Home Sweet Home

Asher Turns 2

2012-01-18T15:27:00.003-06:00

*this post is a bit wordy...enjoy

Asher turned 2 years old on November 24. His birthday fell on Thanksgiving day this year and what a blessing it is to be able to give thanks for him.

Since Piper was born, he has grown up so much. Instantly he became bigger because Piper was so small. His vocabulary has increased and most of the time he is obedient...except for the occasional toddler meltdown. How I love the toddler meltdown!!

He gave up his paci right after his birthday. I say gave up but what I really mean is that we lost it and he had to give it up. He did great. I don't remember him fussing at bedtime.

He loves his sister and lately has been trying to help entertain her with rattles and the music box he loved so much as a baby. It melts my heart every night that he gives her a kiss goodnight.

He is really into Toy Story...this is his Buzz Lightyear! He will start running around the house and holler "To Infinity and Beyond." It took me awhile to figure out what he was saying but once I figured it out I was amazed. I am still amazed at how much he picks up during a movie. He is just like a sponge. For Christmas this year we got him Buzz Lightyear action figure (don't call it a doll) and it has been a hit. He loves it. I think he played with it for two days straight before he realized he received more toys.

He has become quite the helper. Anytime I start something in the kitchen he goes to get his stool and wants to help. He has helped make waffles, red velvet cake and dinner multiple times. When he is done eating, he will bring his plate to the sink and wants to rinse it and then wash his hands. He enjoys unloading the dishwasher and putting clothes on to wash. I sometimes get frustrated because it takes me longer to do my chores when he helps but then I just remind myself that he is watching what we do and wants to be big!

Asher has become very independent. Other than helping me with chores, he has been known to have some independent play time during the day. When I rock Piper for her naps I tell him what I am doing and that he needs to stay in the living room or his room. Most of the time he will get caught up playing with cars in his room that when I get done with Piper he doesn't notice. I think it is so sweet that his imagination is growing. He wants/tries to do everything by himself!! I don't know how but he can completely work the DVD player. I have heard this said of most toddlers but I still think it pretty amazing.

One of my favorite things about Asher right now is this...He will run through the house yelling MA! MA! and when he finds me, he stops, wraps his arms around my legs, looks into my eyes and says, "Hi Mom" and runs back to wherever he was playing. It cracks me up everytime.

2011-12-15T21:25:00.004-06:00

After almost nine months, Piper has finally arrived! What a great day it was!

Piper was born at 4:46 pm and weighed 6 lbs 10 oz...a whole 2 lbs less than Asher!

This is the first time I got a close look at my baby girl!

She looks just like Asher when he was born.

Proof that she was really 6 lb 10 oz.

The first time Asher wanted to hold Piper. It took him a couple of days but he has warmed up to her!

Guess What...

2011-05-31T12:49:00.005-05:00

Asher is going to be a big brother and we are having a GIRL!!

This is the absolute best picture that I have so please forgive the terrible photography. Also, this picture is from April and Asher looks so little. He changes so quickly!

Anyway...Jeremy and I are excited. I am about 21 weeks along. We told everyone fairly quickly because it was so hard to keep it a secret but I am just now getting to blog about it!

Asher has no clue what is happening. Although I hope that as I get bigger he will understand that he cannot jump and climb on me like he enjoys doing so much.

We had our ultrasound two weeks ago and Jeremy and I were convinced we were having another boy so imagine the surprise when we were told it is a girl. Jeremy said he almost fell down and my mind immediately went to doing hair! Isn't that crazy! After the shock set in...a couple of days later...we are excited to have a little girl.

We weren't completely set on a name when we went into the appt. but by the time we walked out we had it all figured out. Her name will be Piper Clair Bradshaw. Piper has been on our list for quite some time and we were on the fence about Clair but it just made sense after the appt.

*On a completely different note, I haven't been blogging and just feel terrible about it. There are so many things that Asher is doing that I need to be recording and I fail to do it because I say I don't have time. I will not be using that excuse anymore...I will be blogging more often even it is just a sentence or two so that I can remember what my toddler is doing and what Piper is doing as well.

Springtime Fun

2011-04-07T11:20:00.004-05:00

The weather has definitely turned warmer and with a toddler running around our house, Jeremy and I are trying out some new things to keep Asher entertained. Well...we found something...the sprinkler!! Asher loves water so it wasn't a surprise that he enjoys playing in the sprinkler. He will walk up to the water and stick his head in and laughs!! It is so fun to see him playing outside.

However, he is not a happy camper when the water is turned off and he has to go inside!! This is a great way for us to get him good and tired so he will take a good nap!!

Our Days

2011-02-23T14:36:00.016-06:00

By the time Friday rolls around, I often wonder to myself...What did I do this week?

And then I remember I have a toddler and remember that I did alot. Some weeks are busier than others and some weeks we don't go anywhere until Dad gets home. So I thought I would post some pictures of the fun things that Asher gets into during the week....Ready...Set...Go!

Asher has learned to climb and climb he does...on EVERYTHING!! This box of blocks is tricky because sometimes it moves and Asher falls but it never lets it get him down! Oh...and he is SO proud of himself when he climbs on anything!

He LOVES to help with the dishes...this was the first time we climbed in the dishwasher...thank goodness it was empty at the time and not full of dirty dishes. Now I can only do dishes when he is asleep or Jeremy is home because he wants to take out all of the dirty dishes. But I am grateful for his helpful attitude.

Sometimes we like to wear crazy outfits!! I put these Spiderman slippers on him and enjoyed walking around in them. I think it is funny because he just has on a onesie and was walking around with my rolling pin.

And apparently we are going to love Mardi Gras in our house. He has quite a collection of beads and likes to put them on and take them off. Sometimes we put them on Foster which is real funny but mostly they can be found around Asher's neck!

Lastly...Asher got a computer!! I know I thought it was a bit crazy to get him a computer also but Jeremy insisted!!

Just Joking...this one of Jeremy's old computers that doesn't do anything.

Asher loves to sit on my lap while I am at the computer and tap on the keys, which becomes a bit annoying. (And the other day he broke one of the shift keys so I only have one that is working which is becoming irritating.)

Anyway...Jeremy pulled this out the other day to keep Asher occupied while he was working and Asher loved it!! I think it is cute how he is sitting and it looks like he is typing. Don't worry...we monitor his content and the amount of time spent on the computer so his eyes don't go bad and hopefully he won't have carpal tunnel by the age of 2...haha!!

He definitely keeps my days busy and interesting! Hopefully the weather will decide what it wants to do and we can have some play time outside soon!

Weekend Fun

2011-02-21T12:32:00.017-06:00

This past Saturday, we decided to take a day trip to Kemah. This was Asher's first trip to the Boardwalk and he did wonderfully!! We left around naptime so he would sleep in the car but decided not to sleep!!

Our first stop was lunch at T-Bone Tom's! It was featured on an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives so Jeremy had to eat there and it was good. I got a shrimp po-boy that had so much shrimp on it that I couldn't eat it as a sandwich, so I just ate the shrimp. As you can see below, Asher was really excited to eat at a restaraunt featured on TV!!

Our next stop was the actual Boardwalk where we fed the stingrays! Actually Jeremy fed the stingrays and Asher and I just watched. He was pretty intrigued by the stingrays and got pretty close to the tank...close enough to pet one!!

Next we took a family picture at the fountain where Jeremy proposed to me several years ago. This was so fun to go back and have Asher with us!!

And lastly, Asher and I rode the train while Jeremy rode the Boardwalk Bullet...the wooden rollercoaster at the boardwalk. Asher was so exhausted by this point he just set on my lap and almost fell asleep but the train kept him awake. We enjoyed getting away for the day and look forward to many more adventures with Asher!!

Valentine's Dinner

2011-02-16T12:48:00.006-06:00

Monday morning I woke up to this lovely box of chocolates greeting me in the kitchen!! It was a total surprise. Jeremy and I don't really do much for Valentine's Day...we think it is for those that are dating...but anyway. He totally knows how to make me happy, but I would have been happy without the chocolate, but happier with the chocolate!! I digress...

Before Asher came into this world, we would have breakfast together on the morning of Valentine's Day but now that we have Asher and Valentine's Day was on a Monday, I decided to make a special dinner for us.

I have always wanted to roast a chicken but was too scared to do it. Silly me!! So that is what I made for our dinner...

Roasted Chicken!!!

I must say, I don't know what I was scared of. It was quite simple and it wasn't a disaster!! I followed a recipe and cooked it in my dutch oven for a couple of hours and it looked beautiful. However...I cooked it with the breast side down so there wasn't much flavor there but the dark meat was juicy and flavorful. I even put some garlic, lemon and celery in the cavity of the chicken like the pros do!!

I am most impressed that I actually made the thing. I now have the confidence to roast a chicken and next time I am going to slather it in butter!!

Also...the chicken cost me less than $5.00 and we still have some in the fridge!! What a bargain!

ABC's and 123's

2011-02-14T15:58:00.006-06:00

Today, Asher and I took a quick trip to the Wal-Mart to pick up diapers and milk and came across these...

How fun!! Each set was just $1.00 so I couldn't pass it up. I remember having some as a child and I couldn't wait to get home to put them on the fridge for Asher to play with.

When we got home, he kept taking them off of the fridge and trying to put them back in the package they came in. I guess he is too young for them but I love them anyway.

On a completely different note...

Happy Valentine's Day!!

My sister sent this shirt to Asher for Valentine's Day. Isn't it cute!!

Hope you have a great day!

One of my Favorites

2011-02-09T14:43:00.003-06:00

I recently celebrated my 28th birthday. Usually when people celebrate birthdays they celebrate with birthday cake...right? Well, people have been asking me for a couple of years "Who is going to make your birthday cake?" As much as I love cake, I am a bit spoiled to made from scratch baked goods. So instead of eating cake, I choose one of my favorite things of all time...

YES...peanut butter and chocolate ice cream from Baskin Robbins. I have been eating this stuff since before I was born. Seriously, my mom went a lot when she was pregnant with me so it is crucial to my organ function!! Anyway...I think this is the best ice cream ever!!

I mean look at this picture...Chocolate ice cream with a ribbon of peanut butter!! I like to eat all of the chocolate ice cream first, leaving most of the peanut butter behind and then eat the peanut butter. And just so you know...you can never have too much peanut butter!!

My Helper

2011-02-08T14:32:00.004-06:00

Recently, Asher has picked up a new habit.

He loves to throw things away!! We can give him trash and ask him to throw it away and he walks to the trash can, lifts up the lid and throws it away!! It is really funny and neat to me that he just picked this habit up from watching us.

Also, he likes to put his dirty clothes in his hamper. Most mornings after we change his clothes, I give him his dirty pjs and he walks to his closet, opens the door and puts his pjs in. Again, I am pretty impressed!!

I am careful to praise him for his good deeds because this is definitely a habit I want him to continue!! Can you imagine a pre-teen or teen boy who puts his clothes where they go?

In other news, it has been cold and Asher has been a little under the weather so we have been staying home and playing. Nothing new and nothing too exciting...

Chewy and Foster...

2011-01-28T09:17:00.004-06:00

This is Foster. He is a good snuggle buddy but can be a grump. We still love him.

This is Chewy. He is also a good snuggle buddy and is a lover.

This is what we found when we came home from church on Wednesday night!!

I thought there was some animal that had crawled up into the chair that our two precious pups wanted a piece of, but after pulling the chair away from the wall, we discovered...

a tiny treat!!

Yes...that is right our dogs tore up this chair we have had since we got married for a snack!!

Have a great weekend!!

Wake Up Call

2011-01-27T08:33:00.003-06:00

This morning around 3:20 am Jeremy and I were awakened by Asher crying!! Mind you this is NOT a common thing. Occasionally he may cry out but goes right back to bed. So as he is crying Jeremy asks:

"Do you want me to get him?"

Me: "No."

One minute passes and Jeremy asks again

"Do you want me to get him?"

Me: "No. I am thinking."

After 4 minutes of me thinking and Asher crying I get up to tend to him.

When I pick him up from his bed I can feel he is wet, but as I remove his pajamas I am greeted by...

and EXPLODING diaper!!

I mean it didn't rip apart or anything but you know what was oozing out!!

So after getting Asher cleaned up and Jeremy changing the sheets we were ready to go back to bed. I rocked Asher for awhile to remind him that it was, in fact, still dark outside which means we still need to sleep. When I put him down he cried for a bit but went back to sleep.

But I couldn't go back to sleep. All I could think about was when Asher was a baby and we got up every night for a feeding...I mean how did we do that?

Asher is a great sleeper and I don't think I know how lucky I am. So this morning I am reminded to be thankful for what I have...a healthy little boy!!

50 Years...

2011-01-11T10:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday to my MOM!!

Today she is 50!!

Hamburgers...From Scratch

2011-01-10T15:18:00.006-06:00

The last couple of christmas' Jeremy has asked for food gadgets. Last year he received a restaurant quality meat slicer. We didn't use it much last year but I plan to use it a lot this year. This years food gadget was a meat grinder attachment!!

My mom bought him the meat grinder for christmas and decided to include the sausage stuffer as well!! OH...and did I mention these attach to MY kitchen aide mixer!!

So, last monday he couldn't wait any longer. He HAD to grind some meat!! He was so excited he became giddy about it. So off he went to the store and came home with some cut of meat and a package of lamb. I on the other hand was not thrilled at all!!

After he cut the meat into smaller pieces he got to grinding. It was kind of neat to watch the meat being extruded.

Here is the final product. Once you grind the meat, the instructions recommend you grind it a second time so Jeremy did just that. After a bit of seasoning, this meat was made into hamburger patties. I didn't even think to take pictures of the cooked meat. Maybe next time.

Happy Meat Grinding!!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-08T15:51:00.013-06:00

So, obviously Christmas has come and gone but I feel I need to blog about it so I have something to look back on. We had a great Christmas...but it always goes by so quickly!!

We spent Christmas Eve day in Houston celebrating with Jeremy's family. A good time was had by all. We were very thankful that we invested in a minivan because it was FULL at the end of the day.

Christmas morning was so much fun this year since Asher is old enough to help open his presents. He helped all of us open presents and loved making a big mess. He got a couple of gifts from Jeremy and I, one of which is this Texans hat. It is toddler size and fits his large head very well.

After presents we had breakfast. Growing up we always had our family over for breakfast on Christmas morning, but as my parents have moved away and we have all gotten older this tradition no longer exists. But I wanted to start something for my family and I thought cinnamon rolls sounded yummy!! So Christmas eve night I made them and baked them off on Christmas morning. They looked amazing and they tasted amazing!!

You can resist this face!! Of course he got a cinnamon roll but only half because they were so sweet!!

For lunch we went down to have lunch with family and play silly games. Then on Sunday, we left to head to the hill country for some time with my family. Asher and the dogs did well on the journey both to and fro.

We definitely enjoyed our time with family and the holidays but we were glad to get back to our regular schedule.

PS...you know you are with grandparents when you let your child do something like this!!

Asher Turns One

2011-01-07T20:39:00.010-06:00

On November 24, 2010 Asher turned ONE!!

His birthday fell on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving so we celebrated as a family of 3. We took him to Dairy Queen for his first taste of ice cream!! I am pretty sure he enjoyed it and I tried to make sure he didn't get a brain freeze.

We had his party the Saturday after Thanksgiving and it was western theme. He makes such a cute cowboy! All of our family came in, most from out of town, and lavished him with gifts. Because the party was western, I made cowbow stew and cornbread for lunch.

The day I made Asher's cake was one of my highlights of 2010. I make cookies and cake for many people, but I was so excited to be making MY SON'S birthday cake. There were some weepy moments because it was his first birthday but mostly I was so happy to be doing it. The bottom was an italian cream cake and the horseshoe was chocolate both iced in cream cheese icing. Jeremy made the little cowboy hat and rope out of fondant!!

And the shining star...Asher's smash cake!! His cake was a plain white cake with cream cheese icing. Can you tell that I love cream cheese icing?

We had a great day celebrating this huge milestone!! I still can't believe he is ONE!! Everyday just gets better and better!!

Time Flies

2010-11-21T17:29:00.004-06:00

Time flies when you have a baby!!

This sunday last year, Jeremy and I walked into the hospital to have a baby!!

Little did I know what this year would hold or how our lives would change, but looking back now I can't imagine our life without Asher.

I hope I remember the feelings I had on Sunday, November 22, 2009 forever.

I remember being SCARED (this is no shock to anyone because I am frequently scared).

I remember not being ready to have a baby...I would have let him stay in for as long as he wanted.

I remember that I wore my nice maternity dress to the hospital with my worn-out flip-flops.

I remember walking in with Jeremy, who would more than ever, prove to be my strength through labor and ultimately a c-section.

I am excited to see the next year come and to watch Asher grow!!

2 Weeks Until...

2010-11-10T13:57:00.002-06:00

Asher turns a year old!!

This morning I took him to get his pictures made and he is quite the handful. The first time I had his pictures taken professionally he was 2 weeks old and didn't do anything!! At his 6 month pictures he was sitting and smiled so easily and now at 2 weeks shy of turning 1 he was serious and everywhere except in front of the camera!! That said, Mrs. Debbie does such a wonderful job and is patient with her clients.

Yesterday I made a small cake for him to dig into in his pictures and up until now he has not been exposed to any sweets (to my knowledge). So I was a little worried that he wouldn't want to touch it or he wouldn't like it, BUT he LOVED it. He was grabbing for it before I could set him down. As he proceeded to dig through it and eat a little bit I had mixed emotions about him eating the cake.

The pastry chef in me was excited that he loved it because I want my family to love what I love...and I love to bake.

The mother in me was screaming "NO!!!...STOP EATING!!! After a year of following rules and slowly introducing healthy choices and getting you to eat carrots and peas, I am ruining your pure tastebuds!!"

BUT...I think Mrs. Debbie got some good pictures of him eating the cake so maybe once the pictures come in they will be so cute that I won't even remember the debate that went on in my head!!

11 Months...

2010-10-23T20:04:00.008-05:00

WOW...Asher is 11 months old today!! Only one more month before he is celebrating a birthday! I can't believe it. Over the past couple of months his personality has begun to shine and it is a cute personality. Here is what Asher is doing at 11 months:

weighs around 26 pounds
wears a 4 diaper but comfortably fits into a 5
still sleeps 12 hours each night
takes 2 naps a day
has 3 teeth...two bottom and one top
possibly has 3 teeth trying to come through
crawls on hands and knees
pulls himself up on everything
uses furniture, the wall and whatever possible to walk
eats 3 meals a day
loves grilled cheese, applesauce, bananas and much more
faces forward in his carseat
wears 12-18 months
plays peek-a-boo and patty cake
waves bye sometimes
and much more

He is such a sweet natured child and we love him so much!! Everyday is a new day and he never ceases to amaze me. He is growing so fast and we can't imagine our life without him...I mean what did we do before we had Asher?

what a cute chef

helping dad with a turkey

crawling on all fours...finally

turning around...so excited

Homemade Pizza

2010-09-22T12:00:00.006-05:00

When Jeremy and I got married I had all sorts of dreams of being SUPER domestic. Almost 4 years later I have not come anywhere close...

until recently.

I decided to make pizza from scratch...starting with the dough!!

When I was in pastry school, we had to take a class on breads and pizza dough was on the schedule and not to toot my own horn, but I did pretty well in the class. Fast forward 5 years and things are a little different. For one, I don't have an instructor standing over me making sure I am doing everything correctly. Also, we made everything in bulk so scaling down is a task. Anyway...I got it in my head that I was going to make my own pizza!!

The dough was really easy to make and easy to work with. And it smelled delicious!!

Next I rolled out the dough. Now some people don't care about the thickness or thinness of the dough, but Jeremy and I are NOT those people. We love New York style pizza!! (sorry Chicago lovers) So thin it was...almost paperthin!!

Then came the sauce...just some tinkered with tomato sauce. Nothing special.

Now...the toppings!! I am a plain cheese girl and Jeremy always tells me that is the free stuff but I don't care...the more cheese the better! The pizza below is Jeremys...pepperoni.

And I love my cheese really toasted...not burnt, but really melty!! This picture makes my mouth water!!
After I told some family that I made pizza for dinner from scratch, I think they scratched their heads in wonder as to why I would want to make pizza when I could buy it. Well I am so glad they wondered...

Here are a couple of my reasons:

Save some money...the dough makes 6 individual pizzas...so that is 3 dinners

Jeremy and I are trying to cook more together

WHY NOT!!!

Cooking Tip: I read this tip before I baked my pizzas and I am so glad that I followed..

While preheating the oven, place your pizza stone in the oven to heat also. When ready to bake pizza, place dough on hot stone and then top with sauce and cheese. Then bake. This gives the pizza a nice crisp crust!!

So...now I can cross homemade pizza off of my Super Domestic list!!

Better Late than Never...9 Months

2010-08-25T15:27:00.013-05:00

Asher turned 9 months in August and I actually wrote a post but never posted it because I had difficulty with the pictures!! Don't you just love when that happens...So now almost a month later I am finally posting about 9 months!! What a month it has been. Here are his stats and what he is doing:

weighs 25 lbs (off the chart)
is 30" long
wears 12-18 month clothing
in size 4 diapers
sleeps 12 hours at night (8 pm-8 am)
takes 2 naps each day
still loves to eat...
introduced graham crackers
still army crawling and very fast

I keep thinking about things that he is doing now but wasn't doing a month ago...

And since I can't remember what I did yesterday, it is very difficult to remember what he was doing a month ago. This is why I should write EVERYTHING down!!!

He is still a joy to have and we love him so much!!

Now for some pictures...

playing with the remote

Purple Pride

Eating a graham

1st Haircut

2010-08-13T17:33:00.008-05:00

Today we took Asher for his first haircut...it was really just a trim but big news for a baby!! He did really well. No tears!! He is always cute but now he is handsome!!

Catching Up

2010-08-11T18:18:00.017-05:00

I can't believe it is already August...where did the summer go? I do know that we have been busy the past couple of weeks so I just thought I would give a quick run down. Oh and there won't be any pictures because the batteries in my camera died and I haven't replaced them!!

Spent a week at the beach with family. Had a great time!!
Home for a week...did laundry and baked cookies
Took the youth on a retreat in the hill country (this included Asher and the two dogs)
Asher turned 8 months and has started to crawl
I got sick and now Asher is sick as well...we have head colds, but we are getting better
Since Asher has started to crawl, he is everywhere and my time is spent playing with him!!

The Beach

2010-07-09T18:51:00.008-05:00

Next week we will be vacationing so this week we have been getting ready. Since we have already traveled with Asher once before I am aware of all of the things he will need. I am trying very carefully to bring everything he will need without overpacking. I understand he doesn't need every toy he owns so choosing the right ones is a task. My mom bought him a suitcase which is currently packed with bathing suits and other clothes.

My goal was to pack EVERYTHING he would need (clothes, diapers, bottles, food, etc.) into that one suitcase. Sadly this will not happen. Change of plans...as long as I can keep all the like items together I will be happy. I just hate when you get somewhere and you can't find something and you have to basically unpack all of you bags to find what you are looking for...so frustrating!!

So I am looking forward to getting to the beach and relaxing. Hope you have a great week!!

Motherhood

2010-07-09T18:45:00.002-05:00

Today I came across this article on the 9Marks website that was very encouraging and wanted to share it with you. Hope it encourages you as a wife and mother.

http://www.9marks.org/ejournal/young-mother-ministry-guilt-and-seasons-life

1st Trip to ER

2010-07-06T13:46:00.005-05:00

On July 4, 2010 Asher made his first appearance in the Emergency Room...what happened you ask?

Sunday morning in his red, white and blue.

Our sunday started out just as any Sunday...feeding, getting ready for church, eating lunch and so on. We were having a small fellowship at our home that evening so that evening I was playing with Asher while our guests were talking amongst themselves and I accidentally popped his radial head out of his elbow!! He screamed and there was no calming him down...I felt awful. So after a lot of tears were shed and a lot of phone calls were made to the pediatrician, hospital and my mom, we decided to take Asher to the ER. We went early enough that the waiting room was empty...no firework related injuries just yet. We were brought to a room and a nurse came in to check on Asher and brought him an ice pack and decided he needed an X-ray.

Hurt arm with ice pack wrapped in a pillow case

After awhile, the tech came to get us and moved Ashers arm so he screamed in pain. Then the doctor came in and messed with Ashers arm and he was fixed!! Actually, the doctor didn't fix him, the x-ray tech did when moving his arm around to get pictures.

I am ready to go home!!

We left the hospital at 11pm and Asher slept all night and is back to normal.

7 Months...

2010-06-25T10:05:00.005-05:00

Over the past month the biggest change that has occured is the schedule!!! Apparently Asher thought it would be fun to toss it out the window and just wing it...this drives me crazy and has been the cause of a couple of stressful days. He has decided that one nap a day is sufficient for him (mom and dad do NOT agree). A couple of days Jeremy and I have taken drives around the area just so I could experience quiet!!! One would think that with one nap bedtime would be easy...not the case. We are getting well acquainted with 'cry it out'. I don't t love the method but it works.

He is teething in a major way...he currently has two teeth breaking through. Both are on the bottom and I have tried numerous times to take a picture but he shuts his mouth. I guess he knows I am up to something...

He still eats well and has the weight to prove it. When he is in a good mood he is happy and funny. He has a silly grin and I think he will be nut like his dad!!!

Sweet boy

This post is short and sweet because he is currently fussy and hopefully will take a nap!! Pray for my sanity!!

Fun in the Sun

2010-06-15T11:00:00.005-05:00

Lately the temperature outside has been ridiculous so when we received an invitation to go swimming on Saturday we were so happy. This was Asher's first time swimming in a big pool. We tried playing in a baby pool but he didn't like it so much, but he enjoyed his time at the pool. The water was perfect and the company was good too!!!

In other Asher news...we have a tooth!!! It hasn't broken through but I can feel it. Needless to say we have some less than perfect days now!!

6 Months...

2010-05-31T18:21:00.007-05:00

So, I know that I say this every month, but I really can't believe that Asher is 6 months old. He was 6 months old last monday, but we visited the doctor on thursday and I wanted to have all of the correct information for this post.

Asher at 6 months:

weighs 21 lbs 8 oz (off the chart)
is 27 3/4" long (95%)
eats and loves fruits, vegetables, and now chicken
holds his bottle by himself
sits up on his own
can roll over from his back to his tummy, but thinks that bedtime is the only appropiate time to do this
plays with his toys
sleeps from 8:30 pm until 7:00 am
still takes 3 naps during the day
has outgrown his infant carrier so he is now in a convertible carseat
has outgrown his infant bathtub so he is now taking baths in the BIG bathtub
loves to jump!!
does not need to be rocked to bed at night...one of my favorite things
loves to talk...
grabs for everything...cell phone, dinner plate, and glasses are his favorites

Humbled

2010-05-16T21:26:00.004-05:00

This evening at church I felt the complete weight of being a mother as I held Asher. We were singing songs (I don't even remember what they were) and I was holding Asher and singing in his ear the worship songs. As I watched him looking around I was overwhelmed and humbled with the responsiblilty that has been entrusted to me and Jeremy. I thought how great it is to have him in worship with us (even if I have to get up during the service)... how I view it as a priviledge to teach him and sing to him about our Lord and Savior and how I pray daily for him to grow up and become a disciple of Christ. I am so excited to have a son and to watch him grow into a young man!!

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2010-05-11T14:18:00.015-05:00

Jeremy and I left for our Bahamas trip early Thursday morning...like 4 am early...to drive to Houston to catch our plane. We left Asher at home with Nana (Jeremy's mom) and a list of instructions!! Our travel plans consisted of flying from Houston to Ft. Lauderdale to Nassau, Bahamas. I was super excited, so excited that I may have skipped through airport on our way to security!! Excited for my sister who was getting married but also excited to go the Bahamas!!! Our travel to Ft. Lauderdale was no big deal but once we boarded our plane to the Bahamas is where it got interesting. There were 19 passengers and 2 crew members on the plane to Nassau...talk about tiny...but we made it to the Bahamas in 45 minutes so I wasn't complaining. We flew over the water and it was amazing to watch the water turn to green/blue and then to royal blue and to see islands in the middle of the ocean.

When we got to the resort it was wonderful...sparkling pools, blue skies, and warm sunshine!! We checked in and Jeremy and I were "complimentary upgraded" to a better room. As we walked through the halls, every employee would stop what they were doing and greet you. I know that they are getting paid but they acted as if they were genuinely glad we were there. I was genuinely glad we were there too!! After getting settled, we changed and met up with my family to swim in the ocean. The Sandals resort is an all-inclusive resort so when you are done eating you don't have to wait for the check you just get up and leave. This was weird at first but we quickly adjusted to it.

After dinner we ended our first day with an episode of The Office and went to bed since we had been up before the sun was up...

Beach Wedding

2010-05-11T14:03:00.007-05:00

This past Saturday my sister became a Mrs. She was married in the Bahamas and we were there to witness the event. She was a beautiful bride...probably the tannest bride I have ever seen!!

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Carrell!!!

(I have so much more to write about our vacation starting tomorrow, so get ready...)

Spring Vacay...Part 2

2010-05-03T10:08:00.009-05:00

So the second part of our spring vacation is long overdue...sorry to those who have been anxiously awaiting this post!!! Jeremy and I stayed at a bed and breakfast in Fredericksburg for the weekend. It was an anniversary present from my parents and it was much appreciated. We left on Friday afternoon and came back on Sunday. Fredericksburg is just an hour away from where my parents live so it was a good enough distance for the first time leaving Asher behind. I was so sad to leave him...

The place we stayed was called The Backforty. It is rustic, calm and relaxing. We were given directions and told we could come anytime after 3 pm and to make ourselves at home when we got there. So that is exactly what we did. We saw the innkeepers for a brief second from a distance and that is pretty much the extent of our interaction with people the whole weekend (except for going into town to eat).

This was our cottage. It is called The Guest House. According to the website Prince Charles and Camilla once stayed here and wrote a beautiful note. We thought of ourselves as royalty when we got there.

This is the back porch. I really wanted to sit outside but the weather didn't really cooperate.

The view from the back porch. I was sad that the swing was broken.

The weather was rainy Friday and Saturday morning, but I didn't care...the roof was tin so the rain made that great sound!! The place offered horseback riding, fishing, boats and spa treatments but all I wanted to do was sleep and enjoy the peace. All of that being said I missed Asher like crazy and wondered if he was being good. I only called once to check on him...

When we left on Sunday I was conflicted...sad to leave this relaxing place but excited to get back to my baby!! It was our first weekend away from Asher and we survived. Who would have thought!

Spring Vacay...Part 1

2010-04-22T10:08:00.007-05:00

Last week Jeremy went to Kentucky for a conference and Asher and I went to Grandmommie's house in the country. OH...and I had Chewy and Foster with me. This was our first long road trip/vacation with Asher. He did really well for the most part, but vacations will never again be the same. For one thing packing for a 4 month old is awful!! I am not a good decision maker so having to decide what goes and what stays was difficult. Luckily, Ashley packed most of his things for me. Also, we had to remember what we brought to Burnet we had to bring back home. So after getting everything packed and loaded we took off on Sunday afternoon. The drive was good and pretty with all of the wildflower fields along 290...

The week at Grandmommy and PawPaw's house was fun. We went shopping for the Bahamas and helped my mom pick out the details of their pool. We played in the bluebonnets and only lost Chewy once until Jeremy came. (Everytime we have gone to my mom's house Chewy always gets loose, but somehow someone always seems to get him)

getting ready for pjs

in the bluebonnets...

my mom wouldn't feed him unless he tried to hold his bottle

After Jeremy was done with his conference he came to Burnet and we spent some time in Fredericksburg... We all had a good time. It is nice to get away and spend time with family, but there is no place like home!!!

Growing Pains

2010-04-08T14:21:00.007-05:00

I am having growing pains...figurative growing pains. I think at 27 I am done growing, but it hurts me to see my little boy growing up. I mean he is only 4 months old, but he is eating fruit, he gets cereal in his bottle and he weighs 17 pounds. (he was never small to start with) I have been looking at pictures we have of him when he was born and I don't remember that baby. The first four months of his life have already gone by too quickly. He is no longer a newborn...

Newborn...skinny legs and that onesie was actually big

4 months...

The other day I came up with this great idea...for christmas each year I will create for him a book of that particular year of his life using pictures and captions (snapfish book). I was telling Jeremy about my idea and I mentioned that he can take them when he gets married...and I started to get a little choked. The idea of my little boy getting married...OH MY!!!! Jeremy of course laughed at me and said we have plenty of time, but I disagree. I never thought I would be like this...so sentimental about four months or the months to come. I now understand the importance of recording things that happen and pictures. I cherish the pictures we have of Asher and one day he will cherish the pictures of his children. OH NO...i am talking about grandchildren...i must stop and get back to my 4 month old baby!!!!

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T18:35:00.006-05:00

At our churchs Spring Celebration...he managed to find two eggs while taking a nap. Amazing!!

Asher's first Easter basket complete with food, new bibs and the personalized sugar cookie.

(the chocolate bunny was just a space filler)

Easter morning...we started prunes!!

Asher in his Easter outfit with his basket!!

Solids Already??

2010-03-31T13:54:00.002-05:00

Today Asher started solids...kind of by accident and it was nothing that I was anticipating. There was no crying or mess...he LOVED it!!! After the first bite, he opened his mouth for more. I was in shock. Granted he started with pears, but still I thought something crazy would happen. I guess the mess comes in when he starts vegetables.

However, I learned something about myself as a mother today...Even though Asher was ready to start solids, I was not ready. I was not ready to acknowledge that he was ready for them. He is only 4 months old, but feeding him solids seems like such a toddler thing. Already at four months, I am sentimental about the months that have passed us by.

4 Months

2010-03-28T16:23:00.005-05:00

Baby Asher is 4 months old!!! We visited the doctor a couple of days ago for his 4 month appointment and he received 4 shots to celebrate the big day!! Not fun for anyone, especially mom and dad. It completely breaks our hearts to hear him scream when the nurse gives the shots, but he was good the rest of the day. In another room we heard this from another child: "No mommy. Not yet." It was so sad. In the past month, Asher had grown and developed so much of a personality. We think he is going to be a funny kid like his dad and of course he is going to be the smartest kid EVER!!! But really, this is what Asher is up to:

he weighs 17 lb 2 oz (90%)
he is 26 inches long (90%)
loves to smile and laugh and talk
grabs onto toys, hair, necklaces, etc.
puts the above things into his mouth
rolls from his tummy to his back (we are working on rolling the other way)
drools a lot thanks to teething
can almost stick his fist in his mouth
goes to bed at 9:30 and sleeps until 7 am
plays in his bed until 8 am while get my day started (i love this time)
takes three naps during the day
takes 1 T of cereal in his morning bottle

I love everyday with him. He is a delight to be around except when he is hungry, but I think we are all a little grouchy when hungry.

Tummy time

Sitting like a big boy

Sweet picture with Dad

Celebrations!!

2010-03-24T15:24:00.006-05:00

This weekend was full of celebrations in our family. First, we celebrated my mom and dad's 25th wedding anniversary. They decided to renew their vows since they originally tied the knot in vegas. Jeremy preformed the ceremony and I made the cake. Apparently all I cared about was the cake because this is the only picture I have from the event.

Congratulaions to my mom and dad on making it 25 years!!!

We continued celebrating on Sunday with a wedding shower for Ashley. She has been engaged now for over a year and I kind of started to think we weren't getting anywhere close to the wedding, but since we had her shower it is only 6 weeks until she ties the knot!! Bahamas here we come!!

Beautiful Bride-to-be!!

Shower Cake...love the flowers

Great Value

2010-03-08T15:13:00.003-06:00

I have discovered the best facial scrub...Equate Blackhead Clearing Scrub. This is the Wal-Mart knock off of the Clean and Clear product. The last time I went to Wal-Mart, face cleanser was on my list and after looking at the prices I just wanted something cheap. I saw the product and saw that it was $2.99 and decided to try it. I used it for the first time a couple of days ago and my face felt like I had just had a professional facial. My skin felt smooth and clean!!! I am so excited about this product and the price makes me that much more excited!! Knowing that most people are on a budget these days, I thought I would share my new favorite product!!

3 Months

2010-02-23T11:13:00.007-06:00

Asher is 3 months old!! I cannot believe that 3 months have passed since giving birth to our precious son. Where does the time go? Over the past three months he has grown and developed much more than I ever imagined.

Ready to go hunting

For Jeremy and I, his greatest accomplishment is he now sleeps through the night. I believe he started doing this around 2 weeks ago and I must say it is glorious!!! When he does wake up, he doesn't cry anymore. Usually I wake up to the sound of laughing or cooing coming through the monitors. I like to lay in the bed and listen to him for a little bit. This wakes me up a little more and puts me in a better mood. When I finally decide to get out of bed, he greets me with laughter when I walk in the room. I cherish the sounds he makes and am thankful to have such a happy baby.

His other big accomplishment is that he rolls over from his tummy to his back!! He did this at 10 weeks when my mom was here and then didn't do it again until she came back to visit, but now he is a pro and does it all the time. Sometimes it takes him awhile and other time he just flips real quick. He holds his head up really well. Holding his head is an accomplishment also since his head is so big!!

Happy baby!!

Every day is a new day and even though I already new that, it means something totally different with Asher as a part of our family. There is a different dynamic that I would not trade for anything. When bedtime comes and I look at what I did, I feel most accomplished to know that my baby is healthy and happy and loved most of all. I cannot wait to see what the next month brings!!

2 Months

2010-01-26T11:01:00.008-06:00

Sunday marked Asher's 2 month birthday!! He has grown so much and is becoming a sweet little boy and smart too!! (Of course, I am totally unbiased)

Yesterday we went to the doctor for his first round of shots!! Watching him get those shots was maybe more painful for me than actually being in labor with Asher. He just screamed and had tears in his eyes...it was so sad. But he was a trooper and afterward he was fine. I guess they have such short memories that he had already forgotten about it.

At 2 months Asher:

weighs 13 lbs 13 oz (95%)
is 24 1/2" (95%)
is smiling, cooing and laughing
plays well in his play place by himself
holds his head up when on his tummy
can control his head otherwise
only wakes up once at night

One of the greatest things for me is the fact that I think we are getting into a daily routine. He wakes up and eats. Then he plays for about 30 minutes while I eat my breakfast and then I put him down for his morning nap. He will usually sleep for about 2 hours or until he gets hungry again. Then he eats, plays and naps. If the weather is nice we go on a walk after lunch. This is mostly for my benefit, but he enjoys his stroller and it makes me feel accomplished. He eats at 10 pm and then he is in bed by 11 pm and I am asleep by 11:30 pm. I am so thankful to have a good baby!!!

Asher loves bathtime

Asher smiling!!! So sweet!!

Nap time!!

His Grandma shirt...

Finally Some Pictures...

2010-01-10T15:48:00.010-06:00

Finally, I have found some time to blog again. And I have figured out how to post pictures...Here are some of Asher and the holidays. I will post more now that I have the picture thing down.

Asher is seven weeks old now and weighs around 13 pounds! He grows everyday and is sleeping good at night. He wakes up once during the night but he sleeps a good stretch so I am not complaining. We had a great Christmas with our baby and even got a surprise visit from Santa...

Asher and his stocking in front of the tree.

Asher with Grandmommy and Santa (aka PawPaw)We thought this was cute because he propped his arm on his knee. Asher propped on the couch.Foster enjoying the Boppy!

Time flies!

2009-12-18T15:08:00.003-06:00

Wow...Time sure does fly by. Asher is already 3 weeks old and Tuesday he will be 4 weeks!! I cannot believe it!! He has grown so much that I think within the next week he will outgrow some of his clothes. Crazy!! The time that he has been in our lives has flown by, but the funny thing is the time has been going so slowly for me. I am suppose to be taking it easy for 6 weeks. Even though I am half way through that time, it feels like forever. I think mostly this is because the weather has been so crummy, but not today!! Today was the first day of sunshine in a week for us and the good news is that the sunshine should continue for several days!! This is good news for more than one reason...

1) The dogs can go outside and play and not bother me and Asher
2) I can go on walks with Asher...which I did today
3) It brightens my mood to see the sunshine coming in through the living room windows

The past couple of weeks have been amazing!! We have settled into a routine and Asher is a good baby. He sleeps in four hour intervals during the night, sometimes more and he eats well which helps his sleep during the day and at night. He is beginning to be awake more between feedings which is fun. He loves to be held, but as we discovered with the last visit with my parents, he shouldn't be held 24/7 because then he is spoiled. However, in just a two day span I have broken him and he is content sleeping in his bed or his boppy. Foster enjoys sleeping in the boppy as well...

I have temporarily misplaced my cord for my camera, so as soon as I find it I will post pictures!!

What I've Learned...

2009-12-06T20:59:00.003-06:00

It has been 12 days since Asher was born and I am starting to have some to reflect on what we have been through. When I go to bed at night my mind is racing with thoughts until I go to sleep. Everyday brings a new challenge and everyday we learn something new, so I thought that I would share some of the things that I have learned over the past 12 days...

1) Jeremy is wonderful!! He has taken the task of taking care of me seriously!!! He takes care of Asher, but he is constantly telling me to rest. He has done the laundry and dishes. His help is invaluable. I definitely could not do this without him. My love for him has reached a new level...

2) Help is invaluable!! Our families have been AMAZING!!! They have traveled from near and far to help us out which has done wonders for my state of mind.

3) Babies grow very quickly!! The other day I was burping Asher and I wondered to myself, "When did you get that double chin?"

4) When Asher burps or passes gas, I am pleased but I know that in just a couple of years we will need to teach him not to do those things.

Good Intentions...

2009-12-01T11:25:00.002-06:00

I really had good intentions to blog during my stay in the hospital last week, but for some reason our blogs were blocked from the Christus network so it has taken me awhile to get back to the computer.

Asher has arrived...pictures coming soon!! He came last Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 8:19 am. He weighed 8 lbs 10 oz and now he weighs 8 lbs 4 oz.

I guess I will give a quick run down of my time in the hospital and the birth of Asher. I don't want to scare anyone or gross anyone out, but in case you are curious here we go...We went to the hospital on Sunday, Nov. 22 to begin the induction process. Monday my water broke in the evening and labor pains started. I finally got an epidural, but I don't remember what time. Then the pain got better...and then it came back!!! So I had a second epidural...we later found out that the first one came out so that is why it wasn't working. The second one was suppose to work for 8 hours but 3 hours later, I was feeling the pain!! Now it is Tuesday morning...

My doctor called about 6:30 am and was talking to Jeremy and suggested a C-Section because I had labored so long and was not progressing as quickly as she was hoping. She said I could labor for a couple more hours and then push for a couple of hours and by that time I would be completely exhausted. So we made the decision to have a C-Section that was to happen at 7:45, so the nurses quickly got the ball rolling.

I was rolled to the OR and was prepped with general anesthesia which DIDN'T work, so after a period of time they decided to put me completely under. A part of me was relieved because I was going to be out, but the other part of me was sad because that meant that Jeremy was unable to be in the room with me. (But he was able to see Asher as soon as they cut his cord.) After two hours in recovery (i don't remember this) I awoke and was wheeled to my room where I met my newborn son!!!

We were in the hospital until Friday morning. I was so relieved to come home but nervous. Asher is a week old today and I stand amazed at what Jeremy and I have produced!! He is sweet and precious.

I will do my best to keep posting and post pictures as well.

Getting Ready for Baby

2009-11-17T15:50:00.002-06:00

Today I went to my last doctor visit!!! Here is the latest news:

If nothing happens naturally this week, then Jeremy and I will walk into the hospital on Sunday evening to induce. My doctor is going out of town on Wednesday and wants to deliver Asher herself. We were given several options and this one sounded the best to me. My parents are coming Friday so they will already be here. Also, if nothing happens and we decide to wait it out it could be another week or so and by that time Asher may be HUGE and the chances of a C-section are greater, so I am happy with our decision. And you never know what can happen the rest of this week!!!

The other good news is that Asher has made it into the pelvic area so we need him to drop a little bit more to put pressure where pressure needs to be...Jeremy and I will try to help by walking this week. Also, I feel my "nesting" instincts kicking in. I know that I need to rest, but I can't help thinking that if I just keep on my feet then that might help things to happen naturally, but who knows.

Yesterday, Jeremy and I purchased a video camcorder!! Now we can become parents...
Also, we had a workday in the garage. Jeremy cleaned it out and got down all of our Christmas decorations...i know, it is kind of early, but the only thing I have put up is the tree!! It isn't decorated, but it is up in the living room!! I am just afraid that after Asher is born that I will be too tired to even think about putting up the tree and with this being his first Christmas I need the tree to be perfect!!! So I will be working on that this week along with cleaning up our house!!!

We are getting excited and can't wait to meet our little boy!!!

11 Days and Counting...

2009-11-11T11:32:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I visited the doctor and here is what we know...

1) Asher is in a good position for delivery!!!
2) My doctor is not on call this weekend, but she is on call the weekend of my due date!! (Nothing can happen this weekend)
3) The doctor is not concerned with the size of Ashers head, so I am not concerned either
4) I go back to the doctor next Tuesday where we will further discuss some options.

I realized the other day that the only thing I have blogged about has been our baby and this pregnancy. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I wonder if I am losing myself already!! Lately, I haven't been able to do a lot. So basically I have one major task a day and then some small ones and a lot of rest!! I am getting excited about having our little boy home with us.

Lately I have had a craving for a lemon icebox pie, but you can't just buy the ingredients and whip up a pie (it must sit overnight). So yesterday after my appointment, Jeremy and I went to lunch and I decided to go to Wal-Mart and buy the stuff so I could eat some today. As I am walking through Wal-Mart with sweetened condensed milk, a graham cracker crust, frozen lemonade, and whip cream, I think to myself I would like some Reese's, so of course I go pick up a bag and then I check out. Normally this would not happen because I worry about what the cashier may think of me, but I am now 8 1/2 months along and I don't care what anyone thinks of me! I have a craving and I am going to fulfill it!!! I must say this is one of the perks of being pregnant!!

3 Weeks Left

2009-11-03T17:58:00.003-06:00

Today I went to the doctor...only two more visits to go (if I make it that long). Everything has been going good. I saw the doctor quickly today because she was on her way to a delivery, but before she left she decided to see me and concluded that I needed an ultrasound today to see how big the baby is!! I went back to the office at 3:30 for the ultrasound and after a short wait we saw our baby again!!! The tech begins to tell us that Ashers head is big, as well as his belly. Jeremy said that he gets his belly from him..haha!! She did some other diagnostic measuring and then to the fun stuff...Asher is still a boy!! That was good news to hear. She guessed that he weighs 7 lb 8 oz, but that could also differ one pound either way. I doubt that he weighs 6 lb 8 oz, so he could possibly weigh 8 lb 8 oz and should gain 1/2 lb each week, so we have a potentially large baby on our hands!!! Also, Asher already has hair (we just don't know what color...reddish or brown). I go back next Tuesday for my weekly appointment.

In other news, Halloween came and went. Jeremy and I didn't do anything for Halloween. We did some tasks that morning, so by the time we were done it was time for dinner. We opened the door about 3 times and decided to turn out the light and enjoy our evening. It was glorious!!

Each day is one day closer to the arrival of our baby so I am trying to make sure that I have everything in order. My next task to complete is packing my bag for the hospital stay and technically I should be ready...physically. I am still not mentally ready for what is about to happen.

Wonderful Weekends

2009-10-26T19:28:00.002-05:00

Yesterday marked 4 weeks until my given due date!!! 4 WEEKS!!!! What is going on...time is going by so quickly, so Jeremy and I are trying to get in as much couple time as possible.

Earlier in the pregnancy, we talked about having a baby moon...a mini-vacation before the baby comes. Well, time got away from us and we decided not to go away, but spend our weekends enjoying each others company. Friday started as any other day. We had tacos for dinner (i made them) accompanied by salsa and queso (courtesy of Casa Ole). Before I could eat Jeremy presented me with a card...it was sweet and inside were two tickets to see Taylor Swift in concert!!! I am so excited!! The concert sold out in 10 minutes!!! The concert is not until May, so that means I have six months to continue my excitement!! Can you believe that my Jeremy got tickets!! After this surprise, my tacos and queso tasted even better!!

Saturday we started off our day with breakfast at Cracker Barrel...I had pecan pancakes and Jeremy had a breakfast with a pork chop and eggs and other things. It was super delicious. Then we headed off to the movies...Where the Wild Things Are. I enjoyed the movie...there were a lot of small children in the theater and it was not really a kid movie, but they are not my kids so who cares. We spent some time in Beaumont playing and then back home to be lazy.

Sunday was a good day of worship and Sabbath day rest. I love Sabbath day rest.

Today we slept late...not many of these left so we are taking advantage. Chewy started barking around 7 am at the school bus and then came and snuggled me. He and Foster stayed asleep until I got up around 8:30 am. I had some blood work done this morning and then we met with our pediatrician this afternoon. Jeremy and I both like the guy. The pediatrician's office is by Marble Slab so I decided today that Asher will probably be getting ice cream after every visit to the doctor...way to bribe my son before he is even born. Jeremy is gone this evening so I am home with the dogs watching HGTV!!! Love it!!

Tomorrow I must get back to some of my wife duties...and I go to the doctor tomorrow morning to start my weekly appointments!!! Weekly appointments...I am definitely getting closer to actually having a baby!!!

Doctor Visit

2009-10-20T10:40:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I went to the doctor...I did get to see her!! And my total visit time was only 4 hours!! I think that might be a record...but everything looks good and on schedule. I am still measuring big but in relation to my entire pregnancy, it is all relative. There won't be another ultrasound, which I am kind of sad about because I want to see my little boy, but since our insurance doesn't cover maternity, Dr. C doesn't want to make us pay all of that money. I think this is kind of her. She felt around and said that his head is down so that is a good sign. Now I am to the point where I go weekly to the doctor...it is getting really close to the time of arrival!!! I can't believe this journey is coming to an end. It has gone by a whole lot quicker than I anticipated but I have enjoyed it!!!

Awwww...Cooler Weather

2009-10-17T11:00:00.002-05:00

So, the weather has turned a bit cooler in the last couple of days and I am so thankful for it. You can actually breathe when you walk outside and for someone who is 8 months pregnant, I would say that breathing is pretty important. Yesterday I got to spend the most wonderful day with my husband. First we made a couple of hospital visits and then had a nice lunch at Cheddars. As we were sitting at lunch, Jeremy made a statement that still sticks with me today..."We don't have many of these days left so we better enjoy them." We are both excited about the arrival of Asher, but we cannot know the toll it will take on us, so we are trying to live up our couple status before we officially become parents.

After lunch, we went to the mall. I needed some long sleeve t's for this cooler weather. I haven't bought a whole lot of new clothes, mainly because I don't work outside of the home, but I try to do with what I have. I have definitely gotten bigger and my clothes that I have been wearing throughout the pregnancy are beginning to get a little snug. Actually, I needed something purple-ish to wear to the football game last night. Is that sad? I don't think you have to wear purple to a PN-G football game, but I do think that I should at least make an effort because I would stick out like a sore thumb if I didn't have on purple.

After our afternoon out, we came home and I rested for a little bit and then off to the game we went. The weather was so nice...cool and breezy...perfect weather to watch a football game. The Indians won the game so they are still undefeated!! We left the game after the third quarter because they were far ahead and we were both tired. So...that was my wonderful Friday with my Jeremy!!

40 Days to go!!!

2009-10-13T15:25:00.002-05:00

Today marks 40 days left of this pregnancy if I get to November 22!! This makes me excited and nervous all at the same time. I have so much to do, but I get so tired quickly that I can't accomplish all that I want. This is frustrating. Jeremy and I attended our childbirth education class on Saturday and it was very informative. There were several couples that had signed up, but Jeremy and I were the only ones to show up. They only offer this class once a month so this was our only chance...I wonder about those other couples, but at this point I cannot worry about them. We watched several videos and learned some labor exercises and toured the labor room. It was my first encounter with a labor/delivery bed and I must say, the bed scared me a bit.

I keep praying for Asher and now have started praying for a simple, quick delivery. I cannot think about this too much because it makes me a nervous wreck. I go to the doctor this coming Monday, the 19th. I didn't see her two weeks ago, so I will definitely have to wait on her this time. Other than the lack of energy, everything is going well. Asher is moving all of the time. I have definitely grown over the past couple of weeks. When Asher does make big movements, I can see them now. This is a weird feeling, but I love it and more importantly, I love Asher.

It's Been Awhile...

2009-10-02T15:51:00.002-05:00

So it has been awhile since I have posted but in my defense I have been busy getting ready for our baby. The most notable thing that has happened is my first baby shower. It was last Saturday and we got so much stuff. So many clothes that Asher will have to be changed several times a day in order to wear everything, but we are super thankful and blessed to have the support that we do. My parents were in town for the weekend and they helped out so much...my dad cleaned the carpet and hung up some shelving and my mom and ashley organized everything we got. I am so thankful for that because I was exhausted after the shower. My mom bought Asher a little chef jacket...it was the cutest thing I have ever seen. I have it hanging in the dining room at the moment and it brings me so much joy everytime I pass by. The church is throwing us a shower this Sunday evening. So next week I will spend a little time each day organizing and finding a place for everything.

Another one of my favorite things from the shower is seeing all of my high school friends except one. Laura, Kari, Becca,(lives in the Houston area) and Alicia (lives in Pflugerville) came to the shower and Kathy lives in Minneapolis so that is, of course, excused. I am so thankful for these ladies. They were all friends growing up and I joined the group our freshmen year of high school. We have all started our own lives, but through the beauty of blogs and facebook, we can keep in touch. These ladies are amazing...I haven't seen them in probably over a year but we just picked back up where we left off. Those are good friends.

Everything seems to be going as planned on the baby front. I was suppose to see the doctor yesterday, but she got held up at the hospital with deliveries so since I haven't had any complications I made an appointment to go back in two weeks. Hopefully I will be able to see her then. I am going now every two weeks and it won't be long before I am going every week. It is amazing to me that we are about to have a baby!!! Things are coming together but I keep wondering if I am forgeting about something important. I am starting to feel large and am tired most of the time. I am nervous about the actual delivery so I just read about and it kind of calms my nerves but only for a little bit.

I promise to be a better blogger in the future...

Finally on Facebook

2009-09-12T19:18:00.002-05:00

Jeremy has been a part of Facebook for a little bit now and every once in a while he will ask if I want to be on Facebook and I always say no. Well, last night he caught me at a weak moment and I said Yes...I think I am crazy!!! So, last night at about 10:30, after setting Foster a Facebook page, he set mine up. You read that right...Foster is on Facebook...I think it is great!! I have had the page less than 24 hours and I have already asked a million questions.

Come to find out, I have actually been on Facebook for several years now. I set up an account my last year in college when it was only offered to those in college. I have since forgot my college email and password, so needless to say Blair Savoy has a facebook and Blair Bradshaw has a facebook. I guess Blair Savoy will forever be a part of Facebook because I have no idea how to change it or take it off. This is funny to me, but annoying to Jeremy. I honestly hope to learn more about the Facebook and keep it up. I have done pretty good with this blog. We will see...

Dancing Baby

2009-09-08T19:05:00.002-05:00

Since Sunday, Asher has been moving like crazy. It all started in Sunday School...I guess he really enjoyed the lesson. Since then he has moved quite frequently. Up until now Jeremy has not felt him move. Everytime Asher is moving, I grab his hand and put it on my tummy hoping he will feel him and it never fails, Asher quits moving. It has been driving me crazy because it is like Asher knows that we are trying to catch him or something. So tonight Jeremy and I are relaxing on the couch and he was moving all about. I told Jeremy to give me his hand and he finally felt Asher move!!!! He was excited, as was I. Jeremy's reaction was really sweet...he looked at me with big eyes. I guess he was surprised that he actually felt him moving.

I go to the doctor next week and we are trying to get in a 3D ultrasound next week also. So if we get some good pictures from that we will definitely post those. I am 29 weeks along and I am starting to feel pregnant. I can't believe that the time has gone by so quickly and that there are only 11 weeks left. A lady told me the other day that the last month will be the longest month of my life!!! That is all I have been thinking about lately and why in the world she would tell me that. I am all for being honest about pregnancy, but if you are going to say something negative you should end the sentence with something positive. For example, "the last month will be the longest month of you life but once you see your precious bundle of joy you won't remember anything but his face" I realize that noone in their right mind actually talks like this but a girl can dream, right?

What We Do For Love...

2009-09-07T20:48:00.004-05:00

First of all...Happy Labor Day!!!!

Jeremy and I didn't have any big plans today except one...go to Chick-fil-A and take advantage of a cheap lunch. Today Chick-fil-A gave away a free chicken sandwich to anyone wearing a team logo. Jeremy was super excited about this give away but I on the other hand was not super excited about wearing a team logo because nothing fits me. Anyway...we got ready and I wore his Astros jersey and off we went to the get our free sandwich. As we pulled into the parking lot we were both a little nervous that noone else would be wearing a logo, but we were wrong. Now I was under the impression that you had to be wearing a professional team, but most people were in t-shirts. Here Jeremy and I walk in...he wearing a Texans jersey and me in the Astros jersey. I felt silly, but Jeremy didn't care once he had his free sandwich. As a treat to everyone, I took pictures today of what I looked like..

Obviously not very excited about this trip...(also no make-up in these pictures)

This picture is to satisfy those who have asked to see my baby bump...also not a great picture

There will be prettier pictures to come.

I would like to end this post with this comment...I cannot believe that I am posting these horrible pictures. These would qualify as miserable pregnant pictures, but I am actually feeling pretty good. Hope everyone had a great 3 day weekend!!!

Weekend Fun

2009-08-30T20:36:00.002-05:00

This weekend started out with a trip to the doctor. Just a normal check-up. Jeremy went with me which is very kind of him. I was only there for about 3 hours which is pretty good. Everything is going fine. I go back in a couple of weeks. My next ultrasound should be coming up pretty soon which I am really ready for. I miss seeing my little boy!!

Friday night we attended the first football game of the season. Port Neches actually won!!! Since the massive renovation of "The Reservation" we have actually benefited. Our seats are now on the end...seats 1-4. This is really nice since I am six months pregnant and I don't know if I would fit down the aisle otherwise. It is weird to go back to games...it has been eight years since I have graduated from high school. Can you believe that...8 years!!!! My favorite time is half time, obviously, and my eye goes straight to twirlers...naturally. I sometimes miss those days of friday night fun.

Saturday, Jeremy and I went to see Julie and Julia. LOVED IT!!!! After the movie we both wanted to eat something delicious, made with lots of butter!! HAHA!!! We got some dinner and headed home.

Today we went to church and then I took a nap and then back to church. I am now fasting before my glucose test tomorrow. I have never had to do so many tests before getting pregnant. I am going in the morning for the test where I have to drink something but I don't know what it is, so I am a little bit worried about the possible taste. Also, I am worried about failing the test and then I would have to take it again. If I don't want to take the test the first time, I definitely don't want to take the test a second time. Jeremy is calming my fears which I greatly appreciate. So we will have to see the outcome tomorrow.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!

Top Chef

2009-08-27T14:36:00.002-05:00

Last night I watched two episodes of the new Top Chef in Las Vegas. As much as I love cooking shows and the Food Network, I have never watched Top Chef before. It just isn't that appealing to me, but if they had a Top Pastry Chef, I would totally be addicted. I digress...My decision to watch last night was based upon the contestants. I came across this girl who had stretched out her ears with these big metal rings and it was disgusting. Why do chefs have to be so weird? Anyway, she caught my attention and by the end of the episode I wanted her to go home. And she did!!! I don't even know her name, but those rings (and they were probably more like bracelets for a teenager) I just couldn't take. Since she went home, I decided to watch the next episode. It started off with a "quick fire challenge" and then they got their real challenge: cooking for a bachelor/bachelorette party. The team challenge would be boys against girls. No big deal, right...apparently it was a big deal. These two women who are homosexual thought it was wrong to do a wedding challenge when they could not partake in such a union. OMG!!! I totally went off at the TV last night!! Here are my reasons why this girl is being ridiculous...

1) You are a contestant on a game show where you have the opportunity of a lifetime...suck it up and play the game

2) You have the right to be married...to someone of the opposite sex

3) If you are so disturbed by catering for a bachelor/bachelorette party, then stand your ground and quit

Anyway...I don't know if I totally like the show. One girl made a dish with octopus...who really eats octopus? These may be the only two episodes of Top Chef I watch and then again I may become addicted.

Back from the Beach

2009-08-24T16:07:00.002-05:00

Last week at the beach was very nice. I left on Monday and came home on Saturday. As mentioned earlier, this was my first trip to the beach since Ike and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. It was not near what I had in mind. Granted it has been almost a year and is a lot cleaner than right after the storm. The beach was clean and the water had actual "white caps", not "brown caps" which is usually the case. There are some spots that have been wiped away, but some areas had a good selection of cabins still left.

Monday we just kind of laid around and rested, but Tuesday we actually went to the beach. There are all sorts of big construction trucks that have made make shift roads in the sand so my mom was following such a road onto the beach and came across some soft sand. Both Ashley and I said to keep going so she stops and gets stuck!! We unload our stuff and start playing assuming someone would help us. It took awhile...I was afraid I was going to have to stand in the road and protrude my pregnant belly (which was fully covered) to get some help. Thankfully, I didn't have to do that and two men stopped to help us.

Wednesday my dad came to the beach with the pool. We were finally saved from having to go to the beach!!!! Funny, right? So the rest of my time was mostly spent relaxing in the pool on our deck and relaxing with my feet propped up. Finally, Jeremy came to the beach with the boys on Thursday night. I missed him and was excited to see him. He was having a busy week and the beach can always help with a busy week. It was the first time for the boys to be at the beach and they did pretty well. Foster didn't bark as much as I thought he would and Chewy didn't jump off of the deck, so all in all they pass the beach test. We came home on Saturday and as nice as it is to get away, it is also nice to be in your own bed again.

I would love to say that I will post pictures, but I don't have any...I am not an avid picture taker. Sorry...I will have to get better at that once Asher comes.

Vacation #2

2009-08-16T22:35:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow I leave to spend a week at the beach!!! I am excited to get away and relax but also sad to leave Jeremy. He will be joining me later in the week, but the week will start off with just girls. For as long as I can remember, my family has gone to the beach for a week every summer. Last year we went in May so we got our vacation in before Ike came and destroyed the beach. This year I didn't think we would be going to the beach considering its condition, but my mom has been determined to find a cabin, pet friendly of course, for us this summer. And she did. This will be the first time I have returned to the beach since the hurricane so I am in for a surprise. I have heard the descriptions, but in my mind everything is still there, so I will definitely have to see for myself to fully comprehend. Anyway...it will be a week before anything new comes available. So hope everyone has a good week!!

PS: I am excited to take Asher on his first beach trip. It will be of course the safest beach trip he will ever go on, but I am still excited. So I am in the middle of my sixth month and am feeling him move. So when I feel him I look at my tummy to see if I can see him moving and everytime I look down he stops moving...it is the weirdest thing. And I am definitely showing now and my tummy is getting in my way...i don't know what I am going to do as I grow and things progress!!

Jukebox Cake

2009-08-13T19:29:00.003-05:00

So this is the birthday cake that I made for my Aunt Kathy's 50th birthday a couple of weeks ago. I am super pleased with how this cake came out. Jeremy designed the cake and I decorated it. Jeremy is a great cake designer...who knew. Actually no one really believes me but he helps me out a lot with my cakes...he is a very detail oriented person and keeps me on track. He also made the plug for the cake (you can see it in the back) out of fondant all by himself. He is learning some tricks of the trade. Along with the cake I made some "record" sugar cookies. I think they pull the cake together. We found some top songs from 1959 and wrote those on the cookies for a more authentic look. Everyone was super impressed by this cake, as was I. The picture is good, but seeing this cake in person is even better.

Back To School...

2009-08-13T19:02:00.004-05:00

Obviously I am not the one going to back to school. And even funnier is that I do not know anyone going back to school. My youngest cousin will be starting college but that is different. This time of year is special. When I go to Wal-Mart or Target all of the newness of notebooks and pencils that have never been sharpened excites me. When I was in school, I loved getting my school supplies. I always wanted the 64 count crayons, but my mom never saw a need for that so I got the 24...still a good number. And I was always secretly jealous of the kid you had the biggest box of crayons with the built in sharpener, this is because the big box had the silver and gold crayon...hence now my love for most things that sparkle!!! Although I love the back to school season, I feel bad for parents who have to spend the money on these school supplies. When you look at the lists that the teachers have it is crazy. Long gone are the days when you take with you on the first day of school one folder, a couple of pencils and a pink pearl eraser. Honestly, I could probably set up a lawn chair in the school supply section and watch everyone come through and pick school supplies. Better yet...they could pay me to sit there and help kids get everything they need while their parents continue shopping. That sounds like a pretty good job!!!

25 Weeks

2009-08-11T19:52:00.003-05:00

Yesterday we received two-thirds of the nursery furniture!! I was excited and I think Jeremy was excited as well. The dresser came assembled and the bed came not assembled so Jeremy and Chris put that together yesterday afternoon. We are just waiting on the changing table to come...it is on back-order. The nursery is coming along pretty nicely. The room has been painted, we have some of the furniture, we have all of the bedding and Asher almost has a closet full of clothes...thanks to my mom and Ashley!!! As things are moving along, I get excited but nervous at the same time. We basically have less than 4 months to go before we bring a baby home. That is scary!!

Today I went back to the doctor and it took up my whole day. My appointment was at 11 am and at 12:30 they told me I could go have lunch and come back. I thought this was kind because I meant to pack a snack but I was running late this morning so I didn't get to. I went back at 1:30 and left about 3:45. Not too bad of a wait I guess. I did get to read the PEOPLE magazine with the "Saved by the Bell" cast on the front so that was a plus. Asher's heartbeat is good and the doctor is thinking that he might be a big baby which is expected when you look at the babies on my side of the family. I don't think anyone has been born and weighed less than 8 lbs!! We will have to wait and see. I have had some problems with my feet swelling so I was given a prescription for compression socks...I had no idea you really have to have a prescription for compression socks. That doesn't sound like a hot ticket item, but you never know these days. Anyway...I guess I will get them and try them out.

Jeremy is doing better. He goes on Thursday for some blood work to test his liver functions and I don't know where we will go from there. Hopefully, that will be all and he will be done with the doctor. That is about it...

Saved By the Bell Reunion is Hilarious!!

2009-08-08T14:28:00.004-05:00

I love the 90's! This is a hilarious video from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon where the one and only Zach Morris of Saved By the Bell makes an appearance.

Home Sweet Home

2009-08-04T21:21:00.002-05:00

I have never been so glad to come home to my own bed and my dogs!!!

I have never spent so much time in the hospital and I wasn't even the patient. I have never spent the night in the hospital and I don't look forward to when I must be in the hospital to have Asher. I know things will be more joyful, but time stands still while you are in the hospital.

So the results...Jeremy is a mystery. He had a CT Scan yesterday evening and we got the results last night...all clear. What could be wrong with him? He finally got to eat today...a liquid diet, so I use the word "eat" very loosely. After seeing the doctor today, we finally got the green light to come home so we left around 6 pm. We went to Wal-Mart to get a liquid friendly diet for Jeremy and now we are relaxing. It is so nice to be home.

In other news, my sister, Ashley, has a job interview tomorrow at a hospital in Louisiana. She has been looking for a job since she graduated in May and this is her first interview. She is nervous, but I am sure she will do great!! We are going to the beach as a family in a couple of weeks and I think she is going to move to Louisiana after we get back. I will miss her so much, but this will be the best thing for her and Chris. We wish her the best of luck in her interview!!

Quick Update

2009-08-03T19:46:00.002-05:00

So yesterday I was thinking about updating my blog and thinking about all that I had to say because we had an eventful weekend and then all of that went away...I don't have much time so I will make this snappy. Jeremy is in the hospital. I came home shortly to gather some things and take a shower, but wanted to update to ask everyone who reads this to pray. We don't know what is wrong...he has been having some pain and think that it might be his appendix. He had a CT Scan this evening and we haven't heard back about that. Hopefully, we will know something tonight, like whether or not he will be having surgery tomorrow. Thank you for your prayers and as soon as I get more time I will update about his health and our weekend.

Boys...

2009-07-27T17:20:00.004-05:00

Since we have found out that we are having a boy, I have been preoccupied with thoughts about raising Asher. I didn't grow up with boys, didn't have many friends that were boys, and certaintly didn't date a lot of boys, so boys are another species to me. Last Monday, Jeremy and I were at Lifeway and we bought a book titled, Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson. I scanned it on Tuesday and brought it with me to my appointment on Wednesday...it was my saving grace considering I was there for hours. Anyway...I began reading this book on Wednesday not really having any expectations. In the first chapter I began reading horror stories from the author...I would like to share one if you don't mind...

In seventh grade, the biology teacher had us dissect fetal pigs. My friends and I pocketed the snout of the pig and stuck it on the water fountain so that the water shot straight up out of the pig's nostrils. No one really noticed it until they were bent over just about to drink. The problem is that we wanted to stick around and see the results, but then we started laughing so hard that we got caught. We all got the paddle for that.

Mark, Ohio

This is actually one of the milder stories, but I was absolutely blown away. Actually, the first chapter of this book frightened me about what my house will be like if I have only boys...pray that doesn't happen. I finished Chapter 3 last night and it is getting better. Chapter 2 was about the difference between girls and boys and Chapter 3 explained the hormone testosterone and how that affects boys differently than girls. I must say after reading Chapter 3, boys make a little more sense to me.

Don't misread me...I am excited about having a boy. I am sure there will be a lot of funny moments throughout his life, but I am looking forward to raising a godly young man and teaching him for years to come. Who knows, I might love boys so much I might be uncomfortable with a girl....LOL!!!

Mans Best Friend

2009-07-25T16:01:00.002-05:00

Last night Jeremy and I were going to bed and Foster has this new habit of sitting above Jeremys head before he goes to sleep. This drives Jeremy crazy and I think it is sweet and cute. Needless to say, Foster is spoiled rotten...actually both of our boys are spoiled rotten. They both won't eat unless we are home and most of the time we have to be in the same room with them...crazy!! Anyway, back to Foster...he most of the time enjoys eating in the bed, so last night when Jeremy was trying to get Foster off of his head he put his food bowl in the bed and Foster didn't budge. My thought was that Foster wasn't hungry and just wanted to snuggle his dads head, but that wasn't good enough answer for Jeremy. What happened next boggled me and still boggles my mind... Much to my dismay Jeremy begins to take a couple of pieces of food in his hand and offers it to Foster...to which Foster begins to eat. Eat out of Jeremys hand in the bed as we are getting ready to go to bed!!!! There is nothing that Jeremy will not do for his dogs...I love that he loves his dogs so much, don't get me wrong, I love them too but I draw the line at feeding them out of my hand. So after a couple of hand feedings he stopped and we all snuggled and went to sleep.

I feel like I am playing favorites writing about Foster and not Chewy, but he is older and doesn't sleep in the bed anymore so I don't have a story at the moment. But I love our boys equally and they definitely come in second to Asher.

Speaking of Asher...he has gotten some mail this week. My mom ordered his bedding and put it in his name and it came to the house today!!! I am so excited, but everything has to stay in the box because we still have several steps to get the nursery ready. But I can pick out paint colors now that I have the bedding. Also...he is definitely moving around in my tummy. I guess he is doing flips or something...I hope he will end up with his head down so we don't have to do a C-Section. Anyway...that is it for now...

Dentist and Wheat Thins

2009-07-22T11:50:00.002-05:00

This morning I had a dentist appointment. I don't love going to the dentist...the scratching and poking, but I LOVE the way my mouth feels after the appointment. I was suppose to go last Monday but I got rescheduled for this morning. So I got myself ready and went. It wasn't long before I was laying in the chair while my hygenist and I discussed me having a baby. All of a sudden I started sweating which is odd because it is normally freezing in the office and then I thought for a minute that I might just pass out. So I asked for some water and the lady asked if I felt okay and I said "no, not at all" so I got some water and she offered me some crackers which I readily accepted. Here I am with that paper bib around my neck, sitting up in the dentist chair eating wheat thins. The first thought that came to mind is that here I am sitting in the dentist EATING...who eats at the dentist? So after calming down I decided to reschedule my appointment for after Asher is born and called Jeremy to come pick me up. He thought something was wrong with the car, but I had to tell him that it was me that was not functioning properly. Needless to say that I am embarrassed and disappointed that I now must wait until January to get my teeth properly cleaned.

Yesterday I spent most of my day at Dr. Cunninghams office. That is another long story, but the main point is that Asher seems to be doing good and he is a mover and shaker. When I was seen, the lady was checking the heartbeat and she couldn't get it because he kept moving around. He has been moving a lot lately...I am starting to realize what his movements feel like. Things are starting to come together. My mom has ordered the bedding and we are looking for the furniture to go in the nursery. We are working on cleaning out the middle room which will become the nursery. We are definitely getting excited and nervous. It is just 18 weeks to go...not long at all.

50s Sock Hop Party

2009-07-20T10:33:00.002-05:00

This past Saturday we celebrated my aunt Kathys 50th birthday by having a 50s themed sock hop party. It was fun!! Most everyone dressed up in 50s gear...the boys in white tees and rolled up jeans with slicked back hair. My mom and ashley bought poodle skirts and they looked super cute. We said Ashley reminded us of Patti Simcock from Grease..the real prim and proper cheerleader. I dressed in rolled up jeans with a white button down shirt and a "pink ladies" jacket my mom found that morning. I felt like I should have been in a recital because it had a sequined collar and cuffs. It was cute no less.

I made a jukebox cake to go with the theme. Jeremy actually designed it and I made it happen on the cake. We work really well as a team and he actually made a plug out of fondant all by himself. I am slowly teaching him and he is always a big help. Anyway...the cake came out amazing...i think I out did myself. I didn't take any pictures with my camera but jeremy and others did so maybe someone can email me one of them and I can post it so the 5 of you can see. HAHA!! Everyone had a lot of fun at the party and Kathy was super excited that we were all there to celebrate her birthday.

New Chick-Fil-A!!!!

2009-07-16T11:49:00.003-05:00

This morning I woke up really tired and in a fog and immediately began thinking of my long "to do" list which inevitably became longer once I got out of bed. But then as I walked through the house and the dogs so happily greeted me, I remembered...Today is opening day of the new Chick-Fil-A in Mid-County!!!!! This might make me crazy, but my day just got a little better. Jeremy and I have been discussing this day for a while now and we have come to the decision that we are going to wait a week before going...even though I kind of want to go just to get some waffle fries, but I will wait. My thinking behind waiting a week is that all of the crazies will go away and the employees will find a better groove (lets say next wednesday night) than they will have today.

Normally we eat at McAlisters on wednesday night after church but last night was not a good experience for us so we may be changing our plans. So now as I am writing this my mouth is watering for some chicken nuggets and waffle fries, but then when I think of waffle fries my mind immediately goes to salt, which I am trying to limit because my feet are super sensitive to salt these days and swell up quite rapidly. But I will probably take one for the team and indulge myself on wednesday and prop my feet up later.

Vacation

2009-07-13T15:48:00.002-05:00

So, the rest of our vacation was nice. We went to San Antonio on Friday and ate some great mexican food and then walked to the Alamo. After enjoying a sno-cone under the trees we were going to go inside the Alamo, but the line was LONG!! Who knew the Alamo was such a big attraction? Anyway...we didn't go through because I was quickly turning into not hot mess...and I mean hot. (it was super hot!!) So, Jeremy went and got the car and we returned home.

Saturday, we went to Fredricksburg to see a World War II reenactment. We bought tickets and had lunch and then went to the reenactment. The reenactment lasted about two hours and was mostly educational...all about every type of weapon used by the Americans and the Japanese during the war. With the ticket purchase, came a set of earplugs because they would fire every weapon after explaining everything about it. This was interesting but I just wish it was about 20 degrees cooler than it actually was. Anyway...after the actual reenactment we drove back to home base.

Sunday we went to church with my mom and dad and at the end of the service I think Asher moved about so I told Jeremy that he was wondering where we were at because the man who was talking definitely wasn't "daddy"...it was a cute moment but you probably had to be there. The rest of Sunday we rested just like every Sunday.

Monday, my mom, ashley and I went into Austin to start the baby registry process. We started at Babies R Us, which is ridiculously huge and filled with more baby stuff than I think should exist, but oh well. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed within the first few isles which consisted of bottles.
1) Who knew that many types of bottles existed
2) Is there really a brand that is better than the other?
3) If question 2 is No, why don't these companies combine together to make things easier for first time parents
About an hour and a half later we were finally done...then to Target where my sister preceded to take over the gun duties. Initially, it was to register for socks and then she just kept the thing and found who knows what that Asher may or may not need.

On Tuesday we finally found our way to some water. Jeremy, my mom, Ashley and I went to Inks lake which is close to my moms house. Jeremy rented a kayak and got some exercise. The rest of us just stayed in the water and floated. It was a nice relaxing day. We got a little bit too much sun, but doesn't that always happen? We left on wednesday morning and got back home early that afternoon.

All and all, it was nice getaway. Chewy was a good dog and didn't run away at all...he is definitely calming with age. Foster is still a hot shot at just a year old. He did get his backyard priviledges back as long as the deer were not in the backyard. (Sorry this is long, but there was a lot to cover)

It's A...

2009-07-03T08:22:00.002-05:00

BOY!! His name is Asher Alexander Bradshaw!!

We found out yesterday around noon. More importantly, the baby is healty...nothing wrong with the heart that the doctor could see. The baby is in a breach position as of now, but that could all change within the next couple of months. This ultrasound was not one of the 4-D ones, but I think it was better than the last one...or it could be that the baby is just bigger so there is more to see. This was Jeremys first ultrasound to watch and he was super impressed to say the least. It is so amazing that you can see all of what you do see through sound waves. We got to see his feet and he wiggled them for us and we could see his hands moving around. I think the neatest thing was to see the heart ventricles moving and pumping. It is amazing!!! Now I can get started on everything else to prepare myself for his arrival in November. I will try to get the pictures up when we get back from vacation.

We are officially on vacation. We left yesterday afternoon and got to my moms in the evening. So far, I have watched Foster run after the deer into the woods. It was pretty funny to watch because he is so small compared with the deer. He came back, but has lost his backyard priviledges for now. We will be going to San Antonio today to see the Alamo and eat some Mexican food.

What Will It Be?

2009-06-26T08:44:00.003-05:00

This past Tuesday I had another appt. with my doctor. Most everything was okay. The doctor said she thinks she hears a little skip in the heartbeat so she is sending me to another doctor. My appt. with him is next Thursday. He will do an ultrasound just to make sure everything is okay and we will find out the sex of the baby!! Please don't be alarmed with the beginning of this post...this post is not about the heartbeat but rather what will our baby be...a boy or a girl? Just knowing that in a week we will know is driving me CRAZY!! I just want to know so we can give him/her a name. We have a top boy name and a top girl name, but we aren't telling yet. After our appt. on Thursday, Jeremy and I will leave to go on vacation...a much needed vacation. Please pray that everything is just fine with our baby...I am not worried because most of the time these things are fixed on there own and I believe that whatever happens, the Lord is already taken care of it.

PS: I am at 18 weeks and my jeans officially don't fit anymore. I am sad because I love my jeans, so the other day I put them together with a rubber band until I can buy some maternity jeans. Also, I am measuring a month bigger than I actually am, so this may be a large baby or we may have miscalculated, but I am betting on a large baby!!!

Mission Trip

2009-06-16T15:16:00.002-05:00

I have not posted in a while because last week we were gone on a mission trip. Jeremy and I went to the Rio Grande Valley with 9 others from our church. Let me say that we had a great trip. It was super hot...mostly over 100F and my feet were swollen most of the trip, but we had a good time. We had work projects during the day and we hosted a VBS at Rangerville Baptist Church in the evening. We started out with 39 kids the first day and ended up with about 60 kids at one point. For the most part, they were good kids. My main job was being in charge of crafts...sometimes they were too much for me so I had to raise my voice which shocked those that came from our church because I am so soft spoken most of the time. For the record, I enjoy being soft spoken.

I tried my best not to play the "pregnancy card" while gone because I didn't want others to think Jeremy was playing favorites...but one evening I had too because I totally misplaced a bag of sequins. CRAZY!!! Of all the scenarios to play the "pregnancy card", this is the one I choose. Other than that I was good the rest of the week.

The last day of VBS I believe we had 4 decisions from kids!!! It is so exciting to see kids excited about the Word and what He has to say. Even if we didn't have any decisions, it would have been a successfull mission trip because 60 kids heard about Jesus Christ!!! I enjoy mission trips even though there is a lot of work involved and stress that builds up, so I will be sad next year when Jeremy goes it alone because I will be home with our baby.

Salons, Gas Stations,and...Donut Shops?

2009-06-04T13:33:00.002-05:00

For anyone who lives in Groves or the Golden Triangle, you know that we have an abundance of hair/nail salons and gas stations. At most corners, you should be able to find at least one of these establishments. Over the past couple of days I have noticed a new trend developing on Twin City Highway...Donut Shops. Last night Jeremy and I were driving home from Target and I noticed a sign for a new donut shop in the parking lot of the old, old K-Mart. My mind automatically thought of the other donut shop that is being built at the corner of Twin City and Hwy 73 (bad location if you ask me, but they didn't). Why do we need two donut shops within a mile of each other? Then in bed last night I was thinking about it and thought of all the places that you can buy donuts in Groves: Bruces Market Basket, Wal-Mart, and the Donut Palace. There are probably more, but I think I have stressed my point. Why do we need two new donut establishments...I mean, isn't our nation fighting obesity as is and the Golden Triangle is going to add two more donut shops to help??? I think this is bizarre and told Jeremy that what we need more of is Fruit Stands...organic, good for you fruit stands or better yet, a farmers market. I would love to go to the farmers market and buy food. It might actually be a lot of work, but it sounds fun in my head. I think now when people ask where I am from I might just tell them...Groves, TX...capital to the most salons, gas stations, and donut shops per square mile. Yes...that sounds wonderful, a lot better than refinery nation.

First Baby Pictures

2009-06-03T15:29:00.007-05:00

After a week, we have finally scanned the sonogram pictures and Jeremy showed me how to put them on my blog. There are four pictures total and we don't know if it is a boy or girl. I am now at 15 weeks and am starting to show. However, I can still fit into my jeans and button them so that is my small victory.

This first picture is the baby looking at you...it looks like an alien with the big eyes

The second picture is of the face...this one is not super clear

This picture is of the baby's spine...the doctor said it looked healthy

The last picture is the heart rate which is 150 (normal)...I think this is the best picture of the face.

Isn't our baby beautiful...i think so at least. Putting these pictures on hear is another small victory for me, but it also reminds me that we are really having a baby. I don't forget that we are having a baby, trust me with the constant heartburn I am experiencing, it would be impossible to forget, but it gets a little more real with every passing day.

Proud Moments

2009-06-03T09:37:00.002-05:00

As you can all tell, my blog has a new look!!! And I did it all by myself!!! This is one of my proudest computer moments EVER!! I am not very computer savvy, so most of the time I get Jeremy to do this stuff for me, but I have accomplished something on my own. Now if I can just figure out how to get pictures on here I will be set. I hope you enjoy the new background...i thought it captured the essence of who I am. HAHAHA!!! Have a great day!!

Doctor Visit #2

2009-05-27T08:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I went to see the doctor for my second visit and I got a surprise...she did an ultrasound!!!! So I saw our baby for the first time yesterday...it was amazing!!! It is kind of hard to explain the emotions that came over me on this blog, but just know that I have never felt anything like it before. I came home with four pictures and will hopefully figure out how to get them on the blog, with Jeremys help of course.

I don't think it was planned at all, because when the doctor came in and was feeling me, she took me to the ultrasound room where she later told me she thought there might have been twins, but there is just one. I thought Jeremy would have been so excited, (he wants twins, so we get a two for one deal) and I myself kind of got excited over the idea of having twins, but I am also glad to know that our one baby is healthy and growing beautifully. Everything else must have been okay because after that I was on my way home. I go back to the doctor in 4 weeks and then about 2 weeks after that I will have the ultrasound that tells if we have a boy or a girl!!! So six weeks to go, which will also mean that I am twenty weeks, which means I am half way through the pregnancy...CRAZY!!!!

PS: My dad is doing great. He went back to work on Monday and will work three days a week doing desk work. He will probably do this for a couple of weeks and then he will go back on his regular patrol work. Thanks to everyone who has offered their well wishes. I appreciate your words of encouragement.

Family Matters

2009-05-19T08:53:00.000-05:00

So, it has been quite a while since I have posted, but we have had a lot of things going on in the past several weeks. I will start with last Monday. My dad had a heart attack while working and was hospitalized until Thursday. Thankfully, everything checked out and when they did a heart cath, his arteries were clear. The Lord was definitely looking out for him. He was in the hospital until Thursday morning and then my parents came here for the weekend. He will be out of work for two weeks and then he can do a desk job for another four weeks. Hopefully he will follow doctors orders and take care of himself. We love him to much to let him go.

Friday, my sister, Ashley graduated from LIT in Beaumont with her degree
in Radiology. Congratulations to Ashley for a job well done. She is so much fun and I love spending time with her. She is going to be moving to Louisiana soon and I am going to miss her so much. Just thinking about her moving her away gets me all emotional. I know wherever she works she will make a great employee. We love her.

So, I am in my 13th week. This will be the last week of my first trimester. I am anxious to get to my second trimester so I can have some energy, but then that means only 6 months to go and I do not feel at all prepared for this baby. I know six months sounds like a long time, but sometimes I feel like six months are going to fly by and then the baby will come and we won't be ready for him/her. I guess I am just a little crazy. I go see the doctor next Tuesday morning.

Hope you have a good day.

Sound Sleepers

2009-04-30T14:28:00.000-05:00

Lately I have been feeling the effects of my first trimester...I have been tired. Even though I know I should rest it is hard for me because as soon as I lay my head I can think of ten other things that I could do at that time. This morning, Jeremy had a meeting at the house and when those happen I excuse myself to the back. I tucked myself in the bed and read a magazine and then laid down to take a nap. As soon as I laid down and got comfortable, I thought of my sister and dad who can lay down and fall asleep within minutes...how do they do that? Growing up, when we would go on vacation, my sister would fall asleep in the car before we even left Groves. I, on the other hand, sometimes can never go to sleep in the car. Right now, I am a bit jealous of this ability they possess.

Other than being tired, I have been feeling good. No sickness!!!! I am super excited about that because I hate vomiting....yuck!! With each new book or magazine I read, I get a little bit more nervous to think that we will be having a baby and caring for it all of the time...I mean what do we know about babies!!! But I guess for the most part, noone knows much before their first baby is born.

I am also excited that my whole family is excited about this baby. My mom sent me a text yesterday saying she bought the baby a present and she found a place that makes personalized pacifiers...how cute. I can't wait to see what they look like.

Have a good week...

baby news

2009-04-27T16:27:00.000-05:00

About the middle of March, Jeremy and I found out we were having a baby. We didn't tell anyone until easter, therefore I couldn't post anything about it. Once we told everyone, I was going to post but was just to lazy to do anything. So hear we are...I am now at 10 weeks and had my first doctor visit today.

I was super nervous. Up until now, we have been telling people that we are having a baby and the only reason I know this is because of a positive pregnancy test. The books say that during the first three months there will be times when you doubt if you are pregnant. Just last week I started to doubt. I have not gotten sick, but been nauseous many times. That lasted until last sunday...april 19th. Since the 19th, I have felt good, but just tired. So of course my thoughts go to wondering if there is really a baby.

What a silly thought!! Of course there is a baby...we heard the heartbeat today and it was normal. It was quite an amazing and surreal moment for me. I realize that my baby is tiny...the size of a peanut and I worry about hurting him/her, but I know that the Lord will take care of our baby all the way through this pregnancy. Technology is amazing my friends!!!!

That was the main objective of my doctor visit today and it made this baby just a little bit more real to me. I go back to the doctor in 4 weeks after Memorial Day. I don't know what the next four weeks will hold but I intend blogging about them to keep you all updated.

Going Green

2009-04-08T13:36:00.000-05:00

Over the past few years, the key phrase for our country has been "Go Green." I will be the first to admit that going green is not as easy as the celebrities make it look. Us regular folks can't just go out and buy a toyota prius and then brag about it to all of our friends, because frankly they could care less what we drive. Also, those celebrities probably pay people to do all of their "green goodness." Anyway, I am getting away from my point.

As a citizen of this country I want to do all that I can to help out our environment, not because of what hollywood says but because I think it is important to take care of what God has created for us. So, I am trying to do my part and it all started with the ever present plastic grocery bag. So, I have ended up with a closet full of plastic bags.

Then one day, when shopping at Wal-Mart, I saw they had bins you could bring your plastic and recycle them at the store. Great!!!! That lasted for a couple of months and now they are gone. When I think about it, those bins were always full when I would try to deposit my plastic so they were doing a good job. I don't know why they took them away. When we moved houses, I got rid of my closet full of bags...I recycled them, but now, 1 year later I have the same problem...a closet full of plastic bags. "I have to find another way" I thought.

So, I decided to buy some reusable shopping bags from Wal-Mart...they were just $0.50 each and I bought 4 of them. That was the best $2.00 I have spent. I LOVE the reusable shopping bag. I didn't think they would hold that much, but everytime I go shopping they hold all of my groceries. If I had a family of 4 or 6 I would probably need more bags, but they are not that much. I am proud to go shopping and use my bags. When I walk out of the store, I am proud that I am not taking home plastic to store in my closet and I think that I am doing just a little to help out the environment.

Sweet Plumbing

2009-04-01T18:23:00.000-05:00

I cannot tell you how happy I am to have my plumbing completely fixed. The plumber finished yesterday afternoon and I was so elated. I was able to wash a load of clothes and today I washed the dishes, so now my kitchen is actually clean with no visible dishes. It is so nice. I took my shower last night and it felt like the best shower ever!!!! I am so thankful for the men and women who feel called to become plumbers...you are special people.

On other notes...my mom and dad will be coming down for easter. They will get here on good friday and leave on monday. I know it is a week away but I am excited to see them and to celebrate easter. Easter is always the holiday that we experiment with our lunch. Nothing exotic, we just change it up every year. We basically have the same thing for thanksgiving and christmas, so easter is our fun holiday. This year we have decided to have fried chicken...we are buying it and everyone else will bring sides and dessert. I was thinking the other day what I should bring and I love biscuits with my fried chicken. Not just any biscuits, but biscuits from Popeyes!!! YUM YUM!!! So that is what I am going to bring. I will also bring a dessert, probably cookies or something easy to make. I have a lot of things going on between now and then so this week will probably go by quickly. Lets hope so...

Home Ownership 101

2009-03-31T13:03:00.000-05:00

For the past two weeks, jeremy and I have had some plumbing issues at our house. At first I didn't think it was bad...I thought the plumbers would come and flush out the pipes and all is well. Much to my dismay that is not how it all turned out...In these two weeks we have been very conscious of toilet flushing and shower taking. I have also not run the dishwasher (which is full) or done any laundry (which is piled up), so these two weeks have definitely taken a toll on our psyche or at least mine...

The plumbers came out two weeks ago to clean out the line and when they pulled the tool out it had mud on it which means there was a break in the line somewhere. OH NO!! was my thought. I also thought that it could mean the break was in the wall and that we would have to demo one of the bathrooms, which we do not have the money for. However, that was not the case either. Upon further investigation they determined the break was probably under a concrete slab that was in the backyard. OH Great!!! was my next response. However, with this diagnosis I tried to look on the bright side...I never really cared for the slab in the backyard...it is just an awkward piece of concrete. So basically the plumbers couldn't do their work until the slab was gone...

So Jeremy made some calls and found someone to do it and by this past saturday the slab was gone. YAY!!! Now our backyard looks bigger and we decided to let grass grow as much as possible and then maybe in the fall we will put down pavers and create a patio. That way if something else goes wrong we can just pick it up and move it.

Ok...so yesterday the plumber came and started to dig and he dug the whole day. He did find the pipe...and then today he found the break. I think he just got done cutting it so he can replace it and hopefully we will be home free by this evening. Over the past two weeks, I have had a lot of thoughts on plumbing:

1) I am super appreciative of modern plumbing...I would not have wanted to live way back when...just think of the smells
2) I would not want to be a plumber...this guy, bless his heart, has had to do a lot of digging. He dug a whole trench before he found what he was looking for
3) Thankful that we know Glenn Brown who owns the plumbing business we are using. It just gives me a piece of mind knowing that he will be fair and honest.
4) This had made me aware of how many times during the day I use water and don't even think about it.

So once our plumbing gets completely fixed we will be a happy couple again. We are happy now, don't get me wrong, but I have been a complete nutcase several times over the past two weeks. Sorry Jeremy...

What is Going On!!!

2009-03-27T14:11:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe it is already friday again...the week just goes by so quickly. since it is friday it is time for a review of "the office"...last nights episode was CRAZY!!! I forgot that michael put in his two week notice and i didn't really think he was going to quit, but he did. so he decides to start his own paper company and asks almost everyone to join him but they all say no...for good reason. because he is going to start his own paper company, he is asked to leave immediately and is escorted out. then michael sneaks back in on his belly and slides his way around the office. eventually he leaves again and.........pam goes with him!!!! What is she thinking??? I was so shocked...I just knew that she was going to change her mind when she realized what a mistake she was making. but she never turned around.

jeremy says this is going to break up jim and pam, but i don't think so. they are jim and pam...they are meant to be together. i just can't believe it. i really like this episode and we got to see a preview of the next episode, which is in two weeks, and pam and michael are working together.

oh...and the new vice president that was brought in makes kevin be the receptionist and stanley be in charge of productivity until there is a new regional manager. kevin should be hilarious as the receptionist, but we shall see. ok...that is it for now. have a great weekend.

New Office

2009-03-20T20:02:00.000-05:00

So, "the office" was new last night and it was an okay episode. I loved that Jim wears a tuxedo the entire episode. The other thing that surprised me was the fact that Michael quit at the end of the episode. How can Michael quit?...He is the boss and the most awkward person ever created.

I am hoping that maybe we may start seeing some wedding planning going on between Jim and Pam...We really haven't heard anything about them in a while. I really hope we are able to see a wedding between them in the near future.

Those are all of my thoughts so this will be a short post...more later.

Spring Break

2009-03-19T11:40:00.000-05:00

So it has been a long time since I have posted, but in my defense I have been quite busy. I had several large orders the first weeks in march. I had an order of 300 cookies for a wedding that I crammed into a weekend so that I could surprise my mom by visiting her on spring break. I had some help from my aunt to get all of the work done and I was successful in surprising my mom and dad. I hitched a ride with family and spent several days in the hill country with everyone. We had a lot of fun and it was just girls...well my dad was there, but he was working so we just had dinner with him in the evenings. We did some shopping because there was nothing else to do. Usually when we go to visit them we sit outside a lot, but it got cold and rained for basically two days so we couldn't do anything outside...hence all of the shopping. It was good for me to get away because I had been so busy with baking and all.

After a couple of days away and a 7 hour ride back home, I was glad to be back in my house with my husband and the two dogs. They missed me so much, but Jeremy probably missed me more.

Since I have been back home, I have not done much. I am not doing any orders for the rest of march because I neglected so much at the beginning of march that I need time to catch up. And of course, our plumbing has given us problems this week. We had some guys look at it today and they said there is a break in the line...oh goody!! So hopefully we will not have to shell out too much money to get it fixed.

They are coming back tomorrow to investigate further, so maybe we can get some answers. Tonight is "The Office"!!!!!! I will be giving my opinions tomorrow so keep a watch out for that.

Marriage is Serious

2009-02-26T14:45:00.000-06:00

Today I have been working on baking cakes for a wedding cake I have to do for Saturday. This is the first time that I am doing the brides cake and the grooms cake, so I have a lot of work ahead of me. The grooms cake is going to be the emblem of the Red Sox..two socks that touch each other. I didn't think it would be hard, but now I am starting to get nervous about it. Which brings me to my point today...

I spoke with the bride on monday and asked if she was getting excited and she replied that the fact that she will be married on Saturday (less than a week) has not quite set in yet. I was shocked!!! I was so excited the week of my wedding and even now when I watch the video or even think about my wedding I get excited. It was such a happy time and fun, so to hear this bride-to-be say that she wasn't excited hurt my heart for her. I looked on her check only to see two names: hers and a males. So I am assuming that her and her husband to be are living together, which somewhat explains her blahness (not really a word, but it works). This made me even sadder for her.

This encounter with her made it more clear to me that it is important to save oneself for marriage...not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. There is a lot that goes into a marriage. Marriage is not just a wedding day and then you live happily ever after. Don't get me wrong, there are happily ever after stories, but it is only because these couples have worked their bottoms off to keep their marriage a priority. I have only been married for two years and I love being married, but I know that we have not been tested yet. We don't have children and when we do, that will be a whole other level.

I feel that if this young woman has been living with her boyfriend, that they have both taken something out of their marriage that should have been saved. Again, not just physical, but emotional and mental. They will never get that back!!! I pray that they both understand the full responsibility of marriage and are mature enough to handle it.

*I am no marriage expert, these are just my feelings and beliefs.*

New Roof

2009-02-20T09:10:00.000-06:00

So, today is Friday!!!! Last night "the office" was a rerun, so jeremy and I did not watch it. We watched "the other bolyn girl" I really enjoyed it. It is about ann bolyn and her sister mary and the relationships they both had with King Henry of England. You know Ann is the one who was beheaded...overall, I like it.

Yesterday, Jeremy and I took some of our senior adults to the bible history museum at Houston Baptist University. It was really interesting and historical. I cannot imagine living in the 1800s where it was illegal to read the Bible or even to know the Scriptures and if caught then to be burned or just killed. It makes me realize the opportunity we have and that we shouldn't take it for granted. I think everyone should go and tour this museum...I know that isn't a great description but I am a little distracted this morning because there is probably half a dozen men on my roof which takes me to my main point today...

Our roof was damaged in Hurricane Ike and we have not taken care of it because Jeremy wanted to wait until after the holidays to where the roofers were not so busy and the prices were cheaper. and of course, my smart jeremy was right about that. so today, february 20 at about 8:30 the roofers arrived and have started tearing apart our roof. it is a bit loud but the worst part of it is that chewy doesn't like it. He has now settled down a bit but I just know that he will be a mess as long as they are here. Foster on the other hand has no idea what to think. He barks if chewy barks, but otherwise he is sitting next to me with a puzzled look on his face. His face is quite cute. As long as the roofers are here, chewy will not be able to go outside and he won't be able to run around the house, so he must stay in our bedroom. It is just annoying to me and i feel bad for him but I know the roofers will be afraid of him and he really doesn't mean any harm. But the main point of all of this is that we are finally getting out new roof with some upgrades so hopefully we will not have any damage come next hurricane season.

Oh...I did get all of my valentine cookies baked, glazed, decorated and sent away. They looked really great this year. Next week, I am doing a brides cake and grooms cake so maybe I will learn to post pictures. Have a great day and weekend!!!

Not Jims Baby!!

2009-02-10T13:28:00.000-06:00

So, I know that "the office" comes on Thursday nights and I am suppose to post on Friday about the episode but this week time got away from me. Now it is tuesday afternoon and I can hardly remember what happened. Bummer...but I do remember most importantly that we find out Karen is pregnant with her husbands baby...which means the baby Karen is carrying is NOT Jims baby. I was so glad, because I didn't know how Pam and Jim could go on with a baby...Crazy!!! Also, I am glad the writers had Karen get married so that way she will not be a single mother. I will try to do a better job at time management on fridays from now on.

Anyway...I had a great birthday on Saturday and then yesterday I met some of my family at my fave mexican restaurant for lunch. It was a good time.

I am in the process of baking 210 valentine cookies to be picked up by thursday. right now, it is looking bleak but I believe I can do it. Jeremy is out of town so I will probably be baking late into the night so I can get them done.

And Congratulations to my college friend melissa who got engaged in cancun!! She lives in Virginia so I have not seen her in a while, but she is a great girl and I am excited for her.

Birthday Week

2009-02-05T15:02:00.001-06:00

This week is my birthday week. Some of you may not be familiar with birthday week, but let me tell you...you should be. Birthday week is the week of you birthday. For example, my birthday is Sat, Feb. 7 so my birthday week started Sunday, Feb 1. Now you may ask yourself, why should you or do you even need a birthday week? I guess you don't have to, but why not!!!

I started celebrating my birthday week while I was in college. My friends and I in college were all away from our families so we became a family of sorts. I think it was our way of letting each other know that we cared about the birthday person enough to celebrate all week. Now, this doesn't mean that you have a party everyday or cake everyday, it just kind of means you are special that week. In college, we would give the birthday girl a small present each day of the birthday week and then on her actual birthday she would receive her real present.

Now that I am not in college and married, birthday week doesn't happen that way. My birthday week, might consist of my husband cooking dinner one night or bringing me flowers one day or just treating me special all week long. My husband is amazing, he doesn't ignore me all year and then is nice to me my birthday week...i don't want you to get the wrong idea. He comes up with the most creative and special presents to give to me.

My birthday this year falls on a Saturday, which I am excited about because it is a Saturday. What better day to have a birthday. We have plans to see an IMAX movie and have dinner. I am ready for my birthday. I love my birthday but I don't love getting older.

Bottom line is that I think everyone should celebrate their birthday week and have lots of fun!!!!

Stress Relief

2009-02-02T12:04:00.000-06:00

Last Thursday, "the office" was a repeat so I didn't take the time to review it on Friday, but last night after the superbowl, there was a special one-hour episode of "the office" and boy was it great!!! First off, Dwight tested everyones fire safety skills and almost killed stanley. and then they had a CPR class in which Dwight stabbed the dummy to remove its organs and took the face off of the dummy which i think is classic dwight.

I was super excited because there was a sub-plot with Jim and Pam, my favorite characters. Pam parents are having problems and her dad is staying with Jim and Pam, which means that they are living together. I don't really approve of that situation, but it is hollywood and they didn't ask for my opinion. anyway...pam asks jim to talk to her dad, which he does and then her dad decided to find an apartment. we don't know what jim said at this point but later we find out, jim said some amazingly sweet things about pam and their relationship. so, we love jim!!!!

jeremy keeps saying that the writers are going to break jim and pam up, but i don't believe him. he is just trying to discourage my optimistic outlook on life.

Later, Michael decides to hold a roast for himself and ultimately gets his feelings hurt. oh well...the previews for several upcoming episodes showed Karen P. coming back and she is PREGNANT!!!! Can you believe that!!! and of course, NBC wants us to think that it is Jims baby, but i don't believe it. So we will definitely be looking forward to that episode and much more.

AWWW...Monday

2009-02-02T11:51:00.001-06:00

Mondays have become my new Saturday. Our weekends before were like anyone elses...saturday I try to sleep in but Foster won't let me and the rest of the day is kind of piddled away doing random things. Sunday I wake up earlier than anyother day of the week so I can prepare lunch in the crock-pot and get ready for church. This has always seemed odd to me that I get up earlier on sunday..the day of rest...than any other day, but that is how it goes. Sunday I get to church around 9:20 and leave about 12:20. Come home, eat lunch, take a nap and go back to church. And then Monday rolls around and Jeremy and I are exhausted. He use to take Fridays off, but that wasn't working very well, so recently he has started taking Mondays off and that is why our Mondays have become the new Saturday.

The past two Mondays we have woken up late, I have cooked breakfast, and we kind of rest. Now this may seem odd and all, but I it is the rest that we need. Even though I take a nap on Sundays, it is still a mentally tiring day. So, since our Mondays are our new Saturdays, our Saturdays must be used for something...right?

This past Saturday we spent all day doing yard work. Good back breaking yard work. Jeremy mowed the lawn and all that that entails, while I picked up lava rocks in our backyard. There is a section in the backyard that doesn't get much sunlight, so the previous ownders decided to fill it with these red lava rocks, which I very much dislike. So saturday was a beautiful day and I thought I should seize the opportunity and start work. It was a bigger job than I had anticipated...isn't that how they all are?! but after about 5 hours working on them, they have all been moved. YAH!!!

My plan is to put bark in its place and grow some grass in another area and try to fix up the backyard. So after working that long doing back breaking work, Jeremy and I are still a little sore to be honest. I guess that it is why I am glad our Mondays are the new Saturdays.

For Alfredo Lovers

2009-01-27T18:20:00.000-06:00

Tonight for dinner, I made Chicken Alfredo. This alfredo sauce was AMAZING!!! I thought that would let everyone know so if you love alfredo like you do, you can get the recipe and make sometime for yourself. I got this recipe from allrecipes.com. There is a link to the website to the left. The recipe name is Easy Alfredo Sauce I. It has three ingredients, but here are some of the changes I made to it:

First melt the butter and add a clove of crushed garlic.
Add in the heavy cream and heat. Stir constantly...very important.
Add the parmesan cheese in three handfuls...half a cup at a time.
Stir until all the cheese is melted and eat with pasta.

I used chicken but shrimp would be just as delicious. This sauce was creamy and rich, but so good. As I was making it, I tasted with a spoon to see if it needed anything else and I could have eaten this sauce with a spoon, but I already had the chicken and pasta cooking so I had to use those ingredients. Hope you try it and enjoy it as much as I did.

prince family paper

2009-01-23T17:18:00.000-06:00

so, every thursday evening jeremy and I sit down to enjoy an episode of "The Office." Even if it is a repeat we still watch it because they always make us laugh. Last night as we were watching, I had the grand idea that I would review each Thursday episode on my Friday posts. Keep in mind, just as I am not a professional book reviewer, I am also not a professional TV or movie reviewer:

Last nights episode, "Prince Family Paper" was good. I don't think it is one of the greatest episodes ever and it didn't really have a lot of Jim/Pam relationship so it just gets a good. Michael and Dwight went on a mission while the rest of the office debated whether or not Hilary Swank is "hot" I have to go against my favorite characters and vote "not." I did enjoy when Michael and Dwight came back and Michael really felt bad about what he had to do. I was hoping that he would destroy the names, which I believe he would have had Dwight not taken them from him. Oh well...next weeks episode is a repeat, but there is a new bonus episode that comes on after the superbowl on sunday, Feb. 1. Not a big fan of the Superbowl, but I love The Office.

I bought Jeremy The Office DVDs for Christmas and we watched all four seasons probably in a week and a half. It was super fun and a great way to spend those lazy days. However, when we were done I kind of felt sad because we knew we would have to wait at least a couple of weeks before we could start over. This is how much we love The Office.

Until next Thursday...

getting to know...me

2009-01-22T08:48:00.000-06:00

I have been thinking that I should give you all some background and let you know who I am...

My name is Blair and I have been married to my husband, Jeremy for two years now. Time really flies. We live in Texas, where Jeremy is a pastor at Memorial Baptist Church and I work out of the home. I went to college in Charleston, South Carolina where I studied Baking and Pastry Arts at Johnson and Wales University. I spent four years there and was so glad to come back to Texas...I love Texas. I am a pastry chef and I love baking.

We have two dogs: Chewy, a three year old rat terrier and Foster, a pekinese/dachsund mix who is 8 months old. I love both dogs and they are both very loving and sweet. Foster is somewhat smaller than Chewy but fights with Chewy as if he were bigger. They love each other like real brothers.

My dad and mom live in Burnet, TX. They moved about two years ago after my dad retired from the local police department. They enjoy living up there in the peace and quiet but we see them about every other month. I have a younger sister, Ashley, who is engaged to Chris and they will be married in the Bahamas in 2010. Jeremy and I are excited for them but also excited to go to the Bahamas. Ashley and Chris have been together since high school and they are both 22, so that is quite some time.

So I think that is about it. Hope all have a great day!!

Book Review

2009-01-20T19:26:00.000-06:00

One thing I would like to be better about doing is reading more than watching television. This has become a serious conviction of mine over the past several months. I work out of the home baking for people; sometimes I am busy and other times I am not. The times I am not are the frustrating ones. Most mornings I create a to-do list of my chores and errands. Then I proceed to eat breakfast and watch a little morning news. After breakfast, I will spend some time on my new Wii Fit and then it is time to clean the bathroom...yuck!!! A lot of times I will just sit down for a "few minutes" to see what is on and spend the rest of the morning sitting on the couch watching whatever. So I am determined to curb this awful habit...

The past couple of days I am been under the weather and was advised by my doctor to rest. Resting is a bit hard for me because I am use to tidying up the house, cleaning the kitchen, cooking supper and taking care of my husband, but I cannot do those things. Not to mention I have not been to Wal-Mart since early Saturday morning, which I believe is a record for me. Kind of sad...So, I have been resting. Yesterday evening I picked up a book my wonderful husband bought me for our 2nd anniversary...Multiple Blessings by Jon and Kate Gosselin. They are the Jon and Kate plus 8 family on TLC on Monday nights (slight plug for the TV show).
I started it yesterday and finished it today. I am obviously not a professional writer nor did I excel in English but I will give my review of the book...

I really enjoy watching Jon and Kate on TLC. I also enjoyed reading about Jon and Kate. The book begins with how the two met and the struggles they had with conceiving. They initially conceived twins with help and then go on to conceive sextuplets. Most of the book is about the difficult pregnancy and what they as a family were going through. Being a mother of three year old twins while on bed rest at seven weeks into your second pregnancy isn't the norm, so I believe this is the heart of the book. Nothing about their family is normal in an everyday sense. During the book Kate recalls how her faith in God has helped her and family through all of the day to day struggles. I appreciate her honesty in believing in God but also admitting that she thought she could do things by herself. Ultimately, of course she was reminded otherwise.

One of the last chapters, Kate recalls all of the needs that she and her family had and one by one they were met either by complete strangers or from the volunteers that she had coming into her home...of course, God was meeting all of their needs but he was just using these people. It is so amazing to me that she actually carried six babies in her tummy for 30 weeks...unbelievable!!!
This book is definitely a fun read and should be taken as such.