Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Party For The Cortez Family!!!


There will be a farewell party for the Cortez family this Friday night. Please view the evite sent out by Jodi. If you use the link below you will access the evite as Jodi and won't be able respond...because I responded for her thinking I was responding for me...sorry Jodi. (Apologies to those who might have been left off the e-mail...we still want you there!)

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Couple Feature: Jason and Ashley Gibbs

Required Questions

Tell us about your first date.

A: Our first date was to Shenanigans dance hall in Huntsville. Jason and I had met only days before at a comedy club with my brother and some of his friends. Jason told me that he and his friends were going to go dancing and invited me along. I told Jason that he would have to see if it was okay with my brother since he was after all my brother's friend. The last thing I wanted was for their friendship to be weird since Jason was taking his friend's little sister out on a date.

J: I took Ashley to Shenanigans in Huntsville to go dancing. The thing that Ashley loves about that night is I fell down a set of stairs and tried to play it off like nobody saw it.

Tell us something most people don't know about you and your spouse.

A: Most people don't know that we're both really hard headed~ we are both headstrong and want it our own particular way! Also, many people don't know that I knew Jason was the one for me only two days after meeting him~ while we were dancing at Shenanigans!

J: We are both really competitive and I try to compete with her at everything.

What are your goals for the future, both as a couple and individually?

A: A goal of mine, individually, would be to graduate and to get a job teaching a grade that I love. I have looked forward to graduating for awhile now and I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel! A goal for Jason and I is to start a family. Family is important to both of us and we can't wait to bring our own little ones into the world!

J: Out goals are growing our family and having an active life. We want to be the grandparents one day that can still out do the grandchildren. One personal goal of mine is to run the marathon and try a triathlon.

What is the best gift you have ever given to your spouse? What is the best gift you've ever received from you spouse?

A: Not sure on the best gift I've ever given Jason. The nest gift that I've ever received from Jason was this handmade book that he made fore me when we first started dating. I still have that book somewhere...I do like stuff like flowers and clothes, don't get me wrong, but it was really special that he sat down and made it for me.

J: Ashley loves flowers. I know they don't take much thought but the joy they bring her makes them great gifts (I think she loved her engagement ring). The best gifts I have gotten are all my gifts because I love them all.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Why?

A: Jeremiah 29:11- I love this Bible verse because it really puts things into perspective for me. I know that there is no real need or reason to worry because the Lord already has plans for me~ I find this verse very reassuring.

J: I still love John 3:16 because it lets us know that if we believe we are saved.

You Choose Questions

What is your best karaoke song?

A: I don't do karaoke, but Jason has a great set of lungs!

J: I like doing wither Garth Brooks or George Strait and all their songs.

What is your top area of expertise?

A: Shopping!

J: Unfortunately sports.

What was your favorite toy as a child?

A: I really loved my Skip-It, Rainbow Brite, and Care Bears.

J: Baseball glove, board games, and bike.

What is your top restaurant recommendation in Houston?

A: Taste of Texas.

J: Salt Grass- steak and shrimp baby!

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Gonzales Shower!

Does anyone else feel like it has been a while since we had a baby shower? Luckily for those having baby shower withdrawal, today was the Gonzales baby shower.

The cake was adorable and quite tasty!

The wreath on the door looked amazing! Stacy would definitely label the creator of the wreath as a crafty person!

The baby food game was new to me. The ladies without children put their heads together and pulled out a win. I don't know about the others but I'll admit that I also used the debating of the mommies around me to make my decisions. I knew to look at the color but hadn't thought about looking at the texture and thickness or the samples.

The cookies were my favorite! A piece of cake, a cookie, and coffee...I'm really going to crash once it all wears off!

The house was beautifully decorated and had my favorite magnets!

Gorgeous mom to be Alia! Always so sweet!

Is there something about those pregnant bellies that makes them magnetic? Just wondering. They seemed very drawn to each other.

The other Mrs. Gonzales with strawberries and chocolate. Gotta love all three!

So many people to hug and talk to!

Jaime was deep in thought about her positive parenting wisdom.

Many sweet touches and thoughtful keepsakes.

Alia and the hostesses.

The quilt squares were sort of a tough challenge for many of us at first but in the end everyone came up with something they were happy with. I can't wait to see the finished product!

Samantha was having a great time with Aiden! She was claiming her man and giving him some love before he was even born!

Back with mommy.

I think the favorite clothing item was the onesie with the baseball on the back.

A classic gift that every baby needs.

The highly anticipated gift of books.

I've never met a group of women (including those who were absent or not pictured here) who are so caring and supportive. It hit me today how absolutely blessed we all are to have each other!

It looks like this baby is going to be a hiker from early on. I can't wait to meet him. Thank you to those who planned and attended the baby shower today!

Monday, June 08, 2009

Lunch!

When we arrived it was not difficult to figure out where our group was sitting!

We had a pretty good turn out and some great food!

Check out the aftermath!  Thank you to the event planners and participants.  Special thanks to Eduardo who rolled up his sleeves and made sure everyone had a great time!

Monday, June 01, 2009

Crawfish Boil!

Saturday was the day for the long awaited Crawfish Boil and it did not disappoint!  We gathered for swimming, conversation, volleyball, and of course some good food.  (I think I could stare at this pool for hours!)

There was plenty of food to go around!  Some people were even able to take home leftovers.

People of all ages enjoyed the sand volleyball court!

Just when we thought it could not get any better...there was a trampoline!

There was always a fresh batch of crawfish just out of the pot!

Everyone had a great time!

A few of us needed a nap after eating dinner to make it through the rest of the night.

Thank You to the homeowners for allowing us to takeover their backyard!

Thank You to everyone who made the Crawfish Boil happen!  We'll remember it longer than our leftovers and mosquito bites.