Aaron

Less than 3 months till the big day! I bought Aaron's ring last week and he wore it on his right hand the other night and he looked so amazing. He looked just like what I have always thought my husband would look like. He will be my husband! Just those words bring such a smile to my face. He and I were meant to be together. Aaron is so perfect. He has no flaws. I am so proud of him. He is such a romantic, sincere man, sometimes I wonder what in this world I have done to deserve him. He completes everything about this universe. I am not scared when he is near. (except when he turns off all the lights and makes that scary breathy sound, but that is another story). I have never met a person that I enjoy so completley. Every time he calls me, I was just about to call him. Everytime I think "Hey, we should go out to dinner," he has the same idea. We look forward to one another in a way that I can't even explain. To say he completes me would be like a cliche' but he does in fact complete me. Aaron's eyes, his voice, his thoughts, his dreams.

I love Aaron.

Christmas.

Christmas is just around the corner. Like literally two days away. This mama might have gone overboard with the spending this year. But, to see there little faces, it will be worth it. And besides, New Years is sure to bring much more levelheadedness, as far as budgeting, dieting, organizing, being healthy.

I feel I have not been a very active blogger. My sister has been gone for just under a month now, and I have been in a pitty poor me mood. I am not sure if the 2 are related. But I do miss her, and have noticed, I am a bit more whiny. Aaron, my dear sweet Aaron, will confirm that for you. He is so patient with me.

He, and the kids are on there way up here right now to bring me lunch. How did I land someone so thoughtful. Thank God for Aaron. Can you imagine the despair if my sister left town and I didn't have Aaron. WOW!

So, my hopes for Christmas this year:

We remember the reason of the season: Jesus

We all find peace in our hearts

Time with family and friends is treasured

The kids will never forget how Christmas morning feels,

I know I haven't.

Jennifer.

My sister and I are very close. Sometimes we talk even three times a day. That is why I am not so happy to report she is moving to Kansas. Don't get me wrong, I am happy for them to be getting this new adventure, but not having my sister 15 minutes away anymore is not something I am looking forward to.

Let me tell you about this amazing women. She is strong, beutiful, captivating and fun. Wise, God fearing, tell you like it is. She is down to earth and solid as a rock. Un breakable. I have no idea what I am gonna do with out her.

I think maybe I should put an ad in the paper. A replacement.

It will read:

Looking for a replacement, for someone unreplaceable.

Needed: Woman who has a sense of humor, character and awesome fashion sense. Must be size 6(ish) so we can share clothes. Must be able to make every situation fun, and must be able to analyze and solve all of my problems. You must be able to visit with me anytime I want and must be available for phone calls anytime between 7 am and 11 pm, even if we just saw each other. You have to attend FOTP and call me if you are not gonna be there. If I cry, point out the good in the situation. If I am happy, point out a few bad things, just so I won't get too happy. Must know everything about me and remember all crucial moments in my life. Must love my children like your own. And talk endlessly about mothering, God, love, relationships, cooking, cleaning, shopping, and of course other people. Must be practicly perfect in everyway.


I will miss you Jennifer.

Blushing Bride.

This is not the dress. I got the dress but this is not the one. I can see all the emails from people saying that "Aaron is going to see the dress".. and our relationship is going to be doomed, so NO ONE PANIC. This isn't the dress. This one was pretty but it didn't make the cut. I think it makes me look a little bit short. Zoe and I together is the reason I chose to include this photo, and because I wanted to update everyone on the wedding plans.

I am so excited about the wedding! I am soooo over the top excited! I have the dress, the honeymoon is booked! We are getting married at the golf course by my work, and the reception will be in their banquet hall. We have some choices about the food, all chicken choices. We will probably decide that within the next few weeks. Our colors will be pink and chocolate. I have so many ideas about the cake. It's my dream to have like the most glorious Martha Stewart wedding, and while staying within our budget, it looks like it will be really close. And Zoe will be my little maid of honor. She is tickled pink about that.
Aaron will have Sid as his best man. Our other attendants will be Jennifer, Lacey, Nicole and Bridget on my side. Kayla, Ashley, and McKenzie will be flower girls. Aaron will have Ryan, Robert, Kyle and Lonnie on his side. Can you imagine Sid and Aaron looking so handsome in their tuxedos with the chocolate ties and the pink hydrangea boutineers.
Oh! That reminds me, the flowers will be pink hydrangeas with pink roses. Very full heads on the hydrangeas cut the cost dramatically, then just Zoe and I will have roses inner mixed.
I need to buy Aaron's ring. I wanna get something engraved inside to surprise him, but I am not sure what yet.
Everyone has told me that nothing will go as planned at the wedding and I can tell you right now that I am not going to be one of those horrid Bridzilla's everyone talks about. There is one goal for that day, and that will happen not matter what else goes on. I love Aaron so much and am looking so forward to being the kind of wife God has intended me to be. I couldn't imagine my life without Aaron in it. I almost feel like we share a heart already, and cannot wait for our souls to become one after we are married.

Our relationship has been blessed by our Lord, Jesus Christ. About three years ago, I prayed for God to bring a man into my life that would be the perfect husband for me and the perfect dad for the kids. I was very specific in what I asked for. Someone with intelligence, a gentle soul, yet strong and protective, who would love God with all his heart, and love us so completely for who we are. And I met Aaron almost immedialty after that. We didn't start dating right away, but I can say that we noticed each other, and became friends first. When we did start dating, it didn't take long at all for me to realize God had heard me and answered my prayer in a huge way! What a great comfort it is to know that we have God on our side. When we do things the way God wants us to, he will continue to bless us. I cannot say enough good things about Aaron! He makes me want to be a better person, and give, give, give to him. He is so deserving of the best kind of life, and with prayer, and trust in God's plan, I will be the perfect person to give it to him. If he knew how hard I strive to make him happy.

To put it simply, I cannot wait to be his wife. And he my husband.

Silver Lining.

Yesterday started raunchy! The Lord was really testing me on patience yesterday and I can tell you I barely passed. I woke up feeling stiff and achy- you know like a hangover or the flu type feeling. My head was throbbing, and I was running late, so no coffee. Not a good thing for this mama. I have to have my coffee.
I am not kidding about that. I will let you in on a little secret of mine. One of my guilty pleasures is to get up at 6 in the morning, get me a cup of coffee, open the blinds, so I can watch the sun come up from my snuggly spot on the couch, turn on the news and sip away. It is just about may favorite time of day. Aaron doesn't drink coffee and I don't think he gets this, but it truly is an important part of my day.
So I missed it. I overslept, woke up hurting, and I missed my coffee time. Bad news. We got out the door a smidge later than usual. And what a different that makes. I dropped Sid and Zoe off for school with minutes to spare. Sid's third grade class is all the way in the back of the school and he was late. Not happy.
Then as soon as I got to work, I got a phone call from an unhappy applicant who had given me a check to hold, but I put it through to be deposited, now her account is in turmoil.
Work was rushed, chaotic, I felt like I didn't connect with anyone, no one wanted an apartment from me, I promise you that. I was grumpy.

But, with prayer, my day turned. Aaron emailed me that he would bring home the bacon (ie, cereal, milk, and bread) so I wouldn't have to. Then soccer practice got canceled, which was a guilty relief, but I am just sooo tired. We got home with to do list and tackled em all! Oh and Sid learned how to ride his bike! Praises! That kid needed this so much! He can be real hard on himself. But to accomplish something like this with very little help! I got so many pictures I wanted to post on this blog, but that will have to wait. Way to go SID!

Zoe was bummed about him learning before her, but I did my best to explain that he is older and that he will do lots of things first. I promised her that she will get to shave her legs first, she laughed, thought for a minute and then scrunched up her nose.

"Oh mom! Grooossss!!" I smiled at her. She won't think it's gross one day, but I'm kinda glad she does for now.

O Praise Him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpVsF4W8V2Y

This video was played at church on Saturday night when Aaron was baptized, and at first I thought the video was wierd, but by the end, I wasnted to stand up and cheer for that guy. I can't quit thinking about that video. We have all been there at that moment of worship where we feel like getting down on our knees, but most of don't display that outward worship. I can't explain it. It reminded me of Aaron and what he was going through that night, renewing his relationship with God and how special each and every relationship with God is. The kids saw the video and Aaron get baptized and I think bout how all that moved their hearts and affected them.

God is in everything around us.
God is good.

Things have been so amazing. The kids and I have been spending so much quality time together. Yesterday I tried to teach them both at the same time how to ride their bikes with out trainging wheels. I know, I know. 7 and 8 is a little old, but hey, I'm slowing down remember! There learning styles are so different and Zoe is really trying hard and Sid is frusterated and I'm keeping my cool. It was great. Great bonding! I realized I am not a very patient teacher, and bless there hearts, they tried so hard. Sid almost got it, before crashing and deciding bike riding is not for him.

"Only loosers ride bikes,"he said as he threw his bike across the parking lot.

I had to muffle my smile. He is so strong and so stubborn. I helped him pick up his bike and he looked around to see if anyone was around, then burried his head right under my chest and sobbed. It broke my heart. I hugged him back! We put the bikes up and went inside for some pumpkin cookies and snuggled on the couch. Some people may think this mama is to soft with her boy, and maybe I am. But he went to bed with a smile on his face, and told me he would try again tommorow.

Zoe woke up this morning and told me she woke herself up because in her dream she was singing 'Do you know the Muffin Man'. How precious is she. I am one blessed mama!

Sidney.

My son is growning way too fast.

This occured to me last night while I was getting his stuff ready for his 1st soccer game today. The soccer game that I will not get to see because of work. Where is his childhood going? Why have I been so busy most of his life? I want time with him. I want things to slow down.

8 years ago God gave me this little baby boy, who wouldn't open his eyes and seemed to disagree with everyone that he had even been born yet. Looking back, I was so unready to be a mama. I was a mess. But everything started to change for me when Sidney came.

Today was Sid's 1st soccer game and I couldn't be there. Sid and Zoe's dad stayed with them at the soccer fields while I went (ran)to my car and drove (sped)to work. I left Sid sitting in the grass, with his soccer ball, water bottle and envelope with a check for pictures. So much responsibility for such a young man. He didn't look too enthused to see me leaving. Aaron went to the soccer fields and it began to rain. The game was canceled. Aaron stayed for a few minutes, but everyone was leaving in the middle of this horrid downpour. But he never found Sid.

I sat thinking about Sid last night and how he is going to be nine. And I thought that I am not ready for him to grow anymore. He needs to stay the same for a couple more years. His childhood is flying by. I mean zooming away without me. He use to crawl up in my lap and fall asleep while I sang to him. He use to tie a little blanket around his neck and play hockey with a rubber stick and puck. And now he rolls his eyes at me sometimes and doesn't take everything I say as Fact. He is so handsome. But he loathes it when I call him handsome. He wants to be called COOL. He is so smart and is learning so much in school. He's beyond just coloring, now he's building and expierementing. He breaks my heart.

This is such an eye opener that I must slow down. I have to spend time with him and not let day after day get away from me. This mama wants memories with her children, not just rushing to get out the door on time and hurried kisses goodbye. I may not be able to change the fact that he is turning nine, but I can change me. And I am gonna. For Sidney.

Frantic. Spastic. Running Ragid. Friday.

I am the only one here today at work and it has been really really busy. Air conditioners breaking, garage doors not working, people wanting to break their lease, people wanting to move in, ice cream making, faxing, phone call after phone call. Its utter mayham. Friday's are not generally like this. I've gotten so much done, though. It sure does amaze me what I can handle. They say God doesn't give you more than you can handle.

I am taking a breather right now, but I can see cars pulling in, the phone calls will began here shortly, people are getting home from work. The wind is blowing really hard and it is banging the door and blowing the bushes all around.

Aaron. What can I say about the perfect man. I would probably not be as well mannered on this Freaky Friday had it not been for last night. Let me just fill you in on this perfect man I am going to marry. He came over to a sleepy eyed, pony tailed girl (yours truly) after he got out of school last night (late, poor guy). Zoe was still restless in her bed and got up to kiss him goodnight. (Alright, back to bed you!) Then we sat togehter, me and this big, burly man, on the couch watching the news and drinking a glass of wine. He wrapped his arms around me and I settled in. He strokes my hair. He rubs my feet. He kisses my forhead. He calls me angel.
Who knew watching the news together could be so romantic.

Hopelessly in love.

all that I am
all that I ever was
is here in your perfect eyes
they're all I can see......


and there goes the phones.

Blessed.

Today, as I was standing in the shower letting the water run over me and staring at this unlevel area of the bathtub where mold and mildew are growing, I decided that running a household is very similar to running a small country. There are internal wars, there are votes held almost everyday, there are crisises, there are holidays and celebrations. And I, being the president, until Aaron and I are married, and I can step down to housekeepr/treasurer (HA!) have done a pretty good job. The kids are learning, growing, thriving, human beings. I have been succesful. For this moment anyway. For this rainy Thursday morning.
So far today:

• I have done two loads of laundry
• I have made lunches and one bed
• I drank a cup of coffee
• I have gotten the kids off to school with two shoes, underwear and smiles
• I opened up the office with Carrie
• I talked to Aaron as he was running late for school and succesfully calmed his nerves

Pretty eventful morning. Gray skies. Smiling people I love. I am thankful God has blessed us. We are not the richest, prettiest, smartest people. But we are so blessed. God is Great. God is good. I am ready for the rest of my day.

And tonight I am going to tackle the mold in the tub.