Random Thoughts...

Hi, it's Ashley again. I have been thinking to blog a little more, so here goes. So you read about our adventure in Cypress, other than the "glitches" we ran into, it was a lovely holiday. We both would really love to go back someday, though sans kids;) We are so thankful for the opportunity to be on this side of the Atlantic, we just wish we could see it all. We went to Glasgow this weekend to visit my friend Peter and his new bride, Sara. We had such a great time! There is so much to see there that of course you need a lot of time to do it all. I am sure Derek will post some pics soon. We are trying to see as much of Scotland as we can, but we know we will come back. We have made so many friends here and I have a great Arbonne team growing here, so we will have to come back:) We have booked our flight to come home in June on the 24th. We fly out of Dublin, we are planning to spend a couple of days there since we LOVE Ireland. It is the most beautiful place I have ever been (so far). I can't believe we are coming home so soon. Our time here has just flown by so fast! We only have 2 1/2 months left! I am excited to come home to family, friends, my dog, our new house, Derek actually having a job; but there is so much we will miss here: our friends, the culture, the diversity, the chocolate, the cheese, being so close to the Ocean, the lush land, the Scottish accent (though I won't miss having to say "what" all the time;). Did I mention the chocolate? I will also miss building my business so actively here. I have had so much fun introducing Arbonne to the UK! I was nervous at first about how I would be received as an American selling a new product; but it has been great! Everyone is BLOWN away by the products! Since I was nervous before, I took things a little slower than I should have and now that I have so little time left I am trying to cram more in; oh well, I can't look back, just learn from my (many) mistakes and keep moving forward. I think by being out here pretty much on my own I have really been forced to grow a lot as a person in both my business and personal life. I have had to become much more focused and I can no longer blame anyone else or make excuses; I will only fail because of ME, it is no one else's fault when I do. Those failures that I have had so far have taught me this very poignantly and have caused me to get my butt in gear. I WILL succeed, I have no doubts about it. Derek and I are both so excited to see how my business will grow even after we leave; we LOVE the whole residual income and exponential growth thing!! It's BRILLIANT!!! We have decided that Arbonne will be our "tent-making" so we can pursue ministry without financial worry. I am sooooo thankful that I have a husband that is not only supportive of me with this business, but who actively participates in it. He is so fun to watch when he is talking about it to people:) Anyone who knows Derek can see why it would be fun to watch him talk about self-care products;) The best thing he does, though, is talk about the business because he sees the genius of it; and he's not exactly an idiot, he does have a business degree. To encourage anyone further that this is a very viable business, check with my dad who has YEARS of experience in VERY successful business; he thinks this is great! Ok, now I am releasing a teeny bit of frustration with skeptics...on to other stuff.
Jake is doing really well. Cute as ever! He loves "arpoons" (airplains), cars, "ooo-ooos" (trains), "hoo-hoos" (monkeys, particularly Curious George), Bob (Bob the Builder), and Little Einsteins (he LOVES the music). Oh, and he will sing "Jesus Loves Me" with us at bedtime, his contribution is singing the word "Bible" over and over. He is really beginning to put together a few words to form fragments that have meaning. It is so fun watching his development. He has the most infectious laugh, add that to his BIG brown eyes that sparkle with mischief and his great smile complete with dimple, and it is near impossible to stay mad at him. Though we are instituting more "time-outs"...so much fun;)
ok, it is late, I am tired. "Tommy need sleepy"
Love you all!
Ash

More pics and flowers

here are the videos

More pictures and videos part 2

Finally Pictures and a video part 1

Here are some pictures of our trip to Cyprus

Finally

We have our buggy! We were able to get a buggy on Wednesday. We got there 10 minutes before closing (since they had a half day on Wednesday) at 1pm. Finally we are able to settle down. Today Ashley finally got the chance to laz around the pool and soak up the sun. I got in with Jake and we played in the big pool. It was cold since it is a sun heated pool, but the sun was out and it wasn't too windy. We played and had fun! Afterwards, Jake had a nice 3 hour nap. We are hoping to actually do some sight-seeing tomorrow. Or, we can just hang out on our last day here. Who knows, we are on vacation.

Another day...

Well, we are still loving it here even though our search for a "buggy," or "push chair," or "stroller," has turned into a quest. We have found a two places in Pafos that sell strollers, but they are always closed. Whether it is 10:30am or 2:45pm, they have been closed each day. We will try tomorrow and since British Airways will be reimbursing us, we will be looking for a really good one. Not having one is starting to become a big issue as Jakey has decided that he doesn't like to walk ALL THE TIME. Plus, we would like to go and visit ruins and it is easier if we don't have to worry about him taking off and playing with all of the old stuff! But...we are thoroughly enjoying ourselves and are having a very relaxed time. Jake loves the pool, and we will go swimming a little later today.

Cheers to all!