Longing for Hawaii

God's beautiful work is everywhere, slow down and enjoy it!

For some reason my thoughts keep going back to our family trip to Hawaii last January. I really miss Hawaii. Things are different there. It's hard to describe, but the way you look at things is different while you are there. The songs sound prettier... the foliage is beautiful... and the memories seem sweeter somehow. I can't wait until we can go back. I've been thinking that I would like Aaron and I to renew our vows someday in Hawaii. We'll see if that ever happens, but I can always dream it in my head. I don't think anyone has seen our pics of Hawaii, so I thought I would attach some. Oh, by the way, if you want to feel a little of the magic of Hawaii, look up the song "Somewhere over the Rainbow" by Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo`ole . It's on YouTube. Check it out! It's one of my favorites. I also love "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. Beautiful.

Keep in mind I was 3 months pregnant here with little Aaron, so I wasn't looking my best! haha

Mom and Dad... the only reason we were able to go to Hawaii. Thanks guys!

Our first Luau ever! What a blast watching the performances and eating the traditional food. Aaron bought me my leis, and had to plant one on me as part of the tradition. Woohoo!

My obsession with sea turtles began here. Aaron also surprised me with a sea turtle neckle in white gold. It's one of my prized pocessions.

This picture was taken while we were on the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Our trip there really touched Aaron and I. While inside the museum, Aaron teared up a couple of times. It moved me also. It makes you appreciate the men that gave their lives for us all the more.

I can't wait until we can return! I'll keep all the memories of those times in my heart forever.

Lily White Photography

Hey guys! I am so excited about Sarah's 2 year old pictures that my great friend Magan took. She is amazing and I wanted to share some of them with you!!

The Frog Prince and the Fairy Princess

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I am so glad that Halloween is officially over. We had a lot of fun, but it was work! By the end of it, Sarah was tired of it too. We went to a trunk 'or' treat, trick or treating on Halloween, and a Halloween party at our friend's house the day after. That's 3 parties!

I did have a lot of fun dressing up the kids this year. Sarah was a fairy princess and Bebo was the frog prince. I found the frog costume at Kid's Market and sewed a crown on the top of it (cute, huh?). Sarah's costume is left over from Brooke's wedding. She was the flowergirl and they dressed her up like a fairy and had her throw ivy leaves. We used the costume for her birthday party too. She wanted a fairy theme. I think it's time to retire the tutu... hahaha.

Sarah enjoyed trick or treating, but did get a little frightened every once in a while. I really don't like the nasty costumes of blood and guts. I don't think kids should wear stuff like that. It just seems unatural to me.

I carried Bebo around in the Baby Bjorn while we walked around. People got a kick out of him. Of course he slept the whole time! One lady thought he was my costume, which didn't make much sense to me. (Like I had dressed up with a frog growing out of my stomach... hmmm.)



Aaron liked the thought of all the candy. As soon as we got back, he took Sarah's pail to "inspect" the candy. Yeah, right. He's still eating off of it. Of course we let her have some of it, but a lot of the candy she's not ready for yet.

I'm already planning the kid's costumes for next year. Maybe Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion? I would love it if anyone has some good suggestions. Bebo will probably be walking by that time (ahhhhh!).

Welcome Relief

After writing my post yesterday, today has gone surprisingly well. Mostly due in part because I was able to write all my feelings down. I felt some mental relief and so today when Sarah pushed a few times, I was ready. She's contently played today with her toys and even went down for a nap without a single problem! Sigh... these days make up for all the crazy ones. I'm also feeling really good because I'm "fall cleaning". Aaron has been out of town the last week for work, so I decided he should come home to a spotless house. I've decorated for fall and Thanksgiving and Sarah and I are going to carve a pumpkin tonight. Suppers cooking right now, so I can't write for long. I just wanted to document how good we all feel today (besides my lingering cold!).

Parental Testing!

Just need to vent a little... ha ha ha.

Sarah has finally decided she is a two year old and she's going to let everyone know. She picks up easily on actions of others and seems to attach herself to words she knows she shouldn't say. I get so frustrated with the general public for their ease of bad speech around her. For example, the other day we were at a consignment store and a little boy was playing with Sarah. He couldn't have been much older than 4, but what he was saying was awful! What made it even worse was the fact that his mother was standing about 10 feet away from him and never said anything about him being ugly. He kept saying he was going to kill Sarah and making awful sounds. At first he frightened her, but then she started playing with him. I was curious how Sarah would react, so I just stood by and watched carefully, with the intent of pulling her away if it got out of control. Sarah knows that the WAY you speak can be hurtful and ALSO your words. She kept telling this little boy over and over again that he was being "ugly". Eventually, his actions became immune to her - as in she stopped reacting so much to him. It made me think of how easily our consciences can be seared by just being around things that are "risky". Sarah started getting pretty out of hand because she was feeding off of his negative attitude, so I paid for what I had found and we left. This is what shocked me - for the rest of the day Sarah had the WORST disposition. She back-talked, made ugly faces, and even once did a raspberry at me because she didn't like what I had told her.

What's sad is that the little boy probably had that attitude because he has learned it in his home. The only interaction I ever saw between him and his mother is when she told him to - and I quote - "sit your butt down!" Little children are so needy for our attention, and if it's negative - it's hurtful to their little minds.

Sarah test my patience daily. I know this is because she's trying to be independent. By the end of the day, it seems I'M the one whose exhausted. Yesterday in the Wal-Mart parking lot we had to have a little talk. All day long she had a bad attitude and would not obey. She pushed and pushed me. It was difficult for me not to lose my temper with her. By the time we got done at Wal-Mart, I was on the verge of tears. Then it came to me that maybe she should see my real emotion of how she had treated me made me feel. We sat down in the car and I told her, with tears streaming down my face, that she had made me feel sad because of how many times I had to tell her no and spank her. I told her I was tired of having to be "mean" to her and that I really would like for us to have some fun together. I would like for us to get to do fun things as treats for being good during erands. Of course, her poor little tender heart opened up and she started crying and said, "I'm so sorry mommy." Which, in return, made me cry even harder because she understood to some extent what I was trying to tell her.

In the middle of all this, the baby picks up on all the emotion and begins wailing. All day long he's been fussy too because he has heard the tone in my voice with Sarah. Babies are SO sensitive to mommy's feelings.

As I'm sitting here writing this, Sarah is watching Dora the Explorer in her pajamas. Yes, it's 3:53 pm, but that's what happens sometimes. She's been better today, but I think there will be more to come.

Parents are constently tested. Either by our children, our families, or the world. It makes us second guess ourselves. And we're not perfect. There's many times I wish I could have gone back and handled a situation better with Sarah. For every test, we make an action. My hope is that I always chose to push back. By that I mean to NEVER ignore. Sarah's in the middle of setting her boundaries and they need to be clearly posted by me. "To train up a child..." Right now I have to train her so that she has a great foundation laid. May God give me the strength to pour the firmest foundation in Him that I possibly can. I love my little girl and I know how good her heart is. She's precious and exhausting at the same time. But every night when I put her down for bed and she asks me for multiple hugs and kisses, I thank God that I have the opportunity to hold her hand and take this journey with her.

A belated birthday party

Sarah's a 2 years old fairy princess!

Sarah's 2 year birthday party was on September 27th, almost 2 weeks after her actual birthday. She had a fairy princess theme and we had a lot of fun. Unfortunately, a lot of people couldn't come because of other things going on. We sure missed all of them, but we had a good time with the few that could come. It was a lot of work, but worth every minute of it when she walked into the party and grinned from ear to ear. She noticed all the decorations! Her 2 year old party was definately more fun than her 1 year old.

Her birthday cake... Bene't made her a special

butterfly cake with glittery sprinkles. Sarah loved it and boy did it taste good!

Blowing out her candles... she never could get them blown out by herself. Brookie had to help her get the job done. She tried awful hard though.

We had an area for the kids to color pictures of fairies and frogs. They all seemed to enjoy it.

Be-bo (baby Aaron) at the party. He had just started smiling really big. He wasn't even 2 months old yet. He's SO chunky, I love it!

I LOVE this picture! I saw Aaron and Sarah playing in her tent and I ran over there to snap a picture. Isn't it fun?

A quick family snap-shot. I'm smiling pretty goofy, I was laughing at Sarah being such a ham.

Our dress up station. Everyone could be a princess if they wanted to. We had tiaras, wands, bracelets and necklaces.

Pictures

Hey guys... my friend Magan took some pictures at Brooke's wedding and I thought I would share some of them with you.

Never be One

My Dad sent Aaron a song by Alabama called Never be One. It brought tears to my eyes. I thought I would share the lyrics with all of you.

Drift off and dream in your paper-doll world.
Play with the presents from the boys and the girls.
You big day is over. The cake is all gone.
We sang you to sleep with the birthday song.

No you'll never be one again.
The two's are tumbling on in.
Daddy's little girl is growing up in the world.
You'll never be one again.

The toy piano is quiet in the hall as Kermie the frog sits watching it all.
And soon your legs will grow and make the tricycle go and take you away from us all.

No you'll never be one again.
The two's are tumbling on in.
Daddy's little girl is growing up in the world.
You'll never be one again.

Goodnight, Baby. Goodnight, Daddy.

A Tank of Gas

(Sigh...) Another one of those days... I'm writing this at 7pm, and I feel like it's midnight. I'm spent. Emotionally and physically spent. Let me explain what happened.

The day started off really well, actually. Sarah woke up around 8:30am and I heard the little patter of feet come into my room and say, "hi Momma!". She's sleeping so well in her big girl bed. I did hear her cry a little in her sleep last night a couple of times, but I didn't think anything about it. I rolled out of bed and gave her some breakfast and her vitamin. While I was going through my morning routine, Sarah came running at me and telling me she was sick. I asked her if she threw up and she said yes. Oh no. I didn't find any throw up anywhere, but I think she was telling me she felt like she was going to throw up. (First hint of something wrong) I got Sarah dressed, her teeth brushed, and her hairbow put in. Then I fed the baby and got him dressed.

I had some things left over for Kid's Market (a children's consignment sale, it's huge and I love it) that I HAD to take today. It was the last drop off day for contributors. I had the hardest time finding somebody to watch the kids for me. They don't allow children there while you drop off. Finally, last night at 10pm Rick said I could drop the kids off at his work so he could watch them for me and show them off to his work buddies. Big relief for me. So that's where we were headed. I loaded up my stuff and the kids and we drove about 20 minutes to his work. Sarah was already kind of fussy, and her nose had started running by then. When we arrived, I noticed her eyes had started watering. Hmmm... she still was acting fine though. She was very excited to see Pop-pop. When everyone was settled, I left for what I hoped was only about an hour. Wrong! It took me three whole hours to get back to them. What a mess! I finally got back and Sarah was looking pretty rough then. I could tell she had a fever and everything was runny and watering. She also wouldn't go to the bathroom. Uh-oh. Sarah had some "girly" problems a couple of weeks ago, so I thought here we go again. Her doctor's office was closed for lunch, so I decided to just go ahead and head up there. It's about a 30 minute drive from Rick's office. Thankfully so because I got ahold of them and they had an appointment about 10 minutes after we could get there. Sarah had to leave a potty sample in a cup, which is not fun to get her to do that. A lot of screaming. Her urine was clear, she's just got some irritation again so when she potties, it burns. Besides that, she has pink-eye in both eyes and a nasty cold. Dr. Waldo wrote us some prescriptions and sent us on our way. On the way home, Sarah kept asking me to hold her. It broke my heart because I had to tell her I couldn't while I was driving. I needed to get the kids home as quickly as possible, but I had to get the prescriptions. Thankfully, our cousin Amy said she would go to the pharmacy for me and I could take them home. I dropped the prescriptions off at her house and we went home. Sarah had trouble taking her nap and the baby wanted to nurse non-stop for about 2 hours. Finally everyone was asleep napping and I got to pee and eat something for the first time all day. What a mess! We're all at home now, thankfully. Sarah's still very whiny and her nose is already very red from wiping it so much. Say a little prayer for us, all of us. The day was especially hard because Aaron is still out of town on business. He'll be home Friday, but it wouldn't have been nice to have him around today. I really miss him. After such a hectic day, it makes you appreciate the "normal" days. Maybe tomorrow will be a little more calm. I still expect to have a sick little girl, but laying around on the couch watching movies might make everything a little easier on her. I must say, I really don't like colds, or pink-eye!

After all the running around in the car, it was just about a full tank of gas... therefore the name of this post.

Here are some new pics of baby Aaron!

two candles...

Today was a joyous day, and an emotional one for me. My little girl, Sarah Ruth, turned two. We didn't do anything special today because Aaron is out of town. We had a little get together with some family Sunday night, but her party will not be until September 27th. I caught myself many times today looking at her and remembering all the little things that flew by. I remember all the milestones like smiling for the first time, rolling over, crawling, saying her first word... it seems now that everyday she does something new and exciting. The sad part is that she wants to do everything herself. Sometimes you wonder if she even needs her Mommy, but then she will turn to you and stroke your cheek and say, "I love you too, Mommy" without you even saying I love you to her. It's like she senses it. As I right this right now I have tears in my eyes. It's especially hard with the baby here because he just started smiling and cooing and it takes me back... I wonder if we didn't enjoy it enough, because those times are so fleeting. I wouldn't take back anything and I'm so proud of the little girl she has become. She so kind, affectionate, loving, helpful and smart. My heart bursts everytime I hear a new prayer she is saying and who or what she is praying for. Her innocence amazes me. Besides Aaron, I think she really is my best friend. I miss her at night after she's gone to bed. I know I'm just rambling, but every word is so true. Sometimes I catch my breath when I start thinking about how quickly she's growing. It seems I want her to stay little forever, but know she won't. I never thought as a parent you could have such joy and heartache at the same time. I'm so proud of her. She's my extra set of hands, my personal comedian, and my kissin' and huggin' bud. Happy birthday, Sarah. Mommy loves you... too.

Two doctor's appointments and a goodbye

Today was a big day for the kids and me. Sarah had her 2 year checkup and baby Aaron had his 2 week well baby check at the same time. This was nice for me because it was only one co-pay and I didn't have to make two trips on Hwy. 280. But the whole trip was quite hectic... starting with yesterday, Wednesday. I woke up in a start because baby Aaron slept 7 hours straight and my body is not used to it yet. (Nursing mothers will understand what I'm talking about) Then I remembered we had a doctor's appointment and it was already 10am! It takes us a while to get out of the door now, so I started my routine right away. Get Sarah fed, check. Fix hair..., brush teeth..., wash face and hands..., put on both kids outfits..., feed the baby..., brush MY teeth..., put on MY clothes..., attempt to look normal..., CHECK. About this time it's 11:45am, our appointment is at 12:30pm and we need to get in the car and GO! I got them in the car, made sure I had everything I needed in my diaper bag, and away we go. Only to figure out half way to the doctor's office that their appointments were on Thursday. STINK! I called Aaron to be consoled and he told me he was sorry for the confusion and that he thought it was on Thursday also, but didn't want to say anything. (NEXT TIME SAY SOMETHING!) So we went home, and I put Sarah down for her nap and we had a relaxing afternoon before Bible Class and Worship.

Take #2... Baby Aaron slept all night again, so I woke up hurting again. But I am pleased that he is sleeping through the night so quickly. We went through the same routine, a little slower. Got everybody in the car and off we went... again.

The appointments went well for both kids. Sarah is highly advanced in her speech and her knowledge of colors, letters, and numbers. She is tall and slender according to her doctor. She acted very well for her. They did have to do a finger prick to make sure she wasn't anemic (this is routine for 2 year check-up). She told the nurse "ow" when she pricked her finger, but didn't cry at all. I was surprised. Baby Aaron is also advanced with his head control and strength. He now weighs 10lbs. 10oz.! Within a week he's put on 10oz., he's growing fast!

After we left the doctor's office we headed to Wal-Mart where I had to pick up a couple of pictures I sent in to be printed. When we arrived, I couldn't find my check book anywhere. OH NO... I had left it at the doc's office. Sigh... So I called to make sure it was there. Then we all got back in the car (which is a task with two small children in car seats), and headed back. It's pushing 2pm by now, which is nap time and we hadn't eaten any lunch yet, so everyone is getting cranky (including me). We ran through the McDonald's drive through and Sarah ate french fries while in Wal-Mart. By the time we got home, baby Aaron was very hungry and Sarah was ready for her nap. I just wanted to collapse! All was well, at least we all were safe and healthy.

Now the goodbye part...

Mom and Dad were here from Saturday to Wednesday (too short of a visit if you ask me). We had a lot of fun except for the tropical storm dumping buckets of rain on us the whole time. I had plans for us to go to the zoo and maybe the park so they could play with Sarah. It didn't work out that way. The only day it was nice and sunny was Sunday... as most of us know, Sundays are a hectic day (especially with kids), they don't leave room for a trip to the park. Sunday was fun though because we got to go out to lunch with my Mom's brother and sister. My Uncle Roger and his wife, Aunt Barbara and my Aunt Janice. We went to Cracker Barrell and had some "good home cookin". I enjoyed the visit. They don't live very far away from us, but it's hard to get together with day to day life.

This is my Aunt Janice holding baby Aaron for the first time.

Uncle Roger not wanting his picture taken.

My Dad and Sarah. The first time she drank coffee. She loved it, how funny! Aunt Barbara is sitting next to them.

My Uncle Roger, Mom (Myra), and Aunt Janice. Rockin away...

So after a good visit, we had to say goodbye. It was hard, but with me just having a c-section I was tired and needed a good rest. I miss them dearly when they go back home. Being so far away makes me sad, but I know they miss us too. It's funny, you look back and remember when you thought your parent knew nothing. I've come to realize, my parents knew a lot. We don't tell them we love them enough, nor how much we respect them. I hope they know this, but if they don't... thanks Dad and Mom, for holding on to me when I pushed away. For never giving up, even though I gave up on myself. For always making an effort to be part of my life. And most of all, thank you for caring enough to put God into my life. Without Him, I am nothing. Someday, I hope my kids look back and feel half of the love and admiration I feel for both of you. I love you.

Too smart!

Sarah has been keeping us tickled pink the last couple of days with her sayings. I thought I would share a couple of stories with you...

While out and about with Daddy and me doing some chores, Sarah asked to go to the potty. Right as her booty touched the seat she announced she was done. Aaron told her it wasn't okay to say you need to go to the potty when you really don't. (Sometimes she uses the potty to get out of boring situations, like sitting at the table.) He asked her, "do you understand?" She didn't reply back so he said, "you don't understand." As he said that Sarah looked up at him and said, "uh-huh! and I'm serious."

Another time Aaron was playing around with Sarah and asked if she would like to ride in the trunk of the car. Sarah thought that idea was pretty neat and got very excited. Aaron realized she didn't understand that it wasn't safe so he told her it was too dangerous for her to ride back there. She looked at him and said, "it's not dangerous, I'm not scared!"

For such a little girl, she will be 2 next month, she has a great imagination and knows just how to express it. She keeps us on our toes!

Introducing...

AARON JOSEPH OLIVER, JR.

After so much time waiting for him, he's finally here! And boy, did he arrive with a bang. We went in last Friday (8-8-08) for a scheduled c-section because I did not go into labor naturally. Come to find out it was the best thing because he was too big for me to have. The doctor, while I was on the operating table, told us that he would probably be about eight and a half pounds. As they pulled him out, everyone gasped. One of the nurses yelled out, "are you ready for some football?". His cry was deep for a newborn, kind of like a growl. We were all waiting for them to weigh him. When they announced that he was 9lbs, 12oz. I thought I was going to pass out! He did well until we got up in our room. His breathing was a little fast and because of that, they didn't want me to nurse him right away. They did allow me to nurse him one time and then decided that he needed to go to the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) to have everything checked out. By that time, his blood sugar level was at 41, which is considered low. They did a chest x-ray and found that he had a little bit of fluid in his lungs, so it was decided he would stay up there and get a course of antibiotics and an IV to give him glucose through. He did not eat by mouth for a day and a half. This was hard on Aaron and I, but we knew that he was in the best hands and that he would be alright. Thank you to everyone who said a prayer for him, I know that was the best medicine of all! Here's a picture of the first time we were able to see him in the NICU.While in the NICU, I was pumping and taking milk up to him so that he would still get all the good stuff he needed to help him. He did get a little formula because he needed a greater volume. By Sunday, they allowed me to start nursing him every 4 hours. I was so thankful that it didn't interfere with my desire to nurse him. I nursed Sarah until she was 12 months old and it was such a wonderful experience, for both of us. I really believe that's the reason she's such a healthy little girl. We have had no major illnesses and she rarely even gets the sniffles.

Monday around 5pm he came back to us in our room. I was so happy! Before he came I was cleaning the room and reorganizing, as if the President was coming for a visit. I just couldn't sit still!! (Aaron took a nap in my bed... hahaha) He had his circumcision done right before they brought him to me, so I was worried he would be in a foul mood and not want to nurse, but he was a dream. He slept well that night and we were both discharged the next morning.

Sarah has done wonderfully with her new little brother. She's his protector. When he cries, she gets emotional and asks what's wrong. She tells him, "it's okay, baby broder". She has sung to him and kissed and hugged him about to death, but it makes me feel so good to see her motherly instinct come out. Since we've come home, she's been Mommy's little helper. She loves to put the laundry in the basket and take things to the trash for me. I couldn't ask for a better little girl.

Life is a little more hectic, but we welcome all the changes with open arms. We couldn't ask for a better family and know who we give the credit to. God has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams. With all of our doubts, we know that He takes care of us and guides us through the hard times and the good times. Praise God!


"CHILDREN ARE A HERITAGE FROM THE LORD"... Psalms 127:3