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About the Author

Hi friends! Welcome to Mama Needs a Manual. I am so glad you stopped by.
    I am Ashley. Wife to Bryan, Mama to Caleb, David and Ethan (yes, we are ABCDE). I am also a daughter of God, saved by His grace alone. I love coffee, crafting, baking, and curling up on the couch with a good book. Most days are spent chasing our kiddos around and being active whenever I get the chance. I am a professional problem-solver by trade.
A former Calculus teacher turned stay-at-home mom, this blog has become my new “classroom” where I share practical trouble-shooting advice, tips and encouragement. May this be a grace-filled space where you know you are not alone in the trenches!
Read the rest of my story here

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  • celebrate,  family traditions,  holidays

    David’s Three-Rex Birthday Party

    April 18, 2019 /

    David has been talking about having a dinosaur birthday for months! There are so many fun ideas floating around out there on the huge world wide web, so I was super excited to execute some of them for him. **this post contains some affiliate links at no additional cost to you, which simply means a small percentage of items purchased…

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    Ashley
  • encouragement,  gratitude,  holidays,  mom lessons,  truth

    What my 4 Year Old Taught Me About Work and New Years Resolutions

    January 3, 2019 /

      We got the boys a play set for Christmas (with the generous support of their grandparents). Unfortunately it was not without hiccups along the way. In an effort to prepare for installation (our backyard is extremely unlevel), my sweet husband and father took almost a full day to frame a small area and level it with dirt. After the…

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    Ashley
  • books,  holidays,  traditions,  truth

    The Ultimate Advent Guide for Preschoolers and Toddlers: Advent Trees, Ornaments, 25+ Activities and More

    November 29, 2018 /

    From my earliest days, I loved everything about Christmas. My parents always made it extra special with more presents than we could count under the tree and a big surprise waiting for the three of us when we came down the stairs. I have nothing but happy memories when I think of the joy of Christmas morning during my childhood.…

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    Ashley
  • food,  holidays,  Recipes

    Easiest 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins!

    September 11, 2018 /

    Hey friends! It’s fall (or almost), and along with checking off all these items on our bucket list, it’s time to bake pumpkin muffins. I LOVE these super simple muffins. I was first introduced to them when I did Weight Watchers over a decade ago. They are delicious and literally one of the easiest things I make. INGREDIENTS: 1 Spice…

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    Ashley
  • encouragement,  family traditions,  favorite things,  holidays,  truth

    Fall Family Fun Bucket List

    September 8, 2018 /

    Fall. As a kid, I always loved and looked forward to summer, but as an adult, fall is definitely my favorite. The weather becomes actually bearable, which means fun outdoor play is possible. I love the colors of fall, the smells, the crisp air, football, and all things pumpkin. Since the boys are getting a little bit older, I thought…

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    Ashley
  • family,  holidays,  motherhood,  traditions

    Father’s Day Super Simple Craft (with Free Printable)

    June 14, 2018 /

      Sign up here to get your free Father’s Day poem printable. All you need to do is add the footprint(s) of your kid(s), sign it, frame it and you are done! It seems like Father’s Day always creeps up on me! Especially now that we have 3 kids, it seems like almost every month we are celebrating something. June…

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    Ashley
  • books,  favorite things,  holidays,  motherhood

    My favorite books for new or expectant Moms

    April 15, 2018 /

    ***this post contains affiliate links at no cost to you*** Searching for a Mother’s Day gift for your wife or just want to give something sweet to your best friend? Here are 4 books I loved as an expectant or new mom: Waiting in Wonder : I LOVED reading this when first expecting Caleb, especially after losing Sam (read the story here…

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    Ashley
  • Easter,  God moments,  holidays,  truth

    What do Jesus and Easter Egg Hunts Have in Common?

    March 28, 2018 /

    Driving home from our Easter Egg Hunt Playdate this morning, I heard the song, Come to the Table for the first time. With my 3 little men in the backseat, not all crying for once (hooray!), I was able to hear and think about the lyrics. This Holy Week, they have even a deeper meaning as I ponder what it…

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    mamaneedsamanual
  • Easter,  family traditions,  holidays,  traditions,  Uncategorized

    Resurrection Eggs and The Gospel

    March 22, 2018 /

    Spring is here! The sun is shining. The weather is so beautiful I cannot help but want to be outside as much as possible every day because I know soon enough the temperature will be approaching 100 and we will not be able to last very long without being in the shade. But these last few weeks have been so…

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    Ashley

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About the Author

Hi friends! Welcome to Mama Needs a Manual. I am so glad you stopped by.
    I am Ashley. Wife to Bryan, Mama to Caleb, David and Ethan (yes, we are ABCDE). I am also a daughter of God, saved by His grace alone. I love coffee, crafting, baking, and curling up on the couch with a good book. Most days are spent chasing our kiddos around and being active whenever I get the chance. I am a professional problem-solver by trade.
A former Calculus teacher turned stay-at-home mom, this blog has become my new “classroom” where I share practical trouble-shooting advice, tips and encouragement. May this be a grace-filled space where you know you are not alone in the trenches!
Read the rest of my story here
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