Do you believe in Magic? Part 1

There is something about theme parks that truly are magical. The smells: from funnel cakes, greasy burgers, and candy, to wet musty rides, foreigners who don't know how to use deoderant, and the general stench of too many ppl in one place!  Maybe its the sounds: people screaming for their lives on a rollercoaster, screaming babies trying desperately to get out of their strollers, or the sweet happy laughter of children and families making forever memories.

I don't know exactly what it is, but whatever it is, I LOVE it! I always have. Going to Orlando with my hubby was even better than I imagined it. Some of my favorite places, with my favorite person = a great time :)

We started off the trip with an early morning in Ocala, kissing the babies goodbye, packing last minute necessities, and printing our tickets. Thanks for my family being so gracious to add two more munchkins to the dinner table for a few days ;) Then we were off to Universal!

We waited in line for Spiderman for what seemed like FOREVER! I think it was about an hour and a half, as they had to shut down the ride twice while we were in line to fix some "technical issues"....eeeeek! Well it didn't stop us! But we did get a little bored.......

Haha...poor Dakota putting up with my craziness!

Since it was just the two of us, we got lots of this.......

I met this cute Bohemian guy too



Apparantly, Universal is NOT the place to bring bags. Every time we tried to get in line, they would make me go put my stuff in a locker...ugh. So in between rushing from ride to ride that first day, I kinda forgot to take pictures.

Next day we got up as early as we could manage to get on the shuttle to Disney World! You know you're getting older when you have to set an alarm to get up for Disney...haha.

We boarded the shuttle at 7:30am with coffee in hand

I haven't been to Magic Kingdom since I was 8, and Dakota hadn't been since highschool. It brought back some sweet memories for both of us. Here are some pics from the *magical* day :)

 We didn't actually go to Epcot, but we walked passed it in transit.

We were at the gates before they opened! The opening show was super cute. They brought in all the characters on the train and sang a few songs. So we walked in with a few hundred of our closest friends to "the place where dreams come true."

We just had to ride "It's a small world"....and quite honestly, it was a nice little rest time from walking! Such a cute ride. We had fun trying to determine which country each area was representing.



We found Jessie and Woody.....there was a 20 minute wait line just to take pictures with them! Crazy. So I got pics of someone's children with them..haha. Toy Story characters are quite famous in our house.

About half-way through our day, I stubbed my toe on the bottom of Dakota's shoe and ripped a huge piece of toenail off! Agh. It hurt. So we had to stop everything and find the One and Only first aid spot in the whole park (crazy, right?!) where we proceeded to wrap my crazy bleeding toe.                                                        Shortly after that, Dakota's shoulder was throbbing bad. Not really sure what happened to it, but let's just say we were both in pain and the long line for the Haunted Mansion was a nice break from the hustle.

We asked this woman sitting on the bench to take our picture in front of the mansion. After looking at the picture, I realized she didn't even get the house in there?! I felt awkward to go back and ask her again.                              "Hey, you did a crummy job, can you try again?" lol. oh well.

We spent the whole day there. Did just about everything Magic Kingdom had to offer. EVEN the Mad Tea Party. My sweet man, who doesn't do so well on spinny stuff, agreed to brave it with me! His only rule was that it had to be the last ride of the day..haha.

We headed back to our shuttle about 7:30 that evening. Then had a nice dinner at Longhorn. We ate everything in site.....after a long day at Disney, trying not to eat too many $10 chicken sandwiches, we were hungry, to say the least.

Fun times. Great memories.

More daylight, shots, and an Anniversary

March was much less eventful. We enjoyed the beautiful weather and the extra daylight, thanks to daylight savings time beginning. We had some special family times doing...

this at the baseball field

this at the pool

while clairsy did this

we had some fun beach time here

and enjoyed the zoo too!

hahaha...priceless. This was right after Clairsy said, "I'm all done the zoo!!!!" she said she was tired and wanted to go home...lol. what 2 year old does that????



Unfortunately, the kids were due for shots this month. Ryder was a tough boy, hardly even cried, no fever, and little fussiness! But let's just say ClaireBell no longer likes the "docta" :(

March also brought the priveledge of spending another Anniversary with my man :) We had a sweet day out together. Went to the mall, bought some diamonds, and then to a beautiful riverside dinner ;) What?! Yes, I have an amazing husband.

And if that was already enough, said husband planned a 4 day trip to Orlando in April!!
We enjoyed his careful planning last week. Pics to come!



What I missed in February....

I had very good intentions for writing a post this year for each family members' birthday, or special occasions, holidays, etc. Well, I didn't make it past Jan. 10th....eeek. So even though these very special people and holidays are not getting the praise they deserve, know they were celebrated :)

After Christina's birthday posted here, we had a very special day for both the Asnip's and DeGuzman's. February 4th marked the 17th birthday for my sweet twin sisters Samantha and Hope, and my fantastic father-in-law's birthday! Funny that three of our family members could share the same special day :)  

Two days later, the 6th, is my wonderful husband's birthday! Followed by the love day and then little Elizajane's birthday, who isn't so little anymore!!

Samantha, you are beautiful! Honesty is ingrained in your character, and faithfulness is just who you are. I love you so much and am so proud of the woman you are becoming. I can't wait to see how God continues to use you! xoxo happy late late late birthday!

(sorry I stole your profile pic...hehe)



Hope! You are so fun, so friendly. I love that we have so much in common...I LOVE that you sing, and man, dude, girl, you can sing ;) God has big plans for you. I think when you lead, people follow and God loves to use that for His glory. I love you dearly, you are so beautiful! muah

Dad. thank you for being such a God honoring man. I love how you lead your family and take such good care of them, and us. You are a fantastic Grandpapa to our babies! And the best father-in-law a girl could ask for :) I love you! 

(I stole these pics too....haha. for a post about these pics check this out!)

My wonderful Dakota.....I love you so much! You have been my best friend for so many years! You inspire me. You encourage me. I am so lucky to be your wife. Your laughter is contageous. Your daddy skills are truly remarkable. I'm so proud of the man you are, and the man you are aspiring to become. xoxoxoxo

singing with the babies



pitching for his summer league here in jax



Elizajane! You are so precious, sweet girl. You are a wonderful Aunt to Clairsy and Ryder, I love how you love them. Your sweet personality is so becoming. I love to hear you/see you do impressions of your favorite movies..impressive to say the least! I love you girly. We had so much fun sharing your birthday with you this year :)

celebrating at chuck-e-cheese



February was fun! Busy! So many loved ones to celebrate, so much to be thankful for!

Resolutions Recap

Hello blog world, its been a while since we've talked. But its not because I have forgotten you. My new friend, Pinterest, has been inviting me so often to participate in such fun browsing, I haven't been able to resist. With little to no time to be on the computer, I'm sorry to say, said new friend has taken your place.

Seriously though, don't you all just love Pinterest?! Just this week I have tried three new recipes, and have completed a few home dec projects! Love it. If you're not on the bandwagon yet, you should be.

Ok, so resolutions. Just because I haven't been blogging doesn't mean I haven't been active! I completed over half of the Couch to 5K, but then the weather got crazy, I got lazy and it just wasn't working out. I hate running...I just hate it. SO, I went ahead and moved on to P90X and I Love it! Its intense, its time consuming, but its soooooo my style. Lots of cardio, lots of strength training, and the yoga and kenpo are awesome too. If you're looking for at home exercise that will kick your butt, P90X is the answer.

I have also discovered THIS very helpful tool for dieting, weight loss. Its basically a calorie counter/food journal kinda thing, but so much more. I believe there is an iPhone app for it as well. It really helps to write down what you are eating, drinking, and how much exercise you are getting. I'm slowly getting to my goal weight. But I feel like the system I've been on for the past two weeks is one I can stick to long term and the inches are already dropping off!

Unfortunately, not much more progress made on the cook book. We'll see how that goes, but for now, I'm just tackling the exercise and being a Mama and wife :)

Here are a few pics of the fam over the past few months.......





My hubby and me in Amelia



ClaireBell playing with Daddy



Baby Ryder, who isn't such a baby anymore!


Well, the computer is acting up and this sweet little boy shown above is begging for my attention. More pics to come soon!

on the list of things i swear by

For those of you who are tired of scrubbing your children's juice cups, fighting with the crud that builds up on the rubber, and endlessly cleaning your babies' bottles trying to get the formula smell out...here is your salvation!

maybe its just me, but I've been frustrated for two years with the constant struggle of getting cups and bottles clean and this soap has been the best I've found! And it works great on all your other dishes too :)



resolutions

I've never been much for new year's resolutions. Never really made any. But this year, I've jumped on the bandwagon! I know the tendency is to quit before the year is up, in fact most don't even make it more than a month or two, but I'm determined to make it! 

I've hesitated in sharing these with you because, well....then there's the whole accountability thing! haha. But that's kinda why I'm doing this. I want to be able to give updates and report by Christmas the things I have accomplished. 

here goes....

Number 1:

I am writing a cookbook this year. A family cookbook, comprised of my Mom, Mother in Law, and my favorite recipes. not sure if the mama's know their participating yet ;) I have already begun writing down rough drafts and taking pictures. This super cool recipe journal has come in handy! (Thanks to Kartwright- my super cool brother in law- for this Christmas present!)

Number 2:

Probably the most common resolution made, I plan to reach my goal weight by the end of this year! I've made excuses, procrastinated, and just been plain lazy and its time for a change. My wonderful husband has already been such a help in making this happen for me! After long days at work, he is still willing to watch the chillins so I can get to the gym...thanks baby! I have started by running three days a week using the "Couch to 5k" plan...which I HIGHLY reccommend, by the way, for beginner runners. I am on week 3 now. I am also curcuit training three times a week in the gym.

Once I have finished the nine week running plan, I will begin P90X. I am really excited about this program! I will let you know how it goes once I get started.

I am excited about having some goals, and optimistic that I will be able to reach them :)

Have you made any resolutions, plans, goals??? Its not too late! Who says you have to start January 1st, right?

Oh, and if you have any to-die-for recipes, please share!!! Especially desserts....not my specialty ;)

Happy Wednesday, Friends! 
(just had to share this smiling face) 



late wishes

I'm about 2 weeks late in posting this but such a wonderful sister deserves some acknowledgement, late or not!

On January 10th my sweet baby sister, Christina, turned 21 :)

Christina, you have been my pal, my best friend, my playmate, roommate and my role model in so many ways. You are a great friend, sister, daughter, aunt, girlfriend. Your faithfulness to do what is right, whether anyone likes it or not, the way you love your family, you truly consider others as more important that yourself, and you always have....that is rare, you are the exception to most 21 year old girls.

What an encouragement you are to me! You are so beautiful, inside and out...as cliche as that sounds, there are few that I can say that about. I love you so much! I hope we will live close to each other in the future :) I can't imagine a better best friend to have down the road than my sis.



Even though your heart has stayed the same, you have changed so much! I remember a time when I would speak for you when someone asked your name, hold your hand to cross the street in our pink roller-blades and goofy helmets! I remember selling water with you..haha "water for one dollar!!" and trick-or-treat where I made YOU talk when they opened the door..you would shout "HALLOWEEN!!!" haha.

Now look at you! All grow'd up and purdy :) Going to USC and doing soooo well, dating a cute Carolina boy and loving and serving the Lord. I am so proud of you little sis'!! I'm sorry this is so late, but Happy Birthday! I hope this year is wonderful for you!

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Busy, busy, busy! It seems raising a two year old and a 4 month old and the laundry, dishes, and vacuuming that goes along with that doesn't allow much "blogging" time :) We had a whirlwind holiday season with lots of traveling. (pics to come). Thanksgiving in Lexington, SC. The week before Christmas in Phio, Ohio. Christmas Eve and part of Christmas day in Ocala, FL. and Christmas evening in Amelia Island, FL. Whew..just remembering all the driving makes me tired! But so glad we were able to see everyone!

Now we are back in beautiful Jax Beach, decorations have been packed away, pictures are finally making their way out of the packed boxes and onto the walls, and we are finally getting into a more "normal" groove....whatever that means.

Ryder doesn't like sleeping much...unfortunately, I do; we aren't getting along very well at 4am. ClaireBell had a tragic dislocated/broken finger incident...we are still watching it, but its looking good! We are all recovering from a rough winter cold and already starting to feel that itch for summer. Can't wait for that first day at the beach......ok, I know its only Jan. 6th but what can I say, being a mere few miles away from that white sand, I feel its just calling my name!

Here are a few pics of our holidays.

My New Year's Resolutions to come..........

goodnight friends.

 



mother-in-laws

Aren't mother-in-laws supposed to be annoying? Always nagging you about your husband, your kids, how you don't visit her enough? Well, I am here to say I DO NOT have that kind of mother-in-law :) I have been blessed with this sweet, oh-so thoughtful, beautiful mother-in-law! What a blessing she has been to me and my family. She has continually shown grace, forgiveness, love, hospitality and encouragement. I am so blessed.

She has raised 5 wonderful children. I am priveledged to be married to one of them. She is a Proverbs 31 wife and a fabulous grandmomma ;)

"Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 'many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.'" Prov. 31:28-29

To the best Mother-in-law in the world!

Happy Birthday Momma! I love you

children are sweet blessings

Our sweet little Ryder was born on August 24, 2011

weighing in at 7lbs. 5oz. and 20 inches long

What a blessing he is to our family! We love you Ryder Clifford Michael

Here are a few of the many sweet moments captured this month

after his first bath

"sleeping like a baby" like babies do...anytime, anywhere. except at night, of course ;)

chillaxin' with daddy :)

Clairsy feeding her "bubba" as she likes to call him

already changing so much! I took this picture today.

He has started smiling at our voices and getting excited about the toys hanging from his bouncer!

We are thrilled to have this little man! It is so exciting to watch him grow as we do ClaireBell into the person God created him to be. I pray to be the kind of Mama he needs me to be, and more importantly, the kind that honors God.

We have lots of settling still to do here in Jacksonville as we continue the search for our "permanent" place of residence. You can expect more blogging once things calm down a bit :)

Thanks for reading! Have a happy Wednesday :)