Happy Valentine's Day!

Who wouldn't want this guy as their Valentine????

I had lots of fun making this shirt for him for his first special day...Ave has a special shirt too...more coming later!

Ayson- 1 Month Memories

I wanted to record some things about Ayson at his 1 month so I remember how big he was, etc.  I found these stickers at Hobby Lobby that are adorable.  I hope to remember to do a post every month, which should be fairly easy since he turns another month on the 1st.

Ayson you are one month old!  You weigh 8 lbs 12 oz, which is almost 2 pounds up from your birth weight!  Your little face has gotten a lot chubbier, but that is about all the chub on you right now.  You are a wonderful eater and take a 3 ounce bottle every 3-4 hours.  You have grown to 21.5 inches, which is about 1.25 inches since birth!

You are still in newborn clothes and diapers.  Thankfully, you sleep great during the day and at night.  You usually go down around 11 p.m. and don't get up for a bottle until 6 or 7 am!  We really appreciate that at night.  You love to be swaddled and calm right down whenever we put you in it.  Thank goodness for that invention!

You are such a joy and a wonderful addition to this family.    Asher loves to say how cute you are, and I often find Avery holding your paci for you or trying to push you in the swing (thankfully not too high...).

What's in a Name?

Ayson Davis Tiojanco is what we named our latest son.  For all our children, we have not named them until right before leaving the hospital.  We are usually calling the birth certificate lady as we walk out the door. 

Ayson was no different.  All the names I loved did not start with an A.  Mike wanted the baby's name to start with an A.  Mike is from a family with 3 M's and I have 7 J's in mine.  We accidently followed the tradition by naming Avery with the same letter as her older brother.  No intentional! 

Finding an A name to fit with Asher and Avery was difficult.  We didn't like each other's only A name. I can still remember the day when Janna, my sister, threw out the name Ayson.  We were at the beach with my extended family all trying to come up with names.  Ayson came up and I liked it.  Mike was harder to convince.  Fast forward several months of me looking online.  I stumbled onto a baby name site that had mainly surnames.  Ayson was listed as meaning "Pride of the father, greatest love of the mother."  After what we had been through the previous year with babies, I fell in love with the meaning. 

Davis is my maiden name.  We toyed with the middle name Luke too.  Ultimately, I couldn't decide and left the room while Mike called the birth certificate lady.  I came back and asked what he named him!  I was so glad he chose Davis though so part of my family name can continue through the years.  Both sides of my family carry the name Davis, so it was special to have everyone represented. 

Asher and Avery were a different story.  For months, Avery would say she hated every name.  We would tease and call him something and she would fuss "Nooo....We haven't decided on a name yet!"  They both wanted Gavin or Lucas.  Where they got these, I have no clue!  Avery even declared that she was calling him Lucas after we brought him home and did so for three days.  Love the mind of a four year old!

Since naming him, I've gotten different reactions about his name from loving it to funny faces.  I was nervous for a bit, but have since fallen in love with it (and him!).   At least there will most likely be only one Ayson in his classes growing up!  

Introducing Ayson Davis Tiojanco

Well, it has been quite a long time since I blogged.  We have had a very busy year between the kids, work, and a new baby!  God blessed us with a healthy and beautiful baby boy on November 1st.  He came two and a half weeks early. Needless to say, I was in denial that I was in labor...teaching my afternoon classes, cleaning my bathrooms, and of course painting my nails. Everyone knows you can't have a baby unless your nails are painted.  :)

Here are a few of the newborn pictures our friend Erica took of our sweet boy.  He was 6 lbs 13 ounces and 20 1/4 inches long.  He has been a joy!

I hope to blog more in the coming months to keep a kind of a virtual scrapbook for our family.  We went through a lot at the end of 2010 and through 2011 and are now being blessed with wonderful family times for 2012.  God is good!

Interviews

I saw on a friend's blog the idea to interview your kids.  I decided it would be fun to do so I can remember their likes/dislikes at the ages they are at!

Asher turned five in January and Avery is 3 1/2 (just ask her!).

What are your favorite colors?

Avery: Blue and Pink
Asher: Blue (it has been for years!)

What is your favorite food?

Avery: Ice Cream (Asher commented that it wasn't healthy, and Avery replied "I like not healthy things then!") 
Asher: An apple (he's on this HUGE healthy kick!  yeah!)

What is your favorite drink?

Avery: Chocolate Milk
Asher: Normal Milk and water...because they are healthy.

What is your favorite toy?

Avery: Baby dolls
Asher: My cars and trains

What is your favorite thing to do at school?

Avery: Painting (probably because mommy doesn't do messy things at home!)
Asher: I like to do my projects because they are really cool and messy.

What is your favorite thing to do outside?

Avery: To take pictures with my camera.
Asher: To play football.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Avery: a mommy that goes to be a doctor.  If I want to be a doctor, I have to wear the dr. outfit.  The playroom is going to be doctor office.  hahah!
Asher: I want to be a zookeeper that takes care of the monkeys.

Who is your favorite person to play with?

Avery: Aimee, my friend

Asher: Ms. Kristy's girls

What is the choir you are the best at?

Avery: Putting away the dishes
Asher: Feeding the dog

Pledge of Allegiance

Miss A has learned the Pledge of Allegiance now that she is preschool.  She has actually known this for some time, but I finally recorded it. Please excuse the food in her mouth and the cubbies vest.  Someone was not staying in cubbies for the night and therefore had to go out with mommy and daddy to our Valentine's Day dinner...at Chipotle.  I know you are all very jealous.  ha!

 

Made to Crave

(found here on Amazon)

I recently started a Bible study with a small group of girls from our church.  I just love who is in this study.  They are funny, kind, and Godly women who are not afraid of pouring their hearts out.  I was so encouraged after our first study that I can't wait to go back!  Plus, I think every woman needs a night out once in a while to just have fellowship.  It is so refreshing to know that we all struggle with similar things and encourage each other to keep working towards the finish line!

We are currently doing the study Made to Crave.  It was written by Lysa TerKeurst, who is the president of Proverbs 31 Ministry.  It is basically about how we meet our emotional needs with food instead of filling our lives with God.   God has already found many ways to convict me through reading this and studying what He has to say in the Word.  I highly recommend you pick this book up!

1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God!

Avery's First Movie

We decided we would do something a little different for New Year's Eve and took the kiddos to see a movie.  I've been wanting to take them to see Tangled, but haven't had time (did I mention I finished my Christmas shopping Christmas Eve...for my children!).  Avery had never been to a movie, so she was super excited. Asher said it was a "girl" movie, but I think he secretively enjoyed it.  

A movie wouldn't be complete without a HUGE tub of popcorn!

Look at this face...I think he was excited! Maybe not...

Social Media and the Pursuit of Change

I may not understand it, but hubby is really into "social media."  I guess it has something to do with business blogs, helping business with blogs/advertising, and other media things...that I have no idea about.  I'm lucky I blog.  Ever.

Anyway, Mike has started a social media blog.  I'm really proud of him for sticking with it (even if it means writing late into the night..) and making some great business contacts.  He has even "guest posted" several times.  No idea that was even possible, or an option (but feel free to contact me if you want to write my blog so I can remember what happens with my family!  :) )

Check him out....  www.pursuitofchange.com

...and only 13 more days until I'm a stay at home mommy!  Whoohooo!!!!!

The Countdown has begun!

Being a teacher, there are several things that we look forward to...fall conferences (followed by 4 days off), Thanksgiving break (5 days off!), winter vacation, spring break...and SUMMER!  Okay, so there are many more things that we look forward.  Yes, we look forward to the milestones that the children accomplish.  Seeing them learn and acheive new goals.  The fall play or the spring musical...but those are all expected, right?  However, I love that my job enables me time off with children.  Since I have to work, this is the best job for our family!

I am so excited for this summer since this is the first summer in all my teaching years that I have OFF!!!  I have either been in graduate school or pregnant (and in graduate school).  I am so looking forward to spending time with Ash and Ave, LOTS of playdates, warm weather, and VACATIONS!

We have been planning a big two week vacation this summer for quite a while.  It involves a week long family reunion on my mother-on-law's side to Disney World.  Yes, we are going to the place where "dreams come true."  I'm sure Avery will be starstruck seeing all the princesses or Mickey Mouse.  Asher is looking forward to any Cars character there might be.  Mommy is not looking forward to long days with many breakdowns...but it is worth the crying on both parts because of all the memories being made! 

We are then hitting up a weekend long family reunion for my Granny's family in Georgia....venturing back to the deep south where all my family is from.  I'll most likely have it out with my cousins who cannot let go that the North won the Civil War.  Seriously, this is what our family debates.  Sad, I know.  It's not my fault my parents moved me to Yankee territory when I was little!  This will follow with my uncle telling me I talk to fast and that I have an accent.  Ha!  I really do love spending time with my family.

From there, we are going to good ole Panama City Beach.  We have gone there basically every summer since I was born and my grandparents live there fulltime now.  My mom's entire family is going to be there for a week and we're sharing a condo on the beach with my sister and brother-in-law and my cousin and his wife.  We'll have lots of fun playing in the sand and swimming in the ocean (although Mike won't because he's weird!).  So looking forward to my kids spending time in the summer like I did every year of my life.  I know they will make great memories!

Here's the condo where my grandparents live (and we'll be staying!)

And the walk down to the beach!  Can't beat that view!

It's kind of interesting because we are spending the week doing what Mike's family did every year for vacation (Disney) and then doing what my family did every year for vacation (the beach!).  Obviously, I'm partial to the beach! :) 

We'll swing by and visit my grandparents in Alabama on the way home.  Should be fun!

I'll also be going with my aunt, mom, and sister to North Carolina to my Aunt Karen's cabin for several days in the end of July. That should be so fun!  My aunt and sister are a riot to be around...always keeping us laughing (or making fun of me and my mom!).

What about you?  Any great plans for the summer?

Fun Weekend

 We had a jam-packed weekend...but it was a jam-packed with fun activities, so it was worth it!  Saturday was house cleaning, followed by worship team for mom & dad while the kids played with Uncle Marc, Uncle Matt, & Rowie.  Always a hit there!

Sunday was church, a 1st birthday party for Josh Denny (such a sweet baby boy that we LOVE!  I forgot to take pictures though!), and dinner with Uncle Ry and Auntie Janna.

We went to dinner at the Chancery up at Pleasant Prairie in the Ramada at the outlets.  I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant.  Their nacho dip is amazing!  We always get it...so check it out after a long day of shopping.  It won't disappoint.

Janna wanted a new background picture for her phone with her favorite neice and nephew.  This was quite commical and took about 15 minutes to get one with both of them looking and not moving!  Here are two that I took on my camera.  Two because, although my sister always looks amazing, my children do not!  One is great of Ave and the other is decent of Ash.  Got to love taking pictures with children!

Thanks for dinner Jan and Ry!  We had a blast!

Awana Awards

Asher participates in Awana every Monday night at our church.  It is a great time for the children to learn Bible verses, about the Word of God, and make new friends.  Being a working mom has made it tricky to get him there, fed, knowing his verse on time every week, but it was a commitment I'm glad we kept.  Asher had so much fun and I know he learned a lot!

This past Monday night was Awana awards.  Asher got an award for being a first year Cubbie.  He was so cute accepting his award.  Once again, he did not sing.  Oh well!

My friend Kristy (and the kids' sitter who they LOVE) took these pictures for me because my camera was dead.  Surprised?  Kristy's daughter Carissa was inside the Cubbie bear.  Asher thought that was the coolest!

Here he is with all his Cubbies buddies...

At receiving his award (he was behind the stand).

Finally with Cubbie Bear!

Better late then never!

***Please ignore how late this post is...Someone took my camera at church, and finally returned it two weeks later when they figured out it wasn't theirs. I was so upset when it was gone, but it taught me to download my pictures, and that I should blog for more memories! Plus, Mike bought me that camera for Mother's Day two years ago with his own giftcard money, so it has sentimental value.***


We had a wonderful time celebrating Easter this year. The Good Friday services at our church were beautifully done, and I was given the privilege of singing with several people who are very talented and a joy to be around.

Easter was the debut of our new sanctuary design. Dan, our worship pastor, worked very hard to get it all done in time. Mike put in several long nights of work (along with Asher a few times!). I think it turned out beautifully. Don't you? The lights change with each background, and there are 3 screens now. I was joking that I should start matching my outfit to whatever lights were going to be used.

Here it is on Easter morning...LOVE the colors!

Another shot...

Asher was finally old enough this past year to sing with all the kids on stage. They range in age from 3-5th grade. He LOVES to sing, but for some reason never really sings when he is up front. He will do it perfectly before and after, but only sings a little on stage. Our Christmas singing was lacking, to say the least, so I took it upon myself to make sure that he new those songs PERFECTLY for Easter. They have a great message, and I'm glad that he's learning worship songs. He did okay this year. Happi and I laugh because all the children of the worship team are the ones normally getting in trouble or not singing! Caden (her little boy) and Asher always give us a run for our money! They are so stinkin' cute.

Here are our two stinkers Caden and Asher....so adorable!
(Ash is obviously an aspiring model in this picture!)


Finally singing (kind of!). At least they look cute!

I don't have any pictures of Avery at Easter due to my camera mishap. I was so disappointed! I decided that I am going to redress her up so I can have a cute picture of her in her Easter dress and frilly headband...these are what they at least looked like!

Avery's dress was from Gap and had a little off-white sweater to go with it. She's not really a "girly-girl" so it worked well since it isn't all frilly and lacey. I love dressing little girls!

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter! He is risen!

Hillsong Part II

I know this might seem obsessive (and I certainly do not have an obsessive personality. ha!)...another Hillsong post, but my husband just sent me this picture of it from his i-phone. (I left mine in the car, so no pictures here!).

Hillsong

Mike and I love worship music, and our favorite group by far is Hillsong. I was sceptical of the whole worship music scene a while back...I thought it was cheesy and I definitely did not listen to any of it. A few years ago, Mike challenged me to listen to a Hillsong CD. He was always playing it, so I decided to appease him and just listen. Once. Well, twice. An hour.

We love their music. It is always on playing at our house or we have the DVDs playing while we do housework. Ash and Ave can both sing almost every single song (including the guitar riffs and drum parts...scary, I know). I love hearing my kids praising the Lord in their carseats in the back. So cute! It blesses this mommy's heart.

So when we heard they were touring the USA in April, we jumped on the bandwagon to buy tickets. We ended up going to the soldout concert at Sears Center with some friends. We (my husband..) were the crazies who bought general admission tickets. Decoded that means "Standing room only...really close to the stage...so loud your ears bleed, your entire body feels the bass drum (including the credit cards in your pocket)...and you are in a mass of people praising the Lord (and not all singing on key)."

It was an awesome experience to be worshipping for 3 hours straight with thousands of strangers. We were so close to the stage, the is was just like being a church...with really cool lights, amazing sound, and thousands of people. Okay, so it wasn't like church, but it was so neat. If you don't have their CDs, check them out. Their newest is Faith+Hope+Love.

And before my husbands bashes me...yes, there is Hillsong and Hillsong United. Both equally fabulous. :)

Annie, Jr.

If you've been wondering where I've been...it is most likely at Annie, Jr. rehearsal! I have directed the musical at my school for the past three years. We have 3rd-8th grade students involved, and I love it! We've been working hard for the past two months preparing for the curtain to go up TONIGHT! The kids have been doing a fabulous job and I am so proud of them. It's fun to see this show come to life.

If you are interested in ticket info, email me and I'll leave one at the door!

Annie, Jr.
Friday, March 5th 7:00 pm
Saturday, March 6th 1:00 pm

I'll hopefully post pictures next week!

A Certain Someone's Birthday

A certain little boy in my house turned four at the end of January. Ash was so excited for his fourth birthday. I can't believe that he is already four! It feels like just yesterday that we were bringing him home from the hospital. He's grown up into such a sweet boy that is mommy's little helper. I am so proud to be his mommy.



He loves to help his little sister out is patient with her....even when she bites him constantly. Oh the joys of a little sister.


He loves the camera is definitely not shy. He is such a ham!



He is a daddy's boy and loves helping him. He has his daddy's personality (and mommy's "type A" OCDness).


Asher loves Slushy and he goes everywhere with him. His preschool teacher told him that Slushy was a Sled Dog. Asher was so excited that now he proudly declares that whenever someone asks about Slush.


We celebrated by taking him, Avery, and his friend Nathan to Monkey Joe's in Lake Zurich. He LOVED it and mommy got a workout!

Asher David it is such a joy to have you as my little boy! Can't wait to see what the next year of your life brings!

Because I'm a little late on my cards...

This season is a crazy time of year for everyone...especially if you're a mommy, teacher, musician, wife, or director (worse, if you combine all of the above). Needless to say, December flew by in a whirl for me this year. We did order our Christmas cards on time (mid-December), but I have to finish stamping and labeling them. We're a little behind this year, like usual.

Here's a sneak peek at our card several days after Christmas. I hope to get a blog up about having this picture taken. It was done by a friend of mine, Erica, who is FABULOUS.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours. I hope you had a wonderful holiday season with Christ at the center.

Quotables

Some cute quotes from Asher to start a week off right...

Asher: "Hey Mom. Did you know that dogs bark when tomatoes are coming? It's true."
Me: "Um, are you sure you don't mean tornadoes?"


Asher: "Why when people lose their jobs do they catch on fire?"
Mommy: "What? Why would they catch on fire?"
Asher: "Daddy says that when someone doesn't have a job they are fired. I hope they put their shoes on."


Don't you just love what they say when they are little?

It's arrived!

Fall has arrived in full force. I LOVE the season of fall. It is my absolute favorite. The beautiful colors, the cooler air, football season, pumpkins, and the clothes are just a few of my favorite things during fall...did I mention that I LOVE fall clothes?

Due to this love, Mike and I were on the hunt in the pouring rain last night to find the perfect fall coat for Ash and Ave. They both have grown so much since last spring that their coats were up to their forearms. We were wet and cold, but it was very much needed for two freezing toddlers.

I am so excited with our cute finds. I got Ave's coat and hat at Target again this year (love that store!). They make the cutest little girl fall coats. I also found an adorable hat/mitten set to go with it and her winter coat. I can't believe that she is two and still wears 18 months though. Craziness. She is so easy to dress because she looks so darn stinkin' cute in everything! Shopping with her was a whole other story. I need advice from all you moms when it comes to shopping for toddlers (especially girls...). I had to bribe Avery with new pacies just to get her to try on the coats. If she liked them, so would walk around and tell me "Oh, mommy, Abey cute." However, if she didn't approve she would make her little pouty face and say "No, not cute for Abey." It's already starting.

Mike doubted my abilities to find a suitable coat for Ash, so he joined me at Old Navy to find this adorable coat. Mike hated it on the rack and said it looked too much like mine, but Asher looked so cute in it, he couldn't refuse. I can't believe my little boy is already wearing a 5T! He's so big!
I am certain that when he showed up for picture day at preschool today he was the cutest kid there! Mission accomplished. :)

Asher's Coat...so cute, right?