OMG- a current photo!

So, I am afraid that cute pics of me are gonna be few and far between until I have this baby and lose 120 million pounds! And, as the picture plainly shows, I look like crap. For some reason my nausea has come back with a vengeance after taking a 2 week vacation. I am currently battling some serious sinus problems- massive headaches, dizziness, drainage. I am swollen. I am complaining. Aren't pregnant chicks supposed to have a pregnancy glow? Where's the second trimester energy I've been hearing about? I am just blah! Sorry... hopefully I'll sweeten up a bit after my sonogram next week.

P.S. baby- please have your legs spread wide open. That is the only time I will ever say that. Love, Mommy

Family Pictures

For the first time since before I had Hayden we actually had pictures taken as a family. And, this wasn't Sears or Target. This was with an honest to goodness photographer with an amazing camera, fancy lenses, and lots of patience. Missy, who is good friends with my sister Kelli, was able to snap lots of pics AND see the Myers' family at their best behavior! Hah! They did do better than I thought they would, we only had a few instances of gas passing and one little shoving poking match between Chandler and Hunter with Chloe being caught in the crossfire. Aww, what lovely children I have...

Really though, the drama started before we left. And it was with ME! Due to my recent weight loss I am between sizes in jeans, and being desperate for the same medium blue wash of jeans as everyone else, I bought the smaller size and some Spanx. Well, let's just say that my Spanx squished the excess Ashley up out over the top of her jeans into what resembled an extra row of breasts. I could remedy that by pulling the offensive undergarment over my real breasts and walking slow. Which, with red pumps on caused me to bring to mind images of Peg Bundy. And, I didn't dare even eat a cracker- there was no room. The girl at the store told me they had stretch and would loosen considerably after a few hours. And, they did but I'll touch on that in a moment... So, we go get our pictures taken on what was probably the windiest day I have ever seen. I really thought we were gonna get blown into the nearby canals. But, we managed to get some shots with everyone cheesin' for the camera in between wind gusts. A BIG thank you to Missy for putting up with us and to Chan for providing comic relief (dancing with his shirt off). Sorry about that Missy!

And, now for the rest of my story. After pictures we stopped to see Kelli and her family (thanks to Corgan for even more comic relief which put Aunt Ashley on diaper duty!) which was fun. I wish we could see them more but both of us get super busy what with 7 kids between us! Anyway- we tortured our children further by making them go to Red Robin (unlimited steak fries) for a late lunch. I had only been in that booth for about a minute when I decided the Spanx needed to come off. So, Chloe and I headed to the ladies room where she helped her Mommy go potty, and yes I did need her. She helped me get my jeans off! How fast the tables turn... Then I took off the girdle-y thing and went to chow down. I know how women in corsets must have felt, it was blissful to get it off and be able to eat! Really, I think the Spanx weren't needed after all. I should have just worn the jeans for an hour or so the day before and I would have been fine. Oh well... Fast forward to after lunch and us getting in the van to leave. I suddenly remember my Spanx are still in the booth! So, I make Jon run in after them because I had my shoes off and my pants unzipped. And, there they were dangling between the busboy's pinched fingers.

P.S. go to Missy's photo blog for a sample of today's shots

BMX birthday

Even though he isn't quite 7, we went ahead and celebrated Hayden's birthday yesterday. Of course we had it at the local BMX track. We did it early since we will be in Oklahoma for the BMX Grand Nationals (biggest race of the year) on his actual birthday. And, after weeks of warm weather, it just had to turn cold and windy just in time for the party. It was the kind of cold that seems to go right through you. It almost seems difficult to think straight when you are out in that crazy wind. But, we survived. We had to park two SUV's in front of the food/cake/present table to stay warm and so nothing would blow away. Most of the kids divided their time between the bounce house and the race track, as did some of the adults. That was the only way to stay warm. We managed to have a decent time in spite of the wind and for sure Hayden had a blast. I had a hard time getting him to get dressed today, he was in pj's most of the day playing with his new toys. I want to thank those that came to join Hayden on his special day. We sent out 25 invitations and not a single kid from his class came, which is disappointing. But, what can you do? Because of the crazy wind and supervising the festivities, I didn't get very many pictures. I am posting the important ones: Hayden, presents, cake and me trying out the track for the very first time.


awesome cake, it was sooo good



Hayden and one of his new presents



funny present, we are gonna have a blast with this one



me on the gate, I was scared...



me, riding the track. My butt is huge! If I continue to ride on the track maybe I can shrink it?

Make new friends, but keep the old...

Today I had the awesome opportunity to get to hang out with one of my oldest and dearest friends, Maranatha. I have known her since I was in 8th grade and she was in 6th. Unfortunately we both went our separate ways and it's been a loooong time since I've seen her, 14 years to be exact. I last saw her at my reception, May 11th, 1996. When I found out she was gonna be in the metroplex I jumped at the chance to get to see her and meet her two boys, Inti and Ocean. We met at a neat little park in Grand Prairie for a picnic. But, not being a planner I didn't bring lunch. Which was fine, because I got to try some of their hummus and I was so excited to be with my friend, that I didn't even notice I was hungry until my drive back home. Even though lots of things have happened in our lives and we are older and a little different now, I know she would do anything for me and I the same. I just adore her. And, it was pretty darn neat to see her with babies of her very own. She is like a sister to me. I really had fun hanging out and playing with her boys. Good times. I can't wait to see her again and for sure it will be sooner than 14 years!

Inti testing out some fake zombie eyeballs


Ocean, worn out


Ashley and Maranatha: self portrait (I look so freaking tired)


opening the goodies Miss Ashley brought



group shot

Way-back Wednesday!

I can't believe it's Wednesday already!! Time to go way-back!

Here is yours truly at around 4 months of age. This picture makes me want my very own redheaded baby girl. I still have this dress. I put Chloe in it once, but never took her picture. So, it awaits a daughter or more than likely a grand-daughter. Like my upside down hair bow and slobber?



Here I am in 1st grade. Nice haircut and even nicer bags under the eyes. Can you say hot mess?


Here are me, Jon, Chandler, and Hunter. Our very first family portrait. Jon hates this picture. He is very uncomfortable having his picture made. I am 21 in this pic, Jon 25, Chandler 3, and Hunter 1 month.


Here is the last family pic we had taken. Sad huh? Poor Hayden. Lucky for him, we have an appointment in August to have a family portrait done. (ages: me-23, Jon-27, Chandler-5, Hunter 28-months, and Chloe 10 months)


This is one of my favorite pictures. Jon and the kids (minus Hayden) hanging at the crib. We were living at my parent's house during our house hunt. Ages are the same as above pic.