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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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motherhood, toddler 101

7 Tips for an Easy Prep, No Stress Preschool at Home (from a Mom of 3 under 4)

I can still remember coming down the stairs in Christmas of 1991 to see that all of my dreams had come true! Santa brought me my very own teacher desk,…

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August 21, 2018
discipline, toddler 101

The Ultimate Tantrum Survival Guide, Part 3: N is for Natural Consequences

If you missed Part 1, T is for Training or Part 2, A is for acknowledge feelings, you can find them here: The Ultimate Tantrum Survival Guide- Part 1: T…

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May 23, 2018
Easter, hard times, Reflections on Motherhood, truth

Do the Hard Things, Even when it seems like you deserve a medal for keeping everyone alive for the day

Sometimes as parents we have a whole fun day planned. We’ve looked up the free events in our community and packed the bags and planned the meals and we are…

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April 2, 2018
  • 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.…

    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…

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    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…

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    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…

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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
  • 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…

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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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