What's New

Hello all-
Check out what's new at hellodaydream.blogspot.com

I'm launching my "small business"! Let me know if you need Christmas gifts for family and friends!

Love, Ashley

Our Niece, affectionately known as...

A-Rae (Grandpa), Pretty Girl (Mom Karen), Miss Priss (Grandma), Buddy (Dad Marty), Baby (Uncle Josh), Pumpkin Pie (Aunt Ashley)

We just returned from a trip to Tampa/St. Pete to visit Josh's parents, sister & brother-in-law, and our niece, Arianna. Of course, Little Miss Thang stole the show! Arianna is quickly approaching 8 months old and we had just a great time with her. She played, laughed, cooed, crawled and was so much fun! Here are a few shots:

Fashionista Arianna with mom, Karen

Arianna is currently teething and wants to put everything in her mouth,
including the camera. Cell phones are her favorite.

Playing on the floor at Grandma's house with Uncle Josh
(mysteriously out of the picture or lost from the camera for a better subject?)

Look at those eyes!
I really don't mind having my picture taken, which is a good thing since
Grandma took over 100 during Uncle Josh and Aunt Ashley's visit...

I know these are not pictures of our apartment that I promised some time ago, however, pictures of the apartment seem lame-o compared to sweet baby Arianna! Hope you're all doing well!

Sunday morning, Rain is falling

Hello to all! First, a happy late birthday wish to my husband (Jan 10), my sister (Jan 13) and my dear friend Jessica (Jan 10). I really should stop sending birthday wishes via blog because inevitably I'm going to forget someone (Lacy: Dec 4, Jamie: Dec 11, Jesus: Dec 25). If I were more disciplined with updating my blog, it might not be a problem...but alas, I'm not. So, let's just move forward, shall we?

In the news: we're moving into our own apartment! Yippee! We found a cute little place in a lovely neighborhood for less money than we'd planned on spending-- all around, a great deal! We're moving stuff throughout the week this week and then next weekend, Josh's parents are coming to help. Pictures are forthcoming. I'm trying to resist the urge to purchase yards and yards of fabric for curtains, pillows, dust ruffles, etc. I have a wish list of about 100 home goods! It will slowly come together, I must be patient!

Speaking of patient, we think we found a church! We've been going to Christ Community Church for all of the new year, and today we're going to join a small group. We'll see if it sticks. Please keep praying that we're doing what God wants us to do, where He wants us to do it.

I know I've been woefully bad at being in touch the past few months-- this is not the pattern I wish to set! As things get settled down here in our new town, I'll have more energy to devote to things other than settling down!

There are too many exclamation points in this blog!

Happy Birthday Karen!

A little birthday shout out to my sister-in-law! Karen is 24 today! Many happy wishes for many wonderful years!
Well, while I'm here, I should chat about Wilmington a little. We're having a great time! This was Josh's first full weekend here (he came last weekend, but we had to unload the truck). We spent the weekend in our usual style-- on the go! We saw Little Miss Sunshine on Friday night at the Hollywood East Cinema Grill-- funny movie, fun venue. On Saturday morning, we went to the Farmer's Market on the river front and to the Kite Festival on the beach! Today we went to church (twice...more on that later) and to Greenfield Park for a walk around the lake. Whew!

Downtown Wilmington, NC

...with my wonderful husband (and yummy coffee from Java Dog)

Kites on the beach (oooo, the wind was cold!)

Only 20 minutes from our front door

Now that Josh is here with the computer and we have internet access at home, I'll try to be much better about posting! Hope you're all well!

The Eagle has landed

I'm writing you from my new home in Wilmington, N.C. looking out over a beautiful backyard with the sun glinting off the leaves and the birds chirping as they light on my windowsill (not really). My host is an older, single, southern lady, Mary Lou, certainly one of a kind. I'll be attending a few appointments today and Friday, but otherwise I don't officially begin work until Monday, October 9th. Today is a day for exploration (and finding a grocery store that isn't as expensive as Harris Teeter). I hope to have more exciting news with my next post or two.

Oh, Baby!

We went to Florida this weekend to welcome the newest member of our family, Miss Arianna Rae Howell, born Wednesday, September 27, 2006. She was born at 11:24 am, weighing 8 lbs, 8 oz, and was 20 inches long. Proud parents Karen and Marty were a little tired, but beaming with joy. Josh and I were so thankful to share in welcoming our first niece! I feel the need to spoil her rotten...do babies like Godiva?

Don't cut the apron strings

My mom came over to Decatur on Monday and we had the best time! She taught me the basics of sewing machine usage (I should have sat still for this lesson long ago), and she talked me through making an apron from a pattern. It was great fun! In light of our upcoming move, I think I'll be able to apply the tricks of the trade to made a few home accesories. The best part of the whole day was spending hours with Mom, just visiting and laughing. So, here's the silly picture to go with a fun (successful!) day...