When It Rains...

We play in the mud!

Shoutout Monday

I am going to try something new.  It's my replacement for email because frankly, I just don't have enough minutes in the day where my hands are free to type an email and text everyone the sentiments that go through my mind and heart for those I love.  So here goes.

Gigi - thanks for the coupon and I look forward to the candles!  I bet they'll come just in time for the brunch next Monday.

Sharon - I'll try to call tonight but we'll see how awake I am when I get back from the Back-to-School Night and Parent/Teacher Fellowship meeting.  But I can't wait to catch up!

Aunt Kim - Thank you so much for your sweet email a while ago - I treasure your encouragement, am happy to see you and Uncle Morggie getting out and relaxing (finally, right?!),  and am praising the Lord Colton is doing ok.

Mom - keep up the studying!

Dad - LOVE YOU!



Thanks everyone for letting me put all that out there - and I would do more but I HAVE to get the boys down for naps.  Why?  Because I can't always be THIS sane

Because my living room looks like THIS

And that's the cleanest room in the house!

First Week of Aiden's 4 Year Old Preschool

At 4.5, Aiden is attending preschool at the same private Christian school as last year.  He has the same teachers and all but 2 of the same classmates, with a total of 12 kids in the class (only 3 are girls!).  The time at school is the same, but the difference this year is that it's 3 days a week - and for this non-morning family, it's a bit of a challenge ... but I'm getting used to it! 

Aiden is much more outgoing this year, is a leader during playtime and recess, is learning about "Obedient Feet" and has decided to actually paint this year.  (Although it's still going to take some time to get him to finger paint!)

On Wednesday, Friend Colt rode to and from school with us.  It was so much fun to have 4 boys in the back!

Rainy Day

 We eat breakfast in the living room

 We make big yawns

 And just plain bum around!

He's 6 weeks old today!

Labor Day

Daddy was at work "laboring" so the boys and I came up with fun things to do to pass the rainy day.  And we had a good time.  South Paw was the only one who seemed a bit longing for outdoor activities.

Littlest and I wrapped up the night with Antiques Road Show (awesome!!) and a documentary on Ellis Island Hospital (humbling and sad).  And yes, my hair looks like I haven't brushed it in 2 days...because I haven't!

So Much More To This Life

Yep, this pretty much sums up my life as of right now on my "resume."  And to think that 6 years ago I was running around on this campus, the world at my feet as I dreamed and studied to become the next supreme court justice. 

And now I'm a stay at home mom.  Six years ago kids weren't even on my radar.  I had a promising career at a local title insurance company, was being pursued by the FBI, dining at nice restaurants and sipping Starbucks' white chocolate mocha's, morning, noon and night.  But don't you think for even one minute that poor Aubrey's dreams went out the window when she got pregnant.  Ok, so yes, they did, actually.  And rightfully so.  God had to get rid of my dreams to insert His dreams.  The spiritual and emotional journey to arrive at that notion has been a long one, but as I look at my 3 sweet boys, peacefully napping in our townhouse in New York (MILES away from Arizona), I am overwhelmed with a sense of completeness, awe, wonder, and exhaustion.  My life is full (literally - every waking minute!), and all those many college courses could never have prepared me for the career path God has chosen for me.  There are no Cliff's Notes on how to soothe a fussy baby to sleep; no dissertation on how to make edible mashed potatoes on a humid, summer day; no TA to run to for help when a four-year-old screaming tantrum won't cease.  But there IS God.  He placed me here, and He'll get me through it.  I can always run to Him - He is always right beside me.  Actually, more like right in front, leading the way.  Life is better when it's that way.  Not always fun, but better.  Blessed.  I wouldn't trade these little faces for any Presidential-appointed seat. 

So, Sarah Palin, go back home to your hubbie & kids.  I might be a suffragette, but I'm also wise enough to put my humbling big girl panties on and know there is a specific place in life for mommies like me.     

Aaron is 1 Month Old!

Yesterday my sweet Aaron turned 1 month old.  I feel like spitting on him, like the Greek family does in My Big Fat Greek Wedding to prevent him from growing up too quickly.  He has the sweetest disposition: just fussy when he's hungry or needs some love.  He's great at falling asleep anywhere and already has himself on a nice little schedule that includes sleeping 12 hours at night.  He wakes around 4am, but I just pull him into bed with me (the perk of nursing!).  This morning he hung out in bed with Andy until 8:45!  He enjoys his baths, is a hearty eater, grabs at anything close, and just recently is attempting to coo at his Winnie-the-Pooh mobile above the changing table (the one from Uncle Tay and Aunt Celeste!).  He sweetly puts up with all his brothers' pokes and "hugs" and loves his "Daddy Time".  We'll keep him!

Adorable "Surprises" From Gigi & Grandpa Freddie