So I was trying something new with my last post, but it didn't work out the way I thought it would. I also tried to scan a photo of Macey with Santa,and it came out awful...
Anyways off to the Dr right now; I hope he will decide on a date for my C-Section.

Make a Smilebox greeting

Macey's first production

Macey had her Thanksgiving program today followed by Thanksgiving lunch. For some reason she volunteered to say a poem in front of everyone (all the Kindergarteners and their parents). We didn't find out until Tuesday, so we practiced it a lot the last couple days. She did great! I was so impressed with her. I was so nervous for her (of course I didn't let her know). She was excited that she got to hold the microphone.

Funny girl

Today at church, there was no Sunday school, so Macey came to 'big church' with us. It's in a somewhat new worship center that she had never been in, with theatre style seating...the first thing she said as we were sitting down was 'where are the cup holders?'...made me laugh.

I think today Macey realized we are getting closer to Christmas, and wants to be on the good list. Vince and I both got shoulder massages from her. And I was opening a jar of pickles and some juice got on my shirt; she said let me get that, and ran to get a paper towel to wipe off my shirt. I can definitely stand a month and a half of this!

Halloween

Taylor and Zach came over to trick or treat with Macey and spend the night. Both the girls were Batgirls, which was not on purpose. Zach was Darth Vador (I'm sure I spelled that wrong). They had a lot of fun, but Talyor was really tired. She woke up Sunday morning with a fever, and looked really bad. Clay took her to be tested for the Flu and she was positive; which is just great since I'm 6 1/2 months pregnant. I started Tamiflu just in case, but only took it 2 days because it makes me so nautious. I don't have any symptoms and will get the vaccine at work this week, and don't want to be on Tamiflu when I get it. All of the York's got on Tamiflu.
Stephanie just called me this morning and is pretty sure she's in labor, so I will have another nephew by the end of the day (probably soon since she's been dilated to 4 for over a week).

So tired...

Well Kindergarten is definitley wearing Macey out. This week she has come home and fell asleep twice in the recliner while watching TV. I took this picture Tuesday of her after she snuck in the pantry, while I was on the phone, and found the lollipop that Aunt Kristi gave her. Well this is how I found her. I let her sleep for about an hour and then tried to get her up for bath, but she would not wake up, so I carried her to bed (without dinner) and amazingly she stayed asleep until after 7 am. That was 14 hours!!

First Soccer Game

Macey had her very first soccer game this morning. And let me tell you how impressed I was with her. She scored 6-7 of the 9 goals. She always knew which direction her team was going, which is huge at this age, (she even took the ball away from her teammate who was going the wrong way). What I was impressed with most was her hussell...she doesn't like to run; and she ran the whole time she was on the field, up and down. We are proud soccer parents. My parents were able to come, and they were just as impressed. My mom kept telling me how Macey looks so much like me, and how she even stands the way me and Joel did as kids. Macey was very happy, and already excited about next weeks game.

Kindergarten/5th Birthday

I'm finally getting around to posting pics from the 1st day of school, and Macey's birthday. Two weeks of school already over, and Macey is doing great. The teacher informed us she is Ms. Socialite of the class. She loves it and wakes up excited to go. She seems like she has matured a lot since the day she turned 5. She has been helpful around the house (without being asked!); and this is absolutely amazing to me. I will tell her I appreciate how she's such a big helper, and her response is 'well I'm 5 now'. On days that I take her to school, she gets ready quickly and has time to play on her swingset or play on the computer. When I work Vince takes her in earlier and is a bit more rushed. She is exhausted at the end of the day, and is eager when it's time to get ready for bed. She's usually passed out by 8:15.
Her birthday was great. It was fun having everyone over. She chose a Hanna Montana party.
Macey is finally playing soccer. She has just had one practice; but she loves it. She informed me after practice that her coach is sooo cute!

Many changes

Macey has a lot going on right now. I finally got her in soccer. She just completed a week long soccer camp, and by today she was doing fantastic...even I was impressed (she was the youngest at the camp).
Last night was meet the teacher night at school. We had such a battle with her to get out the door and walk up to the school. I'm sure she has a lot of anxiety about starting Kindergarten. But by the time we got to the parking lot she was running inside. We expressed our concerns to her new teacher about her being so young, but then we all look over at her and she is introducing herself to several other kids and getting a game of Candy Land going.
Macey is certain we are having a boy. She told me tonight that God knows she is a girl and He wants us to have one of each...me and Vince aren't convinced; we are pretty certain it's another Diva; we find out Tuesday.
Summer is almost over, I hope to take Macey swimming a couple more times. It's so nice to be able to watch from the side. Yesterday she joined in a race with some
13ish year olds in the deep end of the pool; and she held her own. I posted a few pics of her jumping in.

Ken and Claudia's visit

Ken and Claudia came to Texas a couple weekends ago; and we had so much fun with them. I felt like we spent most of the time eating...which of course I love. I think Ken had fun driving my dad's tractor and shooting guns. We were so happy they came to see us, it really meant a lot to all of us! Stephanie and Clay went to New York for the weekend, so Friday night Taylor and Zach spent the night with us. They set up a tent in the living room to sleep in, but Zach was the only one who actually slept in it. The next night Macey and Taylor spent the night with Kristi, and Zach spent the night with Nana (he said he didn't want to be around girls anymore)...I don't blame him. I think everyone was exhausted by the end of the weekend, but we all had fun.

Baby update

I had an OB appointment yesterday, and everything is great. The baby's heartbeat was 175 (I'm thinking another girl); and my due date is February 12th. We haven't told Macey yet, but probably soon.
I hope to get some pool pictures taken soon. Macey loves jumping off the diving board. She can go down in the 8 ft. deep water and touch the bottom, but can't make it to the bottom of the 11 ft. deep yet. She is such a little fish; I'm so glad she can swim well, I see kids that are 7 that can't swim as good as her.
Ken and Claudia are coming to Texas tonight...we are so excited, and can't wait to spend time with them!

Trevor's Graduation

I'm finally getting around to posting some pics from our nephew Trevor's graduation. Vince and I can't believe he graduated and will be going to Texas A & M in August. We are very proud of him, he is such a great young man. Macey absolutely adores him and keeps telling me she does not want him to go to college. It was great for all the Ashman's and Hancock's to be able to get together for Trevor's graduation. Macey loves playing with her cousins. I love the pictures at the end of Macey trying to help Nina climb a tree...it was cute and entertaining to watch.

Swimming

I know it's been a while since I posted anything, but here are a few new pics. All the cousins met at Stephanie's house to go for a swim at there pool. Macey and Taylor enjoyed going down the tunnel slide, something I won't even do. Caitlin also went for her first underwater swim. Kristi wouldn't watch, but I put Cait under just like they did when Macey was a baby at swim lessons; and she wasn't scared, I think she liked it.

Pre-K Graduation

Macey graduated from Pre Kindergarten last week. It was a very cute graduation, it actually lasted a lot longer than we expected. The kids sang 4 songs (including the Itsy Bitsy Spider...In Spanish!!) They did a country dance, of course Macey's dance partner was Jackson White. Each kid stood up and said what they wanted to be when they grow up, and Macey said Doctor (that makes me proud, but I'd rather her be a pharmacist). Macey was so excited when she saw Nana, and Nanny and Pop Pop there. She will remain in this class thru the summer, until Kindergarten, we will really miss her teachers, Ms. Mary, and Ms. Bridgette.

Gone Fishing

Vince took Macey fishing at the pond by our house this past Saturday. He said she caught 4 perch and 1 catfish, and a turtle. Of course he didn't have the camera, but we went back Sunday, and Macey out caught me and Vince. She caught 3 perch and another catfish. Her Barbie fishing pole is so lucky. She realed in the perch by herself, but had to have Daddy's help with the catfish. See the video below, it's kind of long, I didn't realize it would take that long to real it in. I'll post some pics later, and also post some pics soon of her Pre K graduation.

Camping

This past weekend we met our friends, the Reisings, at Lake Bob Sandlin. They camped all weekend, but we could only go Sunday to Monday. This was Macey's first real camping trip (not in a cabin). We cooked out Sunday night, and roasted marshmallows. Vince and Sean were fishing on the lake until midnight and caught many fish. Macey and Brady were up until 12:30! They were both very close to getting spankings. The kids enjoyed riding bikes, Macey did okay without her training wheels, until one of her pedals fell off. Me and Kiley definitely got some excercise chasing and biking the kids around. Macey loved going out on Mr.Sean's boat, he even let her drive. It's so nice to get away from TV, computers, phones, and WORK! Vince and I really want to start camping more often. My best memories of my childhood were of camping, and I want Macey to have that also.

Yeah! No training wheels.

My goal was to have Macey riding her bike by summer without training wheels. I took them off a while ago, but she wasn't interested in riding, plus I don't like to 'play' outside until we have warm weather...then we practically live outside, except to eat, sleep and poop! Ha! Well last night she did it. She did not want my help at all. A neighbor of ours loaned us this bar that you attach to the back of the bike so you don't have to bend down to hold onto the seat...it was a back saver. She has the riding part down, and is pretty good at stopping on her own, but she still needs help taking off. I think within a week she won't need me at all. I told her she will be able to go on long bike rides with me while I run like I did with my mom. I am so proud of my 4 1/2 year old!!! Hopefully you can see the video below. There is also a video of her at swim lessons. She is swimming great, but it was hard to get good video. She has had Mr. Mike as her instructor the past few sessions; she adores him, she used to tell me he is her boyfriend! She is in a green swimsuit with purple goggles. There should be 3 videos below, this is my first time to post videos so hopefully it works.

Swim lessons

Swim lessons

No training wheels.

Indianapolis

I finally got around to posting some pics from our trip to IN. We were all excited to see Grandmother. It was Caitlin's first airplane ride and she did pretty good. We really enjoyed seeing our Grandmother (Macey and Caitlin's GREAT Grandmother!), Aunt Patty, Uncle Ron, and all our cousins. It was tough getting a photo of Grandmother with the kiddos because Caitlin does not sit still...ever! We tried to go swimming in the hotel pool, but the heater was broken and the water was too cold, so the girls took a bath together in there swimsuits. It was a quick trip, but we were so glad to see everyone.

Kindergarten registration

I can't believe it, but I just registered Macey for Kindergarten. I was actually nervous going into the school, not sure why. We were sitting in the office waiting on the school nurse, and there were about 4 ladies in there working. One of them asked Macey her name and she says 'Macey Brooke Ashman'; then she asked if she has any brothers or sisters, and Macey says 'Yes, I have 2 sisters'. The lady then asked how old her sisters are, and Macey said 'I don't know, there names are Maggie and Sage'. I then had to tell the lady that they are our dogs. All the women and the dad sitting in the office starting laughing. I told them the dogs are a huge part of our family. I will definitely remember our first experience at the school. I just can't believe she will be starting school. First day of school is August 24, Macey will be 2 days shy of 5 years old.

I will try and post some pictures of our trip to Indianapolis later.

Kids say the darndest things...

Yesterday after work and school Macey and I went over to Nanny and Pop Pop's house. Vince's aunt and uncle from Pennsylvania were in town visiting. We wanted to go say goodbye before they went back. Well all 6 of us were back in the office talking, and Macey and I were sitting on the floor. I felt her head and she was hot from running around. I said 'Macey, your a little hot', and she said 'I'm a hot lover'!!! We all started busting out laughing, I must admit I was a little embarrassed; I really don't know where she heard that; I'm pretty sure me or Vince don't say that.
Well, it was funny. We are getting packed today to leave for Indianapolis. Macey, me, Kristi, and Caitlin are flying out tomorrow morning to see Grandmother, (the kids' great Grandmother); and Aunt Patty, Uncle Ron, and our cousins. Macey is so excited, she just keeps asking if she can hold Cait on the plane.

Western Day

Macey had western day at school. They had a petting zoo come visit. For lunch they made frito pie, and had beef jerky for snack (of course Macey would not touch the beef jerky). I guess she decided her boots were Hanna Montana boots, and when I picked her up all the boys said 'Bye Hanna Montana and Bye Hanna Montana's mom'. I had to get a couple pics when we got home because she looked so cute.

Easter 2009

I know I'm late putting some Easter pics up, but I don't get anything done when I'm on my 7 on. Macey had an Easter egg hunt at school on Friday; I was able to run (literally run) over to the school to take some pics. They weren't ready when I got there so I was able to see them doing yoga (see pictures). I took a few pics of the hunt and then had to sprint (literally sprint-dodging a couple ambulance's) back to work. Saturday Vince and Macey colored eggs while I was at work. I was able to take off work Easter, and we went to church (in the pouring rain) and then to Vince's parents for lunch. The weather was nice and we had a really nice time at Nanny and Pop Pop's house.

Macey's Emotions

Well most people know how emotional Macey is, and how much of a dog lover she is, well here is what we have been dealing with the past few days...My sister's dog Honey, who is 11 years old had to be put to sleep on Tuesday. This was very sad for everyone, because all of our dogs are a big part of our family. Last night on the way home from swim lessons Macey is asking me about Honey and Marley the dog (from the move 'Marley and Me'). She knows they are both in dog heaven, and they have big jobs up there helping God watch over all the other dogs here on earth. While I am trying to explain things to Macey, she is balling uncontrollably. She is worried that they don't have enough to eat in Heaven, and I told her dogs in Heaven even get to each chocolate and it won't hurt them. Well she goes from being very sad to very mad at me for not taking her over to Stephanie's house so she could see Honey before she died. Then she said she is ready to go to Heaven so she can be with Honey and Marley (we went thru this before when my Grandmother, Mimi died). I have a hard time with this, because I am trying not to cry and telling her it will be okay. I told her God has many plans for her on earth, and it's not time for her to be in Heaven yet. She called Stephanie on the phone and talked to Taylor for a while about soccer and swimming, and she was okay...but then at bedtime that night, she asked me to tell her the story of Honey, and we had to go thru it all again.

Saturday night

One of my good friends got married Saturday night, and it was such a beautiful and fun wedding. We brought Macey, and she was a hit with everyone. They had an excellent band at the reception, which was in Mckinney. Macey was so intrigued by Aimee, the bride. She couldn't wait to go talk to her. She kept telling me how pretty her hair and dress were. Macey was begging Daddy to dance with her the minute we walked in, he kept telling her later, so after dinner I took her on the dance floor, and we danced the next few hours! My feet and back were hurting so bad by the end of the night. It was funny because people I didn't even know would come get Macey and start dancing with her, and often times she was in the middle of the circle shaking her stuff. Not to brag, but we got so many compliments on how beautiful and outgoing she is. We are definitley proud parents! The night was over at midnight, and Macey was passed out in the car before we got in the parking lot. She actually slept until 8:00 this morning and her first statement was 'I'm starving!!!'

Weekend

My weekend didn't consist of much since I am working, but Macey was so excited to go to her friend Bryson's 2nd birthday party. She says Brady, Bryson's 4 year old brother is her best friend...they have been friends since birth; Sean and Kylie are very good friends of ours from college. Vinnie took Macey to the party, and Kylie and Sean asked if Macey could spend the night. Of course she wanted to, so Vinnie let her. I guess at some point during the evening Kylie noticed Macey walking funny and asked her what's wrong, and Macey said she T T'd a little in her panties. (This is not normal for her). Kylie asked her why she did that, and Macey told her because she was playing Hide n Go Seek, and she couldn't come out of her hiding spot...so I guess she just went a little in her panties. I guess I kind of understand...you never want to give up a good hiding spot during that game. Well Kylie had to wash Macey's clothes, but she got to wear some of Brady's boxers in the mean time. Me and Vince did get to have dinner Saturday night...alone, so that was really nice.

Tonight Macey said 'Mommy you don't ever want me go get big', I said 'I do want you to get bigger, but I also will always want you to be my little girl; Macey said 'I can't wait to be a teenager, it's my favorite!' (Oh, I can't wait...uugh!!!!)
HAVE A GOOD WEEK!

Visit to Fanklin

We just drove to Tennessee to see Vince's sister's family. We took along Nanny and Pop Pop (Vince's parents). We had a fun time. Nina turned 9 and she had a sleepover which consisted of 19 girls...crazy! Macey loved it, and she fit right in. Some of the pics below show Macey and Tripp playing with each other, and the 3 kids stuffing the pinata for the party; the kids shooting hoops with Nanny and Pops. The weather was awesome, and I finally got to walk around downtown Franklin...very neat town. Macey, Tripp, and Nina get along amazingly well. Tripp even had a cough on Friday so he could stay home from school to be with Macey. Chrissy told us when he woke up Sunday morning and Macey wasn't there, he couldn't stop crying. We wish the Hancocks were back in Texas!

Sunday

We had a fun day today..went to church this morning, and got to listen to Avalon sing a few songs...they are having a concert at our church tonight. After church we went to lunch, then came home and changed and then went to downtown Mckinney for a Mardi Gras dog parade. There were so many dogs...we felt bad for not bringing our perro's, but they would have misbehaved. Macey enjoyed catching beads and candy. As you can see from the pics we are having beautiful weather today.

Macey and Caitlin

I forgot how fast babies change, we hadn't seen Caitlin in a few weeks, and she has changed so much. The first 2 pics in the slideshow were taken in January, and the rest were taken yesterday.

Just testing out some new backgrounds for my blog...not as easy as I expected, but now I'm frustrated so I will have to work on it later.

Growing up

Macey has finally showed interest in learning how to write her last name. I have been trying to get her to spell it and write if for a while, but she was not interested, then a couple days ago, she asked me how to spell it, and she has been writing it on her own ever since. Lately at night we do a page in a workbook where she works on her letters, hopefully this will help her a little when she starts Kindergarten.
Yesterday I had a DR. appt, and Macey had to go with me. I told her she would have to wait in the waiting room by herself. She asked me if they were going to take a baby out of my tummy. I don't know why she thinks this because we don't discuss that topic with her, because we don't know if it will happen. I told her I don't have a baby in my tummy, and she said 'Mommy, you told me at lunch the other day that I could have a baby brother'...she must of dreamed this up because I never said this.
This is when she wrote her whole name for the 1st time all by herself.

First Dentist Visit

I finally took Macey to the dentist..actually it was a family affair, we all 3 had appointments. Vince saw the whole thing, I was in another chair, so I just saw parts. They told me with kids' first visit, the goal is to just get them used to the chair, and they will proceed only as far as the kid will let them. Macey was awesome! She was very excited, she got x-rays, a cleaning, and the fluoride treatment. Everyone was very impressed. Macey said it was a lot of fun. Lindsey, the hygienist is great with kids, Macey really liked her. Dr. Seidler said Macey has perfect teeth. :) Whew, what a relief.

Homework already!?!

Yes, can you believe it? Macey already has homework...in Pre-K. They call it 'optional homework', but I'm sure if we don't do it, we look like the bad parents. I am already getting a feel of what school will be like with her. She does not like to make mistakes, and this makes 'practicing' her lettters and numbers emotinal at times. I asked her to trace her letters while I take a shower and then we will practice them when I get out. Well a minute later she comes running in the bathroom with tears just pouring down her face: 'I messed up Mommy, I can't do it'; I looked at her paper and she had written her B backwards, but OMG so much emotion...elementary school is going to be fun!

Nice weather today.

We are loving these 60 - 70 degree days, but dreading our 'cold' fronts that are about to come thru. Here's a look at what our dogs have to put up with. Maggie definitely deals with having a kid that likes to dress her up. Sage on the other hand does not put up with it, she just runs outside...poor girls, they really used to have the life, walks every night, trips to the dog park, and many many car rides. They barely get to leave the house anymore.
Also a few pics of Macey on her swing today...she is an awesome 'pumper' now...makes her dad very nervous because of how high she goes.