Christmas brought special moments

There were plenty of very special moments that this Christmas brought to us. But one of my favorites definately was listening to Brooke read Aiden a story on Christmas Eve. I was able to catch it on video.

Christmas 2008

What an amazing experience this Christmas was. I have to say that I woke up at 4:15 and sat in my bed twiddling my thumbs until Aiden woke up at 5:40...I was determined to allow him to wake us up...but it was super hard for me. I wanted to wake him up and let him see what Santa brought him. I just wanted to see him open his Christmas presents so bad...of course I wanted Jimmy to see what Aiden got him and what Santa brought. and I guess a little part of me wanted to see what Santa brought me. OK so I am still a kid at heart. We had a GREAT Christmas. This year we hosted Christmas Eve and I really enjoyed it. I wouldn't be opposed to doing it again if nobody else wanted to. It made for a long few days but it was easier having everyone here than packing up a baby to go somewhere else....next year there will be 3 babies on Jimmy's side of the family...so that will make it even more fun!!!! Christmas day we went to Barbara and Mando's for our traditional Christmas breakfast...for some reason this year it tasted ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS....it is always yummy in the tummy but I was starving this year...maybe thats b/c I was too busy drinking on Christmas Eve and didn't eat. Then we headed to my parents house. My parents made a delicious dinner despite all of the catastrope's we experienced regarding the prime rib, a fire and a charred wall in the house.

Aiden made out this year with some really great gifts, he got a horse, some bath toys, some loud toys, a bike trailer, some toys to help him walk (when he is ready), a lot of clothes, some books, a very special scrapbook from Miss Katie and Uncle Robert and much more. Here are some pic's.

Meet Aiden's new best friend.....

So my son has decided to start rolling over from his back to tummy. For the past 30 minutes he has been rolling over and over and over in a circle while I paid bills and played on the computer. Wel lhe stopped suddenly and I couldn't figure out wht the deal was. I looked and figured it out...He found his new best friend.

Tree Trimming

Well we decorated our Christmas tree last weekend. Our first tree with our little Angel. We had so much fun. Well maybe that is partly because the Angel was sleeping while we decorated. But he was awake when we picked out the tree and he agreed to which tree we bought. Christmas this year is going to just be a blast with Mr Aiden.

We started a new tradition this year. I hope we can keep it up every year. We went to La Paloma last night and got a boy off their Salvation Army Tree. We chose a 1 year old boy named David. He asked Santa for some musical toys and he told us he wears 12-18months. So Aiden and I (Aiden was asleep) went to Target and got Davie a pair of pants, a t-shirt, a sweatshirt and soem musical toys. As Aiden gorws up I hope to let him pick the child we give to and let him pick out our gift to him. I want him to learn how important it is to give to others and how fortunate we have been with all the things that have been given to us.

Happy Holidays!!!

Wow what a week we just had. Jimmy has made another one of my dreams come true...He let me host my very first Thanksgiving. I enjoyed every minute of Turkey Day...and I enjoyed every minute of preparing for it...even cleaning the floors on my hands and knees. I enjoyed it so much I agreed to host Christmas Eve. Family is just so dang important to me and I have married into one of the best families I have ever come in contact with. ON Friday we took off for our annual camping trip to Doheny State Beach. We had a great time deep frying out turkey. It is always fun to spend time away and see everyone fight over my husbands perk-a-later coffee. If you haven't had it we are told it is the best. It's been a crazy few days and I still do not have the house put back together but it is getting there.

I don't have any pictures of my Thanksgiving at the house b/c I was too busy to take any...so until my SIL e-mails me some I will keep my pic's of our trip to myself. Here are some picture's of Aiden on Thanksiving morning...(I couldn't find a Thanksgiving outfit that wasn't girly so we skipped straight to Christmas)

I know...you told me!!!!

It has become very apparent to me in the past few weeks how quickly babies grow up. I know all of you told me. But it seems like just yesterday that Aiden was sleeping almost all day and everyone was concerned that he wasn't "alert" enough. Aiden is now sitting up...very well...reaching for EVERYTHING!!!...and definately is getting his little personality. He is a GREAT boy. I want so much for him. I want him to stand (or sit) proud of himself and his family. I want him to go after everything that makes him happy...even if those things aren't what I would have chosen. I want him to never be afraid to make a decision or try something new. I want him to be successful...of course I want him to go to college but you know what..if he doesn't I am going to still love him a TON!!!! He has changed my life forever and makes getting up every single day worth the effort. I remember I once told Stephen and Greg that I never though I would feel as greatful as I felt on my wedding day again...and Greg looked at me like I was crazy...he told me I would on the day my children were born. And he was right on...Everyday I feel more greatful than the day before. Everyday I see my son and can't imagine him not being around. Everyday I am greatful for such a loving child. I am so excited about hosting Thanksgiving...not only do I get to cook...but I get to share my joyful child with my new family. A family that has made me feel accepted since the first Christmas Eve I met them.

I guess I want everyone to know that I am exceptionally GREATFUL this year. I am thankful that I have a WONDERFUL husband, a BEAUTIFUL AND HEALTHY child, a loving, caring, supporting family and a LIFE even my dreams couldn't have created. Oh and don't forget my friends. I might not have many.....but I have the best friends in the world.

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Loyal!!!!

Ok...most of you who know me well know I am extremely loyal to F4L and even though I do not work there anymore I still consider the company GREAT and if there was a store close enough I would shop all the time.Today I went to Ralphs...to buy all of my Thanksgiving stuff that didn't need to be refridgerated (cooking for about 25 people)....I am still floored at how much I saved with my F4L Card at Ralphs...$135...my bill out the door was in the double digits....and I bought a lot...stuffing, gravy, pumpkin pie stuff, pecan pie stuff, Goldfish snack mix, soup, dip, cider, cinnamon, santa hats, and canned veggies....Man I might just be able to feed 25 people for under $250...Now thats what I call a deal.Anyway...if you don't have a F4L close I recommend Ralphs....This is the best time to grocery shop...everything is on sale. Remember itis the BUSIEST week of the year for any grocery chain so pretend you are buying Christmas gifts on Black Friday...be patient and enjoy the deals...Don't forget to wish the checker Happy Holidays...they are people too with families and some of them need to go home and cook dinner for T-Day.

Trip to the Park with Uncle Robert and Cody

Well Saturday Aiden has a super busy day, but we found time to go to the park, with Grandma She She, Katie, Uncle Robert, Daddy and Cody. Aiden had so much fun...but not as much fun as Cody did!!!!

I also have some pictures of Aiden beating up on Robert. It was pretty funny. Aiden is getting a lot more interactive as he gets older.
Congratulations to Brian for winning his first game of the playoffs. We really enjoyed having the kids over with us Friday night. It is always a pleasure to watch the three kids play together.

Aiden has found his FEET!!!!!

Take a look at Aiden's new trick. I can't believe how fast they grow up...I know you all told me but holy cow check him out!!!!

Guess what Aiden has...

2 TEETH!!! Yep thats right my little guy is growing up right in front of me. He got his first tooth on 10/22 and today low and behold there was tooth number 2 right next to it. Mr Growing up too fast also attempted to drink from a sippy cup yesterday. And today...he is napping in my bed...Hey it's better than the swing...Right???

More...

Here are more pictures of Aiden on his very 1st Halloween!!!! He got visitors from Grandma Barbie, Grandpa Mando, Grandad Craig and Grandma She She. We went Trick or Treating to 1 house and Aiden fell asleep before the first Trick or Treater came by. We had fun with him...maybe next year Aiden will enjoy it more.

Aiden's 1st Halloween

OK...so I am super excited today because it is Aiden't 1st Halloween. I know it may sound crazy but do you know what Halloween means...It means Christmas is just around the corner...and if you think I am excited about Halloween you should see me in 2 months. Well here are some pic's of Aiden't first Halloween morning. Yes that means that later there will be pictures of us carving pumpkins and going trick or treating and handing out candy and whatever else I can think of. Oh yeah...Aiden has 4 things he has to wear today and have his picture taken in.

By the way...today Aiden is 20-weeks old. He started giving hugs yesterday and he lifts his arms to you when he wants you to get him. Guess what else yesterday...he sat for like 20 seconds. I had to pose him but he sat. Pretty cool huh????

$43.15

Well today Aiden had a very big day. I took him to the Coinstar to trade in all his money from his piggy bank and then to the bank to make his very first deposit into his own savings account. Jimmy and I decided that we want to teach Aiden how important it is to save money and want to involve him in every transaction of his own bank account. Of course he cannot withdraw any money until daddy says it is OK. So today we depositied $43.15 into his account. This is money we have had in our pockets at the end of the week and money I found in the dryer when I do laundry. Not bad....huh????

Pumpkin Patch

Well we went to the pumpkin patch for the first time this last weekend. Aiden fell asleep as soon as we got there, but we woke him up for his pictures. We had a great time. Grandma Barbie, Grandpa Mando, Aunt Char Char, Uncle Brian, Brooke and Lil B went with us. What a different experience the pumpkin patch is with a newborn. I guess Aiden isn't a newborn anymore he is now a baby.

Newport Vacation

We went to Newport this past weekend partly to celebrate our anniversary and partly to celebrate Addy's birthday. Addy, Phil and the girls came down and spent Sat night with us. We had so much fun. Here are some pictures of the kids playing together...and the boys carrying the babies.

Our 1st Wedding Anniversary

Jimmy and I just celebrated our first wedding anniversary on Monday, October 13th. We went to Newport and stayed at a GREAT place. We stayed at the Newport Marriott Suites. It was a ton of fun. The room was beautiful. Here are some pictures of us at the Wedge in Newport.

Disneyland Trip with Cousins and then with Daddy.

I have to share with everyone pictures from our Disneyland Trip with Char, Brian, Brooke and Lil B. Aiden actually went on rides. We started with the Haunted Mansion and then Winnie the Pooh, then it was off to Roger Rabbits Crazy (something or other), Mr Toads Wild Ride and we finished with the Carousel. It was super special to have this experience with Aiden's cousins. I just wish Jimmy could have been there...but he had to work. :0(

Now we did go to Disneyland yesterday with Jimmy. Aiden fell asleep almost as soon as we got there on Pirates, but we did get pictures with Goofy.

What a weekend

Well, we have had quite a busy few days. Aiden and I went on his very first road trip this weekend. We drove for 10hours up to surprise Kimi, Mike and Carina and celebrate Baby Carina's 1st birthday. Aiden did very well in the car. He was patient and wasn't cranky in the car at all. He was cranky almost immediately upon arriving at Mike and Kimi's. Kimi was very surprised to see us and I think Mike was too, although I think it initially stressed him out a l ittle bit. Mike immediately took Bailey (the dog) to the kennel so that we could all enjoy our visit without worrying about a third child. Carina has gotten so big and it was wonderful celebrating her 1st birthday. Although I have to say seeing my best friend since I was 12 y ears old holding my son was amazing. I will never forget the look on Kimi's face. We had a great visit and are looking forward to seeing the Ogg family for Christmas.

While Aiden and I were away up north Jimmy went on a dirt bike ride with my Uncle Tom. Jimmy had a blast and said it was the most fun riding he has ever had. It is really nice to see my family open their arms and hearts to my husband. Oh how things change when you become married and parents. It's like immediately you are seen as another adult and not a child anymore.

I haven't really shared with everyone very much info on our new addition Jack. He is a great dog but he still does those annoying puppy things. I guess kids just need that little bit of extra attention and it is true for kids of all species. Jack is a GREAT dog...he is kind of lazy like we are and it fits perfect with our schedule and routine. Jack gave Uncle Brian and Aunt Char a run for their money this weekend while the dog sat. From what I have heard Jack and Zoey (the cat) in his mouth and Elle (their dog) had blood on her coat. I guess we need to teach Jack how to play nicely with other animals. He plays nicely with Aiden..in fact he does't even come close to Aiden...it must be the water that gets squirted on his nose when he does that scared him away.

We also recently had a much needed visit from Addy, Phil and the girls. It feels like we haven't seen them in forever. It was fun to see the kids play together again. We also had our final trip to the fair, this time we joined Uncle Robert, Katie and two of their friends. Boy was that an experience.