• About Me
  • Disclosure Policy
  • Contact

  • motherhood
    • pregnancy
    • birth stories
    • breastfeeding
    • babies 101
    • toddler 101
    • Reflections on Motherhood
  • encouragement
    • trials
    • truth
  • celebrate
    • Birthday Party Ideas
    • holidays
    • family traditions
  • decorating on a dime
  • Resources
    • Parenting Books
    • Gospel-Centered Books for Little Ones
  • Home page
  • motherhood
    • pregnancy
    • birth stories
    • breastfeeding
    • babies 101
    • toddler 101
    • Reflections on Motherhood
  • encouragement
    • trials
    • truth
  • celebrate
    • Birthday Party Ideas
    • holidays
    • family traditions
  • decorating on a dime
  • Resources
    • Parenting Books
    • Gospel-Centered Books for Little Ones
  • Home page
  • About Me
  • Disclosure Policy
  • Contact

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

Sign me up

discipline, toddler 101

The Ultimate Tantrum Survival Guide, Part 2: A is for Acknowledge Feelings

If you missed part 1, go back and read it here: T is for Training vs. Discipline. It is so important to know the fundamental importance of taking time to…

read more
May 22, 2018
Birthday Party Ideas, celebrate

C’s 2 Year Old Finding Nemo Birthday

Caleb will be 5 in a couple of months. As I look through these pictures, my heart aches only the way a mother’s can. How did I not know this…

read more
July 17, 2019
decorating on a dime, farmhouse

Our Farmhouse Kitchen

When we saw our house for the first time, the kitchen definitely caught my eye. My realtor knew I would LOVE it, and she was right. I was SO happy…

read more
April 26, 2018
  • 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.…

    Read More
    Ashley
  • food,  Recipes

    Easy Crockpot Baked Potato Soup

    November 13, 2018 /

    This week when it came to meal plan, I was super excited because we are scheduled to have cooler fall like weather all week! (In Houston, it can go from 90 one day to 50 the next). Needless to say, I’m so thankful for the seasonal temps. Thus, my husband requested some good cold weather food. One of our favorites…

    Read More
    Ashley
  • comparison,  Reflections on Motherhood,  trials,  truth

    When I don’t feel thankful

    November 8, 2018 /

    It’s November. It’s the time of year for thankful turkeys and thankful trees, practicing gratitude for the many things we have been given. But if I’m honest, sometimes I don’t feel thankful. And when we don’t feel thankful, what are we to do? We’ve all been there. We are having a “good” day and then there is a trigger, often…

    Read More
    Ashley
  • encouragement,  trials,  truth

    Test Results

    October 5, 2018 /

    I lay on the table hearing the helicopter like roar of the machine circling around my head.   I ask the technician how long it would take.   “No more than 5 minutes,” she is quick to reply as she tells me to scoot up.   The machine does it’s thing and surely, less than 5 minutes later the rumbling…

    Read More
    Ashley
  • dairy free,  food,  paleo,  Recipes

    Whole 30, the Easy Way for a Busy Mama

    September 25, 2018 /

    I first did Whole 30 about 3 years ago when my first was around 9 months, and I hadn’t yet lost all of that baby weight. I lined the counter with mason jars full of home-made sauces, dressings, etc. I bought several specialty products online because you couldn’t find them in the store, and I even made my own clarified…

    Read More
    Ashley
  • 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…

    Read More
    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…

    Read More
    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…

    Read More
    Ashley
  • dairy free,  Recipes

    Quick and Easy Paleo Chicken Salad

    August 29, 2018 /

    I modified a chicken salad recipe a friend gave me years ago to come up with this quick, delicious paleo and whole 30 approved version. Now, I’m excited I can eat my chicken salad on a bed of greens or as an “unwich” and I’m set for lunch for the week! I am about half way through the whole 30…

    Read More
    Ashley
  • farmhouse,  home,  toddler 101

    How We Organize Our Small Playroom

    August 28, 2018 /

    This playroom was the first room we set up in our new house. I couldn’t wait to create a welcoming space for our little men. Here is a mini virtual tour: I will start in the left corner and move around the room. I was excited to have a place to hang these picture ledges that double as book display…

    Read More
    Ashley
12345

Sign up to receive your free Ultimate Guide to Surviving Toddler Tantrums printable!

Subscribe

Recent Posts

  • After 4 boys, Baby Number 5 is a …
  • Dude Perfect Birthday Party
  • Ford’s One Year Old Little Blue Truck Party
  • 7 Easy Dump Crockpot Freezer Meals
  • Five Things I’d tell myself Five Years In (and Three Kids Later)

Find us on Facebook

Find us on Facebook

Categories

  • babies 101
  • birth stories
  • Birthday Party Ideas
  • books
  • breastfeeding
  • C-Section
  • celebrate
  • comparison
  • dairy free
  • decorating on a dime
  • discipline
  • Easter
  • encouragement
  • family
  • family names
  • family traditions
  • farmhouse
  • favorite things
  • food
  • fun friday
  • God moments
  • gratitude
  • hard times
  • holidays
  • home
  • induction
  • kids
  • lessons
  • marriage
  • milestones
  • miscarriage
  • mom lessons
  • motherhood
  • names
  • paleo
  • pregnancy
  • Recipes
  • Reflections on Motherhood
  • rustic
  • toddler 101
  • traditions
  • trials
  • truth
  • Uncategorized
  • VBAC

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
Ashe Theme by Royal-Flush - 2026 ©