The Smith Family

Picnic at Kinder Park with the family

2009-09-04T07:09:00.001-07:00

Everyone hanging out at the table

the cousins playing with sticks

Jake coming down the slide

Goofing around and chasing each other

Leah and Uncle Matt

Me and my baby girl =)

Hailey and one of her favorites!

June 2009

2009-08-10T05:35:00.000-07:00

June was an exciting month, and a busy one! We took frequent trips to downs park to play, and sometimes cook out too! We also visited family in Pennsylvania and took a week-long trip to Ocean City with a LOT of family! Oh and of course, our first family camping trip to Cunningham Falls in Western, Maryland.

We absolutely LOVE downs park! It is in Pasadena, MD and is right on the water. There is a very nice playground and plenty of area to explore. The kids loved watching people fish off the pier, chase after lizards, and throw rocks in the water from the beach... and of course, just run around! We took a couple of trips there alone, and some with friends and family to cook out.

Our trip to Pennsylvania was quite impromptu, but a lot of fun! We started off the adventure with a stop at Valley Forge Park to learn some history and explore. Then we went to visit cousins and lots of family! We saw most of my family on my mom's side and of course my brother, Mike and sister, Heather! Jake and Aidan are best friends, and love spending as much time together as possible! They are going to be future trouble makers together, haha! =) Hailey LOVES babies, so of course she loves visiting "baby Chase" and "baby Michael." Although, Michael is not really a baby anymore and sometimes she seems him as competition. =)

Our second trip to Ocean City this year was spent with most of my family on my dad's side. 3 Aunts, 12 cousins, 9 little cousins! It was a lot of fun and so good to spend time with family we don't get to see very often. We had a crab and spagetti feast at the beach house, lots of trips to the beach, and even an evening trip to go ghost-crabbing on the beach with flash lights! Oh and we did family pictures, which turned out so cute!

Camping was a lot of fun, and the weather was amazing. The kids had so much fun hiking and playing in the woods, and of course climbing up the falls and swimming in the water. We will definitely be taking many more camping trips, maybe even this fall! We bought a bunch of new camping gear, and had a lot of fun trying it out. The kids enjoyed searching the woods for sticks and firewood, and just to explore. We did forget the futon mattress to sleep on, so it wasn't the most comfortable sleeping conditions, but we managed! We expected the kids to be completely exhausted early from hiking and playing, but it turns out we were more tired than them! So we decided to go for a ride to Gettysburg. It was really neat and the kids fell asleep in the car, so we just moved them to the tent and Matt and I sat by the fire and relaxed and spent time together. All in all, June was an awesome month! Enjoy the pics...

Playing at the top of the falls!

Hailey and Daddy chillin' =)

Half way up the falls... taking a snack break

Mom's kids and grandchildren (minus a few)

The Kanaly Family!

Cousins on the beach

Jonathan's Elementary school graduation

Father's Day at Down's Park

Hailey and Grandpa roasting marshmallows

Me, Matt and Dad

Dinner at the diner with my cousins!

Snuggling with G-G-Pa =)

Jake locking G-G-Pa up hahaha

cousin bath time

Little Chase having some tummy time

The covered bridge at Valley Forge

The houses that our military slept in that cold winter in Valley Forge

Silly time at Downs Park

Climbing the rocks

P.S.- I have WAY too many pics to pick just a few for each month! =) Just in June alone, I took 1500 pictures! Can you tell I love taking pictures of my kids??

May 2009

2009-08-10T05:07:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! I have been so behind in blogging this summer, so I am going to update month by month what we have been up to... with a few pictures, of course! In May I had surgery to remove my gallbladder because it was filled with gallstones and causing me some pain. I am blessed to have my wonderful sister Heather, who drove down from Pennsylvania to take my kids for two nights so that I could recover. The recovery took me by surprise and was a little harder than I expected, so Heather's help was greatly appreciated!!!

Mother's day weekend we were supposed to go camping, but it ended up being a very rainy weekend and the camping trip was postponed to June. May was mostly spent relaxing and hanging out with friends and family! We did take a long weekend trip to the beach... and an evening to the carnival with Grandpa, Jonathan, Tyler, and Elisabeth. The boys are getting older, so of course they met up with their friends at the carnival. I guess we're not as cool to them as we were when they were toddlers! =) Anyway, enjoy the pics of our adventures in May!

My handsome man

My little bathing suit model =)

Jake and Chloe playing in the pool

On the beach with my hubby =)

Throwing rocks in OC

Pool and water guns! They were so excited for the warm weather

Fixing the fence with their cousin Aidan =)

Sleepy Jacob

2009-04-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

This weekend the kids stayed with Aunt Heather, Uncle Jason and their cousin Michael while mommy and daddy had a weekend away with Matt's friend Jacob (from the army). They had so much fun and even got to go to a baseball game and jungle wonder (an indoor play area)! Of course they were absolutely exhausted by the time we got back, but still very excited to see us! Here is a pic of Jake on the drive home....

Sassy a.k.a. Hailey =)

2009-04-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

My "baby" Hailey is getting too big too fast! I feel like she is going to be a teenager, dating and getting ready to go off to college before I know it! Me, matt and my entire family call her sassy because she has this cute little sassy attitude to her. She cracks us up and her and Jake love each other so much. This morning they were going to play at grandma's house.. freezy pops, baby pool, and baking cookies... and she was a little sad to leave me. So Jake, being the wonderful big brother he is, kept telling her how much fun they were going to have and how they are going to see mommy later. =) I love my kids so much! Anyway, here are a few pics of our sassy little girl...

Baby Ella

2009-04-19T06:15:00.000-07:00

My friend, Danielle gave birth to a beautiful baby girl this week, Ella Pierina Shriner! She is absolutely adorable and they are all home and settling in. I was able to go up to the hospital both nights to visit little Ella and her mommy and of course hold and cuddle the baby! Here are a few pics from my two visits...

Easter

2009-04-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

This Easter we were able to spend it with the entire family at my mom's house! Jacob and Hailey did an Easter egg hunt with their cousins in mom's back yard. We had so much fun, but we completely forgot to get a picture of all the cousins like we planned to! My camera battery also died, so I didn't get as many pictures as I wanted to, but hopefully Mom and Heather will share their pictures with me!

Here are a few of our pictures...

Getting ready for the summer....

2009-04-15T10:31:00.001-07:00

So to get ready for the summer, we went out and bought a few new summer outfits and of course- Sunglasses!!! The kids love taking pictures on the computer, and loved modeling their new shades, haha! We just can't wait to get to the beach so we can play in the sand and put our sunglasses to good use! Here are a few of our pictures...

Matt's 30th Birthday!!

2009-04-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

This Saturday I threw an amazing surprise party for my wonderful husband! This year Matthew Smith turned the big 3-0! He was sooo surprised/confused when he walked into my mom's house. We had a lot of fun and I will post more pics soon!

Photo Booth

2009-03-22T06:06:00.000-07:00

So recently my laptop took the plunge to its final death... haha, so we bought a new imac to replace it. We all LOVE it... including my niece, Elisabeth! There just happens to be a built in webcam and a fun program called photo booth. So needless to say, we have had WAY too much fun playing and taking pictures/video. Here are a few from our collection...

So recently my laptop took the final plunge to death... haha, so we bought a new imac! Which we ALL love... including my niece, Elisabeth! There just happens to be a built in webcam and a fun program call photo booth. So we have had WAY too much fun playing and taking pictures/video. Here are a few from our collection...

Jake's trip to the aquarium

2009-03-22T05:51:00.000-07:00

Jake and I went on a field trip with his school to the Baltimore National Aquarium. We had so much fun! The biggest highlight of the trip would be the sharks for Jake! He could have watched them ALL day! Of course they were at the end of the tour, and it was lunch time... so we will have to go back just to see the sharks some more! The last time we went to the aquarium I was 8 months pregnant with Hailey! So of course we have to go back again and take her this time!!

Mommy and Jake in the rain forest

Nemo!!

Jake and his friend Chloe

The dolphin show was great!!

Mommy and Jake in a sharks jaw!!

Michael's Birthday Party

2009-03-22T05:42:00.001-07:00

Jake and Hailey's cousin Michael turned 1 this February! We love him so much, and of course made the drive to PA to celebrate his birthday. The party was a lot of fun, and Michael was as cute as ever! =)

He had an interesting technique to enjoy his cupcake...

Michael and Mommy =)

All the cousins testing out Michael's wagon for him... haha =)

Daddy playing nicely with the other children! =)

Hailey enjoying her veggies =)

A snow day in...

2009-03-22T05:35:00.000-07:00

The last snow day we had, we were all suffering from little colds. So I decided to keep the kids in, but still make it a fun snow day! We made playdough, and played with snow indoors, and then had some cinnamon hot cocoa. It was a lot of fun! Next year I think we will be ready for snowsuits and sledding! =)

WAY behind on blog posts!

2009-01-19T13:23:00.000-08:00

So it has been a while since I've posted a blog! We have been busy with the Holidays, winter bugs (cold, flu, etc), traveling to see family in PA, and of course football! We had a wonderful Christmas at home this year. We were able to spend time with family around the holidays, but Christmas morning stayed in and relaxed. This was the first year the kids were really this in to opening presents. Jake just loved opening and giving gifts. And Hailey would get so excited about each gift that she didn't want to open the next! They were so cute.
Jake has been loving school, and all of his friend's at school. The teachers always say how wonderful he is, and of course I agree! =) Hailey is getting so big and smart that people are asking me more and more if they are twins! She is apparently pretty tall for age (not sure where she gets that from!) according to Dr. Julie at her 2 year old check up in December. She is talking well beyond her age and does anything and everything to catch up to her big brother. They just love playing together and get upset when they aren't together. They also LOVE spending time with Grandma and Papa! We go over to see them several times a week. They seem concerned if we haven't seen Grandma for a day or so. haha, we have to make up for the several months Grandma and Papa were traveling and we couldn't see them!
This coming weekend "baby michael" (my sister Heather's baby) is coming for an overnight visit (well 2 nights actually) and we couldn't be more excited!! I have been cleaning today to get ready for him! Jake and Hailey keep talking about him, and I can't wait to spoil and cuddle him!! This weekend we will also be celebrating Papa and Jason's birthdays! Well Jason and Heather will be away for a romantic weekend without Michael, but we will be sure to eat some cake and ice cream for them!
I guess that is all for now! I am currently downloading hundreds of pictures on to my computer that have been on my camera patiently waiting to be shared with friends and family... haha, so I will upload those soon, promise! More blogs coming soon!

Hailey's Photo Shoot with Grandma

2008-12-04T07:37:00.000-08:00

Last night we had a family picture taken, and today Jake had school pictures done. Apparently little Miss Hailey doesn't like "professional" photographers because she gave her biggest smiles for grandma (and cooperated a lot better). She was wearing her dress over to Grandma's from getting pictures done earlier, and of course Grandma couldn't resist breaking out the camera! But who could....

Fun in Pennsylvania... we miss it already!

2008-11-23T15:43:00.000-08:00

Baby Michael's dedication

2008-11-23T15:24:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we went to PA for Michael's dedication at church. He looked adorable, and was cute as ever! It was a great time with family and we had lots of yummy food!

He Loves me... I'm his fav! Can't you tell? =)

Me and my cousin neeny! =)

Isn't he cute??

The cousins! They have so much fun together!!!

Reading a book with the boys =)

Watching football, of course!

Aunt June, Aunt Lisa, Uncle Alan =)

Sammy and Aidan

I look like a midget! Alan and Chris and me =)

More pics of beautiful Leah!

2008-11-08T11:14:00.000-08:00

Camera phone pics of little Leah Beth

2008-11-07T12:19:00.000-08:00

Leah Beth Smith

2008-11-05T12:43:00.000-08:00

Maggie had her baby!!!! Leah Beth was born at 11:16 am and weighs 6lbs 7oz. She is 18.5in long. Maggie is recovering and Leah is spending some time in the NICU because she has some fluid in her lungs. She's a cutie and will recover just fine I'm sure! But definitely keep her in your prayers, and Maggie as well since this is all hard on her. Enjoy a few pics....

Just because....

2008-11-04T10:09:00.001-08:00

So cute and innocent....Pinned ya!!!

Evil laugh.... =)

Jake's Halloween Party at school

2008-11-04T10:00:00.001-08:00

Jake's class had a Halloween Party complete with trick or treating, halloween games, halloween stories, and decorating cookies!!! Oh and of course costumes! The kids had sooo much fun. I was the working parent in the class, so I got to enjoy the party with all of the other parents that decided to stay. Here are some pictures....

Happy Halloween!!!!

2008-11-04T09:49:00.000-08:00

This year was the first time I took Jake and Hailey trick or treating. Last year I was sick, so my mom took Jake. So we went over to Aunt Jen's and went trick or treating with Elisabeth and Jonathan. The kids had so much fun and were very polite and sure to say "thank you" every time they were given candy. They snacked occasionally along the way, but for the most part waiting until we went home to check out all of their candy.

3 trips to the pumpkin patch

2008-11-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

Well I couldn't wait for fall to come so we could go to the pumpkin patch... and I got my wish times 3! We went to Homestead Gardens first, and grandpa met us there. There's a hay maze and some games and food and of course, pumpkins! Then a week or so later we went to Papa Johns Farm with Jake's class and got a tour and saw the animals and picked out a pumpkin. Then another week or so later we went to a corn maze/fall festival in the northern part of Maryland with Grandpa and Aunt Maggie. We had so much fun at all three! Here are some pics....

Jake stealing corn and running =)

Grandpa dressed Hailey... capri's and striped tights =)

She's a grandpa's girl! Even when she's been in her shy stage, he's her favorite!

The cow moo'd and surprised Hailey... she ran and I laughed =)

Deep in thought on the hay ride at Papa Johns... Jake's favorite part of the trip

Holding hands while visiting the animals... major case of the giggles while the pig oinked!

Happy 3rd Birthday to Jake!

2008-11-04T09:08:00.001-08:00

Jake's birthday was a week long celebration starting with cupcakes at school....

Then donuts from uncle Mike.....

Then a birthday party with a whole bunch of toddlers and friends and family....

We love fall!

2008-11-04T08:55:00.000-08:00

Every year we go to the pumpkin patch in Davidsonville with the kids. Here are our pictures from the past 3 years....

All done!

2008-11-04T08:49:00.000-08:00

Jake has been receiving speech and language therapy for the past year or so. His speech and language pathologist, Erica, is the best! And we love her! This past week was his last session with her as he is all caught up and speaking better than a lot of kids his age, thanks in large part to Erica. We already miss our weekly sessions with Erica and are so thankful for the work she did with Jake and will hopefully keep in touch with her. She works through the county's infant and toddlers program and I highly recommend contacting them if you notice any delays in your child's development. Better safe than sorry... and its better to have an early intervention program so the kids aren't behind once they start school. It's such a great program and everyone that works there are helpful and amazing. Anyway, here's a picture of Jake and Erica!

Making cookies

2008-11-04T08:39:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite things to do is cook! Jake and Hailey love to help me in the kitchen.... make dinner and cookies and anything at all. Sometimes I wish I had more time and money to make creative dinners and desserts... but until that happens, we'll make cookies and see how many actually make it into the oven. =)

Playing outside in the beautiful fall weather

2008-10-04T10:23:00.001-07:00

We've been trying to get as much time outside while the weather is beautiful. Soon we'll be stuck inside hoping and praying for snow to play in!!

Fun times with Aunt Maggie

2008-10-04T10:15:00.000-07:00

Bath time... Aunt Maggie is practicing =)
Aunt Maggie's new ride =) She had quite the time trying to get back off of the "bike" haha... poor prego

Jake's favorite time of day is when Aunt Maggie comes home and they build tunnels in the living room... then mommy cleans up when all 3 kids go to bed =)

Belly Shot... they like to compare =)

Afternoon at Downs Park

2008-10-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

Jake's first day of school

2008-10-04T09:41:00.000-07:00

The first week of September, Jake started preschool!! Our little man is growing up so fast. He LOVES school and his teachers love him. They constantly tell me how easy going he is and how cute he is. It is a co-op preschool so I get to work in his class once a month. Its so much fun to see him interact with the other kids, teachers, and learning new stuff. He comes home singing new songs and telling me stories of things he did at school. Oh, and of course all of the new art work that covers our fridge! He's pretty much the smartest kid in the class... well I like to think so. =)

Maryland State Fair

2008-08-28T05:28:00.000-07:00

Rough Housing

2008-08-28T04:30:00.001-07:00

Lately the kids enjoy wrestling around with daddy and each other. They love to attack daddy when he comes home from work... and he lays there and takes it.. like a man! =) Its pretty entertaining. Mommy just watches... and takes pictures. =)

Camping...

2008-08-28T04:21:00.000-07:00

....well sorta! Unfortunately our plans to go camping or to the beach did not happen this past weekend because Matt was on call and couldn't find anyone to switch with him. So All last week we "camped" in the basement. =) Every morning we would head down stairs to have our breakfast in the tent while watching Madagascar (Jake's favorite movie right now). We had lots of fun playing in the tent! It took up a lot of space, so mommy took it down. Jake has been trying to convince me to put it back up ever since. =)

Jake enjoying his blueberry bagel and watching Madagascar... ignoring mommy =)

Cloth Diapers

2008-08-20T10:51:00.002-07:00

So I have been researching cloth diapers recently for 2 reasons: (1) to save money on diapers and (2) it helps decrease the amount of trash in landfills and overall helps the environment. I think I have decided to definitely try them, but there are so many different brands/kinds. I am leaning towards a regular old diaper cover (like my mom use to use with us) and the cloth liner. Of course they are a little fancier than they use to be, as you can tell by the pic above. They also have all in one diapers that you just wash the whole thing... takes longer to dry because its thicker so you need more of them. And they are obviously more expensive. Then there are all kinds of other options for liners, covers, one size or specific size... too many choices! Does anyone know anything about cloth diapers that can help? =)

Early morning walk....

2008-08-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

This week we have been getting up and taking early morning walks since the weather has been so beautiful. The kids LOVE it, especially when we stop at the park towards the end of our walk. This morning we actually went to Kinder Park to play and see the animals. They had so much fun playing with their friend Abby, but Jill and I both forgot our cameras! So here are a few pictures from yesterdays walk. We are trying to build up to three miles for the heart walk!! So far we have gotten up to 45 minutes... not sure how far that is though. Anyway, enjoy the pics! They aren't as clear as usual... maybe because it was really sunny. Ok here you go....

Walking by the water

"Come on Hailey!"

"I'm a big girl!"

My little climbers =)

Heart Walk '08

2008-08-10T20:02:00.000-07:00

This year my family has decided to participate in the American Heart Association Heart Walk. We will be walking in honor of my father who passed away 9 years ago from Heart Disease. Money raised from the heart walk will go to research for Heart Disease and Stroke. Check out the website here !! We will be walking as "TEAM KANALY" maybe we'll even get team t-shirts, we'll see! =) Anyway, if you feel led to donate, please see our team page by clicking here

Thanks so much! I'm really excited for the three mile walk through baltimore. It takes place on October 25th (Jake's third birthday) and should be a lot of fun and it is for such a great cause. Ok I'm off to bed... =) Hope everyone had a great weekend. I will blog later about ours... it was fun!

Love,
Ashley

http://heartwalk.kintera.org/baltimore/ashkanaly

3 weeks until....

2008-08-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

We go back to the beach!!!! Only for a weekend this time, but I am missing the beach like crazy so I cannot wait! We are going down for my birthday, and there is no other place I rather be than at the beach with my family. =) Only wish everyone could come down... maybe next year! We are going down Friday the 22nd until Sunday the 24th... so technically I will spend my birthday (8/25) back home, but close enough! Hope everyone is having a great summer... we are definitely enjoying ours! I can't wait to get all of my summer pictures printed and in an album... although I may go broke since I have at least 500+ pictures! Well I better run... I need to clean up and do some laundry while the kids nap. Tonight is girls night with Danielle!!! =)

Love,
Ashley

Niki and Michael's wedding

2008-08-08T10:00:00.001-07:00

This past weekend my cousin Niki got married to her high school sweetheart, Michael at a beautiful vineyard/winery in PA overlooking the Susquehanna. It was so much fun and the food and drinks were great too! It was free beer, wine and sangria.... which my whole family thoroughly enjoyed! haha... Grandpa was nice enough to keep Jake and Hailey while we enjoyed a night out catching up with family and enjoying everything the winery had to offer.... just ask Matt! =) They also had a "candy bar" (I think thats what they are called) where you could fill up bags of candy to take home... or snack on there if you are like me. =) Oh and one of the best parts.... Wedding cake from Cold Stone Creamery... it was amazing! Ice cream cake is my favorite!!!! Well enjoy the pics and thanks for inviting us guys!!!

Doesn't she look so pretty???

My beautiful cousin Erin =)

My beautiful cousin Kendal and wonderful Aunt Kathy =)

Did I mention there was sangria?

Heather LOVES sangria =)

My underwear model....

2008-08-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

...is POTTY TRAINED!!!!!!!!!! Yay for my big boy!!!! He is getting so big! They are both growing up so fast, is fun but kinda sad at the same time. I love my toddlers! Even though they can be exhausting at times. =) I had a lady at the store ask me if it gets easier (having kids 13 months apart)... she had a 6 week old and a 1 year old. Of course I lied and said "oh yeah!" =) Really the beginning was the easiest because Hailey wasn't mobile and slept all the time! Oh well, didn't want to give her a nervous break down or post partum depression... she seemed a tad stressed! =) Anyway hope everyone is having a great week!!

Hailey's first pedicure... by mommy

2008-08-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

My cowboy..... with a big head

2008-08-01T11:16:00.001-07:00

he stole Mr. Potato Head's hat... poor mr potato head! It took some talent to keep this hat on his head because he moves around to much!! Isn't he handsome?

Smoothies for lunch

2008-08-01T11:07:00.001-07:00

yummy and healthy......

The end of vacation...

2008-07-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

Our vacation eventually had to come to an end... even though we would have no problem staying at the beach all summer! We left the beach Saturday (the 12th) once Mike, Michelle and Aidan came down to begin their vacation with Michelle's sister and family. Thursday to Saturday our friends Danielle, David and their little girl Briaunna came down. We had so much fun going to the beach and hanging out. The men went out on a boat and caught some crabs... then had to get towed back in when the boat wouldn't work and they were stuck in the bay. Of course Danielle and I thought this was funny, especially since they were out so long and left us stranded at the house without a car and with all three kids! =) Anyway, here are some pics of our time with the Shriners =)

The cutest picture just got even cuter, thanks to Aunt Mandy! =)

2008-07-11T03:36:00.000-07:00

Aunt Mandy is WAY better at editing and photography than me. I've actually learned a lot from her in the past couple of months about aperture , etc. I love taking pictures, but never edit anything... mostly because I do not own editing software, and partially because I'm too lazy. =) But Mandy does an amazing job so I asked her to edit this picture so I can make it bigger and print it out to frame. She did such a great job and I just love this picture in black and white! Thanks again Mandy... visit her photography website to see more of her amazing work!
Mandy Sroka Photography

Possibly the cutest picture ever....

2008-07-10T13:08:00.000-07:00

Thursday at the beach...

2008-07-10T13:05:00.001-07:00

A family pic by a friendly stranger =)

Daddy misses work so he's digging holes on the beach =) Seems to entertain the kids... I call the deep holes "babysitters"... of course my little monkeys can climb out of ANYTHING... you should see them on the playground

Jakey on the beach... he loves the water even if it is -20 degrees =)

The princess =) Climbing out of the hole daddy is digging

Running from the water... just for fun! =)

Needless to say the kids were asleep within minutes of leaving the beach. They were so tired from playing, digging and walking around. Hope everyone is having a great week!

More pics of my biker kids...

2008-07-10T13:05:00.000-07:00

Mommy's helmet =) She could barely hold her head up with it on...

Daddy's helmet... he kept tilting his head back too much and dropping it, which according to daddy makes it less efficient... so that ended the cute pictures =)

Article about my mommy =)

2008-07-09T09:32:00.000-07:00

Check it out at the link below...

http://www.waynesburg.edu/index.php?q=News_and_Events/Current_News/KarenMcClure

My beach bums...

2008-07-09T05:06:00.000-07:00

My little stud =)

I just love this picture... she always has either a baby doll, purse or blankie in her hand... even at the beach! =)

New pics on shutterfly...

2008-07-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

...349 pictures to be exact =) I just uploaded everything I have taken so far this summer. They aren't labeled or in order, but feel free to look at them and order any if you love my children so much that you want to see their beautiful faces all the time! =)

thekanalysmithfamily.shutterfly.com

Happy Tuesday! And Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband! I love you!!!

Monday at the beach

2008-07-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the beach down by the inlet/boardwalk. Grandpa came too and we had a lot of fun! After the beach we walked around the boardwalk and got some lunch at Boogs. When we were heading back to the car, Hailey passed out in the stroller. She hasn't fallen asleep in the stroller since she was a baby, but it was so cute! Here's a pic...

Isn't she cute? Here are some more pics of our day at the beach...

Mommy and Daddy's date night =)

2008-07-07T18:12:00.000-07:00

Heather and Jason kept the little munchkins last night so Matt and I could go out to celebrate our 3rd Anniversary (2 days early). We took the motorcycle and went into Ocean City a little, then to Harpoon Hannah's. The wait was long, so we sat at the bar and order drinks and appetizers and played the trivia game on tv. It was so relaxing and actually a lot of fun just to sit at the bar. After that we went for a drive down to Selbyville and back to the house when my butt started to go numb from being on the bike for too long. =) Here's a pic Heath took of us before we left....

So tomorrow is the big day. Anniversary number 3! =) No big plans, just relaxing and maybe going to the pool or beach. We might have a nice romantic dinner and some wine out on the porch once the kids are in bed tomorrow night. Anyway, Happy Anniversary to us! =)

A few pictures from our Independence Day in OC

2008-07-05T05:22:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-05T04:02:00.000-07:00

Happy (almost) 4th of July!!!!!

2008-07-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

Jake, Hailey and I are at the beach!!! We got up at 6am, cleaned the kitchen and packed up. We were on the road by 8am, ran a few errands, and down here by 11am. After mommy unpacked the car (kids were in the playroom), we went up to the pool. They had a great time!! We had some PB & J for lunch, then naps! As soon as the munchkins are up, we will be heading for Northside Park to play until dinner time and until Daddy arrives on the harley. I've also gotten some laundry done... so it's been a great day! Aunt Heather, Uncle Jason, and my favorite baby nephew will be here later tonight. Then tomorrow is the 4th!!! And Saturday Grandpa and Aunt Maggie are coming to visit and enjoy the beach with us! I will post pictures throughout the next week of our vacation here in OC. It's our annual anniversary/family vacation week down here. Our 3rd Anniversary is on Tuesday the 8th... can you believe it?? Three years... seems like its been 15 =) I guess if you count from the beginning of our relationship, it's almost been 8 years! I love my hubby so much and I look forward to spending the rest of our lives together! Happy 4th of July everyone!!!!!

Biker kids =)

2008-07-03T11:48:00.000-07:00

So I'm not sure how many of you are aware of this, but Grandpa got a Harley! Matt has so graciously been breaking it in for him while he works on getting his motorcycle license. It is a 883c Sportster. I even got to go for a ride on it! It was so much fun, but the only pic I have of that is on matt's cell phone. I have a cute pink helmet and all! =) Anyway, we went to the Harley store the other day just to browse around, and when we left the kids were given fake tattoos... pretty funny! I put them on last night and Hailey spent a couple of minutes trying to figure out this thing on her arm. Pics below....

Jake's is upside down. Apparently I wasn't paying very close attention! =) We are enjoying the motorcycle, and hope grandpa takes his time getting his license! =) The money it saves on gas is amazing enough... but it's also a lot of fun and exciting for the kids when daddy pulls up on it! I'll post pics of the bike later. Hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful summer weather! Drop us a "comment" or an email sometime!!

Ash

Family

2008-07-03T11:33:00.000-07:00

Matt and I feel so privileged to live within 2 hours (or so) of most of our family. We were just talking the other night about how sometimes we wish it were like the olden days when family all lived in the same town and farmed/worked together. Matt, of course, being from Oklahoma, always dreams about his roots back in the country. =) He doesn't like living in crowded Anne Arundel County, and would much prefer a huge piece of land away from everything! Myself, being an extrovert and all... wouldn't mind that as long as my family lived on the surrounding land! I need people to hang out with and I would miss my family way too much!!!
Anyway, that tangent was just to say that we've had a great summer so far with family! We've seen the PA family at least once a month... if not every other week since spring. It's been so great for Jake and Hailey to spend time with cousins in PA and MD. I hope they are as close with their cousins as I am with mine.. especially my nessa bella! =) Love you my loe! =) Here are a few pictures from our time at the beach with aunt heather, then our time over Aunt Jen's yesterday. My camera has been dead, and I lost the charger until yesterday... so I've been slacking on the photos! =) Enjoy....

A message for Grandma =)

2008-07-01T17:49:00.000-07:00

For Mom...

2008-06-24T06:55:00.000-07:00

Sister weekend at the beach.... minus Jen =(

2008-06-24T06:41:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we had a girl's sister weekend at the beach. Unfortunately, Jen had to work and couldn't make it. So it was Heather, Michelle, and me! We relaxed and slept a lot... without kids and husbands!! Watched movies... went to the outlets... went to the beach (of course).... and to a cute little mexican restaurant that had the BEST margaritas!! Enjoy our pics...

Sisters on the beach =) Getting our tan on...

Heather working

Ashley "working"

Prego supervising =)

Our brother made us do yard work while we were on our girls weekend. =) I mowed the lawn and helped shovel... no evidence to prove this because obviously I was holding the camera. =) All in all it was a very relaxing weekend!! And I didn't spend very much money since I left my purse at home! Haha... total accident, thanks Heath for paying for my food! =)

A few more pics from the mexican restaurant...
note: Michelle (aka Prego) is pretending to be a lush =)
And This is the best pic of Heather yet...

Cuddle Time!

2008-06-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

Painting mommy and daddy's room

2008-06-09T18:14:00.000-07:00

So I decided, while at walmart, that I was ready to paint our room. I've been planning the decor of the room for a while now. I finally found the perfect black and white comforter that I've been searching for. All along I've had this plan, black and white linens and red walls with black and white pictures of all of us on the walls. It is going to look soooo good when its done. I love love love it! So far we're only on the first coat... and it will probably need three. But I'm taking my time and hoping to get it done when we get back from the beach. Enjoy the pics... oh and they weren't actually painting, just having fun pretending to paint the already dry walls. =) Jake kept telling me "great job mommy." He was very surprised by the red walls that I painted during his nap.

Aren't they cute??

Only a couple of more coats to go! It's going to look so great with our b/w pictures!

Vacation Part Two! (finally).... kids and a few Kanaly's =)

2008-06-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time at the beach... with and without kids! Below our some pics of when Mike and Michelle came and my mom gave us our children back. =) We had so much fun hanging out and going to the beach and boardwalk... I have a million more pictures that I will eventually post on shutterfly. Its so relaxing coming to the beach. I pretty much grew up spending my summers and a lot of weekends during fall, winter and spring down here. Some of my favorite memories growing up happened down here. Like learning to ride a bike at Frontier Town, my first crush (an older neighbor), learning to fish and drive the boat, and of course many days, weeks, months and years of memories with my dad. Anyway, enjoy the pics! Heather and I are back here at the beach for some sister time with the kids. I will post some pics later in the week, and we will be back Thursday. Hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather!

Bath time!!! Mohawks for everyone =)

Aidan cracking up... and amusing all of us in the process!

Riding rides at the boardwalk

Messy face... thanks for the candy Uncle Mike =)

Michelle and Aidan running on the beach

Mmm milkshakes... you better share! =)

Riding home... stuck in the back seat =)

Pretending to sleep =)

Good morning! Bed head?

Messy face got a new hair cut =)

2008-06-09T17:51:00.000-07:00

Before....

After....

Matt's new tattoo

2008-05-23T11:53:00.001-07:00

This is a Celtic Cross for Matt's Scottish heritage. It is the cross for the Isle of Iona. It has a pretty neat story, you should definitely google it, but I will sum it up as best I can. Basically an Irish Priest was banished from Ireland for his involvement in a battle and he went to the Isle of Iona. This is where an extraordinary conversion of many pagans (Scottish mostly, but also English and Irish) into Christianity took place. The Priest (along with a few others) started a monastery on this Isle of Iona. So there ya go! Another meaningful Celtic tattoo =)

My new tattoo...

2008-05-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

So I finally did it! And I love it! I wanted something tasteful, but that had meaning for me. This was definitely a good choice I think. In case you can't tell, its a shamrock, but also an Irish knot. I'm (part) Irish (kanaly), and the shamrock is the Irish Christian symbol of the Holy Trinity. It was used by St. Patrick to teach the pagans about the Trinity. The Irish knot symbolizes eternity... and the three hearts inside the shamrock are for Jake, Hailey and Matt! So there ya go! It wasn't as painful as I expected, and it was pretty fast too. The tattoo artist was awesome! And of course this made Matt want another tattoo! He's planning his "sleeve." =) Ok back to our last night of child-free relaxing at the beach!!! =)

Love,
Ash

Afternoon at the boardwalk

2008-05-22T14:47:00.000-07:00

Vacation Part One- No kids allowed!

2008-05-22T06:06:00.000-07:00

As a graduation present, my mother has been nice enough (or crazy enough, you pick... read on) to take our two darling angels while we go on vacation from Monday-Friday. Friday morning we will meet her to pick up the kids and have Part Two of our vacation with Jake and Hailey. So far it has been pretty relaxing. We started out the week by heading to Atlantic City, where we managed to only spend $100!!! Can you believe it? Yeah, we're that good! lol... we obviously left without the $100 but it lasted us a while on the slots and roulette wheel.
We played at the Borgata, then around 11pm headed to Ocean City, Maryland (well Fenwick Island, DE actually). Needless to say, we were taking turns driving and keeping each other awake. If you notice in the picture below, we are sharing ipod earphones because the radio wasn't working. Matt was lucky enough to be serenaded several times throughout the trip... usually the chorus to every song we were listening to... he loved it! lol, haha.
Tuesday morning we slept in (well I was up at 9:45... it was the best I could do). Then we laid around for a while, showered, headed to the outlets then to outback for dinner. Oh and somewhere in there we went grocery shopping... Harris Teeter is awesome by the way! They have samples all over the store! This was our breakfast since it was 11am by the time Matt was up and ready to go grocery shopping. =)
Wednesday we went back to Rehoboth (after sleeping in and laying around again... and watching Into the Wild) to go to Walmart. We picked up stuff to fix the bikes, a bike trailer so we can pull the kids along, and a new bike for Matt. Then we went around town and came home for a bike ride. Then to Harpoon Hannah's for dinner... which was amazing!!! After that we went to a tattoo shop for prices... so more details on that later. Then we came home got our bikes and went up to play basketball... I lost in case you were wondering. =)
Today is our last day without children!!! So we have bigs plans! lol, sorta... I'll let you know what we end up doing later. Maybe I'll post pictures too =) Hope everyone is having as much of a relaxing week as we are.... I still miss my babies and can't wait to see them tomorrow!!

P.S.- Jake has managed to climb over gates and knock them down to escape his bedroom at grandma's house... so mom seems a little tired! lol thanks again mom! I called her Tuesday morning and she said that Jake climbed over the gate and went all the way to her basement in our old bedroom where missionaries are currently staying. They were nice enough to bring him back up to bed, where mom heard them and came in. Next night, after mom put two gates up, Jake climbed/knocked them down and mom got up the next morning to find Jake sleeping on the couch. I think he might have been looking for us, which is incredibly cute and kinda sad... but really funny when its not happening to us! Thank you thank you thank you mom! We owe you! =)

Love,
Ashley

Happy Graduation!!!

2008-05-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

So it's official... I am a college graduate! =) I have received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Eastern University. =) I am very excited! It was a wonderful ceremony followed by a great party thrown by my family at my brother's house. Thank you so much Mike and Michelle for all of the work/cooking/cleaning/entertaining you did to celebrate my graduation! And thank you to Mom, Steve and Heather for all of your help with the party and with the kids during graduation! A special thank you to Jen and Kristin for making the long trip up to PA in traffic to be at my graduation... it really meant so much to me!!! And to everyone else that came and/or brought food.... thank you!! And of course for all of the wonderful gifts and cards, thank you thank you thank you!!! I love you all!!! It was so special and it meant a lot that you all were there to celebrate this with me. It was a long 2 semesters to finish this up, and I could not have done it without the help and encouragement of my family and friends. I'm so excited to be done!!!!! =) Anyway, here are so pics below....

More pics at:
thekanalysmithfamily.shutterfly.com

9 years...

2008-05-05T06:56:00.000-07:00

This weekend marked the nine year anniversary of my Dad going to heaven. I was reminiscing and thinking about the last couple of days/weeks/months around his death. For those of you that don't know, he was on the heart transplant list at Hopkins when he died. For years we prayed for him to get a new heart, and God definitely answered our prayers (just not in the way we thought). As much as I miss him, its so wonderful to know that he doesn't feel the pain of heart disease anymore.
A couple of months before he passed away I was in Sunday School at church and we were just going through this book asking everyone different questions. My question was "Who is your hero?" My answer was my dad for so many reasons... the main reason was that no matter how much he suffered, he rarely complained or showed signs that he was in pain. To the point that he would drive himself to the hospital if he was having a heart attack. I didn't know at the time how bad of condition his heart was in. Anyway, so it got back to him that he was my hero, so for weeks when he was leaving for work I would hear "Come give your hero a kiss goodbye, I'm going to work" lol... he had such a funny sense of humor.
Love you and miss you dad! Wish you were gonna be here for graduation, but I know you will there in spirit!

A visit with our newest cousin!

2008-04-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun visiting with Aunt Heather and baby Michael! The kids love watching Michael and "playing" with him. =) He's very fascinating to them. I can't wait till he is up running around with them! Here are a few pics of our time with them...

Michael and his favorite aunt =) (and hailey too!)

Giving Aunt Ashley smiles...

spending some quality time with his older and wiser cousins =)

Relaxing and watching tv

Doing our exercises!

Jacob Michael

2008-04-18T11:42:00.000-07:00

So our little man will be 30 months next week!!! That's 2 and a half if you can't do the math =) He is talking so well and learning new things all of the time! He's learned to sing Happy Birthday to daddy (since today is Matt's birthday)... compliments of Grandma! She taught the kids to wash their hands while singing that song to make sure they are nice and clean.... only a nurse! =) Anyway, he has become quite the momma's boy lately, and is my shadow! He is still very into Thomas, and hopefully this summer will get to go see Thomas at the Strausburg railway in PA. We are very excited about this! He is growing taller, and is becoming particular about things lately. He loves to help pick out his clothes (anything yellow is his favorite!), and help take care of Hailey when she is sad. He will tell her "It's ok Hailey, I'm right here!" if she is upset about something. It is absolutely adorable! And he gets upset if he doesn't get to give her hugs and kisses before bed. Here are some pictures of our future engineer =)

His favorite shirt again! He would wear it every day if I let him

Flying his nemo kite in grandma's back yard

Why use the spoon when you can drink the yogurt? =)

Hailey Elizabeth

2008-04-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

Hailey is now 16 months and funny as ever! She loves giving kisses, and she is starting to talk up a storm. She is extremely cuddly and loves her daddy! Her and Jake play so well together, even if they do wrestle/tackle each other at times... its all in good fun! She's learned to sit or stand on Jake to pin him down. haha =) She is awnry as anything, and has the cutest little chipmunk laugh! Anyway, here are recent pictures of our princess in training =)

So innocent =)

crazy bed head!

Brushing baby's hair (or lack thereof)

Giving grandma awnry smiles =)

Beautiful weather!!! (part one)

2008-04-18T11:12:00.001-07:00

The kids are I are loving the beautiful weather (off and on) lately! Here are some pictures of our day outside (April 11th) with our new picnic table and our (old) sandbox with new sand! =)

No pictures, mom!
She has no problem getting dirty!

His favorite yellow shirt! He wouldn't let me change it, so he doesn't quite match =)

Synchronized sand dancing lol

Aren't we so cute? =)

Fort Smallwood Park

2008-04-13T14:27:00.001-07:00

And some pics of my adorable children, just for fun! =)

2008-04-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

It's just around the corner...

2008-04-08T18:18:00.001-07:00

Graduation is quickly approaching!!! I am so excited, and I know my mom is even more excited!! She's too cute. =) My mother has been spending a lot of extra time with Jake and Hailey these past couple of weeks so that I can finish up papers and assignments for my last 3 classes. She has been such a huge help! I really could not have done this without her... and trust me, I'm not just saying that! This semester has been extremely hard with three online classes, and two toddlers- that makes one tired mommy! =) Anyway, mom if you read this- I love you and I would not have made it this far without your daily encouragement, your support, and all of your help! I love you so much, and I could not have asked for a better mother! xoxoxo

Happy Belated Easter! =)

2008-03-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter this year! We went to mom's and my entire family, plus Grandpa (matt's dad) was there... 23 of us total! 13 adults and 10 kids. We did an Easter egg hunt for all of the kids... minus andrew... he's too cool for them now. =) The kids had so much fun, and the competitive spirit was in full swing. haha. Even Hailey was able to participate this year since she is walking! Grandpa helped her, and they held her eggs in the hood of her jacket. Too cute! The "boys" also enjoyed playing with kites on the field behind mom's house. And by "boys" I mean Matt and Mike. =) It was pretty funny watching them run around trying to get the kites into the air since there wasn't much wind. The food was wonderful as usual and we all had a great time! Hope everyone had a good Easter... enjoy some pics of ours!

What ever happened to a quiet library?

2008-03-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

Apparently that concept went out the window. =) I am trying to do homework for my Psychology class and write a paper for bioethics... but I might as well be home with Jake and Hailey running around. Anyone else notice this when they have been to the library lately? ADD and noise don't work well when you are trying to do homework. Ok back to homework =)

Ash

Another busy weekend! Well sorta...

2008-03-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

This evening I will be leaving my family and heading to our beach house for a GIRL'S WEEKEND!!!! Yes, I am very excited! =) It will be me, Danielle, Lisa, Kristin, and Jill. I will return Saturday afternoon in time for a birthday cookout for my nephew Jonathan. Of course, the WHOLE family is in town for Easter... so we get to spend time with everyone. Heather, Jason, and little baby Michael... Mike, Michelle and Jake's partner in crime, Aidan. =) Sunday we will be having Easter dinner over mom's, and the kids will be doing an easter egg hunt. I will be sure to post lots of pictures next week once I have recovered from another eventful weekend... Have a Happy Easter!

Love,
The Smiths

Just an encouraging verse...

2008-03-17T06:28:00.000-07:00

1 John 4:16-17 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.

She did it!!!

2008-03-17T04:55:00.000-07:00

Hailey is walking!!

But she still crawls when she wants to get some where fast =)

Almost Spring

2008-03-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

This warm weather is wonderful! Its making me dream about Spring and Summer past times and activites! A couple of things I can't wait to do are: Go to an O's game, go to Ocean City, have picnics with Matt and the kids, eat yummy foods like funnel cakes and boardwalk fries ( I never said healthy foods!), and of course the pool and play ground with the kids! Tonight we are going to Jen and Rob's for a cook out... so I think I might just bring my funnel cake recipe with me! =) I am in charge of dessert after all.
Tomorrow we are going to Matt Sroka and Emily Thornton's wedding. Should be lots of fun! I even bought a new dress for the occasion. It's funny, a girl that I baby sat years and years ago (Heather was their main babysitter... I was back up) will be babysitting Jake and Hailey! So funny how that works out. I'm sure they will have a blast with her! We might even sneak out of the reception early to go out to dinner while we have a babysitter. We'll see... if we are having too much fun, it might be hard to leave!
Sunday we are going to Noah Love's 2nd birthday party! So it should be a busy weekend. I've been trying to finish my Bioethics paper today so that I can go out and play. =) So far so good, hopefully will be done tonight before bed. It's on Ashley X. Interesting story! I keep changing my mind on whether or not I agree with the choice the parents made. She is a 9 year old girl with extreme brain damage and functions on the level of a three month old! Her parents decided it was in her best interest for her quality of life to have a hysterectomy as well as intense hormone therapy to stunt her growth and keep her from going through things such as menstrual cycles and menopause. This also permanently stunts her growth and she will forever be 4'5" and less than 75 pounds. Of course this is a big help to her care givers since she cannot sit up or walk, and needs to be lifted quite often. But the issue is whether or not this was done for their convenience or to medically benefit her "quality of life." Google it, you will find all kinds of info on the "Ashley Treatment" or "Ashley X."
Anyway, that is what I'm up to! Hope everyone is doing good... one more week till Easter!

<3>

Fresh air..

2008-03-03T15:13:00.000-08:00

Today Jake, Hailey, and I walked down to the park and played for a little while. Jake did a great job walking without having to be in the stroller. He is becoming such a big boy! We also started potty training last week and he is doing amazing! His sister gets jealous when he gets "special treats" for going potty... but they are well deserved! Anyway, after the park we walked around the neighborhood and Jake met some new friends. Liam and Cody live right down the street and they are 2 and 4 and have another baby brother on the way! I was able to hang out with the boys' mom, Kathleen while the three of them ran around and played together. Unfortunately they will be moving to North Carolina in the next several months, but we will have to play with them until then! Kathleen has lived here for 18 years, so she knows all the neighbors and was telling me about everyone.
So now the kids are napping! I know Jake has to be exhausted, he walked so much!!! But he did a great job. It is such a beautiful day out! I hope the weather continues to stay/get warm. I love the spring! Anyway, that was our day... hopefully daddy will be off of work on time so we can enjoy the new 8 hour shifts that allow him to be home at 4pm!!!!

Our weekend in Pennsylvania

2008-03-03T10:52:00.000-08:00

This weekend we went up to PA to meet little baby Michael and to celebrate Michelle's birthday. We had so much fun! Michael is absolutely adorable and Heather and Jason are doing pretty amazing for first time parents. Of course they have been around so many kids between mine, jen's, and Aidan... and other friends and family. We were able to spend a lot of time with them on Saturday afternoon, and of course being Michael's favorite Aunt, I had to give him lots of cuddles and kisses! =) After we left there we headed to Outback Steakhouse with Mike and Michelle for an evening out WITHOUT children!! Amazing, I know! It was so much fun, and relaxing. Grandma was brave enough to take care of Jake, Hailey, and Aidan.. with some help from cousin Tyler, Aunt June, and cousin Chris. So basically they had their own little party. The kids had so much fun together. Sunday we checked out of our hotel, spent some more time with Heather, Jason and Michael, then headed to Mike and Michelle's to have cake and ice cream for Michelle's birthday. After the sugar rush started to fade for the kids, we got on the road and headed home. Of course the whole ride home we plotted how we could get Mike & Michelle and Heather & Jason to move to Maryland. Every time we go up there we realize how much we miss them and how much we wish Jake and Hailey lived closer to their cousins. Jake and Aidan are absolutely hilarious together. I've never seen 2 year olds play so well together. Anyway, if anyone has ideas on how to get them down here let me know... I've pretty much been told I have to buy them houses in order to get them down here. hahaha.. not happening =) Ok well that was our wonderful weekend, and we can't wait to go visit again! Enjoy some pics below.. the rest are on our shutterfly site.

Hailey thought he was her own personal baby doll! =)

Jake and his newest cousin!

The van Brackel family!

We love Grandma!

Aidan

Uncle Matt holding Michael

Me and Michael

Michael snoozing =)

Grandma and Jake

Jake and Aidan

Lots of pictures!!

2008-03-03T10:43:00.000-08:00

So I finally updated our shutterfly with new pictures... 255 to be exact! =) Just random pictures of the kids and of course pictures of our new baby nephew, Michael! Enjoy

Click here to see the pics...

It's a boy!!!!

2008-02-27T17:44:00.000-08:00

It's a boy!!!!!! Welcome Michael Rory van Brackel! He weighed 8lbs 15oz and was 21.5 inches long!! and is adorable (according to grandma). I will post pictures as soon as I get some. Heather and Jason are doing great. He is named after my dad (Michael) and Jason's dad (Rory). I know my dad would be so excited and proud of Heather and Jason if he were here... and I know he's watching over his new grandson. Looks like we are making up for the lack of boys he had... we're up to 6 boys and 2 girls. =)

Hurry it up Heather! =)

2008-02-27T16:19:00.000-08:00

So as I sit her impatiently, I received a text from mom saying Heather is 10 cm dialated!!!! For those of you that don't know, that means its time to push that baby out!!! I am so excited, I just wish I was up there. I'm dying to see this new little one!!! Well hopefully there will be more news soon.... shouldn't be too long now. Updates to come....

p.s.- I think its a girl... but we will know soon for sure =)

Jake and Mommy's camera fun

2008-02-25T09:17:00.000-08:00

Jake and I got bored yesterday and decided to take pictures with my cell phone. He was getting the biggest kick out of seeing silly pictures of himself... anyway, here are a few

Just a Sunday afternoon update...

2008-02-24T14:52:00.000-08:00

Well it's been a pretty good week. We are all feeling better, and the house is actually clean! Well, clean enough anyway. =) The kids are getting bigger and cuter every day. As I type this, Hailey is stealing trains from Jake and crawling away giggling as fast as she can. lol... She's so funny! This morning we went to church with Grandpa at Bay Ridge in Annapolis. We actually really liked the church and it turns out my step brother, Duke, his wife Meg, and their two adorable children (Devin, and Brynn) go there. Oh and our old friend Jer! It was nice to see all of them. After church we went to the mall for lunch with Grandpa, then home for naps. Not too much else new here... I'm trying to get motivated for these online classes. Its harder than driving to PA twice a week for some reason... I guess just trying to find the time to get home work done when I have a one year old and a two year old! So anyone that wants to steal them for a couple of hours, let me know! =) I did manage to get part of my paper done.
Oh and an update on Heather... yeah she still hasn't popped the baby out. =) We are patiently... or not so patiently waiting for baby van Brackel to make his or her appearance! I'm so excited, I can't wait any longer!! Well back to homework... feel free to leave comments! I promise to update more now that we are healthy again. Hopefully the warm weather will come soon!!!

<3 Ash

...a cute pic of Hailey just for fun

Does anyone know how to rotate videos?

2008-02-23T06:04:00.000-08:00

Here's a cute one of Hailey dancing that I took with my digital camera... sideways... oops! Does anyone know how to fix this? Anyway, enjoy my cutie pie =)

My wonderful valentine =)

2008-02-15T08:12:00.001-08:00

So this week has been a pretty miserable one for the four of us. We all have the flu! The symptoms are finally starting to fade, but it has not been a fun week. Hailey got it first, then matt and I, then Jake. On top of the flu, Jake ended up with conjunctivitis and a double ear infection. So he was extremely upset and not sleeping... so no one was sleeping. Well instead of our big plans of dinner at La Scala (in Little Italy) and maybe a movie (Fools Gold is what I was hoping for)... we stayed in and ordered chinese food and watched Superbad. Even though it wasn't our romantic evening on the town, it was still wonderful to spend time with Matt without cranky sick kids hanging all over us. We put them to bed first then ate our dinner and watched our movie. So it was a good Valentines Day all in all. Oh and even though my poor husband was sick and had to work in the cold all day, he still managed to bring me these....

and these....

I love him! =) Isn't he wonderful? Anyway, hope everyone else is healthy and had a wonderful Valentines Day. We should be recovering soon...

Why not to leave a two year old alone...

2008-02-06T13:54:00.001-08:00

Our little baby is growing up....

2008-02-04T06:54:00.000-08:00

Hailey took her first two steps!!!

Jake's new haircut

2008-02-03T09:10:00.001-08:00

So this week I went up to Pennsylvania to spend time with Heather while she is on bed rest. Hailey came along and Jake stayed behind with Daddy. Heather is doing well, but she will have to stay on bed rest until she delivers due to high blood pressure. Hopefully she delivers soon because we are all dying to meet our newest family member! Anyway, while I was gone Grandma took Jakey to get his haircut. He looks absolutely adorable. I have before and after pics below, both taken with my cell because my camera is MIA. Not sure what I did with it, hopefully I will find it soon. Hope everyone is doing good. Not too much new here... just enjoying my time home with the kids and trying not to get behind in my online classes. Matt has been on night work this week, so he's been pretty tired. Oh and the kids and I started a Disney World fund! =) We are saving up to go the end of 2009... hopefully!! Anyone interested in coming along? We're thinking November... not too hot, or crowded, or rainy... and the Christmas decorations will be up! We will probably drive down to save money on plane tickets and a rental car. So there's our update! More pics to come... when I find the silly camera! =)

Before

After

Isn't he adorable? =)

A few pictures from this past week

2008-01-21T04:35:00.000-08:00

Jake loves his little sister!

They LOVE bath time! But mommy ends up soaked from all of the splashing. I have learned to lay down towels cover most of the bathroom! =)

Jacob needs a haircut... and he makes a mess when he's eating yogurt! =)

Our little princess! She is getting close to walking!!

Jake's newest fascination!!

Mr. Potato head!! (we're still working on where the body parts go, lol)

Our little artist in the making...

2008-01-21T04:11:00.000-08:00

As some of you may not know, our son is a genius in the making! =) Not only is he a clever little guy, but also a blossoming van gogh! Take a look at his latest work, prices start at $10,000. =)

Stay at home mommy once again =)

2008-01-17T10:34:00.000-08:00

My winter course is over, as well as my courses in Pennsylvania.... =) I am so happy to be home with my angels. I do have three online courses, but they don't require me to go anywhere! I guess today was my first official day back as a domestic engineer =) hehe... So far its been, fun and interesting. Jake has become a very curious little man... he somehow figured out a way to turn the picture on my laptop completely upside down! He was watching an episode of Thomas on the computer while I was loading the dishwasher and I come out to find Thomas, as well as everything else displayed on the screen upside down. Well I just can't figure this out, especially since the mouse is upside down and working the opposite way. So if I push the mouse left it goes right, if I push the mouse up it goes down. Turns out there is a way to rotate the graphics 180 degrees. Not sure what this is good for, but in case you want to do it- ask Jake. =)
Hailey is getting really good at "cruising!" Today she spent quite a bit of time holding on to her walker and strolling around the basement. Jake knew how excited mommy was about hailey doing this that he just had to get involved and race her on his little bike. lol... They just crack me up! I took video of Hailey on my phone, so I'll try to figure out how to add that on here. She's getting so big!
In other news, my sister is getting closer to her due date and we were able to go up for her baby shower in PA this weekend. She looks wonderful and seems to feel great too! She received a ton of baby stuff (all neutral because we do not know the sex of the baby) to add to her closet full! The nursery looks adorable and I just can't wait to meet my new niece or nephew. =) Just hoping she goes into labor on a weekend or day that Matt is off so I can head right up to be nearby to meet Jake and Hailey's new cousin. I will be sure to post a ton of pictures when the baby arrives... 40 days until her due date!
Other than that, not too much is new. We were blessed with a little snow today, and Matt had the wonderful opportunity to be out in it all day. =) Don't feel too bad for him, he did live in Alaska for 3 years- he can handle it better than the rest of us.
Well I'm off to do some laundry while the children are napping.