Miracles Happen

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the
heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17

Since we have informed all of our family memebers and closest friends, it is now time to go public with the news we have had a very hard time keeping to ourselves. Jake and I are expecting a beautiful miracle in late March/early April! Although it's a little sooner than expected, we could not be more ecstatic! This is all a part of God's plan for us. We feel as though He knows our relationship is strong enough for a child and that we are prepared for this. My first appointment is August 12th so I will know more details then. I'm honestly interested to know how far along I am when she measures me because sometimes I feel like I am further along than we think. I cannot tell if I'm bloating or if I am really already starting to show. Holy moly! This blog will probably turn into the wonders and tribulations of pregnancy :) So far, it hasn't been so bad but then again I'm only about 5 weeks along. According to all the books, all the dreaded things don't hit until 6 or 7 weeks but I'm definately ready for the ride! Who knew such a tiny little thing could make you SSOOOO tired?!?! I am exhausted from going up and down the stairs or doing a load of laundry. Apparently, in early pregnancy, your body does more work sitting down doing nothing than a person that just ran a marathon....HOLY EXHAUSTION! It's nuts! I've also been cramping which I freaked out a little about at first because I started to think something was wrong but the books say it's completely normal. It's simply your insides moving around and preparing to make room for baby. The placenta is growing and thickening as well as the uterus which causes the cramps. It's funny how instinctual you become automatically. I don't like Tini standing on my tummy...even though I know the baby is already well cushioned I just freak out a little. I hope I don't become an over-obsessive mom....I'm pretty sure Jake won't let me! :) Speaking of Jake, he is CRAZY excited! He gets more excited every day and I love it. He will just come sit by me and rub my belly...adorable right?! He's already talking about wanting a boy but he doesn't wanna get too excited about a boy for obvious reasons. Either way, I know he is going to make an amazing daddy :) Our kid will be one of those kids with a pony and everything else they've ever wanted! And I never feel alone. It's really weird but it's like I have a best friend with me all the time! My life is so amazingly blessed...I almost feel like I don't deserve it. Well I will definately be keeping everyone updated on how things are going! Sending blessings your way.

Ashley & Baby Manchaca :)

SOME wedding pictures :)

Best Day of our Lives 6.18.10

Well the rehearsal started off a little off-kilter because Jake's family got stuck at an accident so they were like 30 minutes late which made my stress level rise but once they got there it was perfect. Daddy revealed his amazing cross decorated with an "M" that he handmade. We ate at Swinging Door BBQ with our closest friends and family. Jake and I then split for the night. I spent the night with my girls in a hotel room and I really don't wanna know what Jake did! :)

To be quite honest, the whole day went without a glitch! Not one mentioning at least. My dress, the cakes, the food, the dancing, the pictures, the videos, the guests, EVERYTHING was just perfect and I could not have asked for it to have been any better.

The best part...

The whole day, it hadn't really kicked in that I was getting married in a few short hours UNTIL my hair and makeup were done and my veil was on. That was when the freaking out started...not the freaking out like "I don't know if I wanna do this" but a freaking out like "I can't believe I will be marrying my best friend in a few hours". It was a wonderful feeling. I then focused on having fun with my girls and then I was in the brides room alone with my sister while the girls where outside getting lined up and it finally all hit me...this is actually happening! :)AAAHHHHH! I was never nervous I just couldn't wait to see him at the alter. When those doors finally opened it was like...well unlike anything I could've imagined feeling. Everything after that went sooo fast! But when I look back on pictures I know that I will forever remember that feeling because it was so well captured. Definately a day I will never forget. Especially becoming Mrs. Jake Manchaca :)

Advice to upcoming brides: Enjoy EVERY moment because it comes and goes sooooo fast!

The newest Manchaca :)

WAY behind!

It has been well over a month since I have blogged and I'm sure you all understand. I did get married, go on my honeymoon, and get situated with Jake in our apartment. Life could not be more perfect right now. I am enjoying my summer off from work even though volleyball officially starts back next week with our freshman camp. I stay busy with shopping, movies, and cleaning or decorating the apartment...like I said it's a good life right now! :) Jake is still working for his brother while he continues to wait to hear back from the job he interviewed for before the wedding. He was called back for a second interview two weeks ago and we are waiting to hear their final decision. We've been praying about it and no matter what the outcome we know that God is ALWAYS good. We have also been looking at houses in the Cinco Ranch area which is in Katy. Our lease is up in November and we will want to be in a house at that point so we went ahead and started looking. We have fallen in love with two very different houses :) which is definately a good thing but we like different things about each house so it's hard! We are waiting to hear back about Jake's job before we make an offer or anything like that which luckily gives us a little time to pray and decide which house we feel is the best house to start our family in! :)

Now that you're a little caught up on our lives as of right now...onto the details of the wedding day! :)