My favorite part of summer...or is it?

This weekend is a time that I look forward too all year. The Summer Festivals and Street Fairs have arrived! Usually, they are on two different weekends, but this year, they both took place this weekend. It is a time when you wander the streets looking at different arts and crafts, eat yummy fair foods and simply enjoy the good ol' summertime.

On Friday, we attended the Art Fair with my mom. I was looking forward to it all week long, but when we arrived, I was a little disappointed. For some reason I felt rushed and I was really nervous about having Aidan with us. This is the first year when he wasn't in a stroller and I was just paranoid about where he was at all times. He was really good and held our hand most of the time, but I was still really uneasy.

Today, Aidan had a birthday party to go to. It was for a three hour time span. After we dropped Aidan off at the party, Paul and I headed to the Mid-Summer Festival. I thought I would enjoy it more if I didn't have to worry about Aidan. Again, I was disappointed. I liked the vendors much better than the Friday night Fair, but still, my heart wasn't in it. Paul and I wandered around long enough to kill some time before we had to pick Aidan up at the party. Although, I will say, it was nice to wander hand-in hand with Paul for a couple of hours.

We arrived at the party to pick up Aidan. He had a fabulous time and, of course, didn't want to leave. A clown came to the party and painted the kids faces. There were hot dogs, macaroni and cheese and all of his summer camp friends.....a perfect combination for a 5 year old boy. All of the little girls chose to have their faces done up like little fairies or butterflies. When I saw Aidan, I just gasped! Ahhhh...the joy of little boys!

Later in the evening, we drove over to a local park to throw rocks in the river. Really, I used it as another opportunity to play with my camera....Paul and Aidan did the rock throwing. When we got to the park, there was a family feeding a ground hog. This thing was eating right out of their hands! I couldn't believe it. One of the boys offered Aidan some peanuts and he was able to feed it too. It was really cool....I had never seen anything like it before in my life. And, of course, I didn't miss this photo opportunity! I think I know why I was so disappointed in the summer fairs. I would rather be taking photos....

Happy Birthday To Me!

Even though my birthday is not until the 23rd, I already got my present! Because Paul wanted to make sure that everthing was in working order, etc., he let me have my brand new Canon Digital Rebel XTi camera! This camera is SWEET!!!! I can't tell you how excited I am and have been taking pictures like crazy. Along with the camera, was a 4GM CF card, a telephoto lens and a case to hold all of my new toys. I've had the camera for about 3 days now and have taken almost 500 pictures. Hey, there is alot to learn on this new toy! I felt really special to have received such a generous gift!

The Pre-School Graduate

You were six months old and full of fun

With a blink of an eye you were suddenly one.

There were so many things we were going to do,

But I turn my head and you were two.

At two you were still dependent on me,

But independence took over when you were three.

Your third birthday, another year I wished to ignore,

But as I lit the candles there weren't three but four.

Four was the year that you really strived,

Why, look at you now, you're already five.

Now you're ready for books and rules,

This is the year that you go to school.

The big day will come and you'll be anxious to go.

We'll walk through the doors, going oh so slow.

As I drive away and you wave good-bye

I'll feel that lump in my throat and a tear sting my eye.

For when you walk back through the doors and jump all around,

You'll be wearing your cap and graduation gown.

Time goes by so fast its hard to believe,

Why just yesterday you were home with me.

So I am holding these moments as hard as I can,
Because the next time I look I'll be seeing a man...

The Release

As I mentioned in a previous post, Aidan received a Butterfly Garden for his birthday, from Paul's mom. It was a very cool gift. I never realized how quickly butterflies grew.

We sent away for our butterfly larvae. When they arrived, they guaranteed that 3 out of the 5 would make it to the butterly stage. We noticed a difference in the size of the caterpillars overnight. They grow very rapidly. After about a week in the caterpillar stage, they turn to chrysalids. After about a week in this phase, beautiful butterflies appeared. We are proud to say that we were able to transform all 5 of our larvae into butterflies.

Of course, the difficult part for Aidan was the release. He cried and cried. We were finally able to convince him that they would die if we didn't release them. When he was ready, he unzipped the lid of the observation habitat and the butterflies (affectionately named: Annie, Leo, June, Quincy and Rocket....after Disney's, Little Einsteins) flew free.

We learned alot about butterflies, but Aidan's favorites were:

• They drink kool-aid (sugar water) just like him.
• They taste with their feet.
• They have 10,000 eyes each.
• They breathe through their tummy.
  

The most wonderful man in the world

On Thursdays, Paul doesn't get home until at least 8 p.m. due to his golf league. Aidan and I take this opportunity for some quality mommy/son bonding. Yesterday, for some reason, mommy just wasn't good enough.

As soon as I picked Aidan up from school he asked when Paul would be getting home. Paul and Aidan have always had a great relationship. Paul is a very hands-on dad and Aidan couldn't be happier about that. At first, I didn't think much about him asking for Paul, but when he started asking at regular intervals, I started to wonder what was going on. Aidan was excited to find out that we would be making our own pizza for dinner. This was a good distraction as he was starting to get whiny about Paul not being home. After dinner, he said that he, "wished daddy was home because he wanted to go out and toss the football." I said, "well, mommy can do that with you." Aidan was excited about the idea of teaching me how to play football. Again, I thought this was the distraction he needed. Aidan continued to ask for Paul throughout our game of catch. Finally, I said, "don't you like playing with mommy?" Aidan told me that he did like playing with me, but that he just missed his daddy. After about 40 minutes of playing football, I suggested that we go inside, take a bath and read some stories. During the bath, he again said that he missed his daddy. I asked, "what do you miss about daddy?" Aidan responded, "I miss him because he is the best daddy in the world."

After the bath, we read a little golden book. Right as we got to the last page, Paul came through the door. Aidan was thrilled. Paul took a shower and the two of them climbed into our bed to watch the basketball game. Aidan was so happy....falling asleep right next to daddy.

I guess sometimes, a boy just needs his daddy! I am so happy that Paul is so involved in Aidan's life and that Aidan treasures that relationship. I am so proud of both of them. THIS is just one reason that I am married to the most wonderful man in the world.

I love you, Paul!

The Orioles, Cardinals & BlueJays

No....I'm not talking about baseball teams.

I'm talking about birds. I love when spring arrives. Summer is my favorite season, but there are many things I like about spring, as well. One of them is the birds. When I was home on maternity leave, Aidan and I spent alot of time watching the bluejays. He was facinated by the birds motion and I was facinated by their beauty. Since then, we've always fed the birds and it has become sort of an addiction for me. We have several feeders in our yard now and they attract ALOT of hungry birds.

One of our feeders is a hummingbird feeder. I was starting to get frustrated with it because it wasn't attracting any hummingbirds. Well, guess what started feeding at our hummingbird feeder?! A Baltimore Oriole. I was so excited that I went right out and bought an oriole feeder to add to the mix. Wouldn't you know, the very next day, hummingbirds started showing up.

Those darn little hummingbirds are just to fast to capture on film!

Pauls mom bought Aidan a butterfly garden for his birthday. We sent away for the catepillars. They grew and have formed chrysalides. We are currently waiting for the butterflies to emerge. We are excited to add them to our flying friends!

I'm Baaaaack

So, I bet you thought I fell off the face of the earth. Nope. I've been here all along....just been too busy to update the blog. So sorry.

Since spring has arrived, we have been busy playing taxi to a very energetic little boy. Aidan is playing soccer and t-ball this spring/summer, so we've been busy with practices and games. It is just too cute for words to watch these games.

I didn't think I'd like to watch t-ball, because I figured I'd be bored stiff. Afterall, baseball is boring enough when grown men play. I'm telling you, it is like watching a comedy show. Some of the little girls are so small and petite that they cannot even lift the bat. One of the kids is a very young 4 and she is hysterical. She is either standing there with her mitt over her face or chewing on the lace to her mitt. Other times, the ball is hit to first base and you'll see the kid playing third base, dart across the field to chase after the ball.....along with all of the other kids on the team (including those that had recently bat and are standing on a base, waiting to run to the next base. It makes me laugh just thinking about it.

By the end of the night, most of the kids are more interested in playing in the gravel or picking dandelions, depending on their position at the time.

5th Birthday Celebration

The week after my sisters wedding, Paul, Aidan and I went away on a mini vacation to an indoor waterpark to celebrate Aidan's birthday. Aidan requested this over a party and we thought it would be nice to get away after all of the wedding hoopla in addition to the birthday celebration.

We left for the waterpark the day before his birthday. When he woke up he asked if he was 5 yet. We explained that he wouldn't be 5 until the following day, but we were going to start the celebration early. The next morning when we woke up at the hotel, Aidan again asked, "Mom, am I 5?" After confirming that he was 5, he got the biggest smile on his face and exclaimed, "Oh my gosh, I can't believe it!" It was so precious....I wish I would have gotten it on video. Priceless, I tell you. Priceless!

Then on Saturday, we celebrated with cake and ice cream with our parents and siblings. There were too many pictures to post, so I've created a video montage instead of posting individual pics. I hope you enjoy. We had an absolute blast!

April 14, 2007

Sorry, I haven't updated in a while. April has been a whirlwind of activity for us. We have had a blast, but I'll be glad when I can call April history.

On April 14th, my sister got married and Aidan played ringbearer for the 5th time. I've gotta give him credit...he is 5 for 5 in making it down the aisle. What a trooper. This was the first wedding where he was old enough to really enjoy the reception and that he did!! He shook his little booty all night long. So much so that we had to give him motrin that night because he was crying that his feet hurt him so badly.

Happy Belated Easter!

Aidan's enthusiasm started early on Saturday morning. He knew he was going to attend a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese, then he was going to color eggs with his aunts and uncles that evening. Early Saturday morning he complained of a sore throat and stomach ache so we gave him children's pepto bismol, tylenol and pushed forward with our day. He refused to miss the parties. He had a great time at the birthday party and an even greater time coloring eggs with grandma, grandpa, Aunt Denise and Uncle Randy. He even won the "best egg" contest and won a stuffed bunny which he named Thumper.

However, by the time he got home he was exhausted and running a fever. Paul gave him some tylenol and he was asleep within minutes. We woke up early Sunday morning, administered motrin for the fever that had come back overnight and went on to mass. I knew he was sick when he didn't ask for a single piece of candy after finding his Easter basket. He just went to our bedroom, crawled in and closed his eyes. We let him rest for a bit before heading over to Paul's parents for our Easter celebration. He played for about a half hour with Uncle Randy, we ate brunch and then he climbed in my lap and never left for the rest of the day. He kept falling in and out of sleep.

Needless to say, this morning the doctor diagnosed strep throat. Ughhh!! So, if anyone is in need of a chocolate fix....we've got tons of uneaten chocolate!! The Easter scrapbook pages will be skimpy this year, but I couldn't go without at least one. So here it is....the lonly Easter pic!!

Before You Turn 5

Aidan has several friends at school who share an April birthday, so he's had lots of cupcakes this week. Each day he will come home and say, "it was [insert name here] birthday today, he's 5. Am I five?" So the final countdown has begun. He will turn 5 in 12 short days.

This morning, as we were getting ready for school, the following conversation took place:

Aidan: "Mom, what is your job?"
Jenny: "Well, one of my jobs is being a mom."
Aidan: "Do you like your job?"
Jenny: "Being a mom is the best job I could ever have."
Aidan: "Why do you and daddy kiss me so much?"
Jenny: "Because we love you so much we can never get enough. Do you know that we love you?"
Aidan: "I guess" then he looks at me out of the corner of his eye and errupts in laughter. Then we break into a ticklefest.

After I dropped him off at school, I played the conversation over and over in my head. Aidan, there is something that I want you to know right now. Right this very moment. Today. Before you turn 5.

I have learned more than I ever dreamed possible from you. You are the reason I get up in the morning. You put the most smiles on my face. You make me want to be better, all the time. You influence every choice I make; everything I do. I love you to the moon, Aidan Thomas!

In Loving Memory - Uncle Steve

I come again to report another death in Paul's family. Pauls Uncle Steve passed away Tuesday evening, very peacefully. Uncle Steve is Great Grandma Olle's brother. I'm sure she was waiting at the gates of heaven to welcome him home.

I can remember having family gatherings at Uncle Steve's farm. We would BBQ, go on tractor rides, play baseball and just enjoy being a family. Paul has very fond memories of going to the farm as a child. When Paul and I were expecting Aidan, we picked out a cute overall outfit that had tractors and cows all over it, just so he could wear it on his first trip to Uncle Steve's farm.

Uncle Steve was a very simple and very happy man. What a treasure he was to our family. He will be greatly missed.

Spring has Sprung!!!

Spring has sprung! Well, at least for today. The forcast calls for snow on Friday, but today we enjoyed 72 degrees and a glimpse of whats to come!!

At 3:15, I sent my boss a note saying that I was scooting out of work early to enjoy the weather. I am so greatful to have a job with such flexibility!! By 4pm, I had picked Aidan up from school and stopped at the local 7-11/gas station to fill the car up with gas and grab a small slurpee for a very giddy little boy.

Once at home, Aidan played on the monkey bars and showed off his swinging abilities (he doesn't require a "pusher" anymore....bonus!!) I listened to Paul and Aidan go on an "adventure" around the playscape as I cleaned up an entire winters worth of dog feces. This is not a very exciting job, but I was so excited to be outside that I was thrilled with even this task. I think this is the earliest that I've ever been able to clean the yard. 2 bags of feces later (this is the time when a dog lover could learn to love a cat!), I was ready to join the adventure. I couldn't believe that just two days ago there was snow on the ground and today spring flowers are starting to peer through the uglyness of winter.

We continued our fine spring day by grilling chicken outside and going for a walk. Paul and I enjoyed the fresh air and conversation, Java enjoyed the smells and marking many lawns and Aidan enjoyed his first (of many) bike rides of the year.

We ended the evening with a trip to the ice cream shop. Mmmmm, I'm a sucker for mint chocolate chip!! I'm sad with the prediction of tomorrows colder weather, but am so thankful for the wonderful today!!!

If The Shoe Fits

I am a working mom. I work full-time (40+) hours a week. When I was growing up, I always thought I would be a stay-at-home mom. However, after Paul and I were married and decided to have children this idea was not a reality for us. The bottom line is Paul and I both have to work. Could we have a smaller home? Yes. Could we spend less here and there? Yes. Could we choose public schools over private schools? Yes. But the reality is that the answer to these and other questions wouldn’t change our situation.

When Aidan was born, I had the luxury of staying home with him for 7 ½ months. I was on disability for 6 weeks and took the remainder of the time under the Family Medical Leave Act. I was so blessed to be able to stay home for those months, but the guilt I felt when I had to return to work was almost unbearable. I felt guilty about EVERYTHING!! So much so, that I couldn’t enjoy the time I was home in the evenings because I felt like I always had to “make up” for lost time. This created stress and ultimately, more guilt. I was being consumed by the guilt.

In the beginning, I felt like I always had to defend my decision to return to work to my family, friends, peers and co-workers. I had a friend, who is a stay-at-home mom make the comment to me, “I am a single mom with a paycheck.” Her husband works long hours and is always out of town on business. When he is home, they are really leading two different lives. That truly is a main reason as to why Paul and I decided that I would work outside of the home. Right before Aidan was born, Paul had the opportunity for a job outside of the state, that paid enough where we would have been comfortable with me staying home and raising our child. However, Paul would have had to work many hours, be on call all of the time, and essentially put work first. That would mean leaving Aidan and I behind most of the time. That was not a sacrifice that we were willing to make. Paul wanted to be a hands-on dad. In addition, Paul and I didn’t want to sacrifice each other, and ultimately our marriage, either. Not only are the three of us growing as a family, but Paul and I are growing together not only as husband and wife, but as parents. When Aidan is grown and moves out into the world on his own, I want to know my husband. I don’t want to realize all of a sudden that I have to start our marriage over because Paul focused all of his energy on working so that I could focus all of my energy on raising our child. We want to share both of these experiences and responsibilities.

People, to this day, say to me, “I don’t know how working moms do it.” Just this week, I had someone say to me “I don’t know how you find time outside of work hours for anything more than dinner and getting the kids to bed.” Well, sometimes that is all we have time for in the evenings. But, it is not all of the time. It is not even the majority of the time. It takes a lot of time, energy and organization to make it work. We work together and it takes all three of us to make it happen. We have learned our steps of this dance in life together and we are a stronger family because of it. We didn’t make this decision for our family in one night. We put a lot of thought and discussion into it and I am confident in our decision. I no longer feel guilt about being a working mom because I have seen that it works for us. It took time for me to realize that this WAS the right decision for us. But the reality is, Paul and I have a wonderful marriage and Aidan is a well adjusted little boy. Really, I couldn’t ask for anything more.

Now, am I saying that if the opportunity presented itself that I wouldn't stay home and raise my child? No. Am I saying that anyone who can stay home and raise their children but chooses to go back to work is a bad person? No. Am I saying that a family who chooses for one parent to work while the other solely raises their children is a wrong decision? Definitely not. Honestly, how could I? I don’t walk in those shoes. I only walk in my shoes and I can say, without a doubt, that the shoes I am wearing fit well!! The decision that we made is right for OUR family.

My New Scrapbook Companion

I'm always looking for a new scrapbook companion. I have my ol' faithful friend, Trista...but due to geography it is a little difficult. Trista and I try to attend a scrapbook weekend once a quarter. We make it a girls weekend.....scrapbook all weekend, stay up until some riduculous hour in the morning solving all of the world's problems and enjoy our wine and cheese. It makes for a fabulous time and allows us time to catch up.

However, if I only scrapbooked on these weekends, I would be further behind than I already am. I have scrapbooked with my cousin, aunt, co-workers, sister-in-law, etc. All are great scrapbook companions, but none of them quite the die hard that I am.

Last weekend, I was on one of my scrapbook weekends with Trista so this week I've been talking alot about scrapbooking. Aidan has looked through my pages and decided that on Friday night, after daddy left for bowling, he and I would scrapbook. I was thrilled (as I am with anyone who wants to scrapbook with me). We set up the card table, pulled out all of the supplies and got to work. Aidan was most excited with my mini paper cutter. In fact, he couldn't understand why I had two and thought I was pretty selfish not to give one to him. He has so much to learn! Anyway, he completed his entire 4*4 album kit (which I purchased for $0.75 at an after Christmas sale and was saving for an opportunity like this.) After he finished his album he decided that he was going to crop his pictures for next time. He proceeded to cut the pictures into several small pieces. When I told him to separate his pieces into a pile of trash and a pile to keep for next time, he swiftly swept the entire pile into the box for keeps.

Now he's ready for the big time! He told me that Ms. Trista would be surprised the next time I went scrapbooking because I would have my baby boy with me. I'm sure Ms. Trista would like to scrapbook with Aidan...he is definitely into quantity.

While I thoroughly enjoyed my evening with Aidan and will probably scrapbook with him again in the near future, I think I'll keep those weekends for me and my dear girlfriends!!

In Loving Memory

It brings me great sadness to report that Paul's grandma passed away this evening. I consider myself incredibily lucky to have called her my grandma, too.

Picture taken: 7/9/2005

January 3, 1913 - February 10, 2007

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up...

....To Be Cowboys!

Every week during the winter, Aidan's school has "Crazy Days." These are themed days to break up the winter months when they don't get to go outside as frequently. Last week it was so cold that there were many school closings in our area. Last weeks crazy day also happened to be cowboy day....one of Aidan's favorites. In the morning he was getting dressed and just couldn't believe that daddy wasn't dressing in his cowboy clothes for work. Hmmmm, maybe we should all take that up with our bosses. Cowboy day might just break up the work week, no matter the weather. Don't ya' think?!

I can see the look on my boss' face right now.....and that just made my week happier!

They Might Be Giants

Last night we attended an open house at the school where Aidan will go to kindergarten. We are already enrolled, but the principal urged us to attend and we happily obliged. I think we talked it up a bit too much for Aidan, because he wasn't real thrilled to be there. He was a bit withdrawn and moody, to say the least.

His mood perked, however, when we got to the gym. He was a little disappointed that he wasn't able to play basketball, but gained his excitement back when he was choosing his new gym uniform. They have a choice between sweatpants (cuffed or straightleg) or wind pants. I thought for sure Aidan would choose the sweatpants. Against Pauls better judgement, Aidan has always been a fan of them. However, once he saw that the windpants had zippered legs, the decision was made. What is it with zippered legs that make little boys go wild?! So, windpants it is!

Even though Aidan wasn't in the best of moods, I was glad that we attended last night. I learned that one of the little girls that is currently in his preschool class will also go to the same kindergarten. What a relief....although more for me than for Aidan as he could have cared less at the time. We also got a peek at some of the other children who were scoping out the school and could possibly be his future classmates. HOLY COW!! All of the kids towered over Aidan. I never thought of him as short, but last night he looked so tiny. Gulp! After wandering through the school and checking out the cafeteria, gym, computer lab, etc. I calmed my fears. I have just come to the conclusion that those other children might be giants!

Look At Them Now

When I was downloading the pictures that I took for the previous post, I couldn't believe how quickly Lacee and Hollee have grown.

Lacee and Hollee are my cousins, Tammi and Rodneys, girls. They were the flowergirls when Paul and I got married 10 years ago. They were so sweet then and are even sweeter now. They have grown up to be such beautiful girls. They are typical teenagers. They love boys and are always on their cellphones. They are so kind and sweet!!

After I downloaded the pictures from this past weekend, I pulled out my wedding album. You have to see it with your own eyes.

Hollee & Lacee - 1996

Hollee - 2007

Lacee - 2007

To Lacee & Hollee:

May the sun shine, all day long,

everything go right, and nothing wrong.

May those you love bring love back to you,

and may all the wishes you wish come true!

Crazy about Cousins

We had a family gathering this past weekend, to celebrate my cousins upcoming wedding. Congratulations Timmy & Faith!

An amazing thing happened at the gathering....all of the youngest generation were in the same place at the same time. I couldn't miss this photo opportunity. It will probably NEVER happen again! So here they are.....

Back: Kaylea, Chelsea, Brittany, Aidan, Josh

Front: Hollee, Lacee

Cousins are cozy wherever they're from;

They feel like your family whenever they come.

Some people have many; most people have some.

Cousins are cozy wherever they're from.

Are they not the cutest bunch?!