This Little Boy...

His birthday..I was in awe of how perfect he is

On December 16, 2010, I became an auntie for the first time. My sister Jaime gave birth to her first baby, Jaxson Matthew. It is crazy to think that he is 9 and 1/2 months old, it feels like yesterday we were at the hospital waiting to hear the news if it was a boy or girl. This little boy has touched so many lives and nestled his way into many hearts. He is SUCH a good little boy it is almost unreal. He has the biggest smile that melts my heart everytime I see it. He has taught me the definition of what unconditional love is. I loved him before I even met him. If I love my nephew this much, I am sure that the love for my own children will be no different. My sister is an amazing mother and I had no doubt that she would be any different because she learned from an amazing mother who learned from her amazing mother. Our family has always been very close, but since Jaxson has been around I feel that we share a stronger bond more than ever. If only this little boy knew how much he has influenced our lives. He is definitely loved by all who meet him! 

Jaxson, remember what Auntie Ashlee told you. I am always here for you. If mamma says no, you can come to me. If daddy says no, you can still come to me...because frankly I would probably be more scared of your mamma than your daddy! I love you so much and can't wait to see you grow up! Love, Aunt Ash <3

A few things about Jaxson:

1. He knows how to say dada, mama, and hot dog

2. He loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, in particular the hot dog song (hence him saying hot dog)

3. He loves to clap his hands

4. He waves

5. He sticks out his lower lip and will give you kisses...nice slobbery ones!

6. He is my Godson

7. I think he is a perfect mixture of his mamma and daddy, but has some more Sunder to him. He resembles my baby pictures to be honest.

8. He LOVES attention

9. He is a pig...LOVES to eat and try everything

10. I don't think he has ever been put down since he was born :-)

One of Jax's newborn pictures

Cuddle time with Auntie Ashlee

My little rockstar!

BABY CARLOS :-)

Booter aka Boots aka Boots with the Fur

For my 21st birthday I requested a puppy of my very own! We have always had family dogs, but I wanted to have the bond with a dog of my very own that I saw my sister and her dog Daisy have. Memorial Day weekend the Sunder family welcomed it's newest member, BOOTER. I gave her my nickname that was given to me by my Daddy and it is one of my favorite. After having Booter for quite some time now, I understand why my mom never wanted us kids to have our "own" dogs growing up because she would have ended up doing all the work. Having a puppy is NOT easy...getting up in the middle of the night to let her out, potty training, making sure everything is put away so she doesn't chew anything, leaving doors shut, etc. Sounds like taking care of a baby right? Well I think that taking care of a baby is easier (and we all know I have lots of experience with babies)! Despite all the work, she is my baby girl and I love coming home to her and cuddling at night when we go to sleep! She knows I am her Mamma and that is exactly what I wanted!

Booter's first week in Flagstaff (4 months)

Booter at about 2 months

Love it!

(Flag temp at 8:15 am)

One of the many perks of going to NAU is the weather that comes along with it. Today in Glendale the high will reach 99, whereas the high in Flagstaff is going to be 76 with a 30% chance of thunderstorms. WHOOOOO! Fall has arrived and the trees are changing from their luscious green to their warm and inviting red, orange, and yellows. How can you be anything but happy and blessed when you wake up to a place so BEAUTIFUL!<3

Academically Achieving Student

According to NAU, I am an Academically Achieving Student. Translation, I am being recognized by the University for my high GPA. I have always enjoyed school, but once I started college I have always strived to do my best. At PVCC, I was acknowledged for my GPA and made the Dean's List. My first semester at NAU, I made the Dean's List and now this. Through all the moans, sighs, frustrations, and hours spent on homework/projects, these achievements make it all worth it! At the end of the day, I am proud of myself and know I am making others proud of me. I am so blessed to be receiving such an education, that I would not want to take it for granted for even a second. I hope to one day inspire my students in their learning with the passion I have for teaching.

"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”

-William Arthur Ward

"You Are My Happy"

It's no secret that my relationship with my boyfriend, Ryan, has been everything but boring. We started dating when I was a senior in high school and him a junior. Even though we are still so young now, we were just babies back then. We have had the obstacle of growing up and defining who we want to be while still keeping the relationship going. No matter what obstacles we face individually or as a couple, we always end up together and that's how we want it to be. The bright side of being young is that you CAN make mistakes and be unsure of who we are because we don't know any better. In the end, I fall more in love with that boy everyday and I wouldn't change the last four years for the world. He is my happy and I'm not going to let anything come between us. I love you baby, always and forever!

Dad Turns 50!

September 22nd was a milestone for my wonderful Daddy, he turned 50! To celebrate, my Mamma spent many hours preparing an amazing trip that was enjoyed by the family! Daddy, Mamma, Jaime, Matt, Brandon, Jaxson, and myself all jetted off to Breckenridge, CO. We left the heat in Phoenix and spent Thursday-Monday in the beautiful mountains, trees, and 60 degree weather! It was so nice to get away and enjoy some time with the family, even if I was doing homework every chance I could! We all were so amazed with how beautiful the town was, we kept referring to it as "something you see in the movies". The leaves were changing from green to beautiful yellow and orange, it was the perfect way to get into the Fall spirit! However, due to Dad's back and the timing of the trip, we were limited to some of the activities we wanted to do. Water rafting and zip-lining were no longer options, however, us "young" kids decided to take a Jeep Tour in the mountains of Vail. Along with the Jeep Tour, we enjoyed walking down Main Street and checking out all the little shops that have been converted from old homes, taking "Old Time" pictures, and walking around at night listening to some history about the "haunted" parts of Breckenridge. As always, time flies when you're having fun and none of us wanted to come home, but all good things come to an end. I can't wait for our next family vacation!

Taking some last minute scenery pictures - soaking up the beauty!

A view of the street our condo was on, gorgeous!

Let's Try This Again...

I have attempted this whole blogging ordeal once before, but it just didn't stick. However, I have been learning about blogs and how beneficial they can really be in a thousand different ways. They can be used to document certain times of one's life, used as a baby book, used for education purposes, and so much more! I'm not sure what the point of my blog will be, but I would like to keep an open mind and not hinder any creativity, phase, experience, or even emotion I may encounter! Needless to say, I will keep you on your toes and hopefully interested enough to come back! :)