I couldn't help but blog tonight, I've been a little down lately, and today was a really good day :) It's funny what happens when you spend the day thinking of others...
We celebrated Valentines Day at school, and I was shown much love, and I think the kiddos had fun. I forgot how exciting passing out Valentines can be for six year olds. It went much better than our 100 day celebration.
Patrick hates going anywhere on Valentines Day. I think it's mainly due to the fact he gets claustrophobic in large groups of people. He's more than willing to make up for it, so he always cooks us dinner. Tonight he made the same meal he did while we were dating 4 years ago- Chicken Spaghetti (He catered to my tomato craving) Texas toast, salad, he even bought me blue cheese dressing!
And then I opened my e-mail and one of my mom's friends sent this video. A perfect way to end the night, with the quote below in my thoughts.
"Every tear today will eventually be returned a hundred fold with tears of rejoicing........"
I hope you all had a day where you felt LOVED! Happy Valentines Day.
Ashley, I have been reading for a while now, and even when you are down, your love for Christ and other people never, ever fails to shine through. You are probably sick of hearing that you are an inspiration, so I'll just say that you remind me to be easier, softer, kinder, and to do for others whenever possible. Blessings to you and yours~
ReplyDeleteThat was perfect and thank you. I think you are doing every single one of those things. Thank you for your example, again.
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentines Day! :)
Glad yall had a good Valentine's! This is the first Valentine's we didn't eat at home.. and I kinda wish we would have!!
ReplyDeleteHAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO YOU!!!! THANK YOU FOR SHARING THE VIDEO.. I REALLY NEEDED TO HEAR THAT MESSAGE TODAY..I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU EVERYDAY! THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS SHOWING ME THAT IT IS OK TO GRIEVE FOR WHAT WE HAVE LOST, KNOWING THAT IN THE END THERE IS A MEANING A REASON FOR THE TRIALS EACH OF US BEAR.. THE EXAMPLE YOU AND PAT HAVE ALWAYS BEEN TO ME AND MY FAMILY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. AND IN THIS TRYING TIMES I PRAY EACH DAY TO SHOW AND HAVE JUST AN OUNCE OF FAITH AND STRENGTH THAT YOU AND PAT HAVE ALWAYS SHOWN ME. I THANK YOU AGAIN FOR SHARING YOUR STORIES AND PRESLEE WITH ME . I LOVE YOU GUYS!! HAPPY VALENTINES DAY AGAIN!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! :o) I wholeheartedly believe the words this wise man spoke. I've already seen so much good come from losing our son. It's still hard, and we miss our precious babies, but when I get down I must remind myself of how His glory has shined since the accidnet. Most importantly, Ethan is with the Lord. Many have come to faith, renewed their faith in Christ, etc because of Ethan's testimony. I believe that had I not tried to find His glory in my loss, I would have fallen apart. Thank you for shining the light of Christ! I think of you often. :o) BTW...sounds like s yummy dinner!
ReplyDeleteAshley - when I think of you one thing I can't help think about is how you love to laugh. You are able to find joy and humor in the little things. I am sure this year it has been harder to laugh....but I do believe that that trait that you possess will indeed help you to find joy in times of sorrow and struggle. Keep on laughing. Your laugh is contagious and it brings a smile and joy to all those who are around you.
ReplyDeletep.s. That recipe sounds really good...I will have to get it from you. You are lucky you can eat tomato products....they always give me heartburn when I am pregnant!
I can't even tell you how often you guys are in my thoughts, or how often my heart aches for you. But you always find the perfect quotes that put it all into perspective. You guys are truly amazing!
ReplyDeleteI think it's hilarious that you have tomato cravings. I despise the stuff when I'm pregnant!
I was just reading the end of a book last night called "It's good to be alive" by Jack Rushton. He was in an accident when he was middle aged and became a paralyzed like Christopher Reeve. Anyway, he closed the book talking about this talk so I was thinking about those words "come what may and love it" last night as I went to sleep. That's crazy that I got on your blog this morning and you have the whole talk posted. If you are looking for something good to read, this book was very uplifting and inspirational. Thanks for your amazing posts. You are always in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the video and reminding us why we are here on earth.....and why we want to keep going and doing good things. You were handed a role you did not want or ask for in the loss of your dear sweet Preslee, but I know someday, you will experience that "unspeakable joy" that we are promised if we endure to the end. You have set the bar very high with your example of strength, wisdom, sharing, caring, love, and kindness. May the Lord continue to watch over you, your husband, and all your loved ones. Mary from SLC
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ReplyDeleteThanks for this post. It was just what I needed today.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this video. It was just what I needed today with many personal struggles. I love the things you post and the love that you openly share for Christ. Thank you for sharing your journey with the rest of us, through the good and the bad.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you felt loved today. You ARE and will be eternally. But those days when it feels colder are normal too. You and Pat, and Preslee Jo, remain a shining example to us all. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring post! Thanks for sharing the video.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post. I am enduring my own very difficult trial and this was EXACTLY what I needed to hear today. I wish you well, I don't know you, but you're in my thoughts and prayers. I also love that quote from England during WWII- "Keep Calm. Carry On".
ReplyDeleteA. in PDX
I have enjoyed reading your blog tonight which a friend recommended. It tugged at my heartstrings because it has been almost 13 years since I lost my baby girl just 23 hours after she came into this world. We never know what life will bring. That is why it is so important to live the gospel and have a strong testimony. That is the only way one can bear such pain and be able to move on. Time has brought much joy into my life since her death but has also brought many more trials and lessons that I thought I would never have to endure. The most important thing that I have learned is that the Lord know us individually. He will never ask us to do something that we cannot endure. I have learned that he knows what is best for us. We just need to develop the faith to follow his will. My trials have helped me to develop that kind of faith. I am glad you have posted this on a blog to help others who may be enduring the same trial. I wish the best and good luck on your new one coming soon.
ReplyDeleteoh Ash a baby boy congrats girl! so fun! you are so beautiful, I love reading your posts.... hope you know how much you are loved. So i would love to get together for lunch... let me know when you ever get a chance maybe when you are done student teaching.
ReplyDeleteAshley, I know you get a million comments a day on your blog, and mine are easily swallowed up in the crowd, but I wanted to thank you. You will never know the amazing example and strength you have been for me the last several months. As I've followed your struggles and the lessons you have learned, you have helped me through my own trials. I've relied on you for strength on so many difficult days, and this post was truly an answer to my prayers. Thank you so much for your example, you amaze me everyday!
ReplyDeleteDear Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI don't know you, but have followed your blog for a while now. Your faith and strength gets me through tough times. You have resilience..a great gift. I know times are so difficult, but you conquer each day. This video touched my heart and made me weep. I've had 8 miscarriages. The ache in my heart is so real and piercing. I've lacked faith in the last year or so. Not really having faith in anything anymore. This video inspired me to try again. Thank you for your example.
Ashley, I haven't ever commented on your blog but I have been reading for some time now. My husband and I lost our first daughter almost 2 years ago now. She was stillborn. I am grateful for blogs to be able to link up with people who have gone through similar trials and the strength that we can draw from each other. Thanks for posting this video clip, I too have found strength and reassurance from that talk.
ReplyDeleteHi, I was directed here from another families blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing yourself through your difficult time. We have said good-bye to 3 children before ever being able to hold them.
I just had the wonderful thought that your precious Preslee could be dancing and playing in heaven with my 3! I bought a smile to my face and comfort to my heart.
Thanks again for sharing!
Hoping for heaven!
JRA in CO
Ashley, You don't know me but I came to your blog from Amy Saville's blog, who is in my ward. Preslee was the most beautiful baby I have ever seen! I've been so upset thinking about how life can change so fast and we have no control. You have helped me see that we have to give in to gods will and we will be comforted as our testimony grows. I will keep you in my prayers! Thank you for the example you are.
ReplyDeleteBaby names? How about baby Tate Sullenger. I just thought little Preslee and little Tate should be buddies!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE LOVE LOVE the name Tate!! I vote YES! :)
ReplyDeleteYou have no idea what a glimmer of light, hope and peace you, patrick, and presleee are to so many. i believe the parents that have lost a child hold a dear connection to our heavenly father, for both endured the same thing. i believe he holds a special place for you in his heart patrick and ashley. thank you for being such an inspiration. you'll never know your influence on us readers. you are in my heart always.
ReplyDeleteLoved this post :) I remember valentine's in elementary school, so fun! And your class is lucky to have you :)
ReplyDeleteBrownie points for Patrick for cooking! We stayed in and had valentine's at home sweet home too :) it's the best isn't it? :)
And thank you for sharing that video...that's one of my all-time-favorite General Conference talks :) And that quote is beautiful.
You adorable prego girl! I'm excited for you guys! Hope things are going well for you.
ReplyDeleteI am crying pretty hard right now. What a wonderful message from such a dear disciple. As I watched this video, Preslee's little face was in my peripheral vision the entire time. What are darling little daughter you have Sidd. Her spirit is still alive and well although her tiny body has passed on. I'm sure that is what comforts you at times . . . her special spirit :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Andy