PAPaRAZZi

I have wanted to take professional pictures of Ryan and I for quite some time now (no, these are NOT engagement photos, haha). FINALLY, we are getting pictures done December 19th by an amazing family-friend, Nate. He is trying to build his portfolio and offering an amazing deal that we just can't pass up.  I am beyond excited and Ryan is supporting my excitement by not giving me a hard time. I am heading back down the valley this Thursday for Jaxson's baptism and Ryan said that we could go through his clothes and pick out the outfit(s). I'm thinking red and black...to give it somewhat of a holiday feel. Nate has some great location ideas as well as poses, but I found one photo that I want to copy badly! And I am going to make it happen whether Ryan likes it or not :-)

Here is the photo:

LOVE.LOVE.LOVE.

With Christmas approaching, let's try not to forget about those who are less fortunate than us and try to "change the world." I'm not saying we need to go buy a thousand presents for someone, materialistic things aren't what people necessarily want. Sometimes a simple smile is all someone needs. Food for thought: do a good deed, pass it on<3

BLACK FRIDAY

As most of you know, us Sunders tend to stay up late and are not early risers. Therefore, with stores opening at midnight on Black Friday that is our prime time to be awake. Jaime, mamma and I ventured to Kohl's, Toys "R" Us, and Babies "R" Us this year. We were out shopping aka standing in line from about 12:20am-6:30am. Yes, you all may say we are crazy and we probably won't disagree with you. Mamma and I are sticking to our story that we "were training Jaime to stay up all night for her new job working in the ER on the night shift, we were taking one for the team" haha. Fortunately, we bipassed the 4.5 hour wait at Toys "R" Us becuase we were at Kohl's and we never waited in line to get INTO a store. All in all it was worth staying out all night and standing in line because we hit some pretty good deals! Jaxson is going to be one happy boy when his birthday and Christmas come around!

HAPPY SHOPPING!

Oh so thankful

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I have been updating my Facebook every day with something that I am thankful for. I am constantly thanking God for what he has blessed me, but it was nice to acknowledge those individuals and aspects of my life that I am oh so thankful for to others. In particular this Thanksgiving, I was so grateful to be able to come home and enjoy a few days away from school and be surrounded by people that I love with all my heart. It was amazing to have a little one sitting at the table when last year he was still in his mamma's belly and we were all wondering if he was going to be a Jaxson or Peyton. It's crazy to think how much has changed in just a year. This little man has nestled his way into all of our hearts in his own special way. He is so unbelievably adorable, healthy, has an amazing personality, gives the best kisses, and so much more. Life has only gotten so much sweeter with this little man in our lives.

Getting strapped in his chair by Uncle B

"Oh hey Auntie :-)"

Hmmm...first Thanksgiving dinner

Jaxson is SO BIG!

Stop trying to feed my mom!

RAWR

YUMMMM

Do we ever take a serious picture?

Mom: Kiss like you haven't kissed in 5 years, give each other that look like ohhh I want to kiss you!

Me: I'm not quite sure what that look looks like, hahaha

Mission Accomplished<3

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

xo Ash



GAME BOARD!

One of my projects for my Social Studies methods class was to create a board game that reinforces some aspect under Social Studies, is developmentally appropriate, and of course FUN! For the past two days I have been creating my masterpiece. I decided to create a game that enforces geography skills and crosses with math skills as well. The game is called "Fifty Nifty" and is aimed for 1st and 2nd graders, even though other grades could play it as well. I have a map that is covered with all the states (not named) and each player will draw a state from one pile. Their task is to locate the specific state, once they do so, they pull off the blank state and see if they were correct! If they were, they have a point card that they write down the number of points that state was worth! It sounds fun and interesting to me and it teaches students where all the different states are! Whooo Hooo! Here are some pictures of the game. Enjoy<3

The state cards they draw from a pile

The game board cover

The cover, the actual game board, the state stars and the orange star is what they write their points on :-)

Take a Moment to Ponder...

The past two weekends I have gone home to spend the weekend with my family and attend various family events. This weekend, I am able to enjoy some "me" time and focus on all the things I have to accomplish in the next few weeks. I know it is a time to be thankful, and trust me, I am oh so very thankful for what I have been given in life.

However, there's still room to get a little overwhelmed at times. As of this past week, I only have FIVE more classes until the semester is over, but when I look at my schedules for what still needs to be done, I don't feel like there is enough time. Chapter exams, discussions, readings, projects, weekly assignments, all on top of two final projects I already received the instructions for this week. It's so easy to get overwhelmed with a workload like this, but I try to focus on the positives rather than the negatives. I am grateful that I have the opportunity to be receiving an AMAZING college education and achieving my goal to become a teacher. It's mind boggling that a year from now I will be nearing the end of my student teaching and hopefully be offered a job where I can make a difference in the lives of my students. Time is going by so fast and I need to remember to soak in every moment of this wonderful experience because it's not always going to be here. In the words of Dori from Finding Nemo, "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming."

<3 Ash

Pinterest anyone?

I have cracked and joined the website pinterest. I am going to see how long I can keep up with all these little cyber activities, but so far I am in love. It's SO neat looking up neat cupcake ideas, home decorations, teaching items, etc. So if you want to follow me, here you go! :-)

http://pinterest.com/

Mr. & Mrs. Fuzi

 This past weekend, a dear family friend of ours got married to her boyfriend of 8 years. Leslie and her family have grown to be very close friends to my family over the years. Our families have shared many trips up North, church retreats, family celebrations, and much more. The only thing that could have made this day better was if Marty (Leslie's daddy) could have been there physically. He passed away a couple years ago and even though we would all like him here with us, he is in a better place. Marty touched so many lives and he continues to live on through all of us in some way.

Leslie got married at St. Thomas More with a reception at the Sheraton Crescent. It was a beautiful and emotional ceremony. Leslie looked absolutely STUNNING! I had been with her prior to the ceremony because I helped with the bridesmaids makeup, so I got to see her get all dolled up and I couldn't wait to the final product. Leslie and Pete's reception wad definitely filled with love, tears, and happiness. As the night went on, the party got going and we all had a blast dancing the night away.

Leslie & Pete, I wish you nothing but happiness and love throughout your marriage. You two were meant for each other and I can't wait to see what the future brings for you! Love you!

Mr. & Mrs. Fuzi!

The candy bar my mom and many others helped create!

Jaxson just loved RyRy this weekend! <3

SLACKING!

I am trying to keep up with the blog as much as possible, but it is hard to find spare time to sit down and put the time and effort into a good entry! School is nearing the end of the semester, which means BUSY BUSY BUSY. Thank goodness Thanksgiving is a week from Thursday and I should have some downtime while relaxing at home with the family to blog away! Keep checking in to see what I am up to :-)

xo Ash

BRRRR...Hello Winter!

So beautiful! This is what I woke up to this morning. Looks like it's going to be a white winter :-)

WEDDING BLISS

I feel like ever since my sister "Tied-the-Knot" two years ago, there has been wedding fever. I have been to AND in numerous weddings, which of course, causes me to make mental notes for what I want in my own future wedding (not any time soon!). This past weekend, my mom, brother, Jaxson, RyRy and myself all attended our family friend, Caleb's, wedding. It was a beautiful, intimate, backyard wedding that definitely turned into a party! There were unique touches that expressed their personalities, which I believe is more important rather than following the traditional wedding scene. Here are some pictures that I have "stolen" from others to share from the special day belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Cuevas! Congratulations! :-)

Special made shoes with her new last name!

The newlyweds!

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS!

NEXT UP: Mr. && Mrs. Fuzi (November 12th, 2011)