Moved

Somewhere along the way I stopped posting here.  After much debate and encouragment from my husband, I decided to start a new blog. You can find it at http://www.mommaramblings.com/

Promises

I keep my promises.  Or at least I try very hard to keep them.  And I promised I'd tell you about Aiden's party.  I know you are all dying to know and keep refreshing this page to see when I'd make that promise a reality.  Well now is the time.  Hold on to your seats.

Ok, its not really that exciting.  I'm thinking I've had too much coffee this morning.  Maybe another cup isn't really a smart idea.  I apologize for the corny humor or sarcasm.  I just can't seem to help myself sometimes.

Back to the party.  We celebrated Aiden's birthday at my parents' house with a small family party. He had a Thomas the Train themed party, and my sweet and very talented friend, Kate, offered to make Aiden his cake.  It was spectacular and Aiden thoroughly loved it.  She delivered the cake a few days early because she was in town visiting her family (and me), so Aiden was able to enjoy just staring at the awesome cake.  He thought it was the coolest thing that Thomas was "chug-chugging" out of the tunnel and had many stories as to where Thomas was going on the cake. 

Thank you, Kate for making a truly wonderful birthday cake.  It was perfect and I really felt bad for having to cut into it.  But, I was glad after I did, because it was absolutely delicious.  You are very talented and I'm starting to think I need to find something I'm good at because all my friends are very creative and have a special talent.  Anyways,  I really wish you lived closer, so you could make all my cakes.  Is there anyway to ship them?  Or better yet, move closer, that away I could not only enjoy your cakes, but also see you all the time?

Back to the party.  After feasting on Aiden's favorite meal, ravioli, courtesy of my dad, it was time to open presents. 

First, it was a set of real golf clubs from Me and Pops.

 Next, it was a real baseball bat, glove, bases, and balls from Nana and Granddaddy.

Then, it was more tools to add to his Home Depot tool kit.

My sister and her friend stocked him up on Auburn apparel. He also got his lantern for his fort, er house, and a "Go Fishing" game.

Then came the big finale.  Jeff and I got him a real bike.  Are you noticing a "real" theme going on.  And you have to say "real" as Aiden does, "reee-Al."  He immediately took a spin on his bike with his Daddy and loved every bit of it.  I think he would of stayed on it all night if not for the rain that came just a few minutes after the big reveal. 

I'm sure I am forgetting a few gifts and some highlights, but I can promise you, Aiden a wonderful birthday party.  Watching his face and expressions opening the gifts was truly priceless.  It has proved to be by far the best age for gifts, so far.  He was overjoyed with everything he received. 

And not only has was he through-the-roof with excitement that evening, but has been since.  All of the gifts have been providing him with many hours of outdoor entertainment, which is great for him (and me-an added bonus).  Everyday he has to go through the rotation of his new gifts, literally.  Golf, baseball, bike, then maybe an old toy or game, or maybe back to golf...one just never knows, but at least he is having fun.

The "House"

It has been a crazy couple weeks around here.  I might fill you in on all the details in another post, or I may not.  You probably don't care for all the gory details, so just know my lack of posting is due primarily to the craziness around here, which sent me straight into survival mode.

The last time I spoke, uh...typed, to you it was Aiden's third birthday.  Let me tell you, it was such a fun time for everyone.  I promise I'll fill you in on all the details and loot later, but today I want to introduce you to Aiden's house.

Meet Aiden's house.

I intended it to be called a fort, because a fort just seems more boyish, but alas Aiden has taken to calling it his house.  And really, who is going to correct him?  It does have a door and windows, after all. 

The house was designed and made by Jeff's awesome secretary, Jennifer.  I've raved about this awesome lady before, when she made the port covers for Carter's feeding tube.  So, when I approached her about making this fort for Aiden's bunk bed, I knew she would not disappoint.  She took my vague ideas and turned it into a reality. 

To all my creative sewing friends out there, here are the details if you are interested.  From what I understand about sewing, which is next to nothing, it is constructed like a bed skirt it is just three sided with the back wall of the bed being used as the fourth wall of the "house."   It has a door and two windows, all of which have ties, so they can be opened or closed.  Each "wall" also has several sets of blue ties so the walls can roll up and the house can be put away, so to speak.  Since Aiden is a boy and it was meant to be a fort, Jennifer kept it pretty basic, but for girls you could really go all out with flower boxes and curtains.  The ideas are endless.

I knew Aiden would love this gift and was so excited to give it to him.  My intention was to give it to him as a birthday present, but the day of his birthday and the days following were a whirlwind, so he ended up getting it as a surprise gift instead of a birthday gift.  I don't think it matters to him.  He is three after all. 

 

I cannot rave about this house enough.  It has already provided many hours of fun for Aiden.  Not to mention he is also learning the joy of hospitality as he invites everyone in to his house to read and play.

It has become Aiden's favorite reading spot as evidenced by the pile of books that he always keeps in his bed.  We even equipped his house with a lantern to make it more "fortish" and to provide enough light for him to read in there.  To answer your question, no Aiden cannot actually read, but he enjoys just looking at the books and making up stories to the pictures.  It provides him with a quiet activity to wind down for bedtime and makes the transition to sleep a little smoother.

Oh, and one more perk to this house.  It is dark.  So dark, you have to search for Aiden when you go into check on him. This is actually helping him sleep better during naps and he is not waking up as early in the morning.  So it is good for the momma and daddy, too!

THANK YOU Jennifer.  Thank you for taking your time to create a special gift for Aiden.   We love you and appreciate all you do for our family.

Aiden's Three

My red-headed, constant ball-of-energy is turning three.

Today.

He is my always expressive,

daddy loving,

brother doting,

"BIG" boy.

And I love him.

Every bit of him.

Wednesday Night Dinner

Can you tell what was served for dinner at church last Wednesday?

And, why was my child the only one who ended up looking like this?

Oh, the joys of a messy eater.

Moving Day

Today is moving day.

Everything I own is in a box.

But don't worry, I won't pack this cutie.

Six Months Old

I've been trying to write this post for a week now.  I'm not sure why it has been so hard.  It just seems as if every time I sit down to type, my mind goes blank and I cannot find the words to describe the emotions I've been feeling over the past week.  I think it is because I have told myself since Carter was at his worst, that six months would be the turn-around point.  It gave me something to anticipate.  I secretly hoped that at six months he would be cured.*  Deep down, I knew this was not true.  I knew that six months would not be the magical moment that I had longed for, but it was a tangible moment that was not so far off in the future that would discourage me. 

*Cured meaning no more signs or symptoms or reflux, constipation, or eating issues.

Well, on Mother's Day, Carter turned six months old.  And, no I do not think it was a coincidence that he turned half a year old on Mother's Day, the day we celebrate our moms for all the hard work and devotion they put into their children and families.  Anyways, the day was here.  The day that was supposed to be "the day" that Carter would have no more issues with reflux, eating, or anything else that he is battling. 

 

I was through the roof with excitemnt that Sunday.  There was a constant smile in my heart and on my face-at least when I wasn't overcome with pain from shingles on my face, but that is another story.  I just knew that the day I had prayed for and hoped for was here.  I actually felt like I had taken the first full breath since he had been born.  I could relax.  I could return to the easy-going, non-stressing mom that I had been with Aiden.

But, as it is with most things, God has his own timetable and plan, and it does not always align with mine.  As sweet and wonderful Mother's Day was, it was the start of a trying week for Carter.  Along with reflux, he also struggles with constipation.  He always takes a probiotic and a laxative in the morning to help keep him regular, but it does not always do the trick.  And last week was that week.  I'll spare you the details, but it was bad.  And when it gets bad, it causes all of his other issues to compound.  It's a bit of a downward spiral.  Because of the constipation, he was spitting up like crazy and his intake of food had decreased.  When his eating slows, I immediately envision Carter back in the hospital with another feeding tube.  Needless to say, I was frantic and my anxiety level was rising by the minute.  I was finally able to speak to his GI doctor on Friday, who provided a new course of action.  The plan has helped get things under control, at least for the time being.  His reflux has slowed and his eating is increasing.   

I say all of this just to say that while Carter has made significant improvements over the last six months, turning six months old is bittersweet for me.  While I rejoice over his accomplishments, it is also a sobering reminder that Carter still has a way to go before I can take my deep breaths all the time.  The good news is that I am not the one in control and neither is Carter.  The one who is, is Lord of all.  And He is Lord over Carter's situation.  I rest in the fact that He is with Carter every second of every day and he has a plan for him.  And because of that I can relax and know that Carter is in good hands.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."  -Jeremiah 29:11

What could be better...

than playing in Pop's truck

and wearing his hard hat?

Our Sports Enthusiast

Aiden loves sports.  He loves playing sports.  He loves watching sports.  And I'm not sure where he gets his love for all things sports.

{Hitting the ground with the bat.}

Jeff and I were swimmers.  I'd like to say we are swimmers, but not swimming a lap in the last five plus years officially qualifies one as an ex-swimmer.  Anyways, we did not play team sports.   I think each of us tried one or two when we were little, but it never took.  I don't know why Jeff didn't continue with baseball or soccer, but I know I didn't like to sweat.  I much preferred always smelling like chlorine and leaving the pool in the middle of winter with a wet hair over sweating it out in the hot sun. 

{Staying focused.}

I'm guessing I did not have much hand-eye-coordination, but that is a hunch.  Aiden does not have this problem.  He is good at any sport he tries.  I know I'm the momma, but seriously, this is what others constantly tell me, so there must be some truth to it.   

{Running the bases.}

The boy has no problem hitting a pitched baseball, hitting a golf ball, kicking a soccer ball, or shooting  basketball.  It's just weird to me.  I don't understand it.  I never would have guessed he would enjoy sports the way he does or be good at them.  Is it because he is a boy?  Does it come natural for all boys?  Or is it hereditary?  If its hereditary, then who did he get this from?  It is not me, that's for sure. 

{Batting is serious business.}

I'd like to say he has a favorite, but it changes every week.  Last week it was golf.  This week it is baseball.  And next week it might be soccer.  Or not.  There is no telling. 

{Keeping his eyes on the ball.}

It is really fun to watch his skills develop.   I do wonder which sport we will sign him up for when he is old enough.  And I would love for him to enjoy swimming the way Jeff and I do, but before that can happen, he will need lessons and get rid of the life vest.  That will all come in time though.

{Running the bases.  This time the bases went all around the house.}

In the meantime, I am going to sit back and watch my boy have fun. 

{And baseball is done.  He has found the ants.}

Because when he is having fun, laughing, and smiling, I am having fun.

Summer, already?

Summer for the student ministry is here.  At least in my book.  I know the always-crazy-busy-summer is here when the first car wash rolls around.  This year it was May 1st.  Once the car wash happens, there is no stopping until school starts.  I take that back, there really is no slowing down in student ministry.  But that is the beauty of it. 

Back to the car wash.  The weather was absolutely beautiful, which made for a very successful car wash.  When the weather is warm and the sun is out, everyone wants their car washed.  There was a constant stream of cars all days, which meant our students stayed busy.  They worked really hard and did not complain one bit.  Especially this lovely lady.  She is one hard worker and always has that beautiful smile on her face.  Seriously.  I love her and that gorgeous smile.

Aiden loves to think of himself as one of the students and was so excited to go help wash cars.  But for some reason, when we arrived he got very shy and did not want to leave my side.  That is until he found his friend.

Meet Jennifer, Aiden's friend.  Jennifer is acutally one our interns this summer  She is also a sweet friend of mine and she and Aiden have taken to each other.  I'm not sure who loves the other more.  Anyways, Aiden would not move, that is until he saw Jennifer.  He took her finger and they went to go wash some cars. 

At least, that was the plan.  On the way to to the cars, Aiden got distracted.  He found the buckets of soap and never made it to a single car.  At least, from what I could tell.  He had fun just playing in the suds.

And moving one soap and water filled sponge from one bucket to another. 

And trying to see how far he could lean in the bucket without falling in.  I was told he even tasted the soap at one point.  Nasty.  I know.  But sometimes, boys will be boys.  Speaking of boys, Carter had fun at the car wash, too.   While I was busy playing photographer, my mom came and sat with Carter in the shade.  He enjoyed just relaxing with her and watching all the people.  I think he has inherited my people watching gene.  He is happy as a little clam as long as he can see all that is happening around him.   

One of the perks of the car wash is getting my car washed.  Helping out gets me a clean car, at least clean on the outside.  I use the term "helping out" loosely because I'm not sure how much help I was, other than taking a few pictures and doing a bit of supervising.  And by supervising, I mean socializing.  

These two beautiful ladies did a fabulous job washing my car.  Trust me.  I inspected their hard work.  Don't worry ladies, I'm only kidding.   But aren't those two of the sweetest faces around?  Not only are they both beautiful, but they they both have beautiful spirits and I know God is going to use them to great things and spread the Good News.  I just know it.  Ok, I'm dirgressing.  Again.  Sometimes, I just can't help it.

Even though Aiden was sad that the car wash was over, I think the rest of us were happy to go home to our air conditioned  houses and take showers.  But it was all totally worth it, because A TON of money was raised to help our students go to mission camps this summer.  So, a huge thank you to all who helped wash cars, who brought their cars in to be washed, and who entertained my boys.  You are doing a great deed in helping our students learn more about Christ and what it means not only to love Him, but to be like Him and serve others.  So, as much as I joke about not being able to breathe due to the craziness of the summer schedule, I am excited to see what God is going to do in the lives of our students.  Summertime is an awesome time in student ministry and I am thrilled to be apart of it.  Bring on the craziness.  I'm ready!