Outside Time...

I haven't let Aspen play outside too much lately... To me, it's been extra hot, and when it's cool enough to be out, the mosquito's decide to be out too. I've missed the spring days when I clean the kitchen in the morning, while Aspen played close by on the back porch, insisting the door be open completely. Thus, I've been looking forward to the fall days that we can play outside more. Now, it is WAY  from fall down here in our part of Texas, but there has been a breeze the past couple days. I'd like to credit it to Hurricane Isaac moving air around, causing it to be a bit breezy, but, in reality, I doubt that's the real reason. So, we have played outside this week...And, in case any of you are wondering; Yes, Aspen did rediscover the pot full of dirt, and I found cute handfuls of dirt on my kitchen floor once again...this time, I couldn't find my little broom to clean it up with...Aspen has walked off with it, (along with "her" iPod Nano & a puzzle piece) I'm currently not sure where any of those items are. Anyway...Aspen was so precious playing outside. The grass/weeds are a bit tall, but, honestly, I'm just grateful its green; last year, it was burnt by this time. The tall grass made for fun pictures anyway. 

I hadn't fixed Aspen's hair yet...I wish there was a way to keep it out of her eyes, without a clip or bangs...it's growing, and she'll learn to tuck it behind her ears soon, I hope.

Sweet girl...

Tromping through the weeds...

I love this picture! She was saying "cheese" for the camera. 

I'm sure little boys are just precious too, but... I love how Aspen picks these little flowers and is just enthralled by them. She so carefully, pulls them, then waddles into the house to show her special find to me. Then, she cares it around outside or inside, until she finds something more exciting. Today, right after this picture, she headed back outside, turned at the door and said, "bye!" and blew kisses! So sweet. Simple things that I hope as a Mom I'll never forget that Aspen did, but I have a feeling I will...

August...

Okay, I think everyone has now found out that we're expecting Baby Moreno #2, and if they haven't, then they can just keep following the blog and I'm sure they'll get it. :) I haven't updated in awhile to make sure everyone had a chance to read 'the big reveal'.  So, now to update you on everything I haven't updated you on. Let's see...This month has been pretty busy. And, right now, with my 'pregnancy brain', I'm struggling remembering everything we did, but I know we were booked! These last two weeks were killers, and this one is too, but in a different way. The pictures today are from last week....and hopefully the precious video of Aspen will turn out too. (The video is a few weeks old)

We went to a precious friend's house on Monday for lunch. This friend and 2 little one, the youngest around 9 months old. Aspen discovered his Jumperoo and climbed/fell into it. It was pretty funny; she was then stuck.

This following picture was take at my midwife appointment. Mrs. Natalie had a giant poster/stand  that Aspen discovered at the very end of my appointment. She kinda feel/plopped into the middle of it. I'd of posted the full picture, but I figured most of you could live without seeing the content of the poster. On a similar note... Baby Moreno is well on his/her way. We're now 13 1/2 weeks and getting  bigger. :) The heart rate sounded nice & strong. As we were listening to the precious, tiny heart beating rapidly, Aspen started swaying back and forth to 'the beat of it', like she does music. Too cute! 

After church Wednesday night, Brian stated he was hungry for a milkshake. I told him to get him one, thinking I could have a sip or two too. :) He decided to go get one 1/2 price since it was after 8 p.m. I was hoping he'd get vanilla, chocolate, strawberry...anything but Banana! Guess what he ordered?! Yep, Banana!   I had my sip, but, that was it. That was one way to not have to share, and to cut my calorie intake. :) (I came home and had my own ice cream though.) Anyway... Aspen saw the cup, and started saying,'more! more!', her current way of asking for something. Brian told her if she would say, "Daddy, Please" he would share with her. I was working with her, knowing she could say...I don't  think Brian realized she really could. Poor girl...she started doing almost every sign she knew to get it...Please, help, more...over and over. But, she just wasn't using her words. Finally, she gave up...then in the silence and darkness of the van, there was the most pitiful, 'Peas Dad-dy'. It was instant....that milkshake was in her hands and she was making it disappear!

This was just cute I thought. Aspen went and pulled her favorite blanket from her crib...then came to the kitchen where I was, and laid down.

August 14th was Mom Moreno & our nephew Ryler's Birthdays! Happy late birthday to ya'll! We also celebrated Dad Moreno's birthday, which was the week before. (Happy B-Day to you too!) I thought I had a good picture of the 3 birthday people, but evidently it's still on Brian's phone. Dad Moreno had purchased & brought marshmallow ice cream cones for all the grandkids. Aspen was the last to receive hers, and LOVED it.

Ryler was extra sweet and played with Aspen outside. I believe other cousins did too, but Ryler was the one I saw the most of outside...Brian took this picture...I parked myself at the kitchen table and didn't move very far the whole evening...

This video is our most precious right now. I really hope it'll turn out good enough for you to see and hear. You may need to turn your speaker volume up. A friend at church made Aspen a little kitten...there's a whole story in that itself, but we'll leave it at that for now. The kitten was given to Aspen at church, then this was on the way home. I started singing the "meow" song that Mom McDonald used to sing to me, then Aspen tried to copy it. Hope you can enjoy it...

I know there's lots I've not posted on, but that'll have to do til I remember everything I've forgotten. :) Hopefully, I'll post more regularly again now. 

San Antonio 2012

July was absolutely crazy busy for us. I apologize for the delay of posts...hopefully I can catch up and stay on top of things now. I'll get you a little up to speed in this post. :)

Each summer, Texas Bandmaster Association (TBA) has a convention each July. It's nearly a tradition in my family to go...and now that I'm married to a band director, the tradition continues. This year was different though. We weren't planning to go, until we heard that Daddy was being given an extremely high honor, which would take place at this convention. We learned about the award in February (at the winter convention - TMEA), and it was fun to hear the importance of this achievement. As we realized the significance, it became evident that ALL of us McDonald 'kids' needed and wanted to be there to support Daddy on his special day. The Lord worked it out in a mighty way allowing each of us 'kids', our spouses, children (present and few on the way), aunts, uncle, and a couple extra special family members to meet for dinner prior to the ceremony, then go together to the ceremony, concert & reception. We met at a restaurant on the Riverwalk called Casa Rio. Let me add that it was quite hot...and quite the wait, but definitely worth it.

The Cousins! We also found out the day before, that Caleb & Becky will be having 2 precious little boys! Yay!! Boys to balance out these girls. Be praying for Hudson & Peter!

 Waiting for our tables/private room...and for Caleb, Becky & Boys, Aunt Cindy & Uncle Steve

(Picture thanks goes to Ruben)

Walking as a family to the Lila Cockell Theater/Convention Center

Annabel was SO helpful with Aspen!! At this point, they were watching a Phonics Song. 

The wait was over. Daddy was presented with the Meritorious Achievement Award around 7:20 p.m. Friday, July 20th. We are SO very, very proud of him. The Lord has blest his career abundantly, as he continually strove (and strives) to honor the Lord. I believe this award is second to being inducted into the the Band Directors Hall of Fame...which, I'm sure that hasn't happened for Daddy yet, simply because he's not old enough. ;D (*there was absolutely no partiality in that last sentence. :))

I was holding Aspen when Daddy walked onto the stage, and when she realized it was her PawPaw, she said, very loudly, 'PAW PAW!!!!!!!!!' We were in the balcony, very far away, and Daddy couldn't hear her, but I think everyone in the balcony did.

Did I mention the award ceremony was followed by a 2 hour concert of The President's Own Marine Band!? :) I was only able to stay long enough for the Star Spangled Banner. Aspen wasn't too impressed. We spent the rest of the time wandering around the Convention Center.

After the intermission, Brian & Alyssa came out, joining Annabel, Aspen, Rebekah and I. Rebekah & the girls went back in after awhile, and us Moreno's wandered around, in hopes of a little girl falling asleep. To no avail, I might add. Following the concert, around 10:30 p.m. there was a reception for all the individuals who received a reward that evening in the Lonesome Dove Room. It was a neat time of fellowship, sharing and listening to each persons testimony, and little speech. Daddy was towards the end, thus it was pushing 11:30 before it was his turn to share. I took pictures of all this on Mama's camera, but not mine.... Annabel & Alyssa curled up and feel asleep, and Brian very sweetly took Aspen out, and finally got to sleep. I feel SO bad though that he missed Daddy's speech!!! I should have had someone call him or go get him when Daddy was up, but I didn't. I'm sorry my Love! :.( Daddy did mention each of his 'kids'...I loved how he acknowledged the boys musical talents, and their families...when he got to me he said said I married Brian Moreno, the band director at Texas City High School. Yep!!! I sure did! :D That beats all my musical talent for sure!!!!!! :) So glad Daddy focused on that one. Above all, Daddy gave glory to God for the achievements made. 

This picture was taken during the Marine Band concert. You can see Brian at the top...Aspen had fun climb up to him, then running down to me. We were outside on the Riverwalk.

Saturday morning we checked out of our hotel, and Aspen helped Daddy pull our suitcase to the elevator.

After a busy morning playing with cousins, riding up & down escalators waiting for Daddy, walking through convention & exhibits, having lunch at Fuddruckers with Granny & PawPaw, it was finally time to head to the car and drive back to Houston. Poor Aspen was SOOO sleepy...we had to wait for the elevator in the parking garage, as we did, Brian started to sing a little to her. She put her forehead against his chin, and was out cold. 

How many of you saw Aspen's shirt in the very first picture? It's kinda hard to read, but it's obvious enough for me to have to say something too. This weekend was Aspen's big revelation to the McDonald family...Daddy even made it part of his speech that night. We're just now starting to share it with our close family friends, and thought we'd share it with you too now. 

Coming February 2012