All About Avery

Why not?

2011-01-01T15:33:00.001-08:00

I’ve neglected this blog for long enough now. It’s January 1st, so what the hey, we’ll just start fresh! 2010 went by soooo fast! It has been so nice having Billy home for the past nine months, but he left today for a job in Corpus Christi. It’s going to take some getting used to his being gone again, but we can do it. I was crying after he left this morning and the sweetest little girl gave me a hug and said “you don’t have to cry mommy, he’s coming back one day”. She’s becoming such a little grown up these days! She just came to me and asked “ what do you want me to be when i grow up?” I said whatever you want. Her reply “ No you have to pick, a artist, a cheerweader, or a fashion show girl.” I picked artist and she decided on fashion show girl. So now, she’s going through all my fabric and pinning it together with clothes pins, making dresses =) I’m going to go play fashion show, so here are a few recent pics to enjoy

We’re still here!

2010-03-09T19:25:00.001-08:00

So I didn’t really mean to disappear from the blog this year, it just kinda happened. But we’re still here! We haven’t been up to much, Billy has been home for the past few weeks and we’ve been just kinda soaking up our time with him. He left today to go back to Texas =( It always takes us a few days to adjust after he leaves. I guess we don’t really ever adjust though, we just miss him. I rejoined the working world yesterday, so maybe that will help the time pass more quickly. Ave started back to her old daycare and is loving it! I may or may not have cried all the way to work yesterday and today after dropping her off. I don’t think any tears have been shed from her about it =). I really think I’ll like the job, at least I do so far. I stay busy so that makes the day pass quickly and everyone I work with seems great. I will miss staying home with Ave, especially since it seems that winter has apparently left the building. I start to work and the weather turns awesome! Go figure! But I think it will do us both good. I feel like she really needs the interaction with the other kids on a daily basis and maybe I need some adult interaction too. I have to admit, it will be nice to not have to watch Super Readers and Caillou every morning. No pictures this time. If you want to see pictures, look at them on facebook =) I’ll try to keep this thing updated. try.

On another note, please keep one of my dearest friends in your prayers. She’s going through a tough time right now. She’s probably the strongest person I know, but I know prayers will make her even stronger!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T13:27:00.001-08:00

So I just had this whole year-in-review blog written and my stupid computer decided to just turn off. I may or may not have shouted at it and left Ave wondering what was wrong with her momma. I don’t feel like rewriting it. In short, I felt like 2009 went by way too fast! It was over-all a good year. I quit work in April and have been home with Ave. There are pluses and minuses to that, although the pluses greatly outweigh the minuses. We flew out to San Francisco in June and vacationed it back home, it was a fun trip. Spent a lot of time at the lake during the summer and hope to spend even more time this summer. We made a few trips to Texas for weddings, reunion, and holidays. Christmas was great this year. Ave only wanted two things from Santa, an Ariel doll and a kitty. Santa left two kitties! (and umm, don’t really know where they are right now, haven’t seen them today and it’s 3:00…. she hasn’t noticed yet, so I’m hoping they show up pretty soon) She was really creative with their names. The girl kitty is Daisy May. Funny, Granny and PaPaw have a kitty named Daisy May. The boy one is Fubby. I have no clue where she came up with that one. This past week two new “people” have joined our lives, Siggy and Olivia. Siggy is Ave’s boyfriend and Olivia started out as Siggy’s sister, but is now Ave’s sister. They’ve been hanging out pretty much every day and even sleep on the couch. Good thing they’re imaginary. And I also have no clue where she came up with those names, we know NO ONE with those names! It really does amaze me how “real” they are to her. They even played in the snow with her this morning. We had to wait on them to get their coats and boots on before we could go outside. And apparently Olivia fell when she was putting her boots on and it was hilarious! I’ll stop now and share some pictures. Hope everyone has had a great start to 2010!

My family

Christmas morning

Had to take a little detour to get to Fordyce.

Santa left her kitties at Maw and PawPaw’s house

My sweet girls =)

By the looks on their faces, I think the poker was a little serious at this point

My winnings! (and I was trying to be artsy with my camera)

Cathy

Marley Jane sticking her tongue out

Avery and Brennan

Catching snow on her tongue

She had just thrown a snowball at “olivia”

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-20T11:52:00.001-08:00

I love this! Be sure to watch both of them in full screen mode. I couldn’t get the rest of them to load.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Yeah so, I’m not a good blogger.

2009-12-08T16:23:00.001-08:00

Now that we got that out of the way, I’ll update with what we’ve been up to the past month. Billy was home for a month and has since gone back to Houston to work. =( We miss you Daddy!) We spent three of the four weekends in Texas. One weekend in Jasper for one of Billy’s friend’s wedding, one weekend in Arlington and Weatherford for Thanksgiving, and one weekend in Canton with Mother for shopping. So needless to say, it is nice to be home for a minute. I’ll spare details and post pictures. I do want to document a few conversations with Ave this past week.

Convo #1. I’m sitting at my sewing desk and Ave is laying in the floor quietly. Obviously thinking hard, judging from what she asks me. Ave: “Who made me?” Me: “What"?” Ave: “Did you sew me?” Me: “ummm, no, mommy didn’t sew you.” Ave: “Who makes me?” Me: “God made you. He made everybody” Ave: “But I didn’t die” Me: “No, you didn’t. but God made you and gave you to me” Ave: “ Ella’s in Heaven with Granny Lou. Granny Lou eats candy allll the time!” (she has a picture of her sitting with Granny Lou and they were eating candy. Anytime we talk about Granny Lou, she says this) End of that conversation.

Convo #2. We’re watching tv. Ave: “Mommy what do you want for Christmas?” Me: “A million dollars” long pause. Ave: “Santa doesn’t have dollars. He just has toys. Do you want a toy?” =)

Convo #3. Really just a statement from Ave. because I didn’t reply to her. because I was wondering why she doesn’t act like a three year old sometimes. Ave: “I don’t want anything from Santa. I’m gonna be mean tomorrow.” (for the record, she has been really nice today)

Prepare for Picture Overload.

Billy put a lift kit on his truck. I think the next step will be trading it in for a semi. =)

This is our house all decorated with lights. lights that work no longer than four hours and then blow a fuse. they are not on tonight. This is not our house. But I love their lights every year! If you’re in the Kirby area, go down Camp Tula road. Ave said they were Amazing!

The one picture I took in Canton. I don’t recommend staying at the Silver Spur Inn on the Mountain. and if you’ve never been to Canton, TX to shop. Go. It’s an experience.

Part of our little Christmas tree. I miss my big one. (did I mention that Billy got me a new camera? I love it!)

Ave on Thanksgiving before the drive to Arlington.

Such the little lady.

Playing cards with Uncle Kevin. They look serious.

I think she won.

Hanging out with her cousins Marlee and Chasey.

Sarah and Cooper. Cutest boy ever!

Makeover anyone?

Hanging out with Aunt Julie

Hrabal grandkids. i do love having my picture made whilst in pajamas.

Ave with cousins Austin and Brennan

Love her face in this one! With her cousin Peyton.

and last but not least, one of Marley Jane in her new favorite napping spot.

I have a ton more pictures but, I’ll spare you. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! and hopefully I’ll post more this month =)

14 Pictures of Avery

2009-11-03T19:45:00.001-08:00

It was a Beautiful day today! I had some dresses left over from the craft fair that I needed to take pictures of to list them on Etsy and Ave was in a cooperative mood, so we had a little photo shoot. The last dress is my favorite! So I guess I’ll actually keep one for her finally. =)

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T15:01:00.001-08:00

We skipped Arkadelphia this year and headed to the big town of New Hope to go trick or treating with Seth, the rodeo clown. She was going to be the cutest spider ever! but then she saw princess costumes at wal mart and decided that she could be nothing else but a princess. I’ve had a bridesmaid dress hanging in the closet forever thinking that i might be able to get some of my $395 back by selling it, but have been unsuccessful in doing so. sooo, i started cutting and sewing and it turned out to be a pretty cute princess costume. Marley Jane got one too =) Here are a few pictures. I would post more, but Avery is seriously sitting in the middle of the floor consuming mass amounts of chocolate. and we’re probably about to get in a fight. because I’m going to take it away from her. (and I will probably eat it later. muahhahhhh <---that’s my evil laugh)

Poor Sam…

Queen Wilhelmina

2009-10-26T13:54:00.001-07:00

I realize my last post was super sad and then I didn’t post anything for a week, but everytime I started to, I saw on the side where it says “recently posted” and “My Ella” just kept jumping out at me and I would get depressed all over again. Man I miss that dog!! =(

K, I’ll stop.

Every year around my birthday (which is tomorrow, for all of those who are sending gifts. ahem.) we always take a little day trip to Queen Wilhelmina to look at the trees and have lunch. It’s always so gorgeous and this year didn’t disappoint. God has an amazing paintbrush!

Kane and Grant climbing down the tower.

Yes, that’s my ave climbing up with Sarah and Seth. because I was too chicken.

Kane bringing her back down. Picnicking with Grant and Kane.

There are several shots of Ave, Seth,and Emma like this. but this one was favorite. because of Grant’s face in the background! they were playing football.

I’m glad I could get a shot of everyone looking at the camera…

Emma PaPaw and Ave

Soooo excited about riding the train!

Did I mention that the it was a “haunted” train ride? poor baby.

I was trying to get the same picture I got of her LAST YEAR in the same spot, but she wouldn’t stand up. I think this one will suffice

And then we stopped by a “zoo” at the bottom of the mountain. Deliverance. That’s all I’m sayin’. (insert banjo music here)

My Ella

2009-10-11T18:13:00.001-07:00

Anyone that knows me, knows how much this girl means to me. She really was more than “just a dog” She was there for me more times than I count. And although she was a little mischievous at times and may have eaten an entire couch one time, she was always my sweet Ella. She got hit by a car today and didn’t make it. needless to say I am devastated. I know it’ll get it better, but it just really sucks right now and I don’t know what I’m going to do tomorrow when I wake up and she’s not going to be there shaking her booty and picking up anything she can get her mouth on to give to me cause she’s so happy to see me. I miss her soooo much already!

Notta Lotta

2009-10-09T15:04:00.001-07:00

Rain. boo. I’ll be so glad when it’s outta here! Although it does make for good snuggling weather. but Billy’s in Houston, so I don’t really get to snuggle, unless it’s for 23 seconds with Avey, then she’s bored with it. She’s been bored all day, so I finally gave in and let her play with ALL of her playdough stuff. inside. in the living room floor. Good thing we don’t have carpet in there. that’s all I’m sayin’. She probably deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. you know cause she was bored. and it seems that you don’t really have to do a whole lot to get one. just sayin’.

So did I tell you I had a booth at the Hot Springs Crafts show this past weekend? Well I did. I meant to take more pictures. but then I got busy. =) I’m so excited about how well I did. And I got lots of orders, so I’ve been busy all week working on cute outfits, and bows, and bow holders. and will be busy next week working on stuff too. I did take a break today to help Ave make a shirt for herself. because she got into my paint bucket and found some fabric paint. and kinda started painting the shirt before I knew that’s what we were going to be doing =) I’ll take pics after it’s dry and she wants to wear it.

I will also post pictures of her in her cute outfit I made for her to wear to the Pumpkin Carving Party at Shannon’s tomorrow. She’s so excited about it. Maybe I am too, cause I’m making dirt cake (no it’s not actual dirt) and can’t wait to eat it!

The Fair and Soccer…. again.

2009-09-28T10:26:00.001-07:00

Ave had her second soccer game on Saturday. She wasn’t really all that interested in playing. It may have been due to the fact that she found her phone in my purse and also that I brought her a chair to sit in this time, and she also likes her baby dolls way more than anything else.

No, she’s not running. just standing there with her shirt up.

Maybe she’ll like it next week. If not, she’ll be sleeping with the soccer ball and practicing 4 hours a day! (just kidding, I’m not “that” mom)

After her game, I was going to take her to the lake, but she fell asleep and took a good nap, so we didn’t go. But I did tell her that I would take her to the rodeo and fair at Glenwood, and she didn’t let me forget. She had a much better fair experience this time around and was glad that she got to see her Granny and Sarah and her “best cousin friend” Seth =)

I would also like to share a quick little story from this morning about Ave’s “sleep talking”. She always talks in her sleep, but I think I might be a little worried about this one. She says: “I do want one. I do want a boyfriend!” So, whoever has been talking to her about a boyfriend, needs to stop. please. at least until she’s 32. thanks.

The Fair and Soccer

2009-09-19T19:43:00.001-07:00

First of all, Daddy came home! He surprised us on Wednesday morning and we are soo happy to have him home!

Friday we decided to take Ave to the fair. In my opinion, the fair was bleh. and the rides were just pitiful looking. maybe it’s always been like that and I’ve just lost that little kid magic that the fair used to be. or maybe it’s because carnies really are scary. anywho, we spent $20 on some tickets so Ave could ride the rides. She had a good time and I guess that’s all that matters right? She had a great time in the big inflatable bounce house. until it DEFLATED while she was inside of it!! It was a super scary moment for me and she just says that it scared her “just a lil’ bit”. Luckily there were only 5 or 6 kids in it when it deflated and everyone got out unscathed. still, scary. Billy reattached the hose that had come undone and it inflated again. and the carnies were still trying to figure out why it had deflated in the first place, they never saw Billy fix it. She really liked looking at the animals too and wanted to buy stuff in the arts and crafts building. cause she thought it was a store =) After the fair we took her to play on the caboose that is at the Clark County Historical Museum. because she was reeeaaallly upset that we couldn’t stay at the fair. and then we went and checked out the new Mexican food restaurant. It was pretty good. not bad, not great. By this time, Ave was ready for bed so we came home and went to bed because we had to get up early for her SOCCER GAME!

She had fun. i promise. Yes, I did put my child in a cage.Getting ready to go down the super fast slide.

Except it wasn’t fast at all.

So she went by herself. and got stuck.

Little did she know…

and also, I’m thinking of getting my hair cut like this. thoughts?

Saturday morning, she had her first ever soccer game. her first ever soccer anything really, cause their practice got cancelled for the week. It was entertaining. She was a little nervous at first and told me that it was getting late so we should go home =) She didn’t actually do a whole lot of kicking the ball. except for one time and she did a great job! It think she started to sort of get the concept near the end of the game. But she had fun chasing after the ball or maybe she was just running because all the other kids were running =)

How cute is she?

She likes to sit on the ball

Tiny Dancer

2009-09-14T18:51:00.001-07:00

After much anticipation, Ave started dance class today! ummm, can I just say that little girls trying to learn to dance is the cutest thing ever! She was a little nervous throughout, but still had fun. She started to cry when it was over, but i think she understands that she has to wait a few days before she goes back. I asked her afterwards if she learned alot and her answer was “I don’t know” =) then she said that dance class makes her happy =) I’m so glad she likes it! I hope soccer will make her happy too, her first practice is tomorrow. Here are a few pictures and a short video of the tiny dancer.

We love you Daddy, can’t wait for you to be home!

Wonder Hanger Shwonder Hanger

2009-09-08T15:04:00.001-07:00

Strong Enough to Hold 5 Winter Coats

Know why they’re called Wonder Hanger? Because people “wonder” why they wasted their money on them! It says this on the website : Strong Enough to Hold 5 Winter Coats! no. they are definitely not. I have the mess of ~~5 Winter Coats~~ toddler clothes in the floor to prove it.

That is all.

Sweet Girl

2009-09-06T14:56:00.001-07:00

So my toilet is working today, and I’m also not afraid to turn my dryer on now. Why wasn’t my toilet working, you ask? Maybe because when I was taking a shower (and not really paying attention to the toilet flushing numerous times) Ave managed to flush an ENTIRE roll of toilet paper. one of those super mega triple rolls. neat. and she said “I went poopoo all by myself! Give me a five!” And why was I afraid to turn the dryer on? That could be due to the fact that the day before, that same sweet little girl managed to dump numerous scoops of laundry detergent into said dryer. I managed to scoop a lot of out to use later (because well, that stuff’s not really all that cheap) and then used the vacum hose to get the rest of it. and she said “I washed your clothes mommy!” neat. And while we’re on the subject of that sweet little girl, how is this for sweet: She woke up in a great mood the other morning and gives me the biggest hug and said she needed some kisses, and says her usual “I love you so much in the whole world” . While she is laying there with those sweet little arms wrapped around my neck, she toots. super loud. and she said “ Does my poot make you happy?” and I guess it did, because it still makes me laugh. and another thing, whenever she is getting antsy in her carseat, I tell her to look out the window for some cows. Well, now whenever I give her a look or catch her doing something she’s not supposed to be doing, she says to me “Don’t look at me, Go look for some cows” she’s a funny girl. and I heart her so much in the whole world =)

Best Dip—EVAH!

2009-09-04T07:20:00.001-07:00

So I don’t normally participate in these little blog tour things, but I saw where BooMama was hosting a DipTacular in honor of the ever anticipated SEC season (and the other football conferences too i guess)and I just couldn’t let this chance pass me by to share one of the best dips I’ve ever eaten! I got this recipe from a good friend, Anna, so I call it….

Anna’s Awesome Cucumber Dip

1/3 cup REAL mayo, no messing around with that miracle whip stuff

1 block of (8oz) cream cheese, I usually use low fat or sometimes fat free to make up for the REAL mayo, but feel free to use the good stuff.

1 cucumber, deseeded <—That’s important. and chopped (sometimes I don’t use a whole cucumber. because I eat half of it whilst making the dip.)

1 package of Zesty Italian Dressing Mix

That’s it. Just mix it all together really well, chill it (or not) and eat it! It’s really good with Stacy’s Pita Chips. really good. like addictive good. so good that you should go ahead and double or even triple the recipe.

What we’ve been up to…

2009-09-01T21:34:00.001-07:00

umm nothing, really. Except hanging out outside enjoying this BEAUTIFUL weather. and arguing. between Ave and me. some of that arguing resulted in a trash bag of toys that are now hiding in the closet. but only because I tried to get her to pick them up for three days. with no luck. I'm thinking maybe she's missing her Daddy since he went to Nebraska. I miss him too, but I didn't get a whole new bad attitude when he left. she did. and I mean bad. like fall-out-screaming-at-the-TOP-of-her-lungs-and-throwing-things-when-she-doesn't-get-her-way-everytime-bad. but, as of today, it seems as if things are starting to straighten out. and we only managed to have one of those huge fits. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. there have been fun times here and there. but I'm sure my neighbors are wondering if I'm beating my child. because of all the fits she has thrown outside. and maybe inside, I'm sure they can hear those too.

On another happier note, i got the approval letter today saying I could set up at the Hot Springs Arts & Crafts Fair. good thing too, cause I'm really gonna be needing to get rid of all of these bows that are surrounding me. and start creating all kinds of fun dresses with all this fabric.

So here are some pictures.

This is what happens when you get a carpet burn. and then the next day, get really mad that the battery is dead on your powerwheels barbie car and try to run off in a screaming fit, but instead face plant into the grass.

and this is what a nice mommy does. because you wanted a “big band-aid.

and because I signed her up for soccer and thought she should actually know what a soccer ball is, we bought this fun pink one. she’s starting to get the hang of it.

sometimes you just need to dress up like a princess/cheerleader and sit in a bucket and shoot dirty looks at your mom.

and then completely ignore her

and we stalked this guy today. in the plants on the back porch. he was pretty neat.

and I won’t post any more of the lizard. cause I took a million.

We love you and miss you Daddy! Can’t wait for you to come home!!

Peanut Butter Strawberry Bars are Pretty Great.

2009-08-22T08:28:00.000-07:00

It was brought to my attention last week that maybe I don't do enough "cooking meals out of a cook book cooking" so starting Thursday, I pulled out some cook books and BHaG magazines and found some recipes. Thursday we had grilled orange marmalade and pineapple porkchops garnished with orange yogurt sauce and cashews.(well I had the yogurt sauce and cashews, someone else didn't want to try it) along with some red peppered honey glazed carrots and bananna pudding for dessert. It was yumm-o! Friday, we had parmesan stuffed chicken with melted strawberries, and I opened a can of green beans, because well, if one cooks a meal out of a recipe book, they're allowed to cheat and open a can. and once again, I was the only one to try the melted strawberries with my chicken, and might I say it was awesome! For dessert I made peanut butter strawberry bars

(and yes there is one missing). This just may be my new favorite dessert! They are soooo good! (and I won't go into all the glorious details about how many calories and fat grams are in them)

You also might want to know, that while making those delicious peanut butter strawberry bars, I had a near-death experience with my hand mixer. near-death experience for my kitchen that is. I was just happily mixing away when all of a sudden, one of the beaters flies across the kitchen! slinging peanut butter bar batter all over everything. my mixer is now in the trash and the kitchen is clean. at least i think it's clean, I'm sure I'm going to find a hidden glob of peanut butter bar batter somewhere.

and also, I signed Ave up to play soccer yesterday! I really hope she likes it, and I'm excited for her to get some interaction with other kids other than Marley Jane. and yes I know MJ is really a dog.

Digital Scrapbooking

2009-08-18T15:05:00.000-07:00

So yeah, my new layout may be jumping the gun, but I do believe I'm over summer. I'm soo ready for those beautiful fall days!
So I've had photoshop on my computer for about two years now and haven't really taken the time to learn anything about it. I have also had a few digital scrapbooking kits on here that I downloaded a while back. and haven't done anything with them either. until the past few days. I think it might just be my new addiction! I learned how to use the magic wand tool in photoshop, and learned to work with layers. and well, it's fun! (and I don't care if you call me a nerd for getting excited about it) So if you want to get in on the nerdiness, go here The Shabby Princess, you can download free digital scrapbooking kits! How do you like my new header? cute huh?

and on a totally different note, I had a job interview today. and although the interview went well, I am so totally not interested in having said job. so I will continue to keep looking.

Randomosity

2009-08-13T18:57:00.001-07:00

These are just a few random pictures from the past week. along with a couple videos. that you are sure to enjoy. we haven't been up to much.

We babysat Seth last Friday. and we dressed him up like a girl. because he wanted to.

(sorry Sarah)

Ave shakin' her booty. did i mention that Ma and PawPaw paid for dance classes for her as a birthday gift? she's really excited about it. and maybe I am too, because she's just too cute in her little leotard and ballet shoes. and tap shoes.

Adjusting Seth's sunglasses.

and just because she's cute...

Miss Marley Jane showing off her shirt I made for her. really, i made her wear it. and was making all kinds of insane noises to get her to look at me all inquisitive like. right after this picture was taken, she rolled around until the shirt came off.

This morning, Ave said she wanted "ponies" in her hair. so i gave her pigtails. she said she didn't want pigtails, she wanted "a whole bunch of ponies". so.

I do apologize for the grossness of this next photo. I saw this on someone else's blog a few days ago, and can't remember what blog. but anywho. I asked Ave what she wanted for dinner and she said noodles. and then she said a hotdog. so i thought this would be the opportune time to try out these little dudes. i think they're supposed to be octopi (isn't that the plural of octopus?) but we called them spiders. she saw them and got super excited and wanted ketchup with them.

I think she may have had second thoughts... but did gobble them up and ask for more! (and note the pretty crayon marks all over her table, the table I painted. in her defense, she did say it was a picture of avery and daddy. and well, after that cuteness, i couldn't very well get mad about it)

The first one is Ave and Seth dancing and the second one is Ave doing the Hokey Pokey. one of many, many times today.

Ft. Worth Wedding Weekend

2009-08-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, we headed to Ft. Worth for Billy's cousin's wedding. Billy was an usher and Ave was the flower girl. We left Friday and went straight to the rehearsal. Ave did okay walking down the aisle in front of people she's never seen before. Actually letting go of the flower petals was a different story. After the rehearsal we went to the rehearsal dinner at Los Vaqueros. The food was great and we had a good time. After dinner we headed to Weatherford to Billy's Aunt and Uncle's house, where we stayed the night. It was nice getting to catch up with everyone and meeting baby Peyton. Avery is still talking about him. Saturday was spent hanging out with family until around 2:00. We then left for the hotel to get ready for the wedding. I fixed Ave's hair approximately two times before I realized that nothing more than a few simple clips was going to work in a rowdy 3 year old's hair. When we got to the chapel, Ave and I practiced her flower-girling while they were taking pictures. well, we practiced until missweddingplanner said that "I really needed to hang onto the flowers because Avery was going to ruin alllll the petals". phmp. Right before the wedding started, I left Ave in the back of the church with the nice bridesmaids and made my way to the third row. so that Ave would actually walk down the aisle. When it came time for her big entrance, she pretty much ran/walked straight to me. without dropping a single petal. she was pretty cute. When the wedding was over and everyone was filing out, she decided that then was the time to throw the petals. one at a time. then stomp on it. She may not have been too fond of flower-girling. We then made our way to the reception. Where we proceeded to have a great time! Ave took off her shoes and pretty much danced the night away. Her mommy may have as well. And the one or seven glasses of wine may or may not have had anything to do with that. We pretty much crashed when we got back to the hotel. Woke up Sunday morning, and after a quick breakfast made the drive back to Arkadoo. It was a great weekend and a great wedding! And as per usual, I only had my camera out for a small portion of the trip. so here are a few pictures at the rehearsal dinner.

And now a picture post

2009-08-04T18:34:00.003-07:00

because I'm getting tired of trying to move them around and not going where I want them to. =)
And you should probably scroll down and start at the first birthday post. =) if you want.

Sometimes you just gotta go...
(We love our Seth)

Gabby, the cowgirl, and Ave

Ave and PaPaw

Cute girl

Cadie B

Chasing Seth

Giving the flowers a drink. because apparantly it hadn't rained enough.

Emma, Gabby, Ave, and Josie playing in the sprinkler

Ave's Birthday. Day Three

2009-08-04T18:15:00.001-07:00

Sunday. the day of the BIG party at the waterpark! You know, the party that Ave has talked about for 2 months. The one she was super excited about. Well. boo. it rained. Stormed really. and the nice people at the waterpark were too concerned for our safety to let us have a party there. (got my refund in the mail today by the way) I may not have been very nice to mr. waterpark assistant manager when he called for the 11millionth time trying to get me to cancel. I was NOT going to cancel. but I did apologize to him, I believe I said "I'm sorry for being a @#%!#, but I really don't want to disappoint my little girl". so they cancelled for me. So party at the house. (the house that has now fully recovered) We had pizza. from the Pizza Shack. And ate the second birthday cake, that I didn't get a good picture of. and that also had a fenceless back. because I ate those darn cookies. again. So no party at the waterpark. But a great time at the house. playing in the rain and the sprinkler. and having an impromptu pony ride. really it was a horse. not a pony. my sister happened to have one in the horse trailer. And then a big ol' cousin slumber party! full of dancing, coloring, and more playing in the rain and sprinkler. because it rained the next day too, dashing our hopes of going to the waterpark.

Who really needs a waterpark anyway?

Ave getting ready to blow out candles

Opening presents

Gabby, Ave, and Josie. dancing to UFC fighting.

Cadie B loving some pizza

Ave's Birthday. Day Two

2009-08-04T17:59:00.000-07:00

The day after her birthday, Ma & PawPaw, Aunt Julie, Uncle Travis, Austin, and Brennan came to our house for the weekend. We spent most of Saturday on the lake and had a great time. I even rode the Gyro. It is the most not fun tube. Really, it's not even a tube. it is a cylinder that you climb inside of. and then the boat takes off. and you get the bejeezies beat out of you. it is neat-o.

We left the lake just as it was getting dark. When we got back to the house, Ave's "Aunt" Cara came over. after she had just ran the Dam Night Race. (super proud of her by the way) Ave opened her presents from Aunt Julie and Cara.

Opening her presentsCara's "18th" birthday was on the 27th, so the birthday girls had to pose in their tutus.

Ave's Birthday

2009-08-04T17:40:00.000-07:00

July 24th, Ave turned 3. THREE. three years old. and I guess that means that now she can call me "Mom" instead of "Mommy". cause that's what she's been doing for the past week. makes me sad =( We didn't do much on her actual birthday. I just let her do pretty much whatever she wanted. (umm, cause I never do that?) she opened a big bag of presents, baby dolls, clothes, movies. and batteries, she really liked those. and we ate her practice cake. some of it. The dogs enjoyed some too. Then we took the boat out for the rest of the day. and I forgot my camera.

She got to jump on our bed.

She was happy about it.

Singing Happy Birthday. To herself. =)

Blowing out ALL the candles.

Opening her present

Slacking

2009-08-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

So I know I haven't written anything for a bit. And I know I need to blog about Ave's birthday and her party (that did NOT happen at the water park) and our trip to Ft. Worth this weekend. but I'm tired right now, and may just go to bed in a few minutes at 5:00. So, for all of you that read this (all 5 of you) I promise, I will update in a day or so.

Ave's "Practice" Cake and Agnes.

2009-07-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

So I guess maybe I've kinda sorta started a tradition for Ave's birthday. What is that tradition you ask? Practice cakes. Yes, I make a practice cake a few days before the actual b-day party cake. just to make sure it's going to look okay. and to figure out if I need to do anything differently in the making of the grand finale cake. But who doesn't love cake!? Anywho, here is a picture of this year's practice cake! The theme is Luau. I think it turned out okay. although on the finale, I'm not going to try to mix green with blue in the waterfall. kinda turned out more "swampy" than tropical. and also, I'm going to make rocks out of fondant instead of using the crystal looking ones. and also I am going to try not to eat so many of these while constructing the tiki fence. because I ran out. and what you don't know,is that the back of the cake is fenceless =)

And just for a little scare, i will include a couple pictures of Ugly Agnes. While I was making this cute little taggie doll for a friend's baby,
Ave really really really wanted me to make her one. but she wanted hers to have hair. and eyes. and a mouth and nose. soooo we came up with Ugly Agnes.

You got scared didn't you?! But wait, she's not always sad! If you flip her over, she's a happy camper!

She kinda reminds me of that Friends episode, The one with Gladys.

She's a dancing queen!

2009-07-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

So I think I mentioned that Ave is going to be a flower girl for Billy's cousin's upcoming wedding. Well, she really likes to wear her dress! Except she thinks that it's a dancing dress. Everytime she wants to dance, she wants to put her dress on. And everytime she wants to put her dress on, she thinks she has to dance. It's too cute, really. I am providing pictures and video to prove my point. The second picture is probably my fave!

Silly Dogs

2009-07-14T19:08:00.001-07:00

So a few days ago we noticed that the Ella and Duke had dug a pretty large hole. Nothing out of the ordinary really, they always do when they get hot. They dig a hole and lay in it. Well I guess they were super busy on this one today. I haven't figured out if they are breaking ground to build me a pool or if they have something in mind for sweet little Marley Jane ;)

I think she was pretty proud of herself

Doh! That's what I always think when I look at him =)

I would guesstimate that it was three foot long and a foot across. and super deep!

Pretty sure they lost some toys in there. No way in heck was I sticking my arm down there to get them!

Ella whining for said toys

I know you're jealous of my super exciting life =)

Hrabal Reunion

2009-07-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

We went to the Hrabal Family Reunion this past weekend. This was the first time I have been. It was a fun time. We left Arkadoo Friday afternoon and drove ( well, Billy drove) to Arlington to Billy's grandparents' house. We stayed there Friday night. Saturday morning, his cousin and his fiance came over with a couple of dresses for Ave to try on. She is going to be the flower girl in their wedding on August 1st in Fort Worth. She looks adorable in her little princess dress =) After trying on the dresses, we left out for the reunion in West, Texas. We stopped and got some breakfast at this neat little bakery. It was pretty much awesome. After making a few turns down some little roads by some wheat(at least I think it was wheat) fields, we arrived at the reunion. There was great food. There was an auction. and a raffle. of random items that each family member donated. and I do mean random! there was bbq sauce, homemade wine, plants, unwanted Christmas gifts, and the list goes on. Since joining the Hrabal family, I have always heard stories about the famous Hrabal Reunion Pickles. and that it's the only place one can get a jar of pickles for upwards of $100. We got a steal and only paid $40. It was a small jar though =) They are good pickles. After the reunion, we stayed at the Czech Inn with Billy's parents and his uncle Mark and his wife and kids, Sarah and Chasey and Colton. Ave had the best time playing with them! We headed for home around 10:30 Sunday morning and made it home around 3, so not too long of a drive. Billy left yesterday for Pine Bluff and will be working there all week this week, so it's just me and Ave. We're going to babysit Cadie Belle tomorrow while Shannon and Anthony close on the selling of their house. They are moving right up the road from us. I AM EXCITED! But just because now I won't have to drive allll the way to the other side of the world to Joan to see her. I will actually be able to WALK to their new house! Yay!

anywho, here are the few pics I took this weekend before my camera died

Don (Billy's dad) calling out raffle ticket numbers. He doesn't always wear super cool rainbow suspenders. Apparantly, it is a tradition for the Hrabal men to wear the super cool rainbow suspenders at the reunion.

Our favorite boy bidding on the pickles in the auction

Avery displaying one of the items up for bid in the auction

Cutest girl ever

Happy Sixth of July!

2009-07-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

So I'm a little late on posting about our Fourth. Hope everyone had a great one and remembered all of those who fought and are fighting for our freedom!
We had a fairly busy weekend. Friday, Ave and I went to my parents' house for a yard sale (yes, I know I said never again) We had a fun day hanging out there. We got back to Arkadoo around 5ish and got our stuff together and went to Fordyce to spend the weekend with Billy's parents. We tore down a greenhouse (well, I mostly watched) , bought loads of fireworks to shoot, and cooked some great food on the grill. Billy's friend Jeremy brought his little girl Maddie over on Saturday. She and Ave had THE best time playing together all day, and they really enjoyed the fireworks. We left Fordyce Sunday afternoon and then we went to Murfreesboro for Ave's cousin Seth's birthday party at the waterpark there. (and wow, that was probably the worst constructed sentence ever!) It was a great party and Ave said she had a fun day. Today we went to the good ol' dollar tree and bought some more decorations for Ave's birthday party. She is soooo looking forward to it! I bet you would like to see some pictures from our weekend. But that's too bad. because this girl forgot her camera at home all weekend. So, no pics unless I can snag some from some other people =) Have a great night everyone!

We heart the waterlake.

2009-06-29T20:50:00.000-07:00

We got this boat the week we got back

Which made this boy really happy

So we have been doing a lot of this (p.s. this lifejacket is called a Puddlejumper, and it is THE best lifejacket EVER! It was only $15 at WalMart!)

and this.

And this is just a picture of my beautiful Hibiscus (or biscuit as Ave calls it)

We really have been to the lake pretty much every day, and it's been grrrreat! Ave likes to argue about what it's called everytime we go. We say "we're going to the lake!" she says "no, we're going to the waterlake!" (over and over again) Also, when you're ready to go home and your child asks "where we going?" Don't try to be all gangsta and tell her "we're going to the hizzy wizzy" It will break her heart when you pull into the driveway. because she wanted to go to the hizzy wizzy. It does sound like a fun place huh?

A stopping point Picture Update

2009-06-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

Umm, okay, I know we have been home for about a week now and I left y'all hanging at that big hole in the ground. Well that hole in the ground was the Grand Canyon or the Grand Can, as Ave calls it. If you have never been, GO! It is absolutely magnificant! Pictures do not do it justice in any way (speaking of pictures, I will post some later. they are all uploaded to the laptop and I am not posting this from the laptop, sooo, pictures will come later) We planned to go to the Grand Can and then stay the night at an RV park that I found on the internet. This RV park was about 30 miles away from the actual canyon. I was unaware that there were RV parks in Tusayan, the little town at the starting point of the Grand Canyon. I was aware that one could camp inside the park, but I figured all those sites were already booked. So, BedRock City RV and Theme Park it was! not. It was Flintstones themed. There was a giant wooden Fred welcoming us. There was also a "theme park" behind this huge rock wall. We didn't venture to the "theme park" but judging from what was on this side of the rock wall, we concluded that it consisted of broken down dinosaur rides. We unhooked the camper and left it there with the other campers. or lifelong residents as it seemed. and proceeded to the Grand Can. We parked and walked one of the trails. As I mentioned before, it was awesome! Although, it was a little scary. There was nothing separating us from a mile long fall into the canyons below. and with a an almost three year old, and a husband who liked to get just a liiiiittle too close to the edge, I was on edge! We took loads of pictures, and Ave even posed Bobby (her stuffed horse that she's had since she was about six months old) for pictures. too cute.We hiked to the visitor center and checked stuff out there. After buying some water and some too expensive batteries for the camera, it was time to hike back to the truck. IN THE RAIN. boo. We could have taken a shuttle.but somebody didn't want to. (that someone wasn't me) So after hiking it back in the rain and dodging the lightening, we made it back to the truck. We then went in search for something to eat and ended up at a place called Spaghetti Western. It was decorated in western decor and served "italian" food. For only $57, we (sort of) enjoyed a grilled cheese, a small pizza, and a chicken dish. neat-o. After our fine dining experience, we headed back to the camper. After much, or not so much, contemplating, we decided to hook up and head out. We then drove. and drove. and drove. And then stopped at a KOA for a little rest. I was a little sad that we drove through the painted desert at night. I really wanted to see it. and the Petrified Forest. oh well. Thursday, was a driving day. ALL day. Billy finally worked up the nerve to let me drive around Albuquerque. and then we took turns driving the rest of the way home. really I only drove a few hundred miles, but whatev. We rolled in to good ol' Arkadoo around 3am Friday morning. Home sweet home! Although, I would have loved to stay gone a liiiitle bit longer, it is nice to be home!
OHH, and I did get to go to Vegas that one night. with a sleeping Ave in the backseat. and a husband who really didn't want to be there. fun times I tell ya!

******* I updated with some pictures********

See, told ya there was a giant Fred.

What I didn't tell you, was that there was a Wilma's Laundry.

and also a Buffalo Lodge.

Bobby visits the Grand Can.

Please excuse poor Bobby's ears. He's had a rough life.
Avery and Bobby

Avery and Daddy

The Grand Can

We saw these guys on the side of the road as we were leaving the park. I was the chosen one to get out of the truck and trompse into the woods to take pictures of them.

A rainbow somewhere in Arizona

The cutest girl in the world at the Grand Can =)

Our little trip...Day 6

2009-06-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

If I were standing on a corner in Winslow Arizona, it would probably be easy to blog. But, since we are driving down a bumpy interstate in Winslow Arizona, I'm going to wait and update whenever we find a stopping point. I will give a teaser though, we went to see a HUGE hole in the ground today. =)

Our little trip...Day 5

2009-06-16T20:18:00.001-07:00

We went to the Hoover Dam today. It was interesting. and really big. We went on a tour. and heard lots of dam jokes. and we made some dam jokes as well. It was also really hot. There is a new bridge being built, the Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, it is going to be huge! I thought that was pretty neat. We are 20 miles away from Vegas. I reeeaaalllyyy want to go. Billy does not. Still holding out on going though. That's about it from day five. If we go to Vegas, I'll let ya know! Here are some pictures and couple videos from today...

Ave playing with rocks

A view of Lake Mead from our camp
Another view
Hoover Dam

Ave ready to leave the dam

Avery and Daddy

The new bridge construction

Hoover Dam

Avery and Billy on the dam tour
The generators inside the dam

Nevermind

2009-06-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

yeah, nevermind, i'm not editing the previous post, so here are some pictures of the Lake Mead swimming day =)

Our little trip... Day 4

2009-06-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

We started today at 5. that's am, not pm. And we drove across the Mojave Desert. it was really boring. really. It was pretty, but after four or five hours of the SAME scenery, one can only find so many ways to angle the camera to get different looking shots. Yes, I took lots of pictures of the land. a lot. After driving for what seemed like eternity and seeing no water (there were a couple times that I thought I saw bodies of water. I was informed that it was a dusty haze. I'm still not convinced), we arrived at Lake Mead. It is a beautiful place! (aside from all the trash at the lake's edge) We are camped right on the lake with a gorgeous view. Ave and Billy went swimming, I did not, but I did take pictures, and as soon as I get them on the computer, I will edit this post. Tomorrow, we plan to take a dam tour. A Hoover Dam tour. I'm excited! I really want to ask where I can get some dam bait =) Billy and Ave are asleep, they laid down to take a nap, but I think they're out for the night, and I'm bored! Here are some pics of sunrise on the Mojave...

I took this one as Billy ws washing the windshield, I think it's pretty neat.

That's it for now folks, stay tuned for scenes from the coming days!

Our little trip... Day 3

2009-06-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

From the time we boarded the plane in Little Rock, Ave talked about wanting to "see some aminals at the thoo". I looked up the closest zoo to us, and on Sunday we took her to the Oakland Zoo. After a little trip through what might have been the ghetto (thank you gps lady) we arrived. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was a great zoo. We rode the sky ride (think ski lift over the zoo) and got a great view of all the animals. I think Ave's favorite were the lizards and snakes. yes i know, blech. We had a great time, and I found out a few hours later, that I had gotten a real nice sunburn. Oh,before we went to the zoo, we went to a flea-market. I was disappointed I didn't find anything. Billy bought some sort of tool and Ave got a blow up Dora doll (that has since deflated)
After the zoo trip, we went back to the camper and Billy broke everything down, hooked up, and we headed out. We drove for about six hours before we stopped for the night. We stayed in Tehachapi. I don't know how to pronounce that word. It was a neat looking town and had windmills EVERYWHERE. Here are a few pics from day 3...

Ave and Daddy on the sky ride

Ave excited about petting a goat. She said they were PaPaw's goats.

Super excited about Dora
Waving to the camels on the sky ride

Amazed by the sickeningly (<--that's a word, i just made it up) long snake.

I took a million pictures of the landscape, but I'll spare you and just let you watch a short video of it (in which Billy hints at the fact that maybe I've taken too many pictures of said landscape)

Our little trip..Day 2

2009-06-15T18:38:00.000-07:00

We woke up early on Saturday and headed out to find some breakfast. We found a little place called The Copper Skillet. It was cute, and the food was yummy! Then we were off to see the Golden Gate Bridge. It was amazing! We crossed the bridge and headed for Muir Woods. It was a beautiful drive, and I'm sure the actual woods would have been gorgeous as well, but it would have been about a two mile hike just to get to where the woods started because of parking (and this girl wasn't hiking that in flip flops that were already rubbing blisters on her feet). Sooo, we went to Muir Beach instead. It was gorgeous! (well except for the three naked guys who were laying out, I mean really, who does that on a family beach?!) And now, a few pictures for your viewing pleasure... (sorry, there are none of the nudists)

Golden Gate Bridge
Ave excited about the "big water"
Ave on the beach

The Copper Skillet
Muir Beach

Stay tuned...

Our little trip

2009-06-13T16:16:00.000-07:00

Ave and I arrived Friday evening in San Francisco! I was so proud of her during our trip (well, most of the time anyway) We left Little Rock at 12:15 and arrived in Dallas around 1:45. She did really well on the plane, I was worried she would get super bored especially since we had to keep our seatbelts on the entire time because of the weather (and also because we were sitting right beside the fligh attendant, and she was a seatbelt nazi) Our flight from Dallas wasn't scheduled to leave until 4, I know that sounds like it might be a long time with a two year old, but it gave us just enough time to eat, for Ave to play in the playplace, also for Ave to walk through the airport crying and screaming at the TOP of her lungs until we got to our gate (and ride a million escalators because that's her new favorite thing to do). After boarding the next flight, we sat for what seemed like forever! and it was HOT! apparently, they were having issues with the cooling system. Luckily, Ave fell asleep before takeoff. It was a three hour flight and she slept for almost an hour. She did really well on that flight as well. I suggest a big book of post-its ( those little yellow paper pads invented by those girls Romy and Michelle) and some twist up crayons as a good plane distractor for your child. When we arrived in San Francisco, we rode the BART to Concord where Billy picked us up. As I've mentioned earlier, Ave loooves choochoo trains! She was soo excited to ride it. We got to the camper, and ate a little dinner and crashed out! That was it for day one, here are a few pics: (and they're not in order, because for some unknown reason, I cannot move my pictures around!!)

Ave on the BART
Ave at SFO

Ave trying to semi-run away from her mommy at Dallas. She looks scared in this picture, it could have been due to the wierd marine guy who would NOT leave us alone, thankfully he sat six rows in front of us on the plane. and yes, i counted.

Ave and Emma waiting on our flight Ave on the first plane

Stay tuned! More to come. (in just a minute, cause now we are on day three of our little trip)

Yard Sales, Room Makeover, and Snakes!

2009-06-07T22:10:00.000-07:00

That's what we've been up to, yard sales, room makeover, and snakes. I decided to redo Ave's room, here's a sneak peak. I'll post more pics when I get all the wall decor up and get the chandelier (hopefully) up. It used to be baby girl pink. I wasn't sure about putting turquoise on all the walls, but I love how it turned out! I spent eight bucks on some material and made the curtains, I'm also making some to go at the head of her bed. That's her tutu hanging on the curtain rod. And don't you love my Martha-esque pompoms hanging from the ceiling!? I spent four bucks on some tissue paper at the dollar tree and made them! I'm going to hang more this week. (sorry the picture isn't so great, it was dark and there was a sleeping girl in there =)

See, told you there was a sleeping girl =) I got this antique bedroom suite from my dad, I'll post more pictures of it later, it's super cute! Would anyone like to guess what she is snuggled up to? anybody? anybody? Okay, I'll tell ya. it's a stick horse. yes, it is. I tried to slip it out of her hands and she held on tight. It was in the yard sale, and no one seemed to want it, so my mother took it to her house after the yard sale, along with Ave. Apparantly she slept with it at their house last night as well =) and just had to bring it back home with us when I went to pick her up today. guess she really loves the little guy.

Two of my sisters and I had a yard sale Saturday. bleh. apparently when there are 19 other garage sales going on in arkadelphia, no one wants to drive 5 miles out of town to come to ours. so, I still have "stuff" that I don't want. guess I'm making a another trip to the beehive this week.

Snakes. gross. nasty. hate them. On my way to Mother and Daddy's today, I ran over one. I bragged to Mother " I got to run over a big snake today!" Which leads to her asking if I've seen any around the house (we are surrounded by woods) I proudly say "nope!" fast forward to 10:30 this evening. We had just gotten home and I put Ave to bed. The dogs were barking their "Hey, we're FOR REAL barking this time!" bark. I grabbed my flashlight and go to check it out. To my horror, there is a copperhead standing, yes standing, striking at the ferocious barking dogs. I freaked out and called Mother and Daddy, I don't really know what I thought they could do from 60 miles away, but hey, whatever. So after hanging up with Mother, I decided to take her advice and whack it with a shovel. I went to get the shovel. I come back and my sweet Ella had the snake in her mouth, slinging from side to side! When she let go, I whacked it with the shovel. then I really chopped it up. cause I hate snakes. Here are some pics of the aftermath.

I hope this snake's friends saw what happen so that they know not to come around.

My poor baby's face! =( ( I thought Duke had gotten bitten too, but then I realized his head is always fat. no pics of him)

This just breaks my heart!

After calling mother and crying to her about Ella, and researching it, I'm pretty sure she's gonna be okay. I gave her some benadryl and she seems to be doing alright.

So, I'm going to bed, (probably to dream about snakes)!

Oh and when I got online to research the snakebite stuff, I clicked on Amber's blog and the first sentence is about a snake! c'mon snakes, leave me alone today!

ahem, just updating... again.

2009-05-28T20:11:00.000-07:00

Once again, I'm updating after three weeks of nothing! We really haven't been up to much, just hanging out and enjoying the days without RAIN! This past weekend we went to Dierks to see the three Smith cousins that were graduating, Congrats to HaylieRae, Hope, and Tyler! It seems like they should still be babies, guess that means I'm getting older huh? Saturday, we went to the graduation/birthday celebration, it was great to see everyone! Great food, old picture albums, fireworks, and one big crazy family. fun times! The rest of the week has been pretty low-key, just working on some May Belle's orders, and getting some flowers in their new potted homes, or "working in the dirt" as Ave would say, she even had a little song for it =) Tomorrow we're going to help Uncle Kevin move into his new apartment and Ave is going to spend the weekend with Ma and PawPaw, I don't know what I'm going to do all by myself! Probably just clean her room, and yes the way it looks, it will indeed take the whole weekend to get it done! Anyway, here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure!

Gabby and Ave @ Graduation

The Graduates: HaylieRae, Tyler, Hope

Amazing how entertaining plain ol' dirt can be!

These next pictures were taken at Granny and PaPaw's, she loves the chickens!

Ave trying to catch a baby chick (it's in the lower right of the pic)

Sneaking up on them =)

Feeding them some bread

She actually touched one! (just didn't get it on film)

We babysat Seth a few days last week. It's just too bad that I didn't get any pictures of him the first day they got in the pool! He didn't have any swim trunks and the water was pretty chilly even after I put the warm water in, so I dressed him in one of Ave's swim bottoms and he was wearin the pink hat that Ave is wearing in these pictures. Maybe he wasn't traumatized too much =)

Poor Marley Jane, this is her post when she wants to come inside, she will stand and stare at us through the window until we acknowledge her, pretty cute. and a little scary, the porch is pretty high off the ground!

Ave: Take my picture, take my picture! I wanna show it to Daddy!

Melts my heart!

We love you Daddy! See you in 15 days!!

A little catch-up

2009-05-06T00:34:00.000-07:00

So I see it's been three weeks since I've updated this thing. It may be due to the fact that the main topic of this blog (ahem, avery may hrabal) has been driving me batty! Just kidding. not really though =). I quit my job two weeks ago to stay home with the little poot head. It's been an experience and we are trying to adjust to the new routine. We are having lots of fun. when we're not arguing over who's going to clean up her messes. I guess she thinks it's a fun game to make me ask her 1,927,284 times to take all 527 baby dolls back into her bedroom after she's put them down for a nap in the living room and forgotten about them.poor babies. We are going to fly out to CA soon to see Billy (We miss you Daddy!), but it's not soon enough for ave. Everyday, she asks me "We gonna get on the airplane? Go see Daddy?" If we're getting ready to leave the house, for anything, even putting shoes on to go check the mail, "we gonna get on the airplane?" I'm afraid she may be disappointed when we actually do get on the airplane. See, she thinks "the kids" a.k.a Jon & Kate Plus 8, are going with us. The girl loves that show, and if we ever do any of the things that they have done, she refers to "the kids". This is the episode that gave her that idea. Anywho, here are a couple pictures of the miss independent almost three year old.

Checking out her eggs at Easter

Riding on Maw and Pawpaw's new boat

This only took two days to wear off. I walked in her room as she was in the process of doing this. Me: Ave what are you doing?
Ave: It's okay. It's jus a accident

In all fairness, she did do a good job with the red "x". maybe she was practicing writing her alphabet.

She does this when I'm sewing, and she doesn't want to go to bed by herself

Cousin Seth came for a visit

Helping him out with his shoes

Sharing her pizza...

...and he bit her finger.

I heart her =)

One More...

2009-04-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

I stole this picture from Shannon because my camera died at this point. No, we don't know the girl in the picture, but she was getting her pictures made and was always in the same spot as us. Ave and Shannon's niece, Bethany, were fascinated with the "princess"

Garvan Gardens

2009-04-11T21:44:00.000-07:00

We went to Hot Springs today with Shannon and Cadie to see the Easter Bunny and to Garvan Gardens. I didn't know how Ave would react to the Easter Bunny, but she pretty much loved him! She even said as much. I will try to post a pic of that later, i have no scanner and for $11, all I got was a 4x6 print, so no way to upload it as of yet =) I did get some pretty good shots of her at Garvan Gardens though, when she wasn't picking her nose! I hope she gets out of that habit pretty soon.
And here is one of Cadie Belle, I thought this one turned ouut too cute!

Just some pics...

2009-03-26T16:49:00.001-07:00

Avery is at her Ma and PaPaw's house until the weekend, which makes for a veeerrryyy quite house. I took these pics a few days ago and am just now getting them on the computer, so I thought I would share.

Painting her baby's toes =)

It looks like she's running super fast!

I thought this outfit was super cute...

...but she liked these shoes better =)

Love you Daddy! =)

Avery & Cadie

2009-03-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

I had to post this picture of Ave helping out her little buddy Cadie =)

Ave's First Trip to the Zoo!

2009-03-23T19:21:00.001-07:00

Ave made her first trip to the zoo today! Shannon, Cadie, Ave and I drove up to Little Rock and met up with Kristen at her new house (which is awesome!) and then headed to the Zoo. It was a great day, weather-wise as well as behavior-wise ;) I really think she had a great time and has been talking about it non-stop since we got home. She has also been "growling" at me since we got home. At first, all she wanted to do was find the giraffes. We would stop to look at an animal and she would say "I wanna see the giraffes" We finally found them when we stopped to eat. I'm so glad the train was running today, she rode it twice thanks to Aunt Kristen! She loves choochoo trains! She also rode a carnival ride, that was also a first. It made me a little nervous, but she loved it! We left around 4:00 and I think she was passed out by 4:10. Here are some pics of our day, enjoy! (Warning: Picture overload)

Just a short video...

2009-03-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

Yay for Spring! We played outside this evening when we got home and it was wonderful! I am mainly posting this video to show you Ave's outfit of choice. This past week, she has really been into wanting to get dressed all by herself. As you will see from the video, it's quite amusing at times =)

(We love and miss you Daddy!)

"I'm Avery May Hrabal"

2009-03-16T18:47:00.001-07:00

Just a couple of random Avery sayings...
I was trying to get her to pick her toys up and after about the millionth time of telling her, I took her into her room and firmly told her that she was going to pick up her toys before we did anything else. This was her sweet reply... " I not clean up, I'm Avery May Hrabal!"

The other night she tooted and giggled as usual, then says " I smell like a mailman!" I don't know where she comes up with this stuff.

One of her new favorite phrases-- "Check it out" =)

She has also picked up the word "ain't" and it really bothers me, I correct her everytime I hear her say it, but I'm beginning to think if maybe I ignore it, she'll quit saying it.

This is a really sweet/sad Avery story.... We took Marley Jane to the vet the other morning (to drop her off for her de-womanizing surgery) and I didn't take into consideration that Ave wouldn't understand why we were leaving "her best friend ever" at the doctor. We went to leave and she completely melted in the floor crying! She cried all the way to daycare and was still upset when I picked her up. I tried to explain that we were going to pick her up, but she just didn't get it. When we finally got to the vet that evening, she was sooooo happy to see her buddy! She loved on her on the way home and sat and held her in the floor for the longest time when we got home. It was super cute!

This is Ave after her hair has been in a "pony" all day =) The girl has got some crazy hair!

P.S. We love you and miss you very very very much Daddy! =)

Updating...

2009-03-04T17:42:00.000-08:00

So I noticed I went the whole month of February without a single post. oops! We really haven't been up to much. Billy came home mid month, but is getting ready to head out again on the tenth to Billings, Montana. =( Ave is turning into quite the bossy little lady lately. (who am I kidding? Really, she's always been bossy) She talks pretty much non-stop, and wow, does she have a country accent! She has finally stopped hiding in the closet to go poop and is actually using the potty! Now we just have to work on getting through the night with a dry pull-up and we will be completely potty trained! Woohoo! (on a sidenote, she did wake up this morning and her pull-up was dry)

I will close with some pictures and a short video. Hope all is well with everyone!

(In the video, yes, her eye is super red and a little swollen. we went to the doctor today and got some drops. she's as good as new now)

She looooves her Lego blocks! (Thanks Brennan!)

This is a frequent look I get. Followed by "Leave me alone." or "You're not my best friend ever, Daddy's my best friend ever!"

Oh! I almost forgot about Cadie Belle! One of my best friends, Shannon had her baby girl on Monday, Feb. 23rd. She is an absolute doll! Avery made friends with Shannon's nephew when we went to visit. I thought this picture was too cute!

Napping in the bathroom...

2009-01-19T16:58:00.000-08:00

So when Ave decided to take a nap today, I thought I would use that time to take a long shower. Apparantly she woke up at some point and decided to continue her nap in the bathroom floor! She never made a peep, but brought her pillow, bobby, and suzie in with her. This is what I found when I got out:

Hi Daddy!

2009-01-06T20:14:00.000-08:00

We love you and miss you very very much!

"Great Awesome"

Happy New Year!

2009-01-06T18:02:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!! (six days later) Better late than never =)

Let's see, I guess will post pics of all our Christmas get-togethers, that is if I can find some pictures. I didn't take very many at all and the worst thing of all is that I didn't even have my camera out Christmas morning when Ave was opening her Santa presents. That was so cute by the way! She kept saying "Thank You Santa!" "Santa" didn't get her too many presents, I think she got just enough that she didn't get overwhelmed. I think her favorites have been her alphabet bath toys and her car. Here is a video of her driving. (and yes, she does crash into the tree at the end) They should definately put air bags in these little cars!

All the Whisenhunt grandkids (Emma, Seth, Avery, Gabby, Kane, Grant, Josie)

Avery and Papaw

Driving the mustang

Posing by her car

The new addition, Marley Jane

The Hrabal grandkids (Avery, Brennan, Austin)

Avery and Daddy wrestling

Playing with her new blocks

Opening presents at Maw and PaPa's

Just Updating...

2008-12-22T18:43:00.000-08:00

So one of my resolutions for the new year is to keep this thing updated! (starting now)

Let's see, Thanksgiving has come and gone and we had a great time visiting with family, we didn't make it to Arlington this year, hopefully we will be able to next time. Mother, Avery, and I went shopping in Canton, TX the day after Thanksgiving and came back with a new puppy for her, he's a mini dachshund who goes by the name of Sam, he's sooo cute! And that's about all we got! But it was still a good trip =)

Billy came home a few days after Thanksgiving and it's been great having him at home. We miss him so much when he's gone. He is leaving after the first of the year for another job in California =( Hopefully he won't be gone too long.

I can't believe Christmas is this week! This year has flown by so fast! We had the Smith family Christmas yesterday and it was great to get to see everyone. We will go to Mother and Daddy's on Christmas Eve, stay here at the house on Christmas day and then to Billy's parents the day after. I can't wait! I love Christmas! I'm so excited to see Ave open her presents. I haven't put any under the tree and don't plan to until Christmas morning. I decorated her bedroom with Christmas lights today before I picked her up from daycare and she absolutely loved it! "their beautiful" she said, although when she says beautiful, it sounds more like "pitiful" =) "Santa" is bringing her a hot pink mustang, I really hope she will like it. She's also getting a choo-choo train, the girl makes a choo-choo train out of anything she can find, so I know she'll love it!

Guess that's about it for now, so here are some pictures and don't forget to check out

She's A Princess ;)

She's A Princess

2008-12-12T10:13:00.001-08:00

So here are a few things I have been working on and I think you should check them out! =)

She's A Princess

And I will update Ave's blog soon, promise!

2008-11-16T18:44:00.000-08:00

I was doing a project with these socks (making baby "leg warmers") the other night and Ave thought she would put ALL of the socks on =)

P.S. We love you and miss you Daddy!

I often wonder..

2008-11-05T08:40:00.001-08:00

what goes through Avery's mind sometimes or what she dreams about. Take for instance this morning. Since Billy is working in El Paso, she sleeps in the bed with me. She woke up this morning just grinning from ear to ear and the first words out of her mouth " I like cheeseburgers!" I am still laughing about it!

The past few weeks...

2008-11-04T19:08:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to post some pics from the past few weeks. Two weekends ago, Billy, Ave, and I went to Queen Wilhelmina with Mother and Daddy for my birthday. It was gorgeous as always, I didn't get many pics of that but here are a few. Ave loved the train and is still talking about it. That and the Moun-ten =). In the second picture, she's upset because she can't see the train.

This past weekend Ave and I went camping with Billy's parents at Petit Jean. (Billy left Thursday to go work in El Paso =( We miss you Daddy! We had a great time camping and got to see some beautiful scenery! I don't think the foliage was at it's peak, but it was still gorgeous! I didn't know how Ave would like the tent, but she loved it! It was a great trip aside from a little rain and few terrible-two fits ;)

Although we didn't get a chance to go trick-or-treating, I did get a few pics of Ave in her costume.

I can't remember if I've mentioned it in a previous post, but AVE IS POTTY TRAINED!! It is such a great feeling not to have buy diapers anymore! Now we just have to make her get rid of her paci...

Pumpkins!

2008-10-21T13:20:00.000-07:00

Saturday was pumpkin carving day for us. Billy and Ave did one Saturday morning and then Ave and I went to Shannon's Pumpkin Carving Party. We had lots of fun! Here are few pics:

We're Married!

2008-10-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

We finally did it! September 27th was the day. I would like to say that everything went smoothly. It didn't go exactly as planned, but close enough I guess. It turned out great! I'm just sorry I didn't get to spend as much time as I wanted visiting with everyone. I will post a few of the pics that I do have. As many flashes and cameras that I saw, I don't really have that many pictures, so if you have any, send them to me =) I still don't have the reception cameras developed, I'm anxious to see what is on them. The following ones were taken by my photog friend Alicia. (Thanks Lish =)

The next ones were from Cathy's camera

Daily Visitors...

2008-09-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned that I love where I live? =) This family of three has started coming by on a daily (or almost daily) basis. I don't mind them coming by, because they are quiet and don't disturb a thing. They are also fun to watch. It's a mommy and her two babies. I've watched them grow out of their spots. I hope they stay around the house, not just because I enjoy them, but because I am worried about their safety with hunting season coming up =( I took these pictures from my front porch. Gotta love country living!

Forward Roll

2008-09-25T09:22:00.000-07:00

So Ave has started to do forward rolls by herself. She was getting good at them with my help, but the other day, out of the blue, she just started flipping all over the place! It scares me a little because she gets excited and does them over and over without setting up with the proper form before each one and I'm afraid she's going to hurt her little neck. Here is a short video...

Reception Music?

2008-09-21T20:20:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here trying to make a playlist for the reception and am drawing a blank! All of a sudden, it's like I've never heard a song in my life. seriously, not ONE song. ever. I do have a few good ones so far, (I stress the word FEW) So the few of you out there that actually keep up with the blog, shoot some suggestions my way!

She's Crafty...

2008-09-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

I got in a crafty mood today and made this cute (in my opinion) hair bow holder for ave. She said it was pretty. She also called it a happy birthday cake, so who knows how she really feels about it =)

A few things that make me smile...

2008-09-13T19:33:00.001-07:00

Avery has started to say some of the funniest stuff lately. A couple of my favorites: Whenever we're looking for a cup, paci, "bobby", or just about anything, I will ask her where it is and she always says "it's in the tonto". She means "tahoe" and the pony's name at Granny and Papaw's house is Tonto =) Another one: (kinda gross, but cute) About a month or so ago, I was changing her diaper and made the comment "Girl, I can tell you have been eating some cheese!" So now everytime she goes poop, she says "it's got cheese on it" It cracks me up!

Getting Closer...

2008-09-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

In less than twenty days, we'll be married! We went to the court house today and got our marriage license. Apparantly if you go get your marriage license while the county clerks office is counting signatures on the wet/dry petitions for clark county, it takes no less than five minutes to get it. I really expected there to be more to it. So less than twenty days, you should probably start practicing my name - Jessica Hrabal (phonetically it's RAYBULL) =)

Favorite Pics of the Weekend

2008-09-07T22:02:00.000-07:00

Saturday, we spent the day with Billy's parents on Degray Lake and Sunday was spent with my family on Lake Greeson, I will post more pics later, (i'm tired), but these were my favorites. Here are Gabby and Grant jumping off the top of the barge on Sunday.

oops, i missed a day

2008-09-05T19:52:00.000-07:00

No pictures this time, I'm lazy =) Let's see, umm, Billy got a new truck and managed to re-wire his camper without blowing it up, Avery has gone to Granny and PaPaw's for the weekend, and I have to work tomorrow(bleh). As for my ebay stuff, it has four days left and as of right now, 7 items will sell totalling $21.50. Awesome, I know! Guess that's it for tonight.

ABC's and 123's

2008-09-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a short video of Ave counting and saying her alphabet

Feeding my ebay addiction..

2008-09-02T21:49:00.000-07:00

So I sometimes get in "ebay moods" for a week or so and buy and sell a shit-load of stuff! I am currently in one of those moods. I just bought some stuff for the wedding and just got finished (for tonight anyways, I just found a bunch of Ave's clothes that I had forgotten about that I'll do tomorrow) listing pretty much Ave's entire wardrobe from last fall and winter. It has taken me the better part of the evening to take pictures and get everything listed, but I already have bids on some of it! It's so exciting! Yes, I know, I'm a dork. Billy even referred to me in conversation with Avery as "your ebay-dork of a mom". I know he meant that in the most loving way possible. I'll keep you updated on how much money I make. Oh and don't think I was just taking pictures of clothes, here are a few of Ave.

I guess it's not all that exciting to her....

A weekend to ourselves!

2008-09-01T07:44:00.001-07:00

So as some of you may know, there really hasn't been a weekend (an entire weekend) since we have moved into the house, that we have been able to enjoy by ourselves. Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-social, but when some people think they have to come over EVERY weekend, it starts to wear on ya'. (that's a whole other rant) Granted Billy had to work late Friday and Saturday and I went shopping with Cara and Shannon on Saturday, it was still nice to be at home by ourselves at OUR house alll weekend without the rude interruption. Anywho, here are a few pictures. Enjoy =)

Here she is trying out the bubble machine for the wedding.

Just playing outside. She loves her wagon rides! Billy was pulling her through the sprinkler. She didn't like it at first.

Here she is with her buddies, Ella and Duke.

Here are some of the first "child". She loves the water! (if it's coming out of a hose or sprinkler)

Place Creative Title Here..

2008-08-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

So blog post number three... Today was a long day, a fun day, but long and I am tired! Avery and I went bridesmaid dress shopping with Shannon and Cara in Hot Springs. It was a successful trip and we found some great bargains! I love the dresses they got and I know they're going to look great at the wedding! I will close with a couple of pictures I just took of the boss lady, a.k.a Avery =)

I don't know if she will ever give up the paci..

Yes, it's 10:40 and this girl is still kickin'. I'm making her go to bed now. Good Night!

Post #2, I'm on a roll!

2008-08-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

So I'm hoping that by maintaining a blog I will be motivated to take more pictures of Ave. I used to take them all the time, but for some reason have gotten out of the habit. Here she is today engaged in her new obsession, CareBears. When we moved into the house, we found some children's dvd's in a closet, one happened to be CareBears. It is an everyday thing. As soon as she gets home from daycare, she wants to watch it. over and over.and over again.

Long time coming...

2008-08-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

So I've been meaning to start a blog. the end. Just kidding, kinda. I will post the most recent pictures I have uploaded of Ave.

These first three are from the Olympics, she was watching gymnastics. I'm threatening to ship her off to China to one of the gymnastics schools. =)

Shortly after these next ones were taken, she tripped and fell. not that it phased her...

All About Avery

Why not?

We’re still here!

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Yeah so, I’m not a good blogger.

14 Pictures of Avery

Halloween 2009

Queen Wilhelmina

My Ella

Notta Lotta

The Fair and Soccer…. again.

The Fair and Soccer

Tiny Dancer

Wonder Hanger Shwonder Hanger

Sweet Girl

Best Dip—EVAH!

What we’ve been up to…

Peanut Butter Strawberry Bars are Pretty Great.

Digital Scrapbooking

Randomosity

Ft. Worth Wedding Weekend

And now a picture post

Ave's Birthday. Day Three

Ave's Birthday. Day Two

Ave's Birthday

Slacking

Ave's "Practice" Cake and Agnes.

She's a dancing queen!

Silly Dogs

Hrabal Reunion

Happy Sixth of July!

We heart the waterlake.

A stopping point ***Picture Update***

Our little trip...Day 6

Our little trip...Day 5

Nevermind

Our little trip... Day 4

Our little trip... Day 3

Our little trip..Day 2

Our little trip

Yard Sales, Room Makeover, and Snakes!

ahem, just updating... again.

A little catch-up

One More...

Garvan Gardens

Just some pics...

Avery & Cadie

Ave's First Trip to the Zoo!

Just a short video...

"I'm Avery May Hrabal"

Updating...

Napping in the bathroom...

Hi Daddy!

Happy New Year!

Just Updating...

She's A Princess

I often wonder..

The past few weeks...

Pumpkins!

We're Married!

Daily Visitors...

Forward Roll

Reception Music?

She's Crafty...

A few things that make me smile...

Getting Closer...

Favorite Pics of the Weekend

oops, i missed a day

ABC's and 123's

Feeding my ebay addiction..

A weekend to ourselves!

Place Creative Title Here..

Post #2, I'm on a roll!

Long time coming...

A stopping point Picture Update