Fourth of July

Before we went to the beach, we went to see my brother and sister-in-law. It is only a little over an hour to South Padre from where Jared and Heather live. It was so nice to see them and Matthew goes right to Uncle Jared every time. ;) We spent the 4th with Jared and Heather and her family. They cooked hamburgers and we enjoyed our time spent there. Although it was short, anytime to see my brother is fun. We have such a fun and goofy relationship and we don't get to see much of him, so this was fun even for a short amount of time. We watched fireworks from Heather's parent's house. They were so pretty! Matthew enjoyed wathcing them. Jared even had his own little version of a firework display. Let's just say that I don't think the city of Mission is going to hire him for next year's fireworks.

Here are some pictures of our time there.

Jared, Matthew, and me

Micheal, Matthew, and Jared

Brandon and Micah

Us (our son is SO serious)

We had to "lock" him out of this room. It had lots of pretty

breakables that he had his eyes on.

South Padre Island

I am a couple of weeks late on this post, but I wanted to share a few pictures of Matthew's first trip to the beach. We all had such a wonderful time and thanks to Brandon and Micah for inviting us to come! They didn't even mind driving 8 hours south with Matthew, fussy at times, but did well for the most part.

Matthew loved the beach! He loved playing in the sand and even ate some too! He also loved being in the water. He couldn't decide if he wanted to play in the sand or run to the water. He had so much fun. He also helped his daddy and Brandon build sandcastles, when I say build, I mean help take them down. :)

Here are a few pictures from our stay there.

Beach babe

Precious!

It's HOT in Here!

Matthew and I went out of town for a few days last week to visit my aunt in Austin. We drove to Brownwood, visited with my dad and picked up my mom to go to Austin. It was such a nice and FAST visit and trip. It seems like we were on the road for the most part. My mom and I did some shopping and we also took Matthew to Zilker Park in Austin. At this park they have a really neat pool that is spring fed and lots of other attractions. One of those attractions was a mini train. That was the main reason for taking him there. So we road the train and Matthew LOVED it. I wish I had pictures, but my mom has them on her camera. She has a much better camera than I do. Anyway, Matthew had such a great time. By the end of our train ride we were so hot and exhausted. We got in the car and drove to Barton Springs Mall. We did a little more shopping and then went back to my aunts. We got up early Saturday morning to drive home and be back home by noon. I talked to Micheal Saturday morning on the way home and I asked him how he was and he said he was HOT and SWEATING! I said "What? Why are you sweating, you're in the house?" He then told me the air conditioner was NOT WORKING!!! WHAT???? It has been 100+ for the last few days and I DO NOT take heat well. So Matthew and I get home and good thing we had a swimming party to go to because MAN...IT WAS HOT!!! So hot that Matthew's hair was all sweaty...nasty! So we ended up staying with some wonderful friends until Monday morning when the AC man was suppose to be here...first thing. I ended up calling someone and they were here pretty soon after I talked to him. Our compressor is out, so that means it could be today when it is fixed or it could be Wednesday. So, please pray for us while we are going through this HOT time IN our house. I realize it's hot outside, and everyone is hot, but when you come into your house, it should be cold...right? When Momma is hot, no one is happy! Good thing tonight is our church swim and burger night because we will all need a dip in the pool. Hopefully the part will be in this afternoon and we don't have to worry about another hot day!

Great Weekend

Micheal and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary Friday the 5th. We celebrated by going to San Antonio and staying on the riverwalk. We stayed at the Omni on the riverwalk and it was beautiful. We had such a great time enjoying each other and it felt VERY weird not having a little one with us! I only teared up once! I know, I can't believe it either...only once! I have only been away from Matthew a couple of times overnight and the last time was back in October and only for 1 night. This was 2 nights, but I did good. We went to eat at several great places and I ate WAY TOO MUCH this weekend. We also went to a piano bar and that was interesting and fun.

While we went to San Antonio, my wonderful mom came to keep Matthew for us and they had such a great time. Matthew really loves his Bella. :)

Here is a picture of Micheal and I on Saturday night. We tried to take a self portrait, but it wasn't working, so a sweet lady came and took this for us. So nice! :)


A really good friend of mine has breast cancer and will begin chemo on Friday. We are having a "Hats Off" party tonight for her. I bought a pretty scarf for her to wear. She has such a positive outlook on this. Even though everyday is a new day for her, she has the faith and strength from God that she will fight this. Her attitude is very inspirational to everyone. I couldn't imagine fighting a battle like this. She has wonderful support from her family and friends and I know that that encourages her. So, I am off to bake a wonderful dessert for tonight! Please pray for my friend Terri. I know that she will appreciate it. Thank you! :)

Catch Up

This is going to be a lot of ramblings from me, so I am warning you. It could get boring.

So far, my summer vacation has gone well! We haven't done much, just playing and having a great time. Matthew isn't a sleeper, so there hasn't been much sleeping past 6:30. However, he does take two really good naps, so I guess he is getting some sleep in. ;) While Matthew has been napping, I FINALLY finished my scrapbook. I have been working on this scrapbook for TWO years now. It is a book about my first year of teaching. I am only doing that one since it was my first year. I am now going to start working on Matthew's first year of his little life, so we will see if this takes two years as well. Hopefully not!

I enjoy staying home with Matthew, however, I have to get out of the house at least once a day. If not, I go crazy. Even if it is a walk to the park, which we love! Matthew absolutely loves to be outside. He is definitely all boy!

It has been so weird to watch Matthew play and interact with other children. He isn't a baby anymore. He's a BIG boy! I know I have watched him play at church and at his child care providers, but this has been different. We were at a birthday party the other evening and this little boy kept trying to talk to Matthew, but Matthew doesn't say many words and can't carry on a conversation and this little boy would look at him, like "Aren't you going to answer me?" It was pretty funny! Then the next night we went over to some friends who have a 2 year old and he was doing the same thing. Matthew would just look at him while he talked. He really is growing up so fast! Time has sure flown by!

This evening we went to Sonic to get a free Root Beer float and we really should have let Matthew get one too. As soon as he saw me eating/drinking it, he hollered and wanted some. So, of course, he got some! ;) Once we got home, he wanted to finish it off.

Once again, I can't figure out how to do the sequence of pictures, but you get the idea.

Helping daddy water.

He is not a picture taker...like his daddy! I tried!

This is the best one I got. Right before the wood chip went into his mouth!

Cleaning up the flower bed.

Enjoying a yummy treat. Thanks mommy! :)

Mine and Micheal's 5 year anniversary is coming up on Friday. We are going to San Antonio to celebrate. If I can remember, I'll take some pictures and post...for those who care. :)

Overdue

It has been way to long since I last posted. Not that anyone cares, but thought I would update a few things.

Matthew and I went to visit my parents this weekend. School was out on Monday, so it was nice to have an extra day off. Though, it was kind of a tease to be off and then go back knowing that school is almost out for summer!!! We had a great time with my parents. Matthew just loves his Bella and Grandpa. They really have enjoyed being grandparents and they are wonderful ones at that! :) While we were there, we headed over to visit Micheal's mom. Grammy took some great pictures of Matthew playing on the swing set. He loves to be outside!

Like I said earlier, school is almost out and I can't wait to spend the summer with my son. That is one of the perks of being a teacher! :)

As I was fixing supper tonight, Matthew wanted to help so I gave him a sack with a piece of bread in it. He managed to get the bread out of the sack and begin to eat it. He loved it! I normally don't give him a chunk of bread or chunks of anything (I seem to get paranoid about choking...which I guess is normal) but he was enjoying himself, so I let him be. I did get a few pictures from that. I have mentioned before, I am not real good at capturing great moments, but I will try. I wish I had a better camera, then, I think maybe I might take more. My birthday is coming up so we will see... :)

Here are a few pictures from this evening.

Hello!
Yummy!

Really? Can I?

Check out those bites!

Ok, thanks Mommy!

I still haven't figured out how to arrange the pictures how I would like them, but I am getting better and better each time. Maybe during the summer I can work on my blogging skills.

Well I think that is it for now. It is too late for me to be out of bed. 5:15 comes early...and that doesn't guarantee Matthew won't grace me with his cry in the middle of the night like he has been. :) Yes, we are trying to cut 3 teeth and the same time. :)

Easter

This is an AWFUL picture of me and Matthew is not looking, but GREAT of Micheal. Believe it or not, this is the ONLY Easter family picture. :(
Matthew and his little friend. He kind of looks like he is checking her out!

Matthew trying to escape picture time. He is always crawling off when I want a picture.

Finally, a good one...somewhat!

We had a busy Easter weekend. We traveled as usual, but we were able to spend Easter Sunday at our church and that was nice. On Friday morning, we drove to May to see Micheal's dad. He took us out to a place he farms to show Matthew the cows. Matthew loved them. He would point and start talking to them. It was too cute! He LOVES animals, so I think we may be in trouble. Then Friday afternoon, we went to Brownwood to my parents house and visited with them. Then Saturday morning, we went to Micheal's mom's house to visit and see our nieces and nephew. The big kids hunted eggs while Matthew slept. Then when he woke up, it was his turn. I wouldn't say it was much of a "hunt" though. Then we headed back home and stopped in Ballinger to see my aunts, grandmother, and cousins. We were PLENTY busy in 2 short days, but that is how it always is. Always crazy! Then my parents came Saturday evening and spent the night so they could spend Easter Sunday with us. This was Matthew's first Easter. Last year, he was born 2 days after Easter, but the way it fell, this was his first. He had a pretty special Easter too!

80's Party

Ok, we will see if I can type AFTER uploading pictures and see if this is how I should do it. :)

Micheal and I had a Sunday School social last night. The theme was 80's. I was really excited to see everyone dressed up and have a great time. We played "Name that 80's TV Show Tune" and a BINGO 80's game. We had a really nice time.

Micheal and I threw our outfits together within 24 hours of the party. It was kind of stressful because I was so excited about it. I guess that is what we get for waiting until the last minute. I also bought some HIGH heels from Target yesterday thinking I might be able to wear them again, but NO WAY am I EVER going to put those back on. Anyone needing a pair of 5 inch heels? :)

Well, here are a few pictures of us last night.

Flashdance? or Groupie?

Rocker

Once I have a little more time, I will post some of Matthew's first birthday party. :)

Ok, and I can't SPELL!!!

I obviously can't spell either. The word challagened in the previous blog, should have been spelled challenged. Golly Geez!!!

Matthew is ONE!!!

I really need a lesson on how to cut & paste from the blogger thing. That is how technology challagened I am! So you will get pictures first AND out of order. Goodness, you wouldn't think it would be that hard! :(

Matthew about a week before he turned one.

Matthew, one day old.

Yes, that is correct! Matthew turned one on March 25th and I am just now able to sit down and post about it! I can't believe my baby is already one. This time sure has flown by quickly. This past year has brought many new things into my life. I am blessed with a beautiful, healthy, happy, independent, curious, funny, and sweet little boy. He brings so many joyful moments into my life! Last night, I was looking through pictures from when we first brought him home through now, and he sure has grown into a handsome little boy. When I check on him while he is napping or sleeping for the night, I just keeping seeing this little boy, he isn't a baby anymore. He has such distinct features for a little man! What a joy he is to us!

Matthew has also started several new things. When he is tired, he usually rubs his eyes, now he pulls on his eye lids and his LONG eye lashes. It really is the cutest thing. He has also started throwing his head back and he cracks up laughing. It is the funniest thing. He will do this and keep entertained like this for a long time. He isn't walking yet, but he tries really hard. He will take a couple of steps and then realize what he is doing and crawl to where he wants to go. He walks really well holding onto us or his toys. Speaking of toys, why do we buy our children toys when they want to play with paper, remotes, phones, coasters, TRASH, drawers, socks, and other things that we don't buy for them? He has more fun with those things, than his toys! Playing in my sock drawer brings so much joy to him. :)

Matthew's New Eating Habits

Matthew has pretty much stopped eating all of his baby food that comes in jars. I have been feeding him food from my plate for a while now, so I guess now he wants that and only that. I discovered during Spring Break at lunch one day that he was done with his baby food, but didn't really think it was true until Monday night at supper. Last night, I had some ravioli leftover. There wasn't much there, but I thought it would be enough for the both of us since he was still going to eat his lasagna with meat sauce from the baby food jar. So I thought. I couldn't even trick him like I normally do by acting like I was scooping the food off of my plate. He's just too smart! So he finished off the ravioli and was still hungry. I had some spaghetti o's in the pantry that he finished for supper. He probably could have eaten all of those if I would have let him. This boy can eat! I think that he is going to be a good eater and hopefully not too picky! ;) We have also been trying to slowing stop the bottle. :( It is a pretty hard transition, but he is doing a good job. He still gets a bedtime bottle. It is just so soothing to him, and me! (I am having a pretty hard time with his 1st birthday being TOMORROW!!!)

I also must point out that I normally don't let him get messy during supper because I am just too tired to clean up, but here lately, I haven't cared. He is going to get messy and he will get cleaned up right after supper and once he goes to bed, I can clean up his mess. I just have to start letting go of some worry issues. Things do get messy...

These pictures are put on here backwards, but you get the idea. I still can't figure out this whole picture upload thing. I am so technology challenged!

All done, YAY!!!

Oh mommy, you're too funny!

I love him!!!

I see you looking at me. :)

Trying to pick up my food!

That is it for now. Hopefully I will get better at this blogging thing. I have lots of pictures and stories to blog about, so we will see.

Glad it is the Weekend!

This week went by so slow! I am so glad it is the weekend! We have so much planned for the weekend, I wanted to go ahead and begin laundry tonight after my little cupcake went to bed. I usually do laundry on Saturday because I can have the whole day to do it, but since we have plans, I decided to go ahead with laundry tonight...

Well, as I start a load in the washer, I go back and get the towels and then go back into the laundry room to see water flowing A-L-L O-V-E-R the place!!!!!!! I am so upset. Laundry piled up and water everywhere!!! Not how I planned a Friday evening. (My Friday evening souonded fun, didn't it? :) ) So it looks like tomorrow we will be either taking a trip to Lowe's or Sears to find a new washer. It was old anyway and other things were going wrong so I guess it was time.

Back to a busy weekend. In the morning, we are meeting some great friends for breakfast and then we had planned to take the babies to the rodeo parade, but it looks like tomorrow is going to be cold and windy. But breakfast still sounds yummy! Then my parents are coming and we are going to the rodeo. Micheal and I love this time of year and enjoy going, so we are excited we get to take Matthew to his first rodeo! He already has his Wranglers and boots ready to go! :) I can't wait to see Matthew's face with all the animals. I am also waiting to see if the rodeo elements bother his allergies as they do mine. I will probably spend the rest of Saturday and Sunday sneezing my head off, but it will be ok. Then on Sunday, we'll go to church, eat lunch, take naps, and grade papers...that is always a fun Sunday afternoon project. :(

So, I guess I won't be finishing my laundry for the night, so I think I will go work on scrapbooking. I normally don't stay up too late (10:30 is late for me), but I have the scrapbook fever back and I want to get this one finished!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Tagged, Yet Again

I was tagged on my Facebook, but I thought I would post it here also because I haven't posted in a while, so here it is.

1) Every time I look at Matthew, I say to myself, "he's so cute!"
2.) Nothing is better than a Mother's love for their child.
3.) I am so thankful to have Micheal as my husband.
4.) I enjoy my job, but I am completely exhausted by the end of the day.
5.) I love Skittles.
6.) I enjoy scrapbooking, although I haven't had time for it in a year.
7.) My organizational skills are NOT what they used to be a year ago.
8.) I am scared of snakes.
9.) I enjoy spending time with my family.
10.) I love looking at blogs, but promise I am not a stalker. :)
11.) I love going to the grocery store, but hate putting away the groceries.
12.) I don't mind starting the laundry, but hate putting them away.
13.) I cannot sleep past 7:00 even if Matthew allowed me too.
14.)I don't like reading...shhhhh don't tell my students.
15.) I bake banana bread every Christmas and only at Christmas.
16.) My favorite place to eat is Cheddar's.
17.) I miss my brother.
18.) I don't know what I would do without Micheal.
19.) I love anything that has caramel and chocolate in it.
20.) I worry WAY too much and stress over little things.
21.) I enjoy being goofy with my friends.
22.) I absolutely love watching Matthew sleep in my arms.
23.) I procrastinate too much.
24.) I like the color pink.
25.) I like surprises!


Hopefully I will post something soon! And maybe more pictures. :)

Tagged Again!

We were tagged again!!! This time your'e supposed to pick your 4th picture folder & display the 4th picture. So here is ours. Aww...This is of Matthew about 2 hours after he was born. I cannot believe that he will be 10 months tomorrow! Time really does fly by. He will be one before I know it. I am already starting to plan his birthday party! Anyway, it was nice to look back at these pictures.

Alright now we tag:

Briana

Micah

Cristin

I was Tagged!

Q. Five names you go by:
1. Ashley
2.Mommy
3. Mrs. Purcell
4. Marney (my mom and aunts call me this)
5. Momma Chick (Micheal calls me this)

Q. Three things you are wearing right now:
1. my pink robe
2. houseshoes
3. _______?

Q Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. A new purse
2. A vacation with my family

Q. Two things you did last night:
1. Played with Matthew
2. Went to eat with some friends (we had a sitter)

Q. Two things you ate today:
1. Scrambled eggs
2. Girlscout Shortbread cookies

Q. Two people you last talked to on the phone
1. My mom
2. Carolee

Q. Two things you are going to do tomorrow:
1. Go to church
2. Play with Matthew

Q. Two longest car rides:
1. Florida with my family as a little girl
2. Mission, Texas so see my brother and sister in law

Q. Two of your favorite beverages:
1. Dr. Pepper
2. Sweet tea

Q. The people you’d like to tag:
Dawson Delights
Briana

Long Time no Post!

So sorry that I haven't posted in a long time. I have been so busy these past couple of weeks.

Nothing much has happened. Matthew is still growing, growing, growing. My parents came down last weekend and surprised us at church. I was walking down the hall and just looked over at the nursery and there were my parents and Matthew. Such a wonderful surprise! I had fixed lunch for after church and then my mom, Matthew and I took our friends daughter Caroline to the park. They had a pretty good time there. It was so nice last Sunday! I would post pictures, but they are on my mom's camera. Her camera takes much better pictures than ours. We really need to get a new one.

Matthew continues to amaze me everyday. He is such a happy little boy. One of the funniest things that he does is start crawling away from me and then want me to chase him. Well I chase him and he stops and looks at me and then takes off again laughing hysterically! It is too cute! I just love him. He had scrambled eggs this morning and he still isn't a big fan of them, he kept trying to share them with me. He even tried to hide some under his highchair seat cover...sneaky little thing.

Well, I better go so I can finish getting ready for the day before he wakes up from his nap. :)

A Few Updates

It has been a few days since I have posted anything here, so I will start with a few updates. I have been meaning to do a Christmas post, but I don't have all the pictures on my camera. So I will just fill you in on many things, because I know you want to know about my exciting life. :)

Matthew turned 9 months old on Christmas day. He had a wonderful Christmas! He loved everything he received, but he still loves the remote control, the phone, plastic water bottles, coasters, the end tables, and everything else that belong to mommy and daddy. Every once in a while his toys will spark an interest and they are greatly enjoyed.

Here are some pictures right before Christmas.

We did lots of traveling at Christmas which is normal for Micheal and I, it is just a little different when you are packing a baby along with you. You pretty much pack the entire house! The day after Christmas, we drove down to visit my brother and sister-in-law in Mission. We like to call it North Mexico. We had a nice visit with them and Matthew enjoyed visiting with them also. Since Matthew had an ear infection, the car ride down there was eventful. The medicine didn't settle too well with his tummy. :(

Micheal and I both went back to work after being off for 2 weeks. It was hard getting back into the swing of things, but it was nice to get back to a schedule. Matthew missed daycare and was glad to be back with all the girls at Mrs. Barbara's house. She really does love Matthew and he loves her and that is very important to Micheal and I.

Matthew had his 9 month check up on Tuesday and his stats are in -- 23 lbs. 2 oz. 29 inches long. What a healthy boy! :) His doctor said that he was "developmentally advanced" and doing wonderfully. Of course, I enjoyed hearing all the nice and good things he was saying about Matthew. We all want the best and hear the best about our children. Before his appointment we had to do some lab work at the hospital and he had to have his finger pricked and it didn't even bother him. I am so glad because I hate seeing him in any type of pain. He is such a strong boy!

Matthew is doing lots of fun and exciting things around the house. Micheal and I are running around like crazy keeping up with him. He pulls up on anything he can get his hands on to, cruising around the furniture, crawling on to and in to anything he can, dancing/bouncing, talking, reading his books, playing his instrument set LOUDLY and laughs at it, and he is very helpful with the laundry. He has been such a joy and blessing to us. It has been so much fun watching him discover new things and explore the world around him. I can't wait for what is to come.

Micheal and I were just talking tonight about what we did with all our time before Matthew was born, and we couldn't think of what we actually did. Of course we could go out to eat at 7:00 or 7:30 and not think it was late, but now...it's LATE!

So far, we have had an awesome New Year. I know that there is more wonderful things to come. God has a wonderful plan for us and we can't wait to see what it is.

Pictures from 2008

Leaving Hospital

First Time To Church

2 months

2 Months

3 Months

Playing in my Jumperoo

4 Months

Born to be a Cowboy

Visit to the Pumpkin Patch

6 1/2 Months

Here are just a few pictures from 2008. We hope that you enjoy! :)