Prayers answered and a few updates. . .

Praise the good Lord! My friend Rachel is holding up very well. She was having some minor bleeding with her baby now of 12 weeks 4 days! She got home from Dallas late last night and went to the doc today to find out that everything is going to be okay. They put her on bed rest for about 8 weeks to take it easy. I feel for her so much after having my miscarriage... and know this scared her to death. But God is good and her little baby is going to be perfectly fine! By the way, I think it's a girl- her heartbeat was fast like Avery's! I can't wait to find out.

I talked to Renee who is doing my bedding today and we are meeting March 8th to get all of the bedding, curtains, and furniture she has covered. I can hardly wait! She called today because she covered this adorable piece of furniture that my mother in law gave me! I can't WAIT for you to see it... Renee said she re-did it completely with zebra and covered the buttons and the cording with turquoise. She said I was going to die when I saw it. She knows me too well already. I have Jennifer Walker coming the 21st to do my painting. Chad and I have decided to do a painting of a picture frame above her crib with a Bible verse- James 1:17 "Every good and perfect give is from above"... It's going to be really fun and scroll like. I have a few other ideas up my sleeve for some funk, but you will have to wait and see! The room is completely painted and today I purchased my changing table at a place in Bentonville called "True Treasures". It's this little antique store that has the most adorable things! I paid (GET READY).. only $89.50 for it! It's PERFECT and slightly stained like her bed! I am going to Hobby tomorrow to find replacement knobs to add some spunk. I want crystal knobs or something flower like that is PINK! I also went ahead and purchased a rocking chair that I am going to have a friend paint for me. It was only $25.00! SO CUTE! A couple other purchases, were a bag that is going to be her overnight back to the grandmothers house. I plan to have one personalized for Jeannie and mom soon I hope! I got it at Sign Sealed in Rogers and had it engraved with her name!The picture frame with the zebra in the middle is something very dear to me that my mother made all by herself! I am going to use it to put pictures in and other reminders. My friend Allisha puts her doctors appts on there and I thought it was so handy! I'm going to hang this above the changing table with something else above it, haven't yet found that piece. This gift is special to me because mom did the frame, fabric, ribbon... everything- by herself!! You can't see up close, but it has little diamonds in between the ribbon. The fabric is the same that her chair is covered in, along with the fabric that is on my window treatments and bedding! THANKS MOM! ;) YOU ROCK!

On the Avery front...we are now 26 weeks, pushing 27. It's really hard to believe how fast time flies. I can't believe it. Feeling her every move is a blessing. I just long for the day to hold her and find myself staring at her ultra sound picture all of the time. I just love looking at that little face imagining what she is going to look like. I sing to her all of the time in the car, it's so cute. Sometime I laugh at myself and then end up crying because I realize I am going to have a daughter to sing to in a few short months! I go back to the doctor March 11.

So my weekend plans: My best friend from High school that lives in Memphis is coming into town tomorrow and staying until Monday afternoon. I am SO excited you have no idea! She is coming to shop with me and spend time with me and Avery. She's the sweetest thing, so stay tuned for pics of our eventful weekend together. We plan to just talk and catch up, cook breakfast together every morning, and even make a few dinners together. She is going to help me make her famous Philly Cheese steak sandwiches.... she is the BEST cook! I also can't wait to see what ideas she will bring for Avery's room, she is SO good at decorating.

PRAY FOR RACHEL

FRIENDS and FAMILY-

Please say a prayer for my friend Rachel and her baby of 11 weeks. She is away from home today in Dallas and is needing our prayers. I don't have all of the details yet, but ask that you please keep her close in thought. Her husband is Shane, and she has 2 little ones- Claire and Owen.

Thanks!
Ashley ;)

Mission Accomplished!

I found Avery's chandelier today! It is bright, fun, cheery, funky, sassy, fabulous... everything I wanted in one! Although we are doing her main focal colors in pinks, greens, oranges, and turquoises, I found this chandelier to be great because it adds a little more spunk and breaks up those colors a little that has some red, purple, and yellow in it! It still has enough of the oranges and pinks that I love! The picture doesn't do it justice! It almost looks all pink or orange in the picture but around the edges they are actually orange, pink, and red, it's so bright! They also had little lamps that matched the chandelier that I am going back to purchase tomorrow, that will sit on her changing table. I made this fabulous purchase at Perfect choice in Bentonville- who knew they would have this. I walked in and it was like heavens music shining over me... there it was... I am one happy mamma to be....

I also ordered the bed today! Here is a picture of what it looks like! Very plain but what I wanted since everything else is crazy fun. It's kind of a rubbed black. It's simple enough to off set the colors, and will be great if I have a little boy someday! It's a convertible bed. I am ordering my changing table from another website that is less in-expensive than this one show in the picture, plus I don't want the shelf- just a changing table/dresser look. But it will look similar to the one in the picture minus the shelf above it.

Ready to see this????

Avery's bedding is ALMOST FINISHED! Renee came to the house today to review the window treatements with my mom. She said she would be finished by next week! I am stoked. Here are a few SNEAK PEEKS until I get my bed in 2 weeks and it's all put together!

The dust ruffle:
The bumper pad:

One of her blankets:

You may be wondering what this is going to look like all together! My main colors are pink, green, orange, and turquoise. The black and white zebra ties it all in for some funk! Just wait until you see the finished product... SASSY! This baby will never sleep!

THE WEEKEND

Chad and his wonderful mother painted Avery's room today... we are in full swing- things are starting to sink in.... I'M HAVING A BABY GIRL less than 3 months!
Our friend Lindsay's Birthday was Thursday and we celebrated Saturday night... we always have so much fun. We all chipped in and got her a gift card to Pier 1, one of her favorites. Tiff, Kimmie, and I baked her cupcakes and glamoured them up with a diamond ring like the Kitchen Queen cupcakes! See a few of the fun pics!

Chad's 32 Bday was celebrated Friday night at Shoguns although his actual Bday is the 22nd. We came back to our house for yummy pedifores and presents! He got a Golf GPS from me, money from mom and dad along with his favorite girl scout cookies, a gift card from Kimmie, & golf balls from sis and Aaron. The weekend before we celebrated with his parents and he got money from them along with a HUGE bag of his favorite treats, money from his sister, and a golf/Razorback shirt from his other sister. We celebrated with steaks and his favorite cheesecake! Man did he have a spoiled Bday... yet much deserved!

Kitchen Queens & Birthdays!

25 week PICS!!!

Kitchen Queens was fabulous last night- check out our amazing cupcake table!!! I had so much fun mingling with all my girls!
Tonight is Chad's Birthday dinner with my family! We are going to Shoguns to enjoy one of his favorite meals! I bought some really cute golf pedifores from this new bakery in Rogers called "Java Jacks"... so we are going to enjoy those at our house after dinner. Stay tuned for pictures of my fabulous 32 year old hubby! Happy Birthday Chad!

Tomorrow night is our good friend Lindsay's Birthday! We are celebrating dinner at Abuelos and then going back to her house to play Wii with all the girls! So much fun.... AND Happy Birthday to Lindsay Poe!!!

Red Velvet Cupcakes- YUUMMMMM!!

.....Today I baked for 2 hours to get prepared for my monthly Kitchen Queen Party with my girls! Tonight's theme is cupcakes and we are all doing an exchange! I made red velvet cupcakes, yes from scratch- with butter creme icing. (Those are little plastic diamond rings sticking out the top because we are DIVAS)! I might have accidentally had 2, did I say that? I probably don't need more tonight! We are meeting at 6:30 to exchange so stay tuned for more blogging tonight, I will definitely want to blog about tonight so you can see the tables, food, and fun!


In addition to baking, I got in the crafty mode again and fringed yet another lamp shade. I have loved staying home so much and getting creative looking around the house for new things to do! I know when my little one gets here I won't be able to craft as much so I am doing all that I can now. And to add to something boring for only $1.99... can't beat it!!! Speaking of Avery, we are great! She is growing like crazy and I am now 25 weeks! It's hard to believe that time flies so fast. I meet with Renee on my bedding and drapes on Sunday afternoon to review everything one last time. She's already done with Avery's bedding, the bumper just isn't stuffed yet.... so I can't wait to see everything put together! The most exciting moments of my life have been feeling her move, constantly. I feel such a close bond and love her more than anything already. She just rolls around and the other night after my bath, she was bouncing from my left to right side and then gave me a kick by the belly button... speaking of, it's going to pop ANYDAY!

Also, Chad's 32 Birthday is Sunday and we are celebrating Friday night at Shogun with my family! I can't wait to spend time with Chad, he has been working until 9 most nights, busy time of the year for him!!

Dixie Bella's 6th Doggy Bday Bash!!!

HAPPY 6TH DIXIE!!!!!!!

Today was my little niece's doggy birthday bash! Dixie Bella turned 6 today so we celebrated at Aaron and Tiff's tonight! We had pizza and opened presents and ate doggy cupcakes! The dogs went crazy eating these things! I dressed Pickle up in his little jacket and off we went! Pickle got Dixie this sexy little leopard outfit with hair bows, treats, and a little finger nail polish toy! Just for his favorite little cousin! It was so fun. We love celebrating our precious dogs, they are our little babies. Tiff made all the dogs goody bags with a bone and an extra cupcake to take home! As soon as Pickle got home he was out like a light, he was so tired!!!

HEART DAY

THE LOVE OF MY LIFE . . .

I wanted to write a little about my amazing husband and express how much I truly do love him. Several years ago when I first met Chad, for Valentines Day I made him a frame that expressed a word/poem for each letter of his name. To this day, I still am constantly reminded of how precious he truly is to me:

CHAD

C is for the commitment that you show to me. It is for the Christianity that I so clearly see
H is for the happiness you bring to my heart, you've met every need, right from the start
A is for the angel that God sent from above, Always and forever, I pledge to you my love
D is for the delicious desires you create in me, Devastatingly handsome you will always be

As we become closer and closer to becoming parents to Avery, I am so thankful to the good Lord for the blessing of a husband who is a TRUE MAN. When I think of Chad I not only think of all the above things, but I think of a man of God who tries daily to reflect his life that of Christ in ALL things that he does. He has such a warm, sweet yet gentle spirit. There is something to be said about his quiet nature, it's a breath of fresh air and so refreshing to me. I long for the day that he will hold our Avery for the first time and see the tears roll down his cheeks. I love that I have a sensitive husband who puts my needs first and never thinks twice. My life wouldn't be where it is today if I hadn't had a man take me by the hand and so strongly lead me for the last 4 years. He has helped mold me and shape me into the woman that I am today, and for this I truly am grateful.

Avery received her first Valentine card today from a girl's daughter that works with Chad. It was so precious that I had to share it with everyone! Next year Avery will be around 7 months old during Valentines and Chad and I were talking about something fun we could do with her already! I will of course have to dress her up in the most adorable Valentines Day outfit ever. Speaking of Avery and accessories, I can't wait to get in the bows I am ordering for her with crowns on them!!! SO FUN! I am a little obsessed with crowns for her!

Valentines Day was precious. Chad and I enjoyed dinner at PF Changs (my choice and fav), and then went to see "Confessions of a Shopaholic".... Chad was such a trooper and wanted to do whatever I wanted! The movie was so adorable, and surprisingly there were quit a few men in there! Chad brought home Tulips to me Thursday night, got me a massage with my favorite gal, and bought me "Nights in Rodanthy"... I haven't seen it yet so I can't wait! I got him a golf lesson with this guy he has been wanting to train with, and a massage. He's getting it as we speak!!! We're going to enjoy this beautiful day together and celebrate our LOVE!!! Something that my father in law said that was so cute was "Valentines Day isn't anything special to me with Jeannie, I try to treat her like Valentines Day is everyday"... and I thought that was so SWEET! XOXO to all my friends!


ASHLEY <3

Wow, 6 months really?

My friend Laura got a job in Dallas working as a Merchandise Coordinator at Dr. Pepper. So all of us girls took her out for a night of dinner at Basil's and Karaoke. We had so much fun singing songs and being rowdy! Laura is such a great girl, I am going to miss her so much, but us girls will make sure and make plenty or road trips for sure to Dallas to shop and eat! We all gave her a frame with our picture in it to remind her of our fun times!

This week I am 6 months pregnant! I had a doctor appt Wednesday that went great! I got to hear her heartbeat and Dr. Hannah felt around my belly and measured me and everything and said I was right on track. Surprisingly I haven't gained too much weight, this belly just keeps growing and my back is killing me. I don't sleep at all. I got back in 3 weeks for my diabetes test where I have to drink this nasty icky stuff.

Valentines Day weekend is this weekend! Chad and I are celebrating Friday night to beat the crowds Saturday, good thinking huh! Chad's Birthday is the 22nd (hard to believe he will be 32).. and we are celebrating with his family at his mothers on Sunday where I believe we are having steaks! Jeannie is such a good cook! Speaking of Jeannie, I have to say I have the BEST mother in law in the world. She is so great to her kids, her family... She means the world to me and I am so blessed that I have such great in-laws, her and Paul both. =)

The Letter Game... "A"

So my fellow blogger friend Tara tagged me with a fun game where you have to name 12 things that you love, that begin with the letter that has been chosen for you. My letter is "A":

1. AVERY- My first child's name. The most precious gift from God. I decided to name her AVERY because it was sentimental to the family and because I LOVED IT! Chad's grandmother and grandfather are buried in South Arkansas at a little chapel named "Avery's Chapel". I always wanted to name my daughter with an "A"... and when my sister in law Missy mentioned that she wished someone in the family would name their daughter Avery, it stuck with me. Avery means courageous.

2. ANGEL- Angel because I believe in them and believe that God puts a protection of them over us daily. Most importantly because I lost a baby in February '08 and I truly feel that God put Avery in our lives as an ANGEL, she is my true angel. . .

3. APRIL- April is my Birthday! April 21st! This year Avery's shower will be April 25th. I love this time of the year. I enjoy seeing all of the trees blossom! I also like April because of Easter. I feel like it's the month that breaks the winter months into spring! I also like the weather April brings.

4. AUTUMN- Another favorite time of the year. I love the leaves and everything that fall brings. I had also thought about naming my little girl Autumn, and might still do it if I happen to have another girl after miss Avery.

5. ANIMALS- Being pregnant I especially have a LOVE for animals... I love all kinds of them! I can't stand to see a dead animal on the side of the road... it makes me sad because God created all of these little beings! PLUS, I love my Pickle. He is the greatest dog and my one and only! I couldn't imagine life without the little rug rat! It's so cute because now that I am a "stay at home dog mom"... he follows me around the house helplessly and cries at everything, little baby!

6. APPLES- I LOVE THEM! Nothing beats a good ole Apple! I love to have them as a snack with peanut butter! YUM, my fav!

7. AIRPLANES- I sort of have a fascination with airplanes. Since I was little I grew up flying in them and would travel all over with my parents. My grandfather who has passed owned an airport called "Jolliff Aviation"... (Jolliff is my maiden name). He owned several planes and some of my greatest memories as child was flying when we would go see them. They would even fly to our house and pick us up so we didn't have to make that 7 hour trip! My dad can even fly and has his license, but he hasn't ever flown us kids. My brother to this day would DIE to get his license to fly, and will do it before long I am sure. My Uncle Perry flies a private jet for the Lambert's who own "Lambert's, home of the thrown rolls" in Springfield and Sikeston Mo. My Uncle Donnie flies American Airlines and has been a pilot for 25 or more years and flies internationally all over the world! My husband and I share the interest of flying and enjoy watching planes fly over our house since we live near the airport. Some nights we talk about sitting in front of the runway and watching them fly in and out. It's been a great joy of my life and they are so peaceful. The only time I hated airplanes was the 8 hour flight to Hawaii and back.. oh my, I don't think I can do that again.

8. AARON- Is my precious 29, (soon to be 30 year old), brother. Aaron is a great guy! We couldn't stand each other as kids but I think now as we grow older it's because we actually are so much alike! I use to lick my french fries so he couldn't eat them! (What a brat)!! Growing up he always wanted to do what was right. He always thought of others and had SO many friends. He was so popular in HS, especially with the older crowd and I was so jealous! Now that we are grown, we cherish our relationship and love each other so much. He always gave me advice through college with boys and told me to do what was right in all things that I did. Aaron has been married for 6 years to Tiffany who is one of my best friends. She is awesome! They own a fishing business called "Hook Line and Sinker"... and Aaron is BUSY BUSY BUSY! Aaron loves me being pregnant and just stares at my belly and tells me that I am so cute! He can't wait to be an Uncle and still calls Avery his little menut. He tells me to rub Avery for him, haha- so cute! I'm so thankful to have such a strong relationship with my brother, someone I can truly call a friend.

9. ART- These days while being pregnant I have ventured into the artistic world. I enjoy painting and trying new things! Crafting is so much fun and there are so many things you can do to make things look a step better than how you bought them... adding fringe to lamp shades, painting, drawing etc...

10. AMAZING- Amazing is for the AMAZING GRACE that God has given me in my life. Without my Lord and HIS graciousness to me and my family, I don't know where I would be. I am so thankful to my Lord in Savior for setting me free of anything and everything in my life.

11. ARKANSAS- Cuz it's "A.R.K.A.N.S.A.S for ARKANSAS FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT"... for the Arkansas Razorbacks!!!

12. ASHLEY- Well, that's me! A few more things that you didn't necessarily know about me: I am a free spirited, fun loving girl that enjoys life way too much. I rarely get upset and try to look at the bright side of everything. I am not perfect by any means, but I try to look at life as way too short... and you only have a short period on this earth- so why not make it the best! Life is too short to not smile at everything, laugh at anything, and be happy. Sure we all have our days, we're human... but laugh it off! I enjoy the small things in life... visiting with friends, taking walks, being creative, camping, hiking, being outside, water skiing, shopping.... you name it, I will do it. "Happiness is not in our circumstances, but in our ourselves. It is not something that we see, like a rainbow, or feel like the heat of a fire...happiness is something we are, so love it and embrace it"

Hope you all have enjoyed 10 things that are special to me that start with the letter "A".. I could have gone on to 100! Speaking of Easter in my # 3 for April, check out my new table escape for Easter!

Not so fun weekend

My weekend was not good! I was in bed throwing up all weekend! It started Friday, I had a really bad knot in my tummy and thought maybe Avery was laying on something weird... and I was super exhausted feeling. Gretchen and the kids came over and we grilled out and painted all night, that was SO much fun! She bought me the cutest Razorback outfit and pink GAP shoes for Avery! Precious! Thankfully I wasn't feeling bad until Saturday morning!
Saturday morning at 4:30 I woke up so dizzy... by 8:00 I was vomiting and it was 2 to 3 times an hour until midnight! Around 4 in the afternoon I called Dr. Hannah to see what his intake was, because I wasn't able to even keep water down. I thought maybe I needed to go in for an IV. He called in a prescription for something that would help me stop vomiting and thank goodness, by midnight I did! So far today I have been very achy feeling and my chest hurts from the vomiting, but the good news is Avery is kicking the fire out of me. I was so worried about her since I wasn't able to really eat yesterday at all! But today she is enjoying my soups and crackers and boy is she letting me know it!

I had to miss girls night, but they were all so sweet calling me and making me feel much better! I have such sweet friends!! We will have to reschedule for next week! ;) They went to PF Changes and saw a movie which they said was horrible, so I probably won't be going to see that one! Speaking of my girlfriends because I know you all follow my blog, I want to thank you all for being there for me during this special time of my life and during this pregnancy. The calls, the outings, the notes, the gifts... everything you guys do for me means the world to me and Chad. Just knowing you care enough to call daily/weekly to check on us is a blessing... so THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! I love how you all are already calling her "my Avery" or "my niece"... it's just sooo cute! (And yes, all you close friends are considered Aunties)!

I'm going to chill this next week, have a couple of appointments, (Doctor and Dentist), but going to lay low on my outings since I have been running so much. I need to let my feet rest! Please continue to keep me, Chad and miss Avery in your prayers. So far, everything has been perfect and besides this bug, I have just felt the best I have ever felt in my life!

PS- did I mention I have the best husband in the world? He took such good care of me while I was sick, at my every call. He even cleaned the house!! I'm the luckiest girl in the world!

23 WEEKS BABY!!!!!!

....23 Weeks, here I come! Feeling fabulous, gorgeous, happy, and in love- each day gets BETTER AND BETTER! I'm really starting to show and I love every second of it. I'm having a blast and eat up every second of this energy. My next appt is supposed to be next week. I was supposed to go on the 27th but because of the ice, it was cancelled. So far, she is great! Still just kicking away. I love her so much, and the farther along I get, the better I feel! Thank you Lord for blessing me with this child.

Today I went to lunch with my sister in law Tiffany and my friend Kim. We enjoyed Crumpet Tea Room where I splurged on an orange roll, chicken salad, and soup. So delish. Afterwards I went to get a pedicure with Kimmie, which I must say was amazing. I told the little lady that my legs were aching so bad and she rubbed my legs and feet extra long. I was the best 30 minutes of my life. I then ran around with my mom a little and helped her get some odd and ends for her cruise... yes, I said cruise. That stinker and my dad is going on a 7 days cruise with their best friends to St. Thomas... and all the other "saints" that are out there.... talk about jealous. I have been giving dad a guilt trip that he is leaving his un-employed pregnant FAVORITE (and one and only) daughter at home all week. HAHA! No seriously, they will have a blast!

Friday night my cuz Gretchen is coming over and we are painting and crafting! Gretchen is one of my buds, we have so much fun together! She is helping throw my shower with all my other girls! (Which by the way is April 25 so stay tuned for invitations)...I am going to teach her how to make a frame and we are going to enjoy dinner (I am making Chadly boy grill burgers for us)... Then Saturday night there are 9 of us girls getting together for dinner and movie! We are going to PF CHANGS and then to see "He's just not all that into you"... I can't wait to laugh! GIRLS NIGHT!

One other positive note- my BFF Lindsey from Memphis is coming to see me for 3 days the weekend of February 27th! She is the best and we plan to make a full weekend of it... shopping, dining, and catching up! We have the greatest laughs together. It's been nice not working because we talk everyday. We use to not be able to talk because of our schedules, but since I don't work, I am free all day my friends. ALL DAY! So stay tuned for that weekend of FUN FUN FUN!!!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Fun with Friends

Last week I vegged, basically doing nothing because of the ice storm. It was so peaceful, just relaxing and trying to find joy in the simple things of life, since I am a girl that likes to GO GO GO! I spent a couple days with my mom since she was out of school all week, and we just played cards, cooked breakfast, treated ourselves to lunch... it was really nice! I wish she didn't have a job right now so we could spend more days like that together before Avery gets here! One day she came over and helped me clean out her room, and we painted a few colors on the wall to see what they would look like. I am going with the pink on the main focal wall and the green (not the neon looking one closest to pink), everywhere else-even the ceiling. So funky, but I love! Bedding should be done next week if she was able to get started soon enough, so now I just have to find that bed and changing table that I want and we'll be golden! We have a few little things for her in her closet already and when I look at it I tear up. We are buying things little by little and it's so much fun... Speaking of TEAR are you ready for this?? Saturday night, January 31st was the first KICK that Chad felt with his hand. We were laying in bed and I said "Chad, she is moving a lot, hurry and put your hand here and maybe you will feel her". About that time she made a huge move and Chad's hand moved! He was outraged and we just sat there and giggled! Knowing she was awake and alert at 11:00 was tough, but we decided to sing to her! We sing to her a lot together and the song we always sing is "Jesus Loves Me"....... She was dancing to our singing!

The weekend was great! Friday night we went to dinner with my brother, his wife, and her family! They live in Memphis so they were down to spend time with Tiff and Aaron. We had a wonderful dinner at Abuelos, my favorite! We are so blessed to have great family all around!!! Then Saturday Chad took me to Joplin to visit Babies R US. I was VERY impressed. I found tons of things that I want to register for, so think I might do an online registry. They were very reasonable and had all of the right colors and things that I liked. I am trying to think neutral on some things like the stroller/car seat- that way we can re-use for a boy when that time comes! Saturday was so special, Chad is so into all of this! He has so many ideas and is very patient with me while trying to figure out what I truly want. So far we agree on everything, so it's been fun! We just walk through the aisles and smile, sometimes giggle because we are like "What is that"... It's pretty funny! I called my mom about a high chair and she said "Ash, you won't need that for quit a few months, I wouldn't worry about that quit yet"... and then I was like, "Oh yeah, that is true"- See, moms are good for EVERYTHING during this time! I would have been stressing out over something I didn't even need right now, haha! Then Sunday we went to church. I was SO touched by Gods word. Pastor did a lot of talking in John and enlightened on the ice storm and how God is "pruning His creating". Something he said that made me really think is "Life is 10% of what happens & 90% how you respond to it". I just said that over and over in my head all day and I loved it because it's so true how we are really given that choice, the other part just happens... God is in control, but I love that we are given that additional percentage to decide which step to take, and if you are living right- then it will be a step in the right direction!

Sunday night for the SuperBowl me and Chad went to our friends Josh and Kate's. Kate is one of my old dear friends from High School. I have really been thankful to God for our reconnection this past few months, it's been really neat to catch up on life and share stories and learn about motherhood. She has had 2 boys so has been very helpful in telling me hints about being a mom! It's so fun watching her too, she is a great mom! Last night she was telling her oldest Peyton to tell me about how he will be attending Shiloh next year and will play on the big boy playground. I immediately thought back to the day me and Kate met in 6th grade and were playing on that exact playground together, knowing nobody and crying under the tire swing because Andrew Pray called us "rejects". It just made me smile, we have known each other for that long! Anyway we had ribs, beans, chicken/bacon wraps, dip, and all kinds of goodies! Us girls sat around the table for hours chatting about everything and the boys were in the other room being loud of course! It was fun. I enjoyed meeting 2 new lovely girls too that I hope we can spend more time with! Courtney is married to Dawayne that I went to High School with and he coaches with Josh at Shiloh. She is a hair dresser in Fayetteville and has the most spunky fun little personality! AND, she loves to craft so us girls are getting together soon to paint and make some goodies!!!McKale just had a baby a week ago (Tate, so presh), and is so sweet spirited! Her husband Tucker also coaches with the boys! Oh I loved holding that baby boy!!!!! Chad enjoyed meeting all of them, we just had a blast!

Hope everyone had a blessed week! Sorry this is so long, I had SO much to catch up on and say this morning! ;) HUGS!