learning to grill

There are skills every man needs to learn.  Asher started his training by helping PopPop make his Father's Day lunch!

Step 1:  Turn on the gas.

Step 2:  Light the flames!

Step 3:  Add burgers and flip occassionally.

Step 4:  Enjoy all your hard work!

all american boy

The other week I saw a post on Bonnie's blog and was completely inspired!  She made the cutest shirts for her little guy and made me want to try my hand at it.

Drew, Asher, and I are going to be spending the 4th of July at a fun picnic with Drew's parents, so I decided that our youngest family member needed a special shirt.

Ta da!

I found the shirt {with no pocket - easier said than done, right Bonnie?} at Target for $5 and the fabric is all from Jo-Ann's Fabric.  It was less than $6 for the fabric with some coupons.  You can't beat a customized shirt for about $10!

It really was easy to make and only took me about an hour from start to finish.  I'll do a step-by-step tutorial soon.  In the meantime, we're hitting the road again, so we'll see you all after the holiday weekend.

Happy 4th of July!!

like mike

Guess who's a natural athlete?

This guy.

Asher discovered that he LOVES basketball while we were visiting my parents!  His PopPop put the basketball hoop as low as it would go so A could shoot around a bit.

Asher would carry this huge basketball everywhere.  It came with us in the car, on stroller rides, and into the house {briefly}.  I think I know what to get him for a birthday gift next year.

Besides carrying the ball, Asher's favorite thing was dunking.  I know - that's a natural progression, right?  My dad would lift him up and Ash would s-l-o-w-l-y lift the ball up and into the basket. 

I tried to help him dunk a few times and just couldn't hold all 23 pounds above my head long enough.  That led to a few crying spells of disappointment while PopPop was at work, but what's a Mom to do?  I can't apologize for not having arms like a man {or Madonna} - ha!

After the ball would go through the hoop, Asher would say this adorable "yeah!" and do a victory dance.  Just like a real baller.  :-)

Then he'd move on to the next sport he's sure to dominate:  golf. 

One green Master's jacket, size 18mo, please.

there's no place like home

We're home!  

Asher and I had so much fun visiting my parents last week, but now we're back.  There are still a few posts I want to do about our trip - coming soon!

As hard as it was to leave, Ash and I both missed Drew and were really excited to see him.  As soon as we pulled into the driveway, Asher started saying "dada, dada."  This sweet boy loves his daddy!

They couldn't wait to go for a walk and do some catching up.

Home is where your favorite rocks reside.  :-)

This was a big weekend for us since we had a homecoming and our 7th wedding anniversary - I'm so happy that Drew and I were able to celebrate it together.  Look at all the wonderful cards and gorgeous lillies that were waiting for me when I got home.  Drew is the best!

I really can't believe it's been 7 years since we got married.  I love you Drew and can't wait to see what the next 7 years {and more!} brings.

wordless wednesday - this little piggy

Love me some baby toes.  :-)

the new prince of raleigh

This post is in honor of the best sitcom theme song ever written.  You know which one I mean.

Enjoy.  :-)

Now this is the story all about how

My life got fun; play, nap, then chow

And I’d like to take a minute, just stay real jolly

I’ll tell you how I became the prince of a big town called Raleigh

Just west of DC I’ve spent most of my prime

On the playground is where I’d be found ‘til bedtime.

Then one day last week I heard “c’mon Ash, let’s go”

I packed up my toys and waved bye-bye daddy-o

We jumped in the car and cruised down 95

To Grammy and PopPop’s  - yo folks, I’ve arrived!

Since then my days are spent

Living large like a gent

Chillin’ out, snackin’

relaxin' by the pool

Shooting some b-ball outside ‘til preschool

When a couple of shoes, they were up to no good

Started causin' me to stumble through my childhood

A knee got one little scrape and my Mom got scared

And said, “we'd better head back north, so go get prepared”

Well, things are much too fun so I can’t go back home

This town is where I’m livin’ large and found my shalom.

I whistled for a ride and a wagon came near

License plate said “Ash” and had a chair in the rear

I hopped on aboard and asked PopPop to pull

He and Grammy love me lots and keep the cookie jar full.

I looked at my kingdom, from my custom ridin’ trolley,

To sit on my throne as the new prince of Raleigh.

{ha ha, we're having a TON of fun, if you couldn't tell}

wipin' up

Someone recently discovered the joy that comes from pulling wipe after wipe out of the container.

And I discovered the joy that comes from watching him do it.  :-)

#1 dad, 2 years running

Asher wants to wish his Daddy a very...

Happy Father's Day!

Ash and I are spending a week with my parents in Raleigh, so unfortunately we aren't able to be with Drew today.  Since this was a planned trip we celebrated A's dad last week!

This year was so fun because Asher was able to help make a sign to let Daddy know just how much we love him.

We made this sign on Thursday afternoon and surprised Drew with it and some treats when he got home from work.

{one of his many awesome dad qualities is his fantastic, sincere 'surprise' face!}

Who's a Yankees fan?  These boys are!  Matching Daddy/son t-shirts make me grin.   Can't wait to see them wearing these together this summer!

It feels like just yesterday that Drew became a Daddy.  He was aces at it from day one.

We love you Drew - thanks for being such an amazing father to Asher!