The Cassady Family

Emma and Sophia

2010-08-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

Charles' best friend from medical school is Aaron Purdy. Recently Aaron and his sweet wife Samantha had a baby girl (Sophia). This past weekend we meet the Purdy's in Austin at their condo on Lake Travis. Sophia and Emma meet for the first time and I am sure as the years go by they will be fast friends! Thank you Purdy family for a great weekend to relax and spend some quality time together! Love you guys!!

Camp Creek

2010-08-19T18:10:00.000-07:00

There is a place we love to go and that place is called Camp Creek! My Aunt and Uncle have this great home on lake Camp Creek where TV, radio and phones are not allowed. It forces us all the talk, read and play games with each other which is such a nice change of pace! We have been going there during the summer for a far back as I can remember and this year Emma and I made an appearance. We had a great time swimming, painting, reading, feeding deer and laughing! Here are some pictures from our week.

Cassady Girl's Weekend!

2010-08-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

Charles' mother has three sisters and one brother. Each year they have a girl's weekend with the sister's, sister-in-law and daughters of the moms. This was my first year to attend and it was so great! We meet up in Spring, TX right outside of Houston at Aunt Shirley's home and swam, played games and shopped in the older part of Spring! I had a great time with the girls laughing til my side hurt! Thanks girls for the great weekend!

Fourth of July

2010-08-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law came down for a few days and was able to spend the fourth with Charles, Emma and I. We went to the annual City of Richardson fireworks show. So many people attend each year that they have a shuttle system that takes people to and from their cars... we decided this was a great idea until the end of the evening. We quickly realized that everyone else was shuttled to the park and there were a sea of thousands waiting for a ride after the show. So we decided to make the 3 1/2 mile walk at 10:30 pm. Quite the adventure with an 18 month old!

Our New Home

2010-08-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

We found this great rental home in Richardson! We wanted to take a few years to become familiar with the area and decide what spot is best for us... so, in the meantime we will live here. :)

Charles is official!

2010-08-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, Ok, I know it has been like six months since my last post but things have been a little crazy around the Cassady household! We sold our home, moved to Texas and Charles graduated from his Residency program. We are now in Richardson, Tx and Charles is working for Metro Anesthesia Consultants. He loves his new job and we are loving having are favorite man back! So, to catch up I thought I would start with pics from graduation. :) We are so proud of all Charles has accomplished!

Thoughts on Beauty

2010-01-27T10:48:00.000-08:00

I have started a new Bible study at church. It was written by Beth Moore and is titled "Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman" Today during the video portion of our video Beth touched on Esther's beauty and how her true beauty is concealed in her heart. All of this got me thinking about Emma and my prayer for her as a woman in this culture and child of God. Here is the thing... I think that my child is so beautiful! From her bright blue eyes to her rose bud lips, I think she is a little baby doll! I can say this honestly knowing that all the mom's out there think their child is beautiful as well! I realize as she grows her features will change... she may be thin or chubby, tall or short. She may have zits or freckles, braces or straight teeth. She will probably go through an awkward stage and have a hairy upper lip and bushy eyebrows and feel like a stranger in her body. (I say this because it happened to me!) :) I know there will be a time when she feels ugly and will compare herself to all the other girls in her class. But, this is what I pray she will know and that I am strong enough to teach her. We are ALL beautiful!!! Each woman on this earth was created by God and with him present in our hearts we are lovely to all those we meet. We all will age, get wrinkles, gain wight, acquire possible scars we cannot hide. What is so great however about possessing the beauty of the Lord is that is CAN be sustained. 1 Peter 1: 3-4 tells us " Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade- kept in heaven for you." See! When we love the Lord and hold that knowledge in our hearts we have a wonderful beauty mark others without God in their lives don't posses! And the best thing about this news is that is will always be there! As she moves forward in life, I pray Emma will shine so brightly her beauty can be seen for miles! As Beth Moore says, "May the beauty of the Lord be with you!"

I'm Back!

2010-01-22T07:45:00.000-08:00

I know I have been away for a while but I am back now with lots to tell you so hold on! As you can see I changed my blog up a little. I decided to change my blog title, the background and banner! (thought it was time I added pics of Emma on the banner) :) Also, I thought with the new year I wanted a fresh look for the blog so here it is! :)

I have a lot of updates to share so I thought I would start with the most recent and work my way back to the beginning of December.

Emma's 1st Birthday!

We rang in the New Year in a big way! Emma turned one and we had a princess party to celebrate the occasion. Amy and Greg opened up their home and both sides of our family (along with my best friend Amber) helped us love on sweet Emma! I can't believe my baby girl is already celebrating her first year! It feels like yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital and I was a mess not knowing what I was doing or how I was going to handle such a big responsibility! She has been such a joy in our lives and keeps me on my toes most days. She can say mama, dada, gabby, hi, hi-dee, pappy, and we are working on many other words... She finally has her fist tooth and she took her first steps on January 1st! (eight to be exact!) She loves water, dancing, Cheerios, sesame street, waving hello to everyone, and her blankie! She has beautiful wavy hair and her blue eyes make my heart melt! I am so in love with her and I am looking forward to many more firsts with my sweet Princess!

Christmas 2009!
Christmas break was an eventful one! I decided to head home to Denison on the 22nd and stay until after the new year. Charles had to work up until Christmas Eve so he was going to drive on the 24th and stay through the weekend. Well, it just so happens Oklahoma had an actual blizzard on the 24th and Charles called me from the highway. He was stuck and unable to drive any further. So, he packed up his belongings on his back and hiked a few miles to our friends home. He stayed the night and bravely took to the streets the next morning. It took him 6 1/2 hours to make the 2 1/2 drive but he made it to my parents home on Christmas Day! We were all so excited and most of all, Emma. I think that was her favorite present on Christmas! Here are some pictures from the Christmas holiday!

Pioneer Woman

The day before I left to head home for Christmas I went to a book signing for a little jewel "The Pioneer Woman Cooks" In case you are new to my blog let me tell you about The Pioneer Woman! She is a city girl who moved to the country after marrying the love of her life. She has four kids, is a photographer, home schools her children, loves to cook (and just finished her first cookbook) and she has a blog about it all! Where does she find the time?! Anyway, I am a fan and we love her recipes around this house so I had to meet her in person! I waited in line for about an hour and I swear once I finally met her I was such a total dork! I had no idea what to say and I was nervous... I just don't handle myself well around famous and semi-famous people! But I managed to pull it together enough to get her to sign my book and take a picture!

New York City 2009!
Charles and I headed to NYC aka "The Big Apple" for a little mini break around the second week of December! I had just turned the big 30 and thought we should celebrate in a big way! We left Emma with Grandma and Pappy and left for the city! We went with another couple, Jeff and Qunicie. (They are friends from Charles' residency program.) Charles and I have a friend in NY from the med school days so we had a free place to crash! Adam lives in the East Village area of New York and it was great! Super hip and super cool. :) To me, the best way to see NY is to live like a new yorker for a few days and really experience life in a big city crammed in a small apartment! :) We were able to see a few shows "West Side Story" and "The Lion King"! Let me just go on th record saying if you have yet to see "The Lion King" broadway style, you are missing out! It was so increadible and I was crying within the first five minutes due to the greatness of it all! Go see it! We also did some shopping of course! China Town is always a hot spot for cheep knock off goods and Bryant Park had tents set up for venders along with ice skating and hot chocolate. New York at Christmas is something everyone should see at least once but disclaimer... IT IS SOOO COLD!

Christmas Pictures (the unedited version)

2009-12-07T08:48:00.001-08:00

We had our family Christmas photos taken on Saturday. We went to Mryiad Gardens downtown and it was absolutely freezing that day! Mandy Stansberry was our photographer and she did a great job however I have discovered adding a new little person to the mix makes it that much harder to get one great photo! I will demonstrate this by showing you the following pictures. :) Now here are the ones you will see on cards, in frames, and on facebook. :)

30 things!

2009-12-04T14:59:00.000-08:00

So, this past Saturday I turned the dreaded 30! As I woke up last Saturday morning I couldn't help but reflect on my 20's... I thought about all the things I was "going" to do and places I was "going" to go. Then I thought how silly that was!! My twenties have been so full of memories. Good, bad, funny, spiritual , and unforgettable! I thought a great way to honor that would be to make a list of thirty things I either learned or experienced in my twenties. Here goes....

1. I made friends that will last me a lifetime!

2. I traveled throughout Southeast Asia on a mission trip with the Aggies for Christ.

3. I fell in love.

4. I had my heart broken.

5. I broke a heart.

6. I had an internship with Scottish Rite Hospital and it changed me forever.

7. I learned how to knit.

8. I learned how to do basic algebra. (don't ask) :)

9. I earned my college degree.

10. I bought my first new car.

11. I climbed a mountain with my sister.

12. I drank alcohol and have decided it is overrated and can deeply hurt people.

13. I watched people I love lose people they love.

14. I got married!

15. I lost three grandparents and wished for more time.

16. I saw the bright lights of Vegas.

17. I took lots of various jobs to put my husband through medical school.

18. I learned forgiveness is a beautiful thing.

19. I did my own taxes.

20. I fixed a broken toilet.

21. I have lived in 4 different cities and two states.

22. I meet Willie Nelson.

23. I gained 35 pounds.

24. I lost 35 pounds.

25. I lost a baby.

26. I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.

27. I learned being a mom is the hardest and most rewarding thing in the world.

28. I learned poopie diapers DO NOT clean themselves.

29. I learned I cannot do it all so I have to be content with what I can.

30. I have learned prayer is the one thing that gets me through each day.

Thank you God for the first thirty! Good and Bad it has molded me into me and equipped me for what's to come! Bring on the next thirty!

Favorite thing about the holiday season!

2009-11-11T11:06:00.000-08:00

These little jewels come out in grocery stores everywhere! They are so wonderful and I could eat boxes!!

Emma's new find!

2009-11-05T13:36:00.000-08:00

Will someone please tell my sweet baby girl these are not toys! I would also like for someone to tell her she won't need them for quite some time but until then they are not to be eaten! This is what happens when I leave her alone for one minute!

October Happenings

2009-11-04T14:35:00.000-08:00

OK, this is going to be a slightly long post... I am going to squeeze the last few weeks of October in one shot. Starting backwards with Halloween! Our sweet little Emma was an Elephant. (which was appropriate considering she weighs a ton!) Her first Halloween was a success and she was so precious in her costume. It was a hand-me-down from her Aunt Katy but fit perfectly! We went to the Fall Festival at my home church in Denison, TX and then had dinner at home with mom and dad. Mom made her famous Ghost cake with the flaming eyes. This was a fun treat she made us as kids so it was great to bring it back for the new little ones.

The week before Halloween Charles and I had a brief tour of our home state, Texas. I told you I was working backwards) Charles had a series of job interviews so I tagged along to see these potential cities we may one day call home. It went well... we were exhausted by the end of it but hopefully it will pay off and a great job will be offered! The weekend prior to Halloween Charles was sweet and brave enough to take Emma to his parents home all by himself. I had the weekend to shop Affair of the Heart with my mom and two of her best friends! (Marsha and Kathy) We had a wonderful time and got lots of good loot! The morning of our day of shopping I woke up and thought I would make a breakfast casserole for everyone. So, I pulled the Pyrex dish out of the fridge (I had prepared it the night before) and placed it in my oven that was preheated to 325. About 30 minutes into cooking heard a very loud pop! I opened the oven and my Pyrex dish had exploded!! That is right EXPLODED!! It was still popping and shooting glass when I opened the oven! I was shocked!! Pyrex is supposed to be freezer, oven, and microwave safe... what gives? I could have been injured an more importantly.... what were we going to eat for breakfast?! Not to worry, we scrapped off the glass and went ahead with our eating. Over breakfast Kathy said she had received an e-mail about exploding Pyrex... apparently if it is not older than 20 years you should throw it away!! Word is the company has been manufacturing the dishes in China and they are not using the right kind of glass. People have been hurt and Pyrex has done nothing to fix the problem! I am now a believer and I took pictures to make you one as well! There are a million ways this could have been a lot worse, but no one was and I am now throwing out all my Pyrex! (Haven't figured out what I am going to use now in its place quite yet!)

Workout anyone?

2009-10-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

SO, in the spirit of "The Katie Project" I joined a gym! I found a great place that has child care and for the past 2 months I have been pretty faithful about going. I have tried various classes... Spin, Body Combat, Yoga, Pilate's, and even Body Jam! (a funk dance class that I am seriously no good at but it is so fun!) I have enjoyed it all but the best thing I have done so far are my Monday, hour long torture sessions with my friend, Elizabeth Mullins! She is that friend you have that is tall, beautiful, has a killer body, and eats so healthy it makes me want to puke! :) (Oh, and did I mention this freak of nature has THREE beautiful children!) So, about six weeks ago she roped me into a free training session and if I liked it I could come back for more! Little did I know her plan was to get progressively harder with each session!! She has had me doing a million squats, sit-ups, lunges, bicep curls, tricep curls, and balancing on things! (which is suppose to strengthen my core... if only I knew what that was!) But the best thing about working out with Elizabeth are the things she has you do you either thought you were not capable of (ex. climbing ropes in the gym) or the positions she puts you in that are less than flattering! (pretty sure at this point the entire gym has seen my crotch up close and personal) :) And ladies, just know that if you sign up for one of her training sessions you will spend the rest of the week walking like a bow-legged cowboy and wincing every time you sit or stand! However, through all of that, I have found myself signing up for yet another 6 weeks! I guess I am a glutton for punishment... but secretly I just want to be able to bounce a quarter of my booty and look good doing it! I feel sure Elizabeth is the lady to get me there! :) Thanks Elizabeth for your help in my process of taking back my body! Love ya girl!

Me on the gym floor at the end of a workout session!

The sweetest sound in the world!!

2009-09-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

Game time!

2009-09-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the first OU home game of the season... Charles was given a couple of tickets from his friend so we decided to go! Our sweet friends Rachel and Scott Hamilton watched Emma for us that night so we could have a date... Thank you guys! We had a blast! It rained the entire game and I had thought ahead enough to get panchos. (they came in very handy!) On the way to the game I called my mom who told me the starting quarterback for the evening, Landry Jones, was my fifth cousin. My grandfather and his grandfather were first cousins! That gave us one more reason to cheer and Landry had a great game!

Emma dressed and ready for gameday!

Getting soaked in the rain!

#12 Landry Jones... long lost cousin!

We had seats this close to the field! So great!

Charles and I at the end of the game.

Praise the Lord for Sunshine School!

2009-09-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

I am such a blessed person! I have a home to call my own, clothes on my back, food in the fridge, my health, a precious baby girl, and Sunshine School! I put Emma on the wait list for this little jewel quite some time ago and got the call she had a spot a few weeks ago. Now here is the thing... I know I am staying at home now and don't get me wrong I love it! I get to feed Emma her meals, play with her, watch her try to crawl, and wipe her runny noses. BUT, (and there is a but!) the thought of having a few hours of free time once or twice a week is just more excitement than I can stand! We had her first day this week and it was a glorious day for me! She has two teachers, Miss Tyna and Miss Linda. Miss Linda told me the first day might be a little hard on me and boy was she WRONG! :) I think I was skipping out the door as I waved and looked at my watch! I had FIVE whole hours to workout, take a shower, put on make-up and run around town not having to think about the little creature in the back seat! Charles and I picked her up at 2:30 and she was so happy to us as we were her! I felt refreshed and Emma had some time to play with other children. It was simply BLISSFUL! :) For those of you who are wondering "How could you put your 8 month old in school? " Well, I would like for you to give it a try and then get back to me! You will never be the same! Thank you Lord for Sunshine School! :)

I love the Pioneer Woman!

2009-09-03T09:38:00.001-07:00

In case you don't know who the Pioneer Woman is, you need to! She started a blog about her life on her ranch with her husband and four kids. (or "punks" as she calls them) She cooks, ranches, decorates, home schools, is a photographer and somehow has time to blog about it all! She has such funny stories about her life and let me just tell you how delicious her recipes are! Every night I have made something off her cooking page and it has been a hit! Yesterday I went to a girl's lunch at Elizabeth Mullins home. (Thank you Elizabeth for hosting the event) It was a pot luck lunch (my favorite kind!) and I took The Pioneer Woman's Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad dish. It was delicious! (you could easily add chicken to it for a meal.) Anyway, I have yet to make anything from her site I did not love so I highly recommend going there and checking it out! http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/ If you are too lazy I have posted the recipe below! :) Oh, and did I mention she has a cookbook coming out in October and she will be in Oklahoma City on October 29th for a book signing! How exciting!

Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad

Dressing: (once prepared it is best to let it sit overnight in the fridge so the garlic can work it's magic)

1 7-oz jar sundried tomatoes, drained

4 cloves of garlic (thought it was a little too much garlic so I would use three)

3 T red wine vinegar

1 C extra virgin olive oil

salt

pepper

Salad:

16 oz corkscrew pasta

1 jar pitted assorted olives (chopped)

1 pint rip cherry tomatoes, halved

Several (10-15) basil leaves, chopped or julienne

1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Prepare dressing by blending sundried tomatoes, garlic, salt and pepper, and vinegar until tomatoes are chopped. Blend while drizzling in olive oil; continue blending until mixed.

Cook pasta according to package, drain, and rinse with cold water. Pour 2/3 of the dressing over pasta, add olives and toss together. Add remaining ingredients, tossing together and adding more dressing until salad is coated. Serve. (Makes a lot so no need to double recipe)

Meat cupcakes, Apple Pie, and Chicken Pot Pie... sounds gross when you say them all together!

2009-08-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, this first picture is of dinner the other night. A friend of mine from college just told me about these BBQ Cups (aka "Meat Cupcakes") and I was totally grossed out! The name was a real turn off for me... but I went ahead and tried them out and they were a hit! The recipe made about 10 little cups and Charles ate 5! They were super tasty and oh so easy! Thanks Megan for sending me the link on Annalee's blog and encouraging me to try this dish! :) So here is the recipe:

INGREDIENTS:3/4 LB. GROUND BEEF 1/2 C KETCHUP 1 T MUSTARD 2 T BROWN SUGAR 1 CAN BISCUITS 1/4 C SHREDDED CHEESE
DIRECTIONS:PREHEAT OVEN TO 400 DEGREES. BROWN THE BEEF AND DRAIN. MIX KETCHUP, MUSTARD, AND BROWN SUGAR TOGETHER TO MAKE A BARBECUE SAUCE. ADD THE SAUCE TO THE BEEF. SEPARATE DOUGH INTO BISCUITS. FORM DOUGH INTO CUPS ON THE MUFFIN TINS. SPOON THE MEAT INTO THE DOUGH CUPS. BAKE AT 400 DEGREES FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES(OR UNTIL THE BISCUIT DOUGH LOOKS DONE). SPRINKLE THE TOPS WITH CHEESE. AND DINNER IS SERVED!

This next picture is this WONDERFUL apple pie that I made today. My friend Michelle Young made this pie the other day and raved about it so I decided to do the same. Let me tell all of you out there it is soooo good! The recipe came off of www.thepioneerwoman.com (go to desserts and click on Scrumptious Apple Pie to see the recipe) Anyway, I made the pie this morning and told Charles it was for after dinner... when I got home from working out this is what I found! (at least he liked it... he suggested we leave a few forks in it so we could have a "bite" whenever) :)

This next food photo is of dinner tonight. I was on a pie kick and made Chicken Pot Pie. (My mom's recipe ) I wanted it to have a special touch so this is what I came up with! Charles could have cared less... he just wanted more pie! :)

To the zoo we go!

2009-08-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

Today was beautiful! It has been raining here this past week leaving everything green and the air a perfect temperature. Charles was off today so we decided to go to the zoo with Emma. It was her first time to see the lions, and tigers and bears (oh my!). My personal favorite every time I go is the Ape exhibit. They have the best personalities and are so fun to watch! Emma seemed to love it and by the end of this little adventure was pooped. We got a new camera recently so Charles had fun playing photographer and taking some shots of the animals. Good job honey!

Emma's First Haircut

2009-08-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

I went to the salon today to get my grey hairs erased and while we were there Emma received her first trim! She had hair growing down her ears and I thought it was time. Her hair is the prettiest shade of golden brown and she has these reddish/ gold highlights that I love! She was such a good girl in the chair and yes I did kept a lock of hair for her baby book! :) Thanks Brooklyn for making it such a great experience for her!

New Find

2009-08-20T13:41:00.001-07:00

When Emma was born I only wanted the best for her. The best clothing, the best toys, the best, mattress, the best formula, etc. It didn't take me long to realize how silly that line of thinking was and is... She throws up or poops on everything I put on her body, she would rather eat paper than play with her jumparoo, and she can sleep standing up or laying on the floor. (As for the formula and food, I will continue to buy the best we can afford!:) SO, that leaves us at diapers. I started out only using Pampers. They are the Cadillac of diapers. They are soft, super absorbent, have those great Velcro tabs and of course cost the most. At about 3 months I moved to Huggies. They are next in the line of diaper royalty. Not quite as soft, just ok on the absorbent scale and also have the great tabs. At 6 months I moved onto Luvs. They are the low man in the food chain of name brand diapers but at this point I don't care! As long as they hold in all the junk we are good! Last night I went to Sam's to buy some things and decided to pick up a box of Member's Mark diapers. Now before you gasp, let me tell you why. Luv's have been letting me down and we have had a few accidents the past few days. When I started comparing price and amount I saw that the Member's Mark box contained 10 more diapers than Huggies (15 more than Pampers) and cost eight dollars less! Emma put them to the test last night with two dirty diapers and they held up like a champ! I love them! They are soft, thin, have the Velcro tab I like and hold all her messes in the diaper where they belong!! I wanted to share this good news with all of you! Your baby doesn't know the difference and they work beautifully!!!

Julie & Julia and "The Katie Project"

2009-08-15T17:24:00.000-07:00

Charles took Emma this afternoon so I could go to a movie and I am so happy he did because I LOVED it!! Julie and Julia was so sweet, charming and makes me want to be a more positive and happy person like Julia Child was in this movie! It also made me reflect on my way home...
Since having Emma I have thrown myself 100% into being a full time mom. I even quit my job with TIGI to stay home with her so I could be with her day and night teaching her things, reading her stories, taking her for walks, feeding her, giving her squishy little body baths, and tucking her into bed each night. It has been a joy and something I will never regret doing. It is a thankless job however, one that doesn't come with raises, bonuses, or pats on the back from your boss but sloppy kisses and giggles from your sweet baby. No longer do I need to buy high heels and cute dresses because Emma doesn't care what I look like as long as I am playing in the floor with her and making funny faces. If I am being completely honest though I have my moments (OK, lots of moments) when I feel like I am doing a terrible job and dare I say it... even regret quitting my job. Most days I feel so overwhelmed with the feedings, the cleaning, the cooking and the kid babble that I could go crazy from it all! I feel guilty for writing this because all I have ever wanted in life was to have a family and raise my babies. What is wrong with me?
I know it seems random for me to be having all of these thoughts after watching a movie that has nothing to do with mommy guilt or raising a family but it did show me a glimpse into a woman's life who was positive and a go-getter. She didn't cry often or waste much time feeling sorry for herself but tried to make the best out of everything life offered. SO, with that sentiment, I want to be better! (let's call it the "Katie Project") First, and the top of the list, I want a stronger relationship with Christ. My biggest fear is that I will fail miserably in teaching my child (and future children) what having a relationship with Christ is all about and why it is so important. I don't care if my children are attractive or are the most popular. I don't care what career path they take in life but I do want them to have good hearts, love God above all others and through their actions bring others to his kingdom. I realize the best way to do this is be that kind of example. Charles and I have to step up to the plate and be that for our children or I fear what will happen... Second, I want to lose weight and feel more confident in my skin. Having Emma was a beautiful moment but what it has done to my body... not so beautiful. My goal is to be the weight I was before Emma by the time I get pregnant with baby #2. And in the spirit of not feeling sorry for myself I won't talk about how looking in the mirror these days makes me want to cry or how I don't want my husband to see me naked or how walking Emma around the block causes me to lose my breath! I want to be in shape and create a healthy, active home for my family. I want Emma to love outside play and vegetables and healthy snacks. I worry that I will continue to stuff my face and not do anything about it and in 10 years not recognize myself in pictures! Third, I want to be a better homemaker. I realize my hubby works very hard outside the home and is so tired at the end of each day. Somehow, now that I am staying at home my house is more dirty and out of sorts than when I was working. I need to find a system that works for me while not obsessing over it. I want to cook more. I love to cook and find a lot of joy in the whole process but with a baby it is a hard thing to do. So, again I need to get organized and plan our weekly meals and just do it already. I think this would really make Charles feel loved and cared for at the end of a long day. Fourth, I want to be a better friend while creating new friendships. I want to write more encouraging notes, be a better listener and be better about telling my friends how special I think they are. I want to develop new friendships with people around me and invite those people to do things instead of always waiting on an invite. I want to open my home up for play dates and dinners and get to know people on a deeper level.
So, I realize this is a big undertaking but I feel ready! I have my goals and my only choice at this point is to push through and be a better me in the end. I am not giving myself a deadline like in the movie because I know I will be a work in progress until the day God calls me home.

Fun day with Emma

2009-08-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

Today Emma and I went to Pelican Bay. (public swimming pool here in Edmond) I have taken her before but this time she could sit up in the shallow end by herself and play in the water. We both had a great time! When Charles got home we meet our friend's Tiffany and Justin Gulledge for a baseball game in Bricktown. It was Emma's first game and what a game it was... the pitcher for the Redhawks pitched a no hitter! Apparently, this is a big deal in baseball and it was the first one in Redhawks history. Pretty cool this was Emma's first game to witness! She had a good time on daddy's shoulders and stealing Wylie's pacifier... it was a wonderful day with the family!

Emma's New High Chair

2009-08-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

Well, Emma and I went yesterday to purchase her highchair. I have always loved the old wooden antique looking chairs and they have some at Storkland. Emma loves being in the kitchen with mommy while I prepare her food and mommy loves the ease a highchair provides in the feeding process!

There is something in my attic!!!!

2009-08-12T08:14:00.001-07:00

OK, so this morning I am feeding Emma but unlike every other morning I hear a very loud noise coming from the back of the house. Now let me see if I can explain exactly what I heard... It sounded like a baby calf being strangled! I think I jumped three feet in the air and then hid under the table. (Good to know I am concerned about my child's safety.) So, I start to investigate. I grabbed an umbrella out of the closet, grab Emma and start checking out the situation. The noise gets louder near the back of the house and in particular in our bedroom! At this point I can tell it is in the attic but what exactly I am hearing who knows. I am pretty sure it is some kind of animal and it is dying! This is an investigative job for my sweet hubby when he gets home but what am I supposed to do in the meantime!!?? I can't sit around here and listen to an animal die... I think I will go shopping! Oh, and whoever put a baby calf in my attic... you are in big trouble!

Time at home in Denison

2009-08-06T21:12:00.000-07:00

I went home to Denison last Thursday for a visit. I spent a few days with my family and a few days with the Cassady family. Mom's Birthday was this past Saturday, Dylan was in CTW at church and Amber's baby shower for her sweet baby girl Rachel was Sunday. It is always fun to see Emma interact with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins! These are a few pics from the weekend. She is getting so big!!

Yearbook

2009-07-22T20:29:00.001-07:00

Somehow I came across this site called Yearbook Yourself(http://www.yearbookyourself.com/ ) It is so hilarious... you log on and upload pics of youself or others and put their faces on old yearbook photos from 1950-1998. I of course had way to much fun doing this and thought I would share the results of my time on the site! Try it and I promise you will laugh out loud!

Charles and I in the Homecoming parade. (My brother driving)

Me in the early 60's

The good old band days!

Kickin it with the Fro!

Dad and Mom cheering in the 50's

The 80's were a rough time for me!

Cheering with my sister and sister-in- law

Ready for my debut on "Dallas"

Charles, Greg, Bobbie and Andy... chess team wouldn't be the same without them!

Emma is 6 1/2 months old!

2009-07-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

I know I am behind on my daughters progress but all the craziness of summer is what I am blaming it on! So at the beginning of July Emma reached 6 months. (which would make her about 6 1/2 now) She is growing so fast... you always hear that happens but it is crazy how true that statement is. Everyday she has a new trick or hits a new milestone. She is now 26 inches long and weighs 18 lbs. We call her our chunky little monkey. :) She is reaching for everything, sitting up all by herself, rolling all over the floor and eating all kinds of smashed up foods. It is such a joy to be her mom and I am beyond blessed to call her my baby!

Ice Box Cookies!

2009-07-10T20:46:00.000-07:00

So, I made some yummy cookies tonight and thought I would share this super easy recipe! Heat oven to 350 degrees. Buy a box of your favorite cake mix. (Strawberry and Lemon work the best) Take the cake mix and mix it with 1 egg and 1 cup of Cool Whip. (it is tough to mix but stick with it) Using powdered sugar coat your hands and roll balls of dough in powdered sugar. (the mix is really sticky so the sugar on your hands helps to keeps dough off the fingers) Place dough on the cookie sheet and bake for 9 mins. Store in fridge. They are moist, yummy and oh so easy to make! (Thanks mom for sharing with me:)

The past few months...

2009-07-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I know it has been like two months since my last blog... you would think now that I am staying at home I would have more time to write but sadly that is not the case. So much has been going on with us. In May, Charles and I took a much needed vaca to Jamaica and then spent some time with family. We had the 4th annual Russell Family Reunion in May out at Camp Creek which was wonderful and I spent time getting use to a new job as a full time stay at home mommy. June was a crazy month for Charles... he went on business trips to Florida and California and then went to Wisconsin to see his favorite band Phish preform. While he was gone I spent some time with family... Mom and I went to my Nana's home to start the process of cleaning it out and from there meet up with Dad, Andy, Bobbie, and Shelby to spend a week at Camp Creek relaxing in the sun. Also, in those two months we celebrated our first Mother's Day, Father's Day and 6 year Anniversary! This past week was Capitol Hill VBS and next week I go to Ft. Worth for a mini reunion with Tricia and Joanna (my old roomies from college). Hopefully after that our lives will slow down a little so we can breath! I thought in this post I would attached a lot of pictures from the past two months... Enjoy!

Sunning on the beach!

Ostrich egg from the plantation.

Horseback riding on a plantation in Jamaica.

Relaxing at the Spa.

Charles doing some water skiing.

Water sailing in Jamaica.

1st Mother's Day.

Shelby fishing at Camp Creek.

The kids at Camp Creek.

Andy and superstar Emma.

A game of Settlers in the afternoon.

Emma poolside. :)

Fish dad caught at Camp Creek.

Emma and her toys.

Being silly with the girls.

Shelby cookin in the kitchen with Gabby.

Hammack time with Emma.

Regrets, I Have a Few! (Being a new mother means feeling a need to say I'm sorry.)

2009-05-17T18:02:00.000-07:00

I got my"Parents" magazine in the mail this week. I ordered a year's worth because I thought it would be a good reference for me as I travel down this new road of motherhood. My first issue had articles on feeding baby, discipline of baby, and how to prevent painful Dr. visits for baby. But, the article I really related to and thought was hands down the best one was titled "Regrets, I have a few" (it is on pg. 82-84 of the magazine written by Merrin Dungey) My friend, Tricia, called me today to make sure I had read it... so, if you are a new mommy or are a veteran mommy you have to read the following! (So hilarious!)

Since I had my first child three months ago I've dealt with an endless string of sleepless nights, the relentless cycle of feeding and pumping and changing and comforting, and the slow realization that my life will never be the same again. Now that I've emerged from the fog of being a new mommy, I have a few things I need to say.
I want to start by apologizing to my vagina. I just... I just didn't know what was going to happen. I thought it would be easy. All my life I'd been told I have "child-birthing hips." That turned out to be a dirty lie. I pushed for three hours, and I put you, dear vagina, through hell. I did my best to protect you, and I apologize. I can only hope that the bad feelings between us can be healed. This relationship has gotten really painful, and it's been weeks now. Please let the healing begin.
I'd also like to say I'm sorry to my husband for all my inappropriate name-calling in the delivery room and the resentment I felt because I had to carry our child for nine months and you didn't.I will have sex with you again someday, don't hold your breath or anything, but we'll get there. I'll wear attractive lingerie again as well. These grandma underpants aren't forever!
And honey... about my boobs. While I appreciate your attempts to touch them, try to understand that they are not for you at this time. These are working breasts, they are under construction at the moment, and we appreciate your patience. It's funny: I can see a mixture of fear and delight in your eyes at the size of them. And trust me, they are something to fear. I never thought a boob could dwarf the size of my baby's head, but it is true. Little Emma's bravery in attacking them day after day is impressive. I must apologize to her as well. I had no idea they would operate in a sprinkler fashion, and I have sprayed her in the face many, many times. But the way she fights through it is quite something.
I apologize to every woman whose baby shower I attended before I became a mom. All those useless stuffed animals and baby booties I bought... well, I'm sure they might have come in handy at some point, but I should have stuck to the registry and gotten things you truly needed.
I apologize once again to my husband, this time for criticizing you about the way you dress our daughter. I know she's my very own personal doll come to life, and I like to play dress-up. But you make such weird choices. Why would you put her in a sweater when it is 85 degrees outside? It's the middle of the day-a night-gown really? It's bedtime, sweetheart, why is she wearing a hat? I recognize this is not America's Next Top Model, but I do ask you to think about what makes sense sometimes. That's all.
I must apologize to every new mom ever bumped into before I had a baby for judging your appearance. I mentally criticized your old sweatpants, your over sized T-shirts, and your haphazard ponytails. I figured you just hadn't taken the time to get ready before you went out or were in dire need of a makeover. Now I understand those precious minutes you savor when the baby goes down for a nap- the desperation to make the most of them. I could shower! I could eat! I could sleep! Check my e-mail! Work-out! Do laundry! Have sex! (Well, maybe not just yet, but...) I could do so much if she would just sleep a little longer. Then, inevitably, there's that sound through the baby monitor. (Stop.Wait.Listen.) Was it for real?... That was just a sneeze, right? ... She's not up,right?... Oh, please, I'm almost done eating, the coffee's finally ready, I thought I could shower. Just five more minutes please. Just... nope. She's up. She's hungry. She's wet. She's something. And once you've got her fed and changed and played with her, you're on the clock to get that errand done before it all unravels again. I get it now: There is absolutely no time for a blowout or blusher, I was a complete jerk, and I am sorry.
I see how people look at me- with that mixture of pity and disgust- in my old nursing tank covered in spit-up and the same maternity shorts I wear every day. I'm like the Elephant Man. I put my daughter in fancy clothes to compensate for the monster pushing her around. I see the stares. I know what you're saying. Well to heck with you, you small-pants wearing Miley Cyrus fan. I just had a baby. I am not always this fat!
I guess I should apologize for my anger but in solidarity with new moms everywhere, I'm not going to.
But I would definitely like to apologize to my former self, I always thought I had a few pounds to lose and could look better. I never knew how great I had it. What I wouldn't give to fit into my old clothes again! I look at them longingly day after day. Hi, jeans. Hello, Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress. You were all so good to me. (sniff)
I should have slowed down and enjoyed my freedom more when I had the chance. I used to beat myself up if I slept past eight or stayed out too late. I was a fool. A fool. What did I know? Oh, to do anything at all at a leisurely pace- shop, eat, read a newspaper- and anything without having to wear a monitor. Waiting. Listening. For her.
While I'm sending regrets I should apologize to my pre-baby boobs for not appreciating them enough. They were a great pair of boobs- not to big, just enough decolletage. And now... sigh... who knows what will be left of them once I stop nursing? I'm sorry, former boobs. I truly am.
I'll never be sorry about deciding to become a mother, though. There may be no going back to my old body or my old lifestyle, but having Emma is worth everything I've had to give up and then some. But you already know that. :)

Charles Sings "Grandma's Feather Bed" to Emma

2009-04-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

I came home from work and found Charles singing for Emma. She was just cooing away but as soon as I started to record she of course stopped. :) Still thought it was cute!

Bluebonnets and Easter

2009-04-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was Emma's first Easter. On Saturday we (my mom, Emma, my two nephews and my sister-in-law ) went to the Denison Dam and and took pictures in the bluebonnets. We discovered that day that Emma was allergic to something in the air. We did get a few shots before she totally broke down in tears and a runny nose.

We also got a few pictures this past weekend relaxing with the family and at church on Sunday with the Cassady's. It was a wonderful weekend!!

Uncle Andy with Emma Grace

Gabby reading to Shelby and Emma.

Dylan and Hayden with their new cousin Emma.

The Cassady Family (minus Charles and Nancy)

Happy Easter! (one week early)

2009-04-06T09:48:00.001-07:00

Emma had her picture taken with the Easter Bunny yesterday! Thanks Brad and Terra Myers for setting it up, taking the picture and providing delicious cookies! It gave us a sweet memory of her first Easter!

3 Months Old

2009-03-29T12:01:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Emma is already 3 months old! I always heard that having a child makes time fly and boy does it! She is busting out of her clothes, smiling all the time, can now hold her head up fairly well, and she has discovered her hands! Her eye are turning a bright shade of blue and her hair is starting to lighten up. She is a chubby little squirt and we are so in love!!! I thank God everyday for blessing us with such a wonderful gift!! GOD IS GOOD!

Hail to the Chief!

2009-03-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

Charles on his first day of work as a resident! (2006)

Today I got a call from my husband telling me he has been elected Chief Resident of the Anesthesiology Department at OU medical center! I am so happy for him... he has worked so hard through four years of undergrad, four more years of medical school and three (going on four) years of residency. We are both seeing the light at the end of this long tunnel and it is a sweet, beautiful light!! I have watched him through the years evolve into an intelligent, confident, compassionate, and respected physician. He is such a good man with a good heart and I know he will do a great job in this leadership role. Should make for another interesting year in the life of a resident's wife! Way to go Charles... We are all so proud!

Medical School Graduation 2006 Charles working in the O.R. as a medical student.

Family

2009-03-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I survived my first two weeks back to work! At the end of the first week I had to go to St. Louis for a distributor show and was gone for three days. Mom and dad came to stay with Charles and Emma so they could help out. I am glad they came because Charles had to work on Saturday and Emma was sick so having them at home to help was a weight lifted off my shoulders. Mom said they had good bonding time and when I got home Emma would only smile when Gabby talked to her. :) Then on Thursday of last week Charles' parents, sister and nephews came to spend a few days of there spring break with us. We had a good time relaxing in our PJ's and eating Pappy's chili! When they all left Charles, Emma and I spent Saturday night cuddled up together grateful for such a sweet and loving family! Here are a few cute pictures from this past week.

Going Back to work

2009-03-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

Well, today was the day I have been dreading since Emma's birth. I went back to work!! The first day home from the hospital I remember sitting on my bed crying to my mom about going back into the work force in 9 weeks. She hugged me and told me not to worry about that right now but instead just enjoy the time I did have at home and love on Emma tons.

Last night however I started to panic! What am I thinking, no one can hug her like I can! No one can make her smile like I can! No one can change her diapers with as much care as I can! No one else knows what songs I sing to her to help her sleep! No one else knows her different cries for different needs! What am I going to do?!?!?

I read this excerpt from "The Girlfriends Guide to Surviving the First Year of Motherhood" and it perfectly described my thoughts this past week.

"There are many considerations that you didn't know existed when you were pregnant. How could you ever have imagined the adoration you would feel for your baby and how emotionally and physically painful it is to be separated from her? It's an entirely unique sense of interdependence. You could never have anticipated the effects of sleep deprivation in your life: How it makes you stupid, foul-tempered and addicted to sugary snacks. Then there is the breast-feeding aspect: you may have finally mastered it and are actually enjoying it, and now you have to face the prospect of spending much of your time bonding with an electric breast pump in the ladies' room instead of cooing over your baby as she suckles. And where in the world does someone find loving, responsible and affordable child care? The prospect of leaving your baby, the core of your existence, in the care of someone other than yourself is terrifying, even if Daddy is the one who becomes her caregiver.

About half of all mothers return to work within the first year after giving birth, and another big chunk will return when the child is old enough for nursery school or kindergarten, so you know it can be done. Not only can it be done, it can actually be fulfilling and an essential part of your life, but we girlfriends feels it's our duty to tell you:

IN THE BEGINNING, GOING BACK TO WORK WILL NEARLY KILL YOU!"

I think that pretty much sums up my thoughts and feelings of the day. Glad tomorrow is a new one! :)

Who needs Mom when Dad is around?

2009-02-27T19:58:00.000-08:00

Emma has been sick today. (runny nose, tired eyes, no appetite) I was up with her on and off all night sucking out snot so she could breath. We have both been pretty tired all day! Charles wasn't home last night due to being on call so when he got home I put him on Emma duty. Why does it feel like she cries and cries with me but when Charles shows up she is in awe? He is so patient with her and I love to watch him rock and cuddle her until she falls asleep. He is such a sweet and loving man and Emma is one lucky little girl to have such a great daddy! Here are a few pics of them together last night and tonight.

2 Months old Today!

2009-02-25T11:38:00.000-08:00

Today Emma Grace is 2 months old! I decided to use this huge hair bow as a marker... each month I will take a picture of her with this bow and as she grows we hope the bow will start to appear smaller! :)

Emma's trip to Texas

2009-02-25T10:50:00.000-08:00

Ok, so it has been a while since I have written anything on this blog... but give me a break I have a new baby! :) The first week of Feb. we took Emma on her first trip home to Sherman/Denison, Texas! We stayed the first few days with Charles' family and the end of the week with mine. Sunday the 8th my sister and some of mom's friends threw me a Sip and See party for Emma. My friend and college roomie, Tricia, drove up from Houston for the occasion! (We love you Tricia!) People from mom's work and church came to see little Emma and share words of advice. It was wonderful and very special! Here are a few pictures from the week.

Beautiful Day for a Stroll

2009-01-21T14:22:00.000-08:00

Today was a beautiful day in Edmond, Oklahoma. It was sunny and the temp was around 65. It felt like a day in spring! I decided this would be the perfect day to take Emma for her first stroll around the neighborhood. So, I bundled her up and off we went... Here is a picture at the beginning of our journey.

We had a nice walk and I sang to her along the way. Her favorite tune is "Be Still and Know" I used to sing it to her all the time when she was in my tummy and I can use it now anytime I want her to relax. Works like a charm everytime! When we got back to the house I went to pull her out of the stroller and she looked like this.

Not sure how long her hat was down over her eyes but she didn't complain. Just thought it was funny and that I would share. Thank you Lord for such a beautiful day!!!

Emma's first photo shoot!

2009-01-16T15:15:00.000-08:00

At about 1 week of age Emma had her first photo shoot at the house. My friend, Michelle Young, was sweet enough to come over and take some great shots of us with Emma. She did a wonderful job and we got some great photos out of it! So, Thank You Michelle... here is a look at some of the pictures she took!

Crazy 8's

2009-01-08T18:43:00.000-08:00

Well, I was tagged by Jessica so here you go!

Eight T.V. Shows I watch:
1. The Office
2. The Hills
3. ER
4. What Not to Wear
5. Life
6. Grey's Anatomy
7. CSI
8. Seinfeld

Eight favorite Restaurants:
1. Cafe Plaid
2. Chic Fil A
3. In the Raw
4. Arby's
5. Teds
6. Ember's (when it was in business)
7. Angela's Cafe
8. Freebirds

Eight things I did this weekend: (including Friday)
1. Left the hospital with Emma Grace in my arms!
2. Spent Friday afternoon with family at our home
3. Feed Emma
4. Slept
5. Feed Emma
6. Ate a delicious meal my dad made
7. Feed Emma again
8. Slept
(I see a pattern...)

Eight things I look forward to:
1. Going to bed and sleeping some more... can't get enough of that lately!
2. Giving Emma a bath (she is just so sweet and squishy)
3. Introducing Emma to her great grandmother
4. Fitting into my old clothes again!
5. Having time to scrapbook again
6. Doing my Beth Moore Bible study
7. Reading my new book
8. Mornings with Emma and Charles when we can just lounge in bed and enjoy each other!

Eight things on my wish list:
1. To be a good mother
2. Taking cooking classes
3. To travel to Europe and Africa
4. To volunteer more at church
5. To be a better Friend
6. To win the lottery so I can stay home with my baby and not go back to work.
7. I wish my husband didn't have to work such crazy long hours so he could spend more time with family and doing things he loves.
8. That my parents could retire and enjoy their grandchildren!

I tag: Lacy, Cindy, Tricia, and Mom

One Week Old Today!

2009-01-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

Emma is one week today. This time last week I was getting ready to push... (glad that is over but so glad Amy and Mom were there to encourage me along!) This week has been a bit of a blur. No sleep, lots of feedings, even more dirty diapers and even more sweet kisses on our new baby girl. We prayed for her safe arrival and to have her in our arms is such a relief. We could never have imagined the love we would feel for her... it is truly incrediable!

Pop Pop and Gabby stayed through the weekend and Gabby didn't leave until today. Let me just say I have wonderful parents!!! They cleaned, did laundry, cooked AMAZING food and loved on Emma while I slept. Mom was here to let me cry on her shoulder (several times) and it was so nice having her here. There is just something about your mom... I finally know how she feels about me and my siblings and it is overwhelming! God blessed my life with mom and dad, Charles, Andy, Amy, brother and sister-in-laws, nephews and a niece, and now sweet Emma Grace. What more could a girl ask for. Life as we knew it has changed and I couldn't be happier!

Emma Grace has arrived!!!!!

2009-01-01T09:46:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve at 10:45 Emma Grace Cassady arrived weighing 6 lbs. 12 oz. and measuring 20 inches long. She is gorgeous! She has a head full of black hair....big beautiful eyes with pretty little eyelashes....and little sweet eyebrows. She has Charles's mouth....and we think his feet and hands. She came out alert and ready for the world! She loves to suck on her little fingers....did I mention she was adorable! Katie was a trooper and Charles was precious! He lapsed back and forth between daddy mode and doctor mode.

THEN....surprise....this morning we got the call that Jenny, my cousin and Tim, her husband had their baby! He was not expected for another week or so.....but arrived just about 12 hours after Emma. He will be a New Year's baby......2009 is looking like a happier year for the Russell family! What a beautiful way to usher in the new year with the birth of babies. It is a new year we will never forget. As we traveled home from the hospital there were fireworks going off in the distance....it felt like the world was celebrating with us! .....entry by Gabby!

Waiting!!!!!!!

2008-12-31T14:13:00.000-08:00

Epidural is in...monitor shows big contractions...but she is feeling no pain. Does she have legs? Well, we can see them but she can't feel them. Doc Cassady is watching closely...and all is well. We are getting excited. Miss Emma is calling all the shots....just like she will the rest of their lives! Update from Gabby....future grandmother on the Russell side.

In LABOR!

2008-12-31T10:51:00.000-08:00

Labor update! We were supposed to come to the hospital at 7:30 this morning....but they said no....wait. We fretted...and fumed....took a nap....went to breakfast at McDonalds. Then...the call. "Do you want to have your baby today?" YOU BET....and off we went. We are now at Mercy and in labor! Labor is going well......lots of laughing and cutting up so far....but just asked for the epideral! Charles is not the doc on call.....but he is definitely in doc mode with a touch of daddy! He is excited! We are excited....the Cassady's are on their way. Jim and Greg are on their way....YEA! Stay tuned for updates.....Emma will soon be here!

Our cousin Taylor...

2008-12-27T07:24:00.000-08:00

My husband, Charles has several first cousins on his mom's side of the family. Family get togethers with the Cassady's are usually full of lots of laughter, lots of food, lots of games, and lots of hilarious memories. The Shaw kids belong to Aunt Molly and Uncle Les. You've got Jessica, Taylor, Samantha, and Parker. They are great! So fun to be around and they have such a great heart for the Lord. Anyway, Taylor is currently a student at OU and I swear everytime I see him he looks a little more like Charles everyday. They also have similar personalities but Taylor has the dancing skills that Charles wishes he had. :) So, my mother-in-law calls me yesterday and says Taylor has a new post on YouTube and to check it out. I have added it to the right side of my blog so be sure and check it out. (He is lip singing to Taylor Swift.) That kid cracks me up!!!

Beautiful Wedding!

2008-12-18T17:44:00.001-08:00

I am posting a little out of order but I wanted to make sure and post some pics of the Purdy wedding. Charles' best friend from medical school is Aaron Purdy. He was married last month and it was beautiful! He and Samantha married at the Gaylord Texan Hotel in Grapevine, Tx and it was stunning! Here are some pictures of the day. Congratulations Purdy!

The next day at the cowboy game! They won!!

Chri-stache Party

2008-12-18T17:14:00.000-08:00

This year my husband was invited to a Chri-stache Party. It is a Christmas party and the way you get in is by having a mustache and a toy for Toys for Tots. Charles and his co-workers all worked for a week or more growing out their facial hair to create the perfect look. They all dressed in seventies outfits and all I have to say is WOW! Charles looked so hilarious and like he stepped off a movie set. I fixed his hair and well... I will let the pictures speak for themselves. :)

Creepy!!

This is Charles the next day at work... still with the mustache and chops in tact.

Uses for a Belly Bump!

2008-12-18T05:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I am huge! My belly is growing at an alarming rate now and I am pretty much miserable. (not that I am complaining) :) I can't bend over, I can't see my feet, shaving my legs is impossible, I waddle everywhere I go and I am having a really hard time finding any clothes that fit. (besides sweats) My cousin Jenny called me yesterday (she is also 9 months pregnant) and we are both having what her Dr. calls irritable contractions. She said the reason they call them irritable contractions is because you are very irritable while they exist. I would have to agree with that statement!! But in spite of all that I have discovered a really wonderful and exciting use for the belly... I went out to eat with some friends the other night and discovered it makes a wonderful table. I can set all kinds of things on it and they don't move an inch! It is like having a lap table attached at all times and I love it! This is a great use for the belly that no one tells you about! No more reaching... just set it on the belly! (at least for the next few weeks!)

Weekend for Emma

2008-12-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

Well, this past weekend was the much anticipated painting of the baby room and moving in of furniture! My mom (Gabby to her grandchildren) is a great artist and she spent all day Saturday and a few hours on Sunday painting murals on Emma's walls. My Dad (PopPop to his grandchildren) took furniture from my grandmothers home along with the baby bed I had as a child and refinished it to create adorable furniture! Up until this weekend I have been totally scattered and unorganized with everything involving baby. But mom and dad swooped in and really pulled it all together for us! I am so blessed and grateful to both of my parents for taking their time and lots of energy to help us create a beautiful room for Emma. They are such giving and wonderful people and there will never be enough words to say Thank you! I love you both very much!!!

Also this Sunday was my baby shower at our church, Memorial Rd. My hostesses were awsome! The invitation was adorable, the decorations were perfect (on the table was a christmas tree with different little owls as ornaments), the food was delicious, and the travel system they gave me was really needed and generous. Amy- I love the book you made me also! God is good and the friendships he has placed in my life through this church mean the world to me and have helped me through some rough moments in my life! For this I am forever grateful. Thank you girls!! It was perfect! (Hostesses: Gwen Antwine, Amy Carnagey, Tiffany Gulledge, Rachel Hamilton, Beth Hall, Jana Hornbuckle, Brooklyn Lovett, Beverly North, Joanne North, Andrea Rieger, April Williams, and Michelle Young)

Baby Shower in Lewisville

2008-11-16T17:09:00.001-08:00

Last weekend I had a baby shower in Lewisville, Tx. My sister has been in Colorado since August and I have been so sad she won't be around until the baby is born. She will call me and have me hold the phone to my belly so Emma will know who she is when she comes out and we have both been going through withdraws from not being near each other. Knowing this, my parents decided to surprise me and fly Amy in for the weekend!! I was at home Friday night and all of the sudden Amy walks in!! It was awsome! So, we were able to spend the weekend together and she was able to attend the shower. My friends threw it for me and it was so special! They really outdid themselves!!! The food was wonderful, the decor was so sweet and I was surrounded by my friends and family... what could be more perfect? Here are a few pictures of the day!

Delicious Pumpkin Bread!

2008-11-16T16:54:00.000-08:00

My Nana sent me this recipe a few weeks ago... I made it last week and it is delicious!! You can make it with or without the glaze. Easy and quick bread to make for the holidays! ENJOY!!

Nana's Pumpkin Bread

from the kitchen of Laquita Lucas

2/3 cup shortening 1 t cinnamon

3 1/3 cups sugar 1 t cloves

4 eggs 1 cup chopped nuts

16 oz can of pumpkin

2/3 cup water

3 1/3 cups flour

2 t baking soda

1 1/2 t salt

1/2 t baking powder

Mix shortening and sugar in large bowl. Add eggs, pumpkin, and water. Blend in flour, soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and cloves. Stir in nuts.

Bake until toothpick in center comes out clean. (about 1 hour and 10 mins @ 300 degrees)

Glaze: In small bowl with fork mix 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup undiluted orange juice concentrate, and 1/8 t ground allspice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread. Makes 1/2 cup glaze.

Seeing Emma in 3-D!

2008-11-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a 3-D ultrasound done. It was something Charles did not want to do but he agreed and is now glad he did. :) We had a 15 min session and were able to see so clearly this sweet little baby we will get to hold in a few short months! We decided she has my nose and cheeks and definitely has the Cassady lips. I think she will have big beautiful eyes like the Cassady side as well. She loves to have her hands by her face and enjoys chewing on her toes and hands. It was a very cool experience and made it very real for us both. How can anyone not believe in God and his goodness after seeing something like that? It is truly amazing!!

First Baby Shower for Emma Grace Cassady

2008-10-27T13:55:00.001-07:00

We had our first baby shower this weekend for Emma Grace... (yes that is officially the babies name!) It was a couples shower hosted by some friends in the residency program with Charles. We had a great time and Charles' brother and sisters were able to come up for the event as well! Thanks Anny, Kristi, Joie and Som for making it a special night! Here are a few pics of the evening and some gifts we received.

Meeting Jerry

2008-10-22T13:53:00.001-07:00

I know it has been a while since I have posted anything but life has kept me really busy!! I was in New Orleans this past week for work and had a run in with a celebrity! It was a first for me and I was star struck to say the least. I was eating dinner with some people from my team at Bourbon House grill (great food by the way) when I looked up and Jerry O'Connell was walking my direction. (you know the chubby kid on Stand By Me who finds the dead body) :) Anyway, I was so excited to see someone famous out in public I wasn't sure what to do with myself! My friend Deena decided on the way out of the restaurant she would ask him for a picture and let me just tell you he was so nice!! He stood up and shook our hands, asked me when my baby was due and proceeded to tell me about his wife (Rebecca Romijn Stamos) being pregnant with twins. Then he looked at me, touched my stomach and said I looked very pretty and he wished me the best of luck with my pregnancy! It was a wonderful moment! :)

Baby's Room

2008-09-18T18:14:00.001-07:00

I found this bedding at Pottery Barn Kids and I love it!! Baby Girl's (yes, that is her name because we cannot agree on anything!) room is going to be painted by my sweet mother. She is going to take the trees off the bedding and paint them on the walls. I think it will be so fun and cute!! I will post pictures of the room before and after when she has finished. Oh, and if you have suggestions for names please share... we have none at this time. :)

My sweet prayer group

2008-09-18T18:14:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my sweet prayer group. (Rachel, Brooklyn, and Andrea) We started this group about 10 months ago and it has been a HUGE blessing in my life. God placed these girls in my life at just the perfect time and I am so grateful to them for their encouragement, support and constant prayer. It is amazing to have a group like this and see the prayers going up each week and then to see them answered in all kinds of ways! We are on hold for a bit because Rachel's husband has been deployed with the Air Force and she is out of town for a few months. I am looking forward to the day we meet again with new requests to share. I love you girls!!

It's A...

2008-08-28T16:32:00.001-07:00

Well, we had our 21 week ultrasound today and found out we are having a baby GIRL!! She is measuring about 1 lb. 1 oz. and they are giving us a projected due date of Jan. 5th. She has such a sweet profile and I think she might have my nose! All her measurements were good and she is seemingly healthy!! I am so ready to go shopping!!!

Booty Shot! No boy parts!

Frontal view of the face... Can you see her eyelids?

Summer Fun!

2008-08-26T15:24:00.000-07:00

As the end of August is approaching I have been thinking about this summer... It flew by! I started a new job with TIGI/Bedhead, gained 17 pounds and watched my sister walk down the isle. We didn't go on any big trips to speak of but we tried to have fun when we could... Here are some pics from the past few months. Bring on the Fall!
Me and Amy at her rehearsal dinner.

Me and the Cassady siblings at Amy's (my sister) wedding

Audrianna, Joie, Som, Me, and Anny at the DK Fashion Show!

Charles won a wakeboard at the Dave Matthews concert preparty!

Me, Anny, and Som at the Dave Matthews Concert.

The Red Hawks baseball game!

Not Sure? :)

Our Dog Wylie

2008-08-15T15:21:00.000-07:00

Well, sad news today... we had to sign the paperwork to have our newest dog Wylie put down. Yesterday, he got out of our fence and bit the FedEx man who was making a delivery at our home. We had few options as to what we could do so we had the very hard and sad decision to put him to sleep. We have had some great memories with him this past year... I think Coney is wondering what happened to her big teddy bear friend! Charles loved Wylie so much and I am sure he will most definitely be missed.

(Picture is of Charles with Wylie on the left and Coney on the right)

I have a Blog!

2008-08-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

Well, several of you have been asking me to start one of these so here you go. I decided this was as good a time as any because things in our life are changing in a major way pretty soon. Hence the title "Life as we knew it..." I am pregnant with our first baby and life as we know it is about to change drastically. It has been a great and interesting five years of marriage with Charles and we have had a lot of fun together! But, I am ready for the next chapter... God has blessed us greatly the past few years and this baby is the icing on the cake! I can't wait to see what we have in store! So, stay tuned for prego pictures and our lives as we prepare for this little angel.

Thanks to my friend Shauna for making my blog so pretty! :)