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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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  • Birthday Party Ideas,  comparison,  kids

    Caleb’s 1 Year Old Very Hungry Caterpillar Birthday Party

    September 12, 2018 /

    In just a week, our baby boy will be FOUR. I cannot believe it, really. I’ve been sentimental lately and thinking back to his first year. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that our 3rd (and maybe last) baby is quickly approaching his one year birthday. Or maybe, it’s just part of the bitter-sweetness of motherhood. Each…

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    Ashley
  • kids,  Reflections on Motherhood,  toddler 101,  truth

    Use Your Words, The Power of Praise

    April 10, 2018 /

    With toddlers in the house, Daniel Tiger is a favorite around here. I often find myself singing the jingles. Lately the one that has been playing on repeat in my mind is, “Use your words, use your words…to say how you feel”. I have attended two funerals in the last few months where the person giving the eulogy did an…

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    Ashley
  • babies 101,  kids,  lessons,  milestones

    How to Break Your 2 year old’s Pacifier Habit Without Tears

    April 6, 2018 /

    This formula for getting rid of our 2 year old’s pacifier was magic!  (scroll to the bottom for a quick summary of how to kick the habit quickly) Caleb’s 2 year old birthday came and went, and his pacifier was still a much loved companion. The pediatrician and the dentist both had encouraged us to drop the habit by 2…

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    mamaneedsamanual
  • babies 101,  decorating on a dime,  kids

    E’s Navy Blue and Gray Rustic Nursery

    March 25, 2018 /

    Ethan is 3 months old, and he finally has a crib! Hooray! Again, things are so different when you are on your third kid. With the addition of his crib, his nursery is finally complete and I’m excited to share it here. If you are anything like me, when you are in need of some inspiration for decoration, you go…

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    Ashley
  • God moments,  kids,  mom lessons,  truth

    Can I see?

    March 22, 2018 /

      “Can I see?”, a question I get asked quite often by my sweet 3 year old. The most recent of which occurred on the way to story time this morning. We had some overdue library books to return and Caleb asked me if we remembered to bring them. I told him we had and that they were in the…

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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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