Ashley’s Side- ”Our story began at Menards well over a decade ago (back in 2009) where Matthew worked as a cart boy while I worked as one of the head cashiers. We casually flirted in passing and I would offer Matt my leftovers from lunch. After a mutual friend introduced us we realized maybe we kind of really like each other. Matthew went on to pursue another job opportunity but a few short years later we reconnected one night while having drinks after work with some mutual friends in October of 2012. This time was different than when we first started talking as I had just got out of a rough relationship and changed my priorities since I had a 9 month old daughter. A few months went by and we enjoyed the little time we spent together (mom duties came before my personal life). I introduced Matthew to my daughter in early December of 2012. The moment I watched Gabriella light up as Matt interacted with her was a moment I will remember forever. December 16th 2012 was an extremely memorable day as we celebrated Matts 24th birthday and he asked me to be his official girlfriend. As Christmas approached, I was invited to have dinner with Matt and his family, they all welcomed both Gabriella and myself with open arms and I knew this was the life I wanted! We had our ups and downs the first few years as we both had to learn how to work around our clashing personalities especially with me coming from being a single mom and everything having its own place in my home. I had to learn that Matt would sometimes never remember to put the toilet seat down, shut the cabinet doors, or make his laundry into an actual laundry basket (lol). Matthew has been by my side through some very tough and emotional life events and has been the best partner I could ever ask for, especially with it comes to my daughter Gabriella. He stepped up to the plate to show her how a man should treat a woman and I am forever grateful for the bond that they have. In October of 2015 I got pregnant again and seeing Matthew light up when he knew he was going to have another child in his life was an amazing emotional experience! Zoey was born in June of 2016 and she has been the perfect piece for our crazy lives but our adventure is far from over as we have added another little girl to our forever evolving puzzle. Miss Aaliyah Grace came into our family in July 2023 at 6 months old, I love watching Matthew be a father to these three beautiful girls and see all the affection he shows them and me on a daily bases! I can’t wait to marry this man and know that we are going to share the rest of our lives together.

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