ICE STORM

Today NWA was hit with a HUGE ice storm! We were unfortunately stranded inside of the house all day, which was very nice and cozy! Chad and I had a great day! Although he had to do some work, we managed to sneak in some time for card games and a nice lunch. Of course he beat me (he always does) but that's what makes it so exciting, because I get all competitive against him, and I am really not all that competitive like he is. We have been watching movies and just enjoying the snuggle time to ourselves. I fit in 2 baths today because I was so cold! I would just go lay in the tub (not for long because of Avery) but just enjoy the warmth, closing my eyes and listening to the sleet hit the bathroom window. Nothing like it!

I am so thankful for days like this that I get to spend with my wonderful husband! I love that we are best friends and can share joys in the small things in life, like sitting playing a fun card game and laughing together. We never manage to have a dull moment with each other! I am so thankful to God for his soft heart of gold and sensitivity. SO ROMANTIC! This boy has done EVERYTHING for me with this pregnancy, I mean EVERYTHING! My favorite joy this week was when I really felt Avery moving and he would talk to her through my belly button. Her flutters are slowly moving to small kicks!!!

I took a slight fall yesterday when I saw a scary looking tall, bearded, mountain looking man walking to my front door at 8:00 in the morning. I was watching Good Morning America in the recliner in my undies. (Pregnant woman barefoot and pregnant in her panties, funny I know). To see someone random that early, and a little scary looking, I freaked! I managed to jump out of the recliner and SPRINT to the back bedroom. On my way, I fell face first like I was diving onto a slipping slide. Momma instinct kicked in quick and I got my knees up in front of my belly fast enough so I didn't land hard on Avery. I do however have some purple knees and ended up in the back office balling like a baby, haha! The scary guy ended up being a pizza coupon guy that was leaving us some for our door. Man, being pregnant you think all kinds of things.. for some reason I felt like this guy was after me! HAHA!

Everyone stay snuggled up warm, I pray power doesn't go out! XOXO

Shopping!!!!!

Today I ventured out at my normal 11:00 hour to stay busy and out of the house, away from the sweets and lounging around watching talk shows all morning. I have been trying to stay busy walking, reading, cleaning, or driving to do something!

I wanted to show you some fun things I purchased today for Miss Avery's room! I found the most adorable flowers, butterflies, and dragonflies at Hobby that were the exact colors of her room! I wanting to incorporate these on the wall above her crib with a Bible verse painted, and these placed throughout almost like they are flying up towards the sky! I just fell in love with them and had to get them! I think I am going to place a few of these on pillows, canvas', and even possibly on the tops of the curtains. I also found a few pillows that matched. They were 66% off so I snached those really quick! My lady making the bedding is making 4 to 5 pillows, but I want them all bunched on this piece of furniture that I am having covered in zebra along with some of her stuffed animals, and this will be placed in front of the window!

I found several paint colors that I love, and have decided to go with a pale green, like a celery green. I can't decide, but may do the main wall in a darker funky green, and the others in this softer green. I am going to test them on the walls in the daylight first, but think they will really pull the small green I am doing in some of my fabrics. I called the lady that I am having paint a few things on the walls today and left her a message, because I want to get it started in the next 2/3 weeks! The bedding will be done by then. I also found a chandelier that I love at Lowes that is black so I am going to pick that up anyday now. I am doing some black lamp shade covers and doing the same fringe that will be throughout her room around the edges. Simply my DREAM nursery.. fun, fun, fun!

On the Avery front, I am now 21 weeks and feeling fantastic!! I have been feeling a lot of pressure, and not sleeping well at night but that is expected. I feel her move constantly now, a lot at night time!!! What I most love about being at this stage of my pregnancy is the ENERGY that I have. I am so busy running ALL day and I love that feeling of not being sick and lazy like the first few months. It wasn't me. However, on the downside my hormones are nutso. I don't feel hateful, but I cry at almost everything and I feel so senstive! Again, expected so I am just working through each emotion as it comes! I go to the doctor again on the 27th!

Busy Tuesday

My day was so busy, but yet another eventful one. This morning my friend Laura came over and we made breakfast! I had coffee ready, strawberry muffins, and then we made waffles together when she got here. We sat over coffee for awhile and talked and then watched the inaguration. We went to a movie at 1:00 and saw "Bride Wars". It was so good, very cute movie! Then tonight, my mother and father in-law came over and cooked us dinner! We had steaks, baked potatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, grilled pinapple, salad, and desert! It was delish! We watched American Idol and hung out and enjoyed the night. I have to say, I am so thankful for Jeannie and Paul. They are the greatest in-laws, & fabulous parents... They love their kids more than ANYTHING and do so much for each of us. I am so thankful that Avery is going to have 2 sets of wonderful grandparents. Paul and Jeannie will be memaw and papa, and my parents will be mimi and poppy! Although I know it's whatever comes out first!

Today I also found time to make another canvas! I made one that said FAITH that matches Avery's room. I am addicted to it, so glad I found a new fun hobby!

Another baby that needs prayer. . .

My friend Allisha had her baby on Saturday. In their morning visit the pediatrician heard a murmer in her heart and decided to do an ultrasound as well as an EKG. In the ultrasound they found a small hole in one of the chambers in her heart. They sent the EKG to a specialist in Little Rock and they should know more Tuesday morning.

Please keep Allisha Watkins, Kyle Watkins, and baby Ryleigh Kate in your prayers... us mommies all have to stick together!

To Allish and family- our thoughts and prayers are with you....

Love,
Ashley

Pondering thoughts

Church was so great today! I just had to blog about it because it was on family and really touched my heart. Pastor is doing a 6 week series on "How to succeed with your family". The sermon couldn't have come at a better time! Today he preached in Ephesians 5 and a little of 6 on wives submitting to their husbands, and husbands submitting to Christ. After the service this afternoon I just pondered on it and relaxed in the office and thought about what it truly meant to submit and to have that kind of a marriage with your spouse. Lord knows I haven't always been the best, I am very strong willed. But I thought hard about Chad and how wondeful of a man he is and how he truly does submit his everyday life to Christ, and that reflects on me- and then our marriage. I just find that as such a blessing and know that is why we have such a wonderful friendship and marriage together. We aren't perfect, we have our flaws, but when 99% of your marriage is just FUN, easy going, happy, loving, honest... it makes you smile to know that you both have God 100% moving in your life.

I have a lot to work on before Avery, but with my time off I am really trying to stay busy, but also just make the time to be still and listen to God speak to me. I have always worried in my life; about others problems, about pleasing people, about being the best I can be... and I can't always do that! God has really taught me to worry about MY life and MYSELF and MY actions, and more importantly, pleasing Him, not others all of the time.

Im just thankful for my family, my best friends, and my life in general. I have it so good. Speaking of family- me, Chad, Tiff had a slumber party with my parents last night, haha! Mom made my favorite chilli and we baked brownies, watched movies, and vegged. It was so nice! We woke up to mom's breakfast cassarole and waffles with strawberries, whipped cream, and nuts! Wow, talk about spoiled! It was nice! Im so thankful for my mom and dad, and for letting me and Tiff invite ourselves over for them to slave for us- heehee, they are so good!

So tomorrow I meet with the lady Renee that is doing our baby bedding. Mom is going with me to councel because she knows WAY more about what I want then I do. Hopefully a month from now we will have the room painted and in full swing! Avery is good, starting to move a lot- she doesn't like chocolate AT ALL. I had a brownie today after church and boy was she rollin and I almost got sick! I have noticed that 2 times now when I have chocolate, that little stinker!!

Date night with friends

The Beautiful Church sun set on our way to dinner tonight:



Tonight we went to dinner with our friends Josh and Kate. We had a blast! We spent over an hour at PF Changs chatting and eating so much! I am still full! We tried to go to a movie but the movie theater was packed, so we decided to enjoy coffee at Starbucks. We sat there for over 2 hours and talked about the funniest things! I laughed so hard! We talked about baby stuff, friends, and life in general! We look forward to spending more date nights with them and hearing all of the funny stories of their 2 boys, Peyton and Parker. At dinner Kate gave me the most adorable present! It's wipes in the cutest little case! She was so thoughtful, it even matches the colors of Avery's room! I was so excited! Thanks Kate!

Today I also painted some fun stuff for Avery. Thought you would enjoy these too!

I also found out tonight that my friend Allisha had her baby girl, Ryleigh Kate Watkins. She was 8.5 lbs! She was born at Willow Creek, on her daddy Kyle's birthday! Allisha and Kyle are also our neighbors! We can't wait to see their new bundle of joy- so congrats to mommy and daddy!

XOXO. . .

20 Weeks

I went to the doctor this morning and got my ultra sound where they checked Avery's heart, kidneys, spine etc... I am happy to say she is great! She wiggled a little, but mainly slept today and she had her little precious hand on her forehead. She was so cute! I love my baby so much more by the second. I am reminded everyday of this miracle inside of me.

I enjoyed breakfast with a friend today and visted a daycare called "Woodland" in Rogers/Bville. It was so great! It's a Bible based daycare and I just popped in. I always like to do that to see how clean they are. It was spotless and everyone was SO nice. I felt so comfortable there too! We are praying that God will work out a plan for us by that time, but that is a ways away... for now, REST REST REST.....

Special shopping day with my mom

Today was so special! My mom was off work today so she took me for a day of fun and I had her all to myself! We started the day at Hancock's fabrics, then to Dotson Fabrics in Fayetteville, Noodles for a fabulous lunch, Target where we spent 3 hours (literally), Bella Jacks (Avery got her first bow), lighting emporium, Hobby Lobby, Wal-mart, and Fabric Gallery in Springdale, where I found my fabric for Avery's room!!!

I new I wanted to do bright colors in her room because it fits my personality and will fit hers too! I wanted greens, pinks, oranges, zebras, leopard.. everything! So we finally found what we are going to do and I couldn't have done it without the help of my talented mother!! I am looking for a black bed and a cute changing table that me and my friends can paint and put cute knobs on! I found a black chandelier at lighting emporium that I want to put a fun funky round rug under. Mom bought the zebra fabric that will be on the bedding to make me a board to hold pictures, and we are also going to do the lamp shades in this with some fun fur! The curtains are going to be like the bedding. Now that the colors are picked out, I just have to meet with my lady to go over the details of this custom design! I am beyond excited!

For not having a job, I am keeping pretty darn busy! ;) (HAHA)... I have a doc appt tomorrow, breakfast with Laura and my friend Mandy is coming over at some point. My friend Kate called today and asked me to join a woman's Bible Study for pregnant and girls with babies/toddlers that takes place on Wednesdays from 10-12 so, I am attending that with her Wed, and then have lunch with my bud Gretch. Chad & I have Bible study that night too! Friday is crafts during the afternoon with Kimmie, and Fri night is a double date with Josh and Kate! So this week has been exciting! I am sure it will slow down, but it's nice being able to do things during the day with my stay at home mom friends, I am looking forward to getting use to that- for awhile anyway! ;)

Girls night- being CREATIVE little diva's....

Tonight was just fun! My best girlfriends and I got together to craft, laugh, and cook dinner. We all met at Kim's house at 3:00 and were artistic until 9:00! We started off with some crackers, raspberries and goat cheese while beginning making our personalized frames. I made a frame that said "diva" that was black stressed with gold, and added some hot pink and green ribbon with a few touches. It was my first ever but after that I got really crafty and made a canvas with a high heel on it that said "Fabulous"... I am going to be doing Avery's room in lots of fun bright colors, mainly hot pinks, turquoises, zebra prints, neon greens, purples, oranges... so hopefully this canvas will fit into the room once we confirm the bedding that I want. That comes first! Chad and I went shopping a little this morning to get ideas, and noticed frames like this everywhere and they were $30.00. Literally I made this one frame for probably $7.00... It's time to get crafty folks! Us girls want so sell them and now that I have some spare time on my hands and need some extra money, we are all thinking this could be a little business.....

Anyways Kim, Tiff, and Linz all made frames and canvas too! We had frames from wine themes, to Razorback, to sassy, to artichokes... We even painted on jars!!! We just laughed while we pained for hours! We cooked spaghetti and enjoyed conversating all evening!

Thank you to all my girlfriends for such a fun night. It's so exciting to be crafty and enjoy each others company! XOXO

Announcing "Avery Elizabeth Linam"

She has her knees up and is doing a cheerleader move!!
It's for sure a girl!

Her beautiful litte face

Friends & Family,

It's a girl! We are in shock, and so excited! I have always wanted a little girl. We went to the doctor at 9:30 yesterday and she had the perfect pose, and of course they knew right off it was a girl! We went ahead and shared the joy with our family and decided not to surprise them Saturday night. I have been feeling great and we can now say that we are "tickled pink"! It's surreal now that I know her name, because I truly feel closer to her than ever. I am starting to feel a lot of movement and it's amazing. Each day gets better and better. My focus right now is me and trying to enjoy EACH second with no interference what so ever...

I had a very hard day yesterday... although I found out the great joy of having my dream, a baby girl- I also found out that I lost my job. It was so hard and somewhat unexpected. I lost 2 years of a family at my company, but not due to performance. Because of the unfortunate economy, they had to let go of about 12 or so of us. I am doing well, but was in shock yesterday and have to honestly say I felt the best in the morning, and the worst at night! I don't understand whythings in life happen this way... how a good day can be flipped so quickly... but I do know that there is a true reason for everything and right now, God is really speaking to me and Chad.

I know that God will not bring too much to my life that I can't handle. Chad and I have worked out a plan and I am going to stay home until after we have the baby. I am going to enjoy resting, cleaning, organizing, and getting this baby room ready. All of my girlfriends are so excited, we have started planning and we are thinking of a fun theme to start decorating! I meet with a lady next week on my bedding, so it's now in full swing. I have posted a few pictures for your enjoyment! Chad and I truly appreciate your prayers during this time... God provides no matter what so we are going to continue to just praise him and live each day to the fullest!

18 weeks and some good news

WOW! I am officially 18 weeks, what a blessing! I am feeling great!!! I am sleeping uncomfortably at night, but other than that I am great!!! This belly is getting big, and it's in my way.... I am only at the beginning of BIG, I have alot coming my way- oh goodness! Can you believe I am 2 weeks away from 5 month? Time flies, and I am truly taking in every second of this great joy.

Good news, I "happened" to call the doctor to see if they had an opening because just like a kid in a candy store, I am anxious and I want to know now! We officially find out the sex of the baby on Thursday morning at 9:30, IF the little menut is in the right position. Hopefully "it" is turned the right way so we can find out. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. Literally the joy is making the baby move... I have felt flutters all week and it's been fantastic! We are planning a dinner with the family on Saturday where we will surprise everyone. My adorable husband came up with this great idea to surprise everyone, so we are tickled pink, (or blue)... haha!

Have a great week, you will find out by Saturday night what we are having!

2009 is going to be all mine!

So the festivities are finally over and it's time to take down the tree, but I don't want to!! I have been trying to do it all week, but just can't. I am going to try Sunday, but I just don't want to let the Holidays go quit yet. I love the warm feeling of the lights being on and the smell of all of my Christmas candles!

New Years was excellent! We went to dinner with a bunch of friends and had a ball. Chad and I came home early and watched movies. We were pooped! New Years Day we went to Uncle Georges for Ham, Turkey, cole slaw, beans & rice, and all kinds of treats! The girls played Phase 10 for hours and I must say, I am quit addicted!!!! It was so much fun!

My New Years resolutions were simple: Read my Bible everyday, work on learning how to be the perfect mother and wife, and to stop worrying. I worry so much, over everything. I am a people pleaser by heart and try to make everyone happy. In 2008 I truly realized that my life has to be about me. As selfish as it sounds, you truly have to worry about yourself, your relationship with God, and who you are....I vow to make 2009 worry free. I think in life that sometimes people try to handle things on their own, and don't look at their own life. I have a baby coming and a great life to look forward to and can't take on everyone elses problems and worries! So cheers to a worry free year! So far, I must say it's been quit nice. I have done nothing but take care of me, me, me! (I threw a massage in there the other day, really nice)! ;)
I had a tough year in 2008 but I am constantly reminded that I lost a baby in 2008 and was given a baby in 2008- and for this I praise God for everyday.... HE is good!

We officially have 10 more days until we find out what the baby is. On the 13th I will be 19 weeks. I just can't wait! I can't wait to share the news with all the people that I love most, my family! So you'll just have to wait until I update the blog on the evening of the 13th. Sorry folks, but you will know soon enough! I am sure the blue or pink will give it away!

Have a blessed 2009!