JAkE aNd AshLeY

About the baby

2010-02-20T13:05:00.002-06:00

Well....its a BABY! Jake and I confirmed our "job well done" by ultrasound this past wednesday. I measured 9 weeks. Due date is Sept. 22, 2010. I still can't believe we are having another child. BUT I am excited!!!

Both of us will be happy no matter what God sends us. We are praying for a healthy baby and uncomplicated pregnancy. Hope to be able to continue sharing the news with you!!!

tomorrow is the day....

2010-02-16T15:36:00.002-06:00

....we go to our first OB appt. Yep, Jake and I have done it again! Truly a surprise this time, we are planning for our 3rd child. YIKES!!! Will post later and let you know how things go!!

ashley

Snow Day

2010-02-13T15:10:00.003-06:00

The forecast says 1-2 inches....then 2-4 inches....only to change again to reveal dusting-1 inch. Guess what, we got 3. Ayden had to miss the fun but Cooper and I had a blast playing in the snow! Jake got stuck working 12 hours working wrecks. :( I have said it before, the people in this county can not drive. Here are a few of our snow pictures from snow day 1 (which really didn't do much) and snow day 2.

up to date

2009-11-30T11:40:00.002-06:00

Since my last post (ummm...2 months ago) not much has changed. I quit my job at the first place I was employed. I have had jobs in the past I didn't like but this is the first time I every cried because I had to go to work. The place I worked was awful...disorganized....people were very rude for the most part. I did find another job at a smaller hospital. I love it! Things were wonderful there until my hours got cut. After a 3 day depression and a total pick me up from God, I am searching for another j0b. This is the beginning of week 3 and I have had one call back....only to ask preliminary questions. I know God is doing his thing but it is so hard to sit back and watch it unfold. I get worried about paying bills, getting the kids what they need...etc. BUT, God will get us through this, HE will provide. We won't have a big Christmas and I won't be able to buy the things I usually do but I have my family here with me, my church home, the few friends I have made, and my God. All is good!!!

To continue on....Jake is doing great. He gets to train for superload escorts. (this is a good paying gig, so we hear...) We are excited about that. He really likes what he does and he does a great job. He has a heart of gold and patience like no one I know. He tells me stories about encounters he has had with people that make my red roots shine ( I don't really have red hair but I have the attitude that red heads flair). Anyway, these people that are awful to him, he smiles and continues what he is doing without ever being smart with them. Wow. I am a little jealous at his ability to control himself.

The boys are great! Ayden has found a few new friends and Cooper is growing like a weed. He is walking, running, climbing and into it all! He loves giving our belongings a chance to swim in the toilet. Ayden never did these things!!!! I love it though. They both keep us on our toes and challenge us DAILY. Parenting is not easy, I am not perfect but I LOVE IT!

a trip to the beach

2009-08-21T21:00:00.003-05:00

We had the best family vacay this year! My inlaws go to Daytona every year. This year Our family was invited. We didn't think Jake was going to get to go...but the day before we were going to leave, Jake was granted permission to spend the week with us. YAY!! So, off to Daytona we went! First, Jake and I took Ayden to Disney. Cooper stayed with Mimi Lou and Papa Tom and we all met up in Daytona on Sat. night. We spent the week with Mimi Lou, Papa Tom, Brandi, Greg, and Allee. As crowded as it was we had the BEST time ever! I hope we get to do this year after year.

Jake Graduates

2009-07-30T23:17:00.002-05:00

For those that don't know, Jacob graduated on July 10th! Can you believe that the 22 weeks is over?? I am still not quite used to him being home so much. He has started work and is liking it. (except for the 3rd shift thing) The schedules are a little tricky right now. They change things all the time...which makes it a little hard for me to work. Have to make sure the children are taken care of. :) Nontheless, I am super proud of my guy!

OVER A MONTH

2009-05-12T21:13:00.002-05:00

since i have been on here. hmmm. well, thank my employer partly. They banned this site at work so now I can't blog on my break. Though....I did have a great conversation with a wonderful friend tonight who shared a little blogging secret with me. Thanks to you dear friend. You shall remain nameless so you won't get caught at work. :)

um, so in the morning, I am driving to Jacksonville. Why??? we are closing on a house. WHAT??? Yep, if all goes well, Jake and I will once again be homeowners. PRAISE GOD! HE is wonderful isn't he? He has taken Jake and I and carried us this far through this trying time and we are nearing the end. I can't help but think of that footprints story. God is good.

Post later.

the new boys!

2009-04-01T21:37:00.003-05:00

This is Jake sporting his new style. SLICK! In this picture he is in Talledega learning all about pursuit driving. Don't you think he is hot?? I love it! I am so proud of him and I miss him so much.

This is Cooper eating prunes. He had a great time as you can tell. He is growing up so fast. You know he has 2 teeth now and 2 more coming through.

And, here is my little man...Ayden! He got a haircut soon after Daddy did. We are spiking the hair and using gel. He is so proud of styling his hair and the kids at school think its "cool"

What is new...

we are in week 9 of the 22 required to complete the academy. i still have moments each week where I break down and cry. Though it has gotten easier for me to deal with the fact Jacob is gone during the week, I still have a hard time coping during the week. With the support of family and most importantly God carrying me through, the week is endured only to start all over the next week.

Ayden is playing baseball. We start this weekend with the games. I am very excited and so is he. He is such a great athlete! Dad and Uncle Ausbin are coaching. We have a good team, I think. All of the boys try so hard and they are cute!!

Cooper is about to be mobile. He is getting up on hands and knees. Won't be long until my baby is crawling everywhere.

AND last....we are in the process of buying a house in Calhoun County. It is a nice sized house and we have room for everyone to come see us...hint hint! We hope to close in May and for sure be in the house by July. WOW, it is getting so close!!

here we are now

2009-04-01T21:23:00.003-05:00

SO...its been a long while since I have posted a blog. I am so sorry! I have been quite busy. Since Jacob has been gone I have been going crazy, seriously. The kids are floating between home and grandparents. Our regular schedule now is that we don't really have one. I hate it for them.

I am uploading new pictures to my computer right now so I will post them in a few minutes.

the time has come

2009-02-16T04:01:00.002-06:00

Well....the time has come. Jacob started the academy on Feb. 2. He was gone for 10 days and I only spoke with him 2 times. That was probably the longest 10 days I have ever encountered. I cried some....and some more. It is very hard having my husband...my best friend...leave for 10 days. Bottom line, I miss him.

I must say that God provided a great distraction. Thank goodness for children and work....and family to keep me sane! My parents and in laws have been a huge blessing!
Jacob did get to come home this last weekend. We spent a very short 4 days together. 2 weeks down, 20 to go. I am so very proud of him. He told me lots of stories....wow! (the things he is going through seems tough - mentally and physically)

the children are doing well. Ayden is excelling in school and I am so proud of him. He will be playing baseball again this spring. We are all excited about that. Cooper is 4 months old. His growth and development is right on track! He is rolling all over the floor. I will post a picture this week and share my 2 beautiful boys with you all.

as always, continue to pray for us!

its been a while.......

2008-12-30T22:37:00.004-06:00

Since the last post...Cooper is now 3 months old! Ayden is doing great in kindergarten...he is learning to read and it is awesome! Cooper went to his first Auburn game with us. (see the picture above) He did great. Looks like he will love it like Ayden does.

Jake got some exciting news...he will be leaving on Feb. 2 to start the State Trooper Academy. Can you believe he FINALLY made it??? The boys and I will be staying with family quite a bit but I will need to find someone to help me out with Cooper one day a week.

The bittersweet part of Jake getting in to the academy is that we will be relocating to Calhoun County. :( Sad, it is....but also an exciting time for our family. New beginnings that will make us a stronger family. God is doing his thing, I really believe this.

Please pray for us as we start this new life...I will definately need prayers as Jake will be gone for about 22 weeks. Ayden is a littl upset about his daddy leaving. He doesn't quite understand why Jake is leaving to go to school. Pray also for me and my work...I am at a great place where I am and may continue to drive to Huntsville and work, especially if other areas are not hiring. YES - the economy has affected healthcre too.

WE LOVE YOU ALL!

newness in the air....

2008-11-19T08:28:00.002-06:00

For those that don't know, I started with Pampered Chef just before giving birth to Cooper. I felt that I needed something to get me through maternity leave. I am having a blast! Such a fun way to socialize and earn a few extra bucks. I am going to continue down this road, hopefully strengthening my business so that I may work only part time at the hospital. I would like to have flexibility to be a mom! This said, please visit my website...host a show (you get to eat!!!)....order Christmas gifts...start your own business and venture out like I am. I promise it is FUN!! (and when you sign up, you get lots of cooking things...yeah!!)

www.pamperedchef.biz/ashleybrook

Oh, if this doesn't appeal to you, tell someone else. You might just make their day :)

losing a family member

2008-10-27T13:13:00.002-05:00

we lost a member of our family this morning. Ayden's dog, Oliver (the small one) was hit by a car. please pray for Ayden...that God will heal his broken heart quickly.

more pics of our family...

2008-10-18T15:56:00.003-05:00

WOW!! What a fabulous 3 weeks it has been. That is right, our baby will be 3 weeks old on Tuesday. I can't believe how fast time has gone by. Ayden has been wonderful with Cooper. He is so protective of his little brother. We have had very little jealousy problems. Jake has been great too! He is a wonderful dad to both of our boys. Alway willing to help out. I have to say that we have a great support system - our families have been wonderful. Enough gabbing, enjoy the pictures!

Baby update and pictures

2008-10-01T08:56:00.003-05:00

Here are some pictures of Cooper Alexander Smith. Born Sept 30, 2008 at 1959CDT. He weighed in at 8 lbs and 4 oz and was 20 inches long. A beatiful baby boy. I never have been so proud. Thank you all for your prayers, calls and messages.

Thank you and God bless,

Jake, Ashley, Ayden and Cooper

LABOR!!!!!!!

2008-09-30T11:52:00.002-05:00

Hey everybody,

Just thought i would let you know we are at hospital in Labor and Delivery. Everything is going well. Here are a couple pictures and I'll keep you posted. Keep us in your prayers.

Thank you,

Jake

baby news

2008-08-11T18:11:00.002-05:00

As you know, we were told we were having a boy. As of today, its a girl. No, we are not kidding. According to the ultrasound and by confirmation of our doctor, we are indeed having a girl. They were pretty sure it was a boy and now convinced its a girl...we, however are not convinced either way at this point. So, if you choose to purchase something, keep the receipt!! :)

ALSO - the kidney update - still have fluid. The amount has actually increased a little. We will NOT have to go to Birmingham - praise God! We will only have to follow up with a pediatric urologist. I am super excited about this! Please continue to pray for our baby...whichever gender it may be!

Ayden's first day of school....

2008-08-11T18:05:00.002-05:00

the beach, the beach, the beach!

2008-08-05T20:54:00.002-05:00

so here we are at the beach..............

this is video of ayden in the gulf!

4-D pictures

2008-07-22T16:57:00.002-05:00

here he is.....

the good and the bad

2008-07-18T04:04:00.003-05:00

So, good news - we sold our house and we have been moving this past week. We are able to stay in a family owned place which is a great plus! All we need now is Jake to be accepted into the academy in October....keep praying for us!

The bad news - our baby has some renal dilatation...we had a repeat ultrasound this past week and there is an increase in the fluid amount. Though it is still at a level which is considered mild, we are asking for your prayers. I believe God can and will heal this anomoly!

its been a while...

2008-07-09T15:19:00.002-05:00

I can't believe I haven't updated since April. Wow! Let me fill you in...
May - Ayden graduated from preschool. I can't believe he is starting "big boy" school this year. Time flies...

June - Jake didn't get into the June academy for state troopers. We are patiently awaiting the next class which tentatively is scheduled for October. We took a mini vacation to Gatlinburg and had a blast. We went to the Dixie Stampede which was an experience. We all had such a good time. BTW - we are having a boy, so the ultrasound says. No names yet. :)

July - As most of you know, we put our house on the market in preparation and anticipation of moving soon. (state trooper thing) Well, it sold! We are excited. Our first step towards the future we are so unsure of. We are kind of dangling, waiting for God to open up doors and lead us in the right direction. It is a little frustrating sometimes not knowing where, if, when but it is all in God's time and we are willing and eager to do what He has planned. Still, it is exciting!! Anyway, we are moving out of our house this week. We are so very fortunate to have a place to stay. (not with family but owned by family)

Till next time....

Ayden's Birthday

2008-04-24T15:43:00.005-05:00

Ayden turned 5 this year. I can't believe it! We had a birthday party for him with a camo theme. The kids had water balloons and water guns to soak each other. The children had a blast! I think the party went well. Special thanks to Chandra Holland for making the cake!

SOCCER TIME

2008-04-24T13:08:00.005-05:00

As promised, pictures of Ayden playing soccer!

on our way.....

2008-04-13T13:06:00.002-05:00

WOW! We are getting closer to a long summer. Jake went last weekend for his physical. Turns out he is a-ok! Our next step is with the psych interview. Guess they need to make sure he is mentally stable. :) He should pass this with flying colors. I am getting so nervous...scared... He is going to be gone for so long.

On a different note, Ayden is playing soccer this year. He is amazing. I am not at home right now but I will post a picture soon. I took an awesome shot of him getting ready to kick the ball.

Pregnancy update...did an ultrasound and the baby looks great. "It" is kicking me all the time...I just can't feel it yet. Still don't have a confirmed sex on the baby. We can't seem to get a good view. (I guess the little one wants us to keep guessing for a bit) I am feeling much better. Still having some bouts with nausea/vomiting but I am at least able to eat some things at this point. Speaking of...there is some bbq with my name on it.

ash

Ahh, Spring

2008-03-26T21:18:00.002-05:00

It is so nice to see flowers blooming and trees budding. Signs of new... Things are new in our family too. Ayden is playing soccer this spring. He is so excited. We have had 2 practices and I must say I am impressed! Jacob got his much anticipated letter from the state...we are getting closer to a new beginning. We had our 2nd visit with the OB doc and everything is going great. :)

Please keep our extended family in your prayers. We are having some rather disturbing and stressful trials. Pray things get handled in the way they should be handled by the people that need to be handling them. Pray the burden of it all is lifted!

EXCITING TIMES

2008-02-26T19:47:00.005-06:00

I think it looks like me when I was that age. HAHA. And just so everyone knows it is going to be a girl I've decided. Isn't she beautiful. Blue eyes and sandy color hair too. I kniow these things. I got butterflies in my chest when I saw and heard the heart beat. It was AWESOME!!! I can't explain it. I'm sure all Dad's know the feeling. I can't wait. I just hope and pray that make it home in time from Selma to be there when she decides to come into the world. How Exciting!

the process

2008-02-22T02:19:00.002-06:00

Jake's update......after the trip to Mobile, he had an appointment with an agent who hooked him up to a lie detector and drilled him. As far as we know, he didn't lie! LOL!! We are waiting now for another letter. We think the academy might start sometime in June. Such a short time for use to prepare.

Since the last post..........
Ayden has played upward basketball this year. He and two of his friends were the youngest players out there. They played with kids who were a bit older. They did great though! Ayden has progressed so well in the learning process and his skills have improved so much. I hate I didn't get a chance to post during the short season, I have great pictures!!

jake's update

2008-01-08T09:36:00.000-06:00

I was waiting on Jake to make a post regarding his trip to Mobile. Those of you that know him understand why I am writing this. He did great on his physical ability test! He has other types of testing ahead of him but the most challenging part is over....until the academy. He is very excited and I am very proud of him. It is comforting to watch him make this career move...knowing he is doing something he chose to do. This is a stable career and one that will support his family. I am glad Ayden will grow up with a mom and dad who are both hard workers. (though Jake works much harder than I do!) He is leading our family like a husband and father should. Gosh, I have a FABULOUS man!! :)

it is here!!

2008-01-03T15:00:00.001-06:00

so, Jake is on his way to Mobile! I am so nervous about everything. It is now we take a leap of faith and rely on what God has planned. Please continue to pray for Jacob and for our family. This is such a huge step in his career path and an even (potentially) larger move for our family!

money...ugggh

2008-01-02T10:08:00.000-06:00

So, I was opening up my bible this morning to have a quiet time. I did the random pick....you know find a topic and read it. This one was about finances...money...the oh so wonderful topic. (i am sure it really would be a great topic if I had lots of the green stuff) Jake and I had been talking after the holidays how we spent so much money buying stuff for others. Don't get me wrong, I love buying things for others...much more than I like receiving it actually. But, we have to save money to purchase gifts. There are those that are more fortunate than we are and they spend a lot more money on us than we can afford to spend on them. That makes us feel so bad....embarassed.... Anyway, I found peace with that this morning. I read a story in my Bible about a lady and her family. How they were considered as living in poverty based on the income amount. She mentioned that they had a roof over their heads, clothes, and food. They didn't lack for anything they needed. This verse was quoted Proverbs 30:8 Give me neither poverty nor riches but give me only my daily bread.
WOW! Everything we have is such a blessing...really. The gifts we give are out of love for others. We get so caught up in how much or what it is we get when really it is about the act of giving and what it means. We don't give out of obligation - we shouldn't anyway. We give because we WANT to... I love you all!!

Christmas Day

2007-12-28T07:58:00.000-06:00

Nothing about Christmas is ever easy or uncomplicated...agree? This year I had to work Christmas Eve. (I have actually been off 1 Christmas since Ayden was born) In all efforts not to miss the Christmas morning bustle as Ayden opened his gifts, Jake and I came up with a plan. Jake kept Ayden up as long as he could before Santa came to visit. We also prepared a dose of benadryl to ensure a wonderful and long sleep. Things went fabulously, except for a minor accident in the night. (Ayden was a little too sleepy to get up and potty) I was able to leave work 10 minutes early and arrived home to find everyone sound asleep at 0730. This didn't last long...I woke everyone up and we had a wonderful Christmas together! OH - Ayden and I madeJesus a cookie cake and he decorated it all by himself!

Christmas

2007-12-23T09:55:00.000-06:00

I think I have been working too much. Just yesterday we were eating turkey and celebrating Thanksgiving! Gosh, time has passed so quickly. We have had "Christmas" with my parents and Jake's. We have had such a great time. Ayden is so different this year than he has ever been...it seems like there is a race to open all of his gifts in which I think he would have won. One thing after another, not even paying much attention to what he has just opened! Something I had wanted to do this year was to really celebrate the birth of Christ on his level. I had thought about baking a cake or cupcakes, like we do for our birthdays, so he could understand a little about the real Christmas. I have to work Christmas night so I was not sure if I could really get this done. After seeing him tear through gifts like he did...I have to do this. I want him to be thankful...not only for what he receives from others but for everything in this world. God gave us so much and we all too often don't appreciate any of it!
Merry Christmas to everyone!!

the smith family

2007-12-18T20:45:00.001-06:00

jake...

2007-12-18T19:40:00.000-06:00

Formaly known as Jacob Smith... HAHA. Anyway, I am an aircraft mechanic and pilot. I hope to soon be employed as an Alabama State Trooper and after 3 years on the road I hope to get a transfer into the trooper pilot program. I have a wonderful wife (Ashley) and a son (Ayden, 4), for those of you that don't know. I enjoy just about everything to do with the outdoors, especially if Ashley and Ayden are with me. That's about it in the nutshell. Care to know anything else just ask me.

ashley...........

2007-11-06T13:04:00.000-06:00

Ashley - I am a mother of a precious 4 year old boy. Very challenging but fun. I am married to Jacob Smith...who is the BEST guy ever! I am a nurse at the Peds ER in Huntsville. I was a little scared when I firs started working there and am much better now. Little ones are not fun when they are sick - they hold out and then crash hard. Scary! Jake and I attend LLBC in Athens and are part of the most awesome sunday class. YAY - Twenty Somethings!!! I have a good personality, I think. I can be very moody but I am blaming that on hormones :) I am kidding...but I am not telling you what I am kidding about. Nice to meet you all........