The Adams' Family

BIG day!

2012-01-03T08:23:00.000-08:00

So today was a big day at the Adams house! Today is Aaron's first day of school..well preschool. He has been looking forward to this day for over a month and woke up this morning telling Mark, Raich, and I that it was his 'first day of cool.' He did great until we drove up to his school...then he cried...hard. It broke my heart to see him crying like that and insecure, but I just hugged him and told him I loved him and I would be back, and then left. I tried hard to not be one of those mom's that calls to check on their kid cuz he's crying, but I couldn't help it. I was very happy to find out that he was playing happily. We'll see what he says when I get him after school!

In other news....I had an ultrasound this morning. Baby looks great and everything looks to be right on target growth and development. ALSO....we found out we are having a BOY!!! Another boy! We couldn't be more excited and can't wait to see his little face in person and not on a computer screen.

7 years!!

2011-12-18T12:01:00.000-08:00

Today Mark and I celebrate 7 years of marriage. I CANNOT believe how fast time flies! Aaron woke us up this morning to say "Happy Anniversary!" It was so sweet, even though he didn't really understand what it meant. God has grown Mark and I both as we strive to serve him together. I am so thankful for a man who loves God and is constantly seeking Him no matter where that takes him or us. We are enjoying His blessings so much during this part of our lives and pray that we always remember to bless others. I love my husband so much and can't wait for what the next 7 years has in store for us!!!

Christmas is coming!!!!

2011-11-29T09:44:00.000-08:00

Mark is back from Africa. He had a great trip. He was blessed by those who were helped and was able to give to so many. It was tough for us at home, especially since it was over Thanksgiving, but I know this is something that he will remember forever and we were able to be with TONS of family while he was gone so it worked out great. We spent the week in Kentucky and had a great time! Thanks Baba, Jenny, Mom, Dad, and Rachel for helping out SO MUCH! We picked Mark up in Nashville Sunday night very late and haven't slowed down since. I have training for work this week for 2 days and have to work a shift on top of that, Mark is busy catching up at work, upward basketball starts very soon, and I have little to NO shopping done for Christmas...ugh! But....oh well...busy is good. Also...

I am REALLY getting excited about Christmas! I think Aaron is going to be like his Mama when it comes to holiday cheer. We set up our Christmas tree last night, which he LOVED helping with, and he has told me no less than 100 times this morning, "I like our Christmas tree mama!" He also sat on Santa's lap this past weekend It went well...no crying...just VERY serious face the whole time. I guess Santa encounters are very serious to him. He even told him he wanted a train for Christmas. I had no idea that's what he wanted. He always tells me he doesn't know what he wants when we ask him. As soon as the jolly man in the red suit asks, he says he wants a train without hesitation. So now I am on the look out for a cool train.

Happy Halloween 2011

2011-11-04T16:13:00.000-07:00

a real pro at trick-or-treating this year

all ready to go

Luke and Aaron

(neither wanted their picture taken)

forced to put his hood on...

note the holding down of the arms by mark

This year we went to the Muse household for trick-or-treating. Our neighborhood isn't exactly made for trick-or-treating...so they were gracious to let us use theirs. It was really fun and Aaron hasn't stopped talking about going trick-or-treating since. He even included that in our prayer tonite at dinner, very thankful to God for letting us go trick-or-treating. I was able to snap a few pictures although it's difficult when your child won't stand still long enough for a good picture or put his hood up on his costume...so I took what I could get. enjoy!

Peru 2011

2011-10-31T06:49:00.000-07:00

Well I'm back! I had a blast. After a VERY long stretch of flights, I arrived (and Jeannie too) in Arequipa about 2pm on Friday. Megan had lunch ready and we spent some time playing with the girls, catching up, and resting. The kiddos are adorable and fun! All three have such different personalities(Cohen's still being developed of course). Megan was awesome to show us around the city and give us some really fun Peru experiences....like smashing all 6 of us in a very tiny taxi, visiting the Llama place, dropping Ana off at her school, going to the market, worshiping in Porvenir with the church, and so much more. It was great to get to know Jeannie better, and deepen my friendship with Megan. I will never forget the girl talks/laughs, frappachinos, homemade cookies, and Gilmore Girls marathon every night. It was one of the best trips I have taken. I am so thankful for this opportunity and thankful to God for keeping me safe and bringing me back home to my family! The work in Arequipa is being blessed immensely by God and I pray that continues! It's good to be home with my family...Aaron seems to have changed just in the week I was gone. Mark gets the dad of the year award and my I am permanently indebted to my in-laws ( and everyone else in Melber) for helping out so much. Here are some pictures!!!

Leaving...on a jet plane!

2011-10-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow afternoon I will get on a plane by myself (yes you read that right) and make the long journey to Arequipa, Peru. One of my best friends, Megan (and her family) lives there and will be husband-less for a few weeks. So I am headed down for a visit! My excitement almost can't be contained. It's been a long time since I have taken a trip by myself (like almost 7 years). I never imagined I would be able to take a trip like this having a young kiddo...so I will enjoy EVERY minute of it. Of course, for those of you who are thinking..."how can she leave her child?" Believe me, this is not going to be easy. He is so much of my world right now that it's hard to imagine walking away from him and Mark tomorrow afternoon to get on a plane. But something that Mark and I committed to before we had children is that having a child cannot and will not be the only thing that defines us. Right now, the mommy role that I fill takes up the biggest part of my life, and it should. I love it and wouldn't change a thing. It is my biggest ministry right now and I am proud to be blessed by God for that responsibility. Same with being a wife and a nurse. However, those roles should not always limit what I am able to do when opportunities (like this one) come up. Will it be hard to leave, oh yea, there will be many tears. But none the less, something that I believe will be good for all three of us! Sometimes mommies and wives need time away....daddies and little boys too! Granted, not all need to fly to Peru to do that...but you get the idea. A time for me to be a girl that giggles with friends and has time to herself that doesn't involve a 2 year old yelling "mommy!" pulling on my leg, or thinking about what to cook for dinner for several nights in a row, or making sure the laundry is done so Mark has a shirt to wear to work the next day. The break will be welcomed. But I will miss them both terribly! For the first time in over 2 years "mommy" will not be at the forefront of my mind....what will that feel like?

I cannot, repeat, CANNOT believe that I have been given this opportunity. I feel so blessed and grateful beyond measure to several people who are making this possible. Of course Mark is taking on double duty of mommy and daddy while I'm gone, a job I know will not be easy. I love and appreciate him for taking this on! Another big thank you to Papa and Gigi for keeping Aaron most of next week while Mark goes out of town on a business trip! I know you will enjoy your time with my sweet boy, but you will also be WORN OUT! He's a never ending ball of energy. He is so excited to come stay with you all that he probably won't even know I'm gone! I know my mom and dad will be with him every second they can too! There are a few others (you know who you are) that literally made my trip possible. I would not be going with out you. So from the bottom of my heart...THANK YOU!!!! I will enjoy every minute of it and praise God for the opportunity. So...off I go!!! Lots of prayers would be appreciated!

Big Boy!

2011-10-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

Tonite we went to the park for a while. Aaron LOVES to slide and also perfecting his ability to climb. Enjoy the pictures!

Recent happenings

2011-09-28T06:38:00.001-07:00

I thought since I have been a slacker on the blog lately I would just give an update about what is happening with the Adams! Things have been relatively busy around here. I think it's pretty safe to say that we have a big boy on our hands instead of a baby. It's not something that I admit happily because I would LOVE for him to stay little forever! Actually I think I want him to stay the age he is right now forever. He is so fun and hilarious to be with. Mark and I tell each other all the time things that he says and just crack up laughing. We will be moving him to a big boy bed soon. It makes me sad, but I know he's ready. This big boy is growing up faster than I am ready for...I think it will always be this way huh? He is pretty much totally potty trained...with some accidents here and there. I am constantly amazed at how much he can pick up and then repeat at just the right time. My favorite thing right now is that he is picking up things we are teaching him about God/Jesus. He pays close attention in worship and is starting to tell us what is happening. Sunday during the Lord's Supper we were talking about eating with Jesus like we normally do and he said, "mom, do you eat with Jesus too!?" He is also very interested in reading his kids bible we bought him when he was just a baby. Yesterday, impromptu he told me that 'that man, and that lady hid from God in the trees," and then followed up by telling me about Noah and the 'big ark boat' and all the animals. He comes home almost every Sunday/Wednesday singing a new song (that we don't know) about God that he learned in bible class. I love it! Aaron still wants to cuddle in the mornings and evenings...which I take full advantage of all the time. I know there will come a day when that will not be the case.

We are slowly adding furniture to the house as we find it. It's coming together nicely. Still need a guest bed though. Mattress on the floor is the current arrangement for guests. Our roof has been replaced this week...thank you hail for enough damage that insurance paid for it!

I will be leaving for Peru in a few weeks. I will be gone for 1 week. It will be the first time that I will be away from Aaron for more than a few days. I am SO excited to go, but getting more and more nervous as the time approaches. Mark is VERY capable of taking care of Aaron, but there's just something about leaving for that long and so far away that is getting to this mama. The trip is going to be awesome. I love to travel and absolutely LOVE the company I will be with. I will miss both my boys terribly!

That's a long enough post for now. More later. I'll include some random pictures of the little..I mean big boy for your enjoyment!

Aaron (2) and Cole (7mo)

Eli and Aaron with O'Pa

Aaron's big boy bed at Gigi and Papa's

(thanks Gigi!)

A boy and his Papa in their overalls!

Weekend visitors

2011-09-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

It's been TOO long since we have spent time with Josh, Lori, Weston and Taylor Willeford! So...we made a plan with them to come visit this weekend. We really loved the visit. We all agreed that we MUST do this more often. Our kids are the age now where they can really play well together. We ate dinner friday night and then went on a short hike on Sat morning, followed by the kids playing on the swing set and in Aaron's little pool (it was horrible hot!). Talking and laughing were abundant. Couldn't have had a better time! Here are some pictures of our cuties!

Saturday fun!

2011-08-13T19:29:00.000-07:00

Today was a GREAT family day. I really liked just spending time with Mark and Aaron around the house. We didn't accomplish a whole lot, but did get a few things done. The most important was FINALLY getting my china cabinet in place and my china put up. It's been almost 7 years since I have seen my china and had pretty much forgotten what it looked like. Even though my husband wants to fight about it's worthiness, I LOVE it! So pretty and regardless what he says...I will use it! Can you tell it's an issue??? Ra Ra came for a visit today too! Aaron had called her no less than 5 times in the past 2 days to ask for her to come 'paint with him.' So guess what they did tonite after dinner? The Muse family (minus Madeline) came over too so Maddox, or 'Maggik" if you are Aaron, got to paint too! Aaron and Maddox play so well together. Maddox didn't want to leave tonite and was totally fine when Greg and Andrea said they were leaving and he was staying for the night. Some day Maddox, some day! Good day today! Tomorrow going to worship with my church family and small group in the evening...it's gonna be great!

Raich, Andrea, Aaron and Maddox starting to paint

Masterpiece

(he got just as much paint on is body as on the canvas)

The boys playing on Ra Ra's Ipad - it was a hit!

New china cabinet - it was my moms

another view - sorry it's so dar

Thanks to Ed who came over to help!

getting the cabinet out of the trailer

Nine Day Trail Ride 2011

2011-08-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

We are now back from the annual Nine Day Trail Ride. This year was awesome...although it ended pretty stressful. We had a great time. Aaron stayed from Sunday-Thurs. night. Gigi was so helpful to keep him the other nights/days so that we could ride longer and give us a break. I think he liked being with her just as much. He got to go to his first movie "The Smurfs." Jenny said he wore his 3-D glasses through the whole movie, even fell asleep with them on! He still hasn't stopped talking about it. Plus Lauren and Alex Smith were there (teen girls from church). They are so much fun for him to cart up and down the stairs to get him toys. So, Aaron got the award for the 'trail rider who had the most fun.' He did so great and slept better than he does at home I think. I'm sure it was because he got to sleep in his 'trail ride bed.' Who wouldn't?!?! His riding stamina was so much better than last year and seems to LOVE horses now more than ever. Of course he would only ride with his Papa or his Daddy. Super sweet, but sad too because I asked several times to ride with me...ha! Friday morning we loaded up horses in the trailer and went over the Garden of the Gods to ride for the day. Everything went great....until Mark and Jerry, who left us to ride back to the trailer, got stuck in a thunder storm and both got struck by lightening! I know....CRAZY! Mark was just fine, although he felt it a little. Jerry got the brunt of the strike and is in the hospital in Paducah with an irregular heart beat and a pneumothorax (hole in his lung.) He is stable and looks like he will be fine, but very sore because the electric field he was in made him pass out for a few seconds and fall off his horse on his left side. He severely bruised some ribs and has cuts/bruising all over his left side. God has taken care of him and we are so thankful that he was not hurt more than he was and it looks like he will recover fully after a lot of rest and healing time. If we can only keep him off his feet during that time...it's gonna be hard! So there's the short version of the story..you'll have to call for the long version if you dare. It's a tear jerker! I included a few pictures of our adventures...more on facebook!

At the Rock House/Swimming Hole

Didn't miss a ride for anything...even nap time!

Trail Ride boy

Loves Papa

Adams Family 2011

Follow up pictures

2011-07-09T20:39:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures that I wanted to put with the last post about our busy summer.

Reading with daddy (I love this picture)

Swimming by him'felf'

always wants to help

awesome form!

We've been busy!

2011-07-08T06:50:00.000-07:00

So...we've been VERY busy the past few weeks. Mark has been out of town for work a lot over the past month and has plans to leave again over the next few weeks. Since I am not a good 'stay by myself person', I have been finding different places to go close to home to stay. In between trips, we have been working more and more on the house trying to get some smaller jobs completed. All the rooms are now painted (minus closets) and Mark has almost all the outlets/plugs changed out. The biggest projects left are lighting and base boards. Furniture and accessories are just going to come along the way as we find the quality pieces that we will keep forever AND that are decent deals. Next week, while Mark is out of town, we will just stay in T-town because I have to work and also prayer group on two different days which makes it difficult to go out of town. Over the weekend, we are going to Kentucky for the weekend and then I will drop Mark back off at the airport on the way home for ANOTHER business trip. I will probably go to Rachel's for the week after that to help her paint in her apartment (I have been promising all summer). Then it's home for a few days and then it's off to the Trail Ride. It will be a whirlwind I'm sure. Yesterday Aaron has his 2 year check up (a few weeks late). He did great with Dr. Bard and nurse Vicky. I told him that if he did what Dr. Bard and Ms. Vicky said without being ugly or whiny he would get a 'special treat' when we were done. He did GREAT and was sure to tell everyone there that he was going to get a special treat when we left. Hopefully they didn't think I was too horrible of a mom...especially since it worked like a charm. He was in perfect "Aaron form" and showed his mad skills of naming animals, singing his songs, showing his body parts, and many other things. That about sums things up for now. No pictures because our computer is not working. I ordered a new power cord which hopefully will fix the problem. For now, we are using a lap top from Mark's work that doesn't have the ability to accept our camera chip. So you'll have to use your imagination until we can get the computer back up and running. Have a great weekend!

Fun with cousins!

2011-06-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

Well....Mark had to go out of town....AGAIN! This time, we decided to go to see Matt and Lori for a few days. We have had a blast. Aaron and Eli are playing non-stop together and LOVING every single second of it. Here are some pictures for your enjoyment!

More swimming pictures

2011-06-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

I know...I'll stop with the swimming pictures soon. We have spent the week with Ra Ra. She has a pool at her apartment complex. We had a great time. One of the highlights for Aaron was the swimming! He is starting to ask to swim by him'fulf.' Quite an independent little thing.

His version of doing it by him'fulf'

"There's RaRa, Mom!"

"1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10....booster!"

(he decided to mix in VBS songs with his swimming)

Little swimmer

2011-06-12T19:04:00.000-07:00

Aaron has decided very recently that he likes to swim. The night before we left for Kentucky we were at a friends surprise party which was also a pool party (mostly for the kids who came). I didn't bring swimsuits for us because Aaron never wants to swim when given the opportunity and doesn't like to be in a crowd of noisy kids...so I thought the combination of noisy, wet, and swimming wouldn't mix well. I just figured he could play with other toys. Of course I was WRONG! He begged, pleaded, and finally resorted to just staring through the iron fence real pitful like at the other kids swimming. Mark finally borrowed some shorts from our friend and a swim diaper for Aaron. He was a little apprehensive when he first got in but before we knew it he was jumping off the side to Mark. UNBELIEVABLE! I mean seriously my son normally HATES to have his hair and face wet. I guess being 2 years old allows you to change your likes and dislikes quickly. So yesterday when we told Aaron we were going to Kentucky (for Kelsy's wedding - which was beautiful by the way) he asked to swim in Gigi's pool. Of course he did! He is now OBSESSED with getting in the float for little kids and kicking his little legs as hard as they will go until he is forced to get out. It's the sweetest thing I've ever seen. Gigi even let him swim right after church this morning before lunch. When I saw him at lunch he was sure to tell me that he got on the diving board and "jumped' to his Papa (aka - Gigi let him down easy into the water where Papa was waiting). Cutest kid EVER!

PBS!

2011-06-10T20:41:00.001-07:00

We just got done with a week of VBS...or PBS as Aaron calls it. He wasn't a fan of the bible class portion of VBS but couldn't get enough of the singing at the beginning and end in the auditorium. He even got to sit with his own class like he was big or something. It's crazy to think of him as a little boy doing real little boy things, like sitting with his 'class' at VBS. I can't hardly stand it. His new favorite song is the 'Hippo' song. I bet we sing it no less than 100 times a day and I catch him singing it to himself while playing alone. We really enjoyed going this week. Here's a shout out to those who did SO much to make this week successful. Especially Andrea Abrahams and Corynn Moyers...you girls rocked!!!

Happy 2 years!!!

2011-05-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

I seriously cannot believe Aaron is TWO years old. I put a one year picture on here to show how much he's grown!

One year

Two years old

Here is what he is up to these days...

-Blonde hair is still very much abundant. Baba calls you 'toe head.' and 'cotton top.'

-Pretty much Type A personality. Very entertaining, dramatic, and loves to interact with pretty much anyone...unless they 'scare' him...then it's a dramatic getaway at any cost.

-TALKING non-stop. This child never stops talking. Pretty much full sentences now...and adds to his vocabulary every hour it seems. Cute sayings: "Over here," "over dere", "right dere," "uh-mon guys," "scared dat man, mom."

-he is very observant and is listening to EVERYTHING we say. He is repeating things that we didn't know he had ever heard or been taught. "oh be careful little mouth what you say" is becoming a VERY popular saying in our house these days.

-doing things himself. "no mama, felf." He is becoming very independent these days, but still wants to 'hold you,' frequently.

-he is VERY snuggly. Loves to sit and snuggle with his mama every morning after breakfast. I'm sure this won't last too much longer so I am cherishing every time he asks.

-He loves to be outside (that hasn't changed since birth). Favorite things are mowing on the 'big mower' with daddy and playing basketball and baseball with his daddy. He can hit the ball when we pitch it to him...GIFTED!

-"big tower Mama." Legos is his favorite inside activity. Never stops building towers.

-He is NOT a meat eater. PBJ's are a staple. Is still a great eater, just no meat. Except for chicken of course...which he gets from the Phillips side of the family.

-His understanding/comprehension is unbelieveable. Very smart and catches onto things quickly.

-He knows his ABC's and can count to 10.

-Still loves to sing and dance. Favorite songs are "Old MacDonald", "Jesus Loves the Little Children", and "Banjo on my Knee." "If you're happy and you know it," "ABC's," and the newest one is "Happy Birthday."

-Still loves horses and asks to ride all the time.

-Favorite people (other than Mark and I) are still his Papa and RaRa. His O'Pa is rising in the ranks though.

-Loves going to bible class with Ms. Yinya (Linda). Always comes out and tells us very enthusiastically that "Jesus is alive!" I'm sure they don't learn the exact same lesson every Sunday, but I guess that one stuck.

-This child LOVES babies! He will hold a baby until you take it away from him. The entire time he is taking in a high pitched voice and kissing the baby on its head. It's pretty cute.

-He is starting to pay attention to more detail to things. He is picky about which way the blocks are facing as he stacks them and does not hesitate to correct whoever is playing with him as to which way the blocks should be facing. It will be interesting to see how much more this will develop.

Aaron, your daddy and I love you so much. We have loved watching you grow for the past 2 years and are so excited for what God has planned for you as you grow into a young man. Your tender heart and loving nature are such a blessing to us and others. We cherish every little smile, giggle, hug, and kiss from you. You bring us so much joy!

Week in Melber

2011-05-31T11:30:00.001-07:00

Here are some of the pictures from our week in Melber. We spent yesterday in the pool. Aaron is actually liking the water more this year (he wouldn't hardly get in last year). I stayed out WAY too long and now look like a tomato. Aloe is my friend. We leave Thursday morning for St. Louis. We will meet Mark and Jerry and go to the zoo for Aaron's B-day. We have been telling him that he will be 2 years old on Friday. Ever since then he is obsessed with singing "Happy Birthday dear Aaron." Super cute.

Aaron and his RaRa

Aaron and Baby "Tole"

kicking his feet in the pool

Baba visits

2011-05-26T10:37:00.001-07:00

Baba and Jerry made a quick trip to Tullahoma last night. They were able to pick Joann up in Nashville too! It was supposed to be a quick same day trip, but because of the storms back in Paducah, Baba ended up staying the night and Jerry left really late last night to get back home. He and Mark are leaving tonite to take a trailer load of horses to Idaho. Baba will ride back to Melber with Mark today. Aaron and I will stay here for a few days (because I have to work) and then go to Melber Saturday with Rachel for the week. The plan as of right now is to meet Mark and Jerry on Thur/Fri of next week in St. Louis for a birthday zoo trip (Aaron's 2nd). Aaron has never been to the zoo before, so we are excited for his first time. He's in LOVE with animals. Baba has spent the day with Aaron and I because Mark is working 1/2 a day today before they leave. We have enjoyed every second of her visit. I'm afraid Aaron has worn her out playing baseball/basketball/blocks and every other toy he has in his room. I was able to get a lot of things done this morning because my super snuggly boy had his normal snuggle time with his Baba this morning and watched Sesame Street. I normally cherish that time with him b/c I'm sure there will be a day when it doesn't happen, but sometimes it's nice to have a break!

playing puzzles

snuggling on the couch

playing bay balls with Papa!

" I wanna play bay-balls mama"

2011-05-19T18:13:00.000-07:00

Aaron has discovered his love for baseball, or 'bay-balls; as he calls it. He asks to play all day, every day. I got some super cute shots of him tonite. Mark made a little tee for him to use until we can get him one and to say he loves it is an understatement. There is a video on facebook of him actually hitting the ball without using the tee. Mark and I spent forever pitching it to him. He never got frustrated with him self. He just said "aww....miss!" I'm not sure who screamed louder when he actually hit it, Mark and I or Aaron. There was extreme celebration by everyone involved. I think Aaron would have stayed out there hitting the ball for the rest of the night.

Here is our little baseball player.

Learning to hit on the 'tee'

Daddy teaching Aaron about hitting the ball, not the tee

game face

Slide

2011-05-03T05:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Mark's Aunt and Uncle, Aaron now has a swing set to play on in our back yard - including a slide, which is the most important part right now. Last night while Mark and I continued to put it together, Aaron amused himself by going up and down the slide at least 100 times. I couldn't help but take a million pictures. He played so hard that he slept for almost 13 hours last night without a peep...I think we'll repeat again today. Enjoy this cute boy!

Papa time

2011-04-27T12:17:00.001-07:00

Aaron has been spending a lot of time with his Papa and Gigi this week. My dad had surgery (which went well) on Monday and I stayed at the hospital with him during the day for a few days. My wonderful 2nd parents (Mark's parents) were so gracious to take great care of Aaron. I'm pretty sure he didn't miss me. Who would if all you do all day long is drive trucks at Baba's, jump in puddles with Gigi, Aunt Saysa and Cole, or ride horses with Papa???!!!!

Inspiration

2011-04-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Easter. As I sit here at my parents house, a million things running through my head since we arrived Thursday evening. Joy fills my heart as I see my son engaging with family. All the giggles and little words of adoration from his mouth warm my heart. I am full of happiness and comfort to be in a very familar atmosphere with the same noises and laughter from what seems like such a long time ago when I lived at home with my siblings and parents. Anxiety and worry seep into my heart and mind as I think about my dad's up coming surgery Monday morning for a surgery that is supposed to cure a physical pain he has endured for years. Will this really relieve his pain? Does God know his suffering? Mentally and physically? "God please come fix this...seriously...God I think in order for things to be fixed I am pretty sure you need to physically come and fix this." I pray this routinely. I am filled with so many questions that most of my prayers would sound all jumbled up if I were to say them out loud. How do I find peace? How do I find peace when I feel like things can seem so hopeless after so many conversations full of hopelessness?

I read a blog that is so inspirational. My awesome friend Megan mentioned a long time ago that she reads this blog and now I read it all the time. http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/. Her faith is real and is tested daily. I love reading her blog because she asks many of the questions I find myself asking more and more. Her compassion and perserverence is like no other. Tonite as I read her blog about resurrection I find a response to one of my gergillion requests of God. God has come physically. Redemption has started. Realization: I am the hands and feet of Jesus. In my weakness, Jesus makes me strong. In my imperfection, Jesus makes me perfect. I can have peace because God WILL make things forever right. Until then, I will try in His strength to be the one with hope when no one else does. I will put my trust in God and his ability to use me in all my inadequacies (or whoever else wants to use to get the job done). My dad will be made perfect one day, and it will be better than anything I could ask or imagine. I will trust in that.

As I sit here, tears flowing, I am full of hope. I pretty sure it's not because I know I will get all the answers to my questions, which I'm sure I will keep asking until...well let's not put a time limit on it. I am full of hope in a Savior that LIVES and is powerful in this world. I know his love and grace are abounding because I see it everyday when I look at my child as he smiles, or in my dad who has been faithful despite impossible odds from childhood and now into adulthood. As I go to bed tonite I pray a short prayer: God thank you for my father who has shown me what truth faith and service look like no matter what Satan throws in his way. May your grace abound in his life and be visible to those around him. Amen.

CL Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

We went to Cedar Lane's Easter Egg Hunt today...it was great! Aaron really did well with the 'put the eggs in your basket' concept. We ran errands this morning before going to the hunt, and whenever we stopped somewhere he would said "easter!" We kept having to tell him that we were going to get Easter eggs later but not right then. It was pretty cute. Here are some of the pictures we took.

"Over there Mr. Gary"

Enjoying cookies after the hunt

Easter 2011

Ms. Donna and Bree Bree

a yellow chick in one of the eggs

'hunting' for eggs

two at a time!

ready for the hunt

Pee Pee Potty

2011-04-12T06:07:00.000-07:00

So I think I've decided to start potty training....I think. I have noticed more and more Aaron is starting to become aware of when he needs to go and letting me know. So I decided to see how he does. He can pull his own pants down for the most part. We had our first day yesterday. He did pretty well. He will let me know most of the time if I haven't asked him in a while. So I count that as very good. The only problem we are having is that he doesn't want to go #2 in the potty. He knows when he needs to go and looks right at me before he starts to go, but just doesn't want to use the potty. We only had one #1 accident yesterday but neither #2 episodes were in the potty successfully. Is it weird that this whole post is about going potty? We'll see how today goes. So far no accidents and we've been up for 1 1/2 hours...I'm counting that a success. He goes about every10-15 minutes too...just in case you thought I was celebrating WAY too much for the amount of time we've been awake.

P.S. The pictures are not related to the post. Aaron't cousins Eli and Isaac came to visit last weekend and they had a blast!

late night

2011-04-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

Last night we met Papa and Gigi, Luke and Sarah and Cole on their way through Manchester to Florida. It was a late night, but it was so much fun! Aaron LOVED Cole and wouldn't stop trying to hold him. He just looked up at Mark and I with the proudest eyes that said, "Do you see me mom and dad?" It was pretty cute if I do say so myself. Luke and Sarah have the most precious baby boy. We loved getting to see them, even though it was only a few hours.

Aaron was excited to get to hold Cole

Mark giving Cole a bottle..he did a good job

(2nd time feeding a baby EVER)

Strawberry Pie!

2011-03-31T06:59:00.000-07:00

I made a strawberry pie this week...Aaron had his own piece with some ice cream. Let's just say he LOVED it! Baba would be proud. Here is what Aaron looked like with his pie.

P.S. Mark's face looked EXACTLY the same as Aaron's when he was done, but he wouldn't let me take a picture of it.

random

2011-03-28T11:06:00.001-07:00

I thought I would put some pictures on the blog to show what we've been up to the last few days. Aaron is loving having the house open with not a lot of furniture in it...more room to run and play. Enjoy!

Favorite book right now: Goodnight Gorilla

Sweetest face...decided to play dress up with one of his coats

Then he added two of my shoes to the dress up game

Helping mama paint the cabinets

GO BIG BLUE!!!

2011-03-27T18:46:00.000-07:00

FINAL FOUR BABY!!!!!

outside

2011-03-21T05:33:00.000-07:00

Well the weather is AWESOME right now. Saturday we mowed the lawn for the first time this season. Aaron was so excited to mow. He even tried to use the handles...which made it slightly more difficult. We had a lot of fun doing outdoor things, especially since we have been stuck inside for the past week working on the floor. I just thought I would post some pictures.

Oh yea baby!

2011-03-17T12:58:00.001-07:00

So I thought I would update with some pictures of my GORGEOUS hardwood floor! Also, I got a new washer, dryer and dishwasher.

Organized disaster

2011-03-10T18:34:00.000-08:00

Ok, so right now my house is pretty much a complete disaster. However, it is a controlled disaster (this is what I've decided to call it) because I know where everything is and it is somewhat organized...just no home yet. I knew this was coming, but somehow I wasn't quite prepared for what it was going to look like. Last weekend we started pulling up all the floors in the house. I was ok with that until I came home from an errand and found my entire living room full of the things I had stored in the spare bedroom and Aaron's room. Particle board and dust filled my house and things were a complete mess. And my one year old was running around in all of it. I was pretty much having a moment of complete crisis and breakdown when Kelli Wilson miraculously showed up in my house and gave me some perspective and put me back together (since I fell apart in front of all the wonderful men who came to help). She helped me sort through things and encouraged me that things were going to look great when everything was done. I have since held onto these words...especially when the decision was made to pull out the cabinets (just the bottom ones) to put the floor under them. Mark is working so hard to make this chaos as short-lived as possible. Plus, we have had SO MUCH HELP from all our friends to tear up the floors to dinner 3 nights in a row because cooking was not going to happen. Also, both our dad's got here last night and have done so much for us. We are so blessed to have them. Aaron hasn't skipped a beat. He just goes with the flow. The entire house is a jungle gym to him and he thinks it's cool to help his daddy. Matt will be here tomorrow night and my dad is staying a few extra days to help start the hardwood floors. It's hard to believe we are actually going to get the new floors in. I've attached some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Aaron loved playing in the cabinets

when the counter tops came off

Dad and Mark taking out the cabinets

...notice NO STOVE/DISHWASHER

my current living room

Aaron and Papa...

he never stops smiling when they are together

Aaron got all bundled up to help Papa clean out the garage

Update

2011-02-23T08:14:00.001-08:00

I know, I know...it's been a while since I blogged. Let's just say that life has been EXTREMELY busy. We have been gone from home every weekend since...well since I literally can't remember when we were home. Mostly to Melber for various reasons. The last reason was an excellent one...I have a new nephew! Luke and Sarah had their first baby...A BOY! Cole Alexander made his appearance last Thursday morning. A very healthy baby boy who (in my opinion) looks just like his daddy. Such a cutie! In between the weekends we are trying to get our house ready for laying hardwood floors and painting different rooms. Spring has pretty much arrived and I am definitely feeling the spring fever to CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN! This works out great because we need the house as empty as possible to make it easy to lay the wood floors. I have to fight my urge to work outside instead of inside because of the weather AND because every time we go to Walmart or Lowe's there are flowers everywhere along with other landscaping things to buy.

Today Aiden has come to play. Aaron couldn't be happier. He and Aaron haven't come out of his room since Aiden got here. They are reading books together and chasing each other around the house. Earlier Aaron was crying because he hurt himself on a toy and Aiden bent down, got really close to Aaron's face and said "what wrong Aaron?" It was so cute, especially when Aaron actually answered him correctly. I think some serious withdrawls are going to happen tonite when Aiden goes home after bible class.

Sunday I will go back to Melber. My dad is having outpatient surgery to put in a temporary nerve stimulator. This is a trial period with the stimulator to see if it will help his pain decrease...hopefully a lot! If it works then he will have a permanent one put in. This entire situation is weighing very heavy on my heart as I know it is even more in my dad...even mom too. Is it too much to pray for a miracle? Cuz that's what I'm praying for.

I feel so out of touch with what should be normal things. Maybe things will start to settle down soon and I can relax more. Maybe some more prayer and meditation is in order. So here are a few pictures for your enjoyment.

A new family of 3!!

Aaron on a horse swing

Sweet, sweet Cole!

Cast is off!!!

2011-02-02T11:24:00.001-08:00

Aaron got his cast off this morning. Dr. Figerola re-x-rayed the arm. New bone is growing and the arm is almost totally healed. Aaron did pretty well when they used the little saw to cut off the cast Only a little crying. I told him it sounded loud like Mommy's hair dryer and he called it a hair dryer from then on. Aaron had everyone in the office rolling because he was telling them that the hair dryer cut off his cast. Dr. Figerola said everything looked good, and for him to 'be careful' for the next few weeks...of course I immediately took him to the McDonald's playground...how's that for being careful! When we got home, I showed him the cast and he immediately tried to put it back on his left arm and when that didn't work, he tried to put it on his right arm. Then he just hugged it and handed it back. Everything is back to normal...for now.

giving his cast a hug

trying to put it back on his arm

trying it on the other arm...

it has to fit on one of them

20 months!

2011-02-01T06:16:00.000-08:00

What if we had a son that was 20 months old on Thursday??? We would be the proudest parents ever!

Goodbye old wall!

2011-01-26T08:53:00.000-08:00

Today we had the 1/2 wall between the kitchen and living room taken out. It's so exciting. It's something I wanted done since we moved in.

One Week Down

2011-01-25T06:15:00.001-08:00

One week down and one week to go until Aaron gets his cast off. We have had a very uneventful week so far. Aaron has done very well. Surprisingly well. He only asked to have it off the first day before his nap. With only a little whining and being a little more attached to his mamma...we have successfully completed a week and have high hopes for next week. I am so thankful that it wasn't his 'thumb sucking' hand that is in the cast! He has slept well and has adapted to things having to be held and manipulated differently. He loves it when people sign his cast and asks them to write the letter 'A.' Overall, good experience; if you have to have this particular experience. Here is a few pics.

So many people have signed his cast

At breakfast this morning

Broken Arm

2011-01-19T09:45:00.000-08:00

Well we found out that Aaron broke his arm. He fell on his basketball goal and somehow ended up breaking both long bones in his left arm. He is taking it like a champ. Barely cried in the doctor's office today when they put his cast on. He chose the color blue and was very proud as we walked out of the office...he had to show EVERY person we met as we left his 'bu' cast. First broken arm before he was 2 years old. I guess it runs in the family, Mark had the same kind of break twice in both arms and I broke my left arm when I was in grade school. Here are a few pictures.

'ssss-now!'

2011-01-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

This morning we woke up to a beautiful white blanket of snow. I think we got over 6 inches and are expecting more tonite! Aaron woke up and said 'nooo!!!!' We have been working on adding the 's.' We also have to remind him that snow is white, not blue. We went out to feed Lenny (the horse) and play in the snow. We were out for 30minutes and he loved every minute of it. I really enjoyed watching Aaron discover the snow all by himself for the first time,last year he was too young to care much about it. Of course I went nuts taking pictures! Here are a few for your enjoyment.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-28T05:46:00.000-08:00

Playing in my mom's mop bucket

Bala reading to Aaron

He wanted to hold Cora non-stop

Playing with Papa

New Tiger sleeping bag from Gig and Papa

- he pretended to go 'nigh nigh'

LOVED helping Uncle Luke open his gifts

a toy that was in his stocking

new cousin Isaac Matthew

(A new family of 4)

Just a few pictures of our Christmas 2010. This is Aaron's 2nd Christmas, so he was a little more aware of the tree and lights and presents. He LOVED helping tear the wrapping paper on the gifts and helping other people open their gifts. We had a great time in Melber. Family was great and Aaron loved getting them all to give him chocolate non-stop. He sure does have a sweet tooth. On our way home we stopped to see my new nephew Isaac Matthew Phillips. My brother and sister-in-law had their 2nd little boy. He's precious. Everyone is healthy and happy. I can't wait to see him again.

All bundled up!

2010-12-23T16:42:00.000-08:00

We went outside for a while today while daddy worked with Lenny (the horse.) Aaron enjoyed it...even all bundled up!

Walking out to see daddy.

Showing Ra Ra his gloves.

Feeding "Yinny" hay.

Sweetest boy.

A boy and his Ra Ra

"Yites"

2010-12-22T07:08:00.000-08:00

Aaron LOVES our tree. He is is constantly going into the living room to see the "yites" and concentrates really hard on which color is which. He gets them right about 50% of the time I would say. I took an opportunity yesterday to take some pictures.

Pointing out the 'bu' lights

cute little boy

more light identification

He actually posed when I asked him to

Anniversary

2010-12-18T13:23:00.001-08:00

Today is Mark and my 6th wedding anniversary. This year we decided to take a little trip together. Ra Ra stayed at home with Aaron. Mark and I took off to Gatlinburg, TN for the weekend. We are having a blast, although we find ourselves talking non-stop about our little boy at home. We got here yesterday and will leave tomorrow. Last night we walked around Gatlinburg and ate BBQ. Today we SLEPT IN and went hiking. It has been the perfect get-away for us. I think I have smiled more and laughed harder this weekend than I have in a long time. I thought I would post some pictures. Enjoy!

Abram's Falls

Happy 6 years!

Fun wood bridges to cross

Our room: I asked for one with a jacuzzi!

Little Helper

2010-12-15T19:03:00.000-08:00

Aaron has recently been VERY interested in doing whatever his daddy is doing. He always wants to sit with his daddy, work like his daddy, wear his 'boots' like his daddy, and repeats just about every word his daddy says (this sometimes causes problems). He has never really been a mamma's boy or a daddy's boy in-particular , but I can honestly say now that he is a daddy's boy. In some ways I am sad, but it is so awesome too! Watching him follow Mark around trying to 'be' his daddy makes me so proud and thankful for the man he is watching so closely on how to behave. I am so aware of how important my actions and especially Mark's are to how Aaron thinks and acts. So I am left questioning myself: Do I really show Aaron who I try to follow/mimic closely? How well do I know my God? How closely do I follow in HIS footsteps? Wow...parenting is hard sometimes. But SO worth it when you see your son watching his daddy so closely with adoring eyes.

Here are some pictures of Aaron helping his daddy doing some plumbing.

Safety first

working on the pipes

Update before Christmas

2010-12-14T07:55:00.000-08:00

So right now things are pretty tough at the Adams house. Sunday after we decided to go to Nashville to watch a Christmas concert with Raich. Matt and Lori came and brought Eli. It was a great concert (By Jason Coleman - great pianist). When we got back to Raich's appartment I started feeling kinda sick. We also got hit with several inches of snow that night. So what would normally take 1 hour to get home, took is 3 hours. I felt horrible the entire way. We got home and I spent the rest of the night and into the morning leaning over the toilet. Thankfully, my wonderful husband stayed home the next morning because I was pretty much not coherent...until 9am when Mark walked in our bedroom holding Aaron who had blood running down out of his mouth. He fell and hit his lip on our coffee table. We took him to the ER because he cut his lip pretty bad. No stitches which we were grateful for; just a swollen, bum lip. Aaron didn't even act like it bothered him. He just kept asking to go 'bye, bye' the whole time we were there. Mark went back to work today and I am at home with Aaron. Still feel pretty cruddy, but at least no throwing up and no early am ER trip. Oh yea, and why no pictures you ask????? Because we can't find our camera. It's been lost for a week now. So whenever we find it, I'll be back to picture taking for the blog. For now, disinfectant spray and Kleenex are my friends. Let's pray no one else in our household gets this.

18 months!!!

2010-12-02T11:16:00.000-08:00

So tomorrow Aaron is 18 months old. Where has the time gone???!! So before the new 'list' of what Aaron does now; here is a picture to compare from last year.

Last Thanksgiving at Aunt Sarah's house

(6mo. old)

Thanksgiving 2010 - 18 mo.

Here is what you are up to Aaron:

-You are talking up a storm. Putting words together some to get your point across better. Your favorite words right now are: "niiiiccceee," "GOAL!!!" and "NO!"

-You have started asking to go 'pee-pee' in the potty all by yourself...and you go some of the time! We are wondering what this means for potty training...hmmm. Do children usually teach themselves to use the potty???

-You LOVE attention. As long as people are paying attention to you, you put on a show. And it's super cute - which you are aware of.

- 'dramatic' is a perfect descriptor when it comes to how you express yourself...everything is a big deal.

-Dancing is one of your favorite things to do. Anything having to do with music you're always up for. This includes worship!

-You still take 2 naps most days.

-Your best friends are Elijah 'Yi Yi' and Aiden "Ne Ne". You pray for them every night.

-There is nothing better than riding a horse (ho ho). Dusty and Pepper were your first

horses you knew well. Dusty was your favorite. There is nothing sweeter than watching you and your daddy on a horse together.

-Time outs and spankings happen often, but you are not too strong willed....mommy is thankful!

-favorite food is a P.B.J. "jay jay" and of course Jack Jack's. Let's not forget cookies 'too tees' too.

-you are learning to jump

-Elmo is your favorite DVD to watch

-your Papa is your favorite person EVER. you are inseparable from him when you are together.

-You love to play basketball with daddy and say 'GOAL!'

-Favorite books are 'Jesus,' 'George' and "Chaco.'

-You LOVE your Aunt Rachel (Ra Ra) and 'call' her non-stop on the phone.

Aaron, you are a very passionate and smart little boy. A true joy to be around. We love you very much and can't wait to see what the next 18months will bring.

Horse lover

2010-11-22T06:22:00.000-08:00

Saturday night when it was time to go to bed, Aaron 'asked' if he could sleep with this stuffed horse. Mark and I both chuckled and told him that he could. He promptly picked up the horse and his nuzzy (which is also a horse) and went to his crib. This is what we found when we went to check on him. What can I say, The kid LOVES horses.

Willeford visit

2010-11-09T08:18:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning Lori, Weston and Taylor came for an overnight visit. We had so much fun. Weston LOVED to ride. Aaron couldn't have had more fun playing outside with him. Taylor is so squeezable and happy. Here are some pictures from our time that Lori took. She's an awesome photographer! The kids are cute too.

Mark and Weston riding

Aaron riding with his mama

(his face was like this the whole time...I think he wanted to ride with his daddy)

very cute cousins!

Aaron giving Tay a 'hug'

'oosh-es'

2010-10-31T16:59:00.000-07:00

ok so Aaron is OBSESSED with shoes. He calls them 'oosh.' He is constantly asking to put his 'oosh' on. Tonite he brought me an bag of shoes that someone gave me before he was born that I still haven't taken to goodwill (I know, everything has a priority- it was going to get there eventually). He insisted on putting on a pair of size 4 white tennis shoes (he wears a 6). So being the good mother that I am...I put them on him. He wore then until it was time for bed.

Trunk-or-Treat

2010-10-28T05:51:00.000-07:00

Last night we had to trunk or treat with our church. There were A LOT of people there. I think I was told that we gave out 500 hotdogs. I was happy to meet several people from the community. The kids were super cute. Aaron was a tiger this year...compliments of his Gigi. The only thing he wasn't crazy about was the hood on the costume...but we put it on anyway and could distract him long enough for pictures. Here are a few pics. We do it all over again this Saturday in Melber!

trying to figure out how to carry his candy bucket

with his mama...wouldn't look at the camera

Ready to say 'tee tee'

trying to pull his hood off

Jack-O-Lanterns

2010-10-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

We carved pumpkins tonite with our small group! We had a great time. I think my favorite part of the night was hearing little Joseph Berriage say "I love you daddy, you're doing a great job," to his dad. He was watching his daddy carve a pumpkin with the utmost concentration. Aaron was confused by the light inside the pumpkin. He kept sticking his face right ON the pumpkin itself. It was a fun night.

A bat-ghost and 2 faces on our pumpkins

All three in the light...I think the dark is better

David and Becca carving their pumpkin

A curious boy looking at his pumpkin

Weekend

2010-10-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

We spend the weekend in Melber. This weekend was extra special because Joel, Andrea and Aiden went with us. We had a lot of fun! Melber was having a guest speaker for a weekend meeting. The speaker was David Mitchell from our church here in Tullahoma, so we all decided to go and be the Tullahoma supporters. The meeting was great and we really enjoyed David's lessons. We also had a ton of fun going to the pumpkin farm, riding horses, and hanging out. I think Aiden's favorite part was the kittens he played with at Baba's. The weekend went by WAY to fast, but we still had a blast. Here are just a few of the million pictures that were taken this weekend.

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-11T13:16:00.000-07:00

Saturday we went to the pumpkin patch with some friends. Aaron loved it! There were so many different things for him to do there. We went for a hay ride, got to play on the slide, swing on a tire swing, play in water, and see some farm animals. Aaron correctly identified all of the animals except the pig. He thought that was a dog....We're still working on that one. Here are some pictures of our adventures.

Aaron playing in the 'wa wa.'

Aaron mid-slide...he LOVED it.

Friends we met at the pumpkin patch

Ready to pick out our pumpkin!

"BOO"

Cousin Time

2010-10-05T13:22:00.001-07:00

This week Lori and Eli came for a visit while Matt went away on business. We LOVE having them here. Aaron and Eli are finally at a point where they can play together without us helping them. Their favorite place to play is in the living room on the blow up mattress. Apparently running really fast and then falling on the mattress while screaming the whole time is REALLY fun. Aaron sure does love his cousin "Yi Yi." He never stops saying Eli's name.

We went to get them out when we arrived at Walmart

and found them just like this....

"High Five" cousins

playing the piano with 'Yi Yi'

A mixture

2010-09-29T07:37:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from recent happenings with the Adams. Just wanted to share more of a sweet boy

Melber Visit

2010-09-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

We went to Melber this weekend for visit family and for Elayna's 2nd birthday party. We had a great time. Aaron loves his grandparents so much. His obsession with his Papa is out of control, AND super cute. It is kind of a good thing that we don't live in Melber because Aaron would be VERY spoiled child. Here are some pictures of our weekend. Oh yea..and also Gloria and Ryan will be having their second little girl TOMORROW! We are anxiously awaiting Cora Lise.

Driving Papa's 'mule'

Aaron and O'Pa.

Papa and Aaron 'hanging around.'

Aaron and Elayna playing with her party baloons

Just like his daddy...

2010-09-05T18:56:00.000-07:00

****This post in no way is saying anything positive or negative about MY teeth brushing habits****

Aaron is DEFINITELY his father's son when it comes to teeth care. He is sure to ask to brush his teeth every morning AND every evening. We're so glad for his 'teess.'

Animal sounds

2010-09-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

Gotta love those animal sounds!

Life

2010-08-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

***WARNING - this is a long post***

Life for the Adams has been busy busy busy the last month or so. I wish I could say that is seems to be slowing down, but quite the opposite is happening. For the past 2 weeks we have had something every night of the week. I really like this (for the most part) because I feel like relationships are becoming deeper and new relationships are being formed. We are finding more and more ways to participate in God's mission. Growing and growing in ways that we never thought possible. Part of me is just worn out though. I would say that we need to take a trip to get away, but I think that's part of the problem....we have been gone pretty much all summer. Maybe the solution is to just STAY home for a while and let things settle down. here's a little update.

I am still working once a week. I love it. It's a great break for everyone involved. I am enjoying being able to use the talent that God has given me to be a nurse and help those who need it. My friend, Megan, recently wrote an article about God being a God of the broken. I truly believe that and love that I am able to do His work to help those who are broken physically.

My prayer group is still meeting every other Thursday. I love the friendships that are growing deeper and deeper. I love growing together and cannot even express how much of a blessing they are to me. I can honestly say that this group fills such a hole in my life that I didn't even know needed filling. God is gracious and knows what we need more than we do.

One new thing that Mark and I are participating in is a parenting class that has started at one of the elementary schools in town. Mark was a volunteer basketball coach last year for this school and we feel a special call to help whenever there is an opportunity there. We are actually being the 'babysitters' for the parents who are attending the class. We have had the same kids each week and are enjoying spending time with them and talking with the parents. A meal is provided and 2 sessions of parenting classes are given.

Another new 'event' is that I am teaching another Wednesday night ladies class this fall. This class is on Spiritual Disciplines. I am so excited about this subject, which is really important because unless I am extremely passionate about a subject, it's hard to be motivated to teach and study. One reason I'm excited about it is because one of my friends, Jenny Nichols, is going to be a co-teacher. I am thrilled that she is stepping outside her comfort zone to do this with me because she has so much to offer. We have been studying together for 5 or so weeks prior to the class. My life has truly been enriched by her passion and willingness to just jump in head first to something that can be so intimidating.

Besdies all of this, my son is just growing more and more each day. He never stops talking OR running. These days I have really learned to appreciate family. We are trying to spend as much time with both sets of grandparents. He can identify all 4 grandparents in photos and when we are with them. Aaron is just OBSESSED with Mark's dad. The two are inseparable when they are together. He is also just drawn to men in general. I totally understand why it is so important for little boys to spend time with people their same gender, especially daddies and granddaddies. Their influence is unlike any other.

So many other things to mention, but of course this post is too long already. Please keep all of the above in your prayers. Our prayers from long ago, to realize God's will for us in Tullahoma, is starting to be revealed slowly and surely. We pray that we can be used effectively.

Short trip to Michigan!

2010-08-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

I know you are SHOCKED that we went on ANOTHER trip this past weekend. Some day we will actually STOP living out of suit cases and start actually live in Tullahoma. Hopefully we are actually done with all of our travels of the summer. This past weekend Beau (Mark's cousin) got married. So we drove the one million hours to Michigan. It was so worth it! The wedding was gorgeous and so well done by the minister and all others involved. We had a blast at the reception too! Aaron could NOT stop dancing and greeting everyone with a 'hi.' He is also becoming more and more attached to his Papa. Actually, I think the feeling is mutual between the two. They were inseparable. Seeing all the cousins was fun too...I always forget how big Mark's family is until we are all together. It's so great how much support they give one another. It was a great weekend. Very long journey though.

Aaron and his cousin Abigail

Aaron and his handsome daddy, a groomsman

Aaron and his Papa

Happy Saturday

2010-08-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day. We FINALLY got our bathroom painted. I LOVE the color. I have to give my husband the credit for that choice. He did a great job of picking out the color. Raich came to help paint and we got in totally done in 1/2 a day. Just after lunch we went next door. Our new neighbors invited us over. There was a petting zoo, games and food for their friends and family because they had new adopted grandchildren and were having a party to celebrate. We have been wanting to get over to talk with them for a while now and this provided the perfect opportunity to do that. Aaron even went with Ms. Jeannie to see the petting zoo. It was super cute. This evening, Raich was kind enough to watch Aaron for us so that we could go to a wedding. We got home late, but it was worth it. Tomorrow evening our new small groups start. I'm really excited! Long, but fun weekend.

The bathroom painted - gray/blue color

Aaron with our neighbor feeding the animals

Aaron wanted to show his Aunt Rachel how he rides 'ho's'

Trail Ride 2010

2010-08-07T18:57:00.001-07:00

Aaron and his Papa

Well we just got back to Melber after spending 9 days in Southern Illinois for our annual '9 Day Trail Ride.' Last year Aaron was only 7 weeks old when we went. THIS YEAR he was 14 months and I think he gets the 'best rider in camp' award. He went riding every day with us. The longest ride he went on was 6 hours long...pretty long for even an awesome little boy rider. It was so great and SO much fun! I think all our pictures of the trail ride were of 'Aaron at the trail ride.' He LOVES his Papa (Jerry) and especially loves the 'Ho's' (horses) that surrounded him. We definitely wore him out. He begged to go 'nigh,nigh' every night and for naps. But was ready for more 'ho's' as soon as he woke up. We couldn't get over his love for the outdoors and for riding....definitely Mark and my son! Here is a few pictures for your enjoyment. More will be on facebook in a few days.

Aaron and Bala on Belle (mom's horse)

daddy helping Aaron sit on a horse

Ironing

2010-07-26T13:50:00.001-07:00

So for about a month now (maybe even longer) I have been neglecting the ironing. My husband is so wonderful. He never says ANYTHING about the house being cleaned, or his clothes washed, or his shirts being ironed UNTIL he runs out of clothes. Even then, he seems to wait as long as he can - re-wearing as many things as he can until the situation gets desperate. Seriously, he's awesome. This also makes me feel HORRIBLE once I realize that he has been wearing the same 3 cotton shirts (the ones that don't wrinkle) to work and worship for a very long time. This happens more often with his socks than anything else. You would think after 6 years I would have caught on when I see his shirts start to build up in the basket or I notice the 'white clothes' pile rising a little too high. But alas. I find myself staying true to my weakness as a wife and find my husband just 'going with the flow.' Above I am showing the evidence of my 'bad wife-ness.' My mother would NOT be proud. This picture shows the 2nd set of shirts I ironed today - the 1st already being put away. I would like to say that I will do better next time, but reality is that I won't. Defeatist attitude?....probably. I can think of some solutions....wrinkle-free shirts, hang up or iron as soon as they exit the dryer, we'll see if I can put them into practice.

Cousin bath time!

2010-07-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

So Aaron has finally decided that he likes the 'big boy bath tub.' Yes that's right folks...Aaron has been taking a bath in the sink for over a year now. We have been working on the 'transition' for a VERY LONG TIME now - don't judge...it was hard. But NOW....He LOVES his bath. Tonite, since Matt and Lori came to visit, we decided that the boys could take a bath together tonite. Here is the fun between our boys that Lori and I witnessed...I tried to hide the 'boy-ness' parts.

Goodnight

2010-07-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

So the past few nights Aaron has been asking to go to bed around 7:30pm. He has been sleeping a full 12 hours, if not longer, too. I have been enjoying this A LOT! Tonite, we had company, but he still went to bed about 8pm. Didn't ask this time, but dove for his crib the second we walked into his room. I thought I would share with everyone what my cute, cute little boy looks like when he went to bed tonite. So, goodnight family and friends, straight from Aaron.

Weekend

2010-07-12T18:11:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, we had a great time just hanging around the house. Aunt Rachel came to spend a few days, which of course we really enjoyed. Rachel and Mark laid the backer-board down in the bathroom...poor Rachel can't come a weekend without doing some type of manual labor. Aaron is walking pretty much all the time now. Still pretty unsteady, but I can see his balance getting better and better every day. Here is some fun weekend pics.

wheelbarrow rides from Aunt Rachel

Wanna hold me?

A boy and his Aunt Rachel

not quite...

2010-07-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

Thought we would share this...he was just so cute.

A good dog

2010-06-30T08:55:00.001-07:00

This is a sad post. It's kind of ridiculous to make a post just to our dog, but it's appropriate because of the circumstances. I came to Matt and Lori's yesterday because Mark had to go to Virginia on a work trip for a few days. So, I loaded Aaron, I and Copper in the car to come to Cookeville. We were only here a few hours when Matt came inside and told me that Copper had gotten hit by a car. I went down the road where he was and we got him in the back of the truck and took him to the vets office in town. From there it just went south. After some xrays, we found out his injurys were too severe. We took him home with the hope he would heal on his own. He just got worse so we had to have him put down. It was really hard to watch, but better this way because he was suffering. I loved him, even though we only had him for 6 months or so. My heart is sad.

exhausted...but happy.

2010-06-26T16:55:00.001-07:00

This is pure exhaustion.

Seriously, we are all worn out. We flew all night last night and got in around 11am today. Aaron did so great on the flights. But then again, what else would we expect but perfection. That's what he was like the entire trip. We had a great time. There is nothing like spending quality time with family. Aaron grew to LOVE his Papa J so much that Jerry couldn't bring himself to say goodbye as we left for the airport. I guess those little out-stretched arms were too much for him. Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles are the best. It was a trip of a lifetime, BUT, It's good to be home. We took a nap when we got home and hopefully will have an uneventful night tonite. The time change can be tricky. Now, to get back to normal...

"BEAR!"

2010-06-22T22:35:00.000-07:00

I chose this title because it is Aaron's new favorite word. He can't stop saying "BEAR" over and over again while pointing up in the sky. We dropped Luke and Sarah off at the airport (very sad) and headed out of Anchorage to Palmer, AK. We are here for 2 nights at least at another RV sight. Today was a good day for hiking (no rain). Just up the road there was a nice hike to the top of a small mountain. So we spent some time there and then took a short drive a little out of the way to see some more Scenery. Jenny was nice enough to keep Aaron back at camp. When we got back he had a new 'bear' stuffed animal...hmm...wonder who got him that. Here are some pictures of the hike and our cookout tonite. Aaron LOVES playing in the rocks next to our camp sight. Also, he has started calling me 'Ma.' Not sure how I feel about it, but not much choice.

A moose we saw after our hike today

looking across from the top of the mountain

Here ma...a rock!

Here Ma...a bear!

Trip thus far

2010-06-18T11:59:00.001-07:00

We arrived in Denali last night. It was a long day of traveling, and once again, Aaron was a trooper. We are staying outside the park in a small town. We are in an RV park and hotel. Today is kind of a catch up day for everyone. We are doing some research about what we are going to do while we are here and getting some gift shopping done. It's pretty windy here, but the sun is out and it's about 50 or 60 degrees outside. The mountains are surrounding us and it's just gorgeous. I can't wait to get on the trails and do some hiking. We have only gone on 1 hike since we've been in Alaska and I'm ready to do some serious exploring now. We will be here several days, so things will get more organized and easier. The best news...there is a coffee shop just around the corner from our camper...yeah! Here are a few pictures that I haven't posted yet.

This is pretty much what he looks like a lot of the time...

so happy!

On the Cruise at the falling glacier

Steller Sea Lions

Humpback whale- one of four that we saw

Bald Eagle perched on next - sorry it's blurry

ALASKA!

2010-06-15T23:58:00.000-07:00

We arrived safely in Alaska last Saturday evening. So far we have been to Anchorage, Homer, and Seward. It is just gorgeous! Seriously, unbelievable. The mountains look like they just grew up out of the ocean. Aaron is keeping everyone laughing. He seems to be changing daily now as far as his development. He understands more and more these days. His new favorite thing to do is 'drive' the car. He throws a fit when he has to get out and LOVES to make everyone laugh at him (which we do...a lot). It never gets dark here, so we had to do some surgery on the truck so it would be dark for sleeping. Aaron has done so well. He has done a great job with adapting to whatever situation we have put him in. It just gets better from here. Tomorrow we go on a day cruise for whale watching and looking at glaciers from the ocean. Then it's off to Denali.

Back to work

2010-06-10T17:42:00.000-07:00

These past 2 weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions for me. Not to mention that I feel like I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off....literally. I have gone back to work. It's only once a week (at the most), but still...a big change for me and Aaron both. Aunt Rachel came down to watch Aaron for me while I worked this week so I felt good enough to work 2 days (not something that will happen much at all). I am having a great time back at work. I love the stimulation and challenge. At the same time, when I get home I feel like I have missed SO much of what has happened with Aaron. So I am glad I only HAVE to work once a month. Raich and Aaron came to each lunch with me both days...so that was great.

On another note. Actually, several other notes. my son is SO cute. He's growing up right before our eyes. I can't believe he's 1 yr. old now. He is comprehending so much right now. Here is what is up right now:

Can stand on his own without too much trouble.
He takes 2 and 3 steps a lot now, but not when you try to make him.
He can climb on and off of things like his rocket toy or his little car.
He says 'hi' and 'bye' pretty much when he is asked and in the appropriate situation
He identifies his head when asked "Aaron, where is your head?" He pats his head.
"strong baby" is his favorite thing to show people
He signs 'all done' and 'drink' pretty frequently.
He definitely understands what the word 'no' means. His first spanking happened just recently.
Still loves vanilla wafers and apple Jacks (we call them Jack Jack's cuz that's what it sounds like he calls them).
he still really likes balls....especially to throw them.

Last note: Mark has been gone for almost 2 weeks. We REALLY miss him. He and his dad are seeing a lot of really cool things....like bear, moose, bald eagles...I'm jealous. They called today and said they are only 300 miles from Anchorage. That means they should be there when we arrive on Saturday evening. I am SO ready to see him. I'm ready to see Alaska too! Hopefully I will be able to blog while we are there. So, off we go.

Bitter Sweet

2010-05-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

I am naming this post 'bitter sweet' because every time I go to write something that has happened that is AWESOME, I find a moment that is not so awesome in it. This weekend has been big for the Adams. We left for KY on Friday afternoon. Mark has been working massive overtime for the past several weeks, I have been in orientation for work (I'm going back to work a few days a month), and we have been trying to prepare for our great long adventure in Alaska. We arrived in Melber Friday evening (after fighting awful traffic) just in time for Aaron to go to bed. Saturday we had his first birthday party. His first birthday is not until Thursday, but Mark wasn't going to be in town, so we chose this weekend. So much family showed up for the party and we had a blast. Aaron was so good. He dove into his cake and almost seemed to enjoy everyone watching him, although he was pretty confused by the singing of the 'Happy Birthday' song. Today (Sunday), Mark and Jerry left in the truck and trailer for Alaska. Yes, you read correctly, they are DRIVING to Anchorage, Alaska. Aaron and I said good-bye to Mark for 2 whole weeks....that's the bitter part. I know Mark is so excited to spend this time with his dad, it's a trip of a lifetime...sweet part. We (Aaron, me, Jenny, Luke and Sarah) will leave in 2 weeks to meet them for a few weeks and fly home together....another sweet part. We had a great time at Aaron's first birthday and really are so thankful to ALL the family that were able to come and celebrate with us...that's the sweet part. Vana did a GREAT job making the cake. Although we don't want Aaron to be obsessed with presents, I have to say that he got some really great gifts. Aaron's favorite seems to be the 'car' that the Willefords got him. It's one of those red cars with the round yellow top. Aaron has spent HOURS climbing in and out of it. That's all for now. Aaron I will be in KY for this week. We will have fun swimming and spending quality time with family.

Took a break from eating cake to pose for a picture

Love this one of him with his grandparents

Mommy and daddy helped Aaron blow out his candle

AWESOME cake - thanks Vana!

Birthday Boy with his mamma

Checking up

2010-05-21T07:22:00.001-07:00

So every night before Mark and I go to bed, we go in together to check in Aaron. We say that it's because we want to make sure he isn't cold, or lost his nuzzy or whatever, but REALLY it's about just looking at our little boy and commenting to each other (very quietly) about how he's the cutest little boy we have EVER seen. Last night, we did our nightly ritual and when we walked in, we couldn't help it...I just had to take a picture.

Just practicing....

2010-05-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

Corynn had a orthodontist appointment today so I volunteered to watch Cambree and Griffin. Thought I would try my hand at 3 youngins'. Yes of course I babysat even more than this many children...but that's when I was younger...things have changed. Everything went fine. Granted Griffin stayed in his car seat and slept the whole time and Cambree and Aaron were angels....but still...it was a good experience for my first.

Strong Baby

2010-05-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

Here is Aaron doing "strong baby." Mark did this as a child (it looked a little different). When Aaron started doing it on his own I just had to get it on video. My favorite part: the squishing of the peas.

Lone Ranger

2010-05-14T16:32:00.000-07:00

Aaron wants to ride now EVERYTIME Mark goes out to ride. He starts moving his body up and down and reaching out toward Mark on the horse. He doesn't want to get off the horse either when it's time to quit. We are thrilled that he loves it so much and hope it lasts....at least through the trail ride this year. Mark says he can tell that Aaron's balance is really improving. He doesn't have to hold him upright much anymore. So here are some pictures of this sweet boy on a horse....again.

This one is my favorite!

Sweet Smile

2010-05-14T06:29:00.001-07:00

This is perhaps the sweetest smile I have EVER seen. He randomly looks up at me while he's playing and does this exact face. I love it! Thought I would share.

Mother's Day gift

2010-05-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

For Mother's Day my husband and son got me two beautiful pots of Lillies. I was sick on Mother's Day, unfortunately, and couldn't get them planted. Today I finally got them planted and they are BEAUTIFUL.

Rock Island

2010-05-10T06:58:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, we met Matt and Lori at Rock Island and had a day of hiking. We enjoy our time so much with Matt and Lori. They are family, but more than that they are some of our best friends. The waterfalls were gorgeous and the weather was perfect. Even Copper got to go and enjoyed running with Max (M+L's dog).

Brother and Sister with their kiddos

by a pretty waterfall

Aaron was so proud that his daddy and Uncle Matt

let him 'drive' the car

Family picture

Single Mom...again

2010-05-06T18:36:00.000-07:00

Yes you read correctly, for the next 24 hours I am a single mom. My husband had to go away again for work. It's not an enjoyable experience for anyone involved, but it's something that happens when you work. Of course I do make something good come out of this un-enjoyable situation....I go visit family. I dropped Mark off at the airport and headed over to Raich's for the rest of the day and to spend the night. We will go to Nashville tomorrow to spend the day with Jenny and Sarah. They came down for the day to help Aunt Frankie who is moving to Nashville and hang out. We took such cute pictures tonite, I thought I would just go ahead and start the pictures now and blog again about tomorrow with Jenny and Sarah as there will be a ton more pictures.

In his new PJ's from Aunt Rachel....

he's seconds away from walking

sitting with Aunt Rachel before bed

Ride a little horsey...

2010-05-05T17:48:00.001-07:00

Andrea and Joel came over for dinner tonite. Actually they brought dinner to us...which is VERY sweet. Aiden was asking the whole meal to go look at the horses. So after dinner, Mark and Joel took Aaron and Aiden over to 'ride' a horse. It was cute. Aaron sat up there posing for each shot and as comfortable as can be. Aiden was a little more uncomfortable with the whole situation, but still seemed to have fun.

ELEVEN months

2010-05-03T19:43:00.001-07:00

Today my newborn boy is 11 months old. He is such a sweet little boy. Here is an update:

Still only 2 teeth and no signs of more.
He LOVES his daddy! When Mark comes home Aaron practically jumps out of my arms to see him.
He does that 'wounded-solider crawl' as I call it ALL OVER NOW.
His favorite thing to do is crawl into one of our bedrooms, shut the door, wait for me to come with him, and giggles really loud when I do.
He's a speedster in his walker and on his rocket.
He really likes riding horses (the real thing). The excitement on his face is too much to handle when he sees his daddy riding. He starts bouncing up and down in my arms because he wants to ride. Doesn't seem to have any fear.
He can give 'high five.'
He loves to 'pat' everything.
Favorite toy is a ball. Basketball, baseball, soccer ball...anything that is a ball. Mostly I think he just likes to throw things and balls are easy to throw.
His balance is getting much better. I just know he is going to take off walking any time now.
words consist of 'ma ma' and 'da da' right now. He says them in the correct context too, so I'm taking that as a sign of being gifted. I promise he said 'night, night' one night last weekend, but he hasn't said it again, and sometimes he will get out a 'hi' when you first see him.
Favorite foods: green peas and vanilla wafers.

A new look

2010-05-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we did some more yard work. Yes, it was awful weather most of the day. And yes, we were out in it most of the day. For some reason, my husband thinks that home improvement projects....no....OUTSIDE home improvement projects about 15minutes before bad weather hits. Before the morning weather (very hard rain, freezing wind), Mark decided that we needed to build another fence. So we went out and built a fence, in the pouring rain. The rain stopped a while and so we went inside and did some house work. (Does that seem backwards?) Mark came in (because he was still outside working) and said he had started a NEW project outside. Raich and I went outside to find that the tree out front,the one I have wanted to chop down since we moved in, had been trimmed. MY HUSBAND IS AWESOME! He made that tree look so much better. I actually think it could stay now. We just have to do some landscaping underneath it, but it definitely changes the entire look of the house. Here are some pictures. If any of you don't remember what it looked like before, the branches went all the way down to the ground and went several feet out in the driveway.

Learning early

2010-04-30T13:33:00.000-07:00

Today was pretty, yet again. We went outside and did some yard work. When it came time to weed-eat we realized that there was no string for it, so being the good wife that I am, I ran to the store to get some weed-eater string. I get back to find this...

I guess he thought he should start pulling his weight now around the house. I think it's a good start.

Griffin Edward

2010-04-29T19:08:00.000-07:00

Baby Griffin was born on Tuesday. Ed and Corynn are doing great and so is little Cambree. Griffin was 10 1/2 lbs and 21 inches long...he's a big boy. Due to the rather large increase in the number of people asking to takes meals, we have arranged for then to have meals for 3 weeks in stead of 2 like we normally do. I can't wait to hold this precious little boy again soon!

Update

2010-04-26T12:29:00.000-07:00

For the past several days I have had the privilege of having this precious little girl over to my house to visit. She is preparing for a new little baby brother and sometimes it is easier for her mommy to go to the doctor and do other things without a little 2 year old at your feet. So little Cambree comes over to hang out with Aaron and me. We love her and have decided that she has just become a temporary addition to the family. We love having her, she makes us laugh. She calls our dog Coppit (instead of Copper)! SO CUTE!

ALSO...some men came yesterday and today to drywall our bathroom. They were here ALL DAY for 2 days straight. We had every intention of doing this ourselves, but seeing as it took about 2 weeks to get the plumbing done, we thought drywall would probably take us even longer. It was worth just paying someone to get it done. It actually looks like a REAL ROOM. I am getting VERY excited about the rest of the process from here. Next comes paint, then tile. I bought my paint tonite...can't wait to start! Anyone like to paint?

Weekend trip

2010-04-25T12:19:00.000-07:00

It has been a LONG time since we have visited Melber, so we took a little weekend trip. Plus, we had to plan our Alaska trip...so we killed two birds with one stone. Unfortunuately my mom got sick while we were there, so we didn't get to spend much time with her. Which made us VERY sad. Copper came too...which was fun....if you don't count the 2 times he threw up on the way there. We are planning on drugging him on the way home...I'll let you know how it goes.

Waving at the camera

LOVE this picture - Sunday outfit

with Cousin Elayna at lunch

Favorite food

2010-04-23T06:24:00.000-07:00

My son can eat him some peas. The other day I realized just how much he loved them when I put peas and potatoes in front of him and he chose to eat ALL the peas and just grazed over the potatoes. THAT is some serious pea-loving. He had them for lunch then next day too...unbelieveable!

In the Business

2010-04-19T18:27:00.000-07:00

Tonite I took Aaron out to the barn while Mark rode Rusty (our spotted horse). Aaron was standing at the gate of the round pen just starring at his daddy for a long time. We just had to let him ride. He LOVED it. I don't think he wanted to get off. He rode for about 20min with Mark. I'll post pictures on Facebook...but here is the video I took.

A Bloom!

2010-04-19T07:10:00.001-07:00

This morning I went out to water the flowers we planted this past weekend...and I had a BLOOM on one of the rose bushes. I am was so excited I had to blog about it. Lots of thanks to my mother and 3 sisters!

Weekend pictures

2010-04-18T11:16:00.001-07:00

This weekend was so fun. We had a blast. I got some of my front yard landscaping done...I'm sooo excited. I planted rose bushes and hydrangeas. I can't wait to see them bloom. Here are some pictures we took during our 'girl time' together!

Roses in front, hydrangeas behind

Aaron LOVES balls right now

Cousin Elayna with Bala

Aaron with his cousins...Elayna and Eli

Random Cuteness

2010-04-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

Here is some random cuteness we have had so far during the weekend.

Refusal

2010-04-14T18:47:00.000-07:00

Aaron refuses to let me feed him now. I insist on feeding him his oatmeal in the mornings, but everything else is a battle, unless of course I don't even try to 'help' him. He can't use a utensil yet and won't pick things up with his finger if it has a weird texture (ex. bananas), so you can imagine how creative I have to be in order to get him to eat enough. Here is what his dinner looked like tonite...

2010-04-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

Last night, we met Jenny, Baba, and Joann in Clarksville for dinner and a short visit. It has been a very long, too time, time since people from home have seen Aaron. I was dropping Mark off at the airport (business trip and then a conference in Chicago) and told Jenny to bring Baba and meet me for dinner. Aaron got his Easter basket from Melber. Baba and Aaron spent time reading and playing with his new football. We had a blast. It was so sweet of them to come meet us for the evening. Aaron was (of course) the best baby on the planet. I don't think anyone thinks he ever cries. Afterward we went to my sisters house to stay the night. My dad was there and we got to spend some time with him. We will head home this afternoon and get ready for a busy weekend. More pictures to come.

Aaron and OPa

Reading with Baba

Best Husband

2010-04-10T06:32:00.001-07:00

I have the best husband on the planet. Thursday night he got home from work really late. He walked in the door and lured me outside to his truck. There in the back of his truck was a patio table and chairs. It's the same exact set I had looked at that very day at Kmart. He had bought it before I even told him about it....how awesome is that! Great minds think a like. Last night we had Ed and Corynn (and Cambree of course) over for dinner and ate outside on the new table. It's exactly what I wanted. What a great husband.

Da-da

2010-04-07T19:33:00.000-07:00

Aaron LOVES riding his rocking horse. He will now say 'da-da' too. We are so proud, mostly because (as most of you know) he would only say 'ba-ba' and 'fla-fla' for the longest time and we were starting to worry - just kidding. We're glad that he got it though...now just for 'ma-ma.' x

Easter

2010-04-06T14:33:00.001-07:00

Yes I know I'm 2 days late on this post. But here you go. Sunday was so pretty. We took a nice hike in the afternoon and went to Joel and Andrea's for dinner. I only got ONE picture of him smiling with his easter basket - he wouldn't smile. Mark was jumping up and down and practically doing cartwheels, but still no smile. Alas! Also, Aaron had his first 'ice cream cone.' Margaret gave him his first ice cream cone and he ate THE WHOLE THING. So funny to watch.

eating his ice cream cone

with his Easter basket - loved the balls

He wouldn't smile for anything