The Sangenito Scoop

3 Years

2012-02-07T20:38:00.000-08:00

3 years ago tonight, I married my best friend.

I wasn't anxious that day.

I was excited. I was ready to see what the future held.

Little did we know that 3 years in the future, we would spend the morning cuddling with a precious baby girl. Or that our "night out" would include a trip to Target for toilet paper.

There are a lot of things that we could be anxious about tonight.

But we aren't.

We are excited. And cannot wait to see what the future holds.

Doctor's Appointments

2012-02-02T12:03:00.000-08:00

1 Week Check-up:

We went for Ashlynn's 1 week check-up the day after we got home from the hospital. Mark was off of work for the week, so he got to join us.

Ashlynn weighed in at 7 lb. 3 oz. (the same as when she left the hospital). She measured 19 3/4 inches (1/4 of an inch shorter than when she was born??) Her weight and head measurements were in the 35th percentile, and her height was in the 50th percentile.

Her skin had become a bit more yellow, so the doctor did a test on her jaundice levels while we were there. I was so glad that Mark was there to hold her...it was terrible watching them prick her little foot!

2 Week Check-up:

On Monday, January 16 we went for Ashlynn's 2 week check-up. This was our first outing with just the 2 of us. I managed to get us out the door and to the doctor on time, even if I was a little frazzled when we got there! There were quite a few sick kiddos in the waiting room, and I discovered that I have a new fear of pediatrician's waiting rooms.

Ashlynn weighed in at 8 lbs! This was a huge relief to me after some of the feeding problems we had been having. She measured 20 (and something?) inches. Her head and weight were still in the 35th percentile and her height was in the 64th percentile.

Since I was on my own, I had to hold her while they pricked her heel for her 2nd newborn screening. Thankfully it didn't last too long!

She was tired from our first big outing!

Our Hospital Stay

2012-01-31T13:32:00.000-08:00

During the few days after Ashlynn's arrival, she got to meet some very special people! Our friends and family got the chance to meet her, and fell in love as quickly as we did!

Just a few of the family members who came to visit!

She also got some good one on one cuddle time with mommy and daddy!

We made the decision to have Ashlynn sleep in the nursery at the hospital, and it worked out great for us. They brought her in every few hours, but we were able to get a little rest after 14 hours of labor. We also had ample "quiet hours" to bond as a family of .

Our stay at the hospital could not have been better. While I was in labor, they brought Mark meals the entire day. The nurses made sure that we were educated on everything we wanted to know about, and were so encouraging and positive. On our last night there, we even got a steak and lobster dinner from the executive chef!

Monday morning as we were leaving, I looked at Mark and asked him if they were really going to let the 2 of us leave with a baby to take care of on our own! It was a surreal, yet exciting moment!

Ashlynn's Birth Story

2012-01-26T11:22:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share Ashlynn's birth story...more for my memory than anything else!

After having been on bedrest for over 10 weeks, I assumed that the second I was given freedom that I would "pop". Well, a week went by...and nothing! We were so ready to meet our daughter. Friday January 6th, I had my checkup with Dr. E. As he was leaving, I joked that maybe I would see him before our next appointment. He said, "70/30 chance I will see you here next week." {Famous last words}

Around 2:30 Saturday morning, I woke up and thought I had gone to the bathroom on myself. I got up, and it kept coming. After ~~freaking out~~ calling the Dr., it was determined that my water had most likely broken, and we needed to head to the hospital.

Once we checked in at the hospital, they hooked me up to the monitors and checked my progress. I was still only dilated to a 2. Throughout the next few hours, they had to start pitocin, because my contractions were not regular or effective. The doctor came to check me, and determined my water had not fully broken. After they broke the rest of my water, the pain really started coming. I got an epidural after that, and I am so glad I did.

We spent most of the day watching tv, playing on our phones and napping. I am grateful for the time we had to rest in preparation for her arrival.

As our family began to arrive, they came back to check on us and then spent the day in the waiting room. They were so ready to meet her!

Around 4:00 p.m. it was time to push. I am so thankful for my husband. He was amazing throughout the entire day. Right before we started pushing, he prayed over me and our sweet baby. It was such a special moment.

After about an hour and a half of pushing, our sweet baby girl was born at 5:41 pm. Seeing her for the first time was a moment I will never forget. I had an overwhelming flood of emotions.

Her daddy was instantly in love with her!

Once they got her cleaned up, our new family of 3 got to spend about an hour alone together.

Mark then took her to be introduced to the rest of her family members!

It was a day that I do not think any of us will ever forget. We thank God every day that He has blessed us with such a sweet little miracle!

38 weeks

2012-01-16T09:12:00.000-08:00

I figured I would wrap up this pregnancy in the same way that I started...a weekly post!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: Baby girl arrived at 37 weeks 5 days

Size of baby: She weighed 7 lbs 12 oz and measured 20 inches long

Weight gain: I am now -20 of my +28!

Maternity Clothes: Still wearing some, but back in a lot of pre-pregnancy clothes!

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement: She loves to kick her little legs and move her arms and hands in front of her face

Sleep: She sleeps like an angel! (Knock on wood) She normally sleeps in 3-4 hour stretches during the day, and then only wakes up 2 times during the night

Symptoms: Madly in love with our sweet daughter, and feeling so blessed that the Lord has chosen us to be her parents

What I miss: NOTHING! Couldn't imagine our lives without her

Cravings: Lots of kisses and snuggle time :)

Best Moment this week: Ashlynn turned 1 week old, and got to spend the whole week with her daddy!

What I am looking forward to: Watching her life unfold and seeing the BIG plans that God has in store for her!

She's Here!

2012-01-12T19:39:00.000-08:00

It's official....we are a family of 3!!!!!

Our precious baby girl was born 01/07/12 at 5:41 p.m.

She weighed 7 lbs. 12 oz. and measured 20 inches long.

We already love her more than we thought was possible! I will post again soon with her birth story, and details on her first week of life!

Until then...off to cuddle with my sweet family!

37 weeks (aka FULL TERM!)

2012-01-02T13:00:00.000-08:00

Full term. WOW! I can't believe we managed to bake our sweet baby the full 10 weeks until I reached full term! God is SO good!

As of today, I am off of bedrest and meds. Our families and friends have all been taking guesses as to how long it will take her to make her grand entrance! Dr. E said that everything is looking great, and that she could come anytime in the next 3 weeks!

Mark kept telling me I didn't look pregnant from behind, so I had him take this picture so I could see for myself!

That is quite a difference from the front.side views!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 37 weeks

Size of baby: Should be around 19 inches, and 6.3 lbs, about the weight of a stalk of swiss chard...but she was measuring 7.2 lbs 2 weeks ago during the sono, and the tech said she could be a 9 pounder!

Weight gain: +25

Maternity Clothes: Back to maternity clothes! I only have a few things, but am making them work for a few weeks!

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement: It has slowed down some, since she is getting so big. But she still makes sure we know that she is in there!

Sleep: A little rougher the past few days, it kind of comes and goes

Symptoms: Waddling, sore back, and random contractions

What I miss: My body feeling good

Cravings: Nothing really

Best Moment this week: Reaching 37 weeks!! Full term, and no more bedrest!!

What I am looking forward to: Enjoying this week of being out of the house, and getting things ready for her arrival!

36!

2011-12-28T07:50:00.001-08:00

1 month to go! We are getting SO excited and SO ready to meet our sweet baby girl!

Last Friday, I went to see Dr. E. It looks like my body is getting ready to have this baby! I get to go off of bedrest and my meds on Monday @ 37 weeks!! Shouldn't be long after that until we are holding sweet Ashlynn!

She wasn't moving a ton the day of my appt, so they decided to do a sono to check everything out. She was looking great when we peeked! It looks like she has hair, and that she is going to be a BIG baby! Here is a pic from the sono:

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 36 weeks

Size of baby: Should be around 18.5 inches, and 6 lbs, about the weight of a crenshaw melon...but she was measuring 7.2 lbs last week during the sono, and the tech said she could be a 9 pounder!

Weight gain: +27

Maternity Clothes: My new wardrobe consists of shorts, pj pants and tshirts...

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement: It has slowed down some, since she is getting so big. But she still makes sure we know that she is in there!

Sleep: It takes me forever to fall asleep these days, and I am getting up a lot more to go to the bathroom.

Symptoms: Waddling, sore back, and def. hormones this week

What I miss: Driving and eating at places besides my couch!

Cravings: I have really been craving fruit and chocolate milk again

Best Moment this week: Seeing our sweet little girl on the sono (And getting to share that with my mom!)

What I am looking forward to: My doctors appt on Thursday, and getting off of bedrest!!

36!

2011-12-28T07:46:00.000-08:00

1 month to go! We are getting SO excited and SO ready to meet our sweet baby girl!

She wasn't moving a ton the day of my appt, so they decided to do a sono to check everything out. She was looking great when we peeked! She is also going to be a BIG baby! Here are a few pics from the sono:

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 36 weeks

Size of baby: Should be around 18.5 inches, and 6 lbs, about the weight of a crenshaw melon...but she was measuring 7.2 lbs last week during the sono, and the tech said she could be a 9 pounder!

Weight gain: +27

Maternity Clothes: My new wardrobe consists of shorts, pj pants and tshirts...

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement: It has slowed down some, since she is getting so big. But she still makes sure we know that she is in there!

Sleep: It takes me forever to fall asleep these days, and I am getting up a lot more to go to the bathroom.

Symptoms: Waddling, sore back, and def. hormones this week

What I miss: Driving and eating at places besides my couch!

Cravings: I have really been craving fruit and chocolate milk again

Best Moment this week: Seeing our sweet little girl on the sono (And getting to share that with my mom!)

What I am looking forward to: My doctors appt on Thursday, and getting off of bedrest!!

35:The Magic Number

2011-12-19T13:42:00.000-08:00

35 weeks down and 35 days to go!

This week has been about the same. I have had a few more contractions here and there, but the meds are still doing their trick. I have also started to waddle, and become extremely tired. I go to the doctor this Friday, so I am excited to see how things are looking!

We will also be celebrating our last Christmas as a family of 2! I will be honest, I haven't felt the Christmas spirit too much this week...being stuck at home, and not being able to go spend Christmas with family just feels kind of weird. I am just grateful that baby girl has stayed in this long!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 35 weeks

Size of baby: 18 inches, and she should be around 5.25 lbs, about the weight of a honeydew melon...not too much longer until we get to see how big she actually is!

Weight gain: +25

Maternity Clothes: My new wardrobe consists of shorts, pj pants and tshirts

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement: As crazy as ever! Still hiccuping and loves to react to her daddy's voice!

Sleep: When I am asleep I sleep good. I think my body is just preparing me to live on little sleep, because I can't fall asleep, wake up (and stay up) a few times a night, and wake up early.

Symptoms: I think I started "waddling" when I walk...

What I miss: Enjoying the sights/sounds/smells of Christmas

Cravings: Lately I haven't had too many cravings....It's more so that nothing sounds good to eat, and I am really indecisive about food

Best Moment this week: Last week was pretty uneventful, which is good news in the world of baby baking!

What I am looking forward to: My next appt. with Dr. E is on Friday! And then Christmas will be here! I am looking forward to spending this last Christmas as a family of 2, and celebrating the birth of our Savior!

34!

2011-12-13T14:57:00.000-08:00

One more down....

Only six weeks to go! Hopefully a little less! (Whenever God is ready to send her out, really!)

Everything was looking good at my appt last week. Really no changes (which is a plus!) We are so excited to meet Ashlynn and love on her! I can't believe how close we are getting!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 34 weeks

Size of baby: 18 inches, and she should be around 4.75 lbs, about the weight of a cantelope...not too much longer until we get to see how big she actually is!

Weight gain: +25

Maternity Clothes: My new wardrobe consists of shorts, pj pants and tshirts

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement: Still moving all over! This week we started feeling her feet when they would kick out...it is a pretty amazing experience!

Sleep: Some nights are good, and then some mornings I wake up feeling exhausted

Symptoms: A few new "not blogging about" symptoms. I have been pretty tired lately too (Not sure how since I lay on a couch all day!)

What I miss: Dates with my husband

Cravings: Lately I haven't had too many cravings....It's more so that nothing sounds good to eat, and I am really indecisive about food

Best Moment this week: Went to Dr. E last week, and all is looking great! My next appt is in 2.5 weeks (apparently he decided he needs a vacation lol!)

What I am looking forward to: I ordered Christmas presents online this week, and they should all be coming in this week!

33 weeks!

2011-12-06T08:49:00.000-08:00

7 weeks to go!

Thankfully, this was a very uneventful week pregnancy wise! I have started feeling "very pregnant" this week. We got our glider in this week, and her room is looking great! Our next appt is Wed, so hopefully all is still looking great then!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 33 weeks

Size of baby: 17 inches, and she should be around 4 lbs, about the weight of a pineapple...My stomach was measuring 33.5 weeks almost 2 weeks ago, so she is probably bigger than that!

Weight gain: +23

Maternity Clothes: My new wardrobe consists of shorts, pj pants and tshirts

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement: Crazy! She has started hiccuping more, and she has started kicking/hitting my bladder again

Sleep: Sleep has been ok, although I have started to wake up more to go to the bathroom throughout the night

Symptoms: A few new "not blogging about" symptoms. I am hungry alot, but food is not sounding food. I also have some back pain throughout the day.

What I miss: Fresh air, sights/smells of Christmas

Cravings: Lately I haven't had too many cravings....It's more so that nothing sounds good to eat, and I am really indecisive about food

Best Moment this week: Mark got to go to his man shower, and had a great time! We are so blessed!

What I am looking forward to: Next dr. appt is Wed!

8 months!

2011-11-29T07:44:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I am 8 months pregnant! It feels like just yesterday we found out we were pregnant. And I can't believe I have been on bedrest for FIVE weeks now!

Baby girl decided to give us another adventure in L&D Sunday night. I hadn't been feeling good all day, and just didn't feel "right." Dr. E wanted me to go in just to make sure everything was ok. It turns out I was dehydrated (Not sure how...I feel like all I do is drink water!) They gave me a bag of IV fluids and all was well!

We also went to see Dr. E last week for a checkup. Everything is looking great! He pushed my next appt. back to 2 weeks since everything was looking good.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 32 weeks

Size of baby: 16.7 inches, and she should be around 3.75 lbs, about the weight of a jicama...Last Wed. at my appt. my stomach was measuring 2.5 weeks big, so I am guessing she is still bigger than that!

Weight gain: +23

Maternity Clothes: My new wardrobe consists of shorts, pj pants and tshirts

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement: Still a crazy, active little girl!

Sleep: Sleep has been ok, although I have started to wake up more to go to the bathroom throughout the night

Symptoms: My stomach feels huge....Laying down is kind of awkward because of it. I am a little hormonal/emotional, and the "nesting" and "I'm going to be a mom soon?!" thoughts have kicked in full gear

What I miss: Target, driving, wearing scarves and boots

Cravings: Lately I haven't had too many cravings....It's more so that nothing sounds good to eat, and I am really indecisive about food

Best Moment this week: Celebrating Thanksgiving with family, and enjoying a much needed long weekend with my better half!

What I am looking forward to: Saturday we are having a "Man Shower" hosted by our homegroup! Since I can't go to a shower, they are having a shower for all of the guys (they are golfing, not having cake and punch lol!)

31 weeks

2011-11-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

We are down to single digit weeks until baby girl arrives! 9 weeks! (Or less!) This week was pretty uneventful, pregnancy and life wise. My meds are still working, and baby girl is still cooking! I sat on the back porch the other day for a bit because I missed fresh air so much. I have never enjoyed sitting in the cool with a cup of hot chocolate so much!

My work had a shower for me last week (without me lol!) and my friend Hailey brought me the gifts! It was so sweet and I am so blessed to work with such great ladies!

I think my picture is just going to start getting added a few days after my post, because Wed. are makeup/clothes days lol!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 31 weeks

Size of baby: 16 inches, and she should be around 3.3 lbs, about the weight of 4 navel oranges...although by now we know she is a little bigger than that!

Weight gain: +21

Maternity Clothes: My new wardrobe consists of shorts, pj pants and tshirts

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement: Still moving all over the place! Last week at my appt. she was head down, but Dr. E said we are going to keep an eye on her because she wasn't very far down and doesn't seem to like to settle into one place!

Sleep: My legs have been hurting the past few nights, but I think upping my water intake (even more!) should help that!

Symptoms: Def. hormonal, a little achy, a contraction here or there

What I miss: Target

Cravings: Lately I haven't had too many cravings....It's more so that nothing sounds good to eat, and I am really indecisive about food

Best Moment this week: My mom came last Wed. and helped me get alot organized in the nursery and got the bedding put on for me! I will have pictures soon!

What I am looking forward to: Spending Thanksgiving with family! And really reflecting on ALL that we have to be thankful for in our lives.

Three*Oh

2011-11-15T14:35:00.000-08:00

30 weeks. That sounds like such a more calming number that 29. Feels closer, and a little more real!

This week has been good....I got to celebrate my birthday-bedrest style! My amazing husband did a great job of making it special! I also started some part time/temp work, which is a blessing in SO many ways!

I had wanted to take maternity pictures about this time....So I am trying to use pinterest/my creativity to come up with at lease a few cute pictures Mark can take of me/us...We'll see how that turns out!

(I haven't changed out of PJ's for the past 2 days...so I will add a picture when I am dressed to go to the dr. tomorrow!)

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 30 weeks

Size of baby: 15.7 inches, and she should be around 3 lbs, about the weight of a head of cabbage...although by now we know she is a little bigger than that!

Weight gain: +20

Maternity Clothes: My new wardrobe consists of shorts, pj pants and tshirts

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement: Still moving like crazy! We have started to feel little body parts rolling across my stomach....pretty wild!

Sleep: Since I started doing some work from home, I seem to be able to fall asleep easier at night. Although I do find that my stress/crazy nesting thoughts come out whenever I lay down.

Symptoms: The normal aches and pains are there...I can't lay propped up on my back anymore or she squished my vena cava. And probably a little hormonal too :)

What I miss: Going outside more than once every 2 weeks, cleaning, eating out, oh ya know...the usual

Cravings: Chocolate milk, Chickfila, fruit, peanut butter

Best Moment this week: Our crib came this week!!! Mark got it all set up and I can't wait until we have a sweet baby girl sleeping in it (Well, I lied...I can wait about 10 weeks!)

What I am looking forward to: Going to see Dr. E tomorrow and seeing where we are at!

Bedrest Buddy

2011-11-11T07:12:00.000-08:00

When you are laying at home all day, it can get a little quiet! Thankfully I have this guy to keep me company!

Mark was looking through pictures on my phone the other day and he started cracking up...because 90% of my recent pictures are of our dog.

What can I say? The things he does seem a lot more entertaining when your days consist of laying in bed, showering and watching endless shows on your computer.

One thing I have learned from Zeus....bedrest is some exhausting business!

Thankfully my days..and life are fixing to get a little fuller! I started a part time temp job yesterday, so I will have a little more to do than lay around! Praise the Lord!

29 weeks!

2011-11-07T14:30:00.000-08:00

Taking things 1 week at a time here! It has been a good week, just alot of laying around :)

Dr. E seemed calm about everything last week. That made me feel better! He seems to think that with the meds and bedrest that she could stay in there full term. Such a praise!!

Nesting has set in, and I can't really nest, so I am so thankful for friends/family who have helped out with things! And can I just say...my husband is AMAZING! He has taken such good care of baby girl and I these past few weeks!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 29 weeks

Size of baby: 15 inches, and she should be around 2.5 lbs, about the weight of a Butternut Squash...she weighed more than that 2 weeks ago, and my stomach measured 30 weeks last Wed.!

Weight gain: +20

Maternity Clothes: My new wardrobe consists of shorts, pj pants and tshirts

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement: Active as ever! I have started doing kick counts, and I am supposed to feel her move 10 times in 2 hours. It took me 5 minutes to feel 10 kicks haha!

Sleep: Laying around during the day makes falling asleep harder, but otherwise sleep has been great

Symptoms: Hormonal :), hungry and thirsty

What I miss: Sunshine

Cravings: Chocolate milk, Chickfila, fruit, Burger Street

Best Moment this week: 1) Going in for my 28 week appt and touching base with Dr. E

2) Mark and our sweet friend Ben painted the nursery! And our friend Katie brought over the finished bedding!!

What I am looking forward to: Celebrating my birthday this week :)

28 weeks/3rd Trimester!!

2011-10-31T17:28:00.000-07:00

God is good! We have made it to 28 weeks and the THIRD TRIMESTER! My days have mainly consisted of laying on the bed or laying on the pullout in the living room. We have been so blessed already through this crazy time. It is amazing to me to see how our friends and family have been so quick to serve us, and to show God's love to our family. And my husband has been incredible. He has stepped up in so many ways and taken on a new role.

We go back to the doctor on Wednesday and will find out more of what things are looking like. I have not seen him since all of this began, so it will be nice to talk with him. I am still having contractions, but the medicine seems to be stopping them so far!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 28 weeks

Size of baby: 14.8 inches, and she should be around 2.25 lbs, about the weight of a Chinese Cabbage...Although she measured at 2 lbs. 11 oz a week ago!

Weight gain: +18

Maternity Clothes: My new wardrobe consists of shorts, pj pants and tshirts

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement: She is still super active (PRAISE THE LORD!) Mark will put his face next to my stomach and start talking to her and she will start punching/kicking his face!

Sleep: Sleep seems to be ok for now!

Symptoms: Now that I have been on bed rest, my ribs don't hurt anymore. My back has been hurting more though.

What I miss: Walking :)

Cravings: Chocolate milk, Chickfila, fruit

Best Moment this week: Making it another week with baby girl still safe. Every day she stays in is a blessing!

What I am looking forward to: Going to see Dr. E on Wed for a check on how things are looking

Bed-Rest

2011-10-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

I though the events of the past few days deserved a "mid-week" catch up!

Wednesday morning, I helped take a group of our kids bowling. I noticed I had a contraction or two before we left. I decided to time them just in case. Well, the entire hour and a half that we were there, I had contractions. Every ten minutes. No bueno. When we got back to school, I called Dr. E and they sent me to triage.

I was at triage until about 6 Wed. night. They were picking up my contractions, which hadn't happened on Sunday. Ashlynn is looking great (they monitored her the entire time). It took 2 shots of terbutaline to stop the contractions. They sent me home with a prescription for when contractions came back. My cervix was also soft, and they told me to follow up w/Dr. E on Thursday. I was so thankful Mark was able to be there...it was a little scary!

Well, when I talked to Dr. E's nurse on Thursday, she told me that I am on now on bed rest....Kind of a shock to my system, but I want to do whatever it takes to keep baby girl in for as long as possible! I have had contractions a few times in the past 2 days, but the medicine seems to be stopping them!

It is crazy to think that if she stays in until January that I won't be at work again until March! The Lord is already using this situation to show Mark and I how much we aren't in control and how much He is!

Please join us in praying that our sweet baby girl stays in for as long as the Lord wills, and that she grows healthy and strong in the meantime!

27 weeks!

2011-10-24T16:40:00.000-07:00

Oh where to begin! This week has been yet another adventure with sweet baby Ashlynn! Saturday, we went to the fair. I may or may not have walked ALOT. Saturday night I started having Braxton Hicks about 10 min. apart. I decided to be stubborn and not share this w/my husband, or call the doctor. Sunday, I got talked into calling the doctor when I was still having 3/hr. after 24 hrs. So, off to labor and delivery we went!

Thankfully, L&D was not busy, and we were only there for 1.5 hrs. They monitored me and everything was looking great! Thank goodness!! Apparently I just don't need to walk 3 miles in the heat anymore :)

We also had our 4D sono today! It was INCREDIBLE! We got to see her for about 30 minutes! She was moving around a ton! She loooves having her hands and her feet up close to her head, and loves sticking her hand in her mouth. It is amazing seeing her sweet little features, and watching her squirm around! She is also still measuring big (About 9 days!) and looks SO healthy! Praise the Lord!

Chubby cheeks and big lips!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 27 weeks

Size of baby: 14.5 inches, and she should be around 2 lbs, about the size of a head of cauliflower...Although she measured at 2 lbs. 11 oz today!

Weight gain: +18

Maternity Clothes: I need to go get a few maternity shirts...

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement: All over the place! At L&D last night, she kept kicking the monitor! And at our 4d today, she was ALL over the place!

Sleep: Sleep seems to be ok for now!

Symptoms: Hormonal, Sore ribs :), tiredness has returned a bit, and my appetite is GROWING!

What I miss: nothing really

Cravings: Chocolate milk, Chickfila, fruit

Best Moment this week: Finding out baby girl was ok at L&D, and seeing pictures of her on 4D Sono!

What I am looking forward to: Starting to get things ready for her room! (Slowly but surely!)

Hands, feet AND face all in one picture!

26 weeks!

2011-10-17T15:24:00.000-07:00

One more week down! This week went by pretty quickly, and was problem free as far as the pregnancy goes! We are so excited that we have reached viability, although we do not want baby girl to join us anytime soon! We also hit double digits until she is due to arrive!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 26 weeks

Size of baby: 14 inches and she should be around 1.75 lbs (Although she was already at 2 lbs a week ago!)

Weight gain: +18

Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants...trying to stretch my regular shirts out as long as possible!

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement: I just have one word to describe this child...ACTIVE!

Sleep: Now that I have found a comfortable position with the body pillow, sleep has been better

Symptoms: Sore ribs :), tiredness has returned a bit, and my appetite is GROWING!

What I miss: nothing really

Cravings: Chocolate milk, Chickfila, fruit

Best Moment this week: Enjoying a nice relaxing weekend with my better half :)

What I am looking forward to: Our big 4D sono is next Monday!!

I survived week 25!

2011-10-10T17:46:00.000-07:00

Week 25 has been a crazy one to say the least. The first part of the week was not to exciting. And then on Thursday night, I started spotting. It was not a lot, but alarming nonetheless. Dr. E said to rest and drink water, and then to go into L&D if it got worse, otherwise to go see him on Friday.

Fortunately it did not get worse, so I went in on Friday morning. After checking out baby girl (with a few bonus 4D pics!!) it was determined that everything looked ok, and it was just a superficial vein. But...he still wanted me on bed rest for 48 hours! I am in awe of ladies who are on bedrest for months. 2 days was a KILLER! Fortunately, my husband,friends and family took excellent care of me and made sure I followed doctor's orders!

look at those lips!!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 25 weeks

Size of baby: 13.5 inches and she should be around 1.5 lbs...but that is not the case! Last Friday she was weighing in at 1 lb. 15 oz! Dr. E said she will be an 8 pounder for sure!

Weight gain: +18

Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants...trying to stretch my regular shirts out as long as possible!

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement: She is still loving my ribs! At the sono on Friday, she was still breech and her arms were moving all around her face. She also likes to bring her feet up to her hands. I think she may have had the hiccups yesterday in church!

Sleep: Now that I have found a comfortable position with the body pillow, sleep has been better

Symptoms: Sore ribs :), hungry, and the "moodiness" started rearing its ugly head this past week

What I miss: Lemonade, Pizza (it just hasn't sounded good!)

Cravings: Chocolate milk, Chickfila

Best Moment this week: Seeing our sweet baby girl in 4D on Friday and surviving bedrest

What I am looking forward to: Getting my gestational diabetes test out of the way and a fun wedding weekend

sweet girl was asleep for all of her pictures!

SIX months!

2011-10-05T17:26:00.000-07:00

SIX months?! Wow! I cannot believe I have been pregnant for 6 months and that I only have 4 left to go! This week, I headed to Canton with some friends. I got a few headbands and bows, but decided I want to try my hand at making bows! We went to visit my grandparents this weekend, and my Granny had gotten some adorable clothes for baby girl...and her first toy! She got her the sweetest stuffed lamb!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 24 weeks

Size of baby: Slightly over 1 lb. and 12 inches long (Head to toe), about the length of an ear of corn

Weight gain: +13

Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants...and some of my shirts are getting too short

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement: She is one active little girl! Her head seems to always gravitate to my right ribs, but I just love feeling her move around!

Sleep: About the same, some good nights and some longer ones!

Symptoms: I have been pretty tired, but a nap during the day normally helps a lot! My indigestion has returned a little. And my back hurts here and there. Oh, I am also wearing compression hose to work now which helps with leg cramps at night.

What I miss: OJ/Lemonade (Acidic drinks make my bladder pain come back, so I am staying away from them!)

Cravings: Rolls, Chickfila, fruit

Best Moment this week: Going to visit my grandparents and seeing all of our Malakoff friends

What I am looking forward to: Going to register with Mark on Saturday!

23 weeks!

2011-09-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

Where did that stomach come from?!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 23 weeks

Size of baby: Slightly over 1 lb. and 11.5 inches long (Head to toe), about the weight of a large mango

Weight gain: +13

Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants...and some of my shirts are getting too short

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement: In the past few days, I have been able to feel her kick and punch at the same time. Also, on Saturday I felt a bump stick up out of my stomach...I am pretty sure it was her head!

Sleep: I have been sleeping good about 1/2 of the night, and the other half is tossing and turning

Symptoms: Round ligament pain, sore tailbone, "my bladder is a punching bag" pain, and I have started getting hot really easily

What I miss: Nothing really...

Cravings: Chicken, skittles

Best Moment this week: Resting up over the weekend and starting to clean out the extra bedroom for her nursery!

What I am looking forward to: Going to Canton on Saturday to buy hair bows and other girly stuff!

22 weeks

2011-09-23T16:39:00.000-07:00

(Not the best of my pictures...but then again I had been at doctors offices for 8 hours that day...!)

The week 22 post is just a little delayed! This post has gotten delayed a lot between not feeling well, not being home, and trying to find our memory card reader for my picture.

This week has been an adventure pregnancy wise. Monday I went to the dr. to get checked for a UTI. It came back negative. Wednesday I was back at the dr. in extreme pain. After thinking it was a kidney stone, and a trip to a urologist, I went back to my dr. (All in one day!) It was determined that baby girl is breech and using my bladder as a soccer ball. He said it doesn't happen often, but that it will be this way until she turns.

I did get to see her again on Wed while at the dr! She was playing with her feet and moving around! Mark says that in the new pics she looks like she has my nose! So crazy!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 22 weeks

Size of baby: 1 lb. and 11 inches long (Head to toe), about the length of a spaghetti squash

Weight gain: +13

Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants...and some of my shirts are getting too short

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement: She is moving up a storm! I love it! Mark gets to feel her all of the time, and my mom got to feel her when we went to the dr. last week!

Sleep: Some nights are great sleep wise, and others are a little long

Symptoms: Round ligament pain, sore tailbone, "my bladder is a punching bag" pain...and I have not been able to wear my contacts for about a month b/c my eyes have gotten super dry all of a sudden

What I miss: Nothing really...

Cravings: Chicken, skittles

Best Moment this week: Going in last week for our 21 week checkup! Baby girl is measuring right on track. Also, the extra peeks of her on the ultrasound were pretty awesome!

What I am looking forward to: A very lazy weekend to rest from the week :)

21!

2011-09-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

Where did that stomach come from!? I know I had a bump before this week, but I feel like it has really popped out. I finally gave in and bought a few pair of maternity pants. (Most of) My shirts are still working just fine. I am still pretty exhausted after work, or if I don't rest every now and then, but I feel like I can stay up past 8 p.m. now :) We also found out today that our car seat/stroller are in!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 21 weeks
Size of baby: 3/4 lb and 10.5 inches long (Head to toe), about the length of a carrot
Weight gain: +7

Maternity Clothes: Dresses, a bella band with my regular pants, and maternity pants

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement:Yes! It is so neat to learn her patterns, and what makes her start moving! She moves alot at night once I lay down. Here are a few other things that make her move:

Caffeine, a full stomach, an empty/growling stomach, stress, orange juice, going to church (She kicks every Sunday all throughout the service!)

Sleep: Sleep? What sleep? Lol! I had trouble staying asleep this week, and couldn't seem to get comfy.

Symptoms: Exhaustion, indigestion, hunger,round ligament pain, and a few things that I choose not to discuss on the world wide web :)

What I miss: Nothing really...

Cravings: Chickfila, chicken, fruit, peanut butter

Best Moment this week: Mark feeling her kick for the first time! So special :)

What I am looking forward to: Going to the doctor on Wednesday

HALFWAY!!

2011-09-05T20:09:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe we are HALFWAY to having our baby girl! It feels like it has flown by...and I know the 2nd half will be even quicker. We are starting to think about paint colors, and things that we need/need to do. It is so exciting! She has been more active lately which I love, I am just ready for Mark to feel her kicks! This week I did have to figure out (the hard way) what foods cause indigestion, so I will be trying to avoid them from here on out!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 20 weeks
Size of baby: 6.5 inches long, about the size of an banana
Weight gain: +7

Maternity Clothes: Dresses, maternity leggings, a bella band...annnnd I pulled out some maternity jeans on Friday! I can still wear my jeans w/the bella band, but the maternity jeans were just SO comfy!

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement: Yep! She has started moving alot after I get done working or moving around alot. I think I may have felt it from the outside, but I am not convinced.

Sleep: Sleep has gotten MUCH better with the use of a body pillow...minus the increased trips to the bathroom!

Symptoms: Exhaustion, indigestion, hunger,round ligament pain, and a few things that I choose not to discuss on the world wide web :)

What I miss: Nothing really...

Cravings: Chickfila, chicken, fruit, peanut butter

Best Moment this week: Going to baby stores w/Mark (We decided to go and look around before we start registering...hopefully this will help the overwhelmed feeling!)

What I am looking forward to: The 2nd half of pregnancy!

19!

2011-08-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe we are already at 19 weeks! It feels like it has flown by. This week has been pretty good, although I am really hoping the energy burst of the 2nd trimester decides to greet me soon. I was having headaches, but learned that a little caffeine now and then helped that. I also learned this week that not drinking water=pain.

We picked out bedding fabric, and our amazing friend Katie is making it for us! I can't wait to post pictures of that soon!

*Cute husband quote:
"I am ready for you to not be pregnant because I am so ready to meet our baby girl!"

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 19 weeks
Size of baby: 6 inches long, about the size of an heirloom tomato
Weight gain: +7

Maternity Clothes: Dresses, maternity leggings and a bella band...Everything else is still regular

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement:Getting more frequent! She likes to move when my stomach is growling and when I am very full

Sleep: I have been tossing and turning alot this week...I may try out a body pillow tonight

Symptoms: Exhaustion, indigestion, hunger,and round ligament pain

What I miss: Nothing really...

Cravings: Salad, fruit, chicken and carbs (pasta/potatoes)

Best Moment this week: Feeling her move around more frequently and picking out bedding!

What I am looking forward to:Starting our registries this weekend!

The Reveal

2011-08-27T07:34:00.000-07:00

I have always loved the idea of a "gender reveal party". But I had never actually thought to have one for myself. When a sweet friend offered to host one for us, I was SO excited!

When we went in for our sono, we asked the tech to write down the gender of our baby on a piece of paper and seal it in an envelope. We dropped of the envelope with our friend, and then waited 2 loooooooong {not really...just sounds more dramatic} days until our party!

The decor was super cute, and I wish I had pictures of it. The table and food were half pink and half blue. Everyone that came either had to wear pink or blue to show their guess of the gender.

Addi & I were on Team Pink, Shane (in his AWESOME outfit) was for Team Blue!

We played a few games, and determined what the old wives tales had to say. (They predicted GIRL!)

We then had our dessert,cake balls. The inside of the cake ball revealed what we would be having!

Pink= ITS A GIRL!

We were also blessed with diapers and a few goodies from our friends and family!

It was such a great night, and a special way to find out that our sweet baby girl was on the way!

18

2011-08-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

(*I feel like I look bigger here than in person....I am going to blame it on A)the fact that it is the end of the day and B)the fact that I am wearing my dress that "covers a multitude of sins"!)

This week has been SO fantastic! Last Wed. we went to the doctor for our check up. We got to see Ashlynn for about 15 minutes. She was asleep at first, and the tech had to shake my stomach around to wake her up! We got to see her heart beat, and even saw her little tongue moving around! It was an amazing moment! Everything is measuring great, and looking healthy...PRAISE GOD! On Friday we had our Gender Reveal Party! We were overjoyed to find out we had a baby girl on the way!

Funny story: I caved and had some sweet tea at lunch last week. Apparently, Ashlynn loves her caffeine, because she started moving all over the place

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 18 weeks, 2 days
Size of baby: 5.5 inches long, about the size of a bell pepper
Weight gain: +7

Maternity Clothes: Dresses, maternity leggings and a bella band...Everything else is still regular

Gender: GIRL!!! Ashlynn Marie!

Movement: YES!! They have been mostly at night, and some the past 2 days during work!

Sleep: CrAzY dreams, waking up often

Symptoms: Indigestion, headaches, hunger,and round ligament pain

What I miss: Nothing really...

Cravings: Taquitos, chicken and sweet tea

Best Moment this week: Seeing our sweet baby girl on Wednesday, and finding out that she was a she on Friday!

What I am looking forward to: Beginning to look for nursery decor/furniture

Introducing....

2011-08-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

Our BABY GIRL!!!!

Mark and I are so excited that we will be having a sweet baby girl! I am pretty sure she already has Mark tied around her little finger! I see lots of pink and bows in our future :)

I will share a post soon on choosing her name, and about our gender reveal party!

Seventeen

2011-08-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

A lovely "after work" bump picture

This past week has been pretty low key. I did start back to work today, and was exhausted by 4:00. Afternoon naps may become more frequent :) My stomach has gotten a little harder this week...so crazy to see how my body is changing! We are excited about this Friday...we are having a gender reveal party, and we will find out whether we are having a "he" or a "she" along with our friends and family!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 17 weeks
Size of baby: 5 inches long, about the size of a turnip
Weight gain: +1 (I am sure that will change at the Dr. on Wed)

Maternity Clothes: I had to pull out the maternity leggings this weekend...can you say COMFY!

Gender: TBD Aug. 17th!!

Movement: Maybe?? I felt a few weird flutters in my stomach while laying down Friday night and then again a few times since

Sleep: CrAzY dreams!!!

Symptoms: Indigestion, headaches, hunger, and dreams

What I miss: Nothing really...

Cravings: Fruit, carbs and taquitos

Best Moment this week: Enjoying my last week of summer, and discovering fun baby things on Pinterest

What I am looking forward to: Our next appointment is this Wed! Looking forward to finding out the gender, but most importantly checking in on the health of our little one!

15/16 Weeks

2011-08-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe we are already to 16 weeks! I took a spontaneous trip to Ohio during week 15, so I am just combing the 2 weeks. Things have been pretty uneventful, just grateful for a growing, healthy baby! We are both SO excited to find out the sex of the baby next week! (We may be doing a fun gender reveal party, which will add to the excitement!)

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 16 weeks 1 day
Size of baby: 4.5 inches long, about the size of an avocado
Weight gain: +1 (I can handle that!)

Maternity Clothes: Sticking with the dresses

Gender: TBD Aug. 17th!!

Movement: Not yet

Sleep: Had a little insomnia for the past few days, and no sleeping on the stomach

Symptoms: Indigestion, headaches, hunger, and CRAZY dreams

What I miss: Sweet Tea

Cravings: Fruit and carbs

Best Moment this week: I have been on prometrium for my progesterone levels since week 10 and I got the green light to stop taking them last week! My levels were looking great!

What I am looking forward to:Finding out the gender!!

14 weeks

2011-07-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

This week, I am 14 weeks pregnant! Still sounds kind of crazy! My goal is to update here once a week so that my family and friends who are far away can keep up with how this little guy/girl is growing!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 14 weeks
Size of baby: 3.5 inches long, about the size of a lemon
Weight gain: +1 (I can handle that!)

Maternity Clothes: I have been wearing mostly dresses because they are cool and comfy

Gender: TBD Aug. 17th!!

Movement: Not yet

Sleep: No problems with sleep, as long as I sleep on my side

Symptoms: Glad to be past the sickness/extreme tiredness. Starting to have a little indigestion...and maybe a little hormonal :)

What I miss: Sweet Tea

Cravings: Just craving Bueno bean burritos, salads, Chickfila, and fruit

Best Moment this week: Going to the dr. and hearing our sweet baby's heartbeat! It was beating strong at 156!

What I am looking forward to: Visiting with Mark's grandparents over a long weekend

I will try to go back (for memories sake) and recap weeks 1-13 sometime as well as the details of how we found out and shared the news. Also, now that we know the date of our next sono, I am going to put a poll up...let us know, do you think Baby S. will be a boy or a girl?

A "Little" Update

2011-07-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

We have decided it is time to let the cat out of the bag....

I AM PREGNANT!!

I will be 13 weeks on Monday, and we could not be more excited! Our expected "Date of Exit" as Mark has termed it is January 23! We have gotten to see our precious baby, and have heard the heartbeat (TWICE)!

(6 weeks, Baby's First Picture!)

I will share more details later, but for now we are just praising God for a healthy little miracle!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-27T19:03:00.000-08:00

A little late...but wishing you and yours a very blessed Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Thankful

2010-11-26T12:03:00.000-08:00

We have so much to be thankful for this year.

I am thankful first and foremost for my salvation. For my husband, who has been my rock this year, for friends and family- old and new, near and far and for the Lord's provision in many ways.

As I was thinking of what I was "thankful" for, I had to pause. 8 sweet faces snuck into my head. I think back to where they were last year,and how their lives have changed in 12 months. I wonder what they were "thankful" for this Thanksgiving. You may not know them, or know their story, but they changed my life forever. They taught me what true joy is. The small peek I had into their life taught me to be grateful for all that the Lord has blessed me with, through the good and bad times.

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for those 8 faces. And for all of the other faces they represent. And for what they have taught me about "Thanksgiving".

Free Christmas Cards from Shutterfly!

2010-11-13T14:03:00.000-08:00

I have always loved Shutterfly products. We got our Christmas cards last year from them, and if you know me well at all-you know that I have already begun planning our cards for this year!

This year, they are offering bloggers the opportunity to sign up for 50 free Christmas cards.

When looking at the website, I came across a few cards that I LOVED! They were super inexpensive too!

I love that this represents our faith, but is still super simple! This would be perfect with a simple picture of the 2 of us.

This card is super fun and cheerful, and I would loved to have multiple pictures on our card this year!

#3

Here is another card that I loved that was more faith based, yet really colorful and modern! I could see a picture of both of us, as well as some cool individual shots-or who knows, maybe Mark would even let the dog make a debut! :)

Click on each picture to check out the cards I love for this Christmas. And if you are a blogger, sign up to get 50 free Christmas cards here!

That's The Way Baseball Go

2010-11-08T11:10:00.000-08:00

When the Ranger's beat the Yankees (YEAH!) to clinch the ALCS, we debated about buying World Series tickets.

But, it's the World Series, and a once in a life time, never happened before kind of opportunity. So with Christmas right around the corner, we gave ourselves a trip to the World Series for Christmas! (Noticing a theme here...lol?)

Since we had 4 tickets, we gave the other 2 to our dads (the biggest baseball fans we know). Before the game, we enjoyed some time hanging out and tailgating.

We headed into the stadium in time for the "pre-game activities". George Bush Jr. and Sr. threw out the first pitch together, and it was an incredible moment.

The crowd was amazing and the team gave it their all.

It was a great game, even though we didn't win. But as Ron would say-

That's the way baseball go.

And hopefully we'll be right back there next year!

ALDS

2010-11-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

I mentioned a few weeks ago that we had some exciting things planned for Mark's birthday! He is probably the hardest person to shop for when it comes to birthdays, Christmas, etc...so most of the time I just give him a) something really obvious or b) let him pick it out himself! This year I finally got something he was not expecting! I got him (well, us really!) tickets to the ALDS Game 1!

We started the day out the day (with claw and antlers ready!) tailgating with my brother at Cowboys Stadium before the A&M/Arkansas game!

Then we headed out to the stadium early to watch a little batting practice! We got to meet up with both of Mark's brothers who were at the game, and even went home with a BP home run ball!

Once the game started, we headed up to our seats to enjoy the game.

We had a great time, even though the Ranger's didn't pull out a win that night!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

2010-10-15T06:54:00.000-07:00

I will get to those birthday posts sometime. But the cold has hit the Sangenito household, along with dealing with some crazy side effects from a medicine (another story for another day). Needless to say, this chick has been in bed for the past 2 days.

Instead, I thought I would share with you a yummy fall recipe that you all need to run out and make today.Notice the emphasis yall-this is serious stuff. These are literally the best muffins that I have ever tasted. Unfortunately I can't take credit for the recipe. She can.

Ok....on to the recipe!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

4 whole Eggs
2 cups Sugar
16 ounces, fluid Canned Pumpkin Puree
1-½ cup Oil OR Applesauce (I used applesauce)
3 cups Flour - White OR Whole Wheat
2 teaspoons Baking Soda
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1 teaspoon Salt
12 ounces, weight Chocolate Chips

1. Mix together the first 4 ingredients.

2. When mixed well, add the dry ingredients.

3. If you’re going to add choc. chips, you should mix 1/2 the package into the batter. Then, fill well-greased muffin tins 2/3 full of batter. Then, sprinkle the rest of the choc. chips on top of the batter. This spreads out your chocolaty goodness instead of having it all at the bottom of the muffin. Although, it tastes good no matter where the chocolate lands.

4. Bake in 400 degree oven 16-18 minutes.

They taste amazing warm. Or reheated. And be forewarned, you won't want to stop at 1. or 2. And sharing may be difficult for some :) Enjoy!

26 Reasons

2010-10-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

Today my amazing husband turns 26!

Celebrations started this past weekend, and continue on until next Saturday!

I'll share more about those as they come, and as I get pictures!

It is so crazy to me that he was 17 when we first met, and his youngest brother will be turning 17 this week!

I thought for his 26th birthday I would list 26 things I love about him!

1. You are the funniest person I have ever met.

2.You can cook. You just don't because you are afraid you may have to do the dishes!

3. You are stubborn

4. You put up with my craziness

5. You love our families

6. You love our friends like they are family

7. You are a major computer/video game nerd

8. You vacuum

9. You are smart. And you love learning new things

10. You are a reverend

11. You take amazing photographs

12. You love my neurotic dog

13. You are one of the most giving people I know

14. You love baseball

15. You get me to try new things/foods that I would never have imagined trying

16. You don't let me get away with stupid things

17. You are the spiritual leader of our family

18. You want to be a world traveler

19. If you don't know how to do/fix something, you figure it out

20. You support me 100% (Exception: See #16)

21. You don't conform to what others think you should be

22. You let me decorate for any holiday, even if you think it's a little over the top

23. You are pretty handsome :)

24. You are so sarcastic (And yes, I DO love you for that!)

25. You eat my food, even if it is gross, and let me know when it is really good

26. You are going to be a fantastic father someday, and you are the best husband I could have asked for!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK! I LOVE YOU!

Fall Favorites

2010-10-06T17:18:00.000-07:00

Fall has arrived and with it has come a few of my favorite things...

Pumpkin Spice Latte's are back!

Our favorite tv shows have started back!

Year 2 of Fantasy Football...and I take it seriously.

The Ranger's have made it to the playoffs! We are a baseball family to the core, so this merits a whole post to itself....coming soon!

Birthday Months!

We both celebrate our birthdays in the next few months (one next week actually!)

And lastly...fall weather and decor. Our candles and Scentsys are burning, the pumpkins are out and the windows are open!

What are a few of YOUR fall favorites?

Home

2010-09-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

Life has been going great since the move. You could say we are finally settled.

Living next to sandwich places galore instead of chicken fried steak and fish has probably been good for our health. Plus, the free time that looking for a job has given me allows for a lot of exercise!

Our apartment is finally feeling like home. We never really hung anything up in the old apartment, because everything always fell off of the walls. Fortunately everything seems to be staying in place now!

A few weeks ago, we got this new chair to help seat all of our friends

And here is the master all decorated

We have stayed busy this past month, catching up with our family and hanging out with friends!

We spent a day celebrating a R@nger's victory a few weeks ago

And I got to enjoy a girl's night in Grapevine

Rainy Day Taco Soup

2010-09-08T13:43:00.000-07:00

With all of the rain that we have been getting, and the fact that Mark has a fantasy football draft tonight....I figured I would do some easy comfort food for dinner!

This was my first time to cook this soup, but I have had it quite a few times! It comes from one of the most generous people I know! Anytime she knew life was getting crazy, she would bring us some taco soup!

It makes alot-enough to share! So when you make it, invite some friends over or take some to a family who may need cheering up!

Taco Soup

1 pound hamburger meat

1 onion, chopped

1 pkg. dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing seasoning

1 pkg. taco seasoning

3 cans stewed tomatoes

3 cans Ranch style beans

1 can hominy

1 can whole kernel corn

In large stew pot, brown meat and add onion. Add all other ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for three hours. If liquid needs to be added, use one bullion cube and a cup of water.

(This makes a large amount of soup, but we like to have some to share or freeze.)

The Journey Continues!

2010-09-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

It feels like all of my posts lately have been about such huge topics in our lives. I think that is just kind of how this summer has been for us.

Hopefully this will be the last post for a while with something "big" in it! You see- we have been quite busy in the few weeks since I last updated....

Yes, on top of all of the other crazy moments, we have packed up all of ~~mine~~ our belongings and relocated. Why? Well, because the husband got an AMAZING job with lots of new opportunities!

Here was the hard part: We had to leave my AMAZING job, the hundreds of kids that had stolen and forever changed my heart, some incredible friends, an awesome church, and family.

So, where does that leave us? That leaves us here- in a new home in the DFWish area. Close to new friends and new family. We can't wait to see where this journey will take us!

Held

2010-08-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

Two months is too little.
They let him go.
They had no sudden healing.
To think that providence would
Take a child from his mother while she prays
Is appalling.

Who told us we'd be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We're asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
It's unfair.

This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.

This hand is bitterness.
We want to taste it, let the hatred know our sorrow.
The wise hands opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow.

This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.

If hope is born of suffering.
If this is only the beginning.
Can we not wait for one hour watching for our Savior?

This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.
-Natalie Grant, Held

Today...

2010-08-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

Today was supposed to be a very different day.

Most of you know that we had no intentions of starting a family for quite a few years.

But God's plans were very different than ours.

On June 30, we got some shocking news. Life changing news. Only, at the time we had no clue how much it would change our lives.

2 lines. 1 word. Pregnant. What?! 2 trips to the store. Multiple retests and alot of tears later the joy set it. We were going to be parents. Our best friends and immediate family were the only ones to know. Today was the day we would share it with the world.

We went for our second visit at almost 10 weeks, and we heard the words that no parents-to-be want to hear.

"I am so sorry...Let me go get the Doctor..."

I won't go into all of the details of all of that day....but I will tell you one thing. That day and in the weeks following, my husband was a rock. I am still not sure how I functioned, but my husband was right there beside me every step of the way. I could not have asked for a better partner to walk through this with.

Now that we are on the other side of everything that had to be waited for and gone through, we are sorting through the emotional mess that is left. It is hard to talk about. How do you walk up to someone and say "Hey this happened to me". But I know that it is an important part of healing. It is now a part of our story, of our testimony. My prayer is that God will use our pain, use this trial to touch the lives of others as they go through the same.

Through this journey, our lives have changed. Not in the way that we thought that they would, but once again-God's plans are always so much bigger and better than ours. I am so grateful that He does not let my selfishness or stubbornness get in the way of His ways.

Back in the Saddle

2010-08-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

This summer has had some incredible moments. I was blessed to lead a VBS and see over 15 children become new Christians. I went to camp and had a blast with 30 of my kiddos. I made new friendships, grew closer with old ones, went on a vacation and grew closer to my husband than I have ever been.

But this summer has also been filled with what could be called some of the hardest times of my life.

I would not call it a "rollercoaster." It is more like a journey of faith. A daily mountain and valley climbing, sweating, hard work journey.

This journey is nowhere near over. Our little family of two is in the midst of these valleys as I type. But this weekend I have determined it is time to get back in the saddle. To put one foot in front of the other and keep living.

Yes, life is still going to be hard. Yes, I may still sit down and cry sometimes. But I get to start and end each day with a heavenly Father who makes promises to me that are beyond what I can fathom. And that is more than enough to keep persevering.

I have quite a few posts to share in the coming months about what the Lord has taught us in the past few months. They will be long and won't be fluffy. But I can promise you one thing, they will be real.

You Can Have Me

2010-06-24T17:01:00.000-07:00

Sidewalk Prophets- You Can Have Me

If I saw You on the street
And You said come and follow me
But I had to give up everything
All I once held dear and all of my dreams

Would I love You enough to let go
Or would my love run dry
When You asked for my life

When did love become unmoving?
When did love become unconsuming?
Forgetting what the world has told me
Father of love, You can have me, You can have me

If You’re all You claim to be
Then I’m not losing anything
So I will crawl upon my knees
Just to know the joy of suffering
I will love You enough to let go

Lord, I give you my life
I give you my life

When did love become unmoving?
When did love become unconsuming?
Forgetting what the world has told me
Father of love, You can have me, You can have me

I want to be where You are
I’m running into Your arms
And I will never look back
So Jesus, here is my heart

When did love become unmoving?
When did love become unconsuming?
Forgetting what the world has told me
Father of love, You can have me, You can have me

When did love become unmoving?
When did love become unconsuming?
Forgetting what the world has told me
Father of love, You can have me

My Father, my love
You can have me

Talk vs. Walk

2010-06-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyouslygiving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Colossians 1:9-12

I've been absent. With no apologies or regrets. My heart and mind have been heavy,dealing with thoughts and struggles far beyond what could ever be conveyed on a blog, especially when they are not fully worked out.

There are so many different things tearing at my heart, breaking me right now, changing my heart in ways I did not know possible.

The verses above have always been special to me. I have them on an index card, and pray them over my family-present and future- constantly.Today, as I was reading, the Lord placed the following on my heart...

In these verses, the Lord does not instruct us to simply pray for knowledge. We are not just to gain wisdom, to learn through reading (rather through His word, or through words He has given others to write). He calls us to to more. He calls us to walk in a manner that pleases Him. He calls us to bear fruit, and to continue to attain His characteristics.

How many times do we read a book, talk about how much it taught us, only to put it down and pick up a book on another subject. How many times does a sermon shake our lives to the core, yet once we walk out the doors we do nothing to change our walk.

And why? Why do we hold back? Fear? Of what? Are we afraid that someone may judge us? Or that it may be uncomfortable? Or even that it may radically change our lives? Is forsaking the King of Glory worth hiding from judgment or fear? Is our comfort worth running from our Heavenly Father?

We talk. Alot. But when will the walk begin to match up.

the S word

2010-05-25T15:37:00.000-07:00

I's that time of the year again....to start thinking about that dreaded word...

swimsuits.

Probably my least favorite clothing ever.

It is so hard to find something that fits all of the criteria: stylish, flattering, just the right colors and material...all the while attempting to find something modest!

A while back, my best friend sent me to this website:

It is a website devoted to cute, yet modest swimsuits!

I am super excited about it...and probably going to order one soon!

I am thinking maybe...

but these are really cute too....

They even have 1 pieces and mix and match tops and bottoms (so you can get diff. styles, sizes and colors!)

Spring Catchup

2010-05-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, we ventured out to the FW Main St Arts Fest. with some friends!

The weather was great, and the food was delicious! But the company was even better!

Around that same time,my dad and his girlfriend were so sweet to come and visit us! Not alot of people come and visit our apartment, so it is fun to be able to show it off! (Mark's parents came the next weekend, so we got a double decker there!)

Dad & Lianna

While they were here, we went to our all time favorite BBQ restaurant. I always get this baked potato...it is HUGE!

This spring has been such a blast! I don't even have pictures of most of it! We have done lots of shopping and cooking with friends and family, lots of relaxing, and lots of laughing and memory making! I am excited to see what the summer holds!

Another Little Project

2010-05-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

I recently saw some wall art here that I loved. So much so in fact that I decided to hunt down the exact material (50% off!) and figure out how to make it for my new bedroom makeover (more on that coming soon!)

The hubs helped me build a frame out of some 1x1 1/2s or something like that (I am not a genius when it comes to those type things!) I just know it is light and easy to hang!

All I had to do then was stretch the material over the frame, pull it tight, and staple! And voila! New wall art!

Total cost: $30!

Cover your ears, Paula!

2010-05-11T21:41:00.000-07:00

Well, the verdict is in....

This past Monday I went to a GI, and got some answers! First, he had me do the strangest thing ever. I mean ever. He had me cover my ears and close my eyes and march in place. Here's the problem--when I opened my eyes, I was on the other side of the room. Yep-I didn't really stay in place. He said that most people don't really move at all...

Turns out I have balance issues in my inner ear that are causing some major stomach issues-who knew!

Of course, because I am not one to do things simply, there was also something else going on. We got some medicine going for it, and hopefully that will get taken care of soon.

Here is where Paula Deen will be covering up her ears...I have to go on a low fat diet to help with my GI issues. AHH!

I don't think that DQ fits in that diet...so I had better pull out the cookbooks!

Do you have any favorite low fat recipes? Feel free to share!

Easter

2010-05-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a "better late than never" peak at our fun Easter weekend! Mark and I got our first experience with coloring eggs with small children--and lets just say "experience" is a great word! It was messy-but a still a blast! Our weekend also included alot of traveling back and forth to church for our Easter Musical. I got the chance to be in it, and it was a wonderful production.

We have been crazy busy lately, enjoying much needed family and friend time-and I am so excited to have lots of pictures everything we have done on my new camera!

Verse 4

2010-05-04T19:44:00.000-07:00

Here is my verse for the first part of May! I am borrowing it from my friend Jenna and her verse from last month!

These verses speak alot on some things the Lord is speaking to me about right now.

I am excited about another book I have on the way--Radical, by David Platt. The books website says the following: "Do you believe Jesus is worth abandoning everything for? Do you believe Him enough to obey Him and to follow Him wherever He leads, even when the crowds in our culture-maybe even our churches-turn the other way?"

Crafty Crosses

2010-05-03T20:39:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my roommate and her husband came to stay with us. The guys headed out to golf while us girls hit up First Monday @ Canton!

While there we kept seeing these crosses that we loved! The only problem was that they were an avg of $40!

We decided to buy the supplies to make them ourselves, and here is how they turned out--

Tonya's

Allison's

Crosses-$1.50

Kitchen Cabinet (For Backing)- $3
Paint- $1
Paper- $1

Total=$6.50

Total Savings= $35!!!
plus we had a ton of fun making them!

Bookworm

2010-04-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been a bookworm! I have read 3 books in the past few weeks, am working on a few, and have 2 more waiting to be read!

This book was a total tear jerker

This one is incredible inspiring, and is already just setting my heart on fire!

And this one is ridiculously challenging.

As soon as I finish up those last 2, I will start on these:

Have you read any good books lately?

DIY

2010-04-26T20:14:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been in a frugal, saving money kinda mood!

I am not good at coupons....so another way I have tried to save some money is by doing some things myself....or actually making somethings myself!

Not only has it been fun to tweak recipes to what works, but also to see how I can save money in different ways, AND do things at the same time that are great for our household and family!

Here are a few of the things I have started making/using:

Dishwasher Detergent

1 tbsp Baking Soda

1 tbsp Borax

1 tbsp White Vinegar (in the Jet Dry compartment)

This works amazingly...even in our dingy dishwasher!

Frugal Dryer Sheets

1 capful of liqud fabric softener

2 capfuls of water

Mix water and softner in a plastic container with lid. Put 1/2 a cheap sponge in the container. Each time you need a dryer sheet, wring out the sponge and toss it in the dryer!

Works GREAT! Found this here!

DIY Cleaner

Put 1 capful of liquid castille soap in a spray bottle. Fill rest of bottle up with water.

Coming Soon:

Laundry Detergent, Dish Soap, and possibly Shampoo! I'll let you know how those go!

MIA

2010-04-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

I've been MIA from the blog world lately...

and I probably will be for the next week or so.

My health is not agreeing with me, and I am concentrating on figuring out why not!

Say a prayer for me if you don't mind.

Verse 3

2010-04-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

Here is my 2nd verse for the month of April. Been spending some time in James, and this verse has really been speaking to me....

Memory Verse 2

2010-04-06T07:28:00.000-07:00

I am a few days late putting this up..but here is my memory verse for the first half of April!

the ultimate tank

2010-04-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

I have a love for tank tops. I wear them under tshirts. And dresses. And sweaters. And jackets. And other tank tops. Like I said, I love tank tops.

My friend Jenna can probably agree that she is right there with me.

The other day I stumbled upon this tank and fell in love. (With the picture of course!) Its soft. Its thin. Because lets be honest, who needs extra bulkage in the waste.

And did I mention it is a V-neck....AND a scoop! Two tanks, 1 shirt.

Like I said, the ultimate tank.

100!

2010-03-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

WOW! I just noticed that yesterday was my 100th blog post! That is crazy! I didn't really think I had that much to talk about! (Don't let my husband see that...he probably has different opinions!)

In exactly 12 months I have had 100 posts...whew! I went from being petrified to hit the publish button, to learning HTML just so that I can customize my blog. As silly as it may seem...I think that is one of my favorite parts of my blog-being able to learn new things about making it mine, creating something new, and challenging myself. It has almost become like a weird new hobby to me...!

I figured in honor of my 100th post, I would tell you about another 100 in my life...as most of you know I am a Children's Minister. And after this post, you may think I am a Children's Minister who has lost her mind!

I have given my kids a challenge. Get 100 kids on a Wed. night and Mrs. Allison will permanently dye her her hot pink. (On stage, the next Wednesday night!)

An idea of what I may be looking like...(With a little more pink-and who knows, depending on the week they hit 100, a different color thrown in here or there!)

So...I'll keep you updated on the status of my hair, and on thanks for reading :)

And many more...!

2010-03-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

Today is my mother-in-law Cindy's birthday! Yesterday we got the chance to spend the day with her and Tony, and enjoy a great lunch, cake and lots of good conversation!

Cindy, I am so blessed to have such a godly, wise and loving mother-in-law. Thank you for sharing your oldest son with me, and for raising him to be an incredible godly man. He wouldn't be the husband he is today if you hadn't been the mother you were and are. You are an incredible example to the both of us and we love you so much!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! WE LOVE YOU!!

Go and Be.

2010-03-13T22:40:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, we will leave with out with a group from our church on a family mission trip. We will have the chance to go and be the church. To show His love in so many practical ways. To serve and sweat. To give hugs and make crafts, kick balls and share smiles.

My brother left yesterday with another group from our church...They got off to a crazy start-and seeing how the Lord intervened in each situation they faced was incredible.

Please join with us in prayer as we go, and for the second mission team that left yesterday as well....for our safety-not only in travels, but also as we are there. For our hearts to be molded to His likness and our words to His. For Him to shine so brightly in our weaknesses.

A picture is worth...

2010-03-12T08:54:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, Mark got the chance to take engagement pictures for a couple. I asked him if I could share a few of my favorites with yall and he said said I just had to wait until he gave them to the couple. :)

I am so proud of him, and how he uses his talents for such great things. His love for photography is so special, and I love how he truly has a desire to use it to help others and better their lives.

2010-03-08T14:44:00.000-08:00

Nothing I could type today would come close to what you really need to read...

Go here.

And then go here.

Don't forget the tissues.

Verse 1

2010-03-02T20:25:00.000-08:00

I have decided to join in with my friends Jenna and Kim, working on memorizing 24 memory verses in the coming year! There will be a verse at the first of the month, and again on the 15th of the month.

I am starting a few months behind....but here is the first verse that I have chosen!

Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength;
         They will mount up with wings like eagles,
         They will run and not get tired,
         They will walk and not become weary.

Isaiah 40:31 (NASB)

So excited to start this journey, and to have friends to hold me accountable!

Smiles

2010-02-28T19:04:00.000-08:00

Just a glimpse at a few of the reasons I smiled today....

Great Date 1

2010-02-27T10:14:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I posted about the Great Date Experiment that Mark and I were hoping to participate in.

Last weekend, we headed out for our first date! The instructions tell you not to look at each part of the date until you have finished the previous point....That was kind of hard for the planner in me!

THE DATE:

We went to BJs for dinner (we had never been there!). We were supposed to ask waiter surprise us with whatever he wanted to for dinner! I think it stressed our waiter out a bit! We ended up loving all of the food that we got!

Next, we had to decided whether to make the car super hot or super cold while driving...If you know us well, you know that I hate the cold and Mark hates the hot! So we had to rock, paper, scissor to see who could decide--and I won! We had to choose an activity to do while talking about some questions we were given. They suggested bowling/ taking a walk....But we just chose to keep driving around instead!

We ended the night at Target....where we each had a few dollars to pick out a dessert the other one has never had before! That was a challenge, but it was really fun, and we had some dessert to enjoy on the drive home.

It was a very spontaneous date night--but so much fun! The questions they gave us to talk about got us talking about different things, and we are excited for Date #2!

Pictures!

2010-02-23T22:55:00.000-08:00

3 Minute Story Nationwide Truck Winner

Kid's Night!

Youth Night!

10 Key Recipients...Who's key will start the car?!

FREE car winner with her car!

Steak Dinner (for 500) is tomorrow! Can't wait!

WOW!

2010-02-22T21:21:00.000-08:00

Really, tonight I have no words to type, or maybe my mind and body are just too exhausted to spit out paragraphs....

A few facts instead....

2- The night of Radiate 2010 we are on

2- Crazy school assemblies

1- Winner of $100

75- The number of pizzas we went through

150+ - The number of 1st-5th graders in attendance

50- The number of kid in the nursery

464- Total attendance

2- Awesome Nintend0 gaming systems!

44-Lives forever changed

1- Number of FREE cars to be given away to a TEENAGER tomorrow!

Hows that for avoiding sentences! I am off to sort through cards, spend time with my sweet Jesus gearing up for another crazy, awesome day tomorrow, and spending a few moments with my husband! Want to know more about whats going on? Here's a few links:

Kim's Radiate Blog

Radiate Face-book page

FBC Malakoff

Our Rocker Pup

2010-02-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

It's amazing what living in the country and getting bored can cause you to do!

Adventures in Cooking!

2010-02-15T19:34:00.000-08:00

Last night Mark and I were wanting something sweet. With nothing pre-made in the house, Mark suggested that we cook something ourselves! After looking through a few recipes, and finding one that we had the ingredients for, we decided on "Heavenly Shortbread". It looked easy, and delicious!

We did have to make our own powdered sugar, because we didn't have any!

Our sugar before and after!

We managed to have only one "mis-adventure", when the mixer spun out of control--sending butter and flour all over the two of us and the kitchen!

In the end, our shortbread bars turned out good, and more importantly, we had a really great time cooking something new together!

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-14T13:33:00.000-08:00

Hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day! We aren't really doing much for this holiday, since our anniversary was only a week ago! I do think we may try this soon: The Great Date Experiment. It is from FBC Springdale in AR, and it looks kind of interesting, and like a good way to get out of the movie and dinner dating rut!

Today started out in an amazing way, with 3 of my precious boys coming to know Christ. There is truly no greater love in this life than the one they found through Him today!

(Hearts created here)

Let It Snow!

2010-02-12T13:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I was in bed recupping most of the day...so pup and I enjoyed watching the snow fall from the open window most of the time. But, we did venture out once or twice to enjoy the beautiful snow we were getting!

Pup LOVED rolling in the snow!

We had to blow dry the icicles off of his legs once we got inside!

Grace was made for lives like this

2010-02-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

525,600 minutes

2010-02-07T13:00:00.000-08:00

Today, I have been married to my best friend for 31536000 seconds, or 525,600 minutes, or 365 days. Each of those seconds, minutes and days have literally flown by.

I am more in love today than I was one year ago. And more than I ever knew I could be when we went on that first date 7 years ago this week. People always said, "You will learn so much more about your husband once you get married." And in my head I laughed. There are lots of things I didn't believe about marriage until this past year. But now I know more about that amazing man than I ever have, and every day I continue to find out things, big and small, that never cease to amaze me.

Our first year of marriage has been no piece of cake. It started out with Mark's company shutting down two weeks before our wedding. Talk about a rough start. Along the road, my car decided that it was not going to cooperate, so we had repair bills, and the stress of an unreliable car. We also moved 2 hours from all of our friends, most family, and all of the comforts we knew.

Our first year of marriage was also full of some of the most special moments. We were forced to rely upon each other, instead of friends or family in so many ways this year. We grew in our relationships with the Lord in so many ways. We learned how to fight fairly. We had "married" dates, and learned to be frugal but fun. We got to make decisions together, and learned to become "grown ups" together.

And through it all, good and bad, I had my best friend by my side. I am so grateful that I have such an amazing husband. Someone who makes me laugh. Who knows how to help me stop crying, but also knows when I need to cry. He pushes me to become a better person, a stronger person, and a more Christlike woman--even when I don't want to be. Especially when I don't want to be. He supports me and encourages me in all that I do.

I am so excited to begin year number two, and every year after that. I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for our marriage, our future and a future family!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2010-02-03T19:02:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to jump on really quick to wish my mom a ...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

My mom and I have been through SO much together! She was always the "cool" mom in high school, and I have so many amazing memories from the crazy things she, my brother and I did when I was growing up! From late night slumber parties and fast food runs, vacations, and "rolling", to serious talks and teaching me what it meant to be a Christian, and a godly young woman. My faith would not be what it was if it were not for my mother. And even through the teenage year "wars" and our ups and downs, she has always been there for me and Shane.

I love you mom and hope your day was wonderful!

(No picture, because well...they are on f.b. and I can't get on there right now!)

Taco Soup

2010-02-02T20:06:00.000-08:00

We had a delicious and easy taco soup for dinner tonight, so I thought I would share the recipe!

Taco Soup

1 lb. beef

1 med. onion

1 can pinto beans (drained)

1 can black beans (drained)

1 can chili beans (drained)

2 cans Rotel

1 can corn (cream or whole kernel-drained)
1 packet of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1 packet of taco seasoning

Beef broth*

1. Brown beef and onions in skillet

2. In soup pan, mix beef and onions with all other ingredients. (Add in beef broth to bring the soup to desired consistency)

4. Simmer on med. low for 20 to 30 minutes

(*We used 2-3 beef bouillon cubes and 3-4 cups of water)

Au Revoir

2010-01-26T19:14:00.000-08:00

This past week we had to say farewell to Jenny, my trusted Jetta.

It was her time, and some were glad to see her go, as she was becoming slightly unreliable. But even through the hard times, she always got me where I needed to be!

I will never forget the day that I got my car, my senior year in high school. I had been driving a salmon colored Escort, and dreaming of the day I would have a different car to drive. My dad surprised me with my graduation gift early-he gave me his car! I drove that car around until midnight that night, showing it off and making it "mine". We have gone to Arkansas, west Texas, south Texas together and I have so many great memories in that car.

(And yes, I know, this post is way to long---about a car! But...I cried for hours when my fish died, so that should tell you something about how sentimental I am!)

So, in memory of Jenny the Jetta, (and for a good laugh!) I thought I would close with a list of everything that was wrong with her when we gave her away:

*Back left door would only lock once in a blue moon. And when it did lock, you couldn't unlock it.

*Trunk would not close or lock, and flew up when you hit a bump

*Back spoiler light was duck taped on

*Inner console was broken off

*Passenger rear-view mirror was broken

*Needed brake pads, shocks and struts, and timing belt, alternator and harnesses

Now on to the fun of finding a new (old) car!

My Heart

2010-01-19T08:53:00.000-08:00

Did you know that I was a mom?

Don't freak out, we are NOT pregnant!

Meet a few of my kids:

These smiles MELT my heart! The kiddos above are just a few that have been coming with our bus ministry! They are such a blessing to me. And then you mix in all of my other kiddos, and you have a heart that could explode because it getting filled up with so much love! One of the beautiful joys of my job is that I get to be mom sometimes. I get to give hugs, and bandaids. It means spit up, torn shirts, and sore feet. There are awkward moments, hard moments, tears and lots of laughs. And recently, that role has taken on a new meaning! It means sitting with 40 of them in church, making sure they don't throw things over the balcony and being mom to five "tweens" on a Sunday night.

And you know what--I wouldn't change it for the world. Because I also get to share with them the greatest story they will EVER hear. I get to show love to those who have never seen it , and I get to teach them what it means to show respect and love.

I could fill up paragraphs with how much I love every single child that walks through my doors, and is a part of my ministry. In all reality, whether they come on a bus or ride with their parent, I feel in some ways like they are mine at times! I pray for them and their futures. When I sing worship songs and spend time in scripture and, I plead with the Lord that those songs and His Word would be truth in the hearts of every child, that they may know the meaning. My heart breaks for every child who is living in darkness.

I heard a song on the radio the other day. This line jumped out to me:

"But most of all I'll want to know you're walking in the truth"

And that is my prayer. That the children of FBC Malakoff, of our town, of our area are reached. That they know Christ, that they are walking in the truth.

Attitude

2010-01-17T19:44:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I attended the funeral of an incredible man. It was truly a celebration of life. His name was Joe. Joe had cancer for many, many years. When he was first diagnosed, he was given only months. Yet, he chose to live. Most people that met Joe never even knew that he was sick. He gave his life 100%, so that he could enjoy each moment, and most importantly so that others could see his Savior through his life.

The following poem was shared at the service. It speaks so truly to Joe's life, and opened my eyes to the kind of attitude that I have about both little and big things. If I learned one thing from Joe, it was that you gave the Lord 100% of your life and your attitude-no complaining, no whining....just lots of loving and laughing.

~Attitude~

Charles Swindoll

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.

Haiti

2010-01-14T12:22:00.000-08:00

Shaun Groves has written today about the great need in Haiti due to the earthquake. The Compassion International schools and resources in that region have been devastated. Click here to read his blog or on the Compassion link below to see how you can help.

And most importantly-->PRAY, PRAY, PRAY for these sweet children, their families, and rescue workers who are working round the clock to help those in need.

40 days

2010-01-12T18:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, along with many others in our church, I started a journey.

It began 2 weeks ago. We received a challenge from Nathan- to begin praying about something that we could fast from for 40 days. We were to begin yesterday, January 11, and fast for the 40 days before Radiate 2010, our revival. This will be 40 days of fasting and praying for God to move in mighty ways in our church and in our lives.

I can't even begin to explain how my heart desires to see what God has planned for our church in the next 40 days. But beyond that, I am pleading with Him to change my life and my family in radical ways and to open my eyes to new things about who He is, and what plan He has for our lives.

That Kind of Day...

2010-01-10T18:30:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have that kind of day....when it seems like one thing happens followed, by another, by another! Well today was that kind of day! From my car not starting, to being told our water is not working....and won't be for 2-3 DAYS (yeah, days...not hours!), to a whole lot of craziness in between...it has been a rollercoaster, back hurting, tearful day.

I don't go to worship most Sunday mornings because I am leading KidzPraise, and every once in a while that can lead to my tank feeling a little low (no sermon, no worship) So Sunday night worship is a big filler of my tank. Tonight we had a time of prayer for a 40 day fast that we are starting (more on that tomorrow!) and it blessed me in so many ways. It gave me the strength that I need for this crazy, waterless, car-less night. It gave me the joy to laugh and smile that even when life seems so upside down, I have a God that is more in control than I will EVER even know! It turned "that kind of day...." into "That Kind Of Day!" where you encounter the Lord and He uplifts you and carries you. Those are the kind of days that I want to have.

Christmas Recap!

2010-01-08T16:14:00.000-08:00

We are finally over all of our sicknesses and I am so thankful! The past few weeks have been so busy for us, but the business have made me realize how blessed we are to have such amazing families!

*FYI-This post may be long...but it is my version of a scrapbook, and I have lots of Christmas memories that I want to remember!

Christmas #1

We were so blessed this year to be able to go and visit Mark's extended family in Ohio! His parents drove out ahead of us, and we flew out with his brothers on the 22nd. I had a little adventure before we flew out...I definitely had to go to Urgent Care early in the AM before we flew out, and then rush to get meds and get to the airport, but thankfully we all made it to the airport in one piece!

We had such an amazing week in Ohio! The first day we just relaxed with Mark's grandparents in Cincinnati. The next day, we drove out to his uncle's gorgeous lakehouse where we spent a few days eating, talking, and eating some more with his cousins, uncle, and grandparents! The boys tried their hands at frying some interesting foods (oreos, pickles, twinkies, etc!), my mother in law and I enjoyed a nice walk around the frozen lake, and we had lots of laughs! We then all headed into Columbus for a Christmas Eve service together. This was my first Christmas Eve without my family, so that was hard, but it was also my first Christmas Eve with Mark, and that was very special! The next few days were spent being VERY lazy at Mark's grandparent's house!

View from the lake house

I am so grateful to my mother & father in law for the opportunity to go to Ohio. Mark and I get to spend alot of time with my family, so I was glad I got to grow closer with his!

Christmas #2

We flew back from Ohio the day after Christmas! My dad had graciously kept our pup for us--so we headed over to his house to pick up the pup and to have Christmas #2. My brother & his girlfriend Alicia joined us. We had a great night just hanging out and exchanging gifts! We got to meet up with them a few nights later to celebrate my dad's birthday!

Christmas #3

The next day we returned home for church! After church we went out to lunch with all of my mom's side of the family! We then headed to my grandparents house and exchanged gifts and hung out. I headed to Arlington for the next week to hang out with them and spend some time with my cousin & her kiddos!

New Years

For New Years, Mark & I headed up to Van Alstyne to hang out with his best friends from high school! We snacked, played games and just caught up! The next day we were able to go see Avatar 3D in IMAX, which was an incredible movie!

Whew....that was a wordy post! No pictures, because I was too busy having fun to take pictures! It was such a busy Christmas season, but like I said, I feel so blessed and I am so excited to see what future Christmases hold!

Again?!

2010-01-05T08:24:00.000-08:00

Well, it seems if I have caught some kind of bug...again! Actually, last week the husband had it, and it was my week to take care of him. (I don't think I have EVER seen him that sick!) Now that he is feeling better, I am the one with a fever, a cough and all of that fun stuff.

Of all times to be sick this is not the best...I was so ready to be back at work after not having been there for 2 weeks. The Lord gave me alot of direction and clarity in that time off, and I was so ready to run with it...and now I am laying in bed with a fever and no energy. So, needless to say I am praying that I get to feeling better ASAP so that I can get things a rolling!

I am still also excited to blog with pictures from our 2 week adventures...but for now this is all I will be seeing....

Goodbye '09, Hello '10!

2009-12-31T11:43:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe it is time to start typing 2010. A new decade! Ten years ago, I was ringing in the New Year by skiing on the slopes with my family! This decade will be rung in as the first New Year's Eve spent with my husband!

~The highlight of 2009 would definitely be this~

Marrying my best friend!

I am so excited about 2010 and all that it has to bring! New memories (happy, sad and crazy ones I'm sure!), and so many new experiences to learn from. I look forward to the path that the Lord has laid out for us and to the ways that we will grow in Him in the coming year!

Happy New Year and God Bless You in 2010!

Ohio

2009-12-23T17:47:00.000-08:00

This post will be short and sweet! It is coming to you from the cold state of Ohio! We flew in yesterday afternoon to spend the Christmas holiday with Mark's family! We are so excited to be able to spend some quality time just hanging out with them and relaxing.

We will/are def. missing my family alot this Christmas, as it is my first Christmas away from them....but are so grateful that they are understanding with us being gone!

I will def. post once we get back with pictures....but until then....

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

With much love,

Mark & Allison

The Blind Side

2009-12-19T19:55:00.000-08:00

Last night, we went and saw the Blind Side. I had been told that others had cried. I had been told that it had changed others lives. But I had no idea how it would affect me. The tears I would shed. The way my life would be forever changed.

Many of the reasons that this movie affected me so greatly is because of the things that the Lord has been doing in our area, in our church and in the hearts of those around me. I have seen things in the past few months that have changed my path forever. Because of this, there were parts of this movie that were truly raw and deep down real to me. I saw other faces feeling the emotions that this boy felt. And I wept for them. I wept for every child, in Malakoff, in our area, in Texas, and in the world who feels that pain. The child who does not know love, safety or family.

After the movie ended, I needed a few moments to process/collect myself/stop sobbing....so I sat in the quiet of the theater and listened to the song that played at the end of the movie. It was "Chances" by Five for Fighting. It was beautiful moment of silence and refelction.

I am so excited to see where this new path that the Lord has us on will lead. Parts of it seem scary, but knowing that He is up to big things everywhere I look is something I do not have the words to describe.

I want to leave you with this from here:
Save us from these comforts.
Break us of our need for the familiar
Spare us any joy that’s not of You
And we will worship You

Here We Come a Caroling!

2009-12-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

My heart was so proud, so full of joy and so excited for my kids last night--I think it could have literally exploded!

Let me explain!

Last week, our music minister and I go the brave idea to take all of the kids caroling with the adult choir. I sent home permission slips, and he signed up drivers. I even had to go up to the school this week to drop off more permission slips because kids were so excited!

Yall, tonight kids got to go caroling that have never had that chance. That had never gotten to see that joy in someone else's face when you sing to them. The joy that it brought me was indescribable. Seeing their eyes lit up when they got to yell "Merry Christmas!" They were so excited to be serving! I am so proud of them for having such servant's hearts so young.

And then just to see their excitement, to sing, to see lights, to go on an adventure that truthfully, some of their little lives had never experienced...I praise the Lord that our church was willing to step up and drive kids that they did not know and had never met...they will never know what it meant to those kiddos.

We are so blessed to serve in such a mission minded church that desire's to not only teach children about Christ's love, but to show it in actions each and every day!

Our First Christmas

2009-12-14T19:04:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Sangenito home! Christmas is my favorite time of the year...and this Christmas is even better since it is our first Christmas being married!

Our decorations are very simple, but they each mean something special to us! Enjoy the tour and thanks for stopping by!

Our First Christmas Tree

We got to buy our first Christmas tree this year! The Christmas tree skirt is one of my most treasured decorations. My grandfather made each grandchild one many years ago. Most of our ornaments are simple Christmas balls. Last year, my mother-in-law gave me a box full of beautiful ornaments that we have as well!

This year my husband also surprised me with this very special ornament

First Christmas Ornament

Because we do not have a fireplace in our apartment, our stockings are hung from the counter with care!

Mark, Allison & Zeus

I got these stockings last year after Christmas on sale. I just love them and am so glad I decided to get them! And of course our sweet puppy has a stocking, since he is our only child.

We rarely eat at our dining table, so I decided to decorate it this year as well

And last but not least is one of my favorite areas in our apartment

Nativity Shelf

We received quite a few nativities as wedding gifts, and I couldn't wait to pull out our collections! The birth of Jesus is the reason for the season and we want to make sure and make that the center of our household each Christmas!

Merry Christmas and God bless!

To Know Him and the Power of His Resurrection

2009-12-13T19:10:00.000-08:00

Back around Easter, I posted the lyrics to the song below. Today we sang it during worship, and it took and a completely new meaning to me. As I sang the words, my heart began to break. I looked around at the kids that were surrounding me. Kids who do not know hope or strength that comes from the Lord. Kids who do not stand on His solid ground, or rely on Him through the fears in their life. These precious lives have been through more than my worst nightmares. Their "great" at times is my worst. I just began to cry and plead with the Lord as I sang that He would reveal Himself to them. That He would open their eyes to who He is. This song no longer became about me, but about these tender hearts coming to know our mighty, powerful Lord. A Lord who will be with them, walk alongside them through the hard times. This song speaks of such a new life, a grace that can ONLY come from Him. What a hope for these sweet ones that do not know that there can be some thing different. That thought His birth, His blood, and His sacrifice that our guilt, fear, and failures can be washed away.

Phil. 3:10

...that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found

He is my light, my strength, my song

This Cornerstone, this solid ground

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease

My Comforter, my All in All

Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh

Fullness of God in helpless babe

This gift of love and righteousness

Scorned by the ones He came to save

‘Til on that cross as Jesus died

The wrath of God was satisfied

For every sin on Him was laid

Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain

Then bursting forth in glorious Day

Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory

Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me

For I am His and He is mine

Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me

From life’s first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

‘til He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

Party time!

2009-12-08T16:33:00.000-08:00

Last night we had the chance to attend our staff Christmas party! Our amazing secretary planned a progressive dinner for us. It was such a great chance to get together and just relax without the craziness of being at work.

We began at the Lorick's house for appetizer's. While there, we received some amazing gifts from our pastor...

Marshmallow Guns!

We then headed to the Spies' house for our entree. Donna posted today on how she decorates in such creative ways....her house is just so cute and Christmas-y!

Our Minister/Spouse Photo

We finished up at the Beechem's for coffee and dessert! We had some delicious tarts and and Eric made some sourdough cookies!

I am so blessed to work with such a great staff, and that they all have such wonderful families that we can spend time together with!

Thankful in December

2009-12-06T13:11:00.000-08:00

I haven't had a chance to post about our Thanksgiving, so I wanted to take a moment, here in the middle of December, to recap and reflect!

We were able to spend time with all of our families this year-which can be kind of hard to do with 3 families! My grandmother was in the hospital for most of Thanksgiving week, so I was glad to be able to spend some good time seeing her. We are so blessed to have families who love us so much, and who welcome their homes to us as we hop back and forth trying to spend time with each of them! We got to spend time playing games and catching up with my mom's family. My dad had 6 lab pups who needed homes, so we spent black Friday selling those! It was cold, but a great time to sit and talk in the midst of the rush of everyone's shopping. And finally, we enjoyed lots of laughing and eating with Mark's family!

This year, and specifically this holiday season, has been one of much reflection and change in attitude for me. Through our new bus ministry at church, I have been able to learn so much about how the Lord has blessed me. Gifts, lavish meals and new things seem so different to me than they once did. The simplicity of family, laughter, and the love of our heavenly Father hold so much more meaning now.

The F's Have It!

2009-11-20T11:23:00.000-08:00

My Fall Fun post definitely did not fit into one post, so I have posted the links below for you! Read or don't, it's up to you!

Hope your weekend is great! Ours will be full of New Moon, seeing the in-laws and the beginning of Christmas decor!

Fall Festival
Foto Fun
Fifty
Festive

Festive

2009-11-20T11:18:00.000-08:00

When it came time to pull out the tub of fall decorations, I heard a small groan. Mark did not understand why I need scarecrows, a talking skeleton named Jack, and leaves. But those things were just always apart of life for me, and apart of bringing in the holiday season that followed. I think they have really grown on him this first married fall!

Here is a peek at our fall decorations before they come down today! I have to put the Christmas tree up tonight so that it will fall out by Monday!

The Sangenito Scoop

3 Years

Doctor's Appointments

Our Hospital Stay

Ashlynn's Birth Story

38 weeks

She's Here!

37 weeks (aka FULL TERM!)

36!

36!

35:The Magic Number

34!

33 weeks!

8 months!

31 weeks

Three*Oh

Bedrest Buddy

29 weeks!

28 weeks/3rd Trimester!!

Bed-Rest

27 weeks!

26 weeks!

I survived week 25!

SIX months!

23 weeks!

22 weeks

21!

HALFWAY!!

19!

The Reveal

18

Introducing....

Seventeen

15/16 Weeks

14 weeks

A "Little" Update

Merry Christmas!

Thankful

Free Christmas Cards from Shutterfly!

That's The Way Baseball Go

ALDS

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

26 Reasons

Fall Favorites

Home

Rainy Day Taco Soup

The Journey Continues!

Held

Today...

Back in the Saddle

You Can Have Me

Talk vs. Walk

the *S* word

Spring Catchup

Another Little Project

Cover your ears, Paula!

Easter

Verse 4

Crafty Crosses

Bookworm

DIY

MIA

Verse 3

Memory Verse 2

the ultimate tank

100!

And many more...!

Go and Be.

A picture is worth...

Verse 1

Smiles

Great Date 1

Pictures!

WOW!

Our Rocker Pup

Adventures in Cooking!

Happy Valentines Day!

Let It Snow!

Grace was made for lives like this

525,600 minutes

the S word