The Pickled Bean

In other news... like big big news

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:57:00 +0000

I will be back to blogging in a few short weeks! After a lot of tears and soul searching I decided to resign from my AMAZING position with WilsonHCG.

I absolutely love my company and what I do each and every day but at this point I really need to be home with Taylor and Cooper. This was a heart wrenching decision but in the end I know that it is what is best for our family. I can't think of another profession that is as hard as a stay at home mom. And truth be told I am scared out of my big girl panties!!! My last day will be the first week of June, so I am going to soak up every last minute of professional juice that I can.

I feel like in the last (ummmmm) six months I have had so much to share about our team and I can't wait to get back to the blogging world, and I am so excited to start the summer with my little team. We plan to see lots of family and friends traveling to SLC and Ohio ( fingers crossed ) and soaking up a lot of sun.

I also can't wait to share all of the Williams Syndrome pictures from the nationwide walks. We had over 90 people walk in support of Team Super Cooper Nationwide. We had walkers in Ohio, Utah, Florida, San Diego and San Francisco. Looking at the pictures is beyond overwhelming. We have the best family and friends in the world and Cooper is blessed to have there support. Brace yourself. It will give you the chills!!!!

The Gypsy's Ride Again! Team Dunaway is on the move

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 23:59:00 +0000

It's official we are on the move.... because 2 years in one house is far to long for this team! We are moving about 10 minutes from our current "place of residence" to a cute little 4 bedroom in Lafayette CA.
Why move? Good Question. In order for Cooper to be in the BEST school for special needs kids in the bay area we needed to be in this particular school district. So we made is so. Picture to come.

What? How has it been over a month -- and yes I heard you.

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 23:52:00 +0000

I know I know. I said I would be better but this girl is a busy one! I can't believe that it has been over a month since my last post. You know what I need? More hours in the day, or better yet I wish I didn't need to sleep.

Plus we have been a sick ward for WEEKS! Let's see, everyone got the flu ( NICE) Picture below is of Cooper with A massive double ear infection, a bad head cold AND pick eye. Please note the bags under by eyes. lol. Cooper only gets sick when Dusty is out of town for the week.

Quick this week for dinner

Sunday: Was Taylor's 5th Birthday. More on that to come! She asked for noodles with butter and Dunaway Salt and broc
Monday: Mexican Pizza and side salad
Tuesday: Chicken Rolls, Rice and peas
Wednesday: Ham, potato casserole and asparagus
Thursday: Shrimp Po Boys, Curly Fries and corn on the cob
Friday; Left Overs

Happy Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 21:07:00 +0000

I'm really looking forward to this long weekend. We have birthday parties, hiking, indoor camping and football planned. Honestly I'm just really excited to spend time with my sweet family. With Dusty's travel schedule and my work hours it will be nice to hunker down with my little team. Hoping you all have a wonderful long holiday weekend.
xoxo

Day 18

Williams

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 22:10:00 +0000

Two things from facebook that I have been loving over the last few weeks.

"Williams Syndrome is a complicated blessing. It's a series of short straws followed by infinite extra long ones. You get the joy of seeing the purity of love like never before displayed in a human being, and you get the realization that most of the world will never appreciate your child's heart. It's like that song that you can listen to again and again and never be tired of it, but when you stop and really listen to the words, you can't help but cry." -by Natalie Mrotzek

Picture a day recap

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 22:03:00 +0000

These little ditties are super late. I was having some "blogger" issues. But we are back up and running :)

Day 5: Work video call

Day 6 Date Night!

Day 7: berkley kids museum

Day 8: Cooper self portrait

Day 9: Back to school after the holidays

Day 10 Family X box game night

Day 11: Personal Playtime

Day 12 Cuddles with Allie

Day 12 Breakfast

Day 13: cankers = no eating for 4 days and no sleep for Cooper...or Mom

Day 14 Kitchen Menu

Day 15: January Park Action

This week for Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:44:00 +0000

I'm a little behind this week.. what's new right? If I need to put something on the back burner it is always this little family blog. Oh well! Dusty is out of town the whole week and poor Cooper has Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. Poor little man can catch a break which means mom is not sleeping. Boo!

Sunday: Chicken Parm over egg noodles and steamed peas
Monday: Steamed Salmon, broiled fingerling potatoes and squash
Tuesday: Homemade Mac and cheese with steamed broccoli
Wednesday: Ham and scalloped potatoes with steamed peas
Thursday: Whole roast Chicken, mashed potatoes and asparagus
Friday: Left Overs

Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 16:09:00 +0000

Old Lady: Miss Lucy Faye Dunaway

Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 22:59:00 +0000

Best Big sister ever....

Holiday Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:54:00 +0000

We had the most amazing holiday season. Can you believe that we fit 11 people in our tiny little house? We were bursting at the seams but I wouldn't change a single thing. We started the holiday celebrating Dusty's birthday. I sent all the boys to a gun range for a little "zombie shootout", after words Dusty enjoyed a massage ( Thanks Mom and Dad for the 3 month massage gift: I can pretty much say with certainty that you know Dusty to a T.... A great gift idea!) and than a fancy adult dinner in the city. The whole day seemed wonderful and I could tell that Dusty really enjoyed himself. I always feel so bad that his birthday and Christmas are so close together so I am thankful that my family made the effort to separate the two events.

Christmas was magical! I adore having kids during this time of year. They make everything so shiny and happy. Overall all three sets of Grandparents went above and beyond as usual. The highlight for Taylor and Cooper has been the mini Cooper from Grandpa Ernie. The best part about it was that my parents and Dusty mom had mentioned that they would like to give him the same thing, so it worked out for everyone!!!! Now if we could just get Cooper inside after riding it without a major melt down! Taylor is also over the moon for her fancy tea set and cart. But the best gift of the season has been the xbox. The adults officially took it over and played hours upon hours of games. It was a blast!

I love having my parents in town and I wish I could zap them to the Bay Area permanently. They truly are the best most supportive people in my life and a constant inspiration. They have taught me how to be a wonderful mother, a great wife and a good friend. I think the one thing that inspires me the most is that they truly love and support everyone. I have never heard them talk negatively about another person, they want the best for everyone they meet, they are the perfect example of our family motto. Working hard and being kind!!! Team Dunaway is beyond blessed to have them in our lives.

Enjoy a few of the family pictures. I will have more after I get ahold of my sisters camera!

Spreading out the reindeer food.

Santa's helpers

Santa's helpers round two

After the sugar plums we dancing in there heads.

Unwrapping gifts

Tea Cart

High tea service

Grammie and Papa

grandpa Joe and "Taylor's Man" Uncle Brent

( she was obsessed. I honestly have never seen her so attached to anyone like that other than Allie... Hilarious!)

Little X Box Action!

Mom was the world record holder in javelin toss.

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 17:31:00 +0000

Happy 2013!

We are back to the swing of things in the Dunaway house and I am thrilled to be back up and sharing updates on team Dunaway. 2012 was a wonderful year for us. I love this time of year. I love setting myself up for success and working as a family toward a common goal. This year like last year we are sticking to the same theme. Lame I know, but it worked and it might be our family motto going forward. Just like last year we will focus on the wise words of Connan O Brian ( insert laugh here)

Dusty and I had wonderful year professionally (actually the best for both of us in our professional careers), but the best part about it is that we both love the companies that we work for as well as what we do every day. This makes life a lot easier for the entire team. Taylor has been a true light for the whole family. She has grown into a wonderful little lady and we are so proud of the girl she is shaping up to become. Cooper has shown the most improvement this year. Just in the last three weeks he has started TALKING. I know right?!? The best part of my whole year last year was on Dec 31st at 9:15pm ( we stay up for the New York New Years around these parts) I put Cooper to bed and he said " Nigh Momma" You should have seen Dusty's face when I got out of his room. You still can't wipe the grin off my face. Just a month ago he couldn't say Mom and at school he said Triangle. HELLO AWESOME!!!

For me, my biggest achievement was my number one new years resolution from last year. To focus on my family and decrease /cut out the people and influences in my life that don't lift me up. I spent far to much time in my life fighting for people to like me, wondering what people were saying behind my back and being devastated when people didn't accept me. ( Isn't it funny that you always hear EVERYTHING that people say about you behind there back. Every time someone told me something that some said about me I was heart broken) Giving up the silly need to be "liked"was the greatest gift that 2012 gave me. I am happy with who I am and if others are on not board I respect that decision and move on. This has made my relationship with Dusty better and our family is happier because I focus on people to enrich our life for the better.

This year I am looking forward to growing my career, spending oodles of time with friends and family and continuing to better myself personally. I am going to take more time for myself! I also made a goal (copy cat goal from about 2000 other bloggers last year) To take a picture of our family life every day. Random little snippets of our life. I will share them on the pickled bean and hope you will enjoy the experience and much as we will.

Day 1

A little early gift lovin

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 21:43:00 +0000

PHEWWWWWW: For a quick second on monday Dusty and I thought we would need to move again. Not far just out of our house. We had aready found a cute place and were ready to sign the new lease ( to move in 2 weeks p.s.) when we found out that we could stay here for at least 6 more month. Thank goodness. I was not looking forward to the move with everyting that we have on our plate.

Here is a picture of the team watching our huge new 3D TV. Happy Christmas Dusty!!!!

This Week for Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Hello Lovelies!

Well I am a little stressed at the moment but like Dusty says "you just have to take one thing at a time"....lets hope that works because I have A LOT on my plate over the next few weeks. Work is NUTS-- I am working on one of the hardest projects I have worked on in over a year. I am planning the Williams Syndrome Association party for this Saturday ( I can't wait to see everyone!) alone with some other big changes that are coming down the pipeline for our family. We should have more on that later in the week. Let me just say.... HERE WE GO AGAIN! on top of that you add holiday parties, doctor appointments preschool, 200+ Christmas cards, and Christmas shopping EEEEEEKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!

Okay, OKAY, enough of my banter.

This week for Dinner

Sunday: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes and steamed peas

Monday: Shrimp Po Boy sandwiches and garden salad.

Tuesday: BBQ chicken, baked potatoes and broccoli

Wednesday: Ham and Bean Soup with grilled cheese sandwiches

Thursday: Skyline Chili ( Thanks Ernie and Cindy for the delivery!!!!! I think it's easy to say that is Dusty's favorite Birthday present hands DOWN!)

Friday: Left Overs

Gobble Gobble

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 22:36:00 +0000

We had a lovely Thanksgiving. Dusty's mother came to visit from Oregon and we had a full house with lots of yummy food and festivities. We only get to see Nana once a year so it was nice that we could celebrate thanksgiving and set up for Christmas with her. It was like we had two holidays at once!

Allie brought these darling hats for the kids

Nana and Sinead cooking in the kitchen. Dinner was amazing. Nana is a fantastic cook. I mean fantastic like the best food EVER.

Happy to see Nana!

Make-shift table in our tiny little house.

Dusty cutting the turkey. Brads face is priceless.

Taylor took the gravy boat into her own hands

Pies. yummy!!

Thanksgiving Night Charlie came back from the north pole. He brings a little gift with his book and was ALREADY hiding in the house. The kids were so excited. I think Taylor talks more about Charlie than Santa.

Picking out the tree!

Turning on the lights. Look at Taylor. Pure Joy.

The tree at union square, a little shopping and ice skating made for a perfect end to the weekend!

Well Hello There!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 21:12:00 +0000

After a little blog break I am BACK. I would ask if you missed me but I got so many emails over the last few weeks asking to see my sweet babies that I now fully understand why I have so many readers.... because of little Taylor and Cooper. I am sad that I missed the rest of my little Thankful posts because I had to much to share. But honestly... what I am NOT thankful for is how little time there is during the day. Between work, traveling, visitors, planning the WSA Christmas party and getting ready for the holidays I had to prioritize the Pickled Bean to the back of the to do list. I'll be better I promise, not 100% until after the new year but much better.

I have to much to share but first I wanted to mention that I am sad I didn't get to spotlight my parents and sweet nanny/lifesaver Lily in my Thankful posts. More on that to come ( I'll spot light them later in the week)

Back to our regular scheduled program:

This week for Dinner

{Once again Dusty is traveling for work this entire week so these are very kid friendly}

Sunday: Braised Short Ribs, Mashed Potatoes, Garden Salad and Chocolate Pie.
Monday: Chicken and Broccoli casserole and rice
Tuesday: Ham and funeral potatoes with asparagus
Wednesday: Slow cooker beef stroganoff, egg noodles and peas
Thursday: Chicken taco's, black beans and corn
Friday: Left overs

My little team getting ready for the holidays

Day 9 -- Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 16:56:00 +0000

I am thankful for FRIDAYS. I love the end of the week, wrapping things up and looking forward to the weekend.

We have a tradition in our house, every Friday we have a Dunaway sleepover. I pull out the "big bed" snuggle as a family and watch a movie before bedtime and there is usually popcorn and pizza involved. The kids love it and look forward to it every week. Taylor woke up this morning and one of the first things she said was " Is it big bed day?"
I love making little traditions like this, something that the kids will remember for years to come. Another big plus is that Daddy usually makes it, there is nothing better than getting to have dinner with daddy!

This is a picture of Taylor last week for Dunaway Sleepover, how cute!

Day 8 - Dusty

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 19:23:00 +0000

I am so thankful that I had to opportunity to meet my soul mate. He is my best friend and the best father for our little team. I am thankful that he loves me unconditionally, we haven't always had the perfect marriage, we are human, we struggled in the hard times as much as anyone. But we are each others rock, one thing I know for sure is that I can count on him with my whole life. I love him, I adore him. He gave me the greatest gift, my two little nuggets and I could never thank him enough.

Dusty works harder than anyone I have ever met..... EVER. He is loyal ( to a fault) and would give up his life if it meant supporting his family. Dusty pushes me to be a better person every single day, within the first month that I met him he had me believing that I was better than I gave myself credit for, that I actually deserved to be successful. He taught me the best lesson.

YOU ARE WHO YOU SURROUND YOURSELF WITH.

--I didn't believe it at the time (let me tell you I didn't have the greatest "friends" around me) but he was 100% right.--

I count my blessings everyday that I get to surround myself with this amazing man. I am a better person because I am his wife.

Day 7 - WilsonHCG

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 17:36:00 +0000

I am so very thankful for my amazing job. I know how truly lucky I am to work for an organization that I believe in, where I can do something that I love { put people back to work} and still have the ability to work from home. Even though I am locked in my office for 40 hours a week, I still have the opportunity to hop out at lunch and eat with the kids or step out when Lily picks up Taylor from preschool so I can see how the day went.

But most of all I am thankful for the people at WilsonHCG who supported me last year after Coopers diagnosis. The support that I received from the CEO, my managers and my our delivery team was beyond what I could have ever expected. I know that without this company I would not be able to work with due to the responsibilities that i have with Coopers school and doctors schedule. They truly are the BEST company in the world, and a true blessing for myself and my family.

Thankful Day 6

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 18:39:00 +0000

{ I voted 2 weeks ago via the mail}

I am thankful that I live in a country that is free. Where people can vote and make an impact in there nation. Not a big surprise who I voted for. wink wink.

30 days of Thanks day 5

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 18:35:00 +0000

I am so thankful I don't even think thankful is the right word. WE ARE COMPLETELY BLESSED to have found the doctors and specialists that we needed for Cooper. For our amazing pediatric Cardiologist that insisted that we run the Williams Syndrome test when every other doctor told us " That's not what it is" For the Physical Therapists who taught us how to teach Cooper to walk. For the Occupational therapist who taught Cooper how to swallow. And for our amazing pediatric team that has gone above and beyond to make sure that we have all re resources and information possible to insure Coopers success.

This Week for Dinner and Day 3 & 4

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 18:24:00 +0000

Sunday: Roasted Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and gravy, roasted Brussels sprouts and green salad.
Monday: Vegetable Lasagna and green salad
Tuesday: Flank Stake, Twice Baked Potatoes and green beans
Wednesday: roast Butternut squash soup and grilled cheese sandwiches
Thursday: Chicken Cordon Blue, Rice and broccoli.
Friday: Left Overs

30 days of Thanks!

Day 3: I am so very thankful for our Lucy Faye: She is the best little lady around! Although she doesn't get the attention she used to { insert sad face} she is always thrilled to see our family and be with the kids. Ever since Cooper was born she as treated him like her own little puppy. When the kids are in the front yard she is keeping watch... trust me the neighbors don't love her protective barking. She has turned into a sr citizen over the last few years, she has as much grey hair as my sweet husband., but she still has her spunk!

Day 4: I am thankful that I live in the Bay Area: I love it here. ( With I could transplant a few of my so cal girls but that is for another post) The schools are amazing. I love the city and the "hippy" lifestyle. Dusty has found an amazing career with a company that treats him the way he should be treated ( that's a novel idea!) At long last our roots our planted!

Day 2 - WSA

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 19:05:00 +0000

{photo credit Candice Enberg Photography}

I am so thankful that we have access to the WSA and our Williams Syndrome Support group. I have made some amazing friends and sometimes it's nice to have a shoulder to lean on. I count my blessings every day that we are lucky enough to have a group of families that are going through the same thing as we are.

Above is a sweet picture of Cooper and his main squeeze Dahlia (and fellow WS kiddo). We just got our family pictures back that Candice took and they are amazing.

November 30 Days of Thanks

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:45:00 +0000

I love the idea of sharing what I am thankful for. Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday. I love to cook, have guests and to be focused on family... {and that there are no gifts} Last year a few of my friends took the time to share something that there were thankful for everyday during November. I plan on being a big copy cat and doing the same this year.

Day 1: I am beyond thankful for my little Taylor. I think this picture shows her personality perfectly. I know that God gave her to us first because her soul was made to protect her brother. I took this picture last night as they were walking down the street. Look at how she helps guide him, how she protects him. it melts my heart. She is a true super hero. She is kind and funny, she has a spicy side but a gentle nature. She keeps our little team in check but first and foremost she is the BEST SISTER that we could have ever hoped for. I could go on for hours, she is simply the best thing that could have ever happened to Dusty and I. She has the best parts of each of us and we adore her all the way to the moon... ( and as she says, past the moon and to mars and all the way to heaven)

Happy Haunting

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 21:56:00 +0000

I know, I know! I am so behind this week. A quick happy Halloween from my little team. We are so excited to get our treat on. I'm attempting to make Skyline Chili for scratch. Let's just say the process is NASTY. I'll update you on how it turned out to tomorrow.

Some Photos... Enjoy the Show

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Dunaway) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 21:23:00 +0000

My sweet girl

Playing with Momma

Little Man at the pumpkin patch

scarecrow and cow

corn

I felt like I had to mention that Taylor loved the pulled pork sandwiches. This is a picture of hers. She asked for seconds!

This picture makes me giggle. What My desk looks like after work....EVER DAY. Glass of ices coffe, glass of Iced tea and water with snack cups and lunch bowl. I gather everything up and hunker down for the day.

Long week. Taylor and I were sleepy

Another shot of our chili from last week. I didn't like it either.

My little man

Cooper loves his cars.