, Pat checked the mail. There waiting for us were two packages-both from people we don't know. I let Pat open them and continued listening to conference. A few minutes later I looked over to see what was in one of the boxes. Pat's eyes were watering and then he handed me the letter. It was so very sweet. I couldn't stop the tears from coming. A lady explained that she had been led to our blog during the accident. After reading it, she and her husband sought out the Mormon missionaries. Today they were baptized. Incredible. We keep hearing stories similar to this. What an amazing feeling as parents to see what your 18 month daughter accomplished in such a short time.
Then Pat handed me what was in the package.
A memory quilt. She said, "I hope it finds you on one of the days that you want to do nothing more than look through photos of her." Isn't it perfect? I LOVE the little Abby Cadabby picture in the bottom right corner.
And the other package contained this
All I can say there are so many amazing and creative people in the world. Thank you. We've received many different packages and I know people are listening to the spirit. Each letter or package we receive seems to comfort us with what we are struggling with that day. The blessings keep coming.
What sweet and perfect gifts! Your family has found a way into so many of our hearts! I think of you all daily and am glad your passion for teaching is bringing you joy. You are so inspiring! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI, like many people, have stumbled across your story on the internet and have been checking your blog every now and then to see how you are doing. I was wondering the other day why I feel so concerned for you when we've never met. Then it hit me- it's because you are my sister! It doesn't matter that our paths have never crossed. You are my sister because you are God's daughter just like me. Anyway, I just have to let you know that I'm cheering, rooting and pulling for you! On hard days, please know that there are so many of us who are scattered throughout the country who are thinking of you and cheering you on!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful it is that people are being brought into the gospel because of sweet Preslee's life.
Hope today is a good day for you :)
Thank you for sharing that. I too was very moved by the conference talks today. I continue to follow your blog...you are such an example of faith and strength...
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome Ash. I can't imagine how fulfilling it must be, even though it's still so hard. I admire you guys and am so grateful that you have taught so much :)
ReplyDeletehaha ps. I would pay money, all the money I have which is not a lot, to be in your fifth grade class..you will be great
I thought of you during Elder Scott's talk today. I was hoping that you heard it. :) I want you to know that I think of you, pray for you, and put your names in the temple often. Little Preslee is already a missionary- what a special and valiant spirit she is. Her life has already brought one family to the gospel, and who knows how many generations after that. Blessings to you both.
ReplyDeleteWhat a GREAT thing to get in the mail and what a GREAT story to go with it! Preslee is doing her part as a missionary up there (just like Natalie said)! She is preparing the people and touching their hearts! What a sweet angel! What a GREAT thing to hear!
ReplyDeleteLike the others, we think about you and pray for you guys every day! I didn't get a chance to watch conference today, so I can't wait for my Ensign either...
You WILL be a GREAT teacher! I have a daughter in 5th grade and I would be honored to have you teach her! You are right, they are GREAT kids! Good luck in all you do! Have fun! Make a difference in their lives...you are GREAT at doing that!
Loves and hugs sent your way!
WoW! Those gifts are AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteI think about you guys often.
I don't usually comment on blogs but I have been following yours anonomously since Preslee's accident. You are so inspiring to me. I have three children who were all born with a genetic disease which causes bone marrow failure. We are going through a tough time right now with them and I am a single mom. You inspired me to start my own blog to speak of my own hope, faith and trust in God even when things are going the way I want them to. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI've cried many of times I've read your blog, and today was no different. isn't it amazing how perfect strangers can reach out and touch your heart.
ReplyDeleteI love that gift it is so creative and pretty! I listened to the talks too!
ReplyDeleteWow - what amazing gifts and stories - way to go Preslee!!! It makes the rest of us look shameful if she at 18 months had such an influence on people that most people wait a life time for! Good job on parenting too - because that had a lot to do with it! We love you guys and are excited to come home for Christmas and spend more time with you!
ReplyDeleteI found your blog during the time of Preslee's accident as well. (via facebook) I read it from time to time and am impressed by the strength & faith you both have. Take care; so many people think of you often.
ReplyDeleteAnother person you do not know, but I do pray for your family! What a beautiful memory quilt.
ReplyDeleteYou should be proud of yourselves. You brought a beautiful daughter into this world with such a beautiful soul to change so many other lives ...
what an absolutely beautiful quilt! ...don't suppose she takes requests? I forget how I found your blog...but you are an inspiration to me. I wish I had found a few years ago..I too could not take notes fast enough during the talks! I can't wait for the Ensign either...I mark mine up,make notes, etc. But the written talks will also be available at LDS.org this week.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing.. I was so touched by the story of the family who was baptized. How amazing! I love the memory quilt too it is beautiful..
ReplyDeleteWhen I first stumbled across your blog I was shocked at how young you and your husband looked. I wondered how "kids" could make it through such a trial.
ReplyDeleteI can not tell you how strong I felt the spirit when I just read your post. It is true, you, your daughter and your husband are changing lives. How lucky we are to know that we will see our family members again!
Thank you for all your posts!
I'm glad that school is going better for you. You and Pat are truly amazing, I wish I could be half the person that you are. You are one of heavenly fathers finest daughters. Just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers everyday. I love ya!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your stories, Ashley. I just read your post out loud to my husband, and when I read the section about the couple getting baptized, Tyler said, "No way! That is awesome!"
ReplyDeleteYour little Preslee is one of Heavenly Father's best spirits, and she is definitely needed to help build His kingdom. I think it's so wonderful that her influence has helped others find and embrace the gospel. I know she is proud of you and watching over you and Pat.
Thank you for your example. You're great.
I have been following your blog since the accident as well as many others! Thank you so much for continuing to inspire me every day! I also want to thank you for keeping your blog public, especially in the world we live in today, it is obviously changing lives around the world! Everyday I try to talk a little sweeter to my kids & hold them a little longer when everything around us has to be so fast paced! I look forward to continue reading your posts... You say you seem to receive a letter or package containing just what you need THAT day, well it seems I read just what I need to hear on your blog THAT day!
ReplyDeleteThanks again, your sweet family is always in my prayers! My family will never forget your amazing story!
Wow, those are amazing gifts. That is amazing that the couple from the first gift were baptized. Miracles everywhere! Glad you are keeping busy and that school and teaching is fun for you! sure love ya!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story! I have spent enough time in the hospital with my daughter to know life is fleeting and sacred. May God bless your family, may He hold you and support your until you are reunited as a forever family.
ReplyDeleteI was searching online for an LDS divorce support group and for some reason I came across your blog. You have been an amazing example of strength through everything you have gone through. I do not know you personally and even though our stories are different and are going through different trials, your blog has been a huge source of strength for me. I have learned to appreciate my daughter even more and have made an extra effort to show her how precious she is to me and to enjoy everthing. I have held on tight to my testimony of the gospel and I know without a doubt that it is true and has kept me together through hard times. Thank you for sharing your story. You have touched many lives.
ReplyDeleteI live in Southern Utah and I just want you to know that I look to your blog as inspiration! You two will be alright! You're gonna make it and although no one will ever replace your sweet, beautiful Preslee, I know that you will have a baby of your own to hold again one day! May the Lord continue to bless you! And yes, I LOVED Conference!!
ReplyDeleteI have said this before, but you are such an example to me. Your strength and testimony is amazing and I look up to you in SO many ways! :)
ReplyDeleteAsh- This is so wonderful! And to think of all the things - big and small - that you don't even know about and probably never will. What a special angel Preslee is!
ReplyDeletesaw this and thought of you. you can do hard things!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/listing/57626973/i-can-do-hard-things-necklace
I've left comments every so often on your blog since the accident as well. I just am so inspired by your faith and strength. I think of you and your family often. When I am feeling lazy spiritually, or just getting overwhelmed or frustrated with my girls ( i have 3 from 1 year -7 years.) I think of you and then read your blog and am instantly inspired to be more patient and to try harder to bring the spirit into my day as well as into my girls lives. Please know that you have people ALL over the world who are praying for you daily and you, your husband and sweet little preslee are changing lives. Thank you so much for sharing your stories!!
ReplyDeleteLove, The Leeds Family.
Wow... I dont know you but I follow your blog frequently now because you are an inspiration to me and many others I know. That Quilt is absolutely jaw dropping! Very impressive and its so awesome to see how loved you two are. Very strong and amazing people!
ReplyDeleteI love how many people have been touched by your story ashley!! You are seriously such an example. I wish I was in school this semester so we could chat in class..I miss it!
ReplyDeletei REALLY REALLY hope you don't believe a WORD that anonymous just wrote. It seems they weren't watching conference this weekend. oh man, why do people try to tear down others. PLEASE PLEASE don't listen to them. you are beautiful and were a WONDERFUL mother and you are a daughter of a loving heavenly father. i know you know that. but i just couldn't leave that anonymous comment as the last one on the list.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous: Didn't your mother ever teach you..."when you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" You should live by that, because nobody wants to hear what you have to say here.
I too have been following your blog since the accident. I have never written before but silently watched all of the posts and comments that have been left.
ReplyDeleteI am totally sickened this morning as I read the comment left by "anonymous"....
You and your husband and your angel Preslee have touched the lives of people around the world! People you don't even know. It is always a rude awakening when something so tragic has to happen for people to learn life lessons. Just six months ago we lost my nephew two days after he was born, but the lessons we learned from his short stay on Earth are priceless. Thank you for all of your posts... you truly have made me open my eyes.
I think when you are faced with difficult situations you can either get bitter or better... and you and your husband and the rest of the world are becoming better people daily because of your angel Preslee.
Anonymous must be bitter about something and that is his/her loss.
Thanks again for all of your amazing posts!
Prayers daily from Colorado.
-Jill
Anonymous needs the DELETE button! Everyone that knows you knows you are an amazing person Ash! Beautiful post by the way. I always look forward to reading your blog. It seriously makes my day. I am so glad I get to see you every week! Love ya. Kass.
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteLook at all the majority of comments full of love and encouraging words and prayers sent your way and then look at anonymous above, who is a coward for hiding behind that name btw. They are the extreme minority. If he/she really felt what they wrote, they wouldn't have to hide. Just like Satan, there will be opposition in all things, even good and wonderful things and some people are his followers and need to express themselves to show who they follow. It's obvious. Please pay no attention to those that are on here only to hate. They're not worth it! You are wonderful and amazing and I hope you don't let the negative get you down. Prayers and love sent your way from a little family in Star, Idaho who you don't know.
I am glad to see that either anonymous themselves or you Ashley has deleted their uncalled for post.
ReplyDeleteI didn't see the post but I can only imagine the cruelty in it..I too have been following your blog and have loved and admired your strength..You have helped me and comforted me as I am missing my missionary.. I know it doesn't compare but your words have truly touched me and inspired me to be a better person..Thank you for sharing your story and please continue to do so. Lots of Love from Utah.. :)
ReplyDeleteI love you and your sweet husband without even knowing you! You are changing lives and are such a strength to EVERYONE! Keep posting!
ReplyDeleteYou are right, what sweet people there are in the world. I live in Idaho and from reading some of your blog posts I been through your school experiences, student teaching and all the strings that are attached with that. I know how hard it is. How I admire you for keep on pushing on. You are going to make a difference in those kid's lives. I just know it! Always remember that you are planting a seed in those kid's lives!
ReplyDeleteI don't know who you are personally, but I know that you have a testimony and I know that you are going to make a difference in many people's lives and already have! You truly are an inspiration to me. My prayers are with you.
I have followed your blog since I heard about Preslee's accident on Facebook. I haven't commented for no other reason than that I didn't feel like I had the right words to adequately express my how I feel. I still don't think I have the words but couldn't not say something today! YOU are AMAZING! Each time I read your posts I feel uplifted, inspired and determined to make each moment of my life better than the last! I am so so deeply sorry for your loss and I so so wish you and your husband and family didn't have to go through this, but I am so so grateful that you are facing it with 100% reliance on the Lord. I feel the spirit the minute I open your blog page and it gets stronger as I start to read! This post is evidence of the influence you are having around the world. Please know my prayers are with you, my heart goes out to you and that I believe you will be eternally blessed because of this sacrifice you and your family have made! May the Lord's love and care always be with you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a mission little Preslee had!!! How sweet of that lady to share how you helped lead her to the Gospel...There is certainly no greater gift. I'm so happy for the good that has come from such a tragedy. You are so blessed to have the outlook you do!
ReplyDeleteI am a quilter and that i so sting sweet and will last forever.....awesome...such a sweet and kind thing for a stranger to do........check your blog often for updates...you guys are amazing people.....god bless you,,,,
ReplyDeleteI too feel so blessed to have found your blog which I read occasionally because I know as I read your comments my heart can be at peace. I do not have children yet, but the hurt I feel for you and Pat just shows me how strong you must be because your hurt is so much deeper, but also your faith is SO strong and I am lucky to be able to read this and gain faith from you. Each of us has our own trials in life and when I feel like I just cannot push forward any more, when life seems to hard I am so grateful for people like you who remind me that I can. You are amazing!! And as someone commented earlier, you are our sister. I hope one day to be like you, so strong and faithful. Thank you.
ReplyDelete