Ashcraft Family

Softball 2011

2011-03-02T12:14:00.003-06:00

Lady Bears!

catcher!

fielding!

Emrie is playing softball again and is doing a wonderful job. She loves it and is finally making good contact with the ball. Drew is coaching and between the both of them, they are having a ball! Paylie and I enjoy watching Emrie and watching Daddy coach :)

Free Christmas Cards

2010-11-22T20:45:00.004-06:00

It is Christmas time again! My house has been decorated for a couple weeks now, gifts are being bought and slowly wrapped and the next best thing is Christmas Cards!

We have taken our family pics thanks to our friend Stephanie. http://slhphotography.wordpress.com/

I have used Shutterfly for many of our family pictures. Paylie's birth announcements, last years Christmas cards, Halloween cards, a photo book of a family vacation and many others. I love using Shutterfly! It is so easy, so fun and so many cute ideas. I found this wonderful deal for Christmas Cards for the holidays. http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards
There are so many ideas, so many different types of cards and exciting to make.
I love getting Christmas cards in the mail, and seeing every ones pictures and how so many of the kids have changed through the years. Also if you are needing gifts for others and not sure what to get the photo gifts are a great idea as well http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts/photo-mugs

If you want more information on this great offer that Shutterfly is doing go here http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards

Hope this finds you all doing well and from our family to yours, Merry Christmas!

Family Pictures

2010-08-24T10:10:00.010-05:00

We finally got family pictures taken. One of our friends took them in West Columbia, it was the hottest day of the year so far and we were out there at 3:00 in the afternoon taking pictures. Crazy-but they turned out great!

My beautiful family

me & drew

sweet Paylie Poo

Miss Priss Emrie

my babies

i love this one

daddy's girls

Our summer has been pretty low key, Emrie went and stayed with my mom for a week, we went to God's Country (College Station) for July 4th weekend, the girls and I have gone to our neighborhood pool alot, Drew has been gone alot of the summer, working so haven't really taken the boat out, but I'm making plans for Labor Day weekend ! :)

Happy 1st Birthday PAYLIE!

2010-06-16T12:32:00.011-05:00

Our sweet baby girl turned ONE on June 12th! We had a cupcake party and had lots of family and friends over. Paylie had so much fun, she is such a trooper!

Mommy, Birthday Girl, Daddy

Yummy cake!

cleaning her up

FRIENDS!

having fun on the bounce slide

This last year has flown by! Paylie is such a sweet heart and so special. She is always happy and loves her sister so much. She is standing up by not taking any steps, and she is chatting a lot. She says Da Da and Bubba (our dog Duke)

I can't wait to see what this year has in store for Miss Paylie Poo. We love her so much.

Play Time!

2010-05-18T10:30:00.002-05:00

The other day I hear "Paylie, listen up, pay attention!" I walked in the girls playroom and this is what I found.....

Emrie loves playing and being "the boss" to her sister Paylie :)

Paylie loves Emrie so much and loves playing as well.

Also, I can't believe that my little Paylie Poo will be ONE next month! We are planning her birthday party. Much love to you all........

a little peek.....

2010-03-25T14:32:00.007-05:00

...at what we have been up to!

SOFTBALL!

Emrie's softball is keeping us SOOOO busy! We have games during the week, on the weekends and it feels like when we don't have games we are practicing. Pearland Girls Softball is serious business! Emrie is having a great time. She is the youngest on the team and well, lets say the least experienced :)

But she is having fun and right now that is all that matters. She plays catcher for the most part and right field. She could use a little work on her batting. But like I said she is having a blast and enjoys the girls and friends she has made on her team. Lady Bears!

Going to the Chapel, and we're gonna get married!

My Mom was so beautiful!!!

Sherry & Frank

3-13-10

Mom and Frank got married on such a beautiful day. The weather was gorgeous and so was the bride. My sister Jennifer and I were bridesmaids and Franks children Frankie and Cheri stood on his side. Emrie and Franks granddaughter Lexy were flowergirls. The ceremony was great and perfect and the reception was fun and entertaining. We wish them a lifetime of happiness and growing love.

Grammie and Emrie

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-08T10:07:00.004-06:00

My Sweet hearts...... :)

I love my babies......

Sometimes I feel like I get caught up in life's daily adventures and things are so hectic. Emrie started playing softball and has practice 3 times a week and now will have games on Saturdays. We have weddings coming up, so much to do......

Drew and I joined a gym so we have to get our workout on :)

so much to do so little time!

But as I stop and think about the things in life that do matter, its about spending quality time with my girls, letting them both know how much I love them and love spending time with them, giving them the attention they need, helping Emrie with her homework, rocking baby Paylie to sleep and have her cuddle up in my arms.

Love you Peanut Emrie and Paylie Poo!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-15T07:18:00.012-06:00

I have neglected my blog page for a couple months, since I've gotten on face book I have realized that is my addiction! :)

Our life in a little nutshell:

Drew got laid off in September, went 5 weeks without a job and his old company called him back the end of October, to work in Nebraska to finish up a job. Positive-good money/overtime, Negative-he will be gone for 2 1/2-3 months!

What to do?? Needless to say he has been gone almost 2 months and we MISS HIM like crazy! Being a single mommy of 2 little girls is pretty challenging! But we are surviving. Emrie will turn 4 this Saturday! I can't believe my baby girl will be 4! I know we always say that every year one of our kids has a birthday, but really where does the time go? Paylie Poo is 6 months old! She is rolling over and trying real hard to sit up. No teeth yet, although I think she has been trying to cut teeth for about 2 months now :)

As this year is almost coming to an end, I think how blessed I am to have a loving and wonderful family. We are all healthy, happy and enjoying life!

YES it snowed in Texas, this is me and a coworker trying to stay warm in the snow!

the girls in their Christmas outfits before school pictures

Merry Christmas! Love, The Ashcrafts!

Miss Paylie Poo

Miss Priss Emrie

my family at Thanksgiving.

Paylie and Jenni

Ashcraft Cousins at Thanksgiving!

Emrie doing what she does best :)

and last but not least Emrie's gingerbread house. She loved doing this :)

May you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Little Kitty Cats

2009-10-28T12:09:00.007-05:00

Paylie and Emrie in their kittycat costumes for Halloween!

4 months old!

2009-10-13T08:50:00.008-05:00

Yesterday Paylie was 4 months old! She is so sweet. She has a temper but wants what she wants, when she wants it. Paylie brings so much excitement into our family. Here are some pictures that our cousin Melanie took of Paylie last weekend and they turned out great! Emrie is ready for Halloween, she wants to got to the pumpkin patch so bad. I'm ready for the fall weather to come and stay.

MY FAVORITE

4 months old! 10-12-09

3 months old!

2009-09-12T16:03:00.004-05:00

Paylie Poo

is 3 months old today!

*she is finally sleeping through the night in HER CRIB

*she wakes up smiling

* we think she is starting to teeth. Already??

*she is a little piggy, she loves her bottles w/ cereal

*she knows what she wants, and gets what she wants :)

*she is truly a blessing and so much excitement to have in our family

Is it Fall, Yall?

2009-09-08T12:42:00.012-05:00

WOW! I can't believe it is September, I'm back to work, Paylie Poo has started daycare, Emrie is trying to plan her 4th birthday party, we need to find the girls Halloween costumes, Christmas is 3 1/2 months away, and I'm ready for FALL!

I've got my house, inside and out decorated. Drew says I'm crazy, it's only the beginning of September. But with kids you have to be on top of these types of things. Emrie just loved helping me decorate. It really put her in the mood for Halloween. She is ready to go to the pumpkin patch an buy her and Paylie's outfit. She told me that she will help Paylie go trick-or-treating this year! She's excited!

yep, even the kitchen needs to be decorated :)

We had a great Labor Day weekend. We went to Bay City and spend Monday at the beach. It was beautiful! The water was actually clear! No seaweed! Drew "tried" to fish and Emrie played in the sand. Why is it you can give a kid a bucket and a shovel and they are so happy for hours? :)

me and my mom

me and drew

emrie, playing in the sand

she was Hannah Montana!

Paylie started daycare today :( I was so sick to my stomach and worried. I really like the daycare that the girls are at, it's just hard to take a very needy baby to a daycare! She was so sweet though, I put her in her swing and left (it took me 30 min to get her all settled in) as I go to work and work my butt off I hope and pray my baby girls will appreciate that I had to work when they were young to help out. Hopefully one day I can stay home with them, even if they are in high school, at least I'll be here when they get home :)

Its hard..... real hard to work and have kids. I send them off at 7:30 in the morning, I pick them up about 4:30 and go home, cook dinner, clean house, do chores, sometimes I feel like I don't have enough time to love on them. I want my babies to know how much we love them and I hope they understand. I think it's hard on me too, is because my mom took my sister and I to daycare every day, early in the morning and picked us up in the evening. I always said I never wanted to do that to my kids....

BUT, Emrie loves school, she has learned so much and getting ready for preschool is fun for her.

my home away from home

Paylie Poo-can you believe she is already almost 3 months old!?!?!

So that is our life in a nutshell as of now, we are just busy, busy! I can't wait for the cool weather and enjoy some time outside in the evening (even though the time is about to change :) )

2 months old!

2009-08-14T09:07:00.008-05:00

My Paylie Poo is 2 months old!

she isn't always happy! :)

pretty girl

smile BIG for Mommy!

Emrie really enjoyed her swimming lessons. She swims like a little fish now and doesn't want any help! Emrie will start back to school/daycare on Monday. She has had a break for summer and stayed home with me on Maternity leave. I have enjoyed her so much. She loves running errands with me and going to get a "treat"

Paylie was 2 months on the 12th.

She is holding her head up alot (almost on her own)

She is smiling and cooing to us.

She is sleeping through the night!

She is still in newborn diapers and clothes.

She weighs 10 pounds and is 22 inches long!

We love our little girls and have been so blessed.

Back to Work!

2009-08-10T13:59:00.002-05:00

I am officially done with maternity leave. It has been wonderful to be home with my little girls for 9 weeks. It was so much fun sleeping in and just playing and hanging out and not worrying about anything but my precious family.
I am very thankful to have a job, but I really want to stay home and be able to bond with Emrie and Paylie. "A couple more years," Drew says.
So back at the office this morning. 7:30am, my desk piled high with invoices, faxes, etc that have built up for 2 1/2 months. 46 voice mails on my phone, and over 1000 emails!! Love it :) Not really!

Paylie's Blessing

2009-08-04T20:27:00.006-05:00

On Sunday we Blessed Paylie. We had all our family here supporting us. It was great!

all of Drew's family

all of my family

My beautiful family!

here are some pictures in her dress. she looked so cute.

so pretty in her white dress.

time flies....

2009-07-13T14:14:00.008-05:00

I can't believe that Paylie Poo is already a month old, time flies by so fast!

Emrie and I have baked alot since we have been home, the other day we made M&M cookies and in these pictures you can see Emrie's new haircut! I walked in on her cutting her hair the other night! I freaked out, cried and then got mad at her. It looks terrible. The front is crazy she gave herself ugly bangs and the back has a chunk cut out with all kinds of layers! Oh but I love her!

Paylie Poo in the bath tub-she didn't like it!

Brett, Molly, Drew and Emrie at Incredible Pizza

Drew and Emrie playing basketball

CHOO CHOO Emrie riding the train, she loved this.

We are having so much fun together, if we can just stay cool!

Our Summer so far

2009-07-05T14:01:00.011-05:00

It has been so much fun staying home with the girls. Paylie is 3 weeks old. Drew was off with us last week and it was nice to have him home with me and the girls. We went to bed late, and slept in late. It was nice! I'm trying not to think about going back to work :( and just thinking about the wonderful time we are having, trying to stay cool.

Paylie on the 4th of July
Emrie on the 4th of July, having fun swimming!

this is what happens when I let Emrie play with lip gloss

and she put it all on Paylie's bassinet!!

Another exciting thing, Emrie went to the dentist for the first time and did great! She had so much fun, opened wide and got her teeth cleaned. I was so proud of her!

Ms. Brenda and Emrie

Daddy and Paylie, trying to get her to laugh. Didn't work :)

Paylie in her bounce chair, just hanging out.

Paylie's First Bath!

Well the first sponge bath-she didn't mind it too much.

Now if we can stay cool and keep Emrie and Paylie entertained in doors our summer will continue to go by smoothly. Stay tuned to what is in store for the rest of the summer!

life

2009-06-22T14:22:00.003-05:00

Miss Paylie 6 days old

Emrie and Paylie
So life as a mommy of 2 has been fun and interesting. My mom has been here since yesterday and really helped me out. My grandparents are here now helping. Emrie has been wonderful! She loves giving Paylie kisses and she has been a huge help! Paylie has her nights and days mixed up, but she is a pretty good baby. Once we get her on a schedule, things will be great. Having 2 girls is so much fun.
Drew and I celebrated 5 years on the 19th. We went out to eat at Vic and Anthony's. It was very nice. It's hard to believe that we have been married for 5 years. I love my life, I love my girls and love my family! I have been blessed.

Paylie Lynn Ashcraft

2009-06-13T21:55:00.004-05:00

June 12, 2009

12:21p

6 lbs. 13 oz.

Big Sister Emrie, she is so proud!

My 2 girls!

Paylie Poo!

Paylie Lynn has joined our family. She is only one day old, but seems to be content and sleeps all the time. We have to wake her up eat! She is perfect and I'm so grateful to be a Mommy again.

ONE more day!

2009-06-11T10:24:00.002-05:00

As I went to bed last night, I thought to myself "this is the last night to go to bed and sleep in" for awhile :)
Emrie woke me up this morning and was playing makeup, she had lipstick and mascara all over her face. I woke up to, "Mom, do I look pretty?"
Among all the house cleaning chores I have to do today, I am so excited to spend one more day with just Emrie. We have enjoyed our week together. I don't want her to feel like Paylie is taking her place at all. WOW, how do mothers juggle more than one kid? Drew and I have really sat back these last couple of weeks and just prayed that we will be good parents, that we will have nothing but a heart full of love for both of our daughters, that they will both know how much we love them. All I could do was smile at Emrie this morning when she asked me if she looked pretty. Of course there was makeup all over her hands and forehead.
Paylie's room is ready, our bags are packed for the hospital, I will finish my house cleaning duties this afternoon, and tomorrow we will welcome another blessing into our lives.

Friday it is!

2009-06-08T14:32:00.002-05:00

No baby today, went in this morning and my blood pressure was just a little high, not too much of a concern. I did loose 4 pounds-kind of exciting!
So we will continue our plans with a scheduled c-section Friday, June 12!!!

Maybe Monday, Maybe Friday!

2009-06-04T10:17:00.002-05:00

Went to doctor on Tuesday and my blood pressure was a little high. I've been very uncomfortable and having a lot of discomfort. So the plans are, I have an appt. on Monday morning, if blood pressure is still high and I'm still feeling bad, Dr. will take the baby that night, if things are better we will wait until Friday!

37 weeks!

2009-05-30T13:25:00.004-05:00

I'm the most uncomfortable I've been in......forever! WOW, I don't remember being this uncomfortable with Emrie at all! Last night I swelled so much, I thought my feet were going to pop! My fingers are so chubby you just see finger nails and my wedding band that won't come off. I'm ready to have this baby!

Emrie is so excited to see her sister Paylie. I pray every night that they will get along and be best friends and that Drew and I will be the best parents possible, I'm getting a little.......scared!
Me at 37 weeks!

SURPRISE!

2009-05-22T10:12:00.009-05:00

ANOTHER BABY SHOWER FOR ME AND PAYLIE........

It was just a typical Thursday afternoon at the office, and a friend of mine came to my office and asked if I wanted to go and get a sno-cone. "I can't just leave" she says,"Oh come on, just a minute" so I leave and we go and get a sno-cone. (yum!)

Get back and walk in the kitchen/break room at work and they had a surprise baby shower for me! I was so excited and shocked that so many people liked me :)

It was great, the ladies that put it together are all amazing woman and my co-workers are fun people as well. We ate good food, opened cute gifts and visited. It turned out to be a great day.

CAKE BALLS THAT WERE DELICIOUS
DIAPER CAKE FOR MISS PAYLIE

SOME OF MY CO-WORKERS.

FRIENDS FROM WORK

A LADY FROM WORK NAMED JANE MADE THIS QUILT FOR PAYLIE, IT WAS BEAUTIFUL!

"THE HOSTS" MY MOTHERS AT WORK :)

ALL PAYLIE'S GIFTS........

Needless to say, I was so behind on my work Friday morning...... it's worth it though.

"Should I bring my cute bathrobe to the hospital with the matching furry slippers or is that just crazy talk?"

2009-05-13T11:58:00.002-05:00

As I approach the due date of this baby, I'm starting to have silly thoughts, "is this hospital going to be as nice as the one in College Station?" "will the nurses be sweet to me and the baby?"
"am I going to look cute with matching robe and slippers?" Then I start to think about how much we still have to do in the nursery and when are we going to get all the things we still need!
Oh yea we still owe the Dr. and the hospital money! They won't leave me alone about that.
Who ever said having a baby was easy? All the necessities that I need to go along with going to the hospital. Oh wait, I still need a diaper bag for all her cute things in it. "What is she going to wear home from the hospital?" "Will Emrie be ok without me for 4 or so nights while Drew and I stay at the hospital?"
"Do I have to match and wear makeup the whole time I'm there"
Man....... I'm starting to stress.......
30 more days to go.......

Baby Shower and Mothers Day Weekend

2009-05-12T11:20:00.009-05:00

We had a great time in Bay City this past weekend. Saturday I had a baby shower and Sunday my mom hosted a luau for Mothers Day. It was so nice! The guys fixed hamburgers and hot dogs and we had homemade apple pie and ice cream for dessert. I love celebrating Mothers Day. I am so lucky to have my family live so close so we can celebrate. Aunt Cindy and her family came and Mimi and Papa were there. I love my family get togethers. I am also lucky to be the mommy of a wonderful Princess. She challenges me at 3 years old, but we are best friends and I'm so thankful Emrie is in my life and Paylie will be here soon!

My Aunt Cindy, Mimi and Mom on Mothers Day
all the girls (minus Jenni, she already left)

BABY SHOWER!

Emrie helping me open gifts

more help from Emrie!

Diaper Cake made by my mom

The baby shower turned out great! I have the best group of friends and sister that gave me a nice shower with good food, fun games and Paylie got set up pretty nice. I'm so glad some of our family friends, my friends, and family were able to come and help us celebrate Paylie!

Emrie was a big help and the life of the party. I can't believe we only have 4 weeks left before her arrival!

Weekend Fun, 34 weeks prego!!

2009-05-05T11:16:00.004-05:00

We really enjoyed our weekend together, Drew was off and we got our boat back from the shop (yearly maintenance) so Drew brought the boat home Friday evening and we decided to take it out Saturday. I wrote my doctor an email to ask permission and he said that was fine. YEA, that's all I needed to hear...

34 weeks! Enjoying the boat
she was dancing all afternoon on the boat, it was so funny

pretty girl.

helping Daddy

Our afternoon was fun, after we got home and Drew cleaned the boat ( I helped a little with the inside) we had our showers and went out to eat as a family. We haven't done that in awhile, as a family. Drew and I got pretty sunburned, we put sunscreen on Emrie, but forgot about ourselves. I am just now able to wear pants. I've been a big baby about a sunburn but it hurt.

With the pregnancy, I'm feeling ok. I can tell my body is getting closer to delivery. Taking a bath is my new favorite thing, to just relax and soak. I can't believe that I only have 5 weeks left.

Workin' 9-5 (really 8ish-4ish)

2009-04-30T10:54:00.003-05:00

So I thought I would give you an idea of the type of day I'm having so far and let you in on the type of days work that I have.
-Running late this morning, (since Drew and I don't ride together anymore, I've been running late all week)
-7:45a dropped Emrie off at school, told teacher that she needs bug spray on if they go and play outside, she had whelps on her body from the darn mosquitos from yesterday.
-run by McDonald's to get a sausage biscuit and hash brown=$1.14
-8:15a arrive at work. Loads of papers on my desk from yesterday afternoon, all invoices that need approval and that are to be paid by Friday (my thought, why are these just now being put on my desk)
-grab a bottled water and notice that someone brought donuts, that were in the conference room (my thought, ummm can I eat a donut and sausage biscuit?) grab a donut and stuffed myself for breakfast.
-9:00a my boss arrives, signs all the invoices and comes to put back on my desk. I look at them and notice they aren't all signed in the right place, 3 more invoices come in for my approval. HELP, I can't find my approval stamp. Boss finally figures out what I'm asking him, and he wants me to reprint all the copies of the invoices, even though he was the one that messed up! (my thought, where is a secretary when we need her? )
-9:15ish 3 contracts hit my desk that need to be typed and sent out by 10:00a HOLY COW!
ok, whew, I found my stamp, get the invoices approved and sent out. Darn, someone is on the scanner, I NEED HELP!
-9:30a get some more water, try to calm myself down before I go into labor :)
-10:00a did not get the contracts done, I guess I'll have to send tomorrow.......
-10:30a one of the guys answers his phone, "hello"
person on the phone, "is Jim there"
my coworker, "hold please" "Patti can you see who is on my phone, he wants a Jim, and there is no Jim here"
my thought, "do I look like a receptionist or secretary?"
I pick up the phone, "sir, who are you holding for"
person on the phone, "JIM"
me, "there is no one here by that name, can I help you with something"
person on the phone, "yes, I'm trying to sell life insurance, I need to sell 4 more policies today or I'm fired"
me, "I'm sorry sir, this is a business, you have the wrong number"
person, "can you ask anyone at your business if they need life insurance"
I hang up the phone and tell my co worker not to ever have me answer his phone again!
-11:00a thinking I really need to leave to go to the bank and run errands. It's been a crazy morning, I'm leaving for lunch....
-12:30p got back from lunch, went to Subway and was reading the news, this Swine Flu is really starting to freak me out! Now, I'm trying to get all my paperwork done from this morning, my fax machine has papers literally flying off of it, it's so full!
-1:30p meeting called from 2:00-4:00 :( I like leaving by 4:00 because of traffic and now I have a meeting until then...... what a boring afternoon!

Hopefully this evening will be a little more laid back, Emrie and I can just relax together :) I'm ready for maternity leave!

Reality

2009-04-27T14:19:00.002-05:00

Thanks to a dear friend from church, Melanie inspired me to write about my life in reality.....
Melanie, I hope to goodness your day gets better and the kids get some rest :)

So my weekend was pretty good, relaxation in Bay City with my mom. We had a couple of cook offs to attend, and Emrie participated in a stick horse race and "ate it" as she was coming up on the finish line. She came up with a mouth and face full of dirt! But she did it with a smile on her face (pictures to come soon) :)
So relaxed at mom's this weekend, got home Sunday morning before church and realized the house was so messy, so much needed to be done and I felt like I was going to puke the whole way home from Bay City. I walk in the house, dishes all in the sink, the dishwasher was full of clean dishes (now how hard is it to put the dishes up when they are clean? ), the carpet was dirty, the dog went potty on the floor, my bed wasn't made (I hate coming home to an unmade bed), the toilets needed scrubbed, Emrie's room has clothes everywhere (they are all folded, but I'm too lazy to put them away where they go), her game room needs to be vacuumed, the spare room needs clean sheets on the bed, Paylie's room still needs to be finished, clothes on the couch that needed to be folded, it was 10:00a and we needed to leave the house in 45 min for church. Don't forget I'm still about to puke! So I jump in the bathtub, Emrie is upstairs watching TV and playing, I'm trying to hurry and bathe since I only have 45 min. to get myself and Emrie ready, I'm about to puke in the tub, so I holler for Drew, he is still unloading the car and making the kitchen and entry way even more messy than it already was, I'm still hollering for him to bring me something to puke in so I don't get my bath water all gross. He doesn't hear me! He is outside talking to the neighbor who just had a baby Friday night, I get myself under control and remember that we are having company over right after church! Oh My Heck! That means all the mess that was in the house has to be cleaned and myself and Emrie dressed in 45 minutes. And I'm still about to puke :)
Drew comes in-Finally! takes a shower and I start yelling at him about how I'm pregnant, not feeling well, and the house is messy and alot of it is his fault and he looks at me and says, "stay home and rest" then about 10 seconds later "and try and get the house cleaned so it's not so messy"
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I start yelling again about cleaning the house, how he needs to help, blah, blah. He then realizes he said the wrong thing to me. "I'm sorry honey, I'll clean the house, you stay home from church and rest, and we will get the house clean before our company arrives," he stays home, helps me clean and he made it in time for the last hour of church.
Moral of the story: Melanie I think all our lives are crazy 99% of the time and as Mothers we just dust our hands off and keep on truckin'! I LOVE MY FAMILY AND MY LIFE, even if my house isn't perfect all the time! :)

Done Painting! 32 Weeks Prego.....

2009-04-21T08:34:00.004-05:00

Well, for those of you that helped me vote on the bedding....

I guess you can tell which one we went with......

We took the tape off last night, and the wall turned out pretty good. Drew did a great job getting the lines perfect! He is proud of Paylie's room. I put the letters on the wall and moved the crib where I want it. We still have so much to do, but at least there is a start. I can't believe I only have 7 weeks left before her delivery. Time is flying by!
As for the prego mommy, I am doing good. Getting uncomfortable, but I'll survive :) Emrie is getting excited too, it's so sweet to see her get involved and to tell everyone that she is going to have a sister named Paylie.
We will continue to work on the nursery and I'll post pictures as it comes together.

Easter Time and getting ready for Paylie..........

2009-04-14T10:12:00.008-05:00

Easter Time!

We went to Bay City for Easter, the Easter Bunny came to visit and Emrie found her basket! Then we went to Mimi and Papa's for a great lunch and hunted eggs.

Emrie hunting in the backyard
where are the eggs at?

an outfit that was in her basket

eggs!

I always enjoy going to my Mimi and Papa's house for holidays. Mimi has the best food and the company is always such fun. There is never a dull moment.

Then, we have been painting Paylie's Room........

Big Sister Emrie helping us paint. She loved helping!

Mommy and Emrie (look at her face)

Daddy putting the crib together.

We are almost done with her room. 9 more weeks to go, until Paylie comes!

Easter Time...

2009-03-29T19:30:00.003-05:00

I was trying to take pictures of Emrie today for our
Easter card and this is the smile she gave me!

She is so sweet and silly!

OMG!

2009-03-23T14:15:00.004-05:00

Oh My Goodness! Don't these look amazing!?!
DEEP FRIED SNICKERS!
I know they had these at the Rodeo, but I never could find
where they were at. So I found the recipe online and guess
what I'm doing sometime this week?
Yep-Fried Snickers, I can tell I'm pregnant, craving all this
random food! :)

daycare frustration

2009-03-19T10:30:00.002-05:00

ugh! I so wish I could be a stay at home mom! I never thought I would say that, until I had Emrie and went back to work. Now I wish upon every star that one day I'll be able to stay home with my girls. Until then we send Emrie to daycare, and we are still in the process of Potty Training! Why is it that when something is going right, sooner or later something else is going to go wrong? In the evenings and on the weekends, Emrie does so well in her big girl panties. At school they put a pull up on her during her nap, which is understandable. But Drew and I are getting so frustrated that when we pick Emrie up in the afternoons, her pull up is still on. Now this may not seem to be a big deal to some, but Emrie will go potty in her pants if she has a pull up on, its just like a diaper to her. When she has on the big girl pants she will go on the potty. It's that simple, so how many times do I have to tell the teachers at her school to take her darn pull up off! I hope I am not confusing the poor girl. Whoever said potty training was a piece of cake.....well it might be if I was to be able to stay home with her.

http://www.americangreetings.com/ecards/view.pd?vc=1&sync=1&i=487135921&m=5959

just hit replay, this was cute. Just wish me luck on potty training! :)

Melissa!

2009-03-17T09:42:00.002-05:00

She's Back!

Melissa is back! Of course I was upset when Jason broke up with her from The Bachelor, now she is on DWTS! I told Drew after The Bachelor was over, I was done with watching reality TV shows, now guess what we are doing on Monday nights........

Melissa is doing a great job! She has scored in the top, the last two Mondays, I guess I have another addiction on Mondays.

Reba/Rodeo

2009-03-13T09:57:00.006-05:00

We went to the Houston Rodeo Wednesday night and saw Reba! She was great! Emrie loved the performance and so did I! We also saw alot of animals and cowboys, I think we are almost done with Rodeo season in Texas!

she puts on a great show.

baby pigs, they were 7 days old

baby calf, 2 hours old, the mom was still cleaning him off.

Me, Emrie, Jenni and Mom-Having Fun!

I love this picture of me and Emrie!

YEEE HAWWWW!!!!

2009-03-09T11:31:00.007-05:00

We had a wonderful weekend in Bay City this past weekend.

The Matagorda County Livestock Show and Rodeo

Emrie loved all the animals..... the pigs, horses, cows, sheep, goats.......

Emrie in her cowgirl hat
petting the pig

that poor goat, Emrie wouldn't let him go

this clown was weird, kinda scary! :)

We had a great time, we went to the rodeo Friday night and Saturday night and enjoyed great company with family. Emrie loved the barrel racing and the muttin' bustin' she says she wants to do the muttin' bustin' next year. I guess we will try it. Besides the time change, I got to rest and we enjoyed each other. Thanks Mom, for a great weekend!

I need HELP!

2009-03-04T09:32:00.004-06:00

WHICH ONE DO YOU LIKE BETTER?

#1 THE PINK AND BROWN
#2 THE PINK AND WHITE

Help me by posting what you think, Drew and I are torn between the two. HELP!!!!!

The Results

2009-03-03T13:34:00.003-06:00

I don't know why I let reality TV get me every time! I can't believe that Jason proposed to Melissa (yea, I loved her) and then broke up with her of national TV. Then 15 minutes later he is almost making out with Molly. I really thought he would pick the right one for him and they would last. I have to say that I want to be done with this mess that comes on TV. Why I waste my time?

Finale Tonight!

2009-03-02T14:29:00.002-06:00

The Bachelor finale is tonight! I'm super excited. Over a reality TV show, I know it's silly but.....
I'm addicted! I hope he picks Melissa and they last!
What a lame post, but I'll get home fix dinner, play with Emrie and get ready for The Bachelor!

Potty Training 101

2009-02-25T17:33:00.003-06:00

Isn't she just the cutest thing!?!? Today I have to brag on my baby girl, we sent her to school in "big girl panties" when I picked her up she was still in the same outfit and the same underpants! She didn't have an accident at all! I was so proud of Emrie. If there was a Potty Training 101 class, I would have taken it a long time ago! It was has been very challenging with her to get it. Last weekend Emrie was playing outside on her swing set and started yelling for me, I went out there to find that there was a puddle of tee-tee. I asked Emrie what happened............

"Mom, Bubba tee-teed outside, so I tee-teed"

She thought she could go potty outside on her playground because her Bubba did!

I hope we are getting to the end of potty training and she is starting to get the whole concept!

I am so proud of her today!

I love these.......

2009-02-23T15:12:00.003-06:00

CARAMEL deLIGHTS!

I ordered 7 boxes of Girl Scout cookies from a little girl at church, they delivered the cookies last night. Drew tore into the Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies better known as the Do-Si-Dos. I was good and decided not to eat any last night, to bring some to work to last me all week. I brought a box to work........ and they are all gone!
I ATE THE WHOLE BOX TODAY!

Can I use the excuse I'm pregnant or am I just over excited about girl scout cookies?

BLOG FUN!

2009-02-20T10:23:00.003-06:00

Thanks to Mindy Williams here is a fun blog......... this is what you do:

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me!
My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2. There is no time frame, I'm pregnant-I'll get to it as soon as possible :)
3. It may or may not be edible
4. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.
The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to re post and leave a comment wins a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me!

* * *Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!* * *

update from Valentines

2009-02-16T09:07:00.011-06:00

SO our Valentine morning turned out way better than Thursday night, preparing for the Valentine party at school for Emrie. I woke up to Drew giving me a bag from Kay jewelers. Inside a beautiful right hand ring! I had to jump up and get my surprise ready for them. I was in the kitchen cooking and Emrie came down the stairs, she wanted to open her surprises. We waited on Daddy to get out of the shower and we had a sweet breakfast together. Drew's niece came up and watched Emrie while we went to lunch at Saltgrass. I was craving homemade cupcakes so after lunch I had Drew stop by Randalls and get everything to buy cupcakes. The rest of the day consisted of laying around and eating junk food all night. we had a wonderful Valentines Day together as a family!

this is Emrie helping with cookies for her party
my messy kitchen!

a finished product, that she was tasting

the cute little cookies that Emrie gave as Valentines

all 36 cookies!

my dining room table

the breakfast table, for Valentines breakfast

Emrie with the conversation hearts I made them

Daddy and Emrie, showing off their gifts

my beautiful ring!

love is in the air...... WHAT!

2009-02-13T11:04:00.005-06:00

the word is COOKIES!

Emrie is having her Valentine party at school today! What does that mean........?

Mommy goes crazy making and baking sugar cookies the night before!

We got home last night about 5:30p, I put on my apron and started making and mixing the batter. WHAT, I don't have milk! "Drew please run to the store and get me a small thing of milk" So I'm trying to mix cookie dough with Emrie and the next ingredients is Vanilla, WHAT, I can't get the jar of vanilla open, so we stop and wait for Daddy to get home so he can open the vanilla for Mommy. Daddy gets home, saves the day and opens the vanilla. Emrie and I start rolling out the dough. WHAT, the dough is too sticky and sticks to the rolling pin and the counter even with flour! So Daddy saves the day again and tells me that he will "help" with the cookies for me to go and start the icing. WHAT, "you have to make 36 heart shaped cookies", Daddy says. "Why didn't you just go to target and get the cheap $3.00 boxed Valentine cards." "Because these are way cutter," mommy says!

So, needless to say after 3 hours in the kitchen last night, baking and icing sugar cookies to put in a cute little envelope for Emrie's valentines (I'll post cute pictures of those tomorrow) no dinner for my family, Daddy getting Emrie ready for bed, and my kitchen a total mess! I finally got done with my cookie project! Whew my back was hurting, but it was worth it, the cookie valentines were so cute!

WHAT, you don't want to sleep in your bed? Emrie had a rough night, slept with Mom and Dad. As we were on the way to school for the huge valentine party, it was raining and foggy, I had to slam on my breaks because the car in front of me didn't know how to handle the weather, the basket of cookies fly down on the floorboard, fell out of the cute basket, Emrie starts crying "the cookies", we get to school I get the cookies back in order in the cute basket for the party and yes, some broke! Emrie is crying that I broke her cookies and I messed up her party. Emrie and I walk in her class, Emrie gave her teacher the cute basket of cookies and the teachers just love the idea! :) Her teacher went on and on how cute they were and went and showed the other teachers.

So, I guess with all the drama with the cute sugar cookie valentines, it was worth it! I have a surprise for Emrie and Drew tomorrow morning for breaskfast, and then I 'll post pictures from cookie night and valentine morning! :)

Happy Valenties Day!

xoxo

21 weeks!

2009-02-08T15:45:00.002-06:00

I am 21 weeks this week! I am starting to feel like a big watermelon is growing in me. I have a check up apt on Friday. I am doing pretty good!

We're having........

2009-01-25T16:49:00.002-06:00

another GIRL!!!

We went to the doctor Friday afternoon, the baby wouldn't open her legs for about 10 minutes, finally we saw the area where we could tell that it was a baby girl! YEA!!!! We do have a name picked out. Her name will be...

PAYLIE LYNN ASHCRAFT

Emrie is excited, she kept telling us she wanted a girl brother. It was cute, so for sure we can start buying big bows and pink! We are all so excited to see this little miracle!

shhhh

2009-01-20T09:07:00.003-06:00

Last night we put Emrie in bed. Drew and I were in the living room watching The Bachelor! We were talking about the girls, the show, etc. I hear at the top of the stairs, "SHHHH"

I turn and look and Emrie was at the top of the stairs telling us, "shhhhh, I'm trying to sleep" and went back to her room!

Maternity Clothes, 17 weeks!

2009-01-13T12:52:00.002-06:00

I finally found all my old maternity clothes. I was down to only a few things I could fit into. Now I am at that stage where maternity clothes are still too big and reg clothes are too tight. Oh well, I can only get bigger at this point right. I am 17 weeks this week. Our baby is about the size of an avocado. We find out if we are having a boy or a girl next Friday, the 23rd! I can't wait to see. Emrie keeps saying that she wants a sister, everyone else I talk to think we are having a boy! We will see.

The Bachelor

2009-01-08T14:07:00.003-06:00

I just LOVE the show The Bachelor on ABC, Monday night I was so tired when I got home from work. Thank goodness for Tevo-we recorded it and then watched it Tuesday night (and got to fast forward the commercials)

He is so sweet, a single dad who cares so much about his little boy. I thought it was sweet that he is taking him on the show with him so they don't have to be away. There are always some crazy and psycho woman on there, but hopefully he will find true love and be happy!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-04T16:11:00.009-06:00

Our Christmas, New Years, Vacation and family time has been fun these last couple of weeks. We also had Emrie's 3rd birthday party. Christmas we went to my mom's house in Bay City and spent the night there a couple nights. Santa visited Emrie there, then Christmas afternoon we went to Drew's parents house. We all had a wonderful holiday. Drew and I have also had the opportunity to have the last week and half off together with Emrie. We enjoyed out time together visiting with family and friends. I hope this finds everyone starting their New Years off to a wonderful start.

Emrie-Christmas morning, opening gifts

He came!

My family, Christmas Eve at Mimi's house

Emrie's party, blowing out the candles!

swinging at the pinata

eating lunch with friends at her party

Miss Cowgirl

at Chuck E Cheese

she got a new bike from Mom and Dad the morning of her birthday.

Happy Birthday Princess!

2008-12-19T11:22:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday to Emrie!

My baby girl is 3 years old today! I can't believe she is a big girl. Last night after Drew and I put her to bed we got her gift out of the garage (where we have be hiding it for a few weeks) I blew up balloons and decorated. This morning we woke her up singing Happy Birthday to her, and told her we got a birthday present for her! I walked down stairs with her and she saw her BIKE!

She has been telling Drew and I that she wants a bike and I tell her to ask Santa or ask for her birthday. She got on just like a pro and we told her she could ride it tonight when we got home.

This evening my mom is taking her to Chuck E Cheese and then tomorrow we are having her Cowgirl Party! Here are the top 3 things I LOVE about my little Peanut!

1. she is always making her Daddy and myself laugh

2. she has an imagination like you wouldn't believe

3. she gives GREAT kisses and hugs-when she feels like it! :)

I'll post pictures from her birthday and her party after this weekend.

We Love You Emrie!

It feels like Christmas!

2008-12-12T08:42:00.011-06:00

It's cold, burrrrrr. I wish I had fur!

.............that is what Emrie was singing the other night when we were decorating for Christmas. It was so cute as she hung all the ornaments at the bottom of the tree.

We have been a busy little family with the holidays fast approaching and Emrie's 3rd birthday coming up! It's been awhile since I have updated and it seems like I haven't downloaded pictures in forever. Thanksgiving was wonderful, we went to Bay City and spent the day at Mimi and Papa's house. Mimi didn't figure out the correct time for the turkey and it was undercooked, so we had ham and plenty of sides for our Thanksgiving dinner. I'm so thankful for my family and for my grandparents and for the love and the joy they bring into our lives.

I've been feeling pretty well with this pregnancy. It comes and goes, but overall way better than the 9 months I was pregnant with Emrie. Drew has been wonderful and so understanding about helping me around the house and doing mommy and daddy duties. I am 15 weeks today, and we go for my 16 week apt next Friday. We are still undecided on baby names, boy and girl! We are going to find out what we are having so I'll keep everyone updated when we find out.

Emrie is turning 3 next Friday, December 19th! I can't believe my baby girl is already 3! I know ever parent says that every year on their child's birthday. But as I think back of how fast the last 3 years have gone. Its hard to believe she is considered a little girl now and not a baby! She is so sweet and loving, she is also learning some mean things from daycare. I picked her up the other day from school and she said, "I'm not your friend mommy" I said, "Why Not"

"Cause you looked at me funny", she says.

Ok, Emrie! she says the strangest things. And I have to say acts just like me! Lucky girl. We are planning her Cowgirl Birthday Party and she will have a blast!

I am done Christmas shopping and Santa is done with our family. Now I just have to find time to wrap the gifts and hope that Emrie AND Drew don't peek under the tree! I'm finishing up with the Christmas cards and will hopefully get those out next week. As Christmas time gets near, and the weather makes it feel like winter, I'm happy to have the family I have, I'm happy that I get to spend the holidays with all my family so near and I'm so thankful that we are all healthy and well this holiday season. From our family to yours.......... Merry Christmas!

Emrie helping Daddy with the outside lights.

such a great helper!

my Christmas wreath I made this year!

our front door. it looks better at night all lit up!

My dining room table that Emrie just loved helping me decorate. She was pretending to have a tea party with the mugs.

all 3 stockings! we will have 4 next year!

Miss Priss playing dress up

My family!
My sister, mom, Emrie, Drew, and I for my mom's
Christmas picture.

I LOVE the holidays!

2008-11-13T10:50:00.007-06:00

I remember a couple years ago when I was working at Dillards, it was around the holidays (Christmas time) and I told one of my customers, "Merry Christmas" a little while later, my manager called me into her office and told me that it wasn't "appropriate"

I was so bothered went back to my counter and thought, what do I say then? It came to me Happy Holidays?

So for the many people that are offended at saying Merry Christmas, sorry! It's Merry Christmas for me and my family.

So this weekend I am doing it! I am making Drew get all the Christmas stuff out and we are putting it up. I'm actually a little late this year, the pregnancy is making me very tired-but usually I take down Halloween and up goes Christmas! So I'll take pictures and post and we can start celebrating Christmas........ I just love it! :)

with all the Christmas cards and all, it makes me so happy to start getting in the spirit.

the last couple weeks were a little crazy. Emrie had surgery on November 6, she had tubes put in her ears and her adnoids taken out and she hasn't had a runny nose since! Yea, and she just seems alot happier. We are glad we had it done. This is her a couple hours afterwards eating a Popsicle with Grammie.

cheese MOM! Emrie and Drew carved this pumpkin the night before Halloween. We cleaned, cooked and ate the pumpkin seeds. Emrie LOVED them! yum, yum

Little Lady, Emrie. She still asks, "Can we go Trick or Treating" she doesn't understand that it only happens once a year. She had alot of fun!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-28T09:18:00.006-05:00

Pumpkin Patch Pictures

posing with the scarecrow

Mom, I want both of these!

Huh?

2008-10-27T08:38:00.004-05:00

That is right! Emrie is going to be a big sister. Drew and I found out Monday, October 13th and waited until the Dr. apt we had on Friday, October 24th. I am now 7 weeks and we are due on June 19th (our annv)

When we showed Emrie the picture, she asked if we were having a puppy!

We were surprised and nervous, but now we are excited and feel blessed.

Halloween Fun

2008-10-21T10:27:00.003-05:00

I just love Halloween, I think I am going to get Emrie's pictures taken tonight, I have a coupon buy one get 2 free! She loves her costume. I have fun making fun things with her in the kitchen, here is a website that has alot of cute, fun, yucky Halloween treats to make as a family

http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/special/specialfeature/halloween_ms_food/

We have already been to the Pumpkin Patch and she loved it, I'll post pictures soon. I just love this time of year.

Happy Fall Yall.............

Weight Watchers Update

2008-10-16T10:30:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was my birthday and a weigh in at Weight Watchers. I lost.........5.8 pounds last week!
I was really good, I have to admit. I did sneak some cake in last week, but over all I counted my points to the T!
Yesterday at work my co-workers surprised me with a cake, flowers, a little bitty party in the conference room. It was sweet, then went home and Drew cooked hamburgers for me and my mom, Mimi, and Papa came over. My mom got me a new Coach purse! Drew and Emrie had the sweetest cards for me and we just hung out after we ate German chocolate birthday cake! Just another great day. :)

Weight Watchers

2008-10-09T12:53:00.004-05:00

My company came to us a couple weeks ago saying that Weight Watchers is going to come to our company and do the meeting and the program here at work for 19 weeks. I talked to Drew and told him I really wanted to do it. PRSI (my company) will reimburse you 100% is you lose 5% of your body weight, I told Drew so basically I'm going to be able to do it for free. Well I get the money back in February. Yesterday was the first meeting.......... oh my heck-I knew I needed to diet, but when I saw the numbers go higher and higher I was for sure I needed to be in there.
So I figured out everything and I get to have 27 points a day! Now it may sound like I'm starving myself with only 27 points, but really I'm doing well. The kicker to this whole thing too, Drew is doing it with me. He gets 44 points!!! Not fair-he is male.
I actually started this morning, last night I made my lunch-a cute, nice, little salad and left it in the fridge at home this morning, brought a weight watchers muffin for breakfast and some candy for a snack (weight watchers candy of course)
Walked in to my office and a guy brought donuts and sausage biscuits. "I can do this" I'm thinking to myself, "be strong" the muffin will taste so much better.
I was strong-ate my muffin and it was pretty good. So for the day so far I ate a muffin (3 points) a mid morning snack (7 points) lunch had a Subway sandwich-turkey, light mayo, wheat bun (5 points) so I still have 12 points for the day. I am fixing sausage and salad for dinner.
Not as bad as I thought. I'm not as cranky as I thought I would be :0 that's a plus........ now just 132 days to go! Yea for Weight Watchers!

Weekend Fun.....NOT!

2008-10-07T08:27:00.008-05:00

Here we go...another weekend with the Ashcrafts

isn't this a sad picture of Emrie?

SO Friday night we went to College Station for the weekend, we had a fun day planned on Saturday with Drew's brother and his family. Emrie woke up Friday night all during the night throwing up. Saturday morning she wasn't any better so Emrie and I just hung out inside and didn't do much. We left College Station about 1:00 and headed back to Pearland. Emrie kept throwing up all day Saturday, anything she ate she couldn't keep down. Crackers and Sprite and poor Emrie kept throwing up. The ride home she got sick again, so it was all over her and me. We took a bath when we got home she was starting to get sick again. Started throwing up in the bathtub and PASSED OUT on me! I freak out, run and get Drew and he says its because she hasn't kept anything down. SO I'm laying on the couch with her and she is like going in and out of consciousness. It really scared Drew and I so we decided to take her to the ER. Got to the ER, she kept throwing up....... finally saw the Dr. and was telling him everything. He decided to run alot of tests on her and hook her up to an IV. It took the nurses 3 times before they found a vein for the IV, Emrie was screaming. Got the IV in and then Dr. wanted to do a chest x-ray, a CT scan, a catheter, and a SPINAL TAP!

Yes a spinal tap on a 2 year old. She was asleep when they took the chest x-ray, she woke up when they were doing the CT scan and wasn't sure what was going on, she was asleep when they did the catheter-but woke up real quick, very unhappy, and Drew had to hold her down when they did the Spinal Tap. Well the Dr had to poke her 2 times in her spine before he could get something-she was so unhappy and screamed so loud! Then it makes Drew tear up, he says it is something you never want to go through again with your daughter. (I was out of the room, I knew I couldn't handle the pain)

She got a purple Popsicle after the spinal tap and she was the happiest I had seen her all day.

My mom drove up to see her and stayed with us as well.

The Dr. came in a said that there was a mass/area behind her left ear real close to her brain. He also said that there was in infection, her white count came back high. He did start treating her for Spiral Meningitis. The Dr. was very concerned and didn't have a Pediatric Dr at that ER to help, so he wanted to send her to Herman Children's Hospital downtown. Talk about a scary ambulance ride. It was bumpy and Emrie was crying for her daddy (who was following behind us) and she wanted out of the straps. We got to the hospital and the EMT's took us to her room and OH MY GOODNESS!

The worse place ever! They had a cage type thing in the room where the kids were to sleep and there were resident doctors everywhere. No one had the story on why we were there. I asked them for a normal bed for Emrie to sleep in, not a cage. An hour and half later they finally bring her a bed and hook up her IV again. It was just a terrible experience all together at that hospital. We never saw the same Dr./resident twice, there were new people always coming in and wanting to know what happened. Drew and I were so frustrated and tired of saying the same thing over and over again. Sunday morning Emrie had some visitors come. My mom and Frank, Mimi and Papa, and Aunt Ann all came to check on Emrie and brought her a Get Well Surprise. A Specialist came in about 8:00am and said that the area behind her ear looked like an ear infection and they were going to treat it with antibiotic and if she kept all her food and drink down we could go home. After a morning of finally getting back to herself, she was coloring and playing stickers, and ate some eggs (and kept them down). We were able to leave Sunday afternoon to go home. Drew stayed home with her yesterday and she is almost all better, we still want her to be careful and not get over heated or dehydrated.

I am so thankful that Emrie is doing better and that she has her fun personality back. I hope I never have to experience anything like that again.

I love Palin!

2008-10-03T08:12:00.002-05:00

Sarah Palin's debate talk last night was wonderful.

Drew and I are very much Republicans and are not shy about our feelings on this years presidential decision.

I work with 13 guys and 1 other female in my office and almost everyday we get to talking about political views, feminist views, sexist views and I have to say in the last view weeks, I have really voiced my opinion and stepped up about this topic. I hope I don't offend anyone, but if you don't like what I'm writing about then don't read my blog.......

Last night with the vice president debate with Joe Biden and Sarah Palin I found interesting.

I feel like Palin did a great job with her views and morals on life as a mother, wife, daughter and working woman.

From her first words, she connected with voters whose confidence in her qualifications has waned. She spoke down-home phrases throughout her answers — “bless their hearts” and “darn right.” Americans were not just people they were “Joe Six-Pack” and “Hockey Moms.” And who needs polls, she suggested, when there are youth soccer games with parents on the sidelines. This is such a huge impact on me that she is so willing to be the best mom and be the best woman vice-president. She was shaky at times, with issues she wasn't too familiar with-but who knows everything, right?!? I think she jumped back on and started talking about her most comfortable views. At work today some of the other ladies in my building in another department were saying how "bad" it looked that Sarah Palin's youngest 9 year old daughter was holding the little baby boy. My feelings on this; find something else to not like her about. All families in America have other family members hold their siblings. In my opinion she is dedicated, hard working, willing and she did an awesome job last night. My vote on the ballot is for MCCAIN/PALIN!

Staying Busy

2008-10-02T09:12:00.008-05:00

We had a wonderful time celebrating Drew's birthday, after we went out to eat, we sang Happy Birthday and Emrie was running around the house with the balloons.

Drew blowing out his candles
he was mad that I made him pose for this picture :)

the cake with the green frosting Emrie wanted on there

Emrie playing with the balloons

We had a Chili Cook-off at our church last weekend. Yes, we all matched and Drew didn't like this either, but he was a great sport. The Chili was wonderful and Emrie had fun playing with all the kids.

Emrie and I cuddled up watching TV one night, she doens't to this often, so when she does I take advantage!

Drew rented Harley's with his dad and brothers and they went riding last weekend, when Drew pulled up to the house, Emrie said I was to ride on Daddy's bike! So now every time we see a bike on the road she thinks it's Daddy's bike.....great!

Happy Birthday Drew

2008-10-01T08:41:00.006-05:00

Happy Birthday Drew!

Today is Drew's birthday, last night Emrie and I made his cake and wrapped his presents, Emrie "colored" on his card and I tried to explain to her that it was a surprise for tomorrow, not to tell Daddy. A little while later I hear Drew laughing, he told me to listen to what Emrie was telling him, she was whispering in his ear, "Mommy got you a card and a cake"

So much for the surprise. Like he didn't already know, he could smell the cake baking-but still, it was funny! So after he went to bed last night, I was sneaky and real quiet....... I blew up balloons, hung a birthday banner, and set our his cake with gifts on the breakfast table, so when he woke up this morning he could see his birthday surprise!

Tonight, after we get off we are going out to eat with his parents at Saltgrass (yuck, but its his birthday, not mine) and then we will go home and open his presents and eat birthday cake.

I love Drew so much and appreciate all that he does for me and Emrie, here are some funny and sweet things about him.......

1. He is a great daddy

2. Emrie has him wrapped around her finger (and has since the day she was born)

3. He is a hard worker

4. He tries really hard to make me happy

5. I can tell him ANYTHING and EVERYTHING

6. He is an awesome husband

7. He knows how to keep a yard looking good, and he loves doing it

8. He doesn't know that much about home "fix er uppers"

9. He likes pedicures

10. He gets his eyebrows waxed (he is going to kill me for telling)

11. He speaks Tagalog Language

12. He has a strong Spirit

13. His favorite color is blue

14. He gives good hugs and kisses

15. He loves to cook, I just don't let him :)

16. He loves me for who I am

17. He appreciates me as a mother and a wife

18. He likes to talk, ALOT

19. He doesn't put his dishes in the dishwasher

20. He loves us so much!

I love you Drew, have a Happy 28th Birthday!

(I'll post pictures tomorrow from his "party" tonight)

It's Fall Yall, We survived IKE!

2008-09-24T08:47:00.012-05:00

Well it's been awhile since my last post and alot has happened. The biggest and most exciting was Hurricaine Ike. Let me rewind...... Wednesday, September 10 we were out to eat and we got a message on our cell phones that Pearland was mandatory evacuation, we I start to freak out (because I had made my mind up, we weren't leaving) we go home, fix our home and pack our bags. So we are on our way to Llano, Texas. We are on the way and we hear on the radio that it was a mistake and that Brazoria County excluding Pearland was to evacuate. So we decided to go ahead and leave anyway, Drew was trying to explain to me how miserable we were going ot be without power. We arrived at 2:30 am, woke up the next morning and Emrie just loved playing outside in the country.

Emrie playing with the kittens

I thought this was a cute picture of Emrie using the big girl potty!

I don't think she ever let those kittens go

I shot a gun for the first time, and nailed the target!!!!

The hurricaine hit, we were glued to the TV and trying to find out what all was done, we decided to go ahead and drive to Bay City to stay with my mom, that away when we did get power and did get the ok to go home we would be alot closer. Drew went and looked at the house on Sunday and we had minor damage. The fence was blown down, the trees in the front yard were blown sideways, some minor landscaping, we definitely were blessed that we didn't have major damage. This hurricane damaged so many people's lives and so many people lost everything.

the fence in the backyard

Mine and Drew's job's were out of power for the whole week after, we had a mini vacation, we stayed with his mom for a couple days, went shopping and just enjoyed sleeping in. This past Monday we started work again, Emrie started school and we were off to a normal life. Fall is here and I was itching to get my Halloween stuff out (thanks to Melanie Curtis) Drew says its not even october yet, but I'm in the spirit of Fall-Halloween.

My front door

the breakfast table

ready for Halloween treats!

fireplace mantle

BOO!

Now, we are on the hunt for Emrie's Halloween costume. Have a great week!

McCain/Palin

2008-09-08T13:14:00.001-05:00

As I watched Sarah Palin give her speech at the Republican National Convention. I REALLY like her. I am hoping with everything I have that McCain and Palin win. In her speech when she said that the other delegates say that they will fight for you, but there is only one delegate that has actually fought for you, it gave me goose bumps. I appreciate all that John McCain has done. She also said. "I'm not a member of the permanent political establishment. And I've learned quickly, these past few days, that if you're not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone. But here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion - I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country." Okayyy, she means business! I love it. Anyway, I was really impressed with her, her speech, and her spunk. And the fact that she has a down syndrome baby makes me like her even more. Regardless of your political views, I think she is great!

3 day weekend..back to work/school

2008-09-02T09:17:00.008-05:00

Mimi and Emrie on the boat
eatting yummy cake!

i love her hair like this

cheese

Saturday we went on the boat and took Mimi and Papa, they had a good time and Emrie loved just laying around with Mimi. Monday we celebrated Emrie's cousins' birthday and she loved eating birthday cake and playing on the water slide. I wish we could do fun water stuff for her birthday-maybe a party in July and not December?

We missed hurricane Gustav, but now with 3 more in the gulf, our fears during hurricane season isn't over yet! This morning I took Emrie to school and she did wonderful! Hopefully (keep your fingers crossed) her days of crying are over and she will continue to love her school.

weekend in Bay City

2008-08-27T09:43:00.006-05:00

Mark Chesnutt

This last weekend we went to Bay City, we had a Bridal Shower for my cousin Holly. We also had country singer, Mark Chesnutt come to town so Drew, my mom, Frank, and I all went and Mimi and Papa babysat Emrie. Emrie was on one all weekend. She loves going to Grammies and to Mimi and Papa's. A sidenote: she didn't cry at school this morning!!!

playing in Daddy's shoes

Mardi Gras beads!

My cousin Holly and I

Emrie and Holly

Oh Emrie!

2008-08-25T08:25:00.001-05:00

So my last post I mentioned how it was Emrie's first day of daycare/school. Monday and Tuesday were very good. She walked in there like a big girl! Wednesday, Thursday, Friday......a different story.
Wednesday she held onto my neck for dear life and wasn't going to let me go, after about 10 minutes of telling her that she will be ok and that she will have fun with her friends, I had to leave the room. This child screamed, kicked, cried, obviously she didn't want to stay at school. I got myself under control and walked out, got in the car and cried my eyes out. Did she hate her school already? Were the teachers or other kids mean to her? What is wrong? So I got myself together and went to work. I called the daycare twice that day to check on her and they said she was fine and was playing. So then Thursday.....I had Drew take her, same thing. Friday....Same thing.
This morning, Monday......same thing. She was good and held my hand walking into school and it's like when we get in her room her bottom lip just quivers. It's one of the saddest things I've ever seen. Drew picks her up every afternoon and says she is playing and having fun. So how much longer are we going to have to go through with this? It makes me sad!

Emrie's Home......First Day of Daycare.

2008-08-18T10:04:00.004-05:00

Emrie came home on Friday night, she had so much fun with Grammie! They went swimming, played outside, rode horses with Lexie, went to Chuck E Cheese, went to the zoo, worked on potty training (yea for Grammie!) Then we took mom, Jenni and Aaron out of the boat and battled with the rain. We sat under a bridge for an hour before we finally felt like it was ok to get into the river-after the rain finally stopped. Jenni tried to get up on the skies, Mom tried to get up, I finally got up and then it was time for the tube! Emrie rode the tube with mom and Jenni. Then it was my turn on the tube with mom..........

after a sore back, neck, bruises on legs and arms we had a great time! We flew off the tube and hit the water going really, really fast. Mom is still sore and I'm laughing that she is too old to have fun on the boat. Needless to say, we are all going out on the boat next weekend too!

After a fun filled weekend, Monday morning came around and today was Emrie's first day of daycare. I had butterflies in my stomach, Drew couldn't carry on a conversation with me he was so nervous, and Emrie was so happy, singing songs on the way this morning. We pulled up, I'm still nervous, Emrie is excited because she gets to play with the kids. We walk in, Daddy carrying Emrie's bags and we meet Miss Peggy (the owner) she shows us to Emrie's class, we walk in and meet her teacher (I forgot her name) :( Emrie gave her teacher a huge hug and they "clicked" it made me feel so happy and relieved. Then off to watch TV with the kids. I said, "OK Emrie Mommy and Daddy are going to work and will pick you up later, can I have a kiss and hug" she looked up and said, "NO" I looked at Drew and said ok well she is ok let's go. So we walked out and there she was at her first day of Big Girl Daycare! Drew said, "Are you ok" I was fine. (I think he wanted to cry) :)

Our little Emrie is growing up!

Emrie and Chuck E Cheese - Week with Grammie!

missing my little peanut.....

2008-08-14T08:43:00.004-05:00

So Emrie has been with my mom this week since Sunday. She is coming home tomorrow after mom takes her to the zoo. Then we are going out on the boat again on Saturday. All week long I've called to "check in" and Emrie is having so much fun. Mom is potty training her!!!!! She wears the big girl pants!! Yea for Emrie, now let's just hope that she continues when she comes home and not to mention that we start daycare on Monday.

I was upstairs the other night changing Emrie's sheets and picking up her room and it was so empty without her there. I'm used to her asking me when I'm in her room, "Mom, what are you doing" "Why are you in here" "Where is Bubba" and a million other questions all evening long.

Drew and I have definitely said that she makes our home what it is and that she adds so much life and joy in our home. For sure, never a dull moment without her :)

I hosted Bunco at my house last night with some ladies from church and we had a wonderful time. We are all mothers and we were talking about things that our wonderful kids do and say and when I started talking about Emrie, it of course made me miss her even more. I know she having the time of her life at Grammies, but Mommy, Daddy and even Bubba miss her like crazy! Love you Little Peanut!

Helping Mommy

2008-08-11T09:21:00.003-05:00

CHEESE!

EATTING THE BATTER

GIVING DUKE HIS BIRTHDAY TREAT

HERE YOU GO BUBBA!

Last week Duke celebrated his 4th birthday. I told Emrie that we were going to make "special treats" for her Bubba. So we made Duke an extra plate of treats for his birthday. Emrie wanted to put her apron on, we were in the kitchen of course we need the apron on. So she gave Duke his birthday treat and then she wanted to make brownies! We started making the brownies, she wanted to do it all herself! Crack the eggs, mix the mixer, pour in the pan and eat the batter! She loved it and I loved spending time with her in the kitchen. She is Mommy's Little Helper!

boating,potty training, and shopping

2008-08-04T09:11:00.005-05:00

So the last couple of weeks have been fun! We are STILL trying to potty train, but no luck. Emrie will sit on the big girl potty, but then 2 hours later she forgets and just goes in the diaper. Hopefully at her new daycare (she starts on Aug. 18) they will work with her and she will be able to catch on and use the potty! I guess she has the stubbornness of her daddy!

She still loves the boat, we went out with Kory, Sandy and kids and Emrie was in the tube the whole time! I was excited that she stayed in there and didn't want out. I guess that means we will try and put her on water skis next :)

My mom, Mimi and I went shopping in Canton, Texas this past weekend, a weekend full of fun, shopping, laughing, eatting, more shopping, more laughing, and more shopping. We shopped from 8:30am until they closed at 4:30pm and then got up the next morning at 6:30 and went to shop some more! We didn't know what to expeact but had a great time.

Our summer has been exciting. We plan on taking the boat out the next couple weekends with friends and family. I'll update with anything new with Emrie. Have a great week.

Kids say the cutest things....

2008-07-29T10:25:00.000-05:00

Emrie being 2 1/2 and always talking and singing things, she has really been on a roll lately with her "expressions"
Last night we were at a car dealership and I had a terrible headache, I was sitting there with my head down and my hands on my head, Emrie comes up to me and says, "What's wrong Mommy" I said, "Baby mommy's head hurts"
Emrie, "Oh, I'll hold you"
Me, "Thanks Emrie"
Emrie, "Does your head need medicine?"

This morning I treated Emrie to a Sonic drink, I got her a Sprite (it was 6:00am)
We were on our way to the babysitter and I said, "How is your coke" she RAISES her voice at me and says "Emrie doesn't have coke, I have Sprite"
.....excuse me! :)

She is definitely a compassionate little girl and always thinking about the situation we are in. Almost every day Drew and I just look at each other and wonder what is next!

Feeling Better, Life is great!

2008-07-24T09:50:00.000-05:00

So I had Mono and Strept throat last week, I was out of work all week. Drew and Emrie took such great care of me! I am back in the saddle again and we are loving life.

Emrie had gymnastics on Tuesday, my mom came up and surprised her. Emrie loves her gymnastics class and really looks foward in going every week.

We have plans to take the boat out this weekend and enjoy ourselves on that.

I'm still trying to figure out the whole blogging thing and all the "extras" that come with it.

Starting Out......

2008-07-10T09:18:00.000-05:00

Well, I have finally decided to start the famous "blogging" With Emrie being 2 1/2 and changing so much, this is a great way to inform our family and friends on what is new in the Ashcraft Home.

With Summer here and its getting more hot every day we really enjoy our time together as a family on our new boat. Drew and I bought a boat in May and have really enjoyed ourselves on it. Emrie loves it to.