September is MY Favorite!

It seems like the best things happen in September. Fall is in the air, school starts back, county fairs, birthday celebrations and relationship milestones.

10 years ago on September 7th, Matthew and I had our first date. We were suppose to meet at our college's cafeteria for a non-comittal dinner. When we met, Matthew said that he had come in to some money (meaning his mom put some money in his account) so we went to China King in Abliene. We still like Chinese food and each other.

(About to go on a much needed date!)

3 years ago on September 18th my sweet daughter, Audrey, was born. Everyone says that they grow up so fast but when it is your own child it seems even faster. She has been such a blessing to us and I can't imagine life without her. What did we talk about before kids came? Audrey had a great Lantern Party, Ni Hao, Kai Lan style.

(This was my first semi-professional birthday cake! What do ya think?)

A couple of years ago was the last time I went to a County Fair unitl now. I love going to fairs and the great food they have! I was a little disappointed in the Gregg County which does not hold a candle to the Lubbock County Fair. We had a great time anyway with some good friends.

A lot of great songs come into my head as I think back...to some great times.

Myles is Here!

Okay, okay so I know it has been over a week since Myles has come but I have many excuses for not posting pictures sooner. We have really been enjoying our little guy and spoiling him a lot. Myles came on Thursday, August 6th at 6:04 p.m. He weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz. and was 19" long. My prayer before he came was that I would know for sure when I was having true labor and that he would come naturally. Well God answered most of my prayer. Wednesday evening I started having regular contractions close together but they were managable. I kept waiting for something more intense but nothing ever came. Thursday morning I decided that I was most likely going to be in the hospital that day. However I was unsure if I was in true labor. By the time we went to the doctor's office for my appointment I was dilated to a 5/6 and the doctor told me to get over to the hospital to have that baby! Four hours after we got to the hospital, Myles was born.
Don't get me wrong, I had plenty of pain towards the end of my laboring but the nurse helping us out was pretty amazed at how far along I was without having much pain (I was amazed too).

We stayed 2 nights in the hospital, just to make sure and get fully functioning before going home. I enjoyed my stay at the hospital and compare it to a 5 star hotel. Since being home we have had my paretns here and my in-laws as well. We have enjoyed all the help that our families and friends have given us.
Please visit my friends blog: http://www.allforfunphotography.blogspot.com/ to see more pictures of Myles (look under baby section).

July at a Glance...

This summer has been full of lots of fun! If you had asked me at the beginning of summer if I had many fun plans...I would have said, nah. But let me tell you we have had a lot of fun being "at home" this summer and not going on many far away trips. One thing that I love to do is travel to new and exciting places so normally I am pretty bummed when I don't get to travel at least every 6 months (Just ask Matthew). I usually get an itch to get up and go with a faraway gleam in my eye but this summer has kept my gleaming at bay!

Glance 1: Fourth of July

I am also all about celebrating holidays and getting together with others and doing something. So I was pleasantly suprised by our churchs' Fourth of July celebration. One of the families at our church coordinates for us to join another church and have a slam-bang time at the home of a family outside of Longview.

I think everyone in our family had a blast...so to speak!

Glance 2: Baby Shower for Myles

Since being in Longview (for about 2 years now) we have been truly blessed to make a lot of friendships with some great families. We had several friends come together and throw us a wonderful baby shower for a soon-to-come baby Myles. They knew we are decorating the nursery with baseball stuff and they took off with the theme. I was amazed at how creative and giving these ladies were with the baby shower...Thanks to you all!

Glance 3: Balloon Festival

Here is another instance where I was poohing on an activity and was greatly mistaken! This was our first year to attend the East Texas Balloon Festival. I had heard a lot about the goings on but never thought that it was worth my time and money for being in the heat. I was sharing this with a friend, who loves the ETBF and she undestood my desire not to be in the heat being so pregnant. After my friend's out of town family bailed on them for the weekend due to sickness, she called us right up and invited us to come with her family with some free passes. What could I say...NO? So we went and had a great time! We got to enjoy the benefits of a free ride, including a catered Mexican dinner in an airconditioned tent. By the time dinner was over the heat had cooled off and the balloons looked spectacular all lit up!

Very off the topic...please visit my dear friends photography sight: http://www.allforfunphotography.blogspot.com/ to learn more about how to win a photo session and the makings of a great photographer! Also check out her maternity page to see some cute pictures of Audrey and me.

Pickin' and A Grinnin'

Taking a break from pickin'

chasing each other!

Some of you might have seen Josies' blog and Jaimes' blog about their weekend past and know some of my story. Well here is my version and some different pictures. (Side note: I think it is neat how everyone sees the same thing but differently.)

Last Friday we were blessed to be invited by a friend to her father's fruit farm. We had a blast despite having to rise early! The harvest was plentiful but the workers were few, okay so not many wanted to get up early to get free fruit...go figure.

We had fun picking the various fruits while having some breaks in between...for a preggers I felt like it was a good mix. Audrey ended but running the rows with her friends, especially Hunter, the future Fruit farmer!

Then after we got home, washed and packed we headed to Beaver's Bend, OK with the Hampers and Rineharts. It was sure nice to have a cabin that was airconditioned and very amenable. There was a pond behind the cabin that the kids and dads enjoyed skipping rocks at.

Mr. H brought his pellet gun that the Dads very much enjoyed and they all started perfecting their aim.

On Saturday we Paddle Boated (which was pretty difficult with a preggo, and a 2 year old on Matthew's lap) and enjoyed being on the river. The water was so cold that you could not just jump in because of frost bite. However we did enjoy time in the water and at the "beach" area.

Waiting to go home!

The food was wonderful and the company was great. It was nice to have times of activity and times rest. Thanks fellow cabiners for the great weekend!

Summer Sample Sale-Fundraiser!

What: 50% off all of my Limited Edition pieces (over 30 pieces)

When: June 19th, Shop and Go from 10-12 and 4-6. Come early for best selections!

Where: 404 Janet Kay Dr., Rebecca the Jewelry Ladies’ Home

For Who: All sales will go towards a car for the Hansen’s, a FBC mission family here on furlough.

Special Springtime

I just have to brag on my sweet husband and all the love he has shown me! I was treated royally on Mother's day, complete with breakfast in bed and a stress free day. He showered me with gifts and a servant heart.

Then a couple of days later on my Birthday his sweetness continued. I awoke to a sweet card on my pillow. Since he had been spoiling me in general he kept the gifts to a minimum. Needless to say he had a trick or two up his sleeve. When he walked in the door from being at work all day, he had my favorite type of roses along with Birthday balloons. That night we ate at a Japanese steak house and had a lot of fun watching Audrey's reaction to the chef! Thank you so much sweetheart for showing me how special I am!

On another note, with my new Mother's day/Birthday camera I have caught some sweet pictures around our house I would like to share with you...Audrey's New sandboxPlaying at the park

San Antonio or Bust!

The count down started on April 1st. My long-time friend, Jeanne, who I met as a freshman in high school, wanted to take a fun trip with me before I got too pregnant. We chose a fun town where the action and fun were endless, San Antonio.

After researching on Priceline and other sites we found an awesome deal. Our dates were set and our expectations were high! I awoke early Monday morning and drove to Dallas to pick up Jeanne at Dallas Love and then we headed DFW airport to head to our grand destination. The weather was icky that morning and our flight took longer than expected. Then baby Myles started doing flips which started my stomach churning. Needless to say that by the time the plane landed everyone around me was ready to get away and depart the plan. But thanks to a kind male flight attendant, my white pants were saved by club soda, who would of thought.

It was so nice to get to our accommodating hotel, take a hot shower, order pizza and watch a chick-flick. I don't get to those things very often and especially not in the same day. The rest of the week went slow but fast, if you know what I mean. We checked out the Riverwalk and the Alamo one day. The next day we went to Enchanted Rock near Fredricksburg and took in some strawberry picking at a local farm. We went to a late night movie to see "The Soloist" and we also ate at the Cheesecake Factory. Finally our week was topped off with a day of shopping at the San Marcos' extensive outlet stores.

By the time we were back in the San Antonio airport I think my suitcase had gained at least 10-15 extra pounds in shopping plunder. I had a great time catching up with my bud but I was ready to get home to my sweet family!

4 Easter Egg Hunts Later!

What a weekend we have had! We thought that we were going to have fun last year with Audrey being 1 but this year has truly been fun to teach Audrey all about Easter.

Right before this holiday Audrey learned how to share the Gospel at Bible Study. So it was neat to incorporate what she was learning with the reason we celebrate Easter.

On Thursday Audrey's school had an Easter party complete with an egg hunt and cookies.

Friday, our good friend Mrs. Josie had her annual Easter Egg Hunt at her lovely home. We had so much fun and enjoyed being with all our best buds. It was neat to see how much all of our friends had improved in their hunting skills from last year.

Then on Saturday Audrey and I decorated hard boiled eggs and talked about why we celebrate Easter, I think she has some understanding. That afternoon we went to our church's Easter celebration. I want to commend them for a well-planned and Christ centered celebration. They had several egg hunts for the different ages, along with the Resurrection story, sidewalk chalk drawings, kite flying, bounce houses and balloon releasing.

Finally, today we went to our adopted families' Easter Lunch (The Stoddard Family). We all had a great time! The brisket was wonderful along with all the sides. Audrey just loves being with her adopted cousins and had a blast with them. Oh yeah, more Easter Egg hunting!

Did I mention that I made Audrey and Bear's dresses? My Mom made me Easter dresses when I was growing up and I had fond memories. I want her to have the same great memories too!

Say Hello to Myles

On April 2nd we went in for a 4-D sonogram! My mom was able to come for the weekend to join us for this neat occasion. I was 22 weeks at the time. This was our 3rd sonogram and our 1st time to have a 4-D sonogram.

Matthew, Audrey, my mom and myself all piled into the sonogram room and we were amazed at how much we could see of our baby boy. Myles (our boy's name) kept his fists close and tight in front of his face. Matthew was proud of his pugilists stance. Myles means soldier, so what a fitting name. I like that name because I want our kids to be great advocates and partners for Christ. "Onward Christian Solider!"

After the appointment, Audrey went to school and showed all her classmates her brother's picture. She is a proud big sister who is excitedly awaiting her brother's arrival.

Sirloin OR Skipper?

Baby @ 15 weeks

Thursday Matthew and I went to my 19 week check up. I was so glad that he could go and meet my Doctor. We truly have been blessed with this whole pregnancy, especially with a really nice/funny doctor.

My appointment could have been done over the phone, since most of it was conversation but we did get to have a sneak peak in the oven. As we were being escorted back to the exam room the nurse asked us if we were scheduled for a sonogram that day. We said we weren't but would definitely accommodate them if they so chose to do so.

After we talked about traveling in the last stages of my pregnancy (to possibly Peltoro, CO. - which is out) and how if we did go to the mountains we would have a mountain baby and after we delivered we could bury the placenta under a tree beneath a full moon (too weird) we got to see our little boy!

(For sure a boy)

The doctor took a full 20 minutes probing my belly to get a "good" shot of our sons dingle-hopper. He said that although he knew what were having he still wanted a good view of it. The doctor said that we are going to have a stubborn kid because he just did not want to move from his comfortable, curled up position.

Spread them (arrow is pointing at penis)

As we were wrapping up we asked about how big the baby was and he said to Matthew, "10 o.z. for male talk, that's a good size steak and for the ladies, the size of Skipper, not quite Barbie".

So I hope you enjoy the pictures of our little steak!

Cuteness Caught...

We have been pretty busy this new year but I couldn't tell you where it went! Audrey amazes me more and more each day and I really enjoy our time together...most of the time. Here are a few cute cameos that I happened to catch.

No I don't want to take a nap, DADDY!

For the past couple of months we have been struggling with nap times. I will put Audrey down and then an hour to an hour and 1/2 later she is still wide awake, singing and talking. Well on this Sunday afternoon we all laid down for a nap and I was out like a light. Matthew on the other hand couldn't sleep with all the chattering going on, so he got up with her and they just sat on the couch watch a boring grown-up show and she slowly nodded off, sitting up, no less.

When I woke up this is what I came across. Too sweet. Moments like these melt daddy's heart for sure, especially since Audrey is a momma's girl!

Paintin' Picasso

About a year ago Audrey stayed with my folks for a long weekend and thoroughly spoiled her. One of the activities they did together was paint. Well ever since that weekend, THANKS MOM, she has been wanting to paint, again. So for Christmas Santa Claus brought a learning easel that is great for painting.

Here is a picture of my precious painting without making a huge mess! I was ready to clean up a big mess but she is very much like her dad, who doesn't like to get messy.

Being Corny!

Recently, Audrey has really enjoyed eating corn, especially off the cob. I even had one meal where she took my corn off my plate and started eating it! I am glad I can give my non-messy kid some corn and she will get messy. She will chomp and chomp on her corn til the corn kernels are ALL gone.

2 Cute moments

1.One day Audrey was waiting on me to head out the door and she and Joanie were sitting by each other like old pals. They get along but Joan is such a mature lady that she doesn't usually hang out with the kids. They were sitting so sweetly together!

2. A couple of weeks ago we had the pleasant surprise of having our niece Kristi in town. We got to have lunch with her and her new family! She has a sweet baby girl named Aumilynn (I think). Audrey was really impressed by the tiny baby and had a lot of questions about what the baby could and could not do. Audrey is researching for her baby brother to come!

1st Sonogram!

This pregnancy has been very different than my last. I have forgotten that I am pregnant occasionally and I didn't go see a doctor unitl I was 14 weeks! So within a weeks time I have seen the doctor and had a sonogram.
The purpose of the sonogram was to get an acurate due date. Our due date is August 5th and since the baby was measuring only a week behind we aren't changing the due date. We were also able to see what the gender of the baby is! The sonographer said she is pretty sure we are having a BOY, but to not to go out and buy lots of blue. Our next sonogram will be at 22 weeks and then we should know more definitely.
In the meantime we are thinking of names and are open to suggestions, it just doesn't mean we will pick the name you suggested! Keep us in your prayers.

Christmas Celebrating!

New Table and Chairs!

I know, I know that this is 2 months late but I wanted to share these great pictures! We decided to start some family traditions now that Audrey is 2. My parents came in from Waco and brought a great surprise with them.

I had asked my mom to bring some folding chairs to compensate for the lack of seating in our house. My mom came in and said she had forgotten to pack the chairs. After we had eaten dinner my parents went out to the car to get their luggage and surprised me with a new-to-me dining table and chairs!

The drunken Reindeer!

Mommy/Daughter matching necklaces.

Christmas Eve we played games and had great snacking! We also opened gifts from family. After the little one was all snug in her bed with visions of sugar plums...oh yeah on with the story, we (Matthew, my dad, sister and myself) commenced to assemble all the the Christmas toys.

Cool Dad

Merry Christmas!

Matthew and I were so excited for Audrey and enjoyed all the excitement. Audrey had so much fun Christmas morning playing with all her new toys. I think she was a little overwhelmed!

Look at all the loot!

We really enjoyed having my folks up and enjoyed having a less-stressful Christmas at home.